Kofi Inkoom
The Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for significant changes ahead of the 2024/25 NBA season, and one of their key players expected to be traded is big man Clint Capela, as part of their rebuilding strategy with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
According to NBA insider Matt Moore of The Action Network, several teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Chicago Bulls have shown interest in acquiring Clint Capela.
Moore wrote , “The Hawks are expected to trade one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, but not both. They’ll keep one to build around. Clint Capela is a popular trade target with the Grizzlies, Wizards, Pelicans and Bulls having expressed interest.”
Capela, who is set to earn $22.3 million next season in the final year of his contract, has drawn attention for his rebounding and defensive skills.
Capela, 30, averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks this season, shooting 57.1% from the field and 63.1% from the free-throw line. Despite his contributions, the Hawks missed the playoffs after losing the play-in game to the Bulls.
Throughout his career with the Houston Rockets and Hawks, Capela has maintained averages of 12.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Selected as the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he has established himself as a reliable presence in the paint.
While the Grizzlies, Wizards, and Bulls failed to make the playoffs this year, the Pelicans exited in the first round after a defeat to the Thunder in four games, prompting their interest in Capela’s services.