Does Trading for Clint Capela Make Sense for the OKC Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder could use help inside, and the trade block could be the place to find it.
With Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reporting that the Atlanta Hawks are showing interest in moving Clint Capela, the Thunder could make a run at the center. Capela could impact the Thunder in various ways, but his rebounding would be the primary impact.
Known for his knack to rebound at a high rate, Capela led the league in rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season at 14.3. While the 29-year-old big man has not maintained that level of production, he is still averaging 10.5 rebounds this season, which is good for eighth-best.
While the Hawks are just 25th in defensive rebounding percentage, Capela has helped them rank in the top three in offensive rebounding percentage. With the Thunder sitting in the bottom three in both categories, the Hawks' big man could give them a substantial boost.
Looking further into the help on the boards Capela could provide, at 4.9 offensive rebounds per game, Oklahoma City could see an improvement in second-chance points. Ranking 29th in that category, a trade could create extra possessions and potential easy baskets.
While he wouldn’t add much to the Thunder’s top-10 defense, at 256 pounds, he could make sense in potential playoff matchups against Nikola Jokic or Domantas Sabonis. However, getting Capela to Oklahoma City may not be easy.
With two years and $42 million left on his contract, the Thunder would need to include Davis Bertans to match salary. The Thunder may have to add a young player and a pick to get a deal done.
While Oklahoma City would not be willing to give up much, Atlanta may want more in return. Capela’s contract would also be off the books before potential extensions kick in.
While he has started all but nine games since the 2016-17 season, Capela would be used as a backup big with the Thunder. If he would be willing to accept that role, the former rebounding leader could be a perfect player to sop up minutes when Chet Holmgren is off the floor.
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