5 Clint Capela trades the Hawks should make without thinking twice

4. Rockets get Capela back

The Rockets want to exit their rebuild and jump back into contention. They hired Ime Udoka to be their head coach and are looking to use their cap space this summer to upgrade their roster. Fans have heard the James Harden rumors, but would that increase their interest in bringing back Capela to be his pick-and-roll partner?

The Rockets finished 29th in defensive rating last season, so acquiring defenders from Houston is tough. They also traded multiple first-round picks to the Thunder to acquire Russell Westbrook in 2019. Would Houston be willing to give up a first to get Capela back?

The Rockets may scoff at trading a first-round pick, but things could change if Harden returns this summer. The ten-time All-Star will want a strong pick and roll partner, and his familiarity with Capela makes him a logical choice. Udoka is a defense-first coach that will want a strong rim protector.

Throw in Jae’Sean Tate, who gives the Hawks another wing option off the bench, and Atlanta should be willing to make this deal.

The Hawks save $14.1 million by completing this trade, which creates room to use their full mid-level exception, and it gives Atlanta options in improving their roster moving forward. Assuming Onyeka Okongwu thrives as the team’s starting center, this could turn into a massive move that helps the Atlanta retool their roster.