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During last night’s Super Bowl, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets were interested in dealing Clint Capela ahead of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.
As trade deadline looms on Thursday, Houston is engaged with several Eastern Conference teams -- including Atlanta -- on C Clint Capela, league sources tell ESPN. There are a few multi-team trade scenarios in play.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2020
Capela is no stranger to trade talks and has been the subject of them before, but this time, with Houston in 5th place in the West and Capela the team’s best trade chip, this could be the time where the trigger is finally pulled.
Woj’s article says the Rockets are hoping to nab a center and wing before Thursday’s trade deadline, and if they want to acquire both, Capela will almost certainly have to be dealt.
Capela, 25, is averaging 13.9 points per game and 13.8 rebounds per game. He is the team’s most reasonable trade chip, and the Rockets need to make a deal or two if the team wants to make a serious run at a title this season.
Wojnarowski tabs Atlanta as one of the “several” Eastern Conference teams interested in Capela. The team was interested in acquiring Andre Drummond from the Pistons earlier this season, but talks fell through.
Capela has four seasons left on his contract, making no more than $19 million in any of the subsequent years on his deal.
He has missed three of the last four games with a heel injury, and the Rockets have employed a small-ball lineup in his absence — all wins.
The Dream Shake will keep you updated on this developing story.