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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 12/17/24
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll get started with a question on an early-season trade.
Sandy G.
11:02
I'm surprised the Nets didn't get more for Dennis Schroder. A pair of second rounders hardly moves the needle. Comment?
ARTHUR HILL
11:09
I thought someone would have offered the Nets a first-round pick in exchange for Schroder by the trade deadline, but apparently they didn't want to take that chance. Schroder's value probably would have kept rising by February as teams become more desperate for veteran backcourt help. But Brooklyn saw the opportunity to get three second-rounders while only giving up one, which may not convey because it's top-37 protected. It was a limited-time offer because the Warriors had to get a deal done by Monday to ensure that Schroder's salary could be aggregated in a later trade.
11:11
Also, it probably wasn't in the Nets' best interest to hold onto Schroder for much longer. Despite several public statements about not tanking, the organization needs to maximize the value of its draft picks in 2025 and 2026. Schroder has been one of their best players this season, and it was going to be hard to fall out of the Eastern playoff race with him on the roster. I expect another deal or two to push the Nets in that direction.
jDubster
11:12
What's up with Myles Turner? Can Pacers find a way to clear cap space for him this summer?   Is there any truth to rumours that the Pacers seek to move Turner now for a lower-priced option?
ARTHUR HILL
11:18
There has been trade speculation about Turner for a very long time, but he's now in his 10th season with Indiana. He's not eligible for an in-season veteran extension, so he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. There was a report this week that the Pacers aren't worried about losing him, so most likely he'll be back on a long-term deal. Turner is a known quality in Indiana and seems to mesh well with the rest of the roster. The Pacers are hoping last season's playoff run will be an annual event, so I think they'll try to hold on to Turner.
John B
11:18
What's your take on the Schroder trade? Seems like a good fit for the W's. Lot of talk they could flip him.
ARTHUR HILL
11:26
The Warriors are looking for another star to team with Stephen Curry to give him a chance to compete for more titles as his career winds down. Schroder provides more ammunition for that kind of deal, as he carries more trade value than the contract of injured guard De'Anthony Melton and the three second-round picks they sent to Brooklyn. In the meantime, Schroder can be a valuable addition for the Warriors as they try to stay near the top of the Western Conference. He may start alongside Curry and should be able to create plenty of open shots for the league's best shooter. When Curry rests or has to miss to a game or two, Schroder can run the offense and replace a good portion of his scoring. Having Schroder's contract as a trade chip means Golden State may not have to part with its young talent in its next deal, but if he plays well enough, Warriors officials may decide they want to keep him for the playoffs.
Nikola Vucevic
11:26
Is it realistic for the Bulls to expect a 1st round pick for me? If they only get offered 2nds, should they take the best offer on Feb 6 or hang on to me?
ARTHUR HILL
11:35
Second-round picks don't seem like enough considering how well Vucevic has been playing. He has fit right into Billy Donovan's up-tempo offense and is averaging 21.5 PPG, which is his best mark since coming to Chicago. He's also shooting 58.7% from the field, which is a career high by a wide margin, and an amazing 47.5% from three-point range on 4.6 attempts per game.  He's outperforming his contract, and he has another season left at a reasonable $21.5MM, so there's no urgency to unload him. The Bulls aren't contenders, but they appear headed for another play-in appearance and wouldn't really benefit from tearing down the team at midseason. I wouldn't listen to any offer for Vucevic that doesn't include a first-round pick.
Mike
11:35
What do you see the Knicks doing? Is moving Mitch Robinson a possibility? what do they need?
ARTHUR HILL
11:41
The Knicks probably need to be patient with their current roster after making two major additions during the offseason. The defense has obviously been an issue, but that could be because there's not a reliable big man on the court to protect the rim. For all his other talents, Karl-Anthony Towns is never going to be able to fill that role. Robinson is getting closer to making his return, and the roster is going to be more flexible once he starts playing again. He's viewed as the Knicks' top trade asset, but what he can provide is what they need most.
jDubster
11:41
About the Warriors trade outlook... Would you agree that the likelihood of the Warriors acquiring a Top 30 player look small because, one, Wiggins is having a career year and his remaining 2.5 seasons at $26M look like a bargain, and, two, Melton's expiring $12.8M was used to acquire Schroder.  the Warriors have only the expiring contract Payton's $9M, Looney's $8M, and Waters' $2.8M  reaming as ballast.
ARTHUR HILL
11:49
Schroder's expiring $13MM contract should be added to that list. Because he was acquired before December 16, he can be aggregated in another trade before the deadline. That gets them to almost $33MM in expiring deals, plus several players on longer-term contracts who also have trade value. There has been speculation that it's going to be hard to move high-salaried players during the season because of the apron restrictions, but the Warriors are likely going to be aggressive in trying.
11:57
They'll probably make the best offer to Miami for Jimmy Butler, who has a $48.8MM contract, and it's likely going to be centered around Schroder ($13MM) and Jonathan Kuminga, who's headed to restricted free agency this summer and is only making $7.6MM in the final year of his rookie deal. That means there's a lot of ground to cover and a third or fourth team may have to be included. Parting with Andrew Wiggins ($26.3MM) may be necessary, even though his remaining contract looks much better than it did this summer.
Go Cavs!!!!!
11:58
The way the Cavs are playing, what actually can you do to that team to make them better?
ARTHUR HILL
12:05
I've heard that the Cavaliers would like to acquire another veteran wing defender before the playoffs. That makes sense considering potential matchups with the Celtics and Magic. Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets seems like a perfect fit. He's making about $15MM this season with a $15.3MM player option for next year. He's also in the midst of the best scoring season of his career and is a reliable three-point shooter. The Nets reportedly talked to the Warriors about him early in the Dennis Schroder negotiations, and they're believed to be eager to move him before the deadline. Cleveland should be calling.
Thanks for another week of great questions. There won't be a chat next week because of Christmas Eve, but we'll talk again on December 31.
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