NBA Trade Deadline Analysis: James Harden to Cavs, Utah Jazz Tanking, & Spurs' Rise

Evan Groat sits down with NBA expert Mark Medina to break down all the major storylines as the league approaches the All-Star break and the dust settles on the trade deadline.

Chapters:

• 0:45 - Discussion on the James Harden trade to the Cavaliers and initial reactions.1
• 1:57 - Reasons why the Harden trade "makes sense" for Cleveland, who were looking for a "win now" player after flaming out in the playoffs.2
• 3:18 - Analysis of the Cavaliers' potential for a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference following the acquisition of Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroeder.3
• 5:11 - Discussion on the Utah Jazz and "extreme tanking" after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr..4
• 6:16 - The Jazz's strategy of sitting players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen for the entire fourth quarter to increase their odds of losing games, and how Danny Ainge is "milking the system".5
• 6:33 - The NBA's response to tanking, including the Play-In Tournament and the upcoming questions for Commissioner Adam Silver at All-Star Weekend.6
• 10:28 - The main story of the trade deadline: Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Milwaukee Bucks.7
• 10:46 - Why the Bucks didn't trade Antetokounmpo and the expectation that more teams, potentially including the Lakers, will be in the mix next offseason.8
• 14:49 - Mark Medina states the San Antonio Spurs are "the real deal" and ready for the big time, and could be on the path to an NBA Finals appearance.9

• • 15:13 - What the Spurs have shown this season with Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Castle, and Dylan Harper, and the potential for a new dynasty