Rockets' prime trade candidate becomes crystal clear in loss vs. Mavericks

The Houston Rockets' loss to the Dallas Mavericks, 109-122, was, in many ways, entirely predictable, given the odds that the team was up against in the absence of two of their most important players.

Yet, the mundane performance of center Clint Capela, who got the start with both Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams out for the game, revealed a vital truth for the team as the trade market begins to heat up.

Although Capela is a solid contributor for this team, his impact will be limited even if he is granted a bigger role, and his salary and roster spot can likely be better-utilized as the season goes on to better meet the needs of the team.

Clint Capela should be the Rockets' prime trade candidate as Dec. 15 approaches

To be clear, this loss in no way was Capela's fault. The Rockets were playing their fifth game in seven days after beginning the season with a remarkably slow schedule, and, in missing both Adams (ankle) and Sengun (illness), the team was without two integral pieces of their offensive and defensive identity.

The Mavericks, moreover, have started to put things together after an abysmal start to the season, now having won four out of their last five games with Anthony Davis back on the court (with their lone loss in that span coming to the seemingly invincible Oklahoma City Thunder).

Dallas won the game, ultimately, because they shot exceedingly well from the field and forced turnovers from the Rockets' ball-handlers, capitalizing on their opportunities in transition in the process.

Yet, Capela was not a bright spot either. Through 29 minutes, he amassed eight points, eight rebounds and one assist with a -6 plus-minus.

If anything, however, the Mavericks can certainly play big, and this is where Houston's real weakness showed with Capela on the court. Anthony Davis had one of his most impressive games of the season to this point, amassing 29 points, eight rebounds and two assists, and both Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington were dominant as well in the paint.

For a third-string center, it's hard to expect more of Capela in this scenario. He's been excellent in his role this season from a perspective of efficiency, and the odds were already heavily stacked against him entering this matchup in the first place.

Yet, the Rockets are paying Capela almost $7 million this season: a number that seems rather steep for a player who cannot take on effective two-way minutes when truly needed.

It may seem odd to suggest trading away Houston's depth following a game in which both of their primary centers were absent. Yet, Adams is clearly much healthier this season than he was last, and Sengun has been remarkably healthy throughout his career.

If this is what can be expected out of Capela when the team asks him to step into a larger role, perhaps that $7 million would be better used to supply the team with an additional perimeter shooter, thus making Capela the team's prime trade candidate as they approach the December 15th lifting of the trade restrictions on contracts signed this past offseason.