Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.

The Stephen A. Smith Show is a jam-packed, high-energy NBA-focused special featuring insider guest Shams Charania. The episode covers breaking news, trade rumors, injury updates, and draft projections, all delivered with Stephen A.’s signature passion and insight.

🎙️ Guest: Shams Charania

Role: NBA Insider, ESPN Analyst
Topic: Post-NBA Finals trades, injuries, and draft buzz

🏀 Key Topics & Highlights 🔁 Major Trades & Rumors


Jrue Holiday traded from Celtics to Trail Blazers:
Celtics shedding salary (~$500M payroll).
Portland gets a veteran leader and elite defender.
Celtics expected to be very active this offseason.


Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets:
Rockets acquire KD for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, #10 pick, and five second-rounders.
KD joins a young, athletic core (Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Alperen Şengün).
Phoenix Suns looking to move Bradley Beal next.


CJ McCollum to Wizards:
Pelicans trade McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a pick for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and #40 pick.

🏥 Injury Updates
Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard all suffered Achilles tears.

Tatum & Haliburton expected to miss the entire 2025–2026 season.
Lillard might return late in the season, but caution is advised.

🔄 Player Movement & Free Agency


Giannis Antetokounmpo:
Open to exploring options outside Milwaukee.
Bucks operating as if he’s staying—for now.


Bradley Beal:
Suns reportedly frustrated; may sideline him or push for a trade.
Beal’s no-trade clause complicates matters.


Kyrie Irving:
Mavericks reportedly offering less than $40M/year.
Kyrie expected to opt in at $43M if no deal is reached.
Stephen A. defends Kyrie’s leadership and value.

🧠 Stephen A.’s Commentary
On Kyrie: “He’s not a locker room cancer. He’s a champion. He deserves his bag.”
On Phoenix: “They had to make the KD deal. Jalen Green has upside, but needs discipline.”
On Boston: “Porzingis’ health is a mystery. Tatum’s out. It’s a shame.”
On Knicks: “No plan after firing Thibodeau. It’s a mess.”
On Giannis: “Why stay in Milwaukee with no picks and Dame out?”

🧾 NBA Draft Preview


Top Picks:
#1: Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
#2: Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)


Teams to Watch:
Utah (Pick #5)
Toronto (Pick #9)
OKC, Brooklyn, Philadelphia (Pick #3)


Draft Themes:
Expect lots of movement starting at picks 3–6.
Teams are actively shopping picks and exploring trades.

🔚 Closing Thoughts
Stephen A. reflects on a hectic NBA season and looks forward to the draft.
Emphasizes the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the league’s future.

 

Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.
The Stephen A. Smith Show is a jam-packed, high-energy NBA-focused special featuring insider guest Shams Charania. The episode covers breaking news, trade rumors, injury updates, and draft projections, all delivered with Stephen A.&rsquo;s signature passion and insight.
<hr>
🎙️ Guest: Shams Charania
Role: NBA Insider, ESPN Analyst Topic: Post-NBA Finals trades, injuries, and draft buzz
<hr>
🏀 Key Topics &amp; Highlights 🔁 Major Trades &amp; Rumors
<ul>
<li>
Jrue Holiday traded from Celtics to Trail Blazers:
<ul>
<li>Celtics shedding salary (~$500M payroll).</li>
<li>Portland gets a veteran leader and elite defender.</li>
<li>Celtics expected to be very active this offseason.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets:
<ul>
<li>Rockets acquire KD for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, #10 pick, and five second-rounders.</li>
<li>KD joins a young, athletic core (Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Alperen Şeng&uuml;n).</li>
<li>Phoenix Suns looking to move Bradley Beal next.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
CJ McCollum to Wizards:
<ul>
<li>Pelicans trade McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a pick for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and #40 pick.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🏥 Injury Updates
<ul>
<li>Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard all suffered Achilles tears.
<ul>
<li>Tatum &amp; Haliburton expected to miss the entire 2025&ndash;2026 season.</li>
<li>Lillard might return late in the season, but caution is advised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🔄 Player Movement &amp; Free Agency
<ul>
<li>
Giannis Antetokounmpo:
<ul>
<li>Open to exploring options outside Milwaukee.</li>
<li>Bucks operating as if he&rsquo;s staying&mdash;for now.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Bradley Beal:
<ul>
<li>Suns reportedly frustrated; may sideline him or push for a trade.</li>
<li>Beal&rsquo;s no-trade clause complicates matters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Kyrie Irving:
<ul>
<li>Mavericks reportedly offering less than $40M/year.</li>
<li>Kyrie expected to opt in at $43M if no deal is reached.</li>
<li>Stephen A. defends Kyrie&rsquo;s leadership and value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧠 Stephen A.&rsquo;s Commentary
<ul>
<li>On Kyrie: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s not a locker room cancer. He&rsquo;s a champion. He deserves his bag.&rdquo;</li>
<li>On Phoenix: &ldquo;They had to make the KD deal. Jalen Green has upside, but needs discipline.&rdquo;</li>
<li>On Boston: &ldquo;Porzingis&rsquo; health is a mystery. Tatum&rsquo;s out. It&rsquo;s a shame.&rdquo;</li>
<li>On Knicks: &ldquo;No plan after firing Thibodeau. It&rsquo;s a mess.&rdquo;</li>
<li>On Giannis: &ldquo;Why stay in Milwaukee with no picks and Dame out?&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🧾 NBA Draft Preview
<ul>
<li>
Top Picks:
<ul>
<li>#1: Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)</li>
<li>#2: Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Teams to Watch:
<ul>
<li>Utah (Pick #5)</li>
<li>Toronto (Pick #9)</li>
<li>OKC, Brooklyn, Philadelphia (Pick #3)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Draft Themes:
<ul>
<li>Expect lots of movement starting at picks 3&ndash;6.</li>
<li>Teams are actively shopping picks and exploring trades.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🔚 Closing Thoughts
<ul>
<li>Stephen A. reflects on a hectic NBA season and looks forward to the draft.</li>
<li>Emphasizes the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the league&rsquo;s future.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
&nbsp;

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith gives you his renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, you'll hear his unfiltered opinions on the day’s biggest headlines as well as straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across the societal arena. The Stephen A. Smith Show is sure to entertain, inform, and motivate anyone who tunes in.

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith gives you his renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, you'll hear his unfiltered opinions on the day’s biggest headlines as well as straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across the societal arena. The Stephen A. Smith Show is sure to entertain, inform, and motivate anyone who tunes in.

The Stephen A. Smith Show

Full Show: ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania discusses trades, trade rumors, injury updates, and draft projections.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/31667582-d071-4303-a6d6-b306015eb7f6/transcript