NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 3/13/12

Will

If the Magic aren’t trading D12,why don’t they just come out and tell the rest of the NBA.

Eric Pincus

Went to answer my first question and blammo – random blue screen of death – back up and running. Let’s do this.

Will – The Magic may trade Howard. They may not. To come out and say they won’t when they might isn’t sensible.

Jesse

When will Laker fans realize that the Buss family will not use the Odom TPE because it has and will continue to be about saving money. The Lakers gave us 2 championships now they just want to be competitive…look for minor trades only. Do you agree with this assessment Eric? I hope I am wrong.

Eric Pincus

It’s not entirely accurate at all. The Lakers aren’t going to spend an extra $8-10 million on a player who doesn’t make sure the Lakers get to the Western Conference Finals and beyond. While there’s no way to know for sure, I don’t believe LA thinks that kind of investment in a Michael Beasley will do that. In a different player it might? A lot yet to be seen!

alan

do you think the bulls would move kyle korver, their own 1st rounder and some cash to cover the difference in salaries to the wizards for nick young? he plays about the same defense as korver but can create his own shot more. both are expiring deals.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure what kind of priority Nick Young is for the Bulls. He doesn’t seem like a Thom Thibodeau fit.

The Philippine Eagle

Mike Brown is the real problem for the Lakers. He simply doesn’t fit. I wish he would get fired.

1. Always the “cool entertainment guy” and downplays the losses most of the time.
2. Pretends to be a step behind on trade rumors and internal issues between the front office and his players. He seems to be a front office guy too.
3. He is so afraid to lose his job so he doesn’t defend his players on trade rumors when the front office gets in.
4. He is so scared and has no authority over Kobe.
5. His offense is not working the same way it didn’t worked in Cleveland. The players are starting to distrust him and slowly but surely, lack of respect will follow.
6. Keeps on insisting his “offense” despite a hole in in the PG and SF spots. He is not flexible. While the management keeps on searching quality point guards, he should know how to adjust his offense for the meantime. Didn’t he know he got two 7 footers in his team?
7. He is consistently inconsistent on every aspects and can’t win games for his players on the road?

I don’t believe the Lakers will be this bad had they hired another coach. This team will not run deep into the playoffs.

Your thoughts.

Eric Pincus

Some accurate – some overstating significantly.

Kelvin

In your opinion what do lakers need to do (trades or free agency wise) to make them a top tier team. Or at least not lose on the road to horrible teams like the wizards or pistons?

Eric Pincus

Short term, the Lakers need a point guard, speed around the perimeter and a Kenyon Martin type inside for toughness. I’m not sure they can get all that and build around the core of Bryant/Bynum/Gasol. More and more it looks like Gasol will the sacrifice – even if it doesn’t come at the deadline. I understand that and for the most part agree with the Lakers on this.

johnny

Hey Eric, really enjoy reading your chats. Will you accept a Gasol for Lowry & Scola? Do you think this gives will bring Lakers deeper into the play-off?

Eric Pincus

I like Lowry as a long-term point guard. He’s strong offensively, can shoot from outside and defends. Each year Lowry has gotten better. I’m always impressed during the offseason when I catch Kyle working out and playing exhibitions in Vegas where he just pours it on – while some of the other NBA-types are just playing around.

Scola isn’t great but he’s a cheaper replacement for now for Pau while the Lakers transition. I don’t see Houston balking on Lowry but it’s possible (given teams draw lines in the sand and then – on occasion – it was just posturing).

Lowry’s salary would give the Lakers a lot more flexibility moving forward under the new CBA.

Vito Villegas

Good day Eric. At this point, do you still think it is practical for the Lakers to trade Pau Gasol? Wouldn’t it be better just to make a mediocre upgrade at the point guard position without parting with their top power forward, say Ramon Sessions for a draft pick or Gilbert Arenas perhaps?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers can get the right deal for Gasol they should make it. If it’s not tremendous they should hold him. I don’t like Sessions as a true fit although he would help.

Mike

Out of Lou Williams, Jrue Holliday, and Jarret Jack, who would you pick up out of the three. My league is head to head and we count FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS.
Thanks Eric!

Eric Pincus

Jack is the most polished. Williams is the wild card and potential closer in late game situations. Holiday has the most upside and is a bright, athletic young point guard. All nice players.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! In light of Rubio’s injury, do you think the Twolves might be enticed to trade Michael Beasly to the Lakers for Luke Walton and Darius Morris? Morris could be a back-up for Barrea and they could amnesty Walton next season.

Eric Pincus

That doesn’t appear to be priority for Minnesota. They’d like one more big and another guard. I don’t see how Morris helps them now – and they’re not thinking two to three years down the road right now.

Kyle

Hey Eric, who says “no” to this trade? LAL gets Rondo and Emeka Okafor, BOS gets Gasol, Matt Barnes, and Jarrett Jack, NOH gets Brandon Bass, Jermaine O’Neal, Keyon Dooling, Steve Blake, and LAL 1st round pick. LAL gets a young star PG and a capable replacement for Gasol who can also play center. Plus they still have DAL 1st rounder and the trade exception to get Beasley or another SF. BOS gets an all-star big man, a starting PG, and decent backup wing. NOH gets a good young player in Bass, 2 expiring contracts, a 1st rounder in a deep draft, and someone to play the point in place of Jack. What would have to change to make everyone agree?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think anyone says yes to that.

Leon

Good Afternoon, Eric
It is assumed that the Lakers will address their point guard need via trade, or free agency. I’m not asking you to get too deep into draft logic, but what need do you find imperative to fill through the draft. I’m not talking players, just skill or ability.

Eric Pincus

The primary advantage to getting players in the draft is that a team gets long-term security at a nice price. In the 20-30 range, it’s very hard to find an impact player. I don’t see LA building that way as far as major pieces – but they can find some solid role players via the draft.

Leon

In your opinion, does Devin Ebanks have a chance to be a part of the rotation next season?

Eric Pincus

Sure, why wouldn’t he? I’m not really thinking next season though, a bit premature.

Dan S.

Lakers trade Steve Blake, Luke Walton, and 2 first round draft picks (and maybe Darius Morris)to Milwaukee for Brandon Jennings and Steven Jackson.

Eric Pincus

Really? I’m thinking that’s a little light for the Bucks. Don’t you?

Rico

Do you think there is any chance the Lakers and Blazers swap Felton for Blake and filler?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Blazers want to add on salary for next year via Blake but certainly it’s not impossible.

chris vanginkel

last year the grizz looked to bring in mcroberts for oj. should the lakers look to make that deal and then pick up boris diaw after he is waived

Eric Pincus

It doesn’t look like Mayo will be dealt at the deadline. Diaw is probably bought out – by then we’ll see if he would serve any use with the Lakers – assuming he was interested in coming to LA.

Tyler

This off-season would it not be better if the Lakers just amnestied Metta World Peace and allowed Barnes and Ebanks to split time at SF. I mean Barnes averages higher stats, shoots a higher percentage, plays with more athleticism and all in less minutes than World Peace. Plus I am sure he would resign cheaper than World Peace ($7 million or something)

Eric Pincus

There’s a reasonable expectation that Metta will be amnestied this summer. In fact I touch on that this morning in my article http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2-world-peace-researching-retirement

Peter

Any way Goudelock can someday be PG for the Lakers. His specialty is shooting particularly 3-Pointers?

Eric Pincus

Goudelock isn’t really a point guard. He can serve as a penetrate and kick type player but he’s not especially quick and is mostly a scorer first, second and third. He can help the Lakers but I don’t know if it’s as a point.

Evan

Clippers staying put? They seem awful lately.

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are looking at options but nothing appears close just yet. Certainly they’re not playing well lately.

Aristotle

Heya Eric,

Josh Smith wants to get traded. What team do you think would best suit his talents with what they could give Atlanta back?

Eric Pincus

It feels like an offseason move. The Hawks want young talent, want to compete, need size and another perimeter player but everything has to work under the luxury tax.

Pete

Whether or not this trade ever happens, in your own personal opinion, would the Lakers actually be a “better team” minus Pau with the addition of Rondo and filler?

Eric Pincus

Long term, yes I do.

Pete

Being that it’s so hard to acquire an elite level point guard for Pau, if the Lakers were to be able to land Raymond Felton, would the Lakers become a Title contender again? This of course is provided we see the same Felton we saw in New York……

Eric Pincus

Felton was amazing in New York because it was a wide open system that played to his strengths.

Pete

I thought Mitch’s reported “unhappiness” had to do with how Jim Buss was running the business. Is his defense of Jim merely a public relations move or is Jim and Mitch really on the same page now?

Eric Pincus

The unhappiness I’ve heard in relation to Mitch was the firing of Ronny Lester.

Pete

Would it be such a bad idea if the Clippers would look to bring in Steven Jackson?? I don’t think they would get fleeced in a trade since he’s not wanted on his team.

Eric Pincus

It would be a bad idea.

Howie Abrams

What are the Wolves going to do at the trade deadline? Is beasley on the move? Do we still have a shot at getting crawford even though we seemingly cant give up ridnour? Who else are we looking at?

Eric Pincus

The Wolves need more size and a two-guard, I believe I touched on that in another question. The team would like to move but may choose instead to be patient if the right opportunities fail to come.

Chris G

If the Bulls could get Howard for Boozer, Asik, and a draft pick, I say do it even if he won’t commit to an extension. Best case, you win a title and he reconsiders. Medium case, you can S/T to the team he wants and get assets. Worst case, he leaves, you have $18 million to put toward Rose’s extension, keeping Gibson, re-signing role players, and no need to amnesty Boozer.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any obvious scenario where the Magic take Boozer for Howard.

Chris G

In your opinion, who is harder to officiate: Shaq (because he’s so big and dominant) or Derrick Rose (because he’s so small and quick)?

Eric Pincus

Easily Shaq. He took a pounding that few have ever taken and because of his size, a lot was let go.

Jason

Hey Eric,
What do you think about a trade between raptors and bucks where toronto sends Calderon, James Johnson, Ed Davis, and a 2013 unprotected first round pick for Brandon Jennings and Stepehen Jackson? Bucks get a tradable calderon, young pieces in johnson and davis plus a pick while shipping out jackson’s attitude and jennings who has expressed that milwaukee may not be where he wants to be long term. Toronto gets their PG of the future (who has tweeted how much he likes the city) and if they land a SF in this years draft (like barnes or MKG) they have a solid young starting 5 in jennings, demar, draft pick, andrea, and jonas. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

Word is the Bucks aren’t trading Jennings at the deadline.

Harlan d' Souza

Hey Eric

Love your chats and insight. Watching Kobe change the play on Sunday got me thinking. Was that a sign to Howard who has been talking about wanting the ball more in the fourth. We all know Howard has some reservation about coming to la because he knows la is Kobe city. But I thought Kobe was trying to send message to Howard about him willing to share spotlight if it means winning. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

I think you’re over thinking! But keep at it.

Ty

Whould the Lakers consider trading Gasol to the Bucks for Jennings, Jackson and Gooden and maybe flip Jackson to the Timberwolves for Beasely?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe so re: Lakers though in the right deal if Jennings was the haul, I could see LA considering it – but they’d need more.

Fmel

On march 16th, should we expect Felton and Beasley to be on lakers roster? Or sessions and Beasley?

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect Beasley for the Odom trade exception, given it would cost the Lakers far too much with luxury taxes to get a player for a short-term rental. In theory if he re-signs, maybe it’s worthwhile but I can’t see the Lakers even offering him the $8+ mil QO to make him a restricted free agent this summer.

Chris Collins

What’s your take on the whole Boston situation? Is Danny Ainge really holding to Rondo or is he bluffing us all?

Eric Pincus

The Celtics are weighing a lot of options moving forward and one of the major factors is cap room. He can move Rondo later and try to land multiple big fish over the summer. Gasol makes a lot of sense to Boston but there are a lot of factors at play including LA’s desire for Rondo vs. other options – and Boston’s take on what’s best for the next few years. Long-term I hear they won’t build around Rondo but that doesn’t mean they need to deal him this week vs. over the summer.

Chris Collins

Which teams a have all inquired about Gasol that has not been reported? And are there any dark horses to land him? Philly?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard a number of teams including Wolves, Rockets, Warriors, Celtics, Bulls, Magic and Wizards (likely more as well).

MichaelC

Hi eric..how about this trade for the lakers..they trade pau gasol to houston for scola martin and others then trade it to boston for rajon rondo.then trade the tpe to minny for beasley without the darft picks thanks

Eric Pincus

Wait, when do they trade for LeBron, Howard and Rose? It sounds so easy the way you type it!

Azzar Nadvi

I think it would be best for the lakers to keep pau. would it be possible for them to land Sessions and beasly without giving up their core players? what would it take? do you believe this would be the best move?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are close but not close enough to a title. If management truly wanted to maximize today instead of building for the next run – they would have kept Brian Shaw, the triangle, Odom and everything else as close to the past as possible. That’s not the path they took and not the one the team believes in. In the absence of a major move for the future, LA will still consider smaller deal(s) to try and bolster a run, as long as it doesn’t sacrifice future pieces and don’t skyrocket payroll much more than the current damage.

ejhay

i will ask another question.. who are the players that can miami get in order to make their campaign stronger? do you think it is time now to trade away udonis haslem and mike miller? thank you for answering my question

Eric Pincus

If I’m the HEAT, I wait to sign players cut on the waiver wire.

Chris Collins

Is it possible the Lakers could work out a deal with maybe Portland which they are now and the pieces they get back from them (Raymond Felton)could they send that to Boston with maybe 2 draft picks for Rondo that way we could keep Gasol?

Eric Pincus

Anything legal is technically possible but it’s very hard to make simple deals let alone complicated ones based on contingencies.

Zac

What is the hing in a Crawford for Bledsoe trade? The trade makes sense for the clips because they get a 2 gurad that can score and pass and the blazers get a young pq to add to a young core? what about throwing babbitt in to make up for taking ryan gomes?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers don’t want to lose Bledsoe to rent Crawford for a couple of months – and then see Jamal hit the free agent market looking for $7+ million a season. That doesn’t mean he’ll get that $ but he’ll certainly try – and a number of teams have cap room this summer.

wbs

For how many years is the Lakers’ 1st round pick from Dallas top-20 protected?

Eric Pincus

I don’t have the chance to look it up during the chat but I think it’s like 100 years or something close.

UCIAlum

Marshon Brooks is for real! And I think he can play PG as well. How about this trade:
NJ: Humphries, Okur, and Brooks
LAL: Gasol, Barnes, Ebanks

Eric Pincus

The Nets don’t want Gasol . . .

Andres Garcia

Am I crazy? Is Jordan Farmar an option for the Lakers? He’d probably be cheap to get because the Nets are reportedly trying to dump him. Shooting stats have markedly improved this year. Not a defensive wiz but neither is Sessions.

Eric Pincus

Nah, Farmar isn’t coming back . . . the Lakers were happy to see him go. It just wasn’t a meeting of the minds.

daddywass

With all the Clips talent, why are their offensive schemes so bad? I blame VDN for not making any in game adjustments. How much rope does he have?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers badly miss Billups but they’re struggling. We’ll see if Vinny can pull them out. He needs to and it remains to be seen if he can.

Jim Buss

Is it true that Jerry Buss has finally stepped back into the picture again now that the trade deadline is so close?

Eric Pincus

No, Doc Buss is still involved but he’s always on the outskirts until it becomes time for real decisions.

brian

i’m not a fan of vinny del negro. if clippers front office fires vinny, who can you see stepping in and helping the clippers?

Eric Pincus

Del Negro will be the coach of the Clippers all season. Beyond we’ll wait and see what comes, depending on the final outcome of the season.

Shreehari

What are the chances that the Lakers don’t make any moves at all and go to the playoffs with this same team ?

Eric Pincus

The odds are always higher that NOTHING happens via trade than something.

sy

Does DeRozan + Barbosa + Ed Davis for Ellis make sense for both teams? Starting line-up for raps next year will be amazing -> Calderon, Ellis, Andrea, Jonas and Barns/Gilchrist?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard any scenarios yet that have the Raptors willing to take on salary but as I noted earlier, anything is possible.

santiago

what would it take for the clipps to land c. lee???

Eric Pincus

I know the Rockets had been asking for a first for Lee. I’m not sure if the Clippers are ultimately give that up or the likes of Bledsoe. At least Lee is restricted which gives LAC leverage to keep him but we’ll see . . .

Rudy

What up Eric, I was just wondering if a trade of Foye, Bledsoe, Cook and Thompkins for Ray Allen would be sufficient? Clipps get a SG that would be a great fit. Celtics get a good young PG, a young PF and expiring contracts. In addition, the Celtics save 7 million(including taxes) towards this seasons payroll. The Clipps could fill out the remaining roster spots with Courtney Fortson, Ike Diogu, Jermaine Taylor and Michael Finley. I just think Ray Allen would be the perfect fit with the Clipps, even with his advanced age. Worse case scenario, if he leaves via free agency it would free up money to persue some other players.

Eric Pincus

It’s hard to come up with a true, viable package between the Clippers and Celtics for Ray Allen that doesn’t involve Mo Williams, but that may run contrary to what the Celtics are trying to achieve long term. We’ll see . . . Allen is one of the “home runs” the Clippers would love to hit but certainly aren’t expecting.

Scott

If the Commish didn’t veto the Chris Paul deal, wouldn’t we all be looking at Jim Buss as a savior? The criticism seems a bit unfair at this point yes?

Eric Pincus

I would argue and have that you can’t credit Kupchak with the good and fault Jim Buss with the bad – it just not intellectually honest.

Eric G

Dwight doesn’t want a team he’s traded to to be gutted. As far as deadline deals isn’t a Bynum for Dwight straight across deal the seemingly only viable option from his camps perspective (besides free agency)? And how cold is he really on LA if he hasn’t removed them from his destinations list?

Eric Pincus

Everything here remains to be seen. We all think we know but in the end, even Dwight, the Lakers and Magic may show different colors in the end. I’m not expecting anything but I’m unwilling to write it off either.

Mitch

If Clips want to trade Bledsoe and Gomes for Crawford, couldn’t they send this same package to NO for Ariza? NO gets a young prospect in Bledsoe and they save a ton of $ from Ariza deal ($15M next two years) while Gomes only has $4M next year. Clips can maybe send TPE for Belinelli to save NO even more $ and get Clips a SG.

Eric Pincus

Last check the Clippers didn’t want Ariza.

Leo

Hi Eric,

I think that the trade deadline will be somewhat slow this year. People are forgetting just how little time there will be between the deadline and the playoffs to integrate new players, as well as teams not wanting to give up their picks in this very strong draft. Do you agree with this?

Eric Pincus

There’s only been one trade all year. I’m curious to see how drastically that changes or is this just a dud year for dealings?

Juayua in El Salvador

Hello Mr EP…How close are the GSW to get a center or a big move that will make them a play off team??…GRACIAS

Eric Pincus

It depends what they give up and if Curry is healthy if he’s the one who stays.

Lior

Any updates on the Gasol to Rockets trade? Is it going to happen?

Eric Pincus

I know the Rockets covet Gasol but covet doesn’t equal trade. We wait! It’s all we can do. Us reporter types will dig as much as we can but ultimately it’s up to the teams to finally get deals done.

Fo Sho

Does Mike B have the nerve to stand up to Kobe? He questioned his shots then backed off. Kobe is chucking big time. I thought he had BBall IQ note shooting under 44% isn’t smart! Also do they get a PG

Eric Pincus

You can argue Kobe has a TON of freedom and is almost coach on the floor offensively – and that Mike Brown is fine with that as long as the Lakers are playing defense. Is that wrong? Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see.

no name

Hi. According to ESPN, Luke Walton isn’t on the road trip. Does that mean he is getting traded?

Eric Pincus

Is there a difference between him not playing with the team or not playing when he’s not with the team?

MAC

Hearing Orlando looking at Bynum in a whole nother light now… lol Think they go back to the table?

Eric Pincus

My thinking on Lakers/Magic is that there’s no one really close to Bynum if the Lakers make that offer – so IF the Magic do decide to move Howard, they have to consider the Lakers. It would take Howard and his people to convince the Magic ownership that Dwight is leaving – if there’s any hope, they blink and keep him for now.

jesse

How about a trade…gasol to houston…mo williams + scola to lakers…kevin martin to clippers…everybody wins right?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers won’t touch that.

Nick

What % do the Lakers give-in to the Cavs demands of a 1st rounder for Ramon Sessions?

Eric Pincus

Not especially high but possible.

Mr. B

What do you think about the Clipper’s coaching? Have the FO been looking around for a new coach for next season or too early too tell?

Eric Pincus

The Clipper fan-base is all over Del Negro. It’s too early to say what comes next year but I could see a change if the flame-out continues or worsens.

D

Would the Lakers be interested in waiting out the season and then dealing Gasol for a high level draft pick ala Divac for Bryant? Makes sense especially in loaded draft.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any team in the draft willing to give up a high-level lottery pick for a 31+ year old, $19 million a year power forward.

CrzyFan

Eric, It’s so nice to actually be able to chat with a person that knows your team inside and out. my question, why are the Lakers not making the little moves right now? I think Beasley or sessions or both would of been a nice addition to the bench and made us instant contenders. Teams are just asking for a 1st round pick or something small. Seems like a steal yet no moves have been made. It’s frustrating as a life long fan to have them sit pat right now. Do you see them making any moves by the deadline? I’m not worried about Williams or D12. I think Bynum is going to turn into a beast.

CrzyFan

Eric Pincus

Thanks CrzyFan, I don’t love Sessions as a fit but as noted, he would help some. I don’t love Beasley as an economic fit. We’ll see where they go. LA is working on bigger options first – then fallback.

LakeSuperior

Would the Lakers consider trading Bynum for anyone other than Howard? Wouldn’t trading Bynum for Rondo & Bass make more sense than trading Gasol?

Eric Pincus

I’m sure you can find players LA would move Bynum for but they’re few and far between. You’d have to start with some of the best players in the league and don’t go too far down that list at all.

Jobert

Is it better off that Lakers don’t trade and just add Arenas to the team? Bynum is playing great and maybe Gasol will play much better after March 15. We know he’s not focused with his game lately.
Then they can look for players that will be FA, waived or amnestied by other teams in the summer.

Eric Pincus

Arenas would be fallback to the fallback.

David

When will the Dwight Howard fiasco end?!! I’m a fan but hearing all the news about Howard and the Magic really makes me feel sorry for the amount of stress GM Otis Smith and the organization has to go through! Are the Lakers still interested in doing a Felton/Blake swapt?

Eric Pincus

If Howard can’t find the perfect situation and doesn’t opt out? We could be looking at another year of this! I don’t think it will come to that but it’s one of many possible paths.

carlos

Eric,

in your opinion what is more important for the Lakers:
get a point guard that can actually do something on the court? or get some pieces for the weak bench they have now?

Eric Pincus

Both but long-term they need the foundational piece at the point.

Lúcio Nunes

Hey, Eric.. Not considering the salary cap or the other players that might be involved on a possible deal, who of these three would have a better fit on the Laker team? Sessions, Lowry or Felton? And why?

Eric Pincus

Lowry, Lowry, Lowry – fit and quality of play.

Tony

With reports just coming out that ORL wants LAL to jump back in on the D12 trade offer, do you think LAL responds in kind?

Eric Pincus

Yikes, second computer crash in the hour – something I don’t need right now! I’ll look into it once we’re done with this here chat.

The Lakers have always still been in the Howard mix. There’s no resolution until there’s a deal or the deadline passes.

Where we go from here is and has always been unclear as much as everyone would love for there to be some path already visible – it’s hidden until it’s revealed.

Mike

espn reporting chicago trying to trade for gasol, how realistic is that? would watson/deng/noah get it done?

Eric Pincus

I saw that came up during this chat but haven’t read the article. I’ll look into it soon after.

eric

I hear people say that the Lakers should trade Kobe because of his salary. Will kobe, in a few years, ever agree to restructure (lower) his contract so it frees up cap space?

Eric Pincus

That’s not legal in the NBA.

Max

T or F? – With Dwight wanting to go to NJ no matter what, he cares more about his personal/global brand than winning rings.

Eric Pincus

F

Jon

So imagine the Magic end up giving us Howard for Bynum straight up right before noon on Thursday.

How would Howard/Gasol down low work out?

Eric Pincus

Very well . . .

Jimmy

Wouldnt the Pacers or 76ers benefit from trading for Gasol who is still one of the top 15 players in the game and a proven champion?

Eric Pincus

The Sixers are a dark-horse for Gasol. I haven’t heard anything sourced to say there’s a single thing brewing but I can argue it makes sense. I don’t know about Indiana however but I suppose you can argue that as well.

Michael

Lakers can’t suddenly become more athletic than OKC, even in a Rondo type trade. Their only advantage is to keep their twin towers for now. With that said, who’s the best mid-level PG that can help the Lakers now? Felton? Harris? Heinrich? Someone else?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Lakers winning it all with the Gasol/Bynum combination as is. If maximizing that opportunity was the priority, the Buss family would have taken a different path from the start.

Jozua Powers

Any chance that the Knicks, Lakers and Warriors make a 3-Team Trade which LA would get Carmelo and Steph Curry, Knicks get Pau Gasol, Matt Barnes and David Lee, and the warriors get Amare, Tony Douglass, 2 1st round picks,Darius Morris, Devin Ebanks and the trade exception?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think so but it’s creative. I just don’t see Amar’e as the guy the Warriors want to invest in long-term given some of his health/insurance concerns.

Wiliam

I don’t believe Lakers getting Rondo for Pau is the answer.

Artest and Rondo are not a good shooter. Opponents will double or even triple team Kobe or Bynum when they make the move.

Deron Williams will be a different story. However, I’m sure that the LA has probably 1% chance of getting if Orl keeping DH12.

Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I hear, from connected people, that the Nets aren’t interested in Gasol.

Ric

If you had to guess, will Wilson Chandler sign a deal with Nuggets by Friday?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week! I’m afraid I left a large number of questions unanswered but that’s always the case around the deadline. Thanks again for the participation!

Ric – If the Nuggets give Chandler a strong/solid long-term offer, he’ll sign. If the Nuggets are playing hardball in negotiations, it will likely bleed into the offseason when Wilson will still be a restricted free agent.

See you on the other side of the deadline!