Houston Rockets: Two teams most likely to trade for Clint Capela

The Houston Rockets reportedly have a trade partner for Clint Capela. Who could it be in this day of age? Let’s examine two probable teams.

Houston Rockets fans — the rumor mill is heating up and hopefully, we’ll have some fresh concoctions for us all to consume once the dust settles from when it officially opens Sunday evening.

The question that we seem to always ask ourselves after each Houston Rockets‘ season is how is this team going to look the next?

You never know what Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has up his sleeve and he’s going to ensure that this team is in position to be successful with the way he’s able to deftly work his magic during the offseason.

It’s damn-near expected that the Houston Rockets will be at the forefront of discussions of whoever is the hottest name in free agency; and, as we expected that is the case leading into the opening of free agency.

Morey has made it no secret of his desire to acquire a third star to complement James Harden and Chris Paul and he’s got a terrific opportunity to do it.

Jimmy Butler recently decided to nix his $29.1 million player option for this upcoming season to become an unrestricted free agent, so that he may maximize his earnings over the next few seasons. He’s going to want the maximum-allowable contract so contending teams — including the Houston Rockets — will have to clear their racks in order to sign him outright.

Clint Capela‘s name continues to be at the forefront of the rumors and he is a critical piece to move off the chessboard if the Houston Rockets were going to acquire Butler.

Who could that possibly be?

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported earlier today that the Houston Rockets could have a trade partner in place in order to facilitate the signing of Butler. They want to prove to Butler’s camp that they are serious about acquiring him and they’ll move the necessary assets in order to make it happen.

I’m sure there will be verbal assurances that he’ll sign with the Houston Rockets if all agree to terms well before the calls are made and the ink dries on the transaction approval papers.

But who could it be?

It has to be these two teams — either the Sacramento Kings or the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Kings have $59.1 million in cap space this season and they could easily absorb his contract. They’re always looking for a star to throw money at to keep those rears in the seats — in a relatively new arena by the way — and Capela would fit the bill. He’d pay the bills as well!

I visited the old ARCO Arena back in 2009 but I have not been back to Sacramento since then. It’s a fun town with plenty to do and K Street is definitely the place where the action is at downtown. The problem with ARCO was that it was located outside of the city center on what was plenty of pasture just north of downtown off Interstate 5.

From that visit, I had noticed that the developers got to that area with all kinds of new commercial and residential projects littered all across the roads leading into the arena. It’s probably slated for the wrecking ball so that those aggressive can cash in more on that open land. It was an outmoded arena then but the acoustics were excellent and you felt like you were insulated with each moment that passed.

But even then it was an outmoded facility and it’s good Sac finally got the Golden 1 Center.

Anyway, back to my point as I went off track for a moment…

The Kings have the cash and I could certainly see the Clips immerse themselves in the

More from House of Houston

discussions. Doc Rivers knows how to get the most out of his players and I’m sure with him having Capela in the mix, it would whet his appetite quite a bit. Who would’ve thought this past season’s Clips team would’ve qualified for the playoffs? That’s pure coaching there and plus he’ll have a star to market in the City of Angels.

The Clips could take on his contract as they have about $55 million in space.

Brooklyn is definitely in the mix but I think they have their eyes set on Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics could be ramping up for Kemba Walker.

How about the Dallas Mavericks? They have $47 million in cap space but would Morey really trade Capela to a division rival? I think not — Dallas should be considered as a last resort and only if they want to partner with the Houston Rockets.

Next. The Boston Celtics have Clint Capela in their bullseye. dark

Where will Capela go if he’s traded? We’re going to find out sooner than later…

I’m ready for whatever happens! HERE. WE. GO.

Capela, 25, averaged 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds while shooting 64.8 percent from the field and 63.6 percent from the free throw line through 67 games last season.

Home/Houston Rockets