You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 7/16/24
powered byJotCast
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with one of the hottest current trade rumors.
Guest
12:01
Betting odds that Lauri Markkanen is traded to the Warriors?
ARTHUR HILL
12:06
A story on our site this morning indicates that the Jazz are asking for Brandin Podziemski and a large parcel of draft assets in exchange for Markkanen. The Warriors are reluctant to meet that price because Podziemski will be more important than ever with the departure of Klay Thompson. Utah doesn't have much incentive to lower its price since it's likely to get more suitors once Markkanen becomes extension eligible. I'd put the betting odds at less than 50-50 unless Golden State becomes willing to give Danny Ainge everything he wants.
Ryan
12:06
Do you see the Cavs trading for Finney Smith, Cam Johnson, or maybe even both?  Maybe do a sign and trade with Okoro and send Lavert and some 2nd rounders as well?  Surely they are going to do something, right?
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
I think some version of a Cavaliers-Nets trade is likely this summer because Finney-Smith or Johnson would be a really good fit in Cleveland and they have draft assets to make it work. I could see an Okoro sign-and-trade, but I don't think the Cavs want to part with LeVert.
LAL
12:08
Am sure you've been asked b4.  Why no Laker activity at all???!!!  Are they working in the background w no success or have limited resources due to CBA and apron regulations.
ARTHUR HILL
12:12
The CBA restrictions limited what they could do, but I would guess the asking price was just too high for the players they were interested in. Once the Hawks traded Dejounte Murray to New Orleans and decided to keep Trae Young, that cut the Lakers' options even more. With so many of their players picking up their options, it became easier for Rob Pelinka to keep the roster together and try again at the deadline.
Guest
12:12
Did Tyus Jones and Gary Trent misread the market. Or did they just have bad luck. Where might they end up, and at what price? Not a lot of money left!!
ARTHUR HILL
12:15
They might have overestimated their value, and they're in a bad position now. Most free agent deals get worked out early, and you don't want to still be unsigned more than two weeks into the process. They'll probably both wind up with low-cost, short-term contracts, maybe one season with a player option so they can try again next summer.
Drew
12:16
What else would be needed in a trade of Ingram for Markkanen for the Pelicans?  Could it be a reality, or just too far away?
ARTHUR HILL
12:20
I'm not sure that Utah has much interest in Ingram, who's going to be very expensive to re-sign next summer. The Jazz are prioritizing young players and draft assets, and New Orleans already spent some of those in the Dejounte Murray trade. I think the Pelicans will have to look elsewhere to find an Ingram deal.
Tyus Jones
12:20
At this point, could the Magic land me with their room exception ($7,983,000) and a Year 3 opt out?
ARTHUR HILL
12:23
I don't think Jones will want to commit to two years at a salary that he views as below his market value. If he can't get what he wants this summer, he'll opt for an offer that lets him try free agency again in 2025.
Spurs surprise
12:23
Can the Spurs sneak into the playoffs next season without the play-in based on their veteran pickups'?
ARTHUR HILL
12:27
San Antonio has a chance to be much better next season after adding Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. It's only a matter of time until Victor Wembanyama is one of the league's elite players, and that could start to happen in his second season. However, the West remains loaded and the Spurs may have their eyes on a very strong 2025 draft class, so their playoff breakthrough may be another year away.
Guest
12:28
Which division has the most young talent? Seems to be the Southwest to me. Luka, Wemby, Ja, Zion, whatever Houston player you like best
ARTHUR HILL
12:30
There's a lot of young talent throughout the league, but the Southwest Division has a very strong argument in that discussion. Those four are all legitimate franchise players, and one or more could develop from the Rockets' collection of young talent. It wouldn't be surprising to see all five Southwest teams among the West's top 10 next season.
Suncoaster
12:31
Are we convinced Markannen id a franchise player who needs a franchise trade package and salary?
ARTHUR HILL
12:36
Markkanen is very good and he's only 27, so whoever winds up with him should be getting the best seasons of his career. He's got a multi-faceted offensive game and he'll make any team better, but I wouldn't view him as a franchise player. His teams in Chicago, Cleveland and Utah haven't really been successful, and he's not the guy you want to build around. He's more of a secondary talent, which is why the Warriors are probably the best spot for him.
GabeOfThrones
12:37
Do you think the recent report about Mikal Bridges being interested in signing a below market deal hampers that from actually happening?
ARTHUR HILL
12:39
No, I don't think he'll be influenced by that. Jalen Brunson's decision to accept an extension now rather than maximize his earnings by waiting a year sets a precedent for all the other Knicks, especially the Villanova contingent. I think a lot of them may accept less than their market value as long as the team keeps contending.
Guest
12:39
With a crowded backcourt in Houston can Reed or Cam be counted on for big years ?
ARTHUR HILL
12:41
As long as they're consistently making shots, they'll be on the court. The Rockets are loaded with young talent, but they're short on proven shooters. Someone needs to hit from the outside to give Green and Sengun more room to operate, so the chance will be there for both Sheppard and Whitmore.
Wannes
12:42
Do you see "bad" contracts like Zach Lavine or Ben Simmons being moved? Or will they just stay where they are, in hope of accomodating a salary dump later in the season?
ARTHUR HILL
12:45
With the new apron restrictions, it's harder than ever for a team to carry a large contract for a player who's not producing. That's why the Bulls want to move LaVine so badly, and it's why they're not finding any takers. Simmons' contract is expiring, so somebody may be tempted to take it in February for the cap relief, but the Bulls will have to attach a lot of assets to get rid of LaVine.
re:trent and tyus
12:45
What teams have cap room left? Seems like an interesting blog post to see how much money still available…
ARTHUR HILL
12:49
The only team with significant cap space left is the Jazz at about $32.5MM, and they're probably saving most of that for a renegotiation and extension with Lauri Markkanen. Detroit has about $10.3MM, and San Antonio is at roughly $2.8MM, so nearly all of the remaining free agent signings will be done with exceptions.
Wannes
12:50
What should the nets still do this offseason?
ARTHUR HILL
12:52
Continue exploring trades involving Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson. They're wings with good size who can contribute on both ends of the court, and they should be in demand. In any deals, Brooklyn should try to expand its draft assets. The Nets are committed to rebuilding, and any draft picks they can get will help with that process.
Guest
12:53
Fultz. Will he be signed?
ARTHUR HILL
12:54
Free agent signings have slowed significantly since the initial flurry, but someone will have room for Fultz. I wouldn't be surprised to see him return to Orlando on a team-friendly contract.
Lou
12:54
Knicks move for a starting 5 or backup to Robinson?
ARTHUR HILL
12:56
New York won't want to break up its current core to trade for a center. I expect Robinson to be the starter on opening night, with Precious Achiuwa probably re-signed to be his backup.
Suns fan
12:57
Is there anyway the Suns can and will trade little for Westbrook
ARTHUR HILL
12:59
Even if that offer is available, I don't know if Phoenix needs another ball-dominant player. Durant, Booker and Beal should handle the ball as often as possible, and I don't think Westbrook is the type of player the Suns should be looking at.
Insert Witty Name Here
1:00
How funny would it be if Ben Simmons signs with the Sixers on a min deal next year?
ARTHUR HILL
1:01
I think we can rule that out. Simmons is probably the last player that will ever return to the Sixers. Maybe other than James Harden.
Thanks for another week of great questions. We'll talk again next Tuesday.
Connecting…