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3 bold Knicks trade proposals ahead of 2026 deadline

The Knicks have hit a bit of a midseason rough patch, now 2-6 in their last eight games, missing Jalen Brunson, and in danger of falling out of the second seed. 

With the season at a pivotal juncture, fans and even management may not be satisfied only making a modest upgrade at the incoming trade deadline. 

New York’s cap, asset, and tradable talent limitations have left the rumor mill and fan base’s potential outcomes resigned to acquiring Jose Alvarado or Jeremy Sochan.

But if the losing continues and the Knicks get desperate, here are three bold trade ideas they can consider instead...

Knicks get: Cam Thomas
Nets get: Guerschon Yabusele and Tyler Kolek

What the Knicks lack in maneuverability they can make up for in pure, unadulterated risk-taking with this move. Thomas' value seemingly can’t be lower after a no-bid free agency followed by the Nets finding competence in his absence, which makes him an attractive candidate for an asymmetric trade.

New York would be risking a couple of reserve bodies, including Kolek, who remains a promising bench guard. This deal comes with a price if Thomas blows up across the river as well. 

But if this trade can set Thomas right and get him to buy into a contender, the Knicks would get more than just another reliable ball-handler. He’s one of the most gifted young scorers in the league, a three-level threat who would be far more dangerous in a pointed role off the bench.

Yes, this trade is the basketball equivalent of your friend pitching you on the unheard-of stock trading at $0.12 that he swears is going to the moon. But the Knicks don’t have much more than $0.12 to spend, and need to find a rocket fast.

Knicks get: Ivica Zubac
Clippers get: Mitchell Robinson, Yabusele, 2026 Wizards protected first round pick, 2032 Knicks first round pick

If Thomas is the penny stock, Zubac is the giant real estate development your well-off grandfather helped funnel your savings into. The Knicks take a swing on a real upgrade at center in talent and reliability without gutting their rotation.

Zubac is coming off a career-year in which he averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 63 percent shooting from the field, made All-Defensive Second Team, and had a case to be an All-Star. He started off slower this year but is back at cruising altitude. While he isn’t the offensive rebounding freak Robinson is, he brings much more to the table overall.

Brunson would get his first real dynamic roll threat since Isaiah Hartenstein, someone who can screen hard, dive, and read the defense to make the right read. His low-post scoring is a major threat, too, offensive options that are largely off the table when Robinson’s playing. 

The price might look steep, but the market appears hot for Zubac’s services and the Clippers have little incentive to move him unless they’re getting a nice return. Even this package might not be enough, but if Los Angeles is willing to hear it out, New York has to consider a move like this. 

Knicks get: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Grizzlies get: Josh Hart, Robinson, Pacome Dadiet, 2026 Wizards protected first round pick, 2030 Knicks first round pick swap, 2032 Knicks first round pick, up to five second-round picks

Something short of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, but in the same vein of one last all-in push to make the Finals. This would absolutely decimate New York’s asset pile, but land them an All-Star two-way player that solves a few of their problems at once.

That would require Jackson returning to some of his past glory, as this season has been a down one for him. If he can tap into the player who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23, or averaged 22 points on 38 percent shooting from three last season, the Knicks could make real noise with him.

Losing Hart, a core piece of the team’s identity and best friend of the team’s best player, won’t be an easy pill to swallow. But he has his flaws -- size and how defenses treat him from behind the arc. Same goes for Robinson, who is limited offensively and can’t make free throws.

Jackson isn’t perfect, but he can be a defensive upgrade at the four, make up for some of New York’s lack of size, somewhat spread the floor, and slide down to the five at times if needed. He also happens to be a former client of Leon Rose, making him a more realistic target than one would think.

The price is the price, especially with the return Memphis got for Desmond Bane. But if the Knicks feel their backs approaching the wall, and this is the trade that’s available to them, why wouldn’t they at least consider it?

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NBA Trade Rumors 2025-26: Jonathan Kuminga demands trade, Ja Morant eyes Miami, more

With just a few weeks until the Feb. 5 trade deadline, there is a lot of trade talk smoke but a few fires as well. Here is the latest on some of the key names.

Jonathan Kuminga

As of today (Jan. 15), Jonathan Kuminga can be traded — and he has demanded as much, reports Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Kuminga demanding a trade is like a sixth grader saying they like KPop Demon Hunters — everyone already assumed that that was the case.

What we know is that a deal is not imminent. Part of the issue is that Steve Kerr barely playing Kuminga this season — he has not touched the court in 13 games — has damaged the Warriors' leverage. While the Warriors are posturing that they could just hold on to Kuminga into the summer when he becomes an expiring contract that would interest more teams, nobody thinks they are actually going to do that, something echoed by a report at The Athletic.

Sacramento, which has long had a fascination with Kuminga and his potential, remains in the mix for his services, but the offer of Malik Monk and a top-12 protected first-round pick put on the table last summer is no longer available, reports The Athletic (Monk's trade value is up, Kuminga's down since that offer). The ESPN story also mentions Dallas as a potential landing spot.

The Golden State Warriors have spoken with the Lakers, who have some interest in Kuminga, reports The Athletic. However, there isn't much traction there (Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber for Kuminga works under the CBA, but the Warriors want players who can help them win now and may shrug at that offer; why would the Lakers trade anything of real value to take a flier on if Kuminga can fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves?).

The key is that Golden State does not want to take back long-term money or bad contracts in any deal, but they want players who can help now. That said, the Warriors may ultimately have to take a deal they don't love, as it is clear both sides are more than ready to move on, something Tony Jones discusses at The Athletic. He also gets into why Kuminga and Warriors coach Steve Kerr have just never been on the same page.

"There are multiple reasons that Golden State can't wait to get him out of the building. He doesn't want to be a role player. He wants to be a star, which is understandable because that's how you get paid a boatload of money. But his self-awareness in that sense is nonexistent.

"He's not a ball-in-hand player. At this point in his career, he's a power forward who can make some shots and put the ball on the floor to attack closeouts. Kerr wants him to put his athleticism to use and play off the gravity Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler create. Attack gaps. Move without the ball. Finish at the rim. Most importantly, defend with energy. He doesn't do those things, and that's fine. What he needs to understand is that the Warriors wouldn't stop him from doing those things if he proved he could do them. He hasn't, and he has not come to grips with that."

The team that trades for Kuminga is essentially betting on the 6'7" wing's athleticism and potential breaking through in a different system — that he can consistently be the guy who (as Charania noted) averaged 24.3 points on 55.6% shooting in the final four games of the Warriors' second-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last May. The team that trades for him can either pick up the player option for next year and see how things fit, or work out a new deal (which would likely be shorter because he has to prove himself).

Ja Morant

It's the worst-kept secret in the league at this point: Ja Morant wants to go to Miami, something that's been reported multiple times in multiple places. You can add to that the report that Morant purchased a house in Miami to the list of reasons this might happen (although a number of players not with the Heat have offseason homes in the city).

Miami and Memphis have had "preliminary discussions," but talks have "not escalated," reports Anthony Chiang at The Miami Herald.

Morant and his team of advisors are meeting in Europe this week (where the Grizzlies are for games in Berlin and London) to discuss the situation and a path forward. Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko explained why Morant and his camp are pushing for Miami.

"The Heat have historically been regarded as one of the NBA's most detail-oriented and structured organizations, a major aspect of development that appeals to Morant, who has missed 34 games due to various suspensions. Morant also has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who also runs Team USA; Morant desires to represent his country in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Miami's veteran presence is an additional selling point and something Morant craves."

Two thoughts on the Heat and Morant, both discussed here before. First, Miami is not giving up much of anything to take this roll of the dice on Morant. The trade will certainly include Terry Rozier's contract (while he remains out and under federal indictment), and could include Simone Fontecchio or Davion Mitchel, and maybe a pick. Or it could be Rozier and Tyler Herro for Morant and Ty Jerome. The question is, are those deals palatable to the Heat?

Second, regarding Heat culture — it is not changing. Players come in and fit with it or flame out and get traded again (or let go). Morant would have to prove he can fit in, the system is not bending to him.

This whole saga still gives off the vibe that Memphis has a trade it can fall back on, it's just trying to find a better one. Toronto remains a team to watch, with Immanuel Quickley's salary being the big key, reports Marc Stein at The Stein Line.

Anthony Davis

The odd saga of Anthony Davis and reports of hand surgery on Wednesday — an ESPN report he was getting surgery, which Davis instantly denied, and the Mavericks coming out later in the day and saying he wouldn't get surgery but would get re-evaluated in six weeks — raised a few eyebrows around the league for this reason:

It sounded like someone was pulling the levers to make sure Davis would be traded before the deadline.

Which brings us to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who said on the Hoop Collective podcast that Davis' agent, Rich Paul, is working hard to get the big man out of Dallas and to a new home before Feb. 5.

"It is very clear that Rich Paul, who represents Anthony Davis, wants Anthony Davis traded before the deadline — and why would he want that? Because he believes it's in his best business interest. Because he has taken a 'We'll see' from the Mavericks regarding an extension as a 'no'. And there are teams where clearly Rich Paul considers it likely that AD would get the kind of extension that he's looking for when he becomes eligible in August.

"The Mavericks were going to explore the trade market regardless and they have been. This is ongoing. They do not feel like they have to trade Anthony Davis. They are telling me and anybody who will listen that they're not trading AD just to make a deal... They are insistent that they will only make a deal that makes sense for them. And what exactly that threshold is, there's not clarity on that. But it's some combination of draft compensation, promising young talent, and financial relief in the form of expiring salaries.

"'Rich Paul is not going to bully us.' That is a direct quote from a member of the Mavericks organization... A third source: [Owner Patrick Dumont] has no problem going into next year and seeing, with a healthy Kyrie [Irving] and a healthy AD, alongside Cooper Flagg, and seeing what it looks like."

Dumont realized too late the mistake he made with the Luka Dončić trade — maybe not the "why would you trade him?" part, but the part about opening the process to the market, being patient, and dealing from a position of strength. He's learned his lesson and is applying it to the Davis trade process.

An Anthony Davis trade still feels like it will be part of a blockbuster offseason of trades, but not at the deadline.

Other trade rumors

• While Michael Porter Jr. is considered the player most likely to be traded at the deadline, the Brooklyn Nets did some negotiating through the media with Brian Lewis of the New York Post reporting that Brooklyn is willing to be patient waiting for the right deal, and that includes holding on to him past the deadline. Everyone is posturing right now, as we get closer to the Feb. 5 deadline the trade offers will get much more real.

• Golden State has been linked to Michael Porter Jr., but the sides haven't spoken in more than a month, and there's not a lot of interest there from the Warriors, reports Shams Charania and Anthony Slater at ESPN.

• The Warriors do have interest in Trey Murphy III, but the Pelicans continue to rebuff calls for him or Herbert Jones at the deadline.

• Indiana is in the market for a big man and has called Atlanta about Onyeka Okongwu, Dallas about Daniel Gafford, the LA Clippers about Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers and New Orleans about Yves Missi, Marc Stein reports.

• The Orlando Magic are calling teams looking to trade backup point guard Tyus Jones for second-round draft capital, Stein says at The Stein Line. While Jones has not fit as hoped with the Magic, he might be a very good roll of the dice by another team.

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Cooper Flagg leaves Wednesday's loss to Nuggets early with ankle injury

Midway through the third quarter of the Mavericks' 119-108 loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday, rookie Cooper Flagg rolled his ankle and hobbled off the court. He was unable to return to the game and didn't speak to the press after the game either, as the team announced that he had suffered a right ankle sprain.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed after the game that Flagg suffered the injury while guarding Peyton Watson, but that the injury may have been compounded by a previous issue.

"He stepped on someone's foot," Kidd said in the post-game press conference. "Last game, he twisted his ankle, too. We decided to hold him [out] for the second half."

Given what Flagg means to this team, and the fact that the Mavericks are 15-26 and will be without center Anthony Davis for the next six weeks, it would make sense for them to be cautious with their top draft pick. It would appear to be a long shot that Flagg would suit up to play on Thursday against the Jazz, which would mean extra minutes and usage for Max Christie and Naji Marshall. Marshal,l in particular, is a player who has emerged in the wake of Davis' injury, and is somebody I covered in a video this week.

Flagg has played through a few injuries this year, but only missed one game with an illness. So far, he's averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 47.8% from the field overall. He's only shooting 28.7% from beyond the arc, which could use some improving, but he looks every bit the key building block the Mavericks were hoping for when they drafted him first overall out of Duke this year.

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NBA Minutes Report: Franz Wagner returning, Wizards guards shining post-trade

Welcome to the Fantasy Basketball Minutes Report. Every week, I will review each team's updated minutes per game to see which players are seeing the court more or less than in previous weeks. With this information in hand, I'll try to discuss any relevant fantasy risers or fallers; players who we should be adding off waivers or removing from our teams.

The charts below are also great for exploring on your own. You can track the minutes over the last three, five, and ten games, and for the entire season, to see which trends stand out to you.

All of this data was made accessible by Kyle Bland, who is incredibly talented and also extremely generous. Be sure to follow him to check out all of his baseball data as well.

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards
2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Top 200 Rankings: Should Trae Young managers be concerned?
Young is the newest member of the Washington Wizards, but how much will he play the rest of this season?

Atlanta Hawks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Onyeka Okongwu33.834.532.9
Nickeil Alexander-Walker33.433.533.9
Dyson Daniels33.134.834.8
Jalen Johnson32.634.135
CJ McCollum25.725.725.7
Luke Kennard23.722.621.7
Vít Krejčí23.323.325.3
Mouhamed Gueye21.819.915
Corey Kispert19.719.719.7

We now have a few games in the post-Trae Young era, and, as expected, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has taken on the same big role he had when Young was hurt. He's been a top-40 player in fantasy basketball over the last two weeks and should be treated as one going forward. I don't believe CJ McCollom is going to take his minutes. Zaccharie Risacher has missed the last three games with a knee injury, and Kristaps Porzingis remains out with an Achilles injury as well. I expect more moves coming for the Hawks.

Boston Celtics

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jaylen Brown39.937.235.7
Derrick White38.837.536.9
Sam Hauser32.228.724.4
Payton Pritchard31.932.134.2
Neemias Queta27.626.325.6
Anfernee Simons25.425.824.6
Baylor Scheierman23.415.412.4
Luka Garza20.620.920.6
Jordan Walsh16.716.515.9

As I've been saying for the past few weeks, the Celtics' situation has remained steady, and they have been much better than many expected. For fantasy purposes, the only truly relevant players are Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard. It's best not to hunt on the margins for others.

Brooklyn Nets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Michael Porter Jr.32.534.234
Noah Clowney30.230.829.6
Egor Dëmin28.628.928.7
Nic Claxton27.227.128.2
Drake Powell24.720.720.2
Terance Mann24.12424.7
Cam Thomas23.723.322.1
Day'Ron Sharpe20.821.922
Tyrese Martin20.620.616.1
Nolan Traore20.220.520.6

Nic Claxton missed a couple of games for personal reasons, which allowed Day'Ron Sharpe to step up and cement a role for himself in the rotation. Egor Dëmin has also emerged as a fringe top 100 player in fantasy basketball due to improved shooting, but aside from Michael Porter Jr., this is a large rotation of fringe-type players.

Charlotte Hornets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Moussa Diabaté31.830.931.2
Miles Bridges30.831.230
Kon Knueppel27.628.728.6
LaMelo Ball27.226.427.2
Brandon Miller24.626.231.3
Sion James22.32324.7
Josh Green18.615.916.8
Ryan Kalkbrenner18.218.218.2
Collin Sexton17.820.621.6

Ryan Kalkbrenner returned this week, but Moussa Diabaté has been a top 100 player over the last month, which I discussed in a video this week.Aside from that change, it's pretty much status quo for the Hornets, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Kon Knueppel handling the vast majority of the load.

Chicago Bulls

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Nikola Vučević32.333.132.4
Coby White29.428.123.9
Isaac Okoro29.127.426.9
Tre Jones27.12726.2
Matas Buzelis26.828.928.3
Ayo Dosunmu25.42726.2
Kevin Huerter2424.325.1
Jalen Smith23.223.223.2
Patrick Williams20.517.216.7

The Bulls got back Coby White this week, but Josh Giddey and Zach Collins both remain out. Collins will be out until the middle of February with his toe injury, but Giddey should return next week. Tre Jones had stepped up with White out, but scored just seven points in 26 minutes with White back on Wednesday. The assists will be there, but it's not a really enticing profile. Ayo Dosunmu has been a top 80 player in fantasy basketball this month and is having his best season yet.

Cleveland Cavaliers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Evan Mobley33.134.531.5
Donovan Mitchell32.933.933.3
Jarrett Allen28.73028
Darius Garland28.43130.4
Jaylon Tyson25.624.525.4
Sam Merrill212525.2
De'Andre Hunter20.121.822.6
Craig Porter Jr.19.720.420.9
Nae'Qwan Tomlin18.917.115.5

It was a rough Wednesday night for the Cavaliers, who endured injuries to both Darius Garland and Sam Merrill. Garland had been coming on of late. After being slowed by a toe injury early in the season, he was a top 50 player in fantasy basketball over his last seven games, and the Cavs had started to click a bit. Losing him would be a big blow for this team, and would likely lead to more minutes for Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. With Dean Wade also sidelined, De'Andre Hunter should pick up more minutes if Merrill were to miss time.

Dallas Mavericks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Naji Marshall31.632.630.2
P.J. Washington313129.1
Max Christie30.732.331.7
Cooper Flagg2630.132.8
Brandon Williams25.420.224.1
Klay Thompson23.325.223.2
Ryan Nembhard22.320.118.6
Daniel Gafford21.322.620.5
Jaden Hardy212115.4
D'Angelo Russell18.718.715.8

It's also been a rough week for the Mavs. We found out that Anthony Davis will be out about six weeks with a fractured hand, which I covered in a video this week, and then Cooper Flagg sprained his ankle on Wednesday night. Naji Marshall remains the biggest beneficiary of the Davis injury, but this whole team may be in for a rough stretch if Flagg is out for a while.

Denver Nuggets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jamal Murray37.837.437.6
Peyton Watson36.436.136.1
Tim Hardaway Jr.34.531.230.7
Jalen Pickett31.229.525.7
Aaron Gordon30.427.826.7
Spencer Jones26.522.129.6
Bruce Brown24.12324.8
Zeke Nnaji22.522.621.8

Even without Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets continue to win games. Their rotation has narrowed considerably over the last few weeks, especially with Christian Braun hurt again. Aaron Gordon has returned, and his minutes are slowly starting to tick back up, but Peyton Watson emerging as a top 35 player in fantasy basketball over the last two weeks has been huge. In his last eight games, he's averaging 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He will continue to play a big role on this team until Jokic is back.

Detroit Pistons

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Isaiah Stewart31.23125.9
Javonte Green29.227.524.4
Cade Cunningham29.135.234
Ausar Thompson27.526.925.9
Ronald Holland II25.222.321.1
Paul Reed24.623.215.3
Daniss Jenkins24.124.415.9
Duncan Robinson23.824.326.4
Jaden Ivey20.820.619.5
Caris LeVert17.617.617.5

With Jalen Duren (ankle) sidelined, Isaiah Stewart has moved into the starting lineup and been really productive. However, Duren should be back this week, as should Cade Cunningham, who missed two games with a wrist injury. That has led to more minutes for Daniss Jenkins and Ronald Holland II. But things should settle back to normal this weekend.

Golden State Warriors

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Stephen Curry29.731.332.6
Jimmy Butler III27.629.731.3
Draymond Green2627.926.4
Moses Moody20.421.622
Brandin Podziemski20.121.923.1
De'Anthony Melton202222.6
Gui Santos18.517.117.3
Al Horford17.417.416.6
Will Richard15.714.219.1

This is really just a two-man team with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler; however, De'Anthony Melton is starting to settle into his role as a shooter and has been a top-150 player in fantasy basketball over the last two weeks. He could be a nice piece for this team as the season goes on.

Houston Rockets

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Amen Thompson40.239.437.1
Kevin Durant39.138.636.3
Jabari Smith Jr.36.136.734.8
Alperen Sengun35.835.827.5
Aaron Holiday28.314.410.1
Steven Adams24.927.225.8
Reed Sheppard23.422.924.4
Dorian Finney-Smith1715.515.5
Tari Eason15.525.626.1

Tari Eason is dealing with an ankle injury, but he's not expected to be out for too much longer, so he should return to his normal 25+ minutes per night. Aaron Holiday had one start in Eason's place, but his minutes should dry up again when Eason is back.

Indiana Pacers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Pascal Siakam3233.233.7
Andrew Nembhard31.331.132.2
Aaron Nesmith30.131.729.6
Jarace Walker24.420.719.3
Jay Huff20.923.520.6
Johnny Furphy20.823.819.3
Quenton Jackson18.718.513.2
Ben Sheppard18.620.420.2
T.J. McConnell17.519.518.9

Isaiah Jackson (concussion) has cleared protocols and should be back this week, and Bennedict Mathurin also could return this weekend from his thumb injury. That will take minutes away from Jarace Walker, Quenton Jackson, and Johnny Furphy. This team just isn't super interesting in a year where they are not trying to contend.

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Injury Report: Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards headline the list of sidelined stars
The Pacers, Lakers and Thunder are among the teams with lengthy injury reports at the halfway point of Week 2.

Los Angeles Clippers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
James Harden37.236.835.2
John Collins33.831.729.6
Kawhi Leonard30.631.333.9
Jordan Miller29.626.118.5
Ivica Zubac29.328.528
Kris Dunn27.427.227.6
Nicolas Batum20.920.722.2
Kobe Sanders19.520.421.8
Brook Lopez17.81819.6

Ivica Zubac returned last week but is still dealing with some soreness in his ankle, so has missed some time this week. John Collins is also dealing with a groin injury, which is a bummer because he has started to emerge as a strong option for this team. Otherwise, it's just James Harden and Kawhi Leonard having All-Star seasons.

Los Angeles Lakers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Luka Dončić35.436.436.1
Jake LaRavia33.734.933.3
LeBron James32.93333.1
Marcus Smart3032.330.1
Deandre Ayton27.328.529.3
Jarred Vanderbilt22.623.223.4
Jaxson Hayes21.619.419
Rui Hachimura18.318.324.1
Gabe Vincent1616.516.5

This remains a two-man team with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and LeBron in particular has really come on of late, pushing up top-10 value over the last two weeks. Jake LaRavia and DeAndre Ayton are playing enough minutes to be usable in fantasy leagues, and Rui Hachimura returned to play 18 minutes after missing two weeks. There's not much of note here.

Memphis Grizzlies

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Jaren Jackson Jr.30.432.232.4
Cam Spencer2930.227.1
Santi Aldama28.127.830.5
Olivier-Maxence Prosper26.326.317.6
Cedric Coward2621.524.7
Jock Landale25.725.923.6
Jaylen Wells25.625.927.8
Vince Williams Jr.21.721.921.9
Javon Small20.617.712.8
GG Jackson18.720.121.1

This Grizzlies team has been banged up all year and cannot seem to get healthy. Zach Edey will now be out at least another six weeks. Ja Morant has missed the last five games with a calf injury and seems fully disinterested in being a part of the team. Brandon Clarke remains sidelined with a calf injury. Ty Jerome is probably out another week or two. That has led to Cam Spencer being the most consistent producer as Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to have a pretty mediocre year by his standards. Sant Aldama has been a top 100 player with Edey sidelined, and that value should continue.

Miami Heat

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Tyler Herro32.731.731.7
Bam Adebayo29.32929.2
Andrew Wiggins28.627.929.3
Norman Powell27.228.629.2
Jaime Jaquez Jr.25.625.625.1
Pelle Larsson23.823.323.6
Davion Mitchell2325.227.3
Kel'el Ware16.720.524.4
Nikola Jović16.12022.4

Last week, Tyler Herro returned after missing 11 games with a toe injury, andI recorded a video on the fallout of that.As I mentioned in the video, Nikola Jović will take a hit in both his minutes and usage.

Milwaukee Bucks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Kevin Porter Jr.35.637.437.2
AJ Green32.831.932.4
Ryan Rollins32.233.233.1
Giannis Antetokounmpo31.631.529.5
Bobby Portis24.622.723.8
Myles Turner23.625.927
Kyle Kuzma23.421.724
Gary Trent Jr.15.818.318

The Bucks are fully healthy right now (well, aside from Taurean Prince being out), so the minutes allotment of late is what we should expect going forward. Ryan Rollins has become a fringe top 100 player with both Kevin Porter Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing nearly 30 minutes a game. Rollins has remained a fringe top-50 player over the last two weeks with Giannis back. Those are really the only three players performing with any sort of consistency.

Minnesota Timberwolves

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Anthony Edwards36.534.934.2
Donte DiVincenzo34.233.530.5
Julius Randle31.931.531.5
Jaden McDaniels30.832.829.8
Rudy Gobert30.132.431.2
Naz Reid29.327.325.9
Bones Hyland17.815.115.3
Mike Conley16.315.515.2
Joan Beringer16.212.48.8
Jaylen Clark14.11314.7

Anthony Edwards has missed a few games with injury management on his right foot, and that could continue for a few weeks, but the Wolves are pretty healthy otherwise. Terrance Shannon is out for a couple of weeks with a foot injury, which has allowed Bones Hyland to see a small uptick in usage and for Joan Beringer to enter the rotation, but neither is producing much.

New Orleans Pelicans

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Trey Murphy III36.436.436.8
Zion Williamson3130.730.2
Saddiq Bey292932
Jeremiah Fears28.128.626.3
Derik Queen24.225.226.8
Yves Missi23.821.719.9
Bryce McGowens20.526.624.4
Jordan Poole202223.5
Karlo Matković171415.5

Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado continue to be sidelined by injuries, but Trey Murphy III has had a legit breakout season, emerging as a top-20 player in fantasy basketball. Derik Queen and Zion Williamson have also remained top-60 players, but those are the only players of note in New Orleans for now. Jeremiah Fears is averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over the last two weeks and has an intriguing skillset that he should continue to get to show off with Dejounte Murray out another three weeks or more.

New York Knicks

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Mikal Bridges34.132.233.9
Miles McBride34.132.129.6
OG Anunoby33.23234.2
Karl-Anthony Towns31.429.630.5
Josh Hart31.331.331.3
Jalen Brunson26.228.532.1
Mitchell Robinson22.823.522.1
Jordan Clarkson18.919.418.8
Tyler Kolek16.816.916

What a poor effort from the Knicks on Wednesday against a bad Kings team. Yes, Jalen Brunson did twist his ankle in the first quarter, but this team was playing poorly then and failed to respond after their captain went down. Things need to change in New York, starting with its center. On a more positive note, Josh Hart is back and right back to producing. Tyler Kolek should see more minutes if Brunson misses any time with his ankle injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander32.834.332.7
Jalen Williams323331.1
Ajay Mitchell31.730.527.1
Chet Holmgren28.430.729.6
Luguentz Dort27.224.624.6
Aaron Wiggins25.725.422.9
Cason Wallace24.426.124.7
Alex Caruso19.519.517.5
Jaylin Williams18.718.718.7

Well, the Thunder finally beat the Spurs. Isaiah Hartenstein hasn't played since December 28th with his calf injury, but Jaylin Williams returned and had a good showing against the Spurs. Luguentz Dort is also battling an ankle injury, which has led to more minutes for Aaron Wiggins, but the Thunder are more than happy to spread out production on the fringes of their rotation, so they aren't missing a beat.

Orlando Magic

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Paolo Banchero39.83635.5
Anthony Black36.933.433
Desmond Bane36.133.734
Wendell Carter Jr.34.129.830.9
Noah Penda32.931.420.2
Tristan da Silva21.123.123.5
Goga Bitadze19.218.818.2
Tyus Jones15.417.520
Jase Richardson12.919.617

Franz Wagner is set to return on Thursday just in time for the Magic's game in Berlin, Germany.I covered the fallout from his return in a video this week.

Philadelphia 76ers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Tyrese Maxey36.935.438.2
VJ Edgecombe34.935.937.7
Joel Embiid30.329.433
Kelly Oubre Jr.29.824.924.9
Paul George29.131.132.6
Quentin Grimes24.125.529.9
Dominick Barlow19.921.520.2
Adem Bona18.716.618.7
Andre Drummond15.915.214.2

Kelly Oubre Jr. returned last week, so the 76ers have been fully healthy for at least a week now, which gives us a good sense of how they want their rotation to stack up. For now, that does not include Jared McCain; however, Dominick Barlow did get hurt on Wednesday. X-rays came back negative, but he may miss a few games, which would open up some more minutes for McCain or Trendon Watford.

Phoenix Suns

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Devin Booker34.733.533.6
Dillon Brooks30.830.331.1
Royce O'Neale30.329.730.3
Collin Gillespie27.226.927.4
Mark Williams26.125.222.6
Grayson Allen25.423.823.8
Oso Ighodaro19.820.822.7
Jordan Goodwin18.92123.2
Ryan Dunn16.117.418.2

The Suns are getting Grayson Allen back up to his normal minutes, which makes this team better. Devin Booker did hurt his ankle on Tuesday, so there's a chance he misses a game or two, which would only increase Allen's usage and maybe Collin Gillespie, who has struggled of late, averaging just 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over his last seven games.

Portland Trail Blazers

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Deni Avdija3735.536.5
Toumani Camara35.736.234.5
Shaedon Sharpe32.531.931.2
Caleb Love29.128.729.2
Donovan Clingan28.429.929.3
Sidy Cissoko25.423.623.1
Rayan Rupert18.718.517
Jrue Holiday18.618.618.6
Javonte Cooke13.513.513.5

Jrue Holiday returned for two games this week, but Caleb Love has been tremendous for the Trail Blazers this month, which I discussed in a video this week. I do think Holiday will eventually take minutes away from Love, but the undrafted rookie has cemented himself as a real role player for this Blazers team. Kris Murray, Scoot Henderson, and Jerami Grant could all return within the next week, so that could shift minutes a lot.

Sacramento Kings

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
DeMar DeRozan38.337.234.1
Precious Achiuwa35.926.922.7
Russell Westbrook35.833.430.2
Zach LaVine31.932.733.1
Maxime Raynaud2627.829.3
Malik Monk25.724.119
Dylan Cardwell1917.818.8
Nique Clifford16.817.920.2

Keegan Murray will be sidelined until early February with a back injury, but that has just meant extra production for Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. Zach LaVine has had some solid games and is a borderline top 100 player in fantasy basketball leagues, but there's little to be excited about in Sacramento.

San Antonio Spurs

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Julian Champagnie35.134.131.5
De'Aaron Fox34.533.533.8
Stephon Castle32.53132
Harrison Barnes27.426.526.1
Victor Wembanyama2725.625.9
Keldon Johnson24.82625.4
Luke Kornet22.523.224
Dylan Harper19.819.521

Victor Wembanyama is still having his minutes monitored, but he's been productive, and the Spurs are winning, so we may have to assume that continues, which is why Luke Kornet continues to see solid minutes. Keldon Johnsonis also seeing an uptick in minutes with Devin Vassell out with an adductor injury; yet, it's been Julian Champagnie who has seen the biggest increase in usage and been a top 100 player in fantasy basketball over the last two weeks, averaging 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Toronto Raptors

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Scottie Barnes38.936.536.4
Immanuel Quickley363533.4
Collin Murray-Boyles35.63229.8
Brandon Ingram35.227.132.5
Jamal Shead33.93026.1
Sandro Mamukelashvili19.522.122.3
Gradey Dick17.717.616.4
RJ Barrett—31.528.8

The vibes are not great in Toronto. RJ Barrett is dealing with an ankle sprain, Jakob Poeltl has his back injury, and Immanuel Quickley is also battling a back injury. Plus,there are now trade rumors swirling about Barrett and Quickley, among others. This team could undergo a major upheaval in the next few weeks.

Utah Jazz

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Lauri Markkanen36.339.937.8
Keyonte George30.334.134.8
Jusuf Nurkić30.231.430.7
Brice Sensabaugh29.33030.4
Cody Williams28.424.321.4
Svi Mykhailiuk26.226.623.1
Walter Clayton Jr.25.124.522.4
Isaiah Collier2522.224
Kyle Filipowski24.118.819.7
Taylor Hendricks23.916.516.6

The minutes are evening out a bit in Utah as the team takes turns resting players to avoid being too competitive and losing their first-round pick. Brice Sensabaugh was electric on Wednesday, scoring 43 points against the Bulls. That's not likely to continue, and was primarily because Lauri Markkanen sat out that game.

Washington Wizards

NameLast 3Last 5Last 10
Bub Carrington31.432.928.6
Tre Johnson27.626.726.7
Kyshawn George27.427.427.4
Will Riley23.319.717.8
Justin Champagnie23.223.424.5
Bilal Coulibaly22.62626.7
Khris Middleton22.222.321.9
Alex Sarr22.124.825.8
Marvin Bagley III21.419.118.9

The Wizards traded for Trae Young, but they have no intention of playing him as they try to tank for a higher draft pick. The latest report is that Young will be out until mid-February with MCL/quad injuries. He'll probably return for a few games and then sit again to ensure the Wizards don't win too much. That means that young guards like Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington are going to get a lot of run the rest of the season.

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How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks: TV/live stream info, preview for MLK Day Peacock Exclusive

Head to NBC and Peacock this Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a special NBA quadruple header. The excitement tips off at 1:00 PM ET when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Atlanta Hawks exclusively on Peacock.

Coverage continues at 2:30 PM on NBC and Peacock when the Oklahoma City Thunder go head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers. At 5 PM, the Dallas Mavericks head to the "World's Most Famous Arena" to face the New York Knicks. Finally, at 8:00 PM, the Boston Celtics take on the Detroit Pistons.

See below for the full 2026 MLK Day NBA schedule on NBC and Peacock. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

Monday's game marks the first of three meetings between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks this season. It is also the fifth meeting between the two teams on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Hawks have won three of the last four matchups.

Atlanta has hosted an MLK Day game in every season since 1994, with the exceptions of 1998, 2017, and 2025, and has the best win percentage of any team on MLK Day.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., and Ryan Rollins have led the Bucks in scoring this season, but the team has struggled to find consistency. Milwaukee has yet to record three consecutive wins this season.

RELATED:Bucks fans boo team during blowout loss, Giannis Antetokounmpo boos them back

Fifth-year wing Jalen Johnson has continued to lead in Atlanta after the Hawks traded veteran four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Wizards on January 9. Johnson leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and more.

RELATED:Winners, Losers from the Trae Young trade to Washington

How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks:

  • When: Monday, January 19
  • Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
  • Time: 1:00 PM ET
  • Live Stream:Peacock

2026 MLK Day NBA Schedule (NBC and Peacock):

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga reportedly drawing Lakers trade interest

Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga reportedly drawing Lakers trade interest originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jonathan Kuminga wants out of the Warriors organization, but it’s still unclear when or how that might happen.

However, a new potential suitor has emerged on the day Kuminga officially is trade eligible.

The Los Angeles Lakers have “some interest” in Kuminga, The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick and Nick Friedell reported in a joint column published Thursday, citing league and team sources, adding that it remains unclear if talks will unfold.

Since becoming eligible to be moved, Kuminga wasted no time in demanding a trade away from the Warriors, league sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson on Thursday morning. This comes after the 23-year-old forward has — once again — fallen out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation this season.

Golden State, which has been open-minded to parting ways with the wing but won’t make any rash decisions that don’t make sense for the organization, is aware of the Lakers’ interest in Kuminga and is waiting to see how things unfold.

The team that has shown most interest in Kuminga dating back to last summer has been the Kings, but things have changed in recent weeks.

Veteran Kings guard Malik Monk has been the name tossed in reported trade talks with the Warriors, but the trade package offered in the offseason — Monk and a 2030 first-round pick for Kuminga — no longer is on the table, per The Athletic, as Sacramento no longer is willing to offer the first-round pick.

The Kings, though, still have “significant interest” in Kuminga, per The Athletic, so a three-team deal could be the best avenue.

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What's next for Warriors after Jonathan Kuminga demanded trade from team?

What's next for Warriors after Jonathan Kuminga demanded trade from team? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

League sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area that Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Warriors with Thursday, Jan. 15, being the first day he became trade eligible from the contract he signed over the summer as a restricted free agent. 

The NBA’s official trade deadline is three weeks away on Feb. 5. So, now what? 

Every party involved, the Warriors side and the Kuminga side, acknowledge the best move for the two is a split and fresh start for the fifth-year pro. However, league sources recently have relayed there’s a non-zero chance Kuminga remains on the Warriors in the coming weeks and past the trade deadline. 

His trade value has never been lower as teams around the league watch him be nowhere in Golden State’s plans, and the Warriors have dug a hole that might be too hard to climb out of at 22-19 as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference at the halfway point of the season. Kuminga has played just once in the last 17 games, in which the Warriors have gone 10-7, playing nine and a half minutes against the Phoenix Suns in a one-point loss after Steve Kerr said he would “reward” Kuminga for a string of strong practices. 

Kerr has made Kuminga a healthy DNP-CD in every other game since Dec. 7, aside from Kuminga being a late, and surprising, addition to the injury report with lower back soreness against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 37-point loss on Jan. 2.

Multiple teams have shown different levels of interest in Kuminga, with one always standing out as the strongest suitor. NBC Sports Bay Area listed the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards as those teams one week ago on Jan. 7. Some things already have changed. 

The Kuminga connection to the Mavs, though they do like the idea of having him in a rebuilding state around rookie Cooper Flagg, was centered more on Dallas gauging the Warriors’ interest in Anthony Davis. It already was a stretch to envision Davis wearing a Golden State jersey with the Warriors’ reluctance to trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, and now the oft-injured Davis is out for at least the next six weeks because of a left hand injury. 

The Bulls, who were the first team Kuminga was a healthy DNP-CD (Did Not Play, Coach’s Decision) against, have eyed Kuminga multiple times in the past but nothing materialized then, and it hasn’t now. The Wizards recently took a big swing and traded for Trae Young, sending Corey Kispert, whom the Warriors have liked in the past, and CJ McCollum to the Atlanta Hawks. That leaves the Kings, who also have pushed hardest for Kuminga, remaining from those above four teams. 

Even still, the Warriors have lost leverage on their foes from up north. The Kings offered a three-year, $63 million contract to Kuminga in the summer, putting guard Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round draft pick on the table. The draft pick has been taken off the table for a long time now as Kuminga racks up DNPs, and the Warriors don’t have any interest in Monk, as well as the three years and more than $60 million left on his contract. 

The Phoenix Suns are the other team that did offer Kuminga a contract in the offseason. Their offer was a four-year, $90 million contract with Kuminga’s desired player option at the end, in exchange for veteran Royce O’Neal and multiple second-round picks. The Warriors didn’t deem that to be a good enough trade, and the Suns currently don’t have the same kind of in-season Kuminga interest.

With only Moses Moody’s $13.4 million contract on the books for the 2027-28 season, the Warriors are unenthusiastic about taking on long-term contracts and dealing future first-round picks a few years from now in what could be the post-Steph Curry era. 

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been a name hotly connected to the Warriors on social media. In reality, the Warriors, as NBC Sports Bay Area reported three days ago, have been hesitant on Porter and have never shown the kind of interest that would get a deal done. The two teams have not spoken for more than a month. 

The Nets are not a Kuminga team. If they were, they wouldn’t have selected five players in the first round of last June’s draft, and they would have opened their wallets as one of the only teams with salary cap space last summer.

A multi-team trade to acquire Porter always was going to be the path if the Warriors even want to walk down that road. They haven’t shown any desire to give the Nets multiple first-round picks for Porter. 

The player they would do that for is 25-year-old Trey Murphy, who is averaging a career-high 22.2 points per game on 38.9 percent shooting from 3-point range. But the Pelicans have even less reasons than the Nets to move their best asset during the season. 

As the list of possible Kuminga teams becomes murkier, there is one to keep your eyes on: The Los Angeles Lakers. 

That connection dates back to the summer of Kuminga’s restricted free agency saga. League sources told NBC Sports Bay Area then that the Lakers were a team monitoring Kuminga’s situation and the possibility of him taking the qualifying offer where he’d be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026. 

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga’s, sources say, and likes the idea of him as an athletic wing on a Luka Dončić-led team. The Warriors have been aware of the Lakers’ likeness for Kuminga, though it’s unclear how likely an in-season move between the two teams is. 

The Warriors have a team option on Kuminga’s second season, and he essentially becomes a $23.4 million expiring contract this summer. That can be valuable to teams, sure. It also can’t be stressed enough how much moving on from one another now would benefit Kuminga and the Warriors, a team that can’t have Curry and Butler playing at an elite level as a play-in team while such a tradable contract sits and watches from the bench. 

Standing idle would be a failure in asset mismanagement. The Warriors can see what Curry and Butler still are, and any help is better than no help.

Changes come quickly in the NBA. There is undoubtedly more than one team that likes Kuminga, but that doesn’t ensure anything. More could be added to the mix in this three-week window now that Kuminga is trade eligible. His standing with Kerr and the Warriors, though, couldn’t be clearer. 

It’s time to move on, and time to let Kuminga move on too.

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Warriors reportedly not showing real Michael Porter Jr. trade interest

Warriors reportedly not showing real Michael Porter Jr. trade interest originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Michael Porter Jr. does not appear destined for the Warriors.

At least, not yet.

The Brooklyn Nets’ veteran forward has drawn plenty of interest across the NBA ahead of the league’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, and while many believe Golden State could be a fit, the Warriors have not spoken to Brooklyn about Porter in quite some time, and do not appear to be a serious suitor as of right now, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing league sources.

“As of this week, the Warriors hadn’t talked to the Brooklyn Nets in more than a month and have never shown real interest in a trade for wing Michael Porter Jr., league sources said,” Slater and Charania wrote. “They’ve been fond of Trey Murphy III in the past, but the New Orleans Pelicans are rebuffing calls about all their young wings, league sources said.”

Charania and Slater also reported, citing team sources, that Golden State would be willing to move multiple of its first-round draft picks if the right player is made available, but that the team is more protective of its first-rounders from 2028 and beyond.

Porter, 27, who was selected by the Nuggets with the No. 14 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, spent the first six years of his career with Denver and averaged 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 345 games (291 starts).

Then, Porter was traded to Brooklyn this summer in a deal that landed guard Cameron Johnson in Denver, and in 31 games with the Nets this season, Porter is averaging career-highs in points (25.7), rebounds (7.5) and assists (3.3).

Porter’s breakout campaign has made him one of the hottest names on the trade market, and while he certainly could be a fit for the Warriors, it does not appear Golden State has much interest right now with the trade deadline three weeks away.

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Sources: Jonathan Kuminga demanding Warriors trade on first day of eligibility

Sources: Jonathan Kuminga demanding Warriors trade on first day of eligibility originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jonathan Kuminga, unsurprisingly, wants out.

The Warriors’ young forward is demanding a trade from the team, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson confirmed Thursday morning, citing league sources, after ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania first reported the news.

Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors on Sept. 30, was not eligible to be traded, due to a rule in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, until Thursday, Jan. 15.

After spending all offseason canvassing the league for a potential Kuminga trade suitor as the young forward navigated through restricted free agency, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy and his front office have spent the past several weeks doing so again, with the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks among the teams that have shown interest in Kuminga, Charania and Slater reported in their story, citing league sources.

After a tumultuous summer, Kuminga started the first 12 games of the 2025-26 NBA season, and impressed early before returning to a role off the bench and eventually falling out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotations completely. The 23-year-old now has registered 13 consecutive DNP-CDs (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision).

While it appears likely that Kuminga is traded sooner rather than later, ESPN also reported that the Warriors’ decision-makers have given zero assurances to teams that the young forward will be dealt before the league’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, believing it could “prove better business” to push the decision to the summer.

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Jonathan Kuminga reportedly demanding Warriors trade on first day of eligibility

Jonathan Kuminga reportedly demanding Warriors trade on first day of eligibility originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jonathan Kuminga, unsurprisingly, wants out.

The Warriors’ young forward is demanding a trade from the team, ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania reported Thursday morning, citing league sources.

This story will be updated …

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Knicks' Jalen Brunson seen walking without a boot or crutches after ankle injury vs. Kings

Knicks star Jalen Brunson suffered a right ankle injury in the first quarter of Wednesday's 112-101 loss to the Sacramento Kings and never returned. However, there was a good sign following the game.

According to multiple eye-witness accounts, including from The Athletic's James Edwards, the Knicks guard left the locker room without a boot or crutches. 

There wasn't an update on Brunson's condition from the team, but it's a good sign. 

The incident occurred when Brunson tried to cross up Maxime Raynaud on the wing, but slipped and fell, appearing to turn his ankle. 

The injury occurred with 7:45 remaining in the first quarter as Brunson tried to remain in the game, but checked out with 7:01 on the clock and headed to the locker room.

New York trailed Sacramento, 16-8, at the time and never recovered. Without their captain, the Knicks shot just 39 percent from the field, including 8-for-41 from three (19.5 percent).  

Brunson was initially designated as questionable to return, but the Knicks delivered the update just before the second half started. Brunson had scored four points on 2-for-3 shooting, missing a three-pointer, in five minutes of action.

The Knicks guard missed two games last November when he sprained the same ankle against the Orlando Magic.

It's unclear whether Brunson will miss games this time around, but the Knicks have a quick turnaround as they continue their road trip against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

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Knicks struggle offensively, miss 33 three-pointers in 112-101 loss to Kings

The Knicks had one of their worst shooting games of the season and lost to the Sacramento Kings, 112-101, on Wednesday night.

Here are the takeaways...

-- New York found themselves down 16-8 early in the first quarter and then things got even worse with Jalen Brunson leaving the game with a right ankle injury. Brunson slipped and fell with 7:45 remaining in the first quarter while trying to cross up Maxime Raynaud. He tried to stay in the game but left for the locker room with 7:01 on the clock and did not return.

-- It didn't get better for Mike Brown's new squad against his former team as NY trailed 32-17 at the end of the first quarter. The Knicks went 0-for-9 from three-point range and shot just 35 percent from the field compared to the Kings' 63 percent. Former Knick Precious Achiuwa, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine all scored 10 points in the first. Karl-Anthony Towns tried to carry the load for New York with seven points.

-- New York missed their first 12 three-point attempts before Josh Hart hit one to make it a 41-24 game in the second quarter. The Knicks slowly tried to mount a comeback despite their struggles from beyond the arc. Offensive rebounds and second-chance points were a big factor as Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass (11 total offensive rebounds in the first half, Robinson with six). 

The Knicks outscored the Kings, 25-24, in the second quarter but trailed 56-42 at halftime. It's tied for their lowest scoring first half of the season. The team shot an abysmal 1-for-19 from three and 34 percent from the field. Towns was the go-to scorer with Brunson out (13 points on 5-for-11 shooting), but no one else was in double figures.

-- Sacramento scored seven quick points to open the third quarter before Mikal Bridges made the Knicks' second three-pointer of the night (2-for-21 at the time), making it a 63-46 game. The Kings continued to get to the foul line and extend their lead. Hart made the team's third three-pointer (3-for-25) and then Robinson picked up his seventh offensive rebound, scoring on a tip-in as the Knicks trailed, 79-57, with 4:47 left in the third quarter.

DeRozan made his first three-pointer in three games with just under a minute remaining in the third quarter as the Kings grew their lead to 23 points. They led 96-76 heading into the fourth as Achiuwa's revenge game continued, getting up to a season-high 20 points already. New York made a total of four three-pointers (4-for-10) in the third, improving to 17 percent from deep.

-- Jordan Clarkson gave the Knicks a spark with six straight points in the fourth quarter and then Bridges sank his second three-pointer to cut the Sacramento lead to 15 points. Brown emptied the bench with 2:34 left, down 108-94. They made it a nine-point game after a Tyler Kolek three and Guerschon Yabusele layup before Russell Westbrook banked in a three to have fans chanting to "light the beam."

-- The Knicks shot 39 percent overall and 20 percent from three, missing 33 attempts (8-for-41). Towns didn't score in the second half, finishing with 13 points and four rebounds, while Bridges led the team with 19 points. OG Anunoby finished with 15 points, Clarkson had 11 points, and Hart and McBride each had 10 points. 

Sacramento made 32 free throws (84 percent from the foul line) and shot 47 percent from the field. The Kings won the rebound battle, 48-43. DeRozan had 27 points and LaVine added 25 points.

Game MVP: Precious Achiuwa

The former Knick and five-star recruit out of high school had his best game of the season, scoring 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting with 14 rebounds (six offensive), two assists, two blocks, and two steals.

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks will make a quick trip to the Bay Area to face Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET.

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Watch Bulls' insane game-winning play to beat Jazz

This looked like it was going to be Brice Sensabaugh night. The forward scored 21 points off the bench in the first quarter alone and went on to score a career-high 43.

But the Bulls pulled out the victory on a Nikola Vucevic game-winner that came on the most improbable of plays.

Utah's Keyonte George missed a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left and that was the ball game, the Bulls got the 128-126 win.

Sensabaugh shot 15-of-22 overall and hit five 3-pointers on the way to his record night. George added 25 for the Jazz.

Vucevic scored 35 to lead the Bulls, but the real story was their bench, which scored 61 points and had five players in double figures.

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Braden Smith leads 2nd-half charge in No. 5 Purdue's 79-72 comeback victory over Iowa

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Braden Smith scored all 16 of his points in the second half and tied the Big Ten record for assists in conference play, and No. 5 Purdue overcame a nine-point to beat Iowa 79-72 on Wednesday night.

Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points, Fletcher Loyer had 11 and Oscar Cluff 10 to help the Boilermakers (16-1, 6-0 Big Ten) win their eighth straight game. They have won their first six conference games for only the fifth time since 1940.

Smith finished the game with 478 assists in league games — the same number former Michigan State player Cassius Winston had.

Bennett Stirtz had 19 points to lead Iowa (12-5, 2-4). Kael Combs added 16 points as the Hawkeyes lost their third in a row overall, fell to 0-4 against ranked teams this season and extended their losing streak against top-10 opponents to 10 since 2021-22.

NO. 13 ILLINOIS 79, NORTHWESTERN 68

EVANSTON, Ill.(AP) — Keaton Wagler scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half, and Illinois beat Northwestern for their season-high sixth consecutive victory.

Tomislav Ivisic added 21 points and seven rebounds as Illinois (14-3, 5-1 Big Ten) won at Northwestern for the first time since Jan. 29, 2022. The Illini had dropped their last three games in Evanston.

Jayden Reid led Northwestern with a career-high 28 points, including 20 in the second half. Nick Martinelli had 20 points.

STANFORD 95, NO. 14 NORTH CAROLINA 90

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Freshman Ebuka Okorie had 36 points and nine assists and Stanford rallied from 12 points down in the second half to beat North Carolina.

Okorie outdueled Tar Heels freshman star Caleb Wilson and helped the Cardinal (14-4, 3-2 ACC) knock off the Tar Heels (14-3, 2-2) for the second straight season as conference opponents. North Carolina had won all 13 meetings between the schools before coach Kyle Smith took over last season in Stanford’s first year in the ACC.

Jeremy Dent-Smith hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:04 to play for his sixth long ball of the night to make it 88-87. After Wilson turned it over at the other end, Ryan Agarwal hit another 3 to but the Cardinal up by four points with 32 seconds to play.

The Cardinal held on from there for their second win over a ranked opponent this month after beating No. 16 Louisville at home on Jan. 2. That matches the most wins against ranked wins in a season for Stanford since the Cardinal had five in 2013-14 in the last season when they made the NCAA Tournament.

Dent-Smith and Agarwal each finished with 20 points as Stanford won despite playing without second-leading scorer Chisom Okpara, who is out with a lower-body injury.

Wilson and Henri Veesaar each scored 26 points for North Carolina.

NO. 15 TEXAS TECH 88, UTAH 74

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — JT Toppin had 31 points and 13 rebounds for his sixth consecutive double-double and Christian Anderson had his own with 26 points and 10 assists as Texas Tech beat Utah.

It was Toppin’s 11th double-double this season, his 30th in 49 games over two seasons with Tech since transferring from New Mexico, and his 42nd overall. The 6-foot-9 junior forward also had seven assists and five blocked shots while making a career-high three 3-pointers.

Donovan Atwell added 12 points on four 3-pointers for the Red Raiders (13-4, 3-1 Big 12), who shot 51.4% overall from the field (36 of 70) while improving to 9-0 at home this season. Anderson had six of their 13 made 3-pointers.

Keanu Dawes and Don McHenry each had 18 points, and Terrence Brown 17 for Utah (8-9, 0-4). The Utes have lost 11 consecutive true road games.

NO. 17 ARKANSAS 108, SOUTH CAROLINA 74

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Darius Acuff Jr. had 18 points and 13 assists as Arkansas routed South Carolina.

Meleek Thomas led six Razorbacks in double figures with 21 points off the bench. Reserve forward Malique Ewin scored 18, Trevon Brazile had 13 and D.J. Wagner added 12.

Nick Pringle, who spent last season at South Carolina, set a season high with 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Acuff, a freshman, posted his third double-double and set a career best for assists. He’s scored in double figures in every game for Arkansas (13-4, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) this season.

Meechie Johnson paced the Gamecocks (10-7, 1-3) with 29 points.

MISSISSIPPI 97, NO. 21 GEORGIA 95, OT

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Patton Pinkins sank a follow-up shot with 1 second remaining in overtime and Mississippi beat Georgia despite Jeremiah Wilkinson’s season-high 32 points for the Bulldogs.

Marcus “Smurf” Millender made one of two free throws for Georgia (14-3, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) with 10.2 seconds remaining in overtime to tie the game at 95.

Following a miss by AJ Storr, who led Ole Miss (10-7, 2-2) with 27 points, Pinkins grabbed the rebound and sank the winning shot to finish with 18 points.

Kanon Catchings scored 17 points for Georgia, including a 3-pointer for a 94-91 lead.

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Nets drop fifth straight game after 116-113 loss to Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trey Murphy III scored 34 points, Saddiq Bey made a tying 3-pointer, converted an offensive rebound into a dunk and hit two free throws in the final 1:04, and the New Orleans Pelicans edged the Brooklyn Nets 116-113 on Wednesday night.

Zion Williamson had 25 points for New Orleans, which won for just the second time in 13 games. Yves Missi contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds, nine on the offensive end to help the Pelicans finish with 33 second-chance points.

Egor Demin scored 17 points and hit five 3s, the last of them giving the Nets a 110-107 lead with 1:28 to go. Bey responded with his 3 to tie it as the shot clock was about to expire. His dunk came after he grabbed a long rebound on Murphy’s missed deep 3, and his free throws came with 5 seconds left after he was fouled intentionally.

Bey finished with 12 points.

Michael Porter Jr., who scored 20 points for the Nets, gained possession in the final seconds after a scramble for a loose ball near midcourt and let go a desperation heave that missed as the horn sounded.

Drake Powell had 16 points while Day’Ron Sharpe added 15 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn, which lost for the eighth time in nine games.

Demin hit four of his first five 3-point shots and the Nets led by 12 early.

New Orleans chipped away and trailed just 55-54 after Williamson’s layup closed out the scoring in the first half. The game was tied at 87 through three quarters.

The Pelicans entered with an NBA-worst opponent shooting percentage of 50.5 in the fourth quarter. The Nets scored the first seven points of the final period on their first three shots, prompting New Orleans coach James Borrego to call a timeout.

New Orleans responded soon after with an 15-4 run, during which Murphy scored nine points and assisted on Karlo Matkovic’s dunk, setting up the tight finish.

Up next

Nets: Host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Pelicans: Visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday.