NBA Chat With Jason Fleming 2/20/12

Chat with HOOPSWORLD editor Jason Fleming about any and all things NBA on Monday at 8pm Eastern Time. Trades? Rumors? Rotations? Signings? Anything hoops is fair game. Feel free to leave questions in the queue anytime.

  1. Magic4Life

    In your opinion, Dwight Howard will stay in Orlando if the Magic:

    a.) Make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs
    b.) Make it to the Eatern Conference Finals
    c.) Make it to the NBA Finals
    d.) Win the NBA Championship
    e.) Figure out some way to make a major move(s) to acquire another star / improve the roster for the future
    f.) Make significant changes to the front office and/or coaching staff (New GM, new coach, new philosophy, etc.)
    g.) Any of the above. When push comes to shove, if the Magic hold on to him for the remainder of the season, he won’t be able to leave the extra year + cash on the table and be painted the bad guy by walking away from the city and fans he says he loves.
    h.) There’s nothing they can do. He simply desires a bigger market / brighter lights / more endorsement $$$ and star power / to play with his buddies / a new start / a team that allows him more input / etc, and he will leave regardless of what the Magic do

    Select any/all that apply. Not asking what you think is possible or most likely to occur, just wondering what you think it would take for him to stay.

    • Jason Fleming

      Welcome to this week’s chat! First off, horrible news for Greg Oden. I truly feel for the guy.

      I don’t think that’s all the options, honestly. Most of them, but not all. Howard is absolutely going to test free agency, regardless of a-f. If he does the odds are he will leave, but he could still test free agency, decide no other situation is the right fit, and then re-sign in Orlando. I think he’s gone in free agency at the latest though.

  2. alan

    Bulls trade: Boozer, Ronnie Brewer
    Bucks Trade: Stephen Jackson, Drew Gooden, Ilyasova
    Bucks lose a headache in jax and pick up some consistent offense in boozer who should fit will with bogut. The bulls gain some scoring, defense and a 5th big man who fits the system. Both teams can shed contracts that neither wants. A pick can go either way to make up value.

    • Jason Fleming

      After Ilyasova’s last few games, I don’t think the Bucks are keen on the idea of trading him. This move definitely thins them out in the frontcourt.

      Where does Jackson fit in Chicago? Do you put Rip on the bench? Is that a good idea?

      To me this idea is trading just to trade, not really making Chicago (or Milwaukee) better. The Bulls are 26-8 – I say no need for changes.

  3. Marvelous Marv

    Hey Jason!

    All of the chat guys (especially L.Coon)should expect to get this question a thousand times from Knick fans — so here it is. If JR opts out of his NYK contract and becomes a FA this summer, what can the NYK offer to resign him? Bird Rights?

    • Jason Fleming

      No Bird Rights. Bird Rights come with three years in a row with the same team. Early Bird Rights come with two years in a row with the same team. Assuming they need to use most or all of their MLE to keep Jeremy Lin, the best they can offer Smith is the Bi Annual Exception. He’ll likely get much better offers.

  4. Deven

    Hi Mr. Fleming, why is Lebron James talking about returning to Cleveland again? What’s his deal? Does he regret leaving there or something or does he want more attention?

    • Jason Fleming

      I have no idea. Seems to me the best response to that line of questioning would not be to go that route.

  5. kirk

    Raymond feltons not working out in Portland, Devin Harris isn’t having a great in Utah either. With Portland being so high on Harris could a PG swap help both teams?

    • Jason Fleming

      Considering how poorly Harris has played this year it’s not really accurate to say Portland is high on him. If anyone was high on him he’d be traded by now. Portland may look at him, but there is no reason to make a trade for him now. If free agency comes and they don’t find a point guard they want to sign long-term they can always take him off Utah’s hands using their cap space and/or some combination of young guys/picks.

  6. reily

    Grizzlies get: george hill paul george & roy hibb

    Pacers get: Oj mayo maurice speights 1st round
    ESPN trade machine saide its works and you can also send josh selby to the pacers…do you think it works for both teams?

  7. James

    Should the Lakers pursue Steph Jackson? He can play SF and SG ok

    • Jason Fleming

      They can call, but what do they have that Milwaukee wants? Jackson’s $9.3 million is too much for the Traded Player Exception, so that means the Bucks would have to take back at least $6.975 million in trade, from some combination of World Peace/Walton/Blake/Fisher/Barnes. I can’t see the Bucks being too excited about that.

  8. maestro

    Lets talk trades! Who says no? Lakers receive Mo williams, Luis Scola, Pat Patterson, Clippers receive Kevin Martin (fills void at the 2 guard) Chase Budinger, # 1 pick from Lakers, Houston receive Pau Gasol, Brian Cook and Devin Ebanks. Salaries work.

    • Jason Fleming

      I just don’t see the Clippers and Lakers working a deal together. That’s a steal for the Clips, so they don’t say no. Considering the Rockets are giving up two starters for one, I don’t see them being too excited. As far as the Lakers go…seems solid. Not great, but solid. They’d probably hold out too.

  9. Flute

    How strong is the possibility of iverson going to the d league and possibly the lakers get him?

    • Jason Fleming

      I think the possibility of the D-League is real, but as far as the Lakers go…probably not. I don’t see he and Kobe playing well together unless Iverson completely changes his style, which he probably won’t have to do in the D-League. His problem here is he needs to prove to the NBA he can still play if he does go to the D-League, and to do that he needs to dominate. In contrast, what NBA is going to need him to fill that role? If he shows the D-League he still has it there will be a shot at the NBA, but I doubt it’s with the Lakers.

  10. laker fan

    Why don’t the lakers try a 3-team deal by which they get dwill from the nets and send pau gasol to chicago and the nets get boozer and other younger players..???

    • Jason Fleming

      The Nets don’t want to spend their salary cap space on Boozer. As long as they have a chance at Dwight Howard, either by March 15th or in July, they will be keeping Deron Williams. What young players could go to the Nets? Jimmy Butler?

  11. Chris

    Hi Jason. What’s your take on this deal? Pau to Milwaukee for Jennings, Stephen Jackson, and Drew Gooden. Bucks get a solid big man combo and the Lakers get a PG and much needed depth.

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t see the Bucks giving up Jennings in a deal that doesn’t return a point guard. Unless they really feel Beno Udrih is the answer.

  12. JP

    A while ago I asked you if would do a trade to get a top 3 pick for this year draft and you asked me for options, here you have some:
    A-Bobcats: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=8xv6546 and picks (how many?). MJ is not going to spend a fortune in his franchise and he can save a lot of money with this trade. Beasley can leave without resigning, both Webster and Miller have non-guaranteed contracts, Anthony Randolph can be signed on the cheap and Wes Johnson has 3 more years in his contract. He can save as much as 15 M if he does not resign Beasley and if he signs Randolph for 3,5M. Or more than 8M if he resigns Beasley for 7M.
    Thoughts? Would it be needed to send someone else ?
    B-Hornets: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7upmlpq
    This one looks awful for Minnesota and it would be an steal for the Hornets to do this trade even when they are dealing their first round pick cap wise.
    Do you think it would be needed to send some picks too?
    C-Wizards: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=882df77
    Another steal but for Wizards now (cap wise). They will be saving a lot of money.
    They are getting non-guaranteed contracts and a legit sub for Wall and two young talented players in Wes J and Beasley. Something else would it be needed too?
    D-Sacramento: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7heazz8
    Another cancer option for Minnesota. I really don´t like it but could it work?
    E-Pistons: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=89tmjhk
    This would make them have a legit offensive threat in Gordon and if possible the first pick to select Davis. Thoughts?

    • Jason Fleming

      Each of these trade is intriguing, but no trade they make will guarantee them a top three pick. Even if they pick up another lottery pick – and teams are not looking to trade them – it’s still subject to the ping pong balls. Teams in the top five worst records ESPECIALLY won’t be looking to trade.

      That Pistons one has Minny taking on a lot of long-term money, which they don’t have much interest in.

  13. AC24

    How realistic/deadly is this team?
    PG: Deron williams
    SG: MarShon Brooks
    SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
    PF: Josh Smith
    C: Dwight Howard

    Orlando risks it and doesn’t trade Dwight but he bolts. Nets use their high lottery pick for MKG and exercise their bird rights on Lopez and trades him to Atlanta for J-Smoove and other pieces.

    • Jason Fleming

      I think it’s 4/5 realistic, with the unrealistic part being Josh Smith. As a restricted free agent Lopez has to want to go to Atlanta, the Nets can’t just force him. They can agree to a sign-and-trade deal IF Lopez says okay. The Hawks are already over the cap so the most they could offer Lopez in an offer sheet is the MLE, which he won’t sign because he’s worth more than that.

      So that’s the wild card. Does Lopez want to be a Hawk? If so, then it might happen. If he doesn’t, no chance.

  14. AirJazzy

    Boston gets Kyle Lowry and Scola
    Houston gets Rondo and Al Jefferson
    Utah gets Kevin Martin and Avery Brady (Bradley is optional)

    Boston gets a great PG and depth in the post. Houston gets a great distributor and gets rid of an unhappy K.martin. Utah makes room for the young blood Kantor and Favors. It works in the trade machine. Do you think thats a good trade?

    • Jason Fleming

      It’s a good trade for Houston. It’s an okay trade for Boston – solid talent, but a lot of long-term money, especially for Scola. A nice move for Utah. I don’t think Boston would be willing.

  15. maestro

    How pissed must the NBA owners be now that the # 1 pick NO received from the Clippers via Minnesota looks like a pick in the 10-15 range and Eric Gordon is hurt? Everyone talks about Donald Sterling as a terrible owner but it always seems like every player the Clippers trade/lose via free agency turns out to be average at be. (Kaman, Gordon, Simmons, Mo Taylor, Candyman, Manning, Harper ect)

    • Jason Fleming

      Way, way, way too early to put Gordon in that category. Or Kaman really, who has played well when the Hornets decide to play him. Gordon is still going to continue to be a very good player, I just doubt it will be in New Orleans.

  16. Vlad

    Have you seen Pekovich lately? He is probably a top 5 center in the NBA IMO. Do you agree? Also there would you vote for him to be MIP?

    • Jason Fleming

      MIP, yes. Top 5 center? Hmm…

      Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Roy Hibbert, Greg Monroe, Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan, Nene, Joakim Noah, Anderson Varejao…let’s see Pekovic keep up the pace before we call him top 5.

  17. Vlad

    if MN offers D. Williams to Phily for Turner, who would say NO? What is value of Williams right now? Is it the same it was last June or lower?

    • Jason Fleming

      It’s still the same and the Wolves aren’t thinking about moving him.

  18. a different matt

    Okay, so Wilson Chandler was permitted to leave his CBA team… but what does that really mean? Has he been given his FIBA letter of clearance?

    • Jason Fleming

      He has not yet received his letter of clearance that I have heard.

      Regardless, Chandler will be a Nugget when he does return.

  19. laguanero

    One insider said gerald wallace will be traded to d lakers for nothing at the deadline due to frustration and to save money. They might even throw in felton. Have u heard about that?

    • Jason Fleming

      Not possible under CBA rules. Lakers are way over the tax line and can only take back $8.5 million for “nothing” via the Lamar Odom Traded Player exception. That could get them Felton, but Portland wouldn’t make that trade, and it’s not enough for Wallace, who makes $9.5 million.

  20. clipps fan

    if you were the clippers gm and could trade deandre mo bledsoe for dwight or amnesty mo find a taker for deandre and sign him straight up in FA do you do it?

    • Jason Fleming

      If it gets to free agency, that taker for Jordan would be the Magic. If Howard had his heart set on the Clippers, a package in a sign-and-trade deal would have to center around Jordan.

  21. Vee

    Mean guy! I need to know how can the Knicks keep Lin long term if he keeps going! When and how can they extend him

    • Jason Fleming

      Mean because of a comment I made during the lockout? Um…sorry? No idea what it was.

      As for Lin, they cannot extend him. The Knicks have to wait until the season is over and then they can issue him a Qualifying Offer, making him a restricted free agent. In restricted free agency he can earn up to the MLE, be that in an offer sheet from another team or from the Knicks themselves. The most money he can sign for in July is four years and about $21.3 million.

  22. James

    2 questions. Do u think that PHI would improve itself trading for Amare? (Brand and fillers). Is it possible for the bulls to trade for Eric Gordon without gutting the team? (he seems like the perfect fit)

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t think Amar’e makes the Sixers much better than they are now with Brand. Part of that is the Sixers are a team built completely around the idea of team with no stars. Stoudemire would change that dynamic. Would it work? It could, but it’s risky.

      As for Gordon and the Bulls, he only costs $3.8 million at the moment, so he wouldn’t gut the team. The problem is what do you give NO in return? Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler? Not sure the Bulls can entice the Hornets to make a deal.

  23. Brian

    Jason,

    You are Kahn and you are making one move this year, what is it?

    Thanks!

    • Jason Fleming

      Trade Beasley for a veteran guard to open up minutes for Derrick Williams.

  24. jimmy

    Hi Jason, when can teams start trading players ? do you think the rockets will come up with a big trade?

    • Jason Fleming

      Trades can be done any time. They just can’t be done after March 15th until the team’s season is over, whether that be missing the playoffs, after the first round, whenever (it’s different for each team, depending on their level of success).

      The Rockets are looking. If someone does make a big deal, they want to be involved.

  25. Taz

    some people think think the lakers will trade pau for the right deal, some say not at all and some say this will cause they have to because of the salary. what is your take? do you see pau getting moved at the deadline and if so where.

    • Jason Fleming

      The Lakers don’t have to do anything because of salary, not yet. The stricter luxury tax doesn’t kick in until the 13-14 season, when the Lakers will actually be under the current tax level.

      As for will Pau get traded…I don’t think he will. The Lakers would be smart to just roll with this roster for the rest of the year, then re-evaluate it when the season is over. Trading Gasol is not going to make them a better team in 2012 anyway because of the limited time to fit new players into the rotation.

      That said, every GM will trade any player in the right deal. They wouldn’t be doing their job otherwise.

  26. Howard Wanke

    why doesnt greg oden retire?

    • Jason Fleming

      If you retire you don’t get paid. He has a decision to make now, that’s for sure. Spend the hundreds and thousands of hours rehabbing again to get in NBA shape…or do something else.

  27. Mario

    What’s up jay ok we gotta get into this is there any truth to the D Rose wants pau gasol news and with miami playing so strong and the knicks coming out nowhere and so many teams bringing it in the east do the bulls need to make a move or stand pat and see where things are when everyone is healthy

  28. Daniel

    What do you think the Grizzlies should do to take their game to the next level, or will Z-Bo coming back be what they need. Thanks!

    • Jason Fleming

      I think that’s exactly what they need. Speights has been relatively solid, but he isn’t Randolph.

  29. John

    Do you see nash resigning with the suns during free agency or will he explore his options and sign with a contender. Also, do you see Andre Drummond as a stud or a bust in the nba if he were to declare for the draft after this season?

    • Jason Fleming

      I can’t predict stud or bust before a player ever steps on a NBA floor against NBA competition. If I could, teams would be paying me a lot of money to run their scouting departments. That said, I like what he’s done at UConn and if he was available and my team needed a center, I’d absolutely be interested.

      As for Nash, we shall see. There is a two-year offer to him he can sign now if he likes to stay in Phoenix, but I really think he’ll test free agency. He may end up staying in Phoenix, but he’s going to see what’s out there and what kind of role teams will want him to play.

  30. Evan

    Hey Jason, as a Nuggets fan I’m really concerned with the team at the moment. Since starting 14-5, we’ve gone 3-11 in our last 14 games. I get that Gallo and Nene being out has a lot to do with that but, still were playing with little to no energy at times currently. We really could use a spark, especially on the offensive end…is there anyway the Nuggets could make a move at the deadline. Maybe pry away O.J. Mayo or Ray Allen away from there respective teams?.

    • Jason Fleming

      Boston is going to want some young talent in return and so will Memphis. Not really sure what combination of Nuggets could get them Allen – would have to be sending out at least $7.5 million and Lawson probably isn’t an option. Same goes for Memphis. What is it Denver has that could entice the Grizzlies to do that deal?

      That’s not saying the Nuggets don’t need a spark – they do – but after the money they’ve spent since the lockout ended, they may just have to weather the injury storm.

  31. Jerry

    Do u think Miami will make a move for birdman?

    • Jason Fleming

      Last Question!

      I suppose they could, but I don’t see that he makes them better. Who would they offer? Joel Anthony? It won’t be Udonis Haslem or Mario Chalmers and the Nuggets aren’t going to get excited about Mike Miller. I’m not seeing a matchup that benefits both teams, or perceives to benefit both teams to keep a conversation going.

      Thanks for all the great questions! Sorry I couldn’t get to them all…but there is always next week, same time and place. In the meantime feel free to hit me up on Twitter @jfleminghoops.