PTI Episode Summary: Bucks Cut Lillard, Sign Myles Turner

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In this engaging episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into significant sports headlines, offering insightful analysis and vibrant discussions. The episode primarily focuses on the Milwaukee Bucks' strategic roster changes, surprising upsets at Wimbledon, a historic baseball feat, and notable moves in the NBA free agency landscape. Additionally, the hosts sprinkle in memorable sports anecdotes and updates, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the day's hottest topics.

1. Milwaukee Bucks' Major Roster Moves

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the Milwaukee Bucks' recent and impactful decisions in the NBA offseason. The Bucks made headlines by waiving Damian Lillard, a star acquisition from a couple of years prior, and subsequently signing Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.

Tony Kornheiser [01:09]:

"The Bucs waived their star acquisition from a couple of years ago, Damian Lillard, who likely is not going to play this coming season anyway because of a torn Achilles."

Mike Wilbon [01:46]:

"Man, I'm going to start with the Pacers since they just play for the championship. Wow. I mean, losing Turner like this to a division rival, this hurts Tony."

Impact on the Pacers and Bucks: The waiving of Lillard and acquisition of Turner leaves the Indiana Pacers in a precarious position, losing key players like Turner and others, which significantly diminishes their championship aspirations. Conversely, the Bucks, while attempting to bolster their depth, risk destabilizing team chemistry and Giannis Antetokounmpo's satisfaction with the roster.

Tony Kornheiser [03:24]:

"If they don't make every move with keeping Giannis in mind, then what are they doing?"

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Perspective: Brian Windhorst joins the conversation to shed light on Giannis's stance, indicating that Giannis is "less than thrilled" with the recent moves, raising questions about the Bucks' championship viability.

2. Surprising Upsets at Wimbledon

Shifting gears to tennis, Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss the unexpected early exits of top-seeded players at Wimbledon, highlighting a trend of volatility even among the sport's elite.

Mike Wilbon [06:03]:

"A first round bounce that doesn't happen to the greatest of the players out there. Not a first round bounce at Wimbledon, the most important tournament."

Tony Kornheiser [07:25]:

"As great as Coco Gauff might be, perhaps we are pushing too hard with Coco Gauff."

Analysis: The hosts debate whether the early losses, including Coco Gauff's straight-set defeat, signify overestimation of rising stars or reflect the increasingly competitive and unpredictable nature of global tennis.

3. Historic Baseball Achievement: William Abreu's Dual Home Runs

In a remarkable baseball highlight, Tony and Mike celebrate William Abreu's unprecedented performance, becoming the first player since 1958 to hit both a Grand Slam and an inside-the-park home run in the same game.

Tony Kornheiser [09:17]:

"Red Sox right fielder William Abreu became the first player since Roger Maris in 1958 to hit both a Grand Slam and an inside the park home run in the same game."

Mike Wilbon [10:24]:

"So if you get an inside the park home run, you got to have a ball in carom in a way that allows you to get around the bases."

Significance: The discussion underscores the rarity and excitement of Abreu's feat, contrasting it with the increasing frequency of Grand Slams, thereby highlighting the uniqueness of the inside-the-park home run.

4. NBA Free Agency and Denver Nuggets' Strategic Moves

Brian Windhorst joins the podcast to provide expert analysis on the Denver Nuggets' recent trades and signings, emphasizing their efforts to address depth issues and position themselves for a strong playoff push.

Tony Kornheiser [13:43]:

"The Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. To the Nets for Cam Johnson and they also brought back Bruce Brown. What does this say to you about what the Denver Nuggets are trying to do?"

Brian Windhorst [13:43]:

"They are addressing their depth problems... actively trying to help the depth and that will be really helpful to go to Nikola Jokic with a contract extension offer."

Key Points: Windhorst explains that the Nuggets are not only balancing their books by shaving $34 million through the Porter Jr. trade but also enhancing their roster depth by bringing back Bruce Brown and signing Tim Hardaway Jr., thereby strengthening their support around star center Nikola Jokić.

5. LeBron James Opting In and Future NBA Salaries

The conversation shifts to LeBron James's decision to opt into his contract with the Lakers, exploring the implications of this move and the broader trend of escalating NBA salaries.

Brian Windhorst [15:21]:

"He has a no trade clause and it's very hard to make that work... he wants to see the Lakers invest in this season."

Tony Kornheiser [17:47]:

"Shaikhi Iljis Alexander has agreed to a four-year supermax extension that will end up paying him nearly $80 million in the final year. How high are these basketball salaries going?"

Salient Insights: Windhorst discusses the rationale behind LeBron's opting in, emphasizing financial prudence and the desire for organizational investment. He also forecasts a trend towards even higher salaries, predicting contracts exceeding $100 million by the decade's end due to escalating media rights deals and salary caps.

Brian Windhorst [18:14]:

"By the end of this decade there will be a player who has $100 million on his contract... The salary cap went up 10% last year... the $100 million number is coming."

6. Additional Sports Highlights and Anecdotes

The episode concludes with a blend of memorable sports moments and lighter segments, showcasing the hosts' lively banter and passion for the games.

• Carl Lewis's 64th Birthday: Celebrating the legendary athlete's achievements and current role as a head track coach at the University of Houston.

  Tony Kornheiser [20:57]:

  "Happy 64th birthday, Carl Lewis... he may be the greatest athlete of all time."

• Andy Hawkins' No-Hitter Near-Miss: Reflecting on a historic baseball game where Hawkins lost a no-hitter due to a series of errors.

  Tony Kornheiser [21:50]:

  "On this day 35 years ago, the Yankee right-hander no. Hit the White Sox... he lost the game."

• Impressive Catch by Jackson Merrill: Highlighting a spectacular play from the Padres Phillies game, comparing it to other notable MLB catches.

  Tony Kornheiser [22:46]:

  "A three-run home run for Max Kepler... Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill tracked it, leaped and brought it back while fully extended."

Conclusion

This PTI episode offers a comprehensive roundup of significant sports developments, from high-stakes NBA trades and contract negotiations to surprising tennis upsets and historic baseball performances. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, along with expert Brian Windhorst, provide nuanced perspectives that cater to both casual fans and ardent sports enthusiasts. The lively discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timely analysis, make this episode a must-listen for anyone keen on staying updated with the latest in the sports world.

Note: Advertisements, intros, and outros from the transcript have been excluded to focus solely on the episode's content.