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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 6/10/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:02
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on Jason Kidd.
Jason Kidd
11:02
Unless I really want to leave Dallas, there's no way the Mavs let the Knicks talk to me, right?
ARTHUR HILL
11:07
The Mavericks could use some stability after a wild four-month stretch dating back to the Luka Doncic trade. They've dealt with a hostile fan backlash, a player shortage where it looked like they might have to forfeit games and an early exit in the play-in tournament. Things didn't start looking up until they beat the odds to win the lottery, and the last thing they need now is a coaching change. Kidd has several years left his contract after signing an extension during last year's playoffs, so I can't imagine that the Mavericks will let him interview for another job. His ties to the Knicks shouldn't matter to Mavs' management, who need to act in the best interests of their own franchise.
Unclemike1526
11:08
Would Vujevic and Portland's floating 1st round pick the Bulls own be enough to obtain Kuminga from the Warriors? If it costs any more than that I say pass and move on. Thoughts? Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
11:15
Nikola Vucevic would give the Warriors the good-shooting big man they need, and they were heavily rumored to be pursuing him at the deadline. But I'm not sure if the Portland pick is enough to get them to part with Kuminga. It's lottery protected through 2028 and then turns into a second-rounder if not conveyed. There's no guarantee the Trail Blazers will reach the playoffs in the next three years, so Golden State would likely view it as limited value. The Kuminga saga will be interesting to watch this summer, as the Warriors are sure to get plenty of interest in a sign-and-trade. He would be a nice addition to a Bulls team that needs front court help, but I think the price might have to be higher than that.
Cavs
11:15
Does Darius Garland's surgery mean the Cavs won't be able to trade him? Would they really run it back with the same core again after the disappointing finish this season?
ARTHUR HILL
11:22
The toe injury adds an element of uncertainty to Garland, but only for the start of the upcoming season. There are conflicting reports about whether he'll be ready for training camp or whether he might miss some time in October and November. Regardless, he's expected to make a complete recovery and would be a solid pick-up for any team that needs point guard help. At 26, Garland's best seasons are likely ahead of him, and he's under contract for three more years, so there's some stability for any team that acquires him in a trade. If the Cavs are really listening to offers for Garland, they're sure to get plenty of them. If they want to change the structure of the team this summer, Garland's injury won't affect that.
Tom Thibodeau
11:23
Will I have a new head coaching job by next spring? Which team is most likely to hire me?
ARTHUR HILL
11:34
Thibodeau is one of several accomplished coaches who are suddenly free agents, so there could be a shorter leash for head coaches whose teams get off to slow starts next season. The Sixers look like an obvious candidate for a coaching change if things don't turn around quickly. Nick Nurse was brought in to compete for a title, and ownership won't tolerate another losing season, regardless of the injury situation. The Hawks may be another team to watch for Thibodeau. The new front office may not be loyal to Quin Snyder, and expectations are going to be much higher than another play-in appearance. The Raptors might be a wild card. They're expected to make another big move this summer after trading for Brandon Ingram, and they might be looking for an experienced coach like Thibodeau to turn them into title contenders.
JD
11:34
How concerned should the NBA be about TV ratings for the Finals? Big deal or not really?
ARTHUR HILL
11:42
The ratings for the Thunder-Pacers matchup have been as bad as many analysts predicted. The series opener drew a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers, which were the lowest marks since tracking began in 1988, outside of the COVID years of 2020 and 2021. Game 1 wound up being a classic, but it didn't attract an audience because of limited interest in the teams involved. The NBA has a new media rights deal in place that runs through 2036, so there's no immediate need to fret about ratings. If OKC is going to remain dominant over the next decade, hopefully fans will discover how much fun they are to watch and not care that they represent a small market.
Unclemike1526
11:42
Which would net the Bulls a bigger return for Coby White? Trade him now while he has a cheap annual salary? Or extend him and then trade him but that would entail taking back more money? Or a sign and trade? Which way would you go? Thanks!
ARTHUR HILL
11:49
I would start exploring Coby White trade opportunities this summer to see if there's a return I like. As you suggest, he might have more trade value as a rising asset than he would once his next contract is in place. White has put together two straight productive seasons, and he seems to thrive in coach Billy Donovan's up-tempo offense. However, the Bulls are going to spend big on Josh Giddey this summer, and White isn't the best backcourt partner for Giddey considering their overlapping skills. I don't see how they can keep Giddey and White long term and still build the rest of the team, so it makes sense to start the process of trading White now.
Guest
11:50
If and when the Sonics come back to Seattle, will Seattle/OKC become the NBA's most bitter rivalry?
ARTHUR HILL
11:58
Fans in Seattle have no affinity toward the Thunder, even though it's technically the same franchise that started out as the SuperSonics. Bitterness from the move to Oklahoma City in 2008 hasn't subsided, and Seattle residents don't want to see their former team win an NBA title in another city while wearing another uniform. OKC doesn't claim any of the SuperSonics' lineage, as the 1979 championship banner and other team artifacts are being housed in a Seattle museum. I don't expect that anger to subside, even if Seattle someday gets its team back in expansion. The Thunder will receive a brutal reception every time they visit Climate Pledge Arena.
11:59
Thanks for the great questions this week. We'll chat again next Tuesday.
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