Phoenix Suns planning to go all-in on Clint Capela?

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets speaks during the post-game press conference after Game One of Round One against the Minnesota Timberwolves of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Clint Capela will be a popular restricted free agent this summer, and the Phoenix Suns have emerged as a suitor.

After posting the NBA’s worst record (21-61) this season, the Phoenix Suns can use all kinds of help. To that end, Kelly Iko of Rockets Wire has cited sources saying the Suns are “enamored” with Clint Capela and are planning to offer him a max or near-max contract this offseason.

Capela is coming off a breakthrough regular season for the Rockets, as he averaged 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while leading the league in field goal percentage (65.2 percent). He has followed up with a good postseason, averaging 14.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.6 assists per game heading into the long-awaited Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Capela will be a restricted free agent this summer, so the Rockets can match any offers he gets. Owner Tilman Fertita has indicated he’s willing to pay luxury tax to keep the team together, which will come into play big time this offseason as Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green also become free agents.

The Suns need help at center. Former lottery pick Alex Len is all but gone as a free agent himself, and Alan Williams is due a non-guaranteed $5.52 million next season. That leaves only 35-year old Tyson Chandler as in line to return to the position for Phoenix, in the final year of his contract next year.

Phoenix is in line have just over $31 million in cap space this offseason, with less than $71 million in guaranteed salaries on the books for 2018-19. So a max offer for Capela is well within their realm.

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Capela has been a perfect fit for the Rockets. He has served as a defensive anchor, and a close to the basket offensive producer to complement an approach that basically eliminates mid-range shooting. If the Suns do come with a huge offer sheet and the Rockets don’t match, they’ll be making an aggressive bet Capela can fit in and produce similarly for them.

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