The Golden State Warriors could use a veteran big man who’s a serviceable contributor on both ends of the floor.
While a raw Atlanta Hawks center may not be overly appealing to the Warriors, the franchise could add him to their long list of potential trade targets this season.
"Clint Capela would address the Warriors' glaring need for rebounding and rim protection,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Wednesday.
“The 30-year-old big man is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game this season with the Hawks, making him one of the league’s most reliable interior players.”
“Capela's elite rebounding would give Golden State second-chance opportunities on offense and help mitigate their defensive vulnerabilities in the paint.”
“Capela's ability to finish around the rim (62.6% shooting from the field) also fits perfectly in the Warriors’ offensive system, especially with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green's ability to create easy looks for teammates.”
“While Capela isn’t a floor-spacer, his athleticism and defensive instincts would be invaluable, particularly in matchups against teams with dominant centers like Denver (Nuggets) and Minnesota (Timberwolves).”
"Atlanta may consider this trade because it allows them to offload Capela’s salary while acquiring valuable depth pieces."
“Gary Payton II and Moses Moody provide the Hawks with defensive grit and shooting, fitting into a faster, more dynamic playing style."
"Kevon Looney’s rebounding and screen-setting would soften the blow of losing Capela, while the additional second-round picks give Atlanta assets to use in future moves.”
“This trade also creates more playing time for Onyeka Okongwu, their promising young center.”
According to Bitar, the Warriors would be forced to ship Payton II, Moody, Looney, a 2026 second-round pick (via the Atlanta Hawks), and a 2028 second-round pick (via the Hawks) to Atlanta to receive Capela.
With the Hawks firmly in rebuild mode, Capela has taken it upon himself to boost his trade value this season.
The former first-round pick is off to a solid start to the 2024-25 season, nearly averaging a double-double and shooting over 60% from the field.
As an unpolished 6-foot-10 center who isn't the smoothest low-post operator in the league, Capela prioritizes performing his pick-and-roll duties at an elite level and remaining active on the offensive glass.
Defensively, the Geneva, Switzerland native can slide over from the weak side and alter half-behind layup attempts at the rim.
The traditional big man probably wouldn’t be a game-changing asset for the Warriors.
Still, his infectious energy and commitment to playing to his current strengths could motivate Golden State to make an unexpected move for Capela.
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