4 Hawks who definitely won't be back, 4 who shouldn't return next season

Won’t be back: Clint Capela

The Hawks need to sort out who is their starting center. Capela has filled that role for the last four years, but Atlanta drafted Onyeka Okongwu in the top ten and rewarded him with a four-year $62 million extension that begins in the 2024-25 season. Capela enters the final year of his contract and is set to make $22.2 million in the upcoming campaign.

Atlanta cannot afford to $36 million to their centers without having a star at the five. Okongwu is six years younger and locked in long-term. The Hawks reportedly shopped Capela over the last year. It is finally time to make a trade and open up true starter's minutes for Okongwu.

Capela is a double-double machine. He averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game this season. The traditional big man does not shoot threes but is a strong screen-setter and finisher inside.

Clint Capela turns 30 in May and may be eager to be traded to a contender. He is still searching for his first championship ring, despite making the playoffs in eight of his first nine NBA seasons. Do not expect to see him back in Atlanta for training camp. The Hawks need to move on and prioritize their developing big man.