The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 07/02/26

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 07/02/26

Bruce Drennan and Matt Fontana react to the Celtics' stunning decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the rival 76ers for what many believe was a surprisingly underwhelming return. They break down how the blockbuster deal reshapes the Eastern Conference and what it means for the Cavaliers' championship aspirations moving forward. Plus, with the East looking deeper and more competitive than ever, they debate whether Cleveland should make a serious push to bring LeBron James back home. Is a reunion now a necessity for the Cavs to remain legitimate title contenders, or can this roster compete for a championship without him? Plus, Guardians on SI reporter Cade Cracas joins the show to break down the Guardians' disappointing series loss to the Rangers and preview a crucial upcoming home showdown with the division-leading White Sox. With Cleveland searching for answers during a rough stretch, the crew debates whether this is the biggest series of the season so far—and one that could shape the rest of the AL Central race. Finally, Brandon Varnadoe joins the show to recap Team USA's dominant 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, breaking down the Americans' impressive performance and what fueled their convincing Round of 32 win. He also previews a highly anticipated Round of 16 showdown with Belgium, discussing the key matchups, biggest storylines, and what Team USA must do to keep its World Cup hopes alive. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 07/01/26

Matt Fontana and Ryan Tyler react after the NBA world was rocked by reports that LeBron James informed the Lakers he plans to play elsewhere in 2026-27, with the Cavaliers and Warriors emerging as the reported frontrunners. Senior NBA writer Sam Amico joins the show to break down LeBron's decision, what a potential trade package could look like, which destination gives him the best chance to win another championship, and whether the Cavaliers' offseason moves signal they're preparing for a reunion with the four-time NBA champion. Plus, Browns legend Josh Cribbs joins the show to break down Cleveland's busy offseason and whether the NFL is overlooking what Todd Monken is building with the Browns' revamped roster. He shares his thoughts on the team's key additions, the new-look offense, and why Cleveland could be poised to surprise the league in 2026. Finally, the crew takes a pulse check on the Cleveland Guardians after back-to-back home losses to the Rangers, discussing whether the club's recent struggles are cause for concern. They also react to rookie Cooper Ingle's costly mistake that may have perfectly summed up the Guardians' sloppy stretch of play and what the team must do to get back on track. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/30/26

Former Browns first-round pick Phil Taylor joins Max Loeb, Chef Zae, and Jack O'Rourke to discuss whether new head coach Todd Monken and his staff can unlock the full potential of Cleveland's young, transitioning roster. Plus, the crew breaks down the importance of developing young talent while still finding ways to win games and establish a winning culture around the franchise's emerging cornerstones. One of those young cornerstones, Carson Schwesinger, has officially cracked the NFL's Top 100 list. Is the rising linebacker on track to become a perennial All-Pro, and does he have what it takes to emerge as the Browns' next defensive leader following the departure of franchise legend Myles Garrett? Plus, Max Loeb, Chef Zae, and Jack O'Rourke react to the Cavaliers' latest offseason move, bringing back center Thomas Bryant on a one-year deal, and discuss reports that Cleveland is emerging as a potential landing spot for free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Finally, the crew reacts to reports that the Warriors are pursuing LeBron James and Anthony Davis, raising the question: Would LeBron's legacy take a hit if he joined Golden State? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/29/26

Browns legend Hanford Dixon joins Chris McNeil and Gab Kreuz to break down whether the national media is overlooking Cleveland’s offensive rebuild and how quickly new head coach Todd Monken can flip the Browns’ scoring output compared to the struggles of recent years under Kevin Stefanski. Plus, linebacker Carson Schwesinger lands on the NFL Top 100 list. Has last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year already established the highest ceiling of any player on the Browns’ defense? Also, Jensen Lewis returns to the show to break down his takeaways from the Guardians’ big series win over the Seattle Mariners, Cooper Ingle’s Major League debut, Khalil Watson’s hot streak at the plate, and the outstanding performances from Cleveland’s starting rotation. Finally, the crew reacts to news that Cavaliers guard James Harden will decline his player option and instead pursue a new deal with Cleveland following a polarizing end to his first season with the team. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show 06/26/26

Chris McNeil, Gabb Goudy, Jack O'Rourke, and Ryan Tyler react to the first phase of MLB All-Star voting, where not a single Cleveland Guardian earned a spot among the leaders—underscoring a frustrating, injury-plagued season that has seen the club struggle to find consistency. Is Cleveland's disappointing showing a fair reflection of its performance, or have the Guardians been overlooked by fans? Plus, the crew dives into MLB's sweeping proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, the most significant labor proposal in decades. With a potential lockout looming, baseball could be headed for major changes, including the possibility of a salary cap and salary floor. Would those changes create a more competitive league, or fundamentally alter the sport as fans know it? The panel breaks down what the proposal could mean for the future of Major League Baseball. Also, the crew reacts to Jack's midseason report card, grading every player on the Guardians' active roster and debating who's exceeded expectations, who's underperformed, and who still has time to turn things around. Finally, former Indians catcher Chris Gimenez joins the show to break down the promotion of highly touted catching prospect Cooper Ingle, discuss what Cleveland should prioritize ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and answer the big question hanging over the season: Will the Guardians' inconsistent offense once again be their downfall? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]