The New York Knicks have explored the possibility of trading for Clint Capela, a starter for the Atlanta Hawks, according to Ian Begley of SNY. Despite having addressed several priorities this offseason, the Knicks are still looking to fill the gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Begley reports that the Knicks made inquiries about acquiring Capela, though it’s unclear how serious those discussions were or if they are ongoing. The Hawks’ plans for the upcoming season remain uncertain, although they still have their star player, Trae Young.
However, the supporting cast around Young may not be strong enough to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks, in contrast, are focused on winning immediately. With a solid core from Villanova, adding a player like Capela could significantly enhance their roster. Last season, Capela, the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Moreover, Capela’s contract, which pays him $22.26 million for the 2024-25 season, would not require a long-term commitment from the Knicks.
