The Golden State Warriors have a glaring need at the center position, and they’re not alone. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers are also hunting for upgrades at the five. While the Warriors and Lakers have both been linked to Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez, Golden State needs a backup plan if they miss out on the sharpshooting big man. Enter Clint Capela, an 11-year NBA veteran who could be the Warriors’ next big steal.
Capela, currently in the final year of a two-year, $45,881,280 contract with the Atlanta Hawks, is set to hit unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2024-25 season. His current salary might stretch the Warriors’ budget, but if the market for Capela cools, he could become an attainable target. This season, the 30-year-old center is averaging 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 56% from the field.
Bobby Marks on the Warriors:
“I think the one name to keep an eye on regarding that center position is Brook Lopez” pic.twitter.com/OyjxdjaTnr
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 15, 2025
For a Warriors team that has leaned on defensive anchors like Andrew Bogut and Kevon Looney since their 2015 championship run, Capela fits the mold perfectly. He’s a rim-protecting, rebounding force who thrives in the paint, offering a potential upgrade over Looney’s similar but less dynamic skill set. Golden State often deploys Draymond Green as a small-ball center to spread the floor, but that strategy requires careful management to avoid overexposing Green defensively. Capela could provide stability and depth, allowing the Warriors to preserve Green’s versatility without sacrificing defensive grit.
However, Capela isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If the Warriors prioritize a starting center who can stretch the floor with outside shooting, they’ll need to look elsewhere. Capela’s game is rooted in the paint, not the perimeter. But for a team that values defense, rebounding, and efficiency, he could be a seamless fit—and a steal if his next contract comes at a discount.
As the Warriors chase another title, landing a veteran like Capela could send a message to the league: Golden State is still building, and they’re ready to surprise.