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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 2/13/2025
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Luke Adams
2:47
I do think the theory described in the second message here (that the Lakers got cold feet and used the physical as an excuse to back out of the deal) has been more prevalent than the theory about the Hornets trying to pull a fast one on the Lakers.

I think the truth is probably more run-of-the-mill -- the Hornets are comfortable with Williams' health and the Lakers weren't as comfortable with it based on what they were giving up to get him. I'm not sure the situation will make it more difficult for either team to make trades in the future.

I'm also skeptical it'll materially affect Wiliams' next contract. Any team that was going to give him big money would have done their own research into his health anyway.
Langdon
2:47
A few NBA podcast guests have said even if they win a championship this year, they still would rather not have a championship and keep Luka? This is crazy sensationalist to me. Isn’t winning championships the ultimate goal, no matter the journey?
Luke Adams
2:48
For some fans, sure. But championship-or-bust isn't a theory everyone subscribes to. I can sympathize with the fan that wouldn't trade the next 10-15 years of rooting for their favorite player for one title won by players they're not as connected to.
Ted Knox
2:49
Luke, are there any overseas former NBA players that you think have a chance to get signed for rest-of-the-season contacts?
Luke Adams
2:51
Lonnie Walker is still worth watching in the coming days -- I believe his NBA opt-out deadline is Feb. 18. Australia's always worth keeping an eye on too, since their season ends so much earlier than the NBA. I saw Will Magnay mentioned as a possibility for teams seeking size.

I'm typically so wrapped up with covering the trade deadline and watching the NBA at this time of year that I'm not on top of which international guys have the ability to make the move stateside -- usually there aren't many capable of making a real impact at this point in the season.
Unclemike1526
2:51
So True or False. The Play in theory for the Bulls really isn't a thing anymore after the BTB with the Pistons this week? LMAO
Luke Adams
2:53
I mean, the Bulls clearly don't deserve to be part of any NBA postseason this spring, but the, uh, "race" for that 10th spot in the East is pretty dismal. The Sixers have been just as bad as Chicago lately. Somehow the Nets are back within 1.5 games of the Bulls. Even the 17-38 Raptors, who could have a healthy Brandon Ingram in a few weeks, are still just five games out.

I like the play-in in general but I think it'll face some criticism in a couple months when we get some ugly Eastern Conference matchups.
Jamoche1
2:54
The Cavs have two open roster spots. How do you see them being filled?  What can they look for on the buyout market?
Luke Adams
2:54
Maybe one more big man? They don't have any obvious holes to be filled so it'd just be about adding one more depth option. I believe they have to get back to 14 players by Feb. 20, but if there's no one they really love on the buyout market at that point, they could just audition someone on a 10-day.
Houston
2:55
Seems like a place people would want to go, what type of move can they make this offseason?
Luke Adams
2:56
Doesn't look like they'll have cap room if they bring VanVleet back, but they'll still be far enough below the tax line to do just about anything in free agency (via sign-and-trade) or on the trade market (with all their extra draft picks).
What they look like in the postseason could go a long way toward determining which players they view as keepers and which areas they need to address. Would also expect them to be in the mix for any disgruntled young-ish star seeking a trade.
Eddie W
2:56
Do you think the magic are regretting not making a move at the trade deadline. They been struggling lately.
Luke Adams
2:58
They've barely had their three best players (Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Suggs) healthy at the same time at all this year. I understand why they didn't want to shake things up without giving those guys more of a chance to play together. Would anticipate they'll be more aggressive pursuing upgrades around those three in the summer.
Guest
2:59
Something that was kind of overlooked in the Donci trade - the extension he was eligible for in Dallas. $245 billion over five years. Many  teams now are really weary of paying out those super max deals, and it seems Dallas was one of them. They end up hamstrung for years. Many of them have not worked out for one reason or another (Bradley Beal for instance). So have we entered an era where teams are so reluctant to give those deals to their star players and will trade them instead?
Luke Adams
3:02
I know the Luka deal would've been the biggest in NBA history, but $245 billion is overstating it a bit! Hah, but yeah, it's interesting that the Mavs basically opted out of that five-year, $345 million contract at the same time the Sixers are getting criticized for the three-year, $193MM extension they gave Embiid.

I tend to believe these are more aberrations than the signs of a new trend. For instance, I don't think the Thunder will hesitate to offer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the same deal this offseason that Luka would've been eligible for in Dallas.

But it will be interesting to see if teams become more reluctant to invest in players with injury histories or (as in Luka's case) possible body concerns. Having a bad max deal on your books in this new CBA is more harmful than ever.
3:03
Thanks for all the questions today, everyone. Have a great week, enjoy All-Star weekend, and we'll talk again next Thursday!
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