Rockets' most obvious trade chip could soon become available

The Houston Rockets, so far this season, have looked like one of the deepest teams in the NBA, leveraging their stock of lengthy role players to hold down the minutes in which their star scorers have been off the court.

Yet, one of these players, veteran center Clint Capela, represents a positional surplus for the team, and, despite his effective play to this point in the season, he will be eligible to be traded when his restrictions are lifted on December 15th.

Therefore, as heartwarming of a story as Capela's return to Houston might be, it could ultimately be the right move for the Rockets to flip him for a player who fills a more glaring need: 3-point shooting in their backcourt.

Clint Capela is the Rockets' most expendable player despite the impact he's had on the court this season

In acquiring Capela through a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks this past offseason, the Rockets had a clear plan for the veteran center: utilize him to cushion some of the availability issues that plagued Steven Adams last season.

A large part of Houston's identity centers around their ability to play big whenever the matchup suits them, and, so far, Capela has allowed them to do so even when Adams has needed to miss time.

Moreover, Capela has been highly effective in his limited role. Per 36 minutes on the court, he's averaging 11.8 points, 15.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists, and he's posted a solid 2.3 box plus-minus so far this season.

Yet, his three-year, $21 million contract also represents a prime trade chip as the team attempts to hone their cast of role players. As it stands, they are still dead last in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game, and, while they have been highly efficient from beyond the arc, one would imagine that ramping up that number might prove to be highly beneficial to their overarching offensive attack.

As the trade deadline nears, teams will look to move off of players, especially those on expiring contracts. While the headlines always center around the stars who will become available (looking at you, Giannis Antetokounmpo), there will certainly also be a number of limited-role sharpshooters whose names are floated.

As versatile as Capela has been this season, he will be the first name mentioned if the Rockets decide they need to upgrade another area of their roster. Although there is no dire urgency to make a move, the date is fast approaching at which the team can begin to consider moving on from the veteran center.