2012 NBA Trade Deadline Wrap-Up Chat
HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy, Bill Ingram and Steve Kyler answer you questions about the 2012 NBA Trade Deadline. The Chat gets started at 6pm EST.
HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy, Bill Ingram and Steve Kyler answer you questions about the 2012 NBA Trade Deadline. The Chat gets started at 6pm EST.



CJ
I cant believe barbosa is only worth a second rounder. what on earth is colengelo doing. looking back he traded TJ, Rasho and Hibbert for JO, traded JO and moon for marion, traded marion and hump for turk then traded turk for barbosa and now he gives barbosa away for a 2nd round pick. how embarrassing.
Steve Kyler
Welcome in everyone. I hope you enjoyed the 2012 Trade Deadline… as expected none of the uber stars got moved, but there were a ton of small deals and Alex Kennedy, Bill Ingram and myself will do our best to answer as many of your questions as we can over the next hour. We will bounce around a little, so bare with us as we try and get to as many of you as we can.
First keep in mind Toronto was likely losing LB to free agency in July… thats going to cause a large number of teams to pass on offer real assets.
You say the Raptors only got a 2nd round pick, thats not entirely true, the also got a $7.6 million Traded Player Exception. Until Toronto becomes a power team in the East, they are only going to get players via trade or overpaying in free agency. The TPE gives them a chip that will be valuable around the draft and during Free Agency as teams try and dump players or guys look for sign and trade deals.
Had the Raptors taken back #7 million in contracts they would have killed their cap position.
This is something for nothing.
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Blazing
What does the Portland roster look like right now? Any surprises to expect coming out of this apparent mess?
Alex Kennedy
Portland is collecting expiring contracts and draft picks. They’re clearly rebuilding now and the decision to fire Nate McMillan lines up with that philosophy. The Blazers underachieved this year and they wanted to ensure that they’ll have cap room going forward so they can surround LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum with talent. The Blazers will likely miss the playoffs this year, but these moves were necessary to turn the team around. The Blazers tried to trade Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford as well, but they couldn’t find a deal that would bring them back expiring contracts or first-round picks.
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DeuelWarrior
Thoughts on the Warriors trade activity? I hate to loose such a fun guy to watch/great scorer in Monta but if we tank this season right it looks like we might have an actual “team” next year. Something like the 76′ers this year, or the Rockets.
Steve Kyler
I said this to a Warriors’ source… it just wasn’t working… If Monta was such a star why did the Warrior stink so badly… It was time.
He didn’t want to be there and he did not fit how GS wants to play.
If Bogut can get and stay healthy, they got an All-Star big… so I agree… loss of star power, gain of balance on the roster.
Madiochus
What is the 1st round pick that GSW got from SAS conditioned upon and for which year’s draft is the pick for? Thanks.
Steve Kyler
first-round draft pick this year, that pick is said to be lottery protected.
Warriors release details saying: The conditional draft pick will be lottery protected (1-14) in 2012 and in the subsequent two years (2013 and 2014) if not conveyed in this June’s draft.
TJ Ford’s contract included in the deal.
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Steve
When is the deadline to sign free agents so they are eligible for the playoffs? The Lakers have roster spots open. Do you think they will sign Gilbert Arenas or Rasheed Wallace?
Alex Kennedy
Players who haven’t been on an NBA roster this season can sign up until the end of the year. However, the deadline for teams to sign playoff-eligible free agents who have been on a roster is March 23. There are a lot of solid free agents still available including Gilbert Arenas, Rasheed Wallace, Earl Boykins, Mike James, Kyrylo Fesenko, James Posey, DJ Mbenga, Josh Powell, Derrick Caracter or Renald Balkman.. I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of those guys land on a roster over the next week.
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Eric
Whats up Alex, Fisher being traded to the Rockets and hear of a buy-out, can Fisher come back to the Lakers? What buy-outs can the Lakers go for to better the team?
Alex Kennedy
The Rockets may decide to buyout Derek Fisher. However, the Lakers wouldn’t be able to re-sign Fisher this season. The earliest that Fisher could re-sign with the Lakers is July. With that said, I’m sure there will be plenty of contenders interested in Fisher if he does become available. He’s an excellent leader and he’s still capable of contributing off the bench.
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aasdas
Fisher out? Are you kidding me?
Steve Kyler
It was time.
Sometimes players are crutches and the only way to get off of them is to trade them… As long as Fish was on the roster he was playing… Moving Fish clears minutes for everyone else and more importantly for the Lakers is trims about $1 million off the salary/tax bill and cuts his $3.4 million Player Option off the books.
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KEVIN
How much more do you guys love basketball because of days like today??
Bill Ingram
This is as crazy as it gets. what I really love about all the moves is breaking down which trades helped which teams the most. My head is swimming at the moment, to be honest. If you don’t love this, you don’t love the NBA.
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jerry
assuming boris diaw and chris kaman are bought out, which player do u think the spurs have a better shot at signing?
Steve Kyler
I would not assume either is bought out unless they give up serious cash… the NBA is not likely going to eat Chris’ deal, in fact New Orleans would like to do an extension if the price is right.
Diaw is a little more possible, but Jordan is awfully cheap so Boris might have to waive a huge chunk.
Not sure San Antonio is a front runner for either… if Kaman hits the market, he’ll be in Miami… Boris not so sure… Maybe Dallas, Maybe LA…
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jerry
if spurs got kaman via buyout or diaw, would that make us favorites in west?
Alex Kennedy
If Chris Kaman gets bought out and signs with the Spurs, it would certainly lessen the gap between San Antonio and Oklahoma City. With that said, I’m not sure if it would make the Spurs the favorite in a seven-game series. The Thunder have proven that they’re the best team in the West this year.
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Philip Fletcher
If healthy, how good are the Spurs now with Stephen Jackson, instead of Jefferson?
Bill Ingram
I’m a little surprised, to be honest, that Popovich wanted Jackson back after he ushered himself out of his last three teams. Might have been a little more drama than Pop was willing to weather. That said, Jackson was a very important part of a championship with the Spurs and he could be again. He is absolutely an upgrade over Jefferson, who just never found himself in San Antonio.
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john
A mark for Lakers trades. I think they got better.
fischer
Steve Kyler
It is amazing to me that the Lakers were able to move Luke Walton… just goes to show there is always a trade partner no matter how bad the contract.
I think the Lakers solved a lot of problems and Christian Eyenga can really play… I also think its clear who the problem guys were in the locker room in this deal.
Lakers did well for themselves.
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Brandon
Is there a way the Magic can pick up dwill through free agency after the season? Possibly unloading hedos contract somehow…
Alex Kennedy
It’ll be very difficult. It’s possible if they can unload some of their ugly contracts, but I can’t see it happening. Orlando would love to move the ugly contracts of Hedo Turkoglu, Chris Duhon and Glen Davis, but teams aren’t interested. Those guys don’t have much trade value these days. The Magic are better off trying to clear cap room for the summer of 2013, when Chris Paul is a free agent.
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Nelson Ocampo (@winningguy)
Do you see a team adding a free agent like Gilbert Arenas or Rasheed Wallace over the next few days?
Steve Kyler
Highly unlikely…
Rasheed is a huge maybe… Gilbert I am not sold plays this year. I have said this a few times. Gilbert has no more chances left. If he goes somewhere and flames out, he’ll never play in the NBA again… he knows it.
So the right fit and being a 100% healthy is key and I am not sold he’s found either yet.
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Buie
Who were this deadline’s biggest winners/losers?
Bill Ingram
The big winners – Indiana (Barbosa), Denver (McGee + Chandler), Lakers (Sessions), Spurs (Jackson), Clippers (Young), NJ (Wallace)… losers – Houston (Camby, Fisher – likely buyout), Portland (bagging the season) . . .nearly everyone helped themselves . . .
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Blake
Why would Golden State trade Stephen Jackson for a slower and less athletic Richard Jefferson with a much larger contract…conditional 1st round pick enough??
Steve Kyler
The Warriors had to take Jackson’s contract to get Andrew Bogut… they didn’t necessarily want Jackson.
Richard Jefferson is a professional. He’ll play his role and he won’t complain or cause problems… not sure you can say that about SJax… also heard San Antonio really wanted him and knew they could pawn RJ off on the Warriors
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Cheekz
NBATV reported that after the Sessions trade there was a scenario tht would have had Fisher going to Minny for Beasley but instead tht went for the Houston Hill deal…why did they choose the 2nd deal?Did they think they could trade Hill for Beasley or was it a money thing? & how does Hill wrkout for the Lakers…personally i think he’s garbage…thoughts?
Alex Kennedy
The Lakers, Timberwolves and Trail Blazers discussed a three-team trade that would have sent Michael Beasley to Los Angeles, Jamal Crawford and Derek Fisher to Minnesota and Steve Blake and a first-round pick to Portland. At the end of the day, they ended up shipping Fisher and a first-round pick to Houston for Jordan Hill. I don’t think it came down to the Lakers. Either the Wolves or Blazers backed out of the discussed deal.
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ROCK3RO
hello steve and alex. With lakers still haveing a spot open you guys think arenas might be on lakers radar? Or anybody for that matter?
Steve Kyler
As I said above… I am not sold Gilbert is ready to play. The Lakers worked him out, but given what they have done today I do not see a need for him.
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Gasper
hey,
…so nothing new for the HEAT…what’s their “next” move… just Sheed? …what do you think he brings to them?
Bill Ingram
The HEAT were looking for a minor move here or there, but ultimately stood pat. Not a bad decision, despite their recent “struggles.” They made their moves over the offseason, getting Battier, especially. No one can take them in a series except maybe Chicago, so you don’t want to make too many changes that might screw that chemistry up.
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jey
No disrespect, but most of the time when I read Ingram’s tweets/articles, he has no faith in the Rockets or anything positive to say about them. What happened? They did solid moves today in a weak trade deadline. Not a lot of options out there, ended up with solid backup C and a 1st rounder. Fisher is a veteran bonus, who may or may not play with Houston. And we gave up expiring deals on players who can’t even catch PT. Houston walked away with higher possibility to move up in a deep draft… Trading multiple 1st and Martin/Scola to move up. Great job Houston, I’m proud!
Bill Ingram
A weak trade deadline? What were YOU watching? I thought I gave the Rockets the absolutely benefit of the doubt in my article about the moves. Make sure you read that here (link). Honestly, I’m tired of the “acquire a ton of assets” approach and I’m ready for Houston to make the big move that makes them good. Right now they are laminated under “overachieving,” and that’s not a fun place to be. I’ve been with the front office guys through injuries and misfortune, but that’s over. Yao is gone. He’s been gone for a while – even before he retired. It’s time to move forward. Another mid-teens draft pick? Really? Not excited. The Rio Grand Vipers get another player. Fisher gets bought out, so that’s no issue. Camby, I think, can help Houston make the playoffs. Beyond that, after they chased Gasol, Beasley and other impact players, it’s hard to leap for joy and be Houston Proud. Mediocrity continues.
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Einstein
Will Stephen Jackson and Kawhi Leonard be stuck in a timeshare over in San Antonio?
Steve Kyler
Unlikely… Richard Jefferson was playing about 28 minutes a game… I think you’ll see SJAX playing a little under that.
Pop loves Kawhi Leonard, but when its comes time for the playoff he’ll go to the veteran Jackson a bit more.
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Pacers21
Good afternoon, the pacers acquired Barbosa from the raptors today. How much better do you think this makes Indiana?
Steve Kyler
It solves a real and pressing problem. It gives them a proven scorer, with no long term money… great solution.
I think the Pacers are still 4th or 5th best in the East… thats where I had them before… LB is a great addition.
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Axel
With today’s trades, in which direction are the Blazers heading? And what moves do you see them making in the Offseason? Which player will they select if the Nets’ Pick is #4-6? Greetings from Germany!
Alex Kennedy
There’s no question that the Blazers are rebuilding. They acquired expiring contracts and draft picks today so that they can surround LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum with talent going forward. The Nets pick is huge for Portland. I was shocked that it was only top-three protected, especially since the Nets may not make the playoffs this season. This is an excellent draft class and the Blazers may have just added a lottery pick. In the four-to-six range, there are some very talented players such as Andre Drummond, Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, etc.
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john
Though I was hoping Rockets traded Martin and Scola, they didn’t make a bad deal and for the value and options on the market, it was best they stood put? Thoughts?
Steve Kyler
If you buy what the Rockets are selling… they did not want to trade either Kevin Martin or Kyle Lowry. I think they would have done a Luis Scola deal, but word is his knees are pretty bad and if I know that so do other GMs.
They did add some maturity and some leadership and honestly I think thats what Houston needed… a lot of selfish players where in Houston. We’ll see if this brings it together, but if the Rockets miss the post-season again I think major changes are coming.
So to me this was all about leadership for a playoff push.
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Chad
Most interesting trade that nearly happened today but didn’t was…?
Alex Kennedy
I was told that the Portland Trail Blazers offered a Raymond Felton and Wes Matthews package to a number of teams. There were a lot of discussions surrounding big-name players like Paul Pierce and Pau Gasol, but those weren’t close. Portland was ready to move Felton and Matthews if the right deal came along, which would have really helped a team’s backcourt.
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alfie
so what happened to beasley now? i really was hoping he was going with the lakers
Steve Kyler
He is in Minnesota for the balance of the year. He’ll be a restricted free agent if Minnesota gives him a Qualifying Offer worth $8.1 million. They may or may not do that.
So he’s playing for his next deal.
The Lakers tried, but they couldn’t get Minnesota to take Derek Fisher
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JC
Does SJax make San Antonio a tougher out this postseason?
Bill Ingram
Absolutely. I don’t know what it was with Jefferson. When they signed him I thought they were going to get Duncan a few more title shots. Instead, he went in with a very passive mentality and it never worked at all. Jackson will not walk into the locker room looking to be humble and passive – he will walk in with that S-Jax chip on his shoulder and start kicking butt and taking names. He makes the Spurs a VERY tough out. They might be champs again.
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daniel g
With the 5 th pick in the 2012 nba draft the pdx trail blazers select?? With the 10th pick they select??
Bill Ingram
The Blazers have given up on Oden and traded Camby, so they need another big. Jared Sullinger is likely the best on the board at five, unless Drummond slips for some reason. You never know – also the pingpong balls could be kind, since Portland is due some good luck. Drummond would sure look nice next to Aldridge.
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winmac
Is there any thing to get excited about for the Rockets? More lateral moves. Hold up or did we get worst?
Bill Ingram
The Rockets weren’t worst – the Blazers completely blew up their playoff hopes. Houston did what they do – lateral moves. Camby is better than Hill, and could be the difference between Houston missing the playoffs by 2-3 games and Houston making the 8th seed. That was a decent move. Otherwise, it’s the pick from LA that Morey is all excited about, as he couldn’t get the Gasol deal done. To me, you give up Kyle to unload Scola, take a chance that Gasol and Dragic get you there. How nice would Gasol and Camby have been in the front line? That would be a dare-to-be-great move. Instead, the Rockets took the safe route. Always the safe/boring route.
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Rob.V
Steve, your team is great at following the league and sourcing information. I suppose it’s a testament to your passion for what you do.
You do a great job and keep it fun for all of us.
Thank you from the T.
Steve Kyler
Glad you appreciate us… we appreciate you.
We believe strongly in sourcing where we get things from… and we believe that the world can exist if we give credit where it is due… can’t say everyone does that (right ESPN) but we try to make sure its clear if someone else has done the work.
The one thing I really try and not do is take myself or in this case ourselves too seriously… we love basketball… we love the NBA and I think thats why we do it better than anyone out there, because we really love the teams and situations we cover.
Thanks for hanging out with us…
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Deven
Will Dwight Howard leave Orlando, regardless what moves they make within the next year?
Alex Kennedy
Dwight Howard will keep his options open, but I wouldn’t say that it’s guaranteed that he’ll leave. If he wanted out that badly, he wouldn’t have signed the ETO waiver today. This gives Orlando more time to make moves to surround Howard with talent. They’ll have this offseason and until the trade deadline next season to acquire help for Howard. Also, this gives them the ability to clear cap room so that they can be players during the summer of 2013. There’s no question that changes need to be made in Orlando for Howard to stay long-term, but I don’t think he’s decided whether he’ll leave or not. So much can change between now and then, he’s probably just waiting to see what happens and what moves are made.
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rob
What’s your take on denver trading nene. He didn’t live up to his contract but why dump him for javale mcgee?
Is this moving up for denver or down
Alex Kennedy
The fact that he didn’t live up to expectations may have been part of it, but I think the real reason for the move was because it allowed the Nuggets to free up money to re-sign Wilson Chandler to a long-term deal. Think of this as Nene for JaVale McGee and Wilson Chandler.
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daniel g
We all know about davis and sullinger. But any great PGs or 2 guards in this draft class. I havent really payed attention, but now that pdx has 2 potential lottery picks I’m gonna actually watch the tourny for the first time.
Steve Kyler
The top Point Guard on our Top 100 is Damian Lillard from Weber State… he is a beast… The next PG we have is Kendall Marshall from North Carolina.
There are not a lot of franchise point guards in this class, so don’t expect a Kyrie Irving or Derrick Rose… 2013 might have a stud PG or two.
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Deven
Fact or Fiction: Dwight Howard staying in Orlando for another year was a good move.
Alex Kennedy
It’s a good move. Dwight Howard doesn’t look like the villain today and he’s going to make $19,261,200 next season. Also, if Deron Williams opts in, it’ll be an excellent move. This would mean that Howard, Williams and Chris Paul hit free agency at the same time. Plenty of teams would clear cap space to sign Howard and one of the elite point guards. While this keeps him in Orlando for one more year, it protects his image and opens up a lot of opportunities for him down the road.
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Deven
Since Boston didn’t make any moves, does Danny Ainge still break up the core during the summer this year?
Steve Kyler
That happens by itself… Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are free agents.
Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, JaJuan Johnson, E’Twaun Moore are the only guys under contract… Bostonm has a team option on Brandon Bass… the rest are free agents.
Boston has $35.5 million in cap commits including Bass… they are a major salary cap team. Even more so if they pass on their Bass option.
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Chris
While the Lakers didn’t make any truly splashy deals (and seeing Derek go is a little painful), do you think LA made enough improvements with a young pg and young backup big to help make a push in the west?
Alex Kennedy
I like the Lakers’ moves. Ramon Sessions is a very good point guard and he’ll make them better. He’s extremely excited to be in LA and he can’t wait to run that offense. Christian Eyenga and Jordan Hill are two players who have a lot of potential. Also, I’m impressed that the Lakers were able to dump Luke Walton’s contract. These moves don’t involve any big names, but we’ll see big improvements from the Lakers.
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Wes
Is Wes Matthews officially available this off season? Reports were he and Felton were shopped.
Bill Ingram
The Blazers couldn’t make a deal for Ray at the end of the day. His he gotten such bad press from the Portland folks that no one wanted to take a flyer on him – even the Lakers. He needs to show something over the next 6 weeks or so. As for Matthews, I haven’t heard that they were really looking to move him. Would include him to make a deal work, but he’s been good for them. The way the Blazers are blowing it up, though, I’ve heard only Aldridge and Batum are in the big picture.
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Dtales
What will the Timberwolves do with Michael Beasley now that the trade deadline has passed.
Bill Ingram
The Timberwolves were not 100% sold on moving Beasley, anyway, so when the Lakers soured the deal it was an easy decision to pull out – as much as they REALLY wanted Crawford. Beasley gives them a tremendous scoring threat off the bench, and with the playoffs still a very real possibility that will wind up being alright for the Wolves. They don’t have any interest in keeping him long-term, but they’ll make the most of him for now.
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Ben
another one:
why did nuggets trade away nene after just signing him to a big contract? and it seems like clippers got the best deal on this trade deadline
Bill Ingram
There were a couple of issues with Nene. First, he came into camp out of shape, partially because his status was in question in free agency. Then George Karl didn’t feel he was fully healthy, and he’s been in and out. No time to wait for him to get healthy, so they traded him for someone who is healthy now and is also a LEGIT center. Denver is better immediately. Clippers made out like bandits, but a lot of teams got better today. Indiana, San Antonio, maybe the Lakers with Sessions – lots of teams got better.
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Nashty
Hey guys, why aren’t we hearing any news on the feds (FBI) chasing down and interrogating Neil Olshey for highway robbery after he stole Nick Young and left Brian Cook and a 2nd round draft pick at the scene?
Bill Ingram
No doubt – I was just talking to Nick about the deadline and he said he was really hoping to be moved. He not only got his wish, but got sent home to Southern California. Today is Second Christmas for Nick – but also a stellar day for the Clippers. He’s going to fit right in there.
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mark
what do you think of minny not trading beasly? will this be a problem for them? and why did the beasly to lakers trade fall apart?
Bill Ingram
The Timberwolves had a 3-team deal in place to move Beasley to LA and get Crawford from Portland, but at the last minute the Lakers tried to add some cap baggage to the deal. Minny wasn’t interested in that, and it killed the trade.
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CrzyFan
Why would the Lakers Not get rid of Blake for Beasley and keep D-Fish? Can they still get Beasley? or do we have to wait until off season? My son is heartbroken at this news!!!!
CrzyFan
Bill Ingram
The Lakers had that deal done, but then attempted to add some undesirable contracts to the deal and Minny backed out. They wanted the Wolves to take Luke Walton and some other baggage. The deadline has passed . . .LA has to wait until summer for a crack at Beasley, and then won’t be able to afford him without trading someone else to make room.
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Joe
Did the lakers land Michael Beasley?
Steve Kyler
No.
They tried, but couldn’t make a deal with Minnesota. They wanted the T-Wolves to take Derek Fisher and the Wolves wouldn’t do it.
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Wichy
Trades! Who won, who lost, and who shouldn’t have stood still?
Steve Kyler
We’ll have some article breaking down the winners and losers tomorrow… stay tuned.
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holmes
Is there a point guard out there that could be a difference maker for the Blazers aquired sometime in the near future via free agency or the draft?
Alex Kennedy
This year’s draft class doesn’t have many elite point guards, but there will be some players available in free agency. The 2012 free agent class includes Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Jeremy Lin, Aaron Brooks, Andre Miller, Goran Dragic and George Hill.
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Jim
Did any GMs on the hot seat buy themselves some extra time? Did any seal their fate? BTW, thanks for all the great coverage today. Hoopsworld > ESPN ~!
Steve Kyler
Thanks for the love… ESPN has a lot more money to spend, but its nice to know people value what we do.
I wouldn’t say any of the Hot Seat GMs did much… Daryl Morey needs a post season run… I think Otis Smith was done before the deadline and Howard opting-in… Mitch Kupchak was never in trouble, but pulled of genius moves… Portland doesn;t have a GM so that job was still open… Ernie Grunwald was likely done before landing Nene for JaVale McGee.
We are out of time… thank you for hanging out with us. I need a beer for sure after today. Bill Ingram is already harassing Kemba Walker… I am sure Alex Kennedy as an agent he has to return a phone call to… so we’ll get back to work.