Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily

Episode: What teams NEED to make a trade | Morning Shoot Around
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Andrew Schlecht, Dave DuFour, Zena Keita

Overview

This episode dives deep into the impending NBA Trade Deadline, analyzing which teams need to make trades, which probably won’t, and the factors driving those decisions. Using a "trade tier" framework, the hosts categorize all 30 NBA teams, debating the urgency and logic behind potential moves. The discussion is shaped by breaking news around a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the ripple effects of superstar movement, and the often unpredictable behavior of front offices under deadline pressure.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Saga

• Opening Discussion: The show starts with the hosts reacting to a cryptic report that Giannis is “ready for a new home” at the trading deadline or in the offseason. The consensus: It's a “weird” report that keeps everyone in suspense.
• Quotes:
  • “It’s a weird read... like, man, oh, it’s such a silly update.” – Xena (02:45)
  • “He learned the Damian Lillard playbook... how to amicably break up with a long-term team without sounding like I’m trying to break up.” – Xena (05:00)
• Evaluation: The Bucks are at a crossroads: either tank and trade Giannis soon for maximum return, or risk further uncertainty and less value later on. The panel agrees tanking is the clear path.
• Timestamps:
  • [03:11] – Giannis trade rumor breakdown
  • [08:22] – Bucks "trades to tank" discussion

2. Trade Tiers Explained

The hosts introduce six categories and slot teams:

• Going for it: Aggressively seeking immediate upgrades.
• Trades to tank: Offloading to rebuild or increase lottery odds.
• Future trades: Moves that set up for later seasons.
• Should make a trade but won’t: Self-explanatory inaction.
• Going to make a stupid trade: Teams likely to panic or make illogical decisions.
• No trade: Standing pat.

3. East & West Teams Under the Microscope

Milwaukee Bucks:

Tier: Trades to tank

• Consensus: With Giannis’ situation unstable, it’s reset time.
• Key Asset Questions: Which teams offer blue-chip prospects, or the Bucks’ own picks back?
• “I think it’s time.” – Andrew (10:09)

Brooklyn Nets:

Tier: Trades to tank

• “Just make guys available... try to get more draft assets.” – Xena (19:17)

New York Knicks:

Tier: Going for it

• Their window is now; must maximize a roster in its prime.
• “You’re not going to get a better opportunity to get to the Finals than this.” – Xena (19:57)

Toronto Raptors:

Tier: Future trades

• Not competitive enough; possibly get under the tax, avoid chasing stars.
• “Giannis needs shooters. If there’s one thing the Raptors don’t have, it’s shooting.” – Xena (23:30)

Utah Jazz:

Tier: Future trades

• Could move expiring contracts (e.g., Nurkic), and possibly veterans like Miles Turner/Bobby Portis.

Houston Rockets:

Tier: No trade

• Young core developing, in a good spot; KD acquisition adds confusion but not urgency.

New Orleans Pelicans:

Tier: Going to make a stupid trade

• History of questionable deals; might ship off Trey Murphy or Eve Mece for little return.
• “They’ve been really good at that—really, really good at that.” – Andrew (33:13)

Los Angeles Lakers:

Tier: Split between "going for it" and "no trade"

• Have LeBron, should always be pushing, but asset cupboard may be bare; future picks open up this summer.
• “Where are they coming up with the assets to make a trade that makes a big enough difference?” – Dave (35:09)

Golden State Warriors:

Tier: Should make a trade but won’t

• Steph Curry’s window is closing; front office hesitant after failed big swings.
• “You should be desperately trying to make a trade, but now you don’t have Jimmy.” – Xena (49:48)
• “It's okay that the Warriors had one of the most epic runs in NBA history, and then they just want to ride it out with Steph.” – Andrew (51:02)

4. The Trade Domino Effect

• Superstar moves (like Giannis) could trigger a cascade: “If this drags out to Thursday, we could have a situation where a Giannis trade happens and then 20 other trades happen right after.” – Dave (21:32)

5. Sleeper Trade Candidates and Value Moves

• Kobe White as a key potential get for contenders needing point guard play.
• Miles Turner & Bobby Portis: Solid options for teams like Boston or Utah looking for size and flexibility.
• Colin Sexton and Naji Marshall: Next-tier contributors who could shape playoff rotations.
• “If the Cavaliers wound up with Naji Marshall, that would help them a lot.” – Andrew (47:00)

6. Talking Salaries, Second Apron, and Market Realities

• Teams like Denver, Cleveland struggle to make moves with second-apron restrictions.
• On contracts: “$25M is the new $15M.” – Andrew (28:10)
• The need to “duck the tax” drives many small or future-focused trades.

7. Tanking vs. Going for It: Philosophies Clash

• The perpetual dilemma: Cash in now, or build/preserve flexibility for later?
• The panel is often cynical about middle-of-the-pack teams refusing to pick a lane.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the chaos of deadline day: “I want an IV drip of trades all day next Thursday because we’re going to be live all day for the deadline.” – Dave (21:48)
• On Warriors' endgame: “You beg, you plead, you do everything you can. You trade all the future assets… you just say it’s gonna suck when he’s gone, but while he’s here, we’ll just make it work.” – Dave (51:31)
• On Philly's risky bet: “You’re about to have the football pulled out from you again, and you don’t even realize it right now…Do you trust Joel Embiid and Paul George to be healthy for four playoff rounds?” – Andrew (58:50)
• On trade values: “What is the demand? Because…with these trades, conversations are being had … ‘Great, you want to trade for Ben Matherin, he wants a four-year $125 million deal, do you want to pay him that?’” – Andrew (67:51)

Timestamped Key Segments

• [03:11] – Giannis rumors and the Bucks’ fork in the road
• [08:22] – Bucks and the benefits vs. risks of tanking
• [19:17] – Nets embracing rebuild; Knicks' urgent push
• [32:53] – Houston and the “finding your identity” debate
• [33:13] – Pelicans’ history of panic/illogical trades
• [35:09] – Are the Lakers even able to make a difference-making trade?
• [49:48] – Warriors' dilemma: desperation or acceptance
• [51:02] – Accepting the end of a dynasty era
• [58:50] – The ticking clock in Philly: urgency vs. health risk

Fun & Memorable Podcast Moments

• “Crash with Jason Statham” as a metaphor for the hosts’ deadline trade preferences. (22:06)
• Ongoing inside jokes about obscure nicknames and internet handles in the chat.
• A passionate tangent on the legend of Colin Sexton playing 3-on-5 in college. (60:59)

Final Trade Tiers Snapshot

Going For It:

• Knicks, Timberwolves, Clippers, Celtics, Pistons (aspirational)

Trades to Tank:

• Bucks, Nets, Grizzlies, Mavericks

Future Trades:

• Raptors, Jazz, Blazers, Nuggets, Suns, Pacers, Hornets

Should Make a Trade but Won't:

• Warriors, Heat, Magic

Going to Make a Stupid Trade:

• Kings (inferred), Pelicans

No Trade:

• Rockets, Spurs, Thunder, others by implication

Takeaway

With only days left before the trade deadline, front offices across the league are facing tough choices: push chips in for a playoff run, blow it up, or—most commonly—hesitate and risk stagnation. The fate of Giannis looms largest, but once that domino falls, the entire landscape could shift in a flurry of deals (or missteps). The episode offers a lively, informed, and occasionally irreverent primer for fans trying to make sense of frantic trade season dynamics.

For More

Full episode with visuals and chat on YouTube.
Discussion continues on The Athletic NBA Daily Discord and social feeds.