The Athletic NBA Daily NBA Trade Season Begins
Dec 15, 2025
Sam Amick, a veteran NBA reporter from The Athletic, joins to discuss the pulse of the league amid trade season. He dives into OKC's emerging dominance and how their draft prowess alters rivals' strategies. The conversation turns to the Clippers' internal turmoil and concerns about their leadership. Amick evaluates potential trades involving stars like Giannis, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Kuminga, mapping out their market prospects and the implications for various contenders. Insightful takes on what teams must do to stay competitive round out the discussion.
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Thunder's Dominance Alters League Strategy
- Oklahoma City's dominance may create a chilling effect on other teams' timelines and strategies.
- Sam Amick suggests teams might delay moves or extend timelines because they doubt they can catch OKC.
Draft Picks Are A Modern Cheat Code
- The Thunder's draft-pick stockpile is a unique competitive advantage under the current CBA.
- Sam Amick calls those future picks a "nightmare" for other teams facing competitive balance issues.
Patience Over Panic In Building Plans
- Teams may choose patience over risky trades when a dominant team reshapes the title picture.
- Sam Amick notes franchises might let expensive contracts run down instead of compromising future assets.