NBA Chat With Derek Page 2/25/12

1. cavsfan

   If Howard waits till the off season to go to the Nets, would the Nets be interested in a Lopez for Varejao trade + Miami’s 1st?

   • Derek Page

     It’s already All-Star weekend, which means it’s time for another edition of my Saturday chat. Let’s do this!

     It’s an interesting idea. Even though both players would have to get healthy and Lopez needs to prove he is still a double-double, 18 and 10 per game type center. If Lopez does prove to be healthy over the next few weeks, I could see the 23-year old packing his bags and moving on before the deadline. But if he lasts until the offseason that would be an ideal trade for NJ and a solid move for the Cavs if Lopez regains his previous, dominant form.

2. alan

   A boozer for gasol trade makes little sense for the lakers, but what if the bulls added in omer asik, CJ watson and brewer and the lakers through in artest. The lakers free up some cap space and get building blocks and flexibility.

   • Derek Page

     That seems reasonable Alan, but to me your first thought makes more sense for LA. I’m maybe one of the few that believes the Lakers are still a legitimate threat to win another NBA Title as currently constructed. Jerry Buss may have other plans, however, but I don’t see that scenario involving Watson, Asik and Brewer being enough to pry Gasol away from Los Angeles. Boozer is the better option in place of Asik.

3. Brandon Denton

   Lamar Odom still seems to be less than interested in his roll as a Mav. When is time to “fish or cut bait”?

   • Derek Page

     There’s really no where else for the Mavericks to go, honestly. Odom isn’t a starter or sixth man for Dallas, he’s merely expected to play his part for 20-25 minutes per game. The hope is Odom will play his way into a larger role by playoff time but the guy is simply playing dismal basketball right now. His lackluster play with Dirk Nowitzki resting on the bench against Jeremy Lin and the NY Knicks this past Sunday was one one of the biggest reasons Dallas lost a big lead and eventually the game. The good news for Mavs fans is that the team is still 21-13 in spite of Odom — a player who was expected to be a force for this team this season but has yet to find a groove.

4. Deven

   Hello Mr. Page. Does Orlando need to trade Dwight Howard first in order for the other dominoes to fall? And who do you see being on the move besides D12?

   • Derek Page

     That’s correct Deven. Howard is the biggest piece of the puzzle both for the trading deadline and this offseason. In terms of other notable players that may be packing their bags: LA’s Pau Gasol, MINN’s Michael Beasely, HOU’s Kevin Martin, DAL’s Shawn Marion (doubtful but could be shopped for salary purposes) and OJ Mayo from the Grizz to name a few . Of course, there are very few players in this league that are untouchable so nearly nothing surprises me during the trade-deadline bonanza.

5. matt from Oz

   hey Derek,
   as is the usual at this time of year, was wondering if i could get your thoughts on a trade proposal.

   i know atlanta isn’t on D12′s A-List, but could the Hawks make a deal around Horford. E.G.

   Hawks Get- Dwight Howard & Hedo Turkoglu (has to be paired with D12 apparently)

   Magic Get – Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Kirk Hinrich.

   Hawks relieve themselves of Turks contract, get Hinrichs expiring contract in return, a potential stud to build around and a solid young wingman.

   Hawks end up with a lineup of – Teague, Joe Johnson, Hedo, Josh Smith and Dwight. Surely that would push them into NBA Finals contention? Thoughts?

   Cheers Yannis.

   • Derek Page

     The only problem with that scenario is that Howard would end up being a rent-a-player, which would help neither ATL or Howard in the long run. 99 percent of teams need a contract extension from a player to to give up those type of resources. The only team I know of 100 percent that would rent a player like Howard without the benefit of an extension are Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks, but they don’t have the talent to offer in return to get a player like Howard during this season.
     Regardless, Horford is going to be on the shelf for about two to three more months while recovering from a torn pectoral muscle — so it’s a moot point.

6. Jazzfan

   Who player would you say drives you the most crazy with his inconsistency? Like he shows flashes of being a potential superstar but more often looks just average

   • Derek Page

     Well, Devin Harris is certainly one of those guys. If your name on here is correct, you see that watching Utah on a nightly basis. Another guy in that same vein, although vastly more talented, is the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum. The guy, with his size and athleticism, could easily be the best center in the game right now — even better than Howard – -but it seems like he still hasn’t gotten to the point where he’s ready to cash in on that potential by putting in the work. Don’t get me wrong, Bynum is a good player but could be the best with some fine tuning if he’s willing to put in the time.

7. Gery

   Do mid market teams like PHX need to get to the lottery to get back to the conference finals? Are they just waiting for Nash to retire or what?

   • Derek Page

     It would appear so Gery. The Suns blew it up after going to the WCF just a few seasons ago and now there’s little to like about the team aside from Steve Nash. There’s currently a stalemate between the unassuming Nash and the PHX brass with neither wanting to budge on the stance that Nash will finish the season in a Suns uniform. He’s a free agent at the end of the season, so who knows what Sarver and the Suns will be putting on the court next year after Nash (as he should) bolts for greener pastures and a chance at that illusive championship.

8. Justin

   If the Celtics make changes what do you think of this deal? Works on ESPN trade machine.

   Bos: Gerald Wallace, Camby (Via POR)Ty Lawson (via Den)
   Por: Pierce, Jermiane O’Neal
   Indiana: Andre Miller
   Den: Rondo, Nolan Smith

   • Derek Page

     Seems like wishful thinking Justin. Both Indiana and Denver really have no reason to be involved in that trade. Rondo is the only Celtics player with much value at this point so I don’t see Portland giving up Wallace for Paul Pierce. If the Blazers trade Wallace before the deadline, it won’t be for another player that plays that position because they will trading Crash so Nic Batum can start in his place.

9. josh

   what do you think of hickson and garcia and 2 rounder to minny for beasley

   • Derek Page

     Sacramento’s Hickson has played way below expectations this season so I don’t see a package headlined by him obtaining a talent like Beasley — even though he’s had his struggles as well.

10. reily

    celtics get:mike beas and wes johnson

    Wolves get:Ray allen and pick + daniels
    Celtics need to get younger and try to attract D12

    • Derek Page

      The Celtics are trying to get Dwight Howard this offseason? Only five players under contract for next season as of now so they would seemingly have the cap room. Howard’s list includes only LA,DAL,NJ and Orlando so that seems doubtful. But, in terms of your trade, that works for both sides. Wolves get accomplished and still productive vet in Allen and a solid wing in Marquis Daniels while Boston sheds some age and get two high quality young players in Beasely and Wes. Numbers would have to match, but I like it Reily.

11. Paul

    Do you think coach Thibs will be standing up the whole All Star game?

    • Derek Page

      Haha, I doubt it. Even a coach as intense as Tom Thibodeau should know that the All Star game consists of no defense and not much play calling. The Bulls head coach needs to just sit back and deal with boredom just like the rest of us forced to watch this meaningless exhibition.

12. eddy

    Who would say no? (Salaries Match)
    Charlotte Gets: Melo
    New York Gets: Maggette, Thomas and Mullens.
    New York gets guys who would strive in Mike D’Antoni’s system. Maggette can score, Thomas plays D and Mullens can shoot.
    Charlotte gets a franchise player and it could be convincing to get him to stay long term. They have a lottery pick in a VERY deep draft, young players developing, good coach, lots of cap space. Maybe Jordan can do some convincing then he and Melo can recruit guys over the offseason.

    • Derek Page

      No, Eddy. Never going to happen. I’m not the biggest Carmelo Anthony fan but would Corey Maggette, Tyrus Thomas and Byron Mullens really be equal value for the guy? Come on man.

13. badoodelz

    whats your thought on marshon brooks? future all star??

    love the chat.

    • Derek Page

      Thanks my man!
      I’m a big fan of MarShon Brooks’ game. He’s got good size for a guard (6-5 200 lbs), can get to the basket, shoot and also plays some nice defense. At only 23 years old there’s no doubt his game continues to grow and, yes, I think he has a chance to make a few All-Star games before his career is in the books.

14. Eric

    Hey Derek, I was thinking of a trade that might work for the Lakers: Pau for Josh Smith and Kirk Hinrich. Use the trade exception for Michael Beasley, then try to trade one of the draft picks for Ramon Sessions. Now you the Lakers got deep and athletic.

    • Derek Page

      That’s a lot of moving parts Eric. You would also have to be of the assumption that the Atlanta Hawks believe an older Pau Gasol is worth a young Josh Smith. Minnesota will also likely want more for Beasely than just the Odom trade exception. Same goes for Cleveland and Sessions. Wishful thinking but I admire your creativity.

15. Anthony Pascua

    I’m a Lakers’ fan… with the signing of Sheed, do you think he will make a contributable impact for the Lakers?

    • Derek Page

      Well Anthony, I’m of the opinion that Sheed has approximately zero left in the tank. But, depending on how you use him, the 37-year old could conceivably provide a spark in limited minutes.

16. Zach

    What is your thoughts on this deal:
    Minny gets Pau
    Jersey gets Derrick Williams, Beasley, a 1st from the lakers
    LA gets Deron Williams

    • Derek Page

      Deron Williams will not be traded from the Nets at the deadline. New Jersey is putting all their chips in that they can bring Howard to NJ to keep D-Will, who has consistently said this season that the Nets are his first choice this offseason.

17. Shay

    There is a rumor that Perkins will be traded back to Boston, this is from Rondo. I find this very hard to believe. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks!

    • Derek Page

      Haven’t heard this rumor Shay. Hearing it now, that’s highly unlikely. OKC is tied for the best record in the NBA at the All-Star break and have no intention of messing that up by trading their best post defender.

18. Michael

    I know it’s going to be a tough contract to move, but what team could benefit the most by acquiring Antawn Jamison? He’s tearing it up lately in Cleveland.

    • Derek Page

      There’s never been a question about Jamison’s offensive ability, it’s his issues on the defensive end that have always made him a liability. He does have an expiring contract (over $15 mill) which would actually make him more likely to find an interested fringe-contender that would want his services.

19. likeabull

    Bulls arent built to beat the heat as constructed now. If you were gar/paxson what moves should you consider or do to upgrade the roster?

    • Derek Page

      I would disagree. If healthy, the Bulls are going to give the HEAT a run for their money at some point in the Eastern Conference playoffs. A year older/wiser Rose and a healthy Bulls squad overall have the capability to beat any team in the NBA in a seven game series.

20. Insight inflight

    man u didnt get the question alan asked. he was asking if the Bulls ADDED Asik, Watson and Brewr to deal w/Boozer. Even though that is way too much for a sulking Pau. AND NO the Lakers stand NO chance of winning the title as is.

    • Derek Page

      I did get the question and your right, that’s four solid players for Pau and a struggling Artest. That was my point: more realistic to go Boozer, Watson and Brewer. Regardless it doesn’t seem very likely.
      No chance for LA? Am I missing something or do they still have Kobe Bryant in his prime? That alone gives them a chance.

21. Michael

    Do you expect the Celtics to deal one of their big 4 in the next few weeks? I think their best move would be to sell high on Rondo with KG and Allen’s deals up after this year to speed up their transition into the next generation in Beantown.

    • Derek Page

      Your right Michael. It would be best to sell high on Rondo to see what they can get as Celts will have plenty of cap space this off season to try to lure a free agent or two in order to try to strengthen what is right now an aging core. Rondo might be literally the only Boston player with any kind of legitimate trade value at this point.

      Thanks again everyone for joining me. I apologize to everyone I missed. Send your questions to me on Twitter @DPageHOOPSWORLD. Let’s do this again next Saturday — same time, same place.