The Atlanta Hawks are set to lose Clint Capela in free agency, opening up the starting center role for Onyeka Okongwu.
The Atlanta Hawks appear ready to part ways with their longtime starting center. After years of trade rumors, Clint Capela is now expected to leave the team in free agency, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Points this season
Atlanta Hawks
NBA
His departure marks a major shift in Atlanta's frontcourt plans and opens the door for Onyeka Okongwu to take over as the full-time center.
“Rival teams have projected the Hawks as targeting big men with whatever draft slots they ultimately operate from,” Fischer wrote, per Sporting News. “After years of dangling Clint Capela on the trade block, Capela is finally expected to depart Atlanta via free agency this season, sources say. So the Hawks appear poised to have an opening for a center.”
Capela, 31, has been a consistent presence for the Hawks, but his role has gradually decreased. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game last season while shooting 55.9% from the floor.
Letting Capela walk makes room for Okongwu to take over as the team’s starting center. The 24-year-old big man has grown steadily since being drafted sixth overall in 2020. He already played more minutes than Capela last season and looks ready to assume a full-time role.
During the 2024-25 season, Okongwu scored 13.4 points, grabbed 8.9 rebounds, and dished 2.3 assists per game while shooting 56.7% from the field and 32.4% from three.
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