We have an 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:
Could it even be possible for the Warriors to fill their big man need with DeMarcus Cousins? — Isaac Gylfe
It would certainly add to the team’s supervillain image if Boogie came to town. It sure seems like Cousins will be traded somewhere before his contract expires at the end of next season, but Golden State? Let’s look at the salary numbers. Cousins is making a shade under $17MM this season and will get a little more than $18MM in 2017/18. Theoretically, the Warriors could trade Klay Thompson [$16,663,575] for him straight up if they’re willing to break up the Splash Brothers. Draymond Green [$15,330,435] and one of the younger players like Kevon Looney [$1,182,840] or Ian Clark [$1,015,696] just about gets it done, but losing Green would destroy the team chemistry. Among players Golden State might be willing to part with, the most realistic offer is Andre Iguodala [$11,131,368] and Zaza Pachulia [$2.898MM] with some others thrown in to match salary. But both will be free agents next summer, and the Kings will definitely get better offers than that. If you want to see Cousins with this current Warriors roster, the only way to make it happen is NBA 2K17.
The Bucks are seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo make the leap to near All-Star level and Jabari Parker showing the NBA just how high his offensive ceiling is as he gains confidence in his 3-ball, 42% though eight games. My question is, how ominous are the John Henson [four years, $44MM] and Miles Plumlee [four years, $52MM] deals? A lot of Bucks fans are already terrified they’re both unmovable and will seriously impair the Bucks from adding pieces the next two summers as their prospects turn into stars. It’s like having two Omer Asiks on the roster. — Daren Hill
It is hard to understand why Milwaukee thought it needed to pay eight-figure salaries to both Henson and Plumlee, as well as Greg Monroe. Once the extension for Antetokounmpo kicks in next season, the Bucks are going to have very little room to maneuver under the cap. Throw in big salaries for Khris Middleton, Mirza Teletovic and Matthew Dellavedova, and the Bucks are just about capped out. Monroe can opt out next summer — if he isn’t traded first — which would take away $17.9MM for next season, but otherwise Milwaukee had better hope it can contend with its current core.
What about DeMarcus Cousins going to the Cleveland Cavaliers exchange for Kevin Love and draft picks.
What about Cousins for Monroe and second round pock
You must be on crack or powder. The kings would laugh as we all are at you.