Current Clint Capela Contract Status
Clint Capela remains under contract with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2024-25 NBA season, with a guaranteed salary of $18 million for that year. His current deal includes a player option for the 2025-26 season worth $19.5 million. The contract was originally signed as part of a trade package with the Houston Rockets in 2020 and was later extended with the Hawks. Capela's salary for the 2024-25 season places him among the higher-paid centers in the league, reflecting his role as a starting-caliber rim protector and rebounder. Current salary and contract breakdown on Spotrac.
The Hawks currently carry Capela's salary as part of their luxury tax calculations, with his cap hit for the 2024-25 season sitting at $18 million. Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, teams are taxed at escalating rates for exceeding the luxury tax apron, and Capela's contract contributes to Atlanta's total payroll. The team's front office has indicated a commitment to remaining competitive while managing long-term financial flexibility. Capela's presence on the roster provides immediate defensive impact and interior spacing that complements the Hawks' modern offensive system.
Career Earnings and Contract Timeline
Clint Capela has earned approximately $105 million in NBA salary over his career, with the bulk of that coming from his time with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. His largest contract was the five-year, $90 million deal signed with the Hawks in 2021, which included $45 million guaranteed at signing. Before that, Capela earned approximately $15 million per season during his final years in Houston. His career earnings place him firmly in the upper tier of NBA centers in terms of total compensation over a full career.
Capela's contract timeline shows a steady progression from a promising Swiss prospect to a max-level center. He was drafted 25th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2014 and signed his rookie scale contract shortly after. After four seasons in Houston, he was traded to Atlanta in November 2020 and quickly signed a new deal with the Hawks. His current contract runs through the 2025-26 season, with a player option that will define the final chapter of his current tenure with the franchise.
Contract Structure and Financial Impact
The financial structure of Clint Capela's deal includes a fully guaranteed salary for the 2024-25 season, with the player option for 2025-26 also fully guaranteed once exercised. Capela's contract does not include a no-trade clause, giving the Hawks full flexibility to move him at any point. His salary is calculated under the NBA's rookie scale extension rules, which tie guaranteed money to performance incentives and All-NBA selections. Capela has earned approximately $37 million in guaranteed money from his current deal so far.
Capela's contract impacts the Hawks' ability to use the full mid-level exception and other salary cap tools, as his $18 million salary consumes a significant portion of their available cap space. The team's current payroll, including Capela, places them above the luxury tax line, which triggers additional financial penalties for the organization. Despite this, the Hawks have maintained that Capela's defensive versatility and rebounding justify the investment. Capela remains a key piece of the Hawks' frontcourt rotation and a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. Official NBA player profile and contract information.