Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F/C John Collins

Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Steven Adams, 2023 First-Round Pick (MEM)

Unlike the last trade, this deal will not make the Hawks better in 2022-23.

Steven Adams is a quality big man. He also happens to be no better than Clint Capela. The Hawks would not be acquiring Adams as a key member of the roster. They’d be picking up his expiring contract.

This trade is about the future for the Hawks. They get Collins’ contract off the books, and a first-round pick in a potentially stacked draft class to boot. If they’re eager to move on from him, that’s a solid return.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies modernize their lineup with this trade. It’s a bold move. After having won 56 games in 2021-22, this team doesn’t have to do anything so drastic.

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At the same time, shifting Jaren Jackson Jr. to the center position full-time while adding a fellow floor-spacing frontcourt player alongside him in Collins has to be intriguing for the Memphis Grizzlies. It could give them enough of an offensive spike that they become serious contenders in 2022-23.