NBA trade grades: The 4-team blockbuster involving Clint Capela, Robert Covington

Atlanta Hawks

In: Clint Capela, Nene
Out: Evan Turner, 2020 BKN 1st

This is the second time the Hawks have sent a large contract to the Timberwolves. Turner has only appeared in 19 games, averaging 13.2 minutes per game this season with the Hawks. As it stands, he may be in line for more playing time in Minnesota, which only has a rookie point guard.

But the Hawks have significantly upgraded their frontcourt, adding Capela as a legitimate center, relegating Alex Len and Damian Jones to lesser roles. They had both split time starting and trading off minutes in different rotations.

Atlanta has one of the game’s emerging stars in Trae Young, who excels in the pick-and-roll game. Capela and his rim-running ability will pair nicely with Young and open up the floor for cutting lanes and shooters.

Capela is owed $51.3 million over the next three years, a solid earning for a two-way center that will protect the paint on the other end. Young has a team option for the 2020-21 season and will surely be extended either before, or as a restricted free agent.

Grade: B+

The Hawks have built a strong core with young wings in Kevin Huerter, DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish. The question turns to what to do with John Collins. The power forward will hit restricted free agency at season’s end.

If the Hawks can’t find a deal for him before Thursday’s deadline, they will have a 30-game trial period to see if Collins and Capela can fit alongside each other. But the likelihood is that won’t be the case, even though Collins is shooting 35.6 percent from 3-point range and 56.3 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point line.