Clint Capela Trade: Should Mavs Include Josh Green in Talks?

The Hawks would send Clint Capela to the Mavs in a trade idea that was pitched by Bleacher Report when identifying offseason deals that could still happen.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks set out to address their defense and rebounding this summer after executing poorly in both areas last season. The team ranked 25th in defense rating and 30th in total rebounding, which raised the urgency level to improve in that department. 

"I think for us going into the offseason, the two biggest things that we need to work on is defense and rebounding," Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said during his exit interview. "That's going to be addressed."

The Mavs used the 2023 NBA Draft to add two high potential defensive prospects, Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Both players are still working on their offensive game, but with Lively being only 19, it will likely take time for him to live up to those Tyson Chandler comparisons he's often received. 

There is still a sense that trading for an established starting center could still be a logical option for the Mavs, considering their desire for immediate title contention. Ideally, the veteran acquired would be a stopgap option as Lively develops. 

When construction offseason trades around the NBA that could still happen, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes included a deal involving the Mavs acquiring Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks. The full package includes Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, and a 2025 second-round pick (via TOR). 

Capela is coming off a season averaging 12.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 65 games. He would bring a needed boost as a rim protector and rim roller to enhance the Mavs' unit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, the cost is an important factor to consider. 

When the Mavs and Hawks did have trade conversations about a deal centered on Capela, it was a no-go for Dallas to include Green in a deal, as DallasBasketball.com has written numerous times. It's difficult to envision that changing anytime soon. There also isn't much need for the Hawks to add Hardaway's skill-set when the team already has an abundance of offensive perimeter talent.

For there to be a viable trade for the Mavs to acquire Capela from the Hawks, it would surely require the involvement of a third team. The main target Atlanta has been eyeing this summer is Pascal Siakam, and they could benefit from having the Mavs’ assistance to take on Capela in such a deal.

Given that the Raptors already have Jakob Poeltl, they wouldn’t have a need for Capela if a Siakam deal with the Hawks ends up happening. And if it does happen, the Mavs will be patiently waiting to hopefully be that third team, while also being able to hold onto Green as well.

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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