We have an 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.
What’s the latest on the potential of a Jahlil Okafor trade/release? — Dennis McDaniels, via Twitter
Okafor is in a difficult position. With the improved health of Joel Embiid and the offseason signing of Amir Johnson, the Sixers no longer need him, and as shown by their decision not to pick up his option for next season, they no longer want him. However, his trade value is very low, so that isn’t an option, and neither is a buyout because of the likelihood that he will sign with the Celtics. Boston was granted an $8.4MM disabled player exception in the wake of the Gordon Hayward injury and could easily fit Okafor on its roster. Plus, Okafor’s salary is a little less than $5MM, so the Sixers wouldn’t save enough to make a difference. Okafor isn’t an asset right now in Philadelphia, but he could be in Boston and the Sixers don’t want to take that chance. It’s a situation that probably won’t be resolved quickly and may linger through the end of the season.
If Derrick Rose retires mid-season, what should the Cavaliers do to replace him? — Dan Vachalek, via Twitter
Don’t look for any move right away. Once Isaiah Thomas returns from his hip injury, which is expected at some point next month, he will take over as the starting point guard. Dwyane Wade runs the second-unit offense, so there’s not a vital need to replace Rose. If the Cavaliers do add someone to the roster, he probably won’t last until January 10, which is the date when all salaries become fully guaranteed for the rest of the season. The Cavs already have luxury tax problems and can’t afford to add salary for a roster filler. Most likely, they will keep a spot open until after the February 8 trade deadline, so they can take advantage of buyout season.
With Larry Nance Jr. ready to return from his broken hand, should we expect a Julius Randle trade soon? — Lakers Lover, via Twitter
There have been rumors for months that Randle is on the way out, and those intensified when his contract wasn’t extended before the October 16 deadline. Randle is a very skilled, if somewhat undersized, big man, but his contract gets in the way for a team hoping to offer two max deals next summer. Randle is heading into restricted free agency and carries a $12.4MM cap hit, and the Lakers need all the cap room they can get to chase LeBron James, Paul George and other stars. Randle has been playing well of late, but Kyle Kuzma‘s emergence makes him more expendable than ever. L.A. would jump on a chance to trade him for expiring contracts.
Ok here’s a crazy trade for Cleveland if D Rose retires. Take Shumpert, the Brooklyn Pick, and more and ship it to Charlotte for Kemba
I don’t see Charlotte going for that, unless the more is Osman, Frye for salary matching, and another first.
As much as I love Kemba, Charlotte needs to do something to build around. Mixing and matching big men like Dwight, Plumlee, Al Jefferson is not working.
Doubt it. IT’s recovery looks promising so far. Mgmt. wants another Crowder type, fans a center, and the 2018draftdreamingdisease is in NEOhio too!