The Lager Line SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)

Wednesday’s show features reaction to the blockbuster trade between the Rockets and Brooklyn Nets involving upcoming draft assets, including what it means and doesn’t mean for Houston’s future and eventual trades.

As Wednesday’s 2024 NBA draft nears, the Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone are also finalizing plans for next Sunday’s start of free agency.

With that in mind, topics in Monday’s full show (featuring both Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves) include final considerations with the No. 3 overall pick of the first round; why Houston could pass on using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the initial wave of free agency; and considerations to weigh in any potential trade pursuit of Clippers star Paul George.

As key dates on the NBA calendar loom, Sunday’s episode features a preview from our Ben DuBose regarding Houston’s draft and free agency window for the 2024 offseason.

Topics include why Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard or a trade lead the possibilities at No. 3 overall; why a blockbuster trade (Donovan Mitchell, Paul George) remains plausible for the Rockets; and free agents potentially in play for Houston’s non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NT-MLE).

In a brief interview with Stan Norfleet (host of SportsTalk 790’s “Next Up”), our Ben DuBose shares some key takeaways from the 2024 NBA Finals that could apply to the Rockets. Topics include extra fuel to the fire for Ime Udoka, Boston’s former coach; how the Celtics winning the championship without a Top 5 player gives more options to build out rosters; and optimal fits from the 2024 NBA draft, where Houston is slated to pick at No. 3 overall.

The Rockets expect to operate above the NBA’s salary cap in the upcoming 2024 offseason, but they could potentially have a significant amount of financial flexibility in 2025.

For general manager Rafael Stone, that could present numerous opportunities via trade to leverage that potential space. With that in mind, NBA salary cap guru Yossi Gozlan recently joined our Ben DuBose for an exclusive interview regarding Houston’s financial outlook.

Beyond trade opportunities, the show also explores the outlook for potential contract extensions within the Rockets — including the ideal timing for reaching agreements with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun over the next year.

With two weeks to go until the 2024 NBA draft, Houston continues to own the No. 3 overall pick in the first round. Draft guru Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) joins Ben and Paulo to discuss the latest news and rumors, including deep dives on Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, and more. Thursday’s show also explores various trade possibilities, including a hypothetical deal with Portland involving Anfernee Simons.