Hawks veteran rim-runner expected to emerge as trade candidate

The Atlanta Hawks are slowly building an impressive young roster. Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher are the three building blocks for the franchise's future. Quin Snyder has slowly implemented an exciting system for his team, leading to a 13-12 record to begin the season, placing the Hawks seventh in the Eastern Conference.

As a rebuilding team, Atlanta is projected to be open to trade negotiations. Outside of it's three young stars, most players are expected to be available in discussions. However, according to Marc Stein, Larry Nance Jr. is unlikely to be moved this season, with Clint Capela looking like the more likely option. 

"The Hawks continue to rebuff all trade interest in versatile veteran forward Larry Nance Jr.," Stein reported on Sunday. "...Clint Capela is regarded as the Atlanta big man most available this trade season. The Knicks explored the prospect of acquiring Capela (who is playing on an expiring $22.3 million contract) before completing their late-September trade to land Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota."

Nance Jr. fits Snyder's system better than Capela. He's versatile on both sides of the floor and can space the court in a five-out. Capela would be better served landing with a new team looking to maximize his skill set. It's worth remembering that when he joined the Hawks in 2020, he was seen as the prototypical rim-runner. 

Capela has been an steady presence for the Hawks. He's played 300 regular-season games, averaging 12.2 points and 11.7 rebounds. However, the team's needs have changed, and with that change Capela has become dispensable. 

At 30 years old, Capela is still young enough for the Hawks to get a fair return in a potential trade. Moving on from Capela would provide additional draft assets or bring another young player into the fold. Furthermore, Capela would likely wind up with a contending team, giving him the opportunity to challenge for a championship. He would make a strong fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have long been linked with a move for another big man. 

Capela may have known his time was coming. Once the Hawks made the pivot to rebuild and retool around Young, his tenure with the team was on borrowed time. Now, Hawks fans must wait and see whether he survives the trade deadline, or is moved to continue ushering in this new era for the franchise.