Here is the ongoing chat so far. Of course AI dominated chat.
Debunks a few trade rumors. I may have missed a few at the end.
Chad Ford: (12:02 PM ET ) Aloha everyone. Hmmm ... nothing to talk about this morning I guess as AI watch goes into Day 5 .... what happened to the Sixers moving him in 48 hours ...? Let's roll.
Rob (Los Angeles, CA): Phil Jackson has now spoken twice about AI. Is he trying to convince the Lakers to trade for him? They wouldn't really get into this mess, would they?
Chad Ford: (12:03 PM ET ) I'm not sure there are enough shots in a 48 minutes game for Kobe and AI. I think it would be a disaster. Ditto for most of the other teams in the hunt for AI. Yes he's a great player ... but he's really going to screw up a team's chemistry and likely get the coach or GM that wants him fired.
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Max: How about trading T-MAc for AI?
Chad Ford: (12:04 PM ET ) Yeah, Jeff Van Gundy would LOVE that ... besides T-Mac's injury woes may make him less desirable than AI right now.
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rob (ny,ny): any chance Miami lands ai with a package of james posey jason williams dorrel wright and a 2008 1st and second round pick ?
Chad Ford: (12:06 PM ET ) I know the Sixers are desperate to get rid of AI ... but that desperate? I do like Dorrel Wright ... but that extra year on Jason Williams contract (it expires in the summer of 2008) probably kills the deal. Besides, a backcourt of AI and Dwyane Wade may be overkill.
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Adam (Minneapolis, MN): Is there any hope that the T-Wolves can land AI? Are there any pieces they can add to Foye to make the deal enticing to Philly?
Chad Ford: (12:09 PM ET ) No ... and that's why I've been so critical of the T-Wolves the past few years. They have a ton of bad contracts and only one real asset -- Foye. They've made it almost impossible to pull off a big deal like this to get KG help. Unless they find some sucker who really wants the overstuffed contracts of a Marko Jaric, Mark Blount, Troy Hudson, Mike James or Trenton Hassell ... then I think they're stuck
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Sean (Orlando, FL): I have only recently heard Portlands name in a deal including Iverson, however it was a three team deal that would send Iverson to the Nuggets. Why wouldn't the Trailblazers try to get AI? Pairing the Answer with Uncle Zach could be a nasty combination.
Chad Ford: (12:10 PM ET ) No ... they are not trying to acquire AI. They have an expiring contract, Jamaal Magloire, that a number of teams are trying to send to Philly as part of the deal. This is a three team scenario. They would get someone else in return. A number of teams are trying to use the Blazers and/or the Bobcats to get this deal done.
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Jeff (Cleveland): I'm just throwing this out there...AI and LeBron?
Chad Ford: (12:12 PM ET ) Actually ... this one I could see a little bit. Philly would have to take back a contract like Larry Hughes and Ilgauskas ... which I personally wouldn't do. But I do think that AI would be a better fit in Cleveland than on most teams that have been mentioned.
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Johnny (Billerica,MA): Please tell me now that the Celtics dominated the sixers last night, the sixers saw something they liked and will trade Iverson to us now for Gomes and West instead of either Jefferson or Green
Chad Ford: (12:14 PM ET ) I don't think Danny will give up Al Jefferson or Gerald Green. If the Sixers can live with Gomes/West or maybe Telfair instead of West along with Theo Ratliff's contract (note to NBA writers who keep getting this wrong ... Ratliff does NOT have an expiring contract. It ends in 2008). It's not much for Philly ... but it's a heck of a lot more than what Toronto got for Vince Carter. If the Celtics weren't in the same division with Philly ... I'd probably put them as the front runners.
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tim(california): Iverson/Webber/Hunter for Baron/Pietrus/Murphy and Foyle . Deal or no deal Chad ?
Chad Ford: (12:16 PM ET ) Wow. Nellie reunited with Webber. Ugh. Not sure why Philly would want to replace one headache (AI) with another Baron. Pietrus and Iguodala are too alike. Foyle and Murphy are overpaid. Yeah, nothing to really like here. By the way, I'm told that reports that Baron Davis and Andris Biedrins "almost" going to Philly are totally bogus. The Warriors have interest in AI, but aren't giving away Biedrins.
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Andrew (Indy): The most tight-lipped GM out there, Donnie Walsh, is denying all sorts of trade rumors for the Pacers, but they keep coming up. Any indications this could go through and what would be the result if they did get A.I.?
Chad Ford: (12:19 PM ET ) Take a listen to my podcast with him on Monday. He said he's interested in AI ... but wouldn't confirm whether he was making an actual offer for him. There was a story floating around that the Pacers were the front runners and just waiting for Marquis Daniels to become eligible to be traded. That, too, is bogus.
Daniels was not a free agent acquisition. He was traded this summer. He's eligible to be traded now ... with that said ... I think Indiana is a long shot. They would love to have AI's talent ... but given their move toward trying to clean up the locker room after the Ron Artest debacle ... this would be a giant step backward.
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Pacini (Altamonte Springs, FL): Chad, This is the trade Philly needs to pull off. Expiring contract of Grant Hill, Jameer Nelson(Philly native), Fran Vazquez and future draft pick for A.I. Remember the last name, one day I'll be a GM.
Chad Ford: (12:21 PM ET ) I can't see the Magic doing this ... mainly because if I was Billy King, and got an offer like this, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Terrible deal for the Magic. Terrible.
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Andrew (Saint Louis): Chad - Im glad to see at least one of the ESPN analysts seems to be sane about the AI situation. AI would KILL the chemistry on about 27 teams right now. And why would a young team like the Bobcats even try to get him in a trade? They cant win now and his 20 shots a game are 20 shots the kids wont be taking. About the only place he makes sense is in Minny. who probably doesnt have the assets to acquire him. I hope Billy King enjoys the hell he has created for himself.
Chad Ford: (12:22 PM ET ) I think the reports about Charlotte trying to acquire Iverson were bogus. They are in the mix as a potential third team because of their cap space ... but they won't end up with him.
Iverson created the hell, not King. But good GM's know when to cut the strings and King waited too long.
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jim(california): Chad, any truth to the AI to Clips for Livingston/Maggette rumors ? Thats a steal for the Sixers so I doubt its true .On that note, is Maggette a goner somewhere else?
Chad Ford: (12:23 PM ET ) Everything that I hear is that the Clippers will NOT give up Shaun Livingston. Maggette and Cuttino Mobley yes ... Livingston no.
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Hal (Philly): Explain why that Orlando deal is bad. That sounds great for both teams to me.
Chad Ford: (12:24 PM ET ) That's because you're from Philly.
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Sean (Ann Arbor): Detroit. AI for Rip, Davis and Delfino. Detroit makes this in a heartbeat, no? Rip is good, not great, AI is the best. Don't give me that team crap either, the team didn't win the last two years with Wallace. We need more.
Chad Ford: (12:25 PM ET ) I don't think Joe D is a big fan of AI these days ... though he almost traded for him 5 years ago. He'll be my guest on the Daily Dish podcast today and I'll ask him about this.
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Sam (San Jose): How do you think Billy King is handling the AI situation? Throwing out false rumors to get teams to up their bids, BD and Biedrins for AI? No way the Warriors offered that.
Chad Ford: (12:27 PM ET ) He's made a couple of big mistakes. The biggest was setting a deadline (he never did that publicly, the media did, but a number of GMs told me that he told them he was moving AI right away, so make their best offer). If GMs call your bluff, which they seem to have done, it looks like the market is much weaker. The Sixers aren't dealing from a position of strength any more ...Billy King's a good guy ... but I definitely think that it's time for a change in Philly ... they'll have cap room in 2 years and should get someone in place with a different vision of what to do with it.
Dan (philly): Hey Chad thanks for taking my question. I was at the sixers/ celtics game last night, and it felt like pre-season. Is there any hope for us? Oden?
Chad Ford: (12:30 PM ET ) I don't think the Sixers are going to get a lot back for Iverson. I think you've got to try to find some cap space and maybe one second tier young prospect out of this and call it good. The Sixers will be in the mix for Greg Oden and if they can get him ... their fortunes change over night. He's that good.
Knox (Tucson): Chad, do you see any scenario that has Portland trading Zach Randolph either by himself or with Magloire? His value has to be at an all time high right now. An Aldridge has look servicable.
Chad Ford: (12:43 PM ET ) Great point Knox. I've been thinking the same thing. Randolph is so talented, but he's also so immature. They should be able to get something very good for the combo of the two and I agree that Aldridge looks like he'll eventually be a very good four for them. Learn from the Sixers ... Blazers management. Get out while people are still buying high.
Luke (NYC): The Nets need a big guy to rebound, outlet and run. After the dust settles after AI is traded, will Rod Thorn surprise everyone again with a blockbuster?
Chad Ford: (12:44 PM ET ) I talked to Rod earlier in the week and it was clear he's frustrated. There's been a lot of talk about Jamaal Magloire coming there. I just don't know if that's a good idea. The way that the Nets get up and down the floor isn't ideal for Magloire. Personally, I think now is the time to explore trading Vince Carter and trying to get a solid center in return that can get up and down.
Rick(Memphis): No Iverson question here. My question to you is...do you think with Gasol coming back this week that the Grizz will fall out of the Greg Oden sweepstakes? If they get Oden...do you see a scenerio like the Spurs? Or who else would be a good fit for the Grizz in the draft.
Chad Ford: (12:48 PM ET ) I think if Jerry West had his way ... he'd move Gasol ... get another draft pick or two ... clear cap room and then get multiple shots at Greg Oden this spring. However, it seems clear that with the team ownership in limbo ... West can't have his way right now. It's unfortunate. I think he's finally in a position where he could get something done either way (they also would've been a solid contender for AI) but I think his hands are tied.
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Aaron (Dallas, TX): Why do you think Cuban is against an AI Trade? I know we'd have to give up Devin Harris, Crosh and Stack, but AI and Dirk on the same side, I can't imagine Dallas losing another game. It would be Scary. So why would Cuban not pull the trigger, this would be a no brainer to me!
Chad Ford: (12:51 PM ET ) Chemistry and finances. I actually like AI on the team too ... especially if they could find a way to make it Crosh, Stack and Jason Terry instead of Harris. But Avery's really thrived there and so far, no one but Larry Brown has had any luck controlling AI ... and even Brown really struggled. Does Cuban really want to put Avery in that position. The financial ramifications would also be huge because the Mavs are luxury tax payers. With that said, if AI were to behave ... they'd be even better than they already are.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=13977
Debunks a few trade rumors. I may have missed a few at the end.
Chad Ford: (12:02 PM ET ) Aloha everyone. Hmmm ... nothing to talk about this morning I guess as AI watch goes into Day 5 .... what happened to the Sixers moving him in 48 hours ...? Let's roll.
Rob (Los Angeles, CA): Phil Jackson has now spoken twice about AI. Is he trying to convince the Lakers to trade for him? They wouldn't really get into this mess, would they?
Chad Ford: (12:03 PM ET ) I'm not sure there are enough shots in a 48 minutes game for Kobe and AI. I think it would be a disaster. Ditto for most of the other teams in the hunt for AI. Yes he's a great player ... but he's really going to screw up a team's chemistry and likely get the coach or GM that wants him fired.
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Max: How about trading T-MAc for AI?
Chad Ford: (12:04 PM ET ) Yeah, Jeff Van Gundy would LOVE that ... besides T-Mac's injury woes may make him less desirable than AI right now.
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rob (ny,ny): any chance Miami lands ai with a package of james posey jason williams dorrel wright and a 2008 1st and second round pick ?
Chad Ford: (12:06 PM ET ) I know the Sixers are desperate to get rid of AI ... but that desperate? I do like Dorrel Wright ... but that extra year on Jason Williams contract (it expires in the summer of 2008) probably kills the deal. Besides, a backcourt of AI and Dwyane Wade may be overkill.
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Adam (Minneapolis, MN): Is there any hope that the T-Wolves can land AI? Are there any pieces they can add to Foye to make the deal enticing to Philly?
Chad Ford: (12:09 PM ET ) No ... and that's why I've been so critical of the T-Wolves the past few years. They have a ton of bad contracts and only one real asset -- Foye. They've made it almost impossible to pull off a big deal like this to get KG help. Unless they find some sucker who really wants the overstuffed contracts of a Marko Jaric, Mark Blount, Troy Hudson, Mike James or Trenton Hassell ... then I think they're stuck
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Sean (Orlando, FL): I have only recently heard Portlands name in a deal including Iverson, however it was a three team deal that would send Iverson to the Nuggets. Why wouldn't the Trailblazers try to get AI? Pairing the Answer with Uncle Zach could be a nasty combination.
Chad Ford: (12:10 PM ET ) No ... they are not trying to acquire AI. They have an expiring contract, Jamaal Magloire, that a number of teams are trying to send to Philly as part of the deal. This is a three team scenario. They would get someone else in return. A number of teams are trying to use the Blazers and/or the Bobcats to get this deal done.
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Jeff (Cleveland): I'm just throwing this out there...AI and LeBron?
Chad Ford: (12:12 PM ET ) Actually ... this one I could see a little bit. Philly would have to take back a contract like Larry Hughes and Ilgauskas ... which I personally wouldn't do. But I do think that AI would be a better fit in Cleveland than on most teams that have been mentioned.
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Johnny (Billerica,MA): Please tell me now that the Celtics dominated the sixers last night, the sixers saw something they liked and will trade Iverson to us now for Gomes and West instead of either Jefferson or Green
Chad Ford: (12:14 PM ET ) I don't think Danny will give up Al Jefferson or Gerald Green. If the Sixers can live with Gomes/West or maybe Telfair instead of West along with Theo Ratliff's contract (note to NBA writers who keep getting this wrong ... Ratliff does NOT have an expiring contract. It ends in 2008). It's not much for Philly ... but it's a heck of a lot more than what Toronto got for Vince Carter. If the Celtics weren't in the same division with Philly ... I'd probably put them as the front runners.
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tim(california): Iverson/Webber/Hunter for Baron/Pietrus/Murphy and Foyle . Deal or no deal Chad ?
Chad Ford: (12:16 PM ET ) Wow. Nellie reunited with Webber. Ugh. Not sure why Philly would want to replace one headache (AI) with another Baron. Pietrus and Iguodala are too alike. Foyle and Murphy are overpaid. Yeah, nothing to really like here. By the way, I'm told that reports that Baron Davis and Andris Biedrins "almost" going to Philly are totally bogus. The Warriors have interest in AI, but aren't giving away Biedrins.
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Andrew (Indy): The most tight-lipped GM out there, Donnie Walsh, is denying all sorts of trade rumors for the Pacers, but they keep coming up. Any indications this could go through and what would be the result if they did get A.I.?
Chad Ford: (12:19 PM ET ) Take a listen to my podcast with him on Monday. He said he's interested in AI ... but wouldn't confirm whether he was making an actual offer for him. There was a story floating around that the Pacers were the front runners and just waiting for Marquis Daniels to become eligible to be traded. That, too, is bogus.
Daniels was not a free agent acquisition. He was traded this summer. He's eligible to be traded now ... with that said ... I think Indiana is a long shot. They would love to have AI's talent ... but given their move toward trying to clean up the locker room after the Ron Artest debacle ... this would be a giant step backward.
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Pacini (Altamonte Springs, FL): Chad, This is the trade Philly needs to pull off. Expiring contract of Grant Hill, Jameer Nelson(Philly native), Fran Vazquez and future draft pick for A.I. Remember the last name, one day I'll be a GM.
Chad Ford: (12:21 PM ET ) I can't see the Magic doing this ... mainly because if I was Billy King, and got an offer like this, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Terrible deal for the Magic. Terrible.
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Andrew (Saint Louis): Chad - Im glad to see at least one of the ESPN analysts seems to be sane about the AI situation. AI would KILL the chemistry on about 27 teams right now. And why would a young team like the Bobcats even try to get him in a trade? They cant win now and his 20 shots a game are 20 shots the kids wont be taking. About the only place he makes sense is in Minny. who probably doesnt have the assets to acquire him. I hope Billy King enjoys the hell he has created for himself.
Chad Ford: (12:22 PM ET ) I think the reports about Charlotte trying to acquire Iverson were bogus. They are in the mix as a potential third team because of their cap space ... but they won't end up with him.
Iverson created the hell, not King. But good GM's know when to cut the strings and King waited too long.
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jim(california): Chad, any truth to the AI to Clips for Livingston/Maggette rumors ? Thats a steal for the Sixers so I doubt its true .On that note, is Maggette a goner somewhere else?
Chad Ford: (12:23 PM ET ) Everything that I hear is that the Clippers will NOT give up Shaun Livingston. Maggette and Cuttino Mobley yes ... Livingston no.
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Hal (Philly): Explain why that Orlando deal is bad. That sounds great for both teams to me.
Chad Ford: (12:24 PM ET ) That's because you're from Philly.
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Sean (Ann Arbor): Detroit. AI for Rip, Davis and Delfino. Detroit makes this in a heartbeat, no? Rip is good, not great, AI is the best. Don't give me that team crap either, the team didn't win the last two years with Wallace. We need more.
Chad Ford: (12:25 PM ET ) I don't think Joe D is a big fan of AI these days ... though he almost traded for him 5 years ago. He'll be my guest on the Daily Dish podcast today and I'll ask him about this.
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Sam (San Jose): How do you think Billy King is handling the AI situation? Throwing out false rumors to get teams to up their bids, BD and Biedrins for AI? No way the Warriors offered that.
Chad Ford: (12:27 PM ET ) He's made a couple of big mistakes. The biggest was setting a deadline (he never did that publicly, the media did, but a number of GMs told me that he told them he was moving AI right away, so make their best offer). If GMs call your bluff, which they seem to have done, it looks like the market is much weaker. The Sixers aren't dealing from a position of strength any more ...Billy King's a good guy ... but I definitely think that it's time for a change in Philly ... they'll have cap room in 2 years and should get someone in place with a different vision of what to do with it.
Dan (philly): Hey Chad thanks for taking my question. I was at the sixers/ celtics game last night, and it felt like pre-season. Is there any hope for us? Oden?
Chad Ford: (12:30 PM ET ) I don't think the Sixers are going to get a lot back for Iverson. I think you've got to try to find some cap space and maybe one second tier young prospect out of this and call it good. The Sixers will be in the mix for Greg Oden and if they can get him ... their fortunes change over night. He's that good.
Knox (Tucson): Chad, do you see any scenario that has Portland trading Zach Randolph either by himself or with Magloire? His value has to be at an all time high right now. An Aldridge has look servicable.
Chad Ford: (12:43 PM ET ) Great point Knox. I've been thinking the same thing. Randolph is so talented, but he's also so immature. They should be able to get something very good for the combo of the two and I agree that Aldridge looks like he'll eventually be a very good four for them. Learn from the Sixers ... Blazers management. Get out while people are still buying high.
Luke (NYC): The Nets need a big guy to rebound, outlet and run. After the dust settles after AI is traded, will Rod Thorn surprise everyone again with a blockbuster?
Chad Ford: (12:44 PM ET ) I talked to Rod earlier in the week and it was clear he's frustrated. There's been a lot of talk about Jamaal Magloire coming there. I just don't know if that's a good idea. The way that the Nets get up and down the floor isn't ideal for Magloire. Personally, I think now is the time to explore trading Vince Carter and trying to get a solid center in return that can get up and down.
Rick(Memphis): No Iverson question here. My question to you is...do you think with Gasol coming back this week that the Grizz will fall out of the Greg Oden sweepstakes? If they get Oden...do you see a scenerio like the Spurs? Or who else would be a good fit for the Grizz in the draft.
Chad Ford: (12:48 PM ET ) I think if Jerry West had his way ... he'd move Gasol ... get another draft pick or two ... clear cap room and then get multiple shots at Greg Oden this spring. However, it seems clear that with the team ownership in limbo ... West can't have his way right now. It's unfortunate. I think he's finally in a position where he could get something done either way (they also would've been a solid contender for AI) but I think his hands are tied.
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Aaron (Dallas, TX): Why do you think Cuban is against an AI Trade? I know we'd have to give up Devin Harris, Crosh and Stack, but AI and Dirk on the same side, I can't imagine Dallas losing another game. It would be Scary. So why would Cuban not pull the trigger, this would be a no brainer to me!
Chad Ford: (12:51 PM ET ) Chemistry and finances. I actually like AI on the team too ... especially if they could find a way to make it Crosh, Stack and Jason Terry instead of Harris. But Avery's really thrived there and so far, no one but Larry Brown has had any luck controlling AI ... and even Brown really struggled. Does Cuban really want to put Avery in that position. The financial ramifications would also be huge because the Mavs are luxury tax payers. With that said, if AI were to behave ... they'd be even better than they already are.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=13977
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