In a significant move that has energized the Houston Rockets fanbase, Clint Capela has agreed to a three-year, $21.5 million contract with the Rockets, marking a homecoming for the veteran center. The announcement, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania and widely covered across NBA circles, comes as the Rockets make aggressive moves early in the 2025 free agency period to bolster their frontcourt and add depth to their roster.
Clint Capela Agrees To Three-Year Contract With Rockets: The Latest News
The return of Clint Capela to Houston is one of the most notable developments of the NBA offseason. Capela, who began his NBA career with the Rockets after being drafted 25th overall in 2014, played nearly six seasons in Houston before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2020. Now, at age 31, the Swiss big man is back where it all started, but this time in a supporting role rather than as the team’s primary starting center.
The deal, finalized within hours of the free agency window opening, is fully guaranteed and comes at a value of $21.5 million over three years. This contract is notably less expensive than the previous deal given to last season’s third-string center, Jock Landale, signaling a strategic shift in the Rockets’ roster construction.
Key Points Summary
- Clint Capela signs a three-year, $21.5 million fully guaranteed contract with the Houston Rockets.
- Capela returns to Houston after five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.
- He is expected to play a backup role behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
- The move is part of a broader frontcourt revamp that also saw the Rockets sign Dorian Finney-Smith.
- Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21.4 minutes per game during the 2024-25 season.
Capela’s Role and Impact: What the Rockets Gain
Capela’s return comes at a pivotal time for Houston. The Rockets, already boasting one of the league’s most promising young big men in Alperen Sengun and having recently extended veteran Steven Adams, are clearly prioritizing depth and experience in the frontcourt. Capela’s proven track record as a reliable rim protector and rebounder offers the team a valuable insurance policy, especially as both Sengun and Adams are expected to share significant minutes and may require careful workload management over the course of the 82-game season.
While Capela’s role will be more limited compared to his previous stint in Houston—he averaged career lows in points and minutes last season—his experience and defensive acumen will be crucial in mentoring younger players and providing stability off the bench. The Rockets’ willingness to invest in Capela, even as a backup, underscores their commitment to building a playoff-caliber rotation.
Roster Moves and Future Outlook
The signing of Clint Capela is just one piece of a busy offseason for the Rockets. Alongside Capela, Houston secured forward Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year, $53 million deal, further strengthening their defensive versatility and veteran presence. These moves signal the franchise’s intent to compete immediately, blending youthful talent with seasoned NBA veterans.
Capela’s contract also has implications for the rest of the roster. With his arrival, it appears likely that Jock Landale, last year’s third-string center, will be moving on, as Capela’s deal is more team-friendly and provides greater value. The Rockets are also expected to manage the playing time of their veteran centers, potentially experimenting with “double big” lineups that feature Sengun and Adams together, while keeping Capela ready to step in as needed.
What This Means for Houston’s Playoff Hopes
Bringing back Clint Capela provides the Rockets with a level of depth and experience that could prove invaluable as the team looks to return to playoff contention. Capela’s familiarity with the organization, combined with his defensive prowess and rebounding ability, make him an ideal fit for a team aiming to balance development and immediate success.
Houston’s front office, led by GM Rafael Stone, has made it clear that the goal is to build a sustainable winner. The addition of Capela, along with other veteran signings, reflects a strategy that values both short-term competitiveness and long-term growth.
Clint Capela Agrees To Three-Year Contract With Rockets: Social Media Reaction
The reaction to Capela’s return has been overwhelmingly positive across social media platforms. Fans and analysts alike have praised the move as a smart, low-risk investment that shores up the Rockets’ frontcourt and brings back a beloved former player. Capela himself has expressed excitement about returning to Houston, eager to contribute to a team that is on the rise.
Conclusion
The news that Clint Capela agrees to a three-year contract with the Rockets marks a significant step in Houston’s offseason strategy. As the Rockets continue to reshape their roster with an eye toward playoff contention, Capela’s return provides both a sentimental boost and a practical upgrade to their depth chart. With a blend of young stars and seasoned veterans, Houston is poised to make noise in the Western Conference—and Capela will be right at the heart of that effort.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Rockets’ offseason moves, and don’t miss your chance to catch Capela and the new-look Houston squad in action this coming season.
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