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.
Other than maybe Anthony Davis, do you see any big trades going down in the next couple of days? — Jimmy Robinson, via Twitter
There may not be any All-Stars on the move this week, but the trade deadline is shaping up to be more active than it originally appeared. Because so many teams remain in playoff contention, there will be far more buyers than sellers, but the sellers should have their pick of attractive offers. The Cavaliers, Bulls, Hawks, Suns and Grizzlies all have players they would like to move, and most of those teams are willing to take on long-term salary to make it happen. The big names most likely to be traded before the deadline are Memphis’ Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, but as the Kristaps Porzingis trade reminded us this week, huge deals sometimes happen without warning.
How available is Julius Randle, how much does he fit with Philly and what would he cost? Would a combo of Nikola Mirotic and Randle work out if Markelle Fultz is involved (I don’t want Fultz to go)? — Sean Hamilton
There was a report last week that the Pelicans were looking for takers for Randle, Mirotic and E’Twaun Moore, so availability shouldn’t be an issue. Mirotic has a $12.5MM expiring contract, while Randle makes $8.64MM, so the Sixers can’t realistically match salaries to get both of them without giving up players they prefer to keep. Either one would be a welcome addition in Philadelphia, particularly Mirotic, who would provide a badly needed outside shooter. However, it’s hard to see how a deal gets done unless Fultz is included, and at least from public statements, the Sixers don’t appear ready to give him up.
The Bucks were 16-8 (9-8 after starting season 7-0) when they traded Matthew Dellavedova and John Henson for George Hill and some other guy (Jason Smith). They are 22-5 since. Underrated, rated or overrated trade of the year? — Roger Skifstad
It was certainly an under-the-radar deal that has benefited the Bucks. Hill’s numbers aren’t flashy since arriving in Milwaukee (6.0/2.6/2.2 in about 21 minutes per game), but he has provided a stabilizing veteran presence off the bench. It didn’t get a lot of headlines when it happened, but small trades like this can sometimes have a huge impact at playoff time.
Yahoo warns to be skeptical of rumors out today of Pelicans counter offer. Says it comes from 2 local L.A. Times sportswriters (Turner is beat writer for Clippers) who would have no idea of this kind of information. Yahoo says Pelicans would want 3 of Kuzma, Ingram, Ball, and Hart, not 2. Says if Pelicans want Solomon Hill included, Lakers would want KCP included, not Stephenson or Beasley. Says they wouldn’t want Lakers 1st picks, they’ll be too low. Says don’t expect Pelicans to get in hurry to make trade. Turner broke the 5 trades offer earlier this week and was wrong.
Wait are you reporting the true info or the false info
Yahoo is reporting.
Yes, but true of false?
You’re writing doesn’t
make it clear…..
Read the last sentence. It says the L.A. Times writer was wrong earlier this week. That’s pretty clear.
FWIW, matching salaries for Mirotic and Randle wouldn’t be too much trouble for PHI, it’d would just be a matter of palatable asset cost. Fultz’s salary could bring back Mirotic, and Muscala’s could bring back Randle. And Philadelphia has room for that added salary under the tax.