LeBron responds to 76ers, Lakers are trading Ayton to Wizards

Summary

PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: LeBron responds to 76ers, Lakers are trading Ayton to Wizards
Date: July 4, 2026
Hosts: Pablo Torre, Frank Isola (filling in for Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon)
Theme: The episode covers major current sports stories, focusing on LeBron James’ free agency, NBA trades, and World Cup soccer drama, combining analysis, speculation, and personal anecdotes.

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Main Theme

The episode analyzes LeBron James’ free agency options—with the 76ers and Warriors as leading contenders—while also hitting on the latest World Cup controversies and notable MLB storylines. The hosts weigh narrative, legacy, and statistical realities, all in PTI’s signature witty, rapid-fire style.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. LeBron James’ Free Agency: Sixers vs. Warriors

Timestamps: 01:30–05:27

• Rich Paul’s Strategy: Pablo Torre highlights the performative aspect of LeBron’s team mapping out scenarios (reference to the “whiteboard” on a Rich Paul/Max Kellerman podcast).
  • “he’s more acutely aware of the story of LeBron as much as he is anything else.” — Pablo Torre (02:08)
• Sixers’ Unique Opportunity: Pablo makes the case that Philly offers LeBron a shot at an epic finale, as it’s the one city among the suitors where he hasn’t delivered a title, unlike Miami, Cleveland, and Golden State.
  • “If Lebron wins the hearts of Philly…it would be an incredible finale to a career that at this point is predictable only in the sense that he cares about the finale.” — Pablo Torre (02:34, 02:52)
• Trust in Supporting Cast: Frank Isola says LeBron could trust Maxey (a Klutch client), Brown, and Edgecombe, but Embiid is less dependable due to health concerns.
  • “The one guy, let’s be fair, that he probably doesn’t trust is Joel Embiid, because you don’t know how many games he’ll be available for.” — Frank Isola (03:15)
• Warriors as Favorite: Frank predicts the Warriors are LeBron’s true destination, reading Draymond Green’s opt-out as a “bat signal.” He views much of the media speculation as “performative.”
  • “LeBron James is one step ahead of everybody… My guess is that it’s the Warriors.” — Frank Isola (03:48)
• Box Office Appeal: Pablo and Frank agree LeBron and Steph on the same roster would be a world-dominating sports story.
  • “Him and Steph Curry, period.” — Pablo Torre (04:32)

2. World Cup High Drama: Croatia vs. Portugal, Ronaldo, and Technology

Timestamps: 05:32–08:12

• Heartbreaking VAR Decision: Croatia’s dramatic last-second goal against Portugal is waved off by VAR (for a hair offside), sending Luka Modric out of his final World Cup with heartbreak.
  • “You felt gutted for Croatia… That goal should have stood.” — Frank Isola (06:02)
• Dilemma of Technology: Both hosts sympathize with technology’s accuracy, but lament that it can kill the spirit of the game.
  • “Technology should not take the game out of the hands of the players.” — Pablo Torre (07:28)
  • “It was not clear, it was not obvious. And I get the value of technology, but I’d rather see the players figure it out.” — Pablo Torre (07:59)
• Ronaldo’s Role: Frank discusses the possibility that Portugal might bench or sub Ronaldo now, after Ramos scored as his replacement.

3. MLB: The Yankees’ Struggles Without Aaron Judge

Timestamps: 09:09–11:35

• Judge’s Value Quantified: Pablo says since 2020, Yankees are “138 games over .500 when Aaron Judge is in the lineup and they are eight under .500 when he’s not.” (09:33)
• Rotation Woes: Starting pitching’s ERA over five in the last 30 innings is concerning despite a solid bullpen.
• Twin Troubles—Or Not?: Frank notes the Yankees have historically dominated the Twins, especially with Garrett Cole starting.
  • “He is… their team [against the Twins].” — Frank Isola (10:50)
• MVP Impact: Both agree Aaron Judge’s absence is the single biggest factor in the slump.

4. TOSS-UP: World Cup Matchups and Star Power

Timestamps: 14:00–18:22

a) Mexico vs. England (Azteca)

• Mexico’s Legendary Home Advantage: Only eight losses at Azteca in 150 matches; elevation is a huge factor.
  • “The elevation is real. The lack of... burst is what you lose when you’re visiting that place.” — Pablo Torre (14:40)
• Quality of Opposition Debated: Frank questions the strength of Mexico’s recent Azteca opponents.
  • “My point is…they have played really good teams… they didn’t beat Spain there, and now they’re going to play England.” — Frank Isola (15:28)
• Frank Picks England: Better team on paper, but must survive early storm given altitude and heat.
• Pablo Picks Mexico: Buys into form, home boost, and England’s history of choking (14:54).

b) Who’s the bigger must-watch: Mbappé (France) or Messi (Argentina)?

• Messi’s Magic: Pablo marvels at Messi’s play: passive and slow until suddenly lethal (“just kind of inching as if he’s in his slippers…then suddenly he does what he does…” — 16:40).
• Mbappé’s Speed and Dominance: Frank raves about Mbappé’s top gear, arguing France looks unbeatable with him—“he plays at a different speed…his movement without the ball is unbelievable.” (17:15)
• Split Decision: Pablo prefers Messi’s swan song, Frank favors Mbappé’s impact.

5. NBA & World Soccer Latest

Timestamps: 20:33–24:00

• Jaylen Brown Trade Fallout: Frank highlights the gamble Celtics’ Brad Stevens made, choosing Tatum over Brown, and predicts scrutiny over the return (22:07).
• Coaching Carousel: Billy Donovan joins the Spurs as lead assistant after a lackluster Bulls stint; Jurgen Klopp is rumored to replace Nagelsmann as Germany’s coach.
• Lakers/Wizards Trade: Deandre Ayton traded to Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two 2nd rounders—hosts mock Wizards’ tendency for odd trades.
  • “I just like that the Wizards are involved in the most Wizards way possible.” — Pablo Torre (24:17)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “LeBron James is one step ahead of everybody, probably even two and three steps.” — Frank Isola (03:48)
• “If Lebron wins the hearts of Philly…thank you, that would be an incredible finale.” — Pablo Torre (02:34, 02:52)
• “Technology should not take the game out of the hands of the players.” — Pablo Torre (07:28)
• “He’s more acutely aware of the story of LeBron as much as he is anything else.” — Pablo Torre (02:08)
• “Their record since [Aaron Judge] went out is 12 and 15. They just can’t win without Aaron Judge. So when you talk about MVP, that is the definition of MVP.” — Frank Isola (11:12)
• “I have old confidence and new trauma, and I am caught between it. I just want my binky, meaning I want the Giant guy playing in the outfield to make me feel better.” — Pablo Torre on being a Yankees fan (11:35)
• “Many [say England is better than Mexico]. Many have lost.” — Pablo Torre (16:13)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• LeBron Free Agency Breakdown: 01:30–05:27
• Croatia-Portugal VAR Controversy/Tech in Sports: 05:32–08:12
• Yankees Without Judge: 09:09–11:35
• Toss-Up — Mexico vs. England: 14:05–16:13
• Toss-Up — Mbappé vs. Messi: 16:17–18:22
• NBA/NFL/MLB Roundup (Happy Time/Big Finish): 20:33–24:47

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Summary Takeaway

This PTI episode is packed with speculation, stats, and storylines—especially around LeBron’s next move and high-tension World Cup moments. The hosts bring both levity and insight, with signature jabs and a keen eye for how legacy, drama, and data all interplay in sports’ biggest stories right now.

Transcript

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[Pablo Torre]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Pablo Torre, proudly representing one half of today's B team.

[Frank Isola]

I'm Frank Isola. I think we're the A team. The A stands for available. Your best ability is availability. Come on, where else would you rather be on July 3rd on a nice

[Rich Paul]

100 day one of the.

[Pablo Torre]

Yeah, it's the hottest Washington, D.C. has ever been, is what I'm being told. Frank, you enjoying that?

[Frank Isola]

It feels like Vegas on July 3rd. That's what it feels like walking down the streets today. Not comfortable. Not comfortable. Welcome to pti, everyone. Mike and Tony are all free soloing. El Capitan. So joining me is the host of the Pulitzer Prize winning podcast, Pablo Torre finds out, Mr. Pablo Torre. Just, just to be clear, I wasn't in the running. I do a radio show that's a full time job. So I wasn't in the.

[Rich Paul]

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

[Frank Isola]

All right, let's start with the potential of LeBron James joining the Sixers. Sham reports that Philly is trying to pitch the free agent on joining Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Smacksy, and of course, Vijay Edgecombe for the upcoming season. The other known suitors for LeBron's services are the warriors, the Cavs, and the Heat. So, Pablo, what would be the pros and cons for LeBron joining the Sixers?

[Rich Paul]

So, Frank, I was examining the whiteboard that Rich Paul made for Max Kellerman on their podcast together as they were explaining all of the possibilities here.

[Pablo Torre]

And I want to make it even simpler than that, because of course, as

[Rich Paul]

that podcast indicates, as LeBron's whole life

[Pablo Torre]

indicates, he's more acutely aware of the story of LeBron as much as he is anything else. And so the question is, what's the greatest, not season, but career, finale. And it's the Sixers, really, who have not won a title since 1983. I mean, look, the warriors got one very recently. The Heat got one with LeBron, the Cavs got one with LeBron. We've seen that movie before, the Sixers. What he could do for Philadelphia, a

[Rich Paul]

city which, you know, as you, as

[Pablo Torre]

we both know, does not warm easily to anyone. If Lebron wins the hearts of Philly, which does not quite need him in the way that they used to because they got Jaylen Brown, because they have depth on that roster. Suddenly, I think an incredible finale to a career that at this point is predictable only in the sense that he

[Rich Paul]

cares about the finale.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah. Now, Rich Paul, on that podcast, which did not win the Pulitzer, he also did point out if maybe if the Knicks hadn't won, that would be the place for him to go, because then it would have been, look what I did. I ended the 54 year. That's a good drought. So he's not going there. You do bring up a good point about the Sixers, because right now I do think the Knicks, when you look at the Eastern Conference, I still think right now they're the favorites. Their starting five is terrific. Now they're battle tested. They've gone through it. But I think LeBron looks at the Sixers and thinks, I can trust Tyrese Max, who, by the way, clutch client, very close with Rich Paul, Vej Edgecomb, up and coming guy, Jaylen Brown. Look at his resume. The one guy, let's be fair, that he probably doesn't trust is Joel Embiid, because you don't know how many games he'll be available for and you don't know what will happen to him come playoff time. But we also know this about LeBron, and you're talking about good stories. This guy's entire career has been mapped out. LeBron, for me, I think he already knows where he's going, and I think it's going to be the warriors because of what Draymond Green did, opting out of his contract. He sends out the bat signal. And with all this stuff about tampering, I think it's a little bit of a dog and pony show. I think the stuff with Rich Paul and the whiteboard, Pablo, I think a little of that is performative. I think they're just waiting out. LeBron James is one step ahead of everybody, probably even two and three steps. I think he knows where he's going. I think it's already been decided. My guess is that it's the Warriors.

[Rich Paul]

So here's the thing about the warriors, right? I think the Sixers are the most interesting story for the reasons I said, in terms of the box office. Here's the box office case for the Warriors. Him and Steph Curry, period. Yeah, right.

[Pablo Torre]

That is from a pure.

[Rich Paul]

Just like, can the superheroes of this league come together? And they.

[Pablo Torre]

By the way, Frank, you know this. You've Seen it. They've been, man, crushing on each other for a very, very long time. Steph and LeBron, the idea of the two of them together, right, Draymond being

[Rich Paul]

the first sort of signal there, I think that is something that smells like a giant. Giant, A one leading every story, leading every show in the world for as long as they want to do that. That would be the case for Golden State.

[Frank Isola]

And remember something else, too. Mike Gansey, who LeBron's known for a long time, you know, going all the way back to high school basketball in Cleveland or in Ohio. He's the GM of the Sixers. Bob Myers is now the, you know, kind of in charge of everything. And once again, for LeBron, I think it comes down to trust. He wants to know he'd have a good chance, and that's why Philadelphia does have a chance here. And I think it would be a good move. I still think, ultimately, be the Warriors.

[Rich Paul]

Yeah. I remember Mike Gansey playing with Kevin Pitznagle.

[Pablo Torre]

That's how old I West Virginia.

[Frank Isola]

Nice.

[Rich Paul]

Getting pitsnaggled. I want to move to the World cup because Croatia, they got pitsnaggled in a sense. They got kicked out of this thing by a hair.

[Pablo Torre]

Croatia had appeared to tie Portugal at two in the final seconds of stoppage

[Rich Paul]

time, but var it ruled that Croatia's

[Pablo Torre]

cross had brushed the coif of Igor Botanovic struggling through the French, which meant Mario Paselic was offside and the goal got waved off. And so, Frank, your feeling about this

[Rich Paul]

dramatic goal getting overturned is what.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah. What's the expression they use all the time with soccer in Europe? Gutted. You felt gutted for Croatia for the way that it ended. I felt it should have been a tying goal. Then chances are you're going to extra time with, by the way, with Ronaldo on the bench. You're a big technology guy. You always want robots. And I like Var to a certain extent. But, Pablo, here's the problem with it. You know, when you watch it on replay, it does not look like it touches his hair at all. But they have a sensor in the ball, and according to the sensor, there was what they call like a heartbeat or some kind of skip, and that's what it's being ruled on. So when you watch it with the naked eye, and Fox had a great camera angle from behind the goal, it looks like it does not touch the offensive player, looks like it comes off the back of the Portuguese defender. That goal should have stood. And you think about the spirit of the rule, and that really Took the life out of everybody. And I felt bad for Luka Modric, a legendary player that was his last ever World cup game. Maybe his last ever game.

[Rich Paul]

Right. I am a bit tortured given my historical takes about technology solving the problems that afflict sports. The trade off is, of course, between accuracy and entertainment. And as I've gotten older, Frank, as I've done more and more of these

[Pablo Torre]

shows and watch more and more of

[Rich Paul]

these games, I do realize that the spirit of the law does matter. And the nightmare. The nightmare for me as a fan

[Pablo Torre]

watching that game is technology should not

[Rich Paul]

take the game out of the hands of the players.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Rich Paul]

And that's the thing, right?

[Pablo Torre]

And so Var, they have a rule built in that ostensibly does account for this. It is the clear and obvious quote, unquote language.

[Rich Paul]

Right?

[Pablo Torre]

Was it clear and was it obvious? And the referee ostensibly gets to choose and say, you know what? We're going to let this one stand, because, by the way, we would have gone to extra time, and Luka Modric and that entire diaspora of Croatia, they would have said, you know what? At the very least, we'll settle this on the field. And that, to me, is the heartbreaker.

[Rich Paul]

I hated it. I hated it because it was not

[Pablo Torre]

clear, it was not obvious. And I get the value of technology, but I'd rather see the players figure it out as opposed to short circuiting what has been yet another incredible match in the most incredible tournament that I

[Rich Paul]

can remember watching in this World Cup.

[Frank Isola]

You know Ronaldo, after the game, who played with Luka Modric, they played on the same club team at Real Madrid. He called him a football legend. And, you know, you think about that Croatian team, you know, in 2018, their runner up to France four years ago, they. Their third place, they don't have. They're not loaded with superstars, but it's such a great, you know, gritty team that fights all the time. You know, they have the great support behind them. It just was good to see that go another 30 minutes. But here's something interesting that came out of that game. As you know, Pablo Ronaldo was taken out with the score tied. The guy that in theory replaced him at striker, Ramos, scores the goal. You think Roberto Martinez now would feel empowered maybe, to not start Ronaldo against Spain or empowered maybe to take him off at some point during the match. What do you think about that?

[Rich Paul]

I think that Ronaldo's face on that statue of him at the Madera airport, which I have visited, would have resembled the feeling that you're describing.

[Frank Isola]

Good point. Good point. All right. And now to Pablo's floundering Yankees. They're back on the field tonight with Garrett Cole trying to snap the squad seven game losing streak. The swoon has come during Aaron Judge's extended absence with a rip fracture. Pablo, does this slump feel significant or temporary to you?

[Rich Paul]

So it feels like an Aaron Judge thing, and it's hard to say that in baseball typically, but since 2020, I

[Pablo Torre]

believe the Yankees are 138 games over.500 when Aaron Judd is in the lineup and they are eight under.500 when he's not. And so try to isolate the variable. That's a pretty big sample size, Frank. Over hundreds and hundreds of games. And so that is the first thing

[Rich Paul]

we want, Aaron judging the lineup whenever possible so that we hope he returns. The second thing, though is that there's

[Pablo Torre]

a starting pitching problem. Yeah, they've had an era over five in the last 30 some odd innings. Right now the bullpen's looking great, but the starting pitching is floundering. And so look, I think the AL

[Rich Paul]

east is right there for the Yankees to get that wild card spot. I think they're currently first right now

[Pablo Torre]

in the AL wild card race.

[Rich Paul]

I like that.

[Pablo Torre]

But there are some fundamentals Aaron Judge

[Rich Paul]

related that continue to worry me if he's not going to be healthy.

[Frank Isola]

That is an amazing stat, like what they've done with Aaron Judge in the. And that's a guy that, you know, plays one position. He's batting, you know, once every nine times in the order. It's. It's incredible what he's done. It's, as you know, tomorrow George Steinbrenner's birthday. Can you imagine the Yankees going into July 4th on an eight game. But here's the good news, though. They're playing the Minnesota Twins. And if you even go back to kind of like the Derek Jeter era, all they ever did was beat the Minnesota Twins.

[Pablo Torre]

They played ALDS against the Twins was the safest I've ever felt. Yes, as a sports fan.

[Frank Isola]

And you know Aaron Boone, by the way, since he took over for the Yankees, he's 23 and 13 versus the Twins. The Yankees are. And then Garrett Cole, tonight's starter, 5, 0 with a 2.43 ERA in 53 strikeouts in six career starts against the Minnesota Twins. So he is. So this is their team. But to your point, the starting pitching has struggled and now you have. Carlos Rodin is on the Illinois with elbow inflammation, which is big. Can they hold the fort down until Aaron Judge gets back? Because everything has changed. Their record since he went out is 12 and 15. They just can't win with Aaron Judge. So when you talk about mvp, that is the definition of mvp.

[Rich Paul]

But this is what it's like to be a Yankee fan who is 40 years old, which I am. Frank. I remember steamrolling the Twins every single post season. And yet now I'm also the guy who went on StubHub and bought a ticket to watch the Yankees have the worst defensive inning in the history of Major League Baseball against the Dodgers and watching Garrett Cole, the aforementioned, not cover first base. So I have old confidence and new trauma, and I am caught between it. I just want my binky, meaning I want the Giant guy playing in the outfield to make me feel better.

[Frank Isola]

40 years old. You know, I was 39 the first time I didn't win the Pulitzer. So I kind of have you beat by one year. All right, let's take a break. But coming up, should Mexico or England be favored in Sunday's World cup showdown?

[Rich Paul]

And is Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi more of a must watch right now? I have a feeling that Toss up is next.

[Frank Isola]

Have you been to any games yet?

[Rich Paul]

You know, Frank, I've been waiting to voyage to the great state of New Jersey. Haven't mustered. Haven't mustered the confidence yet.

[Frank Isola]

I'll be there Sunday. I don't know how I'm gonna get there because you can't park there and it's too expensive.

[Pablo Torre]

Brazil. Is that Brazil? I gotta watch Brazil?

[Frank Isola]

Norway. Holland.

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[Frank Isola]

All right, it's time to tussle with Mr. Pulitzer and toss up. What's first? Toss up.

[Pablo Torre]

Who do you favor?

[Rich Paul]

Sunday, Mexico or England? So, Frank, when I think of England, you think of. It's coming home. Yep. And when I think of Mexico, I think of them being home. The Estadio Azteca, 7,300ft above sea level.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Pablo Torre]

I'm doing the math on how many times Mexico has lost when they play there.

[Rich Paul]

And they played because records are a bit hazy. 150 times. They.

[Pablo Torre]

They've lost eight.

[Frank Isola]

Yep.

[Pablo Torre]

26 in a row.

[Rich Paul]

They've won.

[Pablo Torre]

The elevation is real. The lack of, like, sudden acceleration and

[Rich Paul]

burst is what the sports science will tell you. That's what you lose when you're visiting that place.

[Pablo Torre]

And so Mexico has always had a home field advantage. The sports science on top of that, plus the general idea that this Mexico team is actually really good and England tends to choke.

[Rich Paul]

I like Mexico, man. I really like them a lot on this.

[Frank Isola]

I'll tell you what, with all due respect to France, the first half that Mexico had the other night at Azteca against Ecuador, they looked as good as any team in the tournament. They scored two quick goals, including that second one by Rahul Jimenez. They look terrific. And you're 100% right about the elevation and their record at Azteca. 100%. But let me just give you some of the teams that their last 14 matches that they've played there. Guatemala, Jamaica, Canada, the U.S. el Salvador, Costa Rica, Portugal.

[Rich Paul]

What are you trying to say?

[Frank Isola]

Portugal was a friendly nil. Nil in that one. My point is they have played really good teams. They haven't played France, they didn't beat Spain there, and now they're going to play England. Now, England has some issues at right back. Is Declan Rice going to start? What are they going to do? And we know the British press is cynical. All my friends who are British, they're the most cynical people you're ever going to meet. They're great people, but they're incredibly cynical. I think England, based on this, they're the better team. And I think if they could survive. I heard Brad Friedel talking about this on the podcast with Gary Lineker. That first, you know, 20 to 25 minutes, which brings you to the hydration break. If they could survive that, maybe they'll be good. I just think that England is better than Mexico. That's why I think England will survive. That's what it's going to come down.

[Rich Paul]

Many have said that that's true. Many have lost.

[Frank Isola]

All right, what's next? Toss up.

[Rich Paul]

Which player and team would you rather watch right now? Mbappe in France or Messi in Argentina? So you complimented Mbappe just a second ago. I will also do the same before taking the other side of this. When I was covering the World cup in Brazil in 2014 and I got the privilege of doing that for ESPN. Watching Leo Messi is so interesting, Frank,

[Pablo Torre]

because for so much of the game, he looks like Wilbot. He's just padding around slowly, just kind of inching as if he's in his slippers. And then suddenly he does what he does this tournament and he's what, six goals now in this World Cup. So the idea that his swan song is also the most interesting version of him. And plus, I just enjoy the way that he suddenly springs to life after lulling you to sleep. Messi, the all time greatest, arguably Mbappe, we'll have other chances to watch him.

[Rich Paul]

But Messi right now feels like somehow he's at his peak while he's also at the end.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, and also, you know, the one thing with Messi, and I think Ronaldo wishes that he had this, where everything seems to operate around him and it seems like every player on the team, even some great players like Enzo Fernandez who plays at Chelsea, they all kind of understand their role and they're all kind of worker bees. And then Messi, at the right moment strikes and he always delivers. For me, though, Mbappe, the way that he's playing right now, he just. First of all, it seems like he plays at a different speed. And I'm always blown away by guys who you're on a field with other fast guys, but you look that much quicker, that much faster. And his movement without the ball is unbelievable. With the ball at his feet, he's terrific. And right now Pablo France looks. I don't know what it's going to take to beat them. You're probably going to have to get a little lucky. You're going to have to hope that maybe, you know, when they show up and Mbappe is having a bad day, I'm going to get to see them play in person tomorrow in Philadelphia against Paraguay. I'm hoping for a 65 degree day. You think I'll get that in Philadelphia tomorrow? Maybe.

[Pablo Torre]

Some nice wind blows, many hydration breaks. Many hydration breaks are in store for

[Rich Paul]

you is what I predict.

[Frank Isola]

All right, that's it for toss up. Let's take one last break. But still to come, a change at the top of the German team that just got bounced from the World cup,

[Rich Paul]

and Billy Donovan resigned as a head

[Pablo Torre]

coach over only to become an assistant. And I wonder how the head coach

[Rich Paul]

feels watching that guy on his bench.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, hopefully they'll guard the inbounds pass that they're up one with 5.7 seconds to go in game four of an NBA Finals. How about that?

[Pablo Torre]

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[Frank Isola]

Happy time, folks. Happy 32nd birthday. Chris Jones the Chiefs defensive tackle has a nice resume. Three Super Bowls, seven consecutive Pro Bowls. Not bad for a second round pick, but Jones says he needs to up his sack totals this season. He had seven of the team's 35 last year, a total that ranked just 22nd among all NFL teams. Jones's teammate Travis Kelce is reportedly marrying Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden tonight. No word on whether Jones will be there. The big question is will you be there?

[Rich Paul]

Pablo Frank the idea that I'm hosting this show with you right now makes it way less likely that the facial recognition system will let me in. I just like that they're letting in two Cavs fans growth from James Dolan welcoming in Cleveland's finest into the greatest arena on the planet.

[Frank Isola]

I want Taylor Swift to say I do right under the Patrick Ewing number 33 banner. That would be really good.

[Pablo Torre]

Sweating like you exactly.

[Frank Isola]

Wiping a brow Happy Anniversary Brad Stevens on this date 13 years ago, Stevens shocked everyone by leaving Butler to become the head coach of the Celtics. Stevens had been remarkable with Butler making back to back title games in 2010, in 2011, but he took over the rebuilding Celtics team at the age of just 36. That first year was rough at 25 and 57, but the Celtics have made the playoffs every year since we with Stevens either as head coach or president of basketball operations. Now Stevens isn't yet 50 and he just made one of his biggest moves of his Boston tenure, trading away Jaylen Brown and Pablo. He's getting a lot of heat for that one.

[Rich Paul]

Yes, and Jason Tatum just went on Instagram if I have not been fooled by the Internet and that should alleviate

[Pablo Torre]

things a little bit. But the whole choice here was Brown or Tatum. Stevens made the right and obvious choice, Tatum. But the handling of it, the price that they got for Brown, you'll watch

[Rich Paul]

him now age like a president. I think as a result of all the questions are going to surround him this season.

[Frank Isola]

Very good, Tatum should have said. I predict next season will be my favorite season of my career. Happy trails to Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann is out following Germany's loss to Paraguay in the round of 32. It's been a rough stretch for the 2014 champs who couldn't even make it out of the group stage in 2018 or 2022. Reports have the Germans turn into the legendary Jurgen Klopp who hasn't coached since leaving Liverpool in 2024 where he won both Champions League and Premier League titles. Klopp would be a hire with some real teeth, Pablo, and not just the veneer of progress. See what we did.

[Rich Paul]

Oh boy. Yeah, just an orthodontic level of subtlety. With that read, I will point out I saw Germany's Brazil won in person in Brazil in 2014.

[Pablo Torre]

They looked so happy and now of

[Rich Paul]

course they feel like Brazil did. Maybe on that day.

[Frank Isola]

Happy trails to unemployment for Billy Donovan. The 61 year old is joining the spurs as the lead assistant to head coach Ms. Johnson. Donovan stepped down as head coach of the Bulls in April where he was 30 games under.500 over six seasons earlier. He went 86 games over.500 when he coached the Thunder. And of course Donovan won back to back national titles while coaching Florida. The Long island native and Mitch Johnson reportedly have a strong relationship which should benefit Johnson who got some heat for some of that decision making in the Finals loss to the Knicks.

[Rich Paul]

Just three of the biggest blown leads in the history of the Finals happening in the same series. And so congratulations, you get a chaperone Mitch Johnson.

[Frank Isola]

One omission. Mo Salah and Egypt are through to the final 16 after beating Australian penalties this afternoon. Congratulations Mo Salah. All right one eight. We're running out of show. Let's go to the big finish. The Lakers have traded deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy in two second rounds. What do you read into it?

[Pablo Torre]

I just like that the Wizards are

[Rich Paul]

involved in the most Wizards way possible. Baseball suspended Cade Cavalli and Wilson Contreras

[Pablo Torre]

seven games apiece for their dust up on Tuesday night. Is that okay by you?

[Frank Isola]

It seems pretty harsh. It seems pretty harsh. Novak Djokovic tied Roger Federer for the most men's singles wins at Wimbledon. That's significant.

[Pablo Torre]

105 is significant. FIFA confirmed Flo Baligon's suspension for Monday night's game against Belgium.

[Rich Paul]

How'd that sit with you?

[Frank Isola]

Oh, it was unfortunate, but I think it works. What about last one? Shohei on the Mount side against the Padres. Who do you got?

[Pablo Torre]

Give me Ohtani.

[Rich Paul]

Always give me Ohtani.

[Frank Isola]

We're out of time. Thanks for watching. I'm Frank Isola.

[Pablo Torre]

Pablo Torre have a great weekend, but

[Rich Paul]

you're a sports center.

[Frank Isola]

We can just tell me the man himself

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