ESPN

John Hollinger

  (3:03 PM)

Greetings everyone, and welcome back. Got a bunch of grunge CDs on shuffle right now, so if this chat comes across as angry and jaded blame Kurt Cobain.

Ben (SF)

I was just thinking how much the Warriors needed another older swingman. What a coup!

John Hollinger

  (3:04 PM)

Pretty bizarre trade, huh? The Raptors are paying most of George's salary, so this was mostly a salary dump by Golden State figuring they wouldn't play Belinelli anyway. Seems a strange time to give up on the guy, but that's the Warriors for you. I imagine George will be strictly a 4 for them.

Zach (Sacramento)

Have the Kings been talking to anyone about trading Kenny Thomas or Beno Udrih to shred there big contracts?

John Hollinger

  (3:05 PM)

The Kings will talk to anyone who will listen about that possibility. Anyone. Nobody wants to take back that junk.

Adam (St. Louis)

John -- Any word on the Indy/Boston deal involving Marquis Daniels?

John Hollinger

  (3:06 PM)

Basically, Boston wants to do a sign-trade for Daniels and keep its biannual exception open. But the only player Boston could trade that would meet cap rules is Tony Allen, whom Indiana doesn't want. So they're trying to come up with a third team and having little success. I think it's highly unlikely they end up with a sign-and-trade.

Max ((Brooklyn))

How is Tinsley-Sessions even a debate?

John Hollinger

  (3:07 PM)

It is not. I think the issue is price. Sessions would need to be a four or five-year deal and cut into the Knicks' 2010 cap space; Tinsley could be had on a one-year deal that maintains NY's flexibility for the great free agent chase next summer.

Bryan Colangelo (Toronto)

Should I walk on water for my next big offseason move?

John Hollinger

  (3:09 PM)

Calm down, it's Marco Belinelli. I'm not a big fan of his, but free is a good price. The one thing I like about what Colangelo is doing is that he's said to heck with it, I'm going to build the kind of team I've always wanted to have with nothing but shooters and ballhandlers, and we'll see if it works or not. The money is high for a lot of these guys and it could be a train wreck, but it's gonna be interesting, that's for sure.

David (LA)

On the B.S Report Steiny and Ric seem to think that jason kidd is a miracle worker and can revive the matrix's career. any thoughts?

John Hollinger

  (3:11 PM)

Miami was an up-tempo team last year and it didn't seem to help Marion much, and his numbers were already declining in his last year with Nash. So I'm dubious about that one. What I do think is that the Mavs have an identity now as a running team, and adding Marion as a 4 (when Dirk plays 5) really cements that shift.

Joe (Clifton, NJ)

Hey John, Marvin Williams reported deal-- 5 years pushed to 40 mil with incentives. Fair value for the improving defender/three point shooter?

John Hollinger

  (3:12 PM)

That's what's been leaked but the deal isn't done yet ... I think that's a real good deal for Atlanta, and some good security for Marvin. Though with a qualifying offer of $7 mil, I'm not sure what the harm was in going unrestricted next year.

cesar (tempe)

Anybody interested in Ime Udoka? You think the Suns might be interested if he's cheap?

John Hollinger

  (3:13 PM)

Somebody will sign him to a minimum deal before training camp. But a lot of other dominoes need to fall first.

Abbas (Toronto)

Where is Toronto in the Eastern Conference standings come Payoffs 2010?

John Hollinger

  (3:14 PM)

Somewhere between 3rd and 13th. Seriously, I think this could be a raging success or an unmitigated disaster. They might lead the league in offense, or they might give up 110 points a game and finish last in free-throw attempts. My viewpoint swings by the hour.

Alex (St. Martin)

Are the Wolves stock piling trade assets or just 'balancing' the roster? It seems Kahn is preparing for a major trade or a major let down.

John Hollinger

  (3:15 PM)

No, they're cutting money. The Clippers trade was entirely to cut the obligation to pay Telfair next year, with Smith as the bait. The Atkins trade was entirely to cut money too, as they'll waive Chucky's non-guaranteed deal. They won't have to pay their No. 5 pick for two more years and they seem pretty OK with that, and the only free agent they're making any noise about is re-signing Carney.

Colin (Philadelphia, PA)

Where would you rank the Lakers in the west if they lose Odom? If they lose Lamar, could you make the argument that the Mavericks could seriously contend the Lakers for the 2-Seed?

John Hollinger

  (3:17 PM)

I still think the Lakers have to be first for two reasons: 1) I think they'll get a LOT more out of Bynum this year than they did a year ago, and 2) Artest can play the 4, so with Pau and Bynum both able to play 5 it doesn't really mess with their rotation much. Indirectly, it probably means more minutes for the Assassin and/or Walton.

Dan (Chicago, IL)

Have the Spurs become the odds on favorite to win not only the Western Conference but the NBA Title? I like what they've added with SF Richard Jefferson, PF DeJuan Blair, PF Antonio McDyess, and C Theo Ratliff.

John Hollinger

  (3:18 PM)

Did you see Tim Duncan at the end of last season? His knees need to be OK for the Spurs to win big, and I have my doubts. Also, Manu's health isn't a given either. They're an old, battered team trying to prop the window open; those moves they made will really help, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it gets them to 60 wins.

John Hollinger

  (3:20 PM)

Just got spanked by a Heat fan who noted Heat were 23rd in Pace last year; my bad. Seemed like they played faster when I saw them. As always, this is the danger of live chats.

Andy (NY)

Assuming Oden stays healthy and gets a little better, is Portland a contender with Andre Miller?

John Hollinger

  (3:21 PM)

A dark horse. I think you have to assume Oden and Przybilla will only combine for about 110-120 games, but Miller will help prevent opponents from loading up on Roy and they'll improve defensively just from having more experience.

Joseph Smith (Miami Florida)

Do you expect the Heat to trade for Carlos Boozer if they are able to sign Lamar Odom, if so who will the Heat send to Utah?

John Hollinger

  (3:23 PM)

I expect them to pursue Boozer, but I don't think they have the pieces to get a deal done. Utah's main interest in a Boozer trade is cutting salary; just getting a crappier player with an expiring contract doesn't accomplish that, so that pretty much eliminates all Udonis Haslem scenarios unless a third team with cap space is willing to take him.

John Hollinger

  (3:23 PM)

Underrated side note: If Matt Harpring retires and insurance picks up his contract, it will help the Jazz's little financial pickle. Won't cut their tax payment though.

tony (indy)

what do you think the pacers record will be will they be a playoff team with the edition of earl watson solomon jones and dathany jones

John Hollinger

  (3:25 PM)

They got three 10th men, those players will have no impact whatsoever on where the Pacers finish. Jones's contract was one of the worst of this summer, a needlessly lengthy guarantee to a minimum-salary guy, and they overpaid Watson too. I have no idea what Bird is doing right now.

Ed (DC)

I thought Andre Miller wasn't a perimeter shooter so how does he relieve defenses from loading on Roy?

John Hollinger

  (3:26 PM)

Because he destroys little guards on post-ups and can get into the paint, so it's another way to break down opposing defenses instead of going through Roy on every play.

Matt (Denver, CO)

The Nuggets have been very quite this offseason. I know they had to use their MLE on the Birdman but they still have a the trade exception from Camby. With all the contenders making deals to improve themselves (on paper) why no noise from the nuggs?

John Hollinger

  (3:28 PM)

Denver is already over the luxury tax, and in fact they're already over NEXT year's luxury tax with just their starting five. So you're not going to see a lot of noise from them, and I don't think they'll use the exception unless they're like 40-10 in February and can get an All-Star to put them over the top. Not even sure they'll keep Kleiza at this point.

Yatin Patel (LA)

Saw your story on the Emeka-Tyson trade. What do you think about the Diogu signing? He can't be worst than Hilton Armstrong and Melvin Ely. Or can he?

John Hollinger

  (3:29 PM)

I like the Diogu pick-up, but he's a 4 not a 5. He'll help if he doesn't end up in Byron's expansive doghouse, because he's a post scorer and the Hornets don't have one.

sal (houston)

lets say yao cant play next year. can the rockets get his salary off the books to make a run at a top free agent or do they have to wait until 2011?

John Hollinger

  (3:29 PM)

Houston already used its injured player exception to sign Ariza. There is no further relief available.

Brian (NJ)

Simmons suggested that the Magic should have just resigned Hedo for the money they spent on Gortat and Bass. Would Vince and Hedo been able to play with each other?

John Hollinger

  (3:32 PM)

Here's the thing -- everyone gets hung up on how Orlando matched up and the 3-pointers, but that was a sideshow. They were the BEST defensive team in the league last year; somehow it's really hard to get people to believe this. Turkoglu was not a factor in that accomplishment; Carter, for his faults, is actually a decent defender, and they needed to replace Gortat (with Gortat) and Battie (with Bass) to keep the frontcourt rotation intact.

Marky (Thousand Oaks California)

If the Clippers do acquire Ramon Sessions, can they trade Sebastian Telfair to Miami for Dorell Wright?

John Hollinger

  (3:34 PM)

The fact that Minnesota had to bribe The Clips with Craig Smith to take Telafir tells me there is a very, very limited market for his services. Understand people, the Clippers didn't "trade for" Telfair, they traded for Smith and were stuck with Telfair's contract as the penalty for acquiring him. I doubt he's in their plans this year as more than a third PG.

John (Los Angeles)

What are your thoughts on the Clippers off-season, draft included?

John Hollinger

  (3:36 PM)

Best one of the Dunleavy era since the Cassell trade, without a doubt. Final grade depends on how they use the cap space next summer and whether he can find a real backup PG.

Abram (Phoenix)

Chicago - Playoffs? If so, what seed and how far?

John Hollinger

  (3:36 PM)

They're a playoff team, but I don't think they have enough size or depth to be in the upper crust.

Blazer Homer (Portland)

The Blazers seem to have too much talent and not enough minutes. Will KP look to consolidate his roster by completing a 2 for 1 deal? If so, what position do they need most and what good players are likely to be available on a team that is likely overpaying for a non-playoff spot? I like Caron Butler and the Wizards.

John Hollinger

  (3:38 PM)

You're not getting Butler. As far as Portland, the most likely trade candidate would be Webster, but he has to prove he's healthy before moving him. Trading Bayless right now makes no sense, you're getting 50 cent on the dollar, and they like Outlaw as the backup 4. The one thing to remember is that every team looks overloaded going into training camp, then guys start getting hurt and magically playing time opens up for all the guys who deserve it.

Warriors Fan (Warriorsland)

Can we make the playoffs this year?Do you think Monta Ellis will be an allstar?

John Hollinger

  (3:40 PM)

Warriors have an intriguing mix of talent, definitely ... but they also have a seriously dysfunctional situation in the front office and I've yet to see any evidence that they'll rank in the top 28 in defense.

Jon (DC)

So everyone is shocked the Wizards did not opt to cut payroll and are paying the tax. Will the second round of the playoffs be the reward?

John Hollinger

  (3:41 PM)

I'm suspicious. They've really put a lot of their eggs in the Arenas basket; take away Arenas and you're talking about a team that won 19 games last year and added Mike Miller and Randy Foye. I agree that there's some talent there and it could all come together, and Flip might be the most underrated coach in the league ... but they've got some serious work to do.

CC (Atlanta)

Are the Hawks a better team w/ Jamal Crawford? Any chance we flip 1 many Gs/ SFs for a big?

John Hollinger

  (3:43 PM)

A mild improvement over Flip Murray, and he came for free, which is always nice. No need to trade, Hawks aren't as deep as you think on the wings, especially if there's an injury or two. What I'm real interested to see is if they can nab Joe Smith -- that would make for a really solid frontcourt rotation, although the two "J Smith PF" entries in my scoreheet may prove problematic.

J-Vicious (Morristown, NY)

I dig that you're jamming to Nirvana. Do you think Gilbert Arenas will come out of the dead this year and perform like the elite point guard he was a couple years back?

John Hollinger

  (3:45 PM)

We got Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the criminally underrated Alice in Chains going head to head right now. As for Arenas, I'm really suspicious. He had a very serious injury and it's not like he's 7-feet tall -- the guy is entirely dependent on his cutting and quickness. Even if he stays healthy all year I think it's highly unlikely he has the same zip.

Dave (Toronto)

What do you think of the Bargs deal?? Was he over-paid or just right based on potential?

John Hollinger

  (3:47 PM)

Needless. The Raps had his rights as a restricted free agent next year, and I think we've seen the past few summers that RFAs have an incredibly difficult time getting paid. Besides nobody with cap space was loading up for a run at Bargnani -- there are much bigger fish out there. The numbers aren't terrible if you buy his stats from the past two months as his "real" level rather than just, you know, two good months, but I thought the timing was all wrong.

Mark Cuban (Dallas)

How do my summer moves look to you?

John Hollinger

  (3:49 PM)

I liked them better when it looked like they'd get Gortat, but it looks like they have a good shot at getting back to the second round of the playoffs.

Jeff (LLEAR)

"Relief! LO will make his decision in next 48 hours, source says. Wants to stay in LA, Lakers making it hard." Bucher just tweeted that minutes ago. What do you think?

John Hollinger

  (3:50 PM)

I think this means that LA isn't going to improve their offer, and obviously Miami can't improve theirs, so basically it's decision time. I'm thinking he stays in LA anyway, that's where his heart is.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Lose Nirvana and add Soundgarden. At least a 10 times better band than Nirvana. Of course Chris Cornell didn't die so they never get the love that Nirvana gets.

John Hollinger

  (3:51 PM)

Had Soundgarden on earlier. Don't worry, they're in the rotation.

Paul (Northome, MN)

Are the Hornets flying under the radar with their recent moves? The fanbase was livid as they did nothing but now have made two solid moves. Your thoughts?

John Hollinger

  (3:53 PM)

I like the moves but they still have a lot of work to do on that wing rotation -- right now they have five small forwards and no shooting guards, and not one of them should be starting for a contender. CP gives them a great shot at winning 50, but not seeing how they get beyond that yet.

Russell (Clermont, FL)

What was the biggest FA steal this offseason?

John Hollinger

  (3:55 PM)

The Blazers got a bargain on Miller, though we have to see how well he fits before we crown them the winner here. As far as low-level moves go, Nesterovic for $1.9 million takes the cake. A quality 7-footer for that cheap?

Dave (Cleveland)

Is everyone overrating Boston and the East going to come down to Cleveland and Orlando again?

John Hollinger

  (3:56 PM)

I was surprised listening to my colleagues on the podcast how much respect the C's are getting -- I think they're a clear third in the East hierarchy given how scary good Orlando and Cleveland look.

Jr (Bay Area)

What is the vibe around the league with Anthony Randolph. I know it is Summer League but he was pretty impressive.

John Hollinger

  (3:59 PM)

It's summer league. There is basically no correlation whatsoever between performance here and real-life NBA performance. Of anyone, Team Bellinelli fans should know this. Remember, Anthony Morrow did the same thing as Randolph the next day -- projecting any all-star games for him?

Matt (White Haven, PA)

Are the Sixers still in the league? Will they actually go into the season with Williams and Holiday at the point?

John Hollinger

  (4:00 PM)

Yes, they'll sign a third point guard (Carlos Arroyo, I'm guessing) and go into the season with that. Philly has NO money -- they're already at next year's tax line and their revenue has cratered the past couple years.

Jessica (Miami)

Tell me that the Warriors aren't going to trade Brandan Wright for pennies on the dollar now? I hear that Don Nelson wants him gone and that he's on the trading block.....

John Hollinger

  (4:01 PM)

I think that may happen, and if it does the Warriors deserve to be made fun of. I think Wright will be an excellent player for his next team, it's too bad his current one seems to think so little of him.

John Hollinger

  (4:02 PM)

Folks that's all the time I have, but thanks for all the great questions and we'll do this again in two weeks.