Claim OwnershipWine and Gold Talk Podcast
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Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.
673 Episodes
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Following Nae'Qwan Tomlin’s promotion to a standard NBA contract, the Wine and Gold Talk podcast with Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins dive into another win for Cleveland’s player development pipeline — a system built to uncover low-cost, high-energy contributors around an expensive core. From there, the conversation shifts to the Cavaliers’ final open two-way spot and who makes the most sense to fill it.
The guys also take a hard look at NBA All-Star Weekend, questioning the competitiveness of the main event and the steady decline of the Slam Dunk contest. Is star pride getting in the way of participation? And could Evan Mobley’s All-Star snub fuel another leap in the second half?
The episode wraps with a preview of a looming “trap game” against a Washington Wizards team that appears firmly committed to the tank.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins react to Cleveland’s fourth straight win after the Cavs’ 119-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets. The guys break down what newly acquired guard James Harden is already changing. They examine how Harden’s presence allows the Cavs to stay competitive during non-Donovan Mitchell minutes — a stark contrast from earlier in the season — and why his size and playmaking have reshaped the backcourt dynamic after the move on from Darius Garland.
The conversation also explores Harden’s immediate chemistry with Jarrett Allen and how his passing has elevated Allen’s offensive opportunities, fueling optimism about Cleveland’s short-term ceiling. At the same time, the guys temper that excitement by discussing concerns and how the Cavs’ reliance on the injured Dean Wade could loom larger as the season progresses.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down every angle of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ deadline decisions, starting with the headline move: trading Darius Garland for James Harden and dumping Lonzo Ball’s salary to reset their financial flexibility. The discussion dives into whether Cleveland truly “won” the deadline, weighing an all-in push toward immediate championship contention against the long-term cost of roster and asset management.
The conversation explores what it means for the Cavs to remain a second-apron team, how those restrictions shape both the present and future, and why the front office felt this was the moment to take a calculated swing. The hosts also examine the uncertainty surrounding Max Strus’ injury status and how that impacts lineup construction down the stretch.
Finally, the episode looks ahead, spotlighting the rapid emergence of Jaylon Tyson and why the organization now views him as a core piece alongside Evan Mobley. From cap mechanics to competitive timelines, this episode asks the big question Cavs fans are debating right now: did Cleveland outmaneuver the rest of the league — or did it sacrifice too much to do it?
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers trading Darius Garland and a second-round pick for James Harden, debating who actually won the deal.
They weigh Harden’s current All-Star-level play against his age and playoff history while discussing what moving Garland says about the Cavs’ shift to a clear win-now timeline built around Donovan Mitchell.
The conversation also looks ahead at what this trade could unlock next — from chasing another superstar to creating future cap flexibility — while acknowledging the human element of moving on from a player who helped define Cleveland’s rebuild.
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*This was recorded before the official trade of Darius Garland for James Harden*
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor dive into first impressions of new Cavaliers acquisitions Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, two tough, competitive pieces who signal Cleveland’s increasing urgency. From there, the discussion escalates into blockbuster trade scenarios that could reshape the organization’s future — including trading Darius Garland, the longest-tenured Cavalier, to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden in a clear win-now swing aligned with Donovan Mitchell’s timeline.
The hosts also examine what it would take for Cleveland to pursue the ultimate superstar upgrade: a potential Evan Mobley-for-Giannis Antetokounmpo deal with Milwaukee, and whether sacrificing youth, continuity, and long-term flexibility is the price of entering true championship-or-bust territory.
With the Eastern Conference wide open and the trade deadline approaching, the episode breaks down how close the Cavs might be to detonating their Core Four — and whether two stars could be the final push toward a title.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins break down one of the most memorable nights of the Cavaliers’ season — a 130-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers powered by historic performances from Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr.
Allen delivered a career-best outing, pouring in 40 points and grabbing 17 rebounds while anchoring the Cavs in the absence of injured starters. Porter added his own stamp on the night, showcasing poise, playmaking, and control as Cleveland's backup point guard.
The conversation also explores how Cleveland’s ball movement helped lighten Donovan Mitchell’s offensive load, what that balance could mean long-term, and how recent roster changes — including the arrival of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis — factor into the Cavs’ evolving identity. The episode closes with a look at Mitchell’s latest All-Star nod and the importance of managing his workload as the season intensifies.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs traded De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The move provides the Cavaliers with much-needed ball-handling and point-of-attack defense while also offering significant salary cap relief. The speakers analyze why Hunter became expendable, and they detail the specific skills Schroder and Ellis bring to the team. They also speculate on the Cavs' future roster moves with the trade deadline still a few days away.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first loss of the road trip, a 126-113 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, and examine what it revealed about the team’s readiness for playoff-level physicality. The conversation begins with Cleveland’s mounting frustration over the officiating and a significant free-throw disparity that ultimately led to head coach Kenny Atkinson’s ejection.
From there, the guys break down how Phoenix’s physical defensive approach disrupted the Cavs’ rhythm, contributing to a season-high 22 turnovers and exposing lingering questions about Cleveland’s on-court identity. The episode also explores the growing urgency surrounding the upcoming trade deadline, the impact of current injuries and how those factors complicate the Cavaliers’ path through a demanding West Coast road trip.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins answer questions from Subtext subscribers, diving into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster challenges and trade-deadline possibilities. The hosts break down how Darius Garland and Evan Mobley’s returns will shake up a rotation where younger players have flourished in their absence. Then, they turn to the trade market, dissecting what the Cavs could get for De’Andre Hunter and exploring the rumored framework involving Rui Hachimura and the Lakers. Financial flexibility, roster fit, and long-term strategy all hang in the balance as the team navigates its second-apron luxury tax constraints.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, a game overshadowed by what might be LeBron James's final appearance in Cleveland. The conversation centers on LeBron's emotional reaction to a tribute video, sparking speculation about his potential retirement and the possibility of a final return to the Cavs for a "storybook ending."
The guys also analyze the strong performances of younger players like Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin, the potential trade of De'Andre Hunter and whether the team's recent success can be sustained once injured players return.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins unpack what LeBron James’ return to Cleveland truly means for the city, both in the moment and in the long view. They examine the buzz, the speculation and the unavoidable question lingering over Rocket Arena: could this be the final time LeBron suits up in a Lakers uniform in Cleveland, and what might the offseason hold beyond that?
From there, the conversation shifts back to the present-day Cavaliers, a team once again navigating uncertainty. With Evan Mobley sidelined after re-aggravating his calf injury, the guys break down how his absence reshapes the Cavs’ identity, stresses an already thin rotation and tests their ability to survive a difficult stretch of the season. It’s a discussion about legacy, timing and resilience, all colliding at a pivotal moment for Cleveland basketball.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins break down the Cavaliers’ fourth straight win with a 114-98 victory over the Orlando Magic.
They dive into Donovan Mitchell’s 45-point explosion, analyzing how his growth as a leader has made him indispensable, especially as the team leans on him more amid injuries and uneven performances from other key players.
The conversation then shifts to Jaylon Tyson, spotlighting his selection to the Rising Stars game and debating his case for Most Improved Player. The hosts explore Tyson’s development, compare him to league-wide candidates, and underscore why his emergence could be crucial to the Cavs’ future success.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Jimmy Watkins and Chris Fedor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers stacking wins during one of their most demanding stretches of the season, breaking down a gritty victory over the Orlando Magic that came amid mounting injuries and a brutal travel schedule. The trio examines how adversity has pushed Cleveland back toward its defensive foundation, while also opening the door for younger players like Jaylon Tyson to carve out meaningful roles. The discussion also centers on Donovan Mitchell’s leadership — from his late-game shot-making to the quieter, day-to-day influence he’s had mentoring teammates through chaos. Finally, the guys debate whether the lessons learned and lineup changes born out of necessity could have a lasting impact on the Cavs’ rotations, identity and playoff outlook once reinforcements like Darius Garland return.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor examine the Cavaliers’ options as the trade deadline nears, including whether exploring the G League for short-term help is a signal of where the roster really stands. They break down the logic behind a potential 10-day look at Killian Hayes, what he could realistically provide, and what that says about Cleveland’s need for ball-handling and organization.
The discussion expands to possible deadline approaches and how pieces such as Lonzo Ball, De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade factor into trade conversations, and why the front office continues to project belief in the group despite uneven performances.
The episode closes with a behind-the-scenes look at how criticism is handled between the team and those covering it as expectations continue to rise.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cavaliers’ 94-87 win over the Charlotte Hornets, a game that felt more like a maturity test than a confidence builder. Cleveland set the tone early with defensive urgency, but uneven effort and a stagnant offensive process in the second half turned the night into another grind.
The conversation dives into the heavy defensive attention facing an exhausted Donovan Mitchell amid ongoing injuries, the recurring frustration with Evan Mobley fading after a dominant first half, and what those patterns say about where this team is right now. The hosts also examine Cleveland’s thinning margin for error, lingering questions about its defensive identity, and why wins like this may be the norm rather than the exception as the Cavs limp toward the All-Star break.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins examine where the Cleveland Cavaliers are — and where they’re trying to go. The conversation centers on the growing gap between the Cavs’ ambitions and the habits, accountability, and day-to-day processes required to sustain contention.
That lens frames a discussion around a proposed trade from The Ringer that would send Darius Garland to Brooklyn for Michael Porter Jr., as a window into the limitations of the current Core Four and the questions Cleveland still has to answer about fit, toughness, and leadership.
From there, the guys zoom out, comparing the Cavs’ internal disconnects — between players, coaching, and expectations — with organizations like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, teams chasing similar goals but supported by clearer identities and stronger cultures.
The episode ultimately asks a bigger question: what parts of those models Cleveland can realistically implement, and whether this roster, as currently constructed, has more growth left or is already brushing up against its ceiling.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers’ 136-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and what it revealed about Cleveland’s standing in the contender hierarchy. The conversation centers on the growing gap between a Thunder team operating with championship habits, clarity and edge, and a Cavs group still searching for a consistent identity.
The trio examines why injuries can no longer explain Cleveland’s uneven play, questionable decision-making and lack of collective assertiveness, particularly from a roster carrying the league’s highest payroll. They dig into Evan Mobley’s evolving responsibility within the offense, the pressure on the Cavs to play with force and purpose, and how OKC’s maturity exposed uncomfortable truths about Cleveland’s readiness for May and June.
The episode also touches on Donovan Mitchell’s All-Star starter snub, the mounting frustration around the Cavs’ inability to establish a reliable formula, and why time is becoming less of an ally as expectations remain championship-level.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Jimmy Watkins react to the Cavaliers’ 117-115 comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers, framing it as a gritty culture victory powered by Cleveland’s supporting cast. The discussion is led by Jaylon Tyson’s career-high 39-point performance and his poise on the final possession, including the game-winning assist that underscored both his feel and long-term upside. The guys also dive into the playmaking impact of Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr., the energy and connectivity provided by the bench, and how those elements helped stabilize the Cavs in the absence of key contributors. Despite the win, the episode closes with a critical look at Evan Mobley’s continued offensive passivity, a lingering concern that remains central to Cleveland’s ceiling moving forward.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down what truly matters for the Cavaliers in the second half of the season — and it’s not just climbing the standings. The discussion centers on player development, lineup balance and how Cleveland should manage its rotations amid a growing list of injuries.
A major focus is Darius Garland’s new toe injury, how it differs from his offseason surgery, the mental and physical toll it can take and what it means moving forward. The guys also examine Sam Merrill’s recurring hand sprain, the management of Lonzo Ball and the impending return of Max Strus.
The episode closes with a look at who could start against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, factoring in the latest injuries and the matchup itself.
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In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor react to the Cavaliers’ 133-107 dismantling of the Philadelphia 76ers, a performance that looked and felt like the most complete showing of the season. From the opening tip, Cleveland played with force, connectivity, and defensive intent — the kind of response the Cavs have talked about needing after disappointing losses.
The conversation centers on why this version of the Cavs has to become the baseline, not the exception. The hosts break down what made this win different, how the ball movement and defensive physicality changed the game, and why the energy felt sustainable rather than situational.
They also dive into key individual performances, including Donovan Mitchell’s control of the game, Evan Mobley’s growing two-way impact, Jaylon Tyson’s energy and decisiveness, and De’Andre Hunter’s role within the flow of the offense — all while examining what consistency from each means as Cleveland pushes toward the stretch run.
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether the Cavs are capable of nights like this — it’s whether they’re willing to hold themselves to this standard moving forward.
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