A Double Trade Proposal Sends Nikola Vucevic to the Hawks and Clint Capela to the Bulls
Originally published by Ashish Mathur on Hoops Wire; last updated on July 12, 24
An NBA analyst suggested that the Chicago Bulls acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Clint Capela.
The fake transaction was suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley.
Idea for trade: In exchange for Nikola Vucevic, Julian Phillips, and a 2025 first-round selection (protected by lottery via POR), the Atlanta Hawks send Clint Capela to the Chicago Bulls.
Buckley stated, “While the Hawks could pursue a fire sale, they might postpone a complete dismantling since they don’t control their next three first-round picks.” “So they could attempt rearranging the lineup around Trae Young instead, replacing the rim-running Capela with a far more capable offensive big in Vucevic, along with Phillips, the No. 35 selection from the previous year, and a future first that is protected by the lottery.
Vucevic is a pick-and-pop threat who might offer Young even more flexibility. Since the Hawks would have one center for scoring and finesse (Vucevic) and another for defense and athleticism (Onyeka Okongwu), it would also help distinguish this center rotation. Jalen Johnson, the breakout player from the previous season, would likewise have more space to move and maybe accelerate his growth if there was a stretch aspect added to the center position.
The Bulls are in the same situation as the Hawks with Vucevic, and the Hawks are attempting to trade Capela.
Each squad is focused on rebuilding.
In the last year of his deal, Capela will earn $22.3 million the next season. 2023–2024 saw him average 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks while making 57.1% of his field goals and 63.1% of his free throws. With 38 double-doubles, the veteran had it.
With the Houston Rockets and Hawks, Capela has averaged 12.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks over his career. The 2014 NBA Draft saw him selected with the 25th overall pick.
In 2024–2025, Vucevic will earn $20 million. The big man shot 48.4% from the field, 29.4% from beyond the arc, and 82.2% from the free-throw line in 2023–24, averaging 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks. In 76 games, Vucevic recorded 45 double-doubles.
In March 2021, Vucevic was acquired by the Bulls from the Orlando Magic. With the Philadelphia 76ers, Magic, and Bulls, the two-time All-Star has career averages of 17.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks. In the 2011 NBA Draft, he was selected sixteenth overall from USC.
