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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 2/2/2026
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Luke Adams
2:47
Bucks would say no. A deal along those lines wouldn't make sense for them unless they end up with both "halves" of the 2026 Bucks/Pelicans picks. Swapping the least favorable for the most favorable could pay off (maybe they jump from 10 to 2 or something), but it also may only end up moving them up a spot or two -- they can't make that sort of potential low-upside swap the centerpiece of their Giannis return.
Tarunafish
2:48
Who has more trade value? Karl-Anthony Towns or Paul George?
Luke Adams
2:49
Towns is 5.5 years younger, has been more durable, and was just named an All-Star. He may not have as much trade value as some other All-Stars, but he'd still be worth more on the market than George.
Brewers Fan
2:49
Over/under .5 trades involving an Antetokounmpo by the deadline?
Luke Adams
2:51
Have gotten this question a bunch. I think it'll all come down to how aggressive teams like the Warriors and other dark-horse suitors are this week. A bunch of rumored Giannis teams (Miami, New York, Minnesota) can improve their offers in the summer, whereas Golden State's best offer in the offseason wouldn't really be any better than their best offer now. So they have incentive to get it done sooner rather than later to avoid being outbid.

If the Bucks' price isn't met, I don't think they'd have a problem sitting tight for now, managing Giannis' calf carefully down the stretch, and reopening the bidding in the summer. In fact, if I had to bet, I'd say that's the more likely scenario right now. But it's maybe 60/40.
CarnivalTime
2:52
Lots of rumors around the Pelicans that are difficult parse. As a small market team with big market FOs circling, I know a lot of the "rumors" are just plants from those rival FOs applying pressure. The one that's been most persistent is Jose-to-a-contender. It's hard to overstate how beloved he is here, but he has a PO next year he's likely to decline so he can get his bag. And the word is we don't want to pay him, since we have Jeremiah Fears & Dejounte Murray. But now Dejounte Murray wants out? So maybe we will pay Jose, if we can move Murray this summer? But we undoubtedly need second round picks and Jose ought to be good for two of them? But now he's making it clear (including in a post-game interview last week) that he wants to stay? ??? I'll be real w you, more ppl would be sad to see him go than they would Zion. Help us out down here, do you have *any* clarity to add to any part of this?
Luke Adams
2:59
The Alvarado and Murray situations will probably be evaluated separately for the most part. It's not like Alvarado will be seeking Dejounte Murray money when he hits free agency -- he's a relatively similar player to the one he was when he signed that two-year, $9MM extension in Sept. 2024, so his price tag shouldn't be exorbitant.

I expect it will be very difficult to move Murray at this point though. It's a big contract for a guy who no one has seen play for over a year. Would be a little surprised if he or Poole are traded this week unless the Pelicans are taking on some even worse money or attaching more draft assets to make it happen (which they absolutely shouldn't do).

As for Alvarado, the Pelicans have already conveyed that they're not looking to trade Murphy, Zion, and Jones. I'd be wary of highly valuing too many players from a 13-38 roster, but if the thinking is that they can get back to the playoffs next year, keeping Alvarado might make more sense than moving him for a second-round pick or two
R.B.
2:59
Besides Giannis is there another player out there who can push a team into the playoffs or an extended run in the playoffs? Which player could make a difference for which team?
Luke Adams
3:00
Anthony Davis or Ja Morant have that upside, but both are obviously major rolls of the dice given their health. Ditto for Zion Williamson.
Znj
3:01
What is this obsession with "veteran leadership" of Tobias Harris by Pistons fans and league observers? I'd trade him in an instant for Michael Porter Jr. Those same fans will want Harris out immediately after Pistons get knocked our early due to obvious, couldn't-be-more-in-your-face lack of 3pt shooting. Team chemistry is useless to me, quality wins it  at the end (Kobe and Shaq).
Luke Adams
3:03
I'm generally in agreement that talent trumps all, but fit/chemistry shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to in-season trades. It sometimes takes time for players to get comfortable in new situations. If you think they can make a meaningful difference, it's still worth it, but would MPJ make the Pistons a legit championship team? I'm not sure. They'd still have some holes.
Bob
3:04
Think Dayron Sharpe to the Thunder for Dieng has legs?  A pick swap would be logical.. the Thunder’s 3rd of their 3 FRPs for a Nets future 1st… thoughts?
Luke Adams
3:06
A Nets future first would be more valuable than the least favorable of OKC's three 2026 picks, so I'd quibble with the exact compensation, but I like the general construction. Sharpe ($6.5MM team option next season) would be a pretty affordable replacement if the Thunder need to let Hartenstein ($28.5MM team option) go, and Sharpe's a great rebounder who's improved as a play-maker.
Slowpoke Rodriguez
3:07
Given how Joel Embiid is playing recently, has his trade value increased and any chance he could get moved?
Luke Adams
3:08
It's increased, for sure. But it's gone from "negative" to "maybe neutral." It's just such a massive commitment (both in terms of salary and years) and no potential suitor would think "Well, he's been healthy for a couple months. He's probably fine for the next three years!" So the return would be limited, in which case the Sixers are better off just keeping him -- they get more value from him on the court than they would in a trade.
Ang
3:09
any thoughts about nigel hayes david trade?
Luke Adams
3:10
Would get the Suns under the tax and could clear the way for him to return to Europe, so definitely seems plausible.
Keith
3:10
Can the Spurs get in on the trade sweepstakes for Giannis without giving up Castle or Harper? Of course not Wemby.
Luke Adams
3:14
Pretty hard to envision. Fox has been a great fit in San Antonio but I don't think he has the value to be the centerpiece of a Giannis deal. And without him and the young guys, the Spurs wouldn't have much player value to offer.

They have plenty of draft picks to offer but the value of their own would be very limited -- a team with Wemby, Castle, Harper, and Giannis probably isn't gonna be finishing in the lottery.
Canaryville Mike
3:14
Will Coby White bring back a 1st round pick for the Bulls?
Luke Adams
3:15
I could see it, but it would probably be a 2026 pick headed for the 20s rather than a really valuable future unprotected first. Maybe if they take on some unwanted multiyear money or include a second-rounder or two of their own they could improve the quality of it.
3:17
Thanks for all your questions today, guys. We'll be doing one more live chat before the deadline for Front Office subscribers. Otherwise, I'll talk to you next Monday to discuss the trade deadline aftermath. Have a great week!
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