Clint Capela: Another Trade Option to Fix Knicks' Mitchell Robinson Problem?
Mitchell Robinson has been one of the key performers for the New York Knicks over the past six years but an ankle injury might keep him out for the rest of the year.
That could lead the Knicks to find further depth to help Isaiah Hartenstein, who is set to take over Robinson's minutes in the starting five with Jericho Sims also set to miss a week or two.
Seth Wenig USA TODAY SPORTS
At the time of his injury, Robinson was one of two active NBA players who have pulled down at least 100 offensive rebounds this season. Now that he's out, the Knicks could go after the other, Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks.
Capela, 29, would fit the Knicks' system well, as his style of play is very similar to Robinson's. They both use their size and length to dominate on the defensive side of the ball as well as the boards. Capela has a bit of an advantage on offense, averaging a double-double with 11.8 points (almost doubling Robinson's 6.2 this year) and 10.7 total rebounds.
Capela is in the first year of a $45.4 million contract extension but Atlanta seems content on using Onyeka Okongwu as their primary center, as they just signed him to an extension of his own (four years, $62 million).
The Knicks have the pieces to go get a player like Capela, stocked with draft picks and the potential to match salaries. Robinson probably isn't on his way back but the similarly skilled Capela could ensure that there's not much of a drop-off.
