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    The Bill Simmons Podcast

    Part 1: Does Portland Have to Trade Dame? Did Philly Ruin Things With Embiid? NBA Offseason Questions With Ryen Russillo

    Mon Jul 03 2023
    NBAfree agencytrade requestsDamian Lillardtrade optionsDaryl MoreyJames Hardendraft analysisteam analysis

    Description

    This episode of the NBA podcast discusses free agency, trade requests, and potential trades involving Damian Lillard. It explores the challenges faced by players and teams in balancing financial gain with the desire to compete for a championship. The episode also analyzes various trade options for Lillard and provides insights into the strategies of different teams. Additionally, it delves into the draft analysis, team analysis, and potential future plans for several NBA teams.

    Insights

    Players becoming more cutthroat

    Players in the NBA are becoming more cutthroat, requesting trades even after signing contract extensions. This trend has become more accepted by the NBA public.

    Limited trade options for Damian Lillard

    There are limited trade options for Damian Lillard that would put him in contention for a title. Staying in Portland and waiting for a better trade opportunity might be more beneficial than rushing into a trade to a team like Brooklyn.

    Daryl Morey's approach as a GM

    Daryl Morey is known for his ruthless approach as a GM. However, his infatuation with James Harden has not paid off in the long run, and his recent moves for the Philadelphia 76ers have not been particularly successful.

    Trade insights and draft analysis

    Some GMs would give in to trade demands, but it's better to get real value back for a player. The upcoming draft is not highly regarded by many people. Younger teams like Houston, Orlando, Detroit, and San Antonio have been adding talent over the past few years.

    Potential trades and team analysis

    Orlando has been adding talent to their team and could potentially flirt with a .500 record. Houston has made some free agent signings that could improve their team. Charlotte has a solid roster with players like Hayward, Ball, and Washington. Washington has tradable assets and could hang around in the playoff race.

    Chapters

    1. NBA Podcast and Free Agency
    2. Players Requesting Trades
    3. Damian Lillard's Trade Options
    4. Potential Three-Team Trade
    5. Daryl Morey and James Harden
    6. James Harden's Trade Request and Morey's Moves
    7. NBA Trade Speculations
    8. Trade Options for Damian Lillard
    9. Trade Insights and Draft Analysis
    10. Team Analysis and Potential Trades
    11. Trade Deals and Future Plans
    Summary
    Transcript

    NBA Podcast and Free Agency

    00:03 - 06:42

    • The episode starts with a discussion about NBA free agency and trade requests.
    • There is speculation on why Damian Lillard decided to request a trade now.
    • Miami's lack of assets for a potential Damian Lillard trade is mentioned.
    • Portland's decision to trade Lillard to the team with the best offer is questioned.
    • The timeline of Lillard's trade request and meeting with Aaron Goodwin is discussed.
    • Concerns are raised about signing players to big contracts without knowing their long-term intentions.

    Players Requesting Trades

    06:18 - 12:35

    • Players in the NBA are becoming more cutthroat, requesting trades even after signing contract extensions.
    • Examples include Stephen Jackson and Anthony Davis who requested trades shortly after signing extensions.
    • The trend of players requesting trades has become more accepted by the NBA public.
    • Teams may not receive any payback for doing right by players, so they should consider being more cutthroat in negotiations.
    • Cap space is becoming less valuable as players are not entering free agency but instead signing max deals and then requesting trades.
    • Carmelo Anthony's trade to the Knicks in 2011 was an early example of a player leveraging his contract to go to a desired team.

    Damian Lillard's Trade Options

    12:16 - 18:07

    • Carmelo Anthony's experience with the Knicks highlights the challenge of balancing financial gain with the desire to compete for a championship.
    • Damian Lillard has had a successful career with the Trail Blazers, but they haven't been able to reach the same level as teams led by LeBron James or the Warriors.
    • There are limited trade options for Lillard that would put him in contention for a title, with the Celtics being a potential fit.
    • Staying in Portland and waiting for a better trade opportunity might be more beneficial than rushing into a trade to a team like Brooklyn.
    • The proposed Miami trade package for Lillard is not appealing to Portland, as it doesn't offer enough value in return.
    • Concerns about Lillard's size and how he will age may impact his market value in potential trades.
    • The inclusion of a third team could help facilitate a trade involving Lillard, such as one between Portland and Miami.

    Potential Three-Team Trade

    17:41 - 23:37

    • There were discussions about a potential three-team trade involving Portland, Miami, and another team.
    • The trade would involve players like Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, and Jusuf Nurkic.
    • Philly may be out of the running for Damian Lillard due to their reluctance to include Tyrese Maxey in a trade.
    • The Clippers' signing of Russell Westbrook raises questions about their interest in James Harden.
    • James Harden may have been looking for a contract similar to what he expected from Philadelphia but couldn't find it.
    • Harden's decisions have cost him money over the past couple of years.
    • There was confusion surrounding the PJ Tucker deal and whether it was related to Harden taking less money.
    • Daryl Morey is known for his ruthless approach as a GM.

    Daryl Morey and James Harden

    23:12 - 29:48

    • Maury's ruthless approach to building the roster and working with players
    • Speculation on whether ownership would go against their word to Harden
    • Questioning if Joel Embiid would want to be attached to James Harden
    • Philly's potential plan of building around Embiid, Maxey, and assets from a Harden trade
    • The interrelation between Dame, Harden, and Embiid in the NBA landscape
    • Doubts about the long-term value of a four-year, $200 million deal for Harden
    • Desire to see Harden play like he did for the Nets against Sacramento in Philly

    James Harden's Trade Request and Morey's Moves

    29:23 - 35:57

    • James Harden's lack of commitment to his workout routine may have contributed to his current situation.
    • The potential trade request from Joel Embiid is a significant concern.
    • Teams need to keep their players happy to prevent trade requests.
    • Daryl Morey's infatuation with James Harden has not paid off in the long run.
    • Russell Westbrook was not the type of player Morey would typically want on his team.
    • Morey's recent moves for the Philadelphia 76ers have not been particularly successful.
    • There is no standout move that enhances Morey's legacy as a GM.
    • Morey showed patience in waiting for better offers for Ben Simmons.
    • Philly's success may put Morey and the organization to the test once again with Harden.

    NBA Trade Speculations

    35:39 - 41:43

    • Golden State regrets not taking Matu or trading back a couple spots
    • Detroit chose killing Hayes over a mid-seven pick
    • The Knicks took Obie Top and over a mid-eight pick despite needing a point guard
    • Wizards selected Denny at nine instead of Halberton
    • Phoenix chose Jaylen Smith at ten instead of Halberton, which could have helped them win the 21 title
    • San Antonio picked Vassal at 11 over Halberton
    • Boston had the opportunity to trade up for Halberton but didn't take it
    • Philly could have traded Simmons for Hal Burton and healed
    • Eight teams regret not selecting Hal Burton in the draft
    • Dame Lillard's respect for San Antonio raised questions about his potential move there
    • San Antonio could become an intriguing team with one banyama's defense improving
    • Offensively, there may be some rough patches for San Antonio next season with Lillard on board
    • Minnesota was an intriguing option for Lillard, but it's uncertain if he would go there or if they have enough to offer in return
    • A team with Go Bear, Edwards, Slomo, McDaniel's, and Dame could compete in a real way

    Trade Options for Damian Lillard

    47:17 - 53:20

    • Minnesota argues that their younger player puts up crazy numbers and is a great shooting big
    • Portland believes their player is superior and would require a sweetener in any trade deal
    • Houston may be interested in acquiring Towns and could offer assets to Portland
    • Dame's happiness is the downside of waiting for better offers
    • Brooklyn could be an attractive destination for Lillard, but it's unclear if it improves their position
    • Utah has the most to offer with future picks and young assets
    • Big cities like Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, and Miami are unlikely destinations for Dame
    • Orlando might consider making an offer if Lillard expresses interest
    • The NBA landscape could change quickly depending on how teams respond to trade requests

    Trade Insights and Draft Analysis

    52:56 - 59:51

    • Some GMs would give in to trade demands, but it's better to get real value back for a player.
    • The desperation shown by Phoenix in the trade for Chris Paul is questionable.
    • A hypothetical trade involving Damian Lillard going to Boston and Jalen Brown going to Houston could benefit Portland.
    • There are better trade options available than what Miami has to offer for Damian Lillard.
    • There may be more desperate teams willing to make trades in December or January.
    • Tank teams for this season include Charlotte, Portland (if they trade Lillard), Houston, San Antonio, Orlando, Toronto, Washington, and possibly Chicago.
    • The upcoming draft is not highly regarded by many people.
    • Younger teams like Houston, Orlando, Detroit, and San Antonio have been adding talent over the past few years.

    Team Analysis and Potential Trades

    59:23 - 1:05:31

    • Orlando has been adding talent to their team and could potentially flirt with a .500 record.
    • Houston has made some free agent signings that could improve their team.
    • Charlotte has a solid roster with players like Hayward, Ball, and Washington.
    • Washington has tradable assets and could hang around in the playoff race.
    • There is debate about whether Porzingis is a good stats bad team player or if injuries have affected his performance.
    • The Celtics made the Porzingis deal to change their offense and add players that opponents have to guard.
    • Porzingis has had an injury history but has shown potential when healthy.

    Trade Deals and Future Plans

    1:05:16 - 1:06:33

    • The speaker likes the trade and thinks they had to do something with Smart.
    • They acquired picks and the speaker likes where the Walsh is going.
    • The speaker hopes they bring back Grant and match whatever offer he receives.
    • Grant is likely looking at a mid-level market.
    • There was a player option in the bag for three years at $102 million.
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