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The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis - Kevin Durant TRADED to ROCKETS?! Draymond & Baron React to NBA offseason chaos + SGA new NBA face?
01:04:33
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- [00:00]
Draymond Green
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [00:04]
Baron Davis
The best kind of help is the kind you don't even have to ask for. Like your friend pulling up on moving day with a truck, a speaker and snacks ready to go. Well, that's the energy you get with AT&T's new guarantee. If there's ever a network interruption, they make it right by giving you credit for a full day of service. Proactively credit for Fiber downtime lasting 20 minutes or more or wireless downtime lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impacting 10 or more towers. Restrictions and exclusions apply. See att.com guarantee for full details. AT&T connecting changes everything why is a soap opera western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
- [01:09]
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:17]
OpportunityAtWork
I always had to be so good. No one could ignore me, carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling. The limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves. Find resources for breaking through barriers@taylorpaperceiling.org brought to you by OpportunityAtWork and the Ad Council.
- [01:47]
Dan Flores
Do you remember Vine? It changed the Internet forever and it.
- [01:51]
Draymond Green
Vanished in its prime. I'm Benedikt Townsend, and this is Vine.
- [01:55]
Dan Flores
Six seconds that changed the world. The untold story of genius, betrayal, and the app that died so that TikTok could thrive. From overnight stars to the fall that no one saw coming. We're breaking down. What made vine iconic? Listen to vine on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
- [02:17]
Draymond Green
Gotta speak about sga. The season that he had one of four players to win the scoring title, MVP and finals mvp.
- [02:24]
Kevin Durant
You're the number one stunner. What? What?
- [02:31]
Draymond Green
What's up, everybody? Welcome back to the Draymond Green show with Baron Davis. What up, my dog? How you doing, bro?
- [02:37]
Kevin Durant
What's up, big dog? Where you been? Where you at?
- [02:43]
Draymond Green
I'm back at the crib now. I've been all over the place. I tell you what. This past weekend, I was at Fanatics Fest.
- [02:51]
Kevin Durant
Crazy.
- [02:54]
Draymond Green
Wow.
- [02:54]
Kevin Durant
Wow.
- [02:56]
Draymond Green
I Don't know how Michael pulled this stuff off that he does.
- [02:59]
Kevin Durant
He had fun. It was cool.
- [03:02]
Draymond Green
It was incredible, man. Like, that's. And obviously I didn't even get the opportunity to take it in how a fan would receive it.
- [03:13]
Kevin Durant
Right.
- [03:14]
Draymond Green
But I can imagine as a sports fan, Unbelievable.
- [03:20]
Kevin Durant
Unbelievable.
- [03:22]
Draymond Green
Wow. But yeah, bro, now, you know, back in the gym on the court, I've been lifting this stuff and, you know, all that stuff the whole time. But back on the court, I feel good to get back out there.
- [03:35]
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
- [03:36]
Draymond Green
Kind of let the, the Nick, you know, the Knicks and knacks heal up after our three and a half month playoff push.
- [03:44]
Kevin Durant
Yeah. Look, if you need, if you need a practice dummy, man, you know, why you working yourself back. If you need somebody to score on you and just, you know, keep you frustrated, keep your husband. That's crazy. That's crazy. Hey, that's crazy. How I really feel like I could score on you at will. Huh?
- [04:08]
Draymond Green
Let us not forget you threw your back out getting up off the floor, couldn't go to the pop out. We will not forget that moment in time.
- [04:17]
Kevin Durant
That's because I was. I was killing.
- [04:21]
Draymond Green
We would not forget that moment in time.
- [04:24]
Kevin Durant
I was killing before it happened. Ain't that.
- [04:29]
Draymond Green
Let's just relax ourselves.
- [04:30]
Kevin Durant
We would not forget. Hey, if you need a practice dummy, man, I'm here.
- [04:36]
Draymond Green
You know, I appreciate your generosity. In today's episode, we'll discuss the recent trades, share our reactions, just from the season, from the Finals, NBA draft.
- [04:54]
Kevin Durant
And.
- [04:54]
Draymond Green
Then also with the conclusion of this season. That means I am headed into my 14th season. Crazy. Wow. Unbelievable. So we'll talk about all that stuff, but let's just get at it. KD was at Fanatics Fest, which we just spoke about in the middle of an interview when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. And there are some conspiracy theories floating around. So I must ask you, before we get into the trade, what side of the conspiracy theory do you stand on? They said KD chose for that news to come come out on Sunday because he wanted to overshadow the Thunder. I personally don't think KD is that type of guy, but that's what people tried to say.
- [05:50]
Kevin Durant
No, I ain't rocking with that.
- [05:51]
Draymond Green
Me. That's great. I can't rock with the conspiracy theories.
- [05:57]
Kevin Durant
A lot of times, you know, these trades, they happen and they just happen. Like the desperation of the team to get it done. And then information travel fast in our sport. Right. So Katie, the player is the last person to know that they're getting traded. Facts always so him finding out on stage and, you know, at the festival for fanatics that could possibly be, you know, real. I mean, maybe he knew. Maybe he had to just like he. I mean, maybe he knew it was coming, but at the same time, during the interview, the fan reaction, right? And the call out from the fan, that's what I liked about the content. You know, seeing fans and seeing how media travels so fast. You know, now the player is really the last person to know. If you're not on social media or like a kd, you don't feel like answering your phone for two days, you chilling. Then everybody find out. Then you find, you know, then you find out like, damn, for real.
- [07:07]
Draymond Green
Is it possible that we can create this situation for everyone? Like, you think about how many guys have the bad story. Harrison Barnes can trade a while on the bench. DeMarcus Cousins getting traded, Finding out he's traded in the middle of an interview after the All Star Game. Do you think that this is a way the NBA, like, should this be a requirement for the NBA, like, for guys not to look stupid or, you know, because those as. As happy as KD was, right? Like, for most. To your point, for most guys, they could find that out sitting on that stage and they don't know, right.
- [07:50]
Kevin Durant
I think. I mean, I'm kind of like yes and no. Because part of working for a team or part of being on team management is, you know what if you just want to trade somebody just because you think it's a good deal now you got. I mean, if you said the first person. I think the first person that should be told is the actual player.
- [08:14]
Draymond Green
That's what I'm saying.
- [08:14]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, I agree with that.
- [08:16]
Draymond Green
Because I think, you know, for most. For most players, right, like, of course you're not gonna be in the driver's seat like Kevin Durant was, but there should be some type of system, some type of fine system, like, yo, just get out before these players and this player's camp is alerted. Like, that's an issue. You know, I think there should be.
- [08:35]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, go ahead.
- [08:36]
Draymond Green
I think there should be ultimately some type of guideline to be uphill. You know that. Because it can be a great thing, right? But at the same time, like, just finding out wherever your feet stand, that's crazy.
- [08:52]
Kevin Durant
It's. It's hella gray, right? Because think about it like, the media is always going to find out before you that you got traded because they the one doing all the digging, right? So as soon as the trade happened, one side or the other side I mean, obviously, they should contact the player, but the player's still gonna feel like he didn't know. Yeah, right. I remember getting traded from the Clippers to Cleveland, and Vinnie Del Negro sat down and was like, oh, man, you know, we like what we. We like what we like. We're gonna sit you down. You know, don't even worry about playing. Don't worry about playing New Orleans. I'm in the locker room and the media lady came up to me. She was like, you know you getting traded, right? I was like, hell, no. For real. I was like, hell, no. For real. It was shocking. I was shocked, right? I was shot.
- [09:55]
Draymond Green
So how did you react to that, though?
- [09:57]
Kevin Durant
Like, you know, I still. I stood firm. I stood firm, but by the time the game was over, by the time I got to the bus, they was like, well, the train ain't happening. It ain't happened yet. I gotta say, you know, I got family in New Orleans. Say bye to my family. Get on the bus. And then now my teammates finding out, right? Look like. Then we get on the plane and it happens. So I gotta fly back home with the Clippers, with Vinnie Del Negro, all the players on the team. So I decided that, you know, I've been quiet over here for two and a half years. I ain't really said that. I ain't really said nothing to nobody. I've been, you know, keeping it low key. So I just went up to each person and just kind of told them how I felt about them and how I'm going to continue to feel about them. Some of it was love. Some of it was just like, you know, critique, but it was more so, like I was really tripping by the time I got off the plane. I wasn't really tripping anyway, right. I was like, it is what it is. But it was important for me to kind of, like, get that angst off my chest because I was, you know, you dealing with some. When you're not winning, you dealing with some busters. And at a certain point of the league, the league was shifting to, like, where it is now. So there was gonna be a conflict between what's old and what's new, that they work hard for it. Are they entitled? Like, we have to do all this. They not doing nothing, you know? And then to your point, like, the media knowing management, not really. I'm. You know, I got beef with management, so it can happen at any time. They did approach me and ask me for a buyout, which I probably should have took, you know, considering the circumstances. If I look back, it wasn't as bad a deal as I thought it would would be to like get up out of there. But yeah, I just let everybody know how I feel. Sat down with everybody, sit down with the young dudes. Like DJ told them like, yo, bro, like you could, you could really do something, you know, like don't get caught up and all the. That you saw me caught up in, you know, just, just hope, you know it's gonna be different from. For you. You know what I'm saying? So question.
- [12:29]
Draymond Green
After this happened and you could have taken the buyout, but you didn't, your next deal, what was your next deal you signed after this contract that you were currently thinking about taking the buyout on, what was the next deal you signed?
- [12:44]
Kevin Durant
I think it was like this was like my, I was already like two years into my last deal, so my next deal was like a two year deal. Cause I was hurt. But two years, how much?
- [13:00]
Draymond Green
Like was it more than minimum? No, I don't need to.
- [13:03]
Kevin Durant
I think it was like around the minimum.
- [13:06]
Draymond Green
Okay. Because I. The question I had was I feel like when you do take buyouts in this league, where you say it may have been a great situation, but I feel like when you do take buyouts in this league, it's almost hard to get off the minimum from that point moving forward.
- [13:22]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, I think, well, I would have probably not been hurt. Went to Charlotte, right. Got a chance to get back with Jay Rich and Stack in the East Coast. So yeah, I wasn't worried about the minimum, you know what I mean? Because I was still, I was still one of the illest. But it was just. I was playing for the Clippers.
- [13:49]
Draymond Green
Okay.
- [13:50]
Kevin Durant
Right. And so it was, it was hard to wake up every day and you gotta deal with so much drama before you can actually play basketball. You got to do all this talking before you can shoot a basketball. You got to do all this scouting and all this and it's like, man, can we just play five on five one day and everybody shut the up? Like that's how we get better. Right? But it was just, you know, it was just like where, you know, it just wore on me. They just warned me. So. But I was still good and I was still, you know, I can get whatever numbers at that point. I can get whatever numbers I wanted depending on how to Florida game or what, my perspective on the game. So leaving, I probably would have had a better opportunity to like, I was not hurt to pick up and then take off again somewhere else. Right. Okay.
- [14:49]
Draymond Green
But speaking of the trade by Marcus, all that. Obviously the Phoenix Suns has agreed on a blockbuster trade center, 15 time NBA Allstar two time final MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jaylen Green. Dylan brooks, the number 10 pick in this year's NBA draft and five second round picks. So just taking that into account, obviously the deal is done now, you know, what's your take on these new look Rockets at kdn?
- [15:23]
Kevin Durant
You know, man, that was gonna be my, that was gonna be my question to you. You know, I've been saying that KD is an upgrade. When you think about what the Rockets needed, they need efficient scoring and what KD brings in presence, his offensive awareness, his defensive awareness, his overall, I'm aiming to win a championship. I think it's a fair trade. Right. I wanted to know how you felt because I was analyzing y' all game and y' all series as the reason why this trade happened. Because when you look at a Jalen Green and you look at Dylan Brooks and you say when they played well, did the Rockets win?
- [16:16]
Draymond Green
More than likely, you know they were not.
- [16:17]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, I'm saying no. In, in that series against Golden State. Oh, right. In that series, Jalen Green had one great game. Right. They won. Dylan Brooks say he was as consistent. He was consistent. Right. He didn't like he had a consistent series. Jalen Green had an up and down series. Right?
- [16:42]
Draymond Green
Yeah.
- [16:43]
Kevin Durant
Now you start looking at who could they rely on? Van Fleet and Thompson.
- [16:51]
Draymond Green
Yep.
- [16:52]
Kevin Durant
And so Thompson leapfrog.
- [16:54]
Draymond Green
I would say that I, I here's what I was saying. I know no one gives them credit, but also I thought Jabari Smith was really.
- [17:01]
Kevin Durant
That's what I was saying. Yes, I thought so too.
- [17:04]
Draymond Green
And I thought Jabari Smith worked his way back from almost going the wrong way as the number two pick to like hold on, I don't like I could compete at this level. And I think he worked his way back and we'll probably be in the star lineup of this Rockets team moving forward. I think well deserved. So you know, when I look at it and you know you mentioned those two guys. Listen, anytime you can add a Kevin Durant, it's an upgrade. I don't care who you are as a team, any team in the, in the world. In basketball, if you add Kevin Durant, it's an upgrade. Now you start speaking on like if you add Kevin Durant for Steph Curry. Now those are different conversations, but if you're just in this case, you know, or in most cases you add Kevin Durant to the roster, it's that it's going to be an upgrade. So make no mistake about it, you know, everybody trying to make like these conversation pieces, it's kd.
- [18:00]
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
- [18:00]
Draymond Green
You add him to the roster, your roster is better. Now you talk about. Now if you want to discuss the business of basketball, then you have a different discussion. When you start talking about salary and what happens with caps and all, that's a totally different question. But that's not what we're talking about here. What we're talking about here is you add Katie to that team. Is that team better? And where they struggled was, you know, Jalen had a very tough playoff series. You'd like to think if he had a better playoff series, they win, who knows? But you, you'd like to at least think that Dylan Brooks was like you said, he was consistent all year. He played well, he shot the ball really well this year. Dylan Brooks is who he is on a contract like Dylan Brooks on. You will always kind of be the throw in piece.
- [18:50]
Kevin Durant
Absolutely. Yeah.
- [18:51]
Draymond Green
You know, and that's just kind of the nature, nature of the business. I don't think Dylan Brooks was traded because Dylan Brooks did anything wrong in this situation. I think Dylan Brooks was traded because quite honestly, that's how this business works. In your contract, make the money work.
- [19:07]
Kevin Durant
They won't.
- [19:07]
Draymond Green
Kevin Durant, your contract, make the money work. And you know, when you look at the way this team has been built, of course they're going to trade, throw Dylan Brooks in to make that money work before they throw Jabari Smith in or before they throw Tyrese. Like these, these young guys that were drafted by this general manager now, Jalen Green, Russ as well. He ain't gonna just get rid of all the people he drafted. You know, he got rid of one. And so I think when I look at this, it's an upgrade KD has, is familiarity with Eme Udoka as a coach. I think KD still wants to compete at a high level. And I think this team, like when you look at the rosters of everywhere we heard KD may go, this team did the least gutting of a roster that a team may have had to do to make an upset. Still to still make an upgrade and still keep, keep the roster in a good spot. So that's what I think happens for the Rockets. That's. That's the way I think it looks for them. For kd. Talk about Phoenix, on the other hand, I think it's a little different situation. But for the Rockets, I think it's good also. Shout out to Freddie V. Got a.
- [20:21]
Kevin Durant
New two years shout out to Fred.
- [20:24]
Draymond Green
Deal to stay with the Rockets. Well, the way I saw him lead that team in the playoffs, like, and. And they're going to need his leadership. Yeah, they're going to need his leadership with that team. I think with. With Fred's demeanor and how Fred go about things and with KD and how KD go about things, I think it'll be a good match. Yeah, you get stuff. Exactly. Some of the stuff that K don't want to do, and people try to make it like an indictment on K's character. No, there's just some stuff that we're all human beings and there's some. We all have strengths, we all have weaknesses, and certain things that KD don't like to do. Fred will do that. And guess what? On a basketball team in team sports, that's actually how it's supposed to work. And so, you know, I think this puts them in a really good position. I think they're obviously going to be a team to be reckoned with. You expecting going to make a big jump after the playoffs? He had, you know, expect Tyrese and all those guys made jump. So it'll be interesting. I think, you know, I think that team is in a really good position, and I definitely think it's an upgrade.
- [21:34]
Kevin Durant
Shout out to our boy Fred for them.
- [21:36]
Zoe Saldana
This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more. About how total wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.
- [23:14]
T Mobile Representative
Hi, Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.
- [23:18]
Customer
Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.
- [23:20]
T Mobile Representative
You don't need a trade in. When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you pay off your old phone. Up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.
- [23:29]
Customer
There's always a trade in.
- [23:30]
T Mobile Representative
Not right now. @ T Mobile.
- [23:32]
Customer
I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.
- [23:34]
T Mobile Representative
That's okay.
- [23:35]
Customer
I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.
- [23:40]
T Mobile Representative
I'm good.
- [23:40]
Dan Flores
Seriously.
- [23:41]
Kevin Durant
Hmm.
- [23:41]
Customer
Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.
- [23:44]
T Mobile Representative
Really, I'm fine.
- [23:45]
Customer
Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.
- [23:49]
Dan Flores
It's our best iPhone offer forever. Switch to T Mobile, get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple intelligence on us, no trade in needed. We'll even pay off your Phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line 100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement 999.99 and qualifying ported for well qualified plus tax and 10 connection charge. Payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits and balance due if you pay off early or cancel CT mobile.com you might not be a tech genius, but you want your business to crush it. And you need a website now. Thankfully, Bluehost makes it easy. Customized, optimized and monetized everything exactly how you want with AI, your site can be up within minutes. You really won't believe it. The search engine tools even help you get more site visitors. Whatever your passion project is, you can set it up with bluehost with their 30 day money back guarantee. What have you got to lose? Head to bluehost.com to start now.
- [24:43]
Baron Davis
The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me, writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.
- [25:14]
Kevin Durant
I'll correct my kids now and then we're they'll say when cave people were.
- [25:17]
Dan Flores
Here and I'll say it seems like the Ice Age people that were here.
- [25:21]
Kevin Durant
Didn'T have a real affinity for caves.
- [25:24]
Baron Davis
So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
- [25:35]
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [25:43]
Kevin Durant
Fleek again. I mean I just. I I totally.
- [26:08]
Draymond Green
It.
- [26:47]
Zoe Saldana
This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.
- [28:25]
T Mobile Representative
Hi Zoe Saldana, welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.
- [28:29]
Customer
Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.
- [28:31]
T Mobile Representative
You don't need a trade in. When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.
- [28:40]
Customer
There's always a trade in.
- [28:42]
T Mobile Representative
Not right now. @ T Mobile.
- [28:43]
Customer
I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.
- [28:45]
T Mobile Representative
That's okay.
- [28:46]
Customer
I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.
- [28:51]
T Mobile Representative
I'm good. Seriously.
- [28:52]
Customer
Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.
- [28:55]
T Mobile Representative
Really, I'm fine.
- [28:56]
Customer
Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.
- [29:00]
Dan Flores
It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. We'll even pay off your phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line $100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement $999.99 and qualifying ported for well qualified plus tax and $10 connection charge. Payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits end in balance due if you pay off earlier.
- [29:23]
Baron Davis
Cancel see t mobile.com the American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me, writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.
- [29:56]
Kevin Durant
I'll correct my kids now and then where they'll say when cave people were here.
- [30:00]
Dan Flores
And I'll say it seems like the.
- [30:02]
Kevin Durant
Ice Age people that were here didn't have a real affinity for caves.
- [30:06]
Baron Davis
So join me starting Tuesday, May 6th where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
- [30:18]
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [30:26]
OpportunityAtWork
I always had to be so good. No one could ignore me. Carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling the limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves. Find resources for breaking through barriers@taylorpaperceiling.org brought to you by opportunityatwork and the Ad Council.
- [31:05]
Kevin Durant
But let's talk about the Suns. The Suns get Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks, the 10th pick of this year's draft, correct?
- [31:14]
Draymond Green
Yeah.
- [31:14]
Kevin Durant
And so you think about where are the suns going? What are they looking for? You know Obviously they have three dynamic guards. Jalen Green, Bradley Bill, Devin Booker, and now that team will adopt Dylan Brooks personality. Right. What is your thoughts?
- [31:38]
Draymond Green
Which I think can help that team, by the way.
- [31:40]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, so, so talk to me about that.
- [31:42]
Draymond Green
They can help that team.
- [31:44]
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
- [31:44]
Draymond Green
When I look at this Phoenix team, I don't think they're done. You know, I think you can still expect to see them be aggressive in whatever ways that they can. If I had to guess, you know, just, just having to look at the roster, you know, but I think getting the 10th pick back is, is a good start. I think this draft you can get some good value at the 10th pick, some really good value at the 10th pick. So I think, I think that's the start. You get Dylan Brooks, whether they keep Jalen Green or whether he's an asset that you can move somewhere else. I think, you know, this is a start to what seems like, you know, I, I know, I know Matt Ishby, Matt Ishby's a spark dog. I can't ever foresee Matt just throwing the towel. But what seems like a little bit of, I won't say rebuild, but definitely a reset. I think this is, this is the start of that. But I, I, I think I still expect to see them probably with some more movement somewhere because right now the roster, it's a lot of shooting guards.
- [32:55]
Kevin Durant
So yeah, I was gonna say it's a lot of guards on the roster. There's a lot of guards in this draft. Looking at the 10th pick and thinking about a lot of teams needs just watching okc. There can be some more movement, I think from Phoenix coming along. But you know, a Jalen Green, Devin Booker dynamic is, is exciting to see. You know, I think if they can figure out what they want to do with Bradley Beal, that's going to be, you know, like we all expected before. That's going to be the key to whatever Phoenix, however they move forward or, you know, stay the same. But you know, they have some opportunities. I think the draft could be something special for them if they can get one of them Versal, scorm forwards, young forwards to, you know, not necessarily replace kd, but be someone that the fans are excited about seeing somebody young and exciting. The fans are saying want to see. But moving on, reaction to Drew Holiday, man, getting traded to the Blazers for Anthony Simons and second round picks. What's your thought on that?
- [34:16]
Draymond Green
Yeah, I, I think it's just funny to see Drew traded back to the Blazers after the Celtics got him from the Blazers in Order to help them win the championship. But in saying that, they say Drew don't want to be there. I think that was the case the first time he was traded there as well. But, you know, contract situation is different. I think he. Three years left on the deal, so it's kind of not up to you at this point, but we'll see what happens. But, you know, you sign the contract is what it is. So, you know, the Blazers going to do what's best for them, and they've made that very clear. You know, the. The best player in Blazer history wanted to be traded certain places, and he wasn't traded to those places that he wanted to be traded to. So they've shown that as a franchise, they going to do what's best for the Blazers, you know, so.
- [35:14]
Kevin Durant
And it's a good pickup to see.
- [35:15]
Draymond Green
How I play out. But I think Drew can also. Whether he. If he stay there, I think, you know, he can be a great asset for chance. You know, bridging that gap between chance and, you know, these young guys and kind of being that coach on the floor, that veteran leader who still got game. So, you know, I think still got a way to see how it play out, but, you know, this is a team that is young and definitely rebuild. So be that it's draft night. I think that's. That. That may still shake something.
- [35:48]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, okay. Yeah, I. I can see that still shaking up. But, you know, the Anthony Simons with Boston for Drew, I can understand why Boston is doing this. We can understand how he can fit in, because Boston doesn't really. They need scoring. They need more scoring guards now because of, you know, one, I would say Jason Tatum going, Going down, you know, looking for. For scoring is their dynamic. Shooting threes is their dynamic. You got another dude that can really get out, stretch the floor, catch fire. I think it works in a system. But for Drew, I think it's great for Portland and it's great for Drew. You get to mentor, you get to hoop, you're going to be in at the end of the games. You don't have to worry about, you know, you're going to be the closer. Right. And part of that closing team for the Blazers. And you get to bring Scoop along and. And I like what Portland had last year. If as we get closer to see what they do, I'm gonna probably call Portland as my sleeper team last year or this year. You know, my sleeper team was Houston at the beginning of the year, you see what they did. So, you know, Portland, I've been looking at analyzing if they make a couple more moves and put a few pieces together. I look at Portland as a team that can make that jump because they young dudes are talented and play hard.
- [37:22]
Draymond Green
All right, well we're going to see as the team shape off. Free agency ain't even started.
- [37:26]
Kevin Durant
Right? That's what I'm saying.
- [37:29]
Draymond Green
Has not started. And this man giving a sleeper team, that's ridiculous. What are we doing here?
- [37:35]
Kevin Durant
Come on. You know I'll be doing my scout, man. I got a scout, I got a scout. Play gm. I play GM at home.
- [37:43]
Draymond Green
Free free agency ain't started. The draft is just starting and this man is talking about about who he got as a sleeper. And listen, they also, the Celtics also traded Kristo Bingus to the Hawks. The they, the Celtics. Listen, this is all about the second apron. People said they didn't want super teams anymore. Well, here you have it. All these moves are being made to dodge that second apron. For those out there that don't know what the second apron is in layman's turn for you, it's a hard cap. It is a hard cap that no owner is dealing with because the penalties are crazy. You lose draft picks, you lose the mid level exception, you lose roster spots, you lose the ability to get better and compete as a team. And the amount of money that you lose is insanity. And so the Boston Celtics would have had a salary cap with luxury tax bill of $540 million. It is now at 280 because they got rid of those contracts. So for those that don't understand what the second apron is, as, as basic as I can put it for you, it is a hard cap. And when I said this before the deal was signed that this is ridiculous and it's going to hurt players in the end, no one wanted to listen and everybody wanted to act like the PA was making a great deal. The PA made a deal as the PA has done for years now. And every year the, the pot gets bigger and the business gets better and the players get screwed more. That's, that's just how this business works. And so in saying that back to the Boston Celtics, that's what all of these moves are about, people. That's why they got rid of Porzingis. That's why they got rich Drew Holiday. That's why you're hearing so many people call on Jalen Brown. You're hearing so many people call on Derrick White is because they know they want to get away from second April tax and Jason Tato being Out. Things are up in the air. You trade for Anthony Simons. I think, listen, they're. They, they're the Boston Celtics. They got to be competitive, but at the end of the day, it's an expiring deal, cap situation.
- [39:52]
Kevin Durant
All of those things, they can recalibrate. Yeah. And you.
- [39:56]
Draymond Green
You got Jason Tatum hurt, Right. So if I had to guess, Jaylen Brown, if he have any Knicks and knacks this year, probably won't be in the lineup because you're going to recalibrate. You're going to let your books settle. And then next year, with Jason Tatum coming back, then you try to retool and start going for it again. And that's just how these things work. You'll see this all over the NBA for years to come, because that's just the way this CBA works. And so you'll see this happen over and over again. That's my spill. That's the second apron. That's the Boston Celtics.
- [40:34]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, we asked for no more super teams, so we definitely gonna get no more super teams. But we're also gonna get teams that rise in the draft, do great things in free agency, and they're gonna. It's gonna be more broken up teams than the teams that you grow up on being like, yo, this team has been together for five years. That's gonna be hard to do, especially, you know, having young players becoming great and getting better. With that cap. The New Orleans Pelicans are traded CJ McCollum, Kelly Olenek, and a future second round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Sadiq Bay, and the number 40 overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft. What does this trait mean for both teams? Draymond. What does it mean for the Pelicans?
- [41:33]
Draymond Green
What this means for the Pelicans is that Jody's coming in, he's making some changes. He wanted to see, you know, just acquire some young talent in Jordan pool to see if he can still make it work with next to the Zions, you know, Trey, Herb Jones, you know, see if you can put it together with these young guys. I think so. When I look at this Pelicans, this move you got, dejante will be coming off an Achilles injury. When I look at this Pelican move, I like it. I think when you add a talent like Jordan Poole, you know, C.J. is kind of who C.J. is, you know, Jordan. Jordan still has room for growth. I don't think we've seen the best of his growth yet. And I think getting in a In a organization like New Orleans under Joe Dumar's leadership, you know, with Willie Green, that's coach, I think will be a really good situation for him. I think Washington, the first year he spent the Justin last year, he had a really good year, numbers wise. But when you're on that team, it don't matter. And so I think, you know, when I look at, when I look at this for the Pelicans, I look at this as a net positive. You know, you didn't, you didn't have to go crazy. From a salary cap standpoint, I think Jordan may make a little less than CJ or right around the same amount, you know, but yet I think you still got time for him to prove himself. A couple more years left on his deal. Two or three more years left on his deal. I think he still got time to prove himself and with some young guys who also looking to take that next step. And so I think they become a team that you got to watch out for in the West. You know, they got a lot of talent, they gonna, they can put it together, they're gonna creep up and, and can possibly have a good year. So that's what I think this move.
- [43:26]
Kevin Durant
Mean for the Pelicans, the Wizards.
- [43:29]
Draymond Green
What you got for the Wizards? You, you, you, I look at that trade for the Wizards.
- [43:34]
Kevin Durant
You know, I, I actually like it for the Wizards. Why? Because I think CJ McCollum is what the Wizards need. You need some veteran leadership. You need someone who can play basketball. You need someone that can talk to your young guys and get them in positions to play NBA basketball. You got a Linux there who's like, you know, a bridge player, somebody who can come in, learn the system, be a vet. So you really trading, you know, young energy from Pool, who is a dynamic scorer, but you bet on Pool to be, you know, your next all star, superstar player and leader. I think you're going to get the leadership in McCollum. You're going to get more consistency out of. What do you have now. I don't know how, how many years McCollum got on this contract, but I, I, I just like that I like this trade in favor of CJ and then I also think for Washington, it's a good move to start cement your organization with some veterans around, especially the young guys you have, because they're going to take some time to develop or if they develop properly, they could skyrocket over half a season with their talent.
- [44:58]
Draymond Green
No doubt, no doubt. I think what, what we're starting to see more is Teams went so far left with the youth movement that they're realizing that, no, you can go young, but you got to have some veteran leadership in there, or it's the blind leading the blind, and that don't work.
- [45:12]
Kevin Durant
Bingo.
- [45:12]
Draymond Green
And so I think that's what we're starting to see. You know, when you look at this OKC team, they started with all those young guys, but throughout those years, they brought in Chris Paws, you know, and different guys. That has helped continue to show, from a veteran leadership standpoint, the way to Shay and for Shay to take the reins. So I think teams are starting to realize that. That I know Will Dawkins comes out of the OKC tree, and, you know, just to watch him put those veteran leaders around those young guys, I think it makes sense. I expect CJ to go in there asking for an extension to extend that money and. But I think overall, I think it's a good move for both groups.
- [45:54]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, it's definitely, definitely a good move. The league is starting to get a little bit more balanced, and I'm excited. I think the finals created a whole new image and infrastructure of what success looked like, but also the playoffs, too, 1,000%.
- [46:16]
Draymond Green
So speaking of the playoffs, we got to congratulate OKC winning their first NBA championship. I'm obviously familiar with how dynasties look obviously still playing, so I'm not hope. I'm hoping they ain't started one right now. But do you think this could be the start of a dynasty, an OKC and where their team is? I think dynasties are a lot harder, but I'll get into that. Do you think this is the start of one?
- [46:46]
Kevin Durant
I mean, we'll see. I have to go with the numbers. There's going to be a different NBA champion crown next year. But does OKC have the best chance? Absolutely. If they keep this team intact and figure out, okay, if they can make a couple minor tweaks to upgrade what they got, then I would pick them as number one. I don't think Indiana is a fluke either. I think Indiana now has some championship pedigree, our Finals pedigree. They'll be back, too. But the dynasty part is hard in this era. It's harder this era because at some point, like you said, they're gonna be facing a hard cap, and they're gonna have to be highly strategic about how they shepherd in the old and the new.
- [47:43]
Draymond Green
I agree with you. I think, like you said, dynasties. I think it's just gonna be tough, you know? Right. Like, they, like, Caruso was big for this championship, Hardenstein was big. Lou Dort was big. When you start paying J Dub to max and check max or near max, you start to lose. And now you. Plant got older guys playing with young guys that don't look the same, you know.
- [48:06]
Kevin Durant
Right.
- [48:06]
Draymond Green
So I think they're set up for success for sure. But is it the start of a dynasty? Those things are hard to come by. You start talking about health, everybody got to stay healthy. You know, that drive and will, I don't doubt that that'll go anywhere. They got some young, hungry guys, but I think that can. That can definitely play a part in it. And this. This CBA ain't really set up for that.
- [48:33]
Kevin Durant
Now that the Thunder have won the title. You explained the window of opportunity for them to continue winning championships. You know, we talked a little bit about dynasty. What is that window for them look like?
- [48:45]
Draymond Green
I think the. Their best chance to win another championship is next year because you'll still have Chet and J Dub making rookie money, which means you still allow to keep your pieces. And so their best chance to win again is the following year. Once that money kick in, everything looks different. And so when you start talking to window opportunity, look at the Houston Rockers. They won two. They haven't won one six. You know, you start talking Detroit Pistons one two, went 13, 13 years. 13, 14 years, won another one 21 years. They haven't won since. Like, when you get the chance to kick that window in, you got to kick it in. You gotta go kick the window in now. But your best chances now because teams start building to beat you, injuries happen, contracts happen. Their best opportunity to win again is next year. And I think they. They should understand that is, you know, that's just the way these things work.
- [49:46]
Kevin Durant
Yeah. Yeah, that's what I think we said. We talked about that. You know, do you. If they didn't win it this year, they got the next two to three years to cut to win one. Well, they won it this year, so now they got two years for sure. Possible three if we were setting books, right? Gotcha.
- [50:13]
Draymond Green
1,000%. That's. That's. That's exactly. That's how it boils down. Like, you're gonna have to start getting rid of people. And when you start getting rid of people, like, you can pluck one person from a team and it can change the whole landscape. And so we'll see. But that's. That's how I break down for them, man. Before we move on, gotta speak about sga. The season that he had one of four Players who win the scoring time.
- [50:43]
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- [53:52]
Kevin Durant
I'll correct my kids now and then where they'll say when cave people were here.
- [53:55]
Dan Flores
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Kevin Durant
Ice age people that were here didn't have a real affinity for caves.
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Baron Davis
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Dan Flores
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- [54:50]
Draymond Green
Council Title MVP and Finals MVP. Beautiful to see him continue to take that jump after jump after jump and you know, finally finishing on now, not finishing on now because he still got many years to go, but finish this season out. Do you think coming into next year you start talking about like, does this just make you the face of the NBA or does it. I personally don't, I don't know. I. I think face of the NBA just happened. And I know people keep talking about that, but when you look at the season he had, what else can one do?
- [55:35]
Kevin Durant
You're the number one stunner. What? Well, what, what the number one stunner. Like if you, if you think about it coming out, you know, coming off the championship, you gonna be at summer league, you show up the summer league, you number, you numero uno, baby. You know, start of the season, media day, numero uno, season start, numero uno. So you can carry that, that pedigree. And, and, and he has a great brand. He has a great brand. He speaks highly of his teammates. He's, he, he, he's very articulate about the game, impatient with reporters. So when you start thinking about are they going to have more national games? Well, they better because he the coldest. He the number one stunner right now so far as far as face of the league. Yeah, he got it. For now, in order to be the face of the league and to carry that, they got to come and get him a back to back. Right. They got to start, you know, looking in the face of dynasties and being compared to the greats. I think, you know, the run that he's had with mvp, scoring title, finals mvp, you know, that's elite company. And he got the title now coming back. Yes. He should get all the fanfare to limelight now. What are they going to do with it if they go, if he go back and win it again? Oh, yeah, he the face of the league. Cause you the number one stunner two years in a row. Right. But for right now, yeah, I would say you gotta say he's the face because they gonna get way more national games. And he could talk to, he can, he can talk that talk to anybody, most definitely.
- [57:33]
Draymond Green
But shout out to Shay, man, congratulations. Job well done. It's great to see a guy put the work in and continue to climb.
- [57:41]
Kevin Durant
Wow.
- [57:43]
Draymond Green
Job well done. Congrats to okc. Welcome to the table.
- [57:49]
Kevin Durant
They in the room with you, Dre.
- [57:52]
Draymond Green
You gotta come on in. They are in the room. Gotta love it.
- [57:58]
Kevin Durant
But I also want to send out some love to. To Tyrese. You had two teammates, Ted and Achilles. How hard can a team bounce back when one of your best players get hurt?
- [58:14]
Draymond Green
I think it's tough, man. You know, we, we obviously had Clay go down. KD went down, but he left same year Steph went down. Like it's tough. You're not winning without your best player in this league. Like you could put together a decent season, but it ain't happening. But man, I do send my love and well wish to Tyrese though, just on the speedy recovery. Leaving it all out there on the floor. You know, these, these caf. The Achilles injuries are tricky, man. I put on my threads account as soon as it happened. Like, man, I look too familiar.
- [58:50]
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
- [58:51]
Draymond Green
NBA finals elimination game. Gotta get the cooking, cooking, cooking. KD got the cooking like it Was just looking.
- [59:01]
Kevin Durant
Katie was cooking.
- [59:03]
Draymond Green
My gosh. And so, man, I. I just wish him well and a speedy recovery. That sucks, man. But I'll tell you what it does. When you look at the. The Indiana Pacers about to go into the tax for the first time, it'll be interesting to see if they change their tune because you got Holly out for a whole year now. Yeah, more than likely. So, man, you just want from everything changing, man.
- [59:36]
Kevin Durant
Totally. Totally, man. I went down. I was. I damn near wanted to cry for my bro. Cause, you know, to not get a chance to finish is heartbreaking. And he deserved it. He fought to a game seven. He fought with an injury. We talked about it on this show. That playing with that calf muscle was going to be risky. Remember we talked about if he can show up and give us a Willis Reed. He did that game 6:23, that was a little bit more. But coming into game seven, it's like you forget that. That the way you feel going into a game seven, you feel so much better. Yeah, but you not so much better.
- [60:20]
Draymond Green
You still the same, right?
- [60:21]
Kevin Durant
It's more damage if anything.
- [60:23]
Draymond Green
Yeah, the same. When I say still the same, I mean, you're still dealing with the same.
- [60:29]
Kevin Durant
You're still dealing with the same thing. And a lot of times, like, you so hype and you feel good. Like, how many times? I can remember so many times, like, man, I feel good and then jump and land and be like, now how did this happen?
- [60:45]
Zoe Saldana
Right?
- [60:49]
Kevin Durant
You forget that. Oh, you still injured? Are you still nursing the injury? So it was tough to watch that because that young man deserved to be. Be able to finish that game and walk off that court on his own. But he will be back. I know that's right. He'll be back.
- [61:09]
Draymond Green
Most definitely will. Most definitely. So shout out to Tyrese, man. And the Indiana Patriots, they had a great year. Get to the NBA Finals. Sucks when you get there and lose. But they had an incredible year. So congratulations to those guys as well.
- [61:23]
Kevin Durant
Moving on. What's up, Dub Nation? We gonna get into this Dub Nation, man. We got some questions. What needs to happen this off season for the warriors to be real contenders again?
- [61:38]
Draymond Green
I think, you know, the heavy lift has been done. Like we added Jimmy. I think that was the biggest thing that needed to happen. Now we got that. Now you can tool around that. You know, our team was tool around Steph. Now you know how Jimmy looks in the system. You know how Jimmy likes to play. You can also tool around that as well. So I think, you know, just locking in from that front, understanding what we got, where we can get better and. And making those pushes, you know, but free agency is tough, man. You know, you. You're trying to court people and make the best offering, and you don't always know what it is, right? Like, for some guys, it could be the highest dollar amount. For other guys, it could be totally different. So I think just going into it, it's just all about looking to see, like, all right, now we know how it looks. Now we got that part figured out. Now what does it look like around that? So I think we're in a much better position heading into this one than we were last year.
- [62:36]
Kevin Durant
Yeah. Yeah, I got. Yeah, I got some money to play around with. Yeah, I got some, you know, some young talent that, you know, is not taking up a lot of the salary cap. You gotta adjust, Kaminga, you know, things. Free agents in this class. So, yeah, y' all got some work to do. But like you said, shoring up the. You know, the ox, that's what I'm gonna start calling. We gonna show up the Ungs, the Uncs is crazy.
- [63:06]
Draymond Green
Also, y' all gotta stop with this Unc stuff. In my hood, my hood Uncle's uncle's uncle's a crackhead in my hood Y' all be causing people.
- [63:23]
Kevin Durant
I don't deal with the chill.
- [63:28]
Draymond Green
That'll never be okay with me. Like.
- [63:37]
Kevin Durant
The U. The Bay Area U. That's.
- [63:40]
Draymond Green
Hey, bro, you letting. You letting your hair grow back in?
- [63:45]
Kevin Durant
No, I'm about to. I'm about to cut it.
- [63:51]
Draymond Green
What's going on? You all right?
- [64:01]
Kevin Durant
That hurt.
- [64:02]
Draymond Green
I'm just asking the question, champ. That's it.
- [64:11]
Kevin Durant
Hey, man, look, I'm just trying to see what happens, see if my hair grow. Grow back, you know, I like them little curls. I like to have my hair nappy like the little naps. I like that.
- [64:22]
Draymond Green
You gotta go to Turkey.
- [64:24]
Kevin Durant
The Turkey?
- [64:25]
Draymond Green
Yeah. You gotta go to Turkey.
- [64:28]
Kevin Durant
For what? What's in Turkey?
- [64:31]
Draymond Green
They waiting for you.
- [64:39]
Kevin Durant
Moving right along. All right, if you could say one thing to warriors fans right now, unfiltered, what would it be?
- [64:52]
Draymond Green
I don't really got nothing to say. What up? Domination.
- [64:57]
Kevin Durant
Just about the season, like, well, I.
- [64:59]
Draymond Green
Ain'T got no gripes. Oh, just about the season like.
- [65:02]
Kevin Durant
Like, oh, like, you know we gonna come back better.
- [65:05]
Draymond Green
Oh, well, I ain't hyping no Dubs fans up. They know what it is. You know, they.
- [65:11]
Kevin Durant
Because you did. You did say I was gonna win it, all right?
- [65:18]
Draymond Green
I ain't know what it could have, should have got but, you know, you know what I'm saying? It's all good. We're gonna leave it where it's at. It's all good. All right. I'm gonna congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder, because I'm not one of them hating, you know, these guys out here behaving. I'm gonna leave it out where I said, and I'm gonna congratulate them guys because they are champions.
- [65:36]
Kevin Durant
All right? So where it's at with that said? What. What has been your best moment or moments in the 2024, 2025 season?
- [65:48]
Draymond Green
Best moment of the 202425 season?
- [65:53]
Kevin Durant
Man, when you got the buck?
- [65:56]
Draymond Green
Huh?
- [65:58]
Kevin Durant
When you got that buck?
- [66:01]
Draymond Green
What, dog?
- [66:03]
Kevin Durant
When you went down the line. I forget what team it was. I think he hit a three, then he went down the line and got a duck. He was going crazy. You barely got. You barely got that moment.
- [66:19]
Draymond Green
That's light work, man. You know, we ain't moving off no play, you know, saying, no regular season plays.
- [66:30]
Kevin Durant
I be watching the game.
- [66:31]
Draymond Green
Gotta happen. Plays gotta happen in the playoffs really matter.
- [66:35]
Kevin Durant
Right, Right, Right.
- [66:36]
Draymond Green
When did you. When did you dunk on Carolinko in the playoffs?
- [66:39]
Kevin Durant
Everything.
- [66:40]
Draymond Green
That's the only reason.
- [66:42]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, everything.
- [66:43]
Draymond Green
Reason matters. Yeah. It only matter, you know, so we ain't tripping on that. I'm saying that that's light work.
- [66:49]
Kevin Durant
What. What about. What about the night. Night moment? When. When you hit your night?
- [66:54]
Draymond Green
That was fun. That was fun.
- [67:03]
Kevin Durant
That was fun. That was a good one.
- [67:05]
Draymond Green
That was fun.
- [67:07]
Kevin Durant
And then you.
- [67:08]
Draymond Green
Man, I enjoyed the season, though, you know, Like, I. I. Hey, I came out of this season feeling better than I did three years ago, you know, So I think, most importantly that, you know, that just health continuing to grow. Yeah, I. I think overall net positive now just keep it rolling to win this championship next year, but overall net positive, man, so I'm looking forward to this next one. Obviously, getting this team right, getting the roster right, knowing what we looking like, like rolling into next year, but, you know, you know how I'm rolling in championship, baby.
- [67:48]
Kevin Durant
You know, that's the pedigree. Y' all back? Y' all back? Yeah. Back to pedigree.
- [67:54]
Draymond Green
Absolutely. So that's how we roll.
- [67:57]
Zoe Saldana
This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.
- [69:35]
T Mobile Representative
Hi Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.
- [69:39]
Customer
Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.
- [69:41]
T Mobile Representative
You don't need to trade in. When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro Pro Plus. We'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.
- [69:50]
Customer
There's always a trade in.
- [69:51]
T Mobile Representative
Not right now. @ T Mobile.
- [69:53]
Customer
I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.
- [69:55]
T Mobile Representative
That's okay.
- [69:56]
Customer
I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.
- [70:01]
T Mobile Representative
I'm good.
- [70:01]
Draymond Green
Seriously.
- [70:02]
Customer
Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.
- [70:05]
T Mobile Representative
Really, I'm fine.
- [70:06]
Customer
Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.
- [70:10]
Dan Flores
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- [70:33]
Baron Davis
Cancel see t mobile.com the American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me, writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.
- [71:06]
Kevin Durant
I'll correct my kids now and then.
- [71:08]
Dan Flores
Where they'll say when cave people were here. And I'll say, it seems like the.
- [71:12]
Kevin Durant
Ice age people that were here didn't have a real affinity for caves.
- [71:16]
Baron Davis
So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
- [71:28]
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever, wherever you get your podcasts.
- [71:35]
OpportunityAtWork
I always had to be so good. No one could ignore me. Carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling, the limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves. Find resources for breaking through barriers@taylorpaperceiling.org brought to you by opportunity at work and the ad council.
- [72:05]
Draymond Green
But the NBA draft is currently going on. You know, NBA draft ain't one of my finest nights, you know, if you was using the third pick. So maybe you want to like get all hyped for the draft. I think that shit don't matter.
- [72:20]
Kevin Durant
It don't. It's all about where you go, man. I always say the draft is whatever team you go to, what system, it don't matter where you, what pick you go. You just want to go to the right situation. And we've seen that countless amount of times with, you know, players in the second round. You look at, I think, you know, the story that's most relevant in my time was Rashad Lewis, you know, being a first round pick and getting drafted in the second round, being upset, but wind up going to Seattle and wind up becoming a man.
- [73:01]
Draymond Green
Yeah.
- [73:01]
Kevin Durant
Faster than he would if he would have, you know, went to a Portland at the time or Indiana at the time and had to sit behind some vets. So, you know, the draft, the draft for me, it was incredible. You know, being the third pick, I didn't really know nothing about Charlotte. I didn't really know who was on the team until I got Drafted? Yeah, I went to a good team. I went to a vet team, a playoff team, a team that was, you know, trying to make it in the playoffs in the tough Eastern Conference. And I got a chance my rookie year to sit on the bench, which I did not like as the number three pick because the coach told me I should be starting by mid season. But it was cool if I would have got drafted earlier, later, who knows what kind of system. But I went to a system where I was able to grow and then ultimately become an all star in year three.
- [74:06]
Draymond Green
No doubt. No, I think, you know, I think where you go, like you said, it's far more important.
- [74:14]
Kevin Durant
Where was you at?
- [74:15]
Draymond Green
It all works out in the end. I was in Saginaw, the doll event center, baby, with a terrible suit on.
- [74:23]
Kevin Durant
And how was it? Well, how did it go for you? Because you were supposed to be a lottery pick, right?
- [74:29]
Draymond Green
Yeah, I wasn't necessarily going to be lottery, but I definitely was, like, projected to be top 20. Top 20, top 25.
- [74:35]
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
- [74:36]
Draymond Green
And, you know, to go 35th pick, it's like, dang, you see the end of that first round because you're like, man, you know, so it's a great night, you know, but it was very bittersweet for me.
- [74:49]
Kevin Durant
Was. Was people overreacting at the party or at your event? Were more people overreacting than you? Or were you. I know you were disappointed, but, like, what was the. What was the hype? And then like, the whole. The dell.
- [75:06]
Draymond Green
I don't think anybody overreacted. I think people are all shot. You know, you could kind of feel like the angst way, like Wayne and like, man, like, when it's gonna happen. But I don't think anybody overreacted. Nobody made too much of it. I probably. I probably felt the most about it, you know what I'm saying? Just because I know the work that I had put in and I knew what I had to offer. And so going in the second round was baffling to me. But in saying that to get your name called, an NBA draft especially so, I'm forever grateful for that moment. I hope these guys enjoy. Enjoy that night and then understand that tomorrow. And yeah, one guy may get an opportunity faster, but tomorrow, everybody on an equal playing field, you got to go prove that you. You belong in the NBA and what you can bring to a team.
- [75:53]
Kevin Durant
No surprise, Cooper flag went number one in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks. How does Cooper Flag fit in with the Dallas Mavericks? And shout out to kyrie, signing a three year, $119 million contract. He probably won't play next year unless it's later in the season. But talk about Cooper Flag to Dallas and what that looks like.
- [76:23]
Draymond Green
I think Cooper Flag to Dallas. I think Cooper Flag is, is lucky, man. You get a chance to go in with some great vets, some guys, that it's going to take some pressure off of you. It won't just be the Cooper Flag show, you know, so you won't have all this pressure on you. You can kind of get in where you fit in. Yeah, you still got to go be special, but you ain't got to go average 25 points on a bad team. 20 points on a bad team. Like you get to go compete and learn from some of the best, you know. And so I think that's great how he fits. I think it gets interesting. We all know AD don't love playing the five. Cooper Flag I think is a Foreman, I don't think he's a three. You got Daniel Gaffer, you got Derek Lively, you know, so how does that all play out? One thing's for certain is they got to make sure Cooper Flag fits into that. But how does that all play out in the end I think will be interesting to watch, you know, just because at the end of the day, if Cooper Flag has to be a four and someone shifts, someone else shifts. And so I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out. But you know, I think he, he goes to a great situation and also goes to a great organization. A lot of times, you know, one pick, you go to a shitty organization, it's going to a great organization. So I think, I think, I don't think he could ask for anything better being the number one pick. Dylan Harper was also was drafted by the San Antonio spurs with the second pick. How do you see him fitting in there? Going to San Antonio? What, what, what does that look like for them now?
- [77:56]
Kevin Durant
They got two big dynamic guards that can beat you off the dribble, get to the paint, can pose, find ways to score. I think he is a different dynamic than Castle. He has more, I say kind of point guard features, right pick and roll. Like he's really, really good in the pick and roll. But you got a left hand six, four big guard, you got a six, four, six five big guard like this. This big guard combination for the San Antonio spurs is going to be dynamic. They got he. They're going to put a lot of pressure on the defense. And when you think about not only that, you got dear Fox right As the lead guard. Then you talking about this three guard dynamic with this young kid coming off the bench, playing him with Castle, playing him with de' Aaron Fox. You got a three guard dynamic that's going to be getting downhill and put a lot of pressure on the defense. That's a lot of fouls. That's a lot of fouls. So you better be ready to guard.
- [79:14]
Draymond Green
I agree. I think, you know, that, that type of size and length, what, what, what, what San Antonio's building, I think can be special. You know, I think Dylan Harper probably walks in. I'm not sure if he's a starter from day one because you got Fox there, you got Castle. Do they ultimately start them day one or bring him off the bench? I think that'll be decided by how he look in summer league and going into camp.
- [79:39]
Kevin Durant
Right.
- [79:39]
Draymond Green
But you know, I think the future is bright for them. I think that's a great pick, you know, so we'll, we'll see how, we'll see how it turns out. But overall, man, San Antonio, they got guards, they. And they got Wimby and they got Wimby.
- [79:55]
Kevin Durant
They got guards, they got Wimby and they got, they got perimeter guys who hustle and can finish and make some shots. All right, Ace Bailey, he was supposed to be a top three pick. He wound up going five. That's not really fallen. But, you know, a lot of the narrative was he is the first US based player to not work out for any teams. Do you think that hurt? Hurt? It's not a hurt dropping from out the top three to five. But what is your take on that?
- [80:31]
Draymond Green
I don't necessarily think it hurt. It didn't hurt you. You, you went five Whoopi do. It didn't hurt that. But you're walking into the NBA with a strike and I think that's what's most important to understand. It's like you're walking in with a question mark on character. You're walking in with a question mark on work ethic. You're walking in with a question mark on your camp. You know what I'm saying? And so my thing to him and his camp would be understand where you are. Okay, it's fine. No big deal. You went fifth in the draft. As I said earlier in the show, that don't matter. No more matters for his salary. And that's about it. It's now time to go play. So be the first in the gym. Don't go into the organization causing any problems. Going to the organization knowing that there's Some guys that been there before you, you can learn from them. But I ain't saying go bow down anybody, but know that it's some guys that know more than you that you can learn from. Go in there and be a great rookie. That don't mean don't go play great, go be a great rookie. Don't go in there thinking stuff gonna be your way because you already got a strike. And this league will move on from you fast. This league has moved on from.
- [81:37]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, and, and, and more. And just as talented, even more talented players. So.
- [81:43]
Draymond Green
Absolutely. So congratulations to him.
- [81:46]
Kevin Durant
Congratulations.
- [81:46]
Draymond Green
I gonna sit up and let's get to work. Damper his night, man.
- [81:50]
Kevin Durant
Yeah, let's get to work it. Let's get to what?
- [81:53]
Draymond Green
From the gutter. I love it. Let's get it. But just know what you up against and go prove everybody wrong. That's what it boils down to. That's how we rocking. Shout out to all the young fellas getting drafted. Welcome to the league. Congratulations. All your hard work has been earned, but now you not a real work star. Staying in the lead is even tough. So that's how we rocking. But bd, man, it's been a great season, brother.
- [82:21]
Kevin Durant
Amazing.
- [82:23]
Draymond Green
Chopping it up with you, giving these analysis the isms. It's been a lot of fun, man.
- [82:31]
Kevin Durant
Nah, man. I appreciate you having me, man. This is a good. It was a good season. Just how this happened organically, you know. It is good to be back outside, especially back outside with my dog, man. Just keep leading. I'm here, baby. Let's keep it going.
- [82:50]
Draymond Green
I appreciate you and we thank y' all, man, to the fans, the subscribers, the listeners. Incredible, incredible season. We appreciate y' all supporting the Draymond Green show with Baron Davis. Till next time, that's a wrap. Peace.
- [83:06]
Kevin Durant
They out.
- [83:14]
Draymond Green
Foreign.
- [83:21]
Zoe Saldana
This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.
- [84:12]
Draymond Green
Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back and Degree listened. That doesn't happen often.
- [84:22]
Kevin Durant
They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one Men's Annie purse spritz and is back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4.
- [84:40]
Draymond Green
So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool Rush for yourself.
- [84:46]
Baron Davis
Why is a soap opera western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.
- [85:08]
Dan Flores
Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [85:16]
OpportunityAtWork
I always had to be so good. No one could ignore me, carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling, the limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves. Find resources for breaking through barriers@taylorpaperceiling.org brought to you by opportunityatwork and the Ad Council.
- [85:45]
Draymond Green
This is an iHeart podcast.