Capela signs five-year, $90 million extension with Rockets

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images/AFP

HOUSTON — Clint Capela has signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets.

Capela, who was a restricted free agent, started a career-high 74 games last season in helping Houston reach the Western Conference finals.

The 6-foot-10 center averaged 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks — all career-highs — last season. The 24-year-old had 42 double-doubles last season and Houston was 25-2 when he scored 15 or more points.

Capela, who the Rockets drafted with the 25th pick in 2014, has steadily improved in his four NBA seasons and his development has helped him become a key piece of this team led by James Harden, who won his first MVP award last month.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.