The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – NBA Draft Surprises with Mike Florio
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of "The Dan Patrick Show," Dan Patrick delves into the latest NBA Draft developments, analyzing surprising moves and strategic decisions made by various teams. The discussion seamlessly transitions into an insightful interview with Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk, who sheds light on recent NFL collusion controversies and their potential impact on the league.

2. NBA Draft Analysis

a. Hawks-Pelicans Draft Pick Exchange ([50:00] – [52:00])

Dan begins by examining a significant NBA Draft trade between the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks traded their first-round pick for the Pelicans' unprotected first-round pick next year, moving up ten spots to select Derek Queen.

Key Points:

• Trade Implications: The Hawks' decision to trade an unprotected pick indicates confidence in their current roster and a strong belief in Derek Queen's potential.
• Pelicans' Strategy: By moving up ten spots, the Pelicans aim to secure a promising talent but at the cost of a future unprotected pick, which might land them a lottery candidate.

Notable Quote:

Dan Flores: "If you get traded, and some people pointed out Scott Van Pelt brought this up last night on his SportsCenter show. So shout out to SVP. But we thought about maybe a sash or a visor or maybe a chain that you could wear and then you could exchange that if you had to."
[50:15]

b. Team Strategies and Prospects ([52:00] – [55:00])

The discussion shifts to the strategic directions of teams like the Hawks, analyzing their off-season moves, player extensions, and the potential impact on their future performance.

Key Points:

• Hawks' Off-Season Moves: Considering the extension of key players like Trae Young and the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis to bolster their lineup.
• Marketability and Branding: Concerns about players' branding, such as ill-fitting hats, and suggestions for alternative merchandise to enhance marketing efforts.

Notable Quote:

Dan Flores: "It's product placement is what it is. But I'm watching and this is the moment. Okay, granted, you're 18 years of age and 19 years of age, but still it's the moment that you thought of, dreamed of your chance. You're getting drafted."
[50:45]

c. Audience Engagement and Call-Ins ([55:00] – [60:00])

Listeners call in with creative ideas to improve the draft day experience, such as giving drafted players customizable accessories instead of traditional hats to mitigate issues when trades occur.

Key Points:

• Innovative Ideas: Suggestions include the creation of multi-functional items like a "Swiss army knife hat" that allows easy logo swaps.
• Draft Experience Enhancement: Emphasis on capturing the moment without the awkwardness of misaligned merchandise if traded shortly after being drafted.

Notable Quote:

Caller (Mark): "I have an idea for the NBA draft. Let's get rid of the hat and let's move to making giving a team logo, like diamond and crescent brooch or pendant for the suits."
[50:36]

3. Interview with Mike Florio on NFL Collusion

Transitioning from basketball to football, Dan welcomes Mike Florio to discuss the pressing issue of NFL collusion, exploring its implications for the sport and its stakeholders.

a. Overview of NFL Collusion ([60:00] – [70:00])

Mike Florio provides a comprehensive overview of recent findings related to NFL teams' collusive behaviors, particularly concerning player contracts and salary negotiations.

Key Points:

• Collusion Evidence: Discussion of leaked text messages between NFL executives implicating teams in colluding to suppress player salaries.
• Antitrust Concerns: Examination of the NFL's antitrust exemptions and how they may enable or prevent collusion among teams.

Notable Quote:

Mike Florio: "Does the NFL draft get any bigger? No, no, but it will. They just stumble into things. It's amazing."
[29:34]

b. Impact on Players and Union ([70:00] – [80:00])

The conversation delves into how these collusive practices affect players, the role of the players' union, and the potential for future actions to rectify the situation.

Key Points:

• Union Response: Critique of the NFL Players Association for delaying the use of powerful grievance tools against the league's collusion.
• Future Implications: Speculation on whether players will push back more aggressively now that evidence is undeniable, potentially leading to better contracts and working conditions.

Notable Quote:

Mike Florio: "They stuck it in a drawer and locked it for five and a half months until Pablo finally got it. And I'm going to take some credit because I kept banging and banging and banging to get people to understand this thing's out there."
[34:18]

c. Specific Cases and Examples ([80:00] – [90:00])

Mike and Dan discuss specific instances of collusion, such as the interaction between Dean Spanos and Michael Bidwell regarding quarterback Kyler Murray's contract.

Key Points:

• Kyler Murray's Contract: Analysis of how Dean Spanos congratulated Michael Bidwell on Murray's contract, suggesting a level of coordination rarely seen in competitive leagues.
• Comparison to Other Industries: Mike likens NFL team interactions to that of rival companies like Pepsi and Coca-Cola colluding, highlighting the illegality and unethical nature of such behavior.

Notable Quote:

Mike Florio: "Isn't that sad that you would, like, why, why would someone need that? How much attention do you need?"
[16:42]

d. Potential Fallout and Future Actions ([90:00] – [100:00])

The discussion concludes with potential consequences of the collusion revelations, including legal repercussions, changes in league policies, and shifts in player-union dynamics.

Key Points:

• Legal Repercussions: Possible investigations and lawsuits stemming from the collusion evidence.
• Policy Changes: The need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent future collusive behavior.
• Player Empowerment: Encouragement for players to utilize their union's newfound leverage to secure better terms and enforce fair play within the league.

Notable Quote:

Mike Florio: "How else are they doing it? For example, are they doing it with coaches? I believe they are. I've believed for years that they collude when it comes to coaches, to hold down what coaches make."
[35:32]

4. Closing Remarks

Dan wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of awareness and action regarding NFL collusion. He thanks Mike Florio for his valuable insights and encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with ongoing developments in both the NBA and NFL.

Notable Quote:

Dan Flores: "It's amazing because they could do it by a group text if they wanted to."
[29:23]

Conclusion

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" offers a thorough analysis of unexpected moves in the NBA Draft, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of team strategies and player potential. The subsequent interview with Mike Florio transitions seamlessly into a critical examination of NFL collusion, highlighting significant issues within the league that could reshape its future. With engaging discussions and insightful commentary, Dan Patrick delivers a compelling episode that keeps sports fans informed and entertained.