Boston Celtics Receive: C Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Tristan Thompson, F Aaron Nesmith, BOS 2022 1st Round Pick
To this point in the season, Clint Capela has continued to be one of the best rebounders in the NBA, leading the league with 14.3 rebounds per game, but he has also been a double-double machine, as he is currently tied for the fourth most double-doubles this season.
Capela is one of the main reasons why the Hawks currently find themselves in the Eastern Conference playoff picture and has been a dominant center all season long. Atlanta gave up basically nothing to acquire the big man last season and this year, he has provided them with a ton of value at the center position.
He is likely not going anywhere anytime soon as a result of his fantastic production this year, but he is exactly what the Celtics need at the center position to be a true championship contender. While they did sign Tristan Thompson in the offseason, Clint Capela is a much better overall center and can be the “bruiser” they so desperately need on both ends of the court.
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Thompson has been really solid and productive for the Celtics this year, averaging 7.9 points and 8.3 rebounds, but he is not close to being on the same level as Capela. With them having a $28.5M trade exception stemming from the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade with Charlotte, the Celtics could easily pursue Clint Capela, especially since he is only owed $16M this season.
Bringing in the Hawks’ big man would not only be game-changing for the Boston Celtics, but it would give them enough firepower to contend with the 76ers, Bucks and Nets for a chance to possibly make the NBA Finals. Now, let’s take a look at if this trade makes sense for both the Hawks and the Celtics.
