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John Hollinger

  (12:05 PM)

Greetings all. Lots of wheeling and dealing to discuss today. Let's get started ...

Ethan (Toronto)

If the Knicks match Fields offer, do you think Mayo would be a good fit in Toronto?

John Hollinger

  (12:08 PM)

He'd be a decent target with their remaining cap room, but he's almost certainly going to Phoenix if my man Stein is correct, because if the Gordon offer sheet gets matched the Suns can offer a lot more than Raptors can.

Nick (Chicago)

Why wont D12 Sign long term w/Bulls? Big city, Play with superstar, chance at ring, and Drose does not want spotlight more for Dwight! Noah/Deng plus picks for D12/Hedo? Looks good for everyone...

John Hollinger

  (12:09 PM)

Nobody is totally sure, but he won't. The best time for a deal just passed -- Chicago had $13 million in non-guaranteed contracts it could have used to soak up Orlando's bad deals, but the Bulls weren't interested in a very expensive rental.

Bike Lanes (Put a Bird on it)

Good News: Portland did have a plan for FA (chase Hibbert, Keep Batum)!Bad News: It looks like they will fail at both. Now what?

John Hollinger

  (12:10 PM)

Think they're still keeping Batum, although the game of chicken drags on. Blazers needed a better Plan B for a Hibbert match, but otherwise I think they went into this knowing that they might need to keep their powder dry for a year.

Anthony (NYC)

You are an analytical guy. You have to like the Knick's moves. Top 5 PG in assist rate and top rebound rate center. I know they are older but these are nice, cheap pieces.

John Hollinger

  (12:11 PM)

They actually weren't cheap. The bigger key is that New York had to be creative given its cap constraints, and they were. Their use of the non-guaranteed contracts (which required a year's worth of foresight) enabled them to get Camby. Camby isn't that good anymore and they overpaid, but they still got an upgrade at backup center. Same for Kidd -- no way I'd give that guy a three-year deal, but Knicks have a short window and limited avenues for player acquisition, so they did what they could.

Jamers (Houston, TX)

if you're Morey, who do you want to have? Dwight rental or Bynum who's interested to sign long term?

John Hollinger

  (12:13 PM)

It's an interesting question, and the key question for Houston is this: Are they a better alternative than any of the other teams with cap space? Atlanta and Dallas will have them a bit worried, but they know the Knicks, Nets, Lakers and Clippers can't sign Howard as a free agent. Would he walk away from money if it's not a bigger market?

Murad (Orange County)

Are the Kings looking at any starting-level small forwards right now? I feel like Tyreke Evans is a much better PG than SF.

John Hollinger

  (12:14 PM)

A) You're the only one, and B) Now that the Kings have hit the salary floor they're likely done for the year, at least until some news breaks regarding either a new arena or a sale of the team.

Alex (Idaho)

Which team has a shot at/desire to claim Darko?

John Hollinger

  (12:15 PM)

Darko will likely pass through the amnesty auction because a higher bid will be required to cover the non-guaranteed portion on his second year. At that point somebody will sign him to a minimum or biannual exception type of deal; have to think Miami would give him a look, right?

Mitchell (NYC)

Bulls make a lot of money. Why not go a small amount into Tax and sign some players that can help? They lost out on Gerald Greem over $500K. They act like 2012/13 is already a forgotten season. Am I wrong??

John Hollinger

  (12:16 PM)

Bulls' willingness to spend is directly connected to health of Derrick Rose's knee. I expect them to plunge back into market next summer, but this year? Not so much. Even if they keep Asik, don't be surprised if they deal Hamilton at trade deadline to get under tax.

Jeremy (Denver, CO)

What's the latest on Elton Brand? Any ideas where he'll wind up?

John Hollinger

  (12:18 PM)

Most likely outcomes are Dallas and Cleveland. Mavs can bid about 5.2 million in amnesty auction and definitely want him. Cavs are $6 million under league salary floor and may figure why not. Dark horse is Rockets, who could amnesty Scola and dive in with a winning bid. Also, Portland could win the bid if it wants to, but I'm not sure there's interest.

Aneesh (Indy)

Dear Hollinger: What the heck is going on? Sincerely, Pacer Nation.

John Hollinger

  (12:19 PM)

Baffling trade. I understand locking up Mahinmi at decent money, but they could have done that without making a trade. I sort of get unloading Jones for free. The Collison giveaway is what has me flabbergasted; they should have been able to get a first-round pick for him with little or no trouble.

Sixer Nation (Philadelphia, PA)

Help us out here? We're confused

John Hollinger

  (12:22 PM)

Not sure I can help you much. It appears Philly didn't really go into this offseason with a plan, saw a shiny object and said "hey, Nick Young!". The Brand amnesty was definitely done off the cuff, because otherwise they would have done it July 1 and gone after bigger fry. I commend the addition of shooting in Young and DWright, but that doesn't even remotely offset losing Brand and Lou Williams.

Taylor (Atlanta)

Any chance Atlanta is still alive in the DH talks? They seem to be stocking up on hometown guys (Smoove, Lou Williams, and Anthony Morrow). You would think Howard would agree to stay long term. Is the hiccup that the Magic would rather have picks than Horford/Teague?

John Hollinger

  (12:23 PM)

I suspect Ferry's thinking is along these lines: Don't overbid now because the Hawks have the best chance of anybody to sign Howard if and when he hits free agency. So even if he goes to Houston, Hawks feel like they're in the game.

Chris (Utah)

I know you're down on Marvin Williams, but he is measurably better then Bell, Howard and Miles whom were getting a lott of minutes for us last year, right?

John Hollinger

  (12:24 PM)

Yes. The reason I didn't like the trade is that Utah should have been able to squeeze a first-round pick in return for taking on the extra year of Williams's contract at that price. Also, I think Hayward needs to play 3 and Marvin blocks that.

Bill (Portland)

Why does Minnesota have Portland envy? Blazers are not that good.

John Hollinger

  (12:26 PM)

The Twin Cities' cultural and basketball larceny of Portland has been one of the year's most underreported stories. The Wolves aren't going to stop until every player, coach and executive on that team has some connection to the Pacific Northwest. In retrospect I'm amazed they didn't end up with Marvin Williams.

Gabe (NJ)

When will you stop killing Sixers for Lavoy Allen's first contract? It's a minor thing.

John Hollinger

  (12:27 PM)

A) it's a move no other team makes. Ever. B) It forced the Brand amnesty because they couldn't sign Nick Young with the midlevel exception.

Bled (Los Angeles)

Why did Clips trade Evans to Nets when they need a 4th big?

John Hollinger

  (12:28 PM)

Yes, I'm having trouble with that one too. Clippers are very close to the tax line and spent all their money on the one position where they're already overloaded.

Chris (Philly)

Will the Sixers trade Iguodala this offseason and who might they get in return?

John Hollinger

  (12:29 PM)

I still think it's a possibility, yes, but it's a difficult contract to fit into a deal and I'm not sure what they'd be after in return. I'm not sure they know either.

Evan Turner (Philly)

What's going on around here? Why are all these guys who are mysteriously my size and with similar ability showing up? Am I on my way out?

John Hollinger

  (12:30 PM)

I think Iguodala is a much more likely trade option, since he and Doug have an icy relationship and he makes so much dough. Also, the Sixers are still under the mistaken impression that Turner is good.

Bigg Edd (Somerset, NJ)

Heard a rumor the Nets were in Jamison, is this true?

John Hollinger

  (12:31 PM)

Would be a very difficult sign-and-trade deal involving a lot of the same slop they were going to put in the Dwight Howard deal, but it is possible. I'd rather just re-sign Humphries.

Tony (Chicago)

Basically, Nets added Joe Johnson but have zero depth and might lose their starting PF. How are they a top-four seed in the East?

John Hollinger

  (12:32 PM)

They'll have a starting power forward one way or another, and with Teletovic, Brooks and assorted veterans clambering aboard, I'm not sure the bench will be as bad as you think.

Jazz Nation (SLC)

Jazz are a 5-6 playoff seed with the addition of Mo and Marv Williams, and the subtraction of Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Josh Howard, and CJ Miles. True or False?

John Hollinger

  (12:33 PM)

Not sure yet. I mean, it's certainly possible, but a lot of stuff went right last year that won't necessarily break the same way this time around, and I'm still not sure Corbin can coach.

Will (New Orleans)

was the Jarrett Jack trade a straight salary dump or is this Bosnian center finally going to make his NBA debut? and if it was just a salary dump should Hornets fans be expecting the team to make another move (besides matching Gordon's offer sheet) some time soon?

John Hollinger

  (12:36 PM)

It was a straight salary dump; the Bosnian center was in the deal because league rules required Philly to "give up" something in the trade. Hornets are at salary floor and may go cheap now; still have at least two roster spots to fill, however, and might be enticed by the right FA.

Ry (OH)

John, do you buy Bynum's interest in teaming with Kyrie and the Cavs as being legit or did his agent just give him a list of teams who could afford to pay him max money?

John Hollinger

  (12:38 PM)

The inclusion of Cleveland certainly caught my attention; certainly that's not a name that comes up often when player are mentioning free-agent target cities. But yes, it did seem he was just mentioning places with max cap space.

michael (lexington, ky)

any word on whether memphis will stay in position to pay the tax for this year? rudy gay's name has come up a lot in past months....

John Hollinger

  (12:39 PM)

Remember that Grizzlies don't need to make a move on this until the trade deadline, so they may play it out with current roster and then come February decide which pieces are superfluous. Gay and Randolph are obviously interesting pieces to watch, but Griz can also do smaller moves involving Speights and/or Cunningham to get under tax.

Tom (Chicago)

If you're the Bulls, no way you match that Asik offer from Houston, right? Paying such an offensively deficient player like Asik, even though he's a great defensive center, $15 million in 2014-15 seems totally absurd

John Hollinger

  (12:41 PM)

And yet it appears they may do it. I don't think it makes a lot of sense for the Bulls, especially given their aversion to large payrolls, but emotion may triumph reason on this one.

Jose (Virginia)

Are the Wizards a #8 playoff team?

John Hollinger

  (12:42 PM)

Still seems unlikely. Their neighborhood is getting tougher and I don't think Okafor or Ariza change their outlook much -- In fact I'd argue Seraphin might be better than Okafor this year. Stranger things have happened, but it's not the way to bet.

Ragan (Philly)

Anytime you can give $60 million to a 7'0 Center who averages less rebounds per game than Kemba Walker, you have to do it. Right?

John Hollinger

  (12:44 PM)

Here's the problem: If somebody else signed him to an offer sheet, he couldn't be traded without his consent for an entire year. So Lopez would have had veto power over a Dwight Howard trade. While it's still remote that they can get Howard in January, a Lopez offer sheet took those odds to zero. And I do think Portland might have jumped in with one.

Philip (Philippines)

so the Mavs got away with a heck of a deal. could u please enlighten me if the Mavs go out and perform a decent playoff performance, will they be able to somehow snare a superstar next year? they're toeing the line on being decent and hoping for jackpot in free agency to rebuilding wholesale

John Hollinger

  (12:47 PM)

The Mavs should have room at the lower end of the max range, but would have to deal shawn Marion to get a Dwight Howard or Chris Paul. With one year left on his deal he should be movable if he doesn't completely stink this year.

TommyB (Arkansas)

What is the latest word on O.J Mayo? Why are teams not jumping on him?

John Hollinger

  (12:48 PM)

He's resisting. Knows he has a payday waiting in Phoenix three days from now.

Juliet (Oregon)

Is Batum really worth the offer from Minnesota? Shouldn't the Blazers just let him go for that kind of money?

John Hollinger

  (12:49 PM)

I think they especially need to consider getting draft picks and Korver in return for letting Minnesota overpay Batum, which is the deal our Ric Bucher mentioned last night. I get why they would want to match, but a sign-and-trade with real assets going back to Portland still strikes me as their best case scenario.

Charly (Oxford)

Am I crazy or do the Hornets still need a point guard? Is Ramon Sessions on their radar or do they really believe Austin Rivers will be their PG?

John Hollinger

  (12:50 PM)

Very interested to see what they do here. I like Vasquez but think he's a stretch as a starter, and if Gordon and Rivers play in the backcourt together Anthony Davis will get two touches per game.

D. Brown (ATL)

Thoughts on the Danny Ferry era so far and future of the Hawks?

John Hollinger

  (12:51 PM)

So far it's been really solid -- gotta love the Johnson trade, really like the Marvin trade, and Lou Williams was a good value signing. They have too many little guards right now and need to even out the roster, and obviously we have to see how the hunt for a superstar and the quest to keep Josh goes, but he's off to a nice start.

John (from Cincinnati)

Can the Heat bid on Brendan Haywood? He'd be an upgrade at least....

John Hollinger

  (12:52 PM)

No, only teams under the cap can bid. Haywood is likely to clear auction because he still has four years left on his deal, at which point Miami would be free to sign him for the minimum.

dj (dc)

youve killed the wizards trade for weeks, but don't you just overvalue cap space? only options other than the okafor/ariza trade were brand or ryan anderson, neither of whom would have saved the team money or improved their performance.

John Hollinger

  (12:53 PM)

Wrong on both counts. Brand would have saved them money and kept their '13 cap space open, and Anderson would certainly have improved their performance.

Nick (Toronto)

How about Jose Calderon for the Hornets? They could give up a heavily protected pick for him, which Toronto could relay to Philly with a couple other assets for Iguodala. Who says no?

John Hollinger

  (12:55 PM)

You're sniffing bath salts if you think you can get a draft pick for Calderon given his $10M price. You have it backwards: The Raptors need to pay somebody to take him.

Mo (Indianapolis)

Can Chicago match Asik's offer sheet then work out an extension before year 3 that would benefit all parties (thus avoiding a monster $15 million hit)?

John Hollinger

  (12:55 PM)

No.

Georganne (Latvia)

With the signing of Fournier, and the expected signings of McGee and QMiller - the Nuggets are going to have to move someone to make room on the roster. WChandler deal coming soon?

John Hollinger

  (12:56 PM)

Birdman is going to fly off. The Nuggets have four centers and really only need two, maybe three at the maximum. Look for him to be dealt later this summer.

jamessal (Stockton, NJ)

Whatever happened to Iggy for Rudy Gay? Gay would add that playmaker Philly desperately needs, and Memphis' D on the wings would rival Miami's.

John Hollinger

  (12:57 PM)

Nothing 'happened' -- it's just that people talking about a deal on talk radio doesn't mean it's anywhere close to actually happening. It's an intriguing prospect from both sides, but I can understand why each would flinch too.

CP3 (LA)

Where do I end up next year? Do I really stay on a team that let our brightest mind go to Portland and decided on sticking with Vinny!?

John Hollinger

  (12:58 PM)

My dream scenario has CP wavering between Atlanta and Portland and contacting me for advice. But despite the travails in Clipperdom, I think there's a decent chance he sticks around.

Tim (Dallas)

How good is Darren Collison? Or do you think the Mavs are better off resigning Delonte West and letting him run point?

John Hollinger

  (12:59 PM)

Absolutely not on the second point. Collison is a good enough stopgap starter, he's not elite and he's never going to get there but he's a pretty good shooter and his quickness is an asset on defense.

Adam (Florida)

Doesn't the Pacers trade make a little more sense knowing they are targeting Augustin and have agreed to sign Green? It puts them one OJ Mayo away from being the deepest team in the NBA (i.e. 2 solid players at every spot) don't you think?

John Hollinger

  (1:01 PM)

No, it doesn't. Still doesn't change fact they could have got a first for Collison. Also, Mayo isn't coming, his price tag was too high. Move along, it's not happening. As for Augustin, he's a downgrade from Collison -- better passer, worse at everything else. The only part that makes sense is switching DJones for Green.

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

By no means are the Mavericks winners in free agency, but are you surprised at how well they were able to "right the ship" for a playoff berth and still maintain excellent cap space next summer?

John Hollinger

  (1:02 PM)

Shocked, I didn't think there was any way they could pull off both goals. Tremendous day for Dallas yesterday, and it keeps them in position to make a trade at the deadline to push them closer.

Matt (Oakland)

Most Omer Asik questions ever. Here's another: Isn't the $15 million in year 3 an attractive expiring contract for trade purposes?

John Hollinger

  (1:04 PM)

You realize you still have to take $15 million back, right? The whole point is the deal puts them so far into the tax that it will cost them a lot more than the $15 million, and the alternatives (stretch provision, amnesty Boozer) end up costing just as much when you factor in losing a player.

Dan B. (Boise, ID)

Now that Batum has signed the offer sheet, do you think the Blazers will wait the full 72 hours to match just to spite Kahn and the Wolves?

John Hollinger

  (1:04 PM)

Bank on it.

Kevin (Minnesota )

What do you think of the Wolve's chances this year of an 8th seed, with Rubio back and the additions of Buddinger and Roy?

John Hollinger

  (1:05 PM)

Think they have a pretty good chance. Minnesota was right there a year ago before the injuries hit, and the kids will only be better this time around.

John Hollinger

  (1:06 PM)

Folks that's all the time I have, but one note: Chris B. Haynes is reporting that Batum just signed the offer sheet, which would take sign and trade out of play for Blazers and Wolves.