Jason Collins Wizards Career Overview
Jason Collins joined the Washington Wizards as a veteran center in 2013, signing a 10-day contract and then a rest-of-season deal during the 2013-14 NBA season. He became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues while wearing a Wizards uniform. His time with the team was brief but historic, and he contributed as a backup big man focused on defense and rebounding. Read Forbes coverage of his Wizards signing.
Collins appeared in 22 regular-season games for the Wizards that season, averaging around 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest. His role was primarily as a physical interior presence who could space the floor and protect the rim on a minimum-salary contract. The Wizards used him to add depth behind Marcin Gortat and other rotation bigs during a playoff push. Check his full Basketball-Reference stats.
Contract Details and Salary with the Wizards
Jason Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Wizards in February 2013, followed by a second 10-day deal and then a contract for the remainder of the season. The deal was a veteran minimum contract, meaning his salary was set by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement rather than negotiated individually. He did not receive a multi-year extension from Washington and became a free agent after the season ended. HoopsHype broke down his contract terms.
The financial terms of his Wizards contract were modest compared with other rotation players, reflecting his role as a short-term veteran addition. His salary for the 2013-14 season was approximately the league minimum for a player with his years of experience. The Wizards did not retain him beyond that season, and he later signed with other teams, including a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Spotrac provides NBA salary cap data.
Current Role and Legacy
As of the latest public information, Jason Collins is no longer on the Wizards roster or any NBA active roster, and he has transitioned away from professional play. His legacy centers on breaking barriers as an openly gay athlete in men's professional sports and using his platform to advocate for inclusion. He remains connected to basketball through media appearances, speaking engagements, and community initiatives focused on LGBTQ+ visibility. ESPN covered his advocacy and post-retirement work.
Collins's impact on the Wizards franchise is measured less in on-court production and more in cultural significance. His willingness to come out publicly while still an active player shifted conversations around identity and acceptance in professional sports. The Wizards organization publicly supported him during his time with the team, and his story remains a reference point for diversity efforts in the NBA. The NBA's official site highlights his Wizards tenure.