Nobody likes injuries. They’re the worst part of professional sports. Just ask an NBA team. Sometimes, an injury can alter their plans for an entire season. At the moment, that’s the case for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Unfortunately, Steven Adams is done for the year. He suffered an injury that will keep him off the floor for 2023-24. This is a major problem for the Grizzlies. Adams was a key role player on this team. What will Memphis do?
In all likelihood, they’ll look to replace Adams. The Grizzlies may see if Xavier Tillman can hold down the starting position at the five, but eventually, they may want a more conventional big man to replicate Adams’ impact.
How about Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Memphis Grizzlies Land Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Steven Adams, F/C Brandon Clarke, 2025 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Clint Capela, G Patty Mills
Nobody likes suspensions, either. They’re likely the second-worst part of professional sports. Just ask an NBA team. Sometimes, a suspension can alter their plans for an entire season. Once again, the Grizzlies are victims here.
This team has plenty of talent. Jaren Jackson Jr. was the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year. Desmond Bane is a star in the making.
Unfortunately, the most important player on this team will miss almost a third of the 2023-24 season. Ja Morant will begin the year by serving a suspension. This is a major concern for Memphis.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela. Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They can’t afford for this to become a trend. Morant is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NBA, but if he has to serve regular suspensions, that talent won’t count for much.
Does adding Capela help them weather his absence?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do This Deal
Not exactly. Adding Capella helps the Grizzlies weather the absence of Adams. With that said, Memphis shouldn’t invest this much in a mere replacement.
They should only give up an unprotected first for Capela if they think it will make them a better team when Morant returns. They should. After all, Capela is an upgrade over Adams. He’s a notably better defensive player and more efficient in pick-and-roll sets.
When Morant returns, he and Capela ought to feast on those actions. This is a sensible addition for the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, they can part with this package; Adams is merely a contract.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela. Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Clarke is a good player, but Tillman is functionally similar enough as a combo big to make him expendable. Memphis should be happy to part with a first to land Capela.
Should the Hawks part with him?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do This Deal
The Hawks do this deal with Onyeka Okongwu in mind. He’s been stuck behind Capela in this team’s depth chart for quite some time. The younger Okongwu has been viewed as a breakout candidate for years. Here, the Hawks are facilitating that breakout.
They’re also getting an unprotected first in return. That’s key for Atlanta. This team gave up three unprotected firsts to acquire Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last season. Here, they’re making up for some of that loss. In time, the Hawks could use this pick to make another trade.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela. Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Otherwise, there are no major concerns here. Adams’ deal doesn’t run for much longer. Clarke is on a longterm deal, but it’s not massive, and he’s a productive player when healthy. Here’s hoping he doesnt get seriously injured again.
