Rockets Reportedly Unwilling to Trade Clint Capela Unless They Know They Can Land Another Star
By Parker White
Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey seems ready to make swift changes to his roster. One player that's getting a lot of run in recent days is Rockets center Clint Capela, who is drawing interest from the Boston Celtics.
However, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Houston does not intend to deal Capela if it doesn't help them acquire an established star-- specifically Philadelphia 76ers wing Jimmy Butler.
The Rockets believe they have a trade partner for Clint Capela but do not intend to deal Capela unless they are sure they can acquire marquee Sixers free agent Jimmy Butler, according to a source briefed on Houston's thinking
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2019
Stein also reported that the Rockets have an as-yet-unnamed trade partner lined up for Capela, but they won't move him unless they can upgrade their roster with a big name.
Reading between the lines, if they can't get Butler in a sign-and-trade, it sure sounds like Capela will be in a Rockets uniform next year.
The Rockets are of the belief that they've already got a trade partner lined up for Clint Capela, @TheSteinLine reports, but they don't intend to deal the big man unless it helps them net Jimmy Butler.
— SLAM Newswire (@SLAMnewswire) June 28, 2019
We've got details on the potential sign-and-trade: https://t.co/dsrHT2DB1D pic.twitter.com/fsj4VdHIUt
Last summer, Capela signed a five-year, $90 million deal to stay with the Rockets. However, the Swiss big man doesn't provide much versatility aside from inside scoring and rebounding; that has value, but it appears the Rockets would rather spend that significant sum of money elsewhere.
In 67 games in 2018-19, Capela averaged 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds on 64.8% shooting from the field.