The Detroit Pistons have still yet to make a big-swing trade, but for the past couple of years, Tobias Harris was the name always thrown around in rumors. His salary made him an easy inclusion for whenever mock trades needed the Pistons to match big salary markers. But now, John Collins may end up being put in that exact same position.
Heading into next season, behind only Cunningham, Collins makes the second-most money on the Pistons. That will likely change when and if the Pistons come to an agreement on an extension with Jalen Duren, but even in that case, Duren probably won’t be traded. Collins, though? Anything could happen.
If nothing else, Collins will almost certainly continue to be tossed into Pistons trade ideas, just like Harris did before him.
John Collins' salary alone will get him thrown into trade rumors
The biggest takeaway from this past season was that the Pistons need to find a way to get Cunningham some help in the offensive creation department. And the best way for them to do that would be via a trade.
Yet this summer, Detroit didn’t make a move like that. In fact, Collins was actually its biggest offseason acquisition, and in the process, they lost Harris, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs in free agency.
The Pistons inked Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract, though the final two years of the contract are not fully guaranteed. That means Collins could be an interesting trade chip for the Pistons.
Harris was a quality player in Detroit. He was very important to the success of the team. And heading into next year, Collins has a chance to be just as crucial to the Pistons’ success.
But unfortunately for him, that won’t keep him from being included in trade talks. Harris knows that for a fact. He was constantly thrown into mock trades to help the Pistons upgrade their roster around Cunningham.
Now, Harris’ big contract is off the books, and Collins’ money may be the Pistons’ best way to land a significant upgrade this year. He’s going to have to remain used to seeing his name in trade rumors.
In this case, it has very little to do with Collins as a player. He hasn’t even suited up for the Pistons for a single game yet. But his salary alone will get him thrown into trade rumors.
Collins is the new Harris. The new name to be used as matching salaries in Pistons trade rumors.
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