The Atlanta Hawks have been predicted to trade center Clint Capela this season by an NBA writer. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes the Hawks will move Capela to free up more minutes for Onyeka Okongwu.
“Moving Capela for more shooting would open that spot up in the starting five for Okongwu, and it could even lead to more minutes for players like Saddiq Bey, AJ Griffin and Jalen Johnson,” Bailey wrote.
Capela is making $20.6 million this season. The veteran will make $22.3 million in 2024-25 and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. Capela signed a two-year, $45.4 million extension with the Hawks in September 2021.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks Updates
“Because Capela is still on the team, Okongwu will probably have to come off the bench and might even play some 4, but he’s more naturally suited to play minutes at center,” Bailey wrote. “Even though he’s two inches shorter than Capela, he may give the Hawks a higher ceiling than the incumbent 5.”
Capela averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds last season for the Hawks in 65 games while shooting 65.3% from the field. The Dallas Mavericks were interested in trading for Capela in the offseason, but the Hawks and Mavericks weren’t able to make a deal.
Bailey thinks Okongwu is better suited for this Hawks team than Capela is for a few reasons. Okongwu is only 22 years old.
“He’s more nimble on defensive switches onto the perimeter,” Bailey wrote. “His scoring range extends a bit further outside the restricted area than Capela’s. And he can still be an above-the-rim finisher out of the pick-and-roll for Young and Dejounte Murray.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Capela, who began his career with the Houston Rockets, has career averages of 12.4 points and 10.7 rebounds with the Rockets and Hawks. Atlanta has started this season 0-2, so we might see a Capela trade sooner rather than later.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
