NBA analyst Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested that the Atlanta Hawks trade Clint Capela to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, Julian Phillips, and a lottery-protected 2025 first-round pick via Portland.
Buckley wrote, “While the Hawks could opt for a complete teardown, they might delay that approach since they don’t control their next three first-round picks. Instead, they might try retooling the roster around Trae Young by swapping Capela for a more offensively skilled center in Vucevic. Phillips, last year’s No. 35 pick, and a future lottery-protected first-round pick are added assets. A pick-and-pop center like Vucevic could create more space for Young and diversify the center rotation with Vucevic’s offensive finesse and Onyeka Okongwu’s defensive athleticism. This stretch element could also aid Jalen Johnson’s development.”
Both teams are reportedly exploring trade options for Capela and Vucevic as they undergo rebuilds. Capela is set to make $22.3 million next season, the final year of his contract, after averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 2023-24. His career stats include averages of 12.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks, having played for the Houston Rockets and Hawks since being drafted 25th overall in 2014.
Vucevic, who will earn $20 million in 2024-25, averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks last season. Acquired by the Bulls from the Orlando Magic in March 2021, the two-time All-Star has career averages of 17.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks with the Philadelphia 76ers, Magic, and Bulls. He was the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of USC.
