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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 1/15/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question about Anthony Davis.
Guest
11:01
I was already skeptical about an AD trade even when he was healthy. Will anyone actually give up something of value for him now that he's hurt again?
ARTHUR HILL
11:09
Even though the Mavericks insist Davis could be back by the end of February, the hand injury is horribly timed and represents another hit to his already shaky trade value. Even in a best-case scenario, a team trading for Davis is going to give up assets and play short-handed for about a month before he gets back. Then there's the hope that he can integrate his game with his new teammates within about six weeks before the playoffs start. There's still a case to be made that Davis is a difference maker when he's healthy, but that's becoming far less frequent. We're nearing the one-year anniversary of the Luka trade, and he has only appeared in 29 total games for Dallas. It would be a desperation move for any team to part with something of value to pick him up now.
theBigLip
11:09
Crazy rumors everywhere. Everyone is getting traded supposedly. Let’s cut through the BS - who do you think are the 3 guys most likely to be traded before the deadline?
ARTHUR HILL
11:19
Start with Jonathan Kuminga. He's been wanting out of Golden State for a while, and the Warriors need to realize they're not going to get any real value for him at this point. If they can find a deal that doesn't involve taking back long-term contracts, then it's time to move on. It increasingly seems like Ja Morant is done in Memphis. Again, it might involve selling low, but Morant no longer has much trade value around the league and he'll be a distraction if the Grizzlies keep him around. Guerschon Yabusele is an easy third choice as the Knicks try to improve their bench, but if you want a bigger name, I'd say Michael Porter Jr. He'd be a perfect addition for a team like the Pistons, and I think the Nets should move him now while his trade value is probably at its peak.
Cale
11:19
Were the Wizards planning to shut down Trae Young when they traded for him? Can they get away with sitting him all season without any new injury?
ARTHUR HILL
11:30
There's no benefit to the Wizards in playing Young more than they have to. They owe a 2026 first-round pick to New York that's top-eight protected, and the only way to be certain that it won't convey heading into the lottery is to finish in the bottom four. At 10-29, Washington is in a virtual tie with Sacramento for the third-worst overall record, and both teams are just 1 1/2 games away from Brooklyn. Tanking is going to intensify after the trade deadline, so it's best to keep Young on the bench as much as possible. He may not be done for the season because the NBA polices injuries to "stars," but I don't expect to see much of him in a Wizards uniform this season.
Jonathan Kuminga
11:30
Over/under on the days until I get traded? Will this drag out to Feb. 5? Any chance I'm NOT traded this season?
ARTHUR HILL
11:40
News broke this morning that Kuminga has issued a trade demand to the team, so clearly he's ready for a quick resolution. However, he has wanted to leave for a while, especially during restricted free agency last summer, so making his demand public may not change the Warriors' approach. Kuminga has been on the market for a long time, and Golden State hasn't received a potential deal that's been considered acceptable. My guess is that rival teams will be bargain hunting with Kuminga, and the offers may not be as good as what the Warriors could have gotten in a sign-and-trade in July or August. Kuminga may want out now, but GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. is likely willing to explore his options for the next three weeks.
theBigLip
11:40
Even if the Pistons offer 3 unprotected FRPs, will that sway Utah (Lauri) or New Orleans (Murphy) to do a deal without throwing in any of the young core? And would 2 FRPs get MPJ from the Nets?
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
Markkanen or Murphy would turn the Pistons into legitimate title contenders for the next few years, so the value of their first-round picks, even unprotected, is relatively low. Teams aren't going to part with high-level players without some kind of guaranteed return. That probably means Jaden Ivey at minimum, and maybe Ron Holland as well. Utah and New Orleans are both asking for a high price in a potential deal, and they'll have other offers that Detroit will need to top. Porter might be easier to obtain from Brooklyn, but again the Pistons' picks have limited value and they don't own any future first-rounders from other teams. If they decide to make a big move now, which is reasonable considering their place in the standings, they'll have to part with a piece or two of the young core.
Scott S.
11:50
Would it be best for the Grizzlies just to move on from Ja now even if the return is minimal? Seems like he doesn't really wanna be there
ARTHUR HILL
12:00
Morant's unhappiness seems to be reaching a breaking point, fueled by his clashes with the coaching staff and a growing belief that he'll never be able to compete for a title in Memphis. Never mind that he was largely responsible for the downfall of a consistently good franchise. He's ready to move on, and he has reportedly told at least two teammates and a few rival players that he won't be playing for the Grizzlies again. No player has done more to wreck his trade value over the last three years, so Memphis can't expect to get much in return. Even so, it's a situation that doesn't appear like it's ever going to improve, so the best strategy is to move on from Morant now and focus on building around Jaren Jackson Jr. and the young talent.
Thanks for the great questions. We'll talk again next Thursday.
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