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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 12/22/2025
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Luke Adams
2:54
I believe he has another three years on his contract beyond this one, and he's making $14MM per year, so it would be an expensive proposition to replace him.

Of course, that's pocket change for Steve Ballmer, so if they thought they needed to make a move, I'm sure they still would. But everything about the way the Clippers have treated Lue since hiring him suggests they view him as one of the NBA's best coaches and that they plan to keep him around for a while (whether he's earned that sort of treatment based on the team's performance during his tenure in L.A. is up for debate).
Mike
2:55
Are the Pistons legit contenders?
Luke Adams
2:57
Given the lack of dominant teams in the East this season, I think you have to give them a legitimate shot to come out of the conference, at least. The Knicks are the only Eastern team that I'd confidently pick to beat them in a playoff series.

Having said that, I'm still not entirely sold on them. It feels like they need one more shooter/scorer to take some pressure off Cade and maximize their potential. A guy like Lauri Markkanen would make a lot of sense.
Lamelo Ball
2:58
Should I have my bags packed ready for a team that wants me?
Luke Adams
3:01
Your situation feels like one that's near a tipping point, but not there yet. Like, right now, I expect you to be with Hornets through the deadline, since I don't think they're ready to move you. But it also wouldn't really surprise me if you request a trade a week before the deadline. There's been a little smoke there, but no fire yet.
Hoosierdaddy7484
3:02
What's the most shocking trade you think could happen this season? Maybe something under the radar or not as expected but would make sense?
Luke Adams
3:05
Maybe something involving Embiid? I know he's not the player he was a few years ago, so it's not as shocking as trading Luka in his prime or anything.

But he's been a Sixer his entire career and it feels like everyone's sort of ruled him out as a trade candidate because no one wants that contract, so I think it qualifies here. And if I squint, I can picture a situation where someone takes a shot on him in a trade involving another maximum-salary player with red flags.
3:06
Thanks for all the questions today. Not sure yet whether I'll do a chat next Monday during that Christmas/New Year's dead-zone week, but will be back the Monday after that for sure.

Enjoy the holidays!
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