NBA offseason shakeup: Valanciunas eyes Europe, Beal buyout rumors swirl, and a 7-team trade bombshell. Is the league's landscape about to dramatically shift? Jake Madison ( @LockedOnPelicans ) and John Karalis ( @LockedOnCeltics ) break down Jonas Valanciunas' potential move to Greece, analyzing the impact on the Denver Nuggets and Western Conference. The discussion covers Bradley Beal's situation with the Phoenix Suns, exploring buyout possibilities and cap implications. A rumored 7-team t...
Jul 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 2472
The Lakers finally made their big move by signing.....DeAndre Ayton, but the panel wonders if it’s just another gamble on unrealized potential. Is this the team that finally unlocks Ayton, or will LA become the latest franchise to believe they can fix what others couldn’t? Meanwhile, LeBron James is sending out cryptic social media posts from Akron—complete with a “Welcome Home” hat—and the speculation machine is in full gear. Will he force a midseason trade back to Cleveland or play things out ...
Jul 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2471
GAME NIGHT: Knicks BETTER Or WORSE After Hiring Mike Brown? | Lakers GAMBLE On Deandre Ayton's Potential NBA coaching carousel spins as Mike Brown takes the reins in New York. Will the former Sacramento Kings mastermind elevate the Knicks to new heights? Hosts Jackson Gatlin ( @Locked On Rockets ) and David Ramil ( @Locked On Heat ) break down Brown's potential impact on the Knicks' roster and playing style. The discussion shifts to the Los Angeles Lakers' surprising acquisition of DeAndre Ayton...
Jul 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2470
Myles Turner is headed to Milwaukee, and the Indiana Pacers got nothing in return — no sign-and-trade, no pick, no plan. Did a finals team just cheap out, or was it a calculated pivot following Tyrese Haliburton’s injury? Matt Moore and Haize don’t hold back on what it says about ownership, roster building, and missed opportunities. Then, the Damian Lillard saga continues: the Bucks have stretched him, and Miami still might not make a move. Should the Heat get in early, let Dame rehab, and gambl...
Jul 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2469
Milwaukee's stunning decision to waive Damian Lillard sends shockwaves through the league. Is this the end of the BUCKS' championship window? Wes Goldberg and Tony East break down the financial implications for Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. The duo analyzes the ripple effects across the NBA, including the PACERS losing Myles Turner and the NUGGETS' savvy moves to bolster their roster. Plus, they explore Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record-breaking contract with the THUNDER and specu...
Jul 01, 2025•28 min•Ep. 2468
In one of the most shocking turns of the NBA offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard—stretching his contract to eat over $22 million in dead cap space—and signed Myles Turner to a 4-year, $107 million deal. Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to break down the fallout: what this means for Giannis’ future, why Turner’s addition may not be enough, and why this decision echoes Bobby Bonilla Day more than Bucks fans would like. Matt and Haize debate whether the Pacers shortch...
Jul 01, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2467
The Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson. The Houston Rockets added Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela?! The Memphis Grizzlies made moves around Jaren Jackson Jr. NBA Free Agency kicks off with NBA Trades and NBA Rumors. Nick Angstadt and Camille Davis break down the latest NBA free agency signings and trades, focusing on moves by the Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. They discuss the Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr. f...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2466
LeBron James has opted into his massive $52.6 million deal with the Lakers — but is it just the beginning of his next power move? On today's Locked On NBA, Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore (Locked On Nuggets) and Haize (Locked On Bulls) to unpack Rich Paul's cryptic statement and explore whether a trade is truly on the table. Could a homecoming in Cleveland or a power shift to Denver be in the cards? Matt makes a compelling case for Denver, and Haize isn’t buying the idea that there’s no tra...
Jun 30, 2025•36 min•Ep. 2465
On this episode of Locked On NBA Game Night, Danny Cunningham (host of Locked On Cavs and Gavin Schall (from Locked On Knicks) discuss the latest NBA news and transactions. The podcast explores LeBron James' contract situation with the Lakers, analyzing Rich Paul's comments about LeBron's desire to compete for a championship and potential trade destinations. Julius Randle's surprising move to the Minnesota Timberwolves is examined, along with its implications for the team's roster and strategy. ...
Jun 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2464
NBA Finals Shocker: OKC Thunder Triumph Over Indiana Pacers. Is This the Dawn of a New Dynasty? Ryland Stiles and Gavin Schall dissect the Oklahoma City Thunder's unexpected championship run, highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch performances and Chet Holmgren's game-changing impact. The duo analyzes key offseason moves, including the Toronto Raptors' puzzling management shake-up and the New Orleans Pelicans' controversial Jordan Poole trade. They also debate the Eastern Conference's wid...
Jun 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 2463
NBA shakeup: Masai Ujiri exits Raptors, Ace Bailey's Jazz drama, and draft winners emerge. Is a new era dawning for these franchises? Breaking down Ujiri's departure after 13 years with Toronto, including his championship legacy and potential future moves. Haize & Swipa analyze Ace Bailey's reluctance to join Utah and its impact on the Jazz's roster strategy. San Antonio Spurs steal the show in draft analysis, with Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper additions turning heads. Phoenix Suns and ...
Jun 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2462
Just hours after the NBA Draft wrapped up, the Toronto Raptors shocked the league by parting ways with longtime executive Masai Ujiri. We break down the timing, possible internal politics, and what's next for Ujiri—and the Raptors' already shaky rebuild. Plus, a major drama brews in Utah as No. 5 pick Ace Bailey reportedly might not report to the Jazz. We explore the pre-draft rumors, Bailey’s possible power play, and whether the Jazz were right to ignore the red flags. Could this be Steve Franc...
Jun 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2461
In a Battle Of The Boroughs, Gavin Schall (Locked On Knicks) and Erik Slater (Locked On Nets) team up to share the best and worst picks of the 2025 NBA Draft including big wins for the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards and a tough night for Brooklyn. They conclude the pod with a thrilling round of Buy or Sell, including a debate on whether the Mavericks can be legitimate contenders and a one-year look back at the Mikal Bridges Trade. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free ca...
Jun 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2460
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is officially in the books, and Locked On NBA is breaking down all the drama, deals, and unexpected moves that shook up the league’s future. Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to dissect the most polarizing pick of the night—Ace Bailey to the Jazz—despite clear signals he didn’t want to be there. Did Utah make a smart gamble, or is this a ticking trade request? Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets became the first team ever to make five first-round selec...
Jun 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2459
GAME NIGHT: NBA Draft WINNERS & LOSERS | Mavs LAND Flagg | Jazz GAMBLE On Ace Bailey | Pelicans DISASTER Trade? 2025 NBA Draft Shakeup: Winners, Losers, and Shocking Trades The DALLAS MAVERICKS and ATLANTA HAWKS emerge as big winners in a draft night filled with surprises and controversial moves. Hosts Jackson Gatlin ( @Locked On Rockets ) and David Ramil ( @Locked On Heat ) break down the NEW ORLEANS PELICANS' risky trade, questioning the long-term implications of sacrificing a valuable 202...
Jun 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2458
Fred VanVleet is staying in Houston — but it’s not just a re-signing. It’s a reshuffling of priorities in the West, as the Rockets position themselves for a leap with KD, VanVleet, and cap flexibility. Matt and Haize debate whether this new deal benefits the Rockets long-term, and what it says about VanVleet’s value in a dry free agent market. Meanwhile in Boston, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are out, and George Niang is in. Is this the start of a teardown or just a shrewd financial reset...
Jun 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2457
NBA DRAFT DRAMA: Thunder's Moves, Pelicans-Wizards Trade Shake Up League. Will the OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER trade up in the NBA Draft? How does the JORDAN POOLE-CJ MCCOLLUM swap reshape the NEW ORLEANS PELICANS and WASHINGTON WIZARDS? Hosts break down draft strategies for the UTAH JAZZ, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS, and more. They analyze the PELICANS-WIZARDS trade, debating its impact on both teams' futures. The discussion shifts to potential BOSTON CELTICS trades involving KRISTAPS PORZINGIS and skepticism...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 2456
The NBA offseason is wasting no time as the Boston Celtics ship Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons—but is this deal really about winning or just about money? Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to break down what the trade signals for both franchises and whether Boston is retooling or rebuilding in disguise. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant lands in Houston in a blockbuster move, and all signs point to him pulling the strings. Is KD now in legacy-repair mode, or is he just continuing...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 2455
NBA trade analysis, playoff predictions, and Finals highlights dominate this episode of Locked On NBA Game Night. Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit, Locked On Mavs) and Jake Madison (Locked On Pelicans) dissect the Kevin Durant trade, debating its impact on the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns. They analyze the Eastern Conference landscape, discussing potential favorites like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. The hosts also explore intriguing Finals moments, including the Thunder's champagne ...
Jun 24, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2454
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just put a bow on a season that saw him win the scoring title, regular season MVP, and Finals MVP—leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA championship. But is it one of the best individual seasons ever ? That’s the central debate on today’s Locked On NBA , as Matt Moore argues Shai’s consistency and efficiency were elite—but not iconic—while Haize pushes back, saying the gravity and versatility Shai brought on both ends of the floor is being underrated. The conversati...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2453
On this episode of Locked On NBA Game Night, Danny Cunningham (Locked On Cavs) and Swipa (Locked On Nuggets) break down the Oklahoma City Thunder's thrilling NBA championship victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. The hosts analyze Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Finals MVP performance and discuss the impact of Tyrese Haliburton's devastating Achilles injury on the series outcome. They explore the Thunder's potential for repeating as champions, considering roster composition and the unpredictable ...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2452
Kevin Durant is on the move—again. This time to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade that sends Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft, and five second-rounders to the Phoenix Suns. On today's Locked On NBA , Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore (Locked On Nuggets) and Haize (Locked On Bulls) for instant, no-punches-pulled reactions. Matt wastes no time calling the deal a disaster for Phoenix: “The Suns got annihilated,” he says, slamming the return haul. Haize takes a mo...
Jun 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 2451
Game 7 showdown: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers. Who will claim NBA Finals glory in this winner-take-all clash? Rylan Stiles and Camille Davis break down the epic finale, analyzing key matchups and strategic adjustments. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber play to Rick Carlisle's coaching brilliance, every angle is covered. The hosts explore the high stakes for both teams, predict potential outcomes, and discuss how this series will shape NBA history. Tune in for expert insights ...
Jun 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2450
NBA Finals Game 7 showdown: Pacers vs. Thunder. Can Indiana's Cinderella run continue, or will OKC's star power prevail? Dive into the unexpected Finals matchup as Haize & Swipa break down Rick Carlisle's coaching masterclass and Tyrese Haliburton's breakout performance. The discussion shifts to Kevin Durant trade rumors, exploring potential destinations and the challenges of moving an aging superstar. Plus, unpack the draft drama surrounding Matas Buzelis and his controversial demands. Gues...
Jun 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2449
The Indiana Pacers delivered yet another shocker, clawing their way into a Game 7 showdown with the Thunder in the NBA Finals. Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to break down how Indiana flipped the script on OKC in Game 6. From brilliant defensive tweaks to forcing 21 turnovers—including eight from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—the Pacers' grit and adjustments may have shifted the entire series. Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a calf strain without a minutes restriction added a heroic la...
Jun 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 2448
Game 7 looms as Pacers force decisive showdown against Thunder. Can Indiana's underdog story culminate in an NBA Finals upset? Jake Madison ( @LockedOnPelicans ) and John Karalis ( @LockedOnCeltics ) analyze the Pacers' stunning Game 6 victory, highlighting Tyrese Haliburton's gutsy performance and Indiana's suffocating defense. The discussion covers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's struggles, James Johnson's symbolic ejection, and how bench players like T.J. McConnell could be X-factors. Plus, mor...
Jun 20, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2447
The Los Angeles Lakers’ historic $10 billion sale shocked the basketball world, but with Jeanie Buss staying on as governor, Matt questions how much will truly change in LA. Will this lead to smarter investments or is it just business as usual under a flashier banner? The crew then pivots to the NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from a championship. Matt and Haize both agree that Sam Presti’s legacy will shift the most with a win, but Doug makes the case for SGA—and ra...
Jun 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2446
NBA mock draft madness! Who's the top pick and where will they land? Nick Angstadt and the Locked On NBA Squad dive into a thrilling mock draft, exploring potential picks and blockbuster trades. From the 76ers eyeing Ace Bailey to the Heat chasing Kevin Durant, every move is dissected. The hosts debate Bradley Beal's impact on the Phoenix Suns and analyze the Magic's bold trade for Desmond Bane. Will these roster shakeups redefine the NBA landscape? Tune in for heated debates on draft strategies...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 2445
GAME NIGHT: Pacers LAST STAND Looms... Will Thunder Become CHAMPIONS? | Kevin Durant Trade Rumors HEATING UP Will the Pacers force a Game 7, or will the Thunder clinch the NBA championship? Hosts Jackson Gatlin ( @Locked On Rockets ) and David Ramil ( @Locked On Heat ) break down the pivotal Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The hosts analyze Tyrese Haliburton's injury impact, potential Pacers strategies, and the Thunder's recent adjustments. They exp...
Jun 19, 2025•35 min•Ep. 2444
Tyrese Haliburton’s calf injury looms large over Game 6 of the NBA Finals, but is there still a path for the Indiana Pacers to force a Game 7? Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to break down what Haliburton’s limitations mean for Indiana’s chances and whether an emotional “Do it for Haliburton” game could keep their title dreams alive. In other league-shifting news, the New York Knicks reportedly pulled out of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. Why are more teams backing off KD—and are w...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2443
