NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 7/10/12

CJCHIPS

What are the chances the Clippers get Dwight Howard….what would they have to give up?

Eric Pincus

Chat time. Has Dwight Howard been traded yet?

CJHIPS – I don’t think so. Clippers were never interested, at all, in Blake Griffin out for Howard. Not even a little bit.

Brandon

Is it just me or is Grunwald just letting all the other GMs wheel and deal the heck outta him? I know he can match Lin, he just lost Landry to the Raps and thus any SnT possibilities with Nash. It’s looking like our only pickup will be Raymond Felton (not a great shooter) and probably a bought out Shawne Williams. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I think the Knicks end up keeping Lin and I’m not sure overpaying Landry is a solution there. Nash just didn’t come – that’s really it. I actually like Shumpert a lot and think the Knicks right now – assuming they keep Lin – are better than they were last year.

ralph lawrence

Hi Eric!! about a year or 2 ago minnesota had lots of PG, now it seems they are stacking alot of SF in the likes of wes johnson, williams, beasley, budinger and now they are offering batum a contract.. do you see them making trades in regards to the SF? and if so who do you think is likely to be traded? beasley or wes johnson? any chances the kings would land those guys? or do you think they will go to dorell wright or ryan anderson?

Eric Pincus

Well Anderson is off to Hornets and Beasley to Phoenix – but when you’ve got a non-playoff team, you’ve got to bring in as many assets as you can, regardless of position – in hopes of turning them into a big piece. The Wolves have gotten better over the last year so let’s see if they make a big move or just organically grow.

Jazzaholic

What do you think of the Mo and Marvin Williams trades for the Jazz?

Eric Pincus

For the most part I like it for both. It’s a cap move for the Hawks and I still think Marvin Williams can help a team. He’s not great but he’s solid. If his $7.5 million on next year’s books really mess up the Jazz as opposed to just cap room, I’d be surprised.

KMG7

Along with Bynum, what else would the Lakers have to pony up to acquire Howard from the Magic? If you can’t see Howard going to LAL what other returns could you see for Howard? Nets, Rockets, Mavs…?

Eric Pincus

Boy is it a complex issue – it just is. The Lakers would go Howard over Bynum if all things were equal – and so would the Magic – but all things are not equal including injuries, commitment from players long-term, LA not having picks to offer or willingness to take back much in terms of junky salary.

If the Nets thing dies it opens up possibilities – including Lakers – including Lakers via three-team.

Josh

Eric,
I have been a suffering suns fan for the last two years- I should be happy with the way the summer is going so far, right? Is New Orleans going to ruin my week next week?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Hornets to match on Gordon I’m afraid.

Rico

With the Lakers having acquired Steve Nash, do you still think they look to move Gasol? I think the Lakers should give the big four of Nash, Kobe, Gasol, and Bynum a shot. Nash’s shooting will do wonders for the games of Bynum, Kobe, and Gasol in the post. If the Lakers are able to sign Lewis and even maybe G.Hill to round out the team, I think this team and win a championship. If anything maybe Howard can even be convinced to a trade to the Lakers along with an extension. This gives the Lakers the opportunity to compete now and still have a star for the future. Only issue is Lakers go to salary cap hell! So what is the Lakers thought process now?

Eric Pincus

It looks like LA wants to see what Gasol/Nash looks like before dealing but in the right situation they’d make a move – given the luxury taxes coming. I’m going to say I expect Pau at this point to be on the Lakers this year but things are still fluid.

Paok

Did they use the Lamar trade exception to get Nash? After Nash are the Lakers done dealing?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can still do sign and trades, trades or use their Mini Mid-Level Exception.

wenz

any news on my warriors? i think everyone but bogut and h. barnes is trade-able if the deal is right. as much as i hate to say it i think even curry is dispensible because of his ankles if we can get a valuable piece in return…

Eric Pincus

The Warriors signed Barnes so technically he can’t be dealt for a month – but regardless I don’t think he’ll be shopped. He’s a nice get and the Warriors need a couple of tweaks but have a credible roster right now if Curry is healthy.

Christian Frank

With Orlando eager to resolve the Howard situation before the season starts, isn’t now the best time for the Lakers to offer Bynum straight up for Howard? No taking back Turk or Richardson, just Bynum for Howard? And if we weigh in the injury factor, wouldn’t you rather take a chance on a guy with a bad back but has been perfectly healthy otherwise over a guy who has had a history of knee problems his entire career? Also, isn’t it strange how things always seem to line up perfectly for the Lakers when things look bleak?–Seriously, could there have possibly been a better time for Bynum to have had his best season and stay healthy?

Eric Pincus

It’s rarely that black and white. Certainly you can argue now is the best time to cash out on Bynum for Howard. Equally you can say that Howard is the one who needs to prove he’s healthy.

Christian Frank

Aside from the possible Bynum/Howard trade, what is the Lakers next move? Is O.J. Mayo a possiblity? He seems to be an afterthought among available free agents. What about Elton Brand? He could be very productive alongside the Laker bigs playing 18-25 minutes a game.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers don’t have the kind of money to offer Mayo – not what he’s looking for. I don’t see Brand clearing amnesty waivers.

Rico

Do you think this would work?

Lakers Get: Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Martell Webster, J.J. Barea
Timberwolves Get: Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon
Magic Get: Andrew Bynum, Wes Johnson, Andrew Goudelock, T-Wolves 2013 1st Rd Pick
Hawks Get: Brad Miller, Derrick Williams

Eric Pincus

I’ll say – it’s pretty difficult making multi-team deals. I don’t really expect Smith to be moved just yet out of Atlanta.

Prem I.

With the sixers letting Lou Williams go do you see him signing back home with the Atlanta hawks now that Joe johnson is on the nets?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Hawks invest multiple years in Lou.

Milosh

With the addition of Steve Nash, and with Kobe/Nash/Gasol now being another year older, would you take OKC or LAL to make it out of the west next year?

Eric Pincus

Lakers have a real shot though they need to flesh out their bench more.

cj

with HOU losing out on 2 quality PG’s in lowry and dragic. who do you think would be the next best choice for them? udrih? felton? calderone(if amnestied)? sessions?

Eric Pincus

Easiest may be Aaron Brooks. Sessions is possible.

cj

if IND decides not to match and we swallow that max contract for hibbert and then we wont have has much money for batum. I really think portland should do a sign and trade in order to get something out of batum leaving. I really like the d.williams and w.johnson idea. either one could start at SF.

Eric Pincus

I’m thinking Hibbert stays in Indiana, Batum in Portland, Gordon in New Orleans, Lin in New York and even Asik in Chicago.

Jon Lester

Eric, a few weeks back I asked you if you believed Kobe would ever be willing to reduce his shots to 15/game if he was surrounded by the right players. You replied possibly but 15 shots was pushing it. What do you believe is the maximum amount of shots Kobe can average over a 7 game series against an elite team (thunder,heat,etc.) and still have the lakers emerge victorious? Or, does Nash freeing things up change the shot equation? thanks.

Eric Pincus

There’s no specific number. Things will grow organically but people are – for the most part – who they are.

LA in LA

Hey Eric, 2 questions for you:
1)Do you think the Lakers will go after Raja Bell, a good 3pt shooter and defender, and Grant Hill, who would be a good replacement for Barnes?
2) could Lakers get both for vet’s minimum?

Eric Pincus

Depends on the players really and how much they’re willing to take in $, role, etc.

Simon

are the magic pursuing anyone? are they doing anything other than trying to trade dwight?

Eric Pincus

That’s kind of a big thing you gotta figure out first, no?

BRETT

WHY ARE THE LAKERS NOT GOING AFTER COURTNEY LEE? A S&T WITH SESSIONS TO HOU FOR LEE WOULD BE PERFECT MAYBE LA SEND A DRAFT PICK AS WELL. HOU NEEDS PG CUZ WE KNOW LIN IS GOING TO NY. LA NEEDS A YOUNG SHOOTER OFF BENCH WHO CAN PLAY DEF VS PG’S, SG’S, AND SF’S AND THEY CAN PLAY KOBE AT SF NOW AND THEN. YOUR THOUGHTS…

Eric Pincus

There’s Brett again with the all-caps. Brett, look right above your shift key. It’s called Caps Lock. Hit it for me once.

Here you go, LEE WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO COME VIA S&T AND THAT’S DIFFICULT AND DEPENDENT ON ROCKETS, LEE, LAKERS AND OTHER FACTORS!!!!!

Miguel

Why do most insiders consider cap space to be more important than having a star especially at a young age?There are doubts about bynums knees but I believe Orlando has a lot more to worry abou with Lopez’s foot. For instance we know about Orlando in talks with LA and Brooklyn.Why are you gonna give up Howard for a bunch of players of which you will lose to free agency with your cap space as a plus instead of trading for an Allstar and rebuilding around him.The lakers would need a third to team to relieve Orlando of Turkoglu and Richardsons contract.and yes only if Bynum signs the extension. Cap space is important but not the better option for Orlando because they are losing the center of the Magic universe.

Eric Pincus

You can argue a max deal in Lopez or Bynum isn’t a great move either way (depending on length) and that the Magic should take the time to let contracts expire, get a top lottery pick and cap room to start over.

kenny

eric your hard to get a hold of lol.. what is your take on bynum do you feel he will sign a ext with the lakes giving that he know’s the lakers tried everything to trade him?

Eric Pincus

If Lakers don’t get Howard, I fully expect Bynum to be back with the Lakers long term. Nothing is set and stone but that’s my take.

kenny

I really like andrew goudelock as a player do you see him getting more playing time??

what moves do you see the lakes doing amnesty MWP to add in other pieces or resign matt barnes..

Eric Pincus

There’s going to be a battle for minutes or even a roster position between Goudelock and Darius Johnson-Odom.

fern

are the lakers looking to add more players to help out with the bench

Eric Pincus

Yes.

fern

is darius morriss going to get playing time with the lakers

Eric Pincus

Mike Brown likes Morris a lot but certainly that depends on a lot of factors we can’t call today on July 10th.

Deven

Why is Tim Duncan taking this long to re-sign with the Spurs? What’s the latest?

Eric Pincus

Duncan can’t re-sign until the 11th – and he will.

Deven

Hi Eric. I have a Dwight question to ask. Hope it’s okay. Whenever he gets traded, does he sign the extension with his new team right away or wait until next year?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any real reason why Dwight would sign an extension for three more years, unless the back is really bad, instead of hitting free agency and signing a much longer five-year deal. That’s with any team.

D

I know according to “Sources” that Brooklyn is the safest trade package but how can Brook,3 benchwarmers who should be in the d-league and 3 or 4 picks in the 20′s better over anything else?Let him walk.

Eric Pincus

It’s not always about present-day value ie Kwame/Gasol.

Connor

We all know about Team USA’s shortage at the 5. Tyson Chandler is the only true center on the team. So my question is:
Why didn’t they pick up Al Jefferson? Or maybe even DeMarcus Cousins?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think Jefferson is in the program and Cousins is on the Jr. track – and is a little rough around the edges. Team USA could have gone that way – maybe should have gone that way – but didn’t.

JaMoomba

Does Dan Gilbert have some kind of beef with the Buss family and the Laker organization? He whined and moaned louder than any other owner after the attempted trade for CP3 as if it would’ve destroyed the NBA, and now he seems desperate to facilitate a trade that sends Dwight Howard to Brooklyn. Why does this guy have such a hard on for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Gilbert’s role in the CP3 veto was miniscule at best. He’s not a major factor here. The Cavs sent LA Sessions for Walton . . . and Ramon might have helped LA win a title.

Justin

Are the Clippers letting Reggie Evans slip away? Don’t you think it’s important for a team to return a majority of the previous years players for continuity sake?
I loved that we got Odom, Crawford, and brought back Billups. I’m having a hard time seeing our other guys part ways though. What do you see as being their final few signings this offseason?

Eric Pincus

The fans love Reggie but the Clippers feel Odom does what he does, but better – and any other big men they want to bring in need to have real size.

boynextdoor

with the current roster of my Lakers…do they need to acquire Howard…I think the best thing they need is to get a bench player effective to back up kober!!!
I can see it in a player named Marshon Brooks…your thoughts??

Eric Pincus

That would be something if the Lakers were the one to facilitate a Howard to Brooklyn deal by getting Brooks but that’s so not happening.

Alex

Hi Eric, Please can you put a good word with Commish to start season on August 1st. Cant wait to see Nash run Lakers offense. Any updates on Lakers own free agent Hill and Ebanks and other possible free agents?

Eric Pincus

Ebanks took his qualifying offer to stay I hear. Hill no word yet.

Alex

Eric,
Hypothetical question, if the Lakers win next year championship and how can Jim Buss justify on trading Gasol to get out from paying Super tax in 2013/14?

Eric Pincus

All-in . . .

Alex

Lakers have any interest in Lou Williams? Also if Lakers resign Jordan Hill do you think that they can trade / package McRobets for S.F. maybe like Rush or do they keep McRoberts as insurance policy?

Eric Pincus

S&T = difficult. No word yet on Jordan. Rush is valued in Golden State but would be a great get for Lakers – one I don’t see happening – but love the fit.

TomINdo

Don’t you think for Lakers better to buy out metta’s contract, and sign good sf such as Raja Bell or AK 47??

Eric Pincus

Kirilenko is staying in overseas. Other than saving money, using amnesty on Metta doesn’t really help the roster.

Gustavo A.Thomas

S&T Phoenix get E.Gordon.New Orleans get M.Gortat and A.Brooks. Who say no.

Eric Pincus

The rules. Aaron Brooks, who wasn’t in NBA last year, can’t be in a S&T. New to CBA.

Gustavo A.Thomas

Is time to make change on CH.Bulls front office,they show incompetence to make any move to bring the team back to NBA elite group, Miami, OKC,LA,SA.

Eric Pincus

They’re awful in Chicago – the way they keep winning the East, etc. Management shouldn’t have injured Derrick Rose.

Gustavo A.Thomas

Can police officer arrest LA.gm for robbing S.Nash from phoenix and arrest PHO. gm for acomplice.

Eric Pincus

Sure though getting a conviction may be difficult – unless the judge is . . . well you know where I’m going with that.

Jaylen

Hi EP, what are the chances lakers pick up a shooter like Rashard Lewis, or other free agents that would improve the bench.

Eric Pincus

Sounds like Sonics in South Beach to me.

Tanroop

Do you think Orlando is using this Nets deal to gain leverage on the Lakers to take back Hedo’s contract? I mean come on Brook Lopez and a bunch of late 1′s for DH that’s a travesty.

Eric Pincus

I don’t. I really think Magic were trying to get a deal done vs. playing chicken with Lakers. LA has a real shot mind you but likely? I’m not there yet.

Cheddar Bob

Would the Timberwolves trade Kevin Love for Andrew Bynum if Bynum agree to extension.? Bynum, Rubio and Derrick William is a nice young trios

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Love dealt any time soon.

Melvin007

Eric, do you think Danny Ferry is content with building around Josh Smith? Josh is from ATL and I’m sure the pressure of southern comfort is getting to him. Would Lakers revisit that Pau for Josh trade?

Eric Pincus

Smith is in the last year of his contract – that’s probably more important than getting Gasol.

Arnold Cuevas

who has better upside, fab melo or perry jones?

Eric Pincus

Jones.

Cesar

whats up with Mr Activity Barnes? is he coming back or is Grant Hill gonna take over his spot behind MWP?

Eric Pincus

It seems that Barnes has died out two years in a row come playoff time – both with injuries. I’m thinking LA moves on but no decision yet.

Jeremy Santiago

do you believe avery bradley can average at least 10 ppg next season?

Eric Pincus

He needs to get over his second shoulder surgery first.

Losang

Greetings from Nepal!
Rumour in Portland is Brian Shaw as the front runner for head coach. Have you heard anything on this?
Please comment on him in this situation. Your laconic answers are cute but sometimes I want more of your insight.

Thanks

Eric Pincus

I know Olshey indicated he will interview a lot of candidates so I don’t know if there’s a true “front runner” yet.

Mark

Hi Eric, what is DJ Augustine’s current status? Is he a UFA, RFA? Has he had his qualifying offer rescinded?

Eric Pincus

Restricted

shaulenny

What’s happened with Trevor Ariza? After the 2009 finals, he seemed poised for a possible All-Star career, but since then he’s become a journeyman that not many teams are interested in. Was 2009 a fluke? A factor of his teammates? An example of expectations inflated based on a short stint of success? (Such as David Lee)

On another topic, how long before Carmelo Anthony bottoms out? It seems more likely the Nets will reach the finals before the Knicks, whether or not they land Dwight, as the Knicks will feel the negative affects of the Anthony trade for quite a while to come.

Finally, will the Lakers fill out roster with older players like Jamison, or add D-Leaguers (Elijah Millsap) to help inject some young energy.

Eric Pincus

It’s a lot easier to play with stars – not for everyone – but he was an ideal role player for what LA was trying to do. Without that, Trevor has struggled in a different/bigger role.

Vito Villegas

Hi again! The Lakers seem to have a missing back-up for Kobe at the shooting guard position. Why hasnt Michael Redd’s name come up in any rumored targets? Will he be available for the veteran’s minimum? How about Leandro Barbosa? Do you think the Lakers should take an interest in them?

Eric Pincus

You can argue that although he’s not really a defender which may be more important.

Pahak

Will the Lakers be able to sign atleast 2 of these free agents? Grant Hill, Antawn Jamison, Rashard Lewis, Jordan Hill, Jarryd Bayless?

Eric Pincus

Grant Hill very possible. Jamison is deciding if he wants to go home to play for Bobcats near kids or join contender.

jon

Eric, I had feeling that some/much of bynum’s ‘acting up’ last year appeared to be tied to frustration. You could see him work to get great position and then he failed to get a pass. I saw the look (disgust?) on his face several times on tv. what’s your take?

Eric Pincus

He’s not a politician for better or for worse.

Sven

Hi Eric, great chats. What’s all the fuzz about the risk of renting a player for 1 year when in fact they all end up being signed-and-traded anyway. I mean, if Magic believe Bynum is best value for Howard just get him. Worry about next year…well next year.

Eric Pincus

It’s rarely black and white. It’s complicated by a lot of factors and teams really like to have their feet going in the direction that leads to a long-term future.

Sean

Hey Eric,

Couple questions. What’s the word on Jordan hill is he staying or leaving? Who are the lakers most likely to use their mini mle on Jodie Meeks? Brandon rush? Grant hill? And am I crazy to assume that Morris goudelock and Ebanks may actually get more playing time than Blake and world peace this year?

Eric Pincus

Meeks has been linked to the Lakers as well.

Oleg

Hi Sir!
Technical question… What does motor mean in athletes? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Motor is basic energy. Does the player jog up and down the court or do they sprint to their spot? Are they active? Do they just stand in the corner and wait for a pass, no cutting, etc.

Alex in Burbank

Eric, I am so tired of this whole Howard trade talk. Trade him to Brooklyn, Atlanta or our Lakers….whatever just do it and get it over with already! Will he be wearing purple and gold or not? Your take please!

Eric Pincus

I will agree with the point of wanting closure.

Aaron

Any chance the lakers pick up Gerald Green? He seems like a perfect fit (athletic and a good shooter) for the lakers at the 3 spot.

Eric Pincus

Don’t think so.

BRETT

HEY ERIC, I DONT WANT TO TRADE BYNUM, BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME THAT LA WOULD HAVE A BETTER CHANCE GETTING HOWARD ON LONG TERM THAN BYNUM. WOULDNT A DEAL WITH BYNUM, MWP AND 2 1ST RD PICKS BE ENOUGH FOR HOWARD AND RICHARDSON??

Eric Pincus

Caps lock Brett – below the tab key.

Deven

Is this Dwight to Brooklyn thing all but dead?

Eric Pincus

Dead is only accurate after he’s been dealt somewhere else – or after the Nets lose the assets like Lopez/Humphries either to other teams or by re-signing. Talks can break off but they can also resume.

Jim

Any word on KMart and if the Clips are trying to get him back? If not, would the Clips consider a sign/trade deal to obtain a 2nd round pick and create a trade exemption?

Eric Pincus

I hear not really.

S. Nash

Doesn’t everyone realize that players like Goudelock will really benefit from playing with me? I think everyone’s threes will start falling the way I set them up.

Eric Pincus

I like Goudelock – great kid. He may have a boost playing with Nash. I also like what I’ve seen of Johnson-Odom.

Joseph Sunga

Wouldn’t the Orlando Magic be better served taking a Howard for Bynum swap? Regardless of what speculations towards Bynum’s interest in free agency, the Magic would have ample time to convince Andrew to extend his contract. Come on 25 million and a chance to be the star player for a team. That should be more viable than taking a trade for Brook Lopez who has had a surgery on his foot, which is the same as now retired center Yao Ming.

Eric Pincus

I’m not entirely sold the Magic truly covet either.

jesse

Is it possible for the clips to absorb humphries for a year to take m.brooks? Gomes? Exceptions? Expirings?

Eric Pincus

No room. Clippers have a hard cap they’re very close to now at $74 million.

hen1040

Sessions. Why not resign him as a backup for now? Could learn under nash and in case nash gets hurt. Going with Blake as primary backup?

Eric Pincus

Sessions wants to A) start B) get paid.

hen1040

Ronnie Brewer a free agent… Add him or meeks?

Eric Pincus

I’ve always thought highly of Brewer.

Randy

Could Clippers put in a bid for Brand before officially signing Billups/Crawford? Do the rules allow that kind of move?

Eric Pincus

No.

hen1040

I know people say trade metta. But I say Lakers need him for the likes of Durant, melo, lebron. Especially if they don’t sign Grant Hill. Your thoughts

Eric Pincus

You can argue Metta still very valuable defensively.

hen1040

D Howard. What is your take? Should lakers be trying to get him? Are they trying to get him. Lakers out of it? What is the story?

Eric Pincus

Lakers watching, lurking – still a possibility. I tried to turn that into a Haiku but it just didn’t happen.

Hodor

Any truth to the Gasol for Bargnani and Derozan rumors? How does this help Toronto?

Eric Pincus

Hadn’t heard that.

Remi Cole

What do you think the chances are of the lakers receiving Dwight Howard?

Eric Pincus

Really the answer is always not zero and not likely but possible – and honestly that applies to a lot of things. LA is in the mix for Howard – they really are – but there’s no set number that really bears any relevance. I mentioned the other day it’s like being almost pregnant.

Mike

EP keep up the good work always enjoy the chats. After being around the Clips on draft night and seeing the moves they have made in free agency. What direction do you see them going with the general manager position? When can we expect a hire to be made? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sold LAC gets a name/outside general manager. They seem to have a solid system right now with VDN/Roeser/Sacks. We’ll see. Some of that depends on VDN’s long-term situation and also do they believe Sacks can handle the media/PR part of being GM.

Tom

What’s the reason lakers didn’t like Roy? He would be a good backup to Nash

Eric Pincus

They did like Roy. Just wasn’t the right fit for either.

Joe

Eric,What do u think Clippers will do about back up SF?

Eric Pincus

It’d be nice to see a defensive-minded role player in that position. (Just saw Lou Williams is going to ATL – so to that earlier question, looks like ATL willing to invest).
Eric Pincus

It’d be nice to see a defensive-minded role player in that position.

jw

Ive heard good arguments on both sides of the NYK Camby signing, fills need and good value or no need and salary cap pain..
Your opinion?

Eric Pincus

I like it.

Djuun,Germany

Great Chat!!!
Heard C.Lee is a FA, so why are the Lakers not after him? Nice backup for Kobe What do u think?

Eric Pincus

It’d probably have to be sign and trade.

Matt

Should warriors go after Ronnie brewer? Rush is a fan favorite but idk if we can afford to keep him if the lakers are willing to pay up

Eric Pincus

I’d go Rush over Brewer given the situation – they have restricted rights on Rush.

jw

Are the Raps really going to pay that much to Fields?

Eric Pincus

Apparently so.

cole

you think the blazers S&T Batum. His contract seems pretty big for a rebuilding team. What assets do you think they could get back?

Eric Pincus

I’m thinking they keep him based on how Olshey compared him to Chris Paul as a foundational player but we’ll see.

Depressed Magic Fan

Where do you see Orlando heading in the next couple seasons? Are they are contender in the next couple seasons?

Eric Pincus

Rebuilding.

Tom Bird

Is Joe Safety still with the Clips? If so, please tell him I said Hi. We worked together for a few years with the Pirates, where we were both part of the club that won the Series in ’79.

Eric Pincus

Joe is still with the Clippers and he still wears that ring!

Jason W

I’ve recently been following your tweets and of all the people covering the lakers you’re my favorite.

Eric Pincus

I appreciate that. For those who don’t follow, I’m at http://www.twitter.com/EricPincus

Pate

What would it take for the Clippers to get Omri Casspi from Clevland. He is a good shooter, rebounder and defender.

Eric Pincus

As I noted, I’d like to see a defender.

Sean

Hey,Eric,really respect your knowledge for the game inside and out. Appreciate your candor as well.

Anyway as a Lakers fan, what shooters can you anticipate them getting to help the bench or even Nash? Cartier Martin, Willie Green,Carlos Delfino?

Eric Pincus

More like Grant Hill, Jodie Meeks, Raja Bell, Antawn Jamison and others – at least those are the names so far linked to LA. We’ll see if any or all or some come!

Mack

How do sign and trades work? I thought when you trade someone you have to send back an equal amount of salary in players? But in most S&T that I see I just see draft picks being exchanged.

Eric Pincus

Complicated by many factors. Salary has to match under various criteria depending on the team’s cap position. Cannot sign and trade during season. After this year, teams over tax can’t S&T at all (bringing in – they can sending out).

Aaron Golden

Would an Eric Bledsoe Bledsoe, Caron Butler, DeAndre Jordan, and Picks be a contending center piece to a trade package for Dwight Howard?

Eric Pincus

Nope.

Sam

What would the Clippers have to do to get Tyreke Evans,it solves the question at the 2 long term; I don’t thing C Billups will add much at this point.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see that as the solution right now for LAC.

Jason W

if grant hill signs with the lakers do you think he is willing to come off the bench? also can hill provide enough scoring off the bench?

Eric Pincus

Hill is a veteran and team player. I would guess, without asking him, he’d be fine in a role off bench. Certainly I could be Lou Williams’ing right here.

Sherif Yassa

Whats the deal with the Kings? They have been under the radar. Are they planning on making any moves? They need a SF badly!

Eric Pincus

Young core that really needs to grow and shouldn’t invest right now – not wildly anyway.

Chicagoan_in_MN

Regarding the possible Dwight trade… since Orlando would be getting a weak rebounder in Lopez why is Orlando so allergic to the idea of receiving Humphries? Wouldn’t they want the rebounding machine? Also, why are they not interested in such a promising young prospect like Marshon Brooks?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. I put in a ton of extra time but I’m afraid I left a TON unanswered – my apologies. We’ll do it again next week.

As far as Orlando, I don’t see how getting heavily invested in Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries is a good idea for a team that really needs to spend a few years going through the rebuilding process.