Atlanta Hawks: Clint Capela
The Atlanta Hawks made an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they were unable to take down the Milwaukee Bucks. Trae Young showed he’s a superstar in the making and players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, and Danilo Gallinari made major contributions to the team.
While Clint Capela was the team’s best rim protector and rebounder, his inability to finish around the rim is an issue moving forward. Also, the Hawks have Onyeka Okongwu — who they took in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft — to replace Capela. On the other hand, bringing back Collins and upgrading at the center position should be the main focus for Atlanta.
Boston Celtics: Tristan Thompson
It didn’t take long for the Boston Celtics to be active this offseason, trading Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Boston got Al Horford in return, getting them someone that can start at center for them next season.
Along with Horford, the Celtics also got Moses Brown in the trade, and they have Robert Williams on the roster. Given the depth they have in the front court, Tristan Thompson is slightly expendable for Boston this offseason. Maybe Thompson and other pieces can help the Celtics address their point guard position this summer.
Brooklyn Nets: DeAndre Jordan
Whenever Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the 2019-20 season, DeAndre Jordan joined them. Jordan would become Brooklyn’s starting center in his first year with the franchise.
However, after holding the same role for the majority of the 2020-21 season, Jordan began to see his minutes diminish as the season progressed. Come time in the playoffs, Jordan logged 12 DNPs in all 12 of Brooklyn’s postseason contests.
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The Nets have taken a more small-ball approach, so if they do go big, they can sign a cheaper option than Jordan for matchup purposes. Trading Jordan could be somewhat of a challenge if teams see his absence from the lineup as an issue moving forward and if they aren’t willing to pay the remaining $19.6 million on his contract.
