The Houston Rockets are actively discussing several trade scenarios involving center Clint Capela, including with a host of Eastern Conference franchises, league sources tell ESPN.
The Rockets are engaged in three-way trade possibilities that might allow for them to use Capela’s to gather the draft assets needed to acquire an impact wing player, league sources said.
In talks around the league, the Rockets are expressing hope that they could find a deal – or series of deals – that would bring them back a wing and a center for Capela for Thursday’s 3 PM ET trade deadline, sources said.
The Rockets are 31-18 and fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Atlanta has been interested in acquiring a starting level center, and have talked with Houston on Capela and Oklahoma City on Steven Adams, league sources said. Atlanta’s talks with Detroit on center Andre Drummond lost momentum in recent weeks.
Capela, 25, is the most valuable trade asset available on the Rockets roster, and the cost certainty and control of his contract is appealing to teams.
He makes $14.9 million this year, and has successive seasons paying him $16 million, $17.1 million and $18.2 million on the books.
He’s averaging 13.9 points and 13.8 rebounds a game for the Rockets. He’s missed three straight games with a heel injury.