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Andrew Schlecht
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Host
Welcome to the morning Shoot around here on the Athletic NBA Daily. I'm your host Andrew Schlecht with me early this morning.
Andrew Schlecht
Gone.
Host
I feel like I'm still at the Thunder arena right now. What's going on? It's my kids last day of school and so I'm you know.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh nice.
Host
Cool. At the arena late last night but up early this morning to see them off to their last day of school. Ready for some summertime.
Andrew Schlecht
God, I used to love the last day of school.
Host
Oh that's great.
Andrew Schlecht
It's the best feeling. You don't do anything. They're not going to do anything in their classes. They're going to just go have either a pizza party or something along the lines of that. I don't know if they still do that but maybe a pizza party, watch a show or something. I don't know.
Host
Half day?
Andrew Schlecht
Yep, half day.
Host
There's not a lot going on. There's nothing going on.
Andrew Schlecht
So beautiful. Love it Amazing.
Host
There's going to be a lot going on with the Denver Nuggets, though, this off season.
Andrew Schlecht
Yes. Yes, there will be.
Host
You would think.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep. I. I'm very interested to see what happens with this team because I remember when. When they fired Mike Malone, there was conversation. Or Michael Malone. I apologize, Michael. Sorry. I know you like. I know. I know you like Michael. When they fired Michael Malone, there was conversation of, oh, well, we wanted to get ahead of firing him because we didn't want a deep playoff run to cloud our judgment of this team.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
They just knew going in that they're going to make some changes. There were going to be some wholesale changes of this team. What exactly happens? I guess that's what we're here to talk about.
Host
Yeah. It is difficult to specifically make Michael Porter Jr. Trades, which I think is like, where everybody starts.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. You have to. Yeah.
Host
With this team.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
And I don't know if specific teams come to mind for you, because I think if you're Denver, what you want back is probably two rotation players.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Or three, if you can get them.
Host
If you can get. I mean, heck, four. Why stop there?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. You know, I was. I was talking to Dave about this before we recorded on Monday about my quarter Junior and I kind of likened it to the Rudy Gay trade for the Raptors. So if you. If we go all the way back to 2012.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
So 13 years ago, the Raptors traded Rudy Gay. At that time, they had Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan. And they traded Rudy Gay because it just wasn't working. It. Those three had no idea how to play with each other. It was like, this doesn't make a lot of sense. Let's trade Rudy Gay. So they traded Rudy Gay, and it was a weird package. We're really weird package from the Sacramento Kings. It was grievous. Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, and Chuck Hayes.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
And like, okay, all right. Sure. But those guys became, like, the bedrock. They were massive for that, like, first couple of years of them becoming a playoff team, they have to. They have to pull off something like this, like, three guys where you're like, really like those three guys. But those three guys turn out to be something. That's exactly what Denver needs to do.
Host
Wow. Yeah. I kind of forget that, like, any time that any team traded Rudy Gay, they just got better.
Andrew Schlecht
Memphis.
Host
Yeah. When Memphis traded him. Yeah. Oh, this is way better.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
Okay. So any. Any teams come to mind that you think would. I mean, here's the deal. If mbj is healthy. He's a 6 foot 10, lights out shooter.
Andrew Schlecht
Absolutely. Yeah.
Host
Which is something that teams want. His money doesn't go for that long. He's only got two years left.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep. Yep.
Host
So this isn't like some crazy long deal for a player that just can't play at all. He's got to deal with the injury over the summer. But I. I don't know. I think that there's. There's got to be some options out there. Is there a team specifically that comes to mind for you?
Andrew Schlecht
Let's just start with the easy team, the Brooklyn Nets. Can we. Can we start with Brooklyn, the easy team?
Host
The team we've, like, continually said doesn't have enough players. Okay. I am so, so interested now because.
Andrew Schlecht
They have money there. They were. They'd be like, all right, cool. We can take on. They have $60 million in cap space.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
You can entice them to take on Michael Porter Jr's contract.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
So mpj.
Host
All right.
Andrew Schlecht
And can't. You know what? Let me pull up my trade machine. Let me, Let me. Let me whip it up. Let me whip it open here. Okay. All right. On my docket, I have Michael Porter Jr. Going the other way. Makes $38 million next year. Okay. On the other side, do you think they could get Cam Johnson or is that just like. Are we not.
Host
I mean, what. In what world would any team make that deal? No, you can't do that. That's cheap. Like, that is cheap.
Andrew Schlecht
Fine. What if. What if we include the 2031 first that the Nuggets have? Does that change things?
Host
We're trading Porter Jr. And a first already.
Andrew Schlecht
I know. It's tough. It's tough out here. It's hard.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. I'm looking at this roster and I'm not. I'm not really sure what is out there. Do you.
Host
Does the problem is, It's. It's. You're trading like for like. And if you're Brooklyn, I guess getting the first helps. Okay. If they're getting the first and they're just basically swapping like for, like, here, I guess we can go with that.
Andrew Schlecht
Okay.
Host
One thing with Cam is such a great culture fit. And not to say like, there's anything wrong with mpj, you know, culturally, but I don't know that he provides the same kind of leadership.
Andrew Schlecht
Sure. Yeah. That's probably true. I. I think that's the trade. Like, that is. That's the most you can do. I. I don't know if there's anybody else on the Nets roster. That even makes sense. You get Cam Johnson, your Jalen Wilson guy. Sure. Yeah. Maybe Maxwell Lewis. I don't know.
Host
Maybe.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Keon Johnson. I do like Keon Johnson, but do. Do.
Host
The Keon is not going to play in the playoffs. Don't do that.
Andrew Schlecht
Whitehead. You know, Long Island Nets, you know, plays. Well, I don't know.
Host
When you said, honestly when you said this is, you know, the, the easy team, I was like, I was confused a little bit.
Andrew Schlecht
I changed my mind. I didn't realize how barren the roster was. I thought we could maybe get like another rotation player out of there, but it's only. It's only Cam Johnson. Do you have a, A MPJ team?
Host
Well, I wonder about Chicago.
Andrew Schlecht
Sure. They were interested, right? They were somewhat. Yeah.
Host
Yes. And they have. They. I mean, listen there, there's some guys on this roster.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You don't quite know what to do with. You've gotta like, you've got to basically match the 38.3 million, which is going to be the, the hardest thing. But like if you could get. And I know this is. There's nothing, there's nothing that's going to be like so exciting here, but if you could get like a Kevin Herder and a, and a Patrick Williams, you.
Andrew Schlecht
Know, can I, can I barter for Lonzo Ball? Can we get Lonzo Ball in there?
Host
I mean, Lonzo with Jokic would rock.
Andrew Schlecht
It would rock.
Host
As long as he's healthy.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, for sure.
Host
Is the statement of his career.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You know, I mean, that would be amazing. I mean, I don't, I don't know.
Andrew Schlecht
Okay, how about this?
Host
They need a backup center really bad. So like you could do Zach Collins and it like they have. I think they have multiple ways of acquiring him.
Andrew Schlecht
I will say there are a lot of grievous. Vasquez is on this team. You know, there's a lot of Chuck Hayes and Patrick Patterson's on this book.
Host
This is a. Yes. Even one of the guys name is Patrick. Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
There's not a lot of Patricks in the NBA. But we, we have the chance to recreate the two Pat trade with Bulls where it's like Patrick Williams, Zach Collins and. And so. Right.
Andrew Schlecht
I forgot Patrick Patterson, Thunder legend. Right. Yes.
Host
Yeah. Yeah. He. We were warned by a lot of Raptors fans that, that I know he's not as good as the percentages.
Andrew Schlecht
Look at the bench minutes. I know. Yeah.
Host
You know, we did. You know what we did? We ignored that. We said not for us. You know what? He was definitely you guys were right. All of you.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, all of you were right. Usually that's. That's how it works.
Host
Did not work out for two.
Andrew Schlecht
Good guy, though. I really like him. Big, big movie fan. He's a big movie guy. Loves movies.
Host
Big movie guy. Yes, he. Yeah, he would. He had like a movie club or something.
Andrew Schlecht
Yes, he did.
Host
He would invite, like, you know, whatever fans, like, come watch movies with them.
Andrew Schlecht
It's like, ah, yeah. That was very cool. Shout out to Patrick Patterson. Okay. Can I. Can I suggest another idea since we're in. In the realm of, like, hey, we're willing to include this Nuggets pick. Okay.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
The Bulls cannot extend Kobe White this summer. And by cannot, I mean Kobe White will literally not accept the contract extension because it's 140 of what he's making right now, which is not a lot of money. And so he's gonna next summer be a max player or something along the Mac. Probably not a max. Max might be a little bit too much, but more than $20 million, right? Yeah, he's probably make. I don't know. I'm just thinking of, like, guards in that realm. He's probably making like a manual quickly money. Like, he's probably looking at IQ or maybe what Josh Giddy gets this summer and he's like, I would like that. That's. That's sort of what I. Where I'm at. So what if they do Michael Porter Jr. Attach the pick, give me Kobe White, give me one of the other guys. Maybe if you said Zach Collins or something and call it a day.
Host
I mean, that.
Andrew Schlecht
Is that too good for the Nuggets?
Host
Probably like that. But that's very interesting, I think, like, if you can get a backup center and a guard and if you could somehow get another forward somehow like that. That is interesting. The only problem is, like, what do you do with the starting lineup if you're the Nuggets?
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, man, they would. Their defense would be Swiss cheese.
Host
Yeah. The. The. The thing that's underrated about MPJ is he's 610. He's huge.
Andrew Schlecht
Big dude. Yeah.
Host
And having him and Aaron Gordon as your forwards is a luxury.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Because they are so big.
Andrew Schlecht
Because the dynamic of this team is going to change. Is it? Christian Brown's going to get his extension this summer, right?
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Jamal Murray is going to be too hard to trade.
Host
Yes.
Andrew Schlecht
Right. I mean, unless you have suggestions. Then there's Aaron Gordon and there's Jokic. Outside of that, like, I think everybody else is either on the table or you're hoping can get better.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah.
Host
Any other teams you as potential.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Patterson throw on Toronto Raptors. I have, I have, I have a team here. Yeah. I'm kind of. I'm interested to hear your thoughts. Okay. Because they, they had, they had beat around the bush of, of potentially trading RJ Barrett in that Ingram trade.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
And the Ingram Scotty RJ kind of front court slash wing is kind of a weird fit. Right. As you've, as you've illustrated before very delicately. So, so what about something centered around. And Ochai Obaji by the way, is a player that the, the Raptors either have to pay this summer or next summer or they will have to trade. Yeah. And so how about R.J. bear, Ochai Baji, Michael for Michael Porter Jr. And, and I would like a pick in this situation here because you're taking on money, but I don't know. How do you feel?
Host
Yeah, I mean that is interesting because you. Those are two playable guys. Abaji would be like their seventh best player on this roster.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Little Bruce Brownie in terms of what he can do. Yeah.
Host
Yeah. I think that that is pretty interesting. I don't love the fit of RJ Barrett though.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. The three point shooting, man. Oh my God. On the Nuggets especially too. Yeah.
Host
That's the, that is also the problem is if you remove MPJ and you don't replace him with shooting, then like who shoots on this team outside of Jamal?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, I know Jokic is the only other guy that shoots on this team. And Joshua Carroll asked like that's rough for Toronto. Why would they do that? I honestly, I think the reason they would do that is for a pick of some sorts or if they really like Michael Porter Jr. Like they, they obviously need shooting on that team. The Raptors are also a one of those teams. I mean, if you look at the regular season stats, the Nuggets and Raptors are basically attached at the hip in terms of three point frequency.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Neither team really takes a lot of threes. Michael Porter Jr. Will help in that regard for the Raptors and he's just a little bit better of a fit next to Scotty and Bi. But yeah, I don't know, it's. It's not something I think the Raptors would do, but just as just a thought experiment era, I mean, I think.
Host
It would help the Raptors in that they would get a legit three point shooter on their roster.
Andrew Schlecht
Totally. Yeah. Yeah.
Host
You know, and a guy who you can like take away these skills that are all the same, you know.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Host
Which is something that they'll have to address at some point for sure.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep, yep, yep. I agree.
Host
Miami is another weird team.
Andrew Schlecht
Sure. Let's do it. Why not? Yeah.
Host
I don't know if you could get like a Duncan Robinson and a Kyle Anderson and there you go. Maybe one other guy.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
I don't know. They would trade Haywood Highsmith, but they need. They need shooting at the forward pretty, pretty badly, like, to play next to Bam or to wear somebody like that. I think that he is an interesting one.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
For Miami. And then I feel like they have a bunch of these, like, mid tier, you know, guys that are making 20 million, 10 million.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
I just think that you could get a couple guys back and that can shoot it a little bit. You can really shoot it. And he can even put it on the deck a little bit, too. I just think there might be something there.
Andrew Schlecht
I like this because, I mean. Okay, well, from the Nuggets perspective, even if you're like, okay, you know, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Anderson is not like the craziest package. They're expiring contracts, you know, so it really allows you to get under that apron or, you know, or try to get under the first apron, but that allows you to do that, you know, alleviates some pressure off of you because of Aaron Gordon's contract. So. I don't hate it. I don't hate it. But I would, you know, if I'm Denver, I'm like, how can we do a Wiggins for Michael Porter jr. Swap, you know, is that possible? Because it's not like their money is too off, you know. Two years, 28 million. Two years, 38 million. Let's figure something out here.
Host
Miami, you know, you could do Wiggins and Kyle Anderson.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
I think that gets you close enough. Anderson is. Is a. I mean, he. He's. He's just a good player that you can just plug in in different spots.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
I also don't love him with the Nuggets because he's not a shooter either.
Andrew Schlecht
No, he's not. No.
Host
But at least he's a guy that can. That can play, and then if you're Miami, you know, works out great. If not, I don't know, like, he's. He's just another shooter that you can put out there. I think that there's something interesting there with just getting multiple pieces back.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
But it's going to be like one of these, like, mediocre east teams or the problem is, like, what can I.
Andrew Schlecht
Suggest the non mediocre east team or a team that at least this year wasn't.
Host
Yes, yes, yes.
Andrew Schlecht
Boston Celtics.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
They're. They're looking to trade and get money off the books. Right. Drew Holiday makes a lot of money.
Host
Yes.
Andrew Schlecht
For longer than Michael Porter Jr. Does. He's obviously a more valuable player also. So you would have to probably attach a pick in this situation. Likely attach a pick. I would do that. And I would try my darndest to also nab Kristaps Porzingis and take a swing at him. And again, I don't know how the Nuggets will be able to conjure up the assets to do this, but the Celtics are clearly taking a gap year here. Thoughts? Opinion?
Host
Forced to. Force to. I.
Andrew Schlecht
Yes. Forced to.
Host
I mean, I don't know how you get 63 million, so let's do just for holiday.
Andrew Schlecht
There you go. 38, 34, or 32. Yeah, yeah.
Host
The problem, like, you have to match close to MPJ's contract because of the apron.
Andrew Schlecht
I don't think they can. Right. They can't. It's like, they can't. I don't think they can aggregate salaries. The Celtics, at least this is where.
Host
The, like, the apron stuff is. Gets really.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. They can't aggregate. This won't work. Okay, never mind. Never mind.
Host
It has to be like. Like for, like.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Damn.
Host
Yeah. It's tricky. Failed. Failure.
Andrew Schlecht
Failure of a thing. And probably. That's probably like, the. The Celtics will be able to get a lot more for Drew Holiday, I'll tell you that. I think that's also a team I kind of want to talk about once we get to it. But. Yeah.
Host
Yeah, it's interesting because I think. And a lot of these. I think if you're the Celtics, you're rooting for OKC to win the title because, like, these pesky guards, like, okay, if they win at all, and they are defending guys like Randall and Jokic and players like that with guards. Yeah, it's a copycat league. Everybody's gonna be like, well, how do we get our own Alex Caruso? How do we get a guy that can do all of that for us? Drew Holidays is one of the few players that we know can do it. He's proven he's a little bit older, but he's proven that he can be that kind of guy for you. And so I think if you're the Celtics, you're like, please, okc, win this thing. Because if you do, then it'll be very easy to trade you Holiday in my Opinion.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I agree. I honestly, like, I think there would be a lot of teams interested in Drew. That's just, like, the nature of the type of player he is.
Host
You know, it'll be easier to trade him than Michael Porter Jr. Right now. Yes.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
Host
There's not anything with Detroit, is there?
Andrew Schlecht
Do you. Yeah, I guess. Maybe.
Host
I mean. I mean, does Tobias Harris and Simone Fontechio interest you?
Andrew Schlecht
If you're Denver, maybe. Yeah. You get off money. You get off one year of money. The issue here becomes. It's like the Pistons will eventually. I believe they have to do it this summer. I. I can't remember, but they have to extend Jaden Ivy, and eventually they'll have to extend Sar Thompson. And so, you know, this is the whole thing where teams start to get expensive and all that.
Host
Jaden's in. It is a restricted, you know, free agency candidate, though.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, that probably is. Yeah.
Host
If you're Detroit, you're like, hey, listen, you didn't play.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, go get that money.
Host
And we're not sure you're a starter, so we're gonna pay you good bench player money.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Go to his agent and say that. He's gonna say rfa. Just three letters. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's. He's a. It's a weird one. I would be a little terrified. That extension. Because he was a high lottery pick and he's had some.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep.
Host
You know, high scoring averages. I don't know.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. But do they believe? Believe. That's a good question. Yeah, I mean, yeah, I guess so. Tobias Harris. Sure. No, I'm not in love with this, but I guess it could work. Yeah.
Host
You're a Fontechio guy.
Andrew Schlecht
I was. I was when he got traded to Detroit last year, you know, but from Utah. I was like, yeah, you know what? Maybe he could be a rotation guy. He has not been that, though. No.
Host
No. That kind of scares me that he is just another one of these guys that's just gonna sit on the bench and just not play at all for Denver.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
They've done a really good job of acquiring those kind of guys.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Over the past year or so.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Dario Sariches and.
Host
Yeah. Dario, they just refused to even look at him, you know?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Didn't play him and Zeke just did not play at all.
Host
No. Yeah. That Zeke contract, it's not. It's not like it's so big, but it's like, man, he's got three more years.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Hopefully Daron Holmes is something hopefully something.
Host
That you just kind of kept hearing is like, there is one more rotation player.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
On the bench. He should be ready for the beginning of next season. You think? I saw him. I saw him warming up, you know, and. And doing all sorts of.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Exercises before the games, so.
Andrew Schlecht
No, he'll be ready. He'll probably play in the summer league. I'd imagine. It was a. It was during the summer league that that happened. Right. It was a year.
Host
I'm. If I'm him, I'm like, thanks. No, thanks.
Andrew Schlecht
No, thank you.
Host
I'm playing there again. Heck, no.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Fair. That's fair.
Host
Or you got to face your fears. What are you. Are you a face your fears guy or are you.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, I'm definitely like, all right, let's get this over with. I got to do it here. Yeah.
Host
Okay. Yeah, I'm typically the same way where I tore my acl. It's like, all right, let's get back in the building.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, really? Yeah.
Host
Back to the scene of the crime.
Andrew Schlecht
Wow.
Host
Yeah. Was it.
Andrew Schlecht
Was it weird the first time?
Host
Nope.
Andrew Schlecht
No.
Host
Nope.
Andrew Schlecht
See, you faced your fear.
Host
It's my fear. You got to do it, too. Jaron Holmes, we believe in you.
Andrew Schlecht
We believe in you, Duran.
Host
Is there anything with. With maybe some of these guys? And. And before. Before you give me the. Oh, God.
Andrew Schlecht
Okay, listen, I like the Wizards. You know, I'm on record here. I like those.
Host
The Wizards are a team that can. This is one where it's like, hey, the Wizards, we're not necessarily in The Michael Porter Jr. You know, business here, but we're definitely in the. Give us your first round pick.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You know, business here and I. They have Marcus Smart and Chris Middleton, right?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
That they're going to trade.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, for sure.
Host
Yeah, that's going to happen. And so I wonder if you could get those guys. And if you're. If you are. I don't know if you can get both of them because it's. I mean, it's 55 million. It's a lot of money. But I just think they're. They are renting their cap space out for. At this point, and so can they rent this cap space? And like, MPJ is not just a guy. Like, he can play. Like, he's going to play. He's going to play at a pretty high level, but I think he's a. He's. He's a guy that. I think that can help this team. I could play him next to Alex Saar offensively, I think, you know, that could help him Good shooter.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
So I wonder about getting one, at least one of Chris Middleton or Marcus Smart, you know, over there. And then they've got other guys. Like Rashawn Holmes is probably better than any backup center they have.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You know, he's a little Chuck Hazy.
Andrew Schlecht
You know, he is definitely Chuck Hazy.
Host
He's like in the Chuck Hayes realm. Not. Not that they're similar players, but that they are, you know, of the same caliber.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
I just think there's. There's going to. Something is going to happen with these guys. I do not think that Marcus Smart and Chris Middleton are going to be wearing Wizards jerseys for a long time.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, man. I would if I was Denver. I would like to take a chance on Chris Middleton.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
At this point, what do you have to lose? You know, Good shot creator can create his own shot when he's healthy, can be a decent defender.
Host
So you take a risk on Sadiq Bay.
Andrew Schlecht
Maybe.
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Andrew Schlecht
That's your deal. Or I would. I would like Rashawn Homes over Sadiq Bay. Can we do that? Or is that too much? Is that.
Host
Yeah, he makes too much. You'd have to. Gonna interest you in a Zeke Naji.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, I'm definitely getting that pick then. I'm definitely getting that 2031.
Host
Yeah, that still fails.
Andrew Schlecht
That still fails.
Host
But it's. I mean, it's something like this.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
Where you get a couple players back.
Andrew Schlecht
Andrew, can I interest you in Jordan Pool if you're a Denver?
Host
Oh, man. I. I mean, to. To like, take the rest minutes.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, take the rust minutes. Be coming off the bench, be your guy. I mean, $31 million a year to come off the bench or something. But, you know, at least you got a score. You got a guy basically like absorbs those. Strother Westbrook.
Host
Yeah, it's a hard sell for me because if a guy's making 31 million and he can't be a part of my closing five, sure. That's not a great feeling.
Andrew Schlecht
I would do it just to see Nicola Jokic's reactions to some of the things Jordan Pool does. I would love that. I think Pool has also had a really good season. He was good in Washington last year. Here. I just say it would be. It would be fun to see that. That would be awesome.
Host
Yeah. If. If you love just tortured looks on people's faces, then it would be fun. Yeah. Yeah. There's just no way. There's no way. Right.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Or you do. Or like the. You know, actually, I think I'm starting to think there is a version of this that works like you do like Marcus Smart and Ran Holmes, and that will get you to Michael Porter Jr. Money. And now you're doing smart, homes. You get a. You get a backup point guard, Marcus.
Host
Smart, another one of these guys that I was talking about that can defend bigger players and.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You know. Yeah. That.
Andrew Schlecht
You got to take Zeke out of it. Oh, maybe not. Oh, yeah. Okay. All right.
Host
Yeah. That's interesting.
Andrew Schlecht
And they're expiring contracts, so you don't have to be committed to keeping or taking these guys on long term.
Host
Yeah. It just makes you small.
Andrew Schlecht
It does. Does make you small. Yeah. But you get a backup 5. You get a guy who probably could. You know, we just talked about. You need your quesos, and you need your Alex Carusos.
Host
He's one of those guys for sure.
Andrew Schlecht
Smart, has some of that, you know, he definitely does.
Host
But if he doesn't stay healthy like he did in Memphis, like, this is.
Andrew Schlecht
Risky, then this is terrible.
Host
That's part. And that's part of why they were able to get Middleton, too, was because of his health. So. Yeah, I. I don't know. Okay, we can move on from MPJ. We've talked 29, 59 seconds, but we.
Andrew Schlecht
Could do a lot of options. Right? That's.
Host
I think there's. I think there's options. Are there options that Nuggets fans are excited about?
Andrew Schlecht
No, no, no. I don't think there's anything right now, within the last 30 minutes that we've talked about that was interesting.
Host
If I was doing a Nuggets podcast, my. The. The title of the summer would be the Summer of Internal Development.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Host
And it's like, Ron Holmes. Hey, Peyton Watson.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep.
Host
Get him in the film room. Let's really figure out who he is. Julian Strother. He showed some flashes there.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
The end of the. The Thunder series. We need that guy.
Andrew Schlecht
Jalen Pickett. You know Jalen Pickett.
Host
Can you not be terrified when we get to the playoffs?
Andrew Schlecht
Backup point guard. Yeah.
Host
Tyson, you're six eight. You're old for a rookie. What can you do for us? You know, what can we do here?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, I agree.
Host
Okay. You want to. You want to shift gears to the Celtics?
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah, let's shift gears to the Celtics. I have. I have a really spicy trade idea I'm ready to throw at you.
Host
Okay. I'm. I'm excited.
Andrew Schlecht
Go to the Dallas Mavericks.
Host
Oh. Oh, yeah. Gonna happen here. Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
Send Drew Holiday to the Dallas Mavericks.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
They need a point guard. Kyrie's out. Drew will be that guy for them for a little bit.
Host
Wow.
Andrew Schlecht
And wait. What is it? $32.4 million. Okay. Daniel Gafford, P.J. washington. And you can maybe add another guy in there if you want to, but there you go. Yeah. If you want. I don't know.
Host
Wow. Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, sure. Dwight.
Host
Who else? Hardy party.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, sure. Yeah, sure. Why not?
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
There you go.
Host
This gets you close enough. It's failed, but it gets you close enough.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Thoughts, feelings, Concerns?
Host
I mean, this is helpful because you get these expiring contracts back.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep.
Host
The Mavs, if they Had Drew Holiday like this would. This would be a very good defensive team.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, yeah.
Host
This is a. When. When you. Well, Cooper Flag will eventually be on this trade machine, too.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep.
Host
And when you have Anthony Davis, Drew Holiday, Cooper Flag, Derek Lively, Naji Marshall, I mean, that's a serious team.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Even without Kyrie. Like, that team makes the playoffs, I think.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, yeah.
Host
If they stay healthy. And then when you get Kyrie back, you can just slide Drew over. Like, that's a serious team. That is interesting.
Andrew Schlecht
And then from the Celtic side, like, you get two guys who are probably going to fit into what you need.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
P.J. washington, really good three. And D wing, you know, can knock down his shots, can defend at a high level. Gafford is a big. And who knows what happens with Porzingis next season. You need another big. And both of these guys, you can say, all right, we'll give you the year. See what you guys can do. And if we like you, we'll extend you, you know.
Host
Yeah. That is really, really interesting.
Andrew Schlecht
Make it happen, Nico. Also, I think. I think if you swap out Jaden Hardy with, like, Omax, I guess, or something, it'll.
Host
Yeah. I mean, if I'm. If I'm them, I would even. I'd be willing to. Yeah, I know. Max. To do this. You know why? You know why? Because defense wins championships. Okay. And, like, you can have.
Andrew Schlecht
Kyrie and Drew could play together, you know, once.
Host
Once they could play together. Drew could play with anybody.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
There's not one player in the NBA Drew Holiday can't play with.
Andrew Schlecht
I agree. Yeah. He's awesome.
Host
I. I hate you because I don't want the Mavericks to be good. Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
I know, I know. This is why I brought it up. This was the first suggestion that I thought of that I was like, how could I ruin Andrews Wednesday morning?
Host
That's the best trade of the day.
Andrew Schlecht
There we go.
Host
And, like, would you.
Andrew Schlecht
Would you do this if it was. If. If Boston came back and said, we don't want any of these players. We want Derek Lively.
Host
No. Heck, no.
Andrew Schlecht
Okay. All right. Okay. Just temperature check. Just one.
Host
Yeah. Derek Lively is really good. Yeah, he's really, really good. I've never talked about. I would try Anthony Davis. I wouldn't do. I wouldn't do this timeline. Like.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, I know, I know.
Host
Get me out of this two timeline thing. It's fast.
Andrew Schlecht
Start over. Yeah.
Host
When has it ever worked?
Andrew Schlecht
Well, would you. I mean, we. It would be silly to entertain the Anthony Davis to Boston trade, but you could do it. You could Pull it off.
Host
I mean. Yeah, you could. I. The problem is, though, when you're doing the two timeline, you want to trade Anthony Davis for younger players.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
Host
You know, you don't want. Drew Holiday is not.
Andrew Schlecht
No.
Host
Part of that timeline. But this is. This is definitely the most interesting trade of the day, and they. They could make it happen because they're going to need to do something with pj, I think, because you're going to want to allow Cooper Flag to spread his wings and play as many minutes as possible. And what is. He's a four.
Andrew Schlecht
Yep. And Gafford wants starter money. That was a report that came out. Right. So.
Host
Well, good luck.
Andrew Schlecht
Good luck. Go get that in Boston. Yeah.
Host
Not gonna happen in Boston, but go get it. Free agency. Not going to happen. There's. It's going to be a rude awakening for a lot of players over the next.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Few years because of the way that the CBA is set up. It's going to squeeze players like Daniel Gafford totally. You know, it's going to be really challenging for those guys to get the kind of money that they want. Okay, I like that, and I'm mad about it. Who else could use a Drew Holiday, do we think? I mean, that's.
Andrew Schlecht
Every team could use a Drew Holiday as wildly as that.
Host
Yeah. No question that most teams could, could, and should trade for Drew. What about another team, the Grizzlies, that need. They need to shake up. Yes.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
Is there anything there? Is there enough expiring money? Not really.
Andrew Schlecht
No. Not really. Yeah. Sorry, I. I can't. I. I've seen this trade around on social media, and I can't take credit for it, but Jason Timf suggested a John Morant for Jalen Brown trade.
Host
Whoa.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. That's a big one. That's. That's. Let's shake things up big time.
Host
Like, John doesn't make enough.
Andrew Schlecht
Right.
Host
So you might add arc back or contra or something. So they can't be aggregated. That's the problem.
Andrew Schlecht
No. So. So Boston can't aggregate, but Memphis can. It's the. Yeah. Yeah.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
So this would work technically, I think. Yeah.
Host
Huh. What do you think about that?
Andrew Schlecht
I mean, it's interesting. It definitely is. Like, if Jayla. If. If the Celtics want to really change up what they're doing, they're like, we want to change what we want to do, and we want to get another guy in here in. John Morant who can get to the basket, can generate tons of paint touches. We know he has a checkered injury, history gets hurt, etc.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
But we're doing this gap year thing and we believe jaw can be really good in Boston. I don't know. I don't think that, I don't think they'll sell themselves on that. I don't think jaw is a, is a guy the Celtics would be interested in. But just an interesting thought. I think this is more interesting for Memphis where you're like Jalen Brown with these three, two, three guys. Not bad, actually. Cool.
Host
Jalen's good. Part of the problem there too is like, I don't know. Jalen's 28.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
And I don't know. I don't know. I don't know that, like, does this make you a better team? For sure.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Yeah.
Host
Because. And you did a great job of this highlighting that, you know, there's four guards left of the final four right now in the playoffs.
Andrew Schlecht
There is. Yeah.
Host
And you need a dominant guard in the NBA today. You just do. And if you take a. John Morant is. When he is 100% and he's locked in, he is one of those kind of guys.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
And so are you willing to punt on one of those guys for a forward who's really good but not like a top level superstar forward? You know, he's been a great number two to Jason Tatum.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Who makes more money for longer, by the way. That's the other part of this is like.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Making a lot of money moving forward.
Host
It. Yes, it is. That is another issue that you run into. Yeah. I don't know. Are you, are you ready to punt on John Morant if you're the Grizzlies?
Andrew Schlecht
I, I, it's tough.
Host
Let's say if the Grizzlies called you and like. Yes. We've been listening all year to the NBA daily. Just listen, man. We, we trust your opinion.
Andrew Schlecht
We want to thank you. Yes.
Host
You're the, the smartest basketball and out there. And we need to know, should we trade John Morant today?
Andrew Schlecht
I wouldn't do it. Yeah.
Host
You wouldn't.
Andrew Schlecht
I wouldn't do it. I'd be too gun shy to trade John Moran. I would rather, I would, I would tell them to try to find a way to try trade Jaren Jackson Jr. And get like a month.
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Oh.
Andrew Schlecht
Of stuff. Yeah.
Host
Really?
Andrew Schlecht
Because I, I think like, Jaren is a really, really good player. Was the best player for the Grizzlies this year. Want to highlight that Jared was the best player.
Host
That's, that's what you say right before you provide an insult so go ahead.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah. But at the same time, like, you're absolutely gonna have to pay this guy and he's absolutely gonna get a super duper. Actually, I don't know if he's super duper Max eligible, but he's gonna be a max eligible and like. Yeah, that's a lot of money. I think some teams would be willing to pay that money. Like if you're, I don't know, a team that's desperate for a center. I'm thinking of like the Lakers or whatever. I don't know. But yeah.
Host
Oh, don't, don't you dick.
Andrew Schlecht
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to invoke that.
Host
Kidding me. Possible.
Andrew Schlecht
No, we don't need to get into Grizzlies, Lakers even.
Host
Possible. I would be so mad if that happened. Hold on.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh my God.
Host
That right.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. Rui Hachimora, Austin Reeves. No, no, no.
Host
It won't get out of town with that.
Andrew Schlecht
It won't work. It won't work. You can't do it.
Host
God, that would be so bad.
Andrew Schlecht
But I would, I would hold on to John Moran. I think, I think the Grizzlies in general, they need to just add depth that they rely on. They were missing Brandon Clark in the playoffs. They couldn't trust Zach Edie for a lot of a big portion of, of the season. Yeah. They lost Jalen Wells. They just need other rotation players next to their group that, yeah, fine tune that group.
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
Okay. I, I, there's, We could do Drew Holiday ideas for a really long time. Do you feel like they, the Celtics, in their forward thinking ways would ever trade Derrick White or do you see Derrick White as like he is locked in? This is our guy. Him, Jalen Tatum. That's what we're building with after Tatum comes back.
Host
I mean, you look at the money that he's owed. He's. His extension kicks in next season.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. And he's 30 right now.
Host
20. 28 million. 30 million and 26. 32 and 27 and a player option for 34.8. He's 30 years old. He is, you know, underrated still probably in the basketball community. He's 16, 4 and 4. Great defender.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
The best guard, shop blocker in the NBA. I wouldn't trade him. I think you get a boatload for him.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, I agree.
Host
I think he's another guy that you could trade to any team. Yeah, I, I would not trade Derek White. I mean, he's four years younger than, than Drew. I think you should trade one of them.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah. I agree.
Host
Both.
Andrew Schlecht
I have another Drew Holiday idea.
Host
Let's do it.
Andrew Schlecht
Go to the Golden State Warriors.
Host
Okay.
Andrew Schlecht
Drew is a California guy.
Host
Yeah, he is.
Andrew Schlecht
And I think the warriors. Obviously, Drew has played Team USA Basketball. Pretty sure.
Host
Yes, yes, yes, he has.
Andrew Schlecht
You know, seems like a Steve Kerr guy, I think fits what they. What they like to do. Moses Moody, Buddy Healed, Trace Jackson Davis, and GI Santos. And the reason I know those names is because I've already looked this trade up. Yeah. G. Santos. Yeah, there we go. And obviously, picks would have to be included in this. That there's no question about. But there's. There's your trade.
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Wow.
Andrew Schlecht
And so the Celtics can take some risks, right? They're, like, cool. Buddy healed can shoot.
Host
We.
Andrew Schlecht
Like, that can be a guy for us next year. Moses Moody, we think he's not being used properly in. In Golden State. Maybe we can change that. Trace, Jackson Davis big that we can take a swing on again. A young guy. They're getting some young pieces here, right?
Host
Yeah.
Andrew Schlecht
I mean, and picks. I have to include that. There will be picks involved in this trade, but.
Host
This is disgusting. This is. This is a travesty.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, my God. Yeah. So. No, this is not.
Host
Yeah. I mean, if you just wanted to get off of Drew Holiday's money, this is a way to do it. Break it into smaller pieces.
Andrew Schlecht
Yes, exactly. Yeah. You hate this. You're like, this is gross.
Host
Yeah, this is so gross. You get. You have the Moses Moody extension. That doesn't look so good because he. I mean, by the end of that series, like, they just needed guys that could play and could not play.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
You know, Buddy's. He's a. He's a fun shooter, but, like.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Really? Is he. Is he playing for Boston? Like, I don't know. I don't know. This would also make me mad, though. Like, the warriors don't need Drew Holiday. Come on, get out of here with that. That makes that team really good.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Yeah, you're right, because I can tell you you can go find your next Moses Moody. Trace Jackson Davis pretty easily in the draft.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Not that hard. You can. I mean, guys want to go play for the Warriors. Like, you can go find those guys off the scrap heap. Give me a break.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Oh, well, that really unsettled my stomach. Okay, let's see. Yeah. I mean, they're. They're a team that. That needs something else, too.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, for sure.
Host
Okay. Anything else. I'm. Have to. I might even have to go after that. I mean, that was. That was tough.
Andrew Schlecht
That hurt your stomach Yeah, I don't know. I, like, I. I can again, I can see a lot of teams being willing to trade for Drew Holiday. Yeah. And I also think he's the guy that will end up being traded. I. I think Kristoff's Porzingis on an expiring deal. That's also interesting. You know, makes $30 million. Obviously was limited because of, you know, some kind of illness that he was dealing with. That's interesting. I don't know what team is out there that's like, we want to trade for Christoph Sporting Us. Maybe that's a Nuggets destination. Maybe they're like Jokic and Persingus. Kind of makes sense.
Host
Yeah. Man, I wish they could aggregate salary, either one of these teams.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
I have the Phoenix now.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh, God.
Host
If you're looking for a way to just clear a bunch of salary, like.
Andrew Schlecht
See, this makes me sick. This is just.
Host
Kevin is one of those guys, you know, that you can clear salary real fast. You know, he makes 54 million next year. So I don't. I mean, I don't think there's a match here because I don't think you're just, like, swapping Jalen Brown for him.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, yeah.
Host
Like, the only way. God Sons are in some trouble.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, well, that's. That's like a whole. We could do another 45 minutes on what the Suns are gonna do.
Host
Yeah. That's brutal.
Andrew Schlecht
They're gonna trade him to Houston, right?
Host
Or.
Andrew Schlecht
Well, actually, we can't say that for sure because now Giannis is looming.
Host
Yeah. Also, if you're Houston, you got to feel pretty good about your team, too.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, sure. Absolutely. The Warriors. Yeah.
Host
I think you trade for Giannis. I don't think I trade for Kevin.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, I agree.
Host
36. He's 36 years old. He's got one year left.
Andrew Schlecht
Screwed.
Host
They're so screwed. They are so screwed.
Andrew Schlecht
They are so screwed. I. I can't even think of it. Like, I. I don't know what they would even do. I. I have no idea.
Host
I don't know. I don't know. I don't know how they get out of this mess. But, yeah, you know, I. I will say, on the teams that I think would want to swap places with them, though, it's.
Andrew Schlecht
It's sort of interesting to start talking about these conversations about, like, what Phoenix will do, what Denver will do, what Boston will do, what Dallas might do, Golden State, Obviously, a lot of these teams have to make trades, you know.
Host
And it's gonna be a very active summer.
Andrew Schlecht
It feels like a very active summer already. It feels like we're gearing up for a lot of stuff to happen.
Host
Yeah, I think we'll have a lot of emergency podcasts to do this summer which will be very exciting.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah.
Host
Please leave us a comment either on this YouTube page or you can comment on Spotify. You can still comment on the athletic app. I know that there's people that have not been super happy with things that have happened on the athletic app lately and I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences that it's caused. But I will say that we I've really enjoyed doing these podcasts on Wednesdays, doing the live stream. So if you're not, if you're listening on the podcast catcher of your choice, you can also watch us live on YouTube. We went a little bit earlier this morning. We typically do, but we'd love to have you join us. Join us live and let us know in the comments on Spotify or even leave us a five star review at Apple Podcasts. You can if you're enjoying these long form shows. We'd really appreciate that. Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your Wednesday. And we're going to talk. Got the conference finals.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh yeah.
Host
Hugging along.
Andrew Schlecht
Oh yeah.
Host
We thought we'd bring you something a little bit different today because there's so many podcasts talking about the conference finals. We're just here talking trades.
Andrew Schlecht
Talking trades. There's going to be a lot of trade talk this summer. Man, we're going to do this so often because of what's, what's about.
Host
I love it. I love team building so much.
Andrew Schlecht
So same.
Host
Yeah, we'll talk a lot of team building on these Wednesdays. So if you enjoy that, join us Wednesdays on YouTube and we will talk to you guys again tomorrow morning.
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Andrew Schlecht
How could you not be a member and save up to 20% that's less.
Host
Than 50%, but it's more than 0%. You're welcome.
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Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily - Nuggets Fake Trades: Morning Shoot Around
Episode Information:
In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Andrew Schlecht and his co-host delve deep into the speculative world of NBA trades, focusing primarily on the Denver Nuggets' potential offseason moves. The conversation navigates through various hypothetical trade scenarios, assessing the feasibility and impact of these moves on both the Nuggets and the involved teams.
The primary focus revolves around the Denver Nuggets' possible decision to trade Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ), an asset that has generated significant trade buzz. The hosts explore the complexities of trading a player with MPJ's unique skill set and contract details.
Andrew Schlecht initiates the discussion by reflecting on past Nuggets decisions:
"[03:23] "They just knew going in that they're going to make some changes. There were going to be some wholesale changes of this team.""
The Brooklyn Nets emerge as the first potential trade partner due to their available salary cap space and need for rotation players.
Host:
"[06:15] "Let's just start with the easy team, the Brooklyn Nets. Can we start with Brooklyn, the easy team?""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[06:21] "They have money there. They were like, all right, cool. We can take on. They have $60 million in cap space.""
However, the trade becomes complicated when considering the inclusion of additional assets like first-round picks:
"[07:09] "Andrew Schlecht: ... Is that too good for the Nuggets?""
The hosts debate the practicality of such a trade, ultimately finding it challenging to balance the salaries and needs:
"[07:58] "This still fails.""
The Chicago Bulls are considered for their interest in MPJ and the potential to integrate him into their roster alongside other players.
Host:
"[09:10] "Well, I wonder about Chicago.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[09:13] "They were interested, right? They were somewhat.""
The conversation touches on matching MPJ's contract and finding suitable players to include:
"[09:17] "Yeah. And they have... I mean, listen there, there's some guys on this roster.""
Miami is identified as a team needing shooting prowess, making them a viable candidate for acquiring MPJ.
Host:
"[16:37] "Miami is another weird team.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[17:01] "Yeah. Yeah.""
The hosts suggest possible trade packages involving players like Duncan Robinson and Kyle Anderson:
"[17:12] "Yeah.""
They weigh the benefits of adding shooting depth against the defensive needs:
"[18:36] "Miami, you know, you could do Wiggins and Kyle Anderson.""
The Boston Celtics are discussed as potential trade partners, primarily due to their interest in defensive assets like Drew Holiday.
Host:
"[19:57] "I think there's... I think there's options.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[21:05] "And probably. That's probably like, the... The Celtics will be able to get a lot more for Drew Holiday.""
The hosts propose a hypothetical trade involving multiple players and picks:
"[35:06] "Go to the Dallas Mavericks.""
Host:
"[36:35] "This gets you close enough. It's failed, but it gets you close enough.""
Detroit Pistons are briefly mentioned in the context of extending contracts for players like Jaden Ivy.
Host:
"[22:40] "I mean, does Tobias Harris and Simone Feftechio interest you?""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[23:11] "Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Tobias Harris. Sure.""
The Washington Wizards are identified as another potential trade partner, especially for acquiring skilled shooters like Marcus Smart and Chris Middleton.
Host:
"[26:22] "When has it ever worked?""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[26:25] "Yeah. I mean, it won't get out of town with that.""
The Warriors come into play as a possible destination for Drew Holiday, aligning with their team needs and culture.
Andrew Schlecht:
"[47:22] "Go to the Golden State Warriors.""
Host:
"[48:25] "This is disgusting. This is... This is a travesty.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[48:48] "Yeah.""
While not deeply explored, Atlanta is alluded to in trade discussions focusing on team needs and player fit.
The Phoenix Suns are mentioned in the context of salary cap issues and potential player trades, particularly regarding Kevin.
Host:
"[51:06] "I have the Phoenix now.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[51:12] "Oh, God.""
The Memphis Grizzlies are discussed concerning the potential trade of Ja Morant for Jalen Brown, though both players' contracts pose challenges.
Andrew Schlecht:
"[40:41] "Yes, yes, yes. That's a trade.""
Host:
"[43:51] "You're the smartest basketball and out there.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[44:00] "I wouldn't do it.""
Beyond trades, the hosts touch upon the importance of internal player development for the Nuggets. Emphasis is placed on nurturing young talent like Jaron Holmes and Peyton Watson to bolster the team's depth.
Host:
"[34:04] "If I was doing a Nuggets podcast, my... The Summer would be the Summer of Internal Development.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[34:21] "Yeah.""
The conversation branches into speculative trades involving other teams, highlighting the interconnected nature of NBA trades and the ripple effects that one trade can have across the league.
Host:
"[33:57] "We could do a lot of options. Right? That's.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[38:19] "And like, would you do this if it was. If Boston came back and said, we don't want any of these players.""
Andrew Schlecht on Internal Changes:
"[03:23] "They just knew going in that they're going to make some changes. There were going to be some wholesale changes of this team.""
Host on Brooklyn Nets:
"[06:15] "Let's just start with the easy team, the Brooklyn Nets.""
Andrew Schlecht on Trade Complexities:
"[07:09] "Is that too good for the Nuggets?""
Host on Phoenix Suns' Dilemma:
"[51:22] "If you're looking for a way to just clear a bunch of salary, like..."_"
Andrew Schlecht on Grizzlies and Morant:
"[44:16] "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to invoke that.""
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the upcoming trade season's intensity, anticipating a flurry of moves as teams strive to optimize their rosters. They emphasize the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of NBA trades, underscoring the importance of strategic decision-making for long-term success.
Host:
"[52:54] "And it's going to be a very active summer.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[53:08] "Please leave us a comment either on this YouTube page or you can comment on Spotify.""
The episode concludes with a light-hearted nod to future discussions, promising more in-depth analysis as the offseason progresses.
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes:
Andrew Schlecht:
"[03:23] "They just knew going in that they're going to make some changes.""
Host:
"[06:15] "Let's just start with the easy team, the Brooklyn Nets.""
Andrew Schlecht:
"[07:09] "Is that too good for the Nuggets?""
For more insights and detailed analysis, listen to the full episode of The Athletic NBA Daily on your preferred podcast platform.