Clint Capela vs Deandre Ayton: Contracts, Age, Height, ESPN View & All-Star Breakdown

When it comes to elite centers in the NBA, few names generate as much comparison as Clint Capela and Deandre Ayton. Both big men bring size, skill, and impact to the hardwood, yet their careers have taken distinct paths — from contracts to performance levels, from expectation to reality. This in-depth article breaks down everything about these two players: their background, contracts, heights, ages, ESPN analysis, All-Star credentials, and how they stack up against each other on and off the court.

1. Who is Clint Capela?

Clint Capela is a Swiss professional basketball center currently with the Houston Rockets. He has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier rebounders and rim protectors, known especially for his efficiency around the basket and defensive impact.

Quick Facts

• Age: 31 years (Born May 18, 1994)

• Height: 6′10″ (208 cm)

• Weight: 256 lb (116 kg)

• NBA Draft: 2014, 1st Round, 25th Overall by Houston Rockets

• Position: Center

Capela is a classic catch-and-finish big. His primary strengths are rim running on offense and rebounding on both ends — especially on the offensive glass. While not a prolific scorer, he brings a level of efficiency and toughness in the paint that coaches love.

Career Highlights

• Led the NBA in total rebounds and offensive rebounds in 2020-21.

• Known for elite field goal percentage years based on shots at the rim.

2. Who is Deandre Ayton?

Deandre Ayton is a Bahamian-born NBA center originally drafted No. 1 overall in 2018 by the Phoenix Suns. His size and athleticism make him a formidable interior presence, capable of scoring efficiently and pulling down rebounds at a high clip.

Quick Facts

• Age: 27 years (Born July 23, 1998)

• Height: 7′0″ (213 cm)

• Weight: 252 lb (114 kg)

• NBA Draft: 2018, 1st Overall

• Current Team: Los Angeles Lakers (2025-26)

Unlike Capela, Ayton came into the league with All-Star expectations, courtesy of his No. 1 pick status and dominant college career at Arizona. He combines scoring with rebounding and has the physical tools to impact the game on both ends.

3. Contract Breakdown

Understanding how Capela and Ayton are valued by teams gives insight into their perceived roles and worth.

Clint Capela’s Contract

In 2025, Capela agreed to a three-year, $21.5 million contract with the Houston Rockets as a returning free agent — a modest deal reflecting his role as a veteran presence rather than a top star.

Even though Capela’s peak contributions came earlier in his career, teams value his rebounding and defensive savviness — especially as a rotation center who can mentor younger frontcourt players.

Deandre Ayton’s Contract

Ayton’s financial path has differed sharply. After his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for roughly $34 million combined for the season, according to ESPN reports.

Earlier in his career, he signed a four-year, massive $132 million contract, which was one of the higher center paydays in the league, showing teams believed in his potential to be a franchise cornerstone.

Though the Lakers deal is smaller by star standards, it reflects a fresh start and new opportunity in a championship-driven environment.

4. Age, Height & Physical Comparison

Here’s a head-to-head comparison of their physical and experience profiles:

Physically, Ayton has the height and size advantage, while Capela’s strength is grounded in tenacity and positioning — traits more noticeable on rebounds and close-range defense.

5. Career & Statistical Comparison

Clint Capela

Capela has carved out a career as a high-efficiency role player who excels in rebounding and rim protection. Over his NBA tenure, he’s been a consistent double-digit rebounder and regularly among league leaders in offensive boards.

During 2025-26, his scoring stats are modest, but his rebounding and defensive percentages remain valuable off the bench or in specific matchups.

Deandre Ayton

Ayton’s stats reflect a more offensive-oriented big man, averaging double-digit points and rebounds throughout much of his career. He’s capable of being a primary post scorer, which is evident in his shooting percentages and usage rates.

At the Lakers, Ayton’s role is pivotal — particularly as a starter expected to anchor the frontcourt both on defense and in pick-and-roll actions.

6. All-Star Credentials & ESPN Analysis

Neither Capela nor Ayton has enjoyed consistent NBA All-Star appearances, but their career paths show contrasting expectations.

• Clint Capela has typically been seen as an impactful role player rather than a star, offering teams robust defense and rebounding without necessarily racking up All-Star resumes.

• Deandre Ayton, as a former No. 1 overall pick, has had higher expectations, with ESPN and other analysts once projecting star potential. However, his inconsistency meant his All-Star candidacy never fully materialized — even though his talent is undeniable.

ESPN’s contract analysis once highlighted Ayton’s lucrative deals and ranked him among notable paid centers, despite performance falling slightly short of contract value.

7. How They Differ on the Court

Capela’s Style

• Elite rebounder

• Paint-protecting presence

• Efficient finisher near the rim

• Less scoring, more role execution

Ayton’s Style

• Strong post scorer

• Bigger offensive toolkit

• Higher usage scoring chances

• Better pick-and-pop and interior scoring versatility

In essence, Capela brings specialized skills, while Ayton offers a broader offensive package — each valuable in different systems.

8. Current Roles in 2026

• Capela: Veteran center for the Houston Rockets — providing depth, leadership, and paint defense.

• Ayton: Starting center for the Lakers — expected to anchor a championship-contending frontline with high expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Clint Capela an NBA All-Star?
A1: Capela has not been selected as an NBA All-Star but is widely respected as a rebounding and paint defender.

Q2: What is Deandre Ayton’s contract situation?
A2: Ayton signed with the Lakers after a buyout and has a multi-year contract worth approximately $34 million combined for his current deal, with some reports mentioning a player option.

Q3: Who is taller, Capela or Ayton?
A3: Deandre Ayton is taller at 7′0″, while Clint Capela stands at 6′10″.

Q4: Which player has better career stats?
A4: Ayton typically averages more points and rebounds, while Capela excels in specialized areas like offensive rebounding and paint defense.

Q5: Did ESPN rank either player as an All-Star candidate?
A5: ESPN has discussed Ayton in contract and value analyses but neither player was regularly listed as a top All-Star selection.

Conclusion

Both Clint Capela and Deandre Ayton have made significant marks in the NBA, yet their paths illustrate very different stories:

• Capela carved out a niche as a defensive anchor and rebounder, valued for his grit and efficiency.

• Ayton arrived with All-Star potential and interior scoring presence but has faced career expectations vs reality tensions despite lucrative contracts.