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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 7/24/2025
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Luke Adams
2:00
Thanks for the early questions, guys! Let's jump right in...
Shamrock
2:01
Obviously Tatum is out, but in a weak East are the Celtics planning to be competitive at all?  It's so hard to tell with their roster moves
Luke Adams
2:03
I expect them to be in the playoff mix. A team led by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, etc. probably isn't contending for a title, but it should still be above-average in the East. They could probably use a more reliable center if they really want to compete, but I think they could get by with the Tillman/Queta/Garza rotation if they have to.
Edwill
2:03
Do you think the age on the clippers could be a concern. They are depending on older players who have had problems with injuries and staying healthy.
Luke Adams
2:04
It's a concern but they have enough depth to manage the old guys' minutes all season long if they want to. Hard to predict injury luck, but I expect them to be pretty good even if they have to deal with some health issues here and there.
Giddey
2:04
When will I and the other possible RFAs get our extension?
Luke Adams
2:05
Honestly wouldn't be surprising if some of them drag into late August or September, but I suspect we could resolution on at least one of them before the end of July. Maybe Giddey or Grimes.
Blayze
2:06
As a greedy Nuggets fan, I think adding Malcolm Brogdon would put the cherry on the top of a great off-season. Any chance they can squeak him in, or does he still have the ability to be a starter somewhere?
Luke Adams
2:07
The Nuggets still have room below the first apron for a veteran minimum signing, and point guard certainly looks like the most obvious area of concern. But I haven't gotten the sense they view it as a big priority -- it seems like they're fine with Bruce Brown in the backup PG role.

I doubt Brogdon will get a chance to start anywhere, but he could probably get a little more than the minimum for certain teams if that's important to him.
Barry
2:08
Anything new with Horford?  Zero chance he returns to Boston?  More likely to retire, or go where he can win another ring?
Luke Adams
2:08
Strongly suspect he'll end up with the Warriors. All indications are that he and Melton will sign with Golden State sooner or later.
Chicago TimberSpurs
2:09
Is it worth it for the Bulls to take a flyer on Charles Bassey? Based on his play with the Spurs last season I am surprised he's not signed with a team yet.
Luke Adams
2:10
I think I mentioned this in a previous chat, but if Bassey were just looking for a training camp invite, I think he'd have no shortage of offers to choose from -- probably still seeking a guaranteed deal or at least a significant partial guarantee. Not sure the Bulls are the best candidate for that sort of offer, since they already have 14 guys on guaranteed deals, plus Giddey, but maybe they could make a trade to open up a spot.
JP
2:11
Hi I like the additions the Mavs have made going into next season. Flagg, Russell, and resigning Exum. My question is can they find a new home for Hardy and Prosper without having to trade away future draft picks? With health this is a top 6 team in the west. Your thoughts? Thanks!
Luke Adams
2:14
Hardy would probably have positive value on the trade market, though I'm not sure they'd be looking to move him, given the need for backcourt depth. He could be looking at an increased role next season.

Prosper is the most obvious trade candidate to me, but I imagine it'll be hard to move off his salary without attaching a second-round pick. Everyone knows Dallas needs to clear a little money in order to sign Exum, so while the Mavs could offer more than enough to cash to cover his salary, I think most teams will be holding out for a pick.
WE ARE THE FUTURE
2:14
What rookie surprised you most at summer league?
Luke Adams
2:17
Hmm, can't think off-hand of any first-rounders who looked way better than I expected. Nique Clifford was really good, but he was the oldest player drafted in the first round and one of the most NBA-ready, so that wasn't hugely surprising.

I guess maybe it was Curtis Jones, who looked pretty great for Denver and earned himself a two-way offer with his play in Vegas. Curious to see if that carries over to the season -- he could be a dark-horse candidate for rotation minutes with the Nuggets.
Mammoth Man
2:17
Do you think Utah could be a player for Kuminga? They have that big TPE ($26.5M) from the Collins deal, and I'm sure the Warriros don't want to take back a lot of salary
Luke Adams
2:20
They're definitely a good match from a cap perspective, especially if they were willing to give up a draft pick or two that the Warriors could turn into a rotation player.

But nothing the Jazz has done this offseason suggests to me that they'd be looking to make a nine-figure investment in a player like Kuminga, who would take touches away from Ace Bailey and a lot of the other guys they've drafted. Think Utah is content to take things very slow with its rebuild (and you could argue that the 22-year-old Kuminga would fit that plan, but I think "taking things slow" includes their spending).
A.P.
2:20
Did the Pelicans fully guarantee Zion Williamson's contract for trade purposes only?  His contract for next season was only $7.9M.  Seems like their front office is stuck and can't figure out what to do with him.
Luke Adams
2:22
I mean, his guarantee date was July 15, so the only way to avoid guaranteeing the rest of his salary was to waive him before then, which wasn't happening. Despite the injuries, he still has plenty of value because of upside and relative youth (just turned 25 this month).
Qbert
2:22
How will the alleged Terry Rozier scandal affect the Heat's roster and spending?
Luke Adams
2:24
I don't think it will have much of an impact. Rozier's trade value was already in the tank based on how poorly he played last season. With or without the betting scandal, his value as a trade chip this season will be more about his big expiring salary rather than what he'd provide on the court.
Scott
2:24
Is the Kuminga situation holding up all of the Warriors offseason moves??  Feels like if they wait too much longer there won't be many moves left.....
Luke Adams
2:26
Pretty much, yeah. But I'm not sure the Warriors are missing out on guys they really want as a result of the delay. It seems like their top two targets (Horford and Melton) are willing to wait the situation out, and any minimum-salary targets after that would probably depend on how the Kuminga situation resolves (ie. is he back or do the Warriors acquire a player or two in a sign-and-trade for him?).
Brewers Fan
2:27
I get I'm biased but I really think the Bucks front office is getting a bad wrap. There is a great article on the Bucks sports nation site about this. We aren't going to be good in 5 years anyway, trading Giannis is a nonstarter and obviously not going to make us better, and what keeps getting over looked is, we are better now than we would have been before the Turner move and Lillard stretch! Is it enough? No probably not, but we got our ring and now are making the best we can out of what's left. I really think the hate on Horst is just a national narrative with no real substance. Your thoughts on that take?
Luke Adams
2:31
I see both sides. I'm not sure I love Myles Turner enough to do what the Bucks did to get him, but he was probably the best player they could realistically land in their situation this summer, and if they'd made the decision to keep going all-in on Giannis, they had to be aggressive and creative. I'm curious to see if they end up making a move involving Kuzma and their lone tradable first-round pick -- if they can get something good with that package, I might come around a little more on their vision.
Qbert
2:31
Follow up on Rozier: if he is convicted/suspended, does that free up cash for the Heat? In other words, might they "hope" he gets punished?
Luke Adams
2:32
I'd have to double-check the exact rules, but I believe any cap relief from a suspension/ban would be assessed after the season, so since he's on an expiring contract, it wouldn't help them at all with their roster-building. Would just save them some money.
Aran Smith
2:32
Do you see Austin Reaves coming off the bench for the Lakers now Marcus Smart is in tow? I see Ayton/James/Hachimura/Smart/Doncic in the starting 5.
Luke Adams
2:34
Starting Smart next to Doncic makes a lot of sense to me if he's healthy. A Luka/Reaves/LeBron/Ayton quartet is probably too light on defense no matter who the fifth man is. Whether the Lakers are willing to move Reaves to the bench is another question. It could be a tough sell.
JankyLeg
2:34
You mentioned the Rockets not filling their 15th standard roster spot because they don't have enough cap space. What other teams are in that position?
Luke Adams
2:36
The Clippers and Lakers are both in a similar spot, I believe (too close to a first apron hard cap to add a 15th man on a minimum salary deal). The Knicks will be too. Think maybe the Magic are also in that boat, though I'd have to double-check. This is the sort of thing I'll probably dedicate a post too at some point during the slow period coming up in August/early Sept.
Blazers
2:36
Your take on the Blazers unusual offseason? The Yang draft pick looks great and should drive a bit of hope and excitement, but the Holiday trade seemed like a strange overpay. In 2026 you're looking at a Holiday/Lillard backcourt......thats a seriously old pairing. I understand getting top-notch veteran guidance and experience but just to make the playoffs doesnt seem like a good pay off.
Luke Adams
2:39
I don't dislike the Blazers' moves as much as some seem to. The Holiday trade looks better to me without the draft picks involved. I'm not a huge Simons fan and I feel like Holiday has become somewhat underrated due to his contract and the fact that he was willing to be a fourth or fifth option in Boston.

The Yang pick and the Lillard reunion are also just fun things to root for as a fan, even if they end up backfiring (and I'm not sure they will).
Kim
2:39
Good afternoon. A Ben Simmons wake up call that he is a vet minimum player. Who picks him up? And does he start or come off the bench? Or even plays overseas? Thanks!
Luke Adams
2:41
Can't see him going overseas. Sounds like there's NBA interest in him, even if it's just as a bench player on a minimum deal. Of the teams that have been linked to him (Sacramento, New York, Boston), I might like the Celtics as the best basketball fit. They could surround him with enough shooting to potentially make it work, and the media scrutiny there in a "gap year" for the C's might not be as intense as it was in Philadelphia or New York.
Ruckus
2:42
I have to admit, I was pretty upset when the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane, he’s been such a key part of the team. That said, I’ve got to give them credit; they’ve been very aggressive in overhauling the roster, and I think they’re setting themselves up for a strong season next year.

Outside of keeping everyone healthy (which has been a challenge), do you think there’s another move they should consider? Besides, of course, upgrading the training and medical staff, which definitely wouldn't hurt!

Would love to hear your thoughts.
Luke Adams
2:44
Clarke and Konchar look like the most obvious trade candidates on the roster to me, but both guys have multiple years left on their contracts and might be easier to move at the deadline or next summer.

I'm curious to see if KCP will be a keeper there. Thought he was a nice buy-low, but if he keeps playing like he did last year, they'll probably need more help on the wing.
Qbert
2:44
If you are a two way player with a qualifying offer, why wouldn't you simply accept it if it is clear that you're not getting an NBA roster spot from anyone else? (Example: Enrique Freeman got left in the dust today when Taelon Peter took the last two way spot.)
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