Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: What's Wright – Luka Doncic TAKES OVER Spurs-Lakers, NFL Trade Deadline Reaction, Kyler BENCHED?

Host: Nick Wright (with Damonte as co-host)
Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode, hosted by Nick Wright and Damonte, dives into the biggest sports stories of the week. The major focuses are Luka Doncic’s historic early-season performance, the Lakers’ resilience amid injuries, and detailed analysis of the NFL trade deadline, including the Cowboys, Colts, and Jets’ moves. The episode closes with updates on Kyler Murray, NFC playoff implications, and audience questions.

Key Discussion Points

1. Luka Doncic Dominates, Lakers’ Resilience Amid Injuries

[03:00–11:55]

• Luka Doncic’s Historic Start:

  • Luka has scored 200 points in the first five games, a feat only Wilt Chamberlain has exceeded.
  • Nick: “Luka’s been absolutely historically great … Only Wilt has ever scored more points through the opening five games of a season.” [04:28]
  • Despite Luka missing some games, the Mavericks are underperforming at 2–6.

• Lakers’ Strong Start Without LeBron:

  • Lakers are 7–2, second in the Eastern Conference despite extended absences of LeBron and Austin Reeves.
  • “The Lakers surviving this stretch of no LeBron, Luka in and out of the lineup, beating the Spurs … they’ve been excellent.” [09:14]
  • Praise for Deandre Ayton’s recent play and coach JJ Redick’s preparation.

Notable Quote

“If Nico Harrison today called up Rob Pelinka and said we will trade you Anthony Davis and Cooper Flag for Luka Doncic, they’d say no.” – Nick Wright [06:01]

2. NBA Trade Talk: Fake Ja/Zion Trades

[02:45–04:09]

• Nick jokes about the Pelicans and Grizzlies’ dysfunction, suggesting wild trades (Ja Morant for Zion Williamson).
• Damonte prefers keeping Zion, citing recent improvements, despite another injury.

3. NFL Trade Deadline Deep Dive

Cowboys’ Moves: Questionable Value

[12:39–20:07]

• Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay for draft picks, then spent nearly as much to get Quinnen Williams.
  • “They barely, barely got more for Micah Parsons than they traded away for Quinnen Williams.” – Nick Wright [13:11]
  • Breakdown: Possible the Cowboys gave up more to get Williams than they received for Parsons.
  • “It is absolutely on the board that what they receive from Green Bay are two picks in the late 20's and what they give to the Jets is a pick in the low 40s and a pick in the teens … just totally unacceptable.” [16:06]
• Critiques Jerry Jones’ decision-making as “awful business,” calling the trade “as baffling of an NFL trade as you’ll see for years.” [17:44]

Colts Go All-In on Daniel Jones & Sauce Gardner

[24:59–32:01]

• Colts trade two first-rounders for Sauce Gardner, banking on Daniel Jones.
• Nick calls it “one of the riskiest moves I have seen a team make in 10 years.” [25:12]
• Explores comparable high-risk trades: Bears for Mack, Rams for Ramsey, Seahawks for Adams, and Packers for Micah Parsons.
• Raises key problems: Jones’ health issues, unproven long-term value, and no contract security.

Notable Quote

“They have painted themselves in a corner … We saw eight good games from Daniel Jones and now we are going to remove any ability we have to pivot at that position. And it's gutsy. … I just wonder how it’s going to feel if this season ends with them hosting a wild card playoff game against the Patriots and getting beat and they're one and done and it’s like, okay, this is just our team now. I wouldn’t have done it.” – Nick Wright [29:34]

The Jets' Rebuild and QB Search

[32:56–36:06]

• Jets now own five first-round picks over two years after dealing Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.
• Nick underscores the importance of drafting a franchise quarterback, as “every single team that has the no-doubt franchise quarterback, that quarterback was a first-round pick. Except for Dak and Jalen.” [35:09]
• Nick respects the Jets for embracing a full rebuild, even if it means more pain for fans.

4. NFC Storylines and Playoff Implications

[44:23–55:22]

Philly vs. Green Bay Showdown

[44:25–50:08]

• Philly is a lock to win their division; the bigger question is Green Bay’s viability as a contender.
• Key for Green Bay: “They only have one soft spot left at the Giants… they have five divisional games left.” [47:52]
• Philly’s decision not to trade AJ Brown at the deadline is deemed wise.

Rams vs. Niners: Playoff Stakes

[50:21–55:22]

• Shanahan stands by Brock Purdy as the Niners QB, but Nick doubts Purdy is “$54 million a year better than Mac Jones.”
• If the Niners win, their playoff ticket is “all but stamped.” [51:05]
• Nick worries about the Niners’ reliance on Christian McCaffrey holding up over the season.
• Rams, led by Matt Stafford (Nick’s midseason MVP) are “legit contenders.”

5. Seahawks as NFC Contenders

[60:31–64:41]

• Seahawks trade for WR Rashid Shaheed, boosting a team already led by surging QB Sam Darnold and star WR JSN.
• Seahawks have two tight losses; otherwise, “they have been just a legit excellent team all year.” [63:13]
• Nick is bullish: “I believe in the Seahawks. … One of my picks this past week was Seattle -3 on Sunday Night Football. They were up 28. Nothing in that game.” [64:27]

6. Kyler Murray Benched in Arizona

[65:41–67:27]

• With Jacoby Brissett named the starter, Nick calls Kyler’s time in Arizona “done” unless a new coach is hired.
• “You can’t be … stories about his lack of leadership … the team put in a work ethic clause in his own contract … that’s not a recipe.” [65:54]
• Discusses possible destinations if Murray is traded (Steelers, Browns, Jets, Raiders).

7. Audience Q&A and Quick Hits

[67:32–69:30]

• Giannis in College?
  • Both hosts agree Giannis would average at least 38–40 points in college.
• Jets QB Plan: Nick wouldn’t trade for Kyler or keep Fields; the Jets must draft their QB.
• Would Nick go to KC vs. Buffalo AFC Championship in Buffalo?
  • “I will not. I have no interest in that. I will absolutely not go to the game.” [69:30]

Memorable Quotes

• On Luka Doncic:

  “The ‘how good is Luka, really?’ conversation that was briefly had last year was categorically insane. … He’s been either the best or the second-best player in the sport.” [06:44]

• On Cowboys’ Trade Logic:

  “It is as baffling of an NFL trade as you’ll see for years.” [17:44]

• On Colts’ Risk:

  “Eight good games from Daniel Jones and now we are going to remove any ability we have to pivot at that position.” [29:36]

• On Jets' Perpetual Rebuild:

  “I do feel badly for their fans because it’s just perpetual rebuilds too man.” [35:56]

• On Kyler Murray’s Future:

  “Kyler’s not the guy. Kyler’s not … that ship has sailed.” [66:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:00 — Luka Doncic/Lakers-Spurs breakdown
• 12:39 — Cowboys’ trade deadline moves dissected
• 24:59 — Colts go all-in for Sauce Gardner and Daniel Jones
• 32:56 — Jets’ draft pick rebuild strategy
• 44:23 — NFC playoff landscape: Philly vs. Green Bay, Rams vs. Niners
• 60:31 — Seahawks’ trade, status as top NFC team
• 65:41 — Kyler Murray’s benching and Cardinals future
• 67:32 — Listener Q&A (Giannis, Jets QB, KC/Buffalo)

Summary & Tone

The episode is fast-paced, highly opinionated, and loaded with in-depth sports analysis. Nick Wright’s tone is sharp, sometimes irreverent, and always unafraid to deliver pointed critiques of major franchises’ decisions. Damonte provides a sounding board, allowing Nick’s animated takes on Luka Doncic, dysfunctional NFL franchises, and the chaotic midseason moves to shine.

If you missed this episode, you’ll come away understanding:

• Why Luka Doncic is in rarefied NBA company
• What NFL teams gambled (or blundered) at the trade deadline
• How injury and depth challenges are shaping the NBA’s early season
• Why Nick Wright is skeptical about several high-profile team strategies this year