3 Realistic trades to make Grizzlies serious threats in Western Conference

Should Memphis Grizzlies purse a blockbuster trade for Atlanta’s John Collins?

If you want something really spicy, consider a trade that would net the Memphis Grizzlies John Collins from the Hawks.

The dynamic big man is entering his age 25 season and can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot, he can score in the paint and pull down rebounds.

The one thing that’s worrisome is his health. He’s played in just 117 games in the past two seasons combined. The Grizzlies already have one big man that’s had his share of injury woes in Jaren Jackson Jr., but the prospect of rolling the dice to acquire the former Wake Forest standout is one worth taking.

A trade centered around Brooks, Green, Aldama and picks may be enough for Atlanta Hawks GM Travis Schlenk to pick up the phone and start a dialogue. 

Collins is under contract through the 2025-26 season, he’s young and fits the timeline, he brings offensive consistency and could play alongside Jackson.

Collins is good enough on offense that he’ll take pressure off Jackson and allow the game to come to him more  naturally.

Imagine the pick-and-pop scenarios when Collins, Jackson and Morant are all on the court together. Are defenses going to stop Morant from driving? Then, Collins and Jackson will be open to knock down a three on either side of the wing. If they cover the wing, Morant gets to the bucket that much more easily.

How about a lineup of Morant, Bane, Williams, Collins and Jackson when everyone is healthy? That’s an awesome line up that could matchup with everyone from Golden State to Boston.

Atlanta gets some young veterans that can help them in the playoffs and has flexibility to shed their salaries next offseason (which may be necessary with a ballooning roster of contracts) or repackage them in other deals if things don’t work out. They can recoup some draft capital after expending so much to bring in Dejounte Murray from the Spurs a few months ago. It’s a win-win deal for both sides.