The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Best of The Herd: 06/26/2019

Episode Date: June 26, 2019

 Colin thinks KD is seeking validation which is why he is leaving a great team like the Warriors for the Knicks or Nets.  He predicts where all of the top free agents will end up.  Former Thunder, Knicks and Blazers Forward Enes Kanter comes in studio to explain why KD should choose the Knicks over the Nets.  Plus, why the NFL MVP odds tell you why the Giants screwed up so badly  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise,

breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel. Help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter.

Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, guys? This is Clivert Taylor the Fourth. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me. He goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her.

What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue with 42. Hey, Wreck, my mama want you to weigh better. What? Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

The story I told myself can then shape my behavior, and that can lead me to sabotage the possibility of connection. This Mental Health Awareness Month, tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown, If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you to hear more. Listen to deeply well with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

Thanks for listening to The Best of Heard Podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday from 12 to 3 Eastern, 9 to noon Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and FS1. Find your local station for the herd at Fox Sports Radio.com or stream us live every day on the IHeart Radio app by searching Herd. This is the best of the herd with Colin Cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

Ah, here we go. Back on TV, this is The Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, we are live in Los Angeles, IHeart Radio, Fox Sports Radio, FS2 this hour, FS1, in one hour from now to finish out our show. Joy Taylor is joining me today.

We are back and ready to go for the rest of the summer. You'll see us on television. We had a couple of weeks off for the World Cup. Both took our vacays, did some radio only, so it's good to be back. Joy, how are you? I'm doing great. Good to be back. Good to be back.

So here is the story that broke about 10 minutes ago, so it's not really a breaking story, but it kind of classifies as interesting because of who's involved. Adrian Ward Janowski, a Golden State Warrior star, Kevin Durant, has officially declined. his 31.5 million player option, very well compensated for Golden State, will become an unrestricted free agent. Durant and his business manager, Rich Climann, are in New York. I've seen that in social media last couple days evaluating free agency options. So far, the process has stayed private. I think this would be a massive mistake. I think Kevin Durant going to the Knicks will be an utter disaster. It's poorly owned. The roster is anemic. The front office is, I'm told good, but totally

unproven. And I think it's a disaster. And I'll say this again, why would you leave a great marriage? Because you're seeking personal validation. Why would you leave a great company? Because you're seeking personal validation. Kevin Durant wants to keep telling us that he just doesn't care what we, the media, and you the fans think of him. then why would you leave? You leave great situations in life for only one reason. You have something to prove. And Kevin Durant has nothing to prove to Kevin Durant,

and how do I know that? Because remember during the Clipper series when people said, why aren't you shooting more and Kevin Durant said this? I'm not going to get in the way of the game because, you know, I want to have a little back and forth with Patrick Beverly. I'm Kevin Durant.

You know who I am. Kevin Durant clearly has nothing to prove to Kevin Durant. He's telling you that. Kevin Durant, you know who I am. So who's he trying to prove it to? When you seek validation from others, it never ends well. Kevin, what do you want the world to tell you that it hasn't yet? This is validation seeking.

And it's not Kevin trying to prove to Kevin he's great. Because Kevin just told you Kevin knows Kevin's great. And we all know Kevin's great. He doesn't lack confidence. He's telling you, I'm Kevin Durant. I can do what I want to do. And obviously he's had so much success in life. He keeps being, it keeps, you know, it validates to himself constantly.

You're good, you're good, you're good. He goes to a gym every day. He's the best player in the gym. He goes to the games every day. He's the best player in the gym. That part, if you're a good, you're a good, you're a good. great singer, a great basketball player, a great artist. You are being told in a daily basis by your product, your content, your work, you're great. You can see it. So what is he doing?

He is seeking the validation of others. He wants others to think he's the man. That's the only reason he's doing that because everybody plays with tells him, you're the best player. His coaches tell you he's the best player. He goes for the USA Olympic stuff. You're the best player. Kevin told you I'm the best player. I think this is going to end terribly. I think it is a classic mistake. I think it's a guy in a great marriage that has some sort of validation to prove he can do better. And good luck leaving great marriages and good luck leaving great owners and teams and companies.

It is seeking validation from others. And in my life, it never ends up well. I think KD to the Knicks will be a disaster. I think KD. to the Nets with Kyrie may not be a disaster, but will massively underachieve. It'll be interesting that I can guarantee. So here's, we're getting very close now, right? There's a rumor now out this morning that L.A. has believed for weeks they'll be in on the Kauai Leonard race.

I do not believe that to be true. Yesterday I did radio only. Rick Buecker came on the show and brought up something. was not aware of between Kauai and Leonard, maybe staying in Toronto due to a deal with a private jet company. What I'm hearing is that they are now showing signs of concern that it's not going to go their way. Kauai signing the sponsorship deal with the Canadian private jet company that raised some alarms

in Klipperville because that's the same company that basically gave Drake a private jet for free. and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense that you would be a sponsor. Would that work with Kauai's name Carrie in Canada still if he moves to L.A.? I've said before I hear Kauai is not going to be a Laker. I don't think they have a chance and I don't think they have the money. So we are waiting for Sunday evening because that's officially when everybody can sign their stars, right, Sunday evening. There'll be a bunch of rumors going out. It's fun.

This is what the NBA is. It's a soap opera. The NFL is the sport we bet and watch. The NBA is the sport. We watch less, don't bet much, but we talk about a lot. It's a living, breathing soap opera, and it's a lot of fun. I like this time of the year. But I'm finding as we near the date Sunday, there are three categories of teams pursuing free agents.

There's the delusional category, and it may surprise you the teams I put in it. The Knicks, the Lakers, and the Rockets. The Knicks have no idea how they're perceived. a bad owner, an embarrassingly anemic roster. They're a D-list actor that's convinced they're Tom Hanks. They think they're Denzel, and they're a D-List actor. There's the Lakers. You do not have the money for Kauai Leonard.

Kaui Leonard is not going to consider you. You did add LeBron and Anthony Davis because you have a great brand in warm winter weather and entertainment capital of the world. But in the end, your GM is hated. You screwed up the timing on the AD deal and lost $8 million in salary cap stuff, so you don't have the money for Coire DeAngelo Russell. And the third team, to me, that it's a little bit delusional, is the Houston Rockets. A story came out yesterday.

They're going to force a sign and trade with the Sixers. The Chris Paul deal now is an albatross. The Mello deal didn't make sense. Your owner clearly can't stand Mike Dantonie. I love your general manager, but he leaks too much to the media. Those teams feel delusional to me. The second category is what I would call contenders. The Clippers, the Raptors, Dallas Warriors, and the Seltors.

Celtics. They appear to be well-run and well-owned. There's a lot of grown-ups in the room. None of us would be shocked if they landed a star or kept a star. And you don't hear a lot of media leaks from the Mavericks, the Celtics, the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Warriors. And by the way, even if those teams don't land a star, they're all pretty good. I mean, if the Raptors just keep the same team, they're good. If the Warriors lose KD, still good. Celtics, Mavericks, Clippers. Those are the contenders. And then there's the irrelevance.

The nets, the Pacers, the T-Wolves, the Suns. Even if they did land a star, I'm not sure they'd be great. They all have some sort of level of interest with DeAngelo Russell. You know, these are not movers and shakers in the NBA. You know, the Pacers have a nice team. The nets are kind of interesting, kind of fascinating back court. But they're kind of irrelevant. And I'll tell you, when I look at this stuff, as we near the date, I really enjoy this time of the year in the NBA.

But there's a lot of irrelevance and a lot of delusion. And I'll go back to something I believe to be true. How good is your owner? How good is your general manager? And if those two are a plus a minus, I trust you in this process. If I don't like your ownership group, if I don't trust your GM or he's hated, I think there's some delusion going on. And Houston's a hard team for me to say that about because I like a lot about him.

But Dan Tony, are you trying to convince me you're in on him now? Doesn't feel like it. Chris Paul, you're trying to convince me, you're in on him now? It doesn't feel like it. It's just a crazy time of the year. And I think it kind of comes down to three groups. Delusion, contenders, and irrelevant. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the IHeart radio app.

Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves.

Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist,

Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough.

Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on Earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust.

I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast. Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. What's up, guys?

This is Clivert Taylor the 4th. And on my podcast, The Clivert Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me. He goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her.

What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue 42. Hey, ref, my mom, I want you. to weigh better. What? Hey, Ms. Parker. Listen to the Cliverts show on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. The story I've told myself about love or relationships can then shake my behavior, and that

can lead me to sabotage the possibility of connection. This Mental Health Awareness Month, tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown and explore the journey of healing, self-discovery, and returning to yourself. We explore higher consciousness, emotional well-being, and the practices that help you find clarity, peace, and self-mastery in a world that can feel overwhelming. The world is becoming lonelier. We're not becoming more social and connected. We're becoming more individualized, but we actually meet people in connection.

If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole. This podcast is for you to hear more. Listen to deeply well with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Let me just add this on Kevin Durant. So he can stay with the Warriors and sign a five-year, $221 million deal. Any other team, he signs a four-year, $164 million deal. So he's giving up $60 million. When these players fight in collective bargaining, when they sit at a table with owners, when they say we're going to go on strike, they're doing it to be compensated at the highest level.

And so when billionaires sit across from you and go, okay, you win, take advantage of it. None of these owners, or do we call them governors now, none of these guys, guys would give up $60 million. That's why they're billionaires. All I ever hear about young basketball players, got to pay college kids, got to pay college kids, got to pay the player. Okay. So the owners say, hey, we'll do this thing where if you stay with us, we'll give you an extra $50 million guaranteed. And players are turning it down? Isn't this what you collectively fought for? 220 million or $160 million. You may say, say, it doesn't matter at that point.

You know who it matters to? People that own teams. Jerry Jones, if somebody offers him, 60 million guaranteed, never turns it down. Kevin, this is what all players fight for in collective bargaining, the ability to make the most money. Unlike owners who can make money forever, radio hosts, attorneys, doctors, I've always sided with a professional athlete. They're windows like, honestly, NFL, it's tiny. NBA, it's longer, but let's be honest in the NBA. You get about seven to eight years of prime athletic years. Why would you ever give the people who you are offended calling them owners, you want to call them governors?

Fine. Then don't give them $60 million back. You take every penny you can get. That's why you're fighting for all this money. And then the owners relinquish it and you're like, yeah, that's okay. I want to prove I'm the man. I don't get it.

Just, I don't get it. All right, let me shift to this. People love, I love it. I'm sure you love it. It's kind of cool if you can say, hey, I saw this band before they were big. It always kind of feels cool if you're in the room and you can, early discovery.

Like, I remember, and I do remember, first time I introduced you two to my friend in my small town on the Washington Coast, Jack Jones. I gave an eight-track tape and I said, there's this band from Dublin. They're going to be huge. He's like, I don't know who they are. I'm like, trust me, they're going to be huge. You know, not like I'm some, you know, music producer, but I listened to them. People were talking about him in college.

I was a year older. I gave him an eight-track and I said, this is going to be the next great band. And at the time I was an ACDC Van Halem kid, right? And so early discovery is fun. I got the stock when it was $6. Now it's Amazon. It's good to brag about that. I knew Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks was big back in the 70s and 80s.

So the American media is wrong a lot. But where the American media, sports media, is usually right, is when we tell you this teenager is a guaranteed American superstar. I'm a member of the media, and I told you that about Tiger. I told you that about Ken Griffey. I told you that about A-Rod. We told you that about LeBron and Kobe. We told you that about Michael Phelps. We told you that about Serena.

We told you, Serena, at 16, superstar. Ken Griffey. Christian Pulisic is the one I'm proudest of. A couple years ago saw him at 17 and I said, I'm not a soccer expert. That's our greatest soccer talent of all time. And he is. So now we, Pulisic is the last one,

the last 17-year-old. Now I think he's 19, that we all went, woo! Well, we have our next. It's Zion Williamson. Cool moment a couple days ago where Drew Brees sent him an autographed jersey.

Here's the moment. Oh my God. Zion. Welcome to the family. Let's dance. This is nice. My first jersey for a professional athlete.

Geez, thank you, Drew Breeze. It's a nice gift. Sheesh. Wow. Passing the tours. Are you ready to take that on? City of New Orleans.

This is the next great American superstar. And not just because he's talented. There are three things that he has going for him that Magic Johnson did and Tiger did and LeBron did and Serena did. And here they are.

Number one, his game is truly dynamic. It doesn't look like everybody else. Carl Malone was great. Tim Duncan was great. Zion's game is dynamic. He breaks through shoes. His volume, his size. He looks different.

He plays different. Tiger Woods was built like a football player. Tiger Woods was so long off the tee, they had to change courses. The first thing about American superstars, Bryce Harper was hitting 500-foot home runs in high school. Serena serving 125, 135 when others weren't. His game is truly dynamic. Not all great players have dynamic games.

Tim Duncan wasn't dynamic. He was great. Carl Malone wasn't dynamic. He was great. The second thing he has, early momentum. 16 years old, he went viral. His mixtape, still the hottest thing for basketball players. He played at the number one brand.

Duke, his shoe exploded against North Carolina. He's got early momentum. We have identified him very early. It's like stand-up comedy. Rodney Dangerfield's one of the only ones that didn't do it until he was 40. Most of the time, by 25, we know who the next great comedian is. So, number one, his game is truly dynamic. Number two, he's had early momentum.

And number three, this kid has got a charisma and a personality you can just not deny. from crying on draft night. He's likable. He's relatable. He's humble. He's handsome. He's fun. He emotes.

He's loving. He's embracable. I didn't think he'd come back after the shoe deal. I'm like, no, don't risk it. Don't you get? He's like, not only do I want to come back, I may come back as a sophomore. This is the next great American superstar. And we don't get it. I'll tell you, it's about every five, six years.

It's about every five or six years you get one. This is it. You can argue, but the American sports media, we make a lot of mistakes. I miss on a lot of football picks, okay? I'm not right on a bunch of stuff. But this one is a no-brainer. He may not even be the best rookie in this class. Maybe John Morant has better statistical numbers.

This kid, the game, the early momentum, and the personality and charisma is absolutely, it jumps through a television set. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the IHeard Radio app. Right now, starting Sunday evening, we have all this free agency stuff. And there's been a lot of rumors for a lot of months. I've told you, I have no idea where's Kauai is going. My sources don't know. I'm not going to fake it. The only person I have predicted that I have been told by a current NBA player and a former NBA player

that Kyrie Irving would choose the Brooklyn Nets. I told you that a month ago. I feel strongly about that. The rest of the stuff I'm reading like you, my sources don't know. A lot of my sources are scouts. They're executives. They're not in the club. They don't know.

They're like seeking the approval of the star and the agent. So when I have sources, I tell you, and when I don't, I tell you. The only sourcing I have on any of this free agency stuff is Kyrie and the Nets. I've been told there's a very strong connection. Like most of you, it looks like Durant's going to the Knicks. I wouldn't do it, but it looks like he is. I'm hearing the DeAngelo Russell thing to the Lakers, although they can't afford what Minnesota can and others can. So I thought today, there's another story out today.

Jimmy Butler rumors that the Rockets don't have the salary cap space to add Jimmy Butler to their roster, but they're going to push for a sign and trade with the Sixers. I mean, I don't think Jimmy Butler fits. I don't think you can convince Jimmy Butler to go to Houston and say, hey, Jimmy, you'll be our third scoring outlet. I don't think that works. I think it would be a chemistry mess. By the way, just because you had great pieces, Charles Barkley once played together with Scottie Pippen and Houston. It did not work.

Charles is a better player than Pippin. Pippin didn't think Pippin had the ring. and didn't respect Charles, and Charles knew he was better, and he is than Scotty Pippet as a player, and it just didn't work. And there's egos. These are 20 and 30-year-old guys. Of course they have egos. I'm 55.

I should be over it. You know, you're entertainers. Egos are part of it. We have to understand that. I think in all this free agency stuff, the part where the media misses out on, we're playing fantasy basketball. Do the players like each other? Will they work together?

I think that's the thing about Jimmy Butler. I think he showed he can work in Philadelphia. Simmons doesn't shoot so Jimmy can shoot. And Embed misses game. So a lot of nights, Jimmy Butler feels like the most important Philadelphia 76er. And I think Jimmy likes that. I think he likes that. And I would like that because Jimmy's older.

He's not 19. He's not 24. He's not like 30. He wants to be the guy. So I thought today we play a little frantic free agency. And I'll just guess. All put players what I believe from the limited sources I have on this stuff. I'll predict where guys go.

And so Joy and I, let's play the game a little bit, little music. Let's start with Jimmy Butler. My guess is the Philadelphia 76er sign-in. If I was Philadelphia, I would. I think because Simmons is not a natural shooter and scorer like Jimmy, that Jimmy can play with Simmons as a star who's a better distributor than a shooter. And Jimmy feels like the man in late-clock situations, late-game situations, late game situations.

Their look, and Embed's not a great free throw shooter. So Butler may be the third most talented guy, but I think on a lot of nights, he feels like I'm the man. And frankly, I do want him taking the shot late. So I think Butler Joy works in Philadelphia. I think he works in Philadelphia, but I think he goes to Houston.

All right. Okay. All right. So I'm going to go Philadelphia. Next up, Kyrie Irving. This is the one I have sourced. I've been told he grew up a Nett's fan. Listen, I think Brooklyn will always fight the Yankees, the Jets, the Giants, the Knicks. They need a star.

DeAngelo Russell is a good player. He's not a star like Kyrie Irving. So I'm going to predict. This is the one I felt for the last month that Kyrie Irving goes to the Brooklyn Nets. I don't think he makes them significantly better. I think he's flaky. He's better than DeAngelo Russell, but he is harder to play with. And they're already good at guard.

There's things the Nets need. It's not guard play. but this is where I think he goes and I think he feels loved and this is where he goes. I agree with you. I don't think it makes them better like you said. They're going to be about the same but Kyrie in New York, he's a star. It works and the nuts were fun last year.

They were. Number three. Clay Thompson. This is the easy one. Clay Thompson's going to be a Golden State worry. He's not going anywhere. First of all, he's the second or third best two-way player in the league after Kauai Leonard. He, Paul George, he plays both. fans. Great kid. Great personality. Dad was a pro. He gets the game. And frankly, he's very

comfortable being the man every third night. He's good with that. That's his DNA. His dad was the same way. His dad's very chill. I know his dad. I like his dad. His son's very similar. He doesn't need this constant validation from the world. He likes his shots and he doesn't want you to forget him. He's not going to be the fourth scoring option, but his personality works. And I think he's really undervalued in the NBA. I've said this before. I think Clay Thompson is the only player in the NBA that fits on every roster. LeBron doesn't. Kyrie doesn't. M.B. doesn't. Clay fits on every coach is saying, can you get me a guy that plays both ways, not a huge ego and can hit a three? That's Clay Thompson. I think he stays with the Warriors, too. Although it would be so fun to

imagine him playing with LeBron, though. Oh, yeah, it would be. It's not going to happen, though. All right. How about number four? Kemba Walker. This is the one I actually kind of feel strongly about. I think he works within Brad Stevens system. He had a very strong-willed college coach, Jim Calhoun. Jim Calhoun was a strong coach. Kemba has played underneath a coach who's got a strong system, and he flourished.

Brad Stevens has his system. You have to relinquish some of your identity with Brad Stevens. I also think Stevens outside of Kyrie has a history of making all the guards better. Kemba needs to become a little more relevant because I think he's one of the better players in the league that nobody knows about. I think this is a win-win for both. Yeah, that was going to be my take. He's kind of hidden there in Charlotte. This would be a perfect fit for him.

They need it with Kyrie being gone. And it's the east, so it's wide open. That piece could really be what Boston needs to stay competitive. Let's go. Who's next on this? Al Horford. I'm going to guess Clippers. And first of all, he's mature.

I think they're going to potentially miss out on Kauai Leonard. I think he's coachable. I think he's one of the more amenable players in the league. You can kind of put him in a multitude of systems. Again, in college he had Billy Donovan as a coach. Strong personality. Brad Stevens, strong system. Doc Rivers, strong personality.

I think Al Horford ends up being what the Clippers, I say, settled for because he's not Kauai. But for the record, if you add Al Horford to this team, again, it's a very good basketball team. The Clippers were fun and they were great last year. So this would be a big addition for them. But I kind of like him in New Orleans. And David Griffin's been pulling everything off lately. So I could see it happening. How about next?

Kauai Leonard. I think he stays. And I'm about 51-49 on this. I don't have a strong conviction, but I will say this. Tip of the cap to the ownership, the country, the city, they have done a, it's almost like SEC football. This is the most impressive recruiting job. Free private jets, free penhouses, free food, Kauai and Dine.

And here's the other thing. didn't you find Toronto's veteran players? Like, it's a good fit. Like, Kauai kind of just, Kauai was the best player, but he kind of just fit in with a bunch of smart veteran guys. Not a lot of drama on this team, not a lot of ego on this team.

The G, Nick Nurse is one of the most, like, laid-back coaches. I kind of think it works in Toronto. I think he says, I mean, nobody, literally no one knows what Kauai going to do. We're all just guessing when it comes to Kauai, but I don't see how you leave all that. It doesn't feel as big with the Clippers. And his legacy's already set. He's already a

Hall of Famer, finals MVP twice, two championships, just stay in Toronto and own Canada. Next up, Tobias Harris. I'm going to go wildcard here. I'm going to say Tobias Harris ends up going to the New York Knicks because they don't get Kyrie. They land Kevin Durant potentially, but Kevin Durant can't play. And so they settle. for overpaying Tobias Harris. And I think Philadelphia has to make a choice here. And I think it's easier to get rid of Tobias Harris, who's a B player. And it's easier to sign Jimmy Butler, who on his best nights is absolutely an A player on both ends of the floor.

So, and this is the Knicks history. They tell us they're going to land blank, and they land blank. I don't know. I think he ends up staying in Philly. Because I think Jimmy Butler is going to end up in Houston. So I think he stays in Philly. How about next, DeAngelo Russell? I'm going to go Minnesota Timberwolves.

They can pay them the most money. And by the way, Carl Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, what they need is a guard that can score. And I think Minnesota looks at Andrew Wiggins and Carl Anthony Towns, and I think the ownership and the front office looks at that and thinks, guys, we got a hit on this. Like we have to, we can't keep selling to the public in Minneapolis. Hey, Wiggins and Carl Anthony Town.

You're not a playoff team. You need to get an all-star level point. You need a third guy. And I think people are running out of patience with the Timberwolves. The fans are, the owner is. So I think they max him. And I don't think the Lakers have the money to do it. And for the record, Minnesota is a great place to live.

The organization historically is pretty well run. It's a little cold in the winter. But I'm going to go with him in Minnesota. He should go where he can get the most money. And I mean, has any of these players been linked to more teams than DeAngelo Russell. It's like anyone who is available to pay anybody, DeAngelo Russell is getting recruited there.

Even teams that aren't. I saw something about the Sons and Devin Thelma, recruiting him there. Like, everybody wants him. All right. And finally, Kevin Durant. I don't think he makes up his mind Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.

I think Kevin Durant waits a few days. I think Kevin Durant feels he's the best player currently in the NBA, despite what Kauai did in the finals. And Kevin Durant is my biggest. question mark. I know I'm being told he's going to couple with Karee, but I don't think he's going to Brooklyn. I know you keep telling me he's going to New York, but I'll believe it when I see

it, and he can make a lot more in Golden State. He's my big question mark. I think all these stories come out on Sunday and Monday morning, and I think Kevin Durant holds the media and the fans a little hostage for about 72 hours. But you think that he don't know what team he's going to? Because how can any of the other pieces fall before he does? I think he's going to be patient. I think he's going to watch all the dominoes fall. He's going to let everybody make their decision.

And then Kevin on like Wednesday or Thursday morning is going to announce it after the pieces have fallen in place. I felt a lot better about him saying in Golden State a few weeks ago. But I don't know. I honestly have no idea where he's going. I think New York would be fun. But the injury just changed everything. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd, Weekdays and at noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific.

Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies,

and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight. Real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break

it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsClyce on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience

in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing and we're still chasing it

and we don't know when we've done enough because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely.

And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. What's up, guys?

This is Clever Taylor the Fourth. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me. He goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What?

Quarterback on office blue with 42. Hey, rep, my mama want you to wave at her. What? Where's she at? Hey, Miss Parker. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, I'm Joe Rodano.

You might know me as that loud guy who yells out, help on the internet. Help! Somebody! Please! But there's so much more to me than me. I'm an actor. I'm a comedian. And recently, I've become quite the helper myself.

And on my new podcast, Hope from a Hypocrite, I'll be changing lives, helping people in need with my sage advice and thoughtful solutions. Sike! I'm a comedian. I'm not qualified. to give good advice. Join me and my comedian friends as we riff rant and recommend some of the most legally dubious advice known to man. If I'm calling you, even if you're on your phone, let it ring twice. One ring is too scary.

Oh, cream a chicken suit. Hey, cream. Cream a chicken suit. This is Help from a Hypocrite, the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from Hypocrite as part of the MyCultura podcast network available on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. One of my favorite guys, Ennis Cantor, Portland Trailblazer, pending free agent. You are so fascinating because you played with Durant, you played in New York, then you went to a small market in Portland, and it was a perfect fit. So let's start about that.

They get Nurkich back, meaning you could make an argument. They don't want to double pay for the same skill set. Does it concern you that this team that adopted you within an hour, that you are family day one they may not be able to afford you I mean like you said from the day one they opened their arm give me a warm welcome well first my first

like 15 games with them NERC was playing and I was coming from the bench it was an amazing fit you know I don't I don't have any problem with coming off the bench because all I care about is just go out there and win it so I mean it's the decision they need to make that if they can you know afford me or not but I mean

everybody whole world knows that how much I love playing important and how much I love the city. What was really nice this year is that Damien Lillard finally was a national story. Yes. He's been great in Portland. This year he became a national story. We all went, yeah, he's great, and now we all acknowledge it.

Give my audience a sense of what he is like when we don't see him on the court. What makes him special? Well, I think what makes him special is he makes himself better and he makes everybody else better on him. That's all make him really special. And, I mean, I know he was an amazing player, but I didn't know what kind of. person he was before I get to Port him. But once I get to Port then I'm like, that's why

this organization is so professional and amazing because he starts with him. And just how he treats players. I mean, his teammates, I remember in the locker room, everybody has so much confidence because of him. And everybody feels so comfortable just playing with Dame because he's actually

a very nice guy. Yeah. They always say you're as good as your star in the NBA. He'll set the tone to the locker room. If you're a star is a good dude, sharing, caring, and a hard worker, everybody else feels they have to work equally hard. That's exactly what it is, man. Yeah.

All right, so let's talk about Kevin Durant. So you played, and we all change in life. Young Kevin Durant didn't have two titles. Young Kevin Durant isn't the Kevin Durant now. He has changed. He's evolved. He's still a little needy for me. I don't think he should go to New York.

That's my takeaway. You played in New York. You know James Dolan. you know the dysfunction. Right, right. Do you think he goes to New York and how does it work if he does? If I was him, I mean, don't get him wrong,

I love New York, I love the Knicks, you know, I love the fans, MSG and everything is cool. But I think I see him going to Brooklyn with Kyrie. Because, I mean, I know KD and I know his personality and everything. The media might be a little harsh ornament with New York because if you're KD, if you're going to the Knicks, if you're not winning, they're going to play. name you. But I think, I think I feel like I see him going to Brooklyn. I wish you went to

Nick. I wish you go to Knicks. But I think I see him going to Brooklyn. Do you think he could play well? I mean, why, why do you think he would give up all that money? Like, is he unhappy in Golden State? I don't, I would never say he's unhappy. Obviously, he would just want the title and everything. But I think all that injury stuff and everything, I think he's kind of a little mad at the the Warriors. And, well, I think, I think it'll be, I think Brooklyn would be a good fit for him. When you, we talk about money on the table. So I want you to talk as a professional athlete.

I, if Kauai is my son or my client, I could never say, give up 50 million. I could never tell a professional. Because I know the billionaire guy up top, he's not giving money back. In fact, I think the billionaires at the top of these leagues love it. when players feel loyalty and they got to get titles, and the owner's like, yes, I'll save more money. Could you give up $50 million guarantee? Well, if I was in their shoes,

and if I am that caliber of a player, I'm going to make that money for endorsements. So, yes, if I am trying to win, I will give up that much money to go to a team that where I can play and be happy and play basketball that I love. but because I know if my team do good, I'm going to make that money from an endorsement.

So winning is most important to you? To me, yes, winning is more important. When you're on a losing basketball team, is it a miserable life even though your paychecks are big? Tell me. I mean, I had a stretch with the Knicks with a whole month. We only got one win. And I remember I was seeing everybody,

my teammates' face in a locker room. It was just, you know, that everybody worked so hard and they love for basketball, we were just not having fun. You know, the basketball that you love doing your job, you're just not becoming fun anymore. You just don't even want to go to practice because you lose in every game.

It was just so frustrating and it was just so bad. But I think everything so with winning. You know, I mean, I just, once I get to Portland, man, I was like, my life changed. You know, I was just a different person, not a player. I was a different person. You're happier. Happier, yes.

So you went, didn't you do a fasting during the playoffs? Yes, I did. Okay, so I got to ask about this. So you didn't eat anything. Or drink anything. Okay, for how long? For, especially because we were in Portland, it was 17 hours. Okay, so was there a game that day?

Yes, he was. It was in Denver, too. Now, was this religious? Yes. Okay, so it was the month of Ramadan. Okay, so you're a month of Ramadan. So you went 17 hours. Nothing. No water. No water. No drinking.

How as a professional athlete, did you do that? So I do it once or twice a week, do it during the season. So my buddy's used to doing it. And the fact that I just wanted to go out and show the whole world, that game of basketball is mental or physical. So if you put your mind on it, you can do it. Just because I just wanted to show the whole world, my mind was so sharp, and I was like,

there's no way I can go out there and play bad, because they're going to blame the Ramadan. And I just went out there, man, just pay attention to the little details and then, uh, no water. I remember actually, so we were to water break, but this water guy just kept bit of me water. I'm like, I'm good, I'm good, you know, because he didn't know. I was fasting.

And then after a sudden, why don't you, why don't you drink water? I was like, I'm fasting. I was like, man, I'm sorry. And I remember my teammates were drinking waters and get raised and right next to me. I'm like, man, that looks good. But, you know what? I was looking at the time. I was like, I was keep asking the train.

It was like, how many hours left? It was like two hours left. One hour left. I was like, okay, you can break your friends during the, during the half time. So I was just eating some like peanut brown jelly sandwich, some bananas. And it was fine. Good for you. Mental strength.

Okay. So I heard a terrible thing. I love Zion Williams. Okay. He can pass. He's big. He's strong. I think he's got a magnetism.

Okay. You think he's overrated. Just say it. You can say it. Okay. I, so. I kind of feel like he's overhyped. I feel like he's Julius Randall with hops.

He's Julius Randall with a... That's how I believe. By the way, you're not the first person who said that. Well, some players are even scared to say it, but you know me. I'm not scared to say anything. So Julius Randall, but more vertical. Yes, there you go. That's exactly how would you defend him?

Oh, well, I would just defend, probably just, I would just, let him shoot, you know. But if he developed his shot, he definitely could become a Hall of Famer. But, I mean, it's all in his hand. He just need to put the work in and just go out there and just show the whole world. You know, it's interesting.

You played Denver and beat them. Denver was really young. Toronto won the final. They were really old. I think there's incredible value to players 29, 30, 31 in this. league. I think it's a man's league. In fact, I'm a big believer that college kids should stay in college for two years for mental growth, physical growth. A lot of these guys come in after

one year, they fall apart physically. They're dealing with you and you're 35 pounds heavier and stronger than a college center. So when you look at all these veterans and you watch the draft, how do veterans like you, you've been in the NBA now, it'll be your ninth year. How do you look at rookies. Oh, man. Just to, just to abuse him on the floor? Oh, yes. We cannot wait for him to come to the league.

And just because they hype him so much and they this and that. And they, I mean, they're a rookie. They are already saying, oh, he's going to become a hall of fame. He hasn't played a minute in NBA court yet. So they were just hyping him so much. I feel like us veterans just cannot wait for him to just go out there, play against them. And whenever we play against them, I was like, okay, welcome to the Man's League. I love what Kobe Bryant said is.

NBA of no boys allow. So I love that comment. Every time I go out there, I'm like, it's a man's league, man. So just go out there and just show the, welcome to the league. Oh, by the way, I couldn't have you on if I didn't ask about Westbrook. I'm very critical of Westbrook. I have to know that from last year. I'm not, I don't hate him.

I think he's overhyped. I think he's hard to play with. I think there's a certain rigidity to him that makes it difficult. He's had the last couple years, the playoffs have been ugly. If I said to you tomorrow, you could play with Durant again or Westbrook, who did you enjoy playing with more? I asked that question almost. I get that question almost every week.

Really? Oh, yeah, every week from somebody. The kids ask me about basketball camps or just some media guy asked me this and that. I will pick Rasbrook any day. Really? I just have so much fun playing with him. People just keep saying, like, I know you just, you know, you don't like him as much, but he is actually

and not hard to play with man like literally and when are you in his team is just you cannot take any position, not games, any position off every time like you're out there he just makes you get you ready for the game Durant, don't get him wrong

I'm obviously he's one of the best in the whole world but I'm definitely big best brother. I cannot believe that by the way you're wearing a herd shirt can we see this look at the loyalty to the brand And I, isn't that amazing? I heard you have a present for me.

Yes, I do. I know you're a blazer fan. I've covered them for six and a half years. Yeah. And I've always been called a zero, so you got me a double zero. Doubles yep, there you go. Thank you very much. Oh, no problem, my man.

You are the best. NS Canter, good seeing you, buddy. I appreciate it, man. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the IHeart Radio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. So Vegas released their Westgate, released their MVP odds. And I'm going to just name the quarterbacks they listed.

So there's a couple of defensive ends. There's a couple of running backs. There's a handful of wide receivers. There's one tight end, two tight ends. These are the quarterbacks they listed. Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rogers, Andrew Luck, Carson, Wenz, Drew Breeze, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Big Ben, Matt Ryan Baker, Mayfield, Jared Gough, Cam Newton, Deshawn Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Matt Stafford,

Kirk Cousins, Dachronham, Derek Carr, James Winston, Kyler, Murray Lamar, Jackson, Marcus Mariota, Mitchell Tribesky, Nick Foles. Only six teams did not have their quarterback mentioned. Many of those teams have kids, Josh Allen for Buffalo, Miami, Josh, Rosen, Washington, of course, has Dwayne Haskins. Do you notice Eli Manning doesn't get mentioned? Vegas considers two tight ends, six running backs, and multiple wide receivers, Lamar Jackson, Mitch Trubisky, and rookie Kyler Murray to be four times minimum as likely

to win MVP as Eli Manning. Now, they could have the problem solved in New York, but New York, which likes you to believe they're an edgy, tough, brutal, honest, bottom line town. went small-town America, when the Giants were two and nine, benched Eli, and the city imploded. Tough, brutal, honest, authentic New York couldn't handle their two-and-nine quarterback being benched,

which forced their front office to do this instead of Sam Darnold. The New York Giants have not. traded this pick. They have made it. Could it be Sam Darnold? Could it be Sequan Barkley? This is a linchpin pick of the 2018 draft. With the second pick in the 2018

NFL draft, the New York Giants select Saquan Barkley running back, Penn State. Well, what it tells you right off the bat is that Dave Gettleman did not believe that any of the quarterbacks left on the board were a franchise quarterback.

Or it tells you that when they benched Eli going two and nine. The city imploded. Therefore, ownership and the front office passed on Sam Darnold because they knew if they brought Darnold in, it wouldn't be a good look to Eli Manning. And so now the rival Jets have the star quarterback of the future in the city playing in MetLife Stadium, the same stadium as the New York Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles bailed on Nick Foles who beat Tom Brady and was a Super Bowl. winning quarterback, bailed on him. In fact, they bailed on him twice. And the Giants can bail on Eli. Look at the Super Bowl odds, the MVP odds. There are multiple pass rushers, multiple

backs, two tied ends, wide receivers, Lamar Jackson, Mitch Trubisky, not even classic pocket guys, Kyler Murray. No, Eli. Well, it's just, it's just setting up to be the greatest MVP run of all time. Everybody counted him out. Bean Bay let Fav go after an NFC championship season. Indy let Peyton Manning go. San Francisco let Joe Montana go, and he had a lot of gas in the tank. I mean, New York, you keep telling me how tough, how edgy, how brutal, how honest, how authentic you are.

You went Mayberry. Your two and nine quarterback, four straight bad seasons bench, you couldn't handle it. This is what you are. Not even listed on the pro football MVP odds. Not even listed. They have multiple Joey Bose is on there And your quarterback's not Last night, a blown call changed a game

This morning, the internet lost its mind And nobody's telling you exactly what happened That's where sports slice comes in I'm Timbo and every episode We're cutting through the noise Breaking down the biggest moments in sports And giving you the real story behind the headline And we're going straight to the source

The athletes themselves Their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to SportsSlic on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy,

not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, guys? This is Clivert Taylor the 4th.

And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me, he goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out.

Quarterback on office blue with 42. Hey, Brett. My mama want you to weigh better. What? Hey, Miss Parker. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021.

And I'm Conky, his best friend and business manager. And we've got a new show called The 1021 Podcast. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner, we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.