NFL Free Agency Continues & NBA Roundup

Summary

PTI Podcast Episode Summary: NFL Free Agency Continues & NBA Roundup
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Mike Wilbon
Authors: ESPN, Brian Windhorst, Greg Yourmark

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I. NFL Free Agency Frenzy

The episode kicks off with Tony Kornheiser highlighting the relentless drive of young NFL talents, using Damian Lillard as an example of leadership and ambition. However, the main focus quickly shifts to the tumultuous landscape of NFL free agency.

Key Player Movements:

• Joey Bosa signs a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
• DeAndre Hopkins inks a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
• The Los Angeles Rams release Cooper Kupp.
• The Kansas City Chiefs restructure contracts for Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to facilitate new acquisitions.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers are in negotiations with Aaron Rodgers.
• Russell Wilson is set to meet with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants in the coming days.

Notable Discussion: Rodgers vs. Wilson

Brian Windhorst introduces a heated debate regarding Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson:

Windhorst [02:21]: "Russell Wilson, who, by the way, has been to twice as many Super Bowls as Aaron Rodgers."

Mike Wilbon counters by emphasizing Rodgers' Hall of Fame credentials and his potential impact if he joins the Steelers:

Wilbon [03:34]: "He's going to be a Hall of Fame quarterback. And if he's got anything left and they have Pickens and they have Metcalfe, he can make the Steelers a very good team."

The conversation delves into Rodgers' reliability compared to Wilson's recent performances, with Wilbon asserting:

Wilbon [04:03]: "The Steelers know who he is. They watched him lose the last five games of the year... They know he has nothing."

Wilson's Future: Windhorst speculates on Wilson's potential move to Cleveland and his diminishing career prospects:

Windhorst [04:13]: "He's done."

The segment concludes with a consensus that Rodgers might be the more strategic acquisition for teams, given his enduring skill set and leadership qualities.

II. NBA Roundup

Shifting gears to basketball, the hosts provide an extensive update on the NBA's current state, focusing on team performances, player highlights, and playoff implications.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Winning Streak: The Cavaliers have secured their 15th consecutive win, showcasing their dominance despite missing key player Donovan Mitchell:

Wilbon [06:12]: "Cleveland, 15 games in a row twice this season."

Their victory against Brooklyn was highlighted by Tyrese Halliburton's impressive last-second three-pointer that ultimately led Indiana to edge out Milwaukee:

Windhorst [05:08]: "Tyrese Halliburton shot... It was spectacular."

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics Preview: A highly anticipated matchup is set between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics, viewed as a potential finals preview. Brian Windhorst expresses excitement over this game:

Windhorst [05:58]: "OKC in Boston... that's been my tack. I want to see that game."

Golden State Warriors' Strategic Moves: The Warriors are navigating the return of Jonathan Kuminga from an ankle injury, integrating him back into a team that's performing exceptionally well without him. Windhorst discusses the impact of Jimmy Butler and the team's prospects:

Windhorst [15:09]: "Draymond Green said... this team can win the title."

Phoenix Suns & Kevin Durant Trade Speculation: A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Phoenix Suns and the likelihood of trading Kevin Durant. Windhorst analyzes the financial and strategic factors driving this possibility:

Windhorst [16:37]: "Everything points to them making a Kevin Durant trade over the summer."

He further elaborates on the constraints posed by Durant's contract and the challenges in building a championship-caliber team with the current roster:

Windhorst [16:57]: "Devin Booker is in his 20s and has no intention of going anywhere... Bradley Beal has a no trade clause."

III. College Basketball Insights

The hosts transition to college basketball, covering recent tournament outcomes and administrative changes affecting the landscape.

Gonzaga's Upset Victory: Gonzaga triumphed over St. Mary's to clinch the West Coast Conference tournament title, ensuring both teams a spot in the NCAA tournament:

Windhorst [07:35]: "Gonzaga SA... that's all."

St. Francis' Historic Win: A surprising victory by St. Francis of Pennsylvania against Central Connecticut State secures their bid in the Northeast Conference, marking their first tournament appearance since 1994:

Wilbon [08:16]: "St. Francis of Pennsylvania... that's a lovely story."

NCAA Tournament Expansion Debate: Greg Yourmark introduces Commissioner Brett Yourmark's proposal to expand the NCAA tournament field to 76 teams. Mike Wilbon vehemently opposes the idea, describing it as a "cheap, low rent money grip":

Wilbon [08:29]: "It is a cheap, low rent money grip."

The hosts collectively argue that the current 64-team format is sufficient, criticizing the proposed expansion as unnecessary and diluting the tournament's prestige.

IV. Honoring Sports Legends and Memorials

The episode takes a poignant turn as the hosts honor notable sports figures.

Dale Murphy's 69th Birthday: Celebrating Dale Murphy, a distinguished outfielder with a stellar career predominantly with the Atlanta Braves, known for winning consecutive National League MVPs in 1982 and 1983:

Wilbon [20:42]: "Happy 69th birthday, Dale Murphy."

Tribute to Junior Bridgman: The hosts mourn the unexpected passing of Junior Bridgman, a celebrated basketball player and successful businessman:

Windhorst [21:30]: "Junior Bridgman... yesterday was a depressing day to get this news about his sudden passing."

Bridgman's legacy extends beyond his NBA career, highlighting his entrepreneurial achievements and impactful presence in the basketball community.

V. Miscellaneous Sports Updates

The final segments cover a variety of sports news, including the status of Kirk Cousins with the Falcons, Brooks Koepka's contract decisions, and unexpected disciplinary actions in international skiing.

Kirk Cousins' Future: Charles Robinson from Yahoo predicts that the Falcons are unlikely to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before his $10 million salary is due:

Windhorst [24:00]: "Yeah, a little surprised."

Brooks Koepka's Contract Plans: Golfer Brooks Koepka intends to fulfill his Saudi contract before reassessing his career:

Wilbon [24:13]: "They probably have a big lump sum at the end that he wants to get all the money and then maybe he'll go back to the tour."

International Skiing Controversy: An unusual story emerges as the Federation of International Skiing suspends two Norwegian jumpers for having excessive material in their jumpsuits:

Windhorst [24:29]: "The Federation of International Skiing suspended two Norwegian jumpers..."

Conclusion

The episode of PTI seamlessly navigates through the latest developments in the NFL and NBA, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and spirited discussions. From the high-stakes moves in NFL free agency to the dynamic shifts in the NBA standings and collegiate tournaments, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, along with expert insights from Brian Windhorst and Greg Yourmark, deliver a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

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Note: This summary omits advertisement segments and focuses solely on the main content discussed in the PTI episode.

Transcript

[Tony Kornheiser]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond.

[Mike Wilbon]

And.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here. And they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.

[Brian Windhorst]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Tony Rich Rod says his West Virginia players can be on TikTok, but they're not allowed to dance on TikTok.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Tony Kornheiser. Hey, Rich Rod, what about the Penguin dance? Hit it, boys. To the side. Back to the front. Slow it. And speed it up.

[Brian Windhorst]

God help us. How many years have I done this on TikTok?

[Mike Wilbon]

How many years?

[Brian Windhorst]

Long before there was TikTok.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Brian Windhorst]

20 years.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Who invented it? I didn't.

[Brian Windhorst]

Not Rich Rod either.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, I didn't invent it. Somebody must have invented suit. My memory isn't that good. I'm unburdened by memory. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Cavs win again. The Big 12 stumps for a 76 team NCAA tournament. And Brian Windhorst joins us for five good minutes. But we begin again today with NFL free agenc and a bunch of Pro Bowlers moving around. Joey Bosa has signed a one year deal with Buffalo. DeAndre Hopkins has signed a one year deal with Baltimore. The Rams released Cooper Kupp. The Chiefs are restructuring the contracts of Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to pay for acquisitions. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports the Steelers are negotiating with Aaron Rodgers. And just over an hour ago we learned Russell Wilson is scheduled to meet with the Browns and the Giants in the next two days. Wilbon, what is the biggest story to you?

[Brian Windhorst]

Well, now it's Russell Wilson. I mean, two hours ago I would have told you it's Aaron Rodgers holding the Pittsburgh Steelers hostage, which is what he's doing, because he can. And that's just who Aaron Rodgers has become. Russell Wilson, who, by the way, has been to twice as many Super Bowls as Aaron Rodgers. Russell Wilson is out of only one.

[Mike Wilbon]

The same Amount. Okay.

[Brian Windhorst]

But he's been, he's led his team, that's right, to twice as many Super Bowls as Aaron Rogers, who's overstated by everybody on this network except on this show. And I'm looking at Russell Wilson now, Tony, who I don't think has much left either. No, he got about as much left as Aaron Rodgers, which is to say nothing. But if he went to Cleveland and then Aaron Rodgers stiffed the Steelers for the Vikings and the Steelers, who I generally root for because I like the Rooney family and I like Mike Thomas, they would have nobody out there. What are you going to do, Carl? Terry Bradshaw, ask him to come off the set?

[Mike Wilbon]

Joe Flacco. That's my Joe Flacco.

[Brian Windhorst]

It would be so great if their arrogance and their courtship of Aaron bleeping Rodgers led to having no quarterback. Because I'd like to see Russ go to Cleveland.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I'm going to stay with this topic. I'm going to go on the other side. That Aaron Rodgers is the biggest story. Maybe not the way he wants it to be because at some point you say, is it just flash? Is there any substance there at all? And he also brings drama with him in a calculated, deliberate way. Yes.

[Brian Windhorst]

Intentional.

[Mike Wilbon]

But he's a Hall of Fame quarterback.

[Brian Windhorst]

He was.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's going to be a Hall of Fame quarterback. And if he's got anything left and they have Pickens and they have Metcalfe, he can make the Steelers a very good team as opposed. Because the last, the last 10 games last year.

[Brian Windhorst]

Mike, that's garbage time.

[Mike Wilbon]

Hold it. The last 10 games, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions.

[Brian Windhorst]

Do you judge the last 10 games of Jordan pool?

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm making a calculation. No, cause no. Garbage time. I'm making a calculation vis a vis Russell Wilson.

[Brian Windhorst]

Okay.

[Mike Wilbon]

The Steelers know who he is. They watched him lose the last five games of the year. They watched him produce no points. And by no points, I mean the last five. 13, 17, 10, 17, 14.

[Brian Windhorst]

He's done.

[Mike Wilbon]

They know he has nothing. They may think that Rodgers has something left. So this, it all becomes interesting. The one year contracts with Bosa and Hopkins, that's the last case.

[Brian Windhorst]

Might have some left.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's into all the time now. Hopkins is going to be 33 and he had his lowest reception since he's a rookie.

[Brian Windhorst]

He left it all out there.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, that's what I think. That's what I think. So we're look, it's, we look at.

[Brian Windhorst]

Quarterbacks, it's just different sides of the same point.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Brian Windhorst]

I've never Rooted against the Steelers. I generally like the Steelers. If that happens, if he goes there, I will root against them obsessively every quarter they play.

[Mike Wilbon]

Can I continue with the show?

[Brian Windhorst]

Be my guess.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's move to the NBA. Cleveland, playing without Donovan Mitchell, still won its 15th straight game last night, beating Brooklyn. Tyrese Halliburton made a spectacular last second three, then added a fourth point from the line to drag Indiana past Milwaukee play. And tonight Oklahoma City plays in Boston Wilbon, which is the biggest deal.

[Brian Windhorst]

Ding, ding, ding. Look, Tyrese Halliburton shot. And Giannis over there trying to defend that shot. And it not working. It was spectacular. Scream out loud in the moment. Reggie Miller on that call is just great. But as we spin this forward and look ahead to a couple of hours from now, OKC in Boston, which I, you know, since the day the season began, I thought that was the likely finals preview. OKC in Boston. And I said I didn't think Boston could repeat because I think the league is too good. So that's been my, my tack. I want to see that game. Yeah, you know, I know the Boston's a little shorthanded because the 7 foot 3 inch guy ain't going to be out there. Porzingis not playing, but he never plays. But I want to see that game. I'm going to see that game and that's fine.

[Mike Wilbon]

But that game could be a dud. Games are duds sometimes.

[Brian Windhorst]

Okay? It could happen.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I would rather concentrate on things that we know about that happened rather than wait for a dud if that in fact happened. Well, it might not be right. But the other two things were not duds to begin.

[Brian Windhorst]

They were.

[Mike Wilbon]

So to me, the biggest deal is Cleveland winning number 15. And I don't even think that not having Donovan Mitchell is that big a deal because the Nets are a bad team. They're 22 and 43. They're in 13 places.

[Brian Windhorst]

They should have won 19.

[Mike Wilbon]

I thought it was 18, actually.

[Brian Windhorst]

18, right.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Cleveland. Come on. So Cleveland, 15 games in a row twice this season. Garland, this is an important thing that needs to be applauded. That needs to be noted. Do you know how many other teams in the league have got 15 this year? Oklahoma City. That's it. That's the list. And again, Cleveland had it twice. Twice Cleveland. And you know What?

[Brian Windhorst]

Cleveland is 16 to ever.

[Mike Wilbon]

Cleveland twice, I believe is 19. One in their last 20 and 30 and four at home. Now, the Halliburton shot, which I saw, was tremendous because he's rushing down into the Deep left corner. And when he shoots, he's shooting against the momentum of his body. He later said, because I heard him say it, I've been working on that. I've hit it a couple of times this year. But let's be fair. You're down three, who expects four? Who expects four? So as a result of that, Indiana wins the game.

[Brian Windhorst]

They could face each other in a four five.

[Mike Wilbon]

But Indiana has a one game winning streak. And Cleveland, who I want to get back to, has a 15 game winning streak.

[Brian Windhorst]

They do 15. You're a Celtics guy. Do you think right now if you had to take Cleveland or Boston, you would take who in a seven game series today?

[Mike Wilbon]

I would take the Celtics because of last year. But last year's last year, this year's.

[Brian Windhorst]

This year and this year's tonight I want to see that game tonight.

[Mike Wilbon]

I hope it's not as dud for you.

[Brian Windhorst]

Let's move to college hoops. Gonzaga upset St. Mary's for the West Coast Conference tournament crown last night. I did not have that though. Both teams will make the big dance. Tiny St. Francis, who I did pick, beats Central Connecticut State to win the Northeast Conference bid. The SEC tournament tipped off this afternoon and all the tournaments tipped off this afternoon. And over in the Big 12, Commissioner Brett Yourmark says he supports a 76 team NCAA tournament field going forward. Tony, which of these stories do you care about?

[Mike Wilbon]

So let me just start with the possible expansion of the NCAAs. I don't know who Brett Yourmark is. If he walked in here now and it said Brett, you mark on his chest, I wouldn't know who he is. But his idea stinks. It's a terrible idea.

[Brian Windhorst]

We are just dismissing.

[Mike Wilbon]

It is a cheap, low rent money grip.

[Brian Windhorst]

Here, here.

[Mike Wilbon]

Got to 64 and then overnight it went to 68 and nobody told us why. Now this guy wants 76 trauma.

[Brian Windhorst]

And then somebody next week will want 100, right?

[Mike Wilbon]

So how many is enough? 64 is enough.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yes, it is.

[Mike Wilbon]

And 76 is too many. So shut up with that. Having said all of this, I'm thrilled for St. Francis. And let me be clear here, St. Francis of Pennsylvania, not St. Francis of New York, St. Francis of Loretto, Pennsylvania, Alma Mater of Maurice Stokes, Norm Van Leer, Norm V. Lear, Kevin Porter and our friend Al Serafino. Now, every two or three years a.

[Brian Windhorst]

Team, 2,500 undergraduate students.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's all. That's all. Every few years, a team with a losing record wins a tournament in a one bid league. And then, you know, and it's Charming. And then what happens is they're a six seed. Oh, they get killed. And they get killed. But the fact of the matter is, it is a lovely story. And please don't tell me we want 76 teams so more teams with losing records can get in. I don't want to hear it.

[Brian Windhorst]

No, I don't. This is a. A tournament. St. Francis, by the way, I. I don't think they've been in this tournament since 1994.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's a long time.

[Brian Windhorst]

It's been a long time. Good for them. You know, Van Leer is one of my.

[Mike Wilbon]

I know. Heroes.

[Brian Windhorst]

So this made me happy. And I did not try to watch one moment of that game last night. There were other games, like Gonzaga SA.

[Mike Wilbon]

I was a three point shooting in that game.

[Brian Windhorst]

1 for 33, 1 for 31 total.

[Mike Wilbon]

How awful is that? How awful is that?

[Brian Windhorst]

I had the sound down and then I said, wait a minute, nobody's making a three pointer. I turned it up and at the time it was 1 for 27, 1 for 31.

[Mike Wilbon]

And these are on scholarship.

[Brian Windhorst]

Do you care about.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay.

[Brian Windhorst]

We have had Jay Billis tell us multiple times with great certainty and insight that the SEC is about. Are you going to watch any of the SEC tournaments? Start watching what they watch?

[Greg Yourmark]

Some.

[Mike Wilbon]

But I just want to ask you something. Do you think that Those Gonzaga and St. Mary's kids are getting paid nil money for maid threes because they lost a lot of money? Let's take a break. Coming up, how will the red hot warriors handle the return of Jonathan Kamingo? We're going to ask Brian Windhorse.

[Brian Windhorst]

And is it inevitable that the Suns dump Kevin Durant?

[Mike Wilbon]

Greg, your mark. 76.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Stop.

[Mike Wilbon]

Really?

[Brian Windhorst]

76?

[Mike Wilbon]

76 trombones. Oh, because the number 73 team can win the tournament. No, it can't.

[Brian Windhorst]

It's ridiculous. Yes, we dismissed it.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. Good.

[Brian Windhorst]

Out of Dodge. Get away.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Pardon the interruption is brought to you by ESPN Tournament Challenge.

[Mike Wilbon]

Play the number one bracket game.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's dig back into the NBA with our great friend ESPN senior writer Brian Windhorst. This morning. You said on first take, Whoa, Shout out. First take. Good for Brian Wilbach. You said on first take that other teams in the west do not respect the Thunder as title contenders. What are you hearing about this?

[Greg Yourmark]

Yeah, I mean, whether you want to say it's don't respect him or don't fear them, however you want to say it. It's something I've noticed over the course of this that when you hear players or coaches talk about their pathways in the Western Conference, some of them openly want to be on the side of the bracket as the Thunder. And I've even talked to people in Oklahoma City about this and I don't think, I don't think they care, number one. And I think number two, they recognize they have the youngest team in the league, or at least one of the two youngest teams in the league. And when you have the youngest team in any league in any sport, you're not going to fear that team. But this is a team that won 57 games last year, was the number one seed. They're on their way to winning 65ish games this year. They've been out front the entire time. They got a 12 game lead or something like that. They're probably going to have the mvp. He finished second last year, he's probably going to be the MVP this year. They got the reigning coach of the year, Mark Dagenault, and yet it's a tough place to play. They have five home losses. That's it. And yet when you listen in the league, there's nobody like, oh, my God, the West goes through Oklahoma City, so they're going to have to earn it. And I think they recognize that. And to me, it just really makes them more of an interesting team. Going to the postseason, being such a great record and having that status or lack of there.

[Brian Windhorst]

They're loaded and nobody thinks, oh, yeah, Oklahoma City, they're loaded. They got everything right, Brian, they're not missing anything.

[Greg Yourmark]

They could use some more shooting and that could hurt them, but they're so loaded at everything else that it may not matter.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah, let's move to a team that people still fear or fear again. The warriors, who've been rolling with Jimmy Butler, whatever, they are now 12 and 2, I think, and without Jonathan Kaminga. But Kaminga's going to return from that ankle injury, we're told, Thursday. So how are they going to work him back in? Is this going to be a bonus right away to get Kaminga back in that lineup after such a long absence?

[Greg Yourmark]

Honestly, I don't know if he's going to play that much right away, really, because the warriors are playing so well. Guy Santos, who has taken some of his minutes, has looked so good. And guys, look, when they got Jimmy Butler, they were in 11th place. Steve Kerr came out and said, on the record, we're just trying to get to six. We want to avoid the plane. We've been on the plane the last two years. Last year we didn't make it out of the play and we're just trying to get to six guys. They're 121 with Butler in the lineup, he's a perfect complement for what Steph Curry needs to do. He gives them so many things they don't have and like, they're a couple games back of the Rockets in fifth. But look at the teams in front of them, they're all hurt. Lakers lost LeBron third time. Now Aaron Gordon with the Nuggets is out with a calf injury. We don't even have a timetable on him. The Rockets haven't had Fred Van Vliet for the last month. I'm not even sure how he's going to get Reintegrated and they just lost Amen Thompson for a few weeks. Memphis Jaren Jackson Jr. Second degree ankle sprain. He's going to be out a few weeks. Like the path is opening up here for the Warriors. And look, Draymond Green said a couple weeks ago, this team can win the title and I ignored it. And by the way, that's also kind of a low key shot at the Thunder because you know, they're like 26 games back of them. Like yeah, we don't care, but I'm not. Draymond said that for a reason. Whether it happens or not. He said that for a reason and it is opening up for them. They got to stay healthy. Jimmy Butler has got to continue to thrive in his role. But the warriors are becoming more dangerous by the day.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah, Amen to that. I agree with you. One team that isn't dangerous to anybody but itself is the Phoenix Suns. You know, this makes me annoys me greatly. Brian. Are we watching the last few days of Kevin Durant in a son's uniform? Is it inevitable?

[Greg Yourmark]

Probably. Now it's the NBA. The last thing you ever want to do is put anything in stone. So I wouldn't say for sure anything. But everything points to them making a Kevin Durant trade over the summer. And the reason is that their top three players, Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are the highest earning Trio in the NBA next year. Their salaries are $150 million. They are 30 and 35. Okay, I cannot explain why they're 30 and 35. They should be better. Maybe they're not a championship team, but there's no way that this collection of talent should be 30 and 35 and it makes no sense to run that back. They've changed coaches, they've changed supporting role players. They have not been proven to be a quality team with those three together. Well, Devin Booker is in his 20s and has no intention of going anywhere and is under a long term contract. Bradley Beal has a no trade clause. He is underperforming his contract but you cannot him and if you do trade him, you need his permission and it's going to affect what you get back. You don't need to be a high level analyst to figure out what you got to do here. And I know that the Suns know this guys because they did try to trade him. They tried. They talked to multiple teams at the deadline. Durant was not involved in the process and I think that bothered him. It's one of the reasons why he said hold on, I don't want to go anywhere. And in interviews he's given since, he's not been mad at the Suns for doing that, but he said, I want to have, I want to go, I want to change teams on my terms, which is code for okay, if you're going to trade me, you can trade me, but we're going to work together and I'm going to know where I'm going to go. So I do think that's where we're headed. And I do think the market for Kevin Durant is a big story in June and July. And of course you're going to want to know where he wants to go. Well, I'm not sure yet. Let's see how the season ends, let's see who's disappointed, let's see who's not disappointed and see how that market develops.

[Mike Wilbon]

Nick, thank you so much. Prime so always great. Thank you.

[Brian Windhorst]

Thank you.

[Greg Yourmark]

Take care, guys.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, are the Falcons serious about keeping Kirk Cousins? Now?

[Brian Windhorst]

What does it say that OV passed up a potential empty netter last night? Allegedly passed up an empty netter.

[Greg Yourmark]

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[Mike Wilbon]

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[Mike Wilbon]

Happy time people. Happy 69th birthday. Dale Murphy. The outfielder played 18 years in the majors, 15 with the Atlanta Braves where he won back to back National League MVPs in 1982 and 1983. In 1982, Murphy batted.281 with 36 home runs and a league leading leading 109 RBI. In 1983, Murphy batted.302 again hit 36 home runs and again led the league in RBI, this time with 121. In his next two seasons, Murphy led the NL in home runs with 36 one year, 37 the next. Both seasons Murphy had at least 100 RBI. Murphy was a five time Gold Glove outfielder. Unfortunately, Murphy played in only one postseason series in 1982 and the Braves were swept out three nothing by St. Louis. And somewhat surprisingly, Murphy is not in the hall of Fame.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah, Tony, he had that great run and he was like, you know, shy of 400 home runs. And maybe batting average wasn't thought to be high enough. But he had some impact, didn't he?

[Mike Wilbon]

I think it's like gone Mattingly.

[Brian Windhorst]

It is. It's the same sort of thing.

[Mike Wilbon]

Happy anniversary. Syracuse and Connecticut. On this day 16 years ago, the two schools played an EPIC 6 overtime game in the quarterfinals of the Big east tournament. That's 70 minutes of basketball. The Orange won the game 127, 117, but UConn went on to the Final Four in the NCAA. This game took three hours and 46 minutes of real time. It ended at 122 in the morning. Syracuse guard Johnny Flynn led all scorers with 34 points in a game high 67 minutes. Connecticut guard A.J. price led the Huskies 33 points, 61 minutes. Kemba Walker, then a freshman, shot just 4 of 18. But two years later he would lead UConn to the national championship.

[Brian Windhorst]

Johnny Flynn. Maybe they helped him get drafted ahead of a guy named Steph Curry.

[Mike Wilbon]

Steph Curry.

[Brian Windhorst]

What a game.

[Mike Wilbon]

A melancholy trails to Junior. Bridgman, the basketball player and businessman died unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 71. Bridgman had a fine career in the 70s and 80s as one of the NBA's top six men. 12 seasons and more than 13 points per game. The Lakers drafted him out of Louisville and later traded him to the Bucs in the deal for Kareem. But Bridgman's business career was the true Marvel variously owning 450 fast food restaurants, a Coca Cola bottling distributor, Ebony and Jet magazine, and most recently, a piece of the Bucks. Bridgman's NBA career earnings were about $3 million. His current net worth estimated by Forbes to be $1.4 billion.

[Brian Windhorst]

Tony one of the great pleasures of my life to get to know and become friends with Junior Bridgman. And he lived, from all accounts, we know of an exemplary life. And people talk about his business acumen. He and Magic Johnson had the most unbelievable second careers in terms of what they did in business in overlapping communities. And Junior Bridgman's a hero as far as I'm concerned. Everybody associated with basketball or the basketball industry knows that. And so yesterday was a depressing day to get this news about his sudden passing.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's go to the big finish if we could. Charles Robinson of Yahoo believes the Falcons won't cut Kirk Cousins before he's due $10 million on Sunday. Are you surprised?

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah, a little. Is there time to get him up to Pittsburgh? Can you do that? Brooks Koepka says he plans to fulfill his Saudi contract, then see what happens. Your analysis?

[Mike Wilbon]

They probably have a big lump sum at the end that he wants to get all the money and then maybe he'll go back to the tour. Alexandrovechkin passed on a chance for an empty net goal. Set up a teammate for a hat trick instead. Your thoughts?

[Brian Windhorst]

The needed. And it's his chump change. She's gonna break Gretzky's.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, he is.

[Brian Windhorst]

The Federation of International Skiing suspended two Norwegian jumpers for having too much material in the crotches of their jumpsuits. Your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

Can you say crotch on tv? Is that right?

[Brian Windhorst]

We just did.

[Mike Wilbon]

Last one. Timberwolves at Nuggets tonight. Who you got? You're not watching. You're watching the other one. You're watching the other one. Oh, you're gonna click.

[Brian Windhorst]

I got multiple TVs. You know this. Oh, I'm going to go with the T Wolves in a slight upset of the Nuggets.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're out of time, T Wolves. Try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheim.

[Brian Windhorst]

I'm Mike Loebine. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple podcast. And now your sports.

[Mike Wilbon]

What are they putting in those suits?

[Brian Windhorst]

Parachute effect? What are we talking about? What are we talking about?

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here, and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.