The incident at Madison Square Garden occurred late in the first quarter. Towns knocked heads with the defending Jones on a drive, and it opened up a deep gash around Towns' right eye.
With blood covering his jersey and a bandage placed on his head, Towns made both his free throws before he was subbed out for Mitchell Robinson. The All-Star big man then exited to the locker room, presumably to receive treatment for the cut and perhaps get a new jersey.
Karl-Anthony Towns was bleeding after colliding with Spencer Jones on this drive 😳 pic.twitter.com/0BKFIlgmZ0
Towns was still not back on the court when the bulk of the Knicks' starters returned midway through the second quarter though he did finally return before the second quarter was through.
He was sporting new bandages above his eye and seemingly a new jersey, the bloodstains no longer visible.
Jones was also impacted by the collision, the Nuggets saying he was questionable to return due to a head contusion. He ultimately played just 12 minutes, going 0-for-3 from the field and finishing with three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Towns didn't seem too worse for wear in the end, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 12 rebounds. He did foul out but the Knicks won 134-127 in double overtime.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 27: Saddiq Bey #41 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball while being defended by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on January 27, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, rumors have been spreading like wildfire. Not only that, but some trades have already been done, and teams are shifting directions quickly for this playoff run. That leaves the Suns in a questionable spot: they do not want to ruffle the feathers on a good run, but may fall further behind in this conference by Thursday afternoon.
So, for the fun of it, let’s look at some trade proposals from the site and break them down. This one comes from our great site manager, John Voita, and he cooked this beauty up.
This one has a lot of moving pieces, with the Suns as the third team involved.
For this deal to go through, both the Pacers and Pelicans must agree to swap their young stars. Yves Missi has been great in his sophomore year, but with the Pelicans front court having Derik Queen and Zion Williamson, he has become expendable for them. Bennedict Mathurin is a restricted free agent, and the Pacers did not pay Myles Turner last season because they are cheap. Would they do the same with Mathurin, especially when they are projected to be a top-five pick?
It also helps that the Pelicans and Pacers have been linked to these players in the past with the Pacers needing another big alongside Jay Huff after losing Turner, and the Pelicans willing to take flyers on young talent, As long as both of these teams are willing to do this swap, it should be easy for the Suns to sneak in to get Saddiq Bey.
Bey, who has recently been on a heater offensively, continues to prove to be a solid wing role player. One, the Suns could definitely plug into their style of play, with his ability to shoot the three-point shot and defend with energy. You also cannot forget that he was a collegiate teammate of Collin Gillespie; adding him to that bench rotation alongside him would foster great chemistry off the bat.
Fortunately, to get Bey, the Suns would only have to move off of Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, two players who are not in the rotation for this team. A Richards-to-the-Pelicans trade has been discussed in the past, with them getting a third big. Hayes-Davis to the Pacers could try once again to crack a rotation to compete in the NBA. With the Suns not trading any draft picks either, this would allow them to save money while also adding someone to an already deep rotation. With injuries on this team as well, this could be just the cherry on top of their playoff run.
Now, even though this helps out the Suns in many ways, there is a way that this does not go through. Who is to say that the Pelicans and Pacers even need the Suns players involved here? They could do this swap between the two, and essentially don’t need these Suns players. The Pelicans could also want more for Bey, which would be difficult for the Suns to get there with their limited draft capital. These types of deals make it complex for the Suns, but they’re always fun to discuss.
Bey would be a great addition, since the Suns do not give up anything valuable in this trade. By shedding a roster spot as well, they can convert Jamaree Bouyea and continue to strengthen the depth of their rotation.
What do you think, though? If you like this or don’t, please let us know what you think down below.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 10, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Detroit Pistons tomorrow night. Let’s preview this one.
Game info
When: Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Washington
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Tre Johnson (ankle), Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), Trae Young (knee, quad) and Cam Whitmore (shoulder) are out. On addition, Dante Exum (trade) and Anthony Davis (trade) are out. Jaden Hardy and D’Angelo Russell are day-to-day due to various injuries but are also affected by being traded to the Wizards earlier today.
For the Pistons, Dario Saric and Tolu Smith are out. Kevin Huerter is day-to-day.
What to watch for
The Wizards are coming off a blowout loss to the New York Knicks today and will head to Motown for a game against the Pistons, who are leading the Eastern Conference with a 37-12 record. Given today’s big trade where Anthony Davis is now coming to DC, there won’t be a full roster tomorrow in all likelihood. Hopefully, the game remains competitive however!
Boston, MA - January 7 - Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9), centers Luka Garza (52) and Neemias Queta (88) watch as the Denver Nuggets win 110-114 at the Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images). | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
HOUSTON — The Celtics will start a brand-new starting five in the wake of multiple absences against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Alongside regular starters Derrick White and Neemias Queta, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr, and Luka Garza will take the floor for tip-off.
Payton Pritchard, fresh off a 26-point outing, will come off the bench for the second consecutive game. Pritchard expressed a total willingness to come off the bench on Tuesday night in Dallas, given that Anfernee Simons has been traded to Chicago and is no longer with the team.
“You see how our team is constructed, you need somebody to bench to handle the rock, and it’s good, D-White comes out, I come in, and there’s always somebody that can bring it up, get us into the flow, stuff like that,” Pritchard said. “So, it just makes the most sense for our team.”
Jaylen Brown (left hamstring tightness, right knee contusion) and Sam Hauser (thumb sprain) are sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back, but both players are with the team in Houston. Brown, who was listed as doubtful, went through warm-ups before being ruled out.
Chris Boucher (personal reasons) is not currently with the team. Two-way player Max Shulga is also in Boston.
Multiple players get increased opportunities for the short-handed Celtics
For two-way player Ron Harper Jr, Wednesday night will mark a first-ever career NBA start. Harper Jr. has been a G League standout so far this season, but he has played just 35 minutes (across 7 games) with Boston this season.
Harper Jr. will represent the Celtics at the Rising Stars game in Los Angeles later this month. When in Boston, the 25-year-old has earned Mazzulla’s praise.
“I watch him work out when he’s with us — the side of that is the professionalism,” Joe Mazzulla said. “So, when he gets there early, he’s in the weight room doing what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s in the treatment room if he needs to be. He communicates at a high level. There’s just a level of trust there.”
Baylor Scheierman will start his second straight game, and 6th game of the season. Scheierman is averaging 13.6 minutes across 45 games played this year, while shooting 40.7% from the field and oftentimes taking on the team’s most difficult defensive assignments.
With Pritchard appearing to come off the bench in the near future, it appears likely that Scheierman could be a staple in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
“He’s developed into a utility guy for us defensively,” Mazzulla said last week.
Luka Garza, on the heels of a 16-point game, will start his second game of the season. Garza is averaging 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while shooting a team-best 47.6% from three. He has been a fixture of the rotation since late December, after falling out of it for a few weeks earlier this season.
Neemias Queta and Derrick White have been regular starters for the Celtics all season long.
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, and Kevin Durant will start.
Celtics-Rockets tips off at 8pm ET at the Toyota Center.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 10: David Jones-Garcia #25 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Utah Jazz on OCTOBER 10, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While everyone was distracted by trade announcements, the Spurs unveiled some unfortunate news. Rookie David Jones-Garcia underwent surgery on his right ankle and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jones-Garcia, who had been spending most of his time in the Austin G League affiliate, suffered the injury on Jan. 10 in an Austin Spurs game against the South Bay Lakers, the team announced. The surgery to address it was successful, but he’s been ruled out for the season. There is no timeline for his return to action at this point.
Jones-Garcia earned a two-way spot with the Spurs after a fantastic run in Summer League. While he never cracked the rotation with the big club, he was a standout in the G League, earning a spot representing them in the All-Star game. Unfortunately, his injury will prevent him from attending what could have been the highlight of his young career.
Jones-Garcia was on a one-year, two-way contract, so there is a chance he’s worn a Spurs jersey for the last time. That said, he is a beloved teammate, still young, and a dominant scorer, averaging 28 points per game in the Tip-Off Tournament and over 25 in the G League regular season. He might have done enough to end a new contract next season once he’s healthy.
In 11 NBA games this season, Jones-Garcia averaged 2.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 6.2 minutes a night for the Spurs.
Feb 2, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game for pushing the Wizards mascot before Friday’s road win in Washington.
The league announced Hayes’ punishment on Wednesday.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
X/@BleacherReport
The incident occurred during pregame introductions when Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, was running off the court during player introductions. As he approaches the Lakers bench, Hayes goes out of his way to drop his shoulder into the much shorter mascot.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
While the video cuts out, it appears the mascot if lifted off his feet and hit into the direction of members of the Wizards dancing team, who were running onto the floor.
Hayes will serve his suspension on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, when the Lakers kick off their eight-game homestand sandwiched around All-Star weekend (Feb. 13-15).
This is not the first time Hayes has run into issues.
In July of 2021, Los Angeles police were called to Hayes’ home by the cousin of his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, during a domestic dispute.
Once police arrived, bodycam footage showed Hayes in a physical altercation with an officer, wrestling and shoving him. Hayes would later pay the officer $150,000 to cover his injuries, according to a deposition given by the officer.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Hayes was eventually charged with 12 misdemeanors in Los Angeles County, and was ultimately sentenced to three years probation, had to do community service and attend domestic violence classes.
The NBA chose not to suspend, fine or take any disciplinary action against Hayes in the wake of the incident.
The 7-foot Hayes is slated to participate in the Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.
Hayes has averaged 6.4 points (77.5% shooting) and 3.8 rebounds in 41 games in 2025-26.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call as Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2025 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks (32*-18) host the Denver Nuggets (33-18) tonight at Madison Square Garden. This game pits the second-place team in the East against the third-place team in the West for a potential playoff preview. Intrigued? During their current (…not five…not six…) seven-game winning streak, New York has clamped down at both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Denver’s offense remains Grade A sushi, but their defense is imitation crab.
Nikola Jokic is available for Denver after getting kicked in the oysters last night (they lost to Detroit), but Aaron Gordon is sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Knicks list Miles McBride (ankle) and Kevin McCullar, Jr. out, while Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Josh Hart (ankle), and Mohamed Diawara (ankle) are day-to-day. Bonita Applebum, it’s an ankle epidemic!
Game is at 7 PM on MSG Network and ESPN. This is Denver Stiffs. Please do no post any large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal game streams in the comments. Be nice to one another. Go the Knicks!
* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.
Though we are in the thicket of NBA trade season — with the Brooklyn Nets already dipping their toe in the water — Michael Porter Jr. just hopped on a podcast. And it went well. Exhale.
While back in Denver, MPJ hopped on an episode of The Old Man and the Three, which was released on Tuesday MPJ. The current host of the one-time JJ Redick venture? None other than the man Porter Jr. was traded for last summer, Cam Johnson. The two talked about the trade, of course, as well as their shared experiences in Brooklyn and Denver.
Porter Jr. has spent half of his brief Nets tenure deeply involved in trade rumors, and even if he survives Thursday’s trade deadline, he will again be involved in rumors this offseason (like Johnson before him). And yet, MPJ spends most of the episode praising the franchise’s direction and coaching staff. Talking to Johnson and co-host Tommy Alter, he reveals he arrived in Brooklyn with “more excitement than sadness,” but one aspect of the transition made him a little nervous.
“I knew at the end of the day, I could still play bad and we could still win a game,” said MPJ of his time in Denver. “And so I was a little anxious, but I was up for the challenge over there, and I think it took some adjusting to figure it out. It took a different approach to, you know, how I approach the weight room and how I approach conditioning. I’m still kind of figuring it all out a little bit because it’s a different amount of usage … but it’s a challenge that I was ready to explore.”
So far, Porter Jr. has been up to the task, becoming one of the NBA’s most efficient 25-a-night scorers as an undisputed #1 option. Despite a summer of making misogynistic comments on disreputable podcasts, MPJ has since endeared himself to Nets fans, thanks to both his sharp-shooting and the other side of that unfiltered honesty. When Porter Jr. talks hoops, he is always insightful, whether he’s explaining how to come off a pindown or what it’s like being on a rebuilding team.
“I have a certain level of like, peace and stillness because of the fact that I had seven years of winning basketball and I did get a championship. If I didn’t have that, I might be a little antsy with my agent, like, ‘Man, are they trying to win? Like, I need to go try to win, I want to be deep in playoffs.’ But because I had that for seven years, I’m a little bit more patient with the process over here.”
This whole segment (starting at around 14:20) is most worth listening to, but MPJ also adds: “I’m really back in that leadership role of, this almost feels like like high school. Like, these guys are fresh from college, 19 and 20 year olds, and we’re trying to compete against grown men every night. And we have a few vets over there, but for the most part, man, we’re trying to build the young guys. It’s fun, it’s fun, so I appreciate it. It’s definitely a challenge.”
Though Porter Jr. doesn’t go in-depth on the recent string of embarrassing, blowout losses the Nets have been suffering, he doesn’t sugarcoat the losing either. With another assist from Cam Johnson, he again goes above and beyond the typical non-answer of yeah, losing is tough but I trust the process and gives us hope that the player-podcast-era isn’t a total waste of time.
“Sometimes I need a check by the coaches, or even some of the front office that’s like, keeping my morale up. And then me, as an extension, I’m really trying to keep those guys heads up because it is a different journey that this team is on. And I think we’re on the right path to being a good team … In our locker room, we are pissed when we lose. But the next day, we have to figure out a way to to get our morale right back up, stay positive, realize that it’s about developing, getting better, going to practice with a good attitude.”
There’s much more in this segment, but it’s hard not to feel like Porter Jr. isn’t invested in Brooklyn’s long-term success. Of course, if the Nets do intend on making MPJ a part of their future, they’ll likely have to reach an extension this summer to keep the marriage happy.
Elsewhere, Johnson and MPJ praise Jordi Fernández as a “let it fly” type of coach.
Says Johnson: “For somebody like yourself who has the ability to be a tough shot-maker, he empowers you to use that ability to its full extent, 100 percent.”
“I give Jordi all the credit in the world,” adds MPJ. “I think in the NBA, you know, I’ve always been a guy that has confidence in myself, but with the way he coaches and the confidence he instills, he’s gonna help even those young guys develop at a way faster rate because of the freedom. Like you said, taking the pressure off of the shots you shoot. Like, Egor (Dëmin) was not touted as an amazing shooter, but he’s shooting 40% hitting really tough shots.”
The final half of the podcast is less Nets-centric, but CJ and MPJ don’t spend this one BS’ing or repeating what was your welcome to the NBA moment? clichés. We may be entering the final day of Porter Jr.’s stay in Brooklyn, but if it is, he says goodbye with one of the more insightful media appearances you’ll get from a Net. The full episode is linked below…
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets have a game that evening as they visit the Orlando Magic, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Jul 12, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale (34) blocks out Portland Trail Blazers center Georgios Papagiannis (19) during a first half free throw attempt at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Hawks have reportedly added a center one day before the trade deadline tomorrow. In fact, it’s a player they already know. This per Shams Charania of ESPN:
The Atlanta Hawks are acquiring center Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN.
Landale has played the entire season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he was included in a blockbuster deal that took him with Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.
The Australian international joins Dyson Daniels and the recently acquired Duop Reath as players on the team who represent the Land Down Under. Jock Landale is having a career year in the wake of Memphis’ injury crisis, averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
He’s an offensive-minded 6-foot-11, 255-pound player, but will help the team rebound with his physicality and can space the floor from three (38% shooting from deep in 2.9 attempts per game).
Several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Ball, including the Wizards and the Hornets.
Ball has averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.9 minutes across 35 games this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) stands on the court in the first quarter against the Orland Magic at Rocket Arena. David Richard-Imagn Images
The move is viewed as a salary dump by the Cavaliers as they look to create some roster flexibility by unloading his contract.
Cleveland is roughly $14 million above the second apron, and getting below that threshold would help save payroll and keep the team from having its 2033 first-round pick frozen.
The recent additions of Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis ended up making Ball — and his $10 million salary — replaceable.
Lonzo Ball of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 24, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NBAE via Getty Images
Ball entered the NBA with high hopes when the Lakers drafted him second overall in 2017, but injuries limited him to 99 games over his first two seasons in the league.
Ball was traded to the Pelicans in 2019 and spent two seasons in New Orleans before being traded again to the Bulls in 2021.
He dealt with severe knee issues during his time in Chicago that cost him two seasons, but during the 2024-25 season, Ball was signed to a two-year, $20 million contract.
He was traded to the Cavs in July.
For his career, he’s averaged 10.6 points, 5.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman of the Cleveland Cavaliers is interviewed during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on September 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cavs’ president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, released a statement about the shocking trade. First, he spoke about trading for Harden:
“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster. We’re excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates, and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor.”
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Let ‘Em Know shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
It’s easy to see the upside with Harden, but there’s an incredible risk in trading away a home-grown former All-Star who is a decade younger in the process.
Altman said this about moving Garland:
“At the same time, we deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland. Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader, and the heartbeat of our team. This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given this organization. The difficulty of this trade reflects the utmost respect we have for him, and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers.”
This trade was made with the hopes of the Cavs being better prepared for the playoffs in a wide-open Eastern Conference. We’ll see if that gamble pays off in the spring.
KIEL, Germany (AP) — Defending champion Stuttgart defeated second-division club Holstein Kiel 3-0 Wednesday to reach the German Cup semifinals.
Deniz Undav broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 56th minute, then Chris Fuhrich added to the lead in the 89th and Atakan Karazor closed the scoring three minutes into stoppage time.
Stuttgart won its fourth German Cup title last season, beating third-division team Arminia Bielefeld in the final.
Holstein Kiel was playing in the quarterfinals for the first time since reaching the last four in 2020-21.
On Tuesday, Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the last four for the third straight season by beating St. Pauli 3-0.
The other two quarterfinals will be played next week — second-tier Hertha Berlin faces Freiburg and Bayern Munich takes on Leipzig.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What’s this feeling in my head? Whiplash? Dizziness? The Utah Jazz are not finished making last-second moves before the Feb 5 trade deadline after an eight-player swaperoo that sent Clayton, Hendricks, Anderson, Niang, and three firsts to Memphis in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr, John Konchar, Vince Williams, and Jock Landale.
Of that return, I really hope you didn’t get too attached to Landale.
In what was ultimately revealed to be a three-team trade, the Utah Jazz have dealt newly-acquired 30-year-old center Jock Landale to Atlanta in exchange for cash considerations, while the Cleveland Cavaliers chipped in, sending Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks Utah-bound — the final second-rounders that Cleveland had available to trade, according to Jake Fischer.
It's the Cavaliers' 2028 and 2032 second-round picks heading to Utah to move off of Lonzo Ball, per source. Only two seconds Cleveland had left to trade, at the moment.
Much like with Landale, I really hope you didn’t jump at the opportunity to buy a Lonzo Ball jersey, as the Jazz are expected to waive the former second-overall pick before he ever suits up in Utah.
The Utah Jazz front office is waist-deep into the trade deadline hokey-pokey. You put your Landale in, you take your Landale out, you put your Lonzo in, and you trade them all about.
Cleveland is gentrifying its roster with James Harden (who was recently swapped for Darius Garland), Keon Ellis, and Dennis Shröder. Atlanta walks away with lighter pockets, but a deeper frontcourt with Landale, who was enjoying a career-best season in Memphis prior to being moved.
Historically, this move is reminiscent of the last time Utah waived a point guard from Cleveland. Do you remember the time that former MVP Derrick Rose was included in the trade that sent Jae Crowder to Utah? Rose was waived immediately, much to the delight of this hospital patient, who was quick to remind everyone that the former All-NBA guard was well past his prime.
Utah comes away with two second-round picks, proving that their recent trade for Jaren Jackson Jr does not mean the Jazz plan to win now and win at all costs — just as patiently as the rebuild began, Utah has no intention of prematurely chopping the timeline. Draft capital collection and deliberate personnel decisions will define the coming years of Utah Jazz basketball; there is nothing short-sighted about Utah’s franchise reconstruction.
Calvin Barrett is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the NBA and College Sports since 2024.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal went to a record-setting salary arbitration hearing Wednesday, with the left-hander asking for $32 million and the Detroit Tigers offering $19 million.
A decision by Jeanne Charles, Walt De Treux and Allen Ponak is expected Thursday.
Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the highest salary in an arbitration case decided by a panel, winning at $19.9 million in 2024 in a case decided by Charles, De Treux and Scott Buchheit.
A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons.
Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings while earning $10.5 million. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.
Players have won both decisions thus far. Right-hander Kyle Bradish was awarded $3.55 million instead of the Baltimore Orioles’ offer of $2,875,000, and catcher Yainer Diaz received $4.5 million instead of the Houston Astros’ $3 million proposal.
Three cases have been argued with decisions withheld so as not to impact other players in arbitration: Toronto left-hander Eric Lauer ($5.75 million vs. $4.4 million), Atlanta left-hander Dylan Lee ($2.2 million vs. $2 million) and Tampa Bay right-hander Edwin Uceta ($1,525,000 vs. $1.2 million).
Seven players remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 13: Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin ($3,375,000 vs. $2,975,000), Cincinnati right-hander Graham Ashcraft ($1.75 million vs. $1.25 million), Kansas City left-hander Kris Bubic ($6.15 million vs. $5.15 million), Milwaukee catcher Willson Contreras ($9.9 million vs. $8.55 million), Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers ($2,925,000 vs. $2,625,000), Miami right-hander Calvin Faucher ($2.05 million vs. $1.8 million) and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson ($6.8 million vs $6.55 million).
