The Houston Rockets are bringing back a big man to bolster their frontcourt: Clint Capela, by way of a sign-and-trade, costing $21.2 million over three years, with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Rockets are sending a 2031 second-round pick swap, plus cash, to the Hawks, according to Jake Fischer, which reunites the Rockets with their previous 2013-14 first round draft pick.
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) reacts during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) reacts during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.
Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
A lot has changed in Houston since the last time Capela played for the franchise. When the Swiss center was last in H-Town, the Rockets fell short in the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals, losing in five games versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
Houston was brought there by James Harden, who led the league with 34.3 points per game. Now, Capela is playing side-by-side with Kevin Durant instead.
Capela's best season in Houston came in 2017-18, when he averaged 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, helping him earn 14th place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Last season with the Hawks, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. That was just in 41 starts, though, due to having to share time with fellow Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu.
Now back in Houston, Capela can expect to be given a bigger role where he won't have to compete as much for minutes. And Okongwu, Atlanta's former sixth overall pick from the 2020 NBA Draft, can grow alongside newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis.