You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 10/20/2025
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Luke Adams
1:47
Also, while I guess Durant deserves some credit for not pushing for every last penny, I'm wary of framing it as too big a sacrifice when he's still averaging $45MM per year at ages 38 and 39 and now ranks first all-time in career earnings.
Guest
1:48
Who is the most likely candidate to reach an extension that would be considered a surprise?
Luke Adams
1:51
If we're talking rookie scale extension candidates, maybe Mark Williams and Walker Kessler -- we've been repeatedly told in recent weeks that they're not expected to sign extensions, but if the price is right, I can't imagine their teams entirely shutting the door on the possibility.

One of my favorite under-the-radar veteran extension candidates is Harrison Barnes. He's on an expiring deal, continues to start for the Spurs, and isn't so old that a one- or two-year extension wouldn't make some sense, especially if he takes a bit of a pay cut.
SAMULI
1:51
What do you think of Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo? Do you believe he lasts a full season at his position, or even longer than that? What kind of contract Iisalo has with Memphis (duration, moneywise)?
Luke Adams
1:54
Need to see him in action a little more to fully form an opinion. The Grizzlies were in a bit of a tailspin at the end of last season, so I don't want to judge him on those last few games and that one-sided playoff series. Everything I've read and heard about him suggests he has potential.

As for his contract, I don't believe the terms were reported, but assistants who are promoted to head coach as in-season replacements typically don't have long-term deals or lucrative salaries. It was recently reported, for example, that Doug Christie's deal with the Kings is guaranteed for just two years at $2MM per season. I wouldn't be surprised if Iisalo has a similar contract.
Kevin in Houston
1:54
First time all NBA players this year?
Luke Adams
1:57
Wemby is the safest bet if he gets to 65 games. I like Sengun's chances too.

I'm surprised Jaren Jackson Jr. has never made one, but if he couldn't make the cut last year, I'm not sure he will this year for a Grizzlies team I expect to be worse.

Paolo Banchero should be a great candidate if he stays healthy and Orlando is as good as people expect them to be.
BULLS
1:57
Thoughts on the Bulls upcoming season? Do you think they will be in the middle of the pack?
Luke Adams
1:59
Hard to picture them anywhere else! I do actually think that Buzelis' trajectory is a real reason for optimism in Chicago, but I expect they'll probably fall short of the 39-40 wins they've put up in each of the past few years. Around 34-35 wins feels right to me.
Luka
1:59
I am from Serbia and my team KK Partizan, which plays in the Euroleague, wants to bring in a center, who remains without an NBA contract. Since I don't understand NBA rules that much, I'm wondering if there is a possibility after the deadline for rosters expires in a two hours that players like Bamba, Achiuwa, Bassey get an NBA contract (two-way or whatever) in the near future or will they have to go to the G League if they want to stay in the United States?
Luke Adams
2:01
There's nothing stopping any of those players from staying in the U.S., working out, and hoping to get a shot with an NBA team at some point early in the season -- they're not obligated to play in the G League.
2:02
Thanks for all the questions today, guys! Just a little over 24 hours now until NBA basketball is officially back. Enjoy this week's games and we'll do this again next Monday!
Connecting…