The Celtics’ Spoiler Potential, CP3’s L.A. Exit, Giannis Suitors, and More, With Chris Ryan

Summary of The Celtics’ Spoiler Potential, CP3’s L.A. Exit, Giannis Suitors, and More, With Chris Ryan

by The Ringer

1h 8m•December 4, 2025
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Overview of The Celtics’ Spoiler Potential, CP3’s L.A. Exit, Giannis Suitors, and More (The Ringer — Group Chat)

This episode of The Ringer’s Group Chat (hosts Justin Barrier and Rob Mahoney, guest Chris Ryan) covers four big NBA storylines: Chris Paul’s sudden release from the Clippers, the Boston Celtics’ ability to “play spoiler” without Jayson Tatum, trade-market noise around Giannis Antetokounmpo (and who could realistically acquire him), the Oklahoma City Thunder’s growing juggernaut status under the new CBA, and Chicago Bulls trade-deadline thinking (the “need a Pascal Siakam” idea). The conversation blends tape-based observations, front-office context, and hot-take guessing games.

Main segments — concise summaries

Chris Paul’s L.A. exit

  • What happened: Chris Paul was sent home and then released by the Clippers after a late-night social post; reporting remains incomplete on whether it was a locker-room/chemistry issue or something else.
  • Reaction: Hosts called the move “strange” and “bush‑league” treatment for a future Hall of Famer. Paul had been on limited minutes and looked declined on court, but his veteran presence and mentorship value made the release puzzling.
  • Outlook: Paul could still catch on elsewhere in a reduced, mentorship/coach‑adjacent role. There’s skepticism about how this farewell will be remembered and whether behind‑the‑scenes chemistry or internal issues drove the decision.

Celtics: spoiler potential without/with Jayson Tatum

  • Justin’s “name that take”: Celtics will be spoilers in the playoffs this season if/when Tatum returns from his Achilles injury — even now they’re competitive.
  • Evidence: Jalen Brown’s elevated role and improved consistency, contributions from role players (Jordan Walsh, Derrick White, Josh Minott), and the team’s shot-generation/extra‑possessions have them competitive.
  • Caution: Hosts strongly advise Tatum to take as much time as necessary — defense and his full explosiveness won't be immediate, and a premature return could hamper him and the team in a long playoff grind.

Giannis — trade talk, suitors, and in‑season possibilities

  • Trigger: Giannis scrubbed his social media, fueling trade rumors and speculation about his future in Milwaukee.
  • Chris Ryan’s “name that take”: The Heat are the best in‑season suitor to swing for Giannis — they could reconfigure their roster and offense, pairing him with Bam Adebayo to make a star‑driven push.
  • Counterpoints: In‑season trades for a superstar are difficult given CBA rules, roster/depth needs, and Milwaukee’s leverage. Other suitors discussed:
    • Thunder: Have the assets and culture to acquire anyone, but they may not need Giannis; trading for him would change their depth dynamic.
    • Hawks: A potential fit if Milwaukee demanded a package headlined by Trae Young + picks/young assets.
    • Lakers/others: Fan-favored but complicated fit issues (ball‑handling reps, role distribution).
  • On-court behavior: Guests noted Giannis’ effort/engagement has looked off lately — not definitive proof of a breakup desire, but something to watch. Bucks have been trying to satisfy him via offseason moves (e.g., Miles Turner), but chemistry remains questionable.

Oklahoma City Thunder: dynasty watch and the new CBA

  • Thesis: The Thunder are an unusually well‑constructed franchise (draft + development + depth). The new CBA’s constraints on overspending accentuate OKC’s advantage, making them a potential long-term juggernaut.
  • Implications: Other teams will struggle to match OKC through money alone; only other well‑constructed organizations (or catastrophic injuries/missteps) could halt them.
  • Cultural question: Exposure and national narrative-building (making players stars) still matter for league interest, but OKC’s sustained excellence could make them the defining franchise of the era.

Chicago Bulls: trade‑deadline thinking and the “need a Pascal Siakam” idea

  • ESPN-sourced idea: Bulls execs/insiders reportedly want a “Siakam-type” player to pair with their young core (a rugged, two-way forward who can do a lot of small-ball big tasks).
  • Hosts’ take: Bulls likely don’t need (or can’t realistically get) an Anthony Davis-level star. A more attainable, defense-improving, versatile forward makes sense — but those players are scarce and teams hoard them.
  • Reality check: Chicago’s offense and identity (pace, ball movement) are intriguing, but they remain inconsistent. The team must decide if it’s going to push for short‑term upgrades or stay the course for a longer rebuild.

Notable quotes and insights

  • On CP3’s release: “Bush‑league treatment for one of the greatest players of all time.”
  • On Celtics depth: “This version of Jalen Brown makes the Jason Tatum road back easier.”
  • On Giannis trade logic: “The Heat are pragmatic and creative enough to flip their offense and go all‑in.”
  • On OKC: “The only thing that can stop the Thunder are the Thunder — injuries or self‑inflicted errors.”

Key takeaways

  • Chris Paul’s Clippers exit is surprising and messy; he likely still has NBA value but this wasn’t the farewell many expected.
  • The Celtics remain a dangerous, well‑rounded team that can upset playoff matchups; delaying Tatum’s return is the prudent long-term move.
  • A mid‑season Giannis trade is logistically hard, but Miami is presented as the most plausible cultural/strategic match if a deal were to happen.
  • The Thunder’s roster construction and the new CBA combine to create one of the biggest sustained competitive advantages in the league today.
  • Chicago needs a reliable two‑way forward to stabilize their identity, but true Pascal Siakam clones are rare; the Bulls must pick between pushing for short-term upgrades or continuing development.

Recommendations / predictions (hosts’ perspectives)

  • Chris Paul: Could land on a team that needs a veteran organizer/mentor; a reduced role and eventual coaching transition are realistic.
  • Celtics: Let Tatum recover fully — they’re competitive without pushing him; don’t risk his long‑term mobility for short‑term gain.
  • Giannis/Bucks: In‑season blockbuster unlikely; if a trade happens, expect Milwaukee to demand major assets (multiple young players + picks). Miami is the most logical opportunistic suitor.
  • Thunder: Expect sustained contention; rival teams should prioritize blueprinting development and draft/asset accumulation rather than trying to outspend.
  • Bulls: Target versatile, defensive forwards and guard creators (a Halliburton‑style playmaker would be ideal), but don’t mortgage the future for an imperfect squeeze.

Topics discussed (quick list)

  • CP3’s release and Clippers organizational turmoil
  • Celtics depth, Jalen Brown’s performance, and Tatum’s recovery timeline
  • Giannis social-media purge, trade feasibility, and candidate suitors (Heat, Thunder, Hawks, Lakers)
  • Impact of the new CBA on in‑season trades and parity
  • OKC Thunder’s roster construction and dynasty potential
  • Chicago Bulls’ midseason trade thinking and the “Pascal Siakam” desire

If you want a two‑sentence TL;DR: CP3’s Clippers exit is baffling and likely not the last chapter of his career; the Celtics are a real playoff spoiler even without Tatum, the Heat are the most plausible (if still unlikely) Giannis in‑season suitor, the Thunder look like a long‑term juggernaut under the new CBA, and the Bulls are searching for a scarce “do‑it‑all” forward to solidify their identity.