NBA Chat With Bill Ingram 3/5/12

1. Aristotle

   Hey Bill
   Rumours have it the C’s are looking to move Jesus for young talent and draft pick. Howbout Allen & Garnett for something like Beasley, Wesley Johnson, and Milicic +/- whoever or whatever is needed for it? I think Love can learn from Garnett, and imagine Allen’s shooting off Ricky’s fine passes. I’d like to see that. Your thoughts?

   • Bill Ingram

     Good Morning and welcome to the chat, everyone! Actually, I was thinking along the same lines. I don’t think there’s any chance the Wolves take back KG, but Ray Allen helps them a lot now and expires at the end of the year. A package of Beasley, whom the Celtics would love to have, and perhaps Anthony Randolph could make that trade work. I’ve been told David Kahn is leaning towards a combination of draft picks for Beasley, but those around him think using Beasley to get the two-guard they lack is the smarter move. I agree 100%. Picks are nice, but Ray Allen gets Minny into the playoffs.

2. ejhay

   i will just ask can miami get chris kaman and j.j hickson.? cause i heard chris kaman can just be traded with second round pick and miami have first round pick that came from cavaliers. and j.j hickson can be traded with mike miller

   • Bill Ingram

     The reason the Hornets didn’t trade Chris Kaman after asking him to stay away from the team was because they weren’t getting any offers that were in line with his value. We’re talking about a starting center, the rarest commodity in the modern NBA. As a starter this season he’s averaging 14.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest. Those are not Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum stats, but they are good enough to make him the ninth-best center in the league. The Hornets would rather keep him than give him up for a draft pick. As for Hickson, that was a bizarre trade to begin with. The Kings didn’t need another big man, and he isn’t playing well at all. That said, I still don’t think the Kings take on Miller’s contract. He’s not exactly the kind of young and improving player the Kings are building around, and they already have their veteran leader in Chuck Hayes.

3. Raptor-fan

   What is your take on the fall of Jonny Flynn? From being a 6th overall pick to now being a bench warmer? Is it character issues? Do you think the Raptors can make a deal for him? Will Flynn be moved first or Dragic?

   • Bill Ingram

     First and foremost, it was a mistake to make him the sixth overall pick. That said, The issue in Houston has more to do with rotation than anything else. Flynn is a great character guy, someone you want in your locker room even if he doesn’t play. He is a very capable player, as well, but with Lowry and Dragic getting all the minutes there isn’t much left for Flynn. The Rockets already traded Dragic once in the failed Chris Paul trade, so I guess he would be first. Right now they’re shopping Flynn, but also perhaps wondering if they should go ahead and trade Lowry with Scola for Gasol and let Dragic start with Flynn backing him up. They don’t want to deal Lowry at all, but given how much discussion is going on about Pau and the fact that the Lakers only make the deal if Lowry is involved . . .you just never know.

4. Chris G

   Are the Bulls underappreciated? Even though most people say they’ll reach the ECF, the Heat get described as “clearly the best team in the league.” However, the Bulls are the only team with 30 wins, have the highest point differential, and have done it all despite injury problems. Or maybe, is Coach Thibs underappreciated?

   • Bill Ingram

     I don’t think there are too many NBA insiders who believe the Heat are a walk to get back to the Finals, but the mass media wants to talk about LeBron, Wade and Bosh since they are all popular stars. The Bulls are deeper and have an incredible clutch player in Rose. If the ECF comes down to Miami and Chicago, it might just be LeBron’s turnover at the end of Game 6 and Rose’s huge basket at the end of Game 7 that sends Chicago to the NBA Finals. There’s a lot of basketball to be played before that scenario plays out, of course.

5. ejhay

   who do you think miami can land this trade deadline josh smith, ray allen, o.j mayo, tony allen, gerald wallace.. that can help them more.

   • Bill Ingram

     Well, no, I don’t think they can land any of those pieces. I’m also not sure they need them. The Heat could stand an upgrade at point guard or center, but not any of the positions you mention, and they don’t have the pieces to land Mayo, Ray Allen, Smith or Wallace. Tony Allen isn’t on the market, and they don’t need him with Battier in the mix.

6. Chris G

   What would be the more entertaining first round matchups: Bulls-Knicks and Heat-Celtics, or Bulls-Celtics and Heat-Knicks?

   • Bill Ingram

     The Celtics are toast . . .so count them out of this discussion. I would love to see New York and Miami, simply because those are two teams who have taken the same approach to winning a championship – trading/signing big names instead of building from the ground up. The NBA would love nothing more than to talk about matchups like LeBron/Carmelo; Bosh/Stoudemire and then throw in Jeremy Lin, Iman Shumpert and those other great stories. Sounds like a marketing bonanza to me.

7. Vito Villegas

   Hi Bill! Love your chats! I know this is a stretch but what would it take to pry away Deron Williams from the Nets?….say, to the Lakers

   • Bill Ingram

     Thanks, Vito. I appreciate the read. Honestly, I don’t think there is a deal that gets Deron out of New Jersey right now. The Nets believe they will add the pieces around him to convince him that he’s in the right place. Until recently, I even thought that to be a likely scenario. Now we’ve been told he’s gone to Dallas . . .which could be the wrench in the works. If NJ gets a feeling that Deron won’t stay, do they shock the world and deal him at the deadline? I don’t think so. Certainly not to the Lakers. I wouldn’t deal Williams for Pau Gasol.

8. karl

   Good day Bill. When will Blake Griffin be eligible for a max contract? and also, assuming that blake did get the max can the clippers realistically keep their core without going into tax territory? and since i doubt they’ll be willing to pay the tax with such a cheap skate owner who will they let go among DJ, CP, BG and still remain competitive?

   • Bill Ingram

     Griffin’s rookie deal runs through next season with a team option for the following year. It looks like he will be eligible for the Derrick Rose rule, which allows a player finishing his rookie contract to make 30 percent of a team’s salary cap if he’s twice been voted an All-Star starter, twice been voted All-NBA or won an MVP award. The Clippers can re-up him a year early to the kind of deal that Rose and Durant got recently. You’re right about the Clippers likely being unwilling to pay much tax, but with Paul’s contract ending and Griffin’s up for discussion, the two can put their heads together and come up with agreeable numbers that keep them together if they so choose . . .and I think they will. LA has so little committed beyond next season that it really shouldn’t be all that hard.

9. karl

   I know it still quite far off, but in the summer of 2013 the lakers will have only have at least 5 players under contract but they are already scheduled to have 61 mil in salary, assuming they move gasol and be rid of his contract they’ll have 49 mil in salary. does 2013 free agent crop good? and for elite players that will become available who do you think the lakers can sign and somehow be one of their building blocks for the future?

   • Bill Ingram

     It’s a pretty good class – especially for point guards. You’re right, though, there are extensions and trades and all kinds of things that will change the landscape. Pretty hard to even start thinking about 2013. Here’s the link to all of the free agents for that summer.

10. karl

    i’m not from the US and i don’t know about market sizes. so my question, is houston a big enough market for a superstar to come play there? i know superstars tend to gravitate towards bigger markets like LA and NY. But it baffles me why a team such as houston who seems to be a very well manage team and have a committed owner doesn’t attract big name players to come player there? because i think a player committed to winning should first prioritize to join a team who’s managed well and ignore the market size.

    • Bill Ingram

      Yes, Houston is not only one of the biggest markets in the NBA, it is also in a state where there is no state income tax, so players get to keep a bigger portion of their checks, as well. Players have to pay state income tax in every state where they play every time they play, so being in TX, where Houston, Dallas and San Antonio play each other frequently and no tax is involved, makes a great deal of financial sense. The issue with Houston is not market size, but rather the way their GM does business. Agents don’t want their players in Houston, and until that changes the big names will go elsewhere.

11. Hans

    who’s likely to be moved kevin martin or courtney lee?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Rockets are actively shopping Lee, whose agent asked for a trade when the team opted not to sign him to an extension. There have been talks about Martin – the Timberwolves would give up anything not named Love or Rubio to get him – but the Rockets aren’t in a hurry to deal him. They did trade him for Pau Gasol in the failed Chris Paul deal, and would send him to LA with Scola for Gasol now, but the Lakers aren’t interested. If they could land an All-Star, Houston would deal Martin, but there aren’t many All-Stars available.

12. Deven

    Hi Bill. Which of the big four of the Boston Celtics will get moved first?

    A. Paul Pierce
    B. Ray Allen
    C. Kevin Garnett
    D. Rajon Rondo
    E. Two of the four
    F. None of the Above

    • Bill Ingram

      E. Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen

13. Deven

    Dallas has gotten off to a bad start since the all star break ended. Do you see them making a move at the deadline?

    • Bill Ingram

      Dallas is always looking for a move, but they won’t do anything that involves a contract beyond this season. They’re all about free agency – Dwight Howard and Deron Williams. This season is almost irrelevant. They’re pretty good when everyone’s healthy, too, but right now they have several key guys out. Delonte West (finger) and Lamar Odom (heart/head), in particular.

14. maestro

    Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes to Cleveland for Varejo, Session, and Thompson.

    • Bill Ingram

      The Cavs aren’t looking to get older, and aren’t shopping Varejao. That said, it would be a GREAT deal for the Lakers.

15. Will

    I hear Orlando will gamble and just keep Dwight all season,is it true?

    • Bill Ingram

      I believe that’s right. I also believe Dwight might choose not to opt-out, and let the media world continue to talk about nothing else but his free agency for another year. Summer of 2013 he can talk to Monta Ellis and Josh Smith – maybe even Chris Paul – about winning multiple titles in Orlando.

16. Matt lissack

    What do you see the bucks doing by trades before the deadline? Any chance of landing a player like beasley?

    • Bill Ingram

      See, this is my thinking exactly – work out a deal that sends Jackson to the Wolves so they can make the playoffs. Beasley doesn’t necessarily help the Bucks get better, which is the issue with Beasley going to Milwaukee.

17. Tony

    Reflecting on the Lakers vs. Heat last Sunday you would think Eddy Curry would do a better job than Pittman at keeping Bynum or Gasol out of the middle. Why isn’t he playing? Miami desperately needs a serviceable BIG. Joel Anthony, Haslem, and Pittman don’t cut it. Is there any hope for Miami to get a decent big barring a Kaman buyout that wont happen?

    • Bill Ingram

      Keep in mind, the Lakers have the best front court in the NBA with Gasol and a healthy Bynum. The Heat aren’t going to beat them in a series, but then they also won’t see them in a series. Hard to see the Lakers coming out of the West. Eddy Curry will never play in the NBA again, if you ask me. He just can’t get in good enough shape. It’s telling that the Heat didn’t use him even in that situation, where they absolutely needed him. He can’t get it done.

18. Joe Shafer

    Someone mentioned this in a previous chat, what about Kevin Martin to the Pacers for Danny Granger?

    • Bill Ingram

      That makes some sense, and I think Houston would do it. The Pacers, on the other hand, are really not ready to make a trade. They have the cap space to absorb a significant contract, and are looking to do that rather than actually give up anyone in a trade. Paul George may make Granger expendable eventually, but the Pacers aren’t there yet.

19. Alec

    Hey Bill, after Rondo’s performance last night, was it to prove to the front office that they would be absolutely stupid to trade him? Also, if the Clips want Allen, why not trade Jordan for him. The trade would look like Jordan/Bledsoe for Allen/O’Neal/Moore. Allen and O’Neal come off the books so they could make a run at Dwight this summer, while C’s get a 5 they need badly. Maybe the C’s can give back the Clips 1st rounder lol

    • Bill Ingram

      For those who missed it, Rondo has 18 points, 20 assists and 17 rebounds in beating the Knicks last night. I think as much as anything this was Rondo’s turn to go off on new NBA poster boy Jeremy Lin, like Deron Williams did before the All-Star break. Danny Ainge doesn’t need to see Rondo go off to understand what a great talent he is, but the trade talk is not about whether or not Rondo is talented. It’s about whether or not he can lead the Celtics in a new direction, and I’m not sure that he can. He’s just not a leader. As for DeAndre Jordan, I don’t think you’ll see him traded, especially for a shooting guard. If they could get Dwight for a package including Jordan they would do that, of course, but that’s not on the table.

20. Joe Shafer

    Second trade idea, K-Mart to Minnesota for Beasley and Millicic and a second round pick. Kevin is obviously more effective under Adelman and McHale could be the firm hand and guidance Beasley needs to grow as a player?

    • Bill Ingram

      I don’t know that the Wolves would give up Darko, but if they would that’s a great deal for Houston. Darko is very underrated defensively – one reason why the Wolves really like him – and Beasley is obviously someone Houston is after. The Timberwolves are also looking for draft picks, and Houston is usually hesitant to deal those. If they could land Darko along with Beasley, they should add any picks the Wolves want.

21. Jazzaholic

    The Jazz have expiring contracts for Josh Howard, $2.15m, and CJ Miles, $3.7m. They are both healthy and playing well.

    The Jazz also have a $10.9m TPE, where they could take back salary along with a pick/young player for tax/cap relief or to clear a roster spot.

    What teams might be interested in giving up a pick, or young talent, to the Jazz for an expiring contract, tax relief, cap space or a roster spot?

    • Bill Ingram

      I give the Jazz a lot of credit – they don’t let anything slip in terms of their trade talks. More teams should exercise the same discretion. The short answer? Dallas is looking for ways to get rid of long-term contracts in anticipation of making a run at Dwight and D-Will this summer. They also view draft picks as irrelevant. Boston is likewise looking to shed contract dollars. The Magic would love to make a move to give themselves flexibility this summer, but the Jazz are unlikely to take Jameer Nelson or Chris Duhon, two pieces the Magic would like to move. It’s safe to say that any team that’s in the luxury tax situation and is not headed for a deep playoff run would like to have Utah’s TPE.

22. AJ

    How much trade value does Jamal Crawford have? I know a lot of teams could use him, would teams give up a mid-late first rounder or a young prospect (like Bledsoe) for Crawford?

    • Bill Ingram

      The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are pursuing him the strongest, but the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks have also expressed interest. Bledsoe for Crawford? Not good for Portland….they miss the playoffs…

23. jonel

    - Boston gets: Chris Kaman, Grievis Vasquez, Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota’s 2012 first-round pick;

    - New Orleans gets: Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal.is this a fair deal for both teams…thanks

    • Bill Ingram

      Jermaine is basically retired, so you’re talking about Rondo and cap space for Kaman, Vasquez, Aminu and a decent first round pick. Dell Demps is not going to make a deal like that . . .way too one-sided in favor of Boston.

24. jullia

    1. Kaman to the Houston Rockets for Hasheem Thabeet, Johnny Flynn, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill and the New York Knicks’ 2012 first-round draft pick

    2. Kaman to the San Antonio Spurs for Richard Jefferson, Danny Green, James Anderson, $3 million and the Spurs’ No. 1 pick in 2012.

    3. Kaman to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur, Damion James, $3 million, Houston’s 2012 first-round draft pick and the Nets’ own 2013 pick (lottery protected).

    which one of these is the best package and why

    • Bill Ingram

      #1 is the best package for Houston, as they unload all of the crap they want to get rid of and land a better starting center. #2 is the best package for the Hornets, no question. They get a veteran who could be doing a lot more in Jefferson, as well as young talent.

25. CJ

    Will Donald Sterling’s bad rep ever prompt any kind of action from Stern?

    • Bill Ingram

      You mean his reputation for being cheap? There’s nothing Stern can do about that. It yields its own punishment, as player avoid the Clippers because of the reputation. That culture is changing with Blake and CP3 in town.

26. JP

    Domino effect:
    First:
    Minne: Gerald Wallace-Jamal Crawford-Elliot Williams-Cris Johnson
    Portland: Beasley-Wes Johnson-Ridnour-Randolph-Ellignton-2nd pick
    Second:
    Lakers: Felton-Beasley
    Portland: Blake-Trade exception-1st pick
    Third:
    Minne: OJ Mayo
    Memphis: Jamal Crawford

    Thoughts? What would you add in each trade to make it happen if now it´s not acceptable?

    • Bill Ingram

      That would be one of the biggest trades in the history of the NBA, and enormously complicated to pull off. You’d need a team of lawyers to even begin to look at whether it could go down or not, which means it’s highly unlikely.

27. FocusLJA

    Was Houston’s Terrence Williams playing last night a sign that he is going to be traded? Or are the Rockets just trying something after half a season?

    • Bill Ingram

      McHale has been impressed with T-Will’s play during practice, and rewarded him with some real minutes for the first time in ages. Of course, he was 1-8 and Houston was -10 with him on the court. Chase’s forearm must still be bothering him – from practicing for the dunk contest.

28. Hopeful Hornet

    Hey Bill!
    Any news on possible Chris Kaman trade destinations?
    Love the guy, but he should really be on a contender

    • Bill Ingram

      Pretty good chance he’s still in New Orleans . . .at least none of the offers they’ve had to this point will get him out of town.

29. Lior

    Let’s make some trades! As far as I’m concerned nobody on the Rockets roster plays well enough consistently to be labeled untouchable.

    • Bill Ingram

      The problem is that the Rockets are a collection of great complimentary players – Lowry, Martin, Scola, Budinger, Lee, Patterson, Dalembert, Parsons – put Dirk Nowitzki in the middle of that team and they’re contenders. Without a star player in the mix somewhere, the Rockets are a good team, but will never be great.

30. Jonathan

    What would a lottery pick in this draft cost the knicks. Would Toronto for example take on stoudemire in return for their two picks in this years draft. I feel a pick like Sullinger would give the knicks a better Post presence, help the defense and provide us with a good young core moving forward with Lin,shump, harrelson, Landry and some drafted player from this draft while still remaining contenders in the east.

    • Bill Ingram

      Keep in mind Amar’e's contract in uninsured, meaning if his knees or his back give out the team that owns him is on the hook for 100% of his salary. HIGHLY unlikely the Knicks can move him, and the Raptors will NOT trade their first round pick. If figures heavily into their vision of next season.

31. Zac

    hey bill
    1)what do you think is wrong with the blazers this year?
    2)do you think the blazers can pull off a trade for nash or rondo
    3) if they strkie out there do they go after devin harris or jose cdalderon
    4) is it almost worth just scrapping this season and trading jamal gerald and oden and hopefully get some picks back for them?

    • Bill Ingram

      More than a few things – Ray came in out of shape and has never gotten on the same page with McMillan. Crash has been incredibly inconsistent, as has Batum. LaMarcus Aldridge doesn’t get enough help on a nightly basis. Crawford has been good, but they’re afraid they will lose him this summer, as is very likely. Now they’re slipping out of the playoff picture, as well. They need to name a GM and give that person the authority make smart basketball moves without Paul Allen’s interference. Until they do that, the Blazers will continue to be a mess.

32. Eldad

    Hey Bill, have you had a chance to read Jason Whitlock’s column about “Kobe not being od LeBron’s level even if LeBron never wins a ring”? How did this guy get his degree?

    • Bill Ingram

      Kobe isn’t on LeBron’s level . . .not remotely. He’s an entire echelon above – the championship echelon.

33. daniel

    How do you feel about Kmart calling you out after your article saying he wasnt happy in houston?

    • Bill Ingram

      Didn’t see that. Considering Kevin, his agent and his trainer all contributed to the article, that’s a bit strange. Is he calling out Jonathan Feigen for printing his quotes about being unhappy in Houston? Better not to get caught up in all of that. I report what sources tell me is true and I need/had 3 sources for a story like that. So no worries.

34. Kris

    can the lakers get felton from pdx? will he be a good fit? and if ever the lakers did get him and he’s a free agent this summer will the lakers have his bird rights? thanks and good day.

    • Bill Ingram

      Alright, last question, everyone. Sorry the site issues have prevented some questions from getting in. I do think the Lakers can get Felton, and that he might be a good fit. Not sure why it hasn’t worked out in Portland – Ray was happy to be traded there. He’s a competitor, though, and an upgrade over LA’s other point guards. And yes, if acquired via trade they get his bird rights, as well. Our next chat is this afternoon with Stephen Brotherston in Toronto – drop your questions in by clicking here!

35. Kris

    what do you think of Andrew Bynum now that he’s healthy?

    • Bill Ingram

      I’ve always thought that Bynum was the third-best center in the NBA behind Yao and Dwight, so now the second-best. It’s easy to see why they don’t want to give him up to get Dwight, as Bynum is almost as good in different ways.

36. Marvelous Marv

    Hey Bill,

    What team might be willing to give the Knicks a 2012 or 2014 late first round draft pick for Toney Douglas? If not,would SAC be willing to trade Hickson for Douglas? Amar’e explosiveness is gone and NYK will need a athletic power forward in the waiting. Thoughts?

    • Bill Ingram

      It would address needs for both teams, you’re right. Douglas seems to be completely out of the picture in NY, and the Kings could use another point guard. Hickson hasn’t been all that good, to be honest. I don’t know if the move would help either team right away, but could be interesting down the road.

37. Craig

    Any chance the Lakers can package their exemption in a 3 way deal (or the equivalent) to get Calderon? He’d be perfect if they are willing to take on the money.

    • Bill Ingram

      Dwane Casey is very much against the team trading Calderon, so I don’t think that’s going to happen.

38. Jim

    MFFL here. I love watching Roddy B’s athleticism and scoring touch, but is he ever going to be the consistent combo guard that the Mavs need?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s what they’re trying to figure out. I don’t think there any chance he can be a starting point guard, but he can sure be a factor off the bench. He might be the next Jet Terry, though he lacks Jet’s toughness and mental approach.

39. Nate

    Hello,

    If the Kings land one more draft talent, do you think they could contend for a title in 2 to 3 years, and sort of follow the same road the Thunder has over the past couple of seasons?

    • Bill Ingram

      That’s absolutely the plan. You can see every night how close they are….

40. Charlie

    I have heard a number of writers on Hoopsworld chirp Rondo for his bad attitude and temperament. I believe players such as Rondo, who are not media friendly, are automatically labelled as problem players. Dude was the starting point on a championship team when he was a rook, but because he doesn’t smile and give the media the same robotic memorized lines “its all about the team’ and “I’m just here to do whatever the coaches asks me” he is viewed as a problem. I personally love the fact he doesn’t conform to this ‘norm.’ Agree or Disagree Rondo would be a problem player on a team without veterans

    • Bill Ingram

      Sorry, everyone, we’re having site issues this morning, so bear with us. Let’s be clear about Rondo – no one’s saying he’s a problem player. He is simply not a player the Celtics can build around when the big three are gone. He doesn’t communicate well – with teammates or media – and his personality is more likely to drive players away than bring them to town. On the court he’s a top three PG in the NBA, so that’s not the issue.

41. Bill Ingram

    I think Deron comes home to Dallas, with or without Dwight. Dirk isn’t all THAT “aging” (40 points last time out), and the Mavs will have cap space to add other key pieces.