Now that the NBA’s annual moratorium on free agent signings has been lifted, it has seen a decent amount of player movement this week as trades previously agreed to have become official.
Grizzlies Acquire Former NBA All-Star in 6-Team Trade
Days ago, the Detroit Pistons, who finished first in the Eastern Conference this past season with a 60-22 record, agreed to a deal with power forward John Collins in free agency. They also agreed to trade backup big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round draft picks two weeks ago.
Both moves became part of a big overall trade involving six teams that is taking place. The Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, and Washington Wizards are participating in this trade.
The most notable player involved is guard D’Angelo Russell, a former All-Star who is going to the Grizzlies.
Keith Smith listed all the players and other assets involved, and what each team is giving up and getting in return.
There are 11 Players involved in this six-team trade:
🏀To DAL: Santi Aldama (from MEM), Marcus Sasser (from DET), Tarik Biberovic (draft rights from MEM)
🏀To DET: John Collins (from LAC via S&T), Gary Harris (from MIL), Taurean Prince (from MIL)
🏀To LAC: No players incoming…
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 8, 2026
A number of teams in the East, particularly the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors, are upgrading by bringing in bona fide stars.
While Detroit is staying in place by comparison, it is getting a capable scorer and rebounder in Collins.
He has career averages of 15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in 28.9 minutes per game, along with a career field-goal percentage of 54.6% and a career 3-point percentage of 36.9%.
His numbers dropped to 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game this past season with the Clippers, but the season prior to that, he put up 19 points per game while with the Utah Jazz.
The Pistons are one of the best fast-break teams in the NBA, but their half-court offense is limited. Adding Collins will help, although many likely feel he isn’t the full answer to that deficiency.
Meanwhile, Russell has always been a capable scorer and facilitator, but his shooting efficiency has fluctuated over time.
As part of the elaborate six-team trade, the Washington Wizards are sending D’Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/J7qwUL5n7r
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2026
During the 2023-24 season, he hit 45.6% of his shot attempts and 41.5% of his 3-pointers, but this past season with the Mavericks, he shot 40.5% from the field and 29.5% from downtown while averaging 10.2 points and 4 assists in 19 minutes per game.
He will be one man counted on to fill the void created by the departure of Ja Morant, who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
