Most modern NBA teams prefer four-out spacing. Why wouldn’t they? The NBA is a copycat league. If your opponents have four-out spacing, you’ll need it to. Otherwise, you’re going to get shot out of games.
If you’ve got a playmaking hub like Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, that holds even truer. Young thrives with as much space around him as possible. He needs those driving and passing lanes to make the most of his game.
With that in mind, the Hawks seldom – if ever – play Clint Capela and Onyeka Onkongwu at the same time. Perhaps that’s why we’ve been speculating about them trading one or the other for so long. Here’s a deal that sends Capela to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL),
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
Of course, floor spacing wasn’t always a priority in the NBA. There was a time when Capela and Onkongwu could have shared the floor. Or, at least, their combined shooting wouldn’t hold them back. In all likelihood, one of them would have had to have developed a post-game.
Now, the back-to-the-basket 4 is dead. Big men who operate on the low block are even scare. These days, most teams prefer a floor spacer at the 4, and a pick-and-roll finisher at the 5.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
It’s not the only way. The Denver Nuggets just won an NBA title with a playmaking hub at the 5. A player like Capela will never see Nikola Jokic’s usage, but he can still be useful. Should the Hawks really part with him?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks do this deal for a few reasons. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, they’re clearing the way to Onkongwu. This young big man has flashed plenty of potential in the NBA, but he’s been stuck behind Capela. The starting job would be his following this deal.
Atlanta would also be in a better position to manage their cap. Hardaway Jr. is a bit cheaper than Capela. They could potentially move him down the line – if they wanted to.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
They may not. After all, Hardaway Jr. is an elite floor spacer. Throw in a first-round pick, and the Hawks may not be able to turn this one down. Should the Mavericks?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Mavericks do this deal because theyre getting the best player in nit. Hardaway Jr. is a great shooter. Capela is a real defensive anchor. Players who can defend the rim at his level are difficult to come by.
He ought to be comfortable alongside Luka Doncic as well. This is a role that Capela is comfortable with. He had elite pick-and-roll chemistry with James Harden in Houston, and then again with Young in Atlanta.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, the Mavericks just acquired Seth Curry. They can spare Hardaway Jr.’s shooting. In other words, they’ll still maintain four-out spacing.
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