The Atlanta Hawks are a team that looks like it could look to make some moves this NBA offseason. After making a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, they locked in key pieces of that team to extensions.
Trae Young and Kevin Huerter agreed to rookie extensions, with Young receiving a max and Huerter signing a four-year, $60 million deal. John Collins re-signed after entering restricted free agency. Clint Capela also signed an extension, as the Hawks kept their core players locked in.
But, the team needed to consolidate some talent last offseason and it didn’t occur. This offseason they should be on the lookout for an opportunity to do the same. Things are going to get very expensive very soon as De’Andre Hunter is eligible for an extension this offseason and Young’s extension kicks in.
There are a few prime candidates to be moved. Collins is one, as rumors swirled throughout the season he could be on the move. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari are two more players who have been mentioned in trade rumors. Another player that could emerge as an interesting trade target is Capela.
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Clint Capela will be turning 28-years old in a few weeks and is locked into his contract through 2025. Given the number of teams that will be on the hunt for a center this offseason, they should make a call to the Atlanta Hawks and gauge their interest in moving Capela.
He is a very good finisher in the pick-and-roll, excelling alongside James Harden and Young thus far in his career. He has averaged double-digit points per game in six consecutive seasons, becoming a consistent double-double threat as one of the best rebounders in the league.
This season he averaged 11.9 rebounds per game, which is actually how lowest since the 2017-18 season when he grabbed 10.9 per game. During the 2020-21 season, Capela led the league with 14.3 rebounds per game.
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In addition to rebounding, Capela is also an excellent defender. He is a great anchor and has the skill set to play in different schemes. He has averaged 1.5 blocks per game and would present a solid option for teams looking for an upgrade.
Why would the Hawks want to trade such a productive player? Money is one motivating factor, as they could look to shake things up after this season not being as successful as they had hoped it would be.
Atlanta also has a ready-made replacement on their roster in Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and looks ready to take on a bigger role. Being paid a fraction of the price that Clint Capela is, the Hawks may be able to get similar production for a lot less money, spreading out those funds to other areas of the roster.
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In a return package, the Atlanta Hawks should be looking for more backcourt help. Finding a defensive presence that can play alongside Young would make sense. The Hawks can score with virtually any team in the NBA, but their defense leaves a lot to be desired.
Until they can figure things out on that end of the floor, their ceiling will be lower. If you cannot get timely stops, it will be very difficult to win in the postseason.
