Houston Rockets center Clint Capela will become a restricted free agent in 2018 after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the deadline. The move was expected since the Rockets have a history of not signing one of their draft picks to a long-term extension while on their rookie deal. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the 23-year-old Capela can accept offers from other teams but the Rockets have the right to match it. Capela told Feigen that he’s not concerned with his status for next season, saying he’s focused on helping the team win the championship in the coming season.
“If I sign, that's good. But it won't matter. If I have to wait until next year, it won't bother me,” said Capela.
A 25th overall pick by the Rockets in 2014, Capela signed a two-year deal worth $2.43 million with team options for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The Rockets exercised their two options, giving Capela a $1.3 million salary last season and $2.3 million this season. Last season, Capela emerged as a reliable big man for the Rockets, averaging 12.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 65 games last season, with 59 starts.
Lakers won’t sign Randle to extension
The Los Angeles Lakers won’t sign power forward Julius Randle to a contract extension, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com.
Shelburne said Randle and the Lakers had “cordial conversations” about a contract extension but failed to reach an agreement due to cap issues. With the development, Randle will become a restricted free agent next summer. The Lakers selected Randle as the 7th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft but he was limited to one game in his rookie year due to a foot injury.
The following year, Randle played 81 games, with 60 starts, averaging 11.3 points and 10.2 boards in 28 minutes of play. Last season, Randle averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 boards and 3.6 assists in 74 games, with 73 starts. He also improved his outside shooting, particularly his three-point range, making 27 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in the past two seasons with the Lakers.
Lakers have other options in power forward slot
Aside from Randle, the Lakers have other options in the power forward position in Larry Nance Jr. and rookie Kyle Kuzma. Earlier, Lakers coach Luke Walton said he will pick the best starter depending on how they play alongside center Brook Lopez. The 6-foot-9 Kuzma had an outstanding performance in the preseason, where he averaged 19.2 points per game in five games.
