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.
Do you think the Pelicans will make Anthony Davis available this offseason if they aren’t able to re-sign DeMarcus Cousins? Could the Celtics be a fit for both Davis and Kawhi Leonard? Would it work with the current salary cap? — Patrick Nyen
The cap isn’t the issue, as both players would have to be traded and salaries would have to be matched. The Celtics have no way to meet that requirement without giving up two of their three most expensive players: Gordon Hayward, Al Horford and Kyrie Irving. Even if Boston was willing to part with them, the Pelicans won’t let go of Davis, no matter what happens with Cousins or anyone else on the roster. He has become a legitimate MVP candidate while keeping New Orleans alive in the playoff race. The more intriguing case is Leonard, who is eligible for a super max extension this summer and can opt out after next season. We don’t know how much of the rumored behind-the-scenes feud is true, but the Spurs are facing a difficult decision on a star player who has only been on the court for nine games this season. If they can’t work out an extension, San Antonio will start to look at trades and the Celtics will surely make an offer.
I propose that the draft lottery order should be set based on team records two days prior to the trading deadline. What are the arguments against this? It seems like a win-win. It would not put an end to full-season tanking a la “the Process,” but it would end late-season tanking, which is a far more widespread problem. — Mike Loroz
Commissioner Adam Silver has been very vocal about his opposition to tanking, so a proposal similar to yours is possible. The idea of a tournament involving lottery teams has also been suggested with the final playoff spot as a prize. Either move would represent a radical change from the way things have been done for decades, which is enough to spark opposition from at least a few of the owners. Some in smaller markets also like the comfort that tanking offers as a way to rebuild a team around low-cost rookie contracts. No matter what form it takes, it’s clear that change is coming, which will be good for the league. It’s hard to imagine a worse system than what’s in place now, where teams are rewarded for failing but they can’t be obvious about trying to lose or make any public comment on their efforts.
What are the chances Doc Rivers will coach the Knicks next season? — George K., via Twitter
It looks like
Jeff Hornacek’s time is about done in New York, where he spent two tumultuous seasons trying to stay above water amid roster turnover, injuries and feuds between the front office and star players. Rivers was popular when he played for the Knicks and would probably be interested in the job if he doesn’t have a future with the Clippers. He has one year left on his contract in L.A. and may be ready to move on if he can’t reach an extension this summer. Rivers has done an exceptional coaching job to keep the injury-riddled Clippers in the playoff race, but he lost power last summer when his front-office responsibilities were taken away, and the organization may be headed toward rebuilding after trading away
Chris Paul and
Blake Griffin. Unless he gets fired, the Knicks would have to send compensation to the Clippers to get their hands on Rivers, but that’s a small price to pay if he’s the coach they want.
The thought of Doc Rivers potentially being traded twice to coach its hilarious. I think he would be a stopgap for Knicks at this point, but could get them to playoffs. Couple 2nds to the Clips should suffice maybe but does Austin follow or go to Orlando?