Howard Beck, journalist and staff writer for The Ringer, joins Zach to discuss the Jrue Holiday trade to Boston, potential match-ups in the East, fallout from the Damian Lillard trade, James Harden's absence, and more.

ESPN's Bobby Marks joins Zach to discuss the Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee and its impact on the Bucks, Blazers, Suns, Heat, and Raptors. They also explore potential fake Jrue Holiday trades.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves discusses his journey and Lakers team workouts. DNVR's Adam Mares previews the Denver Nuggets, covering replacing players, staggering starters, and getting Michael Porter Jr. more involved.

ESPN's Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahon discuss Damian Lillard trade rumors, potential Buddy Hield trades, the new-look Indiana Pacers, and preview the Mavericks and Jazz. They also reflect on underestimating the Utah Jazz, the surprising performance of Markkanen, and the importance of defense in the competitive Western Conference.

Kevin Pelton and Andrew Lopez join Zach Lowe to discuss intriguing players for the upcoming NBA season, potential trades involving Damian Lillard, resting policy, injuries plaguing the New Orleans Pelicans, and the expectations for the San Antonio Spurs

Ramona Shelburne and Zach discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments about his future, potential trade options for the Milwaukee Bucks, the championship aspirations of the Golden State Warriors, James Harden's uncertain future, and the covert world of tampering in the NBA.

Tim MacMahon discusses Team USA's failure at the FIBA World Cup and the Lakers' place in the West after Christian Wood signing. Blake Murphy weighs in on Team Canada and the Raptors' outlook for the 2023-24 season.

ESPN's basketball analyst, Bobby Marks, discusses the James Harden situation, Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments, Damian Lillard trade scenarios, and Team USA's performance at the FIBA World Cup.

Zach and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone go behind the scenes on the Nuggets journey to the 2023 NBA title, then ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk join to talk the Clippers at the crossroads, the James Harden situation, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe begins the podcast discussing the latest on Bronny James following his Cardiac Arrest, and Jaylen Brown's new supermax contract extension, then he bounces around the Western Conference: ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to talk Rockets (7:16), Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic discusses what's next with the Thunder (37:01) , and finally Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic details what a quiet offseason so far means for the strange Minnesota Timberwolves. (1:03:03)10:46- The Rockets young pieces14:45- Jabari Smith Jr.'s emergence26:16- Alperun Penguin's fit with team33:15- What does Dillon Brooks bring?39:00- OKC's plans for implementing Chet Holmgren45:00- Who will make OKC's final roster?52:25- Is Josh Giddey the odd man out?1:08:52- Looking back at the Wolves postseason performance1:13:00 Karl-Anthony Towns future with team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices