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NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks' Clint Capela Interests Grizzlies, Wizards Amid Lakers Buzz

Andrew Peters

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela has reportedly drawn interest from the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards amid buzz about a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, per Action Network's Matt Moore.

Moore noted the struggles the Hawks have had finding a deal for Capela in recent seasons, and an NBA executive commented on why Atlanta hasn't been able to move him.

"Everyone wants centers, but Capela is 30 and a very traditional big who hasn't had a strong season in a while," the personnel executive said, per Moore.

Moore also reported that the New Orleans Pelicans have called the Hawks about the veteran big man.

Capela's numbers have declined steadily over the past few seasons as he averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game last season. Still, he could be a valuable rim protector and lob threat on offense as he enters his 10th NBA campaign.

The Wizards could use depth at the position after trading away Daniel Gafford last season. Washington got a big man in the draft, selecting Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick, but they still lack a true center as Sarr plays more as a power forward.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, drafted 7'4" center Zach Edey with the No. 9 pick in the NBA draft, so they have someone who can play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint. However, Edey is far from a finished product, so adding Capela to be the starter next season could be a good move.

Pelicans' starting center Jonas Valančiūnas is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and is reportedly being targeted by the Lakers. If he walks in free agency, picking up Capela would be a solid replacement.

Whichever team decides to trade for Capela—if any—would have to accept the possibility that he could be a short-term option as he's entering the final year of a two-year deal and will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

   

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