Bill Simmons's dad ranks the Celtics as the LEAST optimistic of Boston's four franchises after the Jaylen Brown trade, calling it one of the two worst trades he's seen in his lifetime alongside the Luka deal.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Bill Simmons's dad ranks the Celtics as the LEAST optimistic of Boston's four franchises after the Jaylen Brown trade, calling it one of the two worst trades he's seen in his lifetime alongside the Luka deal.
TL;DR
Bill Simmons and Joe House break down the biggest losers of LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, with Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors topping the list [1] — Bill Simmons "Steph Curry is now the saddest older NBA superstar since Steve Nash on the 2011 Suns or Kevin Garnett before his Boston trade. Golden State…" 05:02 . A wide-ranging mailbag covers LeBron-Brady comparisons, Steph trade scenarios, the Portland Trail Blazers' alarming ownership situation, and the 1999 Lakers as the best historical LeBron-Sixers comp [2] — Bill Simmons "Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two firsts. That move attracted LeBron to Philly, creating a superteam…" 21:20 . Bill's dad joins for a spirited Boston sports roundup: the Red Sox's stunning 15-game winning streak, the deeply unpopular Jaylen Brown trade [3] — Bill Simmons "With Roman Anthony out for the year, Crochet hurt, and Trevor Story somehow improving the team by leaving, the Red Sox found their engine i…" 1:20:40 , and cautious optimism about Drake Maye and the Patriots. Key takeaway: Brad Stevens may have turned a 2-year Tatum window into a costly rebuild nobody asked for.
Bill Simmons and Joe House break down the biggest losers of LeBron James signing with the Sixers, then tackle a wide mailbag. Bill's dad joins for Boston sports — the Red Sox winning streak, the Jaylen Brown trade, the World Cup in Boston, and the Patriots outlook.
Bill opens the show by noting LeBron's signing with Philadelphia dropped on Friday, explaining he'd already had Zach Lowe scheduled to tape a Redraftables episode but they pivoted to gut-reaction coverage instead. He previews the full episode structure: Joe House on the biggest losers of the LeBron saga, a packed mailbag, and his dad making his first appearance in three weeks after refusing to come on following the Jaylen Brown trade. Bill also plugs a live Rewatchables event on Netflix — the first same-year movie they've covered, the film Obsession. The PayPal ad read closes the intro, promoting the app's offers and rewards features.
Bill and House open with their unanimous pick: Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are the biggest losers of LeBron's decision. [1] — Bill Simmons "Steph Curry is now the saddest older NBA superstar since Steve Nash on the 2011 Suns or Kevin Garnett before his Boston trade. Golden State…" 05:02 Bill calls it the saddest older-superstar situation since Nash on the 2011 Suns or Garnett before his Boston trade — pure purgatory for a player who still clearly has basketball left to give. The Warriors passed on trading for Jaylen Brown (which Bill believes would have sealed LeBron's destination) and Anthony Davis, and now sit at 27-to-1 to win the West. House calls the rational franchise move an obvious one: trade Steph Curry. Bill floats a San Antonio scenario with De'Aaron Fox and a mountain of picks that would pair Steph with Wemby. Miami comes next — publicly teased by LeBron's camp before being stood up, left with Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan and nothing left to move. Cleveland is named as the team left at the altar for a third time, hamstrung by the inability to trade James Harden. And Brad Stevens and the Celtics close the list: by trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, Boston essentially handed the Sixers both Brown and LeBron. [2] — Bill Simmons "Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two firsts. That move attracted LeBron to Philly, creating a superteam…" 21:20 House wins his dinner bet — he'd predicted Philly weeks earlier and they're headed to Capo.
Prompted by a listener asking about Celtics Shaq and Wizards Jordan, Bill builds his all-time 'one season too long' team: George Mikan coming back with the shot clock in 1956, Hakeem going to Toronto in 2001, Elvin Hayes playing 48 minutes for a tanking Houston team, Allen Iverson on the Grizzlies, and Chris Paul at the Clippers with two teammates at his birthday party. The segment gives way to the 'baggage handler' concept — athletes who arrive at cursed franchises and immediately end championship droughts. Bill's all-time list includes Big Papi, LeBron in 2016, Jalen Brunson, Mark Messier with the Rangers, and Johnny Podres on the 1955 Dodgers. House nominates Joe Gibbs for Washington. A Fight Club / Conspiracy Bill parallel gets Bill to laugh at himself. The mailbag also covers a WrestleMania analogy for the Sixers' embarrassment of star riches, a 2011 redraft debate over Butler vs. Klay, and whether Chris Ryan is having the best year of 2026. Bill closes with a one-name athlete Hall of Fame that includes Bo Nix, Isaiah Joe, Grant Hill, and Chris Paul.
Bill walks his dad through the full context: the Celtic-Philly playoff history they've witnessed together since 1977, the 3-1 series collapse last year, Embiid's three good games, the coaching shortcomings against Nick Nurse, and then the stunning summer — Jaylen Brown traded to Philly, LeBron follows, and now Boston's archival has a superteam. [1] — Bill's Dad "Bill's dad admits he was ready to move on from Jaylen Brown after 10 years — but the trade package was horrendous. He ranks it alongside th…" 1:56:30 Dad concedes he was ready to move on from Jaylen after 10 years of frustration — but the trade package was horrendous, and he'll never understand why Stevens accepted it. His street-level intel: not one Celtics fan he's spoken to on his dog walks around Boston is defending the trade, and the universal sentiment is they got 40 cents on the dollar. He places this alongside the Luka trade as the worst deals he's seen in his lifetime. [2] — Bill's Dad "Celtics ranked 4th of 4 Boston teams by Dad: Bill's dad ranked the Celtics last among Boston's four franchises in terms of optimism, behind…" 2:00:08 The question of why Tatum sat out Game 7 against Philly — never explained, never reported — adds another layer of frustration. Dad's final rankings of Boston franchise optimism: Patriots 1, Red Sox 2, Bruins 3, Celtics 4. The only hopeful note is that Brad Stevens has been excellent overall, so perhaps he sees something they don't — but neither Simmons believes it.
Chapter 2 · 03:02
Bill and House open with their unanimous pick: Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are the biggest losers of LeBron's decision. [1] — Bill Simmons "Steph Curry is now the saddest older NBA superstar since Steve Nash on the 2011 Suns or Kevin Garnett before his Boston trade. Golden State…" 05:02 Bill calls it the saddest older-superstar situation since Nash on the 2011 Suns or Garnett before his Boston trade — pure purgatory for a player who still clearly has basketball left to give. The Warriors passed on trading for Jaylen Brown (which Bill believes would have sealed LeBron's destination) and Anthony Davis, and now sit at 27-to-1 to win the West. House calls the rational franchise move an obvious one: trade Steph Curry. Bill floats a San Antonio scenario with De'Aaron Fox and a mountain of picks that would pair Steph with Wemby. Miami comes next — publicly teased by LeBron's camp before being stood up, left with Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan and nothing left to move. Cleveland is named as the team left at the altar for a third time, hamstrung by the inability to trade James Harden. And Brad Stevens and the Celtics close the list: by trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, Boston essentially handed the Sixers both Brown and LeBron. [2] — Bill Simmons "Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two firsts. That move attracted LeBron to Philly, creating a superteam…" 21:20 House wins his dinner bet — he'd predicted Philly weeks earlier and they're headed to Capo.
Steph Curry is now the saddest older NBA superstar since Steve Nash on the 2011 Suns or Kevin Garnett before his Boston trade. Golden State had chances to trade for Jaylen Brown and Anthony Davis and passed on both — and now LeBron is gone to Philly.
Golden State has the 7th-best odds to win the Western Conference at 27-to-1, reflecting how far the franchise has fallen without making a major move.
Bill Simmons floated a scenario where San Antonio — armed with Atlanta's pick, Boston swaps, Dallas or Minnesota swaps, Sacramento swaps, and more — offers De'Aaron Fox plus picks for Steph Curry. Two-time Olympic Steph joining Wemby would be the most compelling team in basketball.
Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two firsts. That move attracted LeBron to Philly, creating a superteam that now threatens the Celtics. Boston essentially traded their archrivals a dynasty-starting piece.
LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for just $4 million per year, choosing the best championship opportunity over maximum money.
Chapter 3 · 25:46
Prompted by a listener asking about Celtics Shaq and Wizards Jordan, Bill builds his all-time 'one season too long' team: George Mikan coming back with the shot clock in 1956, Hakeem going to Toronto in 2001, Elvin Hayes playing 48 minutes for a tanking Houston team, Allen Iverson on the Grizzlies, and Chris Paul at the Clippers with two teammates at his birthday party. The segment gives way to the 'baggage handler' concept — athletes who arrive at cursed franchises and immediately end championship droughts. Bill's all-time list includes Big Papi, LeBron in 2016, Jalen Brunson, Mark Messier with the Rangers, and Johnny Podres on the 1955 Dodgers. House nominates Joe Gibbs for Washington. A Fight Club / Conspiracy Bill parallel gets Bill to laugh at himself. The mailbag also covers a WrestleMania analogy for the Sixers' embarrassment of star riches, a 2011 redraft debate over Butler vs. Klay, and whether Chris Ryan is having the best year of 2026. Bill closes with a one-name athlete Hall of Fame that includes Bo Nix, Isaiah Joe, Grant Hill, and Chris Paul.
The top three teams in the league — OKC, San Antonio, and New York — didn't want LeBron. Cleveland couldn't trade Harden. Miami had nothing to offer. Golden State wouldn't make the moves. Philly was the only path to a title.
LeBron James won the NBA assists title in the 2020 season averaging 10.2 assists per game while also winning the championship with the Lakers.
In the next two years, who plays more total games for Philadelphia: LeBron James or Joel Embiid? Embiid played only 109 total games over his last three seasons. LeBron projects to play 57 of 60 if managed right. Both Bill and House take LeBron.
Joel Embiid has played only 109 total games (regular season + playoffs) over his last three seasons, raising questions about whether LeBron will outlast him in games played as a Sixer.
When Brady joined Tampa Bay in 2020, their win total over-under was just 8.5 and they were 12-to-1 to win the Super Bowl — far better odds than LeBron's current Sixers situation.
The new Blazers owner arrived and immediately began antagonizing Portland — no arena lease in three years, public disrespect for the community, and Adam Silver staying silent. Bill and House see Oklahoma City all over again.
The new Blazers owner is reportedly antagonizing the Portland community and demanding a new arena while operating with no lease agreement in just three years, drawing comparisons to the Oklahoma City Sonics relocation.
The best historical analogue for LeBron joining Philly isn't Brady to Tampa — it's Michael Jordan joining the 1999 Lakers with Shaq and Kobe. That team had Shaq in year 6, Kobe in year 3, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, and Derek Fisher. They still lost to the Spurs.
LeBron's per-36 production dropped from 29-8-6 in 2022 to 23 points last season with a 32% three-point rate, signaling a gradual decline.
Bill Simmons's all-time 'one season too long' starting five: George Mikan coming back with the shot clock, Hakeem going to Toronto in 2001, Elvin Hayes playing 48 minutes for a tanking team, Allen Iverson on the Grizzlies, and Chris Paul's birthday party with two Clippers showing up.
No two teams have met in back-to-back Western Conference Finals in 44 years — since the Lakers and Spurs in 1982 and 1983. OKC at +140 and San Antonio at +145 are both massive favorites and could finally end the drought.
The last time the same two teams met in consecutive Western Conference Finals was Lakers vs. Spurs in 1982 and 1983 — a 44-year drought.
No pair of teams has met in back-to-back Western Conference Finals since Lakers-Spurs in 1982-83, a 44-year streak that could end with OKC vs. San Antonio.
Chapter 4 · 1:19:01
Bill walks his dad through the full context: the Celtic-Philly playoff history they've witnessed together since 1977, the 3-1 series collapse last year, Embiid's three good games, the coaching shortcomings against Nick Nurse, and then the stunning summer — Jaylen Brown traded to Philly, LeBron follows, and now Boston's archival has a superteam. [1] — Bill's Dad "Bill's dad admits he was ready to move on from Jaylen Brown after 10 years — but the trade package was horrendous. He ranks it alongside th…" 1:56:30 Dad concedes he was ready to move on from Jaylen after 10 years of frustration — but the trade package was horrendous, and he'll never understand why Stevens accepted it. His street-level intel: not one Celtics fan he's spoken to on his dog walks around Boston is defending the trade, and the universal sentiment is they got 40 cents on the dollar. He places this alongside the Luka trade as the worst deals he's seen in his lifetime. [2] — Bill's Dad "Celtics ranked 4th of 4 Boston teams by Dad: Bill's dad ranked the Celtics last among Boston's four franchises in terms of optimism, behind…" 2:00:08 The question of why Tatum sat out Game 7 against Philly — never explained, never reported — adds another layer of frustration. Dad's final rankings of Boston franchise optimism: Patriots 1, Red Sox 2, Bruins 3, Celtics 4. The only hopeful note is that Brad Stevens has been excellent overall, so perhaps he sees something they don't — but neither Simmons believes it.
The Red Sox went on a 15-game winning streak that transformed their season after starting terribly, coinciding roughly with the Celtics' Jaylen Brown trade.
With Roman Anthony out for the year, Crochet hurt, and Trevor Story somehow improving the team by leaving, the Red Sox found their engine in Contreras — a lunatic who cares about every game. The 100-to-1 shot became the team's identity.
The 2026 World Cup in Boston was a massive success — Scottish fans in kilts took over Beacon Street outside Cheers, Norwegians did their rowing celebration on the Green Line, and the city fell in love with the tournament in a way nobody expected.
Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony received a $100 million commitment but missed the entire season with a mysterious finger injury, leaving the team without its projected franchise cornerstone.
Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two first-round picks, a deal widely derided by Boston fans as receiving 40 cents on the dollar.
Bill's dad admits he was ready to move on from Jaylen Brown after 10 years — but the trade package was horrendous. He ranks it alongside the Luka deal as one of the two worst trades he's seen in his lifetime. Street-level fan sentiment: nobody in Boston is defending it.
Bill's dad ranked the Celtics last among Boston's four franchises in terms of optimism, behind the Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins.
No indexed bits in this chapter.
Brad Stevens traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two firsts. That move attracted LeBron to Philly, creating a superteam that now threatens the Celtics. Boston essentially traded their archrivals a dynasty-starting piece.
Bill's dad admits he was ready to move on from Jaylen Brown after 10 years — but the trade package was horrendous. He ranks it alongside the Luka deal as one of the two worst trades he's seen in his lifetime. Street-level fan sentiment: nobody in Boston is defending it.
Steph Curry is now the saddest older NBA superstar since Steve Nash on the 2011 Suns or Kevin Garnett before his Boston trade. Golden State had chances to trade for Jaylen Brown and Anthony Davis and passed on both — and now LeBron is gone to Philly.
This episode
Factual claims made this episode, and whether a source was named.
Golden State Warriors have the 7th-best odds to win the Western Conference at 27-to-1 on FanDuel.
LeBron James won the NBA assists title in the 2020 season with 10.2 assists per game.
Joel Embiid played only 109 total regular season and playoff games over his last three seasons.
James Harden averaged 34.3 points per game to lead the NBA scoring title in 2020.
Ben Simmons led the NBA in steals in the 2020 season.
When Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay in 2020, their win total over-under was 8.5 games and they were 12-to-1 to win the Super Bowl.
Brady went 11-5 with Tampa Bay in 2020, was an underdog in the last three playoff games, won Super Bowl MVP, and won the NFL MVP the following season.
The last Western Conference Finals rematch was the Lakers and Spurs in 1982 and 1983, a gap of 44 years.
OKC has +140 odds and San Antonio +145 odds to win the Western Conference, with Denver next at 12-to-1.
The 1999 Lakers roster included Shaq in year 6, Kobe in year 3, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Eddie Jones, and Derek Fisher before trading for Glen Rice midseason.
George Gervin won the 1978 NBA scoring title with 27.2 points per game, and Truck Robinson led the league in rebounds at 15.2.
LeBron's per-36 statistics dropped from 29-8-6 in 2022 to 23 points last season with a 32% three-point shooting percentage.
Corey Joseph was drafted 29th to the Spurs in the 2011 draft, one pick ahead of Jimmy Butler, allowing the Spurs to potentially have drafted both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler.
Roman Anthony received $100 million from the Red Sox but missed the entire 2026 season with a finger injury.
The Red Sox went on a 15-game winning streak in 2026 that transformed their season.
This episode
Central subject of the episode: his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for $4M/year in pursuit of a 5th championship.
Traded by the Celtics to Philadelphia, which subsequently attracted LeBron; the trade is called one of the worst in recent memory.
Discussed as the biggest loser of the LeBron saga, left in purgatory on a non-competitive Golden State team with no path to a title.
Philadelphia center whose chronic injuries raise questions about whether LeBron will actually play more Sixers games than Embiid going forward.
Discussed in the context of his Achilles injury and the implications for the Celtics' rebuild, including questions about why he sat out Game 7 against Philly.
Acquired by Boston in the Jaylen Brown trade; his injury history and declining play make Celtics fans deeply skeptical about the deal's value.
Celtics president named a 'loser' of the LeBron saga for orchestrating the Jaylen Brown trade that inadvertently helped build the Sixers superteam.
Golden State's failure to trade for Anthony Davis (who went to Washington instead) is cited as a key reason they missed LeBron and are now in purgatory.
Red Sox top prospect who received $100M but missed the entire 2026 season with a poorly-explained finger injury, derailing Boston's long-term plan.
Patriots quarterback whose development is central to New England's optimism, with AJ Brown acquisition seen as a major upgrade to his supporting cast.
San Antonio Spurs star used as a reason why Steph Curry joining the Spurs would be an extraordinary basketball spectacle.
Oklahoma City Thunder GM praised as being 'on a heater' for shrewd dealings against Atlanta and Denver, with Bill suggesting he already has a Steph Curry package ready.
Discussed extensively for their remarkable 15-game winning streak that turned around a dismal season, with debate about the Curtis Meade trade.
Traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and two first-round picks, a move that has infuriated Boston fans and is seen as inadvertently enabling the Sixers superteam.
The team LeBron James chose to sign with, forming a superteam with Embiid, Maxey, and Jaylen Brown.
Named the biggest loser of the LeBron saga after failing to acquire Jaylen Brown or Anthony Davis and watching LeBron sign with Philadelphia.
Named as one of the three best teams that didn't want LeBron; discussed as a potential Steph Curry trade destination and Western Conference co-favorite.
Under a new owner who is antagonizing the Portland community and has no arena lease in three years, drawing comparisons to the OKC-Sonics relocation.
Discussed optimistically with AJ Brown acquisition, Drake Maye development, and questions about the Vrabel situation heading into training camp.
Named as one of the three best teams in the league that didn't want LeBron; discussed as a Western Conference Finals favorite at +140.
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