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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 1/12/2023
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Josh
11:00
How does the Beal hamstring injury impact likelihood that the Wiz trade Kuzma?  What kind of return could they get for him?
Dana Gauruder
11:03
The Wizards have continued to say the strain isn't that bad but it's trouble Beal had a setback. As for Kuzma, I think there's a good chance he'll be dealt and I'd think the Wizards would like to get a future first rounder as part of the package. The problem with Kuzma, of course, is that he'll likely be a UFA this summer, since he has a $13 mill option. That makes it tougher to get full value for him.
Guest
11:04
Hi would you say that the huge Russ expiring contract would be much more valuable to other teams in trade if there was more free agent talent coming on the market after this season?
Dana Gauruder
11:06
The trend of star players signing max extensions has changed the dynamic of the free agent market. It's become a rare occurrence for a surefire All Star to hit the open market. But cap space is always valuable. It facilitates trades for high priced players and three-team deals. So I feel Russ' expiring deal has plenty of value, if the Lakers chose to make a big move.
Some Guy
11:06
It's been pretty obvious over the last couple weeks that the Cavs just aren't quite "there" yet. Not really a championship team, though playoffs are well in their wheelhouse. What do they need to get over that hump, and how can they get there?
Dana Gauruder
11:09
The thing about the Cavs is there's no real pressure on them to become a championship team right now. They've got terrific core players (Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, Allen). We've had numerous questions recently about the Cavs possibly upgrading at SF. The general feeling is that Cleveland don't want to overpay for what may be a slight upgrade, plus they gave up plenty of assets for Mitchell. It wouldn't shock me if they basically stood pat and then addressed that and any bench concerns after the season.
Sixers fan
11:09
What is the Over / Under that guard Matisse Thybulle gets swapped for another Shooter ?
Dana Gauruder
11:12
I think the Sixers will try to move him but his lack of an offensive game limits his value. I can't imagine will give him a QO, so he'll likely be a UFA this summer. They probably would have to add another asset with him to get a rotation shooter, and it's certainly a possibility.
KJ
11:13
There are a few candidates with player options this summer. There are a couple that are definitely going to get a raise if they opt out and there are a couple that will get the Dennis Schroeder award for opting out. Give me one person that definitely should opt out and give me one person that should definitely opt in
Dana Gauruder
11:17
Kuzma is a guy who immediately comes to mind. His option is only $13 mill, cheap by NBA standards for a starting forward. Gary Trent Jr is another candidate there -- $18.5 mill and shooters are always valued. That's why the Raptors may trade him -- they're not sure they want to pay $100 mill-plus to retain him. Opting in? Several candidates there - Porter Jr. and Gallinari, considering their injuries. THT probably should keep the $11 mill. Oladipo, too, unless he finishes strong.
KJ
11:17
With the obvious exception of the Mavericks falling to like a seven or eight seed, is there any chance Luka doesn't get MVP this year? I'm not sure if they would give Joker the award 3 years in a row and Jason has way more help in Boston
Dana Gauruder
11:20
The MVP race is wide open. You have to throw Embiid in there and Giannis. Durant would have been a candidate but he'll miss time. Steph if he finishes strong. I would make Luka a slight favorite right now with the ridiculous number he's put up but we still have 3 months to go. The MVP race will probably go down to the wire.
Jurassic Park fan
11:20
Raptors have too many Similar players.  We have like 10 Power Forwards with long Wingspans but not enough Shot creators or ball handlers.  We knew this was the Case in Training Camp and now its reared its ugly head.
Dana Gauruder
11:22
The Raptors are at a crossroads. Mentioned Trent is a trade candidate because of his contract. Would they actually move Anunoby or even Siakam? One of their beat reporters stated this week Toronto wants a "king's random" for either of those players. I'd say Anunoby would  more likely be the guy they'd move if they really wanted to shake things up.
Dubs fan
11:22
Warriors have an Open Roster spot.  Should they fill it now or wait for the Buyout season?  The team is awfully Small when Kevon Looney goes to the Bench.  Could they not use one more Big Man?  James Wiseman is still too streaky to trust down the stretch.
Dana Gauruder
11:24
The beauty of the 10-day contract is that they can temporarily fill a need without a rest-of-the-season obligation right away. For now, makes sense to keep a spot open in case an interesting trade possibility arises. Afterward, if there's still a spot open, they can look at that buyout market if there's a name that pops up who can fill that need.
Guest
11:25
Has Jabari Smith Jr. been a disappointment this year?  As it made you reconsider what his ceiling/floor might be?
Dana Gauruder
11:28
He has really struggled of late but he's only 19. In another era, he'd be playing his soph season at Auburn. Got to let him develop at his own pace. I remember Cade Cunningham struggled for a couple months in his rookie season and then was terrific second half of last season. Way too early to worry that Smith is some sort of a bust.
Madhouse
11:28
Watching the mediocre Bulls is so frustrating. Would they be better served making deals now, or wait until the deadline.
Dana Gauruder
11:31
Only reason to do something immediately is if they get an offer that they don't think will be on the table a few weeks from now. They had 3 nice wins and now they lose 2 straight and it's 'We've got to blow it up' mode again. I think the next 7 or 8 games will be telling. If they can back to .500 again, they might be less inclined to do anything drastic. If they continue to flounder, it's easy to see them looking for the best package possible for DeRozan, Vuc, etc.
Hawks
11:32
Do you think replacing Nate McMillan would jumpstart the Hawks this season? Would Ime Udoka or Quin Snyder are possibilities?
Dana Gauruder
11:35
Replacing the coach is always a possibility for a team failing to meet expectations. But in midseason, it's rare to hire from outside the organization. Usually, the team's just promote an assistant, usually with different personality traits than the current head coach. As for the two you mentioned, Udoka situation is a little toxic at the moment. I think that won't be resolved until after the season. As for Snyder, he'll probably wait until the offeseason to pursue a new opportunity.
Connor🏀
11:35
Who will the hornets trade by the deadline? Thanks
Dana Gauruder
11:38
They're willing to listen to offers and deal anyone other than LaMelo. Certainly the Hornets will be a team to watch  over the next few weeks -- off the court. Rozier, Hayward, Oubre, Washington, Plumlee -- some, possibly all, of those guys could be changing uniforms.
Jose
11:38
What's stopping Mark Cuban from extending CWood... he has said that is open to it and the cost seems like a no brainer
Dana Gauruder
11:41
Length of the contract appears to be an issue for Dallas. From what I've seen, they're willing to give him two years but not four. Wood doesn't have great incentive to sign the extension unless he gets the full commitment. He might be able to get a nice payday on the open market as a UFA. Perhaps they'll find some middle ground -- I think the Mavs don't want to lose him this summer for nothing, as they did with Brunson last summer.
Wemby Sweepstakes
11:42
Which teams do you expect to tank for Wembanyama in the second half? Have an NBA comp for his skill set?
Dana Gauruder
11:45
It's going to tough for anyone to "catch" the Pistons, Hornets, Rockets and Spurs at the bottom of the standings. There are a few teams, particularly in East, that might go into rebuild or retool mode before the deadline - Raptors, Bulls and Wizards on that list. But the four mentioned above will almost certainly finish with the four worst records.
Warriors fan
11:46
Very disappointed that the Warriors passed on Drafting Fresno State center Orlando Robinson in the 2nd Round, especially since he was playing College ball in our own backyard.  We drafted Gui Santos instead, who will likely never crack our rotation.  Meanwhile, Orlando is now the starting Center for the Miami Heat and filling in admirably with Bam Adebayo out with injury.  He always had that Pick-and-Pop to his game.  It boggles my Mind since Stretch-5s are the type of Centers that Steve Kerr prefers.  Props to Orlando for sticking with it and showing off his skills.
Dana Gauruder
11:49
It appears that Orlando has emerged as Bam's main backup, especially after Dedmon's temper tantrum the other day. Even the best organizations make some draft day errors. Of course, we're still waiting on Wiseman. But it's also the same organization that won multiple championships with three core guys who weren't high lottery picks -- Steph, Klay and Draymond.
Clippers fan
11:49
Is myles turner clippers missing piece? Also why cant nba flex games on national TV so we are not stuck with lack luster product?
Dana Gauruder
11:54
You wouldn't play him and Zubac together -- would Turner a dramatic upgrade over what they have? Turner has been highly productive lately. He'll be a UFA after the season, too, so he'd be a rental unless the Clippers were prepared to add another giant, multi-year salary. As for the national TV games, I know there is some flexibility regarding those broadcasts. I get updates often during the regular season about ESPN or TNT swapping out games for a more relevant matchup.
Jc
11:54
Are the rockets moving eric gordon? If so where and for what?
Dana Gauruder
11:58
The Rockets have been holding out for a future firster for Gordon, perhaps without protections. I don't see any compelling reason for Houston to hold onto Gordon beyond the deadline, so I do see him getting moved. Potential destination is a harder call, since there are so many teams in playoff contention.
Common Anomaly
11:58
Portland's record is 2-8 in the last 10 games, with wins over Detroit and Houston.  If you were Portland's GM, would you consider a change in the Head coach's position now or wait until the end of the season to evaluate?  In addition, with the current team's performance, would you offer contract offers to Jerami Grant and Josh Hart at the end of the season or go in a different direction?
Dana Gauruder
12:01
It's been a rough month but I don't see the team moving on from Chauncey, who is still only in his second season, unless his relationship with Damian goes sour. I think you have to see how the season plays out before making decisions on Grant and Hart. If they wallow in mediocrity, you're not going to bring back to same group and expect dramatically different results.
That's all the time we have for today. If I didn't get to your question today, please note we have another live chat with Luke Adams on Tuesday at noon CT.
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