In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
“With the Washington Wizards’ expectations this year and their lack of success do you see them making a trade? Would they ever trade Bradley Beal seeing as how he did not sign an extension and he would be able to fetch a lot on the trade market? Would the Nuggets be a possibility? Denver has young assets and draft picks.” — Domanic
HR: It’s been a disappointing start to the season for the Wizards, but they are near .500 and still very much in striking distance of a playoff spot. With their talent, it is conceivable for them to hold on to their assets and still make a run. As for Beal, he has had an interesting record when it comes to health. J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com recently referred to it as “long and complex.” The Wizards made it clear in the past that they envisioned inking him to a new deal even though they could not come to an agreement on an extension. Despite that now seemingly up in the air because Beal will be out a few games with an injury, I don’t see him getting traded. His injury, however, is something I really think will decrease his value this summer because, as we know, this is not the first occurrence of Beal missing action.
Can you see the Knicks signing Joakim Noah through free agency in the offseason? What are some other realistic possible signings for New York this summer? — Rodney
HR: The short answer: No, I really can’t. I mean, Noah may be had a discount because of the down season he is experiencing coming off the bench for the Bulls, but there is not much to suggest he would be in for a bounce-back campaign. I do not think adding an aging star would help the Knicks. New York will obviously target Kevin Durant this summer, but it would behoove the Knicks to make a run at Brandon Jennings, a point guard coming off injury troubles who might outplay is next contract. Ryan Anderson and Al Horford are two other well-known names that come to mind.
What are the chances the Lakers have now in gaining a star powered free agent, now that Kobe Bryant announced his retirement? — Leroy
HR: Contrary to the popular belief, I don’t think Kobe Bryant mattered much in whether or not the Lakers’ chances were strong next summer for landing a star free agent. They are likely a couple of seasons away from being relevant to the playoff picture, which is not very attractive for many free agents. The lure of L.A. is not what it once was. The Lakers will have the money to offer, but I just don’t see how the team can attract the stars of the upcoming free agent class.
It would be incredibly dumb for Washington to trade Bradley Beal. They need to get healthy, and play the correct rotations. They finally fixed the starting lineup, though Dudley should be playing the 3 with Porter at 4, and not the other way around.