NBA Chat with Bill Ingram 7/2/12

Bugsy Mogues

Hey BIll 2 Q’s;
A)If a player is offered a max deal by another team (I.e. Hibbert by Portland) is there a rule that prevents him from accepting less to stay at his current team?
B)If Houston keep all their picks, will Donatas stay in Europe? I saw a quote from him saying he wouldn’t accept a low minute bench role and would rather stay OS.

Bill Ingram

Good Morning, everyone and welcome to the chat! We’re already slammed, so let’s jump right in! A) Sure. The player doesn’t have to sign the offer sheet from the second team, and can take whatever they would like to take from their existing team. The only rule preventing it is the Golden Rule – whoever offers the most gold usually wins. B) Is it Motiejunas’ intention to play in the NBA next season, but you’re right – he said he wants to be a rotation player. That was Houston’s plan coming into the offseason, as well, according to my sources inside the team. Of course, they’ve added an ungodly number of forwards since then . . .

Chris G

With Lebron winning a ring, is Carlos Boozer now the player who most needs a ring to get fans off his case?

Bill Ingram

I don’t think fans are anywhere NEAR on Boozer’s case like they were LeBron’s . . .Boozer has never claimed to be any more than he is . . .but he has been a real disappointment in Chicago, no question.

Deven

Where will Jason Terry end up?

Bill Ingram

He has no shortage of suitors . . .the LA Clippers would love to have him. That said, if Dallas misses out on Deron Williams they could decide to pay Jet, who has been the heart and soul of the team . . .

Deven

Do you think the Cs overpaid KG a bit too much? 34 mil for 3 years seems like a lot. Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

Depends on whether or not you believe he’s the key piece, which they do. Now Ray Allen has to consider returning, Paul Pierce is happy . . .it sends a clear message that they don’t believe the ECF appearance was a fluke.

Deven

Any blockbuster trades in the works, not named Dwight Howard?

Bill Ingram

There are a number of things going on, including Joe Johnson to Brooklyn and S&T scenarios for Steve Nash and Eric Gordon. By the time you read this, something will have changed, so make sure you’re reading this several times a day to make sure you have the latest: HOOPSWORLD’s FREE AGENCY DIARY.

Golden Refugee

Now with the Warriors set for starters (Curry/Klay/Barnes/Lee/Bogut), can they sign Roy and still have anything left for a vet pg like andre Miller? If healthy (big if) they are a playoff team right?

Bill Ingram

Miller will stay in Denver . . .deal already in place . . .and Warriors still hoping to land Dwight Howard . . .so stay tuned.

Deven

Is Luis Scola on the move? If so, where does he end up?

Bill Ingram

To answer both of your Houston questions – one to a customer at this crazy time of year – yes, Scola could be on the move, and they have offered him all over the place. He could be in New Orleans in an Eric Gordon S&T, could be in Orlando for Dwight . . .to name the top two of the day.

Deven

Will Tim Duncan retire or comeback to the Spurs?

Bill Ingram

I would be shocked if he retired.

keeweekid

What happened to supposed fiscal responsibility with the new CBA? Some of these reported deals seem nuts with the reported CBA (G. Wallace- $10M, Nicolas Batum- $11-$12M possibily from T-Wolves). This seems status quo or worse than the last CBA.

Bill Ingram

Don’t forget my favorite – $14.9 million in year three of Asik’s offer from Houston . . .OUCH!!!!! I guess Dwight should be making about 200 million a year if Asik is worth 15.

eastsider

yo bill my main main! why dont the rockets just make a 3 way trade and get brook lopez from the nets send howard to brooklyn and the rockets players to orlando??

Bill Ingram

At this point, I wouldn’t rule that – or anything – out.

Wil

Like everyone else, I’m tired of the Dwight saga. Unfortunately the change in management occurred 1-2 years too late to recover, so now it is time to part ways. If I’m ORL, I don’t care where Dwight wants to go (he can make that choice next year), but I send him to the highest bidder (who will take on our bad contracts and give back youth and picks?). Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

Exactly . . .they should have fired Otis when he broke up the Finals team. And Orlando will get what they can get. Houston and GS will take him as is, no contract extension needed. Brooklyn will be forced to build their roster, and won’t have the ability to sign him a year from now. Dwight just doesn’t understand how it works. You can prefer to play wherever you want, but you play where you’re paid to play.

Gabe

Since Perry Jones got drafted to the Thunder, does this affect the Harden-Ibaka decision. If his knees aren’t that bad, that’s their future at the PF spot right there.

Bill Ingram

He would have to have a hell of a year to replace Ibaka .. .I don’t see that happening, but you never know. Everything Presti touches seems to turn to gold.

virgil

Would a trade of lowry and scola for stat be a fair and good one. Each team gets something in return especially if stat stays healthy.

Bill Ingram

The Rockets are no longer pursuing Amar’e . . .

Sam

Any chance the Heat sign Camby, Terry or Allen; or are teams gonna keep overspending?

Bill Ingram

I would think Camby lands in Miami, but he does live in Houston and they think he’ll come back to the Rockets. Ray Allen won’t be in Houston, and they haven’t reached out to Jet’s camp . . .as the roster stands they have no use for Jet or Jesus.

Omar

HUGE PACERS FAN! If we resign Hibbert and Hill, who is one or two players that we need to pick up? I heard from bass, crawford, mayo, roy, gordon,nash, and asik are intriguing to the Pacer’s front office, who is the good fit?

Bill Ingram

Eric Gordon or OJ Mayo . . .no question. They need someone who can take the ball and wreck havoc . . .someone who takes away the predictability factor that killed them against Miami.

Sam

Do you think Miami or Orlando would consider trading Bosh, Joel and the Phily pick for Dwight? Thanks

Bill Ingram

Not now . . .never mess with the core of a title team. NEVER.

Sean

hey Bill, now that d-12 has made it official, do you think the Nets have enough assets for Orlando and if not who do you think will make a strong push for him?

Bill Ingram

Never say never, but the Nets seem to have moved on to Joe Johnson . . .

Jason

will Orlando give dwight up for anything to the nets just because thats where he wants to go or does he go to the highest bidder?

Bill Ingram

highest bidder . . .

Lior

How many PFs does it take to change a light bulb in Toyota center? Answer: 6-8. I don’t understand why they passed Zeller twice. When you have six guys at the same position picking best available makes no sense. Also, after the latest Howard “blackmailed” drama do you really want him as a one year rental? What influence will he be in the locker room around the young core? I’d being back Dragic/Lee trade Scola, Martin, and Lowry for a center and maybe a veteran wing. POR decided years ago to go character first. I think it’s the way to go.

Bill Ingram

I would argue that Zeller was both “best available” and the position they needed, as well. I really don’t even want to look at Houston’s roster . . .they have too many trades in the works, and a couple of weeks from now it could all make sense. Right now . . .it doesn’t.

JC

Hi Bill,

Love your chats. Always insightful.

This was never brought up but I think would be beneficial to both teams: If Houston loses out on Howard trade, they should consider trading Scola and Martin for Amare. Amare gets them the all star big man that they have been looking for. It also builds legitimacy as a free agency team. Knicks get rid of Amare’s contract, get a PF who doesn’t need the ball and a shooter who can spread the floor for Melo. Who says no?

Bill Ingram

The problem with Amar’e – and they had a deal for him with Phoenix a couple of years ago, but it was submitted a couple of minutes too late and the league rejected it – is that his back is worse than is being said and his contract is enormous. Of course, Scola’s knees are bad, to there’s a chance neither player would pass a physical. Either way, the Rockets are not pursuing Amar’e any more. Will that change? Maybe, but doubtful.

Cole

Blazers offer Hibbert a max deal, you think Pacers match?

Bill Ingram

I know Bird and Morway didn’t see Hibbert as a max player. Will be interesting to see if KP and Walsh do . . .that’s a lot of money for 12 & 8.

Sean M

Did you find it to be a productive draft for us Rockets fans? I think we did quite well but I would’ve taken Zeller before Royce at 16.

Bill Ingram

Let’s wait and see what they do with all those pieces. Right now, no. They needed a center and they drafted their 8th and 9th power forwards and their 3rd shooting guard. They had 3 first round picks and didn’t address a single need or get a single player who will play this season . . .but they have a ton of trades in the works, so we’ll see.

Cole

Do Blazers match the Timberwolves offer for Batum, supposedly 4 yrs 45-50 mill?

Bill Ingram

I know they would have under previous management, but Olshey may have other plans. The safe answer is that Portland matches. They have been steadfast in saying Batum and Aldridge are their core.

Frank

Hi Bill,
Hope all is well. Assume your ORL GM and you want to move D12, HEDO, & DUHON. These 2 offers are on the table: Lakers: Gasol,Artest,Blake & McBob. OR HOU: KevMart,Lowry,Livinston,M.MorrisTer.Jones, & a future #1. Does either “float your boat”? Thoughts?

Bill Ingram

I’d go Houston – and not just because I’m a Houston guy. From Houston you get a starting backcourt and young talent with upside. Artest, Blake and McRob are pale by comparison.

Peter

Hi Bill, ESPN reported that Nash got a 3yr/36m offer from the Raps. Those are some pretty big numbers for a guy who is 38, but I think he is worth every penny of it. If he agrees to join the Raps, do you think he can turn this franchise around immediately?
Also, Lowry is being shopped by the Rox and the Bulls are looking for a replacement for Rose. Do you think they can make a Lowry for Asik deal?

Bill Ingram

It’s a lot for Nash, but you’re a playoff team immediately and the fervor around the Raptors would be insane. Nash Comes Home t-shirt sales would more than pay for his contract. Lowry for Asik is crazy, one-sided. But then, the contract offer to Asik is crazy, too. The team that never overspends just fell off the wagon in a big way. Lowry would have the Bulls riding high in the East, and the Rockets would be paying $15 million for a guy who averages 5 points and 5 fouls in three years.

Mateo

Can jeff green and jajuan play 3?

Bill Ingram

Jeff played some three in OKC, which is why they wound up trading him . . .I think he can play both forward positions, but is better at the three.

Kostas

Hi Bill from Greece….I have some questions about salary cap and the exeptions….The salary cap of the teams is 58 mil. and after that they pay tax,right?So let’s say one team have 58 mil. to 11 players.Is there a posibility to take another 3 players and not pay tax?One with a 5-6 mil. and the other 2 with smaller contracts.And how could be this posible?With the MLE and the mini-MLE?And the MLE is only for one year or could be multi-year?I hope you will answer me

Bill Ingram

Ahhhh . . .Greece. I hope to have a home on Santorini one day . . .gorgeous!! As for your very good, very complicated question, in the interest of time, I’ll refer to you to the excellent site from Larry Coon, the world-renowned CBA expert. LINK HERE!

Kahari young

Hey bill!do you think atl hawks have a real chance of acquiring hometown kid marshon Brooks through via trade?I really bad for the Orlando fans because the drama with d12 and the magic organization has gotten out of hand. Do you think Orlando can acquire good assets like Denver did two seasons ago?!

Bill Ingram

Sounds like a very real possibility . . .Brooks and pieces go to Atlanta . . .maybe Gerald Green S&T . . .Orlando is going to make out like bandits when they trade Dwight. Houston and GS have tons they’re willing to give up . . .

Kostas

O.J.Mayo and Jeff Green is free agents.The first didn’t play good in the postseason and the other did not play this year because of a heart condition….Which is the right price for them right now?(I believe Jeff will sign for the Celtics and O.J. is a very good fit for a lot teams)

Bill Ingram

The right piece for Boston? I’d go Green, since Ray Allen is likely to return.

topp

Bill,with Dwight Howard saying that he want to play in Brooklyn.Do the Net have the piece 2 get the job done?In your honest opinion where do u see d12 playing?

Bill Ingram

No they don’t . . .Houston certainly has a stockpile of assets . . .biggest stockpile in the NBA.

Ax of Manila

Who’ll fit best for the C’s as Allen’s replacement: J. Crawford, J. Terry or K. Hinrich? All three as reported, interests the C’s.

Bill Ingram

If they lose Ray, which they may not, I’d go Jet Terry. He’s a proven champion and has that mentality and toughness that pushes his team to new heights.

James

Lot of good bigs in the draft this year. But I got really excited about Meyers Leonard. Seems ready to be solid this season and great down the road. Any thoughts of his current abilities and his potential?

Bill Ingram

One of the better centers in a draft class that was sadly short on center talent. Is he Joel Przybilla, though? I’ve heard that comparison a number of times. Good, solid player, but not the star of a team by any stretch.

Simon

is it time for us magic fans to let go of dwight?

Bill Ingram

It is, indeed. His brain seems to have imploded.

Emilio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Hi Bill,
There is any way that Howards ends playing next season for the Clippers with CP3 And Grffin? I dont know if there will be Cap SPACE to do it.
Muchas Gracias.

Bill Ingram

How do you land Dwight without giving up one of those guys? I wouldn’t trade D12 for the rest of their roster combined. . .

Kings fan

If I’m Orl, a package of Lowry/Lamb/T Jones/Patterson is what I’m taking over Lopez. Is that something Hou would be interested in? What do you think of Thomas Robinson?

Bill Ingram

Houston wants to move Martin, Orlando wants to move Duhon . . .I think those two players have to be involved. I LOVE Robinson . . .Rookie of the Year, baby!

calvinzero

Dwight Howard’s attitude is disgusting now. I think he will never change his attitude until he was traded. For me, Howard is worse than LBJ.

Bill Ingram

He’s definitely in that neighborhood . . .If Dwight wasn’t such a nice, likeable guy he would be in LeBron’s boat, for sure.

dieslow2

Did the rockets make the right call signing asik with his pricy contract?

Bill Ingram

Only if he has gotten a LOT better since last season ended . . .

sunny

houston should have gone after chris kaman, agree?

Bill Ingram

Depends on whether or not they get Dwight . . .

Billy M

I was so thrilled to JUST hear the word ‘Rockets’ again on Sunday. It seemed like the team went silent at the worst time!
I’m glad they seemed to have turned away from D12 and put their focus on Asik. What do you personally think of Asik? Do you still see the Rox trading lowry after nash or Dwill signs?

Bill Ingram

The are busy . . .let’s but it that way. VERY busy. One source told me yesterday they hadn’t slept in like 96 hours.

Alex

Love your chats! Very informative and a great read. Now to my question – Please Please tell me that the Lakers are not considering trading for D12? If they do they will lose D12 next year anyway. But lets play devils advocate and let say that the Lakers do get D12 and D12 true to his word explores free agency – my second questions is this – If Brooklyn doesn’t have any cap space to sign him (assuming D12 will not take full mle) where would he go then?

Bill Ingram

I think the media is considering the Lakers trading for D12 . . .not sure the Lakers are considering Bynum, which is what Orlando would want.

jejemon

I observed that free agents are giving LAL the cold shoulder unlike before when it was the destination. Is it because of management or players are scared to play under kobe’s shadow?

Bill Ingram

They also have no money to spend . . .and won’t go luxury tax like before . . .

Ax of Manila

Is M. Camby a long shot for the C’s?

Bill Ingram

Haven’t heard him mentioned by Boston at all . . .

manila tapsilog breakfast

Yo bill everyone is preoccupied with dwith and deron that your rockets got that secret weapon coming summer league! The next manu ginobli! Zonan dragic! He is an mvp and a dynamic player. Lack the nba body but his brother is doing good and is one of the top free agents. Will rockets sign.zonan?

Bill Ingram

Is he coming to summer league? I’d like to see that . . .Goran is fantastic . . .

Sean M

Hey Bill! I heard we’re pursuing Eric Gordon hard, what are the odds we actually can land in a sign-and-trade?
Also getting Scott Machado for our Summer League team is great! I think he can be a good player for us.

Bill Ingram

Seems like Gordon was just making the rounds. . . Demps won’t want Kevin Martin . . .which is probably what Houston is offering. But we’ll see . . .Houston has a ton of assets.

dancing picks

With all the superstar divas created but the old system i am glad the the new cba makes teams think on spending on players and steal small market team’s markee players. I wana salute the spurs before okc as the model franchise of getting a ring.winning tru draft is the key and spending wisely.will the new diva mentality in the nba make more teams create roster thru patience rather than buying talents?

Bill Ingram

I agree. . .I miss the days when the NBA was about the teams, not the players. As a good friend put it the other day, the NBA has turned into reality TV. We need to return to the good old days. LOL

zitaar coney island

Who will be in the final four of the east and west nba playoffs 2013? Fun predictions my friend

Bill Ingram

LOL . ..with rosters in flux and several teams a mess? I’ll go the safe route: East = Chicago vs. Miami … West = OKC vs. San Antonio

Benny Da Bull

Bulls fan here. What do you think of the Asik offer? Seems as if the way that the deal is designed to put the Bulls in a bind. 14m backloaded is a bit much for a still developing center. Do the Bulls match or go for Stiemsma or the like? Also, Luol for GSWs #7 and Klay Thompson looks like it would have been a solid exchange to surround Rose with shooters; To late now.

Bill Ingram

As bizarre as that offer seems to Houston fans, it must be INSANE to Bulls fans, who have seen Asic play so much . . .We’ve heard Bulls will match, but they may not have anticipated an offer like Houston’s.

Losang

I enjoy your chats very much. Could you and the others put a small notice when chats are cancelled. Susan Bible, Jason Fleming (gone, alas!)et. al. sometimes do not chat and I search hopelessly for them. Thank you.

Bill Ingram

We actually did put out a notice that Jason Fleming has left the business . . .Not sure what was up with Susan? Did she not chat on Saturday?

martay

Why does it seem like Lebron is graded on lower scale then kobe. People say kobe needs at least 6 maybe 7 rings. If Lebron can get to kobe 5 they will say he is greatest player ever. They say kobe can’t win without shaq he goes and takes team to finals 3 straight years wins twice. Lebron didn’t win until he joined dream team with wade and co. Why don’t the question be asked can he win title without wade cause wade won one without him

Bill Ingram

I’m sure Bill Russell – 11 RINGS – finds this whole Kobe/LeBron debate amusing . . .

Luscious from Milwaukee

In light of the draft, and the fact the Bucks now have 27 Power Forwards, do you see them signing Ersan Ilyasova and amnestying Drew Gooden? Seems like a no-brainer to this Bucks fan.

Bill Ingram

They could get something for Gooden if they chose to make him available . . .no need to amnesty him.

Wil

Hi Bill, I wrote an earlier question about my frustration with the ORL situation and admit it was a shot at Dwight. I still think they should send him to HOU (who probably has the best available assets at this time, given the limited options), but let’s be clear that Smith and ownership created this mess. They made one too many bad trades, way too many bad signings, and squandered their picks to put them in this position. No GM can fix this, as it will take several years to clean this group of overpaid role-players from the roster. In fairness to Dwight, he is correct this is an intractable mess.

Bill Ingram

VERY important point . . .I almost added it an earlier answer. The Magic brought this on themselves with very poor management decisions.

Doug

Hi Bill, what is your gut on what the Pacers will do about Roy Hibbert? Everyone says they have to, but will they? Without Hibbert, the pacers backslide big time, and Grangers deal expires next year and West deal this year. While they have to make some hard decisions, it seems the contract rotate out in a timely fashion assuming they draft well (feel free to comment on the Plumlee draft as well

Bill Ingram

I have a conversation with Chris Kaman before I make a decision on matching for Roy . . .

Adam

What in the world are the Nets thinking with this Joe Johnson trade? Not only does it ruin their chances of getting Dwight Howard, but you are taking on the worst contract in basketball for what has become a mediocre player!!!

Bill Ingram

Joe Johnson is an All-Star . . .not even close to mediocre. Bad contract, yes, but great player. Brooklyn thinks Lopez, Williams, Crash and JJ are a contending team. They might just be right, too . . .

Mutang

I’m freaking in love with the Mo Williams trade. I think he’s the perfect addition to the Jazz, just the type of player they need, and it’s a bonus that he’s back now after we let him go.
With that said, it feels like theres still an issue there with bigs, needing an actual SF maybe, I dont know, something! What do you see Utah doing now Bill? Or just go with Favors/Al/Paul/Mo/GH???

Bill Ingram

I’m hearing some noise about Millsap being traded . . .and yes, I love the Mo Williams move. He’s better than Devin Harris . . .

DrSubZero

Help me understand why the Rockets are going after Gordon, rather that look for a center? Can you enlighten me on what YOU thing they are trying to do?

Bill Ingram

“and” not “or” – Gordon and Howard are big picture.

DrSubZero

….and if I were the Rockets I wouldnt go after Howard the Coward anymore…..I read to day that he will not sign any long deal with any other team but the Nets……so why give up too much for someone thats not gonna commit?

Bill Ingram

To try and change his mind. Brooklyn can’t afford him next summer.

Focuslja

why is Golden State trying to get all these bigs?

Bill Ingram

To send to Orlando . . .

Focuslja

Charlotte is looking for a PF. Considering cost, production/fit and willingness to come here, which of these guys are the better fit? JJ Hickson, Mareese Speights, Carl Landry, Antwan Jamison, Michael Beasley…

Bill Ingram

Jamison actually said he would play for Charlotte, right? Landry would, as well.

Gio

Do you think Kaleb Canales would be the head of the blazers next season? if not who should the blazers consider to lead the team?

Bill Ingram

They were talking to Scott Brooks’ camp . . .I think they hire an experienced head coach.

Anthony

So Houston passed on Zeller twice so that they could overpay for Asik? What gives?

Bill Ingram

Exactly . . .Zeller is at least as good as Asik . . .

Paul

Hi Bill! Can you explain how the Mavs will be able to get DWill with a SNT? Thx

Bill Ingram

I would if I could . . .why would Brooklyn want Haywood, Marion, etc?

Nick Easterday

Let’s say Toronto signs Steve Nash… Do they then try to acquire a wing scorer? Who would be some players that are attainable?

Bill Ingram

They’re looking for a three . . .either via trade or in free agency. Rudy Gay might be available, possibly Paul George, too, if the Pacers match Hibbert and need cap space. Iguodala . . .

Louis

Besides OKC and Miami who else can win a NBA title next year?

Bill Ingram

Chicago and San Antonio . . .and let’s see what everyone else looks like.

Jim

I think Yannis put it best “If I’m the Lakers, I deal for Dwight without an extension. It makes them a better. When’s the last time they lost a star via free agency?”. Do you agree (assuming Bynum based deal)?

Bill Ingram

I know Yannis believes they will deal Bynum . . .I’ve been told otherwise . . .I guess we’ll find out! Dwight doesn’t like Kobe’s plan of making him the #2 guy.

RapsFan2

You said in a entry on HW.com that Lowry will be traded to Orlando or Toronto. Any other insight in to this? Who would be going out from each respective team?

Bill Ingram

Yeah. . .that’s where Houston has tried to send him. Sac talks fell through when Robinson dropped to them at 5. Lowry would be part of Dwight deal. Raptors talk was for pick 8, but that didn’t work out when they saw they could get Nash. If they miss out on Nash, perhaps Houston gets one of their 7-footers? Not sure that’s still an option.

rap-rap

who do you think has a better chance of making the playoffs next year? kings, t-wolves, warriors? any word about jeff green? does he signs with the celtics or are other teams showing interest in him??

Bill Ingram

TWolves . . .with Pau Gasol starting next to Kevin Love . . .

Dre

Do you see Michael Beasley signing with the Lakers for the Mini Mid Level exception??? Will the Lakers use the LO player exception???

Bill Ingram

Lots of chatter on Beasley . . .not just Lakers . . .

Gerardo Toth

Are rox interested in milsap? I think he is a very good player and isn’t that old. Would that be good for rox?

Bill Ingram

I’m sure they are . . .they are collecting every PF they can find . . .LOL

Kyle

What are your odds Deron Williams re-signs with the Nets? I said 60-40 favoring nets

Bill Ingram

Ok – last question. Sorry, there are hundreds more I can’t get to, but busy day for us following free agency. I think it’s more like 70-30 Nets, especially if they are going to spend to bring in Joe Johnson to play with Lopez, Wallace and Deron. That’s a hell of a team on paper! Thanks for spending some of your Monday with us here at HOOPSWORLD – By the way, it’s a holiday in Canada, so Stephen Brotherston in Toronto will not be chatting today.