The Golden State Warriors need to update their big man position
The Golden State Warriors, renowned for their championship pedigree and innovative small-ball approach, are reportedly in negotiations to address a critical roster need by targeting Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. This $45 million star, known for his defensive prowess and rebounding dominance, could provide the Warriors with the traditional big man they’ve lacked since their dynasty years. The potential acquisition of Capela, a rim-protecting force, is sending shockwaves through the NBA as Golden State aims to fortify their frontcourt alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Why Clint Capela?
The Warriors have long sought to upgrade their center position, a glaring weakness in their current roster. While Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney have been serviceable, neither offers the complete package of size, athleticism, and defensive impact that Capela brings. Capela, in the final year of a two-year, $45,881,280 contract with the Hawks, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. His $22.3 million salary for 2025-26 poses a financial challenge, but his production makes him a compelling target.
In the 2024-25 season, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 56% field goal shooting in 21.4 minutes across 55 games. His efficiency around the rim and ability to anchor a defense align with the Warriors’ historical reliance on defensive-minded centers like Andrew Bogut during their 2015 championship run. Capela’s peak performance, including leading the NBA in rebounds in 2021 with 14.3 per game, underscores his potential to transform Golden State’s frontcourt.
Strategic Fit with the Warriors
Capela’s skill set addresses the Warriors’ need for a traditional center who can protect the rim and dominate the glass. While Draymond Green thrives as a small-ball center in spread-offense lineups, his 6’6” frame limits his effectiveness against larger opponents like Nikola Jokić or Anthony Davis. Capela, at 6’10” and 240 pounds, brings the size and physicality to compete with elite bigs, allowing Green to slide back to power forward.
Capela’s role would mirror Bogut’s in Golden State’s glory days: setting screens, rolling to the rim, and anchoring the defense. His 56% field goal shooting in 2024-25 reflects his efficiency as a lob threat and put-back scorer, complementing Curry’s playmaking and Butler’s slashing. Although Capela isn’t a floor-spacer (0% from 3-point range), his ability to finish at the rim (career 61.2% field goal percentage) adds a vertical dimension to the Warriors’ offense.
Defensively, Capela’s 1.0 blocks per game in 2024-25 and career average of 1.5 blocks make him a deterrent in the paint. His rebounding prowess (10.6 rebounds per game career average) would address Golden State’s struggles on the boards, where they ranked 22nd in the NBA in 2024-25 with 43.7 rebounds per game.
Financial and Trade Considerations
Acquiring Capela presents financial hurdles for the Warriors, who are managing the luxury tax with Curry’s $55.8 million and Butler’s recent extension. Capela’s $22.3 million salary requires matching salaries in a trade, likely involving players like Gary Payton II ($9.1 million), Moses Moody ($5.8 million), and Kevon Looney ($8 million). A potential trade package could be:
Warriors receive: Clint Capela Hawks receive: Moses Moody, Kevon Looney, and a 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
This deal would give Atlanta young talent in Moody and a reliable veteran in Looney, while the draft pick adds future flexibility as they retool around Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu. For Golden State, Capela’s expiring contract minimizes long-term financial risk, though a sign-and-trade could be explored if Capela seeks a new deal.
Alternatively, if Capela hits free agency in 2025, the Warriors could pursue him using their taxpayer mid-level exception (projected at $5.9 million for 2025-26), though this would require Capela accepting a significant pay cut. A trade remains the more likely scenario given Atlanta’s desire to move his contract before the February 2026 deadline.
Impact on the NBA Landscape
Capela’s potential move to Golden State would reshape the Western Conference. The Warriors, sitting at 28-27 and the No. 10 seed in February 2025, have shown contender potential since acquiring Butler. Adding Capela could elevate them into the top tier, providing the size to challenge teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. His defensive presence would allow Golden State to play their preferred small-ball style without sacrificing rim protection.
For the Hawks, trading Capela would accelerate their youth movement, giving more minutes to Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher. However, losing Capela’s rebounding and defense could hinder their playoff push in 2025-26, especially in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Conclusion
The Warriors’ pursuit of Clint Capela signals their commitment to addressing their center position with a proven veteran. Capela’s defensive tenacity, rebounding dominance, and rim-running ability make him an ideal fit for a team chasing another championship. As negotiations progress, the NBA awaits the impact of this $45 million star joining forces with Curry and Butler.