Episodios

  • Were the Cavs the biggest winners of the NBA trade deadline?

    Were the Cavs the biggest winners of the NBA trade deadline?
    Feb 6 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down every angle of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ deadline decisions, starting with the headline move: trading Darius Garland for James Harden and dumping Lonzo Ball’s salary to reset their financial flexibility. The discussion dives into whether Cleveland truly “won” the deadline, weighing an all-in push toward immediate championship contention against the long-term cost of roster and asset management. The conversation explores what it means for the Cavs to remain a second-apron team, how those restrictions shape both the present and future, and why the front office felt this was the moment to take a calculated swing. The hosts also examine the uncertainty surrounding Max Strus’ injury status and how that impacts lineup construction down the stretch. Finally, the episode looks ahead, spotlighting the rapid emergence of Jaylon Tyson and why the organization now views him as a core piece alongside Evan Mobley. From cap mechanics to competitive timelines, this episode asks the big question Cavs fans are debating right now: did Cleveland outmaneuver the rest of the league — or did it sacrifice too much to do it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Reacting to the Cavs dealing Darius Garland for James Harden — who won the trade?

    Reacting to the Cavs dealing Darius Garland for James Harden — who won the trade?
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers trading Darius Garland and a second-round pick for James Harden, debating who actually won the deal. They weigh Harden’s current All-Star-level play against his age and playoff history while discussing what moving Garland says about the Cavs’ shift to a clear win-now timeline built around Donovan Mitchell. The conversation also looks ahead at what this trade could unlock next — from chasing another superstar to creating future cap flexibility — while acknowledging the human element of moving on from a player who helped define Cleveland’s rebuild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Why the Cavs are breaking up their Core Four to chase a championship

    Why the Cavs are breaking up their Core Four to chase a championship
    Feb 4 2026
    *This was recorded before the official trade of Darius Garland for James Harden* In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dive into first impressions of new Cavaliers acquisitions Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, two tough, competitive pieces who signal Cleveland’s increasing urgency. From there, the discussion escalates into blockbuster trade scenarios that could reshape the organization’s future — including trading Darius Garland, the longest-tenured Cavalier, to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden in a clear win-now swing aligned with Donovan Mitchell’s timeline. The hosts also examine what it would take for Cleveland to pursue the ultimate superstar upgrade: a potential Evan Mobley-for-Giannis Antetokounmpo deal with Milwaukee, and whether sacrificing youth, continuity, and long-term flexibility is the price of entering true championship-or-bust territory. With the Eastern Conference wide open and the trade deadline approaching, the episode breaks down how close the Cavs might be to detonating their Core Four — and whether two stars could be the final push toward a title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 m
  • Reacting to historic nights from Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr., plus Donovan Mitchell’s All-Star nod

    Reacting to historic nights from Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr., plus Donovan Mitchell’s All-Star nod
    Feb 2 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins break down one of the most memorable nights of the Cavaliers’ season — a 130-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers powered by historic performances from Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr. Allen delivered a career-best outing, pouring in 40 points and grabbing 17 rebounds while anchoring the Cavs in the absence of injured starters. Porter added his own stamp on the night, showcasing poise, playmaking, and control as Cleveland's backup point guard. The conversation also explores how Cleveland’s ball movement helped lighten Donovan Mitchell’s offensive load, what that balance could mean long-term, and how recent roster changes — including the arrival of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis — factor into the Cavs’ evolving identity. The episode closes with a look at Mitchell’s latest All-Star nod and the importance of managing his workload as the season intensifies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 m
  • Why the Cavs traded De’Andre Hunter — and what Dennis Schroder & Keon Ellis bring

    Why the Cavs traded De’Andre Hunter — and what Dennis Schroder & Keon Ellis bring
    Feb 1 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs traded De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The move provides the Cavaliers with much-needed ball-handling and point-of-attack defense while also offering significant salary cap relief. The speakers analyze why Hunter became expendable, and they detail the specific skills Schroder and Ellis bring to the team. They also speculate on the Cavs' future roster moves with the trade deadline still a few days away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • Reacting to the Cavs' first loss of the road trip and their preparation for playoff physicality

    Reacting to the Cavs' first loss of the road trip and their preparation for playoff physicality
    Jan 31 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first loss of the road trip, a 126-113 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, and examine what it revealed about the team’s readiness for playoff-level physicality. The conversation begins with Cleveland’s mounting frustration over the officiating and a significant free-throw disparity that ultimately led to head coach Kenny Atkinson’s ejection. From there, the guys break down how Phoenix’s physical defensive approach disrupted the Cavs’ rhythm, contributing to a season-high 22 turnovers and exposing lingering questions about Cleveland’s on-court identity. The episode also explores the growing urgency surrounding the upcoming trade deadline, the impact of current injuries and how those factors complicate the Cavaliers’ path through a demanding West Coast road trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 m
  • What could the Cavs get for De’Andre Hunter? Exploring trade market buzz — Hey, Chris!

    What could the Cavs get for De’Andre Hunter? Exploring trade market buzz — Hey, Chris!
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins answer questions from Subtext subscribers, diving into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster challenges and trade-deadline possibilities. The hosts break down how Darius Garland and Evan Mobley’s returns will shake up a rotation where younger players have flourished in their absence. Then, they turn to the trade market, dissecting what the Cavs could get for De’Andre Hunter and exploring the rumored framework involving Rui Hachimura and the Lakers. Financial flexibility, roster fit, and long-term strategy all hang in the balance as the team navigates its second-apron luxury tax constraints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 m
  • Reacting to the Cavs' fifth straight win and the possibility of an anticlimactic end

    Reacting to the Cavs' fifth straight win and the possibility of an anticlimactic end
    Jan 29 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, a game overshadowed by what might be LeBron James's final appearance in Cleveland. The conversation centers on LeBron's emotional reaction to a tribute video, sparking speculation about his potential retirement and the possibility of a final return to the Cavs for a "storybook ending." The guys also analyze the strong performances of younger players like Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin, the potential trade of De'Andre Hunter and whether the team's recent success can be sustained once injured players return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 m