NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 24: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks — Clint Capela

Dallas’ need for a center is among the most obvious in the league, and after drafting Luka Doncic, Rick Carlisle indicated as much. It’s also a summer where they could go in a number of directions at varying price ranges.

Dallas could try and get DeAndre Jordan again. They could go after Derrick Favors, who may or may not have a future in Utah. Dwight Howard will be soon be available, although it’s hard to see that going well. DeMarcus Cousins also would make some sense, and Dallas has the cap space to pony up for him that other might. Julius Randle is young and interesting and maybe on his way out of Los Angeles. But none of their options hold water to Clint Capela.

Capela is a restricted free agent and the Rockets will likely match any offer sheet he signs. But there is no center available who is as close to age range of Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. (Capela is 24, Doncic is 19 and Smith Jr. is 20) while also fitting so perfectly. Just imagine Capela catching lobs from both Doncic and Smith Jr. while protecting the rim behind the on the other end. Plus, he fits perfectly next to Dirk Nowitzki as Nowitzki wraps up his career.

Maybe Dallas can construct an offer sheet that makes Daryl Morey think twice — they did so once with Chandler Parsons — but it seems unlikely. But before turning to other options, the Mavericks should make a serious pursuit of Capela. There is no better fit for them on the open market.

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