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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 9/3/24
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ARTHUR HILL
12:02
Welcome to this week's chat. We're a little low on questions so far, so we could use some more. We'll start with the Grizzlies.
Silver
12:02
Can we make some sort of offer to whoever has the Grizzlies voodoo doll? Stop sticking pins! We'll feed you fantastic barbecue!
ARTHUR HILL
12:06
It seems like Memphis should have used up all its bad luck last season, but then GG Jackson hurt his right foot last week and will need surgery. It's only a broken metatarsal, so it shouldn't be a long-term issue. Jackson had a very promising first season and hopefully we'll see him back on the court this season. If the Grizzlies can avoid injuries, they should be back in the playoff mix, so let's hope their luck is going to change.
ZoMama
12:06
Barring injuries, where do you see the Heat landing this year? Butler is gone in the offseason right?
ARTHUR HILL
12:11
There was some speculation over the weekend about Butler's next team, so it looks like his time in Miami is nearing its end, possibly before the season is over. He has a player option worth $52.4MM for next year, and that may scare some teams away. The Heat's ceiling may be limited as long as they keep him, so a breakup could be best for both sides. I expect them to be in the middle of the pack in the East this season, probably in the play-in tournament again and hoping to pull off some upsets and make a long playoff run like they did in 2023.
Bobby Higginson
12:11
How, if at all, does THJ get utilized by Detroit this year. Is he ahead or behind Beasley in the pecking order for veteran’s minutes?
ARTHUR HILL
12:17
I think they'll both be given an opportunity, and the bulk of the minutes will go to whoever provides more consistent scoring. Beasley is only 27, so he has a better chance to be part of the future in Detroit. Hardaway is 32 and will likely be made available at the trade deadline no matter how he performs. But the Pistons are looking to turn things around quickly, so it's not automatic that Beasley will get minutes over Hardaway.
UncleMike1525
12:17
Name some teams that might want to trade for Vujevic and Ball and what kind of return we can expect?
ARTHUR HILL
12:22
Any team that needs help at center should take a close look at Vucevic. He's got a reasonable salary at $20MM and his contract only runs through 2025/26. The Pelicans seem like an obvious landing spot, as they're just a quality center away from becoming a legitimate contender in the West. It will probably be much tougher to find a taker for Ball, even with an expiring contract. Teams are going to want some evidence that he can stay on the court before taking that gamble.
Justin
12:23
would love to see a tank trade by the raptors letting Jakob, Bruce, and Chris Boucher go to another team. With that package, terrible salaries coming back and then waived, can they snag another 2025 first rounder?
ARTHUR HILL
12:28
It seems like there should be a strong trade market for Bruce Brown, considering the role he played in Denver's championship run. His game is versatile enough to fit with just about any contender. Poeltl is another quality center with a reasonable contract, and a team like the Pelicans should consider him as well. I think that package should be able to land a first-round pick for 2025, though probably something well outside the lottery range considering the quality of next year's draft.
12:29
Our list of questions is empty, so I'm going to take a short break to see if any more come in.
Pop
12:34
I've got a star in the making and a quality but aging point guard.  I also have some young talent, but what can I do within my budgetary constraints to take that next leap.  Do I have to wait until next summer?
ARTHUR HILL
12:40
I think the additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes were probably the Spurs' major moves for the time being. They're going to want to see what kind of influence Paul can have on Victor Wembanyama and the other young players on the roster. It still seems like San Antonio is focused on long-term development, rather than reaching the play-in tournament right away. Paul has an expiring contract, and Barnes' salary is reasonable at $18MM this season and $19MM next year, so the Spurs' next big moves might come at the trade deadline.
12:42
Our well of questions has run dry again, so I'm going to end the chat early this week. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions, and we'll talk again next Tuesday.
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