Here you go...
Chad Ford: Hey everyone, thanks for coming. Let's get rolling. Lots to talk about today.
Matt (Orlando): Chad, what do you make of Kwame in LA? Can he possibly think to put up any kind of numbers against the likes of Stoudamire, Duncan, Garnett, K.Mart, etc.?? I'm a little baffled by the Lakers wanting him....
Chad Ford: It's a little odd on all fronts. I think Kwame needed to go to a young team in a small market that would try to feature him. He's never gotten many touches in Washington and needed a fresh start. Being in LA actually ups the pressure and with Kobe and Lamar Odom, it's unlikely that he'll get many more shots. I think Kwame still has tons of potential, but after four years of mediocrity, I'm not sure how much longer we can say that. One important thing to note is that the Lakers are only committing to two years. That minimizes the risk.
MLeavey (Owings Mills): Hey Chad. Personally, I think Caron Butler and either Atkins or George is a heist for the Wizards. Ernie deserves a lot of credit for getting a capable 2 to replace Larry Hughes. Now, the Wizards are a front court player away from really being dangerous. Can the Wizards find front court help anywhere?
Chad Ford: I agree. I'm a Butler fan. I think he was one of the most consistent players for the Lakers last season. I'm not convinced he's a two, but I think Eddie Jordan will get creative. I also agree that the Wizards were smart not to break the bank for Hughes. I love Hughes, but not at $14 million a year. The other under reported part of this trade has to do with the cap. Butler and either Atkins or George are all in the last year of their contracts. That could put the Wizards as much as $10 million under the cap next season as well. Great trade for the Wizards. A risky one with huge upside for the Lakers.
clearthoughtz (DC): What are your thoughts on the Knicks picking up Jerome James and what kind of affect will that have on the Sonics?
Chad Ford: If James plays the way he did in this year's playoffs against the Kings, this will be a steal for the Knicks. If he plays the way he's played the rest of his career, it will be a disaster. The Knicks needed size. With Kwame heading to LA, this was the best they could do. As for Seattle, there was no way they were going to give him a five year deal after the last three years. The problem is that the Sonics have only two inexperienced center, high schooler Robert Swift and first round draft pick Johan Petro. That's not going to be enough if they plan on competing again this year. The Sonics have flirted with making an offer for Samuel Dalembert or Eddy Curry, but they'd have to renounce their rights to all their free agents to do it.
John (Irvine): Is Cutino Mobley a good addition towards making the Clippers a playoff team? What else do they need to do this summer to improve?
Chad Ford: I feel bad for the Clippers. I think they've got a nice young core, a good coach and that owner Donald Sterling has changed his ways (at least a little bit). But they still can't get a top tier free agent to sign their. They were very close with both Kobe and Ray Allen. Instead they have to settle for Mobley at 5 years, $42 million. I'm not a big Mobley fan. I think he provides some outside shooting, and his lack of size shouldn't be an issue with Shaun Livingston on the floor ... but he's still a major downgrade from what the Clippers had hoped to achieve. By my calculations the Clippers still should have around $10 million left under the cap to sign free agents. They've made an offer to Shareef Abdur-Rahim. But ...
Gavin (NY, NY): Chad, what is the status of the NJ-Portland-Shareef talks? Do you think this will eventually get done?
Chad Ford: Reef wants to play in NJ. They have a $4.9 million trade exception they are trying to use. They can offer him a 6 year, $37 million dollar deal if they can get the Blazers to agree. Blazers want a first round pick. Nets don't want to give one up. If Abdur-Rahim has to settle for the mid-level, he's looking at a 5 year, $28-29 million dollar deal. The Kings and Spurs are also trying to swing a sign-and-trade with New Jersey. The Clippers are far enough under the cap that they can offer him more ... My gut is that Reef ends up in Jersey. He'd be a great fit there.
chuck phila: What kind of offer will Samuel Dalembert get and if it is too high will they (76ers) keep up with the pledge to match it
Chad Ford: Slamming Sammy is looking for a six year deal in the $70 million dollar range. I think it would have to be a max offer from a team like Atlanta before the Sixers would think twice about matching.
Phil (Cleveland): Seems like the Cavs want to deal Drew Gooden. Will there be any takers and what can they get?
Eric (Hampton, VA): Do you feel that Joe Johnson is worth the 5 years $70 million the Hawks have offered him? Should the Suns match the contract?
Chad Ford: He's not to the Hawks who are overloaded at the swing position right now. However, that is the market rate for two guards right now and Johnson had a great year. He's probably worth that to the Suns because, without him, their offense just won't be the same. I think they'll match.
Manu: What are the Spurs doing this summer? Luis Scola? Shareef?
Chad Ford: Just got off the phone with agent Herb Rudoy. He just told me that the Spurs agreed to a three year deal with Fabrico Oberto, the Argentian big man who has been one of the best players in Europe over the past five years. That pretty much ends talk of Scola coming this year. Abdur-Rahim would still be a possibility if they could get Portland to agree to a sign-and-trade for Rasho Nesterovic.
Art (Detroit): Chad, who has impressed you the most in the Vegas Leauge, maybe someone you didn't expect to play as well as they are playing.
Chad Ford: Nate Robinson, without question. He has been awesome. I think he's going to be a fan favorite in New York in no time. David Lee has also played well for the Knicks. A few surprises have been Eddie Basden, an undrafted swingman from Charlotte. He'll sign with the Bulls and I think he'll make their team. He's a terrific defender and he's really improved his offensive game over the last year. Maybe the next Trenton Hassell for the Bulls. Scouts have also been impressed with the Blazers' Travis Outlaw. It looks like their two years of patience has paid off. I'm hearing he could have a breakout year next season.
Chad Ford: Sorry guys. I have to run a few minutes early today. Thanks for all of your questions and we'll be sure to do this again next week.