Report: Hawks dangling Clint Capela in trade talks in hopes of roster upgrade

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, rumors surrounding the Hawks are starting to heat up. Multiple reports indicate Atlanta is open to listening to offers for some of their veteran players, with Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic at the center of those discussions.

Moving Bogdanovic seems unlikely, given his team-friendly contract and the significant value he provides as one of the Hawks’ most reliable shooters. Bogdanovic’s ability to space the floor and contribute off the bench has been instrumental in Atlanta’s success this season, making him more of an asset to keep than trade.

However, Clint Capela’s situation is different. With an expiring contract, Capela could become a key trade chip for the Hawks as they look to improve other areas of the roster.

“The Hawks are canvassing the trade market utilizing Clint Capela’s $22.3 million expiring contract for a rotational upgrade. Atlanta is in a position to become buyers only 2.5 games out of the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference,” Evan Sidery of Forbes reports. 

Clint Capela has been a constant subject of trade rumors for the past several years. Nothing has come to fruition, but the tide could be shifting. Onyeka Okongwu has made significant strides this season, demonstrating that he’s ready for a larger role and potentially capable of handling the lion’s share of minutes at center. Additionally, the presence of Larry Nance Jr. as a reliable third option gives the Hawks flexibility to consider moving Capela, especially given the likelihood that he won’t return after this season.

However, for any Capela trade to materialize, Atlanta must receive something in return that addresses a clear area of need. That’s where the challenge arises. While the Hawks would prefer to remain competitive, their top priority remains the development of their young core. Adding another high-usage player to the mix doesn’t align with that vision and could disrupt the progress they’ve made.

One area in which the Hawks lack depth is backup point guard, but addressing that need may not require a move as significant as trading Capela. The team must weigh its options carefully—while Capela’s value is undeniable, the return would have to fit seamlessly with the current roster construction and long-term goals.

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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire