TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Bryce James, youngest son of NBA star LeBron James, is going to redshirt his freshman year at Arizona.
James has yet to appear in a game for the top-ranked Wildcats this season and coach Tommy Lloyd confirmed on Tuesday the 6-foot-5 guard will redshirt.
“The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds,” Lloyd told the Big 12 Network. “I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing.”
James arrived at Arizona as part of a heralded freshman class headlined by Koat Peat and Brayden Burries. The Wildcats (22-0) are off to the best start in program history, so Lloyd and his staff have been able to take their time in developing James, whose older brother, Bronny, plays with their father for the Los Angeles Lakers.
MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Marseille avoided plunging into crisis by defeating Rennes 3-0 on Tuesday to move into the French Cup quarterfinals.
The southern club had no room for mistake after exiting the Champions League last week with a 3-0 loss at Club Brugge. It was an embarrassing defeat that was followed by a 2-2 draw at Paris FC in Ligue 1 on Saturday after Roberto De Zerbi's players threw away a two-goal lead.
Marseille needed just two minutes to break the deadlock against Rennes when Amine Gouiri scored from close range against his former club, after excellent work from Timothy Weah to recover the ball in the box.
Gouiri then turned provider to set up Mason Greenwood in the 46th minute, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealing the win on the break with seven minutes left.
Marseille recruit Ethan Nwaneri was lucky to escape a red card after an awful tackle near the hour-mark on Glen Kamara, who was forced off.
Reims also progressed to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 defeat of Le Mans.
Marseille’s 3-0 loss at Club Brugge on Wednesday, coupled with Benfica’s remarkable injury-time goal against Real Madrid, sent De Zerbi’s side into 25th place in the Champions League table and out of the competition.
Marseille, which won the Champions League in 1993, is third in the French league, nine points behind leader Paris-Saint-Germain. The bitter rivals face off this weekend in Paris in “Le Classique."
LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen reached the German Cup semifinals for the third straight season after beating St. Pauli 3-0 on Tuesday.
Martin Terrier scored from the edge of the area in the 32nd minute, Patrik Schick volleyed home at the back post to double the lead in the 63rd and Jonas Hofmann added a third following a counterattack in stoppage time.
Leverkusen won the cup in the 2023-24 season as part of its undefeated domestic campaign, and lost in the semifinals last season.
Defending champion Stuttgart visits second-tier Holstein Kiel in the second quarterfinal on Wednesday.
The other two are next week: Second-tier Hertha Berlin vs. Freiburg and Bayern Munich vs. Leipzig.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on March 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The aggregation never ends, does it? The Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers have been linked in trade rumors for the past 15-ish hours. And while nothing has happened yet, the momentum continues to grow per reports.
ESPN’S Brian Windhorst offered the latest update on NBA Today:
“People I’m talking to, there is real momentum for this,” Windhorst said. “Darius Garland is getting in his head that he’s going to be a Clipper. James Harden is getting in his head that he’s gonna be a Cav.”
There are always plenty of smoke screens to navigate during the NBA trade deadline. But when there is this much smoke, it’s hard to ignore. The likelihood of Garland and Harden swapping cities is feeling more certain by the minute. And apparently, even the players themselves are preparing for a new chapter.
For Harden, this is nothing he hasn’t seen before. He’s asked for a trade four times in five years, going from the Houston Rockets, to the Brooklyn Nets, to the Philadelphia 76ers, to the LA Clippers, and now, possibly to the Cavs. The 11-time All-Star has forced his way out of multiple franchises and is comfortable being uncomfortable.
But for Garland, this is uncharted territory. Garland has played all seven seasons of his career in Cleveland. He’s been floated in trade rumors before, but he’s never actually been put under the spotlight to this degree. A trade would mark a first for Garland — but even if nothing happens, this could have huge ramifications for Garland’s future in the Land.
This entire ordeal has been out there for the world to see. Garland now knows that his front office has dangled him in serious trade offers while presumably getting the approval of Donovan Mitchell. That’s a tough pill to swallow, even for the most professional NBA player.
All of that makes it feel like this trade is a done deal. Because turning back now seems just as daunting as going through with this massive swing.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Luka Dončić has been justly rewarded for a dominant month.
The NBA’s leading scorer has started 2026 right where he left off in 2025, averaging 34 points, 7.2 rebounds and 9.1 assists. Rightly so on Monday, Luka was named Player of the Month for the Western Conference.
This is the sixth time Luka has been named Player of the Month, but the first time he’s done so as a Laker.
In January, Luka had some monster performances, including scoring 46 points in a win over the Bulls and registering a triple-double in the first half in a victory against the Wizards.
Dončić’s dominance is a big reason the Lakers were able to tread water in January. They ended the month with a 9-7 record while playing without their starting guard, Austin Reaves, who remained out with a calf strain.
While Luka’s play reached a high level in January, he’s been elite all season, making a case as the best player not just on the Lakers, or in the Western Conference, but the entire NBA.
NBA franchises, in the thick of trade season, are scrambling to make roster adjustments just before the Feb. 5, 3 p.m. ET (noon PT) deadline.
As teams search for ideal suitors and partners to green-light prospective trades, the Boston Celtics have beefed up their frontcourt after making a move to receive center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round draft pick from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Vucevic, who stands at 6-foot-9, 260-pounds, adds another big body to the Celtics' frontline. He joins a front court that includes Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman and Jordan Walsh.
Not only do they add another big, but they get someone who they can fill into their roster and will find his way. Vucevic can score in multiple ways.
Vucevic isn't a big who demands the ball, just knows what to do when gets it. He can score like a traditional big in the post, with his back to the basket. He has the capability to face up and shoot, or step back for three. If he's not getting the ball, he'll go and get an offensive rebound and putback.
Vucevic, 35, averaged 16.9 points, nine rebounds and 3.8 assists in 48 games played with the Bulls. He shot 50.5% from the field and showed an ability to stretch the floor, shooting 37.6% from the three-point arc.
Vucevic joins his fourth team in his 15 NBA seasons. He was drafted out of USC by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 16th overall pick of the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. Vucevic played nine seasons with the Orlando Magic and the previous five seasons in Chicago before being traded to Boston on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The Celtics (31-18) currently have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and sit 5.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons atop of the list.
Nikola Vucevic contract details
Vucevic signed a three-year, $60 million veteran extension contract with the Bulls in 2023. He's in the final year of that deal and is owed $21.4 million. Vucevic becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.
Nikola Vucevic career stats
The Celtics add a guy who has averaged a double-double for the entirety of his career. Vucevic's career numbers include 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists. From the field, he shoots at a 49.8% rate, including 35.1% from deep. He's a career 77.3% free throw shooter.
Simons, 26, is an eighth-year guard who was selected right out of high school, IMG Academy, with the 24th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA draft.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Simons has developed his game into becoming a formidable scorer who can light up a box score in spurts. His three-point shooting has stood out, as he connects on 39.5% of threes per game this season.
After years in Portland and playing behind the tutelage of Damian Lillard, Simons has grown to master his shot off the dribble, whether a side-step, step-back or snatch-back into his jumper.
Simons has proven that he's talented enough to be a starter in the NBA. As a starter for three seasons in Portland from 2022 to 2025, Simons averaged 20.7 points, 4.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 178 games during that span.
He's averaged 14.2 points on 44% field goal shooting and 39.5% on three-point field goals so far this season with the Celtics.
Simons goes from being a part of the third-best team in the East to a 24-26 Bulls team that is looking to make waves for a playoff push. They currently have the ninth-best record in the Eastern Conference, which would give them a play-in tournament berth.
Anfernee Simons contract details
Simons is in the final year of a four-year, $100 million contract he signed with Portland in 2022. He'll earn $27.6 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in July.
Anfernee Simons career stats
Simons averages 14.9 points and 3.2 assists for his career. His shooting splits are 43.2% on field goals, 38.2% on three-point shots and 88.1% from the charity stripe.
Anfernee Simons highlights
Experts provide feedback, thoughts on trade
NBA experts and analysts broke down the Vucevic-Simons trade on ESPN following the news.
Former NBA guard and ESPN analyst Iman Shumpert:
"I love it. I'm a Josh Giddey guy. I like the way he plays. He has an array of moves and finishes that he likes to do and he's a slasher-type player. I like that (the Bulls) have a ball dominant guy now that doesn't mind holding on to the ball and waiting until the very end to get us something. And he's young Dame. I see his game and I see how much time they spent in the gym together. I think it's remarkable that he scores the ball in a similar way that Damian Lillard does. And that's all I feel I'm getting, when I get him. You see this one-dribble, pound-dribble to the step back, he's able to get in there and do the floaters, and he's got height on him. He doesn't have to use a lot of dribbles. But he doesn't mind. I think he's a willing passer. It's hard to find a willing passer in the NBA, and if you can get him the right pick and roll, he's a dangerous guy to bring to a team like that."
Los Angeles Sparks' forward and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike:
"You said the word 'remarkable.' That's what I'm using to describe Boston this year. A lot of people thought this was going to be a gap year. It's turning out to be a very, very solid, a good year for Boston Celtics. They're third in the East. And now they get a big that is very important for them, especially if they're gonna go up and try to make some noise in the postseason. And with [Vucevic], he fits that [Joe] Mazzulla system. Y'all, that guy can shoot. He's shooting, I think, 37% from three. He's big and strong. He's not afraid. He doesn't really run away from physicality. Look at this right here. Knock down. Joe [Mazzulla] was like hmm, this could work for me. I can do something with this. This is a good step in the right direction for a team that we thought, 'oh, they were selling off pieces' A couple [years] after the championship, it was difficult after Jayson Tatum's injury. Now you built back in a way that I'm actually quite surprised at how quick the turnaround is."
NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks:
"Well, to get something, you got to give up something. I mean, Anfernee Simon's had been pretty good with with Boston, sixth man numbers here. There was a somewhat of a, I think, more of a void for the playoffs, because Neemias Queta has been pretty good, holding down the fort for Boston right now. But you get an established player and Nikola Vucevic. Double expiring contracts, so there's financial savings here. But I think this move is made for more for April and May, less for the rest of the regular-season."
ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst
"So this Tatum is a outlier, a major thing we don't know about. Vucevic is the type of player that Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, they won a championship with it. Simons' was playing great. He just had a wild, incredible January. For Chicago, I assume they're making this trade because they intend to pay Anfernee Simons. Just as they made the trade for Jaden Ivey, they intend to pay him. This is again, 'pre-agency', and now he's going to open up 'pre-agency' for Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, who was probably, I would say, almost certainly, both of them strongly going to be elsewhere by Thursday, if not by the end of today."
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: VJ Edgecombe #77 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 124-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Perhaps I have just been stuck in a negative feedback loop when it comes to this franchise for the last half-dozen years, but I am bracing myself for a rather unspectacular NBA trade deadline for the Sixers. I can’t foresee a scenario where the Sixers part with beloved rookie VJ Edgecombe for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, nor one where an Edgecombe-less package is enough to nab the two-time NBA MVP.
It goes beyond the Antetokounmpo of it all though, even as the Bucks’ franchise player remains the biggest domino to fall before the deadline.
Will the Sixers duck the tax in the hopes of saving the ownership group some dough? Joel Embiid called out the organization over it recently, a rarity for the star big man. The Paul George anti-drug policy suspension likely makes it easier for the team to do so, but the absence of George for 25 games creates a hole in this Sixers lineup that should be addressed if the team has true championship aspirations and wants to climb the Eastern Conference standings. They’re just 2.5 games back of the No. 2 seed entering Tuesday’s evening action. That should scream trade-a-palooza, right? For a fan base that’s seen those big swings like Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and James Harden mid-season in the past, I just have a gut feeling that come Thursday, this team is mostly the same.
I’m sure they’ll do something, minor moves that allow the team to convert key contributors Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker to standard contracts, but something earth-shattering that upheaves the playoff picture looks out of the cards a bit.
The Sixers remain stuck between worlds. Embiid is the most-win now player in the league. Who knows how much healthy basketball he has left, but for the time being, he looks as good as ever. He averaged 30-8-5 in January. For all we know, this could be the last ride for Embiid. He certainly wasn’t in this form the previous few springs, if playing at all. Tyrese Maxey is in his prime now as a lighting-quick scorer, but it’s hard to calculate how anyone’s prime, let alone that of an undersized, speedy guard, will last. He’s the present and the future currently. Edgecombe, who the Sixers should be wary of parting with this early in his career, is already good, albeit not someone who can be a dominant playoff player at this point. That’s natural for a 20-year-old, but hard when the team doesn’t know what it’ll be getting from Embiid a year down the line. They’re competitive to a degree now, but also holding their chips for later.
I hope the team does something fun. Doesn’t everyone? The vibes are good and the fan base is energized. As long as they’re not dealing Edgecombe, go wild. This is what Daryl Morey was brought here to do, to be creative in the trade market, not simply to acquire former Rockets, as he’s done. Again, maybe I am just in a protective mode with this team where I don’t want to get my hopes up for anything, but I imagine this team’s going to look pretty similar come the weekend.
If that’s the case, I think it’ll be OK. The Sixers are “fun enough.” I’d like more than that, certainly, but after previous misses on stars and the desire not to move Edgecombe at this point, Sixers fans have roughly 48 hours to learn to be content with what they’re seeing.
The Phoenix Suns are exceeding expectations without Devin Booker, a credit to this retooled roster compared to last year’s superstar-heavy team. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, that roster should prevail.
My Suns vs. Trail Blazers predictions expect Phoenix’s new second banana to continue to shine in the spotlight, amid many NBA picks on Tuesday, February 3.
Suns vs Trail Blazers prediction
Suns vs Trail Blazers best bet: Dillon Brooks Over 23.5 points (-105)
Dillon Brooks has averaged 18.8 shots per game in the last five games, all without Devin Booker.That is a significant uptick from the 16.7 he has averaged when the Phoenix Suns’ cornerstone has been in the lineup this season.
No wonder Brooks has cleared this prop in four of those five games, the exception falling short by only one bucket.
Until Booker is back in the lineup, bet on Dillon Brooks to score 25 points a night, including tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Suns vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Portland is on a five-game losing streak, something that should continue even if Dillon Brooks hits two or fewer three-pointers for the fourth time in this six-game stretch without Devin Booker.
Suns vs Trail Blazers SGP
Dillon Brooks Over 23.5 points
Dillon Brooks Under 2.5 three-pointers
Suns moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns extinguish Blazers
On this five-game outright losing streak, Portland has gone 1-4 against the spread.
Suns vs Trail Blazers SGP
Dillon Brooks Over 23.5 points
Dillon Brooks Under 2.5 three-pointers
Suns -2.5
Suns vs Trail Blazers odds
Spread: Suns -2.5 | Trail Blazers +2.5
Moneyline: Suns -135 | Trail Blazers +115
Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Suns vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
While going 1-4 against the spread in the last two weeks, the Blazers have fallen short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 11.3 points, even including the sole ATS win. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Suns vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tip-off
11:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Suns vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an 11-win month, Phoenix Suns Coach Jordan Ott was named Western Conference Coach of the Month alongside Charlotte Hornets Coach Charles Lee being named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month. Ott is the first Suns coach to snag the honor since Monty Williams back in late 2022, marking the 17th time a leader on the Phoenix sideline has earned the award.
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott and Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in January. pic.twitter.com/TuPwbkCiug
Along with the Los Angeles Clippers and Hornets, the Suns were tied for the most wins in January and had three different three-game win streaks during it. The team never lost more than two games in a row, despite Devin Booker and Jalen Green missing significant time, and the team beat the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons in convincing fashion without either in the lineup.
The team was 4-4 on the road, but exceptional at home, going 7-1 and winning their first four home games to start 2026, including a memorable one against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Devin Booker hit a game-winning three with less than a second remaining.
DEVIN BOOKER HITS THE TRIPLE AND WINS IT FOR THE SUNS 🚨
With 30 wins already, Phoenix is on pace to win 49 games, and has already won more games than many pundits and betting analysts predicted them to do before the year and Ott continues to play a huge part in their surprising success.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: Anfernee Simons #4 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at the TD Garden on January 30, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DALLAS — The Celtics have traded Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported on Tuesday afternoon.
The move sheds nearly $5 million in salary for the Celtics, while bolstering a frontcourt that has almost exclusively relied on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
Vucevic has averaged 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for the Bulls this season. The 35-year-old has shot 50.5% from the field and 37.6% from three, and has been one of the league’s premier stretch bigs. A strong defensive rebounder, he should alleviate what at times has been the Celtics’ biggest weakness.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aScaobfZmv
Nikola Vucevic answers the Celtics’ looming frontcourt question — at least for now
The move gives Boston additional center depth alongside Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, both of whom have exceeded expectations this season. The Celtics have not utilized Xavier Tillman nor Chris Boucher in the frontcourt, and have almost exclusively relied on Queta, Garza, and small-ball lineups.
Both Queta (10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds) and Garza (7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds) are having career years, but it has long been understood that the Celtics will need additional frontcourt depth moving forward.
Whether Vucevic is a long-term solution in Boston here remains to be seen; the Montenegrin basketball player is on an expiring deal, but could potentially extend with the Celtics beyond the season, depending on how things go.
At 35, he immediately becomes Boston’s oldest players, though he has been as dependable and available as they come. Vucevic has appeared in 48 of 50 games for Chicago this season, and played in at least 73 games in each of his last four Bulls seasons .
Vucevic has been a starter in the NBA since his rookie season in 2011-2022. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011, spent 9 years with the Orlando Magic, and has played for the Bulls since 2021.
Anfernee Simons leaves the Celtics after a great stint
Anfernee Simons departs the Celtics after being acquired this past summer in the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Simons averaged 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game this season, shooting 44% from the field and 39.5% from three.
Throughout his brief tenure, Simons earned the praise of his teammates and coaches, who often heralded him for his improvement on the defensive end. Simons entered the year with a poor defensive reputation, but transformed into an impactful defender in recent months.
“It was just a matter of learning the system defensively, getting acclimated to the role,” Joe Mazzulla said last month. “Most of his career, there was a lot of knowns — substitution pattern known, minutes known, when the ball is finding you known, play calls known. So I thought he did a great job adapting to the unknowns – sub pattern changes, playcalls may change depending upon the lineups or the coverages, and he does a great job of handling that. The second piece was just getting acclimated to our defensive system, which he’s taken a lot of pride in since he’s been here.”
In December, Simons held the best plus-minus in the entire NBA, and in January, he recorded his best game in green, exploding for 39 points in a comeback win against the Miami Heat. Simons has eclipsed 20 points 9 times this season, showcasing his versatile scoring ability while anchoring the Celtics’ bench.
The Celtics are now out of the first apron
The move has positive financial implications for Boston, getting the Celtics under the first apron for the first time in the Joe Mazzulla era. The Celtics offload Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract to the Bulls, while taking on Vucevic’s $21.5 million expiring contract.
The Celtics are now $6 million from being under the luxury tax altogether, and immediately reduce their tax penalty from $39.5 million to $17.7 million.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
Clippers guard James Harden could be on the move before the NBA's trade deadline this week, according to multiple media outlets. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
James Harden has played a key role in helping the Clippers become one of the NBA's hottest teams over the last six weeks despite a disastrous start to their season. He might not be around, however, to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Harden and the Clippers working to find a suitable deal that would send him to another team by Thursday's NBA trade deadline.
Many of those reports mention a possible trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, swapping Harden in exchange for guard Darius Garland. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated described discussions between the two teams as "advanced."
The Clippers play the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Harden, 36, had 25 points and nine assists in 34 minutes during the Clippers' 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday but has not played in the team's two games since. The Clippers have attributed Harden's absence to personal reasons.
After the game, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard told Joey Linn of Linn Sports media he was surprised by the Harden reports.
"I respect his decision or whoever's decision it is, and that's it," Leonard said. "I mean, he's still gonna be my boy and, you know, I trust the front office."
Clippers forward John Collins called the news "shocking." Asked by Linn if he would be disappointed to see Harden leave at this point in the season, Collins answered, "Hell yeah."
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that Harden initiated the trade talks and "the Clippers were stunned to find out about him wanting out." The two sides have been discussing a possible parting for weeks, according to Siegel.
Harden is an 11-time All-Star who was named the league MVP in 2018. He has played for five teams, including the Clippers since 2023, and is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds in his 17th NBA season.
Garland is a 26-year-old two-time All Star who has averaged 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists during his seven NBA seasons. His contract expires in the summer of 2028. He has not played since Jan. 14 because of a Grade 1 sprain of his right big toe.
The Clippers were 6-21 after a 122-101 loss to Oklahoma City on Dec. 18. Since then, however, they have won 17 of 22 games to pull into a potential play-in spot (ninth place) in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Lue was asked Monday if Harden was someone he would like to continue to have on the team for a possible playoff run and beyond.
"Who wouldn't want to have James Harden?" Lue said.
It’s just after 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. So we are within 48 hours of the NBA trade deadline and although there have been two trades, only one a blockbuster. That one between the Grizzlies and Jazz starts a tank in Memphis and a move toward contention in Utah.
The two others are more common place at the deadline, one is to fill holes, the other to manage cap space.
None has a direct or short term effect on Brooklyn although the Grizzlies could soon fall deeper in the lottery after dumping Jaren Jackson Jr. Right now, the Grizzlies are in ninth, six games back of the Nets. It’s hard to imagine Memphis getting much closer with the Nets sinking deeper and deeper but Memphis will no doubt pick up more ping pong balls.
Also, over the long term, the Grizzlies now have a significant cache of assets to work with going forward. They have 12 first round picks, compared to the Nets 13, nine tradeable firsts compared to 10 for the Nets. The Nets cache of firsts looks at the least for the moment, the cleaner of the two with fewer protections and swaps. The Grizzlies have eight seconds as well, a compared to as many as 20 for the Nets. Memphis does have a $28.5 million trade exception, the largest in NBA history that won’t expire for a year. .
The other trades revealed so far is a three way deal among the Bulls, Timberwolves and Pistons and salary dump in Boston. The latter would seem to eliminate the long-held rumor the Celtics and Day’Ron Sharpe. Instead they’ve gone with Nikola Vucevic.
Here’s Shams tweets announcing the deals…
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S
Just in: Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit have agreed to a multi-team deal that sends Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls and Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Detroit also receives a 2026 first-round protected swap from Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/pgxqr1WT90
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aScaobfZmv
We’ll be updating as things go along but when the Nets start getting involved, we will of course post separate stories, analysis, trade grades, the usual.
As of now, there’s little indication that the Nets are much interested in big deals. Their interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t even rise to the level of making calls to Milwaukee, Brian Lewis reported Monday and it appears that the Nets aren’t interested in moving Michael Porter Jr. or Nic Claxton. Instead, word from everyone from Shams Charania to Michael Scotto to Jake Fischer is that Sean Marks & co. hope to parlay a top pick in the 2026 draft into bigger moves and some level of contention in 2026-27.
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 15: The sneakers worn by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 15, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 1: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks on February 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers started a trend in the preseason with poor third quarter play, which has continued into the regular season.
During their current road trip, the Lakers were outscored by 20 to start the second half against the Cavs, en route to a blowout loss. Two games later, they blew a first half lead to the Knicks and lost by double figures.
After the defeat, Deandre Ayton made it clear that the team’s poor play after halftime is a problem and one the team knows about.
“Most definitely got to sharpen up the third quarter,” Ayton said. “We don’t want to make that a habit. I’ll say we confronted it as well after this game. After a big game like this, we definitely pointed that out as one of our things we need to pick up and just come together collectively and be accountable.”
It’s a positive that the Lakers talked about this issue and called it out, but this late into the season, it’s actions over words.
While recent third quarter troubles have been loud, it’s been a season-long trend. The Lakers have a plus-minus of -67 in the period, their worst quarter. The good news is the Lakers have been great in the closing quarter. They are +108, which is the best in the NBA.
If they can fix these third quarter problems, that should set them up for success, leading to more wins. And, in a highly competitive Western Conference, that could be the difference between having homecourt in the opening round or being a play-in team.
So, whether it’s Redick emphasizing focus for the third quarter, Luka Dončić getting players involved right away or a change in the lineup to get an injection of offense, the Lakers have to do whatever needs to be done to go from a good first half to a solid second half start.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 19: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Boston Celtics at Little Caesars Arena on January 19, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pistons get: Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, first-round pick swap with Wolves
Wolves get: Tax relief
Minnesota gets out of the first apron with this deal and significantly trims its luxury tax bill. The Bulls get a look at a former top-5 pick in Jaden Ivey before he hits restricted free agency. The Pistons move up in the draft and get a smart offensive decision-maker with shooting potential in Kevin Huerter. Let’s grade this deal for every side.
Bulls trade grade for Jaden Ivey deal
The Bulls love targeting former lottery picks who have fallen out of favor with their current team. It worked out decently well for Chicago with Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith, and now they’re trying it again with Jaden Ivey. Ivey was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, but his career took a detour when he broke his fibula during a terrifying play on New Years Day 2025. Ivey was sidelined for until late Nov. and hasn’t looked like himself since coming back, which is understandable after such a serious injury.
Can Ivey get his burst back? He showed elite speed coming out of Purdue and in his early days with the Pistons. He has struggled to beat players off the dribble upon his return this year, and it feels like he needs his top gear back to make this worthwhile for Chicago. It’s absolutely possible that Ivey can return to form with more time, but it’s still a risky bet as he enter restricted free agency this summer. Huerter was actually playing good ball for Chicago despite a shooting slump, and graded out as better than Ivey in advanced metrics like EPM, RAPM, and Darko.
Ivey has looked a little improved as a shooter based on where he was at coming out of Purdue. He made 41 percent of his threes on 8.2 attempts per 100 possessions last season in 30 games before the injury. This year he’s made 37.2 percent of his threes on 9.8 attempts per 100 possessions from three. Ivey’s defensive impact has never been there off the ball, but he’s decent on the ball. He’s never had a season where he’s scored at above league-average efficiency in the NBA, but he’s been close both last year and this year.
The biggest question with Ivey is his health, which makes sense after such a wild injury. He turns 24 years old later this month, and he’s due for a new contract in restricted free agency. Are the Bulls choosing Ivey over Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu? Ivey has never been as good as either player in the NBA yet. It would make sense for the Bulls to sell on one of them if they’re going to resign Ivey. Dosunmu has more trade value, but the team would probably like to keep him around. It would take a pretty big bounce-back for Ivey to be better than the peak version of White, but the Bulls haven’t had the peak version of White this year as he’s battled a calf strain.
Ivey and Josh Giddey are an interesting fit in the backcourt together, but ultimately I’m not super high on it because neither player is a plus defender or plus shooter. Ivey’s speed (if it returns) pairs well with attacking off Giddey’s playmaking theoretically. Ivey will not have White’s volume shooting, or Dosunmu’s defense. I’m skeptical this is a winning backcourt for Chicago long-term, but they didn’t give up too much in this deal. I’d guess the Bulls resign Dosunmu and Ivey, and trade White. Ivey has major scoring potential if he can get back to 100 percent physically, but will the Bulls have the spacing to open up driving lanes for him if he’s sharing the floor with Giddey?
The Bulls feel like they have more moves to make, but this is a fine buy-low gamble for now. Getting Ivey on a team-friendly contract will be essential for Chicago this summer. Something like four years, $50 million would be good for the Bulls, but might be too low. It will be an interesting negotiation, but Chicago has the leverage to match any deal and now gets to see where Ivey is at in a bigger role at the end of this season.
Grade: B
Pistons trade grade for Kevin Huerter deal
The Pistons are cruising at the top the East, and they just threaded the needle of moving up in the draft while adding a player who can help them immediately. Detroit was never going to re-sign Ivey coming off his injury, and they couldn’t afford to let him play his way back into shape after establishing themselves as the best team in the East this season.
Huerter fits in at the end of their rotation as a smart dribble-pass-shoot decision-maker who is a much better three-point shooter than his 31 percent stroke this year would indicate. Right now, the pick swap with Minnesota would have the Pistons moving up seven spots in the first-round of the 2026 draft. That’s nice work in return for Ivey when he wasn’t part of Detroit’s long-term plans.
The Pistons still need another ball handler and probably need another forward to really secure favorite status in the East. Ivey’s value likely wasn’t that high coming off the injury, and this is a solid return for him even if it doesn’t answer all of the Pistons’ questions. The Pistons should think about swinging bigger before the deadline is over, but as a first move, this is a good one for Detroit.
Grade: A
Wolves trade grade for Mike Conley deal
This trade is all about the luxury tax for Minnesota:
Minnesota will see their luxury tax bill drop from $24M to $3.8M.
They are now under the first apron and $3.8M above the tax.
Moving back in the draft to cut the tax bill isn’t the end of the world. Minnesota is rumored to be after Giannis, and this makes another big move more possible.
