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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 11/4/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on Ja Morant.
Ja Morant
11:01
Am I more likely to finish the season in Memphis or with another team?
ARTHUR HILL
11:09
Returning from his one-game suspension Monday night, Morant made it clear that his "joy" about playing for the Grizzlies is gone. Clearly he has an icy relationship with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who may be making demands on Morant that former coach Taylor Jenkins didn't. Morant would probably welcome a trade, but he isn't in a position to demand one with two more years left on his contract and no path toward free agency until 2028. His injury history and his off-court behavior have lowered his trade value, and it's not easy to move a nearly $40MM contract in the middle of the season. I don't know if their relationship can be repaired, but Morant and the Grizzlies are likely stuck with each other until at least next summer.
Unclemike 1526
11:09
So has Patrick Williams suddenly learned how to play basketball, Or am I imagining it? Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
11:15
The Bulls are one of this year's early surprises, and Williams has played a role in their success. His shooting percentages are up dramatically so far, and he's taking advantage of the opportunities he gets in Chicago's fast-paced offense. Williams talked about feeling healthier before the season started, so maybe that's a reason for his improvement. Or maybe he realized that he needs to start producing after five mostly disappointing NBA seasons. Either way, his $18MM annual salary will look a lot better if he keeps playing at this level.
Guest
11:15
Can the Pelicans' season be salvaged? Would a coaching change help? It feels like they're gonna end up sending Atlanta a pick in the top half of the lottery.
ARTHUR HILL
11:25
Trading away next year's unprotected first-round pick was a reckless decision when it happened, and it looks even worse after the Pelicans' 0-6 start. It wasn't worth the price to get Derik Queen, and there was always the danger that this season could go badly and that pick would wind up delivering a future star to Atlanta. If something doesn't change quickly, the Hawks will have a good shot at landing one of the top picks in a very loaded draft. Getting back Dejounte Murray should help, but the season could already be lost by the time he returns. The Pelicans haven't been competitive in three of their six losses, and pursuing a quick fix will just make things worse for the future. A coaching change is probably inevitable, but it won't do much good to promote James Borrego, who's already on the staff. If anyone should be fired, it's Joe Dumars for proposing that terrible trade.
J.J.
11:25
Four team trade at the deadline, assuming all players involve stay healthy and performing at their current level:  Warriors get  Markannen, Bucks get Kuminga, Pistons get Draymond, Jazz get Tobias Harris, Kuzma, and the Bucks’ unprotected ‘32 pick and a ‘31 swap.  Pistons and Warriors need to send out draft picks but how do we feel about that deal?
ARTHUR HILL
11:35
Lauri Markkanen would be a tremendous fit for the Warriors. Jonathan Kuminga probably doesn't have a long-term future there, so that would be a fantastic return that would greatly enhance Golden State's title chances. Swapping Kuzma for Kuminga is a win for the Bucks as well in their constant quest to prove to Giannis that they can build a contending roster around him. However, Milwaukee is already low on draft assets and I don't know if they want to keep mortgaging their future by giving up two more first-rounders. Draymond to the Pistons has been rumored for several years, and he'd fit the culture there while bringing needed veteran leadership at a relatively low price. The Jazz continue their rebuild with more draft assets and two short-term contracts, although they could probably get better offers for Markkanen. Overall, it's a realistic proposal that has benefits for everyone involved.
Scott S.
11:35
As bad as the Pacers have been so far this season, I still feel like with a healthy roster (including Hali) and a high draft pick, they'd be a contender again. Any chance they tank this season to get that pick?
ARTHUR HILL
11:43
The biggest impediment to a tanking season is probably coach Rick Carlisle, who is hyper competitive and couldn't stand the thought of playing to lose. He's earned a reputation of getting his teams to play above their talent level, and I can't see him buying into that strategy regardless of the long-term benefits. The Pacers are off to a 1-6 start, but they've had a pair of two-point losses already and have been competitive most nights. Indiana has also suffered through bad injury luck and will probably be back in the play-in race when the roster gets healthier. Cameron Boozer might look really good in their future frontcourt, but I don't think tanking is in Carlisle's DNA.
DJ Clutch
11:44
Did you see Cuban go on Pablo Torre's show?  Would love to get your take on all that nonsense, specifically where do you see this potentially headed?
ARTHUR HILL
11:54
I didn't watch the interview with Cuban, but I've seen reports that he blames Aspiration for the Kawhi Leonard controversy, notably saying that "scammers do scammy things." Admittedly, company co-founder Joe Sanberg pleaded guilty to wire fraud, but the Clippers haven't looked virtuous in this arrangement either. The timing of Aspiration payments to Leonard has coincided with investments from team officials, and there's enough evidence to suggest that something improper was going on. It may be Cuban's nature to take the side of a fellow owner, but his comments aren't going to sway the general public or the law firm investigating the scandal.
Cale
11:54
Would a Trae Young / Ja Morant trade make any sense?
ARTHUR HILL
12:03
The Hawks had a chance to sign Young to an extension this summer, but they decided not to pursue any negotiations. If they're not convinced that he should be part of their future, then it makes sense to explore Morant as a replacement. Morant would probably benefit from a change of scenery after injuries and off-court problems have clouded his time in Memphis. It wasn't long ago that he was considered one of the top young guards in the league, and his attacking style would fit in well with Atlanta's athletic roster. Young would be an intriguing combination with Jaren Jackson Jr., and the Grizzlies have enough shot blockers to make up for his defensive issues. I don't think it's a trade that will happen, but it's a reasonable solution for both teams.
12:04
Thanks for the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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