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Hoops Rumors Live Chat 5/26/2022
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Guest
11:01
Who are the risers and fallers in the NBA Draft so far? Any chance AJ Griffin falls out of the lottery?
Dana Gauruder
11:06
That's a really open-ended question. We're still 4 weeks away from the draft and GMs/scouts are still in the evaluation phase. Players are still scheduling or in the process of having individual workouts. I doubt Griffin falls out of the lottery -- he was generally considered a top 10 guy. Dyson Daniels and Shaedon Sharpe have seemingly solidified spots in the top 10, so they've moved up some. But there will be plenty of draft rumors to go before the big night.
Vince
11:07
What are the chances that Malcolm Brogdon is moved for a 1st Rounder on draft night
Dana Gauruder
11:10
Brogdon will attract interest in the trade market -- lots of teams are looking for combo guards. He signed an extension awhile back that runs through 2025. If a team values him enough as a starter or solid 6th or 7th man, I could see a future first-rounder as part of the deal. Brogdon has stated he'd rather stay put but Indiana's timeline has changed with the addition of Haliburton, Duarte, etc.
Kim
11:10
Will the Hawks try to make a big splash for Rudy Gobert? We need to improve on our defense. If not what other player options do we have and who on the Hawks is attractive to other teams to trade for? I heard everyone is open to be traded except for Trae Young. Thanks!
Dana Gauruder
11:14
The Hawks owner is on the record saying it was a mistake they basically stood pat after the surprising run to the conference finals. He felt players/coaches/front office all got a little complacent. So, I do think the  Hawks will make a major move this summer. Gobert would certainly fit that bill -- it's a huge contract commitment but the Hawks' D would certainly benefit from his presence. They've also been mentioned as one of the teams that will pursue LaVine in free agency. In any case, I don't think you will see the same starting lineup that they had this year.
Guest
11:15
Could the Suns get Isaac and Mamba for Ayton?
Dana Gauruder
11:17
Ayton will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Suns can choose to match or let him go. Can't see any reason for Orlando to sign him -- they've got a stash of big men and will add another with their lottery pick.
Desmond
11:18
What do you think of this idea ? Heat are proactive about not having immovable albatross contracts on their hands and Lowry is getting close to a albatross contract and Duncan Robinson might be a lost cause for them compared to other young guys ! Lakers still might value Lowry at his peak and could use Duncan so what about Russ and a first for Lowry and Robinson? Doesn’t reality help heat on court but increases their flexibility big time and unlike lakers can put real assets to that russ expiring like herro and up to four first rd picks ?
Dana Gauruder
11:23
Unless Pat Riley has some secret desire for Westbrook, I don't see that happening. It would clear some salary in the long run but the Heat are always in a championship or bust mode. I don't know if adding Westbrook would turn out any better for the Heat than it did for the Lakers. My guess is they'd rather hope Lowry is in better health next year or that they'll have a better backup to fill in. I could see Robinson getting moved somewhere this summer but his contract is a problem. Really, the biggest problem for Heat right now is all their best players are banged up at the worst time. That being said, the series isn't over. After what happened last night, it's unlikely Miami will erase the deficit but it's not inconceivable.
Guest
11:24
Houston trade Wood, Gordon and KJ Martin & #17 for Kumminga & wiseman. Who says no? I get the upside of Kumminga and Wiseman. But GS are in win now and may even finish the year with another ring. Moving for a 20-10 centre and one of the best 3pt shooters in the league they can be even better next year for possible long term stars in Wiseman &Kumminga. Salary matching is an issue but it’s possible.
Dana Gauruder
11:27
Well, the Warriors seem to be on their way to the Finals and a possible title, so why would they give up on those youngsters? Seems more likely they'll be even more dangerous the next couple of years if Wiseman gets healthy and as Kuminga develops. Let's just say of all the teams out there, Golden State might be in the best spot of all. Their vets are carrying them to possible another title and they've also got some nice young pieces that could be the framework of their future core.
Jamoche1
11:27
The Cavs have the 14th pick  in the draft. Are they likely to get someone, drafting that low, that can make an immediate impact?
Dana Gauruder
11:30
They might get a rotation piece, depending upon which direction they go. For example, the Pacers drafted Duarte, who was older than a typical first rounders, and he helped them right away until some injuries crept in. It's not out of the question the Cavs deal that pick for a vet. They got a little taste of the postseason this year and they'd like to take a bigger bite. Mobley-Garland-Allen are some nice building blocks for a playoff team -- another piece or two and they'll be a formidable group for years to come.
Mavericks fan
11:31
if Dallas somehow manages to scrape out a Victory tonight, does this mean its a new Series ?
Dana Gauruder
11:32
It would certainly make things more interesting but to expect Dallas to win twice on Golden State's home court and erase a 3-0 deficit -- just don't see that happening. I do think Doncic will get a couple of rings before he's through.
Number man
11:33
Isn't it better for the Lakers to just ride out Westbrook's contract and paying him off some time next year since they would need to give out compensation to get rid of that horrible contract?
Dana Gauruder
11:35
That appears to be the direction they're headed. There have been reports that one of the things they're asking potential head coaches is how they would handle Westbrook and what could be done to maximize his talents in conjunction with their other 2 stars. Considering they don't own any first-rounders for a handful of season, easing the cap situation for the future to facilitate trades is their best hope for improvement beyond this summer.
GM Of the Day
11:37
What are the most realistic options for the Sixers to upgrade this off-season?
Dana Gauruder
11:40
Once Harden opts in and/or receives an extension, it's going to be a difficult task. They'll have three huge contracts on their cap, so unless they can find a suitor for Harris -- who still has about 77 million left on his deal -- their flexibility is almost nil. There's been some talk that Thybulle might be moved for a more versatile player. Otherwise, they might just be looking at low-cost options on the free agent market.
Hoophead1
11:41
What do you think Calvin Booth's 2nd move is (after extending Jokic)? Does he move Barton or Morris? Are they worth anything? Barton's a nice expiring contract, and Morris is a very reliable backup point, maybe a starter on a team with a good SG.
Dana Gauruder
11:44
Barton is probably their most tradeable asset because of that expiring deal. I know they'd like to get better defensively -- young, athletic wing perhaps that can switch onto a lot of different players. Otherwise, they're best hope for improvement is that Murray can bounce back after a year off and Porter's back issues are finally solved.
NBA Draft early entrants
11:45
So many College players are electing to stay in the Draft despite knowing in advance that they may not be Drafted or will be selected late in the 2nd Round.  I don't get it.  2nd Round draft choice have Unguaranteed contracts.   Why would their Agents advise them to stay in the Draft if the consensus is they will not be Drafted in the First Round and receive a Guaranteed contract ?   Help me understand the logic.
Dana Gauruder
11:51
Some of it is bad advice. Some of it is the players overestimated their worth. Some may see it as their only reasonable hope of supporting their families. Or they may have overseas opportunities at their disposal or the expectation of a camp invite if they don't get drafted. There are a multitude of reasons why so many of them with little chance of getting picked stay in it.
Klemen
11:51
Which moves you think Dallas will make for next year (center, trading THJ)?
Dana Gauruder
11:53
I do see them looking for an upgrade at center. I also believe they'll try to find another player or two who can create his own shot, regardless of position, to take some pressure off Luka. A lot depends, too, on how the Brunson situation plays out. Will they pay that big a price for Brunson, an undersized guard, in order to keep him?
Aldo
11:54
I just heard about a Mike Conley for Caris LeVert trade. Salaries matched, and Mike Conley played for coach JB Bickerstaff in Memphis before so a reunion is possible.
Dana Gauruder
11:57
Would be kind of interesting move -- Jazz get a more versatile, younger guard. Conley could mentor Garland and the other young players. I just don't know if the Cavs would be convinced Conley would have enough left in the tank to make that trade. He's in his mid 30s and injury issues have piled up.
Paying a Center
11:58
Seeing how Gobert is making $40M~ and the Jazz can't even make it to the Conf Finals makes me think twice about paying guys like Ayton the big money.  Players without the ball in their Hands have a harder time impacting the game than the ball handlers and shooters do nowadays.
Dana Gauruder
12:00
That is part of the reason why Suns were reluctant to hand Ayton a max deal. It will be fascinating to see how other organizations value Ayton this offseason -- my guess is the offers will be less than he and his agent anticipate. As the postseason has shown, you don't need a dominant center to win it, just a solid guy with defensive versatility.
12:01
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