The Rockets believe they have a trade partner lined up for a potential deal involving Clint Capela, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times (via Twitter).
However, as Stein explains, the Rockets don’t intend to move forward with a Capela trade unless they’re sure they can acquire Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Sixers. Butler has been identified over the last couple weeks as Houston’s top offseason target.
As we detailed last night in our preview of the Rockets’ offseason, the obstacles in the way of the Rockets acquiring Butler in a sign-and-trade are numerous, but not technically insurmountable. As part of a sign-and-trade for Butler, Houston would likely need to move both Capela and Eric Gordon.
It’s possible that Gordon would appeal to Philadelphia, especially if the 76ers are unsure about their odds of re-signing J.J. Redick. But Capela would almost certainly have to be re-routed to a third team, both to satisfy base year compensation rules and because he’s not a fit for the Sixers. So if there’s a suitor out there for Capela, as Stein suggests, that team would likely be brought into a three-way trade involving Houston and Philadelphia.
Until we have a better sense of what Butler wants, this whole arrangement looks tenuous, but it’s worth noting that the Rockets are said to be very confident in their ability to acquire the standout wing. If they weren’t confident, it’s unlikely that they’d let these talks involving Capela become so public — if they can’t acquire Butler and want to bring back Capela, it would put the big man would be in a tough spot, since he’d be aware that his team was ready to trade him if another player had wanted to come to Houston.
How many times over the years have we heard the Rockets say this all because they want someone that would not fit on their team? Jimmy Butler has proven he is all about the money so what is the point of getting a maximum contract from Philadelphia then orchestrating a trade to Houston? I don’t see it happening all he cares about is getting the maximum contract.
Because he gets the maximum contract from Philly. You answered your own question!
Butler does not get the 5/190 max in an S&T, according to the HR link.
Genius move telling everyone including Capela.
Well, hes a genius ya know
Capela to Boston for Jaylen Brown. Brown has the upside to be a better all around player than Butler and Boston needs a talented front court big man desperately. I don’t know how Houston says no to this deal. It’s highly unlikely that Philly moves on from Butler anyways.
Even if Brown could get as good as Butler down the road, he ain’t nearly as good now and Houston is within a window right now.
The Celtics would laugh at Morey if he brought this trade up. Danny Ainge would hang up quickly.
Probably Sacramento. They and Dallas are the only two teams with both cap space and need, but Dallas has no firsts to offer after trading for KP6.
I agree, but New Orleans could be a player here too. They seem intent to make a playoffs run, and Capela could work (only I’d worry having Zion, Ball, and Capela on the floor at the same time…that’s a lot of bad shooting).
Bad shooting? Capela shoots 65%, among the highest in the game.
LOL – because 80% of his attempts are from 3 feet away or less. Google “capela heatmap” and you’ll see he rarely attempts a shot outside the paint.
He’s a bad shooter in that he can’t hit shots from outside…which is why he never takes them.
It’s not necessarily his job to take shots from outside the paint. That’s why you have guards. It doesn’t matter how he scores, it still counts as two points. You don’t get bonus credit for knocking down 18 footers instead of 3 footers.
You actually do get bonus points for shooting from a far, it’s called 3 points not 2 buddy.
He means spacing, because none of them can hit 3s.
Boston. Capela would be a perfect fit there specially if Horford signs elsewhere. Come to think of it, Horford is actually perfect for Houston! Hmmmm…..
I don’t see the Celtics doing that until they have a decision from Kemba. They cannot afford both Kemba and Capela without sending out Marcus Smart, but who can take him?
Kemba = Hornets…he has one opportunity to be massively over paid…he is going to take it…no questions…
GOAT is hesitant to give Kemba anything close to the super max because he doesn’t want to pay tax. It’s for one season. If Kemba leaves, this is why.
At this point of his career, Reddick is now chasing a ring. Lebron will gladly welcome him with open arms in LA.
Butler in Houston doesn’t make even a little sense.
I agree. Butler would never see the ball.
Neither did Chris Paul or Mike D’Antoni but here we are.
An elite perimeter defender who attack and finish, who does a reasonably good job of spacing the floor, who rebounds well for his position, who’s an above average passer, and who can anchor the offense as needed?
You don’t think that could help in Houston eh?
Butler will choke the life out of Harden’s beard if he plays for the Rockets. Butler HATES teammates who lack defensive intensity & effort.
Exactly. Butler will choke the life out of Harden’s beard if he plays for the Rockets. Butler HATES teammates who lack defensive intensity & effort.
Hawks have some cap space and need a big. Capela doesn’t fit the mold Shlenk wants though. Still, he’s young enough to fit in with the timeline and might help push for an 8 seed this year.
I believe the Hawks are 5 million short to take Capela straight up. Will need someone to take Hill or Plumlee.
AJC reported they have 15 million available and a roster spot. Capela is set to make just over 16. Shouldn’t be hard to clear out the difference.
Kings resign Harrison Barnes:
Kings get Capela
76ers get Barnes, Gordon and 2 1st from Houston
Rockets get Butler
If that happens and the Rockets get Boogie with the MLE, then
Harden
Paul
Butler
Tucker
Cousins
That’s pretty nasty
Boogie would go back to the warriors before the rockets. He’d get more touches and the warriors could offer him a slightly higher MLE
Nah GS won’t be that competitive next year and the MLE is a one year deal. He wants to win, didn’t get a ring those dinosaurs stole it :)
Only 1 ball
Can the Lakers afford Capela and max free agent
No, they have exactly enough for one max and that’s it.
Still don’t get why there is all this buzz about Butler and Harris yet no one seems to predict that they actually might resign with the Sixers. It is always mentioned that the Sixers can put up the most money, but no one talks about them actually being a good spot for them. Makes no sense to me.
I’m with ya. I’ve said multiple times that I think they should both go back. I think that team could develop into a title contender.
You know, Utah might make sense for Capela. Favors is not likely to be back and Capela would make a fine replacement. As an expiring deal, Favors shouldn’t be that hard to move either.
Utah has Rudy Gobert….
Yes at center, but Capela could play PF next to Gobert.
Capela’s m
Capela’s more of a 5 than a 4. Plus the trend nowadays for PF’s is to be a stretch 4 and Capela certainly isn’t one.
Trends are made to be broken.
Utah already has second center too, Derrick Favors.
Utah makes 0 sense. Gobert is a much better version of Capela. Both rim defenders who like to catch lob passes.
They have agreed to a deal with celtics apperently. Celtics will trade Marcus smart and others to 76ers (it all happens after they sign kemba). Eric Gordon goes to philly as well
Where did you hear this?
Deal isn’t agreed to, rumor was that they wanted Smart and that 2020 Memphis pick from Boston. Can’t imagine Celtics would be willing to give that up to get Capela.
If Houston is smart, they will not sign Butler.
If they do, they don’t need a coach or any other players.
Jimmy has all the talent in the world, and Jimmy loves him some Jimmy.
Jimmy can play….just not well w/ others
Please add that JIMMY WILL CHOKE HARDEN FOR BEING LAZY ON DEFENSE.
Jimmy isn’t half as bad as you people act. The Bulls became a stink fest and that Timberwolves team was hapless.
Not a Philadelphia fan but why is no one not talking about them? Jimmy Butler was the one who said he wanted to be traded out of Minnesota so this off-season he can sign a super maximum contract with the team that acquired him. This is something everyone needs to think about this guy it’s all about the money stupidly talented but all about the money.
Exactly. That’s why I say that Butler worked hard for his 5/190- the whole Minnesota mess he created to get out.
6ers need to make the most of this offseason.If they lose out in free agency,the whole process becomes kind of bogus.They paid up to the floor and won 15 games a year,and they made their moves to add in other stars,i don’t even wanna hear anything about not paying luxury taxes.For free agency,you can make a case that Rco’s deal needed to be moved,but we also gave up Saric,Shamet and 2 1st Rd picks in those deals.We gave up to many future pieces to blow it up after a 20 game run.