Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron - Episode: Hour 3: The Biggest Trade EVER?
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf from ESPN Radio

1. Introduction and Sunday Headlines

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf diving straight into the day's top stories in the sports world. They emphasize a mix of light-hearted topics and significant sports events, setting the tone for a comprehensive Sunday morning discussion.

2. Groundhog Day Celebrations

Nick initiates the headlines by touching on Groundhog Day:

"[01:34] Nick: All right. Well, there's a lot of headlines in association with today's date, February 2nd... Punxsutawney Phil came out today."

Myron expresses curiosity about the tradition:

"[01:50] Myron Metcalf: What's his name?"

Nick explains the significance:

"[02:02] Nick: If he sees his shadow, that means there's six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, that means spring is going to come early. Well, he saw a shadow, so that means winter is going to be six more weeks longer." (02:02)

The hosts share their experiences visiting Punxsutawney, highlighting the town's dedication to the event and reflecting on the cultural impact of Groundhog Day, especially post the Bill Murray movie adaptation.

3. Retirement of #22 Jerseys: Celebrating Caitlin Clark and Asia Wilson

Nick brings attention to significant milestones in women's college basketball:

"[04:08] Nick: February 2nd story. ... Caitlin Clark's is going up in Iowa. 22... and then in South Carolina, Asia Wilson's 22 is also going up in the rafters." (04:08)

Myron discusses the differing standards for jersey retirements:

"[05:29] Myron Metcalf: I mean, I've been to six Cooper Flag games... different schools have different standards." (05:29)

The conversation underscores the exceptional achievements of Clark and Wilson, celebrating their contributions and the honor of having their jerseys retired simultaneously, which may amplify their recognition in women's basketball.

4. Highlighting Emerging College Basketball Stars

The hosts shift focus to current stars in the college basketball scene, spotlighting Cooper Flag from Duke University:

"[07:09] Myron Metcalf: ... Cooper can be an elite player at the next level. One of the best two-way players I've seen at this level." (06:25)

Nick praises Flag's performance and potential, comparing him to other notable one-and-done players. The discussion highlights Flag's impressive statistics and his impact on Duke's season, positioning him as a promising talent for future professional leagues.

5. Critique and Suggestions for the Pro Bowl

As the episode approaches the week of the Super Bowl, Nick criticizes the current format of the Pro Bowl:

"[08:37] Nick: You could say it. It's awful. Like this is the worst all-star anything in sports." (08:37)

Myron offers an alternative idea to revamp the event:

"[09:14] Myron Metcalf: Football, flag football, all of that. Get rid of all that... do a golf scramble with these NFL teams." (09:14)

The hosts lament the lackluster nature of the Pro Bowl, suggesting a more engaging and less physically demanding format, such as a golf scramble, to increase viewer interest and participation.

6. Super Bowl 59 Preview: Chiefs vs. Eagles

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to upcoming Super Bowl 59. Nick and Myron discuss the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, analyzing team dynamics, player performances, and historical contexts.

Nick highlights the Chiefs' potential three-peat:

"[13:59] Nick: Representing the AFC will be the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes Enzo, he's got another can they three peat in the Super Bowl. Well, it's never been done." (13:59)

Myron contemplates the evolving perception of Patrick Mahomes:

"[19:55] Myron Metcalf: ... people are not supposed to like dominant teams like that." (19:55)

The discussion delves into Mahomes' dominance and its impact on fan sentiments, comparing it to legendary figures like Michael Jordan. They also consider the Eagles' resurgence and the broader cultural and media influences influencing the Super Bowl's anticipation and viewership.

7. The Biggest Trade Ever? Luka Doncic to LA Lakers

The centerpiece of this episode is an in-depth analysis of a monumental trade: the Dallas Mavericks sending superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers.

Nick introduces the trade:

"[24:18] Nick: One of the all-time blockbuster trades, Dallas is sending superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers." (24:18)

Myron underscores the trade's unprecedented nature:

"[24:42] Nick: ... Luka is a generational star... it's plausible... the biggest trade in sports history?" (25:44)

Referencing a Bleacher Report list of historic trades, the hosts argue that this Luka-Anthony Davis (assuming that's the trade) deal surpasses previous moves in both magnitude and star power.

Bobby Marks, ESPN's NBA insider, contributes insights on the trade's secrecy:

"[29:38] Bobby Marks: It's surprising. It caught a lot of people off guard... Luca didn't know, so... unique how they kept this under wraps." (29:38)

The conversation explores the logistics of keeping such a high-profile trade confidential, the roles of agents like Rich Paul, and the potential long-term ramifications for both franchises. They also compare it to past trades involving legendary players like Babe Ruth and Wayne Gretzky, emphasizing the trade's star-for-star exchange at the peak of their careers.

8. NBA Game Predictions and Analysis

Moving forward, the hosts provide predictions for various NBA games, showcasing their analytical perspectives:

• Bulls vs. Pistons: Nick favors the Pistons, highlighting Cade Cunningham's stellar performance.

  "[38:43] Myron Metcalf: ... I'll take the Pistons just because I kind of want the Pistons to win..." (38:43)

• Celtics vs. 76ers: A tight race with Boston as favorites, but Myron acknowledges the Sixers' potential turnaround.

  "[40:04] Myron Metcalf: ... the Sixers might be turning the corner a little bit." (40:04)

• Grizzlies vs. Bucks: With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Bucks on a winning streak, both hosts lean towards Milwaukee.

  "[40:25] Myron Metcalf: They will, man. ... Giannis is fired up." (40:25)

Their predictions are backed by player performances, team dynamics, and current season trajectories, offering listeners nuanced insights into each matchup.

9. Women's College Basketball: Kentucky vs. Oklahoma

The discussion also covers women's college basketball, focusing on the clash between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Oklahoma Sooners:

"[42:21] Nick: ... Kentucky's been awesome this year... I'll take the Sooners to beat Kentucky." (42:21)

Myron echoes the sentiment, acknowledging Oklahoma's strength and Kentucky's recent improvements under new coaching staff:

"[42:47] Myron Metcalf: ... Oklahoma wins this." (42:47)

This segment highlights the growth and competitiveness in women's college basketball, spotlighting key players and coaching changes that have elevated the teams' performances.

10. Celebrity Golf and Grammy Awards

In a lighter vein, Nick and Myron touch on celebrity events:

• Celebrity Golf: Myron reminisces about Rory McIlroy in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, while Nick teases about Steph Curry's golfing antics.

  "[37:48] Nick: Then I will say that you are a big celebrity golf fan." (37:48)

• Grammy Awards: They briefly discuss nominees and favorites, showcasing their engagement with broader entertainment topics.

  "[43:30] F: ... Best new artist you got. Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter." (43:30)

11. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

As the episode winds down, Matt and Myron remind listeners of upcoming shows and segments, ensuring the audience stays engaged with ESPN Radio's lineup:

"[45:15] Matt Jones: Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the podcast..." (45:15)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Super Bowl Discussion:

  "[19:55] Myron Metcalf: ... people are not supposed to like dominant teams like that."

• Big Trade Analysis:

  "[25:44] Myron Metcalf: ... this is unique. And also, Luca didn't know, so..."

• Pro Bowl Suggestions:

  "[09:14] Myron Metcalf: ... do a golf scramble with these NFL teams."

Conclusion

This episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a blend of light-hearted banter and in-depth sports analysis, covering everything from Groundhog Day traditions to potentially historic NBA trades and Super Bowl previews. Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf provide insightful commentary, enriched with personal anecdotes and expert opinions, making it a comprehensive listen for sports enthusiasts looking to stay informed and entertained.