Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Mock Trade Offers For Mo Bamba, Clint Capela

By Dallin Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a dunk over Mo Bamba #5 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on December 13, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Rockets defeated the Magic 130 to 107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a dunk over Mo Bamba #5 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on December 13, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Rockets defeated the Magic 130 to 107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 18 : Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 18, 2020 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Cato Cataldo/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Clint Capela

Originally drafted as a ‘project prospect’ late in the first round in 2014, Capela has emerged as a quality starting center.

The 25-year-old has averaged 13.9 points, 1.8 blocks, 13.8 rebounds and 32.8 minutes per game on 63% shooting this season, starting all 39 of his appearances.

He’s a good rebounder and rim protector, two things the Hawks desperately need, but he may not be the best fit on the offensive end of the court. He’s attempted two career threes, and has rim-running tendencies not unlike John Collins.

The Rockets are in an interesting place, certainly ready to go all-in for a title building around James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Trading Capela is almost certainly a way for them to open up enough cap space to add another player to help them get to the Finals.

The Hawks don’t have a player like that, and the Rockets don’t have much use for Atlanta’s future picks (they could flip those however).

Instead, if Capela is heading to Atlanta, the teams would have to add a third team to the mix.

Here, the Hawks get Capela and two second-rounders, giving up two players and the Brooklyn pick. The Rockets get an elite 3-and-D guy and the T-Wolves get a 1st rounder and a still young Jabari Parker.

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It seems like a lot to give up at first for Atlanta, but Capela being under contract for years to come lessens the blow. Alex Len is a free agent this summer, and Parker could be as well (player option), so they could be getting something instead of nothing if they plan on letting those two walk.

For the Rockets, they get Covington from Minnesota, who has established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders, having moments on offense as well. They get Alex Len from the Hawks as well, who would be a serviceable starter or bench enter for Houston.

The T-Wolves don’t exactly get what they wanted for Covington (reported to be two first-rounders), but they get one along with Parker, who they can either sign long-term or let walk with no repercussions.