The Philadelphia 76ers are still in dire need for a starting power forward for next season. Kelly Oubre Jr. manned that spot this past campaign, but he is a bona fide flight risk in free agency given the projected pay raise he is about to command in the open market. As such, the team has been linked to some free agent forwards in recent days, most prominent of which is John Collins.
Collins, who spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Clippers, will be hitting unrestricted free agency this summer. He will be one of the most highly sought-after role players in the open market given that he is a reliable 4-man, which makes the 76ers such an appealing destination for him. However, his expected price tag could force the team to shaft their entire offseason strategy just to get him on board.
The 28-year-old forward saw his role with the Clippers get more streamlined this past season, but his production remained rock-solid across the board. He averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds a night while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, showcasing his efficiency despite having to adjust to a smaller role on the offensive end.
The 76ers will have to drastically change their offseason strategy if they sign John Collins
Philly's new-look front office will be banking on the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to lure and bring in quality role players in free agency, but that plan could drastically change if they double down on their rumored Collins pursuit. In all likelihood, he will command the entire amount of said exception, which means that the team will have to go by with chump change the rest of the way if they do pluck him off the market.
Signing someone like Collins, an established two-way contributor who perfectly fits next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as a versatile forward, makes a ton of sense. In a perfect world, there should be no hesitation on the 76ers' part about going after him. However, given their cap situation, the front office has to think long and hard about pushing through with their reported chase.
The 76ers still need quality depth, with or without Collins. But if he steps foot in Philly –– which, again, is ideal in most aspects –– the team will have to navigate through a more difficult course just to improve the team on the margins. Now, are they willing to swallow that pill? With free agency set to commence very soon, the answer should emerge in a matter of days.
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