The NBA trade market has been heating up, and the Memphis Grizzlies helped spark the action when they sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic last Sunday. That move came shortly before news broke that starting center Zach Edey had undergone surgery on an ankle sprain, an injury expected to sideline him at the beginning of next season.
Although Memphis had other pressing roster needs before Edey’s injury, this development has now pushed center to the top of their list. A recent trade involving the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks may have also paved a path for the Grizzlies to act.
In that deal, Kristaps Porzingis was sent from Boston to Atlanta in a three-team exchange, a move that all but confirms Clint Capela’s departure from the Hawks in free agency. At the same time, it increases the likelihood that Boston will re-sign upcoming free agent Luke Kornet after parting ways with their starting center.
Memphis still has its mid-level exception available, and with Edey’s return date uncertain, targeting a reliable big in free agency should be a top priority.
Capela Needs a Fresh Start — and Memphis Has the Spot
Capela was on Memphis’ radar last offseason as they looked to solidify the center spot. Instead, they opted to draft Zach Edey — a decision that paid off during his rookie year.
But this season offered a tough lesson. Injuries to young core players like GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. derailed their roles in the rotation, leading to multiple DNPs by the end of the campaign. The team can’t afford to repeat that scenario.
That’s why the Grizzlies must address their center opening with a proven veteran like Clint Capela, who brings 11 years of experience and playoff-tested production. His rebounding and rim protection could be crucial in Edey’s absence.
Even after Edey returns, Capela can either continue starting to ease Edey back into the mix or serve as a solid backup in case Edey’s sophomore season mirrors GG Jackson’s. Memphis just lived through the consequences of gambling on inexperience — now, they have a chance to get ahead of it.
