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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 1/22/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the Pistons.
stinky
11:01
why would the pistons trade tobias harris for MPJ or any other offense-first 4 when he is the leader of the team in addition to being their best iso-scorer when the offense breaks down, which is regularly.  they have been amazing defensively this season (2nd in league), and just need another three point shooter, preferably one that isn't a turnstile.  They also have a 14mm trade exception that can be used here.  just think its a little short sighted.  ivey, a couple firsts, and a pick swap should net them what they need, no?
ARTHUR HILL
11:10
The Pistons don't seem to be looking for a major deal, which makes sense considering their comfortable lead at the top of the East. Harris is an obvious trade candidate if the right opportunity comes along because he has a $26.6MM expiring contract and he's not a sure thing to be back next season. Adding a higher-scoring forward makes sense in theory, but the team is winning consistently with its current roster. It's significant that Cade Cunnigham singled out Harris' contributions after the win over Boston. If the team leader is doing that, then Harris' spot on the roster is likely safe. I do expect Detroit to make use of its trade exception and add at least one more shooter before the deadline.
theBigLip
11:10
Crazy trade idea
Knicks
11:10
Was firing Tom Thibodeau a mistake? Haven't seen anything from Mike Brown yet that makes me think he's an upgrade.
ARTHUR HILL
11:18
The Knicks had a strong identity under Thibodeau, and the roster was constructed for his style of play. Adjusting to Mike Brown's offense with an emphasis on fast ball movement hasn't been easy, and it has affected Karl-Anthony Towns so badly that New York has started contacting teams about a potential trade. Thibodeau certainly had his faults, such as relying too much on his starters and wearing down his stars over the course of a season, but overall he was a popular figure in New York and he brought success to a franchise that hadn't experienced much of it over the previous two decades. Replacing him after a loss in the conference finals was definitely an overreaction and the front office should be regretting it.
theBigLip
11:18
crazy trade idea. Warriors trade Jimmy and Kuminga and draft assets for DDR and Sabonis. Would help both teams wouldn’t it?
ARTHUR HILL
11:26
It would definitely help Golden State in the short term. Sabonis would give them an offensive-minded big man who's a good complement to Draymond Green, while DeRozan is an elite clutch-time scorer who could take some of the offensive load off Stephen Curry. Kuminga would be ecstatic to wind up with the Kings, where he would be one of the building blocks for the future and finally get the chance to start on a regular basis. There's also benefit to Sacramento in unloading Sabonis' expensive contract, which runs for two more years. The biggest loser in that scenario is Butler, who would instantly be unhappy with the Kings and would spend the summer demanding to be traded to a contender. The Warriors have stated that they don't plan to part with Butler after the injury, but they would have to consider it if that deal became available.
JD
11:26
Will the Grizzlies be willing to take an underwhelming package for Ja like the Hawks did with Trae or will their bar be higher?
ARTHUR HILL
11:33
As Marc Stein pointed out this week, Morant is still beloved by Memphis fans despite his off-court incidents and his diminished performance. It would be hard to sell the fan base on any deal that only brings back expiring contracts. Morant has been guarded in his public comments about a potential trade, but he has expressed loyalty to the Grizzlies, which makes it even harder to part with him for a meager return. It seems unrealistic for Memphis to make a postseason run no matter what the team does at the deadline, so the safest move is to keep Morant for now and reassess the situation this summer.
teddygreen
11:33
Should the Clippers look for more help and try to package Derek Jones jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic's expiring contract, and Cp3 minimum contract?
ARTHUR HILL
11:41
Paul is obviously expendable and Bogdanovic has been disappointing, but I think they'll be reluctant to part with Jones. The Clippers' record would likely be a lot better if not for his two MCL injuries, and he's projected to return around the All-Star break. Jones is a high-level perimeter defender who can hit three-point shots and has NBA Finals experience. He also has a team-friendly contract at $10.5MM for next season. If he can stay healthy for the rest of the year, I don't think the Clippers will find a better option on the trade market.
theBigLip
11:41
Don’t the Celtics need to shed a little salary? Does their surprise success this year mess up their finances?
ARTHUR HILL
11:50
The Celtics escaped second apron territory with their moves last summer, and their plan was to get below the luxury tax line if the season went as expected. Being a contender complicates things, and Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser, who were viewed as the most likely trade candidates, have proven to be very valuable. It creates a difficult balancing act for Brad Stevens, who has to weigh the financial benefits of escaping the tax with the possibility of being able to compete for a title. The deciding factor may be how confident they are that Jayson Tatum can return and play at a high level. If that seems likely, and there have been encouraging signs, then Boston will remain in tax territory and hope for a long playoff run in a conference with no obvious contenders other than the Pistons.
Scott S.
11:50
I know Giannis says he won't ask for a trade but it feels like something's gotta give in Milwaukee. Any chance he changes course before the deadline? Or does he finish the season as a Buck?
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
It's been a rough season for the Bucks, but there are still no real benefits to trading Giannis unless he demands it. With him on the roster, they have a chance to battle through the play-in tournament and take their chances in the first round of the playoffs. Trading him would signal the start of a complete rebuilding project and probably a long time before they can even dream of the playoffs again. With only two weeks until the deadline, I think Giannis understands that it's tough to issue a trade demand now. He still expresses loyalty to the team in his public comments, and I don't think that's going to change by February 5. My guess is that he finishes the season in Milwaukee but states that he won't accept an extension offer this summer, which makes his trade pursuit the top story of the offseason.
Tarunafish
12:01
Do you see the Sixers making a trade to add a defensive-minded big man who can reduce Joel Embiid’s minutes?
ARTHUR HILL
12:09
Embiid has exceeded expectations by playing in 23 games so far, and keeping him healthy for the postseason has to be Philadelphia's top concern. Although his surgically repaired knee limits his mobility, he's still an elite scorer when he's able to play. The Sixers have Andre Drummond, so I don't expect them to give up a lot to get another big man, but they could be in the market for a low-salaried veteran on an expiring contract.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next Thursday.
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