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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 11/19/24
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ARTHUR HILL
11:00
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on the Pistons.
Jay cain
11:01
Should the Pistons consider making a play for Brandon Ingram through trade or free agency?
ARTHUR HILL
11:11
The Pistons' offseason moves appear to be successful as they're part of a large group of Eastern teams that are near .500 and have a shot at the postseason. It's a huge step forward from a year ago when they were in the midst of a historic losing streak. One more scorer would be a welcome addition, and Ingram has been on the trade market since the offseason began. Tim Hardway Jr. and Isaiah Stewart would get Detroit most of the way toward matching Ingram's $36MM salary, and throwing another young player or draft asset could be enough to get the Pelicans to agree. The larger question is whether the Pistons view Ingram as part of their core group moving forward. His contract is expiring, so he'll be expensive to re-sign. Cade Cunningham's extension kicks in next season, and new deals for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren won't be far behind. If the Pistons believe they can be successful by adding Ingram to that group, they may be the best spot for Ingram.
Unclemike 1526
11:11
Now that the Bulls are proving once again after getting pounded on the boards by Houston, That Patrick Williams is the worst PF in the NBA, Are the Bulls ever going to admit that the PF position actually exists? Somebody really needs to explain it to them. Vujevic is basically alone in Donovan's system and he needs to go away Right?
ARTHUR HILL
11:23
Williams is undersized for a power forward and he's never been a great rebounder, so that does put a lot of stress on Vucevic to control the boards. With so many guards and wings on the roster, the Bulls want to play Williams at the four to get as much talent on the court as possible, but he's never really been effective at that spot. Chicago seems to have valued Williams more than the league consensus, all the way from drafting him with the fourth pick in 2020 to giving him a five-year extension this summer. They're not going to find a trade market for Williams any time soon, but they should consider giving him more minutes at small forward and trying out some larger lineups.
malarcus aldrige
11:23
do you see joe cronin trading any of the vets to let the youngins develop together? shaedon, scoot and cling kong need to be out there together more.
ARTHUR HILL
11:30
There were Jerami Grant trade rumors all summer long, and they'll probably be revived as we get closer to the deadline. It seems like the Trail Blazers should take advantage of the chance to unload him and his salary as he moves into his 30s. Portland has too many centers, and Clingan obviously deserves a full-time role, which makes Robert Williams the odd man out. He'll likely be moved if he can avoid another injury. The Blazers have put together an exciting group of young talent, and they should have a bright long-term future.
Koby Altman
11:30
Are my Cavaliers a title contender right now or do we need one more move to have a real chance to beat the Celtics in the playoffs? If so, do we have the assets to get it done?
ARTHUR HILL
11:36
I wouldn't do anything major. The current roster obviously works well together, and the success should continue as long as they can avoid injuries. The hiring of Kenny Atkinson brought a new style of play to Cleveland, and the addition of Ty Jerome filled a lineup hole. Maybe they could use another big man off the bench, but there should be low-cost options available by February. Remember, the Cavs were short-handed for last season's playoff matchup with the Celtics. They should be much more competitive if the teams meet again.
braywyatt313
11:36
Is this offseason the right time for the Pistons to make a significant trade and acquire a player to join Cade Cunningham, allowing them to take the next step in the Eastern Conference?
ARTHUR HILL
11:45
There will probably be better options in the offseason, so the next major move will likely come then. A lot of the roster was put together this summer, and it makes sense to give them a full season to see what they can do. One exception might be Tim Hardaway Jr., who's probably not in Detroit's long-term plans and could draw a lot of trade interest with his $16MM expiring salary.
Guest
11:46
Which Eastern team is the best bet to make the play-in/playoffs: the 7-9 Pistons, the 6-9 Bulls, the 5-8 Hornets, or the 5-9 Nets?
ARTHUR HILL
11:54
There's a good collection of young talent in Detroit and Charlotte, so I'd give them the edge out of those four teams. Chicago and Brooklyn are both likely to be active by the deadline in deals that might not make them better this season. The Bulls would like to get rid of the high salaries of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, while the Nets' best path is rebuilding through the draft. The Pistons and Hornets both invigorated themselves with coaching changes and both teams appear to be heading in the right direction. I'd give Detroit a slight advantage, but it's possible that they both finish in the top 10.
barron_hudson
11:54
This Pistons team has been impressive so far, ranking 6th in defense, and the lineup is coming together. Should the Pistons be active players at the trade deadline?
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
There's also a level of opportunity that we didn't anticipate because of a weaker than expected Eastern Conference. A .500 record could put teams in contention for a guaranteed playoff spot, and that certainly seems within reach for the Pistons. As I said earlier, I'm in favor of taking it slow with the current group and giving them time to grow together, but I can understand how that could change if they're around the sixth spot in early February. There have been rumors that Isaiah Stewart is available, and Tim Hardway Jr.'s expiring contract is a nice asset for matching salaries. The Pistons should definitely see who's available at the deadline and pull the trigger if they can get someone to add to their long-term core.
Thanks for the great questions this week. I'll talk to you again next Tuesday.
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