1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:04,360 Speaker 1: Welcome to this League Uncut. In the rule of twenty 2 00:00:04,400 --> 00:00:05,439 Speaker 1: four hour NBA. 3 00:00:05,200 --> 00:00:11,960 Speaker 2: News misters, you, Chris Haines, it's time, work's time, it's 4 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:12,840 Speaker 2: some time. 5 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:21,840 Speaker 1: This League Uncut is underway, and on five this should 6 00:00:21,880 --> 00:00:26,960 Speaker 1: be a good one. Paul George is a Philadelphia seventy 7 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:32,440 Speaker 1: six er. Clay Thompson is a Dallas Maverick. Chris Paul 8 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:38,720 Speaker 1: is a San Antonio spur Russell Westbrook might he become 9 00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:42,800 Speaker 1: a member of the Denver Nuggets. The Boston Celtics have 10 00:00:42,920 --> 00:00:47,680 Speaker 1: re signed Derek White and Jason Tatum to a three 11 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:50,960 Speaker 1: hundred and fifteen million dollar deal, the richest in NBA history, 12 00:00:51,280 --> 00:00:54,440 Speaker 1: and the Celtics have put the team up for sale 13 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:59,320 Speaker 1: just days after winning title number eighteen. I have barely 14 00:00:59,400 --> 00:01:03,240 Speaker 1: touched on I've barely scratched the surface of all the 15 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:05,960 Speaker 1: things we are going to try to talk about in 16 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:11,240 Speaker 1: this edition of this League Uncut. Grateful now to connect 17 00:01:11,319 --> 00:01:15,880 Speaker 1: to my pal in Atlanta. He has been basically on 18 00:01:16,160 --> 00:01:19,360 Speaker 1: twenty four to seven free agent duty for NBA TV, 19 00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:22,760 Speaker 1: But I found him in Atlanta. Now, not gonna tell 20 00:01:22,800 --> 00:01:27,200 Speaker 1: you how he's attired, but we got him. Chris Haynes. 21 00:01:28,760 --> 00:01:31,880 Speaker 1: Great to see you, my friends NBA free Agency. There 22 00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:34,080 Speaker 1: is we got to there's nothing like we gotta. 23 00:01:33,880 --> 00:01:35,640 Speaker 2: Clear this up style. You're not gonna put me out 24 00:01:35,680 --> 00:01:38,400 Speaker 2: here as if I'm doing this podcast in the nude. 25 00:01:38,480 --> 00:01:41,479 Speaker 2: I just got done working out. I was on the peloton, 26 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:45,240 Speaker 2: and so I didn't have time to shower because NBA 27 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:49,920 Speaker 2: TV is picking me up tonight, like in fifty minutes 28 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:53,440 Speaker 2: to go do to go do some more TV shows tonight. 29 00:01:53,920 --> 00:01:56,559 Speaker 2: So that is why I am in a tank top 30 00:01:56,640 --> 00:01:58,400 Speaker 2: and shorts. I just want to put that. 31 00:01:58,360 --> 00:02:00,680 Speaker 1: Pretty sure, I said, I'm pretty sure I said what 32 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:04,920 Speaker 1: you're wearing. I don't think I suggested that you came 33 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:05,960 Speaker 1: to this podcast. 34 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:09,280 Speaker 2: Well, the way you said it, what you're wearing could 35 00:02:09,320 --> 00:02:12,359 Speaker 2: be as sinuated as I'm not wearing much at all 36 00:02:12,680 --> 00:02:15,160 Speaker 2: of anything. So I just want to put the get 37 00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 2: the record straight. 38 00:02:16,080 --> 00:02:19,600 Speaker 1: That's all all right, Let's get to the news man, 39 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:23,600 Speaker 1: because it has been Look, it's been crazy, I know, 40 00:02:23,960 --> 00:02:26,840 Speaker 1: the start of free agency. It's so funny because every 41 00:02:26,919 --> 00:02:30,680 Speaker 1: year we get thirty deals in the first thirty minutes 42 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:36,280 Speaker 1: and everyone is screaming tampering, tampering, tampering, tampering, and then 43 00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:41,440 Speaker 1: this year, a combination of a I do think teams 44 00:02:41,600 --> 00:02:44,720 Speaker 1: are trying to be a little bit more mindful about 45 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:49,560 Speaker 1: the rules to avoid winding up in an NBA investigation. 46 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:53,280 Speaker 1: But beyond that, remember this was the first off season 47 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:56,919 Speaker 1: in the league's new collective barneying agreement that teams could 48 00:02:57,040 --> 00:03:00,600 Speaker 1: negotiate with their own free agents the day after the Finals, 49 00:03:00,919 --> 00:03:04,840 Speaker 1: So we did see some deals before the buzzer sounded 50 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:08,120 Speaker 1: on free agency officially. So I think that's why the 51 00:03:08,160 --> 00:03:12,040 Speaker 1: first hours, the first hour of free agency on Sunday night, 52 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:16,080 Speaker 1: no free agent change teams. But now we have seen 53 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,760 Speaker 1: quite a bit of action. I reeled through a lot 54 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:22,320 Speaker 1: of it off the top, but I mean, I think 55 00:03:23,280 --> 00:03:25,400 Speaker 1: this will not be a forgotten summer. When you talk 56 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:28,920 Speaker 1: about Paul George leaving the Clippers to go to the Sixers, 57 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:33,880 Speaker 1: Klay Thompson basically forcing a sign in trade to the 58 00:03:33,960 --> 00:03:37,840 Speaker 1: Dallas Mavericks Chris Paul, now is a spur you know 59 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 1: there and there will be you know, there is still 60 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:44,600 Speaker 1: a lot of potential trade action. So there's it has 61 00:03:44,680 --> 00:03:49,880 Speaker 1: been a pretty wild, I would say, a pretty wild 62 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:51,000 Speaker 1: start to free agency. 63 00:03:51,080 --> 00:03:53,600 Speaker 2: I remember a couple of weeks ago, when we were 64 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:57,600 Speaker 2: doing this podcast, I talked about the forecast of this 65 00:03:57,680 --> 00:03:59,440 Speaker 2: free agency, and I said, I think it's going to 66 00:03:59,520 --> 00:04:03,360 Speaker 2: be like I think it. I think the forecast is 67 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:05,960 Speaker 2: showing sprinkles. I think that's the way I say it. 68 00:04:05,960 --> 00:04:11,320 Speaker 2: I think it's gonna be showers of sprinkles. Nah, that's 69 00:04:11,320 --> 00:04:14,440 Speaker 2: that's not what has happened thus far. It's really been. 70 00:04:14,960 --> 00:04:17,919 Speaker 2: It's really been a significant free agency thus far. And 71 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:20,920 Speaker 2: I'm sorry, guys, if you hear my phone going off 72 00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:23,480 Speaker 2: in the background, I gotta keep this thing on. I'm 73 00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:25,719 Speaker 2: pretty sure we're gonna probably hear that with Stein as well. 74 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:27,760 Speaker 2: I want to. I don't want to miss anything. 75 00:04:27,839 --> 00:04:30,320 Speaker 1: But I don't have a great bell though. When I 76 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:31,760 Speaker 1: get a text like you do, I don't even I 77 00:04:31,800 --> 00:04:33,040 Speaker 1: don't even know how to set that up. 78 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:36,760 Speaker 2: So how do you know you're getting you gotta vibrates? 79 00:04:37,480 --> 00:04:39,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, just yeah, just just a normal buzz. But man, 80 00:04:39,960 --> 00:04:40,279 Speaker 1: I don't know. 81 00:04:40,279 --> 00:04:42,520 Speaker 2: Maybe I need maybe I don't. I don't trust the 82 00:04:42,640 --> 00:04:45,360 Speaker 2: vibration because if it's not, if it's not on my body, 83 00:04:46,080 --> 00:04:47,520 Speaker 2: I don't know if I would hear it or not. 84 00:04:47,680 --> 00:04:51,479 Speaker 2: So you'll hear it. You're here a Dane. So that's that. 85 00:04:51,600 --> 00:04:53,760 Speaker 2: But nah, sign this has been. It's been an eventful 86 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:56,120 Speaker 2: free agency. So let's let's let's get to it. Let's 87 00:04:56,120 --> 00:04:56,680 Speaker 2: break them down. 88 00:04:56,800 --> 00:04:59,920 Speaker 1: Well, look, Paul George obviously leaving the Clippers to go 89 00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:03,120 Speaker 1: to the Sixers. I mean, that is the headline. He 90 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:06,200 Speaker 1: is a true difference maker. And look, I haven't even 91 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:08,880 Speaker 1: mentioned DeMar DeRozan, who is still out there and could 92 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 1: possibly change teams. But Paul George, we knew the Sixers 93 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 1: were going to want to make a play for him, 94 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:21,960 Speaker 1: and we've talked about it a ton how the Clippers 95 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:26,560 Speaker 1: just would not move past an offer of three years. 96 00:05:26,600 --> 00:05:31,239 Speaker 1: They actually came out and explained even before free agency started. 97 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:34,880 Speaker 1: After the draft, Lawrence Frank held a press conference and 98 00:05:34,960 --> 00:05:39,360 Speaker 1: basically kind of spelled out that there were going to 99 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:42,720 Speaker 1: be limits in the talks with Paul George. But very 100 00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:45,680 Speaker 1: early in free agency, the Clippers released a statement basically 101 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:49,160 Speaker 1: citing the CBA multiple times and saying, we know Paul 102 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 1: is going somewhere else, we have to do things differently here. 103 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:56,599 Speaker 1: And it basically came down to the Philadelphia seventy six 104 00:05:56,720 --> 00:06:01,159 Speaker 1: Ers incredibly motivated, you know, Darryl Moore said after the draft, 105 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:02,919 Speaker 1: We're gonna be one of the best teams in the 106 00:06:02,960 --> 00:06:07,200 Speaker 1: East next season. And that's not just a statement you 107 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,040 Speaker 1: can throw out there with the moves that the Knicks 108 00:06:10,040 --> 00:06:14,039 Speaker 1: have made with the team that Boston has assembled to 109 00:06:14,120 --> 00:06:18,039 Speaker 1: just win the championship, but everything that the Sixers have 110 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:22,760 Speaker 1: done here. They've signed Paul George, They've brought guys like 111 00:06:23,320 --> 00:06:27,359 Speaker 1: Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon in on minimums. They've re signed, 112 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:30,320 Speaker 1: they've got agreement. Of course, all these are agreements. Nobody 113 00:06:30,360 --> 00:06:34,560 Speaker 1: has officially signed, no one can officially sign until July sixth, 114 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:37,880 Speaker 1: but they've got agreements with Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, Kelly 115 00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:41,880 Speaker 1: Oubres coming back, and they've got George. Now they've got 116 00:06:42,160 --> 00:06:44,720 Speaker 1: Tyree Maxi. They used all the cap space, so they 117 00:06:44,760 --> 00:06:48,840 Speaker 1: gave Tyree Maxey his expected max deal. And now at 118 00:06:48,839 --> 00:06:52,760 Speaker 1: the top of the East, you just got Boston with 119 00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:57,520 Speaker 1: their very deep team, the Knicks who before the draft 120 00:06:57,600 --> 00:07:00,720 Speaker 1: made the trade for Michale Bridges, and now the Sixers 121 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:06,520 Speaker 1: who have Tyrese Maxi and Paul George to flank a 122 00:07:06,680 --> 00:07:08,320 Speaker 1: very happy Joel Embiid. 123 00:07:09,320 --> 00:07:15,120 Speaker 2: Very happy understatement. When I didn't think it would get 124 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:18,320 Speaker 2: to this point, Stein, I honestly did it, and I 125 00:07:18,440 --> 00:07:22,800 Speaker 2: knew because the first time I reported on the possibility 126 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:26,360 Speaker 2: of Philadelphia being interested in pursuing Paul George. It was 127 00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 2: at the trade deadline in February. That's when I was 128 00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:34,560 Speaker 2: hearing rumblings about Philly with their max slot, if the 129 00:07:34,560 --> 00:07:38,600 Speaker 2: Clippers didn't make things right with Paul George, that they 130 00:07:38,600 --> 00:07:41,840 Speaker 2: would go after them, and that Philly would be a 131 00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:46,840 Speaker 2: prime suspect. That was in February. You know, that was 132 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:50,160 Speaker 2: a long time ago. So that just tells you how 133 00:07:50,320 --> 00:07:53,760 Speaker 2: long the Clippers have had to talk to speak with 134 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:58,200 Speaker 2: Paul George and his agent Aaron Mince all this time, 135 00:07:58,760 --> 00:08:04,440 Speaker 2: back and forth, steal nothing, still unwilling to give to 136 00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:08,160 Speaker 2: give Paul George the fourth year, and Paul George in 137 00:08:08,200 --> 00:08:12,400 Speaker 2: this camp, still unwilling to not ask for the fourth year. 138 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:15,920 Speaker 2: And so I didn't. I didn't think it would get 139 00:08:15,960 --> 00:08:18,040 Speaker 2: to this point. I really didn't. And going into that 140 00:08:18,120 --> 00:08:22,440 Speaker 2: into it down for next season, I kind of thought 141 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:25,440 Speaker 2: the Clippers might be in a desperation mode and felt 142 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:28,559 Speaker 2: like they had to acquiess to Paul George. But Starry, 143 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:30,960 Speaker 2: I have a theory. Check this out. I don't know 144 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 2: if this is accurate or not. I don't have any 145 00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:38,040 Speaker 2: concrete evidence to suggest that this really happened. But remember 146 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:43,079 Speaker 2: when Kawhi Leonard signed his extension back in January three years, 147 00:08:43,120 --> 00:08:45,439 Speaker 2: one hundred and fifty three mil. It was less than 148 00:08:45,480 --> 00:08:48,280 Speaker 2: Max took a pay cut, he didn't get the fourth year. 149 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:53,720 Speaker 2: What if Kawhi asked for the fourth year back then 150 00:08:54,480 --> 00:09:01,120 Speaker 2: but they the Clippers refused to do so did the 151 00:09:01,120 --> 00:09:03,320 Speaker 2: Clippers do right? I'm asking I guess I'm asking for 152 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:08,840 Speaker 2: your opinion. So, knowing that if that happened, could they 153 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:11,920 Speaker 2: go to Paul George and give him four years? Will 154 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:16,160 Speaker 2: everything be okay? Or did they have to hold their 155 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:18,280 Speaker 2: ground and say, you know what, we didn't give this 156 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:22,120 Speaker 2: to Kawhi back in January. We cannot give you the 157 00:09:22,160 --> 00:09:23,920 Speaker 2: fourth year. Paul. I'm sorry. 158 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:27,439 Speaker 1: I think that was the strategy they adopted in hopes 159 00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:32,840 Speaker 1: that Paul George would ultimately acquiesce and say, okay, I can't. 160 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:35,680 Speaker 1: I know realistically, I'm not going to get more than Kawhi, 161 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:39,520 Speaker 1: so I'll take basically the same deal he did. And 162 00:09:39,679 --> 00:09:42,360 Speaker 1: you know, again, the Clippers, the one thing you can say, 163 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:45,520 Speaker 1: they've been very vocal and very open and very on 164 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:48,920 Speaker 1: the record about the fact that they didn't think this 165 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:53,760 Speaker 1: crazy high payroll that they've been carrying is sustainable anymore, because, 166 00:09:53,880 --> 00:09:58,120 Speaker 1: as Lawrence Frank himself put it, if money was no object, 167 00:09:58,240 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 1: he would have carte blanche, because that's the way Steve 168 00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:04,800 Speaker 1: Balmer has let him run the team. But carte blanche 169 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:07,240 Speaker 1: doesn't matter anymore in the NBA because with the new 170 00:10:07,320 --> 00:10:11,000 Speaker 1: second apron it is so restrictive, and there are so 171 00:10:11,520 --> 00:10:15,600 Speaker 1: many ways that team building is curtailed. Once you go 172 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:20,080 Speaker 1: into that second apron. It doesn't really matter what the 173 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:24,880 Speaker 1: owner is willing to spend. If you can't aggregate salaries 174 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:27,360 Speaker 1: and trades, and your draft picks are frozen, and you 175 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:30,920 Speaker 1: can't use the buy out market, and all the restrictions 176 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:32,000 Speaker 1: that I'm not even mentioning. 177 00:10:32,120 --> 00:10:34,520 Speaker 2: So hold on style, hold on Stein. So I hear 178 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:38,480 Speaker 2: you with all that, What I'm asking is if they 179 00:10:38,520 --> 00:10:43,040 Speaker 2: would acquiesce and gave Paul George that fourth year out 180 00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:45,920 Speaker 2: of desperation, would that have you think? Do you think 181 00:10:45,920 --> 00:10:49,080 Speaker 2: that would have caused problems with Kawhi if that was 182 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:51,320 Speaker 2: something he asked for in January? 183 00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:55,120 Speaker 1: You're only asking me to get into the head of 184 00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:59,920 Speaker 1: the most hard to read superstar of probably both your 185 00:11:00,120 --> 00:11:03,720 Speaker 1: career and mine. So I mean, I wouldn't think it 186 00:11:03,760 --> 00:11:07,040 Speaker 1: would go over great. But I would also say, like 187 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:10,160 Speaker 1: I said, the Clippers have been so adamant, I don't 188 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:12,600 Speaker 1: I just don't think they would have ever considered it. 189 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:15,480 Speaker 1: And I think they proved it by the fact that 190 00:11:15,840 --> 00:11:19,720 Speaker 1: they let Paul George go for nothing, no compensation. Think 191 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:25,600 Speaker 1: about we cannot forget how much they traded to get 192 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,040 Speaker 1: this guy. And again, whenever you say that, you have 193 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:31,920 Speaker 1: to remind people that the Clippers were not just getting 194 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:36,560 Speaker 1: Paul George. By getting Paul George, they were guaranteed to 195 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:39,800 Speaker 1: also get Kawhi Leonard, So they were really trading for 196 00:11:39,920 --> 00:11:43,839 Speaker 1: both of them, not just Paul George. But the basic math, 197 00:11:43,880 --> 00:11:45,880 Speaker 1: the way it's going to be recorded in the history 198 00:11:45,920 --> 00:11:53,560 Speaker 1: books is five firsts, two Pickswaps, and Shay Gildes, Alexander 199 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:59,720 Speaker 1: all for Paul George to clinch the signing of Kawhi 200 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:04,080 Speaker 1: Lennar and to now see Paul George go all the 201 00:12:04,080 --> 00:12:06,480 Speaker 1: way to the East Coast, which is something a lot 202 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:09,920 Speaker 1: of us didn't think he would want to do, to 203 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:13,600 Speaker 1: see him leave in this manner. To look at three 204 00:12:13,640 --> 00:12:16,040 Speaker 1: of the four California teams right now, the state of 205 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:19,960 Speaker 1: the Clippers, the state of the Warriors losing Clay Thompson, 206 00:12:20,040 --> 00:12:23,960 Speaker 1: the state of the Lakers losing a free agent face 207 00:12:24,040 --> 00:12:29,760 Speaker 1: off with the Mavericks to get Clay Thompson. Is Sacramento 208 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 1: the only happy California team right now? 209 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:34,080 Speaker 2: You can make that. 210 00:12:34,679 --> 00:12:35,600 Speaker 1: You could make that argument. 211 00:12:35,640 --> 00:12:38,200 Speaker 2: But when was last time the Sacramental Keys were the 212 00:12:38,280 --> 00:12:41,719 Speaker 2: happiest team in California. I don't know that that's well, yeah, 213 00:12:41,720 --> 00:12:42,040 Speaker 2: I don't know. 214 00:12:42,040 --> 00:12:44,520 Speaker 1: I think last season when they last season, when they 215 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:49,079 Speaker 1: finally made the playoffs and ended a sixteen season playoff drought, 216 00:12:49,120 --> 00:12:50,240 Speaker 1: that was a pretty happy time. 217 00:12:50,440 --> 00:12:52,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, but you still can't consider them the happiest team 218 00:12:52,760 --> 00:12:55,760 Speaker 2: in California. The Lakers went to the Western Conference finals. 219 00:12:57,200 --> 00:12:58,920 Speaker 1: And let's see if the Kings, let's see if they 220 00:12:58,960 --> 00:13:02,240 Speaker 1: can you know, they've been they've been looking around on 221 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:06,160 Speaker 1: the trade front, so let's see if they you know, 222 00:13:06,960 --> 00:13:12,240 Speaker 1: they've been linked with Zach Lavine Kuzma. Again, do the 223 00:13:12,320 --> 00:13:19,120 Speaker 1: Kings make another move? But yeah, I mean, it's still 224 00:13:19,160 --> 00:13:22,480 Speaker 1: it's still quite shocking to just look at what's happening 225 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:27,080 Speaker 1: two three fourths of the California teams and then just 226 00:13:27,160 --> 00:13:29,480 Speaker 1: like the top of the East next season. 227 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:35,640 Speaker 2: A sty on the Paul George front again, front again. Man. 228 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:39,240 Speaker 2: We were having some communication right before free agency started, 229 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:43,000 Speaker 2: and there were a few players that a few Clippers 230 00:13:43,040 --> 00:13:46,480 Speaker 2: players who were notified by Paul George that he was 231 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:49,760 Speaker 2: indeed leaving. And at that time, that's when the narrative 232 00:13:49,920 --> 00:13:53,840 Speaker 2: was that Paul would meet with the Clippers, he would 233 00:13:53,840 --> 00:13:57,760 Speaker 2: meet with Orlando, and meet with Philly. When free agency began, 234 00:13:59,280 --> 00:14:03,000 Speaker 2: I was kind of suspect on Orlando because I knew 235 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 2: how much Orlando wanted KCP, like I knew they were 236 00:14:07,040 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 2: going to be hunting KCP. So and I was told 237 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 2: Orlando were looking for shorter deals. They weren't. They were 238 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:16,960 Speaker 2: not necessarily trying to do four year deals. And so 239 00:14:17,120 --> 00:14:20,520 Speaker 2: that's what that what led me to believe that Philadelphia 240 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:24,520 Speaker 2: would be the landing spot because if Paul George opted in, 241 00:14:25,680 --> 00:14:28,120 Speaker 2: I'm telling you right now, if he opted in to 242 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:32,000 Speaker 2: his contract, he would have requested the trade that same 243 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:35,560 Speaker 2: that that would have been the parameters opted in to 244 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:39,360 Speaker 2: be traded. So you know, Philly, and you know, I 245 00:14:39,440 --> 00:14:43,720 Speaker 2: reported a couple hours before free agency free agency started 246 00:14:43,720 --> 00:14:47,120 Speaker 2: that you know, there was growing optimism that the Sixers 247 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:51,200 Speaker 2: would land Paul George, and free agency and you know 248 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:54,760 Speaker 2: it ended up being right. And when you look at 249 00:14:55,120 --> 00:14:58,120 Speaker 2: what Philly has done, how long they planned this attack 250 00:14:58,320 --> 00:15:02,480 Speaker 2: or this pursuit, they did it, they accomplished it. Have 251 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:06,520 Speaker 2: a great team now. But again two of their three 252 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:10,080 Speaker 2: main players have health injuries. I mean, excuse you have 253 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:13,840 Speaker 2: health scares and they have a problem of being healthy. 254 00:15:13,920 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 2: So if they can stay healthy, that squad is a 255 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:20,040 Speaker 2: legitimate championship contended team in Eastern Conference. 256 00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:24,440 Speaker 1: Yeah. Look, they have not won anything yet. And as 257 00:15:24,480 --> 00:15:28,320 Speaker 1: we famously know about the Sixers, and we always bring 258 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:31,000 Speaker 1: up this team has not been passed the second round 259 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:34,320 Speaker 1: of the playoffs since two thousand and one, since the 260 00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:38,840 Speaker 1: Allen Iverson team that went to the NBA Finals. But 261 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:43,600 Speaker 1: I mean Darryl Mory last summer they convinced Tyrese MAXI, 262 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:47,359 Speaker 1: you gotta give us a year. We're gonna delay your extension. 263 00:15:47,440 --> 00:15:51,640 Speaker 1: You will be you know you're gonna get maxed. I 264 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:55,480 Speaker 1: told you when I type MAXI into my BlackBerry, it's 265 00:15:55,720 --> 00:15:58,960 Speaker 1: this season auto correct was changing it to max My 266 00:15:59,080 --> 00:16:02,840 Speaker 1: auto correct news that MAXI was gonna get that five year, 267 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:06,400 Speaker 1: two hundred and four million dollar, two hundred five million 268 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:10,240 Speaker 1: dollar extension two hundred plus million, whatever it is exactly, 269 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:15,240 Speaker 1: but they had to convince Maxi to wait. Maxi had 270 00:16:15,280 --> 00:16:18,400 Speaker 1: a cap hold of just thirteen million, and with all 271 00:16:18,480 --> 00:16:21,840 Speaker 1: that salary cap space, the Sixers were able to get 272 00:16:21,880 --> 00:16:27,800 Speaker 1: Paul George bring back Oubray. They've still got guys, They've 273 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:29,920 Speaker 1: still got spots to fill on the roster, but they've 274 00:16:29,960 --> 00:16:33,800 Speaker 1: got Drummond and Gordon on a minimum. I mean, they 275 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:35,800 Speaker 1: are putting together a team. And look, since you were 276 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:37,640 Speaker 1: so kind enough to put me on the spot and 277 00:16:37,680 --> 00:16:40,640 Speaker 1: ask me to read Kawai's mind, which you asked that 278 00:16:40,720 --> 00:16:43,520 Speaker 1: question knowing that I can't answer it, knowing that I 279 00:16:43,560 --> 00:16:46,680 Speaker 1: have no shot to answer it. So I'm gonna ask 280 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:48,880 Speaker 1: you now, who is the favorite to win the East? 281 00:16:49,280 --> 00:16:54,640 Speaker 1: Is it the Celtics who've just resigned? I should rephrase that, 282 00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:57,720 Speaker 1: who have just come to verbal agreements on new deals 283 00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:00,760 Speaker 1: with Jason Tatum and Derek White. And props to you 284 00:17:00,880 --> 00:17:04,800 Speaker 1: for breaking Jason Tatum's three hundred and fifteen million dollar 285 00:17:04,880 --> 00:17:08,760 Speaker 1: contract extension. Again, it will be the richest deal in 286 00:17:08,840 --> 00:17:12,679 Speaker 1: league history, at least until next summer when Luka Doncic 287 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:16,160 Speaker 1: is up for his three hundred and fifty million ish deal. 288 00:17:16,760 --> 00:17:18,639 Speaker 1: But who's the favorite in the East is that the 289 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:23,480 Speaker 1: defending champions. Is it the New Sixers with Embiid and 290 00:17:23,600 --> 00:17:29,040 Speaker 1: Maxi and PG thirteen or what about the Knicks who've 291 00:17:29,040 --> 00:17:32,959 Speaker 1: made this trade for Michale Bridges. Yes, they lost Isaiah 292 00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:37,119 Speaker 1: Hartenstein to Oklahoma City, and that's a story in itself 293 00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:40,800 Speaker 1: because the Thunder are not known for splashing the cash 294 00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:44,159 Speaker 1: on external free agents. That's the most that the Thunder 295 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:47,399 Speaker 1: have ever spent on a free agent who wasn't their 296 00:17:47,440 --> 00:17:50,639 Speaker 1: own to do a three year deal worth nearly ninety 297 00:17:50,680 --> 00:17:55,199 Speaker 1: million with Hartenstein. But there it is. You tell me 298 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:58,200 Speaker 1: who's favored to come out of the East next season. 299 00:17:57,920 --> 00:18:01,119 Speaker 2: Well, style, you can't disrespect the champs. You cannot do that. 300 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:04,240 Speaker 2: And you know, I've spoken to a few Celtics players 301 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 2: since they won the championship and they felt like they 302 00:18:07,119 --> 00:18:09,960 Speaker 2: would have been more dominant had they had Chris Stops 303 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 2: healthy for the playoffs, because we know they pretty much 304 00:18:12,880 --> 00:18:16,520 Speaker 2: ran through the NBA during the regular season. Then they 305 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:19,399 Speaker 2: had the health scare with Chris STAPs during the postseason. 306 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:23,000 Speaker 2: Kris STAPs was never able to gain form, didn't have 307 00:18:23,080 --> 00:18:24,840 Speaker 2: really real time the game for him. You see, he 308 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:29,080 Speaker 2: had offseason surgery soon after. So they still believe that 309 00:18:29,680 --> 00:18:32,280 Speaker 2: their best basketball is yet to come. And you know 310 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:34,840 Speaker 2: how teams are after they win a championship, they just 311 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:37,120 Speaker 2: they get that confidence, they get that swag about them. 312 00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:40,359 Speaker 2: So I'm still going with Boston. I like what Philly 313 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:44,280 Speaker 2: has done again. If they're healthy, they should be cool. 314 00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:48,359 Speaker 2: But stide. I love I know they lost Isaiah, but 315 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:51,560 Speaker 2: I love what the Knicks are doing. Love what the 316 00:18:51,640 --> 00:18:54,760 Speaker 2: Knicks are doing. They got that Villanova squad back together. 317 00:18:55,880 --> 00:18:59,880 Speaker 2: Those guys are they got they have confidence, Like I 318 00:19:00,040 --> 00:19:03,919 Speaker 2: New York is a scary squad. Also, the Milwaukee Bucks, 319 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:06,800 Speaker 2: you cannot dismiss them, Dame will Be. 320 00:19:07,320 --> 00:19:08,760 Speaker 1: I was gonna ask you about the Bucks. You don't 321 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:10,800 Speaker 1: think they're I mean, they've got to be worried seeing 322 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:14,080 Speaker 1: all this crazy action now because the West was so 323 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:15,480 Speaker 1: much better than the East. 324 00:19:15,600 --> 00:19:19,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, they were, and then you know they're losing their 325 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:23,159 Speaker 2: starting shooting guard, Belie Beasley. I doubt that they I 326 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:26,960 Speaker 2: doubt that the Bucks resigned Patrick Beverley. Well, I think 327 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,760 Speaker 2: that's a fourgone conclusion now that they just agreed to 328 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:32,560 Speaker 2: turns with the line, right, So, and that's a good 329 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:36,000 Speaker 2: that's a great addition. The line leaves Miami one of 330 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:38,639 Speaker 2: the best backup point guards we have in this league. 331 00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:41,520 Speaker 2: But they still need some they still need more work, 332 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:45,080 Speaker 2: they still need some more addition. They're just they're due 333 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:48,359 Speaker 2: to cap restraints. There's not much they can do unless 334 00:19:48,359 --> 00:19:53,480 Speaker 2: they're looking at some major, major trades. I should say, 335 00:19:53,520 --> 00:19:57,080 Speaker 2: But yeah, Milwaukee's in there, But I still put Boston 336 00:19:57,160 --> 00:19:57,840 Speaker 2: as the favorites. 337 00:19:58,280 --> 00:20:00,359 Speaker 1: Well, yeah, I don't think the Bucks are done. Question 338 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:05,239 Speaker 1: will just be how much with the Bucks, with the 339 00:20:05,280 --> 00:20:08,560 Speaker 1: state of the Bucks trade assets, how dramatically can they 340 00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:11,840 Speaker 1: change their team to You know, we keep hearing these 341 00:20:11,880 --> 00:20:14,440 Speaker 1: rumbles that Doc Rivers would like to see some changes 342 00:20:14,480 --> 00:20:18,720 Speaker 1: to the supporting cast for Jannas Antitokumpo and Damian Lillard. 343 00:20:18,800 --> 00:20:22,120 Speaker 1: How drastic will those changes be? How drastic do those 344 00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:25,159 Speaker 1: changes have to be to get the Bucks in the 345 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:29,119 Speaker 1: zip code of the Celtics and the Knicks and the Sixers. 346 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:30,840 Speaker 1: I think you're right. I think you still have to 347 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:34,280 Speaker 1: you have to favor Boston. They deserve that much after 348 00:20:34,320 --> 00:20:37,480 Speaker 1: winning it all and basically they've still got all their 349 00:20:37,560 --> 00:20:42,280 Speaker 1: main guys coming back. Yeah, I mean it's going to 350 00:20:42,359 --> 00:20:46,879 Speaker 1: be It's going to be really fascinating. Now just to 351 00:20:46,920 --> 00:20:51,720 Speaker 1: see who wins the East, who comes out of the East, 352 00:20:52,680 --> 00:20:55,840 Speaker 1: what the second round playoff matchups will be in the East, 353 00:20:55,960 --> 00:21:00,119 Speaker 1: because there's so much firepower now at the top, but 354 00:21:00,160 --> 00:21:02,600 Speaker 1: then the West. You know, it's interesting because well we 355 00:21:02,640 --> 00:21:07,399 Speaker 1: got to talk about Clay Thompson to the Mavericks leaving 356 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:10,480 Speaker 1: Golden State. I mean, this story has been pretty much 357 00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:20,880 Speaker 1: all I've been wrapped up in since last Friday. And look, 358 00:21:21,760 --> 00:21:26,720 Speaker 1: I've been expecting it since last Friday. But even as 359 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:29,360 Speaker 1: I say that, as we're talking here on Monday night, 360 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:32,399 Speaker 1: and now that it's done, the Warriors, just before you 361 00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:35,080 Speaker 1: and I started recording, the Warriors came out with a 362 00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:40,600 Speaker 1: long tribute statement to Clay Thompson in which they noted that, 363 00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:45,399 Speaker 1: of course, his number eleven will someday be hoisted to 364 00:21:45,480 --> 00:21:48,320 Speaker 1: the rafters of Chase Center. Even though this thing is 365 00:21:48,359 --> 00:21:52,280 Speaker 1: now done and official and Clay is a Maverick, I'm 366 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:53,679 Speaker 1: still struggling to believe it. 367 00:21:53,760 --> 00:21:53,960 Speaker 2: Man. 368 00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:57,720 Speaker 1: Yeah, you know me, I am an absolute sap. I 369 00:21:57,760 --> 00:22:01,920 Speaker 1: am a basketball romantic. My last three years at ESPN, 370 00:22:02,280 --> 00:22:04,600 Speaker 1: and the first year of our friendship was the last 371 00:22:04,640 --> 00:22:06,720 Speaker 1: of those three years when you and I got to 372 00:22:06,760 --> 00:22:10,080 Speaker 1: work together. My last three years at ESPN, I was 373 00:22:10,200 --> 00:22:13,760 Speaker 1: embedded with these guys. It was the first three years 374 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:17,199 Speaker 1: of five straight trips to the Finals, and I just 375 00:22:18,040 --> 00:22:22,800 Speaker 1: I thought they would finish their careers together. I cannot 376 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:28,359 Speaker 1: believe that Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson and Draymond Green, 377 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:32,160 Speaker 1: they're not a trio anymore. It's gonna take some serious 378 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:32,879 Speaker 1: getting used to. 379 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:36,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, it is. I can't believe. I'm happy for you. You 380 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:38,680 Speaker 2: get Clay now, that's your guy. You get Clay over 381 00:22:38,880 --> 00:22:42,959 Speaker 2: in your backyard, and so I'm excited for Clay. I know, 382 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:46,159 Speaker 2: you know, I was told that he was seeking a 383 00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:49,560 Speaker 2: fresh start. He wanted to get away. I know the Lakers, 384 00:22:50,800 --> 00:22:53,520 Speaker 2: and during free agency they felt like, last minute, they 385 00:22:53,560 --> 00:22:57,159 Speaker 2: felt like they had a shot. I know Lakers, they 386 00:22:57,160 --> 00:23:00,000 Speaker 2: were offering a four year deal around the twenty million 387 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:04,919 Speaker 2: annually ranged Uh. They thought they thought they had something. 388 00:23:05,440 --> 00:23:09,520 Speaker 2: And Klay Thompson stuck to his guns because initially, I 389 00:23:09,560 --> 00:23:12,360 Speaker 2: know you were hearing the same thing that Mavericks were 390 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 2: the team and the league for his services. So he 391 00:23:16,560 --> 00:23:19,520 Speaker 2: stayed true to that three year deal, sign and trade. 392 00:23:19,560 --> 00:23:21,960 Speaker 2: It was a little strange, stun a little strange because 393 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,480 Speaker 2: you know, once the agreement was announced. You know, the 394 00:23:25,560 --> 00:23:29,080 Speaker 2: Warriors were like, hold on here, hold on, we didn't 395 00:23:29,080 --> 00:23:32,280 Speaker 2: agree to anything here. There's not a deal close because 396 00:23:32,320 --> 00:23:35,160 Speaker 2: obviously it would take a sign in trade for Clay 397 00:23:35,200 --> 00:23:40,040 Speaker 2: to get that number. But a couple hours later, the 398 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:44,840 Speaker 2: whole sign and trade was complete. The Words got two 399 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:48,679 Speaker 2: second round picks. Green goes to Charlotte, and so the 400 00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:52,880 Speaker 2: deal was, the deal was ratified. So yeah, still it's 401 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:55,760 Speaker 2: gonna it's gonna be surreal for sure until you actually 402 00:23:55,760 --> 00:23:59,440 Speaker 2: see him in the we're in the Dallas Maverick uniform. 403 00:23:59,560 --> 00:24:03,000 Speaker 2: But yeah, definitely some some surprises early in this free 404 00:24:03,040 --> 00:24:03,760 Speaker 2: agency period. 405 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:07,120 Speaker 1: Well, look, you said it, this was Clay's choice, and 406 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:10,960 Speaker 1: the Warriors did offer him a two year extension in 407 00:24:11,040 --> 00:24:15,320 Speaker 1: the fifty million range before last season. He turned it down. 408 00:24:15,760 --> 00:24:19,480 Speaker 1: He felt like that was a sign of disrespect because 409 00:24:19,520 --> 00:24:23,080 Speaker 1: it was basically half the size of the deal that 410 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:27,119 Speaker 1: Draymond Green got just a couple months earlier to re sign, 411 00:24:27,600 --> 00:24:31,399 Speaker 1: and he decided to bet on himself. Last season was 412 00:24:31,440 --> 00:24:34,159 Speaker 1: a rough one in the Bay, not just for Clay, 413 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:39,239 Speaker 1: for the Warriors as a franchise, as a team. I mean, 414 00:24:39,240 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 1: it was just lots of chaos and ups and downs, 415 00:24:42,160 --> 00:24:45,200 Speaker 1: and of course they lose the playing game to Sacramento, 416 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:48,720 Speaker 1: don't even reach the playoffs, and the Warriors made the 417 00:24:48,760 --> 00:24:52,840 Speaker 1: decision that they were going to prioritize the trade chase 418 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:56,560 Speaker 1: for Paul George before and after the draft. Few days 419 00:24:56,600 --> 00:24:59,119 Speaker 1: before the draft, few days after the draft. That was 420 00:24:59,200 --> 00:25:04,240 Speaker 1: Golden State's leading into free agency, not hashing out a 421 00:25:04,280 --> 00:25:06,480 Speaker 1: deal with Klay Thompson. And that was pretty much it. 422 00:25:06,560 --> 00:25:08,879 Speaker 1: But you know, I was stubborn. I didn't want to 423 00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:13,760 Speaker 1: believe it. The signals really were there all season, and 424 00:25:13,840 --> 00:25:16,879 Speaker 1: I just I didn't want to buy into the notion 425 00:25:17,720 --> 00:25:23,080 Speaker 1: that we would not get the storybook ending with the Warriors. 426 00:25:23,160 --> 00:25:25,159 Speaker 1: But you said it. I think Clay does want a 427 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:29,040 Speaker 1: fresh start, and I think the real reason that Dallas 428 00:25:29,119 --> 00:25:31,560 Speaker 1: appeals to him is because he's going to stay in 429 00:25:31,600 --> 00:25:34,280 Speaker 1: the West. He's going to take the Warriors on head on. 430 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:36,919 Speaker 1: He wants to show them that he can still be 431 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:40,760 Speaker 1: a difference maker and a key cog on a playoff team. 432 00:25:41,160 --> 00:25:46,120 Speaker 1: And I know in Dallas, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving 433 00:25:46,359 --> 00:25:50,399 Speaker 1: are thrilled to know that Clay Thompson is on the 434 00:25:50,440 --> 00:25:54,360 Speaker 1: way to Dallas. And a lot was made about Lebron 435 00:25:54,480 --> 00:25:59,200 Speaker 1: James recruiting Klay Thompson. Well, Kyrie Irving played on two 436 00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:02,960 Speaker 1: national teams with Clay Thompson. I covered them both, twenty 437 00:26:03,040 --> 00:26:06,760 Speaker 1: fourteen World Cup team in Spain, twenty sixteen Olympic team 438 00:26:07,359 --> 00:26:15,960 Speaker 1: in Brazil. So the Mavericks also had a marquee recruiter 439 00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:19,560 Speaker 1: to help in their efforts, and they convince Clay that 440 00:26:19,680 --> 00:26:22,840 Speaker 1: this is the place he should be. And again, I 441 00:26:24,480 --> 00:26:27,120 Speaker 1: still can't believe it even as I say all this stuff. 442 00:26:27,160 --> 00:26:29,040 Speaker 1: And part of that also is I mean, you know, 443 00:26:29,080 --> 00:26:32,840 Speaker 1: I've lived in Dallas for basically the last twenty five 444 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:36,080 Speaker 1: plus years I've covered this team. The Mavericks free agent 445 00:26:36,240 --> 00:26:42,160 Speaker 1: history is tortured. They never get their guy in free agency. 446 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:46,240 Speaker 1: So even though this is Clay at thirty four and 447 00:26:46,280 --> 00:26:50,879 Speaker 1: not Clay at his splash brother's peak, for the Mavericks 448 00:26:50,920 --> 00:26:54,879 Speaker 1: to win a free agent faceoff against Lebron and the Lakers, 449 00:26:54,920 --> 00:26:58,320 Speaker 1: as you can imagine, there are a lot of happy 450 00:26:58,359 --> 00:26:59,640 Speaker 1: people in Dallas right now. 451 00:27:00,240 --> 00:27:03,119 Speaker 2: When we when we get time our next episode or 452 00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:06,719 Speaker 2: maybe the episode after that, we need an oral breakdown 453 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:10,879 Speaker 2: from you on what it was like covering that DeAndre 454 00:27:11,080 --> 00:27:17,920 Speaker 2: Jordan free agency where he was basically held captive. I 455 00:27:17,960 --> 00:27:19,639 Speaker 2: don't think I've ever talked to you about that, so 456 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:21,120 Speaker 2: I would love to hear you praspect. 457 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:23,199 Speaker 1: I mean, look, that was I mean, it's funny, you know, 458 00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:28,560 Speaker 1: there was It's interesting, there was you know, there was talk. God, 459 00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:30,520 Speaker 1: I hope I'm not revealing too many secrets here. This 460 00:27:30,560 --> 00:27:32,439 Speaker 1: is this is actually now you tricked me into. This 461 00:27:32,520 --> 00:27:33,200 Speaker 1: is a Chris Haynes. 462 00:27:34,000 --> 00:27:35,200 Speaker 2: Okay, go ahead, go ahead. 463 00:27:35,640 --> 00:27:43,159 Speaker 1: So you know, JJ Reddick had his production company, you know, 464 00:27:43,240 --> 00:27:45,320 Speaker 1: before he became the Laker coach. You know, for most 465 00:27:45,359 --> 00:27:49,560 Speaker 1: of this season, JJ Reddick was merely a podcaster and 466 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:51,720 Speaker 1: broadcaster and a member of the media. He wasn't the 467 00:27:51,720 --> 00:27:54,359 Speaker 1: coach of the La Lakers. There were some pretty strong 468 00:27:54,480 --> 00:28:03,120 Speaker 1: rumblings that JJ's production company had interest in exploring some 469 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:10,679 Speaker 1: sort of documentary on that whole DeAndre Jordan free Agent summer, 470 00:28:10,760 --> 00:28:14,439 Speaker 1: which if you go back and find the tweets you 471 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:17,320 Speaker 1: can find that I was. I was covering that thing 472 00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:22,239 Speaker 1: from start to finish. When the Dallas Mavericks had a 473 00:28:22,400 --> 00:28:27,399 Speaker 1: verbal commitment, they thought they had won the DeAndre Jordan 474 00:28:27,480 --> 00:28:31,439 Speaker 1: free Agent sweep Steaks, only for DeAndre to change his 475 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:34,880 Speaker 1: mind and return to the Clippers, and that was one 476 00:28:34,920 --> 00:28:40,960 Speaker 1: of the greatest and most unforgettable nights in NBA Twitter history. 477 00:28:41,360 --> 00:28:43,680 Speaker 2: I don't and I don't. I don't be to laugh. 478 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:47,600 Speaker 2: That's my guy. But I remember by guys tweet Chris 479 00:28:47,600 --> 00:28:52,320 Speaker 2: Bruss tweet the Mark Cuba. It was something like Mark 480 00:28:52,360 --> 00:29:01,840 Speaker 2: Suban is like drive the routeel looking for I forgot 481 00:29:01,840 --> 00:29:07,000 Speaker 2: the It's rama aimlessly around tale looking for the George. 482 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:12,640 Speaker 2: I wasn't a national guy. I was a national reporter 483 00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:15,520 Speaker 2: at the time, so I wasn't I wasn't in on 484 00:29:15,560 --> 00:29:19,120 Speaker 2: that hut. So I was just watching from Afar. But uh, 485 00:29:19,560 --> 00:29:22,400 Speaker 2: that whole fiasco, man was It was definitely irritator. 486 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:29,640 Speaker 1: I will refrain from comment, but let's just say, yeah, 487 00:29:29,680 --> 00:29:34,240 Speaker 1: that was an absolute circus. But you know what the 488 00:29:34,240 --> 00:29:36,600 Speaker 1: truth is, I'm so damn old. I gotta go I 489 00:29:36,680 --> 00:29:38,960 Speaker 1: really gotta go back and look it all up myself 490 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:42,080 Speaker 1: to remember everything, because I, like I just some things 491 00:29:42,120 --> 00:29:44,600 Speaker 1: I don't remember as well as I used to. And 492 00:29:44,640 --> 00:29:49,080 Speaker 1: that like I certainly remember putting out that first tweet 493 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:53,360 Speaker 1: that you know, the Clippers are making moves to try 494 00:29:53,400 --> 00:29:56,080 Speaker 1: to get DeAndre back, and that just led to a 495 00:29:56,160 --> 00:29:59,520 Speaker 1: day of wow, wow was awesome. 496 00:29:59,720 --> 00:30:02,400 Speaker 2: Yeah, but that would be that would be a great documentary. 497 00:30:03,200 --> 00:30:05,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, maybe that's an off season version of Look, producer 498 00:30:05,920 --> 00:30:09,160 Speaker 1: Ryan's right in that one. He's like, in August, we 499 00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:11,680 Speaker 1: need to we need to do an off season version. 500 00:30:11,920 --> 00:30:14,240 Speaker 2: Let's uncut. 501 00:30:21,560 --> 00:30:23,960 Speaker 1: But look, we haven't gotten nearly as deep into some 502 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:25,760 Speaker 1: of this stuff as I was hoping. But I mean 503 00:30:26,480 --> 00:30:30,040 Speaker 1: I've explained what, you know, the Mavericks, what the Mavericks 504 00:30:30,040 --> 00:30:33,080 Speaker 1: are hoping. I mean, the Mavericks needed to They desperately 505 00:30:33,120 --> 00:30:36,560 Speaker 1: needed to add outside shooting. They obviously believe they've done 506 00:30:36,600 --> 00:30:40,400 Speaker 1: that by completing this sign and trade for Klay Thompson. 507 00:30:40,760 --> 00:30:45,640 Speaker 1: They signed Naji Marshall to replace Derek Jones Junior, who's 508 00:30:45,640 --> 00:30:52,080 Speaker 1: now parted the Clippers post George squad. The Clippers moves 509 00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:56,240 Speaker 1: to follow the departure of Paul George those a bit interesting. 510 00:30:56,680 --> 00:31:00,560 Speaker 1: Nicola Batoom back to the Clippers. Chris Dunne, as first 511 00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:04,720 Speaker 1: reported by Chris Haynes earlier Monday, He's going to the Clippers. 512 00:31:04,760 --> 00:31:10,120 Speaker 1: Dereck Jones Junior going to the Clippers. So they're definitely 513 00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:14,480 Speaker 1: taking an interesting approach to trying to fill the Paul 514 00:31:14,600 --> 00:31:18,480 Speaker 1: George Voyd. But naturally, lots of attention in the league. 515 00:31:18,520 --> 00:31:22,200 Speaker 1: Will now pivot to how does Golden State respond to 516 00:31:22,280 --> 00:31:26,280 Speaker 1: losing Clay? What does Steph Curry think about that? I 517 00:31:26,280 --> 00:31:29,959 Speaker 1: think we all are very interested to hear what Steph 518 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:33,440 Speaker 1: will say about the situation, and frankly even what Clay 519 00:31:33,480 --> 00:31:37,680 Speaker 1: says in his first statements about switching teams and then 520 00:31:37,720 --> 00:31:41,240 Speaker 1: the Lakers. The Lakers tried to get in the mix 521 00:31:42,080 --> 00:31:48,520 Speaker 1: for Clay Thompson. They couldn't woo him. They couldn't convince 522 00:31:48,560 --> 00:31:52,120 Speaker 1: him to spurn Dallas and stay in LA which look 523 00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:57,360 Speaker 1: a lot. You know, the Mavericks were very The Mavericks 524 00:31:57,360 --> 00:32:02,080 Speaker 1: were very wary and very nervous about the Lakers entering 525 00:32:02,120 --> 00:32:05,560 Speaker 1: that race with not just Lebron as lead recruiter, but 526 00:32:05,600 --> 00:32:09,760 Speaker 1: of course Clay's father, Michael Thompson, the legendary Michael Thompson 527 00:32:09,920 --> 00:32:13,400 Speaker 1: still calls Laker games on radio. Of course, he played 528 00:32:13,400 --> 00:32:16,200 Speaker 1: for the Lakers, was part of title winning teams with 529 00:32:16,240 --> 00:32:19,240 Speaker 1: the Lakers, and Clay grew up a Laker fan. Clay great. 530 00:32:19,280 --> 00:32:24,480 Speaker 1: You know, when I see Clay is the OC goat, 531 00:32:24,560 --> 00:32:26,560 Speaker 1: that is what I call him. He is the best 532 00:32:26,880 --> 00:32:30,640 Speaker 1: player Orange County, where I went to high school as well. 533 00:32:30,800 --> 00:32:37,200 Speaker 1: By far the best player ever produced among Orange County 534 00:32:37,280 --> 00:32:42,440 Speaker 1: high schools, and so I'm sure the chance to go 535 00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:46,840 Speaker 1: to the Lakers it had to entice him on a 536 00:32:46,880 --> 00:32:49,520 Speaker 1: lot of levels. But now, of course, the question is 537 00:32:49,720 --> 00:32:52,680 Speaker 1: how will the Lakers respond DeMar DeRozan. I know you've 538 00:32:52,720 --> 00:32:55,959 Speaker 1: done some reporting on that. How realistic is it that 539 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:59,440 Speaker 1: the Lakers could do a deal with DeMar Derozen, because 540 00:32:59,480 --> 00:33:02,280 Speaker 1: we know the Bulls. The Bulls are very open to 541 00:33:02,320 --> 00:33:06,960 Speaker 1: trading zach Lavine, but it's been chilly, to say the least. 542 00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:10,680 Speaker 1: When we talk about negotiations between DeMar Derozen and the 543 00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:14,360 Speaker 1: Bulls on a new deal, the Bulls clearly appear like 544 00:33:14,360 --> 00:33:15,680 Speaker 1: they're going young Chili. 545 00:33:15,760 --> 00:33:17,560 Speaker 2: I would I would consider it frozen. 546 00:33:18,360 --> 00:33:20,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think I would. 547 00:33:20,400 --> 00:33:24,520 Speaker 2: Consider it frozen Antarctica, you know, so, I remember, I 548 00:33:24,520 --> 00:33:30,160 Speaker 2: remember a couple of years ago, Damar he was he 549 00:33:30,280 --> 00:33:32,000 Speaker 2: was led to believe that he was going to be 550 00:33:32,080 --> 00:33:35,320 Speaker 2: a Laker before he signed his deal with Chicago Bulls. 551 00:33:35,360 --> 00:33:40,120 Speaker 2: Something happened last minute. Damar is always kind of whenever 552 00:33:40,240 --> 00:33:43,959 Speaker 2: he's talked about it, he never gives too many details, 553 00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:45,840 Speaker 2: but he gives you enough to let you know that 554 00:33:45,960 --> 00:33:51,640 Speaker 2: something went down that he didn't appreciate. Uh, there's still 555 00:33:51,680 --> 00:33:54,960 Speaker 2: as a right now as we record this, there's still 556 00:33:55,360 --> 00:33:59,080 Speaker 2: nothing going on. Damars kind of in limbo right now 557 00:33:59,120 --> 00:34:02,720 Speaker 2: because Chicago they wanted they they're trying to move off 558 00:34:02,760 --> 00:34:05,360 Speaker 2: of Zach Levine's deal. And I said, I said some 559 00:34:05,400 --> 00:34:08,359 Speaker 2: things on there. I don't know if it was on 560 00:34:08,440 --> 00:34:11,520 Speaker 2: TV or on my Bleacher Report live stream. I said, 561 00:34:11,560 --> 00:34:14,839 Speaker 2: the Bulls are trying to move Levine and Lonzo Ball. 562 00:34:15,840 --> 00:34:19,440 Speaker 2: I stand corrected. You know, right now, it's the priorities 563 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:23,879 Speaker 2: trying to move Levine, not Lonzo Ball. But that's where 564 00:34:23,920 --> 00:34:26,640 Speaker 2: the Bulls have stayed. That was there, that's been their 565 00:34:26,680 --> 00:34:29,960 Speaker 2: stance for a month over a month already, is that 566 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:33,160 Speaker 2: they want to move Levine and then if Damar is 567 00:34:33,200 --> 00:34:36,680 Speaker 2: still available, they will, you know, shift focus to him 568 00:34:36,719 --> 00:34:38,480 Speaker 2: to see if there's something that can be done. But 569 00:34:39,400 --> 00:34:43,480 Speaker 2: the Damar DeRozan tenure in Chicago is over, so we 570 00:34:43,520 --> 00:34:46,359 Speaker 2: all know the cap space is very limited out there now, 571 00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:48,960 Speaker 2: and so it makes it tough. So a team is 572 00:34:48,960 --> 00:34:51,319 Speaker 2: going to have to get really creative if they want 573 00:34:51,360 --> 00:34:54,840 Speaker 2: to try to offer Levine, I mean, excuse, offer Derozen 574 00:34:55,480 --> 00:35:01,600 Speaker 2: something more than the the mid level exception. So you know, 575 00:35:01,680 --> 00:35:03,200 Speaker 2: with a sign and trade, you can get a three 576 00:35:03,280 --> 00:35:08,120 Speaker 2: year deal. I know DeRozan will probably be amenable to 577 00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:15,200 Speaker 2: taking on a one year deal. So the money, I 578 00:35:15,280 --> 00:35:18,399 Speaker 2: just don't see him taking a full the full mid 579 00:35:18,480 --> 00:35:20,680 Speaker 2: level exception, which is at thirteen meal. I don't see 580 00:35:20,760 --> 00:35:23,160 Speaker 2: him doing that right now. So teams are going to 581 00:35:23,239 --> 00:35:24,040 Speaker 2: have to get creative. 582 00:35:25,760 --> 00:35:27,840 Speaker 1: All right. Look, I know you've got a flight to 583 00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:30,960 Speaker 1: catch to get back to the West Coast. Like I said, 584 00:35:31,239 --> 00:35:34,919 Speaker 1: this is the first time that things have slowed down enough. 585 00:35:34,960 --> 00:35:38,120 Speaker 1: I mean it has been since going back to last 586 00:35:38,120 --> 00:35:41,680 Speaker 1: week before the draft, since the draft, this has really 587 00:35:41,719 --> 00:35:44,440 Speaker 1: been the first lull where you and I could get 588 00:35:44,440 --> 00:35:48,759 Speaker 1: together and try to spend an hour to do a 589 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:52,800 Speaker 1: pod because we've both been going NonStop chasing all kinds 590 00:35:52,840 --> 00:35:56,200 Speaker 1: of stuff. And look, there is still plenty more to go. Again, 591 00:35:56,440 --> 00:36:00,520 Speaker 1: tomar DeRozan, where does he go? Warriors? What move do 592 00:36:00,560 --> 00:36:05,240 Speaker 1: they make? Lakers? What move is next for them? Trades? 593 00:36:05,360 --> 00:36:09,240 Speaker 1: We've still got to keep our eye on trade possibilities 594 00:36:09,239 --> 00:36:12,759 Speaker 1: because again the Jazz, we know the price tag is 595 00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:16,520 Speaker 1: going to be high, but their phone keeps ringing. Teams 596 00:36:16,600 --> 00:36:20,799 Speaker 1: like the Warriors and the Spurs, they're checking in on 597 00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:25,319 Speaker 1: lowry market in to test Utah's resolve. Brandon Ingram. I 598 00:36:25,440 --> 00:36:28,319 Speaker 1: still believe he is going to be moved. I can't 599 00:36:28,320 --> 00:36:31,480 Speaker 1: tell you exactly when or exactly where, but I still 600 00:36:31,520 --> 00:36:36,080 Speaker 1: believe that the Pelicans move brandon Ingram again. DeMar DeRozan 601 00:36:36,239 --> 00:36:38,360 Speaker 1: is most likely going to need a sign and trade 602 00:36:38,360 --> 00:36:41,759 Speaker 1: to get to his next destination because, as Chris just said, 603 00:36:41,840 --> 00:36:46,400 Speaker 1: cap space is scarce. But don't forget that he was 604 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:50,160 Speaker 1: in the same position a few summers ago and that 605 00:36:50,320 --> 00:36:55,200 Speaker 1: sign and trade to Chicago. Suddenly he was a bull 606 00:36:55,400 --> 00:37:00,719 Speaker 1: when it looked like the market was close on him. 607 00:37:00,760 --> 00:37:03,840 Speaker 1: So let's see, let's see, there's a lot more stuff 608 00:37:04,160 --> 00:37:04,759 Speaker 1: to Stein. 609 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:06,919 Speaker 2: We got to keep an eye out for the Los 610 00:37:06,960 --> 00:37:11,400 Speaker 2: Angeles Clippers. They are not done, and I'm talking about 611 00:37:11,560 --> 00:37:16,440 Speaker 2: a trade, maybe trades. We know Russell Westbrook. They're trying 612 00:37:16,520 --> 00:37:19,400 Speaker 2: to move Russ. They are working with him and his 613 00:37:19,520 --> 00:37:22,560 Speaker 2: representation to try to find the best home that's going 614 00:37:22,640 --> 00:37:25,880 Speaker 2: to fit both sides. So keep an eye out for 615 00:37:25,960 --> 00:37:29,279 Speaker 2: the Clippers and what they do. And you know we 616 00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:31,960 Speaker 2: didn't talk about Chris Paul Stein, Chris Paul moving over 617 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:35,960 Speaker 2: to to San Antonio. You you called it Stein, you 618 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,799 Speaker 2: were on top of that. From day one, you were 619 00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:39,440 Speaker 2: on top of lot. 620 00:37:39,560 --> 00:37:41,040 Speaker 1: I need to give a shout out. I need to 621 00:37:41,080 --> 00:37:43,480 Speaker 1: give a shout out here to a Twitter before we go. 622 00:37:43,600 --> 00:37:48,440 Speaker 1: Last thing. There's a Twitter account called F five season. 623 00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:52,000 Speaker 1: I didn't even remember this, but F five season is 624 00:37:52,120 --> 00:37:57,040 Speaker 1: keeping track of all kinds of reports, and they found 625 00:37:57,080 --> 00:38:01,640 Speaker 1: that I reported San Antonio's interest in Chris Paul on 626 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:03,360 Speaker 1: April twentieth. 627 00:38:03,520 --> 00:38:03,960 Speaker 2: Wow. 628 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:07,040 Speaker 1: So thank you F five season for that coverage, because 629 00:38:07,880 --> 00:38:10,680 Speaker 1: you know, like I said, my man, my memory, my 630 00:38:10,800 --> 00:38:13,520 Speaker 1: memory is fading faster than I can keep up with it. 631 00:38:13,640 --> 00:38:18,200 Speaker 1: All right, that's gonna do it for this edition of 632 00:38:18,280 --> 00:38:22,359 Speaker 1: this league uncut Mark Stein with Chris Haynes. We will 633 00:38:22,360 --> 00:38:26,080 Speaker 1: get together again this week when we get our next 634 00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:29,840 Speaker 1: free agent lull. We got to work in July fourth 635 00:38:29,880 --> 00:38:32,520 Speaker 1: as well, but we will get together for one more 636 00:38:32,600 --> 00:38:37,040 Speaker 1: pod to talk about everything that has happened, everything else 637 00:38:37,600 --> 00:38:42,360 Speaker 1: that we can forecast about what might happen next. Still 638 00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:47,080 Speaker 1: lots of the NBA offseason, a common of course, Olympic qualifiers, 639 00:38:47,200 --> 00:38:51,600 Speaker 1: Summer League, the Olympics themselves. There will be no letup. 640 00:38:51,600 --> 00:38:56,520 Speaker 1: This is going to be a NonStop July. Remember, as always, 641 00:38:56,880 --> 00:38:59,600 Speaker 1: follow the show rate the show review the show. We 642 00:38:59,640 --> 00:39:03,200 Speaker 1: would love a five star review. Stay tuned, Chris and 643 00:39:03,239 --> 00:39:05,839 Speaker 1: I will be back with you again, very very soon, 644 00:39:09,080 --> 00:39:11,319 Speaker 1: and that'll do it for us. See you next time. 645 00:39:12,960 --> 00:39:20,680 Speaker 1: This league uncuta is and iHeartRadio production lock Chris Hanes 646 00:39:20,880 --> 00:39:21,760 Speaker 1: and Mark Stein