NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 12/13/11

Moose33

Witch players do you see the Lakers splitting the MLE with?

Eric Pincus

Alright, late chat today. In theory this should be the first response/welcome message to the chat. If it’s not and it’s somewhere in the middle, I’ll keep at it!

Moose33 – looks like Josh McRoberts who is actually a good get.

cj vanginkel

why dont the lakers just say screw the paul trade and trade gasol and artest to the roccets for all the players they were going to give to the hornets.

dragic at the pg fisher at the pg morris at the pg
kevin at the sg barnes at the sg goudelock at the sg
kobe at the sf kapono at the sf ebankes at the sf
scola at the pf odom at the pf caracter at the pf
buynm at the c sign some one open spot.

lakers waive blake with there amnisty and were better the last year.

Eric Pincus

Lakers don’t need Kevin Martin and don’t want to play Kobe at the three like that. Martin is a good player but expensive, injury prone and not versatile enough to share that spot with Bryant. Dragic is adequate but not enough. Scola is solid but a bit too old of a target for a team that needs to rejuvenate. I hear you, if all those assets are available . . . but none add up to Paul. LA doesn’t want to move Pau unless they get that kind of talent back.

Vito Villegas

Hi, Eric, Im an avid Lakers fan.Now that the CP3 deal has been scrapped and LO has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks, will the Lakers go all in for Dwight Howard? What would it take for the deal to push through?

Eric Pincus

Dwight lists the Magic as one of the teams he “may” extend with. As long as Orlando is on that list, they’re not going to trade him.

Billy Burton

Do you think the Lakers will still consider the Pau Gasol, Kevin Martin and Scola deal?, Also do you think they should contact the Sixers for Andre Iguodala since they trade Lamar Odom?

Eric Pincus

I like Iguodala but I’m not sure how LA would get him. At this point I don’t believe he was available for Odom.

Raju

what is lakers plan ?why did they trade odom for nothing.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers didn’t trade Lamar for no one. What they did was lock in his trade value at $8.9 million. Now they don’t have to worry about injury, poor play or the like. They can still bring in a player – say the Utah Jazz decide to move Paul Millsap or the Cleveland Cavaliers Anderson Varejao – would either have taken Lamar? Probably not. Instead if LA had an attractive asset to pair with that trade exception, perhaps someone like that becomes available.

johncarloyu

Who the lakers going to get on their exception from Sasha trade? I think it is going to expire sometime this week?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see a lot of players available who will really help. If they wanted someone like Luke Ridnour they could probably get him but I’m not sure that’s the solution. I’ve always said I like Daniel Gibson for it, but are the Cavs willing? I don’t believe they are.

Nathan

From you’re perspective, what are realistic trade scenarios that don’t include L.A. Shipping both Gasol & Bynum and receiving Turkoglu?

Eric Pincus

If the Magic want to trade Howard and feel Bynum is a worthy centerpiece, then maybe something develops (regardless of the minute details). At this point that’s not the case, given they hope to keep Dwight.

Sam

Eric . . . Assuming that Clippers and Hornets agree is Vinny Del Negro the right coach? A lot of writers/experts are disrespecting this guy; why?

Eric Pincus

The Clipper organization believes in VDN. Whether they’re right or wrong, outside opinion isn’t going to change that.

Sam

Eric . . . Can the Clippers do a sign and trade involving DJ now to another team (i.e. Denver for Nene); I like him but not worth that much.

Eric Pincus

DJ is a Clipper.

Dylan

What do you think is the Lakers end game for trading Odom?

Eric Pincus

As I suggested – someone like Millsap or Varejao, or possibly help in a point guard acquisition. The main point is LA wants to improve their team and while many would like a straight line to that, that’s just not how it works in most cases.

Jason

Laker fans are in total confusion after this weekend’s events. What do you think are the Lakers next move to solidify the bench?

Eric Pincus

As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, the Lakers need to focus on the next franchise player. In a couple of years the rules get even more restrictive for cap teams. They tried to get Paul and almost did. They had and have their eyes on Howard. All other moves are going to be about incremental change to improve this team while maintaining flexibility to get the star (when it comes).

Matt G.

Are the Lakers going to still going for the home run trades (Howard, Paul) or have they come back down to Earth and just going to settle for tweaks to the roster?

Eric Pincus

Ha, see the question I just answered. Home runs but tweaks required until you’re at bat, no?

Chris

Do you still see Pau Gasol being on the trading block? He was more of a professional than Lamar was. If he is on the Block, where does he go and for whom?

Eric Pincus

For Chris Paul level talent the Lakers will trade Pau. For less? I don’t believe so.

Chris

What will the Lakers do with the Lamar TPE and Sasha’s TPE? What would you do with them if you were the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I would not be surprised if the Vujacic exception expires unused.

Kate

Does Stern have a Vendetta against the Lakers/Los Angeles in general?

Eric Pincus

Not in any way.

Anthony Pascua

Hey Eric,
Since the whole ordeal with the CP3 fallout and D12 not sure if wants to come to the Lakers; I read somewhere that the Lakers would be interested in acquiring Anderson Varejao? I think he would be a great fit as far as energy and relentless on the boards. Any truth to this?

Eric Pincus

I mentioned this in the chat and have mentioned him for a number of months as a possible target, especially with the hiring of Coach Mike Brown.

Mark

I think I should be Lakers’ GM cause i just solved everyone’s issues. Lakers get chris paul, emeka okafor, and josh smith. Hornets get joe johnson and andrew bynum. Hawks get pau gasol, meta world peace, and maybe steve blake…thoughts?

Eric Pincus

The Hornets say no and then where are you?

Hammer

If a team with cap space claims an amnestied player how long do they have to wait before they can trade him? Why doesn’t a team with cap space claim Billups (with a minimal bid) with a pre-arranged deal to trade him to the HEAT for a 1st round draft pick?

Eric Pincus

Billups, now with the Clippers, cannot be traded until July 1 but since his contract expires on June 30th – he cannot be traded . . . period.

Efren23

What do you think of this proposal to get Paul to
Clippers
Rockets get aminu kaman trade exception to sign nene
Clippers Paul
Hornets dragic bledsoe Martin scola clippers and rockets 1st pick

Eric Pincus

NBA wants more than that – they don’t want vet players like what was offered via Laker deal. The Clipper package straight up is closer to what they’re looking for – by a long shot.

Anthony Pascua

I think almost everyone thought that giving away Lamar to the Mavs for close to nothing was a shock, now everyone is thinking that someone (Howard)has to be coming in for the Lakers to give up Lamar. In reality, what if the Lakers do not pick up CP3 or Howard?

Eric Pincus

They move forward and try to get other franchise level players. The timeline is always beyond a team’s control. As they are, the Lakers are still a very potent team (albeit in need of some tweaks).

Matthew

do you think Mitch is up to something? he stated in his interview that he’s pursuing more than one deal.. What moves can this possibly be? Can we get back in the Cp3 mix?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the path back to Paul yet.

johncarloyu

Kobe needs a back-up, Afflalo, Stevenson, Crawford, Howard is available. Along with Hamilton and Arenas. Who fits?

Eric Pincus

Afflalo is tremendous but the Nuggets intend on keeping him. I wouldn’t touch Arenas. Howard and Crawford aren’t likely to come. I’m thinking LA sticks with players like Kapono, Barnes, Ebanks and to an extent, Fisher behind Kobe.

johncarloyu

Mitch Kupchak mentioned that Lakers still eyeing big trade? big as in Howard and DWill?

Eric Pincus

Sure but . . .

johncarloyu

Can the lakers get Landry and Pryzbilla as b-up bigs?

Eric Pincus

Now that LA spent their Mini-MLE on McRoberts, there’s not a lot left when it comes to free agency. I expect Landry to get paid more than LA would be able to anyway. Przybilla I’ve heard is contemplating retirement but in theory he my be available. If he does return, I’m sure someone else will offer more than LA.

johncarloyu

Lakers feeling the Christmas season right now, forgot rivalries and gave LO to Cuban. Why the lakers didnt get Barea and Stevenson to address some problem?

Eric Pincus

LA may not have wanted to pay Barea what he was asking. Cuban may not have wanted to help the Lakers in that way.

johncarloyu

Who the lakers going to use their amnesty? Luke?

Eric Pincus

No one at this time.

B-Man

are the clippers much better of now by adding billups and not loosing anything over trading for chris paul?

Eric Pincus

Yes in getting Billups. They’d be even better with Paul.

B-Man

is it realistic to think that a deal between the celtics and hornets such as paul and emeka for rondo, jermaine, bass, and their two first rounders get submitted to the league office and it gets approved?

Eric Pincus

I would call that unlikely.

B-Man

please tell me the warriors would refrain from overpaying dalembert just so that they can add a big.. if the nets forgo the chance to trade for howard, is it better that they sign nene as rumored, or is it better to package him with some salary fillers to get scola and martin?

Eric Pincus

Was Kwame Brown what you had in mind for the Warriors? I’m not sure if the Rockets just give away those guys for filler.

B-Man

is michael redd in indiana’s radar? how much truth is there in the rumored mcroberts for mayo deal?

Eric Pincus

Haven’t heard Redd’s name yet linked to anyone. McBob is a Laker I hear though I have been chatting – have to check to see if that’s official.

Chris G

Is there any chance the Bulls still add an Afflalo or Crawford through sign and trade? Or is Rip Hamilton all they’re going to do?

Eric Pincus

The Nuggets would have to help with that S&T but they want to keep Afflalo. The Hawks will let Crawford go but can’t take any money back without going near the tax. If the Hawks wanted to keep Crawford or bring in players, they’d probably have to amnesty Marvin Williams and to date they’ve said they wont. As far as RIp, the rumors say Chicago although I have not inquired myself.

Sven

Hi Eric, I feel like this trade scenario would be excepted by the commisioner without even blinking: Irving, Thompson en Baron Davis (as an amnesty clause player) to NOLA and CP3 to Cleveland. Gilbert should really think about this too, probably the only way he’ll ever get a star again in Ohio. Maybe his pall Stern can even oblige CP3 to sign a contract extension through a new power trip move !

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure how you’re trading Baron as an amnesty player. That’s not how i all works. Irving and Thompson would be the kind of players the league would like for Paul but that’s not viable given they’ve signed with Cavs and can’t be traded for some time.

Dave

In your opinion, which do you think was the better trade for the hornets? The vetoed three team deal with the lakers or the clippers deal that offered aminu, bledsoe, kaman, and twolves pick? The fact that if the clippers didn’t have to throw in gordon they’d be getting a complete steal (IMO) is clouding my vision.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers trade was a far, far better deal for the Hornets – especially long-term as a rebuilding team.

Raph

With the Nets moving on to “Plan B, C and D” after this week, will the Lakers push harder to make a trade for Dwight or will they sit back and wait for the Magic to come to them if things don’t go as planned in the season? Will Dwight be traded before XMas?

Eric Pincus

Nah, I don’t think Dwight is traded before Christmas.

johncarloyu

Do you see lakers making a run at Ridnour and Beasley? with the signing of Barea and Williams, I think both of them are very much available. Both of them are still young.

Eric Pincus

Perhaps Ridnour. I don’t see Beasley coming in but stranger things have happened.

Allan

lakers would be better off amnesting artest next season since walton’s contract would expire after next year. fisher contract will be up after next year i think

Eric Pincus

Very possibly.

Ben

now with CP3 out of reach and two aging PGs. how is darius morris’ game so far? have you seen him play? does he have break out potential?

Eric Pincus

I met Morris before the draft and saw him work out privately. He needs to work on his shot but he has some really interesting skills that should translate to the NBA. We’ll see! As a rookie, don’t look for much. Is he a star? I wouldn’t make that jump yet.

Allan

lakers trade blake,gasol,bynum for howard,turkoglu, and either redick or duhon. duhon, turkoglu and redicks contract can expire after next season when harsher tax penalty takes effect. when for lakers they can also save more money buy amnesting artest and when they sign howard they can resturture it to where they will have enough cap to sign a great fa.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers, I”m told, have no intention of trading both Bynum and Gasol for Howard.

Knicksbaby

Wuds ur predicted record 4 the knicks this year, and do u think stat and melo will play sum d?

Eric Pincus

I don’t have a record prediction yet – I need to look at their schedule first. I like the Knicks a lot this year although they need some help at guard.

Mark

Do you think lingering annoyance from Lamar’s last contract negotiations contributed to his rather hasty departure from town?

Eric Pincus

No, but the sentiment that he wasn’t part of the long-term future remained the same . . .

Larry

What is next for the clippers? Who do they Target next if no cp3.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers don’t appear likely to make any other additions. If no CP3, this is the team. How well they do would dictate what comes next.

Chris

Hi Eric. Why won’t Dwight Howard sign an extension with Chicago? Is it because he doesn’t want to be the Scottie/Kobe to Rose’s MJ/Shaq, is it the cold winters, etc…?

Eric Pincus

I don’t have an answer for you there. I’m confused as well. Keep in mind, he didn’t tell that to me – because I didn’t ask – but that’s what’s rumored.

Zico, India

hi eric! please…do you think the lakers can get DH12 without giving up gasol??? and what smaller moves can they pull off?

Eric Pincus

I Howard does go on the block in earnest, I don’t believe Gasol would go out.

B-Man

i have 3 questions, what are the chances that chris kaman will end the season with the clippers? will he be a true pro and good soldier even if he’s relegated to the bench? and lastly, if he does end the season with them, what are the chances that he resigns?

the clippers have used this off-season to turn themselves into a very deep team.

Eric Pincus

Kaman is expendable. We’ll see. Chris would probably welcome a change but as you say, he’ll be a good solider until then.

santiago

I knw cp3 is an awsome player but N.O. is asking way to much for cp3 kaman aside from being exp contrct is one of the very few 7 footers with talent aminu is very raw,young and talented bledsoe is another nice player that ca develop with time and under mo n billups a lottery pick with gordon who emerged as our closer last yr why would the clipps gut the team and give the future pic?????

Eric Pincus

I would trade Bledsoe, Aminu, Kaman and the Minny pick for Paul. More than that? The Clippers don’t need to bid against themselves right now for Paul.

Ryan

What seed do you think the Clips will be in the playoffs with the way the roster is structured right now? What about if they go all in for CP3?

Eric Pincus

I have the Clippers as a playoff team. I haven’t made my full predictions just yet.

Rodney from chicago

do you believe the lakers stll have a shot at winning the title with this current line up, and will they make one last attempt at cp3?

Eric Pincus

Yes they have a shot but it would be difficult. Again, I’m not sure how LA would get back into the CP3 mix.

Ryan

In your eyes what’s more valuable; Eric Gordon, or the Minn Pick?

Eric Pincus

Today? Gordon.

Scott

Why would the Clips do the trade w/ NO now that they have Billups?? I say amnesty Gomes & trade Mo 4 a back up PF, C or SG (for whn Foye leaves). This way we keep our young core and will still have the opportunity at Williams. The Clips would only B @ $40 Million not including bck up PF,C, &SG. Leaving the opportunity to sign D Will…

Eric Pincus

Yes, the Clippers would make a Paul deal (on their terms) even with Billups. There is no interest in amnesty for Gomes or Mo.

James

Please tell me you can make sense of the Lakers moves because everyone in los angeles is confused. Is a bog move on the way? Or are the Lakers cutting costs in place of winning now?

Eric Pincus

I think it’s safe to say a bog move is on the way.

Jaimeson

What does Eddy Curry do with himself? Was he rehabbing the last few years? Already injured after 2 practices. If this fails, is it all said & done in NBA for him? I’m starting to think Curry & Oden are same person!

Eric Pincus

Once the body goes . . . it’s hard to come back from that.

Dwayne

Eric,

Should the Lakers consider tanking this season in an effort to get a higher draft pick? Bynum or Paul or bust

Eric Pincus

No.

Dwayne

Which L.A team will have the better record?

Eric Pincus

That is not clear just yet. I honestly haven’t had the time to analyze schedule yet for anyone – and that plays a big role.

Craigc

Eric, the LA based sources have been sayn the odom pick from Dallas is a 2012 1st. Dallas sources say, 2012, but can instead be conveyed anytime at Dallas discretion between 2012-2017, and is top 20 protected. Any insight on this??

Eric Pincus

I believe it’s top 20 protected for that period of time – but that as soon as it’s 21-30, it’d be a Laker pick. I do NOT have verification on that yet. It often takes a period of time for changes to come through the system but protections on trades can take longer to come out.

kevin breitman

Is Dan Gilbert going to continue to have free reign in forcing the Lakers to pay luxury taxes in the next few years near future? It just seems like NBA front office is bending the rules even though it seems like the Lakers are working within the rules of the new collective bargaining agreement.

Eric Pincus

Gilbert had nothing to do with what went down last week.

Craigc

Eric, I’ve also read, we may still owe Dallas future draft considerations in 2013 as part of odom deal (2nd rnd pick??). Any. Insight on this??

Eric Pincus

A second round pick isn’t something most teams consider especially significant unless they’re in the top 5 (and even then to a degree).

dc

Josh Mc Robeits help or not????

Eric Pincus

Help.

hil316

Hi Eric, I wondering why the Clippers just stay with the roster they currently have. In my opinion that is a pretty good team and a deep team as well. Do you agree?

Eric Pincus

They probably will but if you can add Chris Paul? You add Chris Paul . . .

Anthony

I’m blown away by K. Brown and teams still throwing money at him. $7 million!! I understand its 1 year, but how does he get a contract before Sammy Dal or even Joel Przybilla? Is brown that much better than Erick Dampier who would cost a lot less?

Eric Pincus

Isn’t it a one-year deal? That’s crucial and for a short-signing I don’t mind it. I think Kwame is worth about $4 million but you always overpay a big man by $2 million. Warriors went up by $1 mil more to make sure it was a short deal. Works for me.

Eian Ward Burton

Eric help please! Die hard Warrior fan and it looks much more like the same dumb front office mistakes! 7 mill for Kwame Brown? Using are “get out of dumb contract” on Bell? What are we doing?

Eric Pincus

I believe the Warriors will find a taker at some point for Biedrins via trade.

paul in chicago

Coooooooooo kurrrrrrrrrrrrwa. Are you a Clippers fan or do you just cover them?

Eric Pincus

In all honesty, I am really a fan of the game. I love watching teams struggle and evolve and try to become champions. The Clippers, since I’m close to them in proximity and have many friends in the organization, are a team I am fond of. I’m also fond of the Lakers and the 28 other squads I’ve been fortunate enough to cover.

If you want me to be really, really honest – I root for the Clippers to make the playoffs because it’s good to have two teams I cover in the postseason at the same time. Is that narcissistic? If so I apologize!

Bob Levitan

Haven’t heard a peep from Chauncey since the Clipper pickup? What’s been his reaction? When will he be reporting to training camp?

Eric Pincus

I look forward to his response. The word through the Clippers is very positive.

Fob

Eric,

You got to be excited with all these trade talks. I’ve been watching video on Clippers.com about the trades or better yet the non-trades.

My question is would the Clippers be better without the Chris Paul trade if it include both Eric Gordon and the unprotected pick?

Starter: Billups, Eric Gordon, Butler, Blake, Jordon.
2nd line up: Mo, Foye, Aminu, Gomes, Kaman.
Bench: Bledsoe, Thompkins, Leslie.

That’s a pretty good combination of future and now, right?

Eric Pincus

You can argue the Clippers may be better off with Paul over Gordon/Minny – but I don’t believe we’ll ever find out. My understanding is that Gordon won’t be traded. I’ve been lied to before and teams are entitled to change their minds but I don’t believe they will.

paul

what are the chances of sacramento kings being a playoff team or just a good team?

Eric Pincus

Slim on playoffs – an average team? Perhaps.

dyrese

hey eric im hearing the nuggets are trading for rudy fernandez if they pick up his contract and re-sign nene how can they retain chandler when he returns from china?will the knicks be able to get rudy if the trade falls through?

Eric Pincus

They can do all these things without going under the cap. No issues.

dyrese

the lakers signed gerald green?devin ebanks and and matt barnes all backup wings/guards which of them is expendible? the knicks could swap balkman for barnes so he could start at the 2 landry come off the bench for scoring

Eric Pincus

Remember most teams sign about 5-7 players to round out camp. It doesn’t mean they’ll be on the roster on opening night given most squads keep 13-15. Green is an invite with a lot to prove to make the team on Christmas.

Alex

Is David Stern the “DEFENSIVE” player of the week? I mean he did lead the league in “BLOCKS”. Anyways, looks like the players union was all talk no action. What happened to “threatened legislation” if CP3 was not traded come Monday? What is this? The new WWF?

Eric Pincus

Because the league is actively working to trade him (supposedly), litigation hasn’t come back up but it might.

Alex

Please help me understand one thing. Deandre Jordan signs a contract with GS. The Clippers match it. So what exactly did he sign? Just because the Clipper match it, GS can’t sign him now?

Eric Pincus

He was restricted so he took an offer from the Warriors and the Clippers matched it – so he’s a Clipper. That’s it – he can’t be traded to the Warriors for a full year.

knicks fan

do they knicks have a shot at signing rip hamilton or rj if he gets waived by spurs ?

Eric Pincus

Rip seems to be an obvious get for the Bulls but we’ll see. I’m not sure where Jefferson lands but I wouldn’t be surprised if a cap team picked him up off of waivers.

Steve

Hi Eric,
I like Billups on the Clippers, gives them flexibility in a trade for Paul and a good winning option without Paul. Good value pick, huh? Is Presti working for the Clips now?

Eric Pincus

I have been impressed with Olshey’s run thus far as GM but the team still has to prove it on the floor and show that the moves actually worked.

jason

hi eric.if denver can’t move paul this season,will he be a UFA or RFA next season?

Eric Pincus

I’m guessing you mean Hornets. A player is only restricted in the first four years of his career – so no.

jason

hi eric,do you see a dwight trade in the middle of this season?do you see him just finishing his contract with magic and be free to go to a team he wants next yr?

Eric Pincus

It’s really up to Dwight and how he presents his future to the Magic. They may call a push out as a bluff nonetheless. We shall see.

Steve

Eric,
Does it look like the management team the NBA put in place to run the NO Hornets is a complete farce?
Demps must be embarrassed how he has been trampled by Stern and the other owners.

Eric Pincus

Demps is in a very awkward situation. He’s well regarded around the league, so I don’t think this will hurt his future. But right now, it’s not great.

Steve

Eric,
I’m still not clear how the bidding for amnestied players worked.
Was it blind bidding, one bid per team, or could teams raise their bid openly to outbid each other?

Eric Pincus

Completely blind bidding – one offer only per team. The Clippers were very, very nervous about it. I’ll have more at some point in a column . . .

rodney

btw steve just reported the magic are making a move for ellis what do you see as a potential trade offer for ellis?

also as a side question and i hope you have some insight as to this observation.

After analyzing the context of the demands of what Dwight has been asking for I have noticed a trend that i think not many people have looked at.

first he wanted Chris Paul and i was like ok all star point guard i can take that

then he didnt want Arenas to be amnestied and i was like waoh ok? (scratch my head) then i was like ok well maybe they became close friends and didnt want him to leave

then when Dwight requested that the magic go after Billips it struck me

has Dwight had enough of his little big brother Nelson? is what he feels is a major factor to the magic losing that Nelson is not the fit point guard he feels should be on the team?

altho it is speculation it does bare some major coincidences and makes you wonder? Does Dwight Demand a new point guard to get rid of Nelson?

Eric Pincus

I’m still catching up since I was at the Clippers all morning, so I can’t speak to any rumors I haven’t read. Dwight wants a better team – period – somehow. If that’s the Magic, then that’s the Magic. We’ll have to wait and see like anything how this goes.

Drew

Now that tpups have JJ signed who do we target for SG? Who do we give up? Also do we resign KLove, Beaz and Randolph and for how much?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure what else the Wolves do there but they may not do much given how many bodies they have on the roster. JJ can play two remember.

Richard Flores

Is is true Mo is dissapointed we signed billups? Who do you think will start?

Eric Pincus

Mo is having a hard time dealing with the Billups move coupled with the possibility that Paul could be coming in. Mo was/is very passionate about being a Clipper. He helped bring Caron here. He was aggressive during the offseason to make sure his teammates made summer workouts during the lockout. Now they may bring in two guys at his position? What is he supposed to think? I would say most people keep their emotions in check, hidden from public. That is not Mo Williams and I think, if he stays a Clipper, the fans will be very fond of him – similar to how Lamar Odom was the “heart” of the Lakers these past few years – that is how I view Mo for the Clippers (if).

gus26

if nets sign nene can they put together a better package than the lakers for howard?

Eric Pincus

If the Nets sign Nene, I would think they’re out of the Howard business but I’d have to do some math to check.

cody weeks

If the CP3 does not get traded to the Clippers this season, do you see them as a potential home for Deron Williams or CP3 (if he plays out his contract and becomes unrestricted) next season?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps . . .

gus26

are the lakers done trying to get cp3? are the clippers done? is golden state done?

i think it more like the NBA is done…

Eric Pincus

Nothing done here just yet.

Jake

Why does everyone assume that the Wolves unprotected pick is going to be a top 5 pick? Looking at their roster along with the addition of Adelman they are going to suprise a lot of people this year. Thoughts on where you think they will end up in the West?

Eric Pincus

That’s the assumption today and also why it may be good for the Clippers to move it before it does become less valuable.

richard

is there anything in new CBA that prevents players under existing contracts from restructuring terms in order to provide more cap room to team to sign free agents or consummate trades?

Eric Pincus

Can’t do that in the NBA.

Spencer

What do you think the Mavericks trade of Brewer and Fernandez for a 2nd rounder does for the Nuggets? Does Denver still have a good chance of retaining Afflalo?

Eric Pincus

Yes on Afflalo.

Sam

Eric . . . Will Billups show up or retire?

Eric Pincus

Show up – he doesn’t want to lose his entire contract – including what’s paid in New York.

Mike E.

If Lakers are in cost cutting mode, why not amnesty Luke Walton?

Eric Pincus

Lakers not in cost cutting mode as described.

Michael Ament

At Clippers Media Day, did Olshey give any hints as to the machinations of the Billups waiver pickup? Does Mo Williams seem comfortable becoming the 6th man on this team?

Eric Pincus

Not Neil but I did learn about it and as said will write. Mo is not comfortable just yet.

Laker fan

Now that Caracter is down and McRoberts is the only backup for Pau at PF (not to mention Bynum won’t be available for the first five at C), would you say trading Lamar Odom in hindsight was a pretty bad move? Mitch seems to note that he traded Lamar because he wanted to be moved. Kobe’s right though that he would have calmed down after a few weeks…

Why the kneejerk reaction from Mitch? This move still puzzles me and all of Laker nation.

Eric Pincus

Kneejerk and Mitch Kupchak? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Mitch operate that way.

Dalan

where’s Luc Richard mbah a moute gonna sign? Since the Bucks signed Dun Jr. do they let him walk? Would love to see him on the Warriors.

Eric Pincus

Bucks.

Michael

Eric Gordon finally receiving some much deserved attention.

Incidentally, was he present at Clippers media day? Kaman, Bledsoe, Aminu…?

Eric Pincus

Clippers are going to try to get Gordon extended before the January deadline.

Mike E.

Will the Lakers consider signing AK47?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps.

Tony

Can you clarify Greg Oden’s free agency status after this year of his restructured contract? Is he unrestricted or is there some way he stays restricted through a medical clause? Any hope for a Blazer fan???

Eric Pincus

I believe he re-signed for less than his qualifying offer – which would make him unrestricted after this summer. I don’t have time to check on that in this chat.

AH

Why does Broussard/ESPN keep reporting that Gordon was a part of proposed trade for CP3 when all other reports are saying otherwise? Do they have it wrong? Is NOH/NBA leaking false info to try and upset Gordon so he’ll ask to be moved?

Eric Pincus

People can report whatever they want and whatever they believe. I have to stick by my guns based on the sources I have. I do believe LAC considered Gordon or the Minny pick but have always maintained not both – and always wanted to do Minny not Gordon.

mikewhang

could you expand a bit on your tweet about how mo williams is handling the cp3/chauncey situation?

Eric Pincus

Not in chat but in article form.

Tony Sandoval

Eric,

Don’t you think Howard is just saying that because management told him to say that? Unless he’s going John Kerry on us and flip flopping. Bottom line the Magic have no tradeable assets to get an impact player that will convince Howard to stay. I just don’t buy it.

Eric Pincus

Howard is saying that – not the team. And until he puts a stronger foot out the door, he won’t leave.

knicks fan

glen grunwald already got tyson to come to ny do you think crawford will simply sign for less because the knicks are basically a contnder now?

Eric Pincus

I don’t although let’s not rule it out.

James

Why on Earth would they trade Lamar to conference rivals and reigning champs the Mavs? There has to be a reason other than he’s disgruntled.

Eric Pincus

One point I wanted to make. If this was the best opportunity for the Lakers to get the trade exception for Lamar – something they WERE getting in the original Paul trade and something they tried to get in other moves – then it really can’t matter where he goes. The Lakers can only focus on making their team better without regard to the competition.

AH

Do Clips waive/cut Brian Cook? Seems like his roster spot is more important than his $1 mil at this point.

Eric Pincus

Not at this time.

cliptak

did you hear about any other clipper signings that might happen for the vet minimum? i would personally like to see craig smith back

Eric Pincus

The fans want Smith back. I don’t see it right now though. Maybe at a later date.

Bo Kjøller Hansen

Hi Eric. Where do you think Humpries and Speights will land ? And what do you think about them ? What are the celling for Marcus Thornton ?
Love your chats.

Eric Pincus

Very good questions on Hump/Speights. Not sure on Thornton. He’s a gunner.

Ernie Villa

So, NOW that the Clippers are done with the CP3 thing…can we turn our attention to acquiring depth? maybe Hump or A SG to backup EJ??

Eric Pincus

Clippers appear happy with who and what they have.

James

Is Paul Milsap or Anderson V. a good fit on the Lakers? Any chance the Lakers might trade for them since Caracter is out for two weeks.

Eric Pincus

Both good fits – depends on other variables. Caracter out longer than two weeks.

RayRay

Do you think the final trade for Chris Paul will be for Aminu-Kaman-Bledsoe-Minny pick?

Eric Pincus

If there is a trade, that’s in the ballpark although I could see LAC throwing in some sort of minor sweetener.

Bo Kjøller Hansen

Hello Eric. Wouldn’t DJ Agustin be the perfect PG for Lakers ? I think that Kobe is the same kind of player (but not as good) as MJ. Bulls allways used shooters as PG’s (BJ, Pax, Kerr etc)

Eric Pincus

I’m not terribly high on Augustin.

James

Isn’t it odd that the Clippers winning bid was 32 dollars over the previous bid of 2 million? Was there a conspiracy that the NBA told the clippers how much to bid in order for them to get Billups so now they can get CP3?

Eric Pincus

No and I can tell you exactly why they bid that amount but you’ll have to wait until my article on it.

Joseph

Do you think the Pacers will be a top team this season?

Eric Pincus

No – but a good East team – which is, relatively speaking – a slightly above average team overall.

Eddie K.

I’ve heard that January 1st is a big day for Dwight Howard, in that he needs to sign his extension by then in order to lock in 7.5% raises under the new CBA. True or False, the “Dwight Howard Watch” ends by then?

Eric Pincus

Not exactly. I don’t believe any of these guys sign extensions. They have more to gain in opting out and then re-signing. The power of extensions for guys like Howard/Paul?Williams = greatly diminished.

Sam

Eric . . . I follow you on twitter, you the man. Thanks for doing a great job.

Eric Pincus

I appreciate that, thanks.

Sam K

Other than the Clippers, is anyone else actively pursuing CP3 at this point? It seems like everyone else (BOS, GSW, etc) has dropped out of the race – at least for the moment.

Eric Pincus

That’s the point . . .

Genhis

If you had to go out on a limb, who do you think will have a better year, the Clippers or Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I still have Lakers ahead of Clippers but I haven’t made my final prediction and won’t until right before the season.

Hugo

Hi Eric you mentioned Millsap do gout think if the Lakers offer to also eat Raja Bell contract with Sasha Exception and Millsap with the Odom exception it might work better due to Utah is not going to want to give away Millsap for nothing maybe a couple #1 draft picks

Eric Pincus

You can argue that – but I still don’t think it’s enough. It’s certainly a call Mitch should make but one I do think Utah rejects.

Joe L

What do you as a bball journalist think of the Stern rejection of the three way Chris Paul deal? Do others feel the same way?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t met a journalist who doesn’t think Stern over-stepped his bounds. That doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist!

Nelz

Do you think the clippers will go after Dwight Howard instead of cp3?

Eric Pincus

Chris Paul.

vick

Can McRoberts be traded for OJ Mayo sometime this year?

Eric Pincus

Ha, I guess so. Not right away though.

Magic Phil

Why Howard didn’t pull the “Melo Card” and ask to be traded to the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

He still may but hasn’t. Also, the landscape has changed some under the rules. Howard needs a clear destination he can threaten to go in free agency (Dallas perhaps) that he can say to Orlando – I’m going there and I don’t care that I can only get four years and 4.5% raises vs. five years and 7.5% raises. If the Magic truly believe that – then they would want to trade and get value. The Mavs are opening up cap and he may have that leverage point but does he use it? Does he only push for Lakers? Or do the Magic call his bluff on that extra money that could be some $30 million left on the table?

Thanks everyone for participating. I put in an extra 30 minutes and only got to as many questions as I could! Thankfully we finally have something concrete to write about. Imagine what it’s like when there are actually games played?!??!

WILSangeles

I heard somewhere (maybe from you) that the Clips can send the Minny Protected. Is this possible? and what would that mean? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

I have to research that further but it would greatly diminish its value if so.

AH

Is it automatic that Mo becomes 6th man and Billups starts or will it be the other way around because of Mo’s familiarity with the team?

Eric Pincus

Nothing automatic here.