The volume. No, No, oh my god, how could he do that?

The volume. No, No, oh my god, how could he do that?

No? On watch.

No? On watch.

What Charles Darwin. The nerves is where it's at.

What Charles Darwin. The nerves is where it's at.

Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash as always, I'm Carson Breber and alongside and he is Logan Kansen, And this is a special trade deadline reaction show. Now. We are recording this right at three pm Eastern when the trade deadline officially ends. So there may still be some deals that break from this point forward, and we will react to those in real time if that does go down. But obviously a great deal has already gone down. Logan, we talked extensively about the Luca trade and the Air and Fox trade, but in the couple of days since we last talked NBA, we have a number of big trades that have gone down, because this really is by far the craziest trade deadline in NBA history. To me, the biggest one that we have seen since the Fox trade was the Golden State Warriors going out and acquiring Jimmy Butler to do so, they give up Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, They give up their protected first round pick in this coming year. I believe that's a top ten protected pick. Who do you think won this deal? Logan, what do you make of this? For the Warriors to start with, since they're the one getting the big fish.

Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash as always, I'm Carson Breber and alongside and he is Logan Kansen, And this is a special trade deadline reaction show. Now. We are recording this right at three pm Eastern when the trade deadline officially ends. So there may still be some deals that break from this point forward, and we will react to those in real time if that does go down. But obviously a great deal has already gone down. Logan, we talked extensively about the Luca trade and the Air and Fox trade, but in the couple of days since we last talked NBA, we have a number of big trades that have gone down, because this really is by far the craziest trade deadline in NBA history. To me, the biggest one that we have seen since the Fox trade was the Golden State Warriors going out and acquiring Jimmy Butler to do so, they give up Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, They give up their protected first round pick in this coming year. I believe that's a top ten protected pick. Who do you think won this deal? Logan, what do you make of this? For the Warriors to start with, since they're the one getting the big fish.

I think this is mutually beneficial. But I do think this is a win for the Warriors, and honestly, Carson. The reaction to this trade kind of surprised me. Across the association. A lot of people feeling as if the Warriors overpaid or if the Warriors lost this one. First of all, you had to do something, Carson and I I think have come on here for three straight years saying that the Warriors needed to do something at the deadline to make themselves better. But I know people didn't forget about Jimmy Man. Look, say what you want about regular season Jimmy Butler, Right, he'll coast, he'll bitch, he'll moan, he'll be hurt a little bit. Some games, he'll be really engaged. Some games he won't. I still believe playoff Jimmy is in there now. Is playoff Jimmy at the state he's at, Is he still a top ten player? No, Jimmy Butler is not that anymore when we're talking about a playoff stage. But can Jimmy Butler be a top twenty five player at this point in his career, Can he be a top thirty kind of NBA player in a playoff runt? Certainly? I believe that, and so that's why I think you do this deal ten times out of ten. And some people too are talking about the cap implications and oh, they gave him sixty million dollars over the next two years. Great, you don't give up this kind of capital to go and get a guy and then not re sign him. So, look, is this the trade that makes the Golden State Warriors the title favorite? No, by no means does it do anything like that. But it makes them more competitive. It finally picks a timeline where you're not going to weigh Stephen Drayman. And maybe they still get wasted, right, maybe they don't. There's not a championship at the end of this, but you're giving yourself a much better chance. And I still believe, you know, as inconsistent as regular season Jimmy Butler is, I still think the playoff Jimmy Butler is a frightening beast and it just gives them some more firepower. So you know, it sucks giving up Wiggins for sure, But like I said, you do this deal to upgrade and to get better into at least open that championship window a little bit. It certainly makes them more competitive, and so I view this as a major, major win for the Warriors. You couldn't get the big Fish and Kevin Durant, but will you settle for Jimmy Butler? Certainly, I think it's a good deal for the Dubs.

I think this is mutually beneficial. But I do think this is a win for the Warriors, and honestly, Carson. The reaction to this trade kind of surprised me. Across the association. A lot of people feeling as if the Warriors overpaid or if the Warriors lost this one. First of all, you had to do something, Carson and I I think have come on here for three straight years saying that the Warriors needed to do something at the deadline to make themselves better. But I know people didn't forget about Jimmy Man. Look, say what you want about regular season Jimmy Butler, Right, he'll coast, he'll bitch, he'll moan, he'll be hurt a little bit. Some games, he'll be really engaged. Some games he won't. I still believe playoff Jimmy is in there now. Is playoff Jimmy at the state he's at, Is he still a top ten player? No, Jimmy Butler is not that anymore when we're talking about a playoff stage. But can Jimmy Butler be a top twenty five player at this point in his career, Can he be a top thirty kind of NBA player in a playoff runt? Certainly? I believe that, and so that's why I think you do this deal ten times out of ten. And some people too are talking about the cap implications and oh, they gave him sixty million dollars over the next two years. Great, you don't give up this kind of capital to go and get a guy and then not re sign him. So, look, is this the trade that makes the Golden State Warriors the title favorite? No, by no means does it do anything like that. But it makes them more competitive. It finally picks a timeline where you're not going to weigh Stephen Drayman. And maybe they still get wasted, right, maybe they don't. There's not a championship at the end of this, but you're giving yourself a much better chance. And I still believe, you know, as inconsistent as regular season Jimmy Butler is, I still think the playoff Jimmy Butler is a frightening beast and it just gives them some more firepower. So you know, it sucks giving up Wiggins for sure, But like I said, you do this deal to upgrade and to get better into at least open that championship window a little bit. It certainly makes them more competitive, and so I view this as a major, major win for the Warriors. You couldn't get the big Fish and Kevin Durant, but will you settle for Jimmy Butler? Certainly, I think it's a good deal for the Dubs.

I think it's a good deal as well. Do I love it? Do I think it is groundbreaking?

I think it's a good deal as well. Do I love it? Do I think it is groundbreaking?

No?

No?

But you're talking about the move that could make them the title favorite. Oh, that move doesn't exist. The move that could make them a contender at this stage, That move doesn't exist. They just waited way too long, as I have complained about time and again, but they should have traded their draft picks that became Wiseman and Kaminga and Moody. They should have gone out and gotten Pascal Siak years ago, or og and Andobi or Lowry Mark. But they didn't go out and get any of those guys, and so this roster has regressed to a point where there is no path to contention. I still think, though Logan, they had to do something, because I do feel like a lot of people are viewing this through the prism of like, oh, well, this doesn't make the Warriors contenders, why would you do it? And the reason is the Warriors are not going to blow things up. I think most of us can look at the current state of this basketball team before the Jimmy trade and say that that would be their best course of action objectively, to blow things up, to try to get a wealth of assets for Steph and whatever you can for Draymond and just start the rebuild.

But you're talking about the move that could make them the title favorite. Oh, that move doesn't exist. The move that could make them a contender at this stage, That move doesn't exist. They just waited way too long, as I have complained about time and again, but they should have traded their draft picks that became Wiseman and Kaminga and Moody. They should have gone out and gotten Pascal Siak years ago, or og and Andobi or Lowry Mark. But they didn't go out and get any of those guys, and so this roster has regressed to a point where there is no path to contention. I still think, though Logan, they had to do something, because I do feel like a lot of people are viewing this through the prism of like, oh, well, this doesn't make the Warriors contenders, why would you do it? And the reason is the Warriors are not going to blow things up. I think most of us can look at the current state of this basketball team before the Jimmy trade and say that that would be their best course of action objectively, to blow things up, to try to get a wealth of assets for Steph and whatever you can for Draymond and just start the rebuild.

Right.

Right.

You've already been trying to straddle these two timelines, which is incredibly stupid, but you might as well pick one timeline to lean into, and there isn't all that much much upside with this current timeline. However, they're not going to do that. I don't think Steph wants to be traded, And if the greatest player in your franchise history doesn't want to be traded, I just don't think it's something that they're considering. So once you accept that that the rebuild the blow up is off the table, your job as a franchise is to put the best team that you can around Steph Curry, because you owe that to him. Still even though you have missed so many opportunities, and I think that this is a move that accomplishes that it makes them a better team than they were before the deal, because, like you said, you can have your concerns about Jimmy availability attitude, totally fair. He'll probably miss thirty regular season games. The spacing and the Warriors front court is certainly not ideal bringing him in alongside Draymond and tjd or Looney, these non spacing fives, but the Dubs desperately desperately needed that high end creator alongside Steph. We have seen that the load on him is just way too much at this stage in his career. The Warriors offense without him on the floor has performed worse than the Wizards by offensive rating, and the lack of skill alongside him is just disastrous. Jimmy Butler is still that bona fide star when he's on the floor, and like you said, I feel like a lot of people are selling that short this season. When he plays, he's giving you twenty points, six rebound, six assists per thirty six minutes on sixty four percent through shooting. So still elite efficiency, really good permitted.

You've already been trying to straddle these two timelines, which is incredibly stupid, but you might as well pick one timeline to lean into, and there isn't all that much much upside with this current timeline. However, they're not going to do that. I don't think Steph wants to be traded, And if the greatest player in your franchise history doesn't want to be traded, I just don't think it's something that they're considering. So once you accept that that the rebuild the blow up is off the table, your job as a franchise is to put the best team that you can around Steph Curry, because you owe that to him. Still even though you have missed so many opportunities, and I think that this is a move that accomplishes that it makes them a better team than they were before the deal, because, like you said, you can have your concerns about Jimmy availability attitude, totally fair. He'll probably miss thirty regular season games. The spacing and the Warriors front court is certainly not ideal bringing him in alongside Draymond and tjd or Looney, these non spacing fives, but the Dubs desperately desperately needed that high end creator alongside Steph. We have seen that the load on him is just way too much at this stage in his career. The Warriors offense without him on the floor has performed worse than the Wizards by offensive rating, and the lack of skill alongside him is just disastrous. Jimmy Butler is still that bona fide star when he's on the floor, and like you said, I feel like a lot of people are selling that short this season. When he plays, he's giving you twenty points, six rebound, six assists per thirty six minutes on sixty four percent through shooting. So still elite efficiency, really good permitted.

Production man like what like seventy five eighty percent.

Production man like what like seventy five eighty percent.

That's Jimmy costing. He still gives you that. And when it comes to getting himself a bucket and creating offense for himself and others, he is really really good. Ninety fourth percentile pick and role score this season. That's insane, seventy eighth percentile isolation scorer. He is still one of the premier mismatch attackers in basketball, this big, physical forward who gets to the line at an elite rate, who is a really good mid range shot maker, who is never sped up, and then who is also a plus playmaker and a real plus defender when he wants to be a really good off ball defender. And alongside Draymond, I think those two in the front court are going to do a lot of damage defensively, but offensively that creation is the most important thing. The fit for Jimmy isn't ideal because of the lack of three point shooting. I think it's okay though, because he does do other positive stuff off ball, with his cutting, with his offensive rebounding. It's a decent enough fit to certainly justify the talent upgrade in my opinion. So this makes the Dubs a noticeably better basketball team. That justifies this to me. Does it launch them into a tier where I think they'll win a playoff series? No, I would still be really surprised if this team won a playoff series. But the combination of high end talent Steph and Jimmy what they can do offensively, Jimmy and Ray what they can do defensively, and this team does have a good defensive foundation period, it just takes them up a level. It makes them a more serious playoff sort of team. And you hit on the exact point that I would with the Jimmy contract right A lot of people are freaking out about that. Look, if you're gonna make the trade, you give him the extension, you're not gonna risk just letting him walk. So I like that they got that done right away. And anywhere else Jimmy's age in that sort of dollar value, I would say, no, thank you. I'm out thirty five year old Jimmy. I'm not paying him sixty million dollars a year for the next two years. The Warriors are a true exception because age money they're just not really an object for this team. If they believe in the talent, that they're acquiring. All they are trying to do, all they should be trying to do with this stage is put a good basketball team around thirty six year old Steph Curry, which means we'll pay Jimmy for two more years because we think we got two more years of star Steph Curry. That's fine, that's all that matters. So I think that this was a good move for them. It's not a home run. It doesn't change everything, but they did something and I'm happy about that.

That's Jimmy costing. He still gives you that. And when it comes to getting himself a bucket and creating offense for himself and others, he is really really good. Ninety fourth percentile pick and role score this season. That's insane, seventy eighth percentile isolation scorer. He is still one of the premier mismatch attackers in basketball, this big, physical forward who gets to the line at an elite rate, who is a really good mid range shot maker, who is never sped up, and then who is also a plus playmaker and a real plus defender when he wants to be a really good off ball defender. And alongside Draymond, I think those two in the front court are going to do a lot of damage defensively, but offensively that creation is the most important thing. The fit for Jimmy isn't ideal because of the lack of three point shooting. I think it's okay though, because he does do other positive stuff off ball, with his cutting, with his offensive rebounding. It's a decent enough fit to certainly justify the talent upgrade in my opinion. So this makes the Dubs a noticeably better basketball team. That justifies this to me. Does it launch them into a tier where I think they'll win a playoff series? No, I would still be really surprised if this team won a playoff series. But the combination of high end talent Steph and Jimmy what they can do offensively, Jimmy and Ray what they can do defensively, and this team does have a good defensive foundation period, it just takes them up a level. It makes them a more serious playoff sort of team. And you hit on the exact point that I would with the Jimmy contract right A lot of people are freaking out about that. Look, if you're gonna make the trade, you give him the extension, you're not gonna risk just letting him walk. So I like that they got that done right away. And anywhere else Jimmy's age in that sort of dollar value, I would say, no, thank you. I'm out thirty five year old Jimmy. I'm not paying him sixty million dollars a year for the next two years. The Warriors are a true exception because age money they're just not really an object for this team. If they believe in the talent, that they're acquiring. All they are trying to do, all they should be trying to do with this stage is put a good basketball team around thirty six year old Steph Curry, which means we'll pay Jimmy for two more years because we think we got two more years of star Steph Curry. That's fine, that's all that matters. So I think that this was a good move for them. It's not a home run. It doesn't change everything, but they did something and I'm happy about that.

Yeah, And that's exactly the point, man. You've opened a three year window for yourselves. You've established the timeline, right, Like, we don't have to sit around here and on our hands and wait for the Warriors to make a move and to figure out what their course of action is. They've established it three years. We got a chance to win another title, potentially out West with this big three. And it's contingent on a lot of things going right, right, Jimmy reaching that star level that we know he can reach in the playoffs, Steph not having off nights right, Draymond pulling his weight and doing his thing. But I think they got noticeably better, And uh, I.

Yeah, And that's exactly the point, man. You've opened a three year window for yourselves. You've established the timeline, right, Like, we don't have to sit around here and on our hands and wait for the Warriors to make a move and to figure out what their course of action is. They've established it three years. We got a chance to win another title, potentially out West with this big three. And it's contingent on a lot of things going right, right, Jimmy reaching that star level that we know he can reach in the playoffs, Steph not having off nights right, Draymond pulling his weight and doing his thing. But I think they got noticeably better, And uh, I.

Don't think they're gutting for a title window at all.

Don't think they're gutting for a title window at all.

I'm just saying it.

I'm just saying it.

I think they're just trying to do justice to Steph, which I appreciate, abutting good basketball players around him.

I think they're just trying to do justice to Steph, which I appreciate, abutting good basketball players around him.

They're just not gonna fucking suck over the next two years, right, Like, it's not like the Warriors are ever gonna bottom out. So it's like, why even why even bother if you're not gonna blow it up, like open the It's not a door. The Thunder have a championship house all of their their They have a garage door opening for a championship, right, The Warriors have a window. That's why I say it like that is it's not it's not gaping. It's not a massive hole. You know, that's the Thunder. But there's a I'm telling you there's a chance. And I'm honestly, I think the most excited thing I am about for this trade Carson one. Obviously Steph finally getting some help offensively, like yeah, good lord man. The burden on him every single night is so monstrous. But the thing I think I'm most excited for is just the mental agony that Warriors opponents are gonna have to go through dealing with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on a nightly basis, Like those guys have to be two of the biggest like nuisances on the planet. God bless Steve Kerr. I wish nothing but good things for the Warriors locker room. I think that's an interesting dynamic too. But I'm just glad they did something, man, I mean, we would. I said it on our last show with Hoop Ven you shout out Tyler. The Warriors were the biggest losers of trade deadline because they didn't do anything. Now, I don't look at them. It's just a flat out loser.

They're just not gonna fucking suck over the next two years, right, Like, it's not like the Warriors are ever gonna bottom out. So it's like, why even why even bother if you're not gonna blow it up, like open the It's not a door. The Thunder have a championship house all of their their They have a garage door opening for a championship, right, The Warriors have a window. That's why I say it like that is it's not it's not gaping. It's not a massive hole. You know, that's the Thunder. But there's a I'm telling you there's a chance. And I'm honestly, I think the most excited thing I am about for this trade Carson one. Obviously Steph finally getting some help offensively, like yeah, good lord man. The burden on him every single night is so monstrous. But the thing I think I'm most excited for is just the mental agony that Warriors opponents are gonna have to go through dealing with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on a nightly basis, Like those guys have to be two of the biggest like nuisances on the planet. God bless Steve Kerr. I wish nothing but good things for the Warriors locker room. I think that's an interesting dynamic too. But I'm just glad they did something, man, I mean, we would. I said it on our last show with Hoop Ven you shout out Tyler. The Warriors were the biggest losers of trade deadline because they didn't do anything. Now, I don't look at them. It's just a flat out loser.

They're not the big.

They're not the big.

Winner of this deadline, but they're certainly not the loser of the deadline.

Winner of this deadline, but they're certainly not the loser of the deadline.

I agree. And they also had the depth to go out there and make a move like this, right like they send out Kyle Anderson and Dennis Shruder, who have both since been rerouted. Neither of them are actually landing in Miami. But that leaves them with this group of Steph, Jimmy Draymond their two centers. Mayda either man didn't give up kaminga which I'm happy with just because I do think Jimmy has his flaws as an asset. Like I have been pretty consistent about the fact that they should be willing to move Kaminga for the right deal, but they didn't have to. And I think that we saw that Jimmy's value really did depreciate with a lot of the concerns that teams have about him and his antics, and so it did get to a very reasonable price for the Warriors. But like, you're still left now with the three really high level players, and then you have a decent big duo and you have a solid group of guards and wings left with Moody Pods has been playing better Kaminga GP two buddy healed Like death was certainly never a concern with this team. It always made sense for them to try to compile some of those guys to get that one bigger fish, and they did it. I like it. I'm excited to see what's next for this Warriors team. I am not overly optimistic. I just think they are going to be better for the heat. I think a lot of people might look at this hall and they might say this is not enough for Jimmy Butler. I actually like it for them. And the reason I like it for them is I've been quite encouraged by what we've seen from a lot of their young pieces this year. Coming into this year, I was very annoyed with the state of the Heat, and my thinking had been, you either had to make the splashy move a year ago or you had to just blow this thing up, because clearly you are just going to continue to tread water as a mediocre basketball team, and right now that's what they are. They're twenty five and twenty four, but they're a young, mediuker basketball team now that they're off of Jimmy Wiggins is a really good basketball player. I'm seeing some people act as though he and Jimmy are remotely on the same level, and they're just not right. There's still just a massive gap in terms of shot creation and playmaking. Jimmy is a top thirty guy when he's healthy and on the floor. I do still believe that, but Wiggins is only making twenty eight million dollars a year. He's more aligned with your timeline in terms of age. He's a good two way guy. He'll play his role, he'll play hard. He's got a really good season, and you're getting back a mid first rounder this year. Is what it'll end up. Being from the Warriors, which I'm not upset about parting. If I'm the Warriors, I'm good with that to add a talent like Jimmy. But for the heat, I mean, you've drafted pretty well in terms of the mid first round, right, you got yourself khalil Ware, and you got yourself jim Hakazho wasn't having the best second year, but solid pick. You got yourself Nicole Jobich in the late first round, who I think is a really nice young player. You got yourself Tyler Hero with the thirteenth pick. So if I'm the I value that as another opportunity to add young talent. And like I said, it's just been the blossoming of so many of these young guys. Hero reaching a level offensively that I didn't think he could. Jovic is a guy who I liked and was excited about coming into the year. But you see his size, his shooting, his playmaking, his defense. He's absolutely a guy that I want on my team. And khalil Ware has just been the revelation Logan. We both liked him in the draft. He has been the best rookie in basketball when he is on the floor, massive individual, skilled offensively, so I'm excited about that. I am. And once Bam gets his head out of his ass, like you can play him and where together, there's a good amount of talent here. They got a draft pick. Are they a team that is going to be gunning for contention soon?

I agree. And they also had the depth to go out there and make a move like this, right like they send out Kyle Anderson and Dennis Shruder, who have both since been rerouted. Neither of them are actually landing in Miami. But that leaves them with this group of Steph, Jimmy Draymond their two centers. Mayda either man didn't give up kaminga which I'm happy with just because I do think Jimmy has his flaws as an asset. Like I have been pretty consistent about the fact that they should be willing to move Kaminga for the right deal, but they didn't have to. And I think that we saw that Jimmy's value really did depreciate with a lot of the concerns that teams have about him and his antics, and so it did get to a very reasonable price for the Warriors. But like, you're still left now with the three really high level players, and then you have a decent big duo and you have a solid group of guards and wings left with Moody Pods has been playing better Kaminga GP two buddy healed Like death was certainly never a concern with this team. It always made sense for them to try to compile some of those guys to get that one bigger fish, and they did it. I like it. I'm excited to see what's next for this Warriors team. I am not overly optimistic. I just think they are going to be better for the heat. I think a lot of people might look at this hall and they might say this is not enough for Jimmy Butler. I actually like it for them. And the reason I like it for them is I've been quite encouraged by what we've seen from a lot of their young pieces this year. Coming into this year, I was very annoyed with the state of the Heat, and my thinking had been, you either had to make the splashy move a year ago or you had to just blow this thing up, because clearly you are just going to continue to tread water as a mediocre basketball team, and right now that's what they are. They're twenty five and twenty four, but they're a young, mediuker basketball team now that they're off of Jimmy Wiggins is a really good basketball player. I'm seeing some people act as though he and Jimmy are remotely on the same level, and they're just not right. There's still just a massive gap in terms of shot creation and playmaking. Jimmy is a top thirty guy when he's healthy and on the floor. I do still believe that, but Wiggins is only making twenty eight million dollars a year. He's more aligned with your timeline in terms of age. He's a good two way guy. He'll play his role, he'll play hard. He's got a really good season, and you're getting back a mid first rounder this year. Is what it'll end up. Being from the Warriors, which I'm not upset about parting. If I'm the Warriors, I'm good with that to add a talent like Jimmy. But for the heat, I mean, you've drafted pretty well in terms of the mid first round, right, you got yourself khalil Ware, and you got yourself jim Hakazho wasn't having the best second year, but solid pick. You got yourself Nicole Jobich in the late first round, who I think is a really nice young player. You got yourself Tyler Hero with the thirteenth pick. So if I'm the I value that as another opportunity to add young talent. And like I said, it's just been the blossoming of so many of these young guys. Hero reaching a level offensively that I didn't think he could. Jovic is a guy who I liked and was excited about coming into the year. But you see his size, his shooting, his playmaking, his defense. He's absolutely a guy that I want on my team. And khalil Ware has just been the revelation Logan. We both liked him in the draft. He has been the best rookie in basketball when he is on the floor, massive individual, skilled offensively, so I'm excited about that. I am. And once Bam gets his head out of his ass, like you can play him and where together, there's a good amount of talent here. They got a draft pick. Are they a team that is going to be gunning for contention soon?

No?

No?

Not in my opinion. But they got rid of the Jimmy drama and they both got back a guy who helps him stay competitive now and a draft pick, And I feel better about where they are right now than I did coming into the year.

Not in my opinion. But they got rid of the Jimmy drama and they both got back a guy who helps him stay competitive now and a draft pick, And I feel better about where they are right now than I did coming into the year.

Yeah, I mean I like Miami's future. That's really the selling point here is I mean, there's no window now, Like the spacing sucks too bad. I think that there's not enough talent here obviously to do any actual damage out east. But Where has been really intriguing. I loved him out of the drafts. I couldn't believe he fell to Miami and like you think of the perfect archetype of player they needed. They needed size, they needed athleticism, and they needed skill. Where checks all those boxes. The one thing I will get on Miami for I think Miami, you gotta see you got to know when when the time is right to move the deal. And I think they just waited way too damn long to move Jimmy. I said it in the offseason, I thought the correct way to deal with Like, don't get me wrong. They didn't get a bad package back. I just think that if you had traded Jimmy in the offseason, if you were Miami and could have seen this coming, they could have gotten a lot more back in the offseason. Right, that's when more teams have all that cap flexibility, when you can do sign in trades, when they can load you up with a boatload of picks. Right, there's just way more flexibility with rosters when you move guys in the offseason. Here're gonna make the salary work. You gotta make sure that you're getting compensated. It's not a bad haulback for Jimmy by any means. And Andrew Wiggins is a chopped liver. Andrew Wiggins is a really good basketball player. He's bounced back in a big way this year. Like, like I said, I have concerns about their fundamental roster construction right now, especially spacing right with Wiggins at a bio and where's your front court. That's not ideal, But considering the circumstances, I thought Jimmy was an untradable four asset at this deadline, I thought they were. I thought Miami in a lot of ways, is just gonna get caught holding the bag. So I think this is mutually beneficial for both teams, right, Warriors get better and Heat get something back for Jimmy when I think they would have just lost him as an asset outright. So I don't think they dealt him at the right time. But hey, they're not the Chicago Bulls, right. They didn't hold onto these guys and let them leave in free agencies, so there is something to be said for that.

Yeah, I mean I like Miami's future. That's really the selling point here is I mean, there's no window now, Like the spacing sucks too bad. I think that there's not enough talent here obviously to do any actual damage out east. But Where has been really intriguing. I loved him out of the drafts. I couldn't believe he fell to Miami and like you think of the perfect archetype of player they needed. They needed size, they needed athleticism, and they needed skill. Where checks all those boxes. The one thing I will get on Miami for I think Miami, you gotta see you got to know when when the time is right to move the deal. And I think they just waited way too damn long to move Jimmy. I said it in the offseason, I thought the correct way to deal with Like, don't get me wrong. They didn't get a bad package back. I just think that if you had traded Jimmy in the offseason, if you were Miami and could have seen this coming, they could have gotten a lot more back in the offseason. Right, that's when more teams have all that cap flexibility, when you can do sign in trades, when they can load you up with a boatload of picks. Right, there's just way more flexibility with rosters when you move guys in the offseason. Here're gonna make the salary work. You gotta make sure that you're getting compensated. It's not a bad haulback for Jimmy by any means. And Andrew Wiggins is a chopped liver. Andrew Wiggins is a really good basketball player. He's bounced back in a big way this year. Like, like I said, I have concerns about their fundamental roster construction right now, especially spacing right with Wiggins at a bio and where's your front court. That's not ideal, But considering the circumstances, I thought Jimmy was an untradable four asset at this deadline, I thought they were. I thought Miami in a lot of ways, is just gonna get caught holding the bag. So I think this is mutually beneficial for both teams, right, Warriors get better and Heat get something back for Jimmy when I think they would have just lost him as an asset outright. So I don't think they dealt him at the right time. But hey, they're not the Chicago Bulls, right. They didn't hold onto these guys and let them leave in free agencies, so there is something to be said for that.

I don't like the big picture. I agree with you, though, because it it was very clear that even when they made the finals in twenty twenty three, that was a crazy ass very strange run, and they needed to add talent, and obviously they were hoping to get Damian Lillard and they didn't end up having the offer to make that happen, and then they didn't do anything again this past offseason. The biggest theme of the NBA is that you have to choose a direction, and the Heat had been straddling that line over these last couple of years, and you're right, They could have gotten more for Jimmy if they had done this previously. But previously I was leaning more on the side of go add more high end talent, right, be aggressive in that way. Really, only this year did I start thinking, Okay, now Jimmy seems unhappy. The window is very much closed. You're not gonna go get that other high end guy. Now you start talking about dealing Jimmy and considering that, I think it's a solid hall that they got back.

I don't like the big picture. I agree with you, though, because it it was very clear that even when they made the finals in twenty twenty three, that was a crazy ass very strange run, and they needed to add talent, and obviously they were hoping to get Damian Lillard and they didn't end up having the offer to make that happen, and then they didn't do anything again this past offseason. The biggest theme of the NBA is that you have to choose a direction, and the Heat had been straddling that line over these last couple of years, and you're right, They could have gotten more for Jimmy if they had done this previously. But previously I was leaning more on the side of go add more high end talent, right, be aggressive in that way. Really, only this year did I start thinking, Okay, now Jimmy seems unhappy. The window is very much closed. You're not gonna go get that other high end guy. Now you start talking about dealing Jimmy and considering that, I think it's a solid hall that they got back.

Yeah, to be fair, if I had known that Hero was going to take a leap like this this season, I may have felt differently in the offsea and I just felt that they were so so far away from the actual contention last year. But like I said, man, you didn't wait, you made a move, They didn't hesitate, you get a first. Wiggins is still an intriguing asset. I think if you want to move off of him or just play him, I think it's a win win. Again, it's not a Grand Slam for either team, but I put this at like a B for both Squalds. I like the move.

Yeah, to be fair, if I had known that Hero was going to take a leap like this this season, I may have felt differently in the offsea and I just felt that they were so so far away from the actual contention last year. But like I said, man, you didn't wait, you made a move, They didn't hesitate, you get a first. Wiggins is still an intriguing asset. I think if you want to move off of him or just play him, I think it's a win win. Again, it's not a Grand Slam for either team, but I put this at like a B for both Squalds. I like the move.

Yeah, I think that that seems about right. I think that it's like a slight but solid plus move. For both teams. To put into perspective, how much better I think this makes the Warriors. This probably takes them from like the eleventh or twelfth best team in the West to like maybe the ninth best team in the West. We're not talking about major movement. The West was really really good.

Yeah, I think that that seems about right. I think that it's like a slight but solid plus move. For both teams. To put into perspective, how much better I think this makes the Warriors. This probably takes them from like the eleventh or twelfth best team in the West to like maybe the ninth best team in the West. We're not talking about major movement. The West was really really good.

I'd put it is, and there's certain matchups that still really scare me. For Golden State. It honestly, like whot somebody had like twenty boards on the Warriors the other night.

I'd put it is, and there's certain matchups that still really scare me. For Golden State. It honestly, like whot somebody had like twenty boards on the Warriors the other night.

I don't know if anybody who wants it.

I don't know if anybody who wants it.

Literally, I still think that matchup problems will arise with Golden State. Like I think even against a Houston with their kind of athleticism and size, I think that could be problematic. I think Memphis is really problematic and a hypothetical. There are teams that I don't like them getting, like the Clippers too with a big zoo. I just think that's hard to match. But I think I put Golden State closer to Memphis or a Houston.

Literally, I still think that matchup problems will arise with Golden State. Like I think even against a Houston with their kind of athleticism and size, I think that could be problematic. I think Memphis is really problematic and a hypothetical. There are teams that I don't like them getting, like the Clippers too with a big zoo. I just think that's hard to match. But I think I put Golden State closer to Memphis or a Houston.

Oh you're higher on that set. I just think those teams are still a lot more talented.

Oh you're higher on that set. I just think those teams are still a lot more talented.

Do you have them over Minnesota or behind Minnesota?

Do you have them over Minnesota or behind Minnesota?

I think I would probably have them right behind Minnesota. That one's close. Minnesota does have that reliably elite, elite defense. They have aunts who could be the best player in a matchup between those two teams. But I think him and Steph are on very similar levels as players right now. I think that Minnesota is still a bit more talented overall. But like I do really like the combination of Draymond is your elite defensive anchor, Steph is your elite offensive engine, and then Jimmy really giving you that star clear plus value on both sides the ball, and like everybody's responsibilities around them now are scale down right. You don't have to have Pods going out there and trying to score thirty like he did the other night just to ultimately lose to.

I think I would probably have them right behind Minnesota. That one's close. Minnesota does have that reliably elite, elite defense. They have aunts who could be the best player in a matchup between those two teams. But I think him and Steph are on very similar levels as players right now. I think that Minnesota is still a bit more talented overall. But like I do really like the combination of Draymond is your elite defensive anchor, Steph is your elite offensive engine, and then Jimmy really giving you that star clear plus value on both sides the ball, and like everybody's responsibilities around them now are scale down right. You don't have to have Pods going out there and trying to score thirty like he did the other night just to ultimately lose to.

The Utah Jazz's to go man, that was a brutal watch.

The Utah Jazz's to go man, that was a brutal watch.

Been that kind of year for the Dubs since the first fifteen games. I want to see them go small a lot. I would like to see Draymond at the five, and then I think that you get just your best personnel combination because bigs are not so good. I think Pods is playing well now. I get Pods back out there since he came back from injury. He does all of the little winning stuff that he did so well last year, the rebounding, the defensive effort, making good decisions, and now that he can actually shoot put and score again.

Been that kind of year for the Dubs since the first fifteen games. I want to see them go small a lot. I would like to see Draymond at the five, and then I think that you get just your best personnel combination because bigs are not so good. I think Pods is playing well now. I get Pods back out there since he came back from injury. He does all of the little winning stuff that he did so well last year, the rebounding, the defensive effort, making good decisions, and now that he can actually shoot put and score again.

Buddy at the three, Jimmy at four or what are you thinking?

Buddy at the three, Jimmy at four or what are you thinking?

No, I would probably go Moody. I just like Moody's combination of being able to knock down shots and defend. Like if we're presuming full health for the team, I think that that is their best five for winning. Steph POD's Moody, Jimmy Dre which is obviously a lineup that has flaws and their size is going to be a challenge, as it has been for the last couple of years as they've lost some speed and some really high end skill that used to make it easier for them to compensate for their lack of size. But they got better and I do think that they have multiple combinations that they can work with going forward. Speaking of size, Logan, you know who went out there and got it. The Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, after the Luca trade, giving up Anthony Davis, they were left with Jackson Hayes as their loan big a spot that nobody wants to be in. They went out and they got Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, and they prayed a pretty penny to do it. They give up Dalton connect Cameraish, a twenty thirty one unprotected first round pick and a twenty to thirty pick swap. How do you feel about this for LA.

No, I would probably go Moody. I just like Moody's combination of being able to knock down shots and defend. Like if we're presuming full health for the team, I think that that is their best five for winning. Steph POD's Moody, Jimmy Dre which is obviously a lineup that has flaws and their size is going to be a challenge, as it has been for the last couple of years as they've lost some speed and some really high end skill that used to make it easier for them to compensate for their lack of size. But they got better and I do think that they have multiple combinations that they can work with going forward. Speaking of size, Logan, you know who went out there and got it. The Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, after the Luca trade, giving up Anthony Davis, they were left with Jackson Hayes as their loan big a spot that nobody wants to be in. They went out and they got Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, and they prayed a pretty penny to do it. They give up Dalton connect Cameraish, a twenty thirty one unprotected first round pick and a twenty to thirty pick swap. How do you feel about this for LA.

I love this for Los Angeles. I love this for Charlotte two. First of all, now that you've moved off of Anthony Davis and you have this extended timeline, those picks are way less valuable, right Like if you were gonna give up those picks. That was always the hang up when we were talking about these hypothetical trades for the Lakers to get better when they had Lebron and Ad is all right, well, we can give up that twenty nine first, we can give up that thirty one first, but we're probably gonna be one of the worst teams in basketball, and those picks are going to be around top five. Now that you have Luca, you're presuming that you're gonna be a good team basically year in, year out, and this addresses their biggest need. First of all, Mark Williams is having a really good year on the year. As a whole, he's sixteen to ten and three on sixty three percent true shooting, with over a block a night, over three offensive boards a game over his last ten though twenty twelve and three on sixty one percent true shooting, one and a half blocks a night, four point four offense rebounce per game, with over six free throws attempted per game. And you just think about what this is exactly what this team needs. A big body in the middle. They can eat on the glass, they can protect the rim, and I mean you think about what he's gonna be able to do with Luca. This is a seven foot guy with a seven foot six and a half wingspan, like Luca enhances those really simple role guys Like this is no shade at Gafford or Lively. They're really good centers, right, but alongside a guy like Luca, they just makes them so much better. I think we're gonna see that effect with Mark Williams. Like he's a good center as is, but I think Luca is gonna enhance him and make him even better. And I really like the Lakers, man, I really like the Lakers. After this move, like the offense is gonna be unreal. Even down Luca watching this team go to work with Reeves and Lebron the other night, they were humming. I mean, they were just hidding everything. It felt like, I love this. I think. I don't know, man, I'm just trying to figure out where I have the Lakers in the West. Now, Dude, the Lakers I think are better. I think they're better after these moves, and now that they've got Mark, they got their biggest need. Fucking Lakers, man. I think they crushed this deal. This was their biggest need. I just they can't keep getting away with this.

I love this for Los Angeles. I love this for Charlotte two. First of all, now that you've moved off of Anthony Davis and you have this extended timeline, those picks are way less valuable, right Like if you were gonna give up those picks. That was always the hang up when we were talking about these hypothetical trades for the Lakers to get better when they had Lebron and Ad is all right, well, we can give up that twenty nine first, we can give up that thirty one first, but we're probably gonna be one of the worst teams in basketball, and those picks are going to be around top five. Now that you have Luca, you're presuming that you're gonna be a good team basically year in, year out, and this addresses their biggest need. First of all, Mark Williams is having a really good year on the year. As a whole, he's sixteen to ten and three on sixty three percent true shooting, with over a block a night, over three offensive boards a game over his last ten though twenty twelve and three on sixty one percent true shooting, one and a half blocks a night, four point four offense rebounce per game, with over six free throws attempted per game. And you just think about what this is exactly what this team needs. A big body in the middle. They can eat on the glass, they can protect the rim, and I mean you think about what he's gonna be able to do with Luca. This is a seven foot guy with a seven foot six and a half wingspan, like Luca enhances those really simple role guys Like this is no shade at Gafford or Lively. They're really good centers, right, but alongside a guy like Luca, they just makes them so much better. I think we're gonna see that effect with Mark Williams. Like he's a good center as is, but I think Luca is gonna enhance him and make him even better. And I really like the Lakers, man, I really like the Lakers. After this move, like the offense is gonna be unreal. Even down Luca watching this team go to work with Reeves and Lebron the other night, they were humming. I mean, they were just hidding everything. It felt like, I love this. I think. I don't know, man, I'm just trying to figure out where I have the Lakers in the West. Now, Dude, the Lakers I think are better. I think they're better after these moves, and now that they've got Mark, they got their biggest need. Fucking Lakers, man. I think they crushed this deal. This was their biggest need. I just they can't keep getting away with this.

Maybe I have a little bit more concern about this move than you do. I think this is kind of a boom or bust deal for them because I think that Mark Williams is very talented, He's young, he is at the need of all needs for the Lakers, right. They desperately needed to go out there and get a big But I think that this really hinges on two things. How successful this deal is. Number One, and this is the biggest Mark Williams' health, because this is a guy who has had back problems, who has played eighty five games now in two and a half seasons in the NBA very concerning. Every year of his career he has had a major injury at some point. And the other thing is his defensive development, because Mark Williams has insane defensive tools, right, he is seven too, with a seven to seven wings span, massive, massive human being, decently mobile, bouncy, but he hasn't been an effective rim protector statistically at any point in his NBA career and this year he just hasn't been a very good defender. But like I said, they had to go out there and do something like you could not possibly proceed with Jackson Hayes as your loan big. I just wonder if a Walker Kessler was out there for a similar price, would you have rather done.

Maybe I have a little bit more concern about this move than you do. I think this is kind of a boom or bust deal for them because I think that Mark Williams is very talented, He's young, he is at the need of all needs for the Lakers, right. They desperately needed to go out there and get a big But I think that this really hinges on two things. How successful this deal is. Number One, and this is the biggest Mark Williams' health, because this is a guy who has had back problems, who has played eighty five games now in two and a half seasons in the NBA very concerning. Every year of his career he has had a major injury at some point. And the other thing is his defensive development, because Mark Williams has insane defensive tools, right, he is seven too, with a seven to seven wings span, massive, massive human being, decently mobile, bouncy, but he hasn't been an effective rim protector statistically at any point in his NBA career and this year he just hasn't been a very good defender. But like I said, they had to go out there and do something like you could not possibly proceed with Jackson Hayes as your loan big. I just wonder if a Walker Kessler was out there for a similar price, would you have rather done.

I don't know if you can. Can you really get a guy like Walker Kessler for what they gave.

I don't know if you can. Can you really get a guy like Walker Kessler for what they gave.

From Danny Ainge? Well, he's Danny Ainge, so he's a fucking dick, So maybe not from him. But this is a lot, dude.

From Danny Ainge? Well, he's Danny Ainge, so he's a fucking dick, So maybe not from him. But this is a lot, dude.

I mean it's it's a lot.

I mean it's it's a lot.

But I mean, now they probably won't ever use the swap because they're the Hornets and the Lakers are the Lakers, Like, what are the chances the Lakers would have the higher pick? Not high.

But I mean, now they probably won't ever use the swap because they're the Hornets and the Lakers are the Lakers, Like, what are the chances the Lakers would have the higher pick? Not high.

I mean, in my opinion, like Reddish isn't a rotation guy for you right now. He's a playable wing connect I like a lot. But you know, I view him as pretty expendable with the offensive talent that the Lakers have.

I mean, in my opinion, like Reddish isn't a rotation guy for you right now. He's a playable wing connect I like a lot. But you know, I view him as pretty expendable with the offensive talent that the Lakers have.

I agree, considering their situation. But he is good. He's a very talented score.

I agree, considering their situation. But he is good. He's a very talented score.

I mean, it's just gonna hinge on how good and how available Mark Williams is.

I mean, it's just gonna hinge on how good and how available Mark Williams is.

But that's what I'm saying. Mark Williams compared to Walker Kessler has there's a lot more offensive ability, he has more upside. But the two question marks that I have with Mark Williams I don't have at all with Kessler because Kessler is already an elite defensive big. He's healthy, and so that's where I just think this is a gamble for the Lakers. Is it a gamble that's worth taking? Probably because of the talent and because of the need at the position. But I do wonder if there were alternatives out there that were safer, maybe a little bit cheaper, or of a very similar price when it comes to Mark Williams's fit here, though offensively he is going to be a monster. You mentioned his production already in Charlotte sixteen ten three sixty three percent true shooting. He is now going to what is literally the best situation ever in NBA history for a big who plays like he does. Never before have two playmakers of the caliber of Luca and Lebron played together on a basketball team, and Mark Williams is the exact archetype who is going to benefit from that immensely. He is an elite vertical spacer, lob threat role threat with his size, with his bounce, as I talked about, he's an awesome offensive rebounder, and he does have a little more than just that to his offensive game. He moves pretty well in the paint. He's got solid, balanced, solid footwork. He's got a basic little post game. He's got decent touch, he's got decent passing. Feel like. None of those traits are real clear pluses for him. But he isn't just your super basic lob threat, finish at the rim sort of big. He's really good at that, and then he also brings you solid value in some of the other areas around that offensively, So he's gonna go crazy offensively, Like he is exactly the sort of big that they would have wanted to add on that side of.

But that's what I'm saying. Mark Williams compared to Walker Kessler has there's a lot more offensive ability, he has more upside. But the two question marks that I have with Mark Williams I don't have at all with Kessler because Kessler is already an elite defensive big. He's healthy, and so that's where I just think this is a gamble for the Lakers. Is it a gamble that's worth taking? Probably because of the talent and because of the need at the position. But I do wonder if there were alternatives out there that were safer, maybe a little bit cheaper, or of a very similar price when it comes to Mark Williams's fit here, though offensively he is going to be a monster. You mentioned his production already in Charlotte sixteen ten three sixty three percent true shooting. He is now going to what is literally the best situation ever in NBA history for a big who plays like he does. Never before have two playmakers of the caliber of Luca and Lebron played together on a basketball team, and Mark Williams is the exact archetype who is going to benefit from that immensely. He is an elite vertical spacer, lob threat role threat with his size, with his bounce, as I talked about, he's an awesome offensive rebounder, and he does have a little more than just that to his offensive game. He moves pretty well in the paint. He's got solid, balanced, solid footwork. He's got a basic little post game. He's got decent touch, he's got decent passing. Feel like. None of those traits are real clear pluses for him. But he isn't just your super basic lob threat, finish at the rim sort of big. He's really good at that, and then he also brings you solid value in some of the other areas around that offensively, So he's gonna go crazy offensively, Like he is exactly the sort of big that they would have wanted to add on that side of.

The ball's right, I just thought of another guy. Would you have preferred the Lakers go ahead and get a guy like Yaka Perdl instead.

The ball's right, I just thought of another guy. Would you have preferred the Lakers go ahead and get a guy like Yaka Perdl instead.

That's an interesting one. Their age is more of a factor because Kessler and Mark Leones are so similar timeline with Yeah, and that's the reason that I think I prefer Williams because of the future upside that you have with him. But right now, I do think that Peerdl is the more sure thing because of the same two things, rim protection and availability, and those are all the questions about Mark Williams. Defensively, he needs to be more active as a drop defender. Like I said, he's never been an effective rim protector statistically, like players shoot better than their average against him at the rim. That just should not be the case for a dude with his physical tools. Shouldn't be the case for any center like even Jokic on an average year doesn't allow that to happen. And he's been getting cooked in space this year. He's been a fifth percentile isolation defender. Quick dudes are just kind of dusting him off the bounce, even though he moves decently well. I think a lot of it is engagement. I think a lot of it is effort. I think a lot of it is I am a Charlotte Hornet and I am a young Charlotte Hornet, and like, there's not a harder situation to take defense seriously and to really maximize your ability there. He absolutely has the profile of the tools to be a plus defensive big and even when he isn't playing super hard or being super active, like he just takes up so much space. Man, he is one of the biggest dudes in the league. So I am optimistic about his defense in LA because of the changing situation, because of what his role is going to be. But he does have to improve a lot there and he is not the sort of anchor who is going to save this defense clean up everything on the back end, which I think a lot of people might have that perception because of his athleticism in size and because a lot of people don't watch the Charlotte Hornets, and I can't blame them, but that's not who he is. At this stage. This is still going to be probably like a bottom eight defense because they are really bad at the point of attack. And again, he hasn't shown that ability to be a plus defender, has the tools, hasn't shown it yet, but offensively he's a perfect fit. And like, this can truly be an elite, elite, top three sort of offense because the creation is nuts, the shooting on the wings is really good. Austin Reeves is a third option is really good. And now they found the perfect big. This offense can shred it anybody to pieces. And I do think that Mark Williams at least makes them more respectable defensively than the alternative, but it's not going to fix them on that end. But I like the Lakers, I do. I mean, they would be my number six team in the West right now. I said, I just need them to get that starting caliber center, and they're there, and they did it.

That's an interesting one. Their age is more of a factor because Kessler and Mark Leones are so similar timeline with Yeah, and that's the reason that I think I prefer Williams because of the future upside that you have with him. But right now, I do think that Peerdl is the more sure thing because of the same two things, rim protection and availability, and those are all the questions about Mark Williams. Defensively, he needs to be more active as a drop defender. Like I said, he's never been an effective rim protector statistically, like players shoot better than their average against him at the rim. That just should not be the case for a dude with his physical tools. Shouldn't be the case for any center like even Jokic on an average year doesn't allow that to happen. And he's been getting cooked in space this year. He's been a fifth percentile isolation defender. Quick dudes are just kind of dusting him off the bounce, even though he moves decently well. I think a lot of it is engagement. I think a lot of it is effort. I think a lot of it is I am a Charlotte Hornet and I am a young Charlotte Hornet, and like, there's not a harder situation to take defense seriously and to really maximize your ability there. He absolutely has the profile of the tools to be a plus defensive big and even when he isn't playing super hard or being super active, like he just takes up so much space. Man, he is one of the biggest dudes in the league. So I am optimistic about his defense in LA because of the changing situation, because of what his role is going to be. But he does have to improve a lot there and he is not the sort of anchor who is going to save this defense clean up everything on the back end, which I think a lot of people might have that perception because of his athleticism in size and because a lot of people don't watch the Charlotte Hornets, and I can't blame them, but that's not who he is. At this stage. This is still going to be probably like a bottom eight defense because they are really bad at the point of attack. And again, he hasn't shown that ability to be a plus defender, has the tools, hasn't shown it yet, but offensively he's a perfect fit. And like, this can truly be an elite, elite, top three sort of offense because the creation is nuts, the shooting on the wings is really good. Austin Reeves is a third option is really good. And now they found the perfect big. This offense can shred it anybody to pieces. And I do think that Mark Williams at least makes them more respectable defensively than the alternative, but it's not going to fix them on that end. But I like the Lakers, I do. I mean, they would be my number six team in the West right now. I said, I just need them to get that starting caliber center, and they're there, and they did it.

I think I'm a little more encouraged about it than you. I mean, I think that.

I think I'm a little more encouraged about it than you. I mean, I think that.

Would you take them over Memphis? Yeah?

Would you take them over Memphis? Yeah?

Or Dallas maybe?

Or Dallas maybe?

Really, I don't know.

Really, I don't know.

I mean, I'd have to think about that. But I'm a little bit more optimistic about the defense because now you got a guy like DFS where that's at least one less liability on the floor. Jared Vanderbilt is healthy. He looked good and because of how great the offense can be. I think you can stomach having a you know, a non offensive oriented player like Vando. Right, you can stomach running lineups with him out there where you know he's not super inclined, but your offense is gonna be fine. Right, You just need that kind of defensive personnel. And then I just think they needed a guy with this kind of size too. Right, He's not a good defender at this stage in his career, but you think about the hypothetical matchups that the Lakers could run into in the playoffs. Right, if you run into a Denver, well, you need somebody at least size wise to match up with the Jokis. You run into Minnesota, you at least need a guy size wise to match up with Gobert, the Clippers with big Zoo, the Grizzlies with an Edie and a Jared Jackson junior. Right, you just needed somebody that can at least match bodies. And I think they have of other defensive wings that I like, so like, I don't think this is gonna be an above average defense. I think at best they could be a slightly below average defense. But I still kind of like that recipe with the kind of offense that the Lakers are gonna have. So I'm a little more optimistic, I think, just a little bit than you.

I mean, I'd have to think about that. But I'm a little bit more optimistic about the defense because now you got a guy like DFS where that's at least one less liability on the floor. Jared Vanderbilt is healthy. He looked good and because of how great the offense can be. I think you can stomach having a you know, a non offensive oriented player like Vando. Right, you can stomach running lineups with him out there where you know he's not super inclined, but your offense is gonna be fine. Right, You just need that kind of defensive personnel. And then I just think they needed a guy with this kind of size too. Right, He's not a good defender at this stage in his career, but you think about the hypothetical matchups that the Lakers could run into in the playoffs. Right, if you run into a Denver, well, you need somebody at least size wise to match up with the Jokis. You run into Minnesota, you at least need a guy size wise to match up with Gobert, the Clippers with big Zoo, the Grizzlies with an Edie and a Jared Jackson junior. Right, you just needed somebody that can at least match bodies. And I think they have of other defensive wings that I like, so like, I don't think this is gonna be an above average defense. I think at best they could be a slightly below average defense. But I still kind of like that recipe with the kind of offense that the Lakers are gonna have. So I'm a little more optimistic, I think, just a little bit than you.

Maybe I just need to see it right now. I just think Memphis is more talented top to bottom. Depth is an issue with this team. I really like DFS, really like DFS Van do Doh. I love defensively. I just have my concerns about his playability offensively. But you're right, they do have the flexibility to compromise offense a bit because the pieces around like a Vanda are so good. I just think in most lineups, you're gonna be playing more bad defenders than good defenders, and the only thing that can sort of cover up for that is like an elite back line defender. And they had Anthony Davis on this team and they were still a bad defense. And I do think that that tells you a lot. But they've been better with DFS on the floor defensively. DFS is just a really good basketball player, and if they don't start him, I'm going to start sending some angry emails to JJ Reddick like that fully changes how I feel about this team. And I love Ruy Hachimura, love the guy. But like he's a bad defender, you do not need more offense in your starting lineup. I think it would be criminal if they continue to start Ruey over Dfs and play him more. But if you give me a starting five of Luca Reeves, that's all insane offense in the back court Lebron Dfs and Mark Williams. I do like that a lot. Like I still like this move because they got the center, and they got a young, very talented center. I just think there is some risk involved that some people maybe aren't fully acknowledging because it's exciting. The Lakers got a center. The Lakers needed to get a center for the Hornets. I like this. I like this because you get back connect who is that really good scoring guard can be a piece for you long term. You get a first You potentially have a swap that you probably won't use, but at least you have the option too. And Mark Williams has only played eighty five games for you, Like that's the thing. He has not been a bankable, healthy guy for you to the point where I think you could confidently view him as a foundational piece. And at that point, I like the assets they got back.

Maybe I just need to see it right now. I just think Memphis is more talented top to bottom. Depth is an issue with this team. I really like DFS, really like DFS Van do Doh. I love defensively. I just have my concerns about his playability offensively. But you're right, they do have the flexibility to compromise offense a bit because the pieces around like a Vanda are so good. I just think in most lineups, you're gonna be playing more bad defenders than good defenders, and the only thing that can sort of cover up for that is like an elite back line defender. And they had Anthony Davis on this team and they were still a bad defense. And I do think that that tells you a lot. But they've been better with DFS on the floor defensively. DFS is just a really good basketball player, and if they don't start him, I'm going to start sending some angry emails to JJ Reddick like that fully changes how I feel about this team. And I love Ruy Hachimura, love the guy. But like he's a bad defender, you do not need more offense in your starting lineup. I think it would be criminal if they continue to start Ruey over Dfs and play him more. But if you give me a starting five of Luca Reeves, that's all insane offense in the back court Lebron Dfs and Mark Williams. I do like that a lot. Like I still like this move because they got the center, and they got a young, very talented center. I just think there is some risk involved that some people maybe aren't fully acknowledging because it's exciting. The Lakers got a center. The Lakers needed to get a center for the Hornets. I like this. I like this because you get back connect who is that really good scoring guard can be a piece for you long term. You get a first You potentially have a swap that you probably won't use, but at least you have the option too. And Mark Williams has only played eighty five games for you, Like that's the thing. He has not been a bankable, healthy guy for you to the point where I think you could confidently view him as a foundational piece. And at that point, I like the assets they got back.

I like a lot of the moves that the Hornets have made. I mean, we keep talking about this on this show, but timelines, the Hornets have made a lot of moves that are pick oriented, that are getting them draft capital in the future. And I just like that ideology for a young team, like more picks, more chance to hit on really good players, more chance to get stars, more chance to become a better basketball team. And that is the one thing though that I thought was strange about this, right, Do the Hornets know something about Mark Williams and his availability and health that they're so eager and okay with giving him up? That is the interesting thing about Charlotte to May.

I like a lot of the moves that the Hornets have made. I mean, we keep talking about this on this show, but timelines, the Hornets have made a lot of moves that are pick oriented, that are getting them draft capital in the future. And I just like that ideology for a young team, like more picks, more chance to hit on really good players, more chance to get stars, more chance to become a better basketball team. And that is the one thing though that I thought was strange about this, right, Do the Hornets know something about Mark Williams and his availability and health that they're so eager and okay with giving him up? That is the interesting thing about Charlotte to May.

Yeah, I don't know if it's some secret. I think it might just be eighty five games in three years. I do think the Lakers are clearly a top five off fence in basketball now, at least might be top three. You go, Denver, Cleveland, New York, La, Boston. I think that's like a pretty clear top five. And is there an intruder in your home logan?

Yeah, I don't know if it's some secret. I think it might just be eighty five games in three years. I do think the Lakers are clearly a top five off fence in basketball now, at least might be top three. You go, Denver, Cleveland, New York, La, Boston. I think that's like a pretty clear top five. And is there an intruder in your home logan?

Yeah, I'm gonna have to get up. This cat is going crazy right now.

Yeah, I'm gonna have to get up. This cat is going crazy right now.

Bro is having the cat attack. All right, Well, I'll carry This is what I was born to do. Yeap. We've got another trade that is big news around the NBA, and this is a weird one. Brandon Ingram is going to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown junior, Kelly OLYNNOK, one first round pick and one second round pick. What do you think about this logan? Do you like this for Toronto?

Bro is having the cat attack. All right, Well, I'll carry This is what I was born to do. Yeap. We've got another trade that is big news around the NBA, and this is a weird one. Brandon Ingram is going to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown junior, Kelly OLYNNOK, one first round pick and one second round pick. What do you think about this logan? Do you like this for Toronto?

I've used this comparison for a lot of teams in the past, Like Toronto feels like the island to misfit toys right now, dude, just like, oh, you don't want a basketball player, I will take him only. I honestly really like this move for New Orleans because I think all indications point that they weren't gonna bring b I back, so I like them just get something back. Again, we always do this, but like the Bulls not trading de Rosan last year, right, he just walks in free agency and you don't get anything. I mean, I think they ended up getting.

I've used this comparison for a lot of teams in the past, Like Toronto feels like the island to misfit toys right now, dude, just like, oh, you don't want a basketball player, I will take him only. I honestly really like this move for New Orleans because I think all indications point that they weren't gonna bring b I back, so I like them just get something back. Again, we always do this, but like the Bulls not trading de Rosan last year, right, he just walks in free agency and you don't get anything. I mean, I think they ended up getting.

Like d'Arte or some.

Like d'Arte or some.

Goofy sign and trade. But like, if you traded him at the deadline, you would have gotten real capital back for him, right, And so on one side, I do have to applaud New Orleans for just biting the bullet and saying, all right, we need to get something back for brandon Ingram. But for Toronto, that's where I really wonder, Like, don't get me wrong, I don't think either of the guys they gave up in this dealer are part of Toronto's long term outlook. Right, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olinic, I don't think factor into their long term basketball plans, but does brandon Ingram. Like Ingram could just walk and you would have surrendered two picks and two players that I think. That's why I like this for New Orleans because while I was under the impression that they may move Bruce Brown or Kelly Olinic again at the deadline, because I think those are also very intriguing assets for winning basketball teams.

Goofy sign and trade. But like, if you traded him at the deadline, you would have gotten real capital back for him, right, And so on one side, I do have to applaud New Orleans for just biting the bullet and saying, all right, we need to get something back for brandon Ingram. But for Toronto, that's where I really wonder, Like, don't get me wrong, I don't think either of the guys they gave up in this dealer are part of Toronto's long term outlook. Right, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olinic, I don't think factor into their long term basketball plans, but does brandon Ingram. Like Ingram could just walk and you would have surrendered two picks and two players that I think. That's why I like this for New Orleans because while I was under the impression that they may move Bruce Brown or Kelly Olinic again at the deadline, because I think those are also very intriguing assets for winning basketball teams.

Right, I do like Olinic in New Orleans. I like them having a stretch big.

Right, I do like Olinic in New Orleans. I like them having a stretch big.

Actually, I hadn't thought about that. I was hoping they were gonna Dealo Lennox to the Warriors so they could have like another relatable big. So I liked that they have two assets that I think contending teams would be interested in if they still have them under contract. But again, that's where I'm scratching my head with Toronto for a few reasons. One, if Ingram doesn't like it in Toronto, where he doesn't like the fit or anything about it, he could just leave in free agency and you've just given away assets for nothing. Two, the fit's weird to me, man, Oh yeah, there's no spacing like with Quickly Barrett Ingram, Scottie Pearl. I mean, all right, guys, I'm just gonna try to get you to shoot threes. Like. The spacing to me is just horrible with Toronto Brandon Ingram, I think is a good player. I would have liked him in a lot of other situations where he's like the number three on a contending team or a number two on a contending team. Toronto is still really far away to me, I'm gonna be honest with you. I don't know. I don't really understand this trade for Toronto whatsoever. I'd give it a C minus. Maybe that's being generous.