Rockets CEO Tad Brown sounded an optimistic note regarding negotiations with restricted free agent Clint Capela, Marc Berman of KRIV tweets. While much of the talk surrounding the Rockets in recent days has been focused on the possibility of signing Carmelo Anthony, Capela is a more important piece. He’s the only player on our list of the top 10 free agents this summer who hasn’t signed a contract. Brown believes that will change quickly.
“We love Clint. Clint is a big part of our team…We are very hopeful we’re going to get something done very soon,” Brown told Berman. “I know (Rockets GM) Daryl (Morey) and (Clint’s) representatives are working on that every day.”
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Rajon Rondo‘s leadership will likely be missed more by the Pelicans than his on-court contributions, according to Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate. The Pelicans believe they can replace Rondo, who signed with the Lakers, at the point with a combination of Elfrid Payton, Jrue Holiday, Ian Clark and Frank Jackson. But Rondo’s innate ability to understand nuances of the game and translate them to teammates, his professionalism in film study and his role in team bonding experiences will be hard to replace, Kushner adds.
- Former Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers is confident he’ll find an NBA job even though he remains unsigned, Gary Bedore of the Kansas City Star reports. Chalmers, 32, appeared in 66 games last season with Memphis, averaging 7.7 PPG and 3.0 APG in 21.5 MPG. “It’s just a matter of time,” he told Bedore. “They [NBA teams] are getting all the young guys, all the big free agents out of the way now. I’m just waiting my turn.”
- Garrett Temple could step into a starting role with the Grizzlies, Peter Edmiston of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes. Temple, who was acquired in a trade with the Kings, can provide above-average defense at the shooting guard spot. Offensively, he will be a factor in catch-and-shoot situations, Edmiston notes. His unselfishness will also facilitate the offensive flow, Edmiston adds.
- The Mavericks have hired former WNBA head coach Jenny Boucek as assistant to the basketball staff/special projects, Tim McMahon of ESPN tweets. She spent last season as a player development coach with the Kings.
Seeing Ian Mahinmi, Joakim Noah, Bismack Byombo, Timofy Mozgov, and Tristan Thompson at $16MM to $18MM and Steven Adams in the $20MM’s, I’d hold out for more if I was Capela too. He know’s the Rockets can’t compete with the Warriors without him. They need Harden for scoring, CP3 for playmaking, and Capela for rim protecting and inside scoring. And Melo for public relations.
Steven Adams should not be lumped in with that group
Capela is comparing himself to Adams and says he wants a 4 year $100MM contract like Adams. He is as good as Adams and as valuable to his team. I think he deserves it.
Totally agree they are both worth that. Just was strange to include washed-up/overpaid centers in the statement. Just making sure your weren’t dogging my dude Adams ha.
thats a fact about rondo. alot of people only see numbers and dont think about the intangibles. same thing w. marcus smart in boston. had they lost him it would have been a major loss.
Which Rondo will the Lakers get? The one from the Pelicans or the one from Sacramento, Chicago, and Dallas? Him and Lavar should get along real well.
Really just Dallas and end of Celts run where he had a problem but agree that he could be one for the Lakers. Although I think LeBron will keep him in-line
LeBron is “extremely” ball dominant. It’s unlikely Rondo will get to play his game.
Rondo can be a great mentor from the bench for Ball, could well be just what Lonzo needs.