Chad Ford

  (1:03 PM)

Aloha everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. We'll tackle trade rumors in the first half and then move on to the NBA Draft in the second half ... let's roll.

Umar (Philly)

Any chance the Magic can land Monta Ellis?

Chad Ford

  (1:06 PM)

I don't see it. The Magic really don't have much in the way of assets other than Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson -- both of whom are essentially untraceable. After that? Jameer Nelson? Hedo Turkoglu? Glen Davis? J.J. Redick? Of those four Redick has the most value, but don't see Warriors trading Ellis for him. It's really shocking how little talent they have around Howard right now. Shades of Cavs two years ago ...

Ski (Pittsburgh )

Can the Rockets please do somethinggggg ?

Chad Ford

  (1:08 PM)

I think we've written for like the past four years that the most active guy on trade deadline day is Daryl Morey. He's made a number of moves over the years ... but what everyone is really asking is ... when is the big one. When is the year that the Rockets package their diverse assets and land that player that puts them into contention. They'll shop Martin, Scola and their young guys, but I'm just not sure that gets them a stud. Gasol? Maybe. But is he enough to make them serious contenders?

Mike (Minneapolis)

Are you hearing any trade rumblings regarding the Timberwolves?

Chad Ford

  (1:10 PM)

They've been one of the most active teams and they do have some assets. I'd put them as one of the 4 or 5 teams most likely to make a move by the deadline. David Kahn really wants this team to make the playoffs. Whether that's Beasley, Ridnour or even someone like Derrick Williams, I think they make a move

Steven M Young (Brooklyn, NY)

Any chance D12 signs with Brooklyn in the offseason allowing the Nets to keep Brook Lopez, Marshon Brooks and any other assets they would have had to give up in a trade?

Chad Ford

  (1:11 PM)

They won't be able to afford to keep Lopez and sign both Howard and Williams.

George (Indianapolis)

Hearing anything on the Pacers? Hoping for Kaman or 3rd time trying to get Mayo, but Mayo has been playing well lately

Chad Ford

  (1:13 PM)

From what I can gather, they're in wait and see mode. They have assets ... most importantly cap space ... and if they can facilitate a deal that nets them a good draft pick or a player that can help they're ready to listen. But I don't think they are actively trying to shake up the team. Kaman and Mayo, however, are both players they're interested in. Jamal Crawford as well.

Kyrie Irving (Cleveland)

Whats the best the Cavs can do to help me out!!!

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

Stay the course. Another high draft pick. Cap space this summer. It's not about this season. Patience is key.

Francis (Queens, NY)

What are the odds that the Magic keep Dwight?

Chad Ford

  (1:15 PM)

Through the trade deadline? I'd say 75%. This summer? 10%. If the Magic really understood the later number ... the first number would plummet. There are deals right now that make sense for the Magic. I know they want to keep him ... but the writing is on the way. Losing him for nothing is just GM malpractice.

Chris (Atlanta)

What is a great trade for the Hawks to make? I think we should blow some things up and acquire young assets and picks. We are stuck in the middle of the pack (No-man's-land), and have no chance of really improving. Also, can you think of a scenario where we can "unload" Joe's contract?

Chad Ford

  (1:16 PM)

Moving Joe Johnson's contract for a younger player or even cap space would be a GREAT trade. Landing a point guard like Rajon Rondo would also qualify. You're right that the Hawks need to shake things up ...

Steve (PHX)

Any chance I can get help or be set free eh?

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

Likely neither. The good news is your free to go wherever in the summer. And if you pick Phoenix ... well, that's on you.

Charlie (Santa Barbara, CA)

Why has the trade market been so quiet as of late?

Chad Ford

  (1:20 PM)

Two things. Dwight Howard is holding up everything else. If the Magic move him, all of the other dominos start to fall in place. Same thing happened last year with Melo. Second is that, given the shortened season, a number of teams are still trying to get a handle on exactly what they have? Are the Lakers going to end up a 2 seed in the West or a 9th seed? Both are VERY possible right now. That makes it hard to get a firm grasp on which direction to nudge the team.

Tom (Michigan)

Will the ownership change in Detroit propel the Pistons and Joe Dumars to make a move?

Chad Ford

  (1:25 PM)

I think the Pistons will be very active. Just not sure in which direction. Everyone knows that their biggest need is a big. Do they have the pieces to land one now ... or do they try their luck in the draft? Not sure they really have the assets to make a deal. Monroe, Knight and Stuckey aren't going anywhere. The rest of the pieces don't have huge trade value.

Alex (MN)

Ive seen plenty of rumors about Jamal Crawford going to the Timberwolves. Is their any chance they can do so without giving up Pekovic or Derrick Williams?

Chad Ford

  (1:25 PM)

For sure. Crawford can opt out of his deal this summer so he won't cost much. I think the Blazers and Wolves are talking about a swap for Ridnour.

Will (Texas)

Any chance Jimmer can escape Sacramento?

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Don't think the Kings are ready to let him go yet. But Geoff Petrie drafted him think Paul Westphal would be his coach. Keith Smart is a very different sort of coach for him. Might make sense. Never thought he was a great fit on that time anyway. He needs shots and he's not going to get them on a team with DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Jazz or Pacers get involved. They both have a ton of assets.

Gary (Simi Valley)

Chad I'll buy you a beer and a bratwurst if you give me any kind of Bucks trade rumor. They need to blow it up, right?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

Don't drink ... so the beer is out of the question. But yeah, they need to break it up. The problem for them is ... what are their trade assets? They want to hold onto Bogut and Jennings. Everyone else is available ... but who on that roster really gets them anything of value? Illyasova might be the best shot ... but he won't bring back a game changer ... might just be able to offer some salary relief.

Barry (ny,ny)

Is it time for the Sixers to give up on Evan Turner?

Chad Ford

  (1:33 PM)

No. Not really. I think Turner can be good in the right system. He's just not a perfect fit for the Sixers. But his trade value is not that high right now for a 2010 No. 2 pick in the draft. I'm not sure the Sixers should do anything. If Spencer Hawes can play like he did earlier in the season, they're pretty good

Jay (NC)

You say the Nets will not be able to afford Lopez and DH, but every move the Nets have made this season has been to sign DH and re-sign Lopez and DWill. The Nets will still have drop two contracts this Summer. Farmer will opt out and they have the Rockets 1st Round pick for someone to take a player like Petro, Stevenson, or Sheldon Williams off their hands.

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

That's a lot of assumptions. Why would Farmar opt out? He's making $4.5 million next year. Not sure he gets that on the open market. Morrow, Brooks, Shawne Williams and Petro are all under contract for next year. AND Brook Lopez will have a large cap hold as a restricted free agent. I don't think they'll have the money to offer Williams and Howard the Max and keep Lopez's cap hold on the books.

Kyle (NY)

With Biyombo playing well, and Kemba looking like a future starting, who is the best guy for the Bobcats to draft, and can that core be a title contender?

Chad Ford

  (1:42 PM)

Still Anthony Davis. He's the best player in the draft and has a much bigger upside than Biyombo does. Biyombo is starting to play well ... but he's no Anthony Davis. If the Bobcats screw this up well ... they get what they deserve.

TomA (Sacramento, CA)

Does Michael Kidd-Gilchrist end up staying in school like he has been saying or do you think he'll be talked/convinced to come out? Feel he'd be a great fit for the Kings, IF they pick in the top 3.

Chad Ford

  (1:43 PM)

I think he stays. He's a different kind of kid. Likes school. Wants to get better. Lots of teams want him including the Kings. He's now No. 2 on our Big Board.

Dre Clark (NT)

If Tony Mitchell from North Texas enters the draft this year, where do you think he'll fall?

Chad Ford

  (1:43 PM)

Late first round. Lots of talent. Wish they had made the tournament. They blew a great chance yesterday to get Mitchell some serious exposure.

Jim (NJ)

Who else stays in school in your opinion?

Chad Ford

  (1:44 PM)

Cody Zeller is leaning toward staying in school. James Michael McAdoo of North Carolina. Maybe Austin Rivers of Duke.

Peter (Chicago)

Does Meyers go in the top 10? Obviously a beast athletically but isn't remotely polished enough...

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

Exactly. Maybe someone reaches on him in the Top 10. I'd more say teens. 11-15.

Ryan (New Zealand)

Myck Kabongo- staying or going?

Chad Ford

  (1:45 PM)

Needs to stay. Good player. Needs another year.

Matt (DC)

After Anthony Davis, who is the best big in this draft? Still Drummond?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Drummond has the most upside because of the size + physical tools. I'm a pretty big Thomas Robinson fan personally. Hard to see how a guy that strong and who plays with that much heart can fail.

Paul (Cleveland)

I'd love to see the Cavaliers get in position to draft a SG like Bradley Beal or J Lamb..your thoughts?

Chad Ford

  (1:47 PM)

Either one or Harrison Barnes makes the most sense for them. Also they still could use a long-term answer at the 5.

Dave (Florida)

I know Bradley Beal is highly rated, but is really going to leave after one season? As a Gator fan, I would love to have him one more year.

Chad Ford

  (1:49 PM)

He might stay. But he's going to be a Top 10 pick -- mostly based on what he did in high school, not what he's done as a freshman. He waits another year and doesn't produce ... he slides. I don't think that Florida team was a great fit for him. I think he's much better in the NBA. He already has a NBA body and a NBA game.

Norman (NY)

Should Utah keep their 2 late lottery picks or try to trade up and get Harrison Barnes?

Chad Ford

  (1:51 PM)

Not sure. They really need a point guard. Not sure there's one above where they are already drafting. Might be just fine taking Damian Lillard, Tony Wroten or even Kendall Marshall where they are.

Big Mo (St. Charles)

Jeffery Taylor out of Vanderbilt a first round talent in your view?

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

Yes. Might crack the lottery. That improved jumper has been the key.

Danny (Phoenix)

Can you give a quick explanation about the lack of international players in this years lottery?

Chad Ford

  (1:54 PM)

It's a down year. I'm not sure we'll have a single international player taken in the first round.

Jaime (Green Bay)

Which player has the most to gain from the NCAA Tourney (much like Kemba last year)?

Chad Ford

  (1:55 PM)

A few top prospects like Andre Drummond, Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones just haven't wowed anyone. A huge run in the tournament would change that ...

Chad Ford

  (1:56 PM)

Gotta run everyone. We'll do this again next week ... just a day before the trade deadline. Oh, and for you draft fans out there, enjoy Championship Week ... can't wait for March Madness!