Following the departure of free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer, the New York Knicks are in need of more big man depth. And according to NBA reporter Ian Begley, the Knicks “checked in” on Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. Begley made it clear, however, that he is unsure about “how far talks went.”
“Clint Capela Atlanta was one big that the Knicks checked in on. I don’t know how far talks went. I don’t know if they’re active at this very moment. But they did check in on Capela”
— More from Ian Begley including other centers: https://t.co/R3HpGHwJq4 pic.twitter.com/Ni0PVvZ72p
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 18, 2024
In May, reports indicated that the Hawks were willing to move on from Capela, who is an unrestricted free agent next summer. Additionally, in June, Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN reported that the Hawks considered every player on the roster beyond Jalen Johnson moveable. Though it has not happened yet, a Capela trade seems inevitable for Atlanta.
Capela has been the Hawks’ starting center for the last four seasons. In that time, he has averaged 12.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. This includes his 2020-21 campaign when he averaged a league-leading 14.3 rebounds per game.
New York Knicks Inquired About Former Rebound Champion
Why the Knicks Should Pursue a Trade for Clint Capela
Although it seems likely the Hawks will move on from Capela, it is not because of his lack of talent. He had a down year last season, but Capela still averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. And in addition to Hartenstein’s departure, current starting center Mitchell Robinson could also be on the move.
In June, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported that the Knicks “contacted opposing teams about moving” Robinson. However, it should be noted that Fischer’s report broke before Hartenstien left in free agency.
Hartenstein, at this moment, is now generally expected to return to New York, as the Knicks have contacted opposing teams about moving Mitchell Robinson, sources said.
Although nothing has come to fruition yet, it is noteworthy that the Knicks previously considered trading Robinson. If a deal does take place during the offseason, Capela would be a good replacement for the Knicks.
Other Teams Pursuing Clint Capela?
According to multiple reports, the Knicks are not the only team who may have interest in adding Capela to their roster. In June, it was reported that the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Chicago Bulls “expressed interest” in Capela.
The Grizzlies, Bulls, Wizards, and Pelicans are expected to show interest in Clint Capela, per @HPbasketball
“The Hawks are expected to trade one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, but not both. They’ll keep one to build around.
Clint Capela is a popular trade target with the… pic.twitter.com/MjBls5BIbg— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024
With the Wizards having signed center Jonas Valanciunas and drafted big man Alex Sarr in the 2024 NBA Draft, they will likely no longer pursue a trade for Capela. However, it is clear the Hawks big man is a desired trade candidate this summer. Whether he ends up in New York or not remains unknown.
