NBA Free Agency: 5(ish) best free agents still available

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Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Clint Capela. 1. player. 169. . Center/Power Forward. Houston Rockets (Restricted)

Clint Capela is the most important free agent still hanging in the balance this offseason for two reasons — first, for what he is as a player in terms of size, skill, and athleticism at only 24 and secondly, because of the team he’s plays for and their place in the landscape of the Western Conference.

The Rockets were a game, and perhaps a Chris Paul hamstring away from the NBA Finals this past season. With the Warriors’ addition of DeMarcus Cousins, Houston retaining Capela becomes even more critical. So far, reports from ESPN have indicated that there is a wide margin between what the Rockets are offering and what Capela is asking for.

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Although Capela made $1.19 million last season and is set to make around $3.4 million next year without a long-term extension, he is reportedly looking for a deal in the range of $100 million. If reports of the Rockets’ initial offering of $60 million are accurate, there is a lot of ground to make up between the sides.

For 2018-19, there aren’t many other potential suitors. With another cap increase coming in 2019 and the buzz already surround Capela, he’ll likely have teams throwing more than $100 million at him next summer as an unrestricted free agent.

For the Rockets’ future past this coming season, it’s critical that they lock in their budding superstar center, and sooner than later.

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