DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons have added another weapon for star guard Cade Cunningham, signing forward John Collins to a three-year, $51 million deal.
Collins, 28, is expected to step into Detroit’s starting power forward role.
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ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday (July 1) on X that the Pistons identified Collins as their top free-agent target.
The Pistons pursued Collins as their top target to assume an expected starting role at power forward -- completing a deal with his agents Sean Kennedy and Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management this morning. https://t.co/gBtEQeNYQh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
The signing addresses the team’s vacant power forward position and adds depth at center, where All-Star Jalen Duren’s status remains uncertain.
Collins gives the Pistons another pick-and-roll finisher at the rim alongside Cunningham.
The 28-year-old spent last season with the Los Angeles Clippers after being acquired in a trade before the 2024-25 season.
He averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 55% from the field and 40% from the three-point range, offering both scoring and floor spacing.
Known for his explosiveness above the rim, Collins finished nearly 15% of his field-goal attempts with dunks last season.
He has also continued to develop into a reliable perimeter shooter, making him a versatile offensive weapon.
Originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, Collins emerged as one of the league’s top pick-and-roll finishers alongside now Washington Wizards guard Trae Young.
Collins later spent two seasons with the Utah Jazz before joining the Clippers.
His arrival continues Detroit’s push to build around Cunningham following the Pistons’ return to playoff contention last season.
His ability to finish at the rim and space the floor is expected to complement the team’s potential young core, especially if Duren re-signs with the team.