Clint Capela Trade Rumors: Celtics Have 'Checked In' on Move for Rockets Star

The Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets had preliminary discussions about a trade centered around Rockets center Clint Capela, according to SNY's Ian Begley.

ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski reported May 29 that Houston was willing to entertain trades for basically its entire roster, Capela included.

It's unclear whether Boston's pursuit of Capela will continue in light of recent events. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Celtics are "preparing for strong scenario that All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will leave as free agents."

The Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett reported Horford is now looking for a four-year contract and is prepared to explore all of his options in order to get it. Regarding Irving, Charania reported the star point guard "has been communicative and forthright with top Celtics officials since the season ended, with private and public signals that he will leave the organization in free agency — likely for the Brooklyn Nets."

Suddenly, the Celtics are looking at a 2019-20 season in which they could fall well out of the NBA title picture.

Because of that, acquiring Capela may not be the best use of Boston's assets.

Capela turned 25 in May and averaged 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds this past season. He's also owed a little more than $66.2 million over the next four years, which is a reasonable sum given his age and production.

Clint Capela Rattles the Rim

The Swiss international would theoretically be a good fit for a team built around Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart. The problem is that the Rockets could likely demand a high price for Capela.

The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach reported Saturday the odds of a Capela trade coming together appeared slim "because Boston would not have interest in surrendering the players needed to complete the trade."

As good as Capela is, he wouldn't significantly improve the Celtics' championship hopes. And parting with one or two skilled young players would exacerbate what is already a tenuous time for the franchise.