All signs this summer point to the San Antonio Spurs making at least one free agent signing or trade, altering their starting lineup.
In the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, it became clear that the Spurs need an adept rebounder in the starting five to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Too many times, Wembanyama got pulled from the paint, allowing second-chance points for the Knicks.
Luckily, the Spurs have the assets and cap room to make a sizeable move. While they might not be on the hunt for an All-NBA player, there are plenty of capable power forwards who fit the bill.
One of them just hit unrestricted free agency.
San Antonio Spurs Linked to John Collins
John Collins has been floated as a possible Spurs addition since 2022. Back then, he averaged 16.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Atlanta Hawks, while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range.
Since then, he has had stops with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers. In the 2025-26 campaign, his averages fell to 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds, although he was playing a smaller role. On the plus side, he set a career high from deep, making 40.6 percent of his shots.
A starting five of De’Aaron Fox/Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Collins, and Wembanyama would give the Spurs one of the most versatile starting fives in the NBA. Both Collins and Wembanyama can step out and shoot the ball, and Collins can protect the rim a bit while Wembanyama roams on defense.
Plus, his rebounding solves a lot of the Spurs’ problems.
“John Collins would seem to be an ideal fit for San Antonio,” wrote Spotrac’s Keith Smith. “He can space the floor around Wembanyama, while also finishing around the rim. When Wembanyama challenges shots, Collins is an outstanding rebounder to have cleaning the glass behind him. And Collins can also play alongside Luke Kornet, because of his ability to shoot from deep. It’d probably take the full Non-Taxpayer MLE to sign Collins for the Spurs.”
That would mean inking him to a $14.1 million salary per season, down a full $12 million from last season’s earnings. Of course, he’s no longer worth the five-year, $125 million deal he signed back in 2021. He should have plenty of suitors, but the Spurs should be able to match almost any offer.
With Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, and Julian Champagnie all coming off the bench, the Spurs would have some of the best depth in the NBA as well.
If he doesn’t demand an overpay, adding Collins this summer makes sense. It was the right move in 2022, and it’s the right move four offseasons later.
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