2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

8. Clint Capela, C, Houston Rockets (Restricted)

Where he will sign: Houston Rockets

Unless the Rockets make some ridiculous push for a superstar like LeBron this offseason, I don’t see any way they give up on Clint Capela. They may not like the costs that come with keeping him, but he’s too instrumental to this lineup to be tossed aside.

Every year it seems the Swiss center gets better. Right now, he’s proving to be one of the most underappreciated bigs in the league, using his tenacity, basketball I.Q. and surprising strength to dominate the boards and give his duo of dynamic guards an exciting weapon to work with in the pick-and-roll game.

Do the Rockets really want to mess that up? Sure, it’s probably going to cost them big bucks to re-sign Capela, who will likely have at least one team willing to throw him a max offer this offseason. While that may be the case, Houston would be wise to match, even if it means diving further into luxury tax territory.

The Rockets truly have a great one in Capela, who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I can’t imagine Daryl Morey letting him go this offseason, but stranger things have happened in the NBA. If he does hit the open market, he’ll have plenty of suitors lining up to woo him.