NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 3/6/12

Rishaun Burke

How close do you think the Lakers are from making a trade?

Eric Pincus

Chat time once again and we’re ever closer to the trade deadline. Let’s dig in!

Rishaun, in a matter of “time” from a philosophical perspective, every moment the Lakers are closer to their next trade – even if one doesn’t happen for months, still closer than it was before I started typing this ill-advised sentence.

Bottom line, there’s no answer yet. I wish there was a way to truly predict the future but teams just haven’t made up their minds just yet on what they’re doing. Most don’t until right up against the deadline.

We just have to wait it out!

badoodelz

aren’t the wolves considering Ben Gordon, in case they wasn’t able to land OJ Mayo or any of their primary targets? I know its a gamble but IMO BG can still be a 20pts. guy when motivated plus they can get him easily as the pistons wants to get rid of his massive contract, to start up nxt season. Whats your thought?

Eric Pincus

If I was in charge of the Wolves, I wouldn’t consider Ben Gordon. I haven’t heard that they were but wouldn’t recommend him. I feel Gordon, as great as he was a few years back, has lost a little of his first step.

Sean

Who is the best REALISTIC (I mean obviously love to have Rose, Williams, CP3 but that’s not happening) option at PG for the Lakers. Here is my list of what is actually available from what I read:

R. Sessions (Scorer, not good shooter)
K. Hinrich (Great D, decent shooter)
R. Felton (Pick and Roll player)

Who do you think fits best?

Eric Pincus

I don’t love any of the options for the Lakers. We’ll see if one of those three ends up in LA or another – but each option has it’s flaws. Before this year I’d easily say Felton but he has really struggled . . .

alan

is there any way that the bulls could pull off a deal for garnett and ray allen. the bulls send asik or taj gibson along with their 1st rounder, the charlotte pick they have, Nikola Mirotic and carlos boozer, ronnie brewer and CJ watson? the celtics could send watson to LA for their 1st this year leading to 3 1st rounders and a first round talent in mirotic to go along with a starting 5 of rondo, brewer, pierce, boozer and asik which could still lock down the 8 spot. the bulls dont want to shake up the chemistry, but what two players would fit in better than those 2 who already know thibs’ system

Eric Pincus

There are some who believe the Celtics will start to break up their team before the deadline, I’m not sold they will. If the Bulls were seriously offering some of their young bigs (Asik, Gibson, etc), they may find interest. I think you’re possibly over-thinking a bit here given how last minute deals come together – it’s awfully difficult to line up subsequent moves – difficult but not impossible.

rob

minny-gasol
lakers-beasley,felton and williams
portland-barea and 2012 pick from lakers

what do you think?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard if the Blazers have any interest in Barea. I’m also skeptical that Williams from Minnesota is dealt at all this year.

karl

When will Blake Griffin be eligible for a max contract? and also, assuming that blake did get the max can the clippers realistically keep their core without going into tax territory? and since i doubt they’ll be willing to pay the tax with such a cheap skate owner who will they let go among DJ, CP, BG and still remain competitive?

Eric Pincus

Expect the Clippers to give Griffin the max as soon as they can and for as long as they can. He’s eligible for an extension that would start for the 2013/14 season. LA may near the tax. You would anticipate a sizable investment in Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Caron Butler, Griffin, a two-guard and a bench.

We’ll see what happens, certainly it’s not the goal of the Clippers to get into the tax but if they’re selling out nightly like they are this season and a serious contender? Could happen.

rob

do you agree that lamar might have left his heart in LA even though he ask for a trade? watching him play now, he doesn’t have the same fire and passion that he showed playing with the lakers.

Eric Pincus

You can argue the Lakers saw this coming on some level.

Jong

If you were the GM, would you still trade Gasol now that the team is playing well?

Eric Pincus

In the right deal for a top-flight point guard? Yes.

Jong

If you were the Lakers, would you take Odom back at your price?

Eric Pincus

That’s actually illegal under the new rules. Also, no . . . the Lakers have definitively moved on from Odom.

Vlad

Darko to Miami for Battier. Who says no? It is hard to think of a better defensive reserve center then Darko whatever his limitations are. Over the course of the season he has shown that he can defend the position well against anyone. And if MN could get Battier or late 1st rounder that would be good. On the other hand Darko would be another lottery pick #2 from that draft to join James, Wade, Bosh and surprisingly the missing piece of the puzzle for Miami. (The only thing they’d be missing is Melo to complete top 5 picks that year

Eric Pincus

The HEAT will try to add size another way and may find someone after the trade deadline through buy-outs.

Joaquin, West Covina

I would like to know your opinion if the Lakers trade one first draft pick and a player for Goran Dragic.

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe they do. He’ll be a free agent this summer if they want to pursue him without giving up a pick.

rob

the way kevin love is playing right now and it seems minnesota might sneak in for the final spot do you think that minny should’ve have given him the max?

Eric Pincus

They gave him the right amount of dollars but where they shorted him was on years – and they’ll likely live to regret that.

rob

i thought the lakers where suppose to stink up the place this season? now they’re first in the pacific and 3rd in the west. will you at least consider them a dark horse in the west or contenders?

Eric Pincus

I don’t view the Lakers as contenders. Their road record to me is more indicative of how they’d fare in the playoffs. That’s not to say they wouldn’t compete, I just don’t trust the team under adverse conditions.

johncarloyu

Am I right that the only trade that happened this season was Marreese Speights trade? What do you think will be the next team to pull the trigger?

Eric Pincus

I’d have to look but given the short schedule and the fact that a number of players couldn’t be dealt until March 15th – not to mention the major unknown of Dwight Howard – it’s been a slow trade season.

johncarloyu

it seems that other teams are just waiting for where Howard lands and it will be a domino effect for other trades.

Eric Pincus

To an extent true – though not entirely.

johncarloyu

Who among Felton, Sessions, Hinrich, Calderon, Augustin will be going to the lakers before deadline?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure any of them frankly although that’s a reasonable list of names.

johncarloyu

The lakers should send walton to the wolves for beasley. Its really frustrating the lakers decline beasley offer.

Eric Pincus

Who is to say the Lakers declined specifically? Timing is important and Beasley? He’s no point guard. Lakers have to deal with bigger things before filling in the cracks. It’s unclear if LA would give one – let alone two picks for Beasley – even if they took Walton. All this will be a little more clear by the deadline naturally.

johncarloyu

Who will the lakers trade? Bynum or Gasol? They should trade Gasol immediately for Lowry, Williams, Scola or for Augustin, Maggette, White.

Eric Pincus

If you argued that the Lakers should do that Houston deal – and that the Rockets would (which I hear they won’t although teams lie/change their minds) – I wouldn’t touch that Bobcats package. LA isn’t moving Bynum unless they get Dwight Howard.

johncarloyu

Is McBob going to be traded? I would offer him to Griz for Mayo. Then sign Wallace as replacement for McBob. McBob-Mayo trade way back was always rescind. I think this will work soon.

Eric Pincus

McRoberts isn’t in the rotation and could in theory be dealt. We’ll see if that comes to pass.

jake

how would you feel about a gerald wallace for jose calderon trade?

Eric Pincus

Interesting – I haven’t heard anything like that and wouldn’t expect it but you can argue it.

johncarloyu

Is there any leg on Felton-Blake deal? Is felton a better fit than the rumored session, hinrich, calderon?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard anything concrete on this one other than vague rumors. That trade as written isn’t legal. LA would have to include another body like Josh McRoberts or Luke Walton. I’m not sure where Portland would be on such a move.

johncarloyu

Is stuckey a good fit for the Lakers? A package of Villanueva, Stuckey for Gasol will make it done? It will help Monroe to be mature.

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Pistons are dealing Stuckey this season.

Deven

Hey Eric. Tough, tough lost for the Clippers last night to the Timberwolves. Please tell me they will make a move before the deadline. If so, who are they targeting?

Eric Pincus

While there is interest in Ray Allen, the Clippers aren’t looking to trade away any assets (pick(s), Bledsoe, Mo, etc.) so it may need to wait until after the deadline – the Clippers may just have to scour the waiver wire for a buy-out. We’ve heard Jamal Crawford linked to the Clippers as well but I don’t have anything concrete to report on that as of yet.

marcus

Is there possible that Lakers made a major movement in their roster? Can you specify with me the exploratory and imminent trade talks, if any?? thanks

Eric Pincus

There doesn’t appear to be anything imminent but the Lakers could move Bynum and Gasol (for Howard and whatever Pau returns) – or move no one. It’s a wide, wide range – fully dependent on what other teams are willing to offer.

Lebron Gayes

Does the lakers have a chance on landing both Wallace and Felton from the Blazers? Considering every blazer player wants out.

Blake,Barnes,Mcbob + picks for Wallace
Trade Exception for Felton

It works but is it possible?

Eric Pincus

I have no reason to think that Gerald Wallace is available to the Lakers at this time but I’ve been surprised before!

Derek

Does the MWP resurgence look like a mirage or is it real? If it’s for real, would a trade for a halfway decent PG be sufficient to propel the Lakers back into the upper echelons or do they still need to fortify their bench before that happens?

Eric Pincus

Metta’s game comes and goes. I wouldn’t bank on it being there every night.

Gerald

I’ve looked at every roster and concluded that Mareese Speights, Aaron Gray & Birdman are the three most realistic trade options for the HEAT to fill the hole at the 5 without blowing the team up. My question to you is: Do you think Memphis would take Joel Anthony and Terrel Harris (sweetener) for Speights and Pondexter (cap sweetener)? If that fell thru, how about Joel for Birdman straight up? And lastly, Aaron Gray, Magloire & Anthony Carter for Joel Anthony, T. Harris & Pittman. Thanks for the time.

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned, I’d wait to see who is bought out instead of making deals for so-so players.

aaron

why does Durant get so overhyped? he is always terrible against dallas and dirk has always outplayed him yet never gets his due.

Eric Pincus

Durant is a tremendous player. I don’t see him as over-hyped, I see him as one of the best in the league. Like any young player, he has areas of his game that need to improve.

Jeremy

Let’s examine the Block CP3 to Lakers trade:

LAL – CP3
HOU – Gasol
NOH – Dragic, Odom, KMart, Scola, NY 1RD Pick

As you can see Houston was willing to give up ‘SCOLA, DRAGIC, KMART and a 1ST RD Pick for Gasol.’ Now to my point: Houston refuses to give up Kyle Lowry in a trade to the Lakers. So I have an idea.

Houston trades Kevin Martin to the Clippers for Mo Williams (I believe that is straight up an equal talent for talent trade) and it helps both teams needs.

Now Houston trades Mo Williams, Scola, and Dragic (maybe Jordan Hill too instead of the NY 1ST RD Pick because Lakers don’t need 3 1ST RD Picks) to the Lakers for Gasol. Of course there will be slight adjustments to this trade for salary, equal talent, and roster limit purposes but that’s the base of the trade. I say this is a decent trade that helps Clippers, Lakers, and Houston. But… all three of these teams are 3-6 in the Western playoffs would they really help each other like this.

Eric Pincus

Last check, the Clippers don’t want to do Kevin Martin for Mo Williams . . .

Sean

Should the Clippers be worried? Should they panic and make a trade in this tough western conference? Growing pains? I think they will be okay just a tough part of the schedule.

Eric Pincus

Growing pains. They’re facing a tough schedule and are really missing Chauncey Billups. I wouldn’t panic. The goal is to improve over the course of the season but March is flat-out brutal. LA needs a little help but we’ll see if they can get more than Bobby Simmons.

Matt from Oz

Hey Eric,
Lookin forward to the trade deadline countdown. Any chance I can get ur thoughts on this one-
Utah gets Kevin Martin, Terrence Williams
Houston gets Pau Gasol
Lakers gets Al Jefferson, Goran Dragic

Seems to me like it works for everyone, and the money works.
Cheers Eric

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure Al Jefferson is the right direction for the Lakers if they’re also building around Andrew Bynum. It’s creative, I’ll give you that.

Sven

Hi Eric, how are you ?
With the Knicks coming up with mixed results and the Hawks being no championshipteam what about this trade:

Anthony straight up for Joe Johnson ?
Joe, Amare and D’antoni have proven to be successfull when in Phoenix.
Hawks can adapt a system suited to Smith , Horford and Anthony ?

Eric Pincus

Interesting but I don’t know if we’re going to see that this deadline . . .

Hassan

Do you think the Bulls should sign Arenas, given the fact that Rip can’t stay healthy and also sign Rasheed Wallace for more big man depth in the playoffs? I think that combination would put the Bulls over the top and make them very tough to beat.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure how much Gilbert has left to offer. He’s an unknown but a move I’m not sure I see Chicago making given their solid, solid chemistry.

Shree

Do u think the Lakers will still try to acquire Dwight howard inspite of him saying that he wont sign an extension?

Eric Pincus

Dwight won’t sign an extension regardless of where he goes – but he’s likely to opt out and then sign a new contract – a technical difference. The key is – the Lakers would have to believe that Howard will do that before giving up the assets needed to acquire him (assuming the Magic do make him available at all). Whatever promises are mind – they’re non-binding – and technically not even allowed. We’ll see – tricky stuff!

Bhagdeep

Hey Eric,
What do you think about a trade between raptors and bucks where toronto sends calderon, james johnson, and a unprotected 2013 first round pick for brandon jenning and stephen jackson? Bucks get tradable assets and a pick while shipping out jackson’s attitude and moving jennings who has already admitted to thinking about moving. And toronto gets their point guard of the future.

Eric Pincus

They’d have to believe that Jennings has a different approach long-term to Toronto than he does Milwaukee. I expect Jennings to stay with the Bucks through this deadline . . .

Fmel

Eric,

Always enjoy your insights on the Lakers and weekly chat. We know from rumors that lakers might be interested in Felton and possibly Beasley. Also Minnesota is looking for a sg, and are said to be interested in jamaal crawford. Do you think it’s possible that a three team deal (minn-Portland-lakers) will occur? Here is one proposition that works under salary cap rules:

Minn – j. crawford

Eric Pincus

The possibilities grow tremendously once you start including a third or fourth team – but the likelihood of a deal becomes even less likely. How hard is it to get two teams to agree to the terms of a trade? Add in more variability and you get a mess of differing agendas in most cases.

Chris Collins

Eric, I really enjoy your chats, especially this time of the season. Fun time. My question is actually an Orlando question. Steve Nash & Monta Ellis have both been rumored to be shipped there. Which player has a better chance to switch to a Magic uniform before the trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

I’ve said many times I don’t believe the Suns trade Nash. I still think he signs beyond his current contract. Given that the Warriors have dreams of landing Howard – they’re not going to make any moves that helps Orlando keep Dwight.

Chris Collins

I was looking at different scenarios for the Lakers at the deadline. What are the chances of us acquiring both Michael Beasley & O.J. Mayo without giving up Pau Gasol in either of the deals?

Eric Pincus

Not very high I’m afraid. Possible but not likely.

MAC

Eric my mannnnnn… question, should Mitch decide to leave the Lakers as GM would Mr. West see a path back? His issues where with Phil Jackson right?

Eric Pincus

Jerry West is with the Golden State Warriors with a partial ownership stake. He’s not coming back. West’s issues were with Jackson but also Dr. Buss and Jim Buss.

Chris Collins

Which player is more likely to be moved in Golden State, Stephen Curry or Monta Ellis at this point? and would the Lakers have a shot at any of these two or is the Dwight Howard situation holding it up?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Lakers are looking seriously at Ellis who is probably more readily available in trade than Steph Curry. One worry with Steph is the recurring ankle injury. I know the Warriors are open to change but they want to improve. It’s not clear yet how and what they’ll give to do so.

Chris Collins

Here is my last question for the afternoon. if we fail to acquire Dwight Howard, does this mean that Andrew Bynum remains in a Laker uniform and do we re-sign him this offseason or still try to trade him? I actually think we should keep him, but is he the long term answer as far as the next face of the franchise after Kobe? Thank again Eric.

Eric Pincus

Bynum has one more year left on his contract, at the team’s option. Expect LA to keep him another year and then talk long-term extension – if they don’t get Howard. Naturally it’s difficult to project beyond this deadline.

gambit

Hey man hope all is good.. well it shows that the lakers dont need dwith against the heat but we still need a good bench for the lost of odom n brown. Any guys u think are possible for the lakers to get? But even tho we stand still i think this line up is scary dark horse-ish already in the west. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Remember, the HEAT were without Chris Bosh. His contribution in Miami is quite underrated.

paksiw na isda

Do u think diaw would go to the knicks? Celtics or bulls or maybe La? After the buy out?

Eric Pincus

Very good question! I want to tackle that sort of thing after the trade deadline because by then we’d have a much clearer picture of each team’s needs . . .

Leon

Eric,
Ronnie Lester, and the Lakers scouting staff were ousted last summer, correct. Were they in charge of scouting the amateur and overseas talent last season, or did Jesse, Chaz and Jerry West’s son have a more active role. I ask this because drafting Goudelock was an insightful pick. As he is a four year player, that played under a coach who has sent guards to the NBA.

Eric Pincus

Lester was supposedly very involved in last year’s draft as well. The Lakers have cut down their scouting department but most teams have gone through serious cutbacks as well over the last handful of years. LA has more scouts than the often mentioned in media circles.

Chris

The games against Philly and Indy have magnified the Bulls glaring need for a legit SG. I think GarPax should call Sacramento to guage their interest in a trade built around Omer, Korver, and a first for Thornton. I think this is a trade that helps both teams. Kings get a young center to team/backup Cousins and we get a young SG that is on a reasonable contract for the next four years.Kings have too many shooters as is and could use a big that know his role and has potential.

Eric Pincus

Thornton is all about scoring and all about his offense. I wouldn’t want to add him to the Bulls – other than in a wild-card role. I’m not sure his salary justifies that for Chicago.

Dean

Hi Eric,

Was hoping to get a NEW question to anyone here as most of these chats have the exact sames ones ad nauseum for weeks on end.

Why is Toronto not being talked about as the perfect facilitator for 3 way trades? Cap space, expiring contracts like Barbosa, and assets like Jose Calderon. I would think that they could be a player at the deadline,and a likely high pick in the 2013 draft as well that they might not want with so much youth already. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Did you check out my latest article http://www.hoopsworld.com/diaw-as-trade-pawn?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diaw-as-trade-pawn – I mention the Raptors as a way for the Lakers to get Calderon via a multi-trade move with Boris Diaw? Now it’s speculative mind you but I’m not ignoring the Raptors!

Matty

Clips and Wolves have meet three times so far, with the Pups winning all of them.

Have the Pups found\exploited a weakness in the Clips? Panic\head scratching time for the Clips? Wolves underrated? Just “one of those things”?

Eric Pincus

Right now it’s just a bad match up for the Clippers. That may not matter down the road this season . . .

Mike D

Eric P – love your chats and follow your twitter feeds exclusively. In your honest opinion – trading Blake/filler (like Ebanks) for Felton and a number 1 plus TPE for Beasley be better for the Lakers than going for the homerun trading Gasol for Rondo + Filler or Gasol/Bynum for Dwight? I’d think for continuity purposes, it would be best to hold off for big changes until the offseason.

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers can get Rondo or Howard – but not giving up both Gasol and Bynum for Howard? Vs. making smaller moves? I’d say Rondo or Howard easily.

Hudsen

Hey Eric, how soon do you see Zach Randolph and Andrea Bargnani coming back? And what do you think will happen with Wilson chandler?

Eric Pincus

Zach should be back within the next 5-10 days I believe. Bargnani is a mystery. Chandler? It depends if the Nuggets make him the right offer. They’re bidding against themselves and if they wait, Chandler is still a restricted free agent this summer. I would not be shocked if he just doesn’t play this season.

TJ

How is Nash still playing at an all star level?? he’s putting up unheard of stats for his age and with this team around him. Also what about Greg oden to the suns? Our training staff is perfect for him. And or Brandon Roy? Also when will Aaron Brooks be eligible to come back he might be that offense that we need

Eric Pincus

Nash is a freak of nature – and that’s meant as a compliment. I don’t think there’s any reason to go after Oden any time soon, training staff or no.

Chris

Did you hear Ric Bucher talking about how the Lakers should look to trade Kobe? What is your take on the situation?

Eric Pincus

I don’t agree with Ric but naturally he’s welcome to his take!

jayjay

On the Sessions to Lakers deal, who is holding it up? The Lakers because of a long shot at Howard, the Cavs because they want too much, or the Lakers who won’t give it up a late first for him

Eric Pincus

Sessions isn’t a great fit for the Lakers. He’s never proven he can handle playing alongside a ball-dominant guard. Driving lanes will be limited with a Gasol/Bynum frontcourt. Sessions is not a strong shooter from the perimeter and the stats say he’s even worse inside the arc this year. Ramon may bay be better in some ways than what LA has, but is he the guy who pushes the Lakers over the top? I’m not sold he is. I don’t believe the Lakers feel that way yet either although that remains to be seen.

Rob

Hey Eric! Can we put to rest all these Howard and DWill trade rumors now? Lakers need role players to produce off the bench, PG, maybe someone to backup Kobe… that’s it. No need to mess with chemistry NOW

Eric Pincus

I don’t buy that the Lakers have enough foot speed to truly compete this year. I’m not sure Gasol will fight to hold his position – or that Bynum will deal with heavy doubles in the playoffs. I’m not sure as constructed the Lakers have enough. Others disagree on some levels – that a small move would do it. I’m not sure it would but I’m very curious to see!

daniel

Can you talk a little about the fall of Josh Childress? I wasn’t expecting him to return from Europe and take the NBA by storm but I at least thought he’d be able to contribute. What do you attribute to his demise?

Eric Pincus

He obviously doesn’t fit into what the Suns are trying to do. They gave him too much money so he may not get the chance to show he still has game somewhere else.

Paul

Any chances this could happen and would it be a good fit?
In 2015 Chicago can amnesty Boozer. Korver, Brewer, Hamilton, Watson will be off the books and Chicago will be able to offer Love the Max. Love would be a perfect compliment to Noah they would elevate each others game Ala Howard and Anderson. And here is the best part if Charlotte continues its stellar play we will have a nice pick in 2016 another selling point for Love to sign with Chi-town.

Eric Pincus

That’s a little too far down the line for me to really think about seriously!

Leon

Hi Eric,
Love you chat. 2 quick questions for you. Why aren’t the Lakers front office fixing the PG issue? And why is Coach Brown not starting Blake instead of Fish?

Eric Pincus

There’s no reason to start Blake over Fisher. The minutes resolve throughout a game’s rotation. If Blake is playing well, he gets longer minutes. The Lakers would like to fix their point guard problem long term but there’s no rush given the best deals won’t be available until March or maybe not even until summer.

Kareem Greenwood

Hey Eric, being a lifelong Lakers fan, I’m worried that the team hasn’t made a move because the “new” Jim Buss lead front office isn’t willing to spend the money every year to contend for a title. Seems like the Beasley & Sessions deals would be perfect right now, are the Lakers just misers now?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are going to be cost-conscious heading into the new CBA’s supertax – but they’ll spend if it’s the right move. One thing LA won’t do is spend a ton of money on a team that’s only mediocre. If you want to see players coming in – they better be players that clearly upgrade the team – not just marginally.

alan siegel

i’m not quite sure i understand something…do the lakers have to trade gasol at some point? are we they not willing to take on his salary after next year? also are players allowed to restructure contracts like nfl players can do to help teams obtain cap space? i’m just not clear about the finances. in the long run, will it mean that no team will be able to have 3 current all stars like the heat and the lakers unless one is a draft choice.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can keep Pau but no, players cannot restructure their contracts in the NBA.

John

Just some fun questions for u
Who would you rather have taking the last shot of the game for each position

Ellis or S.Curry
Kobe or Wade
Lebron or C Anthony
Lamacus Aldrich or Josh Smith
Dwight Howard Andrew Bynum

Eric Pincus

Last shot? Ellis, Kobe, Anthony, Aldridge and um, pass?

Maor

Eric,
What is houstons stance on lowry as of now? Can we see a gasol for lowry/scola deal soon? In all honesty id trade luke and a first for beasely and then the TPE for sessions, we just need little tweaks because just like last year i believe we will go on a tear right now and take 8 or 9 in a row

Eric Pincus

The last word I had was that Houston wouldn’t deal Lowry. I can only take that on face value unless I hear otherwise. Perhaps they’ve changed their stance. It may have been a soft position to begin with but I don’t believe it is.

black gulaman

Yo eric we hear alot that dwith is far better than bynum, what if bynum is given his team where he is the alpha dog… Is dwith still better?

Eric Pincus

Yes, I still say Dwight is considerably better overall.

Vignesh

Could you talk briefly about how GM’s make trades? In other words how would Mitch ask the celtics for rondo? Would he just call danny ainge and say I’m interested in trading pau for rondo or is the process more elaborate than that?

Eric Pincus

It varies from team to team and case to case. Each organization has a personnel department and many have the ability to represent their team in negotiations. Often times the legwork of a deal may be in place before it ever gets to the GM or ownership level. The NBA is very relationship based. It’s possible that Kupchak and Morey may be more likely to chat basketball and ideas than say Kupchak and Ainge. That’s just an idea of the process . . .

FromThe3s

Eric,

Are there any trades that can actually sway the league enough that one of the following teams will not will the title:
Chicago, Miami, OKC?

Eric Pincus

Sure but those three appear to the favorites.

Matt

Why don’t the Lakers, Rockets, and Wolves work out a 3 team deal in which the Lakers get Scola and Lowry (which they want), Houston gets Gasol and Beasley (which they want), and Minn gets picks, TPE, and maybe a young player for Beasley (which they want)? Then Houston could trade Dragic/Flynn, Martin, and Bud to Boston for Rondo….trade Patterson for Kaman…rebuild the team. What’s the hold up?

Eric Pincus

The Rockets don’t want to trade Lowry.

Anurag Gupta

Any hope of Dwight Howard coming to LA?

Eric Pincus

Some but Howard would need to change course and make the Lakers feel like he’d be coming for many, many, many years. Dwight would also have to make sure the Magic understand he’s not coming back. I’m not sure if either is likely.

rui

Hi Eric, im a Celtic fan and im wondering what would be the possible trade that the C’s would make before the trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

Do the Celtics want to maximize cap space coming up? If so, moving Pierce and/or Rondo would make sense. If they want to build around Pierce with veterans for two more year, that’s a different approach. Can the team win with some minor tweaks? I’m not sure they can but they’ve shown some signs of life as of late. We’ll have to wait and see. I view the Celtics as a potential major player this deadline – if they decide to be!

Fmel

Eric,

Like your latest Diaw article. But it’s a tough one to pull off, and we have to make sure that Toronto doesn’t have a change of heart f they are interested in this deal. How common are these kind of trades? I can remember back in ’04 I think, when Portland traded Wallace to Atlanta who then shipped him to Detroit, if I am not mistaken. Would be a brilliant move if kupchak pulls this off

Eric Pincus

It’s rare for that sort of deal – contingent on another deal – taking place. It’s very possible, somewhat feasible, but I’m not going to pretend it’s likely.

B

Do you expect the Clips to finish above the Lakers in the standings? I think they need to shore up their 2 spot without Billups I see them as 1 and done in the playoffs.

Eric Pincus

I had the Clippers finishing ahead of the Lakers with Billups. Now I’m not so sure.

Brian

Pacers have a chance at Rondo? Maybe Collison, Hansbrough, 2 1st rounders? You MIGHT be able to talk me out of George Hill. Paul George and Danny Granger with Rondo would be scary.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure if that’s enough for Rondo given what the Celtics are asking.

David

Hopefully this Clipper question doesnt get lost in the million Laker questions/outlandish trade scenarios…what realistically do you believe will happen with the Clippers by trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

As noted, I see the Clippers either getting lucky on a major deal (Ray Allen) or more likely holding until players are bought out post-deadline. LA wants to add a piece but isn’t really willing to give up much of anything to do so.

Daniel

Maybe I’m being pessimistic, but without Billups the Clippers look like they’re headed for a first round exit. It’s time to stop waiting on Bledsoe and cash him in for some value on the wing. I really like him, but this team is in win now mode. They have to make a move.

Eric Pincus

I’m not so sure. Remember – Mo Williams, Randy Foye and Chauncey Billups may not return next year. LA needs guards, no? It’d be a shame to lose some of the veterans while trading Bledsoe for another vet guard who also leaves!

Moose33

Now that Lopez is injured, does that stop the Magic form pursuing a trade with the Nets, or are they still the favorites to land Howard in any trade?

Eric Pincus

If Howard pushes out hard enough, I still see the Nets as the favorite in trade. It may not make sense entirely on all levels – but it may be the most likely path.

Andrew

The Wolves have had many rumors flying around lately. Aggresively pursuing Jamal Crawford, linked to Ray Allen, also Stephen Jackson. Also reports saying Kahn still working on Pau Gasol and will to the deadline. Is it a foregone conclusion that they acquire someone? If they get a SG, playoffs are real, and I can guarantee no-one wants to play them first round.

Eric Pincus

I do expect the Wolves to make some sort of trade and naturally they need a two-guard. We’ll see if they find the right taker.

Anthony Pascua

Any word on Sheed? Has he signed with the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Sheed has not signed with anyone yet. He’d be a post-deadline move depending on what roster spots open up.

Wim

He Eric,

Keep up the good work. Love your tweets!

Question:
How do you rate the chances of the Wolves making the Playoffs? And if they do, should Kevin Love be in the mix for MVP?

Cheers,

Wim

Eric Pincus

It’s going to be difficult for the Wolves to make the playoffs. If I had to guess, no they don’t – BUT they have a REAL shot. MVP usually goes to a player on the top team in the league (at worst second and even third best record is a stretch). Love has been great though – without a doubt.

Sam

do u see lakers signing andrew bynum to long term deal once his current contract is up i wont(see amare stoudemire)

Eric Pincus

I expect the Lakers to keep Bynum long-term, assuming he doesn’t go out for Howard.

Chris T

If the Rockets agreed to part with Lowry and Scola for Gasol would the Lakers accept or keep the team intact and add a PG another way?

If Lowry + Scola were available as well as Rondo + JO, which one do the Lakers go for?

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t be surprised if Lowry was available for the Lakers to take that deal. Rondo, if available, would be a tremendous get. If both were available? I’m not sure which way LA would go. Right now neither the Rockets nor Celtics have decided but I would argue that Lowry has been on the – “No we’re not trading him” route for a lot longer than Rondo is definitely available for the right return. The question is – do the Celtics want to bring in salary like Gasol’s or go younger and cheaper?

Besnik

What do you think the lakers need to fix more

Sf , pg, or depth in general

Eric Pincus

I see the Lakers as needing their next star player beyond the Kobe years so the team can start making that transition. If LA can get Howard, he’d make them a lot better inside in many ways and more dependable physically (given Bynum’s injury risk). Dwight is also a huge marketing tool. Next it’d be point guard – the major flaw is that LA has no speed at that position. The tricky part is they need shooting – more so if they’re rolling both Pau and Drew. Depth is important but not as big a concern if the right starters are in place. Small forward is a very fixable position in the NBA.

alan

can the bulls trade moer Asik and Kyle Korver to portland for Jamal Crawford and Kurt Thomas? Portland gets a young big an expiring deal. bulls get scoring and a tough veteran who knows the team in fits in.

Eric Pincus

We’ll see – I haven’t heard anything on that front.

david

hi eric, what do you think about acquiring diaw with the trade exception and then packaging him and a first round pick for steve nash?

Eric Pincus

As I noted, I don’t believe the Suns trade Nash.

Steve

Eric, it is a lot of risk for both Orlando and New Jersey to hold onto Howard and Williams past the deadline without a NJ/Orlando trade. I know the Lakers are waiting to see if Orlando will bite on some type of Bynum-Howard package, but that is 50% chance at best. Deron Williams seems to be the easier route if the Lakers want the “big deal.” Do you know if the Lakers are pursuing a 3 team trade with New Jersey so they can trade Gasol for some young talent or draft picks and possibly send those along with their 2 picks and the Odom trade exception for Williams if NJ doesn’t get Howard and decides to trade him at the deadline? I know NJ doesn’t want Gasol, but a 3 team trade may allow them to rebuild.

Eric Pincus

The Nets have no interest in Gasol.

Mark

Eric, your column on the Diaw-Calderon swap is fascinating. When creative ideas like this come along, do you/can you/would you relay them in any way directly to Laker management?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. I went an extra half hour over and still couldn’t get to everything. Thank again for participating!

Mark – thank you, it’s a creative idea that I need to credit to a friend named David. It’s speculative but based on the information we know about the various teams and their situations. I don’t think they’re looking to the internet or to writers to come up with personnel ideas. That said, anything is possible. I can’t guess if the Lakers or Raptors or Bobcats will read the idea or if they did – it would influence anything.

We’ll just have to wait and see what comes as the deadline nears. I know everyone wants answers but add each team to that list – they’d like to know their fate – but right now it’s unknowable!