NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 12/6/11

Brian

Any truth behind Chris Brussards accusation of the Clippers willing to go after D12 and Cp3? I mean he was the first to say lebron was going to sign with the Heat before anyone.

Eric Pincus

Let’s see, I’ve written for maybe two years the Clippers want Williams and Paul down the road. I’d say it’s not a shock . . .

rodney

i understand the close relationship that paul has with melo but wouldnt paul rather go to orlando where he could team up with howard and truly dominate the game with the best center in the nba,a proven coach who can win, and a state with no states tax and a real chance to win multiple championships?

Eric Pincus

Do the Magic have pieces to interest the Hornets?

Brendan

Will the new rules make it easier to ‘buy’ titles if some owners (Prokhorov) decide they are willing to spend what it takes and disregard losses while most other teams are trying to get under the cap?

Eric Pincus

Teams willing to spend have the advantage regardless of system. Still, money doesn’t equal success necessarily. There have been some added limitations. We’ll see how the new CBA evolves. By the way, most teams get under the cap in order to spend.

Chris

EP-
Hope you are as geeked as I am to see the season within reach at last. With the purple and gold rumored to be after big Dwight, was wondering how feasible it would be to bring in Golden State as a third team.

LA gets – Howard and Jameer Nelson
ORL gets – Monta Ellis, Biedrins, and MWP
GS gets – Bynum and Turkoglu

I’m figuring LA would have to pay both teams a 1st as well. Orlando gets back a superstar and two starters plus a pick. LA keeps Odom and Gasol plus adds something to the point equation while bringing Howard’s best friend along. GS is able to save face while trading Ellis by getting back a top 5 center and gets paid a 1st to put Hedo in the run and gun for a few seasons.

Any reasons this deal couldn’t get done? Is Bynum for Ellis not good enough for GS? Is Ellis plus pieces not enough for the two guard hungry Magic?

Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I can’t speak to that – so many questions would come up. Most notably would the Magic prefer that combination over Bynum? It’s creative, I’ll give you that.

Jujube

Do you think the compressed Free Agency period will help or hurt DeAndre Jordan’s value? If Nene, Tyson, and Gasol take a while to accept contracts, he might have to take a lower offer.

Eric Pincus

DeAndre will do well.

johncarloyu

The Lakers would not use their amnesty on Metta and Luke? Is it true? So will they try to trade them?

Eric Pincus

There’s still a good chance they use it on Luke. Last I spoke to Kupchak, he said he was still waiting to fully learn the rules.

TSW

What moves are the Lakers going to make? They sit back and watch too much while others get better.

Eric Pincus

Hmm, really? I don’t think any other franchise int the NBA is going to agree with that assessment. You do realize that no teams have made any moves yet this offseason, at least since June?

michael

i say trade… bynum for a point guard… say williams of the nets..maybe cp3, even rajon rondo… and then save gasol / odom for howard , if and when that opportunity arises… what do you think?

Eric Pincus

I don’t like big for small generally but I understand your sentiment. LA needs to be a big team if they want to contend.

lb

Eric, in regards to the upcoming amnistied players.. would they be forced to accept playing for the team that is the highest bidder from the lottery teams, or could they decline those offers and go after a deal with a team that is over the cap?

Eric Pincus

They would be “forced.”

jason

hi eric,dhowards future is now in his hands.it’s out of orlando’s hands,so,he has been so vocal about playing w/ kobe.does it mean ,he’s most likely demanding a trade to become a laker anytime this season?

Eric Pincus

Actually Howard hasn’t been that vocal to date, not enough to force something to the Lakers.

jason

me again,it’s most likely that baron davis will be cut by cleveland.considering how he really desires to play for the lakers.can we expect him to accept a lesser salary just to play in LA?who else are the lakers eyeing?deron williams for lamar odom?are they pursuing for nick young?

Eric Pincus

Baron would love to play for the Lakers. If he was cut by the Cavaliers, he’s still getting paid so taking the minimum isn’t a big deal. Personally I don’t like the fit for LA but I hear they’d be interested as well.

Dylan

Hi Eric,

You predicted the Pau Gasol trade nearly a year before it happened.

What does your gut tell you about the Lakers next big move(s)?

Thank you

Eric Pincus

If pressed, I do think there’s a decent chance they land Howard – if he pushes for LA. If the Lakers move Bynum, they’re going to get a nice return.

Dylan

Reports all indicate that the Lakers are looking for older defensive 3′s. Does this mean they are actively thinking of using the amnesty on Metta World Peace?

Eric Pincus

We wait on this. Nothing clear yet. The Lakers need to see what their options are too . . .

Dylan

Can the Lakers package Sasha’s Trade X for a sign and trade of a player? Are the Lakers planning on using the Trade X or are they standing pat?

Eric Pincus

Not really. There are technical combinations that can happen but probably not how you mean. I push Kupchak on that very issue and he avoided the question stating uncertainty regarding the rules.

Dylan

There was a rumor that the Lakers are interested in Delonte West and Josh McRoberts.

Do you think they are good fits on this Laker team?

Eric Pincus

I do.

cj

in your six things the cavs should do article you said most SG the cavs would want are restricted FA. but what about s.brown, w.green, m.bellineli, m.thornton, and even maybe m.redd or s.vujacic? if they need scoring then green, belinelli, vujacic, or redd. for D brown and for both O and D, thornton.

Eric Pincus

Hmm – another one of these. Yeah, didn’t write that article! I’ve written 6 Things on Lakers and Clippers – and will do Warriors at end of the week.

benny

hey, eric. what do u think about the nets trading brook lopez for josh smith? it helps the hawks with movin horford to the 4 and helps the nets by giving them a better chance of signing d12 in free agency

Eric Pincus

I don’t like it for the Nets if they don’t get Howard. And they might need Lopez to get Howard.

Scott

Instead of the clippers doing a blockbuster trade. What do you think about trading Kaman for Jarrett Jack and Ariza?? Money wise it works.
Jack is a great back-up PG and Ariza would be a bomb SF. Low cost, plays D, and can shoot the 3 to help spread out the Def.

Eric Pincus

Who is the third big? That’s a serious issue. Also, Ariza can’t shoot – as much as I like him – he has struggled terribly since leaving LA with his shot.

cj

according to your six things sactown should do article you state they need a PG. well what about salmons for hinrich? sac gets rid of a SG and gets a vet PG, and atl could move maybe move JJ to the 3

Eric Pincus

Hmm . . . did I write that article? I don’t recall doing a Sac 6 . . .

Golden Refugee

If the Warriors trade Ellis for JRich (with other parts), does that make them better? Has JRich lost some off his game or is the fact that he’s a bigger guard next to Curry make the difference?

Eric Pincus

I like Ellis more than Richardson.

Sven

Hi Eric, question on your favourite team…Can the NBA, as they own the Hornets, influence a deal for Paul to the Lakers ? Seeing their preference of succes stories and big market cities…

Eric Pincus

You can argue that – it may or may not be true. My understanding is that Dell Demps, as GM of Hornets, is working like any other to the best interest of his club unfettered by the NBA. Could that be a front? Anything is possible and maybe I’m naive but I don’t believe so.

Navid

greetings from Holland
Do you think howard could move to clippers and would this be a good fit with Griffin? and if that works, what other changes should clippers make to be a real contender?

Eric Pincus

A good fit? Yes. Imperfect but very potent.

NATH

Please list the starting line up of LAKERS before the play-off starts.

Eric Pincus

Um, OK. Will you remember to check in April?

Sam

Eric… Do the Clippers have any interest in Thaddeus Young? Which of the two superstars9Howard or Paul) will end up with the Clippers? If I’m the Clippers GM I would make available any of the three: Kaman, Jordan, Aminu, Bledsoe, Williams, Gomes, Draft pick. What you say?

Eric Pincus

Since Young is restricted, he’s harder to get so it doesn’t look like LA will make a pitch. Perhaps that changes if things don’t work out with Caron (and/or Prince).

Trevor

With everybody thinking D12 will end up in LA would Lakers trade Pau/Odom/Bynum for Dwight/Hedo/Arenas if so this would make Orlandos rebuild much quicker as they would shed a ton of long term salary. Thoughts? Of course keeping D12 is #1 option. Also thoughts on Bob Vanderweide stepping down today any indication of future deals?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers wouldn’t go near that deal.

Mynor

Hello Eric,
I thought a long time ago that LAC would make a run for both Howard and Paul, now I here the Lakers want both. When I take a look at the big picture though, LAC still seems like the better fit for one or both and they also seem to have better trade assets. When can arguably say Jordan, Kaman, Williams, Bledsoe and Aminu plus first round picks are better trade packages then Bynum, Odom, Gasol, taking in account injuries and age. Even when you look at what you would have after said trades, LAL would be left with the likes of Barnes, Artest, Blake and Bryant, as opposed to Gordon, Griffin, and possibly Butler. Imagine a packed Staples Center, lobs thrown here and there, most exciting basketball since Showtime, and it would be a Clippers game. I just don’t see why they wouldn’t, it’s the Clippers is no longer good enough of an excuse.

Eric Pincus

It takes a long time for perceptions to change. What is . . . is. Griffin is a step towards the Clippers gaining a new identity. We’ll have to wait and see how quickly that takes and if it holds.

gbf

hi eric! which lineup would you rather have?

A: kobe / cp3 / artest / vet’s minimum PF / dwight

B: kobe / fisher / artest / gasol / dwight

Eric Pincus

I don’t see it as a choice between A & B – but if I had to choose, perhaps A by a smaller margin than you’d think.

Anthony

So with the reports of the Lakers trying to get Paul AND Howard, what was the point of the lockout. I thought owners were trying to stop players from building super teams in super markets and now a week later its happening again. The NBA is on path to be like WWE with 3 or 4 “gangs” of players battling and every other team is just filler.

Will yet another superteam stop a lot of fans from watching the NBA where there are better team oriented sports like NHL and NFL to watch right now? To me, the NBA will be a complete joke if the Lakers get another superstar after the lockout was supposed to prevent that from happening again.

Eric Pincus

Actually the Miami superteam vastly improved ratings. The new CBA sets parameters. Teams can work within them. If a GM has assets to move – they have assets to move. There are concrete limitations but if a Laker superteam emerges and they face the Miami superteam, ratings are going to be poor? I’m thinking no.

Dylan

Is the rumors of Lakers wanting both Howard and Paul circulating the media hurting the chances of the trade happening? Or does it send a message to both players to come play in LA?

Eric Pincus

Immaterial.

Ron C

Hey Eric, I get the feeling Kapono will sign & DH is a strong possibility for the Lakers before December 15, but I cant see the CP deal getting done. NO would want a guard/PG in addition to Pau but i don’t know if Blake and Morris is enough. I think we’ll end up seeing how Morris works out if we don’t get CP. What other guard/pg do you see the Lakers realistically getting?

Eric Pincus

The Hornets aren’t necessarily looking for a point guard in return. They have Jarrett Jack who can start.

Dylan

Are the huge rumors circulating the Lakers just a smokescreen? Usually Laker trades come out of the blue or if they’re leaked the deal is dead. What Laker rumors have legs right now and which are dead?

Eric Pincus

There’s no smokescreen. There are just writers repeating non-stories. The Lakers want to get big stars? Um, really? We wait and see what happens. Nothing surprising has come out at this point.

Zach

Why do people think orlando will trade dwight to the lakers? If I’m Otis, I would rather draft picks and young low salary talent (new jersey’s offer or maybe russell westbrook) than injury prone Bynum or an aging gasol. Also any word on ellis to orlando?

Eric Pincus

It really depends on offers.

Dylan

What are the details to Jason Kapono’s deal with the Lakers? Will he get playing time or be a good fit?

Eric Pincus

If Kapono can spread the floor with his three-shot, absolutely a good fit for the price. It’s like adding Radmanovic but instead of paying the MLE, the Lakers are spending a short-term minimum (two years, reportedly). If he doesn’t pan out? So be it it, nothing lost but the min.

Kurt

Who would be opposed to expanding the amnesty cut rule to multiple players per team every year? This might benefit the richer owners but I can’t see why the players would oppose it.

Eric Pincus

We can discuss it in 6-10 years when it’s time for the next CBA.

Michael

First of all, no denying the rock bottom past, but the way things are now Blake Griffin’s Clippers are on the rise with no direction to go but up, up, and away! Regardless of who is at C/SF though, I think the Clippers should definitely upgrade at point guard right away to distribute better. With 2 of the league’s top dunkers on the team, that’s a waste of talent. Is Nash on the Clippers’ radar besides Paul?

Nash may be on a slow decline but from a league-high 11 assists per game. Wherever Nash goes he makes his teammates better and his other options are dangerous – Miami, LAL, NY… Even if Nash were the only addition right now, the Clippers become a legitimate playoff contender, solid vet leadership to build the young squad, and if Deron wants out next year Nash can hand over the reigns.

What do you think the trade would look like to get Nash to the Clippers?

Can’t wait to see how everything plays out. GO CLIPPERS!

Eric Pincus

I hear Suns don’t want to trade Nash and unless he requests it, they wont.

Randy Lehrman

So I’m sure everyone will ask about Dwight Howard and Chris Paul coming to the Lakers in a blockbuster. What are your thoughts on it happening. Bynum and Odom for D12 & Hedo…Pau for Chris Pau??? …and wouldn’t this pave the way for a finals matchup of Lakers V. Heat. Lebron faces his old coach, passing of the torch, epic finals. Even if the NBA owns the Hornets…maybe they want this. Whatchuthink???

Eric Pincus

I don’t get why the Hornets would want Pau at his age and dollar. Gotta come up with a scenario to make it all work first!

Leon

Eric, whats the plan for the Clippers if Howard and Paul both go to the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Improve at small forward. Keep their 2012 pick for future options (Deron Williams) and find ways to improve . . .

Leon

Maybe Clips could get Butler,Fernandez and a first from Dallas for Kaman? Clips could then use the pick and maybe Fernandez in another trade?

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect the Mavericks to consider a Fernandez trade. You can argue for other considerations in a Dallas/Clippers trade, but don’t forget – LAC is adamant they have three quality bigs up front.

a different matt

What does your gut tell you regarding the players stuck in China? Will they be able to find a way out before March?

Eric Pincus

No is my gut feeling.

Justin

What do you think the 6ers do with there squad? .500 ball is not the answer. I would love to get Kaman and Mini pick and build thru 12′draft.

Eric Pincus

Clippers aren’t sending the Minny pick for Iguodala I hear. They’d love Andre for Kaman and a player like Aminu though.

a different matt

With the Nuggets reportedly talking with 2 younger/skinnier versions of Al Harrington (Al Thornton/Thaddeus Young), does that mean they are likely to amnesty The Hamburgerler?

Eric Pincus

Possibly but not concretely yet. Gotta land new talent first before getting rid of the pieces no longer desired.

Chris

What do you think of the Cp3 & Howard coming to LA rumors? First of all as a Laker fan I would love it, but I I feel like it is unlikely to happen. However, don’t you think the only way to do is by trading Pau first? We all know the Magic and the Hornets would take Bynum, but not sure about gasol. But if one team accepts a trade for gasol for their superstar then getting the other superstar will be easy by trading Bynum.

Eric Pincus

I would say it’s opposite. If both teams want Bynum, then they likely hold out for Bynum. If the Lakers triggered a deal with either for Drew, then the other team can’t play that card and is forced to evaluate all offers. If then Pau is the best one, then there you go. Do I think that happens? Probably not. LA may need a third team to get involved and once you get other parties in a deal? It gets very messy and far less likely.

Chris G

I heard about the Lakers wish list of getting Paul and Howard. Let me ask you this: If they could put together a deal to get both of them, but it would cost them Kobe, would they do it?

Eric Pincus

Not at this time no, not to mention Kobe has a major trade kicker and a no-trade clause.

a different matt

Why aren’t we hearing any Andre Miller trade rumors? It would seem he is square peg in a round hole in Denver. He isn’t going to be satisfied simply backing up Lawson, and he can’t shoot well enough to play the two…

Eric Pincus

The Nuggets hated having to trade him for Iverson. George Karl loves him. Having one of the league’s most underrated point guards, that’s not a negative. Having too much talent at a position in most cases is not a negative.

santiago

will kaman be a clipper at the start of the seaon???

Eric Pincus

Very possibly – especially if DeAndre Jordan leaves.

Berry

Hey Eric.

Why wouldn’t the Lakers and Shannon Brown work together on a sign and trade that could put Shannon with a contender like the Bulls or Knicks with the salary that he wants. Both teams have pieces the Lakers could use. Korver, Brewer, CJ Watson, Toney Douglas and Turiaf. That would still leave them with their mini MLE and the trade exception.

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Bulls want Shannon and the Knicks won’t pay for more than one year.

Dong of Dayton

Hey Eric,

I just read the article about the clippers. Trading Kaman for Ginobli actually sounds like a good deal. What do you think about that? I lived in San Antonio and I know how much the fans love Ginobli but getting duncan some help up front should be a priority.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers and Spurs have discussed that but it doesn’t seem to be an active conversation.

Drew

How much is K Love Worth? Also with adding Adleman, Rubio and DWilliams to what we have what is our season out look? 8th Seed?

Eric Pincus

The Wolves will be better but I don’t see them as a playoff team yet.

Andrew

Could Portland be looking into trading Gerald Wallace or Marcus Camby?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard any suggestion that either is available.

William

Would you trade Gordon to N.O if Paul is willing to sign extension?

Eric Pincus

It doesn’t really solve the issue. The Clippers need three pillars and you’re still at two. If you said Gordon for Paul and the other trade assets for some other third star (Howard for instance), then sure. Trading Gordon for Paul might sound good to some initially but it’s not ideal. More importantly, the Clippers aren’t interested . ..

Dylan

Reports are that Orlando wants BOTH Gasol and Bynum for Howard. Would you make this deal?

Eric Pincus

That’s a non-starter for the Lakers.

Jim

Butler doesn’t seem like the perfect fit for the Clippers? Why are they perusing him? Is it more about the Mavs interest in Kaman?

Eric Pincus

He’s a good fit. He’s not a great fit. He may be the best available player in LA’s mind. I might say Tayshaun Prince is a better match but I’m not the decision-maker.

Yoichi

I hear Lakers are going after both Howard and Paul, wouldn’t D-Will be a better choice than CP3?

Eric Pincus

Williams isn’t available at this time.

Chuck Testa

When will we start seeing trades go down and is that true, both Howard and Paul will be Lakers?…… Nope, Chuck Testa

Eric Pincus

Wait, are you asking a question to me?

Kevin

In your opinion, what is the best deal that the Magic can get for DHo?

Eric Pincus

One that hasn’t presented itself – not a concrete one – but something that will evolve.

Jobert

If rumors are true that LAL wanted both D Howard and C Paul, who do you think LAL can trade to make it happen? I know it would include Bynum and Gasol. And any fillers you know?

Eric Pincus

Pretty much anyone but Kobe has to be considered to make a deal. In the end, the Lakers will need to still have three power players on the roster, so if they can do something without including Odom – that would be ideal. They’d still need another big.

Andrew

After hearing reports that Larry Bird, Frank Vogel, David Morway, and Brian Shaw met with Nene in Dever today, what are the odds the Pacers sign him? Coach Vogel is a miracle motivator…

Eric Pincus

Depends on who is willing to pay Nene the most frankly.

john

what can toronto get for amir johnson/

Eric Pincus

Johnson is getting over foot surgery. I don’t think his value is high right now. Better to let him play his way back and make an impression. Teams don’t like to trade for guys coming off injuries that haven’t proven they’re sound yet.

MIkey

Whose balky knee concerns you more, CP3 or Bynum?

Eric Pincus

To a certain extent both . . .

Brian K

Frank Vogel and Larry Bird flew out to Denver to met Nene I think he would be the perfect fit to play with Hibbert. What are your thoughts and what else do you see the Pacers adding??

Eric Pincus

Nene is a good fit. Nene at the max? I’m not so sure.

Larson

How do you feel about the Clippers offering DeAndre Jordan an extension for $40 million over the next 5 years? Do you think $40 million is sufficient to discourage other teams from signing him to an offer sheet for more money and why?

Eric Pincus

I expect DeAndre to get a bigger offer. How much bigger? Hard to say. If it’s near max, the Clippers will let him go. If it’s $50 million over five? I’d pay him that simply because that’s the going rate for centers. Whatever they “deserve,” proven or not, you have to up the figure by a couple of million.

D balls

How does kapono look. Is it a done deal ?

Eric Pincus

The LA Times reports Lakers and Kapono close on a two-year minimum deal. There are no done deals yet. Can’t until there’s a new CBA.

Nell W.

if the lakers miss out on CP3 will they look at any other guards to pick up?

Eric Pincus

Barring a tremendous player like Paul, I could see LA going with a more modest option like Daniel Gibson via trade exception (if the Cavaliers go there, possibly a wide stretch) or more realistically, Delonte West. A couple of players they’d like but probably can’t/won’t get = Arron Afflalo and Jamal Crawford.

Michael

What big men do you think the Lakers are looking at to replace Theo and Joe Smith on the bench? Any younger bigs that are willing to take the minimum?

Eric Pincus

The name I had heard, I don’t recall the source off the top of my head I’m afraid but it was another media outlet, was Josh McRoberts. Wait a Dukie? Mitch Kupchak? Still, that’s a possibility.

Brian

Since it sounds like Hornets and Magic want Bynum for their players, why do people believe we can get both?

Eric Pincus

Stranger things have happened. It’s very unlikely but Pau Gasol is still a viable trade asset.

elie

CP3 or D12 ? and why?

Eric Pincus

Given the choice, I’d go big.

Brian

Who would provide a faster road to the championship, CP3 or Howard. For Lakers or Clippers?

Eric Pincus

Size wins.

Javaris Crittenton - Inmate #321663

Is it true that the NBA owners will try to block a trade between the Lakers and Hornets?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe so, other than the normal process of trying to outbid your rivals.

Nick

Who do you think the pacers will add to their young core over the next week? Do you think they will sign Nene or trade for Millsap or something not mentioned?

Eric Pincus

I had David West and either Jason Richardson/Jamal Crawford as my pre-lockout-resolution picks. Nene wants a lot of money, I’m not sure the Pacers go there but they might. Not sure on guard either. At this point, it’s still a feeling out process. Decisions will be coming later in the week.

D ballz

Do you thnk thIs 66 game season is actually tougher on older teams like the lakers than a regular 82?

Eric Pincus

Yes, 66-game compressed into four months will be difficult for older teams.

Dominic

How does the D12 scenario play out? Bklyn? Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I look forward to finding out. A lot depends on Dwight. He needs to push for what he wants.

D ballz

BEslides going to the games and practices, what are some of the perks to working as an nBA journalist?

Eric Pincus

The education.

Gio

can you give me a reality check please…who will Lakers get cp3 or D12?
I don’t buy the get the 2 supersatars thing…

Eric Pincus

There’s a small, small chance they get both. There’s a small chance they get one. There’s a good, good chance they get neither.

Brian

Is it within reason that the Clippers could feasibly have a starting five with, Jordan, Griffin, C Butler, Gordon, and CP3?

Eric Pincus

It’s a possibility. I’m not going to pretend it’s likely but it’s in the ballpark.

D ballz

Do you have any ‘almost famous’ type stories from the lakers?

Eric Pincus

I thought Stacey Augmon was going to punch me once for asking him a question. Is that what you’re looking for?

Jay

Will Caron Butler be a Clipper?

Eric Pincus

Very possibly. He hasn’t decided yet.

Hugo

Hi Eric realistic Lakers Fan here how about may be a Luke Walton choice of Ebanks or Character for someone like Beno Udrich I know It saves Milwaukee about 5 million dollars and if Lakers kick in extra 3 million in compensation plus some draft picks maybe they can eat Ilyosovas contact with their Sasha exception Ilyosovas is a insurance policy in case of Odom trade

Eric Pincus

So the Lakers send players the Bucks don’t want for players the Bucks do want? I’m not seeing it.

Brian

I’m anxious that the Clippers are on the verge of blowing a great opportunity to get a star player… Do you think their chances are good of landing another franchise player? It seems a foregone conclusion that the Lakers will succeed.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure how the Clippers are blowing anything. They have very solid assets and a desire to win. They haven’t been able to capitalize on that historically on a consistent basis but past doesn’t dictate future. We wait and see.

Tzvizzle Dizzle

Can Paul or Howard do a sign and trade? Why do i keep hearing that whoever gets them cant sign them to a long term contract until after the season? Sounds a bit risky for the Clipps to do something like that.

Eric Pincus

You’d need them to sign an “extend and trade” not a sign and trade – but that means less years and $ – so it would be a trade (to whatever team) with some sort of assurances that before the end of the month and extension would be agreed to (likely negotiated before the transaction). So an extension = yes. Extend and trade = no.

Javaris Crittenton - Inmate #321663

Why did Bynum cancel his twitter account? Is it because he’s soft?

Eric Pincus

I don’t know why Bynum cancelled his Twitter account at this time.

Amir

Do you think that either CP3, D12 come to the Lakers before the season starts? Or should Laker fans expect the current roster with possible small tweaks suiting up Christmas day?

Eric Pincus

Expect small tweaks. If something big happens then Merry Christmas.

Brian

I haven’t seen any reports of the Clippers or Lakers interest in D Williams. Have you heard about any interest?

Eric Pincus

Because the Nets aren’t trading him before the season and possibly not until next year – if at all. New Jersey thinks he’ll stay.

Mike P.

Is there a third team out there that would help facilitate a deal centered around Pau for Chris Paul with Pau going to that third team and NOH receiving young players/picks?

Eric Pincus

I know the Wolves tried to get Pau near the draft but I’m not sure where they are now on that.

Alex

what is mike brown’s track record with playing rookies and developing players? how do you see a rook like morris in brown’s system? does he have a chance to develop into a good pg?

Eric Pincus

Daniel Gibson got big minutes as a rook.

Larry

Who, not on the rumor mill, do you believe Heat should target?

An Aaron Gray?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps Jeff Foster?

a different matt

When does a team have to be at the salary floor? Prior to the start of the season or the end? Reason I ask is, to see if teams can or may save $ for the China ballers.

Eric Pincus

I believe by the end of the season. That’s a good question though. I’d have to do some research to be sure.

Larry

Jeff Foster, type of player you hate but luv on your side, can see that.

Are there any PG that teams made available for trade (aside from Paul of course)?

Eric Pincus

I expect the HEAT to patch something together again at the point. Keep in mind both Wade/Bron are ball-dominant. Miami needs a shooter more than a true PG.

Eric P

Just Curious, can you “amensty” HW writers? If so who would be “bought out”

Eric Pincus

Yikes!

Eric P

Hey EP, can you put to rest some thoughts running rampant on PD that they believe just cause Eric Gordon is from NAP he is going to sign with the Pacers next year? I know Sterlings rep, but since adding Blake Griffin he seemed to have changed his usual stance

Eric Pincus

Gordon will be a restricted free agent and as such, he’s likely to remain a Clipper past this current contract.

Eric P

If you were GM of PAcers would you go after Gasol, Nene, David West or Jamal Crawford, in what order?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe they can get Gasol. I’d go for Nene if he’s not at the max. Then West if the deal isn’t too large/long. Then Crawford . . .

Eric P

Is it basically a pipe dream to think that even though they have a nice young core, great fan base and plenty of cap space, CP3 or D Howard would sign with the Pacers?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe they’re interested in playing in Indiana, fair or not. it has something to do with the endorsement opportunities in cities like New York and/or Los Angeles.