A historic NBA Trade Deadline has passed, and Andrew Schlecht and Fred Katz are here to break down what happened and hand out Trade Awards. The awards consist of: - Pau Gasol Award - the trade that makes a team a true contender - PJ Washington Award - goes to the trade that most people didn’t like, but we think could really pay off in the Playoffs - Gordon Hayward Award - a trade that most everyone praises but it will reveal a player is washed - Poeltl Award - to the team that gave up a first ro...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Sam Amick react to the Jimmy Butler trade, what happened with Kevin Durant, De'Andre Hunter to the Cavs and more. Then break down the rest of the trade deadline including what did, and did not happen. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 06, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Miami Heat are finalizing a trade to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins and a draft pick in a multiteam trade. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, and Marcus Thompson react to how Jimmy Butler works with the Warriors, the locker room chemistry, and how Andrew Wiggins will do in Miami. Then, the crew discuss the other trades that happened today including Valanciunas to the Kings, Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks and more. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Add Kevin Durant’s name to the list of superstars with a potential new home as we approach the NBA’s trade deadline. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to Luka Doncic’s introductory press conference as a Laker, the Celtics big win over the Cavs, and the Nets stolen win over the Rockets. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater joins the show to reveal how long the Golden State Warriors have been pursuing a reunion with Durant, what a trade might look like, and who the Warriors have in mind as a fallbac...
Feb 05, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by acquiring Luka Doncic via trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The Athletic’s Senior National Writer, Sam Amick guides Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni inside the Lakers negotiation process, the Mavericks decision to trade Luka, De’Aaron Fox’s move to San Antonio, and the Kings acquisition of Zach LaVine. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show to look at the Lakers’ roster, their trade deadline plans, and LeBron James’s fit with Luka. Host: Dave DuFour ...
Feb 04, 2025•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Sacramento Kings are finalizing a trade to send De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs for multiple draft picks and Zach LaVine in a multiteam trade. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to the Kings trade haul, the Fox and Wemby fit in San Antonio, and how the Luka Doncic trade ending the player empowerment era. Then, Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane joins the show to talk about the Lakers landing Luka, how aggressive Los Angeles will be at the trade deadline, and how the team can build...
Feb 03, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Los Angeles Lakers have traded for Luka Doncic and we are here to break it all down. Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, and Alex Speers give a Birds Eye view of the trade, why would Dallas do this, how the Lakers accomplished it and much more. In Part 2, Jason Gallagher of the Young Man and the Three break down the trade from a Mavs fan perspective and if there could be a possible mutiny? Host: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Alex Speers With: Jason Gallagher Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Vide...
Feb 02, 2025•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who was SNUBBED from the All Star Game, 6th Man of the Year Odds, a surprise team update, the best and worst lineups, and much more. Then they are joined by Jay King of the Athletic to discuss the Boston Celtics and if they are close to overcoming their slump, how good Tatum has been, and what’s up with Jaylen Brown’s shooting. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against ...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Victor Wembanyama was selected as a reserve for his first All-Star appearance as the NBA announced the reserves for the game on Thursday. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the names and debate the biggest snubs. Then, Kyle Neubeck, from PHLY Sports, stops by to discuss the Sixers reluctance to tank, Embiid’s return, and the Sixers trade deadline options. Finally, Kelly Iko joins the gang postgame from the crazy scene in Memphis as the Grizzlies won a hard fought contest against the Houston Ro...
Jan 31, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 52 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors as the Thunder drop their 9th game of the season. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Warriors win and then Sam Amick stops by to give the latest on De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins the show to discuss Kawhi Leonard’s progress, the Clippers success thus far, and their potential moves at the trade deadline. Host: Dave ...
Jan 30, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Sacramento Kings are listening to trade offers for former All-Star De’Aaron Fox. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss to the Kings decision and Fox’s preferred destination, react to another wild finish for the Houston Rockets, and praise the Portland Trail Blazers for their recent stretch. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to talk about the Warriors options at the trade deadline, the De’Aaron Fox timeline, and why the Western Conference isn’t very good. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena ...
Jan 29, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amen Thompson scored a career high 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a victory in Boston over the Celtics. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Houston’s big win, Amen Thompson’s star potential, Bradley Beal’s no trade clause, and the death of the dunk contest . Then, Keith Parish from “Grits and Grinds stops by to talk about the Grizzlies recent schedule, their new offense and Ja Morant’s bad game against the Knicks. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Keith Parish Executive Producer: ...
Jan 28, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Houston Rockets on Saturday to drop their third game in a row. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to Cleveland’s losing streak, the Sixers trying to compete, and Rivalry Week’s conclusion. Then, the gang talks about some things nobody is talking about like the Clippers since Kawhi returned, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies winning ways, and Kel’el Ware’s ascension up the rookie ladder. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive P...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nikola Jokić recorded his fifth straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Sacramento Kings. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Jokić’s 70 foot buzzer beater and box score, the Lakers ability to be good or bad depending on the night, and the biggest name snubbed as an All Star starter. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Paris to talk about the awesome Victor Wembanyama show, the hum of the arena, and possible NBA expansion to Europe. Host: Dave DuFour ...
Jan 24, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Houston Rockets handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their 7th loss of the season thanks to two late by Alperen Sengun. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the chaotic finish in Houston, the Pistons climb up the standings, and Jimmy Butler’s suspension. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to talk about his interview with OG Anunoby, the Pistons (again), and whether Jimmy Butler moves the needle for the Suns. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Fred Katz Executive Producer: Andrew Schl...
Jan 23, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Phoenix Suns traded their 2031 first round pick to the Utah Jazz for three future first rounders. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Suns trade, what it means for Jimmy Butler, and the season Nikola Jokic is having. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to discuss the idea of Rivals Week, how Cam Johnson can swing the championship, and why the Thunder have title pressure this season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Au...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jaren Jackson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in ten days. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves lineup issues with Donte DiVincenzo out indefinitely, the Julius Randle problem, and the Pistons success in 2025. Then, the Athletic’s Jay King joins the show from the Bay Area to discuss the woeful Warriors, Boston’s status in the Eastern Conference, and what’s next for the Celtics. ...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the 2025 NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie of the Athletic. They deep dive on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and which player is most likely to go number 3? How many tier 1 players are in this draft and a lengthy discussion on the depth of the draft. They then transition to a discussion about the 2024 rookie class and hand out awards as a way to talk about 9 rookies who are standing out above (or below) the rest. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew ...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the first 3 quarters en route to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between the league’s two best teams. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Thunder win, Shai’s MVP performance, and discuss the new Unrivaled basketball league and the potential ramifications for the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Oklahoma City with the Cavs’ perspective on their loss, why they struggle against p...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second round picks. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the trade and the Suns’ next steps, discuss Boston’s loss to the tanking Raptors, and the Wolves dropping another game they need to win. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to empty his notebook and tell us what he’s hearing on the Milwaukee Bucks’ potential pursuit of Jimmy Butler, the Suns’ prospects on a trade with Miami, and whatever ...
Jan 16, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown Mitchell and the Cavs’ bounce back performance, Jamal Murray’s night in Dallas, and the weird vibe around the Golden State Warriors. Then, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm joins the show to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity, their up and down season, and their trade deadline prospects. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Eric Nehm Executive Producer: An...
Jan 15, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to 42 points from Jalen Green. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Rockets big win and their place in the West, the Warriors abysmal lost to the tanking Raptors, and the Knicks side of their loss to Detroit. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins the show to breakdown the Pistons path to success, Cade Cunningham’s growth, and Detroit’s trade deadline plans. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Hunter Patterson Executive Producer: An...
Jan 14, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Indiana Pacers stopped the Cleveland Cavaliers win streak at 12 games with a 108-93 win. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers big win and their recent success, the Kings winning ways under Doug Christie, and Jalen Brunson’s 44-point game against the Bucks. Then, the gang talks about the returns of Paolo Banchero and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets place in the West, and their sicko games of the week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew...
Jan 13, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Most Improved Player, the insane Cavs/Thunder game, Mazzula quotes, best and worst catch and shoot players, Pistons success and more. Then they are joined by Will Guillory of the Athletic to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans and if it’s possible to turn the team around this season, what Zion’s return means, and what kind of player they would want in the draft. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew...
Jan 11, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies battled it out for second place in the West. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Jared McCain injury news, the Cavs 12th straight win, and debate Bradley Beal vs. Zach LaVine as trade candidates. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show to talk about the Rockets win over the Grizzlies, Reed Shepherd in the G League, Jimmy Butler’s fit in Memphis, and who matches up with the Thunder in the West. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Kelly Iko Executive...
Jan 10, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a game of the year candidate as the two best teams in the NBA met for the first time. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht discuss Cleveland’s gameplan, what went wrong for the Thunder, and who has the clearest path to the Finals. Then, Es and Dave take a look at how Giannis manhandled Victor Wembanyama, the Bucks lineup change, and Paolo Banchero’s upcoming return. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Andrew Schlecht Executiv...
Jan 09, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to Anthony Edwards’s 32 point performance. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Edwards’ game, Zion’s return from injury, and the Suns’ terrible loss to Charlotte. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show to discuss the huge showdown between the Cavaliers and Thunder, Cleveland’s path to success, and why this is the last regular season test for the Cavs. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Joe Vardon Executive Producer:...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 19-point deficit as Anthony Edwards poured in 37 points en route to a 108-106 victory of the Los Angeles Clippers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves big lineup change, Edwards’ night, and Kyrie Irving’s injury. Then, Sam Cooper, from the Timeline Podcast about the Phoenix Suns, stops by to discuss the Suns’ win over Philadelphia, Bradley Beal coming off the bench, and if a trade can save Phoenix’s season. Then, Es and Dave throw a party for the ...
Jan 07, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Oklahoma City Thunder won their 15th straight game while holding the Boston Celtics to 27 2nd half points. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder as the best team in basketball, their recent stretch of games, and their upcoming showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, the gang discusses Kawhi Leonard’s comeback, Victor Wembanyama vs Nikola Jokić, the Bucks woes, and their favorite landing spots for Jimmy Butler. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni Execut...
Jan 06, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Pacific Division, the dominance of the Cavs and Thunder, Jimmy Butler Trade destinations and more. Then they are joined by Brian Geisinger to discuss the Charlotte Hornets and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Brian Geisinger E...
Jan 04, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
