Can the Boston Celtics navigate the NBA's complex salary cap while eyeing potential trades? Host John Karalis tackles this pressing question in today's mailbag episode, exploring the implications of the NBA's second apron rules on the Celtics' strategy. With a focus on key players like Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser, Karalis breaks down possible trade scenarios and their impact on the team's financial landscape. He also examines Aaron Neesmith's development post-Celtics and the potential for trading up in the NBA draft.

Karalis provides a detailed analysis of player development opportunities, highlighting Baylor Scheierman's progress and potential role. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the Celtics' strategic maneuvers and future prospects. Listen now for expert insights and in-depth analysis.

CarGurus
Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Can the Boston Celtics navigate their offseason challenges and maintain their status in the NBA? With salary cap issues looming and Jayson Tatum's injury impacting decisions, the Celtics face a pivotal moment. Host John Karalis and guest Keith Smith from Spotrac dissect the team's financial hurdles, potential player trades, and the strategic maneuvers needed to stay under the second apron. They explore the future of Jaylen Brown and the implications of keeping both him and Tatum on max contracts. Brad Stevens' management style and the competence of the Celtics' front office are also under the microscope. Will the Celtics' strategic moves pay off? Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the team's path forward.

CarGurus
Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Boston Celtics face a pivotal moment as new NBA salary cap rules threaten their future. Are Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's days as teammates numbered? John Karalis and guest Tom Westerholm dissect the financial hurdles and potential roster changes that could reshape the Celtics' path. They explore LeBron James' comments on the Celtics' "boredom" and Brad Stevens' strategic offseason maneuvers. With the looming second apron, the Celtics must navigate tough decisions to maintain their competitive edge.

Will the Celtics manage to keep their championship window open? Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the challenges and strategies that lie ahead.

CarGurus
Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

NBA Squad Show: Conference Finals are set to COLLIDE as New NBA Era changes championship landscape

Can the Oklahoma City Thunder overcome the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth in the Western Conference Finals? As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Thunder's defensive prowess faces a stern test against the Timberwolves, who have been a force in the West all season.

Join Nick Engstad, Doug Norrie, and Ryland Styles as they break down the thrilling Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, and preview the upcoming conference finals. The discussion highlights key players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton, while exploring how the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement is reshaping team-building strategies.

With insights into the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving NBA landscape.

Tune in for expert analysis and discover how these playoff battles could redefine the league's future.

0:00 Intro: Denver vs OKC Game Seven analysis

5:46 Western Conference Finals: Thunder vs Timberwolves

13:55 Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers vs Knicks

22:08 CBA impact on team building and roster depth

28:16 Draft lottery results and tanking strategies

Can the Boston Celtics navigate the financial maze of the new CBA while managing key player injuries? With Brad Stevens at the helm, the Celtics face tough decisions that could reshape their future. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal breaks down Stevens' insights on offseason strategies, including potential trades involving players like Sam Hauser to avoid luxury tax penalties. The episode also covers Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and Jaylen Brown's meniscus issue, highlighting their impact on the team's dynamics. Karalis passionately defends head coach Joe Mazzulla, arguing that his approach aligns with modern NBA trends. Discover how these developments could influence the Celtics' path forward. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the Boston Celtics' challenges and strategies.

CarGurus
Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.comto make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Boston Celtics fans, brace yourselves! With Jaylen Brown's meniscus injury and Jayson Tatum's Achilles recovery, the team's future hangs in the balance. How will these setbacks shape the Celtics' strategy in the NBA?

Join John Karalis and guest Tom Westerholm as they dissect the implications of these injuries on the Celtics' roster. They explore Al Horford's potential retirement and Derrick White's trade prospects, offering insights into the team's rebuilding strategies. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by the NBA's second apron and how the Celtics might navigate these turbulent waters.

Don't miss this engaging analysis of the Boston Celtics' path forward. Tune in for expert insights and strategic discussions that could redefine the team's future.

CarGurus
Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)