4 Teams That Should Trade for Rockets Center Clint Capela
By Michael Luciano
As the Houston Rockets attempt to retool without trading either James Harden or Chris Paul, big man Clint Capela and his $90 million contract could be on the move sooner rather than later. With 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game last season, Capela has cemented his reputation as one of the best rim-running centers in the game. These four teams have both a need for Capela's services and the assets to make a deal happen.
4. Boston Celtics
While the addition of Enes Kanter is a massive boost for the Celtics, replacing Al Horford could be a two-man job. If Danny Ainge ever decides to finally trade one of the horde of draft picks he has, Capela could add rim protection and low-post scoring in Boston, while an aging Rockets team gets younger through the draft. With Capela and Kanter, the Celtics would not only have replaced Horford, but upgraded at the position.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez is a fine offensive center, but he might be the worst rebounding seven-footer in the game today. In order to avoid having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton shoulder the entire offensive burden, adding someone who can make a high percentage shot when it counts and add to Milwaukee's stable of long-armed rim protectors can kill two birds with one stone.
2. Sacramento Kings
It's easy to forget that the Kings were a No. 9 seed in the West last year and feature a terrific young core of Marvin Bagley, Buddy Hield, De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes. Center is still a big hole for them, however, as Harry Giles showed some promise last year but remains an injury concern and Dewayne Dedmon is average and nothing more. Capela, only 25, would help Sacramento continue their youth movement as they add some rebounding and low-post scoring. Sacramento's starting five with Capela is an instant playoff team in the West.
1. Atlanta Hawks
Not to be outdone by the Kings, the Hawks trading Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks netted them not only Trae Young, but also Cam Reddish in the 2019 draft. While Ice Trae, Reddish, Kevin Huerter and John Collins is a solid group, they need that bully down low now that Dedmon is a Sacramento King. With young players, vets and draft picks aplenty, the Rockets could manufacture a deal in any number of ways that sends Capela to the ATL.