The New York Knicks have been among the most exciting NBA teams through the first half of the 2023-24 season.
With Tuesday's 113-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, they are now 33-18 in 51 games, which has them as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The trade deadline is less than two days away, and with the Knicks looking like a legitimate contender to make the Conference Finals, I believe they should try to acquire Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks.
Why?
Capela is a traditional center who can rebound and defend the rim at an extremely high level.
In 47 games this season, the ten-year NBA veteran is averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest while shooting 57.5% from the field.
With Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby carrying the offensive load, all Capela would have to do is crash the glass and protect the paint.
In addition, the Knicks have been without starting center Mitchell Robinson since December and there is no clear timetable for when he will be able to return to action.
Capela is arguably just as good (if not better) than Robinson, so he would be an excellent replacement.
Even if Robinson is able to return this season, it's possible he would not be at full strength, considering how long of an absence his recovery will end up taking.
A hypothetical trade framework could be centered around the salary of Evan Fournier (and draft-picks or a young player) going to Atlanta in exchange for Capela.
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