NBA Rumors: Hawks Eye Clint Capela Trade Ahead Of Decision on No. 1 Pick at NBA Draft

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly eyeing a potential trade centered around veteran big man Clint Capela, per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.

“Atlanta, sources said, continues to pursue deals for veteran center Clint Capela, who’s entering the final year of a contract that still owes the 30-year-old rim protector $22 million,” Fischer wrote.

Capela averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game during the 2023-24 season. His numbers were slightly down from previous seasons, but he’s still playing around the same level he has for most of his career.

The report comes less than a week before the NBA draft, where the Hawks hold the top overall pick. Atlanta has the chance to select a talented center to replace Capela while adding more pieces through a trade.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projects the Hawks to draft Zaccharie Risacher, a 6’8″ shooting guard/small forward from France. If Atlanta drafts Risacher, keeping Capela around could be a smart move.

But the Hawks have also been tied to UConn big man Donovan Clingan and French center Alex Sarr. Should Atlanta pursue either of those players, moving Capela would make much more sense.

The Hawks still have time to decide, and whether or not they trade Capela could depend on what deal they get in return. A Capela trade would also likely influence their draft decision.