San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins, who missed nearly two full NBA seasons with ankle injuries, has agreed to a two-year, $35 million contract extension, according to Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. The deal will keep Collins with the Spurs through the 2025-26 season and marks a remarkable comeback for the 25-year-old player.
After being drafted as the 10th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2017 NBA draft, Collins’ career was plagued by ankle injuries. He played just 11 games for the Blazers in the 2019-20 season before being sidelined for the entire 2020-21 season due to multiple ankle surgeries. However, Collins showed resilience and determination as he bounced back and joined the Spurs in the 2021 offseason.
Collins made his San Antonio debut in February 2022 and played the entire 2022-23 season without any major setbacks. His performance on the court started to resemble the versatility that made him a top draft pick, and he demonstrated his potential by averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 63 appearances for the Spurs.
With his contract extension, Collins will play a crucial role in the Spurs’ plans to build a supporting cast around their number one overall pick, Victor Wembanyama. The team has already secured offseason extensions for guards Devin Vassell and Tre Jones, highlighting San Antonio’s commitment to assembling a strong core roster.
Collins’ extension comes with one year remaining on his current contract, providing stability and continuity for both the player and the organization. By securing Collins for an additional two years, the Spurs aim to solidify their frontcourt and maximize his potential as a key contributor on both ends of the court.
During the preseason, Collins has showcased his abilities by averaging an impressive 14.2 points per game. His good health and consistent performance indicate that he is ready to fulfill the promise he showed earlier in his career. The Spurs’ decision to invest in Collins reflects their confidence in his abilities and their belief that he can continue to develop into a valuable asset for the team.
Overall, Zach Collins’ contract extension represents an important step forward for both the player and the San Antonio Spurs organization. After overcoming significant injuries and setbacks, Collins has proven his resilience and potential as a solid contributor. With his extension, the Spurs hope to leverage Collins’ skills and contribute to their ongoing efforts to build a competitive roster.