Raiders Could Trade Disappointing Former First-Rounder for 44-Game Starting OL
The Las Vegas Raiders have had some serious woes in the first round of the draft in recent years. Last year, Brock Bowers was a hit, and this year, Ashton Jeanty looks like the real deal.
Prior to that, the Raiders had a run of very disappointing first-round picks. While it’s not fair to call 2023 No. 7 pick Tyree Wilson a total bust yet, he hasn’t come close to living up to his draft status. With left tackle Kolton Miller likely out for the season, the team has a need at left tackle.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pitched a trade that would send Wilson to the Chicago Bears for left tackle Braxton Jones.
“Let’s make bets on two frustrating players. Jones entered the season with a potentially massive contract riding on his performance at left tackle for the Bears, but the Ben Johnson regime quickly soured on the player it inherited on Caleb Williams’ blind side,” Barnwell wrote. “Jones split time in practice at left tackle during preseason. Though he was the Week 1 starter, Jones didn’t last long in the lineup. He was pulled in the first half against the Raiders in Week 4 and didn’t play a single offensive snap against the
“Even mediocre young left tackles can be valuable, as Dan Moore Jr.’s free agent contract showed, but Jones’ future is likely elsewhere. The Bears will go with Theo Benedet as their left tackle for now, and second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo is entrenched as Chicago’s swing tackle and the next man up. Tackle depth is always nice to have, but the Bears could use help elsewhere.”
Why Would Raiders Want to Trade Wilson?
As Barnwell noted, Jones isn’t the starter and hasn’t proven to be an impact player. However, he’s simply not very high on Wilson and thinks the opportunity to add a left tackle with 44 career starts could be the wise play.
“Even a below-average left tackle like Jones would be a massive upgrade on what the Raiders are likely to run out over the next couple of months, and they could potentially land a compensatory pick if Jones leaves after the season,” Barnwell wrote. “Adding what might be essentially a short-term tackle could seem odd for a team out of playoff contention in the AFC, but the Raiders just need to be able to reliably run their offense right now.
“Las Vegas would simultaneously move on from another of their former disappointing first-round picks in Wilson, who simply hasn’t developed into a starting-caliber player since being drafted with the seventh pick in 2023.”
Pete Carroll Praises Wilson
The hope when the Raiders drafted Wilson was that he could be a superstar running mate for Maxx Crosby. He’s been a decent player, but he seems like he’ll never be a dependable starter.
That said, head coach Pete Carroll just spoke about how the Raiders still have plans for him.
“We’re planning on him in the middle of the rotations,” Carroll told reporters
Tim Legler Makes Bold Al Horford Prediction for Warriors
The Golden State Warriors made one of the most intriguing offseason moves in the NBA by signing 39-year-old Al Horford, and ESPN analyst Tim Legler
“I love them. I love what I’ve seen out of them in the preseason. I love the addition of Al Horford,” Legler said in a media call with
Horford, entering his 19th NBA season, brings a stabilizing presence to a Warriors roster looking to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window. The five-time All-Star has played a limited role during the preseason, but his intelligence and versatility have already stood out.
In Golden State’s most recent preseason win, Horford logged 22 minutes—his most since joining the team—finishing with eight points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 2-for-3 from deep, along with four rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal.
Horford Brings the High-IQ Playmaker Kerr Has Wanted
Head coach Steve Kerr has long sought a big man capable of both stretching the floor and facilitating from the high post—something Horford excels at. His ability to make quick reads, initiate offense, and anchor the defense fits seamlessly with the Warriors’ motion-heavy system.
Legler said Horford’s combination of basketball IQ and playoff experience will elevate the team’s chemistry on both ends. His ability to stabilize the offense and complement Draymond Green defensively could make Golden State more balanced than in recent years.
Jimmy Butler’s Arrival Keeps Warriors in Contention
While Horford’s arrival adds veteran depth, Legler believes the Warriors’ biggest catalyst remains Jimmy Butler, who joined the team at last season’s trade deadline.
“A full season now with Jimmy Butler coming into the year—they just, to me, are going to be one of the best stories over the first couple of months of the season,” Legler said.
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have looked reinvigorated. His leadership, toughness, and defensive intensity helped Golden State close last season on a 23–8 run, climbing back into the playoff mix.
Though Butler has missed part of training camp with a mild ankle sprain, Kerr expects him to be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.
Legler: Warriors Can Still Contend in the West
Even with aging stars and an evolving roster, Legler believes the Warriors are still capable of contending in a loaded Western Conference.
“Have they rejuvenated themselves enough to give this team another shot in the Steph Curry era to really contend?” Legler said. “For me, contending in the West is relative to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It really means, can you be that team at the end to challenge them and take them on?
“I think Golden State is in that mix. I think they have a freshness and bounce about them coming into the season and a confidence level—and the addition of Al Horford is a big part of that.”
Warriors Trending Up Ahead of Season Opener
Despite injuries and limited minutes for their veterans, the Warriors have started the preseason 3-1, showing improved spacing, communication, and defensive discipline. With Horford complementing Curry, Butler, and Green, Golden State enters the new season with renewed optimism.
“So, I really like what I’ve seen early in the year,” Legler said. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the season starts.”
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