Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 12/13/15-12/20/15

In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:

“ESPN has mentioned Joe Harris is being shopped. What say you folks?” — Eric

HR: Actually, it was Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal who wrote that the Cavs would like to obtain a second-round pick in exchange for Harris. As a result, Harris has been showcased in the D-League this month, moving up and down a handful of times. The Cavs are looking to move Harris because of the surprising play of Jared Cunningham and the team’s looming luxury tax bill, according to Lloyd. Harris has not played much in the league since being drafted in 2014 and, while this is just my speculation, it seems likely the Cavs will shed his fully guaranteed $845,059 salary as soon as possible since he is now looking more expendable than ever.

Do you think the Lakers will consider trading players such as Roy Hibbert and Lou Williams for picks? What kind of value do you think they hold? — Aaron

HR: Hibbert, in my opinion, has a better chance of being dealt because he is set to be a free agent after the season. Williams, on the other hand, signed a three-year, $21MM deal with the Lakers in the summer after he scored 15.5 points per game on 40.4% shooting last season in Toronto. I really think that the Lakers are committed to Williams, who could help lure more talent into the fold next season. Hibbert has helped the Lakers has a veteran mentor on a young team. While he is not the player he was a couple of years ago, Hibbert has re-established himself as a serviceable starting option in the league and there is a decent chance he could help the Lakers land a future second-round pick of sorts, in my estimation.

Can the Lakers get a first-round pick from a team for Hibbert? — Aaron

HR: I highly doubt it. Hibbert just turned 29, has experienced down seasons already and is likely past his prime. I credit him for having a decent comeback season now, but it’s just not enough to warrant exchanging a first-round pick for. That is unless, perhaps, he is part of a larger package, of course.

Do you think DeMar DeRozan and Hassan Whiteside are realistic options for the Lakers? — Isaac
HR: Not really, but maybe. I know that is an ambiguous answer, but until the Lakers show they should be taken seriously, it will have to do. DeRozan, who is eligible to opt out of his current deal with the Raptors and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, grew up in California and played college ball at USC so there might be an attraction there. Plus, he might want to play with former Raptors teammate Lou Williams. Whiteside, who is set to be a free agent this summer, seems more like a wild dream because I would imagine the Heat will do everything possible to re-sign him.
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