NBA Rumors Chat With Steve Kyler 1/26/12

HOOPSWORLD Publisher Steve Kyler will hold his weekly chat at 10:30am EST on Thursdays. Drop in your questions regarding NBA trades, the NBA Draft, roster moves or questions about your team.

  1. rodney

    the magic are currently 11,186,087 dollars above the cap.

    if dwight were to opt out that would free up 18,091 770 in cap space putting us at 6,905,683 dollars bellow the cap

    if the magic were to trade Nelson for Andre Millers expiring contract and allow Millers contract to come off the books that would free up an additional 7,807,728

    putting the magic bellow cap 14,713,411. if they were to use the stretch provision on j rich that would free up enough cap space for them to sign a major market free agent and re-up on howard since they have his bird rights similar to how Miami was able to sign both Bosh and James and then use there bird rights on Wade.

    my question is how realistic would this methodical plan be for Otis to do? and if the Magic had the financial cap space to sign a market free agent would Howard then decide to resign with the Magic?

    • Steve Kyler

      Welcome in everyone. Hope the week has been good to you. Lots to get to, so I won’t waste any more time.

      How realistic?… not very and here is why…

      1st – Dwight doesn’t come off the cap… he’ll have a cap hold that insures the Magic account for any future deal. The CBA has protections to make sure teams can;t get silly and keep their own players… the only way the Magic get Dwight’s money off the books completely is to renounce his rights IF he opts out. They could then sign him to a new deal under the cap, but he’d lose tons of money that way.

      2nd – You guys have to stop assuming you can just chose guys from someone else’s roster… Denver liked Andre Miller, they too are mindful of their cap situation as they have deals with Nene, Afflalo and now Gallanri to account for and there is still Wilson Chandler too… don’t assume the Nuggets want to give away Andre Miller.

      Lastly – You guys have to stop thinking that using the stretch provision on Jason Richardson or Glen Davis is event remotely possible… If stretched this summer JRich goes from $8.25 mil for three years to $3.53 for seven years which clears $4.72 mil. If stretched this summer Glen Davis goes from $6.5 mil for three years to $2.78 for seven years — which clears $3.71 mil.

      Is $8.43 million in space now, worth a cap hit of $6.31 mil for the next seven years? — It would be a very bad business move.

      Is your scenario possible under the rules?… yes… is your scenario plausible? – absolutely not.

  2. Steven

    Whats your thoughts on this scenario
    Trade gasol, artest, and blake for kg and oneal.. Boston could amnesty artest and toughen up gasol.. Use blake cause rondo get hurt alot.
    Trade bynum and walton for horford and hinrich.. Atl get center they need and walton contract up after next year..
    Trade jmr and fisher plus 2012 first rounder for mayo..
    Lakers use amnesty on kobe to sign dwill and d12..dwill and d12 the only true superstars who want new teams and no others r gonna be available in years with talent like them.. kobe can come back following year.. Say in next three years lakers get put out in first round kobe gonna wanna leave anyway.. So lakers get there future now or get beat by clippers for next ten years.. Dwill, mayo, barnes, horford, and howard would be hard to top plus kobe coming back following year.. It sounds crazy but something like this is only way to keep lakers competitive and keep there fans from not going to the clippers..

    • Steve Kyler

      Since you put so much time into this I’ll comment.

      This deal is WAY too complex, it requires too many deals that would cripple the teams involved.

      This kind of radical retooling happens in the off-season, not during the season.

  3. The Philippine Eagle

    Hi Steve, CP3 just bought a mansion in LA. Did he really bought the mansion with an intent to stay long-term with the Clippers or did he bought it hoping that the Lakers will do something to get him next season?

    • Steve Kyler

      Reading too much into it.

      Chris is going to be in LA for at least the next two years… you have to live somewhere and LA property still holds its value.

      This has nothing to do with the Lakers and everything to do with Chris making sure his kids have a stable home environment for the next two years.

  4. The Philippine Eagle

    Steve, are the Lakers allowed to trade a general manager named Mitch and a coach named Mike for a player named Dwight for basketball reasons?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… but you are also assuming the Magic would be interested in either.

      I think Mitch would be an upgrade, but I’ll take Stan over Mike Brown any day… and I love Mike Brown as a head coach.

  5. Mac

    Can we officially declare the Los Angeles Clippers blew their chance at being a powerhouse team for years to come. If they had just played patient and didn’t trade Baron Davis + future first at last years deadline, things would be drastically different now. The pick turned into #1 overall = Kyrie Irving. They could have then built around the core of Irving, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, + Minnesota’s future first. Its not that they have a bad team now, but could have been epic for years. Agree or Disagree with the direction the Clippers took.

    • Steve Kyler

      I wouldn’t say “officially” blew anything… CP3 has been hurt.

      When healthy the Clippers are a prime time draw, they would not have been otherwise… remember this is a business… CP3 to Blake Griffin sells tickets, sponsorships and draws a TV audience.

  6. Mac

    If you were starting a team from scratch, which up and comer do you choose and why: Evan Turner or Paul George

    • Steve Kyler

      Not sure I am starting a team with either… both have real NBA limitations.

      I love Paul’s athleticism… Evan is a better all around player… neither are stars you build around, but they are the kind of players you put next to a star.

  7. Sweet Dee

    The Houston Rockets are clearly a team stuck in limbo. They have enough veteran to compete (but aren’t elite / no chance for 1rst round playoff win) but do not finish poorly enough to gain a high draft pick. Scola, Martin, Lowry are all good players, but Morey just doesn’t seem like he can get anything going. If you were the GM of Houston, are you swinging for the fences to try and acquire a top 15 player or are you gutting your team for prospects and draft picks to start the rebuild process. Justify your decision.

    • Steve Kyler

      Houston has been trying to swing for the fences in trade for some time… remember they offered the world for Nene at the trade deadline last year… they offered two of their best players this year for Pau Gasol… they are trying, they just are not getting deals done.

      Having talked to agents about Houston, they have done business badly — and you need help to make deals. Guys have to want to go there and more guys want out than want in.

      Houston is not a terrible franchise, but they are not elite and their talent is not elite either. It takes players to make deals, and Houston’s players are not overly special.

      They are stuck, but its not from a lack of trying.

  8. j. Bizz

    What is going on with D. Granger and J. Rich these 2 guys used to be prolific scorers and now there fg% is just horrible are they both declining, effects of the lockout, both. J Rich has looked horrible in a magic uniform.

    • Steve Kyler

      Jason Richardson is easier to explain… The Magic run a 1 in- 4 out system, and unless J-Rich is in attack the rim mode, he is not very effective in a stand around offense.

      Granger, seems out of sync… the Pacers say they are committed to Danny long term, but I wonder if a change for both isn’t in their best interests.

  9. jose

    I know this might sound crazy, given they just got him, but what about sending Chris Paul to the Knicks for Carmelo? This way the Knicks get the point guard, and franchise player, they need to pair with Amare and Chandler in a more balanced team. On the other hand, since the Clips already have above average PG’s in Billups, Mo Williams, Foye, you get a premier scorer in Melo to go along with Blake and Jordan. Melo will be happy in LA with a great team and CP will undoubtly sign to big city team where he will be top dog.

  10. simon

    any news on who the magic are pursuing now??? are they close to any deals that don’t involve howard??

    • Steve Kyler

      Otis and his team don’t do that… They are very good at keeping chatter inside, which is why I giggle at other outlets that are not around the Magic talking about what the Magic are doing.

      Other teams talk about who they have talked to, but you can’t get the Magic to talk like that… they just don’t.

      The Dwight Howard thing is a real problem, because you just don’t know what this team looks like next year and that limits what Orlando takes back, unless its that major second star.

      The Magic are active, but if there is a target list, I haven’t heard any names I am buying into.

  11. Will

    How good can Marshon Brooks be?He looks like the 2nd best rookie so far this season.

    • Steve Kyler

      He is a very good player on a very bad team.

      I wouldn’t say 2nd best rookie, but I’d put him in the top 10… maybe the top 5.

      How good… hard to say – he’s averaging 15.4 points 1.6 assists 4.6 rebounds a game now… so could he be a 20pt, 5 ast guy? maybe… He’s shooting 46.7% and 36.5% from three, those are solid numbers… if he gets more than 12 shots a game his numbers could go up, but he also plays with Deron Williams who is setting him up and drawing a lot of attention which creates open space to work.

  12. Will

    You said the Magic will keep Dwight all season,will they make any moves for a pg upgrade?

    • Steve Kyler

      Takes two to tango.

      I think the Howard situation plays out like this… the Magic will test the trade water again at the deadline — if the offers don’t improve dramatically, you ride this out.

  13. AJ

    Is there any reason why Philly wouldn’t be a dark-horse in the Dwightstakes? They could amnesty Brand which would give them plenty of cap-space or offer a package including Evan Turner and some other young pieces and draft picks.

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… the reason is Dwight doesn’t have Philly on his list of teams…

  14. Rod

    Do Lakers fans suggesting lob sided trades that result in them landing both Deron and Dwight and end with them saying, ‘who says no’ annoy you

    • Steve Kyler

      I love their passion… so no.

      I do think Lakers fans view their garbage as more valuable than others teams garbage…. but that makes it fun.

  15. Ap

    what are the yearly wage % increases in the new CBA for signing a RFA like a OJ Mayo for 4 years.

    • Steve Kyler

      7.5 percent raises for Bird free agents; 4.5 percent raises for other players (including all sign-and-trade transactions)

  16. Bly

    Do you see the Lakers making a move with Gasol? What do you think of Pau and Steve Blake for Monta Ellis and David Lee?

    • Steve Kyler

      Unlikely… I doubt that Golden State would do that deal… now swap out Lee for Andris Biedrins… or Ellis for Biedrins maybe.

      Warriors won’t trade arguably their two best players for the Lakers’ second best and a guy thats hurt.

  17. Ap

    is there a link online where one can read the whole of the new CBA?

  18. Mick

    Jameer Nelson… ‎So far this year he’s been “slow, lethargic” That’s not the Jameer from the last 3 seasons… He was one of the quickest guards in the league not names Westbrook. His penetration made the offense work. Is wrong with the guy physically or mentally this year. Any chance he’ll be packaged with Ryan Anderson Robin Lopez and Steve Nash. Phoenix in turn send Nelson to the Knicks (who apparently want Nelson) next summer? If Orlando gets Nash his contract is up next summer, Dwight could leave next Summer. So you rebuild from scratch with Cap Space after a championship run with Nash and Dwight. As good as Anderson is, his skills are duplicated by other players on the roster. Nash on the other hand will make guys like J Rich, Hedo, JJ and especially Dwight way better offensively. If the Magic are rebuilding next summer Ryan Anderson is not the guy they are going to rebuild around, so you move him while he’s hot. If it works out well Dwight and Nash may even choose to stay another year.

    • Steve Kyler

      Whats wrong with Jameer is not clear… some have said he is out of shape physically because of the lockout… He has dropped easily 20 pounds… I wonder if he hurt himself dropping the weight.

      He is not right… he won;t really talk about it – I have asked a few times.

      As for would they trade for Nash… unlikely, Phoenix won’t trade Nash until Nash says he wants out and thats not happened yet.

  19. Chosen One

    I know its early, but which teams do you see finishing at the top of their division? Like, do you think the Clippers can stay ahead of the Lakers? And how about Denver over taking the Thunder?

    • Steve Kyler

      From what I see…. OKC wins the Northwest, San Antonio wins the Southwest, Lakers win the Pacific… Clips come in 4th… Utah, Memphis, Portland and Denver round out the West.

  20. Vince

    Good day Steve, huge Kings fan and I’m getting anxious for a move to be made. Its obvious what we need, Hinrich/Ridnour/Mo Williams/Sessions, 1 of these guys have to be obtainable for SOMETHING we have in exchange. Which 1 would you pick for us? Also, do you think its at all possible to acquire a good but overpaid vet, like a Stoudamire/J Johnson/R Lewis/Boozer, or would that be a bad move? I mention Stoudamire because contract insurance issues, Boozer because of health, production, team cap. THANKS

    • Steve Kyler

      The Kings are not talking trade mainly because they are not ready… I think they can do more in the off-season, I doubt seriously they get a real veteran players… Rashard is interesting, but thats too much money for the Kings to take on this year and next.

      This is who they are going to be for a while.

  21. Christian P

    Any chance warriors try trading monta this season? I know they’re in love with him but I could live with trading him for maybe a decent big guy.

    • Steve Kyler

      Unlikely… as you said, there is a real love affair and unless the deal returns a better more proven star I doubt seriously they entertain it.

      Monta is a borderline All-Star and unless a deal yields a better one, I doubt they even try.

  22. Dominic

    Do you see DWill and D12 playing together somewhere next year?

  23. Lon Babby

    What do you think I can get on the open market for Robin Lopez? Houston has someone we covet in Courtney Lee, do you think I can get a deal done with the Rockets?

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… but I am not sure you are ready for that kind of move with Robin yet.

      I know Courtney can be had especially after failing to reach an extension yesterday.

  24. kwsutton

    What roster moves do you see in Portland? Will Felton be in a Blazer uniform next year? Pryzz coming back this year? Thanks Steve!

    • Steve Kyler

      I do think Ray-Ray is back… its a money thing, as long as the Blazers pony up he loves the situation.

      Not sure there are many moves to be made… as for Pryzz, there has been talk that he wants to play again and has been talking to teams. He loved Portland too, so probable.

      I am interested in Greg Oden’s return, he is supposedly ahead of schedule.

  25. Keith

    Why is it that anytime the Bucks start playing well Bogut gets hurt? Can they sustain an absence from the big man if they bring Joel P off the shelf and back to Milwaukee to provide that defensive anchor they deprately need?

    • Steve Kyler

      Joel P isn’t going to give you what Bogut does, but here is the truth… Andrew is never gonna be an 82 game player, so you have to plan for that with roster depth… not sure the Bucks are there.

  26. BallMan

    Who is the best 1,2 combo in the NBA?

    • Steve Kyler

      Awfully fond of Westbrook-Durant…. LeBron-Bosh is looking good…

      If you are asking specifically point guard and shooting guard… for my money Tony Parker-Manu Ginobilli

  27. BallMan

    What team has the strongest bench?

    • Steve Kyler

      OKC is solid… Memphis is solid… Miami is looking good… so are the Clippers.

  28. TL

    Would Harris be upgrade over Nelson ? Nelson, jrich for Harris,millsap?

    • Steve Kyler

      No he doesn;t know the system and its tough for guards to survive under Stan Van Gundy… he requires too much.

  29. Jeremy

    Hey! In your opinion, is Andrea Bargnani an all-star this year? If not, is it because of the injury? Thanks!

    • Steve Kyler

      No All-Star from 30% win teams… he has been very good this year, but All-Stars come from winning teams… its rare that good guys from bad teams make unless the fans vote them in or the Commish adds someone from injury… the coaches put in winners.

  30. TL

    Do you see any of these player in magic uniform: mayo,Ellis,Nash?

    • Steve Kyler

      No… not the answer you were looking for, but those players are not obtainable… Mayo is a possibility, but there has been no interest shown by the Magic.

  31. Dave Zurek

    Can Carmelo, STAT and Chandler eventually make it work with a competent PG and coach or is this combo of players not compatible?

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… but a lot of ifs in your reason why… and if you honestly believe Baron Davis is the answer to the championship riddle… the problems is much bigger than you think.

  32. James

    Do you thinks the Lakers are going to pull of any trades this season? Also, who do you think they could realistically get for the Odom TPE? (Realistically meaning that both sides would agree on it)

    • Steve Kyler

      I don;t see a field of obtainable players yet… no one is really looking to deal, its still early for a lot of teams…. will the Lakers trigger a deal… they seem interested, but its going to be for an established veteran, not young guys and not major marquee guys either… they want to add without subtracting.

  33. James

    Your a lil feisty today with your answers sheesh.

    • Steve Kyler

      I am feeling a little feisty… I have the Celtics tonight, they bring that out in me.

  34. matt

    DeRozan has been disappointing

    • Steve Kyler

      Yes… not sure whats going on, he worked his ass off this summer.

  35. matt

    Barbosa has been solid but I want him to be dealt if the raps can get a 2012 first round pick for him

    • Steve Kyler

      The Raptors want a starting small forward in the worst way… if LB is traded, its likely for that kind of player… not a pick.

  36. James

    When will PHI move on from guys like Lou, Iggy, and Brand? Seems to me that Evan Turner, Young and Iggy are the same guy. Jodie Meeks and Lou seem like a copy of one another. Lavel and Brand redundancy……. thoughts?

    • Steve Kyler

      Not while they are winning games… but I think new ownership is looking at a lot of things… costs and redundancy do not matter.. its about winning games for them right now as they try and win back fans.

      Cutting costs or dropping named players sends the wrong message… would they do a two-for-one to upgrade, likely… but I don’t see them being active in dismantling the best team in the Atlantic division.

      Guys, I am out of time… thanks for all the questions. Remember to follow me on Twitter(@stevekylerNBA) We will be picking the winner of the iPad2 I am giving away during my radio show on Sunday, so there is time for you to toss in your follow before we draw.