Mavs Big-Man Upgrade: Could Clint Capela Trade Be Dallas' Answer?

With the Dallas Mavericks in dire need of an upgrade in the rebounding and rim protection department, Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela could be a viable trade option this summer.

It's evident that the Dallas Mavericks need several upgrades this offseason after missing the playoffs and play-in tournament entirely in what was an embarrassing season. One of those upgrades needs to be at the center position, as Dallas ranked at the bottom of the league in both rebounding and blocks. 

The first priority for the Mavs this summer will be to re-sign Kyrie Irving, but beefing up their frontline is right behind that in the pecking order. One option for Dallas to add a formidable rebounding and rim-protecting big would be to trade for Atlanta Hawks' Clint Capela.

In this hypothetical scenario, let's assume Dallas keeps their draft pick this year, staying at No. 10. For the Mavericks, they could offer Reggie Bullock, Maxi Kleber and the No. 10 pick to Atlanta for Capela and Saddiq Bey.

Adding Capela would give the Mavericks the best rebounding and defensive center they've had since Tyson Chandler; that alone tells you how bad the void in the middle has been for Dallas over the last eight years. Capela offers reliable rebounding and rim protection while also giving Luka Doncic a quality lob threat on offense.

Adding Bey to the trade gives Dallas another 3-and-D wing who both fits the timeline of Doncic and can offer more on the offensive end than the likes of Bullock or former Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith. In 25 games with Atlanta, Bey averaged 11.6 points per game on 40-percent shooting from downtown.

For Atlanta, shedding Capela opens up more minutes and the starting center spot for Onyeka Okongwu, who has shown flashes and is due for a much bigger role in year-four. And though the Hawks traded for Bey at the deadline this season, he's due for an extension and was reported to want a 'DeAndre Hunter type-contract.' Atlanta has both Okongwu and Dejounte Murray to extend, so the front office could opt to spend their money elsewhere.

In acquiring Kleber and Bullock, the Hawks add two veteran pieces with team-friendly contracts who give head coach Quin Snyder a couple of 3-and-D forwards to come off the bench and play valuable minutes for an overall young team.

Would a package of Bullock and Kleber added to the No. 10 pick in June's draft be enough for Atlanta's new regime to pull the trigger? A quick phone call from Mavs GM Nico Harrison can find that out, but we believe this is a scenario that could make sense for both sides this summer.

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