Chad Ford

  (1:00 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. Trade deadline is just a couple of weeks away. So ... lots to discuss. We'll also do some draft talk at the end. Let's roll

Jason (Culver City CA) [via mobile]

What are the chances of Amare Stoudemire getting traded before the deadline?

Chad Ford

  (1:02 PM)

Last week I said 10 percent. But I think that was low. The more people I talk to in the league, the more I think it's something in the neighborhood of 30 to 40 percent. Steve Kerr and Robert Sarver are taking a hard look at the team right now. If they decide to blow it up, Stoudemire will be the first to go.

Cory (Sedona, AZ)

Adande mentioned off hand of the Pacers going after Amare... Tell me it's true! We want him gone here, are there peaces in Indiana that us Suns fans would like?

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

They and every other team in the league. Amare may be a pain in the butt, but he's a talented pain in the butt. Pacers are one of the few teams that have lots of assets right now. They have expiring contracts, they have a lottery pick, they have young players and they have a few nice role players with decent contracts. They'd be in the running for sure. But so will a lot of teams.

Raptor Fan's (Toronto)

Would somebody please hand Chris Bosh a freakin' tissue? Sunday was the 2nd time this year he has whined about Raptor fan's booing him and/or the Raptors during a game. Please ... If it wasn't for us fans he or no player would be making their millions. We have every right to boo or cheer who we want during a game. If our Star Player is playing like a highschooler, we can and will boo him. Bosh obviously hasn't been to any NHL games in Toronto, where the team is booed almost as much as they are cheered ... and the Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Bosh, if you don't like the booing, suck it up and play better to earn the cheers. Remember Tracy Mcgrady and Vince Quitter? They still get booed at the ACC. Get your act together Bosh or you'll be next. Thanks Chad, I needed a place to vent.

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

Now do you understand why the Bosh rumors are flying? I can't speak to the veracity of Stephen A. Smith's report. However, the word around the league is that Bosh wants to leave. Bryan Colangelo says that Bosh hasn't told him that. Bosh has said he hasn't told Colangelo that. But what about Bosh's agent? Or someone else close to Bosh? Even if it's never been said, isn't the writing on the wall? The question is, is Colangelo better off doing something now or waiting until this summer. There's an argument for both approaches. It sounds pretty strongly that Colangelo is taking the latter approach. I've heard from a couple of NBA teams that he's been pretty strong in telling them he's not trading Bosh right now. But if the right offer came along ... wouldn't he have to look at it?

Joe (cleveland)

What would Toronto demand for Bosh at this point? Do the Cavs have the pieces?

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

At this point, meaning by the trade deadline? I think Colangelo would need to get a young potential superstar back. He can't give Bosh away. This summer, if things look like re-signing Bosh in 2010 isn't going to happen, it could be much less. That's why I think there's an arguement that you trade him now. A team in contender mode might be willing to give up more to have him for two title runs. As for Cleveland, they don't have the pieces to make a deal. But I wonder if a Miami deal that sent Michael Beasley, Shawn Marion's expiring contract and perhaps a future first or Daequan Cook might do it? If I was Pat Riley I'd jump all over that. A Bosh, Wade connection would be awesome.

Sean (Millburn, NJ)

Doesn't a trade of Brand for Marion make sense for both teams? The Sixers get someone who plays d and can run up and down the floor w/ Iggy and Andre... The Heat get an inside presence who can rebound and score in the paint.

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

Yes for Philly. Maybe for Miami if they're sure Brand will be totally healthy again. I know Ed Stefanski's been pretty out front about his desire to keep Brand. But if the Sixers could get their cap room back and/or Marion who seems to be a much better fit in Philly, why wouldn't they do it?

Michael (Bismarck, ND)

What are you expecting to see from the Dallas Mavericks in the next 16 days?

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

I like Chris Broussard's suggestion that they consider possibly trying to use Jason Kidd's expiring contract in a package. I think the Clippers would be crazy not to consider a Kidd for Baron Davis and Marcus Camby deal. The addition of both of those guys really makes the Mavs a legit NBA title contender and the Clippers could begin rebuilding around around Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman and a very high lottery pick in 2009. And the team would have $23 million in cap room. It's a deal that makes sense to me for both teams.

Heartbroken (but hopeful) Laker fan

I've done the numbers, and they work; Odom for Rasheed Wallace. Lakers get the toughness they are now lacking on the inside, and Detroit gets 2 big contracts off the books this summer (Odom & AI). So why won't it work?

Chad Ford

  (1:20 PM)

Lakers may want to consider it with Bynum out, though given Sheed's performance this year so far, I'm not sure the Lakers will be willing to do the swap. Not sure if it makes any sense for Detroit. Odom and Sheed both are expiring contracts. I'm not sure adding Odom to the mix makes the Pistons a much better team.

Matt (ATL)

Aloha Chad. What do you think the Hawks will do with Bibby's expiring contract? I understand them not wanting to mess up their best season in years; however, it is clear that they need more to be among the league's elite teams. Any chance they go after a guy like Monta Ellis? Thanks in advance.

Chad Ford

  (1:23 PM)

I haven't heard Bibby's name on the block at all. My guess is they want to re-sign him for less money this summer and try to keep some momentum going. However, if they could get the chance to add a young player like Ellis, they'd be crazy not to try. But why would the Warriors do that deal? Then again ... since nothing the Warriors do makes sense anymore, maybe it's the perfect idea.

Doug (NY)

Knicks going to trade David Lee before the deadline....maybe in a package deal to unload Curry's albatross of a contract?

Chad Ford

  (1:25 PM)

Donnie Walsh is trying to find a home for Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries that frees up some cap space so that he can re-sign Lee. It sounds like that's close to Mission Impossible, though I said the same thing about Zach Randolph this summer. If he can do that, I think Lee stays. If he can't, he'd be smart to get something now instead of losing him in the summer. There is LOTS of interest in Lee both now and in the summer. He's one of the few restricted free agents teams think they can steal away because of the Knicks cap situation.

Mike Dunleavy

Chad are you crazy? I'd much rather spend an extra $60MM to make the lottery vs dealing Camby and underachieving Baron Davis for a has been with a super expiring contract!

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

But does your owner, Donald Sterling, feel the same way?

Jason (NYC)

What is John Paxson up to?

Chad Ford

  (1:28 PM)

Well ... I think he has to be taking a pretty big sigh of relief after his owner gave him a pretty strong vote of confidence. It sounds to me like he has the authority to start remaking this team ... but I wonder if the Bulls plans won't go into motion until this summer. Luol Deng can be traded them ... and it gives them time to do a sign-and-trade with Ben Gordon and maybe find a better home for Kirk Hinrich. I really feel like this whole team, minus Derrick Rose, may end up changing.

Colin (PDX)

Hey Chad. Do you think KP and the Blazers should make a deal with Lafrentz's contract or should they not mess with the chemistry and young talent that they have?

Chad Ford

  (1:30 PM)

I think they should spend the money if they get a player who can really help the team. I think they could use help at the point and at the small forward position. But they shouldn't spend the money just to spend it. If they can get a player like Mike Conley or someone like Mike Miller ... sure. If not, go into free agency and see what happens.

Neil (salt lake city, utah)

Chad, I love your chats, you've always got a good insight. Tell me if one or both teams would go for this trade. Boozer for Tayshaun Prince and maybe a pick. The Jazz get the 3 they need and the Pistons get a lot of potential w/ Boozer and their semi-rebuilding efforts. What do you think?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

Joe D says he's not trading Prince, though I wonder if he'd have to reconsider on a deal for Boozer. The problem with Carlos is that he's injured all the time and he can opt out of his contract this summer. That's a pretty big gamble for Detroit unless they know Boozer will re-sign there. If he will, it's probably worth taking a look at. Boozer would really help them and Prince would be a good fit in Utah.

Nimesh Patel (Orlando)

Who are the Magic going to get at PG???

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

If Nelson is out for the season or even for a month or two, they are in serious trouble. Anthony Johnson isn't a starting point guard. They may be a team that could make a run at someone like Jamaal Tinsley. The problem is they don't really have the assets to get much more unless they are willing to trade Hedo Turkoglu. This is really bad news for the Magic. We know their starting 5 was rock solid, but their bench has always been a serious concern. Now it's showing.

Jerry Smith Charlotte nc

Chad what do you see the Bobcats doing with Raymond Felton do you think they will trade and if so to which team?

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

Obviously someone like the Magic will be interested. But again, what can they really offer? I'm not sure a combo of J.J. Redick and Keith Bogans is really what Charlotte is looking for. Dallas has shown a lot of interest too.

Kurt (Cleveland, Ohio)

Will Mo Williams replace Jameer Nelson in the All Star game? Who decides his replacement if he can't play??

Chad Ford

  (1:42 PM)

The Commish gets to pick replacements. I'd say Mo Williams is a pretty good bet. It's either him or Rajon Rondo. Personally I think Rondo is having the better season, but there's a pretty big groundswell for Mo and the Celtics already have 2 players in the game.

Jesse (Ohio)

Think LeBron will see what Kobe did at MSG last night and try to out do him tomorrow night?

Chad Ford

  (1:43 PM)

No ... because LeBron isn't like that. He spends 3 quarters trying to get everyone else going. If his teammates aren't on ... then he takes over. So while I think he's very capable of putting on those performances ... it's not his nature.

Sandy (Charlottesville, VA)

Draft time. Where do you see Greg Monroe going? I'm very impressed.

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

He probably goes 2 to 4. Right now he's No. 2 on our big board and everyone's impressed. It's more based on potential right now, but the potential is incredible.

Clark (Durham, NC)

Is the Wall kid from N. Carolina clearly the best player for the 2010 year, or will it be a pretty deep draft?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

I don't know that I'd say "clearly" but he's one of the best players. Some of it depends on who declares for this years draft. If Ricky Rubio, for example, doesn't declare, he could be No. 1. But Wall is special. Reminds me a little of Derrick Rose.

Clark (Durham, NC)

What is Gerald Henderson Jr's ceiling as an NBA player?

Chad Ford

  (1:47 PM)

In December I would've said 11th or 12th man on a NBA roster. But he's been fantastic in January and I think has a good shot of going first round. Ceiling? I don't know, maybe Michael Pietrus?

Brian (Sacramento, CA)

Draft question - what has Demar Derozan done so far this year to prove he can play at the NBA level next year?

Chad Ford

  (1:49 PM)

Nothing ... He has a NBA body, elite athleticism and a great rep coming out of high school. But for the most part, I haven't been blown away with anything he's done at USC. He doesn't seem to have the aggressiveness he needs to be great.

Mark (Indy)

I know it's still a little early but in this year's draft does it look like there is going to be much of a difference between having the 4th pick and having the 12th? It just doesn't look like there are a lot of top of the line players out there this year ..

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

That's right. Blake Griffin has the chance to be great. So does Greg Monroe and Ricky Rubio. After that I think there is a lot of talent, but not superstar talent. I'm not even sure it's starting talent. I think many of the guys we have listed in the lottery could turn out to be role players in the NBA.

Joe (Winston-Salem, NC)

Aminu and Teague get most of the media attention for the Deacs, but what are your thoughts on James Johnson's potential now that we're into the season? He's arguably been their most consistent player, and he has the size, skills, and team-oriented kind of play to have a real impact in the league. Might we be talking about him as a lottery prospect come draft night? Thanks!

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

He has a lot of talent. Scouts really like him. There are some questions about his decision making. Every game he seems to make some pretty questionable plays on both ends of the floor, but the talent is there. I'm not sure he's a lottery prospect right now, but he's probably a first rounder this year. Maybe lottery with another year in school.

Tom (Mpls)

What are the chances Thabeet actually becomes a legitimate NBA player?

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

Personally ... I think it's around 50 percent. His length and shot blocking ability give him a good chance of sticking as a defensive center. But his offense? Ugh. But to be clear, scouts tend to be higher on him than I am.

garron, ma

I hear a lot of scouts saying certain skills 'translate to the nba game'. What' the exact definition of that?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

It means that what a player does well in college he'll be able to do well in the NBA. Rebounding is widely considered the most translatable skill. Great rebounders in college tend to be great rebounders in the pros. Same holds true with shot blocking. Other skills, like scoring, for example ... don't always make the transition ... see Adam Morrison or J.J. Redick.

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

Gottta run everyone. Thanks for chatting. We'll do it again next week.