PODCAST · news
Wine and Gold Talk Podcast
by cleveland.com - Advance Local
Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.
Episodes
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Which two-man pairing is most important for the Cavs’ success?
In this mailbag episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands breaks down the two-man pairings that could define the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season. Sands examines what each grouping could unlock, how Cleveland can balance its veterans’ workloads with developing its younger players…
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Are the Cavs and Pistons the most slept on teams in the East? with the Detroit Free Press' Omari Sankofa II
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Detroit Free Press reporter Omari Sankofa II examine whether the Cavs and Pistons are the Eastern Conference’s most slept-on teams after both franchises made it to the conference semifinals this past season. Sands and Sankofa...
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Have the Cavs surpassed the Celtics in the Eastern Conference hierarchy? with the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Boston Globe NBA writer Gary Washburn discuss the financial and developmental realities shaping the NBA under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Washburn provides insight into the Boston Celtics' offseason,...
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Did former Cavs GM Mike Gansey have the best first summer as a new executive in NBA history with the Sixers? with The Athletic's Tony Jones
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and The Athletic's Tony Jones discuss the Philadelphia 76ers' monumental offseason, focusing heavily on the franchise's acquisition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown under new executive Mike Gansey, former Cavs GM. They analyze…
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Do the Hawks pose the biggest defensive threat to the Cavs in a seven-game series? with the AJC's Lauren Williams
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands is joined by Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to examine the evolving Atlanta Hawks through a Cleveland Cavaliers lens. With Trae Young now gone, Atlanta is entering a new era built around a defense-first...
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Have the Cavs built a roster capable of winning an NBA championship?
In this mailbag episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands addresses Subtext subscriber questions regarding the Cavs' roster and their championship viability for the upcoming season. Key themes include the team's specialized approach to bench depth, the competition for the…
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Did the Cavs win the Peyton Watson trade? with The Denver Post's Bennett Durando
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Denver Post Nuggets beat reporter Bennett Durando discuss the recent sign-and-trade that sent Peyton Watson from Denver to the Cavs. The conversation breaks down Watson’s defensive versatility, underdeveloped ball-handling...
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Change is coming to LA. Will LeBron's departure impact the Lakers like it did Cleveland? with OC Register beat reporter Ben Royer
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands is joined by Orange County Register beat reporter Ben Royer as they discuss a radically transformed Los Angeles Lakers organization. Following LeBron James' departure, the Lakers pivoted their roster by building around their new...
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EMERGENCY POD: Reacting to the Cavs signing James Harden to a three-year deal at 37 years old
In this episode of the Wine and Gold podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent signing of James Harden to a three-year, $97 million contract. They discuss how Harden's willingness to structure a flexible deal allowed the front office to stay...
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EMERGENCY POD: Reacting to the Cavs trading for Peyton Watson
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' major offseason transactions, highlighted by a three-team trade to acquire forward Peyton Watson. The move, which cost Cleveland core rotational piece Max Strus and a...
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Does Evan Mobley have to become an MVP-level player for the Cavs to win a championship? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor answer questions from Subtext subscribers, weighing Max Strus’ value to the team’s culture and current rotation against his potential value as a trade asset. They also take a...
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Could the Cavs' acquisition of Tre Mann signal that more moves are close behind?
In the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast features host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discussing the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent offseason moves, particularly the trade sending Dennis Schröder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann. The two also analyze the team's ongoing...
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Where does Kenny Atkinson rank amongst Eastern Conference coaches? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor evaluate Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson. The conversation also analyzes the challenges of integrating James Harden into the offense mid-season, specifically addressing his high playoff turnover...
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Is James Harden becoming impatient with the Cavs as he waits for his new deal?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' schedule release and whether the organization has a right to feel disrespected by the league after being shut out of the NBA's opening night and Christmas Day slates,...
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Is there still a player on the market who would make the Cavs’ offseason a success?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins examine whether there is still a move available that could change the trajectory of the Cavaliers’ offseason. The conversation begins with Cleveland’s search for a versatile wing who can...
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Did Cleveland’s chances of landing Peyton Watson increase with Denver’s latest move, plus if Saliou Niang will actually hoop for LSU in the fall?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss how individual player workouts and major life events — such as Craig Porter Jr. and Donovan Mitchell's weddings — have simply taken precedence over organized team minicamps following a deep playoff run. The...
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What lessons should stick with Kenny Atkinson from his first two seasons in Cleveland?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins analyze the Cavs’ roster dynamics and coaching strategies under head coach Kenny Atkinson. The initial discussion surrounds the overlapping sharpshooting profiles of Max Strus and Sam Merrill, exploring...
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Is Cleveland's best starting small forward option already on the roster?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavaliers beat reporter Chris Fedor examine whether Cleveland's best option at starting small forward is already on the roster. With trades for players such as Jonathan Kuminga, PJ Washington and Peyton Watson complicated by...
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Is Cleveland's depleted draft capital stalling its offseason?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor examine the revelation that LeBron James met with the Cleveland Cavaliers before ultimately choosing to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The two unpack what they’re hearing about that meeting,...
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Could the Cavs already consider the James Harden trade a success?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavaliers beat reporter Chris Fedor answer some of the biggest questions from Subtext subscribers about Cleveland's roster entering the 2026-27 season. The two discuss whether Evan Mobley is truly ready to become the team's...
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Does Mario Hezonja solve the Cavs' wing problem or signal another move is coming?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cleveland Cavaliers beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' latest offseason developments, including the anticipated signing of Mario Hezonja. They examine how the former NBA lottery pick has reinvented himself in Europe,...
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Reacting to LeBron James choosing Philadelphia over Cleveland for the final stop of his career
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the fallout from LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers over returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The conversation centers on Cleveland's broadly unsuccessful offseason,...
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How important is this next season to defining Evan Mobley's NBA identity? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and columnist Jimmy Watkins answer offseason questions submitted by Subtext subscribers. They discuss the Cavaliers' young roster depth and the development expectations for players such as Nae'Qwan...
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If the Cavs don't land LeBron James, will they have had the Eastern Conference's most disappointing offseason?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins examine whether the Cavaliers have had the Eastern Conference's most underwhelming offseason as rival contenders continue making significant roster upgrades. They attribute this strategic standstill to…
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Why LeBron James' best basketball fit may not be his best storybook ending
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor shift from the rumors to the basketball, evaluating which teams make the most sense for LeBron James at this stage of his career. James is operating entirely on his own timeline, potentially...
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Has LeBron James' prolonged free agency been detrimental to the Cavs’ offseason? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor examine whether LeBron James' prolonged free agency has actually impacted Cleveland's offseason plans. They discuss why the Cavaliers remain one of the most compelling destinations for James...
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Could Kenny Atkinson's next Big 3 include LeBron James, and is Atkinson ready for all that entails? with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands is joined by veteran NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson to unpack the behind-the-scenes dynamics of LeBron James' free agency. Drawing on conversations around the league, Robinson says the race has narrowed to the Cleveland...
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Are the Cavs still a top-5 team after trades reshape the Eastern Conference hierarchy?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins examine the Cleveland Cavaliers' standing in the wake of a highly transformative NBA offseason filled with blockbuster trades. With rival teams drastically strengthening their rosters, the hosts argue…
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Are the Cavs’ early free-agent losses only further evidence of how much they need LeBron James back in Cleveland?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss the seismic NBA news of LeBron James entering free agency and his unprecedented willingness to take a below-market deal to prioritize contending and personal...
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Is there an available free agent that elevates the Cavs to championship contender status?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins delve into the Cleveland Cavaliers' off-season strategies, primarily focusing on James Harden's decision to opt out of his $42.3 million player option. The guys discuss the necessity of Harden signing a...
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What would it take to bring LeBron James home for one last title run — and would the cost be worth it?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' crucial offseason strategies as they aim to build a true championship contender. The conversation centers on the team's restricted flexibility, emphasizing the...
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Why fit flew out the window when the Cavs saw Meleek Thomas still on the board
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' decision to trade out of the first round and select Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas with the 34th overall pick. The front office's strategy was heavily influenced by the...
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Can the Cavs get better with their newly acquired 34th overall pick on Day 2 of the 2026 NBA Draft?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' decision to trade their 29th overall NBA Draft pick for the 34th selection and a future second-round pick. This strategic move helps the franchise navigate the heavy...
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Could the Cavs trade out of the 2026 NBA Draft?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, along with Cleveland.com's Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and columnist Jimmy Watkins, discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' critical offseason decisions. The panel breaks down the complexities of the 29th overall pick in the NBA...
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Who the Cavs could draft at No. 29 overall — and how their decision can affect the team’s trajectory and summer moves
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' strategy for the 29th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. They highlight the team's glaring need for a resilient "3-and-D" wing or an enforcing big…
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Does a superstar's leadership style influence a front office's willingness to make bold moves?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discusses the Cleveland Cavaliers' current trajectory, internal leadership dynamics, and the heavy expectations lingering from the franchise's 2016 championship. The conversation contrasts the demanding...
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Why the Cavs' 2016 championship still means so much to fans, 10 years later
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, along with Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins, reminisce about the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 2016 NBA championship through the memories of fans who lived it. Reading through subscriber...
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Is the Cavs’ 2016 championship the greatest in sports history? When will the next title find its way to Cleveland — or is the city in for another drought?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, along with Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins, reminisce about Cleveland’s historic 2016 NBA championship. The trio reflects on the weight of the moment, the fierce animosity with the Golden...
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What does it take to win a championship — and can the Cavs get it done in 2027?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins reflect on the New York Knicks’ recent NBA championship victory, analyzing the essential components of a title-winning team and whether the Cavs have what it takes to compete for a title in 2027. They...
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Is Jarrett Allen the key to the Cavs' next step — or the sacrifice it takes to get there?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff shortcomings and the necessary steps the organization must take to reach championship contention. Prompted by Subtext subscriber questions regarding the New York Knicks' recent...
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Who will take the biggest leap for the Cavs this summer?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss which Cleveland Cavaliers players need to make the biggest developmental leaps to raise the team's championship ceiling. They unanimously identify Evan Mobley as the most critical...
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Can Donovan Mitchell and James Harden become a championship backcourt for the Cavs?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor analyze the viability of the Cleveland's backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The conversation highlights the pair's defensive liabilities and the heavy offensive burden they…
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Who do the Cavs NEED next season: Dean Wade, Keon Ellis or Max Strus?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' critical offseason decisions as they navigate the financial constraints of the NBA's second apron. A major focus is whether to prioritize retaining defensive standout…
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Are the Cavs paying attention to the Knicks' NBA Finals blueprint, or learning the wrong lessons?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins discuss New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson's exceptional clutch performances and his unique ability to dominate a "tall man's game" despite his smaller stature. The guys praise Brunson's fundamentally...
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Two things can be true: How Lonzo Ball and Darius Garland's conversation displayed the duality of Cleveland's end-of-season collapse
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins analyze recent comments by Lonzo Ball and Darius Garland regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster changes and playoff struggles. The discussion highlights the recurring structural flaws…
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Are the Cavs’ coaching carousel and trade talks killing internal player development?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor evaluate the future trajectory and roster construction of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They first analyze the team's player development, noting that while Evan Mobley’s offensive growth has seemingly plateaued, other…
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Do the Cavs have a 1-A player on their roster?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' fatal roster flaws in contrast to the success of current NBA Finals contenders. Reflecting on the Western Conference Finals, they highlight Victor Wembanyama's overwhelming dominance…
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What stood out from Koby Altman's end-of-season press conference heading into an unpredictable summer?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor, and Jimmy Watkins break down Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman’s end-of-season press conference and the complex offseason decisions facing the franchise. The conversation centers on the...
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Aside from the big fish, who could the Cavs acquire in the offseason to make a difference around the margins? Hey, Chris!
This episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast focuses on the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason strategies, centering heavily on the rumors surrounding a potential push for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins argue that the Cavaliers should aggressively pursue the...
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By keeping Kenny Atkinson, are the Cavs signaling a core shakeup — or doubling down on this group?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down what the Cleveland Cavaliers’ decision to retain head coach Kenny Atkinson and the current front office really says about the franchise’s future after a humiliating Eastern Conference finals...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.
HOSTED BY
cleveland.com - Advance Local
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How many episodes does Wine and Gold Talk Podcast have?
Wine and Gold Talk Podcast currently has 802 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wine and Gold Talk Podcast about?
Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.
How often does Wine and Gold Talk Podcast release new episodes?
Wine and Gold Talk Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 802 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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Who hosts Wine and Gold Talk Podcast?
Wine and Gold Talk Podcast is created and hosted by cleveland.com - Advance Local.
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