Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode: Hour 2: Giannis & Rich Eisen
Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, Peter Rosenberg (off), with guest Rich Eisen

Episode Overview

This hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast dives deep into key NBA trade rumors—primarily the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and speculation around his potential move to the New York Knicks versus other franchises, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder. The hosts analyze the ripple effects for the Knicks, the possible bidding war, and Giannis’s true motivations, using parallels with NFL and MLB dynamics. Later, Rich Eisen joins the show to contribute stories about New York and LA sports culture, baseball economics, and NFL parity, all delivered with the crew’s classic mix of banter and incisive analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Giannis Trade Rumors and Knicks' Window of Opportunity

• December 15th: Marks the start of the NBA's "trade season" when all contracts become tradable.
• Knicks' Position: The consensus has been that the Knicks are Giannis’s top (and maybe only) preferred destination.
• Change in Stance: Recent reporting (from Shams Charania) suggests the Bucks might open talks with other teams, potentially ending Knicks’ exclusivity (02:51).
  • Quote (Don Rosenberg at 02:51):
    “If the Bucks are open to discussing Antetokounmpo with teams, the Knicks will no longer have the exclusive negotiating window as his preferred destination...”
• Comparison to Kawhi Leonard and Juan Soto: Sometimes teams risk acquiring a star for a short period, hoping to either win immediately or convince the player to stay, even if they’re not the long-term favorite.

2. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Potential to Disrupt

• OKC’s Asset Haul: Noted as a team with an unprecedented stockpile of draft picks and young talent, making them an ideal trade partner for Milwaukee.
  • Quote (Don Rosenberg at 05:41):
    “The Oklahoma City Thunder. And if that happens... that’s the death knell... for the other 29 teams.”
• League-Shifting Scenario: Adding Giannis to an already dominant OKC team could trigger a new dynasty era and close off the Knicks’ championship window.

3. What Does Giannis Really Want? Knicks, Rings, or Brand?

• Emphasis on New York: The hosts believe Giannis’s preference is rooted in both legacy and brand, not just ring-chasing.
  • Quote (Don Rosenberg at 09:05):
    “He’s Greek, big Greek contingent here in this city. As we know when he comes here, he has a huge following... I think it’s more about where he wants to go...”
• Contrast to Durant: Discussion about KD’s move to Golden State—despite titles, his reputation suffered. Winning in New York carries more lasting legacy.
  • Quote (Alan Hahn at 11:33):
    “If he comes to the Knicks, different story... He becomes Mark Messier.”
• Risk of OKC Temptation: If Giannis lands in OKC and wins, he may end up staying because of success, blunting the Knicks’ chance. This creates urgency, but the hosts advise patience.

4. Fan Calls: Should the Knicks Go All In?

• Dilemma of Gutting the Roster: A trade for Giannis would likely compromise the Knicks’ current strengths (like their wings, Anunoby and Bridges).
  • Quote (Don Rosenberg at 19:48):
    “That’s what bothers me is losing those wings in a deal like this... If I’m the Bucks and I’m like, well, all right, I gotta take Towns’s contract because it’s a big contract, there’s a 30-point guy off the table. I also gotta take one of your wings…”
• Caller Dave’s Take (44:42): Giannis is a superstar; you do whatever it takes to get him. Cites Earl Monroe as an example from Knicks history.
  • Quote (Caller Dave at 47:11):
    “Take anything you offer. Brunson, take the whole team. Take Leon Rose. Take. Take anybody you want. Take Dolan, take the Garden. Take anybody. Want. Give me a superstar... Jalen Brunson is not a superstar.”
• Hosts Push Back: Both Don and Alan argue Brunson is a superstar and stress not making a panic move that leaves the Knicks hollow.

5. Rich Eisen Joins: MLB Economics & Iconic NY/LA Moments

• Yankees/Dodgers Spending Arms Race: Rich discusses the financial gulf between the Yankees and free-spending teams (like the Dodgers), predicting future labor battles over a potential salary cap (27:54).
• LA vs. NY Sports Culture: Stories about experiencing sports fandom in LA; World Series moments that kids on the east coast miss due to timing.
• NFL Parity and Playoff Races: Eisen evaluates top NFL contenders, parity in the NFC, and likens the uncertain landscape to the NBA's changing of the guard.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On OKC’s threat:
  Don Rosenberg (05:41):
  “The Oklahoma City Thunder. And if that happens... that’s the death knell... for the other 29 teams.”

• On Giannis’s true motivation:
  Don Rosenberg (09:05):
  “He’s Greek, big Greek contingent here... I think it’s more about where he wants to go... I make you championship caliber.”

• On legacy in NY vs. OKC:
  Alan Hahn (11:33):
  “If he comes to the Knicks, different story. He helps them win a title... He becomes Mark Messier.”

• On risk of gutting the Knicks:
  Don Rosenberg (19:48):
  “That’s what bothers me is losing those wings in a deal like this...”

• Caller Dave’s Hot Take:
  Caller Dave (47:11):
  “Take anything you offer. Brunson, take the whole team. Take Leon Rose. Take. Take anybody you want... Give me a superstar.”

• Rich Eisen’s NY roots and LA stories:
  Rich Eisen (24:14):
  “Born in Brooklyn, raised in Staten Island. P.S. 54 is 72, Susan Wagner High School. Both parents New York City public school educators.”

• MLB economic divide and future labor strife:
  Alan Hahn (27:54):
  “I think the Yankees are now going to be on the side of the small market team. As laughable as this sounds, Rich, their mom and pop… the Dodgers willing to lose money... other three sports thriving with a cap…”

Key Timestamps for Segment Navigation

• Giannis Trade Rumors Begin: 00:29
• Knicks' exclusive window analysis: 02:51–04:18
• OKC Thunder as trade disruptor: 05:15–06:38
• Discussion on star motivations/legacy: 08:08–12:32
• Knicks Fan Calls (Giannis urgency): 17:36–20:58, returns at 44:42
• Rich Eisen Joins, NY/LA, MLB economics: 22:07–34:09
• NFL parity & playoff races: 35:00–41:43
• Second batch of fan calls (Knicks/legacy): 44:42–48:13

Overall Tone & Takeaway

The episode is lively, theoretical, and deeply rooted in New York sports perspectives—but with a sharp eye on league-wide implications. Don and Alan thread together cynical realism and fan passion, mixing skepticism about high-profile trades with nostalgia for legendary athletes. Regulars and new listeners alike receive an insightful look at how a single NBA superstar’s move can cascade across franchises, reputations, and legacies. Rich Eisen’s segment provides a refreshing panorama of cross-country fandom, economic tension in baseball, and the swirling uncertainties of the NFL, all with authenticity and wit.

For Knicks fans: The debate boils down to patience, prudence, and legacy—a caution not to lose the soul of the team chasing a superstar, even one as tantalizing as Giannis.