The Bill Simmons Podcast Why Giannis Won’t Be a Knick, UFC’s Latest Boom, the Movie Theater Renaissance, Six Stages of Sean Penn, and ‘One Battle After Another’ With Ariel Helwani and Wesley Morris
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Oct 8, 2025 
Ariel Helwani, a leading MMA journalist, shares insights on why the Knicks' hopes of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo are dim due to asset limitations. He also discusses UFC's bright future and the potential of 2026 being a landmark year with exciting matchups. Film critic Wesley Morris dives into the revival of movie theaters, celebrating the return of original films thanks to bold studio choices. He analyzes Sean Penn's evolving career and provides thoughts on Paul Thomas Anderson's latest project, highlighting its depth and importance.
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Giannis Desire Vs. Knicks Practicality
- Giannis likely wants a new team but a Knicks trade is impractical given salary/apron and lack of assets.
- Ariel and Bill think New York is appealing but Knicks lack picks/roster flexibility to plausibly land him this year.
Salary Cap And Trade Constraints
- The Knicks are hard-capped under the second apron, limiting trades and signings even if desire exists.
- Bill warns the team already used most assets and trading core pieces risks crippling their immediate championship window.
Giannis Wants Meaningful Playoff Time
- Giannis appears driven by playing meaningful playoff basketball more than chasing rings at this point.
- Bill shows Giannis' relatively limited playoff series wins (8) compared to historic greats as motivation for change.