NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 1/19/12

1. FreeThrowClank

   If the Celts continue to struggle and look to be a medium tier team, should Ainge look to amnesty KG (allow KG to go to a contender), trade Allen and Pierce, for younger pieces, and then allow Doc to play his rooks with the hopes of getting into the top five of the lottery? Why try to compete if KG and Allen are gone next year and then end up with a non lottery pick? Trade Allen to Dallas and allow KG to pick Dallas or the lakers via amnesty, and trade pierce to the lakers for the trade exemption. That way each player will understand that the celts were doing each a favor while at the same time looking out for the organization’s best interest.

   • Steve Kyler

     Welcome in everyone… hope the week has been good to you. Lots of questions in the que, so lets get after them…

     Ok… lots in the question.

     1st – you can’t Amnesty anyone in the middle of the season, that had to be decided last month… going forward Amnesty decisions will be before the season starts… KG is in the final year of his deal, so he could be traded or bought out… but I doubt seriously thats what Boston does.

     2nd – Danny Ainge admitted that he would be forced to make changes if things continue, so would Pierce, Allen or KG be traded if the season gets away from the Celtics… yes, but it would have to return real assets.

     The rest is kind of wishful thinking in terms of guys landing in Dallas or LA specifically — again you can not amnesty anyone during the season.

2. MagicJoe

   With the clippers now on D12′s list how does this change things for the magic, and what could they get in return?

   • Steve Kyler

     The interest is overstated… all parties involved have debunked the concept.

     The Magic are not entertaining offers on Dwight Howard, so any talk of a Dwight trade now is not accurate… things may change in 50 days as the trade deadline gets closer, but the Magic are not listening to or accepting offers on Dwight… thats a mandate from ownership.

3. Chrisstyles

   What do you think of the Knicks trading Amare, Fields, Balkman and a 2nd round pick to the Warriors for Ellis and Lee

   • Steve Kyler

     Seriously doubt any team in the NBA takes on the Amar’e contract —> its uninsured and very, very risky — If Amar’e were crushing teams maybe, but he has been somewhat underwhelming this season.

     Equally, I doubt seriously that the Warriors would see that deal as an upgrade.

4. Kelvin

   How do you think D.J. Augustin would fit in with the lakers. knowing that kupchak isnt doing any signings soon i’d imagine augustin with good or at least decent dribble penetration would fit the lakers lack of point guard issue especially with the injury to steve blake, and i’m not really liking morris’s passive gameplay on offense. what do you think about augustin to the lakers and would he fit in and help them

   • Steve Kyler

     I love DJ, he is a solid player and a good guy… the problem is DJ is a starting point guard on a lot of teams, the Lakers just don;t have the trade assets to make that kind of trade.

     Would he fit… sure, but if Charlotte opted to shop him I think they could get a better deal from other teams.

     Give Darius Morris time… remember he had no off-season coaching, and he is very young… he’ll be fine in a few years, don’t expect a starter out of a second round pick… thats rare.

5. Tony

   Cavs trade Antawn and a filler player to Celtics for Pierce and a 1st rounder. Celtics get to play in free agency, Cavs get a potential lottery pick for this draft. Both teams can still be competitive after the trade. What do you think? KG and Jamison could work well together and Kyrie could learn a lot from Pierce.

   • Steve Kyler

     Not nearly enough value for Boston… Celtics will play in Free agency regardless of Pierce… Boston has $34 million in salary commits next season… they’d want more for Paul Pierce.

     Paul Pierce is an all-world player… The Cavs pick becomes less valuable once he arrives as with the guys in town, they’d win more games… if the season ended today the Cavs pick is the 14 to 16 range… They get Pierce, thats likely a 20′s pick at best.

     You are also assuming Paul would go happily to Cleveland, not sure he buys into a trade from Boston to Cleveland.

6. jonny boy

   Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony, Dexter Pittman and Terrel Harris for Javale Mcgee, Mo Evans, Roger Mason, who says no?

   • Steve Kyler

     I ask who says “why?” — This is a lateral move for both teams… None of the players coming to Washington help the Wizards, most wouldn’t play… McGee is a very immature player, so I doubt Miami has any interest in him… its a trade for trades sake.

7. Pete

   I’m not sure who to direct this question to so I’m hoping you can answer it. I’m rather excited by the play of Kyrie Irving and while he was raised in the USA I’m hoping that due to him being born in Australia he will want to represent us. I had read prior to the draft choosing Aus was a possibility, have you heard anything further? Having him and Patty Mills running the point isn’t to bad with the Olympics around the corner.

   • Steve Kyler

     He commented on it recently saying it was a consideration… I think his first choice is to be part of Team USA, and I think you’ll see him there first.

     He is not part of the 2012 Invite squad, so unless Team USA invites him to be part of a scrimmage “Select squad” you might see him sniff at Australia, but he has indicated Team USA would be his first choice.

8. Nashty

   Hey Steve, I can’t understand the Wolves reluctance to offer Love a max contract extension in the range of 5 years $80mil rather than 4 years $60mil considering they are not the most attractive place for free agents. Why would love accept the latter rather than the former? Could you please explain the Wolves thinking? Cheers

   • Steve Kyler

     1st is business… the Wolves have to keep the new salary system in mind… you can;t just throw max deals around anymore… thats a good way to get stuck.

     2nd I think there is a reluctance on Kevin Love’s part to marry the Wolves long term.

     Guys want their money, but they also want to be able to leave if things go sideways or south… Keep in mind Rick Adelman is signed for four-years, that might have something to do with what Kevin wants too.

9. Art

   Steve, I understand that Arenas is playing a lot of ball around Orlando. With Otis still employed, what are the % chances the Magic re-sign him after July 1.

   • Steve Kyler

     Maybe… But I don’t think anyone is thinking about what happens with Gilbert on July 1st… a lot will happen between now and then… i wouldn’t surprise me, but I don’t think anyone is giving that thought.

10. Raph

    With the Magic playing really well, do you see them holding onto Dwight past the trade deadline if they remain near the top in the East? Do you think they hold onto him until draft night?

    • Steve Kyler

      I think they evaluate the market at the deadline and if the offers are they same they keep him… I have been told that it might be more favorable to Orlando to let him walk than to take back players and assets they do not want… there is the chance of a sign and trade too… so I don;t think there is anything written that says “we have to do this at this time”… its about where the Magic are as a team, and whats Dwight’s temperature is at that time.

11. Gil

    At this rate, how long till the Knicks start looking for Phil Jackson’s phone number?

    • Steve Kyler

      They should have it handy, but keep in mind good coaches rarely agree to take jobs mid-season… hard to assemble a staff, hard to install players and a system that works on the fly.

12. JT

    With the blazers playing some great games and some terrible games, what do you think they need to stay consistant? Any moves that could make them better this season?

    • Steve Kyler

      Time… teams are really struggling with limited practice time, especially teams with young players and teams with new faces.

      Portland is really good… once they get Camby back, they will be stronger, but this will be an eb and flow season for sure.

13. willie

    hi does denver own jr smith bird rights or his he free to sign with any team when he leaves china

    • Steve Kyler

      They own his Bird Rights, but he is an unrestricted free agent… Denver can sign him regardless of the cap, where other teams would have to fit him in or do a sign and trade to land him.

      Keep in mind JR Smith;s value is low, don;t expect a mad rush to sign him, he may come in for a lower dollar deal looking for something better next summer.

14. D

    Will DeAndre Liggins ever get playing time this season?I liked how he played against D-wade in the preseason.I know it was the preseason but could SVG use him against the Kobe’s of the league?

    • Steve Kyler

      Doubtful… he’s not in the rotation, even with injury… He is very raw and Stan is trying to win a championship… not a lot of On The Job Training in Orlando, the system is too complex and the margin for error is too low.

15. Will

    If the Lakers offered Bynum and Gasol for D12/filler would the Magic take the deal today?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure… this is an ownership issue… its not a basketball issue.

      I can tell you the Lakers won’t do that deal, so its kind of moot to speculate.

16. Alex

    Hi Steve! Love your chats! What do you think of this trade: Jameer for Devin Harris? Two guys seems to struggling right now, work under the cap, same years left…

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure its much of an upgrade… there is clearly something wrong with Jameer… not sure if he is hurt or if the trade stuff has gotten to him.

      Its not easy when your star player says he wants you replaced, not sure if thats rattled Meer or if on the way to dropping whats easily 25 pounds he injured himself… he is not right.

      Gregg Popovich said something last night thats stuck with me… Guys are not in rhythm yet… and I have heard this from players and skill coaches about staying in the routine… I think Jameer simply could just be out of rhythm with his team and the season… a lot of guys are struggling so its not just Jameer, but it is a problem.

17. Ricky

    What if anything can be done to change D12′s mind? Do they need to convince his camp to get to him? or is this a done deal? What does Mr. Kyler’s gut say?

    • Steve Kyler

      Just win.

      As I have said… those in Dwight’s life have convinced him that he can not win a championship in Orlando… that the way the team is run, the way they make decisions, they way the handle players, the way they market is the problem and going to a better run team is the answer…. Dwight has reach his highest level, he gets no bigger as a player or a brand until he goes to a bigger market or wins a championship.

      I do not agree, but thats where the process is at.

      The Magic can’t do anything about the market size… they have changed a lot in how they handle Dwight and the team, so now its just win… not sure that keeps Dwight, but if he gets to the NBA Finals… hard to say he can’t win in Orlando.

      This is not about get this player or that player… its not about firing Otis… its about the idea of is it possible to win a championship in Orlando — if that answer is no, then Dwight is gone.

18. daniel

    is their any chance the bulls are waiting to see how good boozer does and if he doesn’t show what he’s post to do for that contract. they use the Amnesty on him and try to sign kevin love if he doesn’t sign the extention.

    • Steve Kyler

      Kevin Love won’t hit the market, so the premise of can the Bulls wait and get him… no… they owe too much to Luol Deng, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah… even if they amnesty Boozer too much owed to get at Love.

      Equally, you are discounting how important Carlos has been to the temperament of that locker room and the focus… Booze is a big reason why Chicago wins.. regardless of the box score.

19. mojart

    paul george and a future 1st rd pick for eric gordon?indy get their SG and NOLA get a player wid ton of upside and a pick

    • Steve Kyler

      Don’t see it…

      Gordon is a possible starter.. George is a good young guy, but he’ll never be a franchise player where Gordon could be.

      If Gordon pulled the Chris Paul card saying I’ll never sign here, then maybe… but EG hasn’t done that and with his injuries not sure he can afford to do that.

20. big NOLA fan

    let’s say d hornets get anthony davis and andre drummond nxt draft…can we pry dwill hir in NOLA?hornets have a ton of cap nxt season

    • Steve Kyler

      No…

      Ownership still has to be resolved, not sure the timing of NOLA’s rise will line up with DWill desire to be in the NBA Finals… NOLA’s window is in the next 4 seasons… to far out for Deron Williams.

21. jullia from manila, philippines

    3 questions

    1. do kevin love deserve a max extension?
    2. should brandon knight start the game for the pistons?
    3. sullinger, davis or barnes if you have the 1st pick and why?thanks

    • Steve Kyler

      1. do kevin love deserve a max extension? —> No, not in the new NBA economy. Love is good, but he’s not Dwight, LeBron or Kobe good… those are MAX guys.

      2. should brandon knight start the game for the pistons? —> Yes… he’s a beast.

      3. sullinger, davis or barnes if you have the 1st pick and why? —> Big Sullinger fan… he has great footwork and is a monster at the rim… Love Davis too, but I think Sullinger would be my guy. Barnes is not in the discussion.

22. Doug

    Hi Steve, if you are Larry Bird, what kind of roster tweaks would you like to make to the roster. I like the team, just not sure if we need age or an addition to make the next step to real contender.

    • Steve Kyler

      A lot of young guys on that team, so you have to let them grow together.

      I still think they need an impact scorer… but not sure I am giving up any real assets to get one… might be better to let this team get to the playoffs, see how they grow and add more this summer.

23. Berry Baring

    If Howard indeed is not traded to the Nets. What about a trade of Deron Williams to the Hawks for Horford and Teague. Win win for both teams right?
    The Hawks would instantly become a really dangerous by my reasoning.

    • Steve Kyler

      No chance the Nets trade Deron Williams.

      He will have to say ‘I want out’… he has not done that and he has actively been recruiting for the team… until he mentally checks out, the nets hang on to him.

      Horford in a monster contract that just lost the season to surgery… no deal

24. Raptorman

    Raptors trade Demar Derozan to the Grizz for OJ Mayo: who says no? How about Barbosa to the Wolves for Michael Beasley?

    • Steve Kyler

      I question your valuation of Players…

      No chance I trade DeMar for OJ Mayo… the devil you know, is better than the one you don’t.

      Barbosa for Beasley removes some roster congestion, but Beasley is a far better player. I’d want more for him.

25. Chris Mendoza

    The Celts looked pretty good last night; however, the win came against the Raptors. If you are D. Ainge, what do you do? Can you send KG or Allen and hope that they return in the off season to sign minimums with the Celts? What can we get for either KG or Allen?

    Sincerely–Celts’ fan seeing the walls crumbling around me

    • Steve Kyler

      You can not panic 12 games into the season, especially when Paul Pierce was out and is still working himself into game shape.

      Keep in mind the team was counting on Jeff Green and lost him… I think you have to look for changes in the trade market, but I would not panic… the Celtics are still a playoff team.

26. Cricket

    Los Angeles Lakers fans like to claim their franchise has a history of making lopsided trades. The most commonly used example is Pau Gasol. However, despite the fact that LA went on to win a few chips – the trade itself actually worked out for both teams. The Lakers ended giving up a young, 7 foot conventional back to the basket center (who would have looked GREAT in a Lakers uniform for the next 6-8 years). Are Lakers fans justified in their claim or are they overvaluing the results of a solitary trade?

    • Steve Kyler

      Its been my experience that Lakers fans view things in their own way… their roster parts are better than most teams starters and that everyone wants to be a Laker.

      I love the passion from Laker fans and if every team had fans like the Lakers fans, the NBA would be a lot closer to the NFL in its popularity.

      That said most deals that get done benefit both sides… if you look at things in the small scale you get one set of results… but when you widen the view… things change.

      Mitch Kupchack is not a bandit — he gives as much as he takes.

27. Cricket

    A few years ago, the Portland Trail Blazers were dubbed as the new “up and coming team.” After the injuries to Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, that designation was passed on to the OKC Thunder. In your opinion, which new team is loaded for championship potential in the next 3-5 years.

    • Steve Kyler

      Both are in good shape… but the Thunder have the stars.

28. Sweet Dee

    If you were the GM of the Lakers and were offered Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkalou for Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol (additional parts on either side may be added to match salaries). With Howard agreeing to sign an extension, do you accept?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… The Lakers have a good thing going, not sure I give up two All-Stars for one… and that Hedo contract is terrible especially for a Laker team that owes Kobe as much as they do…

      Dwight & Hedo combine for 34.8 points, 18.9 rebounds per game…

      Bynum & Gasol combine for 32.4 points, 23.4 rebounds per game…

      The Lakers have the better tandem now…

29. Javier

    What would be the consequences of waiting until draft night to trade Dwight instead of trading him at the deadline?

    • Steve Kyler

      He’d have to Opt-In to his contract to be eligible to be traded on draft night…. once he does that the Magic have no threat to trade him, they’d have him for another year.

30. ziad

    hey steve .

    what about miami signing ARENAS while dwade is hurt .

    • Steve Kyler

      The same reason Gilbert got cut… is the reason he is still not on a roster…

      He is not very good any more.

      Hearing his knee still is not right, and thats going to keep teams away. He’s being paid nicely, so there is no urgency from him.

31. Mac

    20 games in last year, people (especially in New York) were clamoring for Amare Stoudemire for MVP. Fast forward one year, and he is struggling to keep his team at 500 with the Meloman. You can always hear New York fans, but what caught their tongue?

    • Steve Kyler

      The Knicks have been and remain a coach away… I like Coach D’Antoni as a person, but he’s as much the problem as the players.

      The Knicks have no real depth, so they need their horses to be horses every night and with no training camp, limited practice time and early injuries the Knicks are average.

      Keep in mind Amar’e missed most of the summer rehabbing his back… I am not sure he’s a 100% – he doesn’t look it on the court.

      Guys I am out of time… thanks for all the questions. Until next week make sure to follow me on Twitter (@stevekylerNBA)