The Atlanta Hawks have shown a desire to move on from former starting center Clint Capela before the trade deadline. However, they have run into multiple roadblocks to completing a deal. Capela’s production is most notable among them.
The ex-rebounding champ is short of averaging a double-double for the first time in his tenure.
Then there are the finances, with Capela’s $22.3 million salary in the final year of a two-year, $45.8 million contract.
The Hawks also made a notable change to Capela’s designation ahead of tonight’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Capela, who has missed the last four games with what the team called “bask spasms” is now listed as out due to “personal reasons.”
An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tonight’s game vs. San Antonio:
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 5, 2025
Trae Young (right Achilles tendinitis): Probable
Bogdan Bogdanovic (not with team): Out
Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder surgery): Out
Clint Capela (personal reasons): Out
Jalen Johnson (left shoulder surgery):… pic.twitter.com/sihLea28Pe
Capela is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
His 57.3% eFG is the third-worst mark of his career. Capela’s only campaigns that were worse were in 2023-24 with the Hawks and as a rookie in 2014-15 when he appeared in 12 games.
Clint Capela’s situation could lead to buyout
The Hawks’ decision to switch Capela into a reserve role and start Onyeka Okongwu followed rumors about the Hawks’ preference between the two. It was the first actionable step toward parting ways with the veteran big man.
The Hawks acquired Capela ahead of the 2020-21 season.
He immediately established himself on the glass and as an anchor defensively. He still boasts the second-best on-off differential on the team, per Cleaning The Glass.
Capela only trails second-year guard Kobe Bufkin in the category. Bufkin played just 117 qualifying minutes before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Capela has the best mark among Hawks players with at least 1,000 minutes on the floor this season.
He is in special company in that group.
Jalen Johnson, also out for the season, is the only other player with at least 1,000 minutes logged and a positive defensive differential.
All of that said, the Hawks must exhaust every option before deciding to buy Capela out of the final year of his contract. They have not shown any inclination to make such a move, choosing to hold onto Cody Zeller amid his bout with “not with team.”
Capela is far more valuable and has been a useful member of the rotation this season.
If a trade cannot be worked out, the Hawks could do worse than welcoming Capela back and reinserting him into the rotation. The question is whether or not that is what he wants.
The shift from a back issue to “personal reasons” could signal that Capela is as ready to move on as the Hawks are. But without confirmation from either side about the current situation, the speculation is sure to run rampant.
Having potential avenues closed off has not helped the Hawks either.
Meanwhile, the Hawks’ players are left to navigate the uncertainty.