Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 7/27/2026
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Luke Adams
3:52
I could see Murphy being worth three first-rounders to a team that's very confident those picks will land in the back half of the first round (say, the Spurs). I don't think it's a worthwhile gamble for an older team without a long-term star like the Warriors, especially under the new lottery format. Giving up unprotected picks in 2029 and/or 2031 with no guarantee that you'll be a playoff team at that point could be disastrous.
Wolves simp
3:53
It seems like the Wolves are out of money and draft assets and are still lacking a PF and front court depth. We’re supposed to be title contenders! Can the wolves go into the season with their current roster? I have to think Tim Connelly is working feverishly to fill the roster gap. Who could be our targets?
Luke Adams
3:55
The Timberwolves don't really have a path to acquiring any of the most logical/best fits (Cameron Johnson, for example). Maybe they can figure out a way to turn Josh Green's contract into something decent (I've mentioned Jalen Smith in past chats as a target I like), but I won't be surprised if they just settle for a stop-gap option to open the season and try again at the trade deadline, when a new set of targets might be available.
PDX Fan
3:56
Portland seems to have a lot of guards again. Do you think another trade is coming?
Luke Adams
3:58
Yeah, after we talked earlier about how many centers the Blazers are carrying, it's worth noting that they're pretty loaded in the backcourt too. Meanwhile, their forward depth behind Avdija and Camara consists of... Sidy Cissoko? Maybe you can use Vit Krejci or Shaedon Sharpe as a three?

A roster-balancing deal would definitely make sense, though I don't think they're selling anyone for 50 cents on the dollar just to make the depth chart look neater. If there's not a worthwhile move out there, Micah Nori will have to figure out how best to maximize this group, at least until the trade deadline.
GrizzMan
3:59
what other salary/contracts could Memphis eat to gain some draft capital?
Luke Adams
4:01
Zeke Nnaji in Denver is the first one that comes to mind. I'd keep an eye on Orlando and Indiana too. They don't necessarily need to cut costs yet, but if they're outside the top six in the East, I imagine they'll both be looking to duck the tax.
Ol' Yeller
4:01
So, if Watson takes the QO, might he have a bit more value in trade during the season since lots of teams have room for the 6.5 and a sign and trade would require the Nuggets to bring in unwanted salary back for the speculative 23.5?
Luke Adams
4:05
The problem with that is that if he accepts the QO, he'll have a de facto no-trade clause, giving him the right to approve a trade to a desired location. And if he does approve a trade, he'd lose his Bird rights, making it a lot harder for his new team to give him a significant raise in 2027. There would still be some situations that would work, but it would definitely reduce the number of viable suitors.
Guest
4:05
Luke: Sincerely appreciate the insights and your professional approach: genuine, elite level professional. Thank you for maintaining this chat, I really enjoy it..
Luke Adams
4:06
Appreciate that, thanks! We'll keep it going throughout the offseason, even as things slow down in August. Have a great week, and I'll talk to you guys next Monday.
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