Keeping your ear to the latest Minnesota Timberwolves rumors has been a full-time job of late. Since the arrival of the new President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, and his claim of being aggressive in the off-season, the Timberwolves have been linked to a wide range of NBA players. Only one week ago, The Athletic’s NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on Monday morning, June 20th, that the Minnesota Timberwolves were interested in trading for Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela.
A couple of Hawks notes from @ShamsCharania:
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) June 20, 2022
Lou Williams plans on continuing his career and not retire.
The Timberwolves have discussed trades for centers, including Atlanta‘s Clint Capela.
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The Timberwolves are likely looking to add a player that brings defense in the paint and an above-average rebounder. Capela fits both of those categories.
Capela is likely on the trade block as the Hawks seeking to get backup center Onyeka Okongwu more playing time. Okongwu is currently sitting behind Capela on their depth chart, and he appears to be ready to grow into the starting role at center. Now, it comes down to a matter of where and when Atlanta will trade him.
Timberwolves rumors: The right piece at the right time
Capela could be a good fit for the Timberwolves as his defense and rebounding are both big needs for Minnesota. He is in the last year of his contract, currently set to earn $18.2 million. While that is a pretty stiff price, the fact that he is in the last year of his current deal does make it worth monitoring. He is a free agent in 2023, so the cost of trading for him is limited to 2022. What will the Atlanta Hawks want in return to pry Capela off their roster is the question.
Of course, this trade only makes sense for the Minnesota Timberwolves if they follow through with plans to move starting center Karl-Anthony Towns to the power forward spot to make room for Capela to take over at center.
The 6-foot-10 240-pound center has averaged 10.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game over his career. Capela is the type of player the Wolves need through the season and playoffs and he could be a big help for them this upcoming season, particularly as the team attempts to advance even further in the NBA Playoffs.
The sticking point with all of the Timberwolves rumors going around is the small matter of compensation. What will it take to pry Clint Capela from the Hawks? To help things along their merry way, here are a few proposed trade packages for the 28-year-old big man.