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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/27/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on a potential Hawks trade target.
Don
11:01
Seems like Walker Kessler could be a good fit for my Hawks. Added length on defense seems to be key to a path forward with Trae. What would it take to get him from the Jazz
ARTHUR HILL
11:09
Kessler would be a great addition for Atlanta. He's only 23 and he's already established himself as a legitimate defensive anchor, blocking 2.4 shots per game throughout his first three NBA seasons. The Hawks have the ability to surround him with shooters, and his offensive game would likely improve by teaming up with Trae Young. Kessler is extension eligible this summer, so the Jazz have to decide soon if they want to invest in him as their long-term center. He was a full-time starter this season for the first time in his career, but his name always seems to pop up in trade rumors. Utah is still rebuilding and Atlanta doesn't have much inexpensive young talent to offer, so the deal would probably have to be heavy on draft assets. Also, the Hawks wouldn't be the only bidder if Kessler is available. The Lakers could also see him as the answer to their problems at center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
11:09
Will I be the favourite to repeat as MVP next season? Safe to assume OKC will be really good again and I've been a lock for 30+ PPG the past few years.
ARTHUR HILL
11:18
This year's vote really wasn't close, with SGA being the first-place choice on 71 of the 100 ballots. He's likely to post similar numbers next year and the Thunder might challenge 70 wins again, so he looks like a very strong candidate. Nikola Jokic turned in maybe the best statistical season of his career, and he'll always be in the MVP conversation, but the Nuggets aren't likely to win as many games as OKC and Gilgeous-Alexander will benefit from being the best player on the best team. The MVP contest could be more competitive next season after this year's two-man race. Giannis Antetokounmpo could have a stronger case if he gets traded to a real contender, and Luka Doncic could put up incredible numbers in a full season with the Lakers.
Unclemike1526
11:18
Who do the Bulls have that they can package with the 12th pick to move up in the draft to get a better player? Depending on how high they can get would you package Coby White with it and get some 2nd round picks back? They are still valuable trade pieces and you can find gems there. Thoughts? Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
11:26
I don't think any of the teams drafting ahead of Chicago are going to be interested in Nikola Vucevic, who is the Bull most likely to be traded this summer. He's a better addition for an established contender. Maybe parting with Ayo Dosunmu would help them move up, but probably not very far. It would be tough for Chicago to move into the top eight, considering how many really bad teams dropped in the lottery. I might consider moving White in a deal for a top-four pick, but only the Sixers might have interest, and their backcourt is already full stocked. The Bulls' best draft strategy is probably to hope another Buzelis-level talent drops to No. 12 and save White for a larger deal later on.
JD
11:26
Do you believe Rich Paul when he says LeBron James hasn't made up his mind about playing next season? No way he passes on a full year with Luka, right?
ARTHUR HILL
11:32
LeBron's agent was non-committal about another season during a media appearance last week, but I wouldn't read too much into that. He's going to let LeBron make that announcement whenever he's ready. I don't believe LeBron is ready to step out of the spotlight, and the lure of playing a full season with Luka and spending another year with his son will bring him back. There hasn't been much deterioration in his game despite turning 40, and he stayed relatively healthy except for the knee injury he suffered in the final playoff game. LeBron has a player option for next season, and he's used the threat of leaving/retirement throughout his career to get what he wants in negotiations. He'll be a Laker again next season, and probably for a few seasons after that.
DJ
11:33
Did we ever hear anything about the Giannis and Bucks meeting last week?  Who do you think will be the 3 most impactful players traded this offseason?
ARTHUR HILL
11:40
Things were quiet in Milwaukee last week despite a report that Giannis was going to meet with team executives to discuss his future. Nothing has leaked from that meeting, which can be viewed either way, but it's probably good news for Bucks fans. If Giannis had issued a trade demand, we surely would have heard about it by now, and the league would be buzzing with teams preparing to make their best offers before the draft. Giannis has a history of being loyal to the organization, so it wouldn't be out of character for him to stay and give the team a year to rebuild while waiting for Damian Lillard to return from his Achilles injury. Everything depends on how he views his chances to ever win another title with the Bucks, but he can always make the trade demand next winter or next offseason if he's not satisfied with the progress.
Ryan
11:41
Between Tatum's injury, Cleveland's uncertainty and maybe a Giannis trade, the top of the East could be really weak next year. Any chance we get a Knicks/Pacers rematch in the ECF next May?
ARTHUR HILL
11:48
The Cavaliers and Celtics were so dominant during the season that it seemed we were just waiting for them to meet in the conference finals. But both teams suffered setbacks that raise questions about their long-term future. The Jayson Tatum injury is the most obvious one. Even if he can return around the All-Star break, which seems like a really optimistic forecast, he won't have the same team around him. The Celtics are facing a historic luxury tax bill that makes Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and maybe even Jaylen Brown legitimate trade candidates as they try to cut costs. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson appeared to solve the problem of overlapping talents in the front court and backcourt, but the second-round exit sparks doubt about whether Cleveland is really a title contender, and the core of the roster will become very expensive the longer it's kept together. New York and Indiana look like the East's best two teams, but the last month or so provides a reminder that things in the NBA can change very quickly
Guest
11:48
Since NIL money gives marginal 1st round picks more incentive to stay in college, are picks in that range and the 2nd round becoming less valuable?
ARTHUR HILL
11:56
Several projected late first-round picks are taking their names out of the draft this week, preferring the guaranteed NIL money in college to uncertain NBA futures. With NCAA salaries likely to keep rising, it's a trend that will probably continue. Take five to 10 players off the board, and there's a noticeable reduction in talent available for teams drafting in that range. The league may not have fully caught up with that yet, but I think it will happen soon. Take a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant trade, for example. Where's the value in sending them to a contender and taking back their first-round picks if that portion of the draft is going to be diluted?
Brewer Fan
11:56
First time in a Hoops Chat so thanks for running it! The Bucks literally can't build a contender around Giannis at this point right?
ARTHUR HILL
12:05
It's really hard to imagine given the current state of the team. Even if Damian Lillard had stayed healthy, the Bucks probably wouldn't have beaten the Pacers in the first round. They'll have to rebuild on the fly this summer with so many players either entering free agency or holding player options. The Bucks don't have draft capital to offer in a trade, and it's hard to convince free agents to join a team built around one injured star and another who might be leaving. Giannis is 30 and likely has about five years or so left at an MVP level. If winning more titles is his priority, it probably won't happen in Milwaukee.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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