TRUTH: The Washington Wizards Darius Garland Rumors are NONSENSE | Keep Building The Core

TRUTH: The Washington Wizards Darius Garland Rumors are NONSENSE | Keep Building The Core

It's smokec screen season. A new rumor surfaces that the Wizards potentially are linked to trade talks regarding Darius Garland from Cleveland. Uh here to tell you right now, this is a bunch of nonsense. You are Locked [music] On Wizards, your daily Washington Wizards podcast, part of the Locked Onet. Your team every day. DC family, you are locked on to the Washington Wizards, where you're part of our family. We thank you for making Locked on Wizards your [music] first listen every single day. We're part of the Lock On podcast network. We're your team every day. Today's episode is brought to you by Game Time. Download the Game Time app, create an account, [music] and use code lock on NBA for $20 off your first purchase alongside the DC Sports Content Creating Sav. I'm Ben Strober. I cover the Washington Wizards for [music] Roundtable IO. AB, it's uh smokec screen season, so a lot of rumors flying around these days. How about that? >> DG Darius Garland, a guy who I was pretty high on in the 2019 draft. It's funny if you look back my first video I did on YouTube, me talking about it was actually on this couch right here where I talked about a mock draft and I wanted the Wizards to draft Cam Reddish. Crazy how they ended up going with Rui Hachima and DG was a guy that I was very high on out of Vanderbilt. But seeing these mock trades, Ben, I mean, the guy that reported it, I sent it to you and I'm like, there's just no way this is real. There's no way this is happening. >> So, this is a report coming from Jake Weinbach NBA at Jay Weinbach NBA on X. He says, "The Timberwolves, Magic, and Wizards be considered potential candidates pursu pursue Darius Garland for Cleveland if the Cavs engage in trade discussions centered around the two-time all-star. Garland should retrieve strong interest from teams in need of lead guard duties." Okay. Yeah, the only thing that really makes sense from his report in my opinion is that the Wizards are in need of a lead guard on this team. We know that. That's a fact. Uh I think that's intentional and I think that's something that's probably going to continue throughout the entirety of this NBA season. But first of all, just to kind of like sway these rumors into a direction where like I I feel like some people on Twitter are getting way too worked up about this, thinking [laughter] this is something that's actually going to happen. I instantly reached out to Danny Cunningham of the Locked On Cavaliers podcast. Uh great guy. He brings me on his show lots of previews. So, uh check out his channel. I'm not sure if he's going to cover this or not, but uh based on his words, he's probably not going to be covering it because I said, "What are your thoughts on this rumor even flying around? Like, I just I haven't even looked into it yet." And he goes, "Waste of time. Zero incentive for the Cavs to panic trade him right now." I said, "That's what my initial thought was. Was it just speculation over the team lacking consistency?" He said, "I think it's just teams putting noise out there to take advantage of the Cavs struggling right now." And I said, "Noted." All right. So, like I can see that because Cleveland has kind of struggled to find its footing and Darius Garland has been part of that issue. I know he's dealt with some injury that kept him out for like the first 10 or so games of the season. He came back from the injury, hasn't quite been the same. He's missed some additional time with the toe injury and he's a guy that's making pretty significant money right now for this Cleveland team. Let me get the exact amount. He's in the third year of a 5year $197 million contract extension that he signed with the Cavaliers a couple year back. Um, this season hasn't been quite the same for him in terms of his numbers. He is down in terms of career numbers outside of his first year in the league, his rookie season back in 2019. in this year he's averaging 15 and a half points per game. Uh the field goal percentage right now at a career low of 36%. He's only shooting 28% from three which seems kind of unheard of for the guy as well. Uh turning the ball over at a much higher rate than typical as well around three per game. So it hasn't been the same for Garland and I think injury's been a big reason why AB but I don't understand what the rationale would be for the Cavs to move on from him in this situation. And I think this is kind of just the smoke screen that's been created by this account here. And I've never really found any type of credibility from the guy that's even reporting it. Um, like I know he has like a professional layout to his account. Like he has a head shot there, but uh I've never >> Nowadays you can barely trust anybody, Ben, sometimes >> like I don't even understand. I don't know who he works for. Like he just his name is just NBA and I think he just tweets about the NBA. like I haven't seen any type of credibility to his name anywhere. So, I'm not going to buy this until I see any other indication that this is any legitimacy to this rumor. And I just don't think this makes sense for a lot of different reasons. But I'll let you weigh in here. >> Yeah. First Sabonis, now Darius Garland. It's crazy, Ben. The game that the Wizards and Cavs faced off recently, he struggled in that game. DG Donovan Mitchell carried the load and ultimately ended up scoring 48 points. The Cavs did come back, but maybe they're concerned with the fact that this is a team that's being inconsistent when it comes to their play. I think they're a couple games above 500, dealing with injuries. I love this guy on uh Xben Wizards Muse. Great content, but he put out a tweet that it was just I don't know if you saw it, Ben, but he said the Wizards would trade for Daryus Garland, Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr. salary fillers and the Cavs will get Chris Middleton below Bub Carrington that 2026 first round pick that it's going to be I think OKC's first round pick and a 2029 first round pick. Let me ask you this, Ben. I Chris Milton, okay, but I think it's too soon to give up on Bal and Bub Carrington, two young guys who I think Bal's like, he's not even close to scratching the surface now. I think the injuries, it is concerning and how much money you're going to pay him. A lot of young talent on this team, but it just wouldn't make sense, man. I'd rather go with a guy in Darren Peterson in the draft. Darius Garland, very talented. I love his game. Very shifty, so quick. It just wouldn't make sense to trade both Bub and Bal that that first round pick OKC I it's going to be pick 30 29 20 at the at the least. I just I I don't I don't see this happening at all and I just think it's just smoke it's all smoke screen and it's just funny that he used the whole idea of needing a point guard I understand but Daryus Garland and plus this mock trade of giving up Bub and Bel I just don't see it happening at all. No, I think that that's preposterous to give up two young players that you took in the first round over the past couple seasons in this trade. Um like that that's not happening. The Wizards also giving up an additional first round pick in that is not happening because why would you bail out Cleveland in this situation? The only reason you could see Cleveland even moving on from a player like Garland, which is not going to happen first of all. Like I want to make that clear that the Cavaliers are not going to trade Darius Garland. and I'll like I'll just come out straight up and say that right now. If I'm wrong somehow, then I'm wrong, I guess. But I don't see that happening. Um, they'd be doing it because they'd be trying to move money. They're a second apron team. They'd be trying to free up some financial space, I guess. Why would you bail a team out that's trying to get off his contract? Like, you're not going to bail them out and give them a first round pick in that situation? That just wouldn't make any sense uh for the Wizards to do from this sense. But I said it before about the Sabonis thing which I think had a lot more credibility. I mean Sam A of the Athletic does great work. He is a legitimate NBA reporter. He says things with real merit. Like he has real conversations with people around the building that know these things. And I like Danny Cunningham is even somebody that is around the building in Cleveland. So I trust his input on this whole situation as well. Uh compared to a guy on Twitter that I just haven't seen any type of credibility from to make this type of rumor. I said it before about the Sabonis thing and I'll say it again. I don't think the Wizards should make this type of move until the off season when you know what your biggest need's going to be because if you do land Darren Peterson this draft, then you run into another point where like where where does Garland fit in in that situation? Maybe he would fit in playing at the one and then you'd have Peterson playing the two, but then what are you doing about Trey Johnson who you just took with the six overall pick a year ago? So, a lot of this isn't isn't adding up from a sense. I know the Wizards are going to have to take on like a bad contract. They're going to have to take in some money because that's what happens when you have all the cap space freeing up. You have two over $30 million players on your team right now that are your old veterans are almost like your your tank anchors in a way right now in McCome. >> I like that tank anchors. >> Yeah, there's somebody that comments that all the time. So, I I sto I stole that one from him. Uh but with those guys going to be out the door after this season or, you know, probably before that at this point, you're you're not seeing a situation where they're not going to take in some new money. They're going to add new money to their books. That's the whole reason why you free up this flexibility. But they're going they're going to want to get assets in return for it. And I don't think it's going to be like a type of player like Garland where you add him to your team as a 25-year-old who's going to make instant impact. Maybe they do something like that during the summer. I don't foresee this happening uh during the year. But what we do know, and I'll put this out there because Verun Shunker, the Washington Post, uh, has said this, he's said this to me. I've heard him say this on his podcast as well, is there's not much interest around the league in C.J. Mcome unless the Wizards are are taking in a multi-year salary in return. Like, you're not going to see a straight up player for pick situation for C.J. Mcome. And that's to be expected with the type of money he's making. But the Wizards are going to have to make a bigger financial commitment and put someone on their books on a multi-year deal in order to get that deal done. So, I think people should just kind of keep that out there, keep that in their minds. >> At this point, Ben, you just want draft capital. You want obviously we're going to have that salary cap that you're going to take as a hit. But right now, from what we've seen from Will Dawkins, and down the line, there's going to be a point where you have all this draft capital and then event alluded [clears throat] to to the fact that you make that Donovan Mitchell type move where you're maybe competing for the playoffs, but this is a guy who can put you over the edge and make you competitive in the Eastern Conference. And who knows with Giannis under Kmpo's situation if they he's dealt Milwaukee is going to be re rebuilding the Knicks right now. Let's we'll see what happens tonight. Knicks and Spurs. You want to make sure that you're competitive within these next two to three years. Next year, Ben, we can't use the excuse or justifying tanking. There's just there's going to be a different theme that we're going to have to follow because I always go back to the fact Ted Leonis doesn't want two rebuilding teams until Vetkin retires and Wizards fans just are just fed up. you you see how empty Capital One Arena is. You see all the away fans, they need to see some form of progress and we're hoping we'll see some flashes of that in the second half of the season when young guys are playing a lot more. But at the end of the day, guys like Darius Garland, it just wouldn't make any sense. It's bogus. We're probably going to get so many comments talking about, well, this is this is a waste of a video. It's not a waste of a video. Wizards fans are think on social media saying that, "Hey, this is a possibility." We're here to tell you Sabonis Daryus Garland not happening. Yeah, you couldn't have said it any better than you just did. I'm sure we'll see the comments about that. Uh, moving on. Something people who aren't interested in the trade rumor, I guess, because it's bogus. Will Dawkins join the sports junkie say he gave some updates regarding some of the injured Washington Wizards. I want to break that down for you when we come back. When Skiims announced they were making underwear for men, the reaction made perfect sense. People have been talking about Skiims comfort for years. Most guys, though, stick to whatever they've been buying since college. the same fits, the same waistbands that roll, and a whole lot of settling. Skiims men's changes that one upgrade, and it's obvious why everyone's been talking. They're designed to feel good, fit right, and actually stay put. No slipping, no sagging, no adjusting, just genuinely great underwear that makes you feel confident and comfortable. My favorite pair is these stretch five boxer briefs that stand out to me because of the fit and the fabric. It's soft, supportive, and comfortable all day long. They don't ride up, they don't lose their shape, and they hit exactly where they're supposed to on the thigh. Whether you're working, traveling, working out, or just hanging out at home, these feel better than anything you've ever been used to. I didn't expect underwear to be a gamecher, but SKIMS completely surprised me. Shop Ski Men now at skims.com. And when you place your order, choose podcast in the post-purchase survey and select our show locked on wizards from the dropown menu to let let them know that we sent you. Plus, the Skiims holiday shop is open. So, if you're looking for the perfect gift this season, Skiims has you covered. Ben, before we start this, shout out to you. I saw EB calling you the greatest Wizards analyst out there, jokingly talking about how you're the only one that watches this team, and rightfully so, man. I'm I'm kind of in there at two, but the fact that we're out there trying to cover this team when not many people out there on social media are talking about it, we just got to keep on fighting. >> Yeah, that was a a wild way to begin the interview. So that the whole interview was was crazy at the start because I guess he was listening beforehand and the junkies were talking about Christmas trees and putting trains around Christmas trees and you know all that holiday festive stuff and Will was like, "Oh, I learned something from you guys like I need to get a a train around my Christmas tree." And they were talking about that and then EB's like um so my nickname on the show for people that don't listen is Unfunny Ben uh for whatever reason. Uh we'll just we'll leave it at that but he's like unfunny Ben. He is the number one Wizards analyst and Will is like, "Yep, yep." You know, he's he's locked in. That's a that's a good name for him because of his show. So, that started [laughter] off with a a banger right there. But, he gave some updates today that I actually want to go through. All jokes aside about the beginning of that interview, which was was very very funny. I had a lot of people that texted me right away uh after that one started. You're expecting to get some pretty key pieces back here soon. And we talked about this yesterday with Ed Oliver Abdullah that like it's going to be interesting to see how the Wizards manage the rotation when those players come back because Bal Kulabali Alexar and Chris Middleton he says he expects to be tracked to come back within the next 7 to 10 days or so. So, when you come off your second road win, fourth overall win of the season, like you're at a point where, okay, like you're you're starting to find your footing a little bit in terms of like what you're doing rotationally, but with the injuries that have happened to this team as of recently, it's made it interesting because you've had the young guys like Will Riley and Jir Watkins step up in a big way. But then if you're going to get these three players and Sar uh Kulabali and Middleton back into the fold, you know, Middleton's going to start. Bal probably going to start as well. Okay, that makes sense. Then you're like you're kicking Champenny out of the lineup who, you know, is going to play minutes for this team. Um, you know, you're gonna have that type of rotational change as well. Um, I don't know how they're going to end up managing it because like there are a lot of minutes to go around and if like we're really this meritocracy uh type of rotation at this point like that's what we preach and that's what we're seeing from Watkins and Riley. You can't remove those guys from the rotation completely, but how are they going to manage it is what I'm wondering. >> It's it's a bad look, man. I'll tell you this right now. If coach Brian Keefe only gives garbage time minutes to W Riley and Jir Watkins when those guys come back. All respect to Chris Melton. love what we're hoping that bel is that guy here in DC was the first draft pick of the world Dawkins era but how will Ryland Jir Watkins is playing there is no doubt that they deserve those minutes going back to the whole meritocracy will talking about how minutes going to be earned not given it would be doing a disservice if we if we would be having those guys those young guys only playing garbage time minutes look at it Jir Watkins recently just defensively 15 points a guy who can also rebound as well the 611 wingspan will Riley we want him to a guy who can score at all three levels. The wingspan also is there. The playmaking is underrated, too. And we're just scratching. We're just scratching it the surface with that. I think if if you coach Brian Keef, it's a tough test and he's going to be asked about it, Ben. And on top of that, the whole Ken Whitmore situation, it is what it is, but with the amount of guys that you have, we'll see. It's probably going to be easy in the second half of the season because one or two guys will be traded hopefully. It just Wizards fans are already upset at the coach Ben, but it' just be another piece to the layer if you bench Will Riley and Junior Walkkins, especially if they get limited minutes. If if JC Ben goes back to how his minutes was in the early on this season, I'm going to be frustrated. >> Yeah. No, I I mean, can you imagine him going back to like DMPS early checking in for the last 30 seconds of a quarter cuz that stuff was ridiculous. One thing that Dawkins said about Riley that was really interesting, and this stands out to me because if we're like rewarding players based on their practice habits, right? I mean, that's been a big theme of conversation over the last week because of the alleged stuff uh that's come out about Whitmore. I mean, I still think a lot of that practice stuff was false that came out from Dallas, but you know, it's in the past at this point. Dawkins said, "I love Will Riley's approach. There's a few guys that are in the gym all the time, morning, noon, night. He's one of those guys. He also added that he's far from a finished product, but his competitive nature has made his teammates better. And it's interesting because I saw somebody comment this uh and point that out. And now that I think about it, I I do see it as well that Bub has played a lot better since you've seen Watkins and Riley uh inserted into the lineup and playing more significant minutes. Like when those guys are on the floor together, you've seen more production out of Bub. You've seen a lot of production out of everyone. And heck, we've seen the best defensive performance of the entire season. >> 89 points. >> Albeit, Indiana shot the ball like trash in that game. But like, you have to give some credit to the Wizards defense there. They they gave up 40 points under what they typically give up in a game. So, like, you got to give them a little bit of credit in that situation regardless of how bad a shooting day it was for Indiana, who's been a bad team this year. Those guys have made a difference in the way the team has played, the way the team has competed, and Will Riley's a competitor. I keep on saying it, the Wizards only drafted players that compete at the highest level. Trey Johnson, Jamir Watkins, Will Riley, like he's proven to live up to the billing from that standard. So, you can't take those guys out of the rotation right now. That's just the way I look at it. >> Yeah. And with a healthy guys with with Cory Kisser coming back, man, I want to see how he how he handles the situation that he's going to be dealt with cuz he was hooping before he got hurt. There was that Bulls game, that Hawks game. He was on fire. three-point shooting wise. How does Trey Johnson look with everyone back healthy? Because that's one I always talk about how he's the silver lining man the second half of the season. I expect a big usage of Trey. I don't want to see him only getting 15 to 17 minutes. Now if he's dealing with an injury minute restriction, okay, I understand. But if he's completely fine, all the attention should be on this kid. And then you can obviously point towards Alexar Bilal Keshan George. When it comes to the vets, I understand they have this respect, but priority, at least for us Wizards fans and people that cover this team, it just they don't seem long-term like long-term solutions here in DC. And that's expected. I think we all know that they were brought here for that specific reason. And if young guys get DMPS, it just it wouldn't make any sense, especially if they're going out there and ball. I mean, J Watkins did a good job of even though he had 48 points, he it took it he Donovan Mitchell had to actually go out there and and try and give that effort where if it wasn't Jir Watkins probably it would be probably score more than 48. You know, it's 48 points. It is what it is. But this Wizard squad 89 points, I'll take it, Ben. Since 2021, the lowest point total that we've given up, you love to see it. And I can't wait to talk about the Spurs game, Ben, because who the heck is going to guard Winyama if Alexar is not playing? Yeah, that seems like an almost impossible task. It's going to be it's going to be kind of almost funny to see maybe, but I'm I'm looking forward to it. Let's take our last break. When we come back, we'll wrap things up here on Lockdown Wizards. The World Cup is coming back to North America for the first time since 1994. And with 48 teams for the first time ever, it's going to be massive. But let's be honest, getting tickets is usually the hardest part. 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Terms apply. Again, download the app and make an account and use code locked on NBA for $20 off with Game Time. Nobody knows your money goals better than you. Robin Hood puts you in control of your money with tools that work as hard as you do. Locking in on every opening, beating your PR, being it again, channel that drive into your money. Robin Hood puts you in control of your money. Trade stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto all in one platform. You can now build and execute your own trades from a desktop with Robin Hood's Legends Advanced tools. Or take advantage of the new Robin Hood strategies with a tailored portfolio managed by a team of experts. You expect more from yourself, expect more for your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Again, that's robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money, your move. Man, I just keep on thinking like all week about the Spurs game. And then you got the Knicks and Spurs playing in the NBA Cup final tonight. I I barely watch any of the NBA Cup like in all honesty because I just it's dumb. >> We won our first one. That's all that matters. >> We won one. That's cool. But I'm actually going to tune in to this game because uh Knicks marquee team like love watching the New York Knicks play. Uh is that game a home game for the Knicks? Let me double check real quick. >> Do they play? >> It is at the Garden. Okay. So like that's exciting. NBA Cup final game. Uh, I said it all postseason last year. When you see New York lively at Madison Square Gardener in the NBA playoffs, like basketball is in a better spot at that point. So, this will be exciting to see. You get to see one of the better young players in the whole world. And Victor Webmanyama go at it. He's he's just coming back from injury recently. They're fresh off a win over Oklahoma City handing them their second straight loss or second loss of the season. Not second straight. Uh, second loss in 26 games. Not second straight. It's crazy to see how good OKC is doing. >> Both teams are 18 and seven. And I said before the season, Ben, that the Spurs, I understand how great the Thunder are, but the Spurs can be a team that gives the Thunder fits because WBY is just that good. And there is no way to guard him. You just have to try to limit him. >> I just don't understand why we're playing San Antonio twice in the same week within a 4 day span. Yeah. Three-day span. You playing Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Uh you're not playing Saturday. You're on you're on the road in Memphis or you're at home. No, you're on the road in Memphis and then you're home the next day against San Antonio which is very very interesting that >> the NBA wants wants to see the Champenny brothers go at it and Wy and DC. I mean he had his career high last year against the Wizards, right? >> Yeah. I think that was in San Antonio though if I'm not mistaken. Right. >> That was the game where Jordan P had like 40, right? >> Probably. I think so. >> I think I think I think you're right. So, it's going to be exciting to see the way that stacks up. But, is Baggley going to be able to hold his ground against Wemby? Because Bagley, he's been great this year in terms of what his role needs to be, but like in all honesty, uh, defending is probably still the weakest part of his game. He's not like the worst defender, but I wouldn't really say he's like a plus defender. He can rebound for you, which is good. Um, but just having somebody that can even match up with a guy like Wemanyama. I don't think many people in the league can do it. I really hope he doesn't drop 50 points on us. So again, >> this is what you do. You get Vuvich, put Marvin Bagley on his shoulders, stack him up, and that's how we can guard Wemi. No team has done it. I think it's a perfect idea. >> Even then, I feel like WMBBY still would be able to like reach up and be like as as tall as even though that'd be like 14 feet of uh Tristan Vukovich and Marvin Bag. Did you see the video him walking the tunnel WMBBY and he hopped over a fence? >> The fence like it was nothing. Like he does it daily. I mean, goodness, bro. >> He literally stepped over a fence like a normal fence that any normal person like us would see that and go, I guess I'm going to have to go all the way around. He literally stepped over it like it was a cone or something. [laughter] >> Never seen anything like that, >> man. We're one ball away, Ben. I'll never forget. >> One ball away from Flag, who dropped 40 yesterday. Oh, by the way, the Cooper Flag haters, I remember they like you guys are so easy to give up on a dude. 40 points. I know they lost, but he is such a stud as an 18-year-old. An 18-year-old. He scored 40 points in an NBA game. >> It's insane. Like, we need to get that guy here in DC. We need our AJ Debansa uh or Cam Boozer to drop 40 points in a game as a 18 or 19 year old. Not to say I don't love the 19 year olds we have on our team and Trey Johnson, Will Riley. I think they're going to be great. I think they have the potential to put together like a 30 plus point per performance, especially Trey Johnson given his ability to shoot the basketball. Are they on Cooper Flags level though? No. Like Cooper Flag is is going to be a superstar player in this league. Not to say the other guys won't, but Cooper Flag much more of a sure thing. There's a reason he was the most soughtafter draft prospect in such a long time. But now you got another opportunity, another bite at the apple this year in this upcoming draft, which is going to be very exciting. We know we're going to be picking around the top of the draft. Hope Well, we know that we're going to have the best odds to pick around the top of the draft. Whether we actually get to do that is not up to us, right? So, >> if it was up to us, trust me, guys, I would try our best to get number one every single year. >> It's It's all your fault, AB. Like, you you draw you drew the lottery balls. >> You should, bro. Ben, I know we we didn't know each other back, but when I saw six, like, I actually fell to my knees. I'm not even >> I stormed out of my friend's house. Like >> I I screamed something very explicit and I stormed out of the house. I was in my uh my friend's house in College Park at school last year >> and I was like the only one of my friends that actually watches the Wizards and Roots for them and they were like, "Why do you care so much?" And I'm like, "You just don't get it, man. You don't get it." >> My one friend like his mouth was agape. He was like, cuz I I told him I said, "We're going to get six. How much you want to bet? We're going to get six." It just worked out like that. >> Yeah. >> All right. a a wild day covering the NBA. Of course, uh trade rumors, they're nonsense. I don't believe any of this Darius Garland stuff. Uh if you believe it, you can comment, tell us why you think the Wizards should make this move, but I don't think Cleveland has any interest in doing it. Any final thoughts from UAB? No Sabonis, no DG. Keep it with the young guns. See what you can get with CJ or Chris or whoever might net you some draft capital, Court, Marvin Bagley potentially. We'll have to see. But when he's going to be on our mind throughout this week, I wouldn't I wouldn't be surprised if he drops a 40 point game, even 50. He's just so good, man. [laughter] >> He's insane. He's so insane. I'll be excited to see. All right, everybody. We thank you for making Lockdown [music] Wilson your first listen every single day. For your second, check out the Lockdown NBA fantasy [music] basketball podcast hosted by Josh Lloyd. He'll help you get that fantasy lineup right for my co-host Adoi UB. I'm Ben Strober, DC family. Talk to you tomorrow.

In this episode of Locked On Wizards, Ben Strober and Abdullah Youbi break down the swirling Darius Garland trade rumors linking him to Washington. They discuss why the rumors don’t add up, what credible sources are actually saying, and why the Wizards should stick to developing their young core. You’ll also get the latest on key injury updates—and how the returns of Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Khris Middleton could shake up the rotation. Plus, the guys look ahead to the Wembanyama matchup and reflect on what DC fans should expect as the season continues.

Whether you’re venting about trade rumors, excited for the youth movement, or just want insight on the team’s next steps, this episode has you covered!

00:00 — Opening: Garland Trade Rumors Debunked?
01:29 — Why the Rumor Doesn’t Make Sense & Source Credibility
04:52 — Wild Trade Proposals & Sticking With Young Talent
08:32 — Financial Flexibility & When to Make Major Moves
12:22 — Injury Updates & Rotation Crunch
15:02 — Wembanyama Showdown Preview & Final Thoughts

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