Episode artwork for LaMelo Ball teams up with Anthony Edwards

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LaMelo Ball teams up with Anthony Edwards

June 25, 2026 · 1:06:34

0:001:06:34

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Minnesota sent Naz Reed, a 2033 unprotected first, three first round pick swaps and three second round picks to Charlotte for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. That is a bigger pick haul than Miami had to give up to get Giannis. Anthony Edwards finally gets a shot creator who can take the ball out of his hands and orchestrate, which is real. He also gets a front court of Rudy Gobert and nobody, in a conference where you have to go through Wemby and Chet.

From there the stream gets into whether the league can punish the Clippers without letting Kawhi walk into free agency clean, the Joe Smith precedent from 2000, what big is even worth trading Jaylen Brown for, and why Charlotte's image cleanup story falls apart the second you look at the names they kept.

The takes

  • The price was worse than the Giannis price. Miami gave up three picks total for a proven champion and a former back to back MVP. Minnesota gave up four first round picks and three seconds for LaMelo. That math doesn't work.
  • Minnesota had to do something, and they knew it. The Ant-Man trade request was coming if they ran it back, and pretending that dumping Julius Randle's 15 shots onto Naz Reed and Jaden McDaniels counted as an upgrade was never going to hold.
  • The front court is the whole problem. Naz Reed and Julius Randle are both gone, Donte is out for most of the year, and that's three of your top six. Rudy Gobert is old and he cannot be the only big on a roster trying to win in the West.
  • Myles Turner is the move nobody is making. Indiana wanted boards out of him and Milwaukee wanted him to be Karl-Anthony Towns. Next to Gobert he gets to shoot threes, which is the only thing he ever wanted to do.
  • Sam would take Julius Randle back now. The black hole complaint was really a point guard complaint, and LaMelo knows when to feed a guy and when to skip him. Mike Conley is from a far gone era.
  • Voiding Kawhi's deal is not a punishment. He loses the $50 million he is owed, signs somewhere for 30 or 35, and if he sits a year he comes back at 36 with less wear on knees that have no cartilage in them. The league knows it, which is why nothing has happened.
  • The Clippers were caught dead to rights and they may still skate. Ballmer writes the fine off his debit card and Lawrence Frank eats a suspension, but the picks do not exist yet because of the Paul George deal, and the league has no idea what to do with the player.
  • Charlotte's clean image reasoning does not survive contact. They drafted Brandon Miller out of a murder case and kept Miles, but LaMelo's off court stuff was the bridge too far. Okay. Whatever you say.

Jump to

Full transcript 11,492 words

Speaker 1: El primero de mayo. Speaker 1: For all content, audio, and visual, Speaker 1: hit up thesamd.com. Speaker 1: For the visual component of this podcast Speaker 1: and my other sports and sports media Speaker 1: thoughts and opinions, Speaker 1: check out the At The Sam D YouTube channel. Speaker 1: Subscribe link is in the description. Speaker 1: For all my thoughts on all things tech, Speaker 1: holla at the At Shill Free Tech YouTube channel. Speaker 1: Link is also in the description. Speaker 1: Musical production done by May 1st Music.

Speaker 1: Support him at SoundCloud.com slash May 1st Music. Speaker 2: Tipper Bulls receive LaMelo Ball and Josh Green. Speaker 2: Hornets receive Naz Reed. Speaker 2: A 2033 unprotected first rounder. Speaker 2: Three first round pick swaps. Speaker 2: Three second round picks. Speaker 2: So LaMelo Ball.

Speaker 2: This is essentially a bigger haul than the Heat had to give up to get Giannis. Speaker 2: yeah I'm trying to think of that because it was only Speaker 2: three picks in total yeah this is more picks than what the heat gave up to go Speaker 2: get Giannis the Wolves gave up a hell of a whole lot Speaker 2: more but that 2033 unprotected first round pick Speaker 2: that's literally six years from now three first round pick swaps three Speaker 2: second round picks and the Wolves get help we talked about Speaker 2: on the last stream if you weren't here with the Giannis stuff Speaker 2: We talked about LaMelo or we talked about Anthony Edwards had already leaked out that he is frustrated. Speaker 2: He wants help. And we talked about how there was no shot creators. Speaker 2: No one who who you could give the ball to and create. Speaker 2: And we talked about how well you can't expect Jaden Green's shot increases because the thought process was, well, they got rid of Julius Randle. Speaker 2: That's an addition by subtraction move.

Right. Speaker 2: We'll take away Julius Randle's 15 shots and we'll disperse those amongst Naz Reed and Jaden McDaniels. Speaker 2: And that should be better, right? No, that is not how that works. Speaker 2: So they go out there. They'd rather give the 15 shots that Julius Randle got in the black hole that he was. Speaker 2: Transfer those 15 shots is probably going to be a little bit more than that because of the mellows of mellow.

Speaker 2: But it's probably going to be upwards of almost 20 shots. But you have a shot creator. Speaker 2: not just for himself but for others a actual point guard although he gets a little squirrely at times Speaker 2: but he has an actual point guard skills that he likes to facilitate if he has the pieces he will Speaker 2: facilitate so you bring in lamello ball now and pair him up with ant man anthony edwards anthony Speaker 2: edwards gets help is this enough help no but it is help because now your bigs the only bigs on this Speaker 2: roster is Rudy Gobert. Speaker 2: Rudy Gobert can't be the only big on this roster. Now you're assuming Speaker 2: you could go get a big in free agency or maybe there's another deal Speaker 2: in the works. Mike Conley, your days are Speaker 2: done unless you're willing to come off the bench. Speaker 2: What other pieces do the Timberwolves have Speaker 2: because they just gave up all the picks in the world.

Speaker 2: You gave up four first round picks and three second round picks. Speaker 2: So what are we doing? Speaker 2: Where's the size? Speaker 2: Where's the interior? Speaker 2: Rudy Gobert and who else? Speaker 2: Could you help the backcourt? Speaker 2: Okay, so now when you trap Ant-Man, he's kicking it to LaMelo.

Speaker 2: And then you got to deal with LaMelo. Speaker 2: But now who's going to be the recipient of when LaMelo gets the ball after you trap Ant-Man? Speaker 2: So there's a trickle down effect here to where before it was, all right, cool. Speaker 2: You have Ant, you trap him. Speaker 2: All right, it's either going to be McDaniels or we're talking about Dante or we're talking about Nash Reed. Speaker 2: Like guys that can get a shot, they can take a shot, but they can't create a shot. Speaker 2: Right?

Speaker 2: Now you're talking about, okay, you trap in, he kicks it to LaMelo. Speaker 2: But now who's LaMelo going to facilitate the Rock to? Speaker 2: There's only so many rim runs he could do with Rudy Gobert. Speaker 2: Who's going to be the other recipient? Speaker 2: And if you tell me it's going to be McDaniels, then okay, I want to believe you. Speaker 2: I can't though. Speaker 2: I'm not there yet.

Speaker 2: Stephanie chat press conference going to be cinema. Oh, please believe it. Please believe it. Believe it, please. Speaker 2: It's going to be one of the ones LaMelo and Ant on a podium together on a dais together. Speaker 2: We're looking at two of the first three picks in the 2020 draft. Speaker 2: Now, if they could somehow go dust off James Weissman, James Weissman might be the big that the Tibberwolves need.

Speaker 2: Lowest of keys. Speaker 2: Is he officially out the league? Speaker 2: I know he was with the Pacers, but like, if James Weissman's available, why not just run it back? Speaker 2: Let's get all three of the first round picks from 2020 and let's see what happens. Speaker 2: they need a big Speaker 2: hell Speaker 2: Patrick Williams just got dealt right Speaker 2: or did the Bulls decide to re-up him Speaker 2: let me see Speaker 2: what's the last transaction on Patrick Williams Speaker 2: they could potentially make a space Speaker 2: I thought the Bulls optioned him Speaker 2: All right, but be that as it may. Speaker 2: Patrick Williams is not highly thought of in Chicago. Speaker 2: I'll just tell y'all that, T.

Speaker 2: They think they got a false bill of goods. Speaker 2: They should never draft him this high in the first place, Speaker 2: but that's another stream for another day. Speaker 2: There's a scenario where if I'm the Timberwolves, Speaker 2: I go get James Weissman, because why not? Speaker 2: You need size. Speaker 2: You just gave up Nazaree to go get a point guard. Speaker 2: You haven't had a point guard in a long time. Speaker 2: Mike Conley's been hanging on to the last remnants Speaker 2: of what he used to be for about three, four seasons now.

Speaker 2: now you have the actual point guard who you can hand the keys to now and could really get into Speaker 2: his two guard bag the whole meme of have jordan have and he can really channel that now because Speaker 2: now he don't have to have all the pressure of bringing the rock up orchestrating the offense Speaker 2: in addition to going to go be a bucket now he could kind of fall back into the role of Speaker 2: I'm going to pick and choose my spots when to cook up. Speaker 2: Let LaMelo do all the heavy lifting of bringing the ball up, orchestrating, making sure everyone gets their touches, Speaker 2: making sure everyone stays in rhythm. And I could just go be Ant-Man. Speaker 2: I could just go be the killer that I am over here in the cut. Speaker 2: This frees up pressure for Ant. And I love that for him. Speaker 2: I'm just concerned with if you're really trying to make a move in the West, you got to deal with that seven foot four, Speaker 2: seven foot five on a good day Frenchman.

Speaker 2: and Rudy Gobert is cool Speaker 2: but he old as hell now Speaker 2: so what other size Speaker 2: are you going to have Speaker 2: to throw at Speaker 2: potentially facing Wemby Speaker 2: and to a way lesser degree Speaker 2: even Chet Speaker 2: and OKC Speaker 2: those are the two dudes Speaker 2: you got to go through Speaker 2: in terms of size Speaker 2: when it comes to the West Speaker 2: you got to go through Chet Speaker 2: you got to go through Wemby Speaker 2: and the Stifle Tower Speaker 2: has hung on Speaker 2: for the last couple of years Speaker 2: but you can't really expect that Speaker 2: and right now Speaker 2: Maximize the window, right? Let's maximize this window of Ant, especially when he's at his cheapest. Speaker 2: He'll never be cheaper than right now. Let's maximize that window and try to facilitate a championship and steal off of Larry OB. Speaker 2: How can you do that? You can do that by surrounding him with a bunch of talent. Speaker 2: Again, the Knicks didn't reinvent the wheel.

They might have reminded people, oh, yeah. Speaker 2: It doesn't have to be one or two dudes and just pray. Speaker 2: We could just surround a whole squad for the lottery picks. Speaker 2: Well, this will be taking the Nick philosophy to another level Speaker 2: because you would have the first three picks of the 2020 draft Speaker 2: in your lineup, in your rotation, Speaker 2: if they find a way to go get James Weissman. Speaker 2: At this point, why not? Speaker 2: Because you just got rid of all the size that's left. Speaker 2: let's go see Speaker 2: let's go pull up Speaker 2: Minnesota Speaker 2: what size is left on this roster Speaker 2: they got rid of their starting power forward Speaker 2: they got rid of their backup Speaker 2: big who is a swing four Speaker 2: Jaden McDaniels is not a big Speaker 2: who's the big Speaker 2: on this roster Speaker 2: they have a 7-3 Speaker 2: rookie from last year, an Australian rookie who's on a two-way?

Speaker 2: That ain't going to work. Slow-mo's going to be a big. Who's going to be the big? Speaker 2: Did they draft somebody last night Speaker 2: that I'm not aware of in the first round or the second round? Speaker 2: Let me see. Who did they draft Speaker 2: the last couple nights? Speaker 2: Joshua Jefferson.

Is he a big? Nope. He's 6'9". Speaker 2: is their second round pick a big Trey Kaufman Wren? Nope. Six, nine. Speaker 2: So there's no bigs on this roster.

Speaker 2: So who is going to replace the size and the effectiveness once you get past Rudy Speaker 2: Gobert? If you're trying to play the game of, we got to keep up in the West. Speaker 2: Okay, back. You got the help that Ant-Man needs in LaMelo ball. Speaker 2: But after that, you've now gutted your front court help, Speaker 2: a dish about subtraction, and getting Julius Randle up out of there. Speaker 2: It would almost, and this is definitely 2020 revisionist history, Speaker 2: I would almost like Julius Randle now with LaMelo. Speaker 2: Because LaMelo is going to know when to give Julius the ball Speaker 2: and when not to give him the ball.

Speaker 2: That was the problem in Minnesota where they had no real point guard. Speaker 2: Mike Conley is respected. He's a vet, all of that. Speaker 2: But he is from a far gone era. Speaker 2: LaMelo would have been able to get the rock to Julius when he needs it. Speaker 2: It wouldn't have been the black hole thing. Speaker 2: At least I would hope.

Speaker 2: If Julius Randle would have been a black hole even with LaMelo and Ant, Speaker 2: then you just got to write that check off. Speaker 2: It's a bad check and just write that off, right? Speaker 2: I'm trying to understand the thought process of the Timber Bulls. Speaker 2: We're also going to get rid of Julius Randle, Speaker 2: but we're also going to get rid of Najd Reed and further deplete our front court. Speaker 2: But oh, by the way, we're getting LaMelo. Speaker 2: and if you want to get into Josh Green Speaker 2: I mean I'm not going to go crazy about that Speaker 2: if you want to to me he's a throw in Speaker 2: but the big pieces of Melo obviously Speaker 2: but there's no size there's no size coming in Speaker 2: Steph in the chat Robert Williams is a name Speaker 2: but I think you need a big who can stretch the floor Speaker 2: yeah because you already got that in Rudy right Speaker 2: Rudy's your traditional big even though he's not really Speaker 2: offensive weapon. Robert Williams would be a good defensive.

I like him as a Speaker 2: backup to Rudy Gobert so that way you keep your defensive big presence there. Speaker 2: But yeah, who's going to be the stretch four Speaker 2: or even a big wing Speaker 2: that can do the, like, maybe they think really that high on Jaden McDaniels. Speaker 2: I mean, he has taken some strides for sure. Speaker 2: I'm just not willing to just go ahead and assume Speaker 2: he could fill in the piece of an actual big. Speaker 2: Walker Kessler is also unhappy in Utah, a footer most should be looking out for. Speaker 2: He's an enigma to me. Speaker 2: Like he's one of those guys, you know, you have the whole thing of Speaker 2: this guy puts up good numbers on a bad team, Speaker 2: but then you put them on a good team and then they don't do anything.

Speaker 2: They shrink. Speaker 2: There's something in my gut that leads me down that path when it comes to Walker Kessler. Speaker 2: Could be wrong. Speaker 2: He's certainly a big body for sure, and he's got some skills for a big, Speaker 2: so he would be a good fit. Speaker 2: But that's kind of where we're at with it because your starting lineup Speaker 2: or your starting rotation, three or half of it is gone. Speaker 2: Your top six players, because Dante's going to be out, Speaker 2: if not for the whole year, the majority of the year. Speaker 2: you traded Naz Reed Speaker 2: and you traded Julius Randle Speaker 2: that's three of your Speaker 2: six rotation guys like that's three Speaker 2: you have your five Speaker 2: five man starting lineup and then your six man Speaker 2: half of that is Speaker 2: gone Speaker 2: I guess you bring a lamello to Speaker 2: replace but like Speaker 2: interesting Speaker 2: it's a very interesting thing man Speaker 2: I don't Speaker 2: I like it as the optics of Speaker 2: we're trying to get Ant some help.

Speaker 2: I like it from that POV. Speaker 2: But in regards to Speaker 2: is this a move that will shake up the West? Speaker 2: No. Speaker 2: Is this a move that Speaker 2: that makes Ant feel secure Speaker 2: about the organization's commitment to winning? Speaker 2: Maybe. Speaker 2: But it could also just be a move to make a move. Speaker 2: Like I think they could have ran it back Speaker 2: With just an addition by subtraction nonsense.

Speaker 2: And they still could have won 50 games next year. Speaker 2: Now you're bringing in LaMelo, but you're depleting a front court. Speaker 2: And let me see. Speaker 2: I'll come off the screen and see if we can get some potential NBA free agents. Speaker 2: And again, nothing is actually official until July. Speaker 2: was it July 5th or July 6th Speaker 2: but let's Speaker 2: see free agent tracker Speaker 2: alright we'll go over there Speaker 2: alright so Speaker 2: all positions let's just go Speaker 2: center Speaker 2: alright DeAndre Ayton Speaker 2: let me know when y'all see a name y'all actually Speaker 2: care about besides DeAndre Ayton Speaker 2: Zach Collins, Andre Drummond Speaker 2: Jalen Duren. Jalen Duren, he tanked his own value so crazy.

Speaker 2: Is there a scenario where the Thunder don't re-up on Hartenstein? Speaker 2: That could be an interesting piece if you're the Timberwolves. Speaker 2: He could play the four. He's not a natural four. Speaker 2: But like they had the twin towers of him and Chet, you could run that back with him and Rudy. Speaker 2: Al Horford re-ups with the dubs Speaker 2: Jackson Hayes Speaker 2: no sir Speaker 2: DeAndre no sir Speaker 2: there's Kessler Speaker 2: Brooke Lopez Speaker 2: take a flyer on Brooke for a year Speaker 2: Kevin Love Speaker 2: allegedly is going to follow Speaker 2: where the LeBron goes Speaker 2: Nurkic Speaker 2: getting up there Speaker 2: man this is a trash Speaker 2: hey Steph Speaker 2: y'all bringing back Porzingis? Speaker 2: Because if y'all ain't Speaker 2: if the doves are Speaker 2: letting Porzingis walk out the door Speaker 2: if I'm the Timberwolves Speaker 2: shit if I'm the Heat Speaker 2: I wouldn't be mad at that Speaker 2: replacing Nazaree with Porzingis Speaker 2: yes there's always injury concerns when it comes to Porzingis Speaker 2: yes Speaker 2: but when he's healthy Speaker 2: I like him a lot better than Nazaree Speaker 2: in terms of a rotational guy that you need to depend on Speaker 2: I wholeheartedly Speaker 2: am way more confident in depending on Speaker 2: the Latvian world star Christos Porzingis Speaker 2: in a deep playoff run than I am Nazaree Speaker 2: Steph where does A.O.

fit in with Melo and Ant Speaker 2: I mean he's got to be Speaker 2: he's the three Speaker 2: he's a small three right Speaker 2: he's a small three Speaker 2: he's really a two Speaker 2: small three Speaker 2: you could do the three guard thing Speaker 2: it then had Jaden McDaniels Speaker 2: four and Rudy at the five. That's probably Speaker 2: tentative of what it's going to be. Speaker 2: I just think if that's Speaker 2: going to be the starting five, then you Speaker 2: definitely need some real bench guys. Speaker 2: That's why you go get a Speaker 2: Porzingis. Speaker 2: You might Speaker 2: have to even look at a DeAndre Yates. Speaker 2: You're going to need some size. Speaker 2: If you're going to be that small in your Speaker 2: starting lineup, you need some size Speaker 2: somewhere on the roster.

Speaker 2: Hope not. So you don't want Porzingis back. Well, if the Warriors don't want Porzingis, if I'm the T-Bulls, you've got to investigate that. Speaker 2: Dwight Powell. Speaker 2: Mitch Robb, the Knicks did a lot of maneuvering with their first round pick, kept trading back to put themselves in a position to not have to pay for a first round pick to allow for more money to retain Mitch Robb. Speaker 2: Maga Mitch Robb, excuse me. Speaker 2: But I don't know if that's going to be enough, to be quite honest, Speaker 2: especially if someone comes with a bag.

Speaker 2: If someone throws a bag at Maga Mitch Robb, Speaker 2: I don't see why he would turn that down just to come back for the low Speaker 2: and stay with Nick's tape. Speaker 2: I get the prospect of running it back, going back to back, Speaker 2: and there's a lot of people drinking that Kool-Aid. Speaker 2: I just don't know why if you're Maga Mitch Robb Speaker 2: and you might not have another opportunity to cash out, Speaker 2: that you wouldn't take that opportunity in this offseason. Speaker 2: Vucevic. Speaker 2: Vucevic is a name. Speaker 2: Man, there's not a lot of good bigs out here. Speaker 2: There's not a lot of good bigs.

Speaker 2: Like Miles Turner is available. Speaker 2: I don't know if the Timberwolves are going to swing a trade. Speaker 2: Now, that could be the type of big that Steph mentioned in the chat. Speaker 2: A big that could stretch the floor. Speaker 2: We know Miles Turner can't do nothing in the paint, but we know he can shoot the three. Speaker 2: He'd rather shoot the three. Speaker 2: And if you pair him with LaMelo and guys that can drive and kick and even A-O to a certain degree.

Speaker 2: Having a guy like Miles Turner out there, because we know Rudy Gobert is not going to be shooting no threes. Speaker 2: He's going to be down in the paint. Speaker 2: So now you bring in a Miles Turner, even though I'm not a big fan of Miles Turner. Speaker 2: There's a scenario where that becomes effective, where he could do the thing that he wants to do in Indiana. Speaker 2: He developed under their watch. Speaker 2: So they didn't really want to get at him for not developing into what they thought he could be. Speaker 2: He developed into what he wanted to be.

Speaker 2: Then he wanted to go run with Giannis and then he learned right away. Speaker 2: oh y'all want me to go get boards that's not my game I want to shoot threes I think I'm cat I'm Speaker 2: like low budget I'm great value cat out here and then that didn't work out Speaker 2: Miles Turner if you put him in this offense with a lamello and an ant and Rudy Gobert gets to stay Speaker 2: where he belongs and now Miles Turner can be where he wants to belong to me that could be a I'd rather Speaker 2: look at that if I'm the Temple Wolves Speaker 2: than going out here Speaker 2: and maybe trying to figure out Speaker 2: is it Hartenstein? Are we going to Speaker 2: roll the dice on a Jalen Duren? Speaker 2: Porzingis with Speaker 2: his injury history. Speaker 2: DeAndre Ayton and just his Speaker 2: ineffectiveness everywhere he's gone. Speaker 2: DeAndre Ayton is such an enigma. Speaker 2: This man has had Speaker 2: Luka, Speaker 2: the point Speaker 2: fraud, the book, LeBron Speaker 2: and he still can't figure it out.

He still Speaker 2: can't do no more than just rim run? Speaker 2: Disgusting waste of talent. Speaker 2: Absolutely disgusting waste of talent. Speaker 2: But this is the deal. Speaker 2: Lamello Speaker 2: for Naz Reed, Speaker 2: a 2033 unprotected first rounder. Speaker 2: Three first round pick swaps. Speaker 2: Three second round picks.

Speaker 2: Hit the chat. Speaker 2: Steph in the chat. Speaker 2: Do the Wolves reach out to the Magic Speaker 2: about one of the Wagner's? Speaker 2: I think we saw one of them on this list, right? Speaker 2: I think Morris is available or Morgan. Speaker 2: Moritz is available. Speaker 2: He's a free agent.

Speaker 2: I don't know if you're going to take the worser of the Wagner's. Speaker 2: But he's close to a footer, right? Speaker 2: Is he 6'10"? Speaker 2: 6'11". Speaker 2: So he's close to a footer. Speaker 2: But he's more of a traditional big. Speaker 2: You want the other one.

Speaker 2: Was it Frank? Speaker 2: Or Franz? Speaker 2: Franz Wagner? Speaker 2: You want that one. Speaker 2: That one's got way more ability, Speaker 2: but he's going to cost you a lot more Speaker 2: if you're trying to flip. Speaker 2: I think they might have already re-upped him. Speaker 2: Let's get the spot track up.

Speaker 2: Let me come off the screen. Speaker 1: Let me do spot track. Speaker 1: NBA, Orlando. Speaker 1: All right, back on the screen. Speaker 2: where is he Speaker 2: but they're both free Speaker 2: no there is it's Franz Speaker 2: yeah Franz got a bag Speaker 2: and he is the shorter Speaker 2: of the two Wagner's Speaker 2: he's the more dynamic one Speaker 2: but they just gave him a bag Speaker 2: so you're going to have to give up a lot Speaker 2: and the Tibbles don't have nothing to give up Speaker 2: after what they just gave up to get Lamello Speaker 2: they're going to have to be stuck Speaker 2: If they're going down the Wagner train, they're stuck with the lesser of the two Wagner's. Speaker 2: Let's see. Speaker 1: Player contracts offseason.

Speaker 1: Free agents. Speaker 1: Let's see. Speaker 1: Maybe this will have it better. Speaker 1: Center. Speaker 1: All the types. Speaker 1: All we got is Al Horford. Speaker 1: That's it.

Speaker 2: All right. Speaker 2: So that's a bust. Speaker 2: Let me stick with the NBA one. Speaker 2: let's go power forwards Speaker 2: because you got Rudy technically as your center Speaker 2: right so let's go forwards Speaker 2: and can we do it by Speaker 1: so there's Robert Williams Speaker 1: why is Mitch Robb here as a center forward Speaker 1: that's a little fugazi Speaker 2: Braun would never go to Minnesota Speaker 1: I don't see a lot of Speaker 1: well let me sort by points Speaker 1: let's find some reputable Speaker 2: yeah there's nobody worth a Speaker 2: I mean John Collins Speaker 2: I feel like too many teams Speaker 2: have gambled on a John Collins experiment Speaker 2: and it's just not Speaker 2: it's just not going to happen Speaker 2: but for a quick run. Speaker 2: I don't know. Speaker 2: I don't know about John Collins. Speaker 2: If the Lakers were dumb enough Speaker 2: to let Rui go, Speaker 2: I could have swore Speaker 2: they extended him.

Speaker 2: if Rui is somehow available Speaker 2: I think he's big enough at 6'9 Speaker 2: or at least he plays Speaker 2: even though 6'9 is a little small Speaker 2: for a power forward Speaker 2: or a traditional power forward anyway Speaker 2: in his hybrid era Speaker 2: he's big enough Speaker 2: and dynamic enough Speaker 2: and he's not afraid to go get boards Speaker 2: to where I think you can live with Speaker 2: a Rui Speaker 2: a Rui placement there. Speaker 2: I'm not mad at that. Speaker 2: It's not the greatest, Speaker 2: but I'm not mad at that. Speaker 2: Yeah, there's just not a lot to do. Speaker 2: Like, you want to roll the dice Speaker 2: on Tobias Harris? Speaker 2: I wouldn't. Speaker 2: Rui is the most appealing name Speaker 2: but I would assume Luka has already made that clear Speaker 2: that they would want him back Speaker 2: especially since they're looking like Speaker 2: they're re-upping on Austin Reeves.

Speaker 2: We're not sure about LeBron yet. Speaker 2: Yeah, there is slim pickings out here in free agency. Speaker 2: I don't know who the Heat are going to get Speaker 2: to fill out that roster looking at this list. Speaker 2: yeah there is not a lot here bro Speaker 2: there is not a lot here Speaker 2: I was going to say Speaker 2: does Mamadou have size Speaker 2: he's 6'9 Speaker 2: are they going to depend Speaker 2: on Mamadou Speaker 2: they not going to depend Speaker 2: know a mama dude to fill that role, are they? Speaker 2: I know he was part of the deal. Speaker 2: Wait, they're not going to do that, right? Speaker 2: They're not that silly.

Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm not sure. Speaker 2: It's going to be really difficult. Speaker 2: Since you're talking potential NBA free agents, Speaker 2: what do you think happens with Kawhi? Speaker 2: Kawhi is an enigma Speaker 2: there's a lot of things happening there Speaker 2: there's a lot of legalese that's happening there Speaker 2: there's a lot of Speaker 2: the league doesn't want that story to Speaker 2: Pablo Torre did a lot of great work Speaker 2: just getting the initial story out there Speaker 2: there hasn't been a hell of a whole lot Speaker 2: since the initial burst of Speaker 2: oh my god this is what they did Speaker 2: it looks fugazi Speaker 2: the league could be in trouble Speaker 2: the team could be in trouble Speaker 2: the player could be in trouble Speaker 2: like there's been some updates since then Speaker 2: he's done more reporting since then Speaker 2: but it hasn't been as polarizing Speaker 2: as you would think Speaker 2: it hasn't been as scandalous Speaker 2: as you would have thought Speaker 2: where a team allegedly Speaker 2: openly colluded Speaker 2: to retain one of its players Speaker 2: or to go out and obtain a player Speaker 2: essentially through money laundering Speaker 2: because if you take down the Clippers, Speaker 2: okay, it wouldn't be the first time. Speaker 2: So you void the contract. Speaker 2: Cool. Clippers lose Kawhi.

Speaker 2: That hurts the Clippers. Speaker 2: But then what do you do with Kawhi? Speaker 2: Because Kawhi, whether he wants to admit it or not, Speaker 2: is complicit in this. Speaker 2: And if not him, Speaker 2: If he has the plausible deniability, then Uncle Dennis for sure. Speaker 2: Bare minimum is going to be implicated. Speaker 2: So now. Speaker 2: What happens to the representation of the player?

Speaker 2: Because if Kawhi could just be free nearly and just go sign somewhere else. Speaker 2: What's the punishment for Kawhi? Speaker 2: Like if he could go get and replace, let's see, well, what bread was he making? Speaker 2: he's getting max money Speaker 2: but let's see Speaker 2: if you void out Kawhi's Speaker 2: 50 million dollars Speaker 2: that he has remaining Speaker 2: okay he probably can't get Speaker 2: 50 mil from a team of free agency Speaker 2: but if he goes out there Speaker 2: and gets a nice little 30 Speaker 2: 35 Speaker 2: what's to hurt to Kawhi Speaker 2: yeah he'll be taxed Speaker 2: the 15 mil he won't get Speaker 2: but Speaker 2: he got the bulk of that bread. Speaker 2: So it's a dicey thing for the league Speaker 2: because at minimum, Speaker 2: you want to come down on the team Speaker 2: for circumventing the cap, Speaker 2: circumventing the free agent system, Speaker 2: tampering. Speaker 2: They did all the things. Speaker 2: They checked all the illegal boxes you could Speaker 2: in acquiring Kawhi Leonard.

Speaker 2: But you then can't make it seem like the player in his representation had little to no knowledge of this. Speaker 2: Clearly, a number was told to the Clippers and they didn't have it. Speaker 2: If they could have afforded it, they would have they wouldn't have had to do the fake tree planting and all that nonsense to make it happen. Speaker 2: So they didn't have it. Speaker 2: They had to communicate to Kawhi's people. Speaker 2: Hey, we don't got it. Speaker 2: and probably counted with a lower number Speaker 2: and Kawhi's people probably were like, Speaker 2: no, no, no.

Speaker 2: The price is the price. Speaker 2: What's that? Speaker 2: Joe say? Speaker 2: He's price. Speaker 2: Yes. Speaker 2: Yes. Speaker 2: Yes.

Speaker 2: Yes. Speaker 2: Yesterday's price is not today's price. Speaker 2: Like you come at one number today. Speaker 2: Tomorrow that number is higher. Speaker 2: You're trying to negotiate. Speaker 2: You're in no position to negotiate. Speaker 2: So I think the Clippers are in a position where because the league doesn't know what to do with the player, they might skate even though what Pablo Turi has unearthed has them dead to rights.

Speaker 2: Let's be clear. Speaker 2: They were caught. Speaker 2: The problem is what do you do with the player? Speaker 2: Are you suspending Kawhi? Speaker 2: And if you're suspending him, how long? Speaker 2: Six months, he going to miss that anyway because of load managing. Speaker 2: You go to a year.

Speaker 2: That hurts him from a legacy standpoint, it hurts him from a longevity standpoint, it hurts him from a financial standpoint. Speaker 2: But then he spins the block and he's a year fresh. Speaker 2: One less year of wear and tear on those knees that don't have cartilage. Speaker 2: So that that degenerative knee condition that he has. Speaker 2: Doesn't get beat up for another year. Speaker 2: So even though he'll be a year older, he'll be 36. Speaker 2: He doesn't play a year.

Speaker 2: He comes back. Speaker 2: He could probably go get that 50 mil a year from now. Speaker 2: We get a fresh Kawhi. Speaker 2: Kawhi ain't doing, hasn't done anything but hoop. Speaker 2: On the side for a year and get his body right. Speaker 2: Maybe he goes to Turkey or Germany. Speaker 2: And go does what he needs to do.

Speaker 2: And then he comes back. Speaker 2: Patrick in the chat was good. Speaker 2: Tobias Harrison at Timberwolves. Speaker 2: Is that a thing? Speaker 2: Is that what's happening right now? Speaker 2: I wasn't going to talk about Jalen Brown, but we can wait on that. Speaker 2: Is Toby signing?

Speaker 2: Or they're flipping Toby? Speaker 2: If you put in Tobias Harris with Rudy Gobert, no one's scared of that. Speaker 2: I hope they don't do that. Speaker 2: I hope they don't. Speaker 2: Tobias Harris as your four? Speaker 2: I hope they don't do that. Speaker 2: Because you're going to go small with LaMelo, although LaMelo's 6'7", Speaker 2: but he doesn't play like someone 6'7".

Speaker 2: You got Ant, who's a traditionally sized two guard. Speaker 2: Then you have Ayo, who is a two guard, but he's going to have to play the wing. Speaker 2: But he's only like 6'5", 6'5", 6'6", on a good day. Speaker 2: They're going to trot Toby out there, 6'9"? Speaker 2: that to me is a step back. Speaker 2: If you're losing Naz Reed Speaker 2: and Julius Randle Speaker 2: to gain LaMelo Ball Speaker 2: and Tobias Harris Speaker 2: the Tobias Harris part Speaker 2: makes it an L for me. Speaker 2: I would rather have Speaker 2: Christophs Porzingis.

Speaker 2: I would rather have Speaker 2: I was about to say DeAndre Aime Speaker 2: but I can't do it. Speaker 2: I can't do it. Speaker 2: I would rather have Speaker 2: Christophs Porzingis. Speaker 2: I would rather have Speaker 2: Hartenstein. Speaker 2: I would rather have, Speaker 2: who was the other one that, Speaker 2: I'd rather take Rui. Speaker 2: Rui is an elevated version Speaker 2: of Tobias Harris. Speaker 2: What Tobias Harris thought he was, Speaker 2: Rui Hachimura already is.

Speaker 2: You think the NBA Speaker 2: would actually do it? Speaker 2: I don't think that, Speaker 2: Patrick, I would love Speaker 2: for them to do it. Speaker 2: I would love for them to do it, Speaker 2: but I don't think Adam Silver wants that stain. Speaker 2: Because this is akin to, you know, we had instances back in the day Speaker 2: like Joe Smith, the Timberwolves circumvented the cap, Speaker 2: and they came down hard on that squad. Speaker 2: Took a whole bunch of picks. Speaker 2: I think Joe Smith had to sit out a year. Speaker 2: Like, I think that was, let me look that up.

Speaker 2: Joe Smith, the late, great Joe Smith. Speaker 2: Joe Smith. Speaker 2: Contract. It took Speaker 2: KG years to get over that. Contract voided. Speaker 2: Yeah, see, we'll let AI give a quick summary of it. Speaker 2: David Stern voided all three of Joe Smith's contracts with the Timberwolves Speaker 2: in 2000 after uncovering an illegal secret agreement designed to circumvent Speaker 2: the salary cap.

Speaker 2: The penalty severely impacted both the player and the franchise. Speaker 2: Smith lost his bird rights, forcing him to leave Minnesota as unrestricted free agent and played three additional seasons elsewhere to re-earn them. Speaker 2: He subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Pistons before returning to the Temple Wolves on a legal six-year $34 million contract in 2001. Speaker 2: The Temple Wolves were fined $3.5 million, stripped of five future first-round picks, though two were later returned. Speaker 2: And the owner was suspended from team operations until 2001. Speaker 2: So the owner got suspended a year. Speaker 2: The team was stripped of five future first round picks, although really only ended up being three.

Speaker 2: They were fined three and a half million dollars. Speaker 2: Joe Smith lost his bird rights. Speaker 2: But someone like someone like Kawhi doesn't care, like his bird rights have already been he's already maxed out so many times. Speaker 2: He could lose his bird rights and it really wouldn't matter. Speaker 2: So it's a little bit of a different scenario. Speaker 2: But yeah, Joe Smith was able to go play somewhere else. Speaker 2: But he couldn't get a bag that he wanted.

Speaker 2: He basically just had to go play somewhere else for a year. Speaker 2: And then he spun the block. Speaker 2: I don't think that's going to happen with Kawhi if the league actually does it. Speaker 2: If the league were to actually do it. Speaker 2: I don't see a scenario where they allow Kawhi to circumvent the cap, Uncle Dennis to circumvent the cap, Steve Ballmer, Lawrence Frank to circumvent the cap. Speaker 2: They all get popped for a year, stripped of some future picks. Like what picks are the Clippers even have?

Speaker 2: They still giving away picks for the SGA Paul George trade. They don't even have picks to surrender. Speaker 2: They're giving away picks in 2040. Speaker 2: Like what picks are left? Speaker 2: Oh, so this year was the last of those picks. Speaker 2: Okay, so this year was the final pick was finally given up. Speaker 2: All right, so now the Clippers might actually have some picks.

Speaker 2: They finally get their picks back after the Paul George deal. Speaker 2: All right, so now let's see. Speaker 2: Clippers first round picks. Speaker 2: First round pick capital. Speaker 2: First round draft pick capital. Speaker 2: And this is all AI, so, you know, make it what you will. Speaker 2: All right, 2027.

Speaker 2: The Clippers have no incoming first round picks. Speaker 2: They are outgoing with a 2027 second round pick. Speaker 2: They have an outgoing 2027 first round pick to OKC or Denver with a swap. Speaker 2: So they don't even have their 2027 because that could be swapped. Speaker 2: They don't even have a 2028 pick because that's a swap. Speaker 2: They have an extra pick coming in in 2029. Speaker 2: So we're talking about a 2029 first at the earliest.

Speaker 2: And then probably the next couple of years in 2031 to 2033. Speaker 2: So if Adam Silver were to do it and you want to run it back like how David Stern did. Speaker 2: To Minnesota, you're taking away five years of picks. Speaker 2: Those five years can't even start until 2029. Speaker 2: Based off this, and this is AI, so take it with a grain of salt. Speaker 2: But like that is where it gets dicey to me because then where's the punishment for Kawhi? Speaker 2: He just doesn't get to be a clipper?

Speaker 2: Is that the only punishment? Speaker 2: Because if that's the only punishment, there's plenty of contending teams that would love to have the board man pull up. Speaker 2: So if we're if we're killing, if we're taking Steve Ballmer and giving him a year suspension, but taking Lawrence Frank, giving him a year suspension and finding the team overall, which we know Ballmer could cut that check out of his debit real quick, regardless of what the amount is. Speaker 2: So that's not even a slap on the wrist per se. Right. But then Kawhi, his contract is voided. Speaker 2: He's getting his one year left on that deal anyway.

Speaker 2: So he doesn't get the 50 mil that he's owed, Speaker 2: but then he's able to go sign with another team for, Speaker 2: I mean, he could go to the heat and try to go green chase. Speaker 2: He could go to the heat and go take the minimum four mil, Speaker 2: go get another Larry OB and then spend a block and go get a max deal somewhere else the next year. Speaker 2: Is that a punishment for taking part in circumventing the cap? Speaker 2: for being part of a fraudulent tree planting scheme Speaker 2: so you could get the bread Speaker 2: that your uncle negotiated allegedly? Speaker 2: I don't know, y'all tell me. Speaker 2: Yeah, Joe did, so wait, Speaker 2: so did Joe Smith not even play that one year Speaker 2: with the Pistons? Speaker 2: Did he not even play that one year?

Speaker 2: Who has a better chance Speaker 2: of getting Jalen Brown? Speaker 2: Yeah, I've been wanting Speaker 2: to talk about that. Speaker 2: Let's see if we can get that back up. Speaker 2: I don't know. Speaker 2: Boston wants a big, allegedly. Speaker 2: Let me put that back on the screen. Speaker 2: Boston wants a big, apparently.

Speaker 2: Y'all just saw the list of bigs Speaker 2: in free agency. Speaker 2: So you see why the Celtics Speaker 2: want to trade Jalen Brown for a big. Speaker 2: Obviously, Giannis is a big. Speaker 2: But what other big can they get? Speaker 2: what other big is legitimately available that they could get Speaker 2: that's making max money Speaker 2: that is and I think we talked about this on the stream the other day in terms of Speaker 2: who's available that is of the level of a Jalen Brown who can help Tatum Speaker 2: you may want to move on from Jalen Brown Speaker 2: for whatever reason Speaker 2: but you're moving on from Jalen Brown to help Jason Tatum Speaker 2: what big that is available that's not Giannis now Speaker 2: is good enough to be sufficient help to help Jason Tatum. Speaker 2: We would have to comb every roster in the league Speaker 2: because I don't know who that big is. Speaker 2: Or let me go to...

Speaker 2: Come off that. Speaker 2: Oh, no, don't want to show that. Speaker 2: All right, let's go to... Speaker 2: Where's SpotTrack? Speaker 2: Contracts, active contracts. Speaker 2: Let's go positions. They want a big, right?

Let's go by center. Speaker 2: All right. Show me who's available. Speaker 2: Is Chet available? Speaker 2: I think he should be, but I don't think Presti is on that type of time. Speaker 2: Sagoon, would you trade Jalen Brown for Sagoon? Speaker 2: I think Anthony Davis is available, although Rich Paul is saying all the right things to calm those rumors.

Speaker 2: But I keep hearing AD is not the biggest fan of Washington. Speaker 2: Nash Reed already got dealt. You're not doing that. Speaker 2: Find me the big. That's worth trading Jalen Brown for that can also help Jason Tatum. Speaker 2: we'll go to power forwards Speaker 2: I've heard some talk about Evan Mobley Speaker 2: but the Celtics and the Cavs Speaker 2: they're not going to do that Speaker 2: Paolo Speaker 2: Scotty Barnes is an interesting name Speaker 2: I feel like that's just trading Speaker 2: for a lesser version of Jalen Brown though Speaker 2: would you roll the dice on a Zion Speaker 2: or Sabonis? Speaker 2: What about Sabonis?

Speaker 2: You can always steal off on the Kings as an organization. Speaker 2: Would you be willing to give up Jalen Brown and some picks Speaker 2: for DeMontis Sabonis? Speaker 2: That's a big Speaker 2: that I could see potentially helping Jason Tatum. Speaker 2: after that it's slim pickings Speaker 2: unless you're obviously talking LeBron Speaker 2: but that's not going to happen Speaker 2: I mean if you're telling me Speaker 2: you're going to trade Jalen Brown Speaker 2: I mean if you're trading Jalen Brown Speaker 2: for some bonus Speaker 2: I still got to give up a pick Speaker 2: I shouldn't still have to give up Speaker 2: not a lot of picks Speaker 2: They were going to give up, what, two first round picks in that alleged deal? Speaker 2: The offer that they had on the table to go get Giannis was Jalen Brown and two first round picks for Giannis. Speaker 2: If I'm the boy genius Brad Stevens, I am not offering that same deal for DeMontis Sabonis. Speaker 2: You might get one pick and it's probably going to be a swap.

Speaker 2: I damn should not give you no unprotected first round pick for no DeMontis Sabonis. Speaker 2: But I might give you a pick swap. Speaker 2: You want a couple of second round picks? I'll throw in a first round pick swap. Speaker 2: And a second round pick. I'm not giving you multiple. Speaker 2: One second round pick.

One pick swap in the first round. Speaker 2: And Jalen Brown. Give me some bonus. Speaker 2: Would any of y'all do that deal? And is that sufficient help for Jason Tatum? Speaker 2: Because clearly, if you're moving on for Jalen Brown, then you're signaling Tatum's the guy. Speaker 2: so Tatum could go back he doesn't have to play the four he could go back to being like a three Speaker 2: or a big two since he think he Kobe he could go back to play in that position Speaker 2: and then you got Sabonis anchoring the paint but he has some ability where he can take you outside Speaker 2: he could even do some point forward stuff you could do some dynamic things with a DeMontis Sabonis Speaker 2: but are you willing to move off of Jalen Brown for that Speaker 2: y'all let me know Speaker 2: except saying the Speaker 2: Hawks Rockets or Spurs Speaker 2: I mean if you're Boston Speaker 2: who do you want for those teams Speaker 2: like if you're Speaker 2: alright let's take those teams Speaker 2: one by one right Speaker 2: if I'm the Hawks Speaker 2: and I'm taking Jalen Brown Speaker 2: I have to hang on to Jalen Johnson Speaker 2: you can have anybody Speaker 2: but Jalen Johnson Speaker 2: take CJ McCollum and you know to make the salary work and then whatever other youngins that's not Speaker 2: Jalen Johnson I'm fine who else you had up there Rockets if I'm Rockets you're talking Sagoon Speaker 2: I'll listen on Sagoon you're not getting Thompson twin Speaker 2: maybe Van Vliet I don't know if you want Van Vliet but if I can hang on to Sagoon Speaker 2: and surrender Van Vliet I'm not mad at that and if you're the Spurs who makes money Speaker 2: the Celtics are not taking back Speaker 2: Darren Fox Speaker 2: I don't know who else Speaker 2: is making money to make the salary work Speaker 2: Patrick J no picks at all Speaker 2: no picks at all if you try to get Sabonis Speaker 2: just straight up Jalen Brown Speaker 2: for Sabonis Speaker 2: if the other owners are not Speaker 2: swearing at him about it the Clippers would just Speaker 2: drag this out yeah yeah no no doubt Speaker 2: I think the league is dragging it out as well.

Speaker 2: Because look, this has been done before. Speaker 2: The Clippers just did it, or at least they just got caught. Speaker 2: There's been a lot of circumventing of the salary cap in nefarious ways. Speaker 2: One day we can have those conversations. Speaker 2: One day when I have a paywall and we can have some real talk conversations, we can have that Speaker 2: talk. Speaker 2: But there's been tons of circumventing the cap. Speaker 2: The cap is circumvented every single year.

Speaker 2: there's people's whole professions whose job it is Speaker 2: to know and learn different bylaws and loopholes Speaker 2: of how to circumvent the cap. Speaker 2: So this isn't the first time since Joe Smith Speaker 2: that a team has circumvented the cap. Speaker 2: I can guarantee you that. Speaker 2: Steph, Laurie and Ace from Utah for JB. Speaker 2: that Utah connection is there Speaker 2: because of the scammerdomdea Speaker 2: where he at here Speaker 2: so there is a connection there Speaker 2: the boy genius and the scammerdomdea Speaker 2: do get along Speaker 2: am I to Speaker 2: I mean Lori looks the part Speaker 2: Lori looks the part to play in Boston Speaker 2: I don't know if that's enough Speaker 2: like the ace piece is intriguing Speaker 2: I don't know Speaker 2: like again Speaker 2: unfortunately teams are trying to like stack up Speaker 2: you have to beat the Knicks right Speaker 2: you have to go through the Knicks Speaker 2: that's the prevailing thought Speaker 2: you got to go through the Knicks now Speaker 2: the Knicks have a bunch of lottery dudes Speaker 2: they have a bunch of big wing lottery dudes Speaker 2: how do you combat that you could combat that with size or having your own bunch of big wing Speaker 2: lottery dudes and lori fits the part ace is a piece to go along with tatum i just it just it Speaker 2: doesn't ring off like having mikhail bridges and og and an obi is an embarrassment of riches from Speaker 2: from the wing position they both can go be buckets they both can lock in defensively Speaker 2: that's not easy to obtain. Speaker 2: Being that now you have Jason Tatum Speaker 2: who is a scorer but can play defense. Speaker 2: You currently have Jalen Brown Speaker 2: who can be offensive and lock in on defense Speaker 2: but now you're trying to flip that Speaker 2: so you're going to lose that dynamicness.

Speaker 2: How do you replace that to be able to go toe-to-toe Speaker 2: with a team that's walking out there Speaker 2: with Carl Anthony Towns, Mikael Bridges, Speaker 2: OG and Anobi. Speaker 2: That's a very formidable front line. Speaker 2: How do you come back that when all you got is Jason Tatum? Speaker 2: And you're rolling out here with Avusevich in the year of our Lord, 2026. Speaker 2: That ain't gonna work. Speaker 2: Patrick that's not a bad trade Speaker 2: yeah no I think there's something there Speaker 2: let me pull up Utah Speaker 2: let's see Speaker 2: Ace has some size on him Speaker 2: I just you're asking him to perform right away. Speaker 2: That's the only thing I'm because again they're trying they're doing this trade to help Tatum win next year in the year after.

Speaker 2: I don't know if Ace Bailey is primetime ready. Speaker 2: And again he's another guy where all we've seen him. Speaker 2: Is in Utah. Speaker 2: So is he going to be a guy that's like how Darren Fox? Speaker 2: Is he going to be a guy that's, hey, no matter where we put you, Speaker 2: you're still going to play like a Sacramento King? Speaker 2: I would hope that's not the case for Ace Bailey. Speaker 2: We only have a one-year sample, but I would hope that's not the case.

Speaker 2: But you just don't know until it happens, right? Speaker 2: So that will be a big roll of the dice for the Scamadam Deja. Speaker 2: That will be a big roll of the dice. Speaker 2: he gets Jalen Brown but you're you take putting Jalen Brown in Utah like that's just Speaker 2: from for all the big talk can you imagine the live streams Speaker 2: can you imagine the twitch streams if Jalen Brown was in Utah you think he's a revolutionary now Speaker 2: you think he's FBA now Speaker 2: a couple weeks in Utah. Speaker 2: Those streams are going to be, Speaker 2: he might have Umar on as a co-host. Speaker 2: Like it's going to be, Speaker 2: I don't think the scam of them day Speaker 2: will do it. Speaker 2: All right.

Speaker 2: So are we getting any more tea Speaker 2: on this LaMelo trade? Speaker 2: They're already trying to have the Hornets projected starting five. Speaker 2: How miserable. Speaker 2: This is a good thing for Brandon Miller and Knubel. Speaker 2: This is good for them because now they get a chance to shine. Speaker 2: There's a lot of optics when it comes to LaMelo. Speaker 2: Let's also be clear on that.

Speaker 2: LaMelo is very polarizing. Speaker 2: If you only look at him from a basketball perspective, you love him. Speaker 2: When you add in all the other stuff off the court, Speaker 2: And you know that's what these owners and these PR people and these front offices focus on. Maybe a little bit too much, but it is what it is. Speaker 2: They focus heavily on what LaMelo is off the court. And his reputation, his reputation was oftentimes validated by his behavior off the court. Speaker 2: They were trying to clean up their image.

Speaker 2: Brandon Miller, I mean, look, he was in a murder case, but they still took him. Speaker 2: So we can't even go that crazy. Speaker 2: But allegedly, Knupel, they want him to be the face. Speaker 2: And if you look at him, you see why they want him to be the face. Speaker 2: Right? Speaker 2: We don't play dumb on this stream. Speaker 2: But if you're going to do that, then you need to get rid of LaMelo.

Speaker 2: You get rid of LaMelo, but the package you bring back is Nash Reed and a bunch of picks. Speaker 2: that's a hell of a way to clean sleep Speaker 2: that is a going backwards move Speaker 2: because Brandon Miller now has the rock right Speaker 2: Brandon Miller has the rock Speaker 2: Kobe White depending on what you think there Speaker 2: is fine but like Speaker 2: the main thing is creating more opportunities Speaker 2: for Brandon Miller and Knupel to cook Speaker 2: so all the memes are coming out Speaker 2: you see it Speaker 2: alright we'll go by Speaker 2: NBA Central one last time Speaker 2: appreciate y'all for being there in the chat Speaker 2: Patrick in the chat Speaker 2: Utah was sitting Speaker 2: was sitting ace towards the end of the season Speaker 2: to tank, but he was killing when he had time. Speaker 2: That's the thing. Speaker 2: I have all the ability in him cooking. Speaker 2: Is that going to translate to a winning culture Speaker 2: in a winning atmosphere? Speaker 2: I mean, it'll be a second year in the league. Speaker 2: I don't think any of us know the answer to that, unfortunately.

Speaker 2: They kept mouth. Speaker 2: I told you. Speaker 2: I mean, yeah, so that's the thing. Speaker 2: All the reputation stuff that came with Miles off the court, like all the stuff off the court, Brandon Miller, when he was involved in off the court, Miles, when he was involved in off the court. Speaker 2: But somehow LaMelo's stuff off the court was too much. Speaker 2: OK. Speaker 2: Whatever you say.

Speaker 2: All right, let's see what else we got. Speaker 2: If there is anything. Speaker 2: No everyone's kind of quiet Speaker 2: If everyone's quiet Speaker 2: Then we might go on Speaker 2: And get up out of here Speaker 2: But I appreciate y'all Speaker 2: For pulling up Speaker 2: Just wondering Speaker 2: Oh here's the cap Speaker 2: I don't think any of us Speaker 2: Really care about the hornets Speaker 2: In their cap Speaker 2: There's 75 million in room Speaker 2: Below the luxury tax line Speaker 2: But what about for the Speaker 2: What about for the Speaker 2: Temple Wolves though Speaker 2: Does he have that? Speaker 2: The Hornets reduced their payroll by $21 million Speaker 2: by trading LaMelo Ball and Josh Green for Nash Reed. Speaker 2: Josh Green for Nash Reed is a clean salary match, Speaker 2: allowing them to create a $40.8 million trade exception for Ball. Speaker 2: They also have 12 future first runs. Speaker 2: Okay, Hornets.

Speaker 2: Okay, so now we're getting some more tea Speaker 2: in regards to why the Hornets might have done this. Speaker 2: outside of just getting rid of LaMelo Speaker 2: and clearing the deck Speaker 2: for when they're going to have to re-up Speaker 2: on Brandon Miller and Canubal down the line. Speaker 2: 12 future first round picks through 20-33. Speaker 1: Let's see what else we got. Speaker 2: and just like we talked about Speaker 2: this is exactly what we was talking about Speaker 2: they have no size right Speaker 2: we could be looking at a LaMelo Speaker 2: Ayo and Jaden Gobert as a starting lineup Speaker 2: that's exactly what Speaker 2: see we know ball over here Speaker 2: okay Speaker 2: we don't need the blue checks and all that stuff Speaker 2: We know ball over here. Speaker 2: I would love to see what the Timberwolves cap space looks like to figure out how to go and improve on that size. Speaker 2: Here we go.

Finally. Speaker 2: All right. Speaker 2: The Minnesota Timberwolves cap situation have a trainer for LaMelo Ball. Speaker 2: He has a small trade bonus that increases his salary to a 41 and a quarter million max. Speaker 2: They have 11 million under the second apron to fill four roster spots. Speaker 2: they no longer have the $33 million Speaker 2: trade exemption Speaker 2: so they're in a worse position Speaker 2: financially Speaker 2: than the Miami Heat Speaker 2: after the Giannis deal Speaker 2: Miami has $18 million Speaker 2: under the second apron cap Speaker 2: for four roster spots Speaker 2: if you're going to be this cash strap Speaker 2: would you rather have Giannis Speaker 2: or LaMelo Speaker 2: I mean you had to do it Speaker 2: because you know that Ant-Man trade request was coming. Speaker 2: You know that Ant-Man trade request was coming Speaker 2: if they didn't do anything.

Speaker 2: They tried to spin the narrative addition by subtraction Speaker 2: by getting rid of Julius Randle, Speaker 2: but they had to do something substantial. Speaker 2: But this is at a pretty steep price. Speaker 2: I still think the Giannis deal is a steal for the heat. Speaker 2: I do not think that for the Timberwolves here getting LaMelo. Speaker 2: I do not think that for them. Speaker 2: I think this is a big swing. Speaker 2: Giannis is proven champion, former back-to-back MVP, Speaker 2: former Depoy, all the stuff.

Speaker 2: LaMelo, we all know he nice. Speaker 2: We all know he nice. Speaker 2: Ain't no one on this stream saying he not nice. Speaker 2: But the issue is, is he worth mortgaging your future Speaker 2: If you're building a super team. How many players would you pick before you get to LaMelo in crafting a super team? Speaker 2: Every roster is trying to craft a super team because even though on paper it doesn't look like one. Speaker 2: The Knicks, in terms of roster construction, you have a whole bunch of dudes that you can turn into a super team.

Speaker 2: Right. A super team of wings anyway. Now you're trying to combat that. Speaker 2: How do you combat a super team of wings? Speaker 2: The Timberwolves are going to try to do it through backcourt help. Speaker 2: The Celtics are trying to do it with frontcourt help by trying to get a big for Jalen Brown. Speaker 2: How do you fight back?

Speaker 2: It's a copy and paste league. We know that. Speaker 2: How do you fight back? Speaker 2: This is a huge swing. Speaker 2: The fact that they have only 11 million for four roster spots. Speaker 2: Patrick are the T-Bulls copying the Spurs? Speaker 2: No I don't think they're copying the Spurs Speaker 2: I don't think so not yet Speaker 2: not yet Speaker 2: because right now they have Speaker 2: oh you mean in terms of the small ball Speaker 2: and then you have Wimby as your five Speaker 2: so that they have Corberas Speaker 2: they're five and they just have four dudes Speaker 2: okay let me look at it from that standpoint Speaker 2: if I look at it from that standpoint Speaker 2: yes but it's not even as good Speaker 2: like that's Speaker 2: if I look at it from that standpoint Speaker 2: it turns out they're going to run Speaker 2: a bunch of guards Speaker 2: maybe one quasi big wing Speaker 2: and then Wemby Speaker 2: I guess Speaker 2: but that ain't impressive Speaker 2: let's look at that last game Speaker 2: don't want to do it Speaker 2: but let's just look at that last game Speaker 2: are they running out with just Speaker 2: three, four dudes Speaker 2: yeah Vassell's not a real wing Speaker 2: yeah I mean Speaker 2: Champagne Speaker 2: 6'7 Speaker 2: how tall is Vassell Speaker 2: 6'5 Speaker 2: yeah I mean Speaker 2: to Patrick's point Speaker 2: to Patrick's point Speaker 2: if they're trying to do it that way, Speaker 2: this is not the copy and paste you should be doing.

Speaker 2: If you're going to run at it with, Speaker 2: we got three guards, Speaker 2: a small forward and a center. Speaker 2: If that's the game plan, Speaker 2: that's a, Speaker 2: that's an L game plan. Speaker 2: That's an L game plan because Speaker 2: LaMelo's great. Speaker 2: Ant's great. Speaker 2: I like Ayo. Speaker 2: I'm not ready to hand him the keys in any, Speaker 2: in any aspect. Speaker 2: Jaden McDaniels got the bag.

Speaker 2: He's 6'9", but he doesn't play like he's 6'9". Speaker 2: You think he got Rudy? Speaker 2: That ain't even better than what the Spurs got. Speaker 2: Because I'm taking Wimby. Speaker 2: Oh, am I taking Wimby over Ant? Speaker 2: That's a stream for another day. Speaker 2: Those two, in theory, could cancel each other out.

Speaker 2: They're both equally at, Speaker 2: they're both at the same level of good Speaker 2: for what they do. Speaker 2: So that to me cancels them out. Speaker 2: So then who is the next guy? Speaker 2: I'd rather roll with Stephon Castle Speaker 2: and Dylan Harper Speaker 2: as a combination Speaker 2: than just LaMelo and A.O. Speaker 2: And I'm saving a shit ton of money Speaker 2: in the process. Speaker 2: So if they are copying the Spurs, I think that's an L maneuver. Speaker 2: But good point, Patrick.

Speaker 2: Good point. Speaker 2: If that's what they're doing, mid. Speaker 2: Mid as hell. Speaker 2: Because you still got Rudy Gobert. Speaker 2: Let's not act like y'all don't have Rudy Gobert. Speaker 2: Like Rudy Gobert. Speaker 2: For as much as we trashed Wemby, we still know Wemby is Wemby.

Speaker 2: Problem is, we know Rudy is Rudy. Speaker 2: Like, we're not fooled at all. Speaker 2: We're not fooled at all at what Rudy does. Speaker 1: You know what it is. Speaker 1: This has been the V10B Podcast, Speaker 1: a podcast that is talking about sports and sports media Speaker 1: in addition to other things. Speaker 1: Soon we will be talking those other things. Speaker 1: The brand is growing.

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