The NBA offseason has cooled tremendously, but there are still a pair of All-Stars that could be moved before the beginning of the season. Damian Lillard and Pascal Siakam are those two players, the latter of which the Hawks have been connected to all offseason.
Atlanta has reportedly been the most linked to a potential trade for Toronto’s All-Star; however, nothing has come to fruition, which can probably be attributed to Raptors GM Masai Ujiri’s sky-high asking price for a rental.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the most logical way for a deal to come together is for a third team to enter the equation, noting the Mavericks as a potential facilitator, given the Hawks’ “increased willingness” to trade Clint Capela, who is reportedly on the trade block.
The Mavs have been targeting Capela all offseason. Around draft time, the Hawks were attempting to move up in exchange for Capela, but nothing came of it because Atlanta asked for Josh Green in addition to the 10th overall pick, which Dallas was reluctant to do.
However, Stein said on his show “The Saturday Stein Line with Marc Stein” that the Mavericks still “would love” to be able to acquire Capela. In some hypothetical trades, he once again reiterated the three-team trade between the Hawks, Mavericks, and Raptors.
If you’re familiar with the site, you know how I feel. Any move to free up minutes for Onyeka Okongwu is one I am in favor of. Last season, Capela averaged 12.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, but it pales in comparison to what the youngster can do.
Capela has been a hell of a player for the Hawks since they acquired him from the Rockets some odd years ago. He’s been an anchor defensively, a menace on the boards, and an excellent pick-and-roll partner for Trae Young. However, I’ve been advocating for the Hawks to move him because of OO‘s upside.
The former 6th overall pick hasn’t blossomed as many hoped, but that can be attributed to a lack of opportunities. With Capela out of the way, he can assume a full-time role. He’s coming off a career year in which he averaged nearly 10 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while playing a career-high 23.1 minutes per contest, but I don’t think that’s even close to what he’s capable.
Still, the Hawks shouldn’t move CC for pennies on the dollar. It seems the new-look front office is in wait-and-see mode on this front, which is smart. They hold all of the leverage.
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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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