Clint Capela is an established brand name. He exploded onto the scene early in his career, showing how a classic pick-and-roll center could thrive in the new age on the Daryl Morey-led Rockets teams so crucial to ushering in that era. Now the Celtics are in the mix to acquire him at the trade deadline in an attempt to go all-in on competing for a title.



Danny Ainge finds himself at the East end of a coast-to-coast labyrinth of trade needs that runs from Boston to San Francisco. Boston wants Capela from the Rockets; Houston wants Robert Covington from the Wolves; Minnesota wants D’Angelo Russell from the Warriors; Golden State, finally, wants a big asset to combine with their own pick to go star hunting as they prepare to rise from the dead and compete for a title next year.



Minnesota is seeking two first-round picks to part with Covington, even though he is shooting just 34 percent from 3-point range this year. Houston won’t move Capela without getting...