The Atlanta Hawks are expected to make some changes this NBA offseason. In fact, they already have. The Hawks were involved in a complicated multi-team trade that landed them Patty Mills. He’s a solid veteran, but something tells us that the Hawks have bigger changes in mind.
So, allow us to correct ourselves: the Hawks are expected to make more changes this summer. Why wouldn’t they? This team underperformed in 2022-23, and they’ve got some significant cap room issues.
Will they trade for Pascal Siakam? Who knows? In the meantime, the Hawks are reportedly also considering moving Clint Capela. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Ivica Zubac, F Robert Covington
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Clint Capela
The Los Angeles Clippers might make some changes this summer as well. Alternatively, they may not. Like the Hawks, the Clippers fell short of expectations in 2022-23. What’s the difference?
Well, the Clippers have excuses. This team suffered from bad injury luck in 2022-23. They may believe that with better luck, their current core could be quite successful.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks& Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Realistically, few could question that. The real question is whether this core is capable of staying healthy. For argument’s sake, let’s assume that it is. Should they add Capela to it?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Yes. If this deal is on the table, it’s a no-brainer for the Clippers. After all, Capela and Zubac are very similar players. Capela is simply better. He’s a better rim protector, and he’s a better pick-and-roll finisher.
With that said, the Clippers aren’t strictly swapping Zubac for Capela here. They’re also giving up Robert Covington. That will be significant to the Hawks, but it’s meaningless for the Clippers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks& Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Why? Well, they couldn’t find room in their rotation for Covington last season anyway. With that in mind, they should be happy to include him if it means making an upgrade at the 5. Should the Hawks help them make that upgrade?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Clippers may not have been able to find room for Covington in their rotation. The Hawks should. After all, this group could use another wing. The last time we saw Covington in action, he looked like a solid floor spacer and an elite help defender. The Hawks should see if he’s still got it.
Meanwhile, this isn’t all about landing Covington. The Hawks are also interested in his expiring contract. In fact, this deal has a lot to do with financial management for the Hawks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks& Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Zubac is paid about half of what Capela is. If the Hawks let Covington’s deal expire after this season, they’ll open up about $10 million in cap space. That will allow them to make even more changes if they feel the need to do so.
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