The Zach Lowe Show OKC’s Dominance, NBA Cup Preview, and Mega-Trades With Howard Beck! Plus, Mets Corner With Sean Fennessey.
92 snips
Dec 11, 2025 
Howard Beck, a veteran NBA writer, dives into Oklahoma City's impressive start this season and debates their potential dynasty status. He also discusses the landscape of mega-trades in the league and the caution teams feel about overpaying. Meanwhile, Sean Fennessey provides insights into the Mets' recent roster changes, sharing fan reactions to key departures. Together, they explore the complexities of trade dynamics and rebuilding strategies amidst shifting team philosophies.
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Thunder’s Dominance Reshapes Trade Calculus
- Oklahoma City’s 24-1 start and massive net-rating create league-wide recalibration about who should trade or buy to compete.
- Howard Beck and Zach Lowe argue the Thunder’s dominance may make teams more conservative on huge, future-mortgaging trades.
Recent Mega-Trades Breed Caution
- Howard Beck notes recent surge in mega trades since 2019 and that many acquiring teams regretted mortgaging futures.
- That history likely makes GMs more cautious about trading big draft capital for stars like Giannis.
Take Oklahoma City Seriously As The Favorite
- Zach argues OKC is the team to beat and gives them over a 50% championship chance based on current dominance.
- He believes only Denver (and a sliver of Houston) realistically match them as a Finals threat.