NBA Mailbag: Biggest questions before trade deadline

The Suns could make another deal after two major trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the past year.

The NBA Mailbag is here to answer your questions throughout the 2023-24 season! Have a question for Jamal? Submit it at the bottom of this edition of the NBA Mailbag. 

What team needs to make a move the most?

– from Rajiv in New York

I think Phoenix needs to get a point guard. And it doesn’t need to be someone to join the starting group. They just need a true point guard in the rotation. While they have enough ball handling, they need a playmaker who can take some of that responsibility off KD, Book and Beal so they can be more focused on scoring. Someone like Tyus Jones could be good. (And shoutout to my colleague Candace Parker for first bringing up his name to me as a good trade target.)

What trade do you think will be the biggest at the deadline?

– from Kameron in Mt. Vernon, IN

I predict that the biggest trade has already happened with Pascal Siakam to Indiana.

What is the hardest part of getting traded?

– from Josh in Canada

The emotional part of having to leave your current team. You feel like you’re building a family on and off the court. You know the families of other players and you see the same faces every day. So to emotionally detach from that and say, “OK, I’m going to another situation” … to me that’s the hardest part.

What trade in your career was most shocking? Either involving you or a teammate?

– from Jackson in Reno, NV

Getting traded from the Clippers was the biggest shock. Obviously as a team, we hadn’t accomplished our goals. But I thought that we still were really good and I saw myself as a core piece there. And I didn’t see it coming since I had just re-signed the year before. So that trade was absolutely the biggest shock in my career.

After being traded, how long do you have to wait until you collect a salary from the new team? Is there a delay?

– from Paul in Texas

There is no delay after being traded. They already have your information, so it moves like clockwork. The biggest delay for me was adjusting to the new reality. When I got traded from the Knicks to the Warriors, it took me like two days to really grasp that I got traded. I was sitting in New York looking at the walls like, “I’m really leaving here? They really traded me?” I was the leading scorer on the team. So that’s the bigger delay for a player than the paycheck.

Should the Thunder go get a veteran guy who can help keep these younger players in the playoffs? And if so who?

– from Casey in London, OH

I feel like they don’t need to go get it this season, but eventually, they will need another big man to go with Chet to help his growth. A veteran, defensive-focused big who can still play but won’t get in the way of the growth of the young guys.

Do you think the Bucks will make any trades before the deadline?

– from Miles in Wisconsin

Their big move was getting Doc in there. Any other moves they make won’t be as major as that change.

Should the Spurs make a move now knowing Victor Wembanyama’s impact?

– from Michael in Australia

No, I don’t think they need to make a move now because it’s not like they can get into the playoffs this year. So at this point, let Wemby continue to grow and develop as the focal point of the team. Then this summer assess who fits best around him moving forward.

How big of an impact would a solid backup center be for the Philadelphia 76ers?

– from Unique in Wilmington, DE

No matter what they do, the biggest key is getting Joel back healthy. No player in the league can replace what he brings to the table. So it’s not like a great backup would be a big difference maker. They need Joel to be healthy and playing at an MVP level to be a championship team.

What crucial piece should Sacramento add before the deadline?

– from Devin in California

I would like to see them add a starting, scoring wing. Sabonis and Murray are great but they aren’t downhill playmakers like Fox and Monk, who they rely on heavily to create offense right now. Earlier this season, Monk was leading the team in clutch scoring, which seems rare for a sixth man. So another scoring wing like a DeMar-DeRozan-type could open up a lot offensively.

Will the Warriors make a trade? If so, who do you think they should acquire?

– from J.R. in Oakland, CA

It seems the only trades they could make would have to include one of their core pieces or best young players, and I don’t see that happening before the deadline. It becomes a slippery slope, so it would have to be a perfect deal for their situation. And I would be very surprised if they decided to trade Klay.

Do you think Malcolm Brogdon should get moved at the deadline? If so, what would be some ideal destination spots?

– from John in Portland, OR

He would be a good fit for any contending team that needs a true point guard. I think he makes great decisions and is someone who can help a team in many different ways on and off the court. He would be another good fit for the Suns, if that could work salary-wise.

Who would be a better backup big man for the Celtics to pick up at the deadline to play off the bench: Andre Drummond or Larry Nance Jr.?

– from Joe in Quincy, MA

I’ll go with option C … a JaVale-McGee-type who can bring energy and defense off the bench. McGee is with Sacramento now, but he’s not getting much playing time, so maybe he could be an option for Boston.

What should the Pelicans look to acquire at the deadline? Or should they roll with the core they have, with one of the deeper rosters in the league? It’s hard to give all those guys minutes night to night.

– from Sam in Nashville, TN

I would roll with this roster and lean into the deepness. Let this playoff run help you determine who to keep in the core. Then make moves this offseason to free up more time for the guys you really want to focus on. If you make a move now, it could confuse things and make it hard to think clearly this offseason.

Do you think the Houston Rockets will make any good trades at the trade deadline? Also, what do you think about the Steven Adams trade to Houston?

– from Noelle in Houston, TX

The Rockets are interesting because Ime Udoka has clearly made a big impact during his first year as coach. After half a season there, he may feel more confident about the young players he wants to develop alongside the recent additions like VanVleet, Brooks and now Adams (even though he’s out the rest of the season). I’m eager to see what they do before Thursday. As for the Adams deal specifically, I think he’ll be a good fit behind Sengun next season.

The Magic need a PG. Should they trade for Dejounte Murray?

– from Cole in Missouri

The Magic have too many young guards right now, especially since Paolo and Franz need the ball in their hands as playmakers. So they need to clean up that position somehow. Dejounte would absolutely be an interesting upgrade. If you can get an All-Star point guard, you have to take a look at that.

Is there any way the Hawks get into the playoff race through the trade market?

– from Crews in Alabama

The best move for them to get into the playoff race is maybe to not make a major move, especially if the main option is to trade Dejounte. He’s such a talented player and if they can figure out a rhythm between him and Trae, who is playing at an All-Star-level this season, then that could be the best way for them to climb the standings.

Why is a season like Trae Young’s being disrespected by leaving him out of the All-Star Game?

– from Avery in Monroe, GA

Obviously, Trae is one of the best players in the game. But as you see, everyone — especially the coaches who pick All-Star reserves — wants to be associated with winning. And the Hawks aren’t winning. Sometimes it’s as simple as that. But he’s an All-Star-level player and one of the best players in the game. Hopefully, he gets added as an injury replacement for the East.

With all the 60+ points games recently which one has impressed you the most?

– from Nikita in Chapel Hill, NC

Luka Doncic was the most impressive and not just because he scored the most points. It’s because he also had seven assists so he generated at least 14 points in addition to his 73. So that combination of scoring and passing was amazing to witness.

HISTORIC 73-POINT NIGHT FROM LUKA DONCIC 🤯

🔥 73 PTS🔥 25/33 FGM (75.8%)🔥 15/16 FTM🔥 8 3PM

He becomes the 4th player in NBA history to score 73+ points and the first ever to score 70+ on 75% or higher from the field. pic.twitter.com/Afm9cyJung

— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2024

Who is the most versatile player currently in the league?

– from Byran in Australia

Kevin Durant. He’s 35 years old and still posting unreal stats. Right now he’s averaging 28.3 points with 6.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists, while shooting a better FG% than Embiid and a better 3-point % than Curry. And he’s averaging more blocks than Giannis. That’s versatility!

Who do you have winning the 2024 NBA All-Star MVP?

– from Corey in Winchester, OH

Kevin Durant.

I’m a huge Clippers fan and I think we have a great bench. Who do you think has the best bench in the NBA?

– from Amanda in Orange County, CA

I think the Clippers have the best bench in the league. Westbrook has been exactly what they need in that role.

Are there any telltale signs in rookies or young players that give away how good or great a player can be from a mentality standpoint?

– from Ashton in Jacksonville, AR

Yes. Their confidence, their work ethic and most importantly — what’s driving them to be great? Is it the things that come with the game? Or is it the game itself and trying to master that? If what’s driving you is the game, then you’ll automatically display confidence and work ethic because you understand those are necessary traits to play the game at the highest level.

Hey Mal this is Dre from Young Professionals of Seattle! As much as the youth want to learn your signature crossover, how important is it for them to learn to read their contracts, understand what a CBA is and how that all impacts their career?

– from Deondre in Seattle, WA

Dre, what’s up? Learning the “business of basketball” is incredibly important for young players coming up. The game is one thing. It’s all the other stuff that comes around it that can be an unexpected challenge. So learn about the CBA, contracts, and everything else. The NBA does an unbelievable job educating the players on this stuff when you reach the league. But it can be good to get started early so you can fully grasp it.

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