Welcome to Boston X-Man, NBA Trade Deadline Show!

Discover the finesse behind the Boston Celtics' trade deadline decisions as we unravel the strategy that landed Xavier Tillman, and what it means for their playoff prospects. Jim and Mike dissect the Celtics' recent victory, the offensive surge, and the defensive clampdown on the Hawks, all while looking ahead to post-All-Star break plans. Could Brad Stevens be setting the stage for a deeper roster and a more rested team for the second half of the season?

The NBA trade deadline is a chess match, and we're analyzing every move. From the Atlanta Hawks' dilemma with Trey Young and Dejounte Murray to Spencer Dinwiddie's standing on the trading block, we probe the difficult choices teams face. We also cast our gaze to the Dallas Mavericks' quest for a three-point defender, the Chicago Bulls' dilemma on DeRozan and Vucevic, and the precarious futures of NBA veterans tethered to hefty contracts. It's a deep dive into the trades, the strategies, and the potential repercussions for franchises teetering on the brink of seismic shifts.

Wrap up your knowledge on NBA trade rumors and potential player fits with our breakdown of the latest buzz. Could Bruce Brown be a pivotal piece for the Raptors, or is Gary Trent Jr. en route to the 76ers? We explore these scenarios and more, including John Collins' fit with the Pacers and the curious case of Kyle Kuzma. Stay tuned for our immediate reactions to any last-minute Celtics trades and join us as we anticipate the marquee Celtics vs. Heat game. Whether you're tracking the standings or scouting fantasy picks, this episode is your playbook to the NBA's strategic maneuvers.

Transcript

Jim Quigley: 0:00

But today, Slade, I'm just going to pick one game. I think today is a very difficult day to be out there picking games because it's a trade deadline. You don't know who's coming in or out or what's going on. But I do like Cleveland getting six at Brooklyn. Here's why Brooklyn has multiple guys that are on the trading block today. Whether or not they get traded, who knows but it's going to be a long day for those guys waiting.

Jim Quigley: 0:21

It's an emotionally draining day. You wonder if you're staying where you are, if you're going to be getting on a plane later, if you, how you make arrangements for your family. So I think you're either going to have a depleted team because trades are made with Cleveland I mean with Brooklyn or you're going to have a team that's kind of emotionally drained and on the flip side, Cleveland's playing really, really well. None of their core players are going anywhere in a trade today at least, I don't think so. I think it's been like 15 and 16 for Cleveland. Six points is a lot of points on the road. There's no doubt that Cleveland's giving up, but I think this one's going to be a blowout. I like Cleveland giving six. That's my bet of the day.

Mike Quigley: 0:59

You're listening to.

Jim Quigley: 1:01

They're going to call it a hard sell. They're going to call it a hard sell.

Mike Quigley: 1:06

Offering in-depth analysis on all things Boston Celtics With your hosts Jim and Mike Wigley.

Jim Quigley: 1:14

All right, mike, it's trade deadline day. Here we are on the hot foul in the X-Man cometh. You know, the first X-Man since Xavier McDaniels was signed with the green and was one of the big three agent signings on a very shitty Celtics team back in the mid-90s. But Celtics acquire Xavier Tillman for Lamar Stevens in two future second round picks and on top of that they kind of topped it all off with a win over the Hawks last night. Mike, I'll let you choose If you want to start with Tillman, you want to start with the Hawks, but I think for the folks listening how we're going to go, we're going to go through those two things the game last night.

Jim Quigley: 1:58

Briefly, we're going to talk about Xavier Tillman, what it means for the Celtics, and then this potential the Celtics now can make another move where I think most people thought we were looking at just one addition after the trade deadline. The Celtics have set themselves up through this trade where they can make a second move. We'll get into that and we'll get around the league. Always a fun day here. On NBA trade deadline, mike, how you doing Big day in the NBA Always fun, ready to go Really big day in the NBA.

Mike Quigley: 2:28

I'm really looking forward to see what Milwaukee's going to do today to address some of their needs. So I love this day Trade deadline there. I bet you there's going to be a lot of moves.

Jim Quigley: 2:38

I don't know how many of them will be big and significant moves, but oh, mike, can I just cut you off real quick Right now while we're recording it? So people know it's 8.20 in the morning so by the time you listen to this it's probably going to be already not current. But we'll do the best we can. Sorry, mike.

Mike Quigley: 2:56

Yeah, yeah. So I'd like to jump on to the Hawks game last night and just say that I thought it was a really entertaining game. I had a feeling the Hawks were going to show up because they've actually been playing really well recently. I think they came in to last night with a five-game winning streak. I may be wrong, but they have at least either one five in a row or four or five. I can't understand how that team is so bad year after year with the amount of talent that they have. Yeah, and they run through coaches too. So it's bizarre to me.

Mike Quigley: 3:32

I thought they played the Celtics so good in the first round last year that it was going to continue into this year. But they just don't want to play defense and you saw that last night against Boston. The Celtics struggled shooting probably up until like the fourth quarter. But the Celtics really got what they wanted inside. They were able to get to the hoop.

Mike Quigley: 3:55

Porzingus was able to get his ball movement last night by Boston, I thought for the majority of the game was really good. They had some spots in the third quarter where things were a little iffy. It started to turn the ball over a lot. A lot of turnovers versus Atlanta that weren't forced, so that was ugly. But another really interesting thing about last night for those people who hate Missoula ball the Celtics hit eight threes in the fourth quarter last night. But I thought they were good shots and they were within the rhythm of the offense. Out of the 28 points they scored in the fourth last night, 24 were from three. So White and Porzingus, they just got red hot and I think that was the difference.

Jim Quigley: 4:43

Yeah, no.

Mike Quigley: 4:46

When their defense on Trey Young was pretty good, I thought especially at the rim.

Jim Quigley: 4:50

Yeah. So I thought overall they did some things really well and you mentioned a bunch of them. You know I thought their offense in the first three quarters were really good. I think you were correct, and when you were texting me last night, that they took too many threes in the fourth quarter, particularly in the last two minutes in the game, where they could basically get any shot they wanted at any point versus Atlanta defense, which is really really bad. I thought they did a good job after the first quarter, in particularly of gang rebounding on the defensive glass. They didn't give Atlanta a ton of second chance points. When they did, it was off of like block shots or kind of weird long rebounds. That happened throughout any game and at any level basketball. And then you know they were OK defensively. They certainly played with energy. I think they made quite a few mistakes on that end, but you know they did a good job against a really good offensive team.

Jim Quigley: 5:48

The thing that kept Atlanta in the game was just the turnovers. You know it was careless turnovers that were often unforced or just kind of sloppiness that you get to these points of the game where you would be up four with a chance to go up seven or up seven with a chance to go up ten and really build some momentum, and you dribble it off your foot or you set an illegal screen or you name it, and I know that sounds like it's nitpicking, but this team doesn't turn the ball over. They move the ball so well they're going to be fine just about anyone against anyone, and that was the only thing that even kept Atlanta within shouting distance, so it was a good win. I think it should be noted that you know Atlanta had Murray out so they weren't at full rank in Capella, and I think you know the Celtics still on this homestand really has not put a game together where you look at the kind of flying on all cylinders, and I'm not sure we're going to see that until after the All-Star break. I just think I'm being honest. I think this team is looking towards the All-Star break and I think even seeing that with the management of the roster here.

Jim Quigley: 7:08

You know Jaylen Brown had a game off first Memphis Last night. It was holiday after he practiced with the team, and so I think for us, the Wizards, you're going to see the White or Tatum have the night off there and I think you're going to see more of that. I wouldn't even be surprised against Miami if someone's getting a night off. I think you're going to see a lot of management that way, which you know is a good thing. Last night was in a blowout and still no one. I don't think anyone played over 35 minutes and to me that's a really good job by Missoula. You know that's the thing you need to be looking out for, mike the X-Man.

Mike Quigley: 7:46

Yeah, just one last thing about the game last night, jim the fourth quarter, those last two minutes the Celtics are. You know they're really lucky that Sidique Bay missed that three in the corner. They did not execute well at the end of that game, so that's something that they have to clean up. They've been up and down with that this year. There's been times where they've been great in the last two minutes of the game. But last night, you know to give up the run that they gave and it almost got really uncomfortable, but you know they missed that shot, so that's good. So yeah, jim the X-Man, what are your thoughts on Xavier Tillman coming to the Celtics? It's a small move, but I'd love to hear what your thoughts are.

Jim Quigley: 8:29

I think it's. You know, I think it's really good. Obviously he's a guy that is a great defender, you know. You know maybe greats a little bit over the top, but he's really solid and he can defend bigger guys. He's had a lot of success in his career against bigger guys and guys that are really talented. He's done pretty well against Yokoch. He's done pretty well against him. Indeed, you know, he can be a pain in the ass, to be honest, and not only that, he can cover wings as well. So on that end of the floor and he's played in big games. You know he's been a part of the Memphis rotation, so it's not like you get in a guy who has no playoff experience. He has that and he's been solid. He's not a great offensive player, he's a terrible shooter, but I don't think that's what you're bringing him in for.

Jim Quigley: 9:22

What I really like about this move is you know we didn't give up a lot. It's Lamar Stevens, a couple second round picks, but Brad Stevens is removing excuses from this team. I think with a move like this, if you get into a seven-game series against the Nuggets, you know if indeed comes back doesn't look likely some extent, to be honest, in the Bucks. You know, you can kind of look at the Celtics roster now and say, beyond Al, they don't match up really well at all to throw bodies at these guys. This gives them another body. Now is he going to be the reason they want to lose those series? No, but it eliminates an excuse that you didn't have enough bodies to throw at these guys. And I just like what Brad's doing there, and he's looking at this not as a season as a whole, but looking at this as potential playoff matchups, which is exactly what he should be doing at this point, and I think it's a good move for that reason.

Mike Quigley: 10:20

I agree, jim. I was looking at his numbers. He definitely has had a history of showing up and defending well against those type of guys, like you said. I agree he's not a difference maker and you didn't have to give up much for him, which is always good too. I don't think he helps you much at the offensive end, but this past month, january, he's had some big games. I know he had one game. He scored over 20. So he's not terrible offensively. He's not a great shooter. He's the type of guy who's only been in the league for four years that it feels like he's been playing for 10.

Jim Quigley: 10:57

Yeah, he's not an old guy. He's got that old guy. Look to him too.

Mike Quigley: 11:01

Yeah, he brings pedigree from college as well. He's a national championship winner, he's got the playoff experience. I think he's going to come in. He's going to fit right in with this team and be respected. I think his role is going to be easy to figure out. His adjustment for him you know this is going to be for any player that comes to Boston is. You know he probably played pretty consistently this season in Memphis. You know, getting in there every game, at least Not like huge minutes, but playing.

Mike Quigley: 11:31

That's not going to happen here so there's going to be nights when he doesn't play at all and that's going to be on him to adjust to that fact for the rest of the season. But so the chance to win a ring now and I do think he's going to play in the playoffs. There's going to be times where people are going to be involved trouble against Milwaukee and hopefully when they play Denver in the finals. You know he'll have his moments. So this is a solid pickup. I don't think anybody saw this one coming. I think when we talked about big guys, there was a lot of talk about like an Andre Trump, and there's something this is way more valuable than that. So, yeah, it's a nice, nice job by Brad.

Jim Quigley: 12:10

Yeah, right, yeah, no, I actually think he bring up a really good point about the playing time. And you know he may not get those minutes and you know we look at that as from a Celtics perspective is. You know he should just accept that because he's going to win a championship. But this is a guy that hasn't made money in the league. You know he's making what a million nine and now he needs to go to a new city where he's going to either have to rent out a live in a hotel it's going to be pretty expensive.

Jim Quigley: 12:39

I know he's making a million nine and you think he should be fine, but this was going to be he's coming up on his first real opportunity to make some money and so now you're going to have to ask him to play a lot less, kind of advertise himself a lot less, and with the promise that if you do this right, you're going to, you're going to have the opportunity to showcase yourself in the playoffs. So I do think you bring up a good point. I don't think it's as simple as that and I think he is the type of professional will be fine, but it still doesn't make it easy. You know, I don't think it doesn't make it easy.

Mike Quigley: 13:23

Yeah, I don't think, I don't think. You know, I get what you're saying, but I don't think he was getting more than a minimum contract next year anyway.

Jim Quigley: 13:32

So but really you don't think so?

Mike Quigley: 13:35

No, I don't. I don't think so. I think he would have probably got like another one year deal with an option, player option for Memphis or something. But who knows, I don't know what the free agent class looks like next year. Sometimes the money gets crazy, but he doesn't seem like a guy that would get paid very much. Can't shoot man. That that's like a big thing in the league now.

Jim Quigley: 14:02

Yeah, no, you really, he can't shoot.

Mike Quigley: 14:07

Not really. I mean, he shoots the threes, he throws them up there, but they're not necessarily going in. So now that he's here I know you spoke about that it opens the door for a second move for the Celtics. So I'm going to explain that a little bit to me, because outside of him, matching contracts, I thought was Stevens, I didn't, I didn't see anything. Is that because they still have the TPE available? So why don't you talk about your thoughts there?

Jim Quigley: 14:33

So the Celtics, mike, since they traded a play for play, this Grant Williams trade exception is still there. They also have guys that they can ship out for minimum guys, so they can still match salary to bring guys in, which I think is going to be their preferred way. What was good about this deal is it does nothing to the luxury tax going forward, so it's a one for one. It saves them there, it doesn't hurt them going into next season, so they can still use this Grant Williams trade exception. I wonder if they do make another trade, if they just try to match salaries again. Some guys that are available that fit within the trade exception. I think what they're looking for now is either God player or wing. Sinead Bay, who we saw last night that I'm not so sure is going to get moved anymore One year, four and a half million. Jason Tate from the Houston Rockets six and a half million, fits into that. David Roddy from Memphis is a wing. He's at four million. Jaylen McDaniels, over in Toronto four and a half million. He has two years, so there's probably a little bit more of an appetite for something like that.

Jim Quigley: 15:50

Corey Crispert from Washington four and a half million. Again, he signed through 25. Lonnie Walker, who's having a career year down in Brooklyn two and a half million. So that wouldn't even have to be grand. I think you can match salaries with something like that. Chris Dunn one year, three million, and beyond that it's mostly bigs. Reggie Bullock one year, two million dollars. So I think that's kind of the list you're looking at. If you're the Celtics, maybe Settie Osman, but he's outside that Grant Williams number and that's not something I think they're going to do. He's at seven million. From that list, what names kind of intrigue you the most?

Mike Quigley: 16:35

All the wings, all the wings that you listed, any one of those wings that you bring in. They're not going to Milwaukee and they certainly help you in the regular season. With the stretch here against the Celtics have the second easiest record in the NBA. There's going to be an opportunity here to really give Tatum and Brown some nights off. We want him to stay above that 65 game threshold, obviously, but more even, not just nights off. Cut down their minutes, all that good stuff.

Mike Quigley: 17:07

Corey Crispin he could shoot the ball. I've seen him defend hard against the Celtics when they played Washington for a team that doesn't defend at all. I don't know if he can actually defend, but obviously Settie Bay is a name that everybody loves, but I think you're talking about first round picks in that trade. Yeah, that's a list. I mean Jada McDaniels to me I really like because he plays hard. Every time I watch him play, he's playing hard, especially against the Celtics. This year he got hot against the Celtics, but he's not necessarily a great shooter. And he's got that second year on his contract, which I really like as well, because then he's a guy that you can still have on your roster with next season too. I would love that they brought him in, just because I feel like they need guys who are just gonna play hard, that are gonna, and Jada McDaniels is the type of guy that's not playing a lot already, so if he comes, here Jalen Jalen.

Mike Quigley: 18:11

Jalen Jalen. Yeah, Jalen McDaniels. So if he comes here, he's gonna I think he'll accept that role more than other guys who aren't gonna play a lot, and when he plays, he's gonna come in to bring it. And I think all those guys on that list with the way Brissette has played this year, I think they're all in upgrade over him. So, yeah, I'm happy with all those guys, and even if it's a Chris Dunn. The challenge with the Chris Dunn, though, is he's a starting point guard right now in the NBA, so he's coming here. He's not gonna play over Pate Pritchett. So is he gonna fit in and I'm not making that deal just for the talent, like he's playing for a contract Is he gonna fit in? And I'm not trading for him if he's not gonna buy it. You gotta factor that in too.

Jim Quigley: 19:00

Yeah, I actually don't think Chris Tom would be a tough guy to factor in. I mean, he's had a resurgence in his career. He's been out of the league, so I think he understands where his place is right now and how he's viewed. He's a good defender. He can cover bigger wings, so I think he'd be helpful there. He's actually someone that really interests me. Reggie Bullock it's a guy that's had some success. Jordan Nwara, who I've left out, is also available or could be available. He's a guy that you know he's played pretty well for Toronto and would fit this. You know mold as well.

Jim Quigley: 19:31

I know there's a lot of lust after Lonnie Walker, and for good reason. You know he was really good for the playoffs for the Lakers last year. He's been really good this year. He's on a two and a half million dollar deal, but that is a guy that I think you know. In a lot of ways it'd be humbling for him to come here because he is really working towards a finally getting paid. He had to take a minimum again this year. He's vastly outplayed that and he would be, you know, ninth to 10th on the depth shot here, you know, obviously helpful. And Jasson Tate you know I think he's a young player and what I like about him, even though he's at six and a half million, is he's locked up to 20, until 24, 25. And he's a guy that I think there's some upside there and can play Jalen McDaniels. Everything he said is right about him. I get a little queasy thinking about him and some of the stuff that's happened in his past off the court bringing him onto the team.

Mike Quigley: 20:32

So I don't know what he's talking about.

Jim Quigley: 20:33

Yeah, just like filming. Yeah, I'm not even gonna get into it, but it's just, it's not great stuff and it involves women. And then, yeah, and then there's Sineq Bay, who's you know people, he's only shooting like 30, something percent from three, which is surprising to me.

Jim Quigley: 20:55

But you know, oh, he shoots 100% for the first self-example he does. You kind of see what he can do. But I think you're right. Kispert's a good one and I think Chris Dunn. I really think Chris Dunn would work out pretty well here. So it'd be interesting to see what they do before four o'clock. None of those guys are gonna cost more than a couple of draft picks and maybe portion of the Grant Williams PPE or you know something like Sieg Matouak or you know Banton or something at the end of that bench. You know, if you start talking about guys that go beyond the Grant Will and trade player exemption, you know like a Delana.

Mike Quigley: 21:37

It's not even worth talking about.

Jim Quigley: 21:39

It's not because you're gonna have to trade like paid in Pertrick. At that point it's not happening. I don't foresee that happening. Mike, let's run through this list. Oh, I had fun preparing for this.

Jim Quigley: 21:52

Yeah, yeah. So let's run through this list, I know, as quickly as we can, but guys are on the league that I think should be traded. So the first one I have is to hunt. That could be traded is to hunt to Murray. You know what's curious, what's interesting about this really isn't Murray as much. I know Atlanta's playing better. They have talent, but then one of these franchises that you know, I look at and think, well, when are you gonna make a decision on the direction of your franchise? You've gone through a couple of coaches here. You continue to have the same problems where you underperform. You continue to try to build this thing around Trey Young, and maybe the problem is Trey Young, maybe he's not a guy to build around.

Jim Quigley: 22:33

And if I was Atlanta and I know this is easier said than done, I don't think I'm trading him at this deadline Trey Young I'm speaking about I think I would have been having his name out there to get some fails on what I get back and then really consider the in the off season if my team doesn't turn around, if I still flounder around the play-in like I got to pick a direction for my franchise. But you know we're not talking about him because I don't think he's available at all. Mike, I thought he would. Murray, you know people want to probably look at him at the Lakers. I look at Houston and Utah as two teams on the rise, potentially with pick still, and I think he'd be a really good fit there. But I think he probably stays. What are your thoughts?

Mike Quigley: 23:21

I think he probably stays. What I put on my list stays. Yeah, I think he probably stays. I I don't know how it would work, but I feel like Toronto's got like this youth movement going on. When they brought in RJ Barrett Manual quickly they have Scotty Barnes I felt like Marty might be a good fit there if they want to use some of the draft capital to make him there. No franchise point guard.

Jim Quigley: 23:44

Oh, so that's a team that I thought about.

Mike Quigley: 23:46

Yeah, they have to obviously give up some you talking about a manual quickly and probably Some pics and maybe another player. So. But you know, it might be worth it for them to think about the future, which I think they have with bringing in RJ Barrett. So but, yeah, I think it's gonna be. I think what you're saying makes sense. Atlanta for me, I wonder if it makes more sense to ride it out and then I make you tough decisions this offseason. But you know, we'll see what they do.

Jim Quigley: 24:15

All right, the next guy spends it did witty, and this is kind of the exact opposite of Atlanta Brooklyn's doing exactly what I just said they have they're asking for so much for their players. Well, they've thrown the Kell bridges name out there and asked for a ransom back.

Jim Quigley: 24:28

But what that does is it allows them to know what his value is and if this thing if he doesn't show the improvement going forward, they can make a decision this offseason, now, on what they're going to do with their franchise. I think that's just good management. I think it's good management Even if you don't really intend to trade for him. You start having the conversations, this, the seeds are planted and it's something you can then build off in the offseason. Spencer didn't witty. I think he ends up staying and the reason I think the nuts would love to unload him. I just don't think there's a lot of value for him. The teams and I know you said the thunder and Bartons and in a few seconds Maybe I just yeah.

Jim Quigley: 25:11

I just saw the guy else so maybe it could happen, but I just don't think there's a lot of value for. Didn't witty around the lake.

Mike Quigley: 25:18

Yeah, I know that when didn't witty is on the contending teams, he plays hard. He's obviously a guy who's clutch. He's had a lot of big moments, a lot of buzzer. Peters, I think the thunder could use a rail upgrade, that backup point guard and a score off the bench.

Jim Quigley: 25:36

So when I was playing around.

Mike Quigley: 25:37

They thought you know that might be a fit, but, um, probably won't happen. But you know I'm sure they want to try to move that pertents Contract to bring in a better player. So we'll see what they do with that.

Jim Quigley: 25:48

I would think so too. Yeah, fennie Smith, I said Houston. I know I keep mentioning Houston. If I was Houston I'd be a buyer and I'd be looking at the parade and get into the playoffs, and I think he fits exactly what he means doing there A wing that can defend and shoot the three. You put Dallas, mike. That makes sense. You know, I don't know what they'd have to give up, but you put homes in there to match salaries and that absolutely makes sense.

Mike Quigley: 26:13

Yeah, they need, they need defense. That's what Dallas needs and they it's. They probably regret having to trade him in the first place, so I do have a feeling he's gonna end up back in Dallas. We'll see.

Jim Quigley: 26:28

Also staying with the Nets. Another guy, royce O'Neill. I Actually think this is, I think, a good landing place for him is Indiana. They need more wing defenders, they need guys that you know. The best defender right now is Aaron East Smith and he's really not that good. You know he tries but he's not that good at it, is a good defender, he's a good 3 and D player and you you said and you could McConnell's and he's easy guy to match salaries with that. Yep, absolutely. And so you, you put the bucks and send it under the bench. Guys and a couple seconds, which you know they could try to do, yeah, they're desperate, I don't know how the salaries match up at the end of the bench.

Jim Quigley: 27:16

If it works, because it's a lot of money. It's not a half million dollars.

Mike Quigley: 27:20

Yep. I put it into the trade machine. It worked Okay.

Jim Quigley: 27:25

Guys, did you have to send?

Mike Quigley: 27:26

out like five. I Know I typed them all in. I thought probably three guys or something like that, yeah. I know one of the guys was a rotation player I. His last name begins with ease a wing. I can never pronounce it right. Anyways, we can move on to the next.

Jim Quigley: 27:43

Yeah, and I don't know what Pat Cronington is making, but he yeah he's making the same amount of money as Royce O'Neill. Royce O'Neill would be an upgrade over him, but I don't know. I don't think the nets are the one. Can Thomas? I don't think he's going anywhere, I just don't think he's. Guys like that I really wanted around the league Are you talking about.

Mike Quigley: 28:03

He's coming to Boston. I.

Jim Quigley: 28:05

Hate your idea. Go ahead, talk about it.

Mike Quigley: 28:08

I hate it, but the Celtics trade in first round picks to get cam Thomas. He's gonna be coming off the bench and let's lighten it up.

Jim Quigley: 28:15

You would trade the first round pick for a guy that doesn't play. Yeah, they won't play. I'm glad Brad Stevens a judge. Now that I say my trade that?

Mike Quigley: 28:29

if I trade that line scenario Can't? Cam Thomas has come to Boston and Marcus Morris is getting bought out by Memphis after he gets traded there for Marcus, not these. Come to Boston too. Yeah, we can, we can talk about it.

Jim Quigley: 28:41

Okay. So yeah, I don't. I don't want cam Thomas. I like him, he's fun to watch. He does not pass, he's allergic to passing.

Mike Quigley: 28:53

And he's perfect for the Washington Wizards. They should trade for him.

Jim Quigley: 28:56

Yeah, yeah, washington, oh god, washington Wizards talking about another hopeless, just a hopeless franchise. Mike is the Chicago Bulls. Yeah, next two players to my de Rosin and Vucevich. Uh-huh, you know, the Rosin's on an expiring 28.6. I think they could get a decent amount for him If they decided get a bidding war. It sounds like they're gonna keep him and then, I guess, try to resign him and just run it back like it just does not make any sense to me what they're doing. I don't understand it.

Mike Quigley: 29:34

You know, Jim, you say that right. But then they have the highest Um attendance in the entire NBA. They sell out every night to watch this team. Yeah, maybe that's why they don't do anything.

Jim Quigley: 29:46

Well, what's important to you, I guess, is it the attendance, or is it actually winning? And I think you're right.

Mike Quigley: 29:52

I think we know the answer.

Jim Quigley: 29:53

Yeah, I think that's the issue. And you have him going to a cab. We shouldn't even get into the packages because it doesn't matter. He's not going anywhere. I thought maybe trying to figure out something with Golden State would be interesting. He's not going anywhere. And again, Vucevich he's on such a contract that he's only 18 and a half million dollars. He signed through.

Mike Quigley: 30:15

I think he's the perfect fit for the Thunder. I really do, yeah, and the Thunder have like two or three young players that could match at 18, where the Bulls could say this is a great package.

Jim Quigley: 30:25

And you get picks back but they won't do it. Yeah, it's not even worth spending much time on it because they're not going to do it and it's too bad because they could really rebuild this thing and you know that city and that franchise deserves like smart management, right, it's a great sports city.

Mike Quigley: 30:44

Well, that's every franchise in that city. Every single franchise are all a bunch of fucking idiots.

Jim Quigley: 30:49

Yeah, yeah, it's too bad.

Mike Quigley: 30:51

I mean the Bands haven't had a quarterback since like the 1940s.

Jim Quigley: 30:54

I know, I know, I know they did have one Super Bowl in there. We know all about that here in New England, yeah.

Mike Quigley: 31:01

Good.

Jim Quigley: 31:02

And they would, I don't Is 31 and a half million is tough to trade for for a guy that's heard all the time. Maybe he'll get bought out, maybe he's going to the box.

Mike Quigley: 31:10

Yeah.

Jim Quigley: 31:11

I was him, I don't know if I would do buy out. You know you would have to. It had to be still. Give me a significant amount of that money. That's a lot of money, you know. Yeah, kyle Lowry in the same situation, 29.6. He's not going to get traded. They're going to try to buy him out again. If I'm them, if I'm Kyle Lowry, I'm asking for a large chunk of that change. You know it's a lot to give up. The other bridges, miles Bridges, 7.9. I think he probably stays. If he didn't have all his injury, I mean all his domestic violence stuff, he'd be coveted. But you know I don't want to spend.

Mike Quigley: 31:53

No, actually I have a feeling he's going to end up in Phoenix. I do. I don't think Phoenix cares about that. I think he's going to Phoenix.

Jim Quigley: 32:01

Well, I think whatever the Hornets could get for him, they'll send him out. Yeah, yeah, I don't think it will take a huge package. I think whatever they get for him, they'll send him out.

Mike Quigley: 32:11

Troy Brown, I think his name is in Phoenix. The contracts match up. So if you, if you give the Hornets like three second round picks and Brown I mean outside of this guy being a complete piece of shit you're getting a 20 point score. I have a feeling that's going to happen.

Jim Quigley: 32:26

I could see it. Yeah, and he's been. He's been going well lately. Great Williams, who started off great for Dallas, he's now like really not well liked there at all. You know well, he's been playing poorly. I shouldn't say not well liked, I don't know that, but he's really he's really well liked by by Luca.

Jim Quigley: 32:46

He is. He's trying to move him, and so it's just an interesting thing. I don't think they actually end up doing it, but the fact that he's already on the block is pretty interesting. You know, I thought a potentially interesting trade to make would be sending him out to Memphis for Monica Smart, if the contracts are pretty similar.

Jim Quigley: 33:10

And, you know, I think there's some values that have grant there, and it would certainly have value in Dallas to have Monica Smart there. So I think you would have to send picks from Dallas to make that happen. But you know just something to think about. You have him going into the 76ers of Michael Smart.

Mike Quigley: 33:31

I do. I think you know, if indeed was healthy Now it probably doesn't make so much sense and I think when I was doing this I was, even though in beats out I was doing it with a playing but if indeed was healthy, I did think Marcus, I made a lot of sense over our Marcus Morris there, because smart brings some more to the field, because smart brings some more defensive edge, brings really good experience in the playoffs. I think he's just a type of guy that would fill it, fit into Philly and really amp up this rivalry with Boston. I feel like Philly makes moves sometimes, like the Al Horford move, just to stick at the Boston. So it felt like a good fit for me that that could actually happen.

Mike Quigley: 34:15

But I'm not so sure now that indeed is questionable, but even still, you get Marcus Smart. He's locked up right. What two more years? So I felt like he'd be a really good fit playing next to Maxi and Philly. Yeah, so yeah.

Jim Quigley: 34:31

They're going into next year with oodles and oodles of cap space. So this would eat into that a little bit. But you know, I don't think you get the same. I don't think you see free agency like you used to or anymore, where superstars are switching teams. It seems like that kind of happens through trade. So this, if that's what you're eyeing, trading, this doesn't actually like get in the way of that at all. Marcus Smart would could be a key component of that trade. You know, for salary. That's right, because of his contract.

Jim Quigley: 35:02

Yeah, so I don't. I think that's not a bad idea for Philly in a lot of ways. Luke Knad, you know, over in Memphis he's making 14 and a half. I have you agree with this trade. I haven't gone to the magic, you know, desperately need three point shooting. They're not a great, it's a lot of sense, you know, and get rid of the in goes and someone at the end of their bench, but Toste, or how do you say his name, and some picks, and you know I think it would help them in their team that you, if I'm them, I want to get in the playoffs desperately this year. I want that for my young players. That experience and having a guy that can shoot certainly doesn't hurt. Malcolm Brogden, we both don't think he's going to get traded. We don't have to spend time there.

Jim Quigley: 35:48

Bruce Brown, this is an interesting one, right, he's certainly on the boat block. The team you keep hearing and you understand why is the Knicks. They seem to be lusting over him. And Tom Tibbeto, he'd fit with him perfectly. I actually say that the cabs, the Leverg, dean Wade, in a second. I think he'd be a great fit for Cleveland. Maybe a couple of seconds. You know, bruce Brown has a player option so he could, you know, return next year to wherever he goes. You have him not trading and that they're going to re-up him. I mean, I think it makes sense for Toronto.

Mike Quigley: 36:26

I do. I don't think they're in a place where they have to just blow it up completely. I think they're in a place where they have young players to build around and if he's going to pick up that option next year, he could be a guy that becomes part of the core. I'm not trading him unless somebody's giving me like four second round picks. You know I want, I want a lot. If I'm going to give up Bruce Brown, so Also. But if I'm Toronto, if I know he's walking, then fucking yeah, let him go. Yeah, If he doesn't want to be there, the next guy is Gary.

Mike Quigley: 36:58

Trent Jr. You kind of. I think it's the same thing right for you.

Jim Quigley: 37:01

You wouldn't trade him unless you don't think he's coming back or you get blown away. Right yeah, because he's young 24. I'm not going to.

Mike Quigley: 37:09

Maybe the 76ers to me would be a fit. You would be.

Jim Quigley: 37:12

Absolutely, you know you wouldn't have to get about much. He's an expiring. You could Coventin and Cozma's you know and make a dip. The next thing I this to me is it doesn't sound like he's going to get traded Jordan Clarkson. Why shouldn't say it doesn't sound like he but he'd be interested in and I think he'd be great on the next. You can make this work pretty easily with for me and picks and some salary is replacing Emmanuel quickly.

Mike Quigley: 37:43

It makes sense. Yeah, he's better than Emmanuel quickly.

Jim Quigley: 37:49

And I think he would instantly help them. You know especially where you want to get Brunson. Some time off towards the end of the season he could step right in and you wouldn't lose much. Offensively he's playing.

Mike Quigley: 38:02

In the NBA finals. He's got a lot of experience like he's a great pickup protein.

Jim Quigley: 38:07

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So John Collins, probably not going anywhere, but you have an interesting one going to the paces with Chris Dunn and two seconds for Obie topping.

Mike Quigley: 38:21

Yeah, I think it was. It was Obie, topping and some other salaries. The reason I thought it was a fit like he could fit into that big man rotation. He really fits into how they play, so he'd have to accept coming off the bench for Siakam and Miles Turner and then they really could use the defense of Chris Dunn in Indiana, I think. And Chris Dunn is the type of play that does get up and down so he fits into their pace at least. He's not a great offensive player but he fits into how they want to play. So those are two players that actually thought would help them. Collins would add some more versatility and shooting, which they love. He fits into that up and down pace and then Chris Dunn would give them so much defense.

Jim Quigley: 39:04

Yeah, no, I think that would. I think that would be interesting trade. Actually, I think that would be a really interesting trade Going to the Pacers. It doesn't help them defensively at all, but it would be interesting. And I kind of mentioned maybe the Lakers for Archimaur and Gabe Vincent. Yeah, makes sense. Yeah, kyle Kuzma is named, thrown around out there. You know, I think he's having a really good statistical.

Mike Quigley: 39:33

Yeah, two years ago.

Jim Quigley: 39:34

Yes, yeah, but he's on a really bad team, so just after what it's worth. You know, I kind of thought maybe teams looking towards the future, houston, maybe Memphis looking at next year, you know, adding him to their core, where Memphis should be really good. Again, you mentioned the magic, which makes some sense and there's ways to get that done. He's not, but you know he I don't know if it's a little bit redundant with the magic it because he's not a shooter and he's got some size he can shoot okay and defend okay. I feel like they have guys like that that are better than him already, but you know it's interesting. Andrew Wiggins you know I don't think we have to spend much time on him. Yeah, one guy that does sound like he's going to get traded that I didn't have on this list is Kelly Olenek. He was rumored to go to the Celtics. I think that was just yeah. I think that's just Danny Ainsh upping his value. Maybe it's Brad Stevens.

Mike Quigley: 40:29

His best fit is Miami. Those were his best days. He should go back to the heat. Yeah, the marriage they didn't have in there.

Jim Quigley: 40:36

You hear in a lot of rumors about Golden State and that would make some sense to. He would fit in quite well with the Warriors, I think, and that would make some sense. Mike, the one more guy, I guess, pj Washington could be going somewhere and we both say the 76 is, would probably be a decent fit. Give them some size, can play the backup five as, even though he's undersized and can shoot, and it is on a decent contract signed through 2026, 16 million, so he would definitely help them. Again, it just becomes what do they actually want to do with Embiid out? And I think if I'm them, that's really more interesting question.

Jim Quigley: 41:16

Sure, I want to stay out of the play and because I think being in the playoffs is still important, whether Embiid is there or not. And the second thing is any move I make I'm looking towards next year and beyond, you know, help Embiid and to give him a better core and also give him opportunities where he's not going to be relied upon as much, where we could go into every season and say, joel, you're just playing 60 games and everyone's fine with that and it's really the injury. You know even the way the sixes have handled that. It's tough to understand exactly what's going on. You know the, for whatever reason, won't use a term surgery. I just have a hard time believing that he's going to be back to share.

Mike Quigley: 42:04

Yeah, I mean what the house? He said what the house? He said four weeks, but wow, yeah, I didn't believe that. So we'll see right. And if he does come back in four weeks and shame on the 76, they should be telling them that yeah, yeah, do not ruin that guy's career, please. As much as I hate fucking Philadelphia, and because it beats on the team.

Mike Quigley: 42:27

I hate them right now. Do not ruin that guy's career. Like he's great for the NBA. He needs to be healthy. Something to keep an eye on, jim. I think the buyout market especially if, like Gordon Haywood gets bought out, say Bridges, ends up getting bought out because he doesn't get traded I think that's where Milwaukee is going to be hustling, and what they can offer, I do think, is we can offer you planning time. If you're a wing, you can even come here, maybe start. So I do think there's an opportunity for Milwaukee to still get better, even though they don't have assets.

Jim Quigley: 43:02

So that's something I'll walk. The one question I have with the buyout market and this involves research and maybe you just know off the top of your head so out of the new CBA you can't sign. So if you're into the second apron, like the Bucks are, you can't sign anything more than what you have available. So like if you just have the mid level, that's it. And so if a guy was making 31 million, he can't sign for the mid level with you. So it has to be what his contract was. So he had to be like a mid level player to sign with you. Essentially is how the CBA is written, so if that starts next year or if that's this year.

Mike Quigley: 43:47

But I think it starts this year, because I remember reading like tweets from that guy, Keith Smith, who was like no, Gordon Haywood cannot sign with the Celtics if he's bought out. I remember seeing that on X. It was very clear that Gordon Haywood's bought out. He can't sign with the Celtics for some CBA yeah.

Jim Quigley: 44:07

So the nuance on this is important. We can get into the buyout, I think, after the all-star break, but I'm not sure the Bucks can do things like that.

Mike Quigley: 44:16

Well then that good, fuck them. Awesome. All right, go Celtics.

Jim Quigley: 44:21

So all right With that. Hey, thanks for listening. Again, like I said, this will not be current by the time you listen to it what we did last year and what we'll try to do this year, and you know we have busy lives, so it's no guarantee. But if a trade is made as it relates to the Celtics, one of us will record our take on it, we'll add it to the beginning of the pod and we'll just go from there. So either me and Mike will take five minutes or record what our breakdown of the trade, if and when it happens, and we'll add it to the start of the pod, mike. Any closing thoughts?

Mike Quigley: 44:56

Yeah, we're definitely not going to break down the Washington game. So for you Wizards fans, that's not a game that we have any interest in. So I would expect to hear from us if there's a Celtics trade, and if not, we will certainly break down the Miami Heat trade. I do think one thing I disagree with you on this pod, that's the only game. The Celtics are going to show up with full effort for the rest of this half of the season.

Jim Quigley: 45:19

So I'm looking forward to that. I hope so. Here's an interesting Wizards as we close. Do you know? They're tied with the easiest schedule in the league with the Sixers so far, which is just amazing considering they don't play the Wizards. So all right, everyone, have a great one and happy NBA trade deadline day.