Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/21/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question on two teams looking for new coaches.
Magicfan
11:01
When looking at the head coach openings in Orlando and Dallas, I believe the Magic job is a better position. The Magic’s roster is further along than Dallas.  Which job do you feel is more desirable?
ARTHUR HILL
11:07
In the short term, Orlando is definitely the better job, which is why the organization is looking at a proven coach like Billy Donovan. There's plenty of talent in place as long as the front office is willing to continue spending at its current level. With some better injury luck and a new coaching philosophy, it's easy to picture the Magic becoming a top-four team in the East. Long-term, though, there's a lot of allure to being able to build around Cooper Flagg and whoever the Mavs take in this year's draft. There are advantages to both jobs, which is why the two teams are expected to be considering different types of coaches.
JD
11:07
Are we headed for OKC/Spurs West finals for the next 5-10 years? If not, which team has the best chance to disrupt them?
ARTHUR HILL
11:17
The Thunder were clearly the best team in the West last season, and it looks like the Spurs have already reached their level. They both feature young, deep and athletic rosters built around MVP finalists, and there's no reason to think they won't be title contenders for the next decade or so. The Nuggets and Wolves have to consider spending cuts this summer, so they both may take a step back in the Western hierarchy. The most immediate threat comes from the Lakers if they can keep their stars healthy for a playoff series and they use their cap space to add significant talent. Luka Doncic is still at the peak of his powers, and he's capable of dominating a playoff series to the point where L.A. is a legitimate threat to take down OKC or San Antonio.
Just Curious
11:17
I'd say Detroit just got exposed for their lack of offensive firepower. Assuming you agree, what do they do to fix that? Randle is probably gettable, maybe Porter too. Brandon Ingram? Austin Reaves? Or do they just tinker on the edges and use their cap space for Anfernee Simons?
ARTHUR HILL
11:27
Minnesota probably would be willing to part with Randle, but I don't see that as the best answer to the Pistons' problems. They need to find another creator to take some pressure off Cade Cunningham, along with more reliable outside shooting. I don't think their level of interest in Michael Porter Jr. is very high, or they would have made a stronger effort to get him at the deadline. Reaves would be great, but the Lakers aren't going to let him go. I've seen Kawhi Leonard and Trey Murphy mentioned as possibilities as well, but they'll both be expensive.  Tyler Herro from Miami could be a name to watch as a lower-cost option.
Guest
11:27
Are the Cavs really going to give James Harden an expensive new multi year contract this off-season? His offense in the playoffs has been hit and miss and his defense cost the Cavs game 1
ARTHUR HILL
11:36
Brian Windhorst reported this week that an "understanding" was in place when Cleveland acquired Harden from the Clippers that a long-term deal would be offered this summer. It doesn't make sense to part with a young talent like Darius Garland unless the Cavaliers viewed Harden as part of their future. However, there's plenty of evidence that he's not the right guy to count on if you're hoping to win a title, especially at this stage of his career. The Knicks exploited his defense in their Game 1 comeback, and he's never been great on that end of the court. He has a long history of playoff failures, and he's an awkward fit alongside Donovan Mitchell. Harden will turn 37 this summer and looks like a very risky long-term investment, but the Cavs are probably stuck with him.
Mardy
11:36
Giannis to the Heat and Kawhi make sense for all four teams.  Do you think these trades can happen by draft night?
ARTHUR HILL
11:48
It looks like part of your Kawhi question may be cut off, so I'll address the chances of Giannis ending up in Miami. The Heat are coming off four straight play-in appearances and haven't finished higher than eighth in the East during that time. They need a major move to become relevant again, and they should be among the most aggressive suitors for Giannis. Miami could offer this year's pick at No. 13, along with its first-rounders in 2030 and 2032, giving the Bucks some much-needed draft assets. Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware would probably be part of the offer, maybe with another young player included. The chance to team with Bam Adebayo could appeal to Giannis, along with the obvious attraction of living near South Beach. We'll see which other teams make serious bids for Giannis, but the Heat's offer could wind up being one of the best.
Jamahl Mosley
11:48
Was I the right choice to coach the Pelicans, given my lack of playoff success in Orlando?
ARTHUR HILL
11:54
The Pelicans' front office was reportedly very interested in Mosley even before his firing became official. He wasn't able to take the Magic past the first round of the playoffs, but he did a fine job with turning them into a contender and probably got too much blame considering their injury issues from the past two years. He'll have a good base of talent to work with in New Orleans, assuming the roster stays more or less the same this summer. Fired coaches get rehired all the time in the NBA, so I don't object to Mosley getting another chance.
Mardy
11:54
Kawhi to the Warriors was the second part of the question.
ARTHUR HILL
12:00
Golden State tried to get Kawhi from the Clippers at the deadline and is expected to make another effort this summer. However, with Jimmy Butler injured, I don't see how the Warriors can put together a tempting offer. Leonard is coming off his healthiest and most productive season in a long time, and I think the Clippers view themselves as contenders, especially after landing the No. 5 pick. Maybe a deal is possible at next year's trade deadline if things go wrong for L.A. and Butler is close to returning, but I don't think it will happen during the offseason.
Joe Dumars
12:00
Now that we know the Derik Queen package is Asa Newell + this year's 8th pick, did I really deserve all that criticism for the trade? Queen could easily end up being the best of those 3 players!
ARTHUR HILL
12:07
The fact that the trade appears to have worked out OK for Dumars and the Pelicans doesn't make it any less reckless. Dumars underestimated his team's chances at being awful this season and should have insisted on at least top-four protection from the Hawks. The lottery could have easily turned out differently, and he might have handed a franchise-altering player to Atlanta. The trade also placed unfair expectations on Queen considering the high price that Dumars paid to get him. He deserves credit for putting them aside and winding as a Second-Team All-Rookie selection. Hopefully he can continue to improve without that trade hanging over his head.
Thanks for all the great questions. We'll talk again next Thursday.
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