ESPN

John Hollinger

  (12:02 PM)

Greetings all, you have me for the next hour. Just wish we had something to talk about ....

Josh (Portland)

The Blazers - please tell me that something awesome is happening.

John Hollinger

  (12:03 PM)

Well, it's "awesome" in the sense that watching a train wreck is awesome. As far as deals, it looks like the Blazers have one ready to go involving Crawford and are just weighing whether anybody else will trump it. The real question is whether they keep Nate McMillan.

Carlos (Miami)

Why would the Nets not take a Gasol package for D-Will? Any chance they change their mind before 3pm?

John Hollinger

  (12:04 PM)

They still think they can trade for Dwight Howard -- or some other uberstar -- on draft day. Remember, Howard's waived ETO only guarantees that we go through this again next year.

Rob (Minnesota)

Why would Kahn include Ridnour in the Crawford trade? Barea's been as durable as a dried up twig this year. And Crawford is simply better as a full time 2.

John Hollinger

  (12:05 PM)

Yep, it's a real risk on Sota's part. There are still some balls in the air on that deal, however; perhaps Minny has another PG coming in from someplace or perhaps Crawford-Ridnour won't happen and the Blazers will go a different direction.

Big Al (Memphis)

Is this Ricky Sanchez actually an NBA level player or just a name they pulled from a hat to get rid of Sam Young's contract?

John Hollinger

  (12:06 PM)

The latter. He's a second-round pick from seven years ago now playing in Argentina. The league requires each side in a trade to include something, regardless of how little value it holds.

Tim (CA) (Basketball Land)

Will the Lakers end up with Sessions and Beasley today?

John Hollinger

  (12:07 PM)

There is a distinct possibility, yes, but it will be tricky. They can't fit both into the Odom exception so they'd have to send out a contract (Blake or Fisher presumably).

Damon (Santa Cruz)

Any news from Utah? Is Devin or Big Al getting shipped?

John Hollinger

  (12:09 PM)

Heard some interesting stuff from there several days ago but it's been crickets since. Utah has been known to work under the radar -- witness the Deron deal a year ago -- and they have a lot of different options (Al, Raja, Miles, Harris, even Millsap), but I haven't heard much lately.

Jared (NY)

Are the Magic going to be going through the same D12 drama next year?

John Hollinger

  (12:09 PM)

Obviously the Magic will push for Dwight to sign an extension this summer. A deep playoff run would likely help that pursuit considerably.

Marcos (PR)

How about a Melo for Iggie and Thadeus. With the emergence of Turner Iggie is expendebable right?

John Hollinger

  (12:11 PM)

Two answers to that -- 1) Turner scoring more doesn't suddenly make Iggy's defense irrelevant, and 2) the Knicks aren't trading Melo. But that is the type of deal the Sixers ought to be pursuing, yes.

Timo (Germany)

what would you say are the chances of the dallas mavericks to sign deron williams in the offseason?

John Hollinger

  (12:12 PM)

Dramatically better than they were 24 hours ago. If Dwight stays in Orlando, Deron has no reason to stay in New Jersey. And if the Nets don't trade him between now and July 1 (remember, they can still trade him on draft day because he's an ETO and not a regular free agent), he's likely going to Dallas.

Daryl Morey (Houston)

I've got assets, folks. Anyone interested?

oj (philippines)

is ramon sessions really such an improvement over steve blake if they do that trade?

John Hollinger

  (12:16 PM)

oh my goodness yes.

Tom (Buffalo)

Any specific names being thrown out for who the Magic might go after to keep Dwight happy? Who would they ship out?

John Hollinger

  (12:17 PM)

That's the problem. Ideally they'd trade Glen Davis for Chris Paul, but back in the real world they just don't have the assets to a deal that gets them much. They're probably looking into Daniel Orton's value, and probably disappointed with the answers.

Johannes (Malmö, Sweden)

Does anyone scream "AND1!!!!" louder than Carlos Boozer when driving to the basket?

John Hollinger

  (12:18 PM)

Michael Redd back in the day, but those moments are rare now.

Ron (RI)

I know Ainge isn't looking to shake up the Big 4, but are you hearing any names for potential big men in Boston? And who the Celts might give up to get him?

John Hollinger

  (12:19 PM)

He's not? Really? Look, he has to say the things he said, but Boston has every option in play right now. Don't be shocked if Rondo or Ray Allen have a different uniform in three hours.

Ryan (Worcester)

Is it true the Nets are essentially baiting people with their Rockets Pick so that someone will take Petro?

John Hollinger

  (12:20 PM)

That's the word on the street, yes. New Jersey is really trying to clean up its books for the coming summer.

Jordan (D.C.)

Please tell me the Wizards find a way to deal Mcgee and get something decent in return, maybe in the mid 1st rd range?

John Hollinger

  (12:22 PM)

I think they'd be making a mistake actually. JaVale is all over the place mentally, but look at his production. That's not somebody you give away, especially when he plays the 5.

Elias (IL)

Are the Bulls still exploring deals for Gasol or have they given up that dream?

John Hollinger

  (12:23 PM)

This was always a huge longshot, as it depended on some other team basically deciding they liked Boozer better than Gasol. Good luck with that.

Brandon (DC)

Any chance a D-Will for Pau trade is revisited on draft day when the Nets come to realization D-Will is as good as gone?

John Hollinger

  (12:24 PM)

I would think that's a distinct possibility, yes, but it appears New Jersey wants to play this out to the end.

Jared (Chicago)

John - Can you please explain the playoff odds...Shows Bulls with best current and projected record, but gives Miami a pretty big edge in ECF. Why does it like the Bulls during regular season but not playoffs?

John Hollinger

  (12:25 PM)

The Bulls have a 3.5 game lead, so they're going to be top seed in all likelihood. As for playoffs, one issue is that it sees Bulls with much tougher 2nd-round opponent in 3rd-ranked Philly, so they don't always make it to ECF. I think that probably gives the Sixers too much credit .

Ray (Orlando)

Any chance Gerald Wallace or Lamarcus Aldridge are on the outs in Portland?

John Hollinger

  (12:26 PM)

Wallace absolutely. You hear mutterings that they might be so desperate as to include Aldridge in the right deal, but I've heard nothing firm on this. Besides, realistically what would you deal L.A. for? There are about nine players you'd rather have and none are on the market.

Jason (Fruitland)

Do you see Memphis making any more moves? Maybe trading O.J.? Which I hope doesn't happen

John Hollinger

  (12:27 PM)

I would be very surprised if they traded Mayo, he's made himself a very important part of this year's team. If Memphis does anything I'd suspect it will be something like Cunningham for a veteran backup point guard.

John Hollinger

  (12:29 PM)

our Chris Broussard just Tweeted that Dwight has signed his ETO waiver. It's official. If you're an Orlando fan, I'm not sure what you're supposed to do with all those water bottles and canned goods you stockpiled, but this is much better than the alternative.

Royce (Akron, OH)

Why wouldn't the Lakers take Sessions and Jamison? Lakers bench sucks....

John Hollinger

  (12:31 PM)

Because they can't. The salary cap rules force them to send a bunch of money back to Cleveland for Jamison, and the Lakers don't have expiring contracts, so it would have to be a pile of bad contracts (ie Metta and Blake) that Cleveland would have no interest in whatsoever

Aaron (OH)

Should Portland scrap the team they have and start over or do they still think they are a few pieces from contention

John Hollinger

  (12:33 PM)

I think they have to fire McMillan. He's had a good run, but they're clearly not trying right now and that's on the coach. Second, obviously, they need to upgrade at point guard.

Kevin (Charlotte, NC)

Can Orlando trade Dwight today if it wants to, now that he has waived the ETO?

John Hollinger

  (12:35 PM)

Yes. It would be the stupidest move in the history of sports, but yes.

Chris [via mobile]

Totally disagree with getting rid of McMilllan. He lost Roy and has had to deal with Oden debacle. Name me a better coach out there willing to coach that team?

John Hollinger

  (12:37 PM)

The point isn't "better" or "worse." The point is that the message from most head coaches inevitably goes stale after a while; very few manage to effectively get through to their players after 2-3 years. That's why changing generals often works, even if they do 90% of the same stuff.

Theo (CA)

Do you see the kings doing anything?

John Hollinger

  (12:39 PM)

No, but I suppose one could see them moving Thompson for a point guard.

Kyle ((ATL))

They have lost some tough games, but doesnt the Hawks decent play during Horford injury make it possible to see what his trade value might be?

John Hollinger

  (12:41 PM)

I think they'll explore trade value of both Horford and Smith after the season, but not before. And if you aren't willing to take Marvin, you probably needn't bother calling.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

What side of the Monta-Bogut trade did you like better?

John Hollinger

  (12:42 PM)

Milwaukee. Which is odd, since I harp on how overrated Monta Ellis is, but between the cap savings, getting Udoh, and the fact that Milwaukee has a much more accountable culture than Golden State, I think the Bucks come out ahead.

Sharad (New York, NY)

Lakers need to get Hinrich instead of Sessions, better shooter, PG, and defender overall

John Hollinger

  (12:43 PM)

Better defender, yes, but Sessions is a vastly better point guard. Hinrich is much more comfortable on the wing.

Rios (Philly)

Do you think Philly will make any further trades?

John Hollinger

  (12:44 PM)

Only if they involve Andres Nocioni. Unlikely they make any moves involving their core.

Drew Gooden (Milwaukee)

I had a triple double last night! What the heck have the Bucks been putting in my water Hollinger?

John Hollinger

  (12:45 PM)

I'm still in the third quarter -- been trying to watch all morning but the trade stuff is getting in the way. One notable development that I also saw on Monday in New Jersey -- Drew has become a pretty effective high-post passer.

Nathan (Portland)

If the Blazers dump McMillan, do they make a push for Mike D? The blazers have been flirting with the run and gun, might as well go all in.

John Hollinger

  (12:46 PM)

My expectation is that they'd promote Bernie Bickerstaff for the rest of the season and then make a big push for a name coach (D'Antoni, Van Gundy, etc.) over the summer.

Kelly (Jacksonville)

So which teams have the best of what you call accountable culture, and which have the worst?

John Hollinger

  (12:47 PM)

Best: Chicago, San Antonio. Worst: Sacramento

John Hollinger

  (12:49 PM)

Quick correction on an earlier Tweet, by the way: the Nets cannot trade Deron Williams on draft day because of his ETO. Presumably they could if he waived it, however, which an acquiring team would probably demand anyway.

Frank (Chi)

Now that Howard signed what can the Magic do to get him the impact player they promised without any assets?

John Hollinger

  (12:50 PM)

Basically, hope a Jeremy Lin falls in their laps. They'll work the phones but it's not clear to me what they could plausibly pull off.

Chad (Indianapolis)

Does getting Barbosa really do anything for the Pacers?

John Hollinger

  (12:51 PM)

It's a free player, don't look it in the mouth. The Pacers get a backup 2 who can really score, and they were under the salary floor so it will barely cost them anything anyway.

Hiram Abiff (San Diego)

what are the chances the Lakers move Gasol today?

John Hollinger

  (12:53 PM)

Very low from what I'm hearing. Lakers focused on using firsts and exception to build depth -- i.e., the rumored Sessions and Beasley deals.

zach zola (new york)

Have there been any talks involving the Rockets?

John Hollinger

  (12:55 PM)

Have there been any talks NOT involving the Rockets? Houston has been trying everything and anything, finishing second to Golden State in the Bogut sweepstakes, still trying to get Pau, working the Dwight Howard angle until an hour ago, etc., etc.

John T (Eagan, MN)

Back to Drew Gooden for a moment - is he the most underrated player in the league? He's had a 15+ PER every year but one, yet it seems like every year he's on a different team. Is there something PER isn't capturing?

John Hollinger

  (12:56 PM)

He's a bad defensive player. Still, I liked that midlevel deal for him a year ago and now we're seeing why -- you can't find bigs that productive on that kind of deal. He was hurt all last season and would have made a big difference for them.

Brandon (Wisconsin)

Do you see the Spurs making any moves before the day is over? Or are they going to try and make a run with the team they have now?

John Hollinger

  (12:57 PM)

The Spurs have made one deadline deal in the Popovich era that I can remember, the 2005 deal for Nazr Mohammed. So I'd expect a quiet afternoon in San Antonio.

Web (Dallas)

Even if the Mavs get Deron, aren't they still and 2nd Tier team in the West?

John Hollinger

  (12:59 PM)

With Deron and Dirk? Have you seen Kidd this year? That would be a huuuuuge upgrade. Not sure it gets them back to the championship, but it puts them back in the conversation at least.

Robin (Bacoor, PH)

So are these teams really gonna wait until 2:59 to make a deal? How exactly does it go down? They ask David Stern to join a conference call and beg him not to veto?

John Hollinger

  (1:00 PM)

Yes, an amazing number of deals get done in the final hour. It's a monument to man's ability to procrastinate.

zach zola (new york)

will kevin martin get traded?

John Hollinger

  (1:01 PM)

I'd say there's a chance, but it's more likely he stays just because the only deal he'd be in is a mega-blockbuster; there probably isn't enough time left for anything like that to happen.

Gregory (Austin, TX)

Will Dealer Demps get anything done in New Orleans before the deadline?

John Hollinger

  (1:03 PM)

Better question -- will stern LET him get anything done? Besides, nobody wants to deal with New Orleans because there are too many chiefs and all the names get leaked.

Jordan (Minnesota)

Why would the Wolves trade Beasley for Crawford? Beasley is more talented, a better shooter, and 8 years younger than Crawford. The only (arguable) thing wrong with him is that he's not a SG. Why would we have any incentive to do this 3 way deal?

John Hollinger

  (1:04 PM)

Because Beasley is a free agent after the season and probably won't be invited back. If he was in their long-term plans at all they wouldn't do this deal.

Ben (Atlanta)

I don't understand your comment regarding changing the General (McMillan). Isn't the problem two brand new players in Crawford and Felton? Not the long term guys Batum and Aldridge.

John Hollinger

  (1:05 PM)

Your use of the singular form of "problem" amuses me. You don't take on this much water just because of one guy playing poorly. Felton has been terrible, no mistake, but Crawford is actually having a decent year.

John Hollinger

  (1:08 PM)

Folks, that's all the time I have today, but it looks like these final two hours will be verrrrry interesting. I'll be posting my analysis on all the deals, and will be back in here at the same time next week to talk about actual basketball games.