Episode 13: NBA Trading Frenzy !

We get you caught up on the craziest NBA Free Agency.....EVER ! The biggest news in trades, signings and Lebron news. 

Plus, The World Cup is putting on a show, as we take you through our thoughts on the Round of 32 start. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:22

Welcome to Between the Coast. I'm your host, Fernando, with our stars Cassius and Jerry. Today we will be doing a quick recap of the NBA draft after a long week. We'll also be talking about NBA free agency and trade talks. And if we have time, we will delight you with a nice surprise at the end. So we will jump into the NBA draft as I shared. I'm going to pass the mic to Cassius, who actually predicted the first eight picks correctly. So, Cassius, what were kind of your takeaways of the NBA draft?

SPEAKER_01 1:07

Oh, there we go. I think that the draft went very well for a lot of teams. I think they came in and had a uh direction, and honestly, I was very surprised that teams took kind of their actual uh kind of the issues they had with their teams is a lot of the the depth and space and uh shooting, like each team took what they needed. Like uh Oklahoma Thunder, uh Oklahoma City Thunder took Mara. Like, actually, that's perfect pairing with Holmgrin. Um the one pick I was surprised about, uh as Dando said, we got the first A correct was actually pick nine. Uh, I did not like the Merez-Johnson pick for the Dallas Mavericks. I thought it was too early for him. I'm surprised he didn't go with either Lindenborg or Mara, honestly. We knew he was going to pick someone from Michigan. Uh, I just didn't think it'd be Morez. But uh in that note, a lot of these teams kind of filled a lot of the gaps they have on their offenses and defenses. Um my favorite pick, of course, is not not playing favorites. It goes to my Lakers. I like the Cameron car pick. He's a great two-way player. They need scores, but someone who can also defend the ball. And he's not as good of a scorer as he is a defender, but he still averaged, I think, about 17-18 points in college. Um, so that's a great pick. And then the Spurs. Jared actually texted me this. Jaden Quintans. Right? How do you say it, Jared? Is it I think you said it right. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 2:41

Quintan.

SPEAKER_01 2:42

Even though he is the injury prone player that people have fears about, I if he is healthy, the Spurs just got uh NBA ready player.

SPEAKER_02 2:51

So who who got the steal of the draft for you?

SPEAKER_01 3:01

Um, honestly, uh, it it might be the Spurs, but honestly, I kind of like the Bulls getting Swain from Texas. Like, I thought he was gonna be gone a little bit sooner, uh, but I I think he can bring a dynamic to that team. And I honestly, after free agency, once we get into it, I really like the way the Bulls have constructed this team. Um, it's gonna be fun to watch them, actually. Uh, and they actually will have a front court, surprisingly. Wow. Uh, and yeah, they'll actually have some shooters. So who did who didn't capitalize that was in the lottery? Uh honestly, again, it's it's one of those things where like the Knicks won the championship, but I don't know if they're preparing themselves for this next round. Reason I say that is they actually were trying to trade back. Uh they did end up picking and trading the 24th pick for the 25th pick, because that's as far as they can move back. Um and it took Sergio uh DiLararia from Valencia, and to be honest, like I just don't know if that even moves the needle, especially with them now losing Mitchell Robinson. Uh, you'd think they'd go big and try to fill that gap at least somewhere, but um it's gonna be interesting, but I really think that they couldn't do too much versus like 76ers, fillion two. That this team, once we get to that news, woo! 76ers might be a top two team this year, might be top number one if if embiede stays healthy. I can see that. I can see that. He doesn't need to be the number one or the number two guy. He doesn't even have to be the number three guy.

SPEAKER_02 4:55

It's true.

SPEAKER_00 4:58

Alright, is there any other quick tidbits about the uh NBA draft that you guys want to throw in there before we transfer over to the NBA free agency and Trey Talks?

SPEAKER_01 5:08

The Wizards with AJ is a top four Eastern team. I'm calling it now.

SPEAKER_00 5:19

Hmm. I'm writing that down.

SPEAKER_01 5:22

Trey? Him. Anthony Davis ain't going nowhere.

SPEAKER_02 5:29

Yeah, but Anthony Davis, what Charles Barkley called him, street clothes. So you got street clothes.

SPEAKER_01 5:35

Hang on, we got the same situation at the Sixers. You're a guy who's in who's past your prime, who can still give valuable minutes and be that guy. You don't have to be Robin, you don't have to be Batman. You can go be Batgirl. Let me tell you yikes.

SPEAKER_02 5:51

Anyway, let me let me tell you the difference between Embiid and Anthony Davis. Embiid is an MVP, and Anthony Davis, though, arguably, there are arguments he was one of the best players. He was the best player in that champ in that finals. LeBron still holds the MVP. So, I mean, and that was the end of LeBron's prime. They make in the playoffs, but I don't know about top four. They might be top four. And then Trey's gonna start crying because AJ is gonna want the ball and blah zebra. Trey's a change fan.

SPEAKER_01 6:28

We're gonna see how he plays this season.

SPEAKER_02 6:30

We'll see. We'll see.

SPEAKER_01 6:33

Yeah, don't forget. Don't forget. They got D'Angelo Russell, technically. I know he's a free agent. We'll see where he goes. Uh I honestly forget Champigny is a brother. But uh it uh uh what was it, Kayshawn George? Kid's a great player. And they still have Alex Sar. He's figuring it out. Uh Angel Reese's little brother, Julian. Okay. Um, let's get to he only played 13 games, but he had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

SPEAKER_02 7:08

Not bad. Listen. We'll see. We'll see.

unknown 7:15

All right.

SPEAKER_02 7:16

Where do you want to start?

SPEAKER_00 7:17

Let's well, we gotta start with the Midwest, uh, free agency and trade talks. So uh Cassius, let's start with we'll start with the Bulls.

SPEAKER_01 7:28

Oh, what hasn't happened with the Bulls, man? Um so their biggest signing was uh Norman Powell. Weaving the Heat. He said back to Toronto. Or honestly, I'm surprised he didn't stay with Giannis. But the Toronto one was actually a good signing, or would have been a good signing. They also re-signed Zach Collins. Uh, so we'll see how that works out. I mean, he adds a big body. We need a front court, and honestly, he's been reliable and he's healthy. Um, but we'll see how that goes. Uh, honestly, I'm more impressed with what they've done with the draft as well as um some of the trades, which uh, like I said, they added Nick Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets before. And yeah, Mataz is now has a team to build around him, now with some other young core pieces. Caleb Wilson will be a great addition. Um and yeah, and Swain from Texas, like I said, he's he's a guard ready who can shoot the ball. Um I think they're gonna be a fun team this year. They're still trying to add probably a few more pieces, uh and we'll see how it goes.

SPEAKER_00 8:39

Thoughts, Jared?

SPEAKER_02 8:42

I mean, they made a lot of moves. Um, they're busy. I don't. I mean, they're not a playoff team. They might be a ball, they might be a play. They're playing playing team.

SPEAKER_01 8:54

They're playing team still this year, 100%. I I think maybe next year, the year after, we might start seeing them hopefully gain a little traction, but yeah, I agree.

SPEAKER_02 9:02

Y'all's best bet is that Josh Giddy ascends and everybody comes along for the ride. If I'm being honest. Outside of Norman Powell, like he's gonna do what he does, but yeah.

SPEAKER_01 9:14

Other, I mean, Colin Saxon already already did sign with the Lakers. Uh, and then I know that they are trying to re-sign uh Simmons. So trying to bring him back, that'd be a good he's I mean, he's a great point guard. He's so it's crazy he's been in the league for eight years already, but I think he still brings a lot to that team.

SPEAKER_02 9:33

You talking about Anthony Simons? Simon. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 9:36

Um, well, what's going on with the Pistons?

SPEAKER_02 9:39

Let's go to the Pistons. They ain't done enough. It's just that simple. They ain't done enough, man. Cade. If I'm Cade and I'm the Pistons, I'm gonna be like, he needs that Kawhi Leonard treatment. He play every other game. We might as well shut it down. We might as well tank. I don't care what Adam Silver is talking about. I don't give a fuck what he's talking about. Like they need to tank, they need to do something. All that money, and they ain't spend it. They ain't spend it. Durance still out there, um, sleeping around in the streets, knowing dang well he gonna he might as well just come back um because he had the reports are crazy that he wants that he might be signing uh sign and trade with the Kings.

SPEAKER_01 10:15

Like the Kings? Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 10:18

And also, if uh in the Pistons, they GM is not gonna be that stupid to just let a signing trade. You better give a Sabonis. That's what I said.

SPEAKER_01 10:25

You'd you'd have to give like Sabonis and Damar or Sabonis and Levine.

SPEAKER_02 10:30

Like, and then he's gonna be over there, and and that makes us better if we got Sabonis and Damar. It it wouldn't put him in a better situation. So, I mean, you got that. They they what Kevin heard it. We should let him go. Resign it. Lord have I don't don't do that. I know we did. Don't do that. We should let him go. This is a side note. You know, Malik Beasley fumbling that ball out of bounds last year against the Knicks or the year before against the Knicks is pissing me off because last Jersey he's gonna wear his Detroit. Now he's going to prison. And then back to his point, Tobias, we lost Unc, bro. That would have been nice to keep him. He was actually performing. And I like this version of Tobias. Antonio Spurs. Bro, that's the given that team that's spirit, dude. Nah, bro, that's front running. I can't believe he even did that, bro. But even then, like him going to the Spurs just pissed me off. But like, it just shows they they they blew this offseason. There were plenty of opportunities to go after big fishes, and they didn't. And then you traded away Stewart to Memphis. That didn't make sense either. I mean, John Morant is in Portland. You could have got him on pennies on the dime.

SPEAKER_01 12:00

Damn near. I'm honestly agree with you. I was waiting to hear what you said, but yeah, the Pistons might be the second team to the Knicks that just hasn't done enough so far yet. They haven't done enough.

SPEAKER_02 12:12

Their best bet is that Durin comes back and him and Cade like just go crazy. And even then, they won't be a number one seed because they didn't make enough improvements. They don't have enough shooting.

SPEAKER_01 12:24

Did you guys even have a first round pick? We took that.

SPEAKER_02 12:30

No, that one guy. What's the name of the case? No, not him. Out of uh, is it Stanford? Oklahoma. He's a freshman.

SPEAKER_01 12:41

Oh, in the second round?

SPEAKER_02 12:43

No, he was in the first round, bro. What's his name? He's a smaller guard. He had like multiple, I think he had what, three 40-point games? Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 12:53

You guys traded the 21st pick, two, or no, three future second round picks. Thunders traded two future second round picks, and the third and the 16th pick is what they received. And Ben says uh sturts from Iowa. Midwest boy. Uh, and then yeah, you guys earn Hoopa Cardio.

SPEAKER_02 13:14

Yeah, and I mean ultimately to wrap it up, Nando, like they didn't do enough. We lost size, and uh, yeah, we don't have enough shooting, so it's really Kayed. And I Duran's going to come back. They're gonna be like a six seed this year. If that.

SPEAKER_00 13:36

As long as they make it, that's what matters.

SPEAKER_02 13:39

Shit. Keep going.

SPEAKER_00 13:42

Alright. Uh we're gonna keep it in the Midwest. Uh, we'll go to Cleveland. What do you guys think is the latest trade talks with Cleveland?

SPEAKER_01 13:53

They need to blow that team up. If we're gonna bring up Cleveland, we gotta talk about the elephant in the room. We do. LeBron James is not going back to the Lakers. He's announced it. He's a free agent. He actually just announced he will play for a minimum. That contract. So he can join wherever he wants. And of course, one of the front runners is him returning to the Cavs. Um, it's it's gonna be interesting. They have Thomas Bryant. James Harden did decline his player option. Of course, he wants more money. He doesn't deserve shit. He does not deserve more money. Um Larry Nance Jr. is a free agent. Uh, they did, I think, exercise an option on Craig Porter Jr., which doesn't move the knee at all. Four points. Like they lost Dean Wade to Philly. Good smart kid. Saw the writing on the wall. Um, but yeah, like I don't think that they've done enough either. I don't know if they're trying to put all their eggs also, but we'll see if they do more. Uh they're kind of also a team that is probably going to take a big step backwards next year. But they have a lot of core pieces that still make them a contender. But if you know, if LeBron joins that team, it's a completely different story.

SPEAKER_02 15:09

If LeBron joins the team in the East, there's no reason why they can't make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

SPEAKER_01 15:17

Which, the biggest rumor right now, is LeBron joining the Wizards. No.

SPEAKER_02 15:23

Uh, he's not going to the Wizards. He won't go the Wizards, bro. He's not gonna do that. He's not gonna do that.

SPEAKER_01 15:29

He's gonna do what Jordan couldn't.

SPEAKER_02 15:32

Bring a chip to the Wiz. I think I just had a whole brain aneurysm that he said. He no, he's not going to the Wizards. He's either going to Golden State or the Heat because the Heat actually have enough draft capital and money to trade for Kevin Durant, which ESPN was talking about today. Um, so you're talking about Giannis, LeBron, KD. That team can't work, dude.

SPEAKER_01 15:56

That's that's listen.

SPEAKER_02 15:59

I don't know. Oh, I guess well, I guess if you move LeBron to the point, LeBron would run the point. LeBron would run the point. Just like at this point in time, if he went to Golden State, like, hell, Curry, he's starting to get runners' knee. Why wouldn't you move LeBron to the point and let Curry just come off screens all day? Like, I mean, he's got options. So you're talking about Miami, and and again, if he goes back to Cleveland, they gotta get rid of James Harden.

SPEAKER_01 16:26

Keep him, and then LeBron will redo his uh it's gonna be James Harden instead of J.R. Smith, though. They gotta get rid of James, bro. James Harden. They actually they actually just had a uh a reunion of the 2016 team? Yep, Cavs team. Kyrie was not there. Kyrie was not there, but he did call in, he said. He did call in. He talked to the all of them, so that's who the Pistons need to go get at this point. I mean, Kyrie should be a free man. Like, free my boy up. Clay, keep Klay there because of what he did.

SPEAKER_02 17:04

He deserves to be in the doghouse. Nah, bro. If Clay Thompson is smart, didn't he get traded? No. I thought he was in trade talks. He wishes he got traded. If Clay Thompson, Clay Thompson needs to go back to the Warriors, especially if LeBron signs. He needs to take a vet minimum too. And then who is stopping them? Honestly, I'm still taking an old ass LeBron over a lot of people.

unknown 17:30

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 17:31

So let me let me ask you guys this. Where do you guys think LeBron is gonna end up? Because he did say he he told his uh his agent that he's open to any team. He said the Lakers no, but any that he could talk to any other team.

SPEAKER_01 17:46

Well, he's not going back to the Lakers. Yeah, no.

SPEAKER_00 17:48

He said he said Lakers no.

SPEAKER_01 17:51

Well, that's because Genie offended him. A hundred percent. Uh Cleveland, I don't know if he wants to go back because he's already did the return, brought them the chip. But if we're talking about return number two, I do think the Heat make a lot of sense. The Warriors also, of course, make a lot of sense. My issue is what I've always said is I don't know if Curry wants to do it now. Because Curry was not really for it two years ago when it kind of got brought up during the All-Star game. I mean, of course it's powers. It could change now, especially seeing how the Jimmy Butler portion went. But also, it's like, does Golden State want to just keep adding stars that are over 33, 34 years old, 35?

SPEAKER_02 18:40

The one reason why you would, though, is because you know they're over the hill. The Celtics were older when they when they big three got together.

SPEAKER_01 18:50

They went to two finals. Gary Payton, 33, Al Horford 40, Draymond Green, 36, Seth Curry, 35, Porzingis, 30. Like, this team is not, and that's not even including Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry. Old team. And what do we say about old teams?

SPEAKER_02 19:11

They don't work. Who is the last oldest team to win? What year is that? 2012 at that point, 2013?

SPEAKER_00 19:22

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 19:25

Uh it might be the Bulls. The last game, the last, the last dance win. Alright, here we go. Top three oldest teams. Number three, I was right about this portion, 1968 Boston Celtics. Average age was about 30. Number two team, I forgot about ooh, surprise, this team forgot us. The 2010 Dallas Mavericks. Jason Kidd was the oldest at 37. And the number one team, the Chicago Bulls. 1997, 98 season. Average age, 32. Rodman was 37, so that means that we already know Jordan and Pippen were not too far behind. Yeah, Jordan would have been like, what was he, 36? 36. Yeah, 35, 36.

SPEAKER_02 20:21

Yeah, exactly. So I just think, like, I mean, LeBron, even being old, averaged 22, 7, and 6. Like, he didn't even start this year. He didn't come back until close to Christmas.

SPEAKER_01 20:42

Yeah. No, I I'm not saying he can't do it. I just think he's gonna pick the team that he can do the best with. And here's my surprise one. Other than the Wizards. The Spurs.

SPEAKER_02 20:54

Oh no. I saw something that said he wasn't gonna do that. He said he wasn't going to. As long as he doesn't go to OKC, I really don't care. Now, if he goes to OKC, cancel the whole podcast. There's nothing to talk about. You know what would be a hilarious trio, though?

SPEAKER_01 21:11

Where I really want him to go? The wolves. Can you imagine him? LaMelo and Ant, dude, on the same court. They would literally call him grandpa. They'd be roasting his own their own teammate. Here's the thing, though. Which we'll get into that.

SPEAKER_02 21:28

Here's the last part point on the LeBron sweep sticks. It makes sense. It makes the most sense for him to go back to Cleveland because the path is gonna be easier. The Celtics are done. Alright. The Pistons, done. They they until I see Duran sign, I'm I'm willing to say when we're not gonna be look the same. And same with what we'll get to the Celtics in a second. He all he gotta worry about is. Is Kawhi and the 76ers. Because Kawhi and them go be in the mix.

SPEAKER_01 22:07

And people may be wondering why are we saying Kawhi? Well, to Jared's point, that leads in to another big trade, which is Kawhi Leonard making the return to Toronto. Trading Brandon Ingram, Grady Dick, and two first round picks. Honestly, a steal for that man. For anyone who's giving Brandon Ingram slander, he's that man can play. Alright. That is honestly a great pickup for the Clippers. He can actually spread his wings now more with that team. It's been kind of NBA trade and free agency frenzy. LeBron will decide. I think he's going to wait to see how all the pieces drop. He even said he's not in a big rush. But yeah, I think to your point, the biggest three teams right now, it's between the Cavs, the Heat, and Golden State. And we'll see what else kind of lays in for him. Kawhi, that moves the needle for Toronto. That team is young, great defensively, and they also have a lot they can do.

SPEAKER_02 23:18

And he did it with a young team last time as their vet. It's literally the same situation.

SPEAKER_03 23:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 23:28

So, like, it he really could be in the Eastern Conference Finals, too. Cause the only thing stopping Philadelphia is is bad knees and injuries. I mean.

SPEAKER_01 23:42

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 23:43

And then the Cavs, like, they just they ain't doing shit without LeBron, I'm sorry. And and we keep out. How could I forget about Nando's Knicks this whole time?

SPEAKER_00 23:53

You kept waiting for for you guys to talk about it. I was just like, maybe they're just like there, but we're not gonna talk about it.

SPEAKER_01 24:00

I don't think he'd ever go to the Knicks. No, I don't know.

SPEAKER_00 24:03

No, no, no.

SPEAKER_02 24:03

That's not what we talk about. We just talking about them being contenders.

SPEAKER_01 24:06

Oh, I mean, I think of course they're gonna be contenders again. Um, speaking of, like I said, they did lose uh Mitchell Robinson. I think it's a big loss in the front court for them. Um we'll see what happens. Alvarado is staying. Uh I think Shaman is staying. Uh Jordan Clarkson, I think, will sign somewhere else just because they did not utilize him the way they should. He didn't come to Detroit. Honestly. Uh Jeremy uh Sochan, he used to be I I thought he was a great player for the Spurs, so like also did not use this Kiddell. He's only 23. Um consistent. He is inconsistent, but again. Yeah, that's true. That's that's how that's how that's how you get kicked from the Spurs real fast. Yes, you have those core pieces, but the thing that made the Knicks great was their bench depth. And if you guys aren't keeping a lot of that bench depth, that's where it could turn into a regress here. But you never know, you know?

unknown 25:08

True.

SPEAKER_02 25:09

I think they'll still be in the mix, but I mean, the blueprint is out, they're gonna be gunning for y'all, and there hasn't been a repeat champion in what eight years?

SPEAKER_00 25:20

Yeah, there's been eight different champions.

SPEAKER_02 25:22

I mean, that's y'all gonna be in the mix, but the let's be clear, y'all weren't even y'all weren't the number one CD. Y'all only weren't even the second, the third, they were the third C, right? Third C? Yeah, yeah. The fourth, oh the third C. Yeah. I mean, with if LeBron go to Cleveland and Kawhi up in Canada, y'all might be y'all gonna have to run the same path. Like the performance are fascinating.

SPEAKER_01 25:53

Oh, also, we keep forgetting that Andrew Wiggins is also on the Miami Heat. He signed a two-year extension. I just don't it's a weird team, honestly, now, dude. They have no backcourt as of right now.

SPEAKER_02 26:07

Yeah. I don't know, man. Like, they're not done.

SPEAKER_01 26:10

I know they're not, but should we get to the other the other signings? The other big signing and sh and trades. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 26:22

Where do we talk about Jalen Brown?

SPEAKER_01 26:25

That's what I'm saying, dude. We gotta start there.

SPEAKER_02 26:28

Actually, start with Lamelo.

SPEAKER_01 26:32

Um lot has happened in literally like four days. Kind of crazy.

SPEAKER_02 26:45

I mean, I'm just trying to give it some light. Like the Lamello going to um the T-Wolves for like Nas Reed and who else they send over with him. The Wolves did that move to show Ant that they they still want to contend. That's all that was about.

SPEAKER_01 27:09

Lamella Ball and Josh Green for Nas Reed, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, 2028, 2029, and thirty-2030, and three second-round picks.

SPEAKER_02 27:24

Yeah, like I said, that move was to show Ant that they're serious about winning. And also, they I think the Hornets kind of viewed Lamello as their third best player, unfortunately. I mean, they had it was his name, Canuple, and then they had uh who's the other, who's the shooting guard?

SPEAKER_01 27:44

Oh, Brandon Miller.

SPEAKER_02 27:45

Yeah, Brandon Miller. So, I mean, I think they were kind of viewing Lamello as expendable, which is why this this trade did happen.

SPEAKER_01 27:54

Well, I think that they're restructuring because not only did they trade LaMelo ball, but they also traded Miles Bridges, a first round pick, and a second round pick to the Suns. For Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neill, and a first round pick. So uh they're definitely trying to build around those two young stars um and take it from there. I think they see the talent and what they have, and that also that maybe that's not the identity they want for the Hornets.

SPEAKER_02 28:29

That's all it is. They unloaded everybody who was making waves or who has made waves for them while in the organization. Plus, Michael Jordan sold that team, what, a year ago? Two years ago? So, like, yeah, they're getting rid of all the people that he he brought in there too.

SPEAKER_03 28:47

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 28:47

Um, moving on, uh, this is actually probably the next biggest trade uh that happened. We knew it was coming. We're waiting for it. Ja Morant traded to the Portland Trailblazers for a bag of rice and some tofu. No, I'm just kidding. A bag of rice and tofu.

SPEAKER_02 29:07

I gotta use that one. That is actually that's a good one.

SPEAKER_01 29:11

For Jeremy Grant and Chris Murray. Okay, I do like Grant. I think he he's a good player.

SPEAKER_02 29:18

He's still in the league?

SPEAKER_01 29:19

Uh Chris Murray is the worst of his twin brothers. Uh and yeah, I just I hope this is something that goes well for Ja. He's been literally around some of the greatest point guard talent and just refuses to learn from it. So maybe Dame is the one that gets through to him.

SPEAKER_02 29:38

They got way too many guards on their team.

SPEAKER_01 29:43

I think it's okay. You need it because they're probably gonna try to make one more trade. I think they're gonna try to trade Shane Sharp somewhere.

unknown 29:51

They all take over them.

SPEAKER_01 29:52

Or Scoot. They might trade both of them, honestly.

SPEAKER_02 29:54

They gotta get rid of Scoot, but he was having Twist the end of the year, he was playing pretty good, so they may not want to unload that young of talent, um, especially for somebody who likes to play with guns, somebody who's coming off an Achilles injury, and then somebody who's just old. Like, I mean, Drew Holliday, you keep him as a vet, you got Ja, Dame just came back, you got Scoot, who's young. I mean, they might be the shortest lineup in the league. Yeah, I mean, I think they're gonna be a good one. They still got the time lower, don't they? Yeah. I mean, that helps, but he he hurt all the time, too. Oh.

SPEAKER_01 30:38

They know. They did make it to the playoffs. So, like, the team is talented in their age. Wow. They got destroyed. But that's but that's the point. You you keep growing that team. You add John Morant now, which if he's healthy, we know he can be a difference maker. If he's not trying to shoot up Portland, we know he's a difference maker.

SPEAKER_02 31:02

I just know you didn't say that while we record. You see, I'd be thinking, I say some out-of-pocket stuff, but you just be going. I mean, bro.

SPEAKER_01 31:14

Get him as far away from Portland Austin might be the best place for him. Portland is full of like the nicest like people all over. You know what I mean? Just a bunch of a bunch of people who are going to make sure he doesn't have any any homies. You know what I mean? He's gonna be figuring it out while he's there.

SPEAKER_02 31:38

So Portland is crazy.

SPEAKER_01 31:44

All right. On to the next one. We did mention this one already, but Kawhi Leonard was traded for Brandon Ingram, Grady Dick, two first round picks, two second round picks, and a pick swap. Uh, love it for the Clippers. They got younger, they got another shooter. Grady Dick's actually a pretty good player. Uh, and then the Raptors got Kawhi back, dude. Like to Jared's point, they might run it back.

SPEAKER_02 32:10

It's the same situation for Kawhi. All they all he has to do is wait for either old ass Kyle Lowry or DeMar DeBrosen. He might get both of them at this point. Honestly, I would love that for DeMar.

SPEAKER_01 32:22

He deserves one chip. The man has been through it all. He does. If you don't go to Toronto, you can stop in Detroit. So it looks like so. Levine plans on returning back. Russell Westbrook also is a free agent still. Um he would have to be traded to go back there.

SPEAKER_02 32:42

Y'all can have Kevin Herter again, anyway.

SPEAKER_01 32:45

Um the Lakers trade for finally a real center. Even though it is looking real, real white bread in LA right now. Oh my god. We got Walker Kessler coming from the Jazz for an unprotected first round pick in 2031 and 2033, and first round pick swaps for 2028 and 2030. I don't know how I feel about this because the Lakers do not have a first-round pick for the next seven years.

SPEAKER_02 33:22

Y'all also gonna have the widest uh starting five.

SPEAKER_01 33:26

Why do you think I said white bread?

SPEAKER_02 33:28

I know.

SPEAKER_01 33:30

So there we are. Um but to Jared's point, I think probably the biggest next to LeBron news trade is the Boston Celtics just destroyed their entire lineup by trading this one player. Uh Boston Celtics went from, I would say, a top three team next year to top six, maybe. No, no, no. They right below with the Pistons. I believe in Tatum a little bit more than that, so I think six to eight. I'll be in that six to eight, which is a playing team.

SPEAKER_02 34:02

You you believe in and whoa wait. Nando, get ready, ready time. How many games are the Celtics winning? If it if it were to start today. 45.

SPEAKER_01 34:12

45. Yeah.

unknown 34:17

Mmm.

SPEAKER_02 34:20

I don't disagree with him. That's the crazy part. Yeah, I feel like my team is in the same spot. Tatum is going to have to average, he's gonna have to put up prime James Harden numbers for them to be good. Oh, 100%. I'm talking he's gonna have to average 38.

SPEAKER_01 34:40

Yeah, uh, but getting to why we're saying this is Jalen Brown. Not only was he traded after an incredible individual season and leading the Celtics to an incredible playoff run, honestly, to even hold it when Tatum made it back, but he was traded to a rival team, which blows my mind, in the Philadelphia 76ers. And what do the Celtics get in return? A 2028 first round pick, a 2031 first round pick unprotected, and 2028 2030 second round pick, and Paul George. You forgot old ass Paul George. I forgot uh you have that player already, and his name is Jason Tatum. He's just young. You're right. You're right. 100% it doesn't. But I'm saying the build, the character type, like the way they play, it's the same player to me. And unfortunately, I don't know how you're gonna make that work. Versus Jalen Brown was much more of a drive and He was a slasher. Exactly. He's slashing, he's passing out. Guess who's waiting at the three? Jason Tatum. Guess who's gonna both be standing at the three in the same spot?

SPEAKER_02 36:06

Listen, man. The only way the Celtics only hope is that Paul George grows the braids back. Because that Paul George was untouchable in the old age. That's it. Other than that, no, it wasn't it wasn't uh PED Paul George. No, we we don't we don't claim that when we're talking second to last year Clippers, Paul George, who was just going crazy in the playoffs by himself because Kawhi was hurt.

SPEAKER_01 36:37

Oh, uh fun fact about the second round of the draft, every single pick was traded except for one. Did it belong to OKC? It actually did. Uh I think that's everything.

SPEAKER_02 36:59

So how far do the Sixers go? Gotta get your take.

unknown 37:05

Oh.

SPEAKER_01 37:07

I as of okay, right now with every team, they're in the Eastern Conference Finals. But I have to see where the rest of the signings go. We have to finish, we gotta see where LeBron goes, we gotta see what Miami does. I I I still think KD is gonna leave Houston, especially now with all the change in the West and the East. Uh yeah, there's there's still a lot of stock out there for these players. I I don't think that it's uh an easy pick right now, just because there's still so much time left on the clock. So I think the wall is not here.

SPEAKER_02 37:42

I agree. The ceiling, the ceiling with that team and the star power they have should be the finals. The floor should be the Eastern Conference Finals. But that floor drops if anything happens to Embiid. He's gotta be healthy. He has to be. If Embiid's not healthy, they're not winning.

SPEAKER_01 38:06

It's just that simple. I think that that's why they have to they have to make sure that no matter what, they don't try to make him the star of that team anymore. We saw it in the playoffs, like when you try to make him play the way he used to play, maxie plays uncomfortable. And that's who you need to focus around. That's who your offense is built around. VJ, you have now Jalen Brown and Travis Max. Dude, like that team, defensively and offensively, like I'm I'm gonna be real real surprised if they don't make it as far as the first conversation finals this year.

SPEAKER_02 38:46

So I agree.

SPEAKER_01 38:49

Shit, maybe they get LeBron. Dude, on a minimum, it anyone can get LeBron at this point.

SPEAKER_00 38:57

True. U.S. men's soccer team in the World Cup winning today. Um, even even down 10 men against Bosnia. Uh still won. So they play Belgium next. Uh that would be a great game to see. I'm excited. Um, as you can see, Cassius is wearing his uh his shirt. Um I'm supporting my team, Columbia. I also do want you as well.

SPEAKER_02 39:25

You're supporting the good colors. The good colors, okay? I am, I am. The good jerseys. I'm trying to tell you. Ugly ass blue jerseys. Wow.

SPEAKER_00 39:34

Jared Jared's not a fan of their uh away jerseys this year, even though I like them.

SPEAKER_01 39:40

Shit ugly as hell. Also, we did have Mexico win as well. Uh first time, I think, since the 90s. And our other North American brother. Canada. All three North American hosting teams are in the round of 16, which is kind of crazy.

SPEAKER_00 40:04

You know, I gotta I gotta say, Mexico is looking very good. Uh another clean sheet, uh, zero goals conceded. So that they're looking dangerous. Like, they're not they're not here trying to prove to anyone that they're good, they're just showing that they're good.

SPEAKER_01 40:20

I mean, Germany, big upset. Honestly, love to see it. Sorry, sorry, Germans. Uh, but Paraguay, they came back and won in a penalty kickout, 4-3, and then the same day, another upset, in my opinion. The Netherlands, who is usually a favorite, loses to Morocco. 3-2 penalty. I will say, Netherlands, you lost that yourself. Those shots.

SPEAKER_00 40:49

The crazy thing is the Netherlands. I think it they're uh they're like in a nine-game unbeaten streak. So they like because you don't really count even if you lose in penalty kicks, it's not a loss. It's counting as a draw. So like they haven't lost, they just aren't winning. Morocco's really good though. So Morocco, they were fourth uh last World Cup. So it's been a great World Cup so far. Um yeah, to conclude, I'm glad the U.S. won. I'm hoping Colombia can win Saturday. Let's go Spain. Yeah, Spain's looking dangerous too, so we shall see. So, any other final thoughts about the World Cup before we conclude, boys?

SPEAKER_01 41:39

Uh, I mean, it's just gonna get better from here. Oh, I mean, of course, gotta talk about uh, you know, Mbappe. Already at 18 goals, and he's how much younger than Messi? Literally tied. Literally tied. Kid might be the GOAT already.

SPEAKER_00 42:03

Yeah, I I mean I'm I've always been a Messi fan, so I want Messi to I was about to say we can't, we can't we can't go that far. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 42:10

I'm a Ronaldo fan, so like no matter what, like we still we hold those two as the one and two, but absolutely Mbappe. I think he's only 25. 27. Okay, that's still, dude, 27?

SPEAKER_00 42:26

Yeah. And then you have and then you have Hollit from Norway who's just as good as Mbappe. I mean, he's scored, he scored more goals for Norway than he's played. Um, those two are definitely like the next Messi and Ronaldo when it comes to goal scoring. So but uh yes, before we conclude, make sure to follow, like, and subscribe all of our channels. And as always, thank you for joining the best in the Midwest and join us next time for another episode of Between the Coast. See ya.