NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 11/29/11

B-Man

if brandon roy and greg oden are playing well before the trade deadline, do you take an offer of the two of them plus nicolas batum for dwight howard and hedo if you were orlando?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think that’s likely given the injury risk for Roy/Oden.

greg sailor

Now that we have the lockout lifted, what is your personal prediction on how the Clippers fill the small forward position?
And who do you think that player will ultimately be?

Eric Pincus

Clippers should think bigger picture first – long-term star power – not role-playing small forward. To be honest, the three is the easiest position to fill in the NBA. We’ll see.

Dylan Stevenson

A few weeks ago in a previous chat here, i said that you should have gotten more credit for predicting the pau gasol trade months before it happened.

I asked whether you could tell us your thoughts on the lakers next bug move or trade this year and you asked me to ask you when the lockout was over. Well lockout is over. Your thoughts on the lakers next move ?

Eric Pincus

Thank you – I had actually written about Gasol to the Lakers months before it happened – but as one of many possibilities. I expect LA to make a big move over the next year to get their next franchise player but who specifically? I would say Howard would be their top target – but only if they decide that it’s worth letting Bynum go.

Dylan Stevenson

How does acquiring amnestied players work in the new cba? Is it true non tax paying teama have first dibs at amnestied players?

Eric Pincus

Not non-tax paying teams per se, but teams with cap room. There’s essentially a waiver process by which a team with cap can put in a bid. So for instance if Baron Davis was the Cavs’ Amnesty, a team like the Sacramento Kings can offer say $4 million a year (for two seasons) and now Davis is a King (never hitting free agency).

Dylan stevenson

Any truth to the rumor lakers are interested in rashard lewis and baron davis if let go? If you could select only one player out of the two who would you go for?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any reason why the Wizard will use the Amnesty on Shard Lewis – they’d be too far under the minimum salary. Baron to me – Lakers – just say no.

Dylan stevenson

Who are the lakers going to amnesty cut?

Eric Pincus

I can’t believe how many questions I’ve gotten loaded into the queue over the last 15 minutes. I’m already 10 minutes over. I’ll try to knock out a few more. As noted. I expect Walton to be the cut although there will at least be a moment of consideration for Metta World Peace (and to a lesser extent Steve Blake).

Dylan stevenson

Do you think this 66 game season will hurt or help the aging laker lineup? Can we expect them to be motivated this year?

Eric Pincus

It’s going to be harder on an older team like the Lakers, compressing that many games into such a packed schedule.

Dylan stevenson

Will the lakers look for help at center since we dont have a backup center and bynum is still suspended for the first 5 games? Perhaps a mega trade to bring superman (d howard) to the rescue?

Eric Pincus

Not by the start of the season re: mega-trade.

D stevenson

Thank you for all your hard work and twitter feeds during the lockout. I first found out the lockout was over because of hoopsworld.

Eric Pincus

Thanks!

Dylan Stevenson

Do the lakers use the sasha v. trade exception or let it expire?
Who could they target with it if they do use it?

Eric Pincus

It’s the Lakers best chance to add a piece and still maintain some spending power via their MLE.

johncarloyu

Wow! Lockout is almost over. If the season will start on Dec.25, how many games will the each team play? 66 or 48?

Eric Pincus

Hmm, 66.

johncarloyu

Best Pg option for the lakers: Chalmers, Bibby, Ford, Barea?
Best back-up big for the lakers?

Eric Pincus

Barea is too expensive. Chalmers a restricted free agent so less likely. Those are the choices? Jamaal Tinsley may be more likely than any of those mentioned.

johncarloyu

If you were Mitch Kupchak, would you chase down shannon to re-sign or move on with darius and andrew to have their spot with the lakers?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure I’d keep Shannon. He’s shown what he can do and at this point I don’t see him as a long-term fit.

Dylan S.

Any truth to the rumor that Andrei Kirelinko wants to sign with the Lakers? If they could move artest and amnesty walton would AK47 be a good fit?

Eric Pincus

I will say this – you hear a lot of players saying they’re going to sign with the Lakers – or are interested in the Lakers – and yet they sign somewhere else. That’s been going on for as long as I remember. It has something to do with leverage. I’m sure Kirilenko has interest in being a Laker and if LA moved Lamar Odom for another piece, Kirilenko might be a nice fit (although not a great shooter).

LA may amnesty Walton (or in theory Metta World Peace though I doubt it). Don’t forget also have Matt Barnes.

Matthew

bynum’s suspened for the 1st 5 games of the regular season for that hit on barea.. does that mean he can’t play in the preseason?

Eric Pincus

He can play preseason.

matt from Oz

Hey Eric,
Stoked to here that BBall is (pretty much) back!

i’ve asked previously about possibility of Josh Smith to the Nets, with D12 to sign there next season (because of their friendship).

Could something similar be possible with the Wizards? with sign and trades possible for the next 2 seasons, could the Wizards possibly make a package of around JaAvale McGee, a s&t player and picks for D-12? are the Wizards a big enough market for Dwight? or could they instead trade JaVale + Player for Josh Smith and sign D-12 as a free agent?

a lot of questions, i know, just a thought.

cheers Eric/

Eric Pincus

Anything is certainly possible. The Wizards will have a ton of spending power so they should always be considered a possible destination.

Efren23

What up Eric!
Well been reading up on stuff and notice many website talking about Roy being amnestied by the blazers do you see him fitting in with the clippers somehow? I know this never came up but do you think he can play the 3 I mean he can dribble and shoot for sure and is clutch! Maybe even 6th man if they make solid trade with kaman for igoudala !

Eric Pincus

Roy would be a great get if healthy – if.

dyrese

do you think the clippers would trade blake griffen and chris kamen for dwight?
what type deal can the knicks offer deandre jordan?

Eric Pincus

There isn’t a player in the game that the Clippers would trade Blake Griffin for including Dwight Howard. The Knicks can offer Jordan the Mid-Level Exception which isn’t close to enough to get him as a restricted free agent.

greg

Hey Eric, I’m wondering if a team can amnesty a player, then resign them back; as in could the Lakers amnesty Metta, then resign him for the minimum? Thanks

Eric Pincus

The official rules aren’t clear but the last Amnesty – that was not allowed. I don’t expect it to be this time either.

Tim in CT

With the new 3 million dollar cash limitation on trades per year, how will Sarver sell all of his draft picks? Haha, glad the season is back!

Eric Pincus

Funny.

Ricky Flores

when will players be allowed in practice facilities? Are players allowed to talk to coaches yet?

Eric Pincus

The lockout isn’t over yet. Until the documents are signed and ratified, no contact yet.

Chris

Hi Eric. There are some who say the rigors of a condensed, 66 game season may hasten the decline of players such as T-Duncan, Kobe, Garnett, R-Allen, etc… What is your take on this?

Eric Pincus

Back-to-back-to-back games? It’s not good for older players. It’s not even good for younger players but they have a physical advantage with a faster recovery time.

hil316

Hi Eric, how true is the rumor the clippers are going for Dwight and what is the likelyhood they actually get him

Eric Pincus

I address this in another question but the “likelihood?” I wouldn’t say anything like that is likely. I will say the Clippers are one of the few teams in the league just loaded with trade assets. That gives them some advantage but not enough to say it’s likely.

Allan

Lakers won’t have cap to sign any elite fa. Even if Bynum,odom,amnesty players,aren’t brought back right. Can the amnesty be used for one player every year or is it a one time offense like if Lakers use it this year can’t use it no more in new Cba.

Eric Pincus

It’s a one-time thing.

jimmy

ATL gets mo williams and kris kaman, ORL gets josh smith, deandre jordan and 1st round minny pick, CLIPPERS get howard and ryan anderson, it works and everybody is happy, right?

Eric Pincus

I mean, I’m not sure Chris is happy you spelled his name wrong.

Jose

Dwight seems like he is the worse possible fit next to Blake Griffin.

Eric Pincus

I don’t agree there. Blake has some range on his jumper and it’s only going to improve. They’d be able to make that work.

Dylan

Do you have any info on what the Lakers are actually focusing on? Are they looking to make a huge trade for a superstar (C. Paul D. Williams or D Howard) or are they looking to make smaller tweeks to the roster?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are thinking long-term – who will be their next franchise player. The rules favor LA striking sooner than later given that the luxury tax penalties and generally stricter rules kick in after two seasons. LA won’t make tweaks that hurt their long-term prospects at a star – but obviously they’ll try to improve for the upcoming season (another big man and possibly a Shannon Brown replacement).

George

Do the Lakers really need to make a BIG move as some have reported (i.e. – Paul or Howard)?. We saw if Miami that 3 stars don’t work out and with a new coach and a new system i say Lakers should stand pat, unless Jimmy boy wants to complitely revamp the entire team.

Eric Pincus

Miami didn’t work out? They went to the NBA Finals in Year One. I’m not sure I agree.

Dylan

Everyone seems to think that the free agency period is going to be hectic. Do you think there will be many trades this year given the CBA restrictions are only 2 years away? Or will it make owners want to stockpile talent instead?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure we’ll see a ton of trades right away given the mess of free agents to be sorted through.

Robert

What do you make of Chris Broussard’s claim that the Clips are going after Howard? Any idea if his sources are reliable? If we’re talking a blockbuster trade – my feeling is that CP3 would be a much better fit with the team, particularly if they are forced to give up EJ (I hope not!)to get either of them.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers start at the top of the wish list, like most teams do. Of course they’re interested in Howard, he’s the best players expected to be available. LA will make their attempts at their first pick and then as opportunities come and/or go, react and revise. LAC wants to make the most of the Blake Griffin era. They think they can not just get to the playoffs but make an impact once there. That said, they know they need another piece and if you can get Howard? That’s a sick front court. As far as giving up Eric Gordon to get Howard, let’s see how the market shakes out first. LA has the Minnesota 2012 pick unprotected to offer, salary flexibility, a solid center in Kaman to deal. I’m curious to see what’s to come – however this unfolds.

Jaimeson

Just read Slam Mags article on Delonte West & his arrest. If what he said was true about how it all went down, why was it reported like “a gun wielding mad man on the loose?” D West is an amazing talent & I wish my Cavs would pick em back up! Baggage included.

Eric Pincus

Delonte’s vision of how it went down may have looked one way to Delonte and another way entirely to someone else. West is a solid player, if healthy.

Michael

Do you think lakers are thinking trade? perhaps for a pg? Or do they think big (like paul, dwight)?
Could it be that t. prince is interested in refreshing his career in la?

Eric Pincus

Lakers, like everyone, are thinking big right now. It’s not until reality hits that teams shore-up to less friendly realities. In LA’s case it’s deficiency at point guard. I addressed this elsewhere. Long-term moves take priority over short but the Lakers also want to bolster their chances to win this year. A difficult line to walk. I’m not sure Prince fits right now, at least with Artest, Barnes and Kobe and the 2/3 spot – and Odom backing up at four. As I mentioned, I had heard Prince doesn’t want to come to LA although that may have changed. Also does he want to reunite with Assistant Coach John Kuester?

jay from the uk

hi please shout me out!! I’m a orlando magic fan from the UK! Is there any way Dwight stays with Orlando? And what are the chances or CP3 or D Will coming to join him, maybe for lesser money like the miami situation? Thanks

Eric Pincus

There’s always hope. The Magic have to somehow find a trade partner willing to send them something spectacular for, well, something less than spectacular in return. I really expect Howard to leave I’m afraid, although pinpointing how is premature. The big issue with Chris Paul is that they Hornets are owned by the NBA. Do they deal him?

Of the three, I expect the Nets to try and sway Williams to stay long term. Given the deep pockets of the owner, the move to Brooklyn and cap flexibility, Deron may be the guy who attracts another star a la Dwyane Wade in Miami.

Jaimeson

This “Derrick Rose Rule” is crazy! What ever happened to being happy & blessed to be selected into the best Bball league? Rook contracts are still a lot more $ then the avg person makes in many yrs. What if he underperforms? Paying it back? Hard work aside, these kids are giving too much too young even b4 gettin in the L.

Eric Pincus

This is a business. The players, via their talents, generate over $4 billion a year. You sound like an NCAA fan where the kids play for the love of the game while the industry makes billions. I don’t like to treat players as “kids.” They’re adults. Certainly some are more (or less) mature than others, but they generate the income so I don’t have an issue with a young player killing it and getting paid for his efforts. The Bulls are back on the map primarily because of Rose and his individual talents.

luis

EP! Can we stop talking lockout amen!..ok gut says landing spots for cp3,d12,dwill are? and what are your expectations of this Lakers team this yr ..I know they haven’t played a gm but we’ll still listen to opinions

Eric Pincus

Amen indeed. As noted, the Lakers are a top four team in the West. I’m not going to get more concrete until the changes are made. They could be #1 – they could be #4. My worry is coaching – and if he’ll be exposed in the real moments of a difficult playoff series.

Cesar

Are chances that this deal doesnt go thru close to 0%?

Eric Pincus

I like to say nothing is 0% or 100% until you have a final decision but this deal is about 99% likely to go through.

Scott

Hey, any chance the Lakers can make a run at trading for the Sixers Marreese Speights ? I hear Doug Collins has had it with him. Maybe the Lakers can send over part of their trade X and a 2nd rounder for him. Whatcha think ?

Eric Pincus

Speights is a four and LA needs a five unless they’re dealing Lamar Odom. He’s not a bad option although he’s mostly about scoring and LA kind of needs a role player. Still the Lakers could do worse and Speights should at least be included on the list of possibilities.

Josh

What are the chances we see Batum get the starting nodd and have Wallace get starter minutes but come off the bench backing up both Batum and Aldridge?

Eric Pincus

I’m very curious how Portland configures their rotation. I have Batum off the bench but it’s TBD.

Eric Kageyama

Considering its a business, would the Lakers consider dealing Kobe for the right deal?

Eric Pincus

Kobe has a no-trade clause but could you come up with some crazy package worth considering (like Howard and Williams in a package via multi-team?), perhaps. I’d put this on the pointless speculation pile at this point.

kelvin

what do you see the lakers doing to resolve their hole at the PG spot? They won’t be players in the amnesty bidding system and they only have a mini mid level. Personally I don’t expect the rookie PGs being ready to contribute.

Eric Pincus

Not much frankly. Maybe Daniel Gibson or someone like him. The next long-term franchise player is the priority, even if that means muddling through one more year weak at point guard.

Joe

Where does Baron land? He would be quite an upgrade if he lands with the Lakers provided he is shape and improves his shot selection.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers should avoid Baron. He can’t shoot, needs the ball in his hand and has some physical issues he’s been dealing with all summer.

matt

With reports that Chandler will be stuck in China until March and Nene expected to leave for greener pastures, do you expect the Nuggets to replace those two guys with big name FAs or just spot-filling their roster while taking a look at their younger players at those respective positions?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think spending big money is the right move for the Nuggets. If I were Denver, I’d try to piece together a strong team as they have using younger players, gradually getting better and adding over time.

matt

Is there still a chance to do a sign and trade with Nene? If so, why or why not is this an option?

Eric Pincus

Yes, the Nuggets can look for a sign and trade with Nene.

matt

Would the Clippers entertain Nene over D12, in order to land CP3 as well?

Eric Pincus

Teams have to look at all available options and take them seriously. If you wait and wait for one specific player and they don’t come, then what? Nene would be an interesting addition at center next to Griffin but what of DeAndre and Kaman? I’m not sold LA goes in that direction but as I said, all things must be considered.

Dong of Dayton

Hey Eric,

Who do you think will have a better season, Tristan Thompson or Kenneth Faried?

Eric Pincus

Faried may have a better rookie year as a banger, role-player. I would say Thompson has a bigger upside and may have a more impactful career but I might say Faried, right now, already has his game figured out and ready to go. I could be wrong, Thompson is certainly a nice prospect.

Nick

Hey Mr. Pinc, I know we wont know till dec 9, cause of possible amnesty cuts included. Out of the FA’s that we know of who would u put on the clipps starting 5. i like Caron at a 2 or 3 year deal, Tay ,Battie, or AK (though currently injured)would be nice as well.

Eric Pincus

Caron is alright I guess. He’s hurt a lot, not a true shooter and not much of a play-maker. He’s certainly a strong basketball player but I personally don’t love the fit. Prince is solid but I’m not sure he wants to return to Los Angeles (for either team). Kirilenko can’t shoot well enough although he’s nice and versatile. At least with Battier you know exactly what you’re getting. He might be the best fit of the names you mentioned. At this point, LA is thinking bigger than role playing threes, although at some point that may be the choice.

matt

If Wilson Chandler returns to the NBA in March, how will his restricted status work? Could he technically sign a 1 year deal with the Nuggets, that would only last for the rest of the season, in order to become an unrestricted free agent next season? Is that the likely scenario, or do you think he will sign long-term with the Nuggets?

Eric Pincus

That’s certainly possible. Guessing what Chandler does long-term at this point given the variables? Impossible. Let’s see who is on what team on opening day – and then the trade deadline before the Chandler issue even comes up.

Sam

Clippers question. What package would it take to obtain?
1. CP3
2. D. Howard

Eric Pincus

In general the Clippers have the Minnesota 2012 pick, Kaman, Bledsoe, Aminu, Williams, cap room, Foye, Gomes and if the return is truly off the charts, DeAndre and/or Gordon. The team wants to build around Griffin and Gordon. That’s the plan. We’ll have to wait and see what opportunities come along and if that changes.

monty

Is it possible that Nene gets s&t to boston for s&t jeff green and big baby? or maybe boston could try to sign and trade for deandre jordan?

Eric Pincus

A long list of possibilities. I’m doubtful the Clippers sign and trade Jordan.

Dong of Dayton

Hello Again Eric,

How do you see the Mike Brown working out in L.A.? Will the players believe he can get them back to the finals?

Eric Pincus

I’m concerned a bit. There’s going to be a drop-off after Phil Jackson. With so little time to implement his offense and no true point guard, I’m not sure the Lakers will have an easy go of it. That said, there’s enough talent on the roster that they probably manage to rack up enough wins for a top four seed in the West. I think if Brown is exposed on some level, it would be deeper into the playoffs. There’s a lot to see and it could go either way. I’m just not entirely sold yet.

Raju

what r lakers going to do? i hear about dwight howards but for who?

Eric Pincus

In theory the Lakers are in the Dwight Howard chase. You probably start with Andrew Bynum and go from there. It’s difficult to anticipate the true timing on a move by the Magic and what they would truly want in return.

Dwayne

seems like this whole CBA was built with the idea of keeping the Lakers from winning. Am I wrong here? I mean they can’t use the full MLE, the league is going to put a bidding war in place that benefits the teams with the worst records for the Amnestied players, charge like crazy for them being over the cap so the Lakeshow can’t add talent. And to top it all off they have to break the league off a big piece of their tv deal. How is this ok?

Eric Pincus

The smaller teams want to limit the Lakers spending power, that part is true. It’s collective bargaining – among owners, among players. Fair is a compromise everyone agrees on. No more, no less.

Sexy & I KNow it

Can Denver field a competative team with their bench signed in China? Nene must want to bolt that situation?

Eric Pincus

It’s an issue. The Nuggets may lose Nene and probably won’t have Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler. I think highly of Coach George Karl but it may be difficult for Denver to duplicate last year’s success.

Dylan Robles

What are the chances of DJ staying with the Clippers?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Clippers to keep DeAndre. There’s always the possibility of another team throwing him a significant offer but given that he’s a big man, I anticipate LA will meet the market.

SamDrewTakesOn

Any word on the extension of TPEs for teams like Cleveland and Toronto?

Eric Pincus

Nothing official but I’d expect that they’ve expired. In theory maybe the league gives an extension because of the lockout but nothing clear yet.

Larson

Why is Nene now wanting out of Denver given he has played there his entire career and his wife is from that area? Any thoughts on where Nene may land up and why?

Eric Pincus

Sometimes a player just wants a new situation. The Nuggets have gone through ownership changes. The core of the team that went to the Western Conference Finals is gone. Nene may not want to be part of the rebuilding process, even if Denver is far ahead of the normal curve on that front.

Alex

What are the chances the Clippers can get BOTH Dwight and CP3? If they were to trade Kaman, Deandre, Aminu, and the Minnesota Pick to Orlando for Dwight during the season, and then amnesty Mo Williams during the 2012-2013 offseason, they would have about 36 million dollars in cap room in the 2012-2013 offseason to extend Dwight and sign CP3. If the Clippers could get Dwight without trading Gordon, it would seem they could get both CP3 and Dwight whether through an outright signing of Paul or a trade for him involving Gordon and the cap room the Clippers have in the offseason. Is that a realistic possibility at all?

Eric Pincus

Actually, it’d be less convoluted than a recent notion that the Lakers could get both Dwight and Paul. It would take some serious dealing from the Clippers, the likes we’ve never really seen. Mike Dunleavy was somewhat of a creative GM, given his use of cap room and the like to take on Camby, Randolph, etc. To get all that done as you describe? Is that something Neil Olshey is going to be able to trigger? That’s a lot of moving pieces. Again, will the NBA trade Paul? It’s an interesting idea but I’m not going to bed tonight thinking it’s happening tomorrow.

kirk wallace

wadup @ericpincus,

who do u think the lakers will target once players are cut? if kobe’s knee is significantly better, u think a 6th championship is in the grasp?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers weren’t that far off last year. They ran out of gas collectively. The extra time has supposedly given Kobe the chance to strengthen his body. Losing Phil Jackson is an issue, one that may be more significant than fans realize, but a championship is at least a possibility this season.

gwier

What level of improvment do you see for Aminu this year? What have the players been doing imporve their game and to get ready for the season with the lockout in place?

Eric Pincus

Players have been working out separately from the team but sometimes together. I haven’t had much of an update on Aminu. I do expect him to improve as a player but he’s got a long way to go still.

Scott

What do you think of this deal? CP3, Ariza, Okafor to the Clips. Kaman and Mo to Atlanta. Josh Smith, Bledsoe, Aminu, Hinrich, Wolves pick to the Hornets.

This should satisfy needs for all teams.

Eric Pincus

That’s a lot of moving pieces – too many in my mind. Once you start going multi-team trade you start to stretch the boundaries of plausibility. I could see the Clippers giving up some of those pieces to get Paul. Do they in turn want to take on the salaries of Okafor and Ariza? Given the team wants to re-sign Jordan and has Griffin, why Okafor? It’s not awful mind you, just unrealistic in my mind. Also, is that enough for Atlanta? It’s certainly an interesting return for the Hornets.

Nader Keshmiri

What are the chances of the Clippers landing CP3? According to an inside source the clipps might be #2 on his wishlist after the Knicks. Given that the Knicks dont really have anyone to offer besides Melo and STAT, can the clippers put together a decent package for him?

Eric Pincus

It’s going to be difficult for the Knicks to get Paul unless Chris takes less money as a free agent – possibly a lot of money left on the table. It’s very, very rare for a player to leave $5-6 mil per year behind for almost any reason. If you wanted to say $1 mil difference, then perhaps. Can endorsements in New York make that up? I don’t believe so. Then it becomes a matter of trade. Can the Knicks entice a team like the Hornets with Chauncey Billups and some of their kids (Landry Fields, Iman Shumpert, Toney Douglas, etc.) and will the NBA even trade Paul before the team is sold (which isn’t close yet)?

So many questions. If you’re talking Clippers vs. Knicks, LA has the advantage but what other teams step forward with offers? What Paul may want today, even if your inside source is accurate, may not reflect the options presented.

Mark McNamara

What move is the most likey for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I see short-term moves. They amnesty Walton is my take. They attempt to use the trade exception which expires Dec 15th. If they can get Daniel Gibson from the Cavaliers, they’ve got the back court and just need to find someone who will take partial Mid-Level to be a backup big.

Larson

Logic says Dallas resigns Tyson Chandler but the new CBA may make this more difficult given the magnitude of their current payroll. What have you heard about Chandler’s fate?

Eric Pincus

I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Mavericks re-sign Chandler.

Tyler

How likely do you think it is that Dalembert goes to the HEAT for the full MLE? And what do you think he brings to the table for the HEAT and how will it effect their title chances?

Eric Pincus

Somewhat high. It depends on if a cap team comes in with a better offer. Dalembert is good but not great. His size will help the HEAT but he’s not going to lock in a ring. He’d improve their chances but it still won’t be easy.

Tyler

What do you think about this trade. Kaman, Williams, Bledsoe, Aminu, Wolves #1, Future 1st for Cp3 and Ariza. Starting lineup of CP3, Gordon, Ariza, Griffin, and Jordan looks scary

Eric Pincus

That’s way too much. Clippers will never give out that much for Paul.

Daniel

Does an amnestied player have to accept the best offer given in the blind bid or is he able to reject it?

Eric Pincus

No say to the player.

Larson

How hard will teams actually pursue Marc Gasol given he is a restricted free agent and Memphis has stated the team will match any offer for him? Matching any offer sheet would seem to make sense for a team that went to the western conference finals last year but the Grizzlies are a small market and their outstanding contract obligations are already daunting even without matching Gasol’s offer sheet. What course of action do you expect Memphis to take?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Grizzlies to keep Gasol.

Patrick Farmer

With all the talk about CP3 and Dwight possibly moving to LAC, is Deron Williams getting lost in the shuffle? Where is DWill on the wishlist?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers would do well with Williams. As I noted, I expect the Nets to try and keep him – thus he may not be available at this point.

the green hornet

Are thing Knicks going to do anything in the FA period or are they hung up on the fantasy of getting Paul for less than the max and trying to preserve some space?

Eric Pincus

The Knicks would like to trade for a third star and avoid free agency in 2012, however until that happens they need to save cap in 2012 as leverage.

Sexy & I KNow it

Can you lay out the terms of the new Luxury Tax and does it encourage taxed teams to cut salary immediately?

Eric Pincus

Running low on time so let’s just say the tax doesn’t change for two years – so there’s less of an immediate crunch. Then it escalates, significantly.

the green hornet

When the Knicks start out badly and everyone realizes how bad the Melo deal was, will D’Antoni get blamed and get fired?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Knicks to be a solid but not great team in the East. Top five at a minimum.

the green hornet

Do you think the Knicks should use their amnesty on Balkman or should they save it for Amare’s eyes, knees, and back?

Eric Pincus

Balkman.

roy

would boozer, kg, biedrins, or mike miller be a good amnesty fit for the knicks?

Eric Pincus

None of that makes sense.

Pete

If the Clips go after Howard, what do you think they would do with DJ?

Eric Pincus

If you get Howard, you use DJ as currency in trade.

Tyler

Why wouldnt the Clippers give that much for Paul? They keep Eric Gordon and get Ariza to have an amazing starting lineup. How else could they give him without giving that up? Kaman, Williams, Bledsoe, Aminu, Wolves #1, and future 1st doesn’t seem to be too much considering your team would now be a championship contender. They will be stuck in mediocrity unless they get another big name. Have to pull the trigger if you can have that starting lineup

Eric Pincus

Because they won’t. It’s that simple. If they don’t believe they should, then that’s going to dictate their actions, not outside opinion.

Jim

Rashard Lewis seems like a good fit for the Clips because he spots up and hits corner threes. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

Don’t believe he becomes available.

Festus in Ye Olde Courtyard

Why can’t the players slip over to Beijing International Airport, nab a flight back to the US and sign with an NBA team?

Eric Pincus

They’re under contract in China.

jake

Where do you see the Wolves finishing in the West?

Eric Pincus

Near the bottom for another season although not last.

Ken M

Were GMs permitted to discuss possible deals during the lockout?

Eric Pincus

Not really.

Scott

Clips would just take on Okafor to save the Hornets money. The Hornets have no need for his contract if they are going to rebuild. Clips can use him in a front line or move him so solidify the bench.

Eric Pincus

Clippers take on a bloated salary to make a deal? When has that ever happened?