Episode 4 of the Sports Betting Tips podcast, with veteran NBA journalist Chris Sheridan and SiriusXM host Noah Coslov, is now available. In this episode, Sheridan and Coslov discuss Kawhi Leonard deals, NBA free agency, and more. Stream the podcast below.
Sheridan and Coslov chatted about the possibility of Kawhi ending up in Philadelphia, a logical potential destination. Many have believed the Sixers were the strongest contender to land Leonard from the start, though the Lakers have appeared in rumors most frequently.
“I thought it had been the Sixers all along — if there was a destination for Kawhi, it would be Philadelphia,” Coslov shared.
Similarly, Sheridan said people around league believe Leonard will “almost certainly” end up in Philadelphia.
“This one just makes a lot of sense from a common-sense perspective,” he said.
With that being said, Sheridan and Coslov aren’t ruling out other teams — especially Boston, Miami, and the two Los Angeles squads.
Kings in the Kawhi Mix?
If Philly and San Antonio are looking for a third trade partner, the Sacramento Kings could be the answer. The Spurs are known to prefer making deals with those they know, and Gregg Popovich has strong relationships with Brett Brown and Vlade Divac.
“The Spurs don’t just deal with teams that they’ve never spoken with before,” Coslov explained. “They make deals based on relationships.”
Furthermore, the Kings desire a small forward. Philly’s versatile Robert Covington fits the bill. Sheridan believes Philadelphia could deal from its bevy of future second-round picks. The Sixers have the power to “really fill up the wheelbarrow with draft picks.”
Philly will also, however, have to surrender some of the young players on its roster.
“The centerpiece of the trade is Dario Saric, for sure,” Sheridan explained. “From what I’m hearing, the Spurs would much rather have Zhaire Smith than Robert Covington. Not that they don’t like Covington, but they don’t want to be tied up on Covington’s money when they can get a similar player in Zhaire Smith.”
The Sixers traded for Smith on draft night. Smith played his college ball in Lubbock, near San Antonio, and he is an explosive athlete. Adding to Smith’s value, he will play on the rookie scale for five years.
The teams may also package Markelle Fultz and/or Patty Mills in the deal, but that’s not certain.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Spurs come up with a guy like (T.J.) McConnell rather than Fultz,” Sheridan shared. McConnell’s defensive intensity positions him as a prototypical Spur.
Around the League
Later in the podcast, our hosts discussed Anthony Davis’ future in New Orleans, Kyle Anderson signing for $37.5 million with Memphis, Tony Parker electing to sign with Charlotte, the Christine Brennan (USA Today Sports) and Alexi Lalas World Cup feud, Carmelo Anthony’s next destination, and whether the Warriors are a lock to win the title.
Stream the full episode by clicking the play audio button above.
