Podcast Summary: No Dunks – Episode: "NBA Free Agency Winners & Losers, Lillard Landing Spots, Best BBQ Sides | The Drop"
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of No Dunks, hosts Taz Mellows, Trey Kirby, and J.D. dive deep into the recent NBA free agency moves, analyze the potential destinations for star guard Damian Lillard, and share their favorite barbecue sides ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations. The conversation is lively, insightful, and peppered with humorous exchanges, making it an engaging listen for both avid NBA fans and casual followers.
Free Agency Winners
Houston Rockets: Strategic Veteran Additions
Timestamp: [04:41] Trey Kirby
Trey Kirby identifies the Houston Rockets as a clear winner in the recent free agency period. The Rockets' acquisition of Kevin Durant, alongside veterans like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, injects both star power and seasoned experience into the roster. Despite losing young talents like Jalen Green and Dylan Brooks in the Kevin Durant trade with the Suns, the Rockets have bolstered their bench depth with "Fred Van Vliet coming back on a pretty smart deal" ([04:51] Trey Kirby).
Quote:
"I love what the Rockets did. They still got a ton of flexibility going forward." – Trey Kirby ([07:02])
The addition of Durant is seen as the cornerstone for the Rockets' potential postseason run, especially as they aim to make the conference finals. The team’s strategy centers on balancing star talent with solid supporting players, maintaining flexibility for future moves.
Denver Nuggets: Enhancing Depth Around Nikola Jokić
Timestamp: [10:42] Trey Kirby
The Denver Nuggets also emerge as free agency winners, primarily due to their strategic roster enhancements. The return of Bruce Brown and the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. improve the Nuggets' bench depth, alleviating the immense workload previously shouldered by MVP Nikola Jokić. Trey highlights the improvement in their supporting cast, noting, "They are just far better off" ([15:57] Taz Mellows).
Quote:
"They are better off and I think the Cam Johnson improvement will show." – Trey Kirby ([13:41])
The Nuggets have focused on acquiring versatile players who can contribute both offensively and defensively, ensuring that Jokić has the necessary support to contend for another championship.
Memphis Grizzlies: Solidifying Around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Timestamp: [18:41] Trey Kirby
While not an outright winner, Trey Kirby discusses the Memphis Grizzlies' interesting offseason moves. Despite setbacks like Ja Morant’s injury and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s surgery, the Grizzlies have made calculated moves to build around their core talents. The retooling includes signing Cedric Coward and Ty Jerome, aiming to create a balanced team without full-scale rebuilding.
Quote:
"They have turned into a second apron built team where they've got a big two with a lot of role guys around them." – Trey Kirby ([19:14] Trey Kirby)
Taz Mellows concurs, emphasizing the Grizzlies' strategic focus on leveraging their star players while surrounding them with supportive role players to enhance overall team performance.
Free Agency Losers
Los Angeles Lakers: Aging Roster and Defensive Gaps
Timestamp: [33:20] Trey Kirby
The Los Angeles Lakers are highlighted as a major free agency loser due to their questionable roster moves and aging lineup. The trade involving Dorian Finney-Smith for Jake LaRavia and DeAndre Ayton is criticized for weakening their defensive capabilities. Trey notes, "They did not get better defensively. Losing Dorian Finney-Smith hurts" ([35:54] Trey Kirby).
Quote:
"The Lakers didn't have a great offseason. I think we're definitely seeing that this team is more tilted towards a LUCA timeline than LeBron." – Taz Mellows ([36:16] Trey Kirby)
The Lakers' focus on younger talent without adequately addressing defensive needs has left them vulnerable, especially as they rely heavily on aging stars like LeBron James and newly acquired players who haven't demonstrated consistent defensive prowess.
Golden State Warriors: Stagnation Amid Aging Stars
Timestamp: [41:24] Trey Kirby
The Golden State Warriors also fall into the losers' category, primarily due to their lack of significant offseason moves and reliance on aging veterans. Despite retaining core players like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors have failed to make impactful additions, leaving them outpaced by other Western Conference contenders.
Quote:
"The Warriors are stuck in that, Are we going to make the sixth seed or are we going to be the seventh seed in the play-in tournament?" – Trey Kirby ([44:49] Taz Mellows)
Their minimal activity in free agency contrasts sharply with teams like the Rockets and Nuggets, who have aggressively enhanced their rosters to bolster championship aspirations.
Damian Lillard: Potential Landing Spots
Timestamp: [46:50] Trey Kirby
The hosts discuss Damian Lillard's free agency saga, speculating on potential destinations and the implications of his possible moves. Trey suggests that Boston may be the most logical fit, highlighting the synergy between Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
Quote:
"Boston might be the best bet for Damian Lillard." – Taz Mellows ([49:02] Trey Kirby)
They also explore other possibilities, including Miami and Golden State, but emphasize that Boston offers the best timeline and team structure to maximize Lillard's championship potential post-recovery from his Achilles injury.
Minor Signings and Trades
Duncan Robinson to Detroit Pistons
Timestamp: [59:44] Taz Mellows
Taz Mellows and Trey Kirby analyze the Pistons' acquisition of Duncan Robinson. They view it as a strategic move to replace Malik Beasley, who has been dealing with off-court issues. While Robinson brings consistent three-point shooting, concerns remain about his defensive capabilities compared to Beasley.
Quote:
"Duncan Robinson is going to shoot it every time he can." – Trey Kirby ([60:02] Trey Kirby)
Dennis Schröder to Sacramento Kings
Timestamp: [63:56] Taz Mellows
The transfer of Dennis Schröder to the Sacramento Kings is critiqued as a questionable signing. Trey Kirby argues that Schröder might not be the ideal fit for Sacramento, potentially disrupting the team's offensive flow by taking away touches from key players like De'Aaron Fox.
Quote:
"This is not the guy that I necessarily would have targeted for the Kings." – Trey Kirby ([65:03] Taz Mellows)
Jakob Poeltl Extension with Toronto Raptors
Timestamp: [66:24] Taz Mellows
The Raptors' decision to extend Jakob Poeltl's contract is examined with skepticism. While Poeltl adds depth to the center position, the high-value extension raises concerns about financial flexibility and team cohesion, especially with other high-paid players on the roster.
Quote:
"It's like it's just going to be a partial [eclipse]." – Taz Mellows ([69:44] Taz Mellows)
Best BBQ Sides
Timestamp: [82:52] Trey Kirby
Transitioning from basketball to barbecue, the hosts share their favorite sides for a Fourth of July cookout. Taz Mellows champions baked beans for their sweet and hearty flavor, while J.D. favors classic potato salad, appreciating its simplicity and versatility.
Quote:
"They're just so good, you know, they're sweet." – Taz Mellows ([83:01] Trey Kirby)
Trey adds his preference for pasta salad, using Allison Roman's recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, highlighting how thoughtful ingredients can elevate the dish from mere pasta to a standout side.
Rapid Fire Fun
The episode concludes with a lighthearted rapid-fire segment where the hosts discuss their favorite individuals named Gary, ranging from fictional characters like SpongeBob's Gary the Snail to real-life figures like Gary Sinise. This playful exchange adds a humorous end to an episode packed with in-depth NBA analysis.
Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Before signing off, the hosts remind listeners of their upcoming live show in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay's Sportsbook room on July 11th. They encourage fans to attend and engage with the show in person.
Quote:
"Mike Brown has been named head coach of the New York Knicks. What do you think, Trey?" – Taz Mellows ([51:20] Trey Kirby)
Notable Quotes:
-
Trey Kirby:
"I love what the Rockets did. They still got a ton of flexibility going forward." ([07:02]) -
Taz Mellows:
"Boston might be the best bet for Damian Lillard." ([49:02]) -
Trey Kirby:
"This is not the guy that I necessarily would have targeted for the Kings." ([65:03]) -
Taz Mellows:
"They're stuck in that, Are we going to make the sixth seed or are we going to be the seventh seed in the play-in tournament?" ([44:49])
Final Thoughts
This episode of No Dunks offers a comprehensive overview of the NBA's free agency landscape, spotlighting strategic moves and potential pitfalls for several teams. The hosts' blend of expertise and humor provides valuable insights while keeping the conversation entertaining. Whether you're eager to understand the implications of Kevin Durant's trade or simply looking for the best sides for your next barbecue, this episode delivers on multiple fronts.
Stay tuned for more episodes of No Dunks for daily NBA insights and discussions.