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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 3/22/2022
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Luke Adams
12:36
Having said all that, I'm unconvinced they'd actually go that route unless Zion explicitly asks for it.
Warriors vs Nuggets
12:37
The Warriors are hoping to get Steph when the playoffs start but i can see them losing in the first round if they get Denver. Without Steph a couple of games and him being kinda banged, against Jokic... what are your thoughts on that possible matchup?
Luke Adams
12:38
Too many variables to evaluate it yet, including Curry's health and MPJ's (and, I suppose, Murray's, but I'm increasingly doubtful we'll see him this season). But if Curry isn't available or is well below 100%, the Warriors won't be huge favorites against any team in the playoffs.
Tobias Harris
12:39
If you were Philly, would you try to dump Harris to Okc (or a team like that) and then reinvest his max slot into another star (beal) or role players that complement Harden and Embiid
Luke Adams
12:42
A few weeks ago, I would've said no, especially since dumping Harris won't necessarily open up a new max slot (unless Harden takes a big discount, the Sixers would still be over the cap). But Harris hasn't really looked super comfortable since Harden arrived. If you can't figure out how to make better use of him, maybe it makes sense to try to move him instead.
Still, it would cost assets to do it. You'd have to have a pretty clear sense of what your next step would be to replace him.
Mark Cuban
12:43
Maxi Kleber’s 2022-2023 contract for $9 million is not guaranteed, but fully guaranteed on 07/03/22. What do you believe the Mavericks should do?
Luke Adams
12:45
The version of Kleber we saw from 2019-21 is worth that $9MM. If the Mavs think this year's dip in production is an aberration, they probably hang onto him. But I certainly see the argument for letting him go, especially if Dallas decides to commit big money to Brunson. Cutting Kleber could significantly reduce a potential tax bill.
Nutsaroni
12:45
Yeah, but without a sign and trade, what's available out there for what will be 13 million next year? Picks and a middling starter?
Luke Adams
12:46
This is re: Zion? Yeah, I think any package would have to be heavy on draft picks and cheap young role players. You're not getting a star back for him. Which is why I wouldn't expect the Pelicans to actively pursue a trade unless they know for sure that he doesn't want to be there.
Trog
12:47
Teams in the West are jockeying for the 2-7 seeds. Do you think there will be any gamesmanship in intentionally dropping to 6 by Utah/Dallas/Denver to avoid the Suns as the 1 seed in the conference semis?
Luke Adams
12:49
If the Warriors stay at No. 3 and Curry remains on track to return by the playoffs, I'd be surprised if any team pulls off a mini-tank to face them. Those teams in the 4/5 range should be more concerned about their first-round matchup than who they'd face in the second round.
If the prognosis on Curry looks bad, maybe that changes, but I think it'd be playing with fire.
Mikal should be a Sixer
12:49
How long do you think before Harden is on team 5? Does he make it a dull Sixers season?
Luke Adams
12:51
I'd expect Harden to get through at least next season with the Sixers. If they haven't made the NBA Finals by then, maybe trouble starts brewing again. But the older Harden gets, the more difficult it will be to pull off the sort of power plays he's used in Houston and Brooklyn.
12:52
Thanks for all your questions today, guys! A bit of housekeeping: There will be no live chat next Tuesday, but Dana Gauruder's Thursday chat is a go for both this week and next. I'll talk to you again in two Tuesdays.
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