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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 7/30/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll get started with a question on Lauri Markkanen.
Orioles
12:01
Good afternoon!I have a two part question.Does Markanen sign the extension with Utah after the 6th,so there is no trade talks during the season?Than does Utah look to move him after next season?
ARTHUR HILL
12:05
That seems to be the most likely outcome, based on a report from Tony Jones this morning. It sounds like Markkanen doesn't want to be traded, so just by waiting one day, he can get his money and make sure he spends the whole season in Utah. The Jazz may explore the trade market again next summer, but when you're a small market team, it isn't easy to find All-Star level players who want to be there. A long-term relationship may be best for both Markkanen and the Jazz.
Jason
12:05
Do you see any scenario where the Pelicans keep Ingram? I know the Pelicans like McCollum as he is the 'adult in the room' on the team but it seems to make more sense to move him to pay Ingram and Murphy's extension.
ARTHUR HILL
12:07
It looks like New Orleans is running out of options for an Ingram trade. Teams that might have been interested, like the Kings or Spurs, have already opted for other forwards. There's no reason to rush a deal. The Pelicans can keep exploring the trade market until February.
Jason
12:08
With Wemby's inevitable improvement in year 2, combined with Paul's arrival (he has a way of elevating young players and teams to win more games then they should, see OKC), do you think SA will win more games than they 'should' and hurt themselves in the Flagg sweepstakes? A trio of Wemby/Flagg/Castle long-term would be a heck of a core.
ARTHUR HILL
12:11
That's definitely a danger, especially with so many teams already "rebuilding" or outright tanking heading into a loaded draft. It's hard to keep losing consistently with a player like Wembanyama, who should raise his game to another level next season. I'm not convinced that Paul will still be in San Antonio past the All-Star break, so maybe the Spurs will have a late-season swoon and hope for some lottery luck.
Jason
12:11
The Rockets will soon have to start consolidating their incredible haul of young talent and decide who gets paid and who gets moved. Who do you think they will decide on for a long-term core? I like Sengun, Smith, Thompson, and Sheppard. They could get a great haul for Green and would have a hard time paying Whitmore, who I believe is poised for a breakout in the next year or 2
ARTHUR HILL
12:14
The Rockets will have to begin making those decisions over the next 12 months, with Green and Sengun already extension eligible and Smith and Tari Eason joining them next summer. Sheppard looked like a legitimate prospect during Summer League, and he could be a perfect backcourt partner for Thompson. I agree that Whitmore could be much better in his second season, but it's going to be hard to find regular minutes for all the young talent.
Jason
12:14
Assuming LaVine/Bulls are able to build up his trade value again (better efficiency numbers/a few more wins) over the course of this season, what teams do you see actually making sense for LaVine? His contract numbers are just way too big for any team taking him on (in my opinion).
ARTHUR HILL
12:19
The new apron system has made teams more reluctant than ever to gamble on high-salaried players with a history of injuries. With two seasons plus an option year left on his contract, there may not be a market at all for LaVine. Either he's going to have to play well at the start of the season and rebuild his trade value, or the Bulls will have to give up enough young talent or draft assets to entice another team to take him. That's not a good strategy for an organization that's already starting to rebuild.
Anthony Edwards Hype Machine
12:19
I really like the addition of Tyus Jones in PHX. It's a marginal move in terms of cost but does the simple addition of a pass first ball control point guard take PHX into the top two in the West assuming Durant and Beal stay healthy?
ARTHUR HILL
12:22
The Suns got a starting point guard basically for free by signing Jones to a one-year, minimum-salary contract. He knows how to run an offense and protect the ball, so Durant, Booker and Beal should all benefit from having him around. Top two might be difficult considering all the talent in OKC, Minnesota and Dallas, but Phoenix looks much better than last season.
Wilt the Stilt
12:22
Is there a Laker "tax"?  Or is it more of a Rob Pelinka tax?  He doesn't seem very likeable lol
ARTHUR HILL
12:26
I don't know if Pelinka's likability figured into the Lakers' offseason. They had a lot of players pick up their options for next year, and none of them have much trade value. Free agents who might have considered L.A. wound up having other options. I wouldn't expect this to be the roster by the end of the season, though. Pelinka will be active through the trade deadline.
Connor
12:26
When do the hornets make the playoffs?🏀 or is it more likely we trade one of our stars which happens 1st?
ARTHUR HILL
12:29
A lot of teams in the East have decided to rebuild, so there may be an opportunity to move up in the standings fairly quickly. I like Charlotte's new coach and front office, and they have a good collection of young talent in place. If they can get a healthy season from LaMelo Ball, the Hornets could be a dark horse for a play-in spot this season.
Guest
12:29
Precious Achiuwa seems like a lock to end up back on the Knicks as their backup 5. Any movement that you have heard of on that topic? The Knicks explored some veteran big men on the trade market but nothing came from it. I think the Knicks need to find a better backup 5. Do you think the Magic have any interest in moving Carter? They have Goga and Wagner at the 5 and big extensions coming. I think a protected 1st rounder and Achiuwa sign and trade for Carter makes some sense for both teams.
ARTHUR HILL
12:34
Carter would be an exceptional addition for the Knicks if Orlando decides to part with him. He's got an affordable contract for the next two years, and New York can be comfortable using him as a starter if Mitchell Robinson gets hurt again. However, the Pelicans have been rumored to be pursuing Carter and they'll likely be willing to top an offer of a re-signed Precious Achiuwa.
Guest
12:34
Enjoy your perspective. Will Keynote George or Amen Thompson produce strong seasons ? Any “ sleepers “ ready to catapult to greatness ?
ARTHUR HILL
12:36
I could see Thompson making a huge impact in his second year. He was outstanding over the second half of last season, and he's got exceptional defensive skills and athleticism to make him a favorite of Ime Udoka. If his shot improves at all, he can be a star in Houston.
Nik Jokic
12:37
Best guess as to why I wanted Russ so bad?
ARTHUR HILL
12:40
I can see where having another veteran with loads of playoff experience would be appealing to Jokic. For all his flaws, Westbrook is still an intense competitor, and Jokic should be able to get him plenty of easy points on cuts to the basket. Westbrook's reputation seems to be much higher among NBA players than it is among fans.
Arcman
12:40
Will the Jrue Holiday trade that sent him out of the Bucks one of the worst trade in the last 10 years?  Bucks miss his defense which they have no recovered from.
ARTHUR HILL
12:43
There have been a lot of terrible trades over the last decade, so that's probably overstating it, but there's no doubt the Bucks miss Holiday's defense. Even with the additions they've made this summer, Milwaukee still doesn't have a strong defensive presence on the perimeter. Damian Lillard can still score at an All-Star level, but the Bucks would probably have a better shot at the title if they had kept Holiday.
Guest
12:43
Bet fit for Gordon Hayward? I think he still has plenty in the tank, he just had a bad experience in OKC. Indiana would be a fun fit for him IMO
ARTHUR HILL
12:46
The Pacers would be interesting, but they might not have minutes to give Hayward with Bennedict Mathurin returning from injury. The Nuggets need veterans, and it seems like the Clippers might be a good spot as well.
Db
12:46
Why is Dillion Brooks so hated? He had a good year last year
ARTHUR HILL
12:49
Being antagonistic is part of Brooks' game, so he becomes a lightning rod for hate from opposing fans. When he keeps his emotions in check, there's a lot to like, especially with Team Canada, where he has more opportunity to be a scorer.
Orioles
12:49
If Markanen doesn't want to be traded.Can Utah actually build around him,and be a contender in the future?
ARTHUR HILL
12:52
A lot depends on luck in the draft lottery. I don't think the Jazz can build a title contender with Markkanen as their best player, but if they get Cooper Flagg or one of the other top prizes in next year's draft, then he'll be great as a secondary star.
B
12:52
What can the sixers do now to improve their roster enough to beat the Celtics or knicks?
ARTHUR HILL
12:55
The Sixers need to find out what they have with their current roster. The addition of Paul George may put them in a class with the East's best teams, but they haven't seen this group together yet. Any areas of need will become obvious after a couple of months, and Daryl Morey can address those by the deadline.
Bulls influx of young "talent"
12:55
With the deals Bulls have made, they have gotten younger. Are they getting multiple 1st contract guys in hope that at least 1 worthy of extension or are they on to something or it it just more Bulls fool's gold they are selling?
ARTHUR HILL
12:57
Josh Giddey will almost certainly be extended. Beyond that, the Bulls are rebuilding, which was necessary for a team that was consistently around .500 with an aging roster. Most of their improvement going forward will come from the draft.
NBA FAN
12:58
When does the next wave of free agents get signed? Also rating Tyus Jones Suns signing?
ARTHUR HILL
1:01
Now that Summer League is over, we're entering the slowest part of the NBA offseason. There may be a small number of signings over the next few weeks, but any "wave" won't happen until shortly before the start of training camp. The Tyus Jones signing was a home run for Phoenix. He said playing for Mike Budenholzer was a factor in his decision, so it will be interesting to see if they work a longer arrangement after his one-year, minimum salary contract expires.
1:02
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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