“Game-Changer Set to Depart: How the Hawks Will Adapt After Losing Their Star Player This Offseason”

As the Atlanta Hawks gear up for yet another offseason, fans are left pondering: how many players can change before the team loses its identity? With Clint Capela reportedly on his way out as he flirts with free agency, the Hawks are at a pivotal crossroad. Once a cornerstone of the team’s success, Capela’s diminishing role this season raises eyebrows—especially with the emergence of younger talent like Onyeka Okongwu usurping his place. It’s a fascinating narrative unfolding amid the hustle and bustle of the NBA landscape, where change is the only constant. Will this be a fresh start for Capela, or will he find himself regretting a hasty exit? Buckle up, basketball aficionados, because this summer promises to be anything but dull!

The Atlanta Hawks have been going through some changes this year, relying more on up-and-coming stars and relegating others to the bench.

But the changes might not stop there, and the team could be busy this summer.

According to Michael Scotto, big man Clint Capela is expected to leave the Hawks in free agency.

“After being benched in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and dangled in trade talks before the deadline, the early expectation is Hawks center Clint Capela will sign elsewhere in unrestricted free agency this summer, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote, per NBACentral.

Clint Capela is expected to leave the Atlanta Hawks in free agency, per @MikeAScotto

“After being benched in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and dangled in trade talks before the deadline, the early expectation is Hawks center Clint Capela will sign elsewhere in unrestricted free… pic.twitter.com/hJ5pdDGL9Y

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2025

This has been Capela’s least impactful season for the Hawks.

He is averaging 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, shooting 55.9 percent from the field.

He has played in 41 of his 55 games.

Speaking of those 55, it’s his lowest number since joining the Hawks in 2020.

As noted by Scotto, the Hawks have favored Onyeka Okongwu over Capela and that is likely why he wants to test free agency and see what other options are out there for him.

Capela is 30 years old and was once considered one of the best big men in the league.

Back in 2020-21, he led the league with rebounds and was in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year.

Capela could still serve plenty of teams, and he could be a very tantalizing offer in free agency.

If Capela does decide to leave the Hawks, fans can expect many teams to pick up the phone and give him a call.

As for the Hawks, they seem comfortable losing him and have already been laying the foundation for a post-Capela era.

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