The Atlanta Hawks face a series of critical decisions this offseason. Alongside the probable trade of star guard Trae Young, the Hawks also possess the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft this summer. However, it appears that the team may be exploring other moves as well. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Hawks are considering the possibility of trading center Clint Capela during the offseason.
“Capela, who turned 30 on Saturday, will have an expiring contract next season at $22.3 million after averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots this season. The presence of Onyeka Okongwu and the potential arrival of another big man through the draft, with Atlanta holding the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1975, is expected to make Capela available.”
Capela has been the team’s starting center since 2020 and led the league in rebounding in 2021. However, the 10-year veteran averaged 10.6 rebounds per game last season, his lowest mark since the 2017-18 season.
If the Hawks opt to trade Capela, it could signal the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the team, especially if they also decide to part ways with Young, a move that seems increasingly likely. Last week, Shams Charania of The Athletic discussed the likelihood of Young being traded. Despite Young publicly expressing his desire to remain in Atlanta, Charania reports that Young may request a trade if the team does not plan to build a competitive roster around him this offseason.
“If Trae Young doesn’t feel the Hawks are planning to put a competitive team around him this offseason, there will be serious conversations about his future with the organization. Dialogue between Young and the Hawks is expected to begin this week and continue leading up to draft night.”
Although the Hawks reached the Play-In Tournament this year, they missed out on the playoffs officially for the first time since 2020. Moving on from Capela and potentially Young could be strategic decisions for the team as they aim to shift their focus and priorities moving forward.
