Joe Dumars and the New Orleans Pelicans were fleeced by the Atlanta Hawks on draft night giving up pick No. 23 and unprotected 2026 first round pick swap between the Bucks and Pels, to select Derik Queen at No. 13. The Pelicans made a huge mistake giving up such a valuable assets to draft someone who isn't even a great fit with this roster. However, they could get revenge on the Hawks by stealing Clint Capela in free agency.
Bringing in Capela isn't just a way to get back at the Hawks, but could also be a way to fill a need on the Pels' bench. The 31-year-old Swiss big man is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is unlikely to return to the Hawks as they have a loaded frontcourt featuring Onyeka Okongwu, Kristaps Porzingis and Asa Newell. Capela is an 11-season pro and would help add some much-needed rim protection to the Pelicans' second unit.
Throughout his entire career, Capela has consistently been a reliable shot blocker and rim protector, as well as an elite roll man and a lob threat. Outside of what he brings on the court, he can also bring a strong veteran presence to the Pelicans' locker room. Capela could be a great leader and bring actual playoff experience to a rather inexperienced group.
Capela has done an excellent job of mentoring Okongwu during his time in Atlanta. Helping the young center blossom so much that he stole Capela's role as a starter with the Hawks. The Pelicans could bring Capela in to help develop their young center tandem of Yves Missi and Derik Queen—especially Missi, who has drawn comparisons to Capela because of their similar playstyles.
The Logistics
The Pelicans are in a good spot to sign Capela in terms of money and expected asking price. Capela is coming off a 2 year $45+ million contract and will likely sign for anything from $5-$8+ million a year this summer. New Orleans is in a prime position to offer a deal like this, as they have a projected $5.7 million from the Taxpayer Middle Level Exception.
The only roadblock in Capela signing with the Pelicans is that other teams, such as the Lakers, can offer him a much larger role than New Orleans. LA has a massive hole at the five spot, and Capela could come in and be a starter without even having to win a position battle. That being said, New Orleans is desperately in need of rim protection and should go all in on signing Clint Capela when free agency opens on Monday, June 30th, at 5 p.m. CT.