As a general rule, NBA teams avoid creating logjams. Having two or more quality players who can’t share the floor is problematic. What’s the point of having a player on your roster if you can’t use him?
The Atlanta Hawks may have a couple of logjams. Everyone’s talking about their problematic backcourt. To be sure, the fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray has proven to be difficult.
Yet, the Hawks have another logjam as well. Clint Capela has been blocking Onyeka Onkongwu’s path to the starting lineup for years. With Onkongwu’s strong play this season, the Hawks may look to clear that path.
Could they send Capela to the Dallas Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
With that said, it’s better to have a logjam than a shortage of talent. If you’re in the latter scenario, your team had better be tanking. Otherwise, you’ve got major problems.
Are the Mavericks lacking talent? That feels unfair. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. Kyrie Irving is among the league’s best second options. With that said the Mavericks are slightly lacking in roster balance.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
This team could use a 3-and-D wing. They also need big man depth. Derrick Lively III has had a great rookie season, but he’s still a rookie.
Should the Mavericks put him behind the veteran Capela?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
You may be thinking that we’re being inconsistent here. If the Hawks have a logjam with Onkongwu and Capela, why would Dallas create the same logjam with Capela and Lively III?
Well, playing behind Capela doesn’t seem to have impeded Onkongwu’s development. He’s ready to start. Meanwhile, Capela is aging. In all likelihood, he’d leap Lively III in the rotation this season – but next year, Lively III could easily reclaim the starting spot.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
In the meantime, acquiring Capela would allow Dallas to have strong rim running and rim protection on the floor for 48 minutes a night. That’s worth the cost of a player they don’t use in Holmes, an aging Kleber and a lottery-protected first.
Should the Hawks accept that return for Capela?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
One thing is clear: the Hawks should trade Capela. Onkongwu is ready. They might as well take the best package they can get. Is this likely to be it?
We think so. Capela is aging – he’s falling out of his prime, and that fall will only continue. With that in mind, a lottery protected first ought to satisfy this front office. The Hawks could use some more tradeable assets at their disposal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, the Hawks may find a use for Kleber as a combo big. They also aren’t taking on any especially burdensome contracts here. Finally, and perhaps most importantly – they’re clearing up a logjam.
