The Houston Rockets are adding a familiar face to their revamped lineup for next season.
Several reporters confirmed Monday that the Rockets are signing veteran big man Clint Capela to a three-year contract worth $21.5 million. According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, the Rockets are sending a 2031 second-round pick swap and cash to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a sign-and-trade.
Free agent center Clint Capela has agreed to a three-year, $21.5 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Major frontcourt addition – and return to Houston for Capela. pic.twitter.com/1l20sBt9p2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
The 2014 first-round pick spent the first six seasons of his career with the Rockets. He served as the team’s starting center during the height of the James Harden era in Houston. Capela developed into one of the NBA’s premier rim-running big men — the prototypical low-usage center who thrived playing next to a ball-dominant playmaker like Harden.
The Hawks traded for Capela during the 2019-20 season, hoping to recreate the winning recipe in Atlanta with Trae Young playing the Harden role. Capela had arguably the best season of his career during his first year with the Hawks. He averaged 15.2 points, an NBA-best 14.3 rebounds, and a career-high 2.0 blocks during the 2020-21 campaign.
The Swiss shot-blocker’s numbers have been on the decline since 2021. Last season, his scoring (8.9) and rebounding (8.5) numbers both dipped below double figures for the first time since his rookie campaign.
Six years after he last put on a Rockets uniform, Capela will join a center rotation that includes All-Star Alperen Sengun and the newly re-signed Steven Adams.
The Rockets are betting big on size going into next season. Houston re-signed 6’11” forward Jabari Smith Jr. to a long-term deal last week after landing Kevin Durant in a blockbuster deal earlier in the month.
Six years after he last put on a Rockets uniform, Capela will join a center rotation that includes All-Star Alperen Sengun and the newly re-signed Steven Adams.
