NBA Rumors: The Houston Rockets are expected to trade Clint Capela in the event they land Jimmy Butler in free agency
After falling short in the Western Conference playoffs at the hands of the Golden State Warriors for the second straight season (and third time in four years), Daryl Morey seems motivated to make a blockbuster move.
From all indications, he has his sights set on Jimmy Butler who is officially a free agent June 30. However, if the Houston Rockets are able to land him, it’s going to take some serious salary gymnastics to make it all come to fruition.
If anyone could get it done, though, Morey is the man for this job. He’s done it before and could do it again. The hardest part of this entire situation might be to get a commitment from Butler, who will have plenty of suitors over the next few days.
One move, according to New York Times scribe Marc Stein, that could help facilitate this all is trading Clint Capela who the Rockets believe they already have a landing spot for in the event that they can get Butler.
The Rockets believe they have a trade partner for Clint Capela but do not intend to deal Capela unless they are sure they can acquire marquee Sixers free agent Jimmy Butler, according to a source briefed on Houston's thinking
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2019
It’s not clear who the trade partner is, as Stein didn’t state it, but it’s not surprising to see that it won’t be that difficult for Capela to be moved. Capela is coming off a career-high season, in which he averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game on 64 percent shooting from the field.
He’s a clear difference maker on the defensive end and protects the rim with the best of them. Even though the NBA has certainly changed over the last few years, there’s no question that there’s still a place in the league for a player as talented as Capela.
Houston is likely to get somewhat of a roster reconstruction this offseason. Question is, will that include landing Jimmy Butler? And, if so, that probably means Capela (and more) is on his way out.