NBA Free Agency Special

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily - NBA Free Agency Special (July 1, 2025)

Introduction

In this special episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFore, Zena Kada, and Esfandiar Baraheni dive deep into the flurry of activity surrounding the NBA Free Agency period. Released on July 1, 2025, the episode provides comprehensive analyses of major trades, signings, and the strategic maneuvers of key teams, particularly focusing on the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans. The discussion underscores the shifting dynamics in the Western Conference and offers predictions on the top contenders for the upcoming season.

Major Trades and Signings

1. Denver Nuggets Acquire Cam Johnson

   • Trade Details: The Denver Nuggets have made a significant move by trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson.
   • Analysis:
     • Zena Kada [02:29]: "Cam Johnson is exactly all the things you just laid out."
     • Dave DeFore [03:16]: "Better player, better defender, by far... massive upgrade."
   • Implications: This trade strengthens the Nuggets' defense and provides salary flexibility, allowing them more freedom in the free-agent market. Cam Johnson's versatility and consistent shooting offer immediate improvements over Porter Jr., whose playoff performance and injury history have been concerning.

2. Memphis Grizzlies Rebuild and Re-sign Key Players

   • Key Moves:
     • Jaren Jackson Jr.: Re-signed to a max contract at $240 million over five years with a player option in '29.
     • Santi Aldama: Re-signed, reinforcing the team's young core.
     • Ty Jerome: Signed to a three-year, $28 million deal.
   • Analysis:
     • Zena Kada [05:45]: "They're just throwing out player options."
     • Dave DeFore [08:38]: "Ty Jerome is a low turnover guy... perfect for Memphis."
   • Implications: The Grizzlies are focusing on maintaining their young core while adding experienced players like Ty Jerome to provide depth and stability. However, there are questions about the fit between Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr., and how these additions will translate to on-court performance.

3. Denver Nuggets Sign Bruce Brown Jr.

   • Signings: Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Nuggets.
   • Analysis:
     • Zena Kada [11:32]: "Bruce Brown Jr. signed for the vet minimum... huge win."
     • Dave DeFore [12:13]: "He's going to eat those innings when Ja's not out there."
   • Implications: Brown Jr.'s versatility and defensive prowess make him an excellent fit for Denver, addressing the team's need for depth and two-way players. His addition, alongside Cam Johnson, enhances the Nuggets' ability to compete at a higher level.

4. New Orleans Pelicans Acquire Kavon Looney

   • Signings: Kavon Looney has signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
   • Analysis:
     • Dave DeFore [13:39]: "Kavon Looney, that's gone. This is a new chapter."
     • Zena Kada [24:57]: "Maybe this Kavon Looney signing is purely for a personality perspective."
   • Implications: Looney brings veteran experience and a strong work ethic to the Pelicans, potentially stabilizing the front office dynamics and providing a reliable presence alongside young talents like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. However, there are uncertainties about how his role will integrate with existing players.

5. Clippers Sign Brook Lopez

   • Signings: Brook Lopez has been signed to the Los Angeles Clippers.
   • Analysis:
     • Zena Kada [45:32]: "Brook Lopez can stretch the floor... perfect for the Clippers."
     • Dave DeFore [47:21]: "This is so big for Zubac."
   • Implications: Lopez adds significant depth to the Clippers' frontcourt, offering both scoring and defensive capabilities. His ability to stretch the floor complements the Clippers' existing assets, potentially making them a formidable force in the Western Conference.

Team Strategies and Implications

1. Denver Nuggets: Strengthening Defense and Depth

   • Strategy: By acquiring Cam Johnson and signing Bruce Brown Jr., the Nuggets are addressing defensive weaknesses and enhancing their depth without compromising their salary structure.
   • Dave DeFore [12:11]: "This pushes them into the top tier."
   • Implications: These moves position Denver as a strong contender, leveraging Jokic's unique skill set while ensuring they have reliable defenders to support both the offense and defense.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Balancing Youth and Experience

   • Strategy: Re-signing key players and adding Ty Jerome aims to maintain a balance between a promising young core and seasoned veterans.
   • Zena Kada [07:36]: "I like that."
   • Implications: While the moves reinforce Memphis's depth, questions remain about player synergy and the overall impact on the team's performance in the upcoming season.

3. New Orleans Pelicans: Seeking Stability and Experience

   • Strategy: Signing Kavon Looney signals a desire to build a more stable and experienced roster, potentially preparing for long-term success.
   • Zena Kada [33:03]: "Pelicans are looking to develop internally and build their identity."
   • Implications: Looney's presence may help anchor the team as they navigate the development of their young talents, though the overall team identity and future direction remain somewhat unclear.

4. Los Angeles Clippers: Enhancing the Frontcourt

   • Strategy: Adding Brook Lopez bolsters the Clippers' frontcourt, providing both offensive firepower and defensive versatility.
   • Zena Kada [46:28]: "That's a huge addition."
   • Implications: Lopez's role is expected to complement existing players, potentially elevating the Clippers' competitiveness in the highly stacked Western Conference.

Western Conference Outlook

The hosts discuss the upcoming competitive landscape of the Western Conference, highlighting the following predictions:

1. OFFICE CONFERENCE TOP FIVE RANKING:

   • 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)
   • 2. Denver Nuggets
   • 3. Houston Rockets
   • 4. Memphis Grizzlies
   • 5. Los Angeles Clippers

2. Key Factors:

   • Depth and Defense: Teams like the Rockets, with their recent signings, emphasize depth and defense, crucial for postseason success.
   • Player Health and Performance: The health of star players such as Kevin Durant for the Rockets and the consistency of players like Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets are pivotal.
   • Strategic Acquisitions: Moves like Denver's for Cam Johnson and the Clippers' acquisition of Brook Lopez indicate a trend towards strengthening specific team weaknesses.

Notable Quotes

• Dave DeFore [03:16]: "Better player, better defender, by far... massive upgrade."
• Zena Kada [07:36]: "I'm curious how both of them work together. That's kind of... I don't know."
• Dave DeFore [12:11]: "This pushes them into the top tier."
• Zena Kada [33:03]: "Pelicans are looking to develop internally and build their identity."
• Zena Kada [44:25]: "Houston Rockets are number two for me... depth and defense are winning factors."

Conclusion

The NBA Free Agency period of 2025 has set the stage for a highly competitive Western Conference. Strategic trades and signings by teams like the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies have reshaped their rosters, aiming to bolster both offense and defense. The Houston Rockets' emphasis on depth and the Clippers' enhancement of their frontcourt signal a season poised with intense competition. As the free agency continues to unfold, The Athletic NBA Daily promises to keep listeners informed with ongoing analyses and updates throughout the week.

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About the Hosts

• Dave DeFore: Bringing in-depth analysis and keen insights into team strategies and player performances.
• Zena Kada: Offering nuanced perspectives on team dynamics and player integrations.
• Esfandiar Baraheni: Providing comprehensive coverage of the latest NBA developments with The Athletic's award-winning reporting.

Connect with Us

Stay updated with all the latest NBA news and analyses by tuning into The Athletic NBA Daily, available Monday through Friday. For more information, visit The Athletic NBA Daily on Acast.

Transcript

[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

And now we're both dry heaving at the stench.

[Dave DeFore]

Do us a favor, grab some Turtle Wax and let's get to work. This has been Car Tracks with Turtle Wax. You are how you car.

[Unknown Speaker]

Just when we thought free agency was dry, the Nuggets have poured it up. NBA Daily. We are live with our NBA Free Agency special coming to you on the night of June 30th. Free agency just opened up about four hours ago and it was looking real boring. Okay. Literally we were all Josh Hart. Where are our deals? Where are the big names? What's happening? Of course some teams have done pretty well for themselves. We're going to touch on those. Thinking about Houston, thinking about Memphis, thinking about some of these teams. We're going to look at the West. But first and foremost we have got to talk about the trade that just came through as break it down for me. Denver just got who?

[Zena Kada]

Yeah. So ESPN Sham Shania reported that the Denver Nuggets are trading Michael Porter Jr. And an unprotected 2032 first round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson. The reason they could trade the 2032 pick, by the way, is because we are officially in new calendar year. So they can now trade that 2032 pick, Cam Johnson, a member of the Denver Nuggets. Guys, I will go out and say this scary. Absolutely love this trade for the Denver Nuggets. They actually get taken less money because Cam makes less than Michael Border Jr. Which I think gives them a little bit More freedom to do stuff in free agency too. I gotta double check that. But in terms of player for player swap, I honestly think Cam Johnson is better than Michael Porter Jr.

[Dave DeFore]

But just straight up. Yeah, better player, better defender, by far. I mean, this immediately makes their defense better. You know, can play 3, 4, sort of like MPJ did. So you can still play very similar lineups. More consistent shooter. Right. Like, not as streaky as mpj. You know, you. You maybe lose a little bit in rebounding, but I think you make it up in pretty much every other category. Including motor. Right. Like, I mean, he's also on the court more. Right. Like he's able to play more often. And we know that MPJ struggled through the playoffs last year and. And had that shoulder issue, but man, massive upgrade. And, you know, as far as I'm concerned, 2032, who cares? You have Nicola Jokic in 2025.

[Zena Kada]

Absolutely.

[Dave DeFore]

You make that move. That's amazing. So many teams have wanted Cam Johnson.

[Unknown Speaker]

That's the first thought that came to mind was, how long have we been in this dance? Trying to figure out who is going to take Cam Johnson home? Because he is exactly all the things you just laid out. Someone that can play the. He can stretch the floor, give you the space you need around a Nikola Jokic. A vision, someone to pass the ball out to in the corner in the trail. Whatever you need around Nikola Jokic, he's been healthy in comparison to a Michael Porter Jr. And he sees the game so well. I mean, this is quite literally a student of the game. We've seen it in his podcast. We've seen it in the way that he plays in Brooklyn. Man, Denver, way to retool and also way to get younger. Right? Like, this is an opportunity here. Now, as. As Denver has looked at what happened in the Western Conference finals, looking against, you know, thinking about what happened against okc, they. The youth, it caught up to them. They were just a little bit older. And now you got a little bit. A little bit of youth in Cam Johnson. And Davey put it well, a little bit of a motor. Okay, so wait, this happens. We also had Memphis be able to resign Jaren Jackson to a major, major deal. Final numbers on that. I just want to make sure I got this right. Of course, he gets a max right 240 million over five years, maximum contract extension. And of course, because player options are popular right now, he gets a player option and it's 29.

[Zena Kada]

They're just throwing out player options.

[Unknown Speaker]

I mean, they're going, yeah, it's oprah. You get a car. You get a car. So Jaren Jackson gets to this, and then they also resign Santi Aldama as well. This looks good for Memphis. Does it? I don't know. What do you guys think? You know, wait, there's.

[Zena Kada]

There's actually more. They just resigned, actually. They just signed Ty jerome to a three year, $28 million deal.

[Unknown Speaker]

Did that just drop?

[Zena Kada]

Just dropped right now. So, look, things move quick in free agency. That's basically how.

[Dave DeFore]

Although not today, actually. This is. This is. Look, we're doing the stream. If you guys are listening to the audio, we're doing a stream that we're doing an hour after free agency open because frankly, shout out to S for saying, hey, I think it's gonna trickle out. And it did. There were like four deals in the first 30 minutes, and we were like, they're on television talking about Jeff Green going back to the Rockets, which is great, but that's not typically what. What you have. So. Yes, it. It is now speeding up.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, it's speeding up. And like, to. To your point about the Grizzlies moves, really interesting off season for them so far in the sense that they traded Desmond Bane, they got back Cole Anthony and Kentavius Caldwell Pope, they got this cachet of picks along with trading out Bane. And then they go out, they Resign Jaren Jackson Jr. Resigned Santi Aldama. They actually are buying out Cole Anthony so he can go out and potentially sign somewhere else. I think New York is a great place for Cole Anthony to go, obviously with the Greg Anthony connection there. But in general, I'm kind of curious about the tie. Jerome fit like. I like that.

[Unknown Speaker]

The fact.

[Zena Kada]

The fact that they have a ball handler. But I, I also, I liked Scotty Pippen Jr. For them in that role. So I'm curious how both of them work together. That's kind of. I don't know. I don't know why they went for Jerome. Feels like they needed something else. But I'm.

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm.

[Zena Kada]

I don't know. I could be open to it.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, I mean, I feel the same way. I feel the same way. I mean, I think all year long when we watch Ty Jerome having the season that he was having, I mean, he, you know, Xena, you laid it out on the shows. Yeah, almost 50, 40, 90. He's a low turnover guy. You. You understand the fit there for a lot of teams. And Memphis is traditionally like that backup guy to be a low turnover guy. I mean, Tyus Jones was there. I mean, you know, that's a position where they really do value. Just come in, get, get your job done. Don't throw the ball away. And so Jock can go out there and cook. But maybe they, maybe they see Ty Jerome's role as bigger than we do. Yeah, maybe. I don't, I don't know if that's gonna work out for them or not. But it is an odd thing where you had a lot of people saying Scotty Pippen Jr. Needed a bigger role coming into this year. I mean, I know, I kind of felt the same way. Right. Like, I mean, he started for them in the playoffs. He thought maybe he, he would get an opportunity to, to take on an even larger role in the regular season. But people like Ty Jerome, I guess.

[Unknown Speaker]

And I think there's, you know, there's something to be said about the shooting and that's obviously something that Memphis needs more than anything. And you laid out the fact that he almost about 40 from 3 during the regular season, at least. But the Scottie Pippen thing for me was really about the defense too, you know, like you could trust Scottie Pippen to be at the top of your defense and be able to pick up full court as well. He would never tire, it seemed. And then if you look across, I don't know exactly the number, but Scotty Pippen's plus minuses were crazy last year. Some. Some of his plus plus, minuses. So I'm looking at Ty Jerome and I'm also wondering like the games that we all felt like, whoa, Ty Jerome is. That guy is when he had the ball in his hand a lot.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, right.

[Unknown Speaker]

These were games in which Donovan Mitchell wasn't available or Darius Garland wasn't available or.

[Zena Kada]

Now actually, I'm glad you brought that up. Maybe they're expect a guy in John Morant who misses a lot of time.

[Dave DeFore]

Right?

[Zena Kada]

You're. You're baking in 30 games missed here.

[Dave DeFore]

Sixth starter.

[Zena Kada]

This is your sixth starter. This is a guy who can supplement those games when Jaw is not available. And now you have something to fall back on on top of Scotty Pippen Jr. And so, yeah, I mean, to your point, Xena, I think that that way it makes sense to me for them to go for Jerome and it's.

[Dave DeFore]

Not that much money. Yeah, that's true. Three years, 28 million with a player option on the end of it. That's not that, that much money for, for a player who can. At least as we like, we continue to talk about how much you need depth to just get through the regular season. He can come in. He's going to eat those innings when Jaw's not out there. I mean, especially because Jaw's going to play what, 65 games? You know, if he has a, a healthy season this upcoming year and he can start 20 games for you, that's a good call.

[Zena Kada]

I actually can, I think, Can I ask you. Okay, so where do you, where do you see the Grizzlies here? Because like this is basically them at this point, barring a big trade or something like that. Where do you.

[Dave DeFore]

I don't feel like they got better necessarily. I mean, you know, obviously losing Bane is kind of a big deal. I think Bane to KCP is a downgrade.

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

You get tied. Jerome is tied to Rome. And KCP an upgrade on Desmond Bain. I don't think so. Yeah, but the assets. Right, right. But the asset play on the Bain deal makes that, you know, it's at least murky if, if you're worried about assets. But for me, I'm thinking about this as a basketball team. I don't feel like they got any better. And now the money has started to go, you know, get spent. Jiren's on going on the big contract now. It's, it's not hypothetical anymore. You have to start making decisions maybe down the line, you know, we, we're on YouTube live listeners and we're, we're starting to see people in the chat say, you know, what does this mean for Ja? I don't think that it means anything for Ja yet, but it could mean something for ja.

[Zena Kada]

I just want.

[Unknown Speaker]

Well, Dave, there's a little bit of a content like there's a little bit of a battle right now. The Memphis Grizzlies want our attention, but I think Denver wants our attention even more. We have another.

[Dave DeFore]

About that free agent signing.

[Unknown Speaker]

Bruce Brown Jr. Has agreed to a one year deal with the Denver Nuggets, according to Sean Sharania. Yeah, that. Okay, so, okay, this perimeter core right now.

[Zena Kada]

I don't know, I'm so excited right now. Okay, look, so. So the reason they were able to do this and I'm pretty sure this is for either the mid level exception or something along the lines of that they shed $17 million by trading Michael Porter Jr. For Cam Johnson, which got them out of the second apron, which allowed them to sign the mid level exception guy likely going to be Bruce Brown. I love that move. Perfect for them.

[Dave DeFore]

Great move.

[Zena Kada]

What did they need? They needed.

[Dave DeFore]

Here's the deal. And brought a guy back, wants to be there. They want, they want a title with this guy, his role is obvious. I mean, I think he slides right back into the exact same role. And now you've upgraded two spots on your defense. You got deeper the. I mean, look, if you're the Nuggets and you just pushed the champs to seven games and you had a. You had a shot to, to win that series against okc and you saw your deficiencies, and now you're going out and solving those holes. They. They've had a great last 30 minutes, guys.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hey, you think of depth, you think of like, what was the reason they lost to okc was they. They relied on five guys by the end of it, right?

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah, yeah.

[Zena Kada]

Now. Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

How old is Bruce Brown actually? I'm curious.

[Zena Kada]

He's a little bit older. I want to say he's probably in either 30 or near his.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, we can't do this. That's physical. Human peak. He's.

[Zena Kada]

He's 28.

[Dave DeFore]

He's 28.

[Unknown Speaker]

Oh, he's young. He's.

[Dave DeFore]

He's younger than me.

[Unknown Speaker]

I think that's young. I think that's young. You know, I thought the. The Cowboy house may have given us a little bit of a hint to his age, but they're coming back to Denver and I think that this is actually really, really good from the perspective of. With this team. Is there another draw?

[Zena Kada]

Zena. Zena. I have. I'm sorry. I'm gonna break our hearts here.

[Dave DeFore]

Oh, no. Oh, no.

[Unknown Speaker]

What?

[Dave DeFore]

Looney is going to the New Orleans.

[Unknown Speaker]

No, no.

[Dave DeFore]

Somebody hit that music either Sarah McLaughlin. I need something sad right now. Kavon Looney going to the Pelicans. Look, I've been hammering the Pelicans for being bad.

[Zena Kada]

I can't believe we're reacting to this, but my God. Come on.

[Dave DeFore]

Bad decisions. Signing Kavon Wooney is a great decision.

[Unknown Speaker]

It is.

[Dave DeFore]

But maybe not for the Pelicans. I. I don't get it.

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm happy for you, Kavon, man.

[Dave DeFore]

Wow.

[Unknown Speaker]

You get your 8 million a year. Keeping it steady. 2 year, 16 million dollar deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Listen, E's Mesi gets a veteran in the locker room.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

He gets someone.

[Dave DeFore]

Jordan Poole gets his buddy back.

[Unknown Speaker]

Gets his buddy back. Exactly. That's huge. This is a guy that he was very well connected with at the Golden State Warriors. Every time Jordan Poole comes back to play, Kavon Looney and them find each other. They have their moment, they talk, they connect. Oh, 10 years with the Warriors.

[Dave DeFore]

Let me ask you guys, though, get some rings. Kavani left the warriors before And I feel like the warriors figured out really fast that they couldn't live without Kavon Looney. What do you guys think? Could the warriors trade for Looney at the deadline this year?

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, why not?

[Dave DeFore]

You know, let's say they get Al Horford, which, you know, it's been rumored that. That they're interested in Al Horford. All right. Al Horford's pretty old man. Kavon Looney, all he does is play basketball games now. You know, he doesn't miss.

[Zena Kada]

It's crazy that Al Horford.

[Unknown Speaker]

Wait, you're saying that Kavon left the Warriors? He didn't leave the Warriors.

[Dave DeFore]

Are you saying, hypothetically, Kavon Looney signed with the Pelicans? Did you miss that? Oh, we were actually. We broke news.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, yeah. Come on. Looney just signed.

[Dave DeFore]

Looney signed with the Pellet.

[Unknown Speaker]

No, no, no, no, no. Oh, I thought you were saying that saying before.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. No, no.

[Unknown Speaker]

Okay. I was like, yeah. Never left the Warriors. Okay, got it.

[Zena Kada]

Can I just say something funny? Isn't it funny that Kavon Looney plays older than Al Horford, even though Al Horford is 10 years older than Kavon Looney?

[Unknown Speaker]

Hey, hey, listen, not too much, okay?

[Dave DeFore]

Hey, I'm just saying, different body types.

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm just saying, any exact. This little Pelvic hill hip area, you're gonna feel a little bit older, you're gonna play a little bit older.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

You know, he still has a little crossover in his game. We'll see what happens if he pulls it out once in a while down New Orleans. But I think more than anything, like, this is. This is a big piece. I don't want to call it a dismantling, but like, when you think about the warriors, and of course everyone thinks about the core of Draymond and Steph and Clay, but you got to add Kavon Looney in there, too. Kavon Looney put in his time, put in his work, put his body on the line to help win some serious championships with the Warriors. And so you've already got Klay Thompson, that's left, and now you've got Kavon Looney, that's gone. I mean, this is. This is a new chapter. Very much seriously being written in the Bay. Even with Kavon Looney, that doesn't feel like he's at the center of it all. He's incredibly important to what they do. He has been a solid piece in the playoffs. You could always count on him to come off the bench and live in some post players minds. Rent free. Alper and Shangoon, Demonta, Sabonis. There are many post players that do not like to play against Kavon Looney, and all he does is do his job, clear the glass, get the break going, and set some really good hard screens. So guess who's going to benefit from that? Jordan Pool? Dejante Murray? Trey. Not Trey Johnson. I mean, you know, Trey Murphy, maybe. Like, there's going to be a lot of folks wanting to shoot, come off screens, etc. They're going to be able to benefit from that.

[Dave DeFore]

And so guys don't know how you play him and Zion together.

[Zena Kada]

I mean, it was still reeling from Denver.

[Dave DeFore]

There's a lot of Kavan Looney. As much as I love Kavan Looney.

[Unknown Speaker]

I know, I know, I know. We got to get off. We got to get off. I'm just. I'm just. I'm biased here. I'm biased. Yeah, let's get back to. Let's get back to the west overall, because I think that right now we're seeing a lot of. A lot of moves, and they're talking about this right now on NBA tv, but we're seeing a lot of moves right now to try and bolster. And we just evaluated Memphis. Okay, you're there. You haven't got worse, but you haven't necessarily gotten better.

[Zena Kada]

You could honestly argue they got worse. You could honestly argue they got worse.

[Unknown Speaker]

I mean, you could, but you could. You definitely can't say, wow, am I scared of them now? Right?

[Zena Kada]

Sure. Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

But now look at Denver. I think you could. That's. You go the other. The other direction now you're looking like, whoa. And the point I was going to make before, you know, Kavan Looney got traded. Bruce Brown Jr. The. What's so key about this move is, yes, obviously he's been in the system before, this guy. We know exactly where he can place himself on the team from the depth perspective. But right now, when you're looking for a new coach implementing a new system, it is so important to have as many players who have played with each other before to be able to figure it out together, as opposed to bringing in new players and a new system and new, you know, new philosophies out in Denver. So I think that that's huge. And of course, you add into Cam Johnson, who's already smart in the basketball mind. Would y' all say that Denver is a little bit scarier now?

[Zena Kada]

Absolutely.

[Dave DeFore]

Oh, yeah, Absolutely.

[Unknown Speaker]

But how much do something West?

[Dave DeFore]

Well, I mean, this is what I'm gonna say. So they were the second best team in the west last year. I think if we could, we all kind of feel that way. Second, maybe third best team in the west and they were depleted. They added two real guys back to their team. I mean, I think just Cam Johnson, obviously, we know we just laid out what he is as a player and Bruce Brown the perfect fit there. But bigger thing is they now have defenders where they didn't previously. Like they just didn't have guys who could play two ways. Right. They were constantly having to make these compromises. They don't have to do that as much anymore. The fact that Bruce Brown and Cam Johnson both good DHO players, playing with the greatest DHO player to ever touch a basketball in Nicola Jokic. So yeah, I think like fit wise, this is great. It's high quality players. The only other team that you could argue, you know, let's say like an hour and a half into free agency starting has had a better week than them. Oh my God. You know, upgrading their team. I think it's, it's them in the Rockets. Yeah, and, and the, the Nuggets, they just did this, you know, in the last couple hours. So yeah, I think they definitely got. Got stronger. I think this is good. Right. Like OKC was not a perfect team. They got pushed by the Nuggets, they got pushed by the Pacers. I think it's still as wide open next season as we felt this, this past one was. And if you're the Nuggets, you should feel like the title is there for the grabbing.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I, I completely agree. And, and to your point about the Rockets and I'm sure Xena, you were going to just jump into that, but like they, they have like a wild week and a half of like exceptional transactions. You think of them re signing all of their key guys to good contracts in Adams and Fred Van Vliet and Jabari Smith Jr. Trading for Kevin Durant at a cost that honestly is laughable. When you go and look at the trade between getting off of Jalen Green's contract, Dylan BROOKS and that 10th pick, which that was probably not going to crack their rotation next season, you look at that and you're like, wow, that's successful already. But then they go out and get Dorian Finney Smith and it's just an embarrassment of riches in terms of depth for this team because you think of their bench now. You think of, all right, Tar Eason, Dorian Finney Smith, they have this kind of like switchblade offensive firepower from their front court with Jabari.

[Dave DeFore]

Treated it like a one for one swap. S Just think about this. Yeah. You traded Jaylen Green for Kevin Durant and Dylan Brooks for Dorian Finney Smith.

[Zena Kada]

There you go. Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

Wow. Wow. I mean, this is like two major upgrades. Positional flexibility goes up. I still. I think that there. I'm curious what these lineups are going to look like. S Actually, this is something I've been wanting to talk to you guys about today. You know, assuming it's Shingoon, Jabari Smith, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Fred Van Vliet. That is funky. You know, I mean, that is. That's going to be hard to guard. It's going to be easy to cross match. Yeah.

[Zena Kada]

It's also perfect for KD because at this point in his career, like, KD is more like, hey, I'm at the high post area. I've got like a mismatch in this situation. We also have like shooters and cutters kind of roaming around. They still can go to the Sengoon option. I could see like these snug pick and rolls between KD and Sengun where he can kind of hit him in the short roll and then that causes a rotation for the defense. That's the type of stuff that's really intriguing for the Rockets offense because Kelly Eco just had a video essay on the Athletic about it, basically detailing what KD brings to a team that has struggled so much to create in the half court, to create in the clutch. You get one of the most clutch scorers in NBA history in kd and you get a guy who, I mean, in my opinion, in Dorian Finney Smith is like, can guard up in position, can kind of play, make. Allow you to play like small ball, five units and maybe go smaller sometimes instead of having one of Sengun or Adams on the floor at all times. So you can do that now. You can successfully go smaller and compete with like okc. If they want to go small and you can go bigger, you can go to the double big lineups with Sengun and Adams and we saw how successful that was for the Warriors.

[Dave DeFore]

Well, and you can play. You could go super big, play Jabari Smith at the three. Like he did sometimes play Kevin Durant saying that. Yeah, just see what happens. I mean, we're gonna see some really weird stuff. And apparently, you know, Reed shepherd is going to be in the mix for them. And that's something that's interesting, right? It's something interesting to think about. They have.

[Unknown Speaker]

They have this willing to play him. Right?

[Dave DeFore]

I agree. But they have this team that's going to compete in the west, but they still have pieces that could pop for them. I mean, a man, what's his growth gonna look like? If it's anything like this past season.

[Zena Kada]

If he takes another leap? This is a different. Yeah, yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

Amazing.

[Unknown Speaker]

Do you think, you know, Dorian Philly Smith shot about 40 with the Lakers last year. It was sometimes tricky, I think, but do you think that that's enough to address the wing shooting for the Houston Rockets?

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I think. I think between him and Jabari Smith Jr. They'll have a good amount. And I. I think they'll allow Fred Van V to be off of the ball more so his catch and shoot shot will be available to him more often. To be honest with you, I think they need another ball handler. And to your point, maybe that's why Reed shepherd is going to get some playing time here. I mean, he was a top pick for a reason. You got to give him some run here eventually. But we'll see if that's something they address at the deadline. It's like, hey, maybe Reed isn't that guy for us. We need to get another ball handler in here to help us. I know Jordan Clarkson just got a buy.

[Dave DeFore]

Jazz bought out Jordan Clarkson and he could see where maybe he could start slide in there. And we're. Yeah, I mean, we'll see. You know, look, they also, their offenses, I mean, it's very much beat your man. I would like to see them maybe improve that a little bit and then you don't have to worry so much about, you know, who's in the corners. We'll see what happens.

[Unknown Speaker]

They did resign Aaron Holiday as well, so.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, and they're young guys.

[Dave DeFore]

All their guys.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

And they're all guys back. Yeah, exactly.

[Dave DeFore]

So they've only built on what they. On what they had. I think they've improved, approved. And the guy like the guys who are not there anymore.

[Zena Kada]

The Rockets, by the way, just breaking news, signed another player. Sean Charani is reporting that the Cleveland. Excuse me. Clint Capella has signed to the Houston Rockets for 20. He's returning million dollars. Capella back to the Houston Rockets.

[Dave DeFore]

It's kind of weird now. This is weird now. This. Guys, my spider sense is starting to tingle here.

[Zena Kada]

A trade.

[Dave DeFore]

You just signed Stephen Adams. You're signing Clint Capella. What is happening with Alperine Shingoon?

[Zena Kada]

I don't know.

[Unknown Speaker]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

[Dave DeFore]

I. That's not what I think they're gonna do.

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm thinking it's gonna be two veteran bigs and you've got a young Alpern Shangoon whose game is still developing. Like he could be alongside.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I don't know.

[Dave DeFore]

Wait.

[Zena Kada]

Okay.

[Unknown Speaker]

Unless you've been trying to straighten.

[Dave DeFore]

I, I mean I, I am now extremely curious. Clint Capella was not on my radar for the Rockets.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I didn't see that.

[Dave DeFore]

I was thinking maybe the Lakers. Although it does seem like Ayton to the Lakers is picking up steam. It is a good deal. It's pretty cheap. Three years, 21 and a half. I'm sure that last year is probably partially guaranteed. It is interesting. I mean this gives him another option, like another double big lineup option.

[Unknown Speaker]

It.

[Dave DeFore]

It is. It is interesting. That's all I got to say. I, I don't know how Clint fits. I like the Adams thing we just saw. Like makes a lot of sense but where are the minutes for four centers? Unless you think Shingoon is more of your four.

[Unknown Speaker]

That's what I'm saying. I feel like he could still develop his game and potentially be more of a four and play alongside one of these bigs. But I, I don't know. I do feel like we'll see more Jabari at the four with Alperin.

[Dave DeFore]

This one.

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm confused actually. But Jabari could play the 5 2. I just don't think that Alfred Shangun is leaving this organization though.

[Dave DeFore]

I just feel like there's more happening there. There should be.

[Zena Kada]

I am curious to see if they end up doing something else. I, I guess it's just kind of an assumption that they need some assurance behind Stephen Adams.

[Dave DeFore]

By the way, fully guarantee. So I was wrong. Not a fake third year. Fully guaranteed.

[Zena Kada]

Fully guaranteed.

[Dave DeFore]

Three year deal for Clint Capella.

[Zena Kada]

Hey, speaking of the Western Conference, by the way, we just talked about kind of like Denver, Houston. Obviously we all really like what Houston did, but Luke Cornett to the San Antonio spurs for four years, $41 million. We've kind of been on the train of Cornette is an underrated big. Had a really good season for Boston last year.

[Unknown Speaker]

Big break.

[Zena Kada]

Oh, we got another one.

[Unknown Speaker]

Free agent guard Caris Lavert has agreed to two year 29 million dollar deal with the Detroit Pistons. This is a team that was right on the cusp interesting this year and it continues to grow. How do we think this fits in Detroit?

[Dave DeFore]

I, I like the. I, I'll be honest. I, I think that if we were going to compare the two signings. I like the Cornet signing in in San Antonio more than I like Caris Lavert in Detroit. I'm assuming he's basically sliding into the Tim Hardaway Jr. Spot, but he's not. And, and while Tim Hardaway Jr. Wasn't as good of a shooter as we've seen him be, Carousel Vert is not a guy who slot like can be a good spot up. We've seen it too many times.

[Unknown Speaker]

He needs to go.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, yeah, great score off the bench especially like I actually think he's a really good and useful player. Not a negative on defense, but not necessarily a positive. But it just like for what Detroit needs. I mean Malik Beasley dealing with whatever is happening with the investigation there is going to slow down. I think their summer. That's the guy that they need is Malik Beasley. So Caris Lavert to me is not even anywhere close to that. So yeah, it's a good pickup, but it's not a needle mover to me. Whereas Cornette Cornet is a big deal. Cornette allows a lot of number one. It's a great backup for Wimby. We just saw him. I mean, didn't he have an eight block game in the, in the playoffs? He can stretch the floor. He can play with Wemby, I think. And then you've got this, a crazy twin tower lineup. That and, and it's pretty good money I think for, for the spurs. It doesn't really tie them down. Remember they, they have everyone on cheap deals. So for them, a ten million dollar center as a backup, I mean it's like this works. Yeah, that's a big deal. Huge loss for Boston by the way, who just is just bleeding talent.

[Zena Kada]

Well, they have no centers now other than.

[Unknown Speaker]

It's only, it's only bleeding if it's not intentional. This is.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, fair enough. Fair enough. Yeah. I will say I don't hate the Caris Levert signing for Detroit.

[Dave DeFore]

No, no, that's good.

[Zena Kada]

Like they need an extra score. They need a guy who can kind of provide some offensive creation next to Cade. I know Ivy's going to be back next season too, so that, that'll provide them with some ball handling. But Caris Lavert like genuinely can get you like, I don't know, 10, 15 points a night consistently good for them offensively to get a guy who can do that for them.

[Unknown Speaker]

I, I think, I think he serves as like insurance behind Jaden Ivy. We don't know what Jaden Ivy's gonna come back looking like. Hopefully, you know, knock on wood. Definitely looks like what he was before in terms of that paint penetrator. But that I think kind of gives you the kind of game that cares. The vert can also bring too. So that's just like a second layer added underneath.

[Dave DeFore]

Do we have a second to swing back to Kavan Looney going to the Pelicans? Because I, I.

[Unknown Speaker]

Wait, you just said it was too much on Kavana.

[Dave DeFore]

I know, I know it was. But I do want to just lay something out here.

[Unknown Speaker]

Okay. Okay.

[Dave DeFore]

This is a team Eve's Missy just had. He was like the one good thing about this team last year. Then they traded up and traded away a future pretty good lottery pick to get a center, and now they've signed Kavon Looney. Oh, and I am, I am legitimately lost here as to, as to, like, what. What do they think they have on the roster? What do they think the. Their future is in the short term? And then where does Kavon Looney plug into any of that? That's actually the weirdest thing to me right now about the Pelicans. Sorry. Because someone just reminded me that we should talk about Troy Weaver and what they got going on.

[Zena Kada]

I just, I just want to mention, by the way, Bruce Brown signed for the vet minimum for Denver. So huge.

[Dave DeFore]

Wow.

[Zena Kada]

Big win. Because they can still now sign someone else with their mid level exception. Yeah, that's huge. By the way, to the, to the whole Pelicans point, I, I honestly, like, we've, We've kind of batted beat it, beat around the bush a little bit here. I have no idea what they're building. I have genuinely no idea what they're building. Like what the identity of that team is supposed to be next year. If you were to convince me next season, hey, the Pelicans are looking to develop internally to be a team that's like trying to figure out Queen and Fears and lose some games, but also like, just figure out how they can develop their identity within that. That would make sense to me, right, if they had their first round pick next season, but they don't have that now. And so the, the compass is kind of. It's going all over the place because I just don't know what the direction is with this franchise. Are they gonna eventually, you know, move on from guys that have a lot of value? And Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. How does the Jordan pool Jeremiah Fears backcourt work? Do they expect Zion Williamson to play more than 40 games? How does him and Derek Queen work? Confused is the way I would talk about the New Orleans Pelicans. Terence Popovich says NOLA championship soon. I like it. Let's do it. Lean into it.

[Dave DeFore]

Why not?

[Unknown Speaker]

My Question is if, if we're maybe looking at it as far as the Kavon Looney pick or trade, is it too. Or not trade. Signing. Excuse me?

[Dave DeFore]

Signing.

[Unknown Speaker]

Is it too literal of. In terms of looking at things on the court right now, New Orleans is basically having an identity makeover and they need veterans. They just got rid of CJ McCollum. They got rid of Kelly Linnick. They got rid of people who can talk sense or keep things pretty calm in the locker room. Like maybe this Kavon Looning signing is purely for a personality perspective, which is important in team building. I. You've got a bra. You got almost two brand new centers. Is not brand new, but he's really young. Derek Queen is new and maybe that you want your front court to be kind of anchored down somewhere with that. And then the rest of your team is still relatively young as well. And by the way, for the audio sake and also the chat sake, I understand. Yeah. Cam Johnson is actually two years older than Michael Porter Jr. That is my bad. He just plays.

[Dave DeFore]

He feels younger.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, he feels younger.

[Unknown Speaker]

So my bad. Chat. My bad. I see everyone's pretty on that. But yes, I think that, that that's how I'm looking at the Gavon Looney Pit trade signing. I keep saying that, the signing. I just feel like it's a. It's purposeful from a perspective of we need to rebuild. Did you guys culture.

[Dave DeFore]

Did you guys see catch Joe Dumars press conference?

[Zena Kada]

I saw clips. Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

I mean he basically he. He talked about how they identified their guy and they were talking deals and I, I mean I still don't understand how you give up that, that pick for next year when you are this team this year. Dejounte. Murray has a torn Achilles. Like is he even going to come back this year? If he does, what is he going to look like?

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

Fees.

[Dave DeFore]

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[Unknown Speaker]

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[Dave DeFore]

Zion plays when you're lucky. He plays 50 games a year. It's just like an unrealistic outlook on, on where you're at as a franchise. Like, you don't have the luxury to trade up for a guy and take him at number nine and to trade away next year. You just don't. Because that guy at number nine, the guy at number nine, there's just no way he's going to change your franchise. In this draft especially, I feel like if he, if he was that much of a sleeper, someone would have been awake to him.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And, you know, like, I don't know. This is. This is too much. I'm still, like, I'm honestly still reeling from what the Nuggets have done over the last an hour and a half.

[Dave DeFore]

Just because Bruce Brown on a minimum is what, a steal? Number one. You know, he loved playing in Denver. He didn't want to leave, but the money that he got was unbelievable. Or, you know, there was just no way Denver could match the offer that he got from Indiana. Yeah, they kind of knew going into that summer that he was going to be out, you know, and it was all. It was a whole thing where Michael Malone was fighting to keep him. It's. It's a perfect fit. This again, again, it pushes them into the top tier.

[Zena Kada]

So how do you. Because, oh, we can all agree, all three of us can agree that OKC are the favorites in the Western Conference next season. Right between Denver, between Houston and really, anybody else you want to throw in there? Maybe Dallas. They just signed d' Angelo Russell. Yeah, San Antonio. They've got Wemby coming back and they obviously just added Harper and Fox and full season of that. Where do you guys rank the. The top five, I guess. Let's go. Top five of the Western Conference. How do you guys feel?

[Unknown Speaker]

I'm feeling Denver still number two because they have the most amount of personnel.

[Zena Kada]

That are returning should also add Jake Laravia to the Lakers. I don't know if that's a team, you guys, but.

[Dave DeFore]

Yes. Yeah. Wow. Let me adjust my rankings.

[Unknown Speaker]

Oh, and also Austin Reeves playing for a contract, so that's important. Sure.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

True.

[Unknown Speaker]

Let me think, Let me think. Yeah, I think. I think Denver, just because of you. You, Nicola Jokic, is just so.

[Zena Kada]

Denver, too, for you.

[Unknown Speaker]

Denver, too. And the only reason I'm putting Denver before I put Houston is because there are so many new parts to Houston. Like, we just figured, like we just talked about. We don't know.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

We don't know how this is all going to play out. And we. We've seen that a lot of these teams need at least that one season to try and, you know, adjust to themselves and get accustomed to each other. So I would probably make maybe put Houston third, Wemby and the spurs fourth.

[Dave DeFore]

Wow. Oh.

[Unknown Speaker]

Huh. Wow. And then Dallas maybe fifth. If I like that.

[Zena Kada]

I like the confidence there in the Spurs. I like that a lot. Minnesota.

[Dave DeFore]

No.

[Zena Kada]

Minnesota free. Okay.

[Dave DeFore]

So, yeah, I think, see, for me.

[Unknown Speaker]

Well, that's the only thing.

[Dave DeFore]

Losing Nikhil, losing the kill. That's what I think is going to be a big deal for them. I, you know, obviously, OKC, Denver 1, 2. I. I think I put Houston 3.

[Zena Kada]

Just.

[Dave DeFore]

I like what they've done. They were the 2 seed last year. I mean, this team should still win a bunch of games. Even if Katie misses time. By the way, they. They should be able to fill the gaps with that depth for them. They're thinking about the playoffs. And then I'm probably gonna say Minnesota just because, you know, you've got that. That core is still there. You're gonna maybe lack some depth. And we. We don't know yet what things are going to look like for them. Again. Rob Dillingham could pop Taren. Shannon JR. Is a guy who I liked, especially his playoff minutes I thought were promising. And then I think I'm probably gonna go Clippers and just say, what if Kawhi is going to be healthy all year? You know, people forget that he didn't start the year with them. I mean, they're bringing back Harden. They. They always have something kind of interesting cooking up. They might have a shot at Chris Paul coming off the bench. And, you know, for what it's worth, I mean, I know he's old and you're adding him to a. An already, like, old backcourt because James Harden isn't exactly young, but they could protect him and get to the Playoffs and having. I would rather have Chris Paul than not if I. If I had the option.

[Unknown Speaker]

Dave, I gotta, I gotta pause you real quick. I gotta pause you real quick. Fred Katz is breaking news for us. Dennis Schroeder apparently to the Kings.

[Zena Kada]

Oh well, now they have to crack the top five. You know.

[Dave DeFore]

Hey, that's World cup mvp. Dennis, you're right. We, we respect the World cup and.

[Unknown Speaker]

Let'S just be real. Let's just be real. Dennis Schroeder going to piss to the Pistons was like the best thing that ever happened to them.

[Zena Kada]

He was awesome in that playoff.

[Unknown Speaker]

He was amazing for Detroit and he was not a good fit in. He was not a good fit at the Warriors. You know, that quick little pit stop between the Warriors. I think it was Utah. And then actually ended up on the Pistons. I thought he was really, really good in terms of just again two way being able to be the main on ball handler. Allowing K to not have to consistently be.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

With the ball and hand and scoring and all the attention on him. Yeah. I think I will say I don't know if this moves the needle for Sacramento, but it's a little. Another jersey.

[Zena Kada]

It's a little treadmilly for them. I know they've, they've wanted a guard and so I get adding Schroeder who obviously has experience. There's also reports that they're looking to add Russell Westbrook. We'll see if that happens.

[Dave DeFore]

I personally certainly can't do both. Come on.

[Zena Kada]

I don't know, man.

[Dave DeFore]

It is. Look, would be the most Kang's thing possible. It would be very Kings, Levine and DeRozan to Schroeder and Westbrook.

[Zena Kada]

Okay, look, I'll the cell here also.

[Unknown Speaker]

Guys. We gotta put some respect. We gotta put some respect on Shruta's name. It's Shruta.

[Dave DeFore]

Okay.

[Zena Kada]

Either way, I, I think, I think he could provide some ball handling. Maybe a guy who can work with Demonta Sabonis. They've needed a point guard. I get it from that point of view, but it is a little bit treadmilly. I don't know where this King's team is going. I'm also, I have no idea what the next moves are for this King's team. They're looking to trade DeMar DeRozan. They might be moving Malik Monk. They got to extend Keegan Murray.

[Dave DeFore]

There's just like they're not going to extend Levine.

[Zena Kada]

So Yeah, they're not going to probably.

[Dave DeFore]

Gonna try to move him between now and the deadline. I mean It's a. They're in a weird. I mean, they are in a very weird. This all year. Right. We talked about this all year. They. They had this ceiling on the team that they had, and instead of doing something to break the ceiling or. Or just knock down the whole house. Right. Like, which is almost where they're at. I hate to put it that way, because they had such a fun little. Little window in that run.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

But they just. They hit the ceiling, and instead they just tried to cram more of the same in there instead of trying to shuffle the bigger pieces. I mean, you know, you make the wrong bet on Halliburton versus, you know, and Fox maybe. But then you work the Fox situation into a point where it's unwinnable for you because you've just been throwing these. These bodies at them. I mean, the demarta Rosen and. And Zach Levine trades, like getting those guys, bringing those guys in. Two of the weirdest things any franchise has done in the last five years. Until the Pelicans. Right. Until Joe Dumars got. Got back into the NBA.

[Zena Kada]

The Kangs are tangled again. Yeah, well, I don't know. Can I. Can I give you guys my top five for the West?

[Dave DeFore]

Yes, please.

[Zena Kada]

So I. I'm. I'm gonna go. Obviously, OKC is number one.

[Dave DeFore]

Raptors, too.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, Raptors just move to the Western Conference and automatically jump to number two. Now the. The Houston Rockets are number two for me, and I just think it's because of what they've done over the last week and a half. The depth. We've talked about how important depth and depth is in the postseason. They have depth, they have defense. I think that's a winning thing that you can kind of move forward for next season. I'm very excited to watch a Western Conference finals run from that team. If Kevin Durant stays healthy, if Kevin Durant is a guy who can still get to June, to be honest with you, because I think that's another question mark. It's like, can KD stay healthy enough to get to that point? They're betting on that in a major way. There's also going to be a Kevin Durant extension eventually. I believe by August he's extension eligible for two years. So we'll see if that happens. So number two is Houston. Number three is Denver. For me, I love what they've done over the last hour and a half in Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown. They still have the flexibility to go out and add some. Somewhat more. I would love for them to go out and get like Brook Lopez or a big that could help play next to Jokic or behind Jokic.

[Dave DeFore]

A real backup center.

[Zena Kada]

A real backup center. Not me talking about Zeke Najee in March. So let's just, let's please figure out a way for them to do that. And it seems like maybe Brooklyn.

[Dave DeFore]

Oh no, something happened. You spoke this.

[Zena Kada]

Oh, there we go.

[Dave DeFore]

Oh, look, speaking of huge deal, the Clippers. Wow. On a two year deal. Listen, I actually kicked out the idea of the Clippers as an Ayton team thinking, hey, that's a pretty high level backup. What? No matter what you think about DeAndre, that's pretty high level backup. Getting Brook Lopez. That's amazing. And bigger deal for Brook Lopez. He could live in a pretty convenient spot and he could go to Disneyland and play in a game into a dome in the same day.

[Zena Kada]

Is it that close? Really?

[Dave DeFore]

I mean I'm looking at this contract that he's taken. I bet it played in. I bet that they did the meeting today at Disney.

[Zena Kada]

That's funny. That's so funny.

[Dave DeFore]

It's close enough.

[Zena Kada]

Well, okay, so I guess Brook Lopez not to the Denver Nuggets. Nuggets. And yes, Nate, I spoke that into existence. But like Denver, getting someone to back up Jokic would be great.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah.

[Zena Kada]

And to the point of the Clippers, they have also desperately needed someone to back up Zubots. Right. Like they've needed someone who can kind of be a guy behind him to eat up those minutes. They need the size they need. I mean like they were running Ben Simmons lineups in the playoffs. Right. You got to have someone else. And I think Brook Lopez can do that. Especially a guy who can stretch the floor like he does.

[Dave DeFore]

Huge.

[Zena Kada]

That's a huge addition.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. The guys can't, they can't play together. Right. This is not a situation. Whereas I think Brook and Jokic probably could have played together. I don't think zoo you can do that. But that being said, at this point, I mean now you've got a super high level backup. Big. They do. I mean, I guess they could go with the double big lineup if you just had to get a rebound.

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

You might be single rebound situation or end of game. And you, you know, there is no such thing as offensive goaltending on an inbound pass. Maybe you want to do that, put those two large bodies right underneath the basket. But yeah, I, I love this for the Clippers. It was such a huge deal for them in the playoffs. I mean in that series. Now imagine they actually have Zubac and Brook Lopez to throw at Jokic, you know, if they face off with them again, pretty big deal.

[Unknown Speaker]

This is so big. This is so big for Zubas.

[Zena Kada]

I like that.

[Unknown Speaker]

The thing is, he, he's so conditioned. Go 30 plus every single night. I mean, I'm just looking at his basketball reference real quick. Last year averaged 26 minutes. Not this past season. The year before. That jumps up 6 minutes per game to 32.8 minutes per game. Do you know how much he's probably, wherever he is, just being like, thank God I can finally get some rest. I mean, now I'm actually curious to see how much better Zubots gets now that he's going to be having periods of rest throughout the game, potentially, you know, with the Brooklyn bets coming in, how much more he can offer out on the court. And the thing is, too, let's not forget the west was so good this year that almost all of these matchups were so close. I mean, the Clippers almost had Denver. Right. Like now. How dangerous do the Clippers look?

[Dave DeFore]

Even though we got a lot of what ifs from the playoffs.

[Unknown Speaker]

We do.

[Dave DeFore]

I mean, it's a lot of them. I, I, you know, I'm just thinking about the center market right now because I do think it's very interesting that there are teams. I mean, we're just. I'm penciling in deandre Ayton to the Lakers. I'm just gonna go ahead and do it. It feels like it's happening just from the, the General.

[Zena Kada]

No Capella, no Lopez.

[Dave DeFore]

Capella and Lopez both out. But if, if you're Denver and now you've essentially landed this gift in, in Bruce Brown on a minimum and Cam Johnson like to, to shed some salary. Capella would have been an interesting backup.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

For Nicole Jokic. Now, you know, he's off the table. Is there anything anybody else out there that kind of comes to mind for you guys? Because I'm with, look, I'm with y' all. If we get to April and it's the last week of the season and Nicola Jokic is out there playing 42 minutes a game because his backup center is Zeke Naji, I. I'm gonna have a fit.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, fair enough. Like, I'm, I'm looking at the market right now. Al Horford. Mo Wagner feels like Horford.

[Dave DeFore]

The warriors are very interested in Horford, you know, and I, I would guess that they would be able to pull off, like, something, I mean, together is interesting.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah. The real big who's available is Miles Turner, but it seems like he's gonna go back to Indiana. I would be very shocked if he goes anywhere else. Yeah, I. I don't necessarily know if there's anybody else. Can I just throw out a stat for you guys?

[Dave DeFore]

No Nikhil Alexander Walker signing and he's probably the. Will be the biggest name left to change teams.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I'll just throw out something because I think this was interesting. I was looking it up while you guys were talking. The Clippers were 15 points were per 100 possessions worse with Zubac off the floor this season. So think of what Lopez brings to them immediately. Right. Can play and drop very similar to Zoo, a guy who obviously knocks down three. So that adds a different element to them. I think that's perfect. And to your point about like, what's next Nikhil Alexander Walker, obviously the Miles Turner extension. We'll see what happens there. I think there's also the question of, like, you know, there's these other random names that might pop up here and there that could change things. We'll see what the buyout market is with. With Cole Anthony and Jordan Clarkson. That's something that's going to be a moving target. Yeah, those are the names that I can think of right now.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. Pretty slow day, though, otherwise.

[Unknown Speaker]

True.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

What about. No, I'm just like looking at the centers right now. I'm like, none of these.

[Dave DeFore]

Not a lot of great options. Which I think is where the Nuggets constantly get themselves. They get to this point where that backup center look, you. You are playing behind Nicola Jokic, so your value is a little bit less. But they get to this position and it's. It's, you know, musical chairs and you run out of centers and, you know, maybe you hope there's some. Someone's going to be available at the deadline. You hope someone's going to be available on the buyout market. And those guys, those. Either they don't materialize or the ones that do are just not worth even kicking the tires on. I mean, I'm assuming DeAndre Jordan's still going to be on the Nuggets, so.

[Unknown Speaker]

Yeah, maybe he's gonna win.

[Dave DeFore]

You know, I mean, that's kind of where. Where they're at. Right.

[Unknown Speaker]

I know who's probably feeling really good right now is Jackson Hayes. He's probably like. Well, looks like they're. They're not finding anybody right now to be able to replace me. I did. I mean, I'm just thinking based. I'm off of my seeing him more so in the G League up until the Utah Jazz. I've always been a low key fan of Micah Porter Potter. Excuse me.

[Zena Kada]

Oh.

[Unknown Speaker]

I really like Micah and I think he's someone that also. He could stretch the floor. He's a big body. He's got some size. I think he does give a little bit of Damantis Sabonis. He's not the best defender, but he's not terrible either. So.

[Zena Kada]

Man, I love the fact that we got a Micah Potter shout out here.

[Unknown Speaker]

I know this is random. I know, I know.

[Zena Kada]

Love it. Zena, that's awesome.

[Unknown Speaker]

But I'm just saying we gotta go, we gotta go deep here now. If you're. You're looking at size, which is so interesting that this position continues to be such a. A hole to fill year over year over year. There's so many teams that you're just like, you need a big man. You need a big man.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

Not a lot of seven footers out there. Xena.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

You know, we live in a world where we see these guys all the time. Yeah. I, I wonder this though. Look, maybe the Pelicans don't like Eve's missy, right? Call them up. Maybe you could, you know, for, for very low, low price, maybe you could take them off their hands starting center. I mean, maybe they could call around about some other young center. You know, that would be excellent, right. If they could find an energy big, you know, like a younger guy who come in. You could play a different style, maybe even a vertical spacer that maybe you can get Murray going in. Pick and roll.

[Zena Kada]

Yeah. A couple of the people in the chat are mentioning Chris Boucher. Kind of an underrated name too. He was, he was floated around as an, as an option for Denver. So we'll see. Maybe that's a guy that they're kind of circling here in free agency. That would be interesting for them, honestly. Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker]

Okay. I think that me dropping Micah Potter.

[Dave DeFore]

And cause my camera to overheat literally.

[Unknown Speaker]

Might be a sign that we have overstayed our welcome on this free agency live NBA Daily special. So we're going to close it down for now. But of course, free agency just opened up. There's more to be had. We'll be covering this all week long. Appreciate all of you in the chat, in the live stream right now. Do one job for me. If you could just do one thing. Go thumbs up that YouTube video like it. Subscribe to us. Appreciate y' all, appreciate all the insights and also just like, you know, I like the, the, the thoughts being thrown out there, including Chris Buet. All right, guys. Thanks for joining us on behalf of sbir Honey Dave DeFore. I'm Zena Kada. This has been the NBA Daily.

[Dave DeFore]

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[Unknown Speaker]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Unknown Speaker]

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