Zach Abbott (New Zealand)

How good do you think the rockets would be with dwight? I think dragic and howard would be good together but what other pieces do you think the rockets try and keep? Also do you think mchale would improve howards post game?

Michael Wallace

  (2:06 PM)

Thanks for joining me for a postseason, offseason edition of the weekly NBA chat. Let's get straight to the questions.Looks like the Dwight to Houston situation might be a moot point. Dwight has come out to demand his trade request yet again and has again made it clear he wants to be in Brooklyn. So for all of Houston's work leading into the draft, it ended up being a situation in which they shot for Dwight and ended up with Omer Asik in free agency.

Ryan (perplexed Magic Fan)

What is the best package out there that the Magic can trade Dwight "I love Orlando, NOT!" Howard?

Michael Wallace

  (2:08 PM)

To me, it's always been the same place from the beginning of the first trade demand. Los Angeles - as in the Lakers. Dwight and filler for Bynum and even more filler.

John (Baton Rouge) [via mobile]

How much do you think Dwight's image has taken a hit?

Michael Wallace

  (2:10 PM)

I think many people are just tired of his act and want to see this silly drama end. Dwight is a likeable guy on some levels when you're around him a bit. But he's also lacking for maturity in a lot of ways professionally. The fact that he's never really been taken - or has taken himself - as seriously as Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James ensures he'll escape the national wrath those guys took, fairly or otherwise.

Michael Wallace

  (2:13 PM)

It depends on what you're really looking for if you're Miami. Terry is a better attacking option with the ball and can create his own shot much better at this stage of Allen's career. But Allen's a better spot-up shooter who has more size, which gives Miami a chance to play him at SG or SF in a versatile lineup. I'm not sure the Heat has shown Terry all that much interest, though.

Dez (south Carolina )

Whats sup mike? Wouldn't jason terry be a better fit for miami than allen?

Michael Wallace

  (2:13 PM)

It depends on what you're really looking for if you're Miami. Terry is a better attacking option with the ball and can create his own shot much better at this stage of Allen's career. But Allen's a better spot-up shooter who has more size, which gives Miami a chance to play him at SG or SF in a versatile lineup. I'm not sure the Heat has shown Terry all that much interest, though.

Michael Wallace

  (2:13 PM)

It depends on what you're really looking for if you're Miami. Terry is a better attacking option with the ball and can create his own shot much better at this stage of Allen's career. But Allen's a better spot-up shooter who has more size, which gives Miami a chance to play him at SG or SF in a versatile lineup. I'm not sure the Heat has shown Terry all that much interest, though.

Michael Wallace

  (2:14 PM)

See answer below.

Art (Miami)

If we are playing without a center is there any reason we need Joel Anthony and his salary still?

Michael Wallace

  (2:16 PM)

Joel's salary equates to a little bit more than what the current rate of the mini mid-level is these days. By the end of the Finals run, he was a non-factor in the rotation. So I can understand the frustration there. But he's also a valuable shot-blocker on this team, and the Heat have spent four seasons developing him into a fit defensively in their system. The Heat will still need depth at the center spot, even if they are committed to playing small at the position.

Joe (CT)

What chance do you give the Heat of getting Allen?

Michael Wallace

  (2:18 PM)

I'd say 40-60. But take it with a grain of salt. My belief is that Garnett's return will make it tougher for Ray to leave - if the Celtics are truly interested in bringing him back. I also know Boston has a pretty solid list of Plan B options if Ray wants to leave.

Sammy (New York, NY)

What do you think is the Knicks Starting 5 for 2012-2013

Michael Wallace

  (2:20 PM)

Jeremy Lin, Landry Fields (only because of Shumpert's recovery from knee surgery), Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler.

Andy (Texas)

So was Steve Nash never really considering Miami or did that change when the Heat decided to go hard after Ray Allen?

Michael Wallace

  (2:23 PM)

What Nash said was that he'd be willing to listen and consider Miami if the Heat were seriously interested. The degree of that seriousness can be debated. Especially with Pat Riley suggesting on the eve of free agency that the Heat don't necessarily need a true point guard who must handle the ball 80 percent of the time. Although Nash is a great shooter, I seriously doubt he'd be willing to come to Miami as primarily an off-ball option.

Pete (MI)

How about the Lakers trade Pau for that Jonas Valancius kid that Toronto drafted next year? Who says no? I think that kid's gonna be awesome.

Michael Wallace

  (2:25 PM)

Lakers. Simply because they're in a win-now mode and can't wait for anyone to develop. Kobe's clock is ticking.

Bryce (Norwalk, CT)

If the Mavs get Deron Williams what other free agent will we go after? If we do not sign Deron Williams what other free agent will we go after? So far, I have heard Hasheem Thabeet and Anthony Randolph.Thanks.

Michael Wallace

  (2:27 PM)

Not sure which "we" team you're referring to. But if it's the Mavs, then Dallas will look hard at the PG crop. There could be a Nash return. There's also Felton and Sessions out there, among others. If you're a Nets fan, then the line is already forming with the potential likes of Joe Johnson. Gerald Wallace is already in tow. The question I'm wondering is would Dwight want to go to Brooklyn even if D-Will isn't there?

Kirby (PHI)

Are you ready to live in a world where Roy Hibbert is being payed $16 Mil per year?

Michael Wallace

  (2:30 PM)

I love Roy. But that's insane for Portland to extend the max. It seems like a desperate reach, considering what they've gone through with Oden and Brandon Roy. Plus, this is a team that's already used their amnesty clause. I can't see Indy matching that, especially with the always productive Chris Kaman on his way to town for a visit.

Cory (Los Angeles, CA)

Will Tim Duncan retire or comeback to the Spurs?

Michael Wallace

  (2:31 PM)

Considering the way Pop has handled his minutes and still managed to push that team to the best record in the West, I think Duncan returns for a Garnett-type contract to see if there's one more title in that nucleus.

Deven (New York, NY)

Hi Michael. I'm so sick of hearing "One more run" when it comes to talking about the Celitcs. It gives me headaches. They had a shot at it last year and blew it in Game 7 to the Heat. Will Boston ever rebuild? Thoughts?

Michael Wallace

  (2:33 PM)

With Rondo in his prime, and the potential that Jeff Green can return to form after his heart surgery, the Celtics are in reload mode. Not rebuild mode. You know what to expect out of Garnett. And if Ray returns, you know what you'll get out of him - even clearly on the downside of his career. The wildcard is figuring out just how much Paul Pierce has left. He's still viewed as an elite player in this league. If he can perform up to those standards, Boston will be contending at the top of the East again and again.

travis (lusby,md)

do u think my wizards will make the playoffs

Michael Wallace

  (2:36 PM)

I really like what the Wizards are doing, bringing in solid productive veterans and distancing themselves from the immaturity and inexperience of the previous teams. With John Wall now surrounded by Nene and Emeka, and with the boost they got from the draft, this could be a team that challenges the likes of Philly, New Jersey, New York, Milwaukee and Atlanta for one of the final seeds in the East - depending on how those other rosters shake out.

Suraj (Buffalo, NY)

Will Miami regret giving up that guy, Arnett Moultrie?

Michael Wallace

  (2:40 PM)

An athletic, shot-blocking finisher around the rim seemed to be just the kind of player the Heat needed to bolster depth behind Bosh. But the Heat elected to trade their rights to Moultrie, in part, to get what they believe will be a much higher draft pick next season. The logic is that Philly will fall somewhere in the high teens in the draft order next season, even with making the playoffs. So Riley's logic was that he could trade a No. 27 pick this year for the chance to land a No. 17, 18 or 19 next year - plus save a few dollars in luxury-tax penalties. Don't think the Heat will regret it too much.

Sam (Iowa)

Hey Michael, I wrote this on Friday. If Dwight Howard hasn't gotten traded yet. Where do you think he'll go? thanks

Michael Wallace

  (2:43 PM)

Considering the way this has gone down so far, I wouldn't mind seeing the Magic call Dwight's bluff to see if he's truly willing to sit out if not traded. But the reality of the situation is that Orlando can't afford to allow spite or hard feelings to enter the equation. They have to make the best deal for the franchise. I'd make that deal with Los Angeles, as I mentioned earlier. There's just nothing Brooklyn could send back in return right now that would make it anywhere near worth the Magic's time to send him to his preferred spot.

Bob (BOS)

What exactly will Jeffrey Green's role on the Celtics be next year?

Michael Wallace

  (2:46 PM)

If Jeff is healthy and close to his form from a couple of years ago, he can swing between both forward spots. The hope was he'd eventually take over for Paul Pierce or at least play alongside him and offer a dynamic and versatile threat on that frontline alongside Garnett.

Adrian (Oxford)

By trying to avoid being the next Lebron, has Dwight made himself something even worse: an indecisive knucklehead without a realistic chance at an immediate ring?

Michael Wallace

  (2:47 PM)

It's time to stop putting Dwight and LeBron in the same breath, considering their situations were totally different. Totally. LeBron never publicly held his team hostage while under contract.

Chris (DC)

The Wizards have almost too much depth in the front line, any chance they package Nene with a young guy and send them for a stud like Josh Smith?

Michael Wallace

  (2:48 PM)

Technically, there are a lot of bodies on that frontline. But they'll work out the logjam once they figure out what to do with Andray Blatche.

Adrian (Oxford)

Would the Heat take a chance on an UDFA like Renardo Sidney?

Michael Wallace

  (2:50 PM)

Considering Miami's newly preferred playing style at the PF and C spots, the last thing the Heat need is another project center with conditioning issues. They've been there, done that with Dexter Pittman and Eddy Curry.

Aaron (Peoria, IL)

What moves can the bulls make, now that Asik is most likely gone to Huston? We need a scoring 2 guard right? (Mayo???)

Michael Wallace

  (2:52 PM)

Omer was considered a luxury, considering the way the league is headed at the center position. But now that he appears on the way out to Houston, the Bulls would do themselves justice by finding another wing scorer. O.J. Mayo or Jamal Crawford would seem like ideal fits there, from an offensive need standpoint.

Adrian (Vancouver)

You think Rashard Lewis fits in Miami? Could mid-level (if they don't get Allen) get it done?

Michael Wallace

  (2:56 PM)

With the questions about Rashard's knee, I think the Heat would have to take a long, hard look at him first. I don't see them valuing him as a mini-mid guy right now. He'd have to come for the veteran's minimum and really sacrifice. That's just my guess.

Saul Plasencia (san diego)

Hey Mike, love your chats. I have no idea where the lakers are headed this offseason. Do you have any insider info as to what moves they're trying to make? thanks

Michael Wallace

  (2:58 PM)

Thanks. Well, what we know is they've been pitching Pau and Artest. Depending on the asking price, there's also the possibility that Bynum could resurface in a potential trade for Dwight Howard. The bottom line is the Lakers, despite ownership's stance after the season, won't just stand pat with that roster. It's time to shake it up a bit.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Hey Michael, do you really think that Kevin Garnett can have a big influence on Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo?

Michael Wallace

  (3:00 PM)

Of course. KG is intense, smart and one of the most productive players in NBA history. Even if he doesn't say a word to either of those rookies, they could learn a ton by just watching him in practice and games each day. At the very least, we know KG will at least teach them some creative ways to curse and bang their chests.

Michael Wallace

  (3:00 PM)

That's my time for this week, folks. Thanks a ton for your continued support throughout the season. We'll do this again real soon.Take care and peace. MW