Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/28/26
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ARTHUR HILL
11:01
Welcome to this week's chat. We'll start with a question about the Knicks.
Knicks in 4
11:01
Which team is the better match-up for the Knicks in the finals? OKC or San Antonio?
ARTHUR HILL
11:12
Victor Wembanyama is obviously a matchup problem for anyone. The Thunder and Timberwolves have found some level of success by being physical on defense and not letting him get to his preferred spots, but the Knicks may not have the rugged big men to be as effective with that strategy. Wembanyama could have a few monster games in the finals, but I think New York would still prefer to face the Spurs. OKC has a lot of high-level perimeter defenders to throw at Jalen Brunson, and the overall talent level is better assuming Jalen Williams and possibly Ajay Mitchell are able to return. New York can exploit San Antonio's hot-and-cold three-point shooting and lack of playoff experience, while the defending champs have already proven they know how to win.
Scott S.
11:12
What do the Cavs need to do to legitimately contend for a title next year?
ARTHUR HILL
11:23
Keeping Kenny Atkinson as head coach appears to be a sign that Cleveland isn't ready for big changes. They can escape the second apron by having James Harden decline his player option for a long-term contract with a lower annual salary, and once that happens there may be sentiment to keep the current core together. If there is a major change, it's likely to happen in the frontcourt. Evan Mobley's salary will top $50MM next season and rise to more than $61MM by the time his contract expires in 2029/30. At 25, he could bring a significant return if the Cavs put him on the trade market. Jarrett Allen's extension kicks in next season, starting at $28MM, and he may become too expensive to keep. I don't expect major personnel moves in Cleveland this summer, but that could change quickly if the team doesn't appear to be on a title path next season.
Unclemike1526
11:23
Now that the second round has thinned out by a lot thanks to the kids returning to school I feel the Bulls need to move up from 38 towards the late 1st round or early second. What would it take because it seems like the Bulls have plenty to get that done but am I wrong? They have a ton of second round picks plus some moveable contracts. Thanks
ARTHUR HILL
11:33
The good news for the Bulls is that several teams who hold late first-round picks may be looking to unload them for financial reasons instead of taking on another guaranteed salary. The Knicks at 24, the Nuggets at 26, the Wolves at 28 and the Cavs at 29 all have apron concerns and may be willing to sell cheap to a team that wants to move up. A couple of future second-rounders may be enough, as some teams value those highly as trade currency. Chicago needs to invest in as much young talent as possible and has plenty of salary flexibility to gamble on giving guaranteed money to a young player. The Bulls should definitely be working the phones when the draft moves into the mid-20s.
Guest
11:33
Should another team give Jalen Duren a max offer sheet? Seems like it could make sense for the Nets or Bulls. You either get an All-NBA center or force a rival to pay as much as possible for him.
ARTHUR HILL
11:45
There's a sense around the league that Duren's value has declined after a disappointing playoff series against Cleveland, but he's only 22 and is coming off an All-Star and All-NBA season. He's a perfect long-term target for a team that has plenty of cap room and is in the early stages of rebuilding. Why shouldn't the Nets give him a full max offer? They can grab their point guard of the future with the sixth pick in the draft and team him with a proven lob threat and rim protector who's in the same age range. That makes them more competitive next season when they don't own their first-round pick and gives them a core to build around for the next decade or so. I don't understand why teams don't do this more often. Force Detroit into a tough decision. At worst, you've caused a conference rival to spend money that it doesn't want to, which might force them to part with someone else that you'd want later on.
Tom Thibodeau
11:45
Would the Knicks still be in the Finals if I were coaching the team or was the change necessary?
ARTHUR HILL
11:52
The coaching change was shocking when it was announced last summer considering that Thibodeau had just taken the Knicks to the conference finals. But looking back, it's hard to argue that it wasn't the right move. Brown has been an excellent addition for New York, and he's maximizing a talented roster more than Thibodeau was able to. Brown has also created an effective bench unit, while Thibodeau was notorious for leaning on his starters more than any other coach in the league. Consequently, the Knicks don't seem to have the injury and fatigue issues that affected them in the playoffs the last two seasons. Brown didn't receive any Coach of the Year votes, but he's done a great job all season long and has definitely been the best coach in the playoffs.
Mardy
11:52
how likely are the Kawhi Leonard to the Timberwolves rumors?
ARTHUR HILL
12:01
The proposals I've seen would send Julius Randle and either Naz Reid or Rudy Gobert to L.A., along with a package of draft assets. The Wolves are looking to make a big move to compete with the Western Conference powers, and adding Leonard would definitely qualify. Randle feels expendable after his playoff performance against the Spurs, and the Clippers could certainly use both size and draft picks. However, it's probably a trade that makes more sense in theory than in reality. I think L.A.'s preference is to work out an extension with Leonard and build around him and Darius Garland. If the Wolves make that offer, it may be the best one the Clippers will get, but I don't expect Leonard to get traded unless he refuses to sign an extension.
Thanks for the great questions. We'll talk again next Thursday.
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