6 Players Grizzlies can acquire to help Ja Morant get back on track

5. Clint Capela

The Hawks are in a state of flux. They want to be serious contenders but have not been able to duplicate the success of their 2021 run to the conference finals. Atlanta was eliminated in the first round for two straight years and is in the Play-In Tournament in 2024. Expect changes this summer and every player on their roster could be on the block.

Capela virtually shares the center role with Onyeka Okongwu with both playing just over 25 minutes per game. With Okongwu’s second contract kicking in, is Atlanta willing to pay $36-plus million for their center duo? Trading one seems likely, and Capela just has the 2024-25 season remaining on his contract.

The 6’10 big man solves the Grizzlies’ rebounding woes and gives Morant an outstanding pick-and-roll partner. Capela was in the 90th percentile in points per possession as a roll man last season. He could be devastating next to Morant, but the Grizzlies would have to fit his $22.2 million expiring contract on their books for next season.

Memphis would love to add a stretch five but may have to settle for a difference-making traditional center like Clint Capela. They need a starting center if they plan on contending, so the pressure is on Zach Kleiman and his front office to make the addition.