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NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns to target Clint Capela in free agency

By Michael Saenz

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 02: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on May 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 02: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on May 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: The Phoenix Suns are expected to go hard after rising star Clint Capela during free agency this summer; is he worth a max contract?

While the NBA continues to move away from the traditional big man, the rise of numerous unicorns is leading the wave of the modernized power forward/center.

However, not everyone has the luxury of being the next Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis or Karl-Anthony Towns. The byproduct of that has been the rise of other bigs – bigs that may not be able to shoot the deep ball, but have every capability of protecting the paint and staying with smaller, quicker defenders on the perimeter.

A few that come to mind are Rudy Gobert, Andre Drummond and Steven Adams. One other big that has taken a huge jump this season is Clint Capela, who will hit restricted free agency this summer.

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And after the regular season and playoff run that he’s had, he’s expected to have a big market this summer. One team that is expected to push hard for Capela, per USA Today, is the Phoenix Suns.

"According to a league source, one such team is the Phoenix Suns. They have kept tabs on him throughout the season, and have reportedly become “enamored” with him. They have plans to offer Capela a max or near-max contract once free agency begins."

During his fourth season with the Houston Rockets, Capela has averaged a career-high 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game. During the playoffs, he’s been even more impactful – averaging 14.4 points, 12 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game.

Capela, based on the contracts that we’ve seen signed over the last few summers, could probably angle himself for a big contract this summer. A max contract is very much in play, especially if a team like the Suns, who will have plenty of cap money to spend, in the mix.

Must Read: Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum performing at elite level in playoffs

Question is, how far will the Rockets go to keep Capela in Houston?

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