Key Takeaways:
– The Chicago Bulls could replace Andre Drummond by drafting a replacement or by trade.
– Among trade options, Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks is targeted.
– Capela, a former rebounding champ and Hawks’ asset, has a $45.8 million, two-year contract.
– Though troubled by knee issues, Capela stayed in at least 63 games since 2019-20.
– Meanwhile, the Bulls struggled with rebounding last season, even with Drummond in the team.
Bulls Plan after Drummond’s Departure
The speedy Chicago Bulls are at risk of losing their backup player, Andre Drummond, to free agency. After almost losing him last season, the Bulls now appear to replace him either by drafting a replacement with their No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft or via trade.
Considering their Options
The Bulls have limited options financially during the free agency period. However, trading seems a promising path. In fact, they might already have a target in mind: Clint Capela, an Atlanta Hawks player who could be traded off this offseason.
Capela has certainly attracted attention, with teams like the Grizzlies, Wizards, Pelicans, and Bulls all expressing interest. At 30, he has shown consistent performance, averaging 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds last season.
The Hawks’ Most Valuable Player
Capela proved himself a valuable asset to the Hawks. Leading the NBA in rebounding in the 2020-21 season, he was a key factor in Hawks’ advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite suffering from knee issues in the past years, he still managed to appear in at least 63 games since 2019-20.
Unfortunately, his rebounding stats have seen a decrease each season since earning the title. But despite this, he can still make a positive impact, as he did with the Hawks.
Evaluating the Bulls’ Performance
The Bulls’ performance in rebounding has been average at best, ranking 14th in the regular season. Even with Drummond, who claims to be the greatest rebounder in NBA history, the team’s performance did not soar. An inconsistent role could factor into Drummond’s decision this offseason.
If Capela joins the team, there’s a possibility he might not have a more prominent role than Drummond, a four-time rebounding champion. Moreover, the Bulls could continue to struggle with rebounds even with Capela in the team as they ranked poorly among forwards and guards.
The Costs of Trading for Capela
It’s essential to note that trading for Capela comes with a hefty price tag, especially for a role averaging 17 minutes per game like Drummond’s. He carries a $22.3 million cap hit in 2024-25, a considerate amount for the Bulls.
Bulls’ starter Nikola Vucevic has been healthy, being part of no fewer than 70 matches in the recent four seasons. Pairing him with Capela might not yield favorable results for the Bulls, given previous unsuccessful attempts of similar concepts.
Bulls’ Commitment to Tech
Trading for Capela could potentially make the Bulls the seventh most expensive pivot group in the league. This could be a daunting commitment, considering the other uncertainties in the team.
As the Bulls plan their next moves, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season. Will the team’s interest in Clint Capela materialize into a successful trade, or will they venture a different path? Only time will tell.