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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 4/30/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the 76ers.
Guest
12:02
What are the Sixers realistic options for upgrading to legit contender status?  Is it even possible?
ARTHUR HILL
12:05
It's definitely possible. With Joel Embiid healthy, the Sixers are already in the argument for the second best team in the East. They'll have a ton of cap space this summer to rebuild the team around Embiid and Maxey. Who they're able to get will determine their prospects for next season, but they're certainly in position to improve.
Clippers
12:05
Do you think Kawhi will retire great season but same issues? Also no one ever mentions Mo taylor one of the best stretch bigs to ever play. Give a few words on him if possible
ARTHUR HILL
12:07
Leonard signed a three-year, $154MM extension in January, so retirement isn't in his plans. The constant injury problems, especially in the playoffs have to be frustrating, but he was able to play 68 regular season games. He'll remain part of the Clippers' foundation.
Ant
12:07
Ant and the T Pups stand a chance? They have a trio of bigs to throw at Jokic, and an extra capable body in Luka Garza if needed. A healthy Jaden on Murray?
ARTHUR HILL
12:11
Minnesota looks like a good matchup for the Nuggets. They have the size to compete with Denver's frontline, an excellent defense overall, plus Anthony Edwards, who looks ready for playoff stardom. This might be the best series of the second round.
Wilt the Stilt
12:12
With a critical need for salary matching, how do the Lakers convince DLo to resign and then get traded?  I feel that is plan A and plan B would be bringing him back and plan C is letting him go.  Agree?
ARTHUR HILL
12:16
Russell will put his own needs ahead of the Lakers' when considering his $18.7MM player option for next season. His improved shooting may put him in a position to get a long-term deal with a much higher annual salary. The Lakers would love to have him on the roster as a trade piece this summer, but he has to do what's best for him.
Aaron
12:17
Assuming the Bucks season is cut short by injuries, can they realistically move off some of their expensive contracts? I would think Middleton, Lopez and Portis could be had if there were interested teams. thanks!
ARTHUR HILL
12:19
They could find takers for all three players, but I think the Bucks will hold onto as many veterans as possible. The Damian Lillard trade was the ultimate win-now move, and Milwaukee has to stay in title contention to keep Giannis happy. They might explore moving one of the three names you mentioned for some cap relief, but probably not more.
Celtics fan
12:20
How much trouble are the Celtics in if Kristaps injury is serious?
ARTHUR HILL
12:22
Probably not a lot of trouble for the rest of this series or the second round, but it could make a big difference in the conference finals. He's a very important part of what they do on both ends of the court. Fortunately, the early indications are that the injury he suffered last night is relatively minor, and not Achilles-related.
Taylor
12:22
What do you think the best course of action for the Suns is? They can't run it back but they have limited flexibility. Ishbia's tenure as owner so far should get an F.
ARTHUR HILL
12:26
Limited flexibility is the issue. It's hard to envision a trade involving any of the Big Three that makes the team better, and the second-apron restrictions will severely limit what Phoenix can do with the rest of the roster. You can give Ishbia credit for taking big swings and giving fans something to be excited about, but his moves have put the team in a difficult position. Expect Durant, Booker and Beal to all return next season, maybe with a worse supporting cast.
Captain Cav-man
12:27
The Cavs have been disappointing since the All Star Break.  If they make a change at coach, assuming the team is kept MOSTLY in tact, who do you think could take this roster to the next level??
ARTHUR HILL
12:32
If Bickerstaff goes, I think it will be accompanied by roster changes as well. If we're assuming the core of the current roster stays together, the Cavs will be in the market for a veteran coach who help them win in the playoffs. It might be a good spot for Mike Budenholzer.
Kim
12:33
Good morning. The 1st round playoffs have been intriguing. But it seems like the old regime teams with star players like the Warriors, Lakers, Heat, Wisconsin, Philadelphia, Suns and maybe even the Clippers, have issues. Out of all of these teams, which one do you think has the most promise to be a championship contender next year, of course assuming they have the ability to make trades and other front office changes???? Thanks.
ARTHUR HILL
12:36
Most of those rosters have gotten old and expensive. It's going to be harder to keep a title contender together, especially under the new CBA.  Out of that group, the Sixers probably have the brightest long-term future with Joel Embiid only 30 and plenty of cap room to use this summer.
DC
12:36
Ham out, DLo, Reeves out???
ARTHUR HILL
12:40
It doesn't look good for Darvin Ham in L.A., with both ESPN and The Athletic reporting this morning that his future is in jeopardy. It's probably safe to bet on a coaching change. Russell will explore the market, and I think he'll get better offers than picking up his player option. Reaves still has two seasons left at a team-friendly salary before he can opt out, so the Lakers will try to keep him unless he has to be included in a deal for a star.
Soliteryman
12:40
Does og resign with the knicks and if not is Philly a perfect fit ?
ARTHUR HILL
12:43
I think the Knicks were committed to re-signing Anunoby when they made the decision to trade for him. He brings a lot to the team on both ends of the court, but especially on defense, and their record has been spectacular with him in the lineup. I'm sure the Sixers would love to have him, but he's staying in New York.
Drew
12:43
Do you see any scenario where Monk resigns with the Kings even though they are capped at giving him 4 years/$78 mil?
ARTHUR HILL
12:46
That would be a bargain price for a talent like Monk, who can change a game quickly with his scoring. He talked recently about loving Sacramento and not wanting to wind up in a worse situation, but money usually decides things in the NBA. He'll likely go wherever he gets the best offer.
he dontcare
12:47
what is the Warriors best move this off season?
ARTHUR HILL
12:52
From a cold, logical perspective, the best move is probably to break up the championship core. Let Klay Thompson go, as he probably won't be worth whatever he makes in his next contract, and trade Draymond Green, whose suspensions disrupted the Warriors' season and kept them from getting a higher seed. I don't expect them to do that. Stephen Curry wants them to keep the team together, but the best path back toward contention would be to field a younger, more athletic roster around Steph's shooting.
Bugsey
12:52
Why not LeBron to Philly.
ARTHUR HILL
12:55
I don't think he'll leave the Lakers, but if he wants another ring the Sixers appear to be his best option. LeBron, Embiid and Maxey are a nice core in a weaker conference. It depends what's most important to LeBron. Is it another title, keeping the glamorous lifestyle he has in L.A. or the chance to be on the same team with Bronny?
Jerseyguy
12:55
What superstar(s) will or can go to Brooklyn?
ARTHUR HILL
12:57
That might be a better question for next offseason. The Nets are stuck with one more year of Ben Simmons' contract and won't have cap flexibility until 2025. And who knows if any stars will be in a hurry to join that organization after the experience that Durant, Irving and Harden had there.
Teej-A
12:57
Where does Edey get picked?
ARTHUR HILL
12:58
Big centers are becoming popular in the NBA again after being out of style for a few years. It depends how he does in the pre-draft process, but I could see Edey being in contention for a late lottery pick.
Teej-A
12:58
Best player traded this summer??
ARTHUR HILL
1:00
There could be some surprises as teams start to feel the second-apron restrictions in the new CBA. Right now, I would say Donovan Mitchell. It doesn't look like this season is going to end well in Cleveland, and that organization seems ready for a shakeup.
Thanks for the great questions this week. We'll talk again next Tuesday.
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