NBA Trade Deadline Recap Pt. 1 | Buddy Hield, Kelly Olynyk, Gordon Hayward & Yesterday's Deals

Summary

No Dunks Podcast Summary: NBA Trade Deadline Recap Pt. 1 | Buddy Hield, Kelly Olynyk, Gordon Hayward & Yesterday's Deals

Released on February 8, 2024

Hosts: Je Skeets, Trey Kirby, Eshua Kid, and Jerome Chang
Description: No Dunks is a daily NBA podcast by The Athletic, where Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD dissect the league's biggest games and headlines, engage with listeners' questions, interview guests, and more.

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Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts' signature humor before diving into the NBA Trade Deadline discussions. Je Skeets sets the stage:

"Good morning, sweet world, and welcome to the no Dunks podcast on the Athletic Network. It's Thursday, February 8th, 2024. Happy NBA Trade Deadline Day to all that celebrate." [00:17]

Major Trades Discussed

Boston Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman

Je Skeets introduces the Celtics' acquisition of Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies, involving Lamar Stevens and two future second-round picks.

Eshua Kid praises Tillman's defensive prowess:

"Xavier Tillman is an interesting guy in that he is ridiculously strong and a ridiculously good defender. Last year he started in the postseason for the Memphis Grizzlies... He's a better option than Luke Kornet or Naji Marshall at times." [02:44]

Trey Kirby highlights the strategic depth Tillman brings:

"They literally are bulking up their bench here. I like it." [03:35]

Key Points:

• Tillman’s defensive capabilities bolster the Celtics' bench.
• The trade enhances Boston’s defensive options, especially in the playoffs.
• Celtics benefit from acquiring a reliable, low-cost player who can contribute defensively.

Detroit Pistons Acquire Simone Fontecchio

The Pistons traded Kevin Knox II and a 2024 second-round pick to acquire Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz.

Eshua Kid details Fontecchio’s strengths:

"This guy has been starting and he has been shooting 39% from three and he's defended pretty well." [08:13]

Trey Kirby questions the long-term fit:

"Fontechio is fine, but he's not really a part of their long-term core." [09:39]

Key Points:

• Fontecchio provides the Pistons with a three-and-D player to spread the floor.
• The trade reflects Pistons’ strategy to enhance their perimeter defense and shooting.
• Concerns about whether Fontecchio fits into the Pistons' long-term plans.

Philadelphia 76ers Acquire Buddy Hield

The Sixers traded Buddy Hield to the 76ers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and three second-round picks.

Eshua Kid emphasizes the benefit for Sixers:

"The Sixers aren't giving up this season because, amongst the talk, they are getting back a shooter here for other guys who aren't as big as Tobias Harris." [19:07]

Je Skeets notes Hield’s durability and shooting:

"Buddy Hield in 52 games this year... 38% from deep, which is still above average 3-point shooting." [19:57]

Key Points:

• Sixers strengthen their bench with a reliable shooter in Hield.
• The trade provides Sixers with cap flexibility for potential buyout signings.
• Hield’s role is expected to be a bench contributor, providing spacing for Joel Embiid.

Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors Trade Kelly Olynyk and Ojai Abaji for Kiera Lewis

In a surprising move, the Jazz traded Kelly Olynyk and Ojai Abaji to the Raptors for Kiera Lewis, Otto Porter, and a 2024 first-round pick.

Eshua Kid discusses the implications:

"Kelly Olynyk's gonna help. That’s debatable... they ended up moving Ojaia Abajay to Toronto." [28:04]

Trey Kirby expresses confusion over the Raptors' motives:

"This is a pretty weird move. I don't think it makes sense for the Raptors to be..." [31:42]

Key Points:

• Raptors acquire a solid three-point shooter and depth piece in Kiera Lewis.
• Jazz aim to clear cap space and adjust their roster flexibility.
• The trade reflects Jazz’s ongoing struggles to define their long-term strategy.

Oklahoma City Thunder Acquire Gordon Hayward

The Thunder traded Trey Mann and Davis Bertans to the Charlotte Hornets for Gordon Hayward.

Eshua Kid assesses Hayward’s role:

"He is definitely good off the bench... He can score and help the OKC bench." [47:20]

Trey Kirby debates the impact of Hayward’s age and health:

"Hayward could hit three threes... assuming he's able to get on the court." [47:56]

Key Points:

• Thunder add veteran presence and shooting with Hayward.
• Concerns about Hayward’s injury history and ability to contribute consistently.
• The move balances Thunder’s youth with a seasoned scorer.

Additional Minor Trades

• Timberwolves Acquire Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr.: Addressing their turnover issues by adding backup guards to support Mike Conley.

• 76ers Acquire Danwell House Jr. from the Knicks: Enhancing their roster depth with a young guard and a second-round pick.

Player Analysis

Xavier Tillman

• Strengths: Defensive toughness, rebounding, ability to guard big men.
• Role: Limited minutes, primarily off the bench to provide defensive stability.

Simone Fontecchio

• Strengths: Three-point shooting, perimeter defense.
• Role: Supplemental shooter and defender, not central to the Pistons' core.

Buddy Hield

• Strengths: Durable, consistent three-point shooter.
• Role: Bench scorer, spacing the floor for main offensive players like Joel Embiid.

Gordon Hayward

• Strengths: Scoring, three-point shooting, veteran leadership.
• Role: Bench scorer, providing veteran experience to a young Thunder team.

Team Implications

Boston Celtics

• Bench Depth: Adding Tillman enhances their defensive options.
• Playoff Prospects: Improved defensive bench can aid in playoff matchups.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Roster Flexibility: Acquiring Hield frees up cap space for future moves.
• Team Strategy: Maintaining core players like Embiid while enhancing shooting from the bench.

Detroit Pistons

• Strategic Moves: Fontecchio adds needed shooting and defense but raises questions about long-term fit.
• Team Development: Focus on improving perimeter defense and floor spacing.

Utah Jazz

• Roster Adjustments: Trading Olynyk and Abaji reflects their ongoing strategic uncertainties.
• Future Planning: Clearing cap space to explore further trade opportunities.

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Veteran Acquisition: Hayward brings scoring and experience to a primarily young roster.
• Team Dynamics: Balancing youth with veteran presence to compete in the Western Conference.

New Orleans Pelicans

• Performance Highlights: Strong defensive play, disciplined team effort.
• Player Development: Zion Williamson’s fluctuating performance impacts team dynamics.

Golden State Warriors

• Current Status: Solidifying their roster with effective defensive strategies.
• Player Performance: Andrew Wiggins’ resurgence contributes significantly to team success.

Special Segments

Italian Trivia

The hosts engage in a fun trivia segment about Italian-born players in the NBA, highlighting Simone Fontecchio as the fourth Italian-born player to suit up for the Detroit Pistons.

"Fontechio is now the fourth Italian-born player to play for the Detroit Pistons." [14:04]

Big Hoops Demo

The podcast features a lively discussion about their experience at Big Hoops, a tech-infused basketball game venue akin to Topgolf but for basketball. The hosts rave about the interactive and competitive nature of the games.

"It was like topgolf for basketball and we got a chance to demo it here Just outside of Atlanta." [54:03]

Key Points:

• Big Hoops offers innovative, social basketball competitions.
• The hosts enjoyed the interactive gameplay and envision future expansions.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the trade deadline progresses, the hosts anticipate more deals and encourage listeners to join their live sessions for real-time updates. They reflect on the significance of the trades discussed and speculate on upcoming moves.

"Things are happening here. Things are happening during the morning podcast... Buddy Heald going to the Sixers, Gordon Hayward going to the Thunder. Who else am I forgetting?" [60:25]

Upcoming:

• Live Session at 2 PM Eastern: Additional trade discussions and live reactions.
• Continuation of Trade Coverage: Monitoring ongoing trades and their impacts on the league.

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Notable Quotes:

• "Terry Rozier's got a lot of basketball still to go here in the regular season and possibly the playoffs. So if he gets number four, he's the official wedgie king." — Je Skeets [01:07]

• "We have a guy that plays for the Jazz, starts for them. They're 500. He might get us to honestly, like, might get us to 12 wins." — Je Skeets [09:12]

• "Buddy Heald is a guy who's made a lot of trade requests, as is Furkan Korkmaz. So I'm happy they're in the same deal for each other." — Trey Kirby [20:32]

• "He can help a lot, man." — Je Skeets [48:52]

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Final Notes:

No Dunks provides an engaging and insightful recap of the NBA Trade Deadline, offering detailed analyses of significant trades, player performances, and team strategies. The mix of humor, trivia, and in-depth basketball knowledge makes this episode a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive overview of the latest developments.

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Subscribe and Stay Updated:

Make sure to subscribe to the No Dunks podcast on Acast and leave a five-star rating and review to support the hosts. Join the conversation live at 2 PM Eastern for real-time trade updates and analyses.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript

[Je Skeets]

Just had a poo in the ground, so I'm absolutely buzzed about that.

[Trey Kirby]

And now I'm gonna eat a tin of beans while being soaking wet.

[Je Skeets]

Good morning, sweet world, and welcome to the no Dunks podcast on the Athletic Network. It's Thursday, February 8th, 2024. Happy NBA Trade Deadline Day to all that celebrate. I'm Je Skeets here in the classic factory. And alongside me, as always, Melis trade rumor lovers.

[Eshua Kid]

This one's for you.

[Je Skeets]

Next to him, it's the bearded one. My top shot, hot boy, Trey Kirby.

[Trey Kirby]

Hey, yo.

[Je Skeets]

Hey, yo. Over yonder, still in the driver's seat, we got Eshua Kid.

[Jerome Chang]

How y' all doing?

[Je Skeets]

What's up, Ash? And also here in studio, helping us keep track of everything today, it's our guy, Jerome Chang.

[Melis]

Where will he go?

[Eshua Kid]

Kyle?

[Melis]

Larry, my beloved.

[Eshua Kid]

Will he go? Will he go?

[Je Skeets]

Okay, we heard half of it. Okay. Yeah.

[Eshua Kid]

Where will you go?

[Melis]

Where will you go?

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, where will. He's got to go somewhere.

[Melis]

Somewhere.

[Eshua Kid]

Let's hear your guess.

[Je Skeets]

No, we're not starting.

[Trey Kirby]

No, we're not doing that.

[Je Skeets]

We have a wedgie. It's way more important than dinner than where Kyle Lowry is going to end up. Terry Rozier stuck his third wedgie of the season. Yeah, you heard me right. His third of the season. Number 32 overall, according to our good friends@wedgie tracker.com. scary Terry has now matched the individual wedgie record set by Ed Davis in the 1718 season, Tyler Herro in the in the 1920 season, and Eric Gordon last year for the most wedgies in a single season with three. So Terry Rozier's got a lot of basketball still to go here in the regular season and possibly the playoffs. So if he gets number four, he's the official wedgie king.

[Trey Kirby]

I think they should add it to that paragraph of text they have in the Heat lane. The wedgiest team in the NBA.

[Je Skeets]

I thought you were going to say they should add it to the basketball reference pages.

[Trey Kirby]

They're putting everything on there.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

So a guy finished 26th in MIP voting.

[Je Skeets]

Oh.

[Trey Kirby]

Makes the list.

[Je Skeets]

Got one vote.

[Trey Kirby]

I guess so.

[Je Skeets]

Okay. Interesting.

[Eshua Kid]

There. Very fitting. Terry Rosier, the guy who replaced Kyle Lowry. This is what we started the show with. Yeah, you got to. You got to.

[Je Skeets]

All comes together. Yeah. The NBA trade deadline wraps up at 3pm Eastern today. We're still waiting on a big name or two to be moved, of course, but Wednesday did bring a few smaller deals. And because we're sickos, of course we're going to break them down grade them, talk about them. Let's start with the Celtics acquiring Xavier Tillman from the Grizzlies. It took Lamar Stevens and and two future second round picks, one by way of the Hawks, one by way of the Mavs. But X go into Beantown. What do you think?

[Eshua Kid]

It's a good little pickup. Xavier Tillman is an interesting guy in that he is ridiculously strong and a ridiculously good defender. Last year he started in the postseason for the Memphis Grizzlies. Grizzlies every single game. And he did a pretty decent job against Anthony Davis. His numbers got pulled down a bit, his efficiency got pulled down a bit playing against Xavier Tillman. Now he's not starting for the Boston Celtics. There's no chance. But he's a better option than Luke Cornett or Namiha Shakta at times. You're going through Brook Lopez, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic in the postseason. That's what he is for. Strictly that is what he is for. He had some big games offensively in the postseason. A 21 point game. He's had a bad year offensive, offensively, but it's where the defense is. He just needs to go up against big bodies. They got a stronger guy coming off the bench. That's strictly it. Just for a few minutes. I think it helps.

[Trey Kirby]

They literally are bulking up their bench here. I like it. As well. As good as Tillman is defensively, he's pretty much as bad offensively. His best screen or his best skill I think is screening, which is helpful. But the thing with the Celtics is they shoot the ball so well from outside. They're the best three point shooting team in the league. Maybe that lets him stay on the court for 10 minutes at a time. And like you're saying, it only really matters when they're playing against the gigantic centers because you could throw him out there for an additional six fouls and his bulk is more reasonable against a Joel Embiid than it is if you're trying Luke Cornett. So I think for the price of a guy that's out of their rotation, two second round picks that don't even belong to them. Smart move here.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, I got so much, so many shooters. You have to guard everybody else. And this guy, he can score a little bit. He had a 22 point game in that postseason. And it's just smart for the Boston Celtics to go get somebody like this now because they won't be able to sign just anybody in the postseason. They have to trade for guys just because of how much money they have on their books. And this guy makes absolutely nothing. So it's a smart, smart move.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah. You can look at it too as like injury insurance, I guess. A little bit behind Porzingis. Horford obviously getting up there in age. He had a great game last night. I love that they have now sort of one of everything you'd want in a backup center. You got like the athletic rim runner in Keita. You got like the high IQ playmaking guy in Luke Cornett. And then you got like the defensive minded do here in Tillman. So it gives Missoula options in potential playoff matchups depending on sort of the other big. He's not going to play a ton, but can he win you five to 10 minutes of a playoff game? Tillman, can he be a difference maker for one stretch of one quarter of a playoff series? Probably. And he was really good like you said TAs in last year's playoffs when he bumped up his numbers. But yeah, the shots just disappeared completely this year. He can't even score at the rim for a big guy and he can't hit a three. But hopefully bounces back to what he was doing last season in the regular season and the playoffs on a better offensive team, obviously with a very little offensive role.

[Trey Kirby]

If the Celtics end up playing Xavier Tillman a lot of minutes, they're not winning the championship. I think that's what it comes down to. If Porzingis is out, it's Jover. If Al Horford is out, probably not good either. But he's a fine guy and it seems like a cool guy to have around as well, well liked. And honestly they kind of needed a tough guy. They lost that when Marcus Smart went to the Grizzlies. So it's good to get back somebody who will throw an elbow into somebody else's chest.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, the Celtics are just looking forward, obviously. You know, sometimes these little, these little pickups can help. Obviously. We look back to Marcus Soul in 2019. That wasn't just a little guy. That guy was pretty, pretty monumental in that series. But the next year the Lakers picked up Mark Eve Morris just as a little bio guy. He played in the postseason. This could happen. This could happen. I am surprised that he's only 25 years old. Oh, yeah, number one, he looks way older.

[Je Skeets]

Way older.

[Eshua Kid]

And his name is Xavier Tillman senior.

[Je Skeets]

Right. Sounds like an older. Sounds older. Yeah, he's like balding a little bit. Yeah, he's 25. He definitely looks 35. But good job by the Celtics as you Guys said just to strengthen the bench here and it didn't really cost him all that much. The Grizzlies from their side of things. You know, you said you don't mind those picks, especially coming from those other teams like, you know, who knows where Trae Young is in 27 with Atlanta, Luka of course with Dallas, whatever. But them, is this just sort of another financial move to shore up their books?

[Trey Kirby]

Tillman was expiring, they weren't going to pay him next season. And once they brought back Bismack Bioambo and kind of started playing him over Tillman, a guy they find off the street, it was kind of over for Tillman in Memphis. It doesn't make sense that they're going to pay him when they're going to be getting some guys back next season. Jaren Jackson Jr. Will still be there. Brandon Clark I assume will get healthy at some point. Maybe he gets a little run at the end of the season to get his legs back under him, but not a part of the future there. So get some second round picks, guys. Second round picks can get you a guy to help on the bench. Yep, that's what we've seen.

[Je Skeets]

Yep. All right, well, moving on, that was our biggest deal yesterday. Let's go to the Pistons. They had a couple minor moves. We'll start with them acquiring Simone Fontechio. Yes. The Italian who is starting and playing well for the Utah Jazz. The Pistons go and get him and it cost them Kevin Knox the second. That's the second time I believe the Pistons have traded Kevin Knox the second. I hope he finds his way back and gets traded a third time. And then a 2024 second round pick, more favorable of the Grizzlies and the Wizards. So right now that's the Wizards. That's a very early second round pick. And the draft rights to a guy you have never heard of maybe one day makes it over to the league. But yeah, the Pistons. Let's start with them. Tass, what do you think here of.

[Eshua Kid]

We're not even going to say that guy's name.

[Trey Kirby]

Gabby Pro.

[Eshua Kid]

Gabby.

[Je Skeets]

Gabby Pro. We might see him. He's apparently not bad. He's having a decent little run here over in Europe.

[Eshua Kid]

Simone Fontecchio. I know the Jazz aren't really on a lot of people's radar. People don't necessarily look at what they do. But this guy has been starting and he has been shooting 39% from three and he's defended pretty well. There's sometimes he's taken the job of another perimeter Guy on the other side and done a decent job. He did a good job against Brandon Ingram when they played the Pelicans. So the Pistons are looking for somebody who can shoot three and just give space to Cade Cunningham and Jay N. Ivey and they just, they just struggled a little bit with that. And somebody who can defend wings like Asar Thompson has struggled with that a little bit. Isaiah Stewart has been all right in the forward spot doing that, but he's just not good enough to defend perimeter guys. I think this is a nice little take on a contract three and D guy who's, you know, fairly cheap at this point and we'll help him out next season. I think they're gonna. They're just trying to spread the floor for Cunningham and Ivey. I think it's a little smart move for them because Fontechio is a guy who can play.

[Je Skeets]

Do you think he's a part of sort of their plans moving forward here and hence why they gave up again, a very sort of a really sexy second round pick. It can't get much better than 32 overall right now. But do you think they. They see Fontechio as sort of a piece moving forward here?

[Trey Kirby]

Yeah, they must. Because why would you trade a pick that's you could get a player like Simone Fontechio at the 32, maybe even 31 pick? I would personally rather have the pick because this guy's 28 years old. You're going to have to pay him more money than a second rounder would next year. But test is right, he helps the Pistons, he plays defense, he can shoot threes. That's something they're looking for, especially if they're going to move Isaiah Stewart. If they're going to move Bojan Bogdanovic, he will be helpful. But if he helps the Pistons and they pass the Wizards in the standings, then the pick gets even better that they're sending to the Jazz. So I don't know, I've kind of like totally sideways on this one. Like Fontechio is fine, but he's not really a part of their long term core. I don't think he's five years older than all of their best players. I would have stanned Pat and maybe try and get him in the summer, but they wanted to do it now. I guess.

[Je Skeets]

I don't. I think a lot of people have made this point. What happens today might dictate how you really feel about this deal. If the Pistons do go and trade Bojan Bogdanovic or Alec Burks to another team and get, let's say, very similar draft capital, maybe even somehow a late first round pick, probably unlikely with those two guys. Then it feels like a little more easy to stomach. I'm with you, TK because, like, it's like, why wouldn't you keep the pick? But if they get one back because they move one of those guys that they definitely don't see as part of their long term plans, then it makes more sense to me. So we'll wait and see.

[Eshua Kid]

Earlier, they did it on purpose. Maybe they gave up a 32 to say, hey, Bojan Bogdanovich is better than that 32 just to win, first of all. Second, you've got to give us the first round.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, set the market. That's galaxy brain thinking there. From Troy Weaver.

[Eshua Kid]

Smart.

[Je Skeets]

Actually, earlier in the day, Tony Jones of the Athletic, who follows the Jazz and reports on the Jazz, he said that Fontechio had emerged as a serious trade target for two contending teams in the Suns and the Celtics. And I know Hollinger had been writing leading up to the deal that Fontechio's cap friendly $3 million deal could make him a serious option and for financially handcuffed teams like the Clippers or the Nuggets. So all of those teams, you know, much, much better than the Pistons where he lands up. But you wonder after, you know, the Celtics, you know, then pivoted to, of course, Tillman, and they went that direction. But I thought that was interesting from those guys. He's good, but he is 28 years old. It'd be a lot more, you know, intriguing if he was like, well, he's 21, 22. Yeah, okay. He's a shooter, plays a little defense, pairs perfectly. But they also don't want to be the worst team of all time. You've said this before, TK I think it's part of this deal as well. They're like, this guy plays for the Jazz, starts for them. They're 500. He might get us to honestly, like, you know, might get us to 12 wins. And we don't set like the all time record or something like that because he's decent and he's gonna get an option here. What about from Utah side of things, though? Because, you know, once again, here's his second year in a row as we got to the deadline, training a player that does contribute. Were you shocked?

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, it was surprising. I mean, it makes a little more sense for the Pistons and that they're getting a guy that they need. Perimeter shooter, defender. They're winning games here without Their players. They beat the Sacramento Kings last night. This team looks a lot better. So it sort of makes sense. They don't want to trade their core four guys. No. In. In Duran, Thompson, Ivy and Cunningham. It's good they're playing Ivy again for the Jazzy. It's a little confusing. The Jazz are confusing every single season. Where are they going here? I guess they're giving up an older, older player entering his prime because they don't know exactly where they're going. But that's what. That's what they do every single season. Every. It's a little confusing. This team is good.

[Je Skeets]

Does it open the Runway for Abaji a little bit more? Maybe they have another deal. I mean, they're being linked to Dejounte Murray. Trade rumors, if you buy that. So maybe there's more to come here.

[Eshua Kid]

Hey, Biochai Baji is a good player, but Fontecho does something different in that he can shoot threes. That's not a Baji's thing, I guess. I don't know. I don't know. We are watching here for the next four hours what Danny and Justin are doing. What are they doing in Utah? It's a little confusing.

[Trey Kirby]

Fingers out, buddy. What are they doing? They're getting a draft pick. That's why they're doing it. 32 pick. Danny Ainge says that's better than Simone Fontechio. Troy Weaver disagrees. And guess who's been a better GM throughout their careers. It's Danny Ainge, buddy. They also have Osha Abaji. Like you're saying they drafted Bryce Sensibol with the first round pick. They're just clearing the way. They weren't going to pay this guy.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, they have a billion draft picks. So because of the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert returns.

[Je Skeets]

So that's sure keep adding to the cupboard. Here's a little trivia for you guys. Fontechio, he is now the fourth Italian born player to play for the Detroit Pistons. Gigi Datome, that's absolutely one of them. He played one real season for Detroit. He averaged 2.4 points per game. Can you give me the other two? And I want to say this, I want to stress this again. Italian born.

[Eshua Kid]

What's his name?

[Trey Kirby]

Has Gallinari played for them this season?

[Je Skeets]

That's correct. He is on the roster. He's played five games. Actually had one really good game. He might be removed. But now we are down to the final. Italian born. Italian born, guys.

[Eshua Kid]

Not true. Not a holiday. But somebody in that family. Not a holiday family.

[Je Skeets]

What else Can I give you. He maintained dual citizenship until his 18th birthday. So he's obviously American. His dad was, I want to say, you know, in the army or Air Force or something like that.

[Eshua Kid]

It's an army. It's an army kid for sure.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah. Yep. He plays, he likes accessories.

[Trey Kirby]

Reggie Jackson.

[Je Skeets]

Bingo. Reggie Jackson, born in northern Italy. So that's just a fun fact for you. 36% of all Italian born NBA players have now played for the Detroit Pistons. I was a little pissed that Bellanelli had never played for Detroit. That would have been great. And even I was talking myself into Bargnani having a cup of coffee there, but he didn't. So there you go. You got four guys now, Italian guys that have played for the Pistons or once. Fontana Tecchio suits up. Anything else on that one? On the Jazz, Pistones or no, the.

[Eshua Kid]

Peasants have a lot of money free this summer. So they can. They're ready to splurge. It's around $60 million.

[Je Skeets]

So what are they gonna do? Try and do what the Rockets sort of did, you know, get aggressive, get some vets in here.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, that's what the money is for.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah. Yeah, I think you're right.

[Trey Kirby]

Who takes it though? Fontechio will get a little bit. I mean, they wouldn't have traded for him if they didn't want to pay him. And he's a restricted agent, so they can match anything they've been linked to. Tobias Harris, former Detroit Piston as well. He'll be a free agent. Seems like the kind of guy that would take their money. I'm serious, like, you're not at the top of the free agency list here. And like, honestly to myself, there's not a lot of free agency list, so.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, there's not a lot at the top.

[Trey Kirby]

I don't know who it's going to be, but they're going to get. They're going to bring in pros. They're not going to come back next season with all guys that are 25 and under, clearly.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, yeah, exactly. And that's why this fun techio move, people call it pre agency. Right. That's like in doing this deal, it's like they're getting this guy in, you know, before free agency because they'll likely sign him. And that's why they gave up a pretty good second round pick. Pistons weren't done there yesterday because they traded Monte Morris to Minnesota. And in return, the Pistons get Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr. And then a 20, 30 second round pick. Thoughts on this one with the Wolves? TK getting sort of a backup guard.

[Trey Kirby]

Well, The Wolves are 30th in turnover rate this season and turnovers have been a problem. And there's only one guy on the entirety of the basketball reference database who has a nickname about his assist to turnover ratio. So the Timberwolves went on up and got him and I guess this is what they're thinking, a low cost acquisition. Shake Milton basically out of the rotation for the Timberwolves. The same with Troy Brown Jr. And then they've traded so many picks at this point that they're fine throwing in a 20, 30 second round pick. In for a pound, in for a penny, in for a pound I think is how it goes, right? Penny first, pound second. Personally he would be last on my list behind Tyus Jones and Delon Wright. Those guys probably cost a little bit more to get him in. So I think this is fair considering he played for the Denver Nuggets when Tim Connolly was the guy, was the GM there as well. So he's a helpful backup point guard, I think.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah. The Timberwolves have been dropping off from the first three quarters to the fourth quarter. They actually have the, the, the ninth leading offensive rating at times for the first three quarters and then they drop to 27th in the fourth because they just don't have guards to help out. They become stagnant. They stop moving the ball. And Mike Conley needs somebody and that's exactly what they're getting here. Just somebody who can help. They, they had this film session where they all got into it. They all talked about what the hell is going on in our fourth quarter. They lost games to the Hornets, spurs and Bulls recently where they gave up leads. They need this guy for spacing and turnovers. They have a tough schedule the rest of the way. So Mike Onley, he's old, he's got a rest, he's going to help. And that's exactly what they signed for.

[Trey Kirby]

Good news, everybody.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, do it.

[Trey Kirby]

We got ourselves a trade.

[Je Skeets]

We do indeed.

[Trey Kirby]

WO is reporting the Indiana Pacers are trading Buddy Heald to the 76ers for Marcus Morris. Furcon. Corkmas.

[Je Skeets]

He's free.

[Trey Kirby]

And three second round picks.

[Je Skeets]

Here we go. So yeah, 76ers were rumored with a lot of guys yesterday, Buddy Hield being one of them. You know, there was Kelly Olenek, obviously there was the ideas of maybe Dejounte Murray and Bogdanovich on the Hawks, but it's Buddy Hield getting a shooter in here. Woj again, Heald going to the Sixers, Marcus Morris, Furkan and then three second round picks. Your immediate reaction as we find out about this live right here on no Dunks.

[Eshua Kid]

Well, it's great to hear that Sixers aren't giving up this season because amongst the talk was, oh, they're going to trade away Tobias Harris, which really doesn't make sense. The guy's a starter and he's good and they're getting back a shooter here for other guys who aren't as big as Tobias Harris is, who can shoot the ball. That's absolutely true. And the Pacers were ready to give up on Buddy in an expiring deal because they're deep enough, they have enough shooters and they're ready to say goodbye because he basically lost his starting lineup when they decided, all right, we need bigger, tougher dudes who defend and shoot the three. So the Sixers get one that, that is just going to come off the bench and give space for Joel Embiid once he comes back because he has great percentages. The percentages are damn good for Buddy Hield, but he'll definitely be coming off the bench for the Sixers. I don't think there's any doubt about that.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, Buddy Hield in 52 games this year. So he's very durable, playing in a lot of their games, probably all of their games, 38% from deep, which is actually, you know, for him sort of a down year, a bad year. But that's still above average 3 point shooting. Last year was like 42.5%, but he comes in here to stretch the floor, gives him 12 points per game. And yeah, this is one. The writing's been on the wall for a while. TK it's not really surprising that the Pacers are moving off from him. You know, the players coming back are not going to move the needle. I don't even know if they're ever going to play. I mean, I guess maybe Morris and Fur Cam, but I guess it's the picks. These second round picks, a bunch of them for Buddy. Your thoughts?

[Trey Kirby]

Buddy Heald is a guy who's made a lot of trade requests, as is Furcan Corkmaz. So I'm happy they're in the same deal for each other. That's great for them. The Sixers needed to make a move to stay competitive. We saw last night against the warriors, great MVP case for Joel Embiid because they look pretty bad with him out right now. So a little bit of an offensive bump I think definitely helps. The Sixers. Windhorse reported yesterday that the Sixers planned on Making one to three trades today. So this is apparently the first one. And you know, I think pretty fair for them to send out guys who aren't going to be long term rotation pieces. But also keep your first round picks, keep your bigger deals. And like Tobias Harris, they could package Tobias Harris in a pick to actually try and get a big name player if they wanted to. And the Sixers have said for a while they're trying to keep cap space open. So Buddy Heald's an expiring contract if I'm not mistaken. So they will still have cap space in the summer as of now. Good stuff.

[Eshua Kid]

Second round picks are the hot trend right now. They're all going right now. The NBA draft is going to be so hot because they have now pushed back the second round to a second night. And so people are going to be talking about who's going to be traded tonight, who's going to be traded tonight over two nights. It's going to be huge. There's going to be sleepover parties, the GM is going to be sleeping in each other's room. What are we going to do tomorrow? What are we going to do tomorrow? I think the second round picks are. They are quite hot, the three second round picks. I know Buddy's good but you know, that's a lot. It still feels like a lot.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, yeah, I guess so. Look, I like that, like you said it already, Morey, they're not punting on this season. That's probably a good sign that maybe what they know about Joel Embiid and the likelihood of him coming back this season. That's cool. I think they really would have liked a two way player. Can't say Buddy's really that no great three point shooter. Obviously space around Embiid. That makes sense. But you know, they're looking for a guy I think that could contribute on both ends. That's not Buddy, but yeah, they may not be done. This is Daryl Morey, man, he lives for a trade deadline day. You'd imagine there's at least another deal or two, like minor ones, maybe a big one from Maury, I will say Chris Haynes was reporting here, you know, 15 minutes ago. A deal between the Hawks and the Pelicans for Dejounte Murray has halted with no progress in sight by the trade deadline. So that one might be done. That one was always tough to figure out anyway. Sort of like why would the Pelicans really want a guy like Dejounte Murray, how he fits with their team. But anyway, it doesn't look like that One's gonna be going down.

[Trey Kirby]

Yeah. And they were apparently asking for a Kongwu as well. The Pelicans were. And that to me makes it a non stop for the Hawks, so I can see why that would stall. Also, apparently Miles Bridges will not waive his no trade clause, so he's staying in Charlotte.

[Je Skeets]

Okay, there's that as well. Any thoughts on any of that stuff there? Especially the Pelicans. Hawks steel may be falling apart for Dejounte.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, I didn't think that dejante and his air quotes back spasms were really a trade for sure. I thought he's been injured all season long.

[Je Skeets]

You're saying last night on the injury report he's suddenly out of the game?

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah. And so was Clint Capella and that I thought, okay, Clint's on the move, but apparently he's out seven to 10 days and he's getting a little older. So it makes it a little less likely that teams are going to trade for him. Even though the future is center and they signed him to a good extension. The Braves the brace. The Atlanta Hawks did. So they're not trading them. I don't think.

[Trey Kirby]

I don't think.

[Je Skeets]

You don't think the Hawks are going to trade Dejounte at all today?

[Eshua Kid]

Well, Hooch, if there's a good deal out there, yeah, the Pelicans kind of doesn't really make sense. Him and CJ McCollum together. I mean it's fine, but I don't think so the best. Where's the deal?

[Je Skeets]

I mean right now, if we believe it, it's probably the Lakers with the the picks way in the future. Maybe there's a swap as well. But then you got to get probably d' Angelo Russell to a third team. So now you got to rope in another team for the likelihood of Dejounte finding his way to play with LeBron and AD and it's maybe not even enough from Atlanta for Atlanta. I agree.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah. The Lakers only have one first round pick to trade. That's all they have to trade. And the Hawks gave up many three and a pick swap for Dejounte Murray just a year ago. So they probably want more. But yeah, they've been asked. Everybody's asking Austin Reaves and d' Angelo Russell and the Lakers are saying actually it's Angelo Russell. That's trending on Twitter tonight. I don't know who you're talking about. We don't have d' Angelo Russell. It's Angelo. As always, whenever d' Angelo Russell is trending, it's Angelo Whoever that is.

[Je Skeets]

Really?

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah.

[Je Skeets]

Is this because of the hyphen and. Or like. I mean. Yeah, I guess I didn't know that.

[Eshua Kid]

It's always Angelo. Who?

[Trey Kirby]

Angelo, Russell.

[Eshua Kid]

Angelo.

[Je Skeets]

Okay, so look, this is exciting. A trade happening while we're live here. Buddy healed, going to the 76ers. And then all those minor deals from yesterday. There it is. For everyone joining us on YouTube.

[Eshua Kid]

That guy's gonna shoot. He's gonna shoot. They had. The Sixers had guys like Marcus Morris already on the roster. They had enough of those, you know, three and D type guys.

[Trey Kirby]

They got them all from the Clippers.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, exactly.

[Je Skeets]

That's right.

[Trey Kirby]

That's what I said. We'll give you three foremen. And they all play the exact same Marcus Morris. Does he take his key to the city with him to Indiana?

[Je Skeets]

Ooh, yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

Or does he just leave it hiding somewhere in the Wells Fargo arena when he gets back? He can open every door.

[Je Skeets]

Also an option. Oh, you think the key opens every door in the city?

[Trey Kirby]

I just assume that's what it does. Why else would they give these things away?

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, I never thought about it that way. That's real power. Really?

[Trey Kirby]

Real power and real trust. They're like, you can't be a creep.

[Je Skeets]

That's right.

[Trey Kirby]

We're giving you a key to the city.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, I saw the press conference for Marcus Morris getting the key to the city. Did they give him like a novelty key or just an actual key or what are they getting?

[Je Skeets]

What did Markief get?

[Eshua Kid]

Nothing.

[Je Skeets]

Nothing. Does he get the lock? The lock and the key that go together? Okay, let's take a break, but I will remind you before we do that coming up at 2pm Eastern, we're going to jump back on live here as we go up to the buzzer for the trade deadline at 3pm Eastern. And we'll. We'll do a couple hours of hopefully reacting some to some of the other trades that maybe happen after we wrap up this pod. And then when we go live again, again, like I said at the deadline. So can't wait for that. Make sure you subscribe. Podcast listeners, leave us a five star rating and review. When we come back, we'll talk a little bit about last night's games. And I saw Jerome put his hand up, so we might have another trade. But we'll be back in a second. All right, we are here in the classic factory again. Happy NBA Trade deadline day to everyone. I see big numbers people joining us live on YouTube. We love to see it hit the like button. Make sure you subscribe. We go live every day at 10am Eastern to talk about the NBA games and news and all that. Podcast listeners help us out, leave us a five star rating and review. Remember when we were talking about Funtechchio going to the Pistons, we said that might open up some room that might clear the Runway for Abagi on the Jazz. Well, so much for that because right before we went to break, Whoa's tweeting that the Jazz are finalizing a trade to send Kelly Olenek and Ojai Abajay to the Raptors for Kiera Lewis. Otto porter and a 2024 first round pick. Yeah, we got the Jazz and Raptors making a deal here. Trader Danny's doing things today and that first round pick we are learning will be the least favorable of the Thunder. Clippers. Rockets. Jazz in 24. That's the one. The least favorable of those four teams.

[Trey Kirby]

Clippers right now, I guess.

[Je Skeets]

Clippers and Thunder. Yeah, right there. Neck and neck. So, you know, late first round, let's call it that. We got another Canadian playing for Toronto. How do you feel, Kelly Captain, Canada?

[Eshua Kid]

I feel like they might move him immediately. I think there are a lot of teams that are looking for a center that can shoot the three balls that are actually contending for a championship. He would fit on the Lakers as a backup, so that's possible. Otherwise there's a Canadian, Ochai Abagi. It felt like, yeah, there might be a little bit of a Runway in Utah. Well, he got on the Runway and he's going to Toronto.

[Je Skeets]

They did next play. Yeah, come on up.

[Eshua Kid]

He is the guy who got traded for Donovan Mitchell as a draft pick just last year. This is second year in the league. He is nearing 24 years of age and he hasn't, hasn't been incredible in Utah. Actually. Will Hardy has kind of put him at the back of the rotation. He's obviously a ridiculously athletic guy, but that is what the Raps are giving up a late first rounder for. No disrespect to Kelly Olenek who can, who can do things, but that's who they're trading for, I guess to see, to see the relationship.

[Trey Kirby]

You think this is more about Abagi?

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, I think so.

[Trey Kirby]

I don't think he has a huge future in the league. He's very handsome though. One of the most handsome guys in the league if you ask me. I feel like this is just a get a Linux play.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, I guess.

[Trey Kirby]

And I don't think they'll ship him.

[Je Skeets]

Because I don't think so. Either.

[Trey Kirby]

If there was a, like a better first round pick that's available, wouldn't Utah just do that trade? I don't know. What. I honestly don't know why the Raptors are doing this. Yeah, I don't think they should be trading a pick right now.

[Eshua Kid]

Kelly Olenk, he's been around. He's going to be 33 soon. The refs ain't winning anything immediately. I mean, he's nice to have on the, on the bench, but he's getting a little bit older. He's got to go help a really good team. It's just kind of confusing from the rap side. He's, I assume Messiah's thinking Ochai Baji. We can try him out. I'm guessing, I'm guessing. And the, the Kyra Lewis run. That was quick. That was quick. That was quick. Yeah, that, that hasn't worked out for Kyra Lewis. Another ridiculously athletic guy for New Orleans for years. But late first rounder has not. I mean, it wasn't that late at all. What was he, 15, 14?

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, somewhere around that.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah. He hasn't worked out for any team.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, Olenek is an expiring deal. He's making 12.1 million this year, but that's obviously coming off the books at the end of the year. At the end of the year, he's been playing really well and that's why his name had been linked to all these good teams. The Raptors are not. But as a possible sort of guy where you could maybe convince yourself, oh, yeah, he could be a difference maker in a potential playoff series. But, but yeah, right now, going to the Raptors, this one is surprising. Very surprising. What's Messiah going to do next? We're going to get Andrew Wiggins. We going to go make an aggressive move for Dylan Brooks, literally. Let's get Team Canada up there in Toronto because this is wild. With RJ Barrett and Kelly Olenek, it is wild.

[Eshua Kid]

He's got to be on the horn with Rob Pelinka saying, Lakers take him. He'll help Anthony Davis, he'll give him Rome within the three point line because this guy can hit the center spot. He can help a championship team. As for the reps. Yeah.

[Je Skeets]

So you really think that Masai here is making this move because he could. He sees maybe a better like, return for Olenek here immediately.

[Eshua Kid]

That makes the most sense to me. I guess from a size perspective, our team's gonna be good. Kelly Olynyk's gonna help. That's. That's debatable. At this point. It ain't gonna be for this year.

[Je Skeets]

He's going to help, but.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, yeah.

[Je Skeets]

What is it? Doesn't move the needle.

[Eshua Kid]

They ain't making the play in Tournamen. So you can help a team not making a play in tournament, unfortunately.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, yeah. And then the pick. Yeah. Which is surprising. Again, it's a first round pick at the end, but still. I know it's a crappy draft, but that's, that's capital that most of these teams want. Strange. This is a weird move. This is a weird one.

[Trey Kirby]

This is a pretty weird move. I mean the Raptors need three point shooting and that's what a Linux brings. And that's if you're, if you squint and you look through rose colored glass. That's what Abaji brings as well. I suppose though he's shooting 33% this year and 35 last year. He's supposed to be a shooter.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

This doesn't make sense for the Raptors to be.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, maybe you're right, Tas. That Obagi is actually the play here. That they see something that, you know, he's stagnated here in his second year in Utah. He's been buried of course. Got a lot of talent there and that they think there's a little bit of diamond in the rough there. That's maybe, maybe, hopefully, I guess as a rapture. Otherwise it's perplexing. Any other deals that we need to address here? Any other Canadians headed home? No. Okay.

[Eshua Kid]

A lot of Canadians. Yeah. This gotta be the most Canadians ever to play for this team.

[Je Skeets]

We got three of them right now. Yeah. Boucher still there? He might be traded. He should be traded today.

[Trey Kirby]

Maybe they gotta keep the quota. Cancon.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, a lot of people don't know this. Actually have to have one or two Canadians on the rosters at all times. Okay, well, let's talk about another Canadian. We'll get into some games from last night, but obviously keep our eyes on Woj and Shams. Andrew Wiggins, great timing here. He had a double double led the warriors to the 127, 104 win over the 76ers. And it's got people wondering, Tas, does Wiggins like little, little recent revival here make it easier for the warriors to, you know, keep him at the deadline? And Steve Kerr saying we, we got a team here. Look, we got enough.

[Trey Kirby]

We got all sails a team.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, we can do this. What do you think of Wiggins last night? And yeah, as you know, his name obviously coming Up a lot in trade rumors, but a tough contract to deal.

[Eshua Kid]

It's great to see Wiggy getting back to Wiki stuff. He looks, since Draymond Green has come back from the suspension, a lot more like Andrew Wiggins, a lot more like that guy that was literally their best perimeter defender on the way to championship. That being said, I don't think he would garner a lot back in return at this point because you know how long his contract is for, how. How he's played this season. Literally his worst number since he was a rookie. But it's great to see him out there defending and running and playing with Jonathan Kaminga. This is what it is. They're playing their five best five together to start, and Curry and Clay, Draymond, Kaminga and Andrew Wiggins, those guys are playing really well together. So it's. It's part of a. A deal here where everybody's thinking, oh, the Golden State's gonna make a trade. I don't think they're making a trade for any of these guys. Draymond's too good as part of this team. They've literally dropped out. They've dropped or, excuse me, bumped up to, like, the seventh best defense since Green came back. And he's got to be there. And they're not trainings. They're not training coming. I don't think they're trading Clay. I know Chris Paul was the hot one. Are they trading Chris Paul if they're bad? It's nice to have an unguaranteed contract next season where he comes off the books and he was good to help out that second unit, so he will be playing. So I don't think they make a deal. And it's great to see Wiggy getting wiggy with it.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah. Wiggins in only 23 minutes, 21 points, 9 of 14 shooting, 10 boards. You always like to see that from Wiggins. And he did a good job on Maxi. He had that assignment for most of the night last night. I know there's no embiid and the Sixers are reeling right now, but kept Maxey in check, holding him to five or 14 shooting and three turnovers. So good stuff from Wiggins. What do you think of Golden State here at the deadline?

[Trey Kirby]

I love the 10 boards. I think that's the most important number. And I also love that the warriors seem to at least be figuring out on the defensive side of the ball that Wiggins and Kaminga can play alongside Draymond. That's the most important thing because I don't think there's still a trade market for Wiggins. Because I'm with you guys, I'm like he is having a revival. He's been really good lately. And then you go look at his game logs. He's coming off a nine point game, a two point game and a game where he was inactive. He's got twice as many single digit games as 20 point games in 2024. So I don't know if he's that much better, but he's showing more activity. He's still in the the first year though of a gigantic deal that's going to pay him until he's 32 years old. The warriors best hope is that they get engaged effort Wiggins for the rest of the season because they're not going to get a return back for Wiggins that they're looking for without having to.

[Je Skeets]

Add a pick as well. Outside of last night's box score, you're right, those other games are not going to blow you away. But if you watch them, he's definitely playing with more like energy and spirit. He's like out of that funk, out of that fog that was sort of like that cloud hanging over him at least over the last little bit. Can he maintain that? Because he's a difference maker when he plays with that spirit and they've got this lineup. You said it. Task like he currice sort of decided now this is our five. Klay's coming to terms with that reduced role at the end of games, but Kubinga's development's been huge. Draymond Green, we know the defensive impact he has. Clay, you know, Steph, Steph and then, and then Wiggins is the. Does he have, does he have any juice? Does he just play like he's the most. He always should be one of the most athletic guys on the floor and when he. And when he's just lollygagging out there, it's brutal. He kills you. So he's looked better, at least for them.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, it is a little scary because he does come off those nine and two point performances but right before that he had a 23 and a 22. So he looks good and then bad. Good and bad. The rebounds are important. You're right about that because it's a tiny team with Draymond starting at the five because they're just not waiting for Kevon Looney to have a good 20, 25 minutes. So this is. Everything's important for him trying and Kaminga's athleticism is obviously important, but this looks like a good team. The Western Conference standings are very, very tough from all the play ins down. Even the Nuggets. I'm sorry, excuse me, the, the Mavs. It's got to be a little scary for the Mats. Got a little scary but for the Kings here as they don't look incredible losing to the Pistons. So it's, it's just stacked. The Western Conference standings are literally stacked and the Golden State's 11th right now making their way up to the play.

[Je Skeets]

Well, the Clippers took a little step back last night because the Pelicans beat them led by Zion Williamson, C.J. mcCollum, both those guys having big fourth quarters. 117, 106 Pelicans beat the Red hot Clips. There's obviously in the playoffs right now. New Orleans is and we talked about them being linked to Dejounte Murray, but that's apparently dead. What has impressed you the most, Trey, about the Pelicans? Because I feel like they're the most sort of underrated team in the league. We never talk about them. You never hear any other shows really talk about them. And they're playing really good right now.

[Trey Kirby]

Yeah, they're a pretty good team. And the thing that's most impressive to me is they've got a top 10 defense per basketball reference, with like one and a half guys who are well respected defenders. Obviously Herb Jones is clamps Jose Alvarado great off the bench, but he's missed quite a bit of time and is still just a bench player. Otherwise it's like Valanchunas, not really known as a rim protector. CJ McCollum, he's not known as a defender but they've got length everywhere outside of their guard positions where Alvarado is a Shorty and McCollum isn't very big. Everybody else has crazy long arms and seems to be at least 6 foot 6 inches tall. So they give a lot of effort. They do everything pretty well. They force turnovers at an okay rate. They rebound really, really well. That's something Valanchunas is great at. He cleans the glass. They just are pretty good at everything defensively which lets them compete in games when they're playing well enough offensively. I think that's another thing that's surprising is that the Pelicans have been this good with Zion having an okay season. Like we tossed his name into all star conversations, but he was kind of behind Brandon Ingram when they were in first place last year. It was because Zion was dominating. He is not dominating this season, but I do think he's taken a Little step forward with regards to his playmaking. He's a career high in assist right now. He's got a career high assist rate as well. His usage is down. You could say he's not engaged or you could say he's just getting off the ball earlier. It's helping the Pelicans, whatever it is, but they figured out a way to be a pretty good team despite their superstars. Not necessarily being superstars every night.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, Zion had one of those nights where people are talking about, oh, he just doesn't look like an all star. And he came out slow scoring. He only had two points in the first half, but he had a great fourth quarter. And he helps out making assists. That's what he does. And the Clippers. Yeah, came back after a long road trip. Tends to happen. It's what happened to Sacramento, to the Pistons seven game road trip. You have a stinker.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah.

[Eshua Kid]

And Tyler was asked about it during the broadcast. What do you have to do to play better? I don't know. That's what he literally said. Because it was hard. It's hard to. Yeah. It's a long season and literally the, the first game after the road trips tend to stink. I know Kings fans are just mad at their performance last night. Sure. But it just happens to. This literally was fun. While the Clippers were in first in the Western Conference, it was a fun day. That's it. And now they're gone. Now they're gone from first place.

[Je Skeets]

They're half game back now. I think what the Pelicans season has been so funny too, especially when you talk about Zion because like, you're right, he has not been like, wow, all NBA Zion, but he's been good still. But he just picked the worst time ever to have like those really disappointing games. I'm talking about the in season tournament. And then he looked like crap. Everybody was like complaining about him and wondering about his effort and his weight and all that. And everybody just decided, well, we're moving on from the Pelicans. They're nothing. Don't worry about them. And that happened. And then of course, they've still played really, really well here. And you went through all the metrics, Trey. You know, they're 30 and 21. That's a good record. They're tied with the Suns. You know, they improved better record wise than the Kings, who obviously picked up an L last night, which we can talk about in a second. But I think they're really fun to watch too. I like a lot of their roster, their guys, because Everybody is helping.

[Trey Kirby]

So everybody even like Najee Marshall. I'm like, somebody should pick up Najee Marshall. He's solid. And another thing that impressed me, Antonio Daniels is probably top three color commentator for me in the league. Homer card. Stacy King is in the mix as well. You gotta love Clyde Frazier. But I love Antonio Daniels. You can tell he loves watching this team play. He's super excited. And I think him and Joel Myers are very, very funny together. I think they were calling him Grady Richard when they played the Raptors.

[Je Skeets]

Well, they had a lot of dick jokes. A whole lot Grady Richard. Let's move over to the surprise of the night. Jaden Ivey scoring A career high 37 points to lead the Pistons past the Kings. 133. 120. Now you're saying this is a bit of a schedule loss. I don't know. They're playing the Pistons.

[Eshua Kid]

No. Their defense is struggling at times this season for the Sacramento Kings. That's why I'm very interested next few hours if they go and try and get the Kuzma or whoever to be that power forward spot because their defense is bad. They let the pistons shoot above 50 from three. That's the seventh time they've done that this season. That doesn't happen a lot in NBA games where teams shoot that well. Only the spurs and the Nets have allowed that many times for their opponents to shoot 50%. So that's the worrisome part. Sacramento Kings have dropped down to the play in tournament at this point. That's very scary. And I bring up Kyle Kuzman because I wonder are they going to try and go for it? It's the defensive side that's been a problem. Pistons had no cade, no boy McDanovich in this one. And it's nice that Monte Williams has gave Jayden Ivey the keys at times because he didn't at the beginning of the season. That's part of why they've stunk. But yeah, 37, the five from seven from three is ridiculous. That fourth quarter was ridiculous where he had a 19 point fourth quarter. Sacramento Kings were just letting them play ISO continue to let him play ISO. And their defense is a big question. It's the effort. I think on the question even. Even yes, long trip coming back. But I should say the offense is a question too. Like Fox, we went through the Wiggins stats where he have a 20 point game that have a nine point game. It kind of happens to Fox and Monk, both those guys. They're not 20 point G20 point scorers every single Game. So yeah, that's the scary part. Demonstra Bonus is their steadiest, best player. Fox, sometimes he fades a little bit and their defense is. It ain't there, unfortunately. So it's weird to see them in a play in tournament spot now at this stage.

[Je Skeets]

The Kings have a horrible habit of playing to the level of their opponent. They do it all the time. They look great against good teams and then they will lose to bad teams like the Pistons, who improved to 3 and 20 on the road, 7 and 43 overall. And yeah, Ivey was awesome. He was blowing by Herder every single time. He's just too fast for Kevin Herder. But offensively, right. Keegan Murray, zero points in 20 minutes. Fox, bad game, five of 14, 12 points. And then Harrison Barnes didn't hit a three, eight points. That's three other starters right there. Sabonis, he's. He is the one, the steady guy. He's basically always good for, you know, 20, 10 and 8. It feels like every night, if not more. But those other guys sort of hit and miss. But it was a bad loss and Mike Brown was going, no excuses, come on this, we should be beating a team like this. And they again, they carried themselves like, we'll play one quarter, you know, we'll play eight minutes of defense. We'll win this game. Ironically, it sort of worked.

[Trey Kirby]

They almost had them.

[Je Skeets]

They just did it too soon because, yeah, they were down big. Then they locked in, they took the lead. And then Ivey said, no, no, no, we're getting a victory tonight. And the Kings came up short. But any thoughts on that?

[Trey Kirby]

Once you start rolling, it's hard to turn that water off. And they could not stand in front of Ivy. And then it was just over helping. Which led to wide open three pointers for the Pistons. They took 31 three point attempts last night. Fifteen were considered wide open by NBA.com's tracking data and 15 were just considered standard open. So one of them, they defended well. That's how The Pistons made 17 threes last night. This is just weird. Pistons are 3 and 37 without Kate with Cade Cunningham in the lineup. 4 and 6 without Cade Cunningham. Well, something to keep track.

[Je Skeets]

Keep tracking. Keep track of that. Keep track of it. Keep your eye on that. Interesting the other games last night because I want you to get your, your cowboy hat ready. Here we had Porzingis and White leading the Celtics to a win over the Hawks. We had Donovan Mitchell, who is on fire. He scored 40 again. Cavs beat the Wizards. That's their seventh straight win. Jimmy Butler had a triple double as the Heat pulled away from the Spurs. 116, 104. But come on, let's talk trades.

[Trey Kirby]

I got one thought here.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, what?

[Trey Kirby]

J.B. bickerstaff should coach the All Star Game.

[Je Skeets]

Sure.

[Trey Kirby]

Cavs passed the Bucks like the day after Doc Rivers got the call because of where the Bucs record is. But now the Cavs are in second, and they're still in second. So I think it's gonna be J.B. bickerstaff.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

Since Doc has been there for five.

[Je Skeets]

Games, I agree with you. I said this when we were like, debating what the hell's going on. Why don't they just go down a tier? Go to the team. Who cares?

[Trey Kirby]

Exactly. If it's not the first place team, it's like, who cares? Yeah, I understand. They got rules, but it should be J.B. bix.

[Je Skeets]

Okay, well, we got all sales of trade. We got a couple, actually. Yes, we do.

[Eshua Kid]

Couple trades. Bruce Brown. I see a cowboy hat. Must be Bruce Brown.

[Je Skeets]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. A man that probably never puts on a hat because he likes his haircut. Gordon Hayward.

[Eshua Kid]

Where's he going?

[Trey Kirby]

That's a good point.

[Je Skeets]

Okay, we are learning from Woj here that Gordon Hayward. Yes. Is headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Trey Mann and Davis Bertons. Yeah, you forgot about Bertons, didn't you? That big old fat deal that he's got. But yeah, I guess the Thunder here, adding, you know, obviously a former All Star still at times looks really good and can put up some numbers, but getting a vet in here with all these young guys, that's gonna bump up their average age. Oh, man, they're gonna have to throw that stat out the window because everybody. Oh, I don't know. Can they win it with an average age of that young? We never had a team in the A team win it with an average age of 22, go to the championship. Well, now, now you can get. Throw that out because we got Gordon here. What do you think?

[Eshua Kid]

And we're definitely going to hear, oh, yeah, Thunder just got an All Star. You're going to hear all the work. All Star, all the time. Gordon Hayward. It's been a minute. He's going to be turning 34 soon. His contract is coming up with the Charlotte Hornets. That major, major contract that he signed. Michael Jordan signed him to this incredible deal that he got.

[Trey Kirby]

It's.

[Eshua Kid]

It's coming to an end, but he's definitely good off the bench. That's where he'll be playing. He can score so he can help the OKC bench. But the. The Hornets had to say goodbye at this point right here, right now, when he's healthy. I mean, the surgeries and injuries have slowed him down. He hasn't been the same guy. But does he play at all? I mean, he's.

[Trey Kirby]

That's a great question. He hasn't literally hasn't played since December 26th.

[Eshua Kid]

He gets hurt a lot.

[Je Skeets]

He does.

[Eshua Kid]

I guess he's coming back. I guess, but I have no idea.

[Trey Kirby]

I can't imagine they would trade Trey Mann if. If Gordon Hayward isn't gonna play. But, man, Skeets, you talk about a guy that. They're gonna say he could win you a quarter in a playoff.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, hell yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

Absolutely.

[Je Skeets]

You're right.

[Trey Kirby]

Hayward could. He could hit three threes. Do that thing where he drives into the lane and stops short. That guy's. His seat belts must be active in his cars because he's always stopping short for the little pop ups. But sure, yeah, he'll be a veteran helper there, I suppose, in okc, assuming he's able to get on the court. And then I think a worthy roll of the dice for the Charlotte Hornets picking up Trey Mann, a guy who was a first round talent just out of the picture in okc. Though he did put himself in that picture once upon him.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, right. Yeah, he is. He just turned 23 years old. Old. So I'm with you. Bit of a flyer here for the Hornets, maybe also doing good for. For Gordon Hayward a little bit here and trading him. Good gourd to a good team.

[Eshua Kid]

I don't know.

[Je Skeets]

It's a possibility. But yeah, obviously Berton's also. Is he an expiring? Yeah, Berton's expiring as well.

[Eshua Kid]

They gave up on the Bert, which is. I guess they didn't want that. And Trey, man, has his minutes have been reduced a lot and. Okay, see, but good for Charlotte to give him a shot. Absolutely.

[Je Skeets]

And another trade. It's minor, but the 76ers are trading Danwell House Jr. And a 2024 second round pick by way of the Knicks to the Pistons. Man, the Pistons are active and we said it. Morey wasn't done. And that's House going there. I don't know what the hell is. What? Did I even say anything? Returning? No, no, it's one of those trades where we're still waiting to see it.

[Trey Kirby]

Okay, here you go, Woj. Adam, a little context. The move gives the Sixers salary cap cushion to sign buyout players post deadline including the possibility of.

[Je Skeets]

Here we go.

[Trey Kirby]

Charlotte's Kyle Lowry, should he become available in a contract buyout.

[Je Skeets]

Okay.

[Eshua Kid]

Oh, baby.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, my God. If you're joining us on YouTube, you're gonna love this paragraph of text. Somebody tweet this graphic right now. So, yes, House going to the Pistons, along with. Along with a second round pick, which we talked about them, you know, giving up one. Maybe they would get one back. I mean, it's maybe not as good, but they do. And then, yeah, Sixers may be doing a move here for the future tasks when it comes to. To buyout guys. And you want to talk about giving Kyle Lowry maybe the key to the city.

[Eshua Kid]

Yes, that's his city.

[Trey Kirby]

You'll get a key.

[Eshua Kid]

Yes. And sorry, Patrick Beverly, I'm taking your key because Patrick Beverly is their backup guard. Kyle Lowry would be a key guy. He helped the Heat get to the finals last year as their backup guard. But he played a lot and he played good. So I thought, yeah, that this would. As soon as the Charlotte deal was done, it made sense for him to go there. Made sense a little bit to the Lakers. And it's great to see that the Sixers aren't giving up and that Embiid's knees will probably bring him back within weeks. You need those knees, obviously, so it's great to hear that. But the Kyle Lowry. The Kyle are signing. It can help. I brought up that.

[Je Skeets]

Not official.

[Eshua Kid]

No, it's not. It can help. Yeah.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah.

[Eshua Kid]

Like I brought up, the Lakers signed Mark Eve Morris to start in the playoffs. They signed him as a buyout guy. That's what happened in 2020 when they won the NBA championship. Kyle could help. Now, I'm not saying six are winning the championship, but he could definitely. Yeah, he could help. He could help a lot, man.

[Je Skeets]

Things are happening here. Things are happening during the morning podcast, which we like to see. Will there be anything left come 2:00 clock? What the hell are we gonna do for two hours? We better get some sporkles ready or something like that.

[Trey Kirby]

We gotta check our casting, try and.

[Je Skeets]

Come up with some more Italian trivia for you guys.

[Trey Kirby]

Great.

[Je Skeets]

Okay.

[Eshua Kid]

We're gonna open up our mail. That's for sure.

[Je Skeets]

We're opening mail.

[Trey Kirby]

That's a good idea.

[Je Skeets]

Okay. We will be live at 2pm Eastern. We don't care if nothing happens. We'll go over maybe some of the.

[Trey Kirby]

Any of these three men. Be sure.

[Je Skeets]

God, no, no, I have.

[Trey Kirby]

Wizards already are saying we're keeping Kuzma.

[Je Skeets]

I had to put the big names on the big faces on the graphic, you know that. That's a. That's a thumbnail rule.

[Trey Kirby]

Okay. If you were gonna put three faces on the graphic that you think actually will be traded from the 2 to 4 o' clock hour, who put on Bruce Brown's gotta be on.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

He's the number one guy I think will actually be traded.

[Je Skeets]

Okay, I like that one. Who else?

[Trey Kirby]

Let me look at Grant Williams.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, somebody from Dallas.

[Trey Kirby]

Dallas is super in the mix for everybody right now.

[Eshua Kid]

For everybody.

[Je Skeets]

How about, you know, I'm gonna put. Okay, like Bruce Brown. I'm gonna stick with one of the Nets guys. Probably a Royce o' Neill.

[Trey Kirby]

That's a good.

[Je Skeets]

He's gonna be moved for a second round.

[Eshua Kid]

Pick every Royce o' Neill. And then DFS is probably gonna get Dorian, Finney, Smith. I'm just picking guys that aren't big names. Frankly, that's likely what will happen.

[Je Skeets]

Someone from the Mavs. I don't know who. I can't pick, but.

[Trey Kirby]

Okay.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, I like that. Mystery Mavs man.

[Trey Kirby]

Mystery Mavs, man. They're gonna ship that guy out. That weird mascot. They've been trying to get rid of him forever.

[Je Skeets]

They have.

[Trey Kirby]

Face is too scary. A basketball face.

[Je Skeets]

No takers. Guy's on a big contract too tough to move. Okay, we gotta take one more break. It's a quick one. When we come back, tweet of the night. All right, still here in the Classic factory. Our first of two podcasts today, at least. Love this comment though, because we were debating which realistic player should we actually have on our trade deadline special graphic, which we're gonna be live at 2pm Eastern, just to remind you we decided on Bruce Brown. Sounded like we came to a consensus on Royce o' Neill. And then in the Stream team, they're saying just put Bogdanovich because it increases your odds. Because we got two of them, not bad. In the Hawks and the Pistones. So we'll just put the name Bogdanovich. Not even a player's face. As we wrap up this pod though, let's get to Tweet of the night.

[Eshua Kid]

Mmm. Tweet of the night.

[Je Skeets]

Wow. Tweet.

[Eshua Kid]

Ah, Tweet of the night.

[Trey Kirby]

More like thing we did yesterday.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, wow, what a pivot.

[Trey Kirby]

The boys went to big hoops. What's big hoops, you ask? Well, it's the world. World's first tech infused basketball game that allows for social competition between all skill levels. Basically, it's topgolf for basketball and we got a chance to demo it here Just outside of Atlanta, you see a bunch of different games. They have a bunch of different environments you can play in. And then the key is this basketball hoop that switches from a regular regulation size rim to a gigantic big hoop. Keeping track of your scores. You can play all these different kinds of games. Like, some of them are just about trying to hit a shot early in the shot clock so you get more points. There's skeetsy. Some are a little bit more like a standard papa shot where you're. Every time you make it, it adds something on. We had a great time. Played for like an hour and a half straight.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, my God.

[Trey Kirby]

My forearms were firing at the end of it. That was really a great time.

[Je Skeets]

This is not an ad. We just actually wanted to try this out. Yeah. And demo this thing. And, yeah, I think I'm speaking for all of us. We're addicted to it. Nobody wanted to leave yesterday. We're like, ah. Everybody's like, hopefully there's no trades happening because I want to keep shooting around on this and battling the guys. This is. I mean, I don't know. I think this is going to be huge.

[Eshua Kid]

Super fun. You mentioned that it's like topgolf. It is. But the games, I think, even better. A little bit more variety with the games.

[Je Skeets]

That's true.

[Eshua Kid]

That track that it's on is pretty neat. They brought up that it's like at a car factory where you've got these things. Just moving this track is really, really cool. It's not like a top shot you get at a Dave and Buster's, you know what I mean, where the backboard might move a little bit. It was all over the place.

[Trey Kirby]

Oh, it's all over the place.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah.

[Trey Kirby]

Yeah. You could just practice your location way back, way high. People are asking, where is it? They're negotiating spaces right now. Like we said, we demoed it, so we got to see what it was like earlier. But just even being in the one place and playing around with it, like, I wish we had it for the couple hours we're having between the trade podcast right now. But eventually it'll be, I don't know, a big warehouse that has 10 of them and, you know, like a bar and a restaurant you can order food from. So that is coming soon, I assume, hopefully at the end of the year.

[Je Skeets]

I think they said I got most intrigued when they were like, when we did it a couple times. And obviously we're like, all competing and everybody's talking shit and stuff and they're like, yeah. We think, like, there'll be like 10 bays or we vision, like 10 bays in a space. Like you said, a bar and all that. And that you'll be able to like, have leagues. Like, you'll have teams. Like, we have a no dunks team. And our bay is competing because it's just keeping track of everything against the other teams, be it there or around the world. I'm like, oh, my God. And then you could be doing all the same shots and stuff like that. Like, the possibilities are endless with this. And I was amazed. I couldn't believe, like, we knew we were going into it. I'm like, okay, this will probably be fun. I didn't think it'd be this slick, like the interface and the, you know, the. The possibilities of the games and stuff like that. Just how it looked social, like you said, task that track moving, how fluid it was.

[Eshua Kid]

Yeah, was cool.

[Je Skeets]

It was cool. So big hoops.

[Trey Kirby]

Keep an eye out for that, fans.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, we are huge fans. We even said like, they were like, yeah, we could have you guys down when we actually officially launch and we could have come beat, like the no dunks guys. Like, we could put our score in and then people could try and compete and you can play for prizes and stuff like that. Sounds good. Sounds good.

[Trey Kirby]

No dunks stadium. Maybe you could play in. The possibilities are endless.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah. Ash, Jerome, any thoughts on. On big hoops? You guys got to come to the warehouse there and try out the demo. What do you think?

[Melis]

Waiting for the camera.

[Je Skeets]

You can just talk. It was all podcast.

[Melis]

No, no, no, it was, it was. It was a super fun time. I mean, we're all sickos here. If there's a hoop and a ball, you're gonna pick it up and you're gonna wanna shoot it nonstop. If anything, when this becomes a thing and you can attend it, I'm gonna be the most antisocial person. Cause all I'm gonna do is shoot on that thing. But no, I mean, how quick. Like, we saw the interface and once it swiped, we're just like, oh, that's interesting. Literally the first shot up, we were up hooked.

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, I know.

[Melis]

It was a problem.

[Je Skeets]

It was like, oh, this is way better than I even thought it was.

[Melis]

It's a really good time.

[Je Skeets]

I'm immediately going, huh, Can I become an investor in this?

[Melis]

Ash was holding me back from like, you guys were chatting with them. And I was just like sitting there like, game, not even going, and I.

[Je Skeets]

Was just shooting on stuff. Yeah, it was fun. And Ash, any thoughts? I know you did want to leave you were the.

[Jerome Chang]

Can I stick around if I got a ball? I'm trying to shoot. You know what I'm saying? I'm a really Ellis with it. But I was real, real salty, though, because I always came in second. Like, Skeets, you were. You're killing me. Every time. You be killing you.

[Je Skeets]

I beat you by one point.

[Jerome Chang]

I know, but every other one, like, I'm like, oh, yeah, I got this one. I turn around and here you go. You got a big score or whatever. I set one record. You did record. That was like my highlight. It was fun, though.

[Je Skeets]

Very, very much fun. Thanks to everybody at Big Hoops, the guys there for having us out. Look forward to doing it again and obviously, yeah, hopefully this is something, I don't know, three, four, five years will be like, basically across America, across the world, they can open these things.

[Trey Kirby]

Yeah, I'm looking at the ceilings. You want to put one in here, but maybe outside?

[Je Skeets]

Yeah, for sure.

[Trey Kirby]

Down at the cul de sac, there's room.

[Je Skeets]

Oh, yeah, play with the. Play with the sheep and the dogs down there. All right, let's call it there. Before any more trades come in. Join us at 2pm Eastern live here on YouTube. Subscribe like it's the trade deadline special. We'll go probably two to four, you know, however long we need to. As the. Hopefully more trades trickle in, but we got a fair amount coming in live here. The ones yesterday, those were pretty minor. But what happened here so far today? Buddy Healed going to the Sixers, Gordon Hayward going to the Thunder. Who else am I forgetting? Those are the biggest names. Yeah, those are the biggest names. So hopefully some more on deck. TNT doubleheader tonight too. Mavs, Knicks, Nuggets, Lakers, Kobe statue is unveiled tonight. That, like I was like, that caught me by surprise. I know I should have taken note of the date. It is February 8, 2024. But yeah, we'll see that tonight as well. So we'll be back tomorrow morning for the drop podcast at 10, but you're joining us live at 2. Can't wait to see you then. Clover bros. You heard it here first.

[Trey Kirby]

Have a great time.

[Je Skeets]

Turn up. Love you guys.

[Trey Kirby]

Awesome.

[Eshua Kid]

Thanks for joining us. And remember Darryl Mori in Philadelphia. Sign Kyle. Sign Kyle Lowry and give him a key to the freaking city and the friggin state. Let's do it.

[Je Skeets]

Race the day, people.