ESPN

Chad Ford

  (1:01 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. Obvioulsy the rumors are flowing hot and heavy as we approach the draft on Thursday night. Let's roll.

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

Hold on one second ... A GM just callled .. breaking trade ... one minute

Chad Ford

  (1:07 PM)

The trade is Richard Jefferson to the Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas ... more coming in just a second. Deal is agreed to in principle with a trade call coming later today

Mike (LA)

Why in the world would the Bucks do that?

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

Bowen, Oberto and Thomas are all in the last year of their contracts. It saves them roughly $3 million this year and $15 million next year. And it gives them some flexibility to sign at least one of their restricted free agents -- either Charlie Villanueva or Ramon Sessions.

donnie (saint louis)

spurs are trying to get younger. the bucks are giving up.. lol

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

Guys you're going to have to give me a few minutes ... ESPN needs a few more details.Yes, it's a great deal for the Spurs, but don't kill the Bucks either. This gives them lots of flexibility going forward.

Buzzmaster

  (1:59 PM)

Hey everyone...Chad is tracking down the details of this big trade. So, it looks like we'll have to postpone his chat. Keep tuned, we'll let you know if we'll be able to get him on before the draft on Thursday.

Buzzmaster

  (9:38 AM)

Chad will be back in the chat on Wednesday at noon ET!

Chad Ford

  (1:02 PM)

Aloha everyone. Let's try this again. Yesterday I got a trade call three minutes into the chat and it scuttled the whole thing. On the positive side, you were the first to hear about the Richard Jefferson trade Sports Nation. Hopefully, if a call comes today, it will come at the end. Let's roll ...

MoonUnit (Portland, Oregon)

What are the Bucks thinking? Couldn't they have gotten a good young player and/or picks as well as cap relief for Jefferson?

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

I think it was a good move for Milwaukee. They weren't going anywhere. An eighth seed is what they would've been playing for the next two years. This allows them to focus on the future. They should be able to sign Villanueva now ... they will get to see whether Joe Alexander was the right pick last year .. and there will be plenty of time for their new point guard they draft at 10 to get experience.

Paul (Toronto, ON)

Ric Bucher said, regarding the Jefferson trade, that the Spurs were targeting Vince Carter but he is off the market. When did this happen? I thought the Nets were in salary shredding mode, wouldn't they trade Carter in a heartbeat?

Chad Ford

  (1:05 PM)

The Spurs tried to get Carter, but didn't have enough. I wouldn't say Carter's off the market. What I would say is that the Nets want something more than cap relief in return. The Spurs couldn't offer that.

Jay (CT)

I know the Knicks want to move up for Rubio, but how conceivably could they do that? They seem to have nothing to give. What could get them the number 2 pick?

Chad Ford

  (1:07 PM)

I don't think they can. They just don't have the assets to do it. What they can try to do, in July, is offer David Lee in a sign-and-trade to the Thunder (if they draft Rubio) .. that might be enough to convince the Thunder to let him go. But it's highly unlikely Rubio will be wearing a Knicks hat on draft night. Sorry

Greg (Minneapolis)

Can the Wolves move up for Rubio without giving up both 5

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

I don't think so. The question is ... can they move up without giving 5 and 6. I think that's possible. A combo of 5, 18 and maybe the willingness to take back a bad contract could sway either Memphis or Oklahoma City ...

Shawn (Minneapolis)

Where do you think the t-wolves will end up after all trades are done? Will they move to the #2 spot?

Chad Ford

  (1:11 PM)

I don't think so. I think the most likely scenario is that they stay at 5 and 6 and draft some combination of Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry, James Harden and Tyreke Evans

Bill Simmons (ESPN)

After conceding defeat to you for this years draft I want to know what you think the Cavaliers chances are of moving up in the draft and snagging a player to compliment James?

Josh Schmidt (Dighton, MA)

Mr. Ford, what do you believe the Celtics are trying to do with Rondo? I'm hearing Doc Rivers saying Rondo is hard to teach, Rondo has a selfish attitude, etc. What you think the Celtics can get out of this...

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

Mr. sounds so formal ... That's what I've been told Rivers is saying. My question ... How hard? How selfish? He's a TERRIFIC player and I'd be willing to put up with ALOT to keep him. I do think his trade value is high, but the Celtics would have to get back a ridiculous amount to come out of a Rondo trade looking good. I'm not sure in this economic climate they can.

Todd Doug (St. Charles)

What is the highest you think Maynor can go tomorrow? It seems like he's ready to play right now..

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

He's my favorite sleeper in the draft. I think is range is 13-24. Right now I have him on the low end of that range because of feedback, but personally, I think he should be much higher.

shamster (chicago)

what should the kings do at #4 if rubio is available Rubio or Evans

Chad Ford

  (1:17 PM)

Take Rubio ... I'm absolutely amazed at all of the venom coming out of Sacramento on Rubio. I think Evans and Jonny Flynn are really good players too. But they don't have the upside of Rubio. If you want Evans or Flynn because they can contibute now ... that's fine. But just say it. Don't kill Rubio and everyone who thinks he's good in the process. It's been really weird to see that ...

Tom (Sactown)

I heard the Kings' Jerry Reynolds called you a "tool" on Kings radio after you went on the air and said the Kings should draft Rubio

Chad Ford

  (1:21 PM)

Yeah, I heard that too. Hey if you're going to be insulted about being a poor judge of talent, at least get insulted by the Director of Player Personnel for the WORST team in the league.

Clay (Fort Worth)

What does Sam Presti have up his sleeve for this draft? In my opinion the man is a genius. He has to have something cookin'. Does he trade down or out of the lottery? Does he package some of the Thunder picks over the next few years?

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

Sam Presti is like Steve Jobs at Apple. He runs a Fort Knox like secret operation there. Of all the teams in the league (the Spurs are also like this) it's pretty tough to get credible info out of there this time of the year. Last year EVERYONE had the Thunder drafting Brook Lopez the day before the draft and then they drafted Russell Westbrook. This year everyone likes them drafting James Harden. I'm sticking with Rubio. But I've got to admit, it's a gut thing, not a sourced thing.

Chip (nyc)

There's a rumor floating around here that the Knicks are close to a deal that will send Q-Rich to the Griz for Darko and also that New York has traded cash for the 28th pick - anything to these?

Chad Ford

  (1:26 PM)

That one has been floating around for months. I do think there's a good chance it happens. Mike D'Antoni may be the only one left who can get Darko to play up to his potential. If D'Antoni can do it, Bill Simmons won't have any ammunition left for our Draft Debate next year. So yeah, I'm basically praying 5 times a day this happens.

Walter (AZ)

I heard a rumor that the Suns and Thunder doing some kind of pick swap, any truth to that?

Chad Ford

  (1:27 PM)

I heard they were talking about swapping 14 for 25 with the Suns also getting back their 2010 first round pick which is currently owned by the Thunder. I heard the Thunder like B.J .Mullens ... but again it's the Thunder. It's probably Jonas Jerebko

Marc (Malden, MA)

The Pistons "core" basically mailed in the entire 2nd half of the season. So where do they have the gaul to "laugh" at the Rondo trade? And if they're building around Hamilton/Prince/Stuckey, that's not good enough to win a title.

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Fair enough .. but neither is Rajon Rondo and ... nothing. I think losing Sheed and Allen Iverson will help. Add in a few free agents and the Celtics were back are back in business. Unless you're getting LeBron or Dwight Howard, you don't trade three starters for one.

Mo (Illinois)

Did terrence get a promise

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Yes ... from the Bobcats. The problem is that I think the Nets will take him at 11 ... one pick ahead of Charlotte.

Jon (SF)

Hollinger's system hates Rubio. Does that worry you a bit? Also the system lover Oguz Savas. I haven't seen him in any mock draft even in round 2. Any chance he gets drafted?

Chad Ford

  (1:30 PM)

Sure I'm worried. I take Hollinger's stuff really seriously. But I also think it's pretty hard to judge Rubio just on the numbers. The best aspect of his game (he makes everyone around him better) is hard to measure with a stat. As for Savas, I think Hollinger made that guy a bunch of money.

Corey (NYC)

Where does Jonny Flynn end up in this year's draft?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

The Kings or the Bucks.

Jason (Bmore)

With the Wiz getting Foye and Miller in return, does that mean the end of Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson getting any tick?

Chad Ford

  (1:33 PM)

I bet you'll hear their names a lot in trade rumors. Wizards could use one more big man. I have to say that I love what the Wizards did. I really like the addition of Miller and Foye. I'm not sure they're in the same leauge as the Cavs, Celtics and Magic ... but they'll be close

Matt (FL)

How are things looking for Hansbrough?

Chad Ford

  (1:34 PM)

Everywhere he's worked out teams have loved him. I think the Nets, Pacers, Bulls, Hawks and Jazz all are looking seriously at him. He's really helped remake his image in workouts ..

Matt (Orem)

Please tell me the jazz do something exciting at some point this offseason. Please tell me we get something for boozer.

Chad Ford

  (1:34 PM)

Just cross your fingers Boozer opts out. The Jazz need that to happen to help facilitate re-signing Millsap. Don't get greedy. That's enough.

ryan (ns)

Chad, what does Bryan Colangelo have up his sleeve? Any chance he tries to move up for Evans?

Chad Ford

  (1:35 PM)

He might ... he could use Jose Calderon as a chip. Sounds like they're starting to cool toward DeRozan ... at least that's the buzz today. Seems like Holiday or James Johnson now.

Cory (Indy)

Chad do you see David Morway and The Legend making any moves?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

Haven't heard anything specific out of Indiana, but they do have a one pretty coveted chip .. Jeff Foster. And believe it or not a number of GMs around the league are really warming up to Troy Murphy after his stellar season last year. So they have some chips if they want to make a deal.

Logan (Memphis)

You have Jodie Meeks as Mister Irrelevant in your Lastest Mocks, but is there any chance he sneeks into the first round?

Chad Ford

  (1:37 PM)

You never know ... but I don't think so. I can't find a lot of teams super high on him.

Paul (Seattle)

Is KP winding up for another Pritch slap?

Chad Ford

  (1:39 PM)

I would be seriously disappointed if he isn't. He has single handedly kept us entertained in the draft the past few years. I know he's trying to be prudent and focus on adding some veteran talent to their roster. But if he can find a way to get Rubio or Curry ... I think he'll do it.

Josh (Grand Rapids)

What do you see the Pistons doing with all the cap space and the 15th pick and their 3 2nd rd picks

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

Contrary to conventional wisdom (mine included) I don't think Carlos Boozer is the primary target for the Pistons. They have about $23 million under the cap. They don't want to blow all of it on one player and Boozer wants A LOT of money. I think they'll make a run at Ben Gordon and then a few lower priced free agents.

Andrew (Los Angeles, CA)

Chad...everyone keeps saying this is such a weak draft, but isn't Chase Budinger projecting out at about the same spot he did a year ago?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

I can't explain it. Budinger keeps getting better and his draft stock slides ... I don't think it's right ... but it is what it is.

Justin (Minnesota)

What are the chances of Rubio slipping down the the T'Wolves at 5?

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

50-50 .. if the Thunder pass on him at No. 3 ... I think there's a good chance ... he goes 5.

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

One second ... call coming in from a GM

Kevin (PHILA, PA)

With the 76ers looking for a viable PG of the future, who do you like among Lawson, Teague, Jennings, and Maynor?

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

I hear they love Lawson, Maynor, Jennings, Teague in that order

Will (Denver)

Chad, What are the chances my boy (Mizzou Student here) Demarre Carroll ends up in a Nuggets uniform next year?

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

I think he cracks the first round actually ...Utah, Sacramento and Memphis all like him.

Brian (DC)

Whoq what happen to that GM cal

Chad Ford

  (1:53 PM)

I can't tell you that ...

Jason (Chicago)

You get a call from a GM and you just keep on answering other questions like nothing happend? Come on, Chad! What did the GM say?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

They were trying to get a feel of who was falling in the draft ...

Jay (CT)

How does that work? Does a GM just call you to say, "Guess what I heard!" like a high school girl? Or does the GM call in order to get some other team worried; in essence, working an angle thru the media?

Chad Ford

  (1:58 PM)

Sometimes both ... Most of the time they want information on what's going on ahead of them in the draft. That helps them prep for where they are at. And then they usually tell me what's going on ... but almost never who they will pick.

Chad Ford

  (2:01 PM)

Gotta run everyone ... got to get back to the phones .. We'll try tomorrow