The Houston Rockets are working to sign first-round pick Clint Capela to a deal that will bring the Swiss big man over for the 2014-15 season, reports Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. The news should end any doubt as to whether the Rockets planned on bringing Capela over or stashing him in Europe.
"“We are planning out roster for next season,” Rockets vice president Gersson Rosas said. “We expect him to be a part of it. We’re in the process of working toward that.”"
The Rockets selected the 20-year-old Capela with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2014 draft. Last week, it was reported that the Rockets were hoping to keep Capela in Europe for at least a year given the team’s plans to sign Chris Bosh and retain Chandler Parsons. When neither of those scenarios panned out and the team instead signed Trevor Ariza, it left room on the salary cap for Capela to head to the United States immediately.
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That’s good news for Capela, who has reportedly been “steadfast” in his desire to join the Rockets next season. He’ll likely get his wish now once the Rockets complete a buyout with his French league team and receive clearance from FIBA.
Feigen says the team is working on both those fronts to have Capela ready for training camp, and because contracts for first-round picks are slotted, there shouldn’t be any other issues once the complications are sorted out.
On Sunday, Capela attended the Rockets’ Summer League game in Las Vegas but did not suit up. He hasn’t been listed on the roster for Houston’s team, but could still make an appearance if both sides complete a deal quickly.