NBA Chat With Jason Fleming 3/5/12

1. justin

   Rondo and a 1st for Millsap, Harris. helps both teams. Do you see Rondo on the Jazz after the trade deadline? What % would u put it at? I hope 98%

   • Jason Fleming

     Welcome to this week’s chat! I’ll hit as many topics as I can (that I get asked about in the queue) in the next hour. Blazer fans, I know you want something…

     This trade actually won’t work. Because the Celtics are over the cap they can only take back 125% of Rondo’s salary. Boston would have to add about $4.8 million to make it legit.

     That aside, I don’t know if the Celtics see this as enough value for Rondo. Millsap is very good, but does he justify getting much weaker at point guard? And what if Brandon Bass invokes his Player Option? Then the Celtics have two power forwards who should start.

2. justin

   Raja Bell for E. Bledsoe? Gives Utah a young P.G. with potential, while giving Clippers a defenisive 2 guard, that can stretch the defense. Win win for both teams?

   • Jason Fleming

     The Clippers won’t trade Bledsoe for Bell. They like him too much.

3. justin

   Will Harris be traded for Felton at the deadline? Both need a change, badly

   • Jason Fleming

     I think Portland may make that call, but the only way Utah does it simply to cut off the last year of Harris’ contract from their cap. For Portland, does it really accomplish anything? Is that how they want to spend $8.5 million of next summer’s cap space?

4. John

   With the trade deadline coming up fast, are we to expect a large number of small trades or a couple of major trades?

   And what do you think of this trade?
   Monta Ellis and Kwame Brown to the Hornets for Kaman, Jason Smith, and Greivis Vasquez?

   • Jason Fleming

     I think this deadline will be quieter than in recent years because it’s going to be very hard for teams to work new players into their system. It’s hard with a mid-season trade in any year, but perhaps triple this year with the condensed schedule and little practice time. Any team that makes a major trade – especially if it involves a point guard – it going to be stuck running a very narrow group of plays for awhile.

     As for the trade, it seems like it could work for both sides. It would pretty much mean the Hornets would let Eric Gordon walk in free agency though, because keeping him with Ellis doesn’t make a lot of sense.

5. KeeWeeKid

   B.Roy’s talk of comeback. He vaguely alluded to that there was more to the story of his retirement. Mr. Kyler in a chat said B.Roy wasn’t happy with Blazers management (or something along those lines), A.Kennedy in his chat said he got a txt 2 months ago (timeline I guess being Jan) from a player saying B.Roy was talking comeback. Heck, he only retired 1.5-2 months prior to that txt that Alex was referring to. There seems to be A LOT more to this story. Any specific insights? And what do you think the odds of B.Roy being back on the court?

   • Jason Fleming

     I don’t have exact reasons, but piecing things together from various sources and outlets it seems something like this: Roy wasn’t ready to go 100% when the lockout ended. This surprised the team for some reason, so in an effort to salvage something they pushed Roy to make a decision on what he was going to do and when he was going to be ready. They wanted him to retire but the mechanisms behind getting a medical retirement didn’t move quick enough for them, so they opted to go the Amnesty route. In order to keep control over his career and not be claimed by another team, Roy then felt forced to say he was retiring. Note that he has not officially retired from the NBA. When Portland used Amnesty to get their cap under the luxury tax, the medical retirement thing became moot, allowing Roy to continue on his own path of rehabilitation. He probably didn’t appreciate being pressured to make a decision like that after all he had done for the Blazers. Understandable.

     That may not be exact, but I think it’s close.

     I still think it’s unlikely we see Roy on a NBA court again in a regular season game – the fact his knees have no cartilage didn’t go away. I think he will absolutely try his damnedest to make it happen though. And you know what? I applaud him for that and wouldn’t expect anything less. He owes it to himself to give it one more chance.

6. KeeWeeKid

   Come trade deadline, do you think the Blazers will be a Buyer, Seller or stay with what they got? and Why?

   • Jason Fleming

     I think Portland will be building for 2012-13. Whether that makes them a buyer (using ending contracts as bait to take on longer contracts) or a seller (pawning of other longer deals for ending ones) I’m not sure yet. Portland is just going to see what’s out there, take their time, and because of how long they take to decide may miss out on the best offers.

7. Derek

   What about these trades.
   To Bos:Randolph and Beasley
   To:Min:Ray Allen
   Three team deal
   Magic gets:M.Ellis Steve Nash Hakim Warrick
   Suns gets:Jameer Nelson Q Rich Daniel Orton 1rst rd pick
   Warriors get: JJ Reddick Channing Frye
   And last
   Suns send Grant Hill to the lakers for exemption

   • Jason Fleming

     I don’t think you get Ray Allen for Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley. There will be better offers for Boston.

     I also don’t see the point in Phoenix sending Hill for a TPE. He is on a one-year deal, they are under the tax, so it gains them nothing.

     I’m sure the Magic would love that deal, bringing in Nash and Ellis for basically spare parts. That said nothing has changed with the Suns and Nash. He’s not on the block and hasn’t asked for a trade. Until that happens trying to put a deal together with Nash involved doesn’t make sense.

8. Raf

   Hey Jason,

   Any word on whether the Heat still believe Eddy Curry can make a contribution? Are there any free agent big men still out there who could contribute even a bit?

   Without Bosh, the Heat’s complete lack of depth in the big man positions has been badly exposed! Bosh might be #3 of the Big Three for skill, but at least #2 in importance to the team.

   • Jason Fleming

     I think the 10 points he’s scored all season tells me all I need to know. Pat Riley is a smart guy, so I’m guessing he sees the same thing.

     No free agent at this point in the season is going to help you. I’m actually surprised at what Joel Przybilla is contributing in Portland – good for him making it all the way back.

     As for Bosh, I agree with you. It’s easier for Miami to weather a Wade or LeBron missing games than it is Bosh. I expect them to spend their mini MLE ($3 million) on a big man this summer. Hey, what about Garnett? Just saying…

9. AJ

   I thought before the season that the Blazers should do a semi-rebuild, look to get some young pieces to put around LMA. Now I am more convinced. What would be your plan as the “GM”?

   • Jason Fleming

     Let the contracts of Camby, Felton and Oden expire. Encourage Crawford to find a long-term deal in free agency and decline his Player Option by making it clear his future is not in Portland. Talk to Wallace about a four-year deal in the $6 million range in favor of him invoking his Player Option at $9.5 million (ideally he becomes my sixth man). Re-sign Nic Batum to a four-year deal starting at $8 million (if they can get him that low – I’d go up to $10 million if the offer sheet came in). Adding in a draft pick – hopefully a center who can contribute now, but not necessarily start – that leaves me with about $14 million to play with. I look into the markets for Chris Kaman and JaVale McGee, see if I can get either one for $10 million or less. The rest of it goes bringing in a point guard. Luke Ridnour would be a nice fit, who could be expendable if the Wolves get a SG. Don’t laugh, but I feel out Andre Miller and see where Chauncey Billups is in his rehab too. They need a veteran PG who can run a team.

10. 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, corey 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 go over the cap this year, but gain some flexibility for next year

    • Jason Fleming

      Why would the team with the best record in the NBA want to do a trade where they mess with their starting lineup and gut their bench? I see zero reason for the Bulls to do anything.

11. JP

    Domino effect:
    First trade (Day 1):
    Minne: Gerald Wallace-Jamal Crawford-Elliot Williams-Cris Johnson
    Portland: Beasley-Wes Johnson-Ridnour-Randolph-Ellignton-2nd pick
    Second trade (Day 2):
    Lakers: Felton-Beasley
    Portland: Blake-Trade exception-1st pick
    Third trade (Day 2):
    Minne: OJ Mayo
    Memphis: Jamal Crawford
    Thoughts? What would you add in each trade to make it happen if now it´s not acceptable?

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t think all of this is possible. Even if Portland did #1, they could not do #2. Blake doesn’t make enough money to be traded straight up for Felton or Beasley and the TPE could only bring the Lakers back one of them.

12. Steve

    Hi Jason,
    Seems like Clippers really have nice assets to acquire Howard.
    Some combo of Bledsoe, Jordan, Thompson and picks would be good for Orlando (plus salary filler).
    Clippers would have their big 3, Howard would be in LA but not following Shaq’s path.
    Could this work? Could Howard and Griffin work together?

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t know that Howard and Griffin really would be that much better than Jordan and Griffin. Better yes, but $8 million+ better? That same money would be better spent elsewhere.

      The problem becomes Howard needs shots whereas Jordan doesn’t. Dwight expects to have plays run for him, but the Clippers don’t need more offense and Jordan does the rebounding and defense they need. Valuewise giving up a lot for Howard just doesn’t make sense for the Clips.

      (Question – do you mean Thompkins instead of Thompson? If so, I don’t think his presence has any impact on a Dwight trade.)

13. Steve

    Hi Jason,
    It never seems to work when a team has guys coming off the bench who want to start, and could. Crawford and Matthews, Batum and Wallace etc. How about a starting line-up of Crawford, Matthews, Batum, Wallace and Aldridge? It gets Portland’s best talent on the floor together and leaves a good bench with Felton and Camby in the second unit.

    • Jason Fleming

      Keep in mind Aldridge really doesn’t like playing center, which I don’t blame him for because of the physical toll it takes on him. That said, why the heck not? I mean, if it doesn’t work they haven’t lost anything, right?

14. Jimbo In Molalla

    There are 7pg’s currently avg’ing > 10ppg,4ast, 40%fg, 34% 3pt%, and 2 ast/TO. Nash, Paul, Curry, Calderon, Jack, Lowry, Jrue. Who should PDX go after and why?

    • Jason Fleming

      Portland doesn’t have the assets to get Nash, Paul, Curry or Holiday. I still don’t believe Jack is a starting point guard in the NBA. They don’t have what Houston wants either. That leaves Calderon, but what do they give Toronto in return? I don’t see them being too excited about Crawford or Felton. Gerald Wallace?

15. heat

    do you see miami signing rasheed wallace if they cant find a big in a trade (miami radio said they worked out him last week)it will be a low risk high reward if in shape(see eddy curry)

    • Jason Fleming

      I find it hard to believe Sheed will make much of an impact. It sounds nice on paper, but I just don’t see it mattering much.

16. Blaze

    Any truth to the Eric Bledsoe for Jamal Crawford rumors that are swirling? Do you think Bledsoe has the skills to play the PGOTF role that the blazers need to move forward?

    • Jason Fleming

      If there is any truth to these rumors and Portland doesn’t pull the trigger, people should be fired. All of them. As for if there is truth to them…I don’t know the answer yet. He absolutely has the skills.

17. John

    Do you agree with kobe saying he did not have any rivals and would you consider duncan as his rival seeing how duncan won 4 rings to kobes 5?

    • Jason Fleming

      I don’t really consider Duncan Kobe’s rival. Maybe he was Shaq’s more than Kobe’s. I think the closest has to be Ray Allen, right? Readers?

18. matt

    Dwight for Al Horford. Orlando won’t have to worry about losing Al

    • Jason Fleming

      That’s true, but the Hawks have to add a lot to that deal. Horford is a Base Year Compensation player this year, so only counts at $6.3 million outgoing for the Hawks but $12.5 million incoming for the Magic. If they added in Marvin Williams it would work…but would Orlando do it? Maybe…but they aren’t convinced they are losing Dwight.

19. derek

    who says no?

    bulls get wes matthews, a good perimeter scorer
    por gets odom for veteran leadership from the bench
    mavs get korver whose contract is not fully protected next year and 2012 bulls pick

    • Jason Fleming

      I can’t believe Odom is in the same sentence with veteran leadership. After what he has done this season? I don’t see it. Portland says no.

20. Skaki

    Stuff this trade talk, Bulls vs Who in the finals?

    • Jason Fleming

      Thunder. I don’t see any team in the West beating them.

21. Lateak

    Would oj mayo be a good fit with ny knicks… What u think.. Is lin the answer 4 us

    • Jason Fleming

      Yep, Mayo would be a great fit. I don’t see it as possible unless it’s a sign-and-trade though. As for Lin, why not? Sure, he turns the ball over some because he can get a little out of control, but I see that improving over time. He has games of 13 assists and 1 turnover…he’ll calm down and get that assist:turnover ratio more consistent. I’d roll with him.

22. Daniel

    About your blazer comment. What’s that about? Steve nash? Do you believe that will happen?

    • Jason Fleming

      Nothing specific, I just know Blazer fans are plain disgusted. Nash hasn’t asked for a trade, so he won’t be traded. Portland doesn’t have the resources to convince Phoenix to trade him.

23. Mark (Paper Bag Wearing Blazer Fan)

    Give me some hope. Please tell me the Blazers are going to do something by the deadline!

    I think they need to blow this team up, get a lottery pick in what is supposedly a deep draft, maybe get some extra picks by shipping off some vets and rebuild via this draft + some FA’s this summer. Am I on the same track as the FO’s thinking?

    • Jason Fleming

      Honestly, no one knows what the front office is thinking.

      But, that’s what I’d do. It’ll be tough to acquire more picks since all teams seem to be valuing them higher this year, but that’s the route I’d go. Keep Aldridge, Matthews, Williams and retain Batum. Everyone else is available. (Yes, keep Matthews – I think he’s a great role player who sometimes has been asked to do too much, but he plays hard and hustles all the time.)

24. zev

    Im so disappointed in the Blazers. It could be the best solution to let this season go without a move and then keep LA,Nick and Wes. Try to get a new pt. guard thru free-agency but not Nash.AAron Brooks????

    • Jason Fleming

      That wouldn’t surprise me. He may be an economically sound choice and the Blazers would get great fan feedback on the move. Phoenix may push for something in a sign-and-trade though, since he will be restricted if he doesn’t sign with the Suns.

25. Steve

    C’mon Jason,
    Roy get’s his money he could never earn on the court due to knees.
    Please don’t paint a sympathetic picture of his plight about his F’n feelings about being pushed to make a decision BOO HOO Brandon “after all he had done for the franchise….. Blah

    • Jason Fleming

      I was asked what Roy may have meant…regardless of the paycheck it doesn’t matter. People are people, they react certain ways. I know I’d be pissed. People like to think the check makes everything okay, but it really doesn’t. It makes the rest of life easier, but it doesn’t make you any less angry when a partnership ends badly. That’s not painting a sympathetic picture, that’s trying to understand why someone may feel the way they do, that’s all.

26. Scott

    So the Clippers won’t deal Bledsoe for Crawford in part because he’s expiring. Would the Blazers give up Matthews in a deal for Bledsoe?

    • Jason Fleming

      They might, but Matthews isn’t a player the Blazers are hot to move. Also, the Clips would need to come up with another $3.7 million in contracts to make the deal work – probably Gomes or Foye. That also means Portland would have to waive a player because their roster is currently full. None of that is outside the realm of possibility, but just makes things more problematic to finalize.

27. Gerald

    Do u think kaman will be bought out? What centers do u think the heat are targeting?

    • Jason Fleming

      I doubt it. Even if Kaman isn’t traded he has value in the offseason in a potential sign-and-trade that could return the Hornets a young player or two. Sorry Miami.

28. Brankela

    I don’t see ‘Sota trading Beasley for anything good, this year…
    Do you see them re-signing him and then trade him next year to get some value later, instead of offering him up?

    • Jason Fleming

      Last question!

      I agree they may not be able to trade him for anything that makes them better. However, re-signing him isn’t the answer. He is a redundant talent with Derrick Williams on the roster. It’s best to just let him go if there isn’t a sign-and-trade market. The problem with that is the Wolves have to issue the Qualifying Offer before they know the market. I doubt he is with the Wolves next year.

      Thanks for all the great questions! We’ll do it again next week, same time and place. Follow me on Twitter @jfleminghoops. (By the way, 10 days until the trade deadline – who’s excited?)