The New York Knicks find themselves in a precarious position following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. With a void in their big man depth, the Knicks are exploring their options, one of which includes a potential trade for Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela.
NBA reporter Ian Begley revealed that the Knicks have “checked in” on Capela, indicating their interest in acquiring the former rebound champion. However, Begley also noted that the extent of the talks remains uncertain at this point.
Capela has been a stalwart in the Hawks’ lineup for the past four seasons, averaging 12.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game during that time. His standout performance in the 2020-21 season saw him lead the league with 14.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his prowess on the boards.
While it appears that the Hawks may be looking to part ways with Capela, it is not due to a lack of talent on his part. Despite a slightly down year in the past season, Capela still managed to put up respectable numbers, averaging 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. With Hartenstein’s departure and the uncertain future of current starting center Mitchell Robinson, Capela could be a valuable addition to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
Rumors have also circulated about other teams pursuing a trade for Capela, with reports surfacing in June that the Knicks had explored the possibility of moving Robinson. It is worth noting that these rumors emerged prior to Hartenstein’s departure in free agency, adding a layer of complexity to the Knicks’ roster decisions.
While no concrete developments have emerged as of yet, the fact that the Knicks have shown interest in Capela suggests that they are actively considering options to bolster their frontcourt. Should a trade materialize during the offseason, Capela could provide a solid replacement for any departing players and solidify the Knicks’ lineup for the upcoming season.
