Real Madrid and Berlin in 'NBA Europe' talks

Desmond Bane of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the 2026 NBA Berlin Game
The game between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies was played in front of a sell-out crowd in Berlin [Getty Images]

The NBA has discussed its "vision" for a proposed European basketball league with Real Madrid and other Spanish clubs, says commissioner Adam Silver.

Initial plans for 'NBA Europe', starting in 2027, are for 10 to 12 set franchises that would stay in the league on an annual basis.

Silver said the idea would be to mix established European teams with new ones, with the league initially being funded by the selected member clubs.

The 63-year-old was speaking before the NBA's first regular season game in Berlin, Germany on Thursday, which the Orlando Magic won 118-111 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The two sides face each again at The O2 arena in London on Sunday.

A league of potentially 16 teams is also being looked at, combining the regular 10 to 12 franchises with open spots that teams will be able to qualify for.

With the rise in popularity of basketball and the NBA in Europe, the American league is holding six games in four different European cities across the next three seasons, with London, Manchester, Berlin and Paris hosting games between 2026 and 2028.

Silver said talks with Real Madrid, who play in the EuroLeague and are regarded as one of the greatest basketball clubs in Europe, were "more in the category of fact-finding", but he confirmed discussions had taken place with another EuroLeague side, Alba Berlin, whose Uber Arena hosted the NBA game.

"We're trying to find the best combination of the old and the new; the tradition and the innovation," said Silver.

Alba Berlin, he said, was "the model of the type of club that we would like to see in a potential European league".

Reports say the existing EuroLeague has concerns about the new venture, threatening legal action against the NBA should clubs break existing agreements to take part in the new competition.

But Silver said he does not think the two leagues would clash, adding: "There's plenty of room for competition".

Lakers' defensive issues once again prove costly in loss to Hornets

Los Angeles , CA - January 15: Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) attempts a behind the back.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart attempts a behind-the-back pass in front of Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball during the Lakers' 135-117 loss Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

In a back-and-forth high-scoring affair Thursday night, the Lakers led by 13 points in the second quarter before the Charlotte Hornets rallied to build a 15-point lead in the third quarter.

In the end, the Hornets kept the momentum they stole from the Lakers, rolling to a 135-117 win at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers’ defense couldn’t slow down LaMelo Ball in the second half and it was unable to stop the Hornets from scoring 20 three-pointers.

As a result, the Lakers (24-15) lost for the fourth time in five games.

Read more:Lakers' JJ Redick defends LeBron James amid 'unfortunate' criticism

“I mean, it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn’t matter the team, doesn't matter the player," Marcus Smart said. “If they were shooting 20% [before], they’re shooting 50%. And it's unfortunate, but that's part of the game. It's tough. We got to figure it out. We got to play with a little bit more urgency on that end, especially, and kind of impose our will.

“It's not easy. Especially when you play for the Lakers, you always are the hunted— no matter what."

The Hornets (15-26) shot 53% from the field 54% percent from three-point range in the second half. Ball had 27 of his 30 points in the second half. After the Lakers closed to within 10 points with 2 minutes and 30 seconds left in the fourth, Ball's back-to-back three-pointers essentially closed out the game.

“He had some crazy shots, but that's what he do," said Luka Doncic, who scored 39 points. “He was shooting a lot of threes off the dribble ... so he got really hot. So it's kind of hard to stop."

Charlotte forward Brandon Miller looks to pass in front of Lakers star LeBron James in the first quarter Thursday.
Charlotte forward Brandon Miller looks to pass in front of Lakers star LeBron James in the first quarter Thursday. (Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

Even with all of the Lakers’ starters scoring in double figures, it wasn't enough. LeBron James, who didn’t speak to reporters after the game, had 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jake LaRavia had 18 points, Deandre Ayton scored 12 points and Smart had 10.

The start of the game was so different for the Lakers.

Doncic blew a kiss to the crowd and threw his hands in the air after drilling a first-quarter three. Doncic smiled at the Lakers’ bench after shooting another three-pointer a short time later.

During those moments, Doncic epitomized the kind of joy Lakers coach JJ Redick wants to see his team exhibit.

The rest of the Lakers followed Doncic’s lead as the team built a 48-55 lead in the second quarter.

Doncic led the Lakers in the first quarter, scoring 19 points on seven-for-12 shooting, which included a trio of threes. The Lakers had 14 three-pointers in the game, but it wasn’t enough to stop a more consistent Charlotte attack.

The Lakers were outscored 34-16 in the second quarter, 40-38 in the third and 31-24 in the fourth.

“We all knew that they got our full respect and attention pregame and I thought we fought,” Redick said. “Just another team that has a hot shooting night.”

Etc.

Redick said backup center Jaxson Hayes had an MRI scan that revealed hamstring tendinopathy in his left leg. Hayes, who is averaging 6.3 points per game, has missed two games because of the injury. "It's hopefully a short-term thing and hopefully he'll be back at some point this weekend,” Redick said. The Lakers play at Portland on Saturday before facing the Toronto Raptors at home on Sunday.

Read more:Luka Doncic plays and scores 27 points as the Lakers rout the Hawks

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Knicks waste early double-digit lead, can't slow down Warriors in 126-113 loss

The Knicks were defeated by the Golden State Warriors 126-113 on Thursday night at the Chase Center. 

Here are some takeaways...

- The Knicks were without Jalen Brunson due to an ankle injury, but they did receive a nice boost, as Landry Shamet was finally deemed ready to return after missing the last 25 games with a dislocated shoulder. Shamet didn't jump back into the starting lineup, though, as it was Miles McBride who slid in in Brunson's place. 

- New York was able to get off to a much better start coming off one of their worst offensive performances of the season on Wednesday in Sacramento. Every starter recorded a bucket and they knocked down six of their first seven shots from behind the arc to open a quick double-digit advantage (15-5). 

Shamet was the first man off the bench halfway through the first, and he immediately knocked down his first shot. 

- The Knicks pushed the lead out to as many as 17 points, but Karl-Anthony Towns was forced to the bench after picking up a pair of early fouls, and Golden State was able to flip the momentum. The home team used a 13-2 run to cut the deficit all the way back down to five at the end of the opening quarter (35-30). 

- Towns had five points and a game-high six rebounds in the first before being forced to the bench. The big man continued his domination into the second, picking up four more boards and a pair of putback buckets to help keep the slim lead midway through a back-and-forth middle quarter (46-44). 

- The Warriors took their first lead minutes later, and they were able to keep it at three heading into the break (62-59). Jimmy Butler led the way with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, KAT racked up a first-half double-double, and Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 12 points. 

- Steph Curry didn't make a three during the first half (0-for-5), but it didn't take long for him to snap that skid in the third. The All-Star sharpshooter knocked down his first two coming out of the break as part of a Golden State 13-2 barrage, helping them quickly push the lead out to 11 points (78-67).

Moses Moody added two more triples, giving him seven on the night and a season-high 21 points. 

- Each time it looked like the Knicks were ready to take back some of the momentum, the Warriors responded right back. New York simply could not get consecutive stops when they needed them the most, and they found themselves trailing by 12 points heading into the final frame. 

- Curry's big second half continued into the fourth, but the Knicks refused to go away, and they used a 10-2 run to get the deficit back down to nine points with just over four minutes remaining. Golden State's hot shooting couldn't be slowed down the stretch, though, and they held on for the victory. 

The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field and 44 percent from behind the arc in the game. 

- McBride took advantage of the start with 25 points, Anunoby had 25 as well, Bridges had 21, and Towns had 17 and 20 boards. Shamet knocked down just two of his seven shots in his return and Jordan Clarkson chipped in 11 points, but the rest of the bench combined for just one point. 

Butler led all scorers with 32 points, Curry had 27, Moody finished with 21 and Brandin Podziemski had 17 off the bench. 

Game MVP: Steph Curry

Curry got hot after a slow start, making big shots to put this one away late. 

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks return home to MSG to host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Watch Klay Thompson move past Damian Lillard into fourth on all-time 3-pointers list

Klay Thompson will someday enter the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest 3-point shooters the game has ever seen.

On Thursday night, with a first-quarter 3, Klay Thompson moved past Damian Lillard to fourth on the all-time 3-point made list.

Thompson trails Stephen Curry, James Harden and Ray Allen on the all-time list.

Thompson kept piling up 3s on Thursday night, going 6-of-13 from beyond the arc as the Mavericks blew out the Jazz, who as a team had just one more 3-pointer than Thompson.

Sarah Strong leads top-ranked UConn to 34th straight win, 99-50 over Villanova

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Sarah Strong had 24 points, nine rebounds and five blocks, and top-ranked UConn extended its winning streak to 34 games with a 99-50 blowout of Villanova on Thursday night.

Azzi Fudd had 14 points, KK Arnold tied her season high with 13 points to go seven assists and four steals, and Blanca Quinonez added 13 points as UConn (18-0, 9-0 Big East) won its 47th consecutive regular-season league game.

Freshman Kennedy Henry had 12 points and three of the eight 3-pointers by Villanova (14-4, 7-2). Brynn McCurry scored 11 points for the Wildcats, who shot a season-low 27.7% from the field.

Jasmine Bascoe, Villanova’s top scorer, was held to eight points, all in the first half.

NO. 2 SOUTH CAROLINA 68, NO. 4 TEXAS 65

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Joyce Edwards had 14 points and eight rebounds, Tessa Johnson added 13 points and South Carolina avenged its only loss this season by beating Texas for its 11th straight victory.

Ta’Niya Latson scored 12 points and Raven Johnson came up with some big shots down the stretch, scoring six of her 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter for the Gamecocks (18-1, 5-0 Southeastern Conference).

Madison Booker had 24 points and Rori Harmon added 16 to lead Texas (18-2, 3-2), which finished 1 of 9 from 3-point range.

NO. 5 VANDERBILT 89, MISSISSIPPI STATE 84

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored a season-high 38 points and No. 5 Vanderbilt won its school-record 18th straight game to open the season, beating Mississippi State 89-84 on Thursday night.

The Commodores are 5-0 in Southeastern Conference play for the first time since 1992-93, the season they opened 17-0. The 18-game winning streak is the longest in school history at any point in a season.

Blakes hit five 3-pointers, made 11 free throws without a miss and had seven assists. Justine Pissott added 12 points, and Aiyana Mitchell had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Vanderbilt broke it open with 21-6 run in the third quarter.

Madison Francis led Mississippi State (14-5, 1-4) with 15 points.

NO. 7 KENTUCKY 94, FLORIDA 89

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Tonie Morgan scored a season-high 26 points and had 13 assists to lead Kentucky to a win over Florida.

The Wildcats (17-2, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) improved to 10-0 at home and fended off a late rally by the Gators (12-8, 0-5).

Clara Strack had 21 points for Kentucky, and Jordan Obi, Amelia Hassett and Asia Boone scored 12 each. Strack sat out most of the third quarter and fouled out with 13 seconds remaining.

Me’Arah O’Neal led the Gators with 23 points, the most in an SEC game and one shy of a career high for Shaquille O’Neal’s 19-year-old, 6-foot-4 daughter. Liv McGill added 20 points and 11 assists for Florida, and Jade Weathersby scored 18.

NO. 8 MICHIGAN 85, NO. 25 ILLINOIS 69

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Olivia Olson scored 21 points, including 15 in the first half, and Te’Yala Delfosse added 15 to lead Michigan to a victory over Illinois on Thursday night.

Mila Holloway added 13 points and Syla Swords had 11 for the Wolverines (15-2, 6-1 Big Ten). Michigan, which has won all 10 of its home games, is off to its best start since is started 20-2 during the 2021-22 season.

Berry Wallace scored 26 points and Jasmine Brown-Hagger added 16 for the Illini (14-4, 4-3 Big Ten), who have dropped three of their last four.

NO. 9 LOUISVILLE 79, NO. 23 NOTRE DAME 66

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Reyna Scott scored 20 points off the bench and Louisville pulled away from Notre Dame for its 10th straight victory.

Tajianna Roberts added 19 points for Louisville (17-3 overall, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which last lost on Dec. 4 when the Cardinals fell 79-77 to then-No. 3 South Carolina. Elif Istanbulluoglu had 11 points and Mackenly Randolph scored 10.

Led by Scott, Louisville’s reserves outscored Notre Dame 31-2. The Cardinals rank second nationally in bench production by averaging 36.3 bench points entering the game.

Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points and had five rebounds and eight assists to lead Notre Dame (12-5, 2-3). Iyana Moore scored 16 points, Malaya Cowles had 12 and Cassandre Prosper scored nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

NO. 11 IOWA 74, OREGON 66

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Hannah Stuelke and Addison Deal combined to score 36 points and Iowa beat Oregon in a wire-to-wire win.

Stuelke had 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a pair of steals. Deal had 18 points — a career high — on 7-of-9 shooting and made all four of her 3-point attempts. Ava Heiden posted 13 points and nine rebounds. Kylie Feuerbach had 11 points, five assists and two steals.

Stuelke opened the game with a pair of layups, and the Hawkeyes (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) never trailed in their fifth straight win.

Ehis Etute was the only Oregon (14-5, 2-4) player to score in double figures. She scored 13 of her 15 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter, and posted eight rebounds. Three players had nine points for the Ducks, including Sofia Bell, who added three steals.

NO. 12 MARYLAND 62, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 55

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yarden Garzon hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:38 remaining and Maryland defeated Southern California.

Addi Mack led the Terrapins with 12 points. Garzon finished with 10 points.

Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu added 10 points, nine rebounds and had a key block of Maria Samuels with 33 seconds remaining. After Garzon’s 3-pointer, the Terrapins got two offensive rebounds before Ozzy-Momodu scored for a 59-55 lead. Those were the only two field goals in the fourth for Maryland.

The Terrapins (17-2, 5-2 Big Ten) bounced back from an 89-76 loss to No. 19 Ohio State to earn their fourth win in five games.

Kara Dunn led USC with 21 points. Star freshman Jazzy Davidson shot 5 of 23, including 0 for 14 over the final three quarters, while picking up her third and fourth fouls in the fourth quarter. She scored 12 of the Trojans’ first 20 points, helping them to a 20-16 lead.

NO. 15 MICHIGAN STATE 73, NO. 24 NEBRASKA 71

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Grace VanSlooten scored 22 points and Juliann Woodward sank two free throws with 5.1 remaining in the game for Michigan State to seal a win over Nebraska.

Rashunda Jones added 15 points and Kennedy Blair had 14 for the Spartans (17-1, 6-1 Big 10), who are off to their best start in program history.

Nebraska (14-4, 3-4) was led by Amiah Hargrove, who scored 21 points off the bench on 9-of-11 shooting from the field. Britt Prince added 14. The Cornhuskers finished 7 of 20 from 3-point range after making five in the first quarter.

AUBURN 58, NO. 21 ALABAMA 54

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Khady Leye scored 16 points and Kaitlyn Duhon scored 10 points and Auburn beat Alabama.

Jessica Timmons scored 16 points, Ta’Mia Scott scored 12 points and Karly Weathers 10 while grabbing 11 rebounds for Alabama

What we learned as Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carve up Knicks in Warriors' win

What we learned as Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler carve up Knicks in Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors knew what they were getting Thursday night when the New York Knicks came into Chase Center without their best player and following a loss to the lowly Kings in Sacramento 21 hours earlier.

The Knicks would be angry and surely knew they had to compensate for Jalen Brunson’s absence.

The Warriors shook off a slow start and a pesky outing by the Knicks by riding a superb game from Jimmy Butler III to come away with a 126-113 victory that put Golden State (23-19) four games over .500 for the first time this season.

Butler poured in a game-high 32 points, with Stephen Curry scoring 27, Moses Moody finishing with 21 and Brandin Podziemski adding 19. This was the eighth time this season that at least three Warriors scored at least 20 points.

Here are three observations from a win over the skidding Knicks:

The Jimmy-Steph tag team

When the Warriors endured another slow start, falling behind 33-19 with 3:33 left in the first quarter, Curry went to the bench a few seconds later, putting the non-Steph minutes under the microscope. 

When Curry exits, that means Butler enters. With his scoring and orchestration, the Warriors closed the quarter on an 11-2 run to pull within five.

That shifted the momentum ever so slightly, as Golden State won the second quarter by eight, taking a 62-59 lead into halftime. Butler scored 15 points in 15 first-half minutes.

When the Knicks opened the third quarter with a surge, it was Curry who lit a fire under the Warriors. After missing all five of his 3-point attempts in the first half, he drained back-to-back triples, pushing the lead to eight, and then snagged a steal that led to a Moody triple that pushed it to 11.

Curry scored 10 points in nine third-quarter minutes, shooting 4-of-4 from the field, including 2-of-2 from distance.

The Knicks spent the fourth quarter chasing the Warriors in vain.

Batman and Robin, folks, combining for 59 points.

Mo Buckets 2.0 drills Knicks

When Moody shot 30.1 percent from deep over a 15-game span from Dec. 12 to Jan. 11, it was fair to wonder if his wayward stroke would cost him his place in the starting lineup.

Coach Steve Kerr stayed with him, and his patience appears to be paying off.

Moody scored 12 first-half points, all on triples, without a miss. His game total of 21 points came on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 7-of-9 from deep.

With this game following an encouraging performance Tuesday night against Portland, when Moody scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from distance, it seems he has at least temporarily fixed his shot.

The Warriors will take it. Moody’s role is to provide point-of-attack defense on one end and be the designated catch-and-shoot wing on the other. His defense has been mostly satisfactory, but the offense gains another dimension when his deep shot is falling.

Podz comes through

After his slow start to this season, Podziemski became a lightning rod for criticism from Dub Nation. Some of it was warranted, some of it was subjective.

But the third-year pro put together a strong December, averaging 12.7 points per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, including 44.4 percent from deep.

Though Podziemski’s overall play has leveled off this month, he’s still productive and came off the bench to submit an excellent performance against the Knicks.

Podziemski’s 19 points came on 8-of-9 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds, two assists and two steals, playing 26 minutes and finishing a team-best plus-22.

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Knicks' Jalen Brunson out Thursday vs. Warriors after rolling ankle, leaving game Wednesday

Jalen Brunson is listed as out on Thursday night when the Knicks travel to the Bay Area for their one game at the Chase Center this season against the Warriors.

That comes one day after Brunson tweaked his ankle five minutes into the game against the Kings. He went back to the locker room, not to return the rest of the night.

The good news is the Knicks have listed Brunson as day-to-day with a sprained ankle. He was not expected to miss extended time, as Brunson was seen by reporters after the game in Sacramento walking without a boot on his ankle and no limp.

Brunson is averaging 28.2 points and 6.1 assists a game, shooting 38.8% from 3-point range this season. He is the heart of the Knicks' top-five offense and will almost certainly be named an All-Star Game starter when those are announced next week.

Mitchell Robinson also will be out against the Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back.

Steve Kerr confident Jonathan Kuminga's trade demand won't distract the Warriors

Steve Kerr confident Jonathan Kuminga's trade demand won't distract the Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga became trade eligible Thursday, and to state the obvious, he wants a new NBA team to call home.

The fifth-year pro has demanded a trade, league sources confirmed Thursday to NBC Sports Bay Area. Kuminga was in attendance for a rare home shootaround at Chase Center before the Warriors play the New York Knicks. Once reporters were allowed in, a smiling Kuminga sprinted off the court without comment. 

About six hours later, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, during his pregame press conference, was asked about the latest chapter in the Kuminga era that could end in the next three weeks by the Feb. 5 trade deadline. 

Kerr first reiterated his statement that he and Kuminga are on cordial terms. 

“Our relationship is fine,” he said. 

Aside from that, Kerr didn’t dive much deeper into the specifics of Kuminga’s hope for a fresh start. 

“There’s not a whole lot I can say about the other stuff,” Kerr continued. “It is what it is. Difficult situation for everybody. Part of this league, part of this job. We just keep moving forward. But it’s a tough situation and I don’t really have much to add.” 

Since being a healthy DNP-CD (Did Not Play, Coach’s Decision) on Dec. 7 in a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls, Kuminga has played in only one of the Warriors’ last 17 games. He played nine and half minutes in a one-point loss to the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 18. Kuminga hasn’t taken his black warmup shirt off and gotten off the bench to enter a game at all in the 13 games since.

In 12 of the Warriors’ 13 games during that span, Kuminga has continued to be a healthy DNP-CP. Kerr said on 95.7 The Game the morning of the Warriors’ eventual 37-point blowout loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 2 that Kuminga was in his plans to play. But Kuminga was a late addition to the Warriors’ injury report with lower back soreness and did not dress in a game Golden State also was without Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

While the outside noise continues to become louder, Kerr says none of this is a hindrance to who Warriors are and won’t cause problems. 

“It won’t be a distraction,” Kerr said. “Jonathan’s a great young guy. His teammates like him. He’s handling himself well. There won’t be a distraction.” 

Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a team option on the second season two days into training camp. The start of the season was seamless with Kuminga scoring 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, having nine rebounds and six assists in an opening-night win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuminga started the first 12 games of the season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.l assists per game. 

The Warriors went 6-6 in those first 12 games. They’ve gone 16-13 after moving Kuminga out of the starting lineup two months ago. Kuminga has played in just six of those games, starting once, and averaging 16.5 minutes, 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

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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?

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.

Forsberg: Why Ivica Zubac would be ‘perfect' trade target for Celtics

Forsberg: Why Ivica Zubac would be ‘perfect' trade target for Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations this season thanks to some MVP-level play from Jaylen Brown and encouraging contributions from young wings like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez.

But if the Celtics are serious about making a postseason run — and if they believe superstar Jayson Tatum will contribute to that run — they could use reinforcements in the frontcourt. Boston has just two players taller than 6-foot-9 on its NBA roster (not counting two-way rookie Amari Williams), and while Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have both been excellent relative to expectations, the C’s absolutely would benefit from a third big man with a proven track record.

Could Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac help fill that void?

On a special Mailbag edition of the Celtics Talk Podcast, Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg pondered Zubac’s potential fit in Boston if the Clippers were to make him available ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.

“I think he’s the one guy I would be willing to splurge on a little bit,” Forsberg said. “His contract is so desirable. He checks a lot of boxes. (He’s) always in the top 20 in defensive rebounds. I think he led the NBA in defensive rebounds last year. He shores up your biggest need immediately. The defensive potential is obvious.”

Zubac averaged career highs in points (16.8) and rebounds (12.6) last season while finishing sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. And while he’s missed six of Los Angeles’ last 12 games due to an ankle injury, he’s still averaging a double-double (14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game).

Zubac is on a favorable contract, as well: The 29-year-old is in the first year of a three-year, $58.7 million contract that will pay him an average of $19.5 million through the 2027-28 season.

Acquiring Zubac would be easier said than done: The Clippers have rebounded from a disastrous start and are just a half-game out of a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, so it’s still unclear whether they’ll be sellers. And if they make Zubac available, they’d likely have a high asking price; Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported the Clippers would seek “at least” two first-round picks in a potential deal.

But if the Celtics are in the market for a big man, Forsberg views Zubac as among the best options.

“For me, it comes down to plug-and-play,” Forsberg added. “He fits this team. He’s kind of the perfect guy for this team.

” … I just think Zubac checks a lot of the boxes. (He’s making) $18 million this season, which would actually allow you to potentially cut money. You could tread two tracks.

“I don’t think the Celtics are overly worried about getting below the tax this year, but it does give you a little bit more flexibility long-term and potentially think about resetting the repeater penalties, which would help make a big splurge further down the road.”

Also in this episode:

  • What roster changes might the Celtics make? 
  • What would it take to get Jaren Jackson Jr.? 
  • When will Jayson Tatum return?

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.

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
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
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 Barrett31.528.8

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.

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.

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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