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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 7/2/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on one of the biggest moves in free agency.
Dude
12:01
Is Klay Thompson the missing piece for Dallas or is there anything left in the tank?
ARTHUR HILL
12:04
The Mavericks aren't getting vintage Klay, but the move to Dallas could rejuvenate him. Playing alongside Luka should get him plenty of open shots, and the Mavs have enough talent to manage his minutes as he gets older. I think it's a better landing spot for him than the Lakers would have been.
texaslifter
12:04
Are the Mavericks the Western Conference favorite for 2024-2025?
ARTHUR HILL
12:05
Probably the Mavericks and Thunder at this point. Both made smart moves in free agency to improve what were already talented rosters. The Wolves are in that mix as well, but the Nuggets will have to find a replacement for KCP.
Knicks
12:06
What’s next for the Knicks at center?  Are there any trade possibility’s or do you think they stay internal?  The free agent market is pretty bare at this point.
ARTHUR HILL
12:08
They might be able to find a minimum salary veteran who wants a chance to win a ring, but I agree there's not a lot left on the market. They can look for trade options as the season wears on.
Pistons
12:08
What’s next? Nothing makes sense…
ARTHUR HILL
12:12
New head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon appears to be starting from scratch rather than trying to build around the roster he inherited. Tobias Harris is an OK addition for a team that's not going to contend right away. He brings outside shooting, he can help carry the scoring load and serve as a mentor to the youngsters. At least Cade Cunningham is taken care of, which is an important step for the future.
Murray
12:13
What do you hear on Caleb Martin?
ARTHUR HILL
12:14
There hasn't been much talk about Martin's next team, but it looks pretty certain that he's leaving Miami. There aren't many teams with significant cap space left, so he may wind up being a bargain for someone.
Callum
12:14
when do summer league rosters get announced?
ARTHUR HILL
12:16
Teams are announcing them individually, so they're coming at different times. Several are set already and they may all be in place by the end of the week.
Adam
12:16
Do you believe Alex Sarr’s representatives properly informed him that the difference in the first contract between the #1 pick and the #2 pick is approximately $6.6 million? Which current organization do you have more faith and trust in: the current Wizards’ organization or the current Atlanta organization?
ARTHUR HILL
12:19
The speculation was that Sarr's agents were more concerned about his second contract than his first one, and they believed he would have a better chance to excel right away in Washington. The signing of Jonas Valanciunas indicates that the Wizards plan to develop Sarr in a 4/5 role rather than making him battle with NBA centers. Washington has been downtrodden for years, but I like the new front office. They have a track record of success in Oklahoma City, and I think they're moving the Wizards in the right direction.
TrustTheProcess
12:19
if you were Rob Pelinka, would you trade for Trae Young in order to keep LeBron happy?
ARTHUR HILL
12:21
I'm not sure that Young is still available. I think the Hawks made their choice when they traded Dejounte Murray, and they aren't looking for a whole new backcourt. Plus the Lakers did enough to keep LeBron happy when they drafted his son.
Nikola Fanboy
12:21
Buddy Hield seems like a good fit for the Nuggets ... anyway they can afford him?
ARTHUR HILL
12:24
Denver still has its $5.2MM taxpayer MLE left, and Hield may not get a better offer after flaming out in Philadelphia. He would help replace the outside shooting the Nuggets lost with Caldwell-Pope, but he's not nearly KCP's equal on defense.
Boston Celtics
12:24
How do we address the Long Term answer to Center and replacing Horford?
ARTHUR HILL
12:27
I don't think there's going to be a long-term answer considering the second-apron restrictions that Boston is operating under. The Celtics will rely on Horford for as long as he can handle the job, then they'll look for low-cost replacements.
Zach Lavine
12:27
Why doesn't anyone want me?
ARTHUR HILL
12:29
A scary injury history and a massive contract that runs for three more seasons. The Bulls' best option may be to keep LaVine for a while and let him try to rebuild his trade value, but they seem determined to completely rework the roster this summer.
Bryce
12:29
BroLo for Smart and LaRavia.
ARTHUR HILL
12:31
If the Bucks are determined to trade Lopez, that's not a bad return. Smart could take over the Jrue Holiday role and upgrade the perimeter defense, while LaRavia is a nice young addition. Lopez would be a short-term answer in the middle for the Grizzlies while Zach Edey adjusts to the NBA.
HeatBaby33
12:32
What are Riles and Spo doing?  I thought they were focused on the offseason.  I know its still early, but, it seems like options are drying up quick. Please tell me there is something in the works.  I mean, we are apparently stuck with Jimmy for another year.  Does it mean Herro/Duncan are gone.  I mean, any realistic targets.  We just lost out on Mitchell.
ARTHUR HILL
12:35
The Heat will keep exploring potential Butler trades, but they'll probably do it quietly. Riley is always looking for stars and he has a roster full of tradeable parts to be ready when one becomes available. No matter what he says publicly, Riley can't be happy with the current state of the team. I think they'll be active before camp opens.
Mr Sixer
12:35
Are the Sixers done acquiring major players or is there some wiggle room?
ARTHUR HILL
12:37
Paul George reportedly promised to help recruit low-salaried veterans if he signed with the Sixers. It may take a while for those names to emerge, but he's built up a lot of connections in his time in the league. The Sixers still have about $9MM in cap room left, so they're not done spending.
ScottDJ
12:37
I liked the Blazers draft of Clingan and trade for Avdija. Your thoughts of Portlands slow rebuild. Thanks.
ARTHUR HILL
12:40
The Trail Blazers are building the right way. They showed patience by letting Clingan fall to them at No. 7 rather than making a panic trade to move up in the draft. Then they made a savvy move to acquire Avdija, who fits in well with the rest of their roster. I was impressed with how Joe Cronin handled draft night.
Samurai Jack
12:41
The 76ers now have the 2nd highest odds of winning the NBA championship at +800. Does Paul George really put them ahead of the Knicks?
ARTHUR HILL
12:43
I think that's more a reaction to the betting market than a realistic comparison of the two teams. A lot of gamblers are motivated by big news items, and the idea of Embiid, Maxey and George on the same team is exciting. We'll have to see how Philly fills out its roster, but I see the Knicks as better right now.
Bulls fan
12:43
Demar sign and trade to who?  Or will he just sign with a team with no trade involved?
ARTHUR HILL
12:47
Free agent money is drying up pretty quickly. The Jazz are probably the only team left that can offer DeRozan what he wants, and I don't think he's going to Utah. Both Los Angeles teams may be candidates for sign-and-trades, but it won't be simple for either one, and a third team might have to get involved to take some unwanted assets.
Jerami Grant
12:48
What are you hearing about the Blazers shopping Jerami Grant? Or any of the other veterans they have that don't fit a complete rebuild timeline?
ARTHUR HILL
12:50
The Lakers keep getting mentioned as a possible spot for Grant. It makes sense to unload him soon. He's got a huge contract, and the Blazers have young players who are going to need minutes.
Guest
12:50
Will the Knicks trade Randle
ARTHUR HILL
12:53
If it happens, I don't expect it this summer. The Knicks may experiment with a Randle-Bridges-Anunoby front line at times to see how that will work. If they decide they need another center, or another star reaches the market, then Randle will be moved.
John
12:54
The second apron penalties are so severe that if a new owner like the Suns' new owner dives in and seemingly disregards them, is there any explanation for that other than ego?
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