The Stephen A. Smith Show

• Full Show: ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania discusses trades, trade rumors, injury updates, and draft projections.

  Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown. The Stephen A. Smith Show is a jam-packed, high-energy NBA-focused special featuring insider guest Shams Charania. The episode covers breaking news, trade rumors, injury updates, and draft projections, all delivered with Stephen A.’s signature passion and insight. 🎙️ Guest: Shams Charania Role: NBA Insider, ESPN AnalystTopic: Post-NBA Finals trades, injuries, and draft buzz 🏀 Key Topics & Highlights 🔁 Major Trades & Rumors Jrue Holiday traded from Celtics to Trail Blazers: Celtics shedding salary (~$500M payroll). Portland gets a veteran leader and elite defender. Celtics expected to be very active this offseason. Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets: Rockets acquire KD for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, #10 pick, and five second-rounders. KD joins a young, athletic core (Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Alperen Şengün). Phoenix Suns looking to move Bradley Beal next. CJ McCollum to Wizards: Pelicans trade McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a pick for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and #40 pick. 🏥 Injury Updates Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard all suffered Achilles tears. Tatum & Haliburton expected to miss the entire 2025–2026 season. Lillard might return late in the season, but caution is advised. 🔄 Player Movement & Free Agency Giannis Antetokounmpo: Open to exploring options outside Milwaukee. Bucks operating as if he’s staying—for now. Bradley Beal: Suns reportedly frustrated; may sideline him or push for a trade. Beal’s no-trade clause complicates matters. Kyrie Irving: Mavericks reportedly offering less than $40M/year. Kyrie expected to opt in at $43M if no deal is reached. Stephen A. defends Kyrie’s leadership and value. 🧠 Stephen A.’s Commentary On Kyrie: “He’s not a locker room cancer. He’s a champion. He deserves his bag.” On Phoenix: “They had to make the KD deal. Jalen Green has upside, but needs discipline.” On Boston: “Porzingis’ health is a mystery. Tatum’s out. It’s a shame.” On Knicks: “No plan after firing Thibodeau. It’s a mess.” On Giannis: “Why stay in Milwaukee with no picks and Dame out?” 🧾 NBA Draft Preview Top Picks: #1: Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) #2: Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) Teams to Watch: Utah (Pick #5) Toronto (Pick #9) OKC, Brooklyn, Philadelphia (Pick #3) Draft Themes: Expect lots of movement starting at picks 3–6. Teams are actively shopping picks and exploring trades. 🔚 Closing Thoughts Stephen A. reflects on a hectic NBA season and looks forward to the draft. Emphasizes the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the league’s future. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Stephen A's Take: Iran claims it will consult with Russia. | Matt Gaetz argues North Korea is a greater nuclear threat than Iran.

  Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown. Thanks for sharing the sixth script! This episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass (or a related segment) features a politically charged monologue, likely from Stephen A. Smith, reacting to a major geopolitical development: a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, announced by former President Donald Trump. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways: 📰 Headline Event U.S. Airstrikes on Iran: President Trump announces precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Asfarhan. B-2 bombers deployed with bunker-buster bombs. Trump claims the sites were “completely and totally obliterated.” UN nuclear watchdog confirms “very significant damage.” ⚠️ Escalation & Fallout Iran’s Response: Iranian military officials vow retaliation. Missiles fired at U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar. Trump hints at regime change in Iran via social media. Global Tensions: Iran’s “crown prince” in exile calls for Ayatollah Khamenei to step down. Concerns about potential World War III and U.S. entanglement in another Middle East conflict. 🧠 Stephen A.’s Political Commentary On Iran: Acknowledges Iran as a long-standing threat to Israel and the U.S. Believes Iran would use a nuclear weapon if they had one. Supports the idea of preemptive action—if the intelligence is accurate. On Trump’s Actions: Questions the timing and transparency of the strike. Criticizes Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and mocking of media figures. Notes that even Trump’s MAGA allies (e.g., Bannon, Candace Owens, Matt Gaetz) are skeptical of the move. On Democratic Response: Criticizes Democrats for calling for impeachment during a global crisis. Points out hypocrisy: Obama bombed Libya without congressional approval, yet faced no similar backlash. Urges Democrats to acknowledge if Trump and Netanyahu were right about the Iranian threat. 🧩 Geopolitical Complexity Russia’s Role: Iran claims it will consult with Russia. Trump praises Putin as “the boss,” raising eyebrows. Concerns about a Russia-Iran alliance and broader destabilization. North Korea Comparison: Matt Gaetz argues North Korea is a greater nuclear threat than Iran. Suggests diplomacy worked with North Korea and could work with Iran. 🗣️ Final Message Stephen A. calls for: Truth and transparency from both parties. Accountability in government, regardless of political affiliation. Focus on safety and global stability, not political point-scoring. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Stephen A's Take: SGA joins elite company as MVP | Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury was heartbreaking.

  Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown. 🏆 NBA Finals Recap Champions: Oklahoma City Thunder win the 2024–2025 NBA Championship in Game 7 over the Indiana Pacers. MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) 29 points, 12 assists, 1 turnover in Game 7 Joins elite company as MVP, scoring champ, and NBA champion in the same season Thunder’s Core: Jalen Williams (J-Dub), Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein Deep bench with Wiggins and Wallace Second-youngest championship team in NBA history 💔 Tyrese Haliburton Injury Suffered an Achilles injury in Game 7 Was off to a hot start before going down Emotional moment as he greeted teammates on crutches post-game His absence shifted the momentum of the game and series 🏀 Indiana Pacers’ Future Despite the loss, the Pacers showed promise: Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, and others showed flashes TJ McConnell praised for his gritty performance—nearly MVP-worthy if Pacers had won Haliburton’s injury likely sidelines him for the 2025–2026 season 🚑 Injury Crisis in the NBA Major stars out for next season: Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) Jayson Tatum (Achilles) Damian Lillard (Achilles) Kyrie Irving (ACL) Raises concerns about the toll of modern pace-of-play on players’ bodies JJ Redick’s comments on modern wear-and-tear vs. old-school physicality are echoed 🔁 Blockbuster Trade: Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets Trade Details: KD to Houston Phoenix receives: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 #10 pick, five second-round picks Houston’s New Core: KD joins Fred VanVleet, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. Rockets now seen as legit contenders in the West 🔥 Phoenix Suns Fallout KD’s age (36) and contract limited trade return Suns now focused on offloading Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause Beal’s value has plummeted—team may pay him to stay home 🧠 Stephen A’s Takeaways OKC is the team to beat, but Houston is coming KD still elite: 27 PPG, 50/39/88 shooting splits Miami Heat missed a huge opportunity by not pursuing KD harder Pat Riley may need to step back and let Erik Spoelstra take over full control Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Full Show: NBA Finals Recap | Injury Crisis in the NBA | Criticizes both Democrats and Republicans for political posturing.

  Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown. 🎙️ Episode Overview 🏀 NBA Finals Recap Champions: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) caps off a historic season. Key Points: SGA joins elite company as MVP, scoring champ, and NBA champion. Sam Presti praised for long-term vision and roster building. Thunder’s youth and depth make them a future dynasty contender. Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury was a heartbreaking turning point for the Pacers. 🏥 Injury Crisis in the NBA Major stars out for next season: Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) Jayson Tatum (Achilles) Damian Lillard (Achilles) Kyrie Irving (ACL) Raises concerns about the physical toll of today’s fast-paced game. 🏀 Kevin Durant Trade KD to Houston Rockets: Traded for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the #10 pick, and five second-rounders. Rockets now seen as serious contenders in the West. Phoenix Suns looking to move on from Bradley Beal. Stephen A’s Take: KD still elite despite age. Houston’s young core + KD = championship potential. Miami missed a big opportunity by not pursuing KD harder. 🗳️ Politics Segment: U.S. Strikes Iran Trump’s Announcement: U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Stephen A’s Analysis: Acknowledges Iran as a threat but questions timing and transparency. Criticizes both Democrats and Republicans for political posturing. Warns of potential escalation and global instability. Urges honesty and accountability from both sides of the aisle. 💬 Fan Q&A + Pop Culture Tweets Answered: Dream job? Criminal lawyer. Belief in aliens? Yes—believes other life exists in the universe. WWE entrance theme? “Where the Hood At” by DMX or “Ante Up” remix. Wild Story: 84-year-old woman leaves $1M to a male escort—Stephen A. gives a humorous but surprisingly thoughtful take on autonomy and personal choice. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Stephen A's Take: Stephen A responds to the legal strategy of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs not testifying.

  Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown. 🎙️ Segment Summary: Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial Commentary This segment from The Stephen A. Smith Show focuses on the legal strategy in the ongoing trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. ⚖️ Key Points The trial is in its sixth week and expected to conclude before July 4th. Diddy will not testify in his own defense. Stephen A. supports this decision, calling it “wise” due to: Incriminating evidence already presented, including: A video of Diddy allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Testimonies about coercive behavior and disturbing personal conduct. The risk of jury bias: Even if actions aren’t technically illegal, jurors may still convict based on perceived moral wrongdoing. Stephen A. argues that Diddy cannot present himself as a sympathetic figure, and testifying could worsen his situation. 🧠 Tone and Analysis Serious and analytical: The tone is measured, with a focus on legal strategy and public perception. Candid: Stephen A. doesn’t shy away from the gravity of the accusations or the optics of the case. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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