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Photo: Mariano Pozo / EB via Getty Images Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Image 2 of 13 Capela stands 6-11 with a 7-4 wingspan. Capela stands 6-11 with a 7-4 wingspan. Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 3 of 13 Capela was born in Geneva, Switzerland. Capela was born in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Mike Stobe / Getty Images Image 4 of 13 Capela began playing professionally in France in 2009. In 2012, he joined the senior Elan Chalon team of the LNB Pro A. Capela began playing professionally in France in 2009. In 2012, he joined the senior Elan Chalon team of the LNB Pro A. Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 5 of 13 Image 6 of 13 Capela is only 20-years-old. Capela is only 20-years-old. Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 7 of 13 Capela's FG percentage for France's Elan Chalon ranked third in the league (63.8%), his combined rebounding rate ranked fourth in the league and his block rate (2.6 blocks per 40 minutes) was tops in the league. less Capela's FG percentage for France's Elan Chalon ranked third in the league (63.8%), his combined rebounding rate ranked fourth in the league and his block rate (2.6 blocks per 40 minutes) was tops in the ... more Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 8 of 13 Capela played with former NBA players Jon Brockman and Sheldon Williams in France last season. Capela played with former NBA players Jon Brockman and Sheldon Williams in France last season. Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 9 of 13 In August 2013, Capela debuted for the Swiss national basketball team at the FIBA EuroBasket 2015 qualification rounds. In August 2013, Capela debuted for the Swiss national basketball team at the FIBA EuroBasket 2015 qualification rounds. Photo: Sam Forencich / NBAE/Getty Images Image 10 of 13 Image 11 of 13 Some scouts had Capela rated as a Top 5 pick in the draft. Some scouts had Capela rated as a Top 5 pick in the draft. Photo: Salvatore di Nolfi / Associated Press Image 12 of 13 Capela could end up being a pleasant surprise for the Rockets at some point down the line. He averaged 9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds in his most recent season overseas. Capela could end up being a pleasant surprise for the Rockets at some point down the line. He averaged 9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds in his most recent season overseas. Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images Image 13 of 13 Rockets to sign first-round pick Clint Capela for next season 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

After weeks of uncertainty about their plans for their first-round pick, the Rockets are working on signing Clint Capela in time to begin his NBA career next season.

The Rockets have been working with Capela on his buyout and FIBA letter of clearance, ending the idea that he would remain in Europe for at least another season, a person with knowledge of their decision said. Because contracts for first-round picks are slotted, there is not expected to be issues with signing Capela once he and the Rockets work through the FIBA clearance.

Capela attended Sunday’s Las Vegas Summer League game but was not in uniform. He has not been on the Rockets’ summer league rosters in Orlando or Las Vegas.

The Rockets selected Capela with the 25th pick of the draft last month. They had been non-committal about whether they would prefer he remain in the French League or make the jump to the NBA, saying they generally like to develop players in their system.

Capela, however, has been steadfast that he wanted to join the Rockets this summer.

“We are still working to get him to be a Rocket officially,” Ndiaye said. “We have been talking back and forth with the Rockets and myself. We’re trying to get him signed. I don’t know when. I guess we’ll do it soon.”

When the Rockets needed the cap room in their pursuit of Chris Bosh, they might have needed the savings that would have come from not signing their first-round pick, but his cap hold is roughly only $400,000 larger than the empty roster spot so keeping him overseas would not have initially created much more cap room.

“We are planning out roster for next season,” Rockets vice president Gersson Rosas said. “We expect him to be a part of it. We’re in the process of working toward that.”