The Kevin O'Connor Show Trae Young gets traded, Nuggets silver linings, rolling Pistons, Deni’s rise + the future of Giannis
Jan 8, 2026
Tom Haberstroh, a savvy basketball analyst, joins to dissect the recent trade of Trae Young to the Wizards. They explore how Young will gel with Washington's young roster while assessing Atlanta's trade haul and what it means for future moves. The duo elaborates on Deni Avdija's impressive breakout game and debates Giannis's potential future with the Bucks. Plus, they delve into the Pistons' surprising dominance in the East and the Nuggets' resilience without Nikola Jokic, all wrapped in insightful analysis and lively banter.
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Trade Was More CBA Than Basketball
- The Trae Young trade returned low basketball value for Atlanta but meaningful salary and roster flexibility.
- Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh argue the deal is more CBA-driven than purely basketball-driven.
Don’t Swap Youth For An Injured Star
- Avoid trading for older, injury-prone stars like Anthony Davis unless the price is cheap and the timeline aligns.
- Tom warns Atlanta against trading youthful flexibility for an immediate but risky veteran upgrade.
Trae Must Re-Sell Himself By Adapting
- Trae Young must adapt and avoid hijacking the offense to rehabilitate his value and earn a big contract.
- Both hosts urge Young to play within a developing Wizards system and showcase teammate-enhancing skills.