Clint Capela Trade Rumors Swirling as Atlanta Hawks Somehow Jump Into Mix
By Sean Facey
The NBA trade deadline is a week away, and things are starting to heat up.
In particular, several teams are starting to show interest in Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, and among the mix of teams vying for his services are the Atlanta Hawks.
Several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, have made calls regarding the trade availability of Clint Capela, per @ShamsCharania.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 31, 2020
Yes, the same Atlanta Hawks who are 13-36 and tied for last in the Eastern Conference are in the hunt for Capela.
While it's definitely strange, they probably see a deal for Capela as a savvy move to help the team's growth long term.
After all, he's 25 years old and is under contract through the end of the 2022-23 season. He's also due an average of $17.1 million over the next three seasons, a fairly reasonable price considering his production.
New Inside Pass from NBA Insider @ShamsCharania:
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 31, 2020
Despite a year of speculation that a trade request could develop, Jrue Holiday makes clear he’s happy and committed in New Orleans; Eastern Conference squad among teams pursuing Clint Capela and more.https://t.co/QHieh7CJ0q
This year, Capela is averaging 13.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game, with 1.8 blocks to boot. He's a strong defender who plays quality offense as well, something that plenty of teams could use.
It's certainly an intriguing market developing for Capela at the deadline. His name will be one to keep an eye on.