The Houston Rockets made perhaps one of their biggest trades in franchise history this offseason when they swung a trade for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. That being said, the Rockets could have another move up their sleeve in the near future.
Clint Capela could become a trade candidate once again
Sports Illustrated’s Jed Katz suggests that moving Clint Capela could become a realistic scenario for the Rockets. Capela re-joined the Rockets earlier this offseason after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks. Capela spent the first six seasons of his NBA career with Houston, averaging 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in that span.
“Durant, Sengun, Finney-Smith, Jabari Smith Jr. and Steven Adams highlight the forward and center positions, which means the 31-year-old could find trouble cracking the rotation,” Katz said. “Adams, although older and less productive last season, picked up toward and during the postseason. Combine that with his chemistry and efficiency next to Sengun in Ime Udoka’s ‘double big’ lineup, and Capela isn’t safe in his first season back in Houston. Plenty of teams could use a center like him.”
Capela isn’t the same player he once was during his days anchoring the Rockets’ defense, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact whether it’s in Houston, or somewhere else. Given the crowded nature of the Rockets frontcourt, it might make sense to part ways with Capela in order to attain more assets, while also giving Capela an opportunity for playing time elsewhere.
