The Washington Wizards may be entering an offseason for the first time in a long time where they're viewed as an attractive destination to free agents, and with that being the case, the first name on the team's radar should be John Collins.
Washington has several needs to address this offseason, especially after general manager Will Dawkins made it clear the team plans to compete in the East next season.
With the abundance of moves over the course of the season, the Wizards have built a strong foundation focused on the superstar duo of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, alongside the impressive young core filled with names like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley.
Not to mention, the team has a golden opportunity to add another top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft this offseason.
Still, with holes to be addressed, Washington could turn their attention to free agency, and Collins stands out as a player who makes sense.
John Collins would be the versatile frontcourt addition the Wizards need
Collins is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason after falling short of the postseason during his lone season with the LA Clippers.
The Wake Forest product averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 55.2% field goal shooting and 40.6% from beyond the arc through 69 games of play this season.
Not only did the 6-foot-9 forward prove capable of quality starting minutes, but he also showcased he's more than willing to come off the bench, a role that very well could make sense for him in Washington.
The Wizards don't need a star frontcourt player to come in, but they could certainly use a quality backup option that could not only play some minutes at the 4, but also at the 3 if needed to.
Collins would be an ideal fit, and his experience would offer another vet for the young squad to lean on.
Oh, and the obvious reunion with Collins' former All-Star guard.
Collins could reunite with Trae Young
As many know, Collins began his career in Atlanta, where he was selected as the No. 19 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The playmaker spent five seasons playing alongside Trae Young, which included multiple postseason appearances and a run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
Chemistry wouldn't be an issue, and if he's willing to buy into the vision in D.C. on a solid contract, he could be the one under-the-radar addition that could come with major upside.
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