JotCast | Hoops Rumors Live Chat 8/8/2023

Hoops Rumors Live Chat 8/8/2023

EonADS

1:01

What kind of offer does get things done for Siakam? The Raptors need at least one quality PG in return, right?

Dana Gauruder

1:05

I imagine you saw the Shams report that the Raptors turned down a package from the Hawks of Hunter, Griffin and draft picks? It is unclear what the Raptors are emphasizing, but the Hawks don't have a lot of draft capital after the Murray trade last year. The Raptors would also have to replace Siakam in the lineup, too. I think they want at least one starter in return to fill one of those spots but the picks are probably more important to them (not to mention the salaries in that particular proposal don't match up). Pretty much all the trades regarding a high-profile player have included multiple first rounders.

The Raptor

1:05

What do you think Dallas is offering for Capela outside of Hardaway Jr?

Dana Gauruder

1:09

It's been reported for awhile Dallas was interested in being a third party in a potential Hawks/Raptors trade. Hardaway's salary doesn't quite match up to Capela but it's close enough where the kinks could be worked out. Otherwise, you'd probably have to link up Holmes' salary with one or more of their other reserves. They've got several players making around $5 mill. Trouble is, Dallas doesn't really have a nice expiring contract to dangle -- Holmes has a player option next summer.

1:09

Do you see a path for the Kings to get out of the West this year? Who are some names you'd like to see them target?

Dana Gauruder

1:13

They've pretty much brought back the same team, hoping chemistry and familiarity will allow them to take the next step. That approach worked for Denver in the long run. Vezenkov was an interesting addition -- curious to see how his skill set translates to the NBA. I don't know if Huerter/Barnes starting combo at the wing spots is strong enough to win a championship. I don't see them making an immediate move but if they could upgrade at one of those spots at the trade deadline, that might put them over the top.

Taylor

1:13

Do you agree with the Wolves' decision to simply work around the margins and see how Ant, KAT, and Gobert gel with a full season?

Dana Gauruder

1:15

I don't know if they have much choice. Edwards is a cornerstone piece. The team invested heavily in Gobert last summer in terms of players/draft capital, so they're not ready to give up on that experiment. Towns' big extension, plus injury history, makes it tough to deal him. I don't know if there's a team out there -- I know Knicks have been mentioned in the past -- willing to give up multiple rotation player and picks for Towns until he can show more durability.

Royalrooter

1:16

Murray and hunter is a good deal for Siakam.

Dana Gauruder

1:19

Murray just signed an extension this summer -- I don't think the Hawks did it to trade him. He's ineligible to be traded for 6 months, so if they did want to move him, they'd have to wait until the winter. And why would the Hawks do that for essentially a rental? Siakam doesn't want to be traded or sign an extension with another team.

matt

1:19

if Kyrie gets unhappy for whatever reason, is a Lakers trade the only possible one to move him on in return for matching salaries and maybe a couple of protected picks?

Dana Gauruder

1:23

Not many GMs would want Kyrie if he wanted to be traded shortly after signing that extension. As for the Lakers, they've got a pretty solid guard combination in Reaves, Vincent and Russell. One of the young guys, perhaps Christie, could figure into the mix. And then you'd have the issue of matching salaries for Irving, which would be nearly impossible for LA to do without giving up multiple rotation players.

Mike Dunlevy

1:23

I dont see why TOR would trade Siakam now. Outside of an injury I would think there will be more suiters at the deadline. Most teams are done with offseason business mostly and its time to wait and see what doesnt work.

Dana Gauruder

1:26

The Raptors don't have to trade him. He hasn't asked to be traded. The issue is more long term. He's in the last year of his contract and Toronto doesn't seem inclined to give him a long-term extension. The flip side is that if you trade for Siakam, how many assets do you want to surrender for a player who might only be a rental? That's why there have so many rumors swirling around him. They're not going away unless the Raptors change their minds regarding an extension.

Lenny Beer

1:27

Any word on a resolution to the Amir Coffey gun charges?

Dana Gauruder

1:28

I'll pass this along: He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 24, jail records show. These cases tend to drag out for a few months, so I wouldn't expect a "resolution" in the coming weeks. Most likely, he'll enter a plea deal but that's just speculation.

EonADS

1:29

Frank Vogel has never been a good offensive coach. Does that create some problems for the Suns offense-first system?

Dana Gauruder

1:32

The Lakers won a championship in the bubble with Vogel as the head coach, so I don't know about that. I don't think points are going to be an issue for Phoenix with Durant, Beal, Booker and Ayton. The Suns had a surprisingly good offseason in terms of getting solid role players to sign for vet minimums. The bigger issues down the road will be whether they can defend well enough, whether Booker will thrive as a primary ball-handler and, most of all, whether KD and the other stars will be healthy during the postseason.

EonADS

1:34

What accepted playoff team is most likely to faceplant during the season? I'm betting on the Sixers.

Dana Gauruder

1:35

Let's see how the regular season plays out before making any predictions about the playoffs. As for the Sixers, we're not even sure if James Harden will be playing for them or whether they'll get a package of rotation players for him.

1:36

In fact, we are running a poll right now on whether Harden will begin the season with Philly or somewhere else.

1:39

On an unrelated topic, what do you think of Scoot Henderson's proclamation that he'll be Rookie of the Year? He's certainly not lacking in confidence, so that's good news for the Blazers. I just think it will be tough to get past VW, unless he misses a chunk of the season due to injury. And don't forget about Chet Holmgren -- he didn't play last year, so he's eligible. He'll be starting for a good, up and coming team.

HeatBaby!!!!

1:39

Any Heat news on Lillard? Or are we seriously done tinkering to start the season(waiting on dame)

Dana Gauruder

1:42

Nothing new to report on that front. About a week ago, it was reported that the Blazers remain “disinclined” to engage with the Heat about a potential trade package. Portland is in no hurry to deal Lillard and really has no incentive to do so, at least before training camps open. That's when things could get cooking but I wouldn't expect anything to happen in the next couple of weeks.

GSW

1:42

There is a lot of talking about CP3 role in GS, where do you see him fitting best? Is Wiggins going to the bench? Is CP3 ending games?

Dana Gauruder

1:45

Steve Kerr could get creative and try the three-guard lineup with Curry-CP-Thompson. Don't know how well that would work in terms of defensive switching, though I think they'll experiment with small lineups during the course of the season. It would be odd for CP to come off the bench but I think he's going to have to do that for the Warriors to be most effective.

EonADS

1:46

The Championship Lakers won because of their defense around Davis, with tons of quality pieces around Lebron and AD (who is an all-world defender himself). Their offense was 11th that season, and it was worse before the bubble started.

Dana Gauruder

1:51

Do you think the Suns' defense will be as effective with Booker, Beal, KD and Ayton, plus whoever gets the fifth spot? So I think the bigger focus for Vogel/Suns would be whether they can get enough stops. I think the Suns will figure things out offensively -- the bigger question there is whether they need a true point next to Booker or whether he can handle that role with CP gone.

Kenny Lieu

1:51

I hope Boston resigns Blake Griffin. I feel like he provides veteran leadership in the locker room and they definitely going to need it since they lost Grant Williams and Danilo Galinari. I also like to see them sign someone like Terrence Davis to a veteran minimum deal to fill out their last roster spot.

Dana Gauruder

1:54

I don't know if you saw Marc Stein's post that we passed along yesterday regarding Blake. Seems like the Celtics have some interest in bringing him back but he may be looking around for a place where he can play a bigger role. Regarding Griffin, it's too bad he's in this position after being a terrific player before his knees gave out. He carried an otherwise weak Pistons team into the playoffs a few years back. Davis is one of many interesting free agents still looking for a tem.

Kim

1:55

Who starts in place of John Collins on the Hawks?

Dana Gauruder

1:55

Assuming they don't trade for Siakam? Probably Saddiq Bey.

1:58

They could go with one of the young guys there as well (Griffin, Johnson) and even put Bogie in there. I just think Bey has had plenty of starting experience during his time with the Pistons, so he's the logical choice.

Connor💪🏼

1:58

Will hornets be decent this year?🙄

Dana Gauruder

1:59

They should be better than last season if LaMelo can stay reasonably healthy. They've got Bridges back and added the No. 2 pick in the draft.

Chip

2:00

Do you set a timer so you know when an hour is up ??

Dana Gauruder

2:00

There is a little clock on the bottom of my screen. And the hour is up, so we'll do this again next week!