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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 12/4/25
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on Chris Paul.
Chris Paul
11:01
My NBA career can't end like this, can it? What's the best next/last stop for me?
ARTHUR HILL
11:12
The Clippers sent Chris Paul home this week, ending what was supposed to be a feel-good reunion story on an extremely sour note. It's an ugly way to end a relationship with one of the best players in franchise history, but the Clippers determined that Paul's abrasiveness in the locker room outweighed the benefits of having him around. The Knicks were among the first teams mentioned as a potential destination due to Paul's history with Leon Rose and their need for a reliable backup point guard. The Wolves, Magic, Mavericks and others have also been floated as possibilities. Paul hasn't been good this season, but he put up decent numbers last year and stayed healthy for all 82 games. Making one last playoff run with a title contender is a more fitting way to end his career, and I see the Knicks as the most likely destination for Paul, either through a trade or a signing after he's waived.
Ty Lue
11:12
Odds that me and the Clippers "mutually part ways" if things don't get better?
ARTHUR HILL
11:24
There have been whispers in recent seasons that the Clippers might make a coaching change, but it's never gotten past the rumor stage. Ownership and the front office value Lue very highly and don't believe they can upgrade by replacing him. However, Lue's patience has to be wearing thin with this season, starting with the Aspiration scandal. Reports that he hadn't been on speaking terms with Chris Paul are very troubling and certainly not what you want from the leader of your team. Lue received an extension last year that runs through the 2028/29 season, so it would be expensive to replace him. It comes down to Lue's belief in the franchise's future. The Leonard-Harden era has mostly run its course, but the team has a lot of veterans on short-term contracts and can easily position itself to be aggressive on the free agent market in 2026 or 2027. If Lue is willing to suffer through this season to get to that point, I think he'll keep his job. But there's likely to be a lot more misery as the season drags on.
Cale
11:24
Which team can make the best realistic offer for Giannis?
ARTHUR HILL
11:36
This morning's report that Giannis will miss two-to-four weeks with a strained calf may slow down trade rumors a bit, but it gives him and the team a chance to discuss his future without the distraction of playing in games. I believe we're nearing the end of Giannis' time in Milwaukee. The Bucks' slow start surely confirms his suspicions that he can't win another title with them, and a trade is likely to happen either by February or next offseason. The Lakers and Knicks get mentioned when any superstar becomes available, but neither team has the draft capital to appeal to Milwaukee. I think the Spurs are worth watching. They own future first-rounders from Atlanta, Boston and Minnesota, and the chance to play alongside Victor  Wembanyama would certainly put Giannis back in title contention.
Scott S.
11:36
The Celtics have been better than expected. If they keep playing like this, will we see Tatum back in the second half and no cost-cutting trades to avoid the tax at the trade deadline?
ARTHUR HILL
11:48
The idea of a "gap year" can probably be dismissed after the Celtics' recent victories over the Pistons, Cavaliers and Knicks. Boston still has legitimate talent led by Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, and coach Joe Mazzulla has done an effective job of mixing in the offseason pickups. Everything depends on Jayson Tatum's health and the organization's willingness to risk putting him back on the court less than a year after his Achilles injury. The Celtics have been very quiet about his progress, and all we've heard are optimistic reports from teammates. I think the plan to duck below the tax line and try to rebuild a serious contender for next season hasn't changed, but it remains flexible if the team keeps winning and Tatum appears ready to return by March.
JD
11:48
What's your prediction for the all-rookie 1st team? Flagg, Knueppel, and VJ look like best bets so far to me
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
Flagg and Knueppel are locks if they remain healthy, and it looks like a two-man race for Rookie of the Year honors between the former Duke teammates. Edgecombe has slowed down a bit after a strong start, but he's still an important part of the Sixers' offense and will likely join them as a first-team selection. Derik Queen has been a good fit for the Pelicans and will probably increase his production with Zion Williamson sidelined again. I like Cedric Coward for the fifth spot. He has proven to be NBA ready despite missing most of last season in college, and he looks like another great draft find for the Grizzlies. Those are my five, but keep an eye on No. 2 pick Dylan Harper. He's been very good for the Spurs since returning from a calf strain.
john
12:01
So is the 2-4 week Giannis injury just a window to work out a trade without risk of further injury?
ARTHUR HILL
12:09
The timing of the injury is suspicious after Giannis trade rumors reemerged earlier on Tuesday, but I don't believe he would participate in a ruse like that. If he and the Bucks were going to fake an injury, they could have easily done it without having him suit up for the game. Plus, the NBA monitors injuries to make sure they're legitimate, and there's a high price to pay for trying to scam that process. It's hard to say how seriously we should take these latest Giannis rumors. Shams has made similar reports several times, and Doc Rivers dismissed them before Tuesday's game. Even if there's some substance to them, I tend to believe that Giannis' injury is real.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next week.
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