Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors: Hawks Clint Capela still on radar?

Discussion

Over the past two weeks, the Timberwolves rumors suggest that the team has indeed shown some interest in trading for the Atlanta Hawks center and that interest is likely even more earnest now that the team has drafted a big man in the draft. Capela makes an ideal mentor to a rookie Walker Kessler, particularly if the Timberwolves intend to pair him on the floor with Karl-Anthony Towns.

The players included in these trade scenarios are the most logical.  The duplicity of the Minnesota Timberwolves roster, the anticipated needs of the Atlanta Hawks roster, and the overreaching need to balance the salary cap budget are all in play. While the players included in the two trade packages have presumed value by the receiving team, actual negotiations may result in similar but not the exact same trades that are proposed here.

Minnesota motivated

The Minnesota Timberwolves are certainly motivated to acquire a player that can defend the paint, work the boards, and haul in both offensive and defensive rebounds. Without a lot of in-depth investigation, Capela is clearly that player. Adding a player with Capela’s strengths would significantly improve the Timberwolves’ chances to earn an NBA Playoff berth this year, and make them that much more likely to advance. And that takes into account the players traded away.

Almost a week after the draft, the Capela to Minnesota rumors are less frequent, but I imagine that they will pick up again soon. It’s almost impossible to be certain of any progress unless either team makes it a point to leak details to an NBA Insider. But this rumor simply makes too much sense not to have some behind-the-scenes traction.