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 will DeMarcus Cousins‘ value be? Will he be signing a long-term deal or a huge prove-it deal? — Jeremiah Whitten, via Twitter
Cousins was a lock for a five-year max offer worth about $175MM before tearing his left Achilles. Now it would be a huge risk for the Pelicans to devote that much money to a player who may never be the same physically. The front office is fortunate that it has another four and a half months until Cousins becomes a free agent, so there is time to gauge his level of healing before making a final decision. GM Dell Demps has been on the hot seat for a couple of years, so the choice may fall to someone else if New Orleans misses the playoffs. The Pelicans may end up offering a smaller deal loaded with incentives similar to what Joel Embiid got in Philadelphia. The question is whether another team like the Lakers or Mavericks, who were known to have interest in Cousins before the injury, is willing to make a better offer.
Do you think the Bucks add Andrew Bogut or no? — Dave Koehler, via Twitter
Bogut’s agent said he has talked to four playoff teams and expects a signing to take place this week. Milwaukee certainly figures to be in the running considering its need for interior help and Bogut’s history with the franchise. Gery Woefel of The Racine Journal Times tweeted in January that there was mutual interest, but that nothing was likely to happen until after the trade deadline. The Bucks should be considered the favorites, but the Warriors, Heat and some other teams also need veteran help in the middle, so it’s a matter of who can offer the best situation. Although Bogut didn’t put up impressive numbers in his 24 games with the Lakers, he is still well regarded as a defender and rebounder and he showed enough to convince teams that he has recovered from last season’s broken leg.
Who are the most likely buyout candidates to sign with the Thunder? — Spinozi, via Twitter
The obvious need in Oklahoma City is a strong wing defender to take the place of Andre Roberson. Right now, the best one on the market is Tony Allen, who was waived Friday by the Bulls after being acquired in a trade with the Pelicans. Allen earned a reputation as a defensive stopper during his days with the Celtics and Grizzlies, but he is 36 and had a limited role with New Orleans. OKC has an open roster spot, but will probably wait a few days to see how the buyout market plays out before signing anybody. Another interesting name to watch could be Corey Brewer, who has a limited role with the Lakers and may be pushed aside as the team focuses on its younger players.
I would love to see Brewer bought out. He is straight up trash yet Walton keeps giving him minutes.
Heat don’t need help in the middle Bam and Kelly are just fine behind Whiteside
Would have liked to see Bellineli and/or Joe Johnson end up with OKC. Maybe someone like Ilyasova gets bought out. That could be somewhat interesting. They could use at least 1 3 and D guy in the wing, and probably even another shooter