Atlanta Hawks fans are desperately waiting for their team to pick a direction under new leadership. New GM Onsi Saleh revealed earlier this week that the team will continue building around Trae Young. While that is a good start, the Hawks have a ton of work to do to build a winner around Young and their current core.
The most important offseason decisions will be with regard to free agency. Caris LeVert, Clint Capela, and Larry Nance Jr. are hitting free agency. While the Hawks have some interest in bringing back LeVert and Nance, it's hard to see Capela returning for his sixth season in Atlanta. For Hawks fans, that is probably better.
It's Time the Hawks Moved on from Clint Capela This Summer
Even though Capela has been a key contributor for the Hawks since 2020, it's time the Hawks turned over a new page in the center position. The 31-year-old will obviously not require the $22.2 million salary he played on last season, but he should still get a near-eight-figure annual salary. With Onyeka Okongwu's rise, the center spot is his for the foreseeable future. Re-signing Capela would be a luxury that the Hawks simply don't need.
For the Hawks, the frontcourt of the future is Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. They would be wise to add another center or a combo big through the draft, or sign a younger player in free agency. Instead of dedicating resources to an aging center in decline, the Hawks need to get younger and cheaper.
There are plenty of teams that will be interested in Capela. The Los Angeles Lakers are an obvious one. Hawks fans will continue to root for the double-double machine, but it's probably better for both sides that Capela played elsewhere for the 2025-26 season.