Category: Basketball

When the Los Angeles Lakers played the Golden State Warriors on Saturday without Luka Dončić and Steph Curry, the most interesting drama happened off the court. 

Both teams’ general managers spoke to reporters before the Lakers’ 105–99 win. And with California’s NBA darlings both on the verge of major change, a lot of eyebrow-raising things came out of those conversations. 

Where do we begin? 

First of all, Warriors’ GM Mike Dunleavy claimed Draymond Green wasn’t involved in trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Draymond was not being shopped or talked about in deals,” he said. 

The problem?

That assertion was contradicted by Green himself Saturday morning on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” when he said Dunleavy reached out to him before the trade deadline to say that he or Jimmy Butler would have to be included in a deal to match salaries. 

“What is said to me in that moment was there’s a chance I may get traded for Giannis because he didn’t rule it out,” Green said on his podcast. “He didn’t say, ‘We’re not putting you in a deal.’ So I took that as, all right, it’ll probably be me.”

So, the Warriors not only missed out on acquiring Antetokounmpo — whom the Bucks decided not to trade despite Golden State opening up its treasure chest of first picks — but the organization is also trying to mop up the fallout that came out of those talks. 

Other interesting things that came out of his availability? Dunleavy expressed optimism that Kristaps Porzingis — whom the Warriors acquired in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield — will be healthy even though he has only played in 17 games this season because of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and left Achilles tendonitis. 

“We feel good about it,” Dunleavy said, before adding, in essence, that they had nothing to lose by taking that gamble. “We’re sending out a player in a similar boat who struggled to stay on the floor.”  

In other words, at least the Kuminga saga has finally come to an end. 

Dunleavy also made it clear that the Warriors are still open to putting everything on the line this summer to give Steph Curry another chance at winning a title, calling this a “win-now” window. 

As for this current roster? Dunleavy didn’t pull any punches.

“It was pointed out to me today that over [the] last calendar year, we had the fourth-best record in the NBA from when Jimmy got traded to when Jimmy got hurt,” Dunleavy said, referencing Butler suffering a torn ACL last month. “Despite the idea that we’re not in the mix, we’re fading, all of this stuff, the reality is up until Jimmy got hurt, we were pretty good. And I think we were trending in the right direction. Now we’ve had to pivot a little bit. I think adding Kristaps can help. But this group is kinda what it is.” 

Not a shining endorsement of the Warriors’ roster. But if Porzingis can get and stay healthy, Golden State could make the playoffs. And if Butler weren’t injured, they could’ve really competed. But for now, the Warriors will look ahead, when they’ll once again try to use their stash of draft capital to make a big splash. 

“We’ve got the goods to make deals,’ Dunleavy said. 

On the other side of Crypto.com Arena, Lakers’ president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka also spoke to reporters following the trade deadline. He addressed whether the Lakers were aggressive enough in pursuing deals, considering they have 26-year-old Luka Dončić playing at an MVP-level, Austin Reaves looking like an All-Star, and LeBron James doing things at 41 years old that were previously considered undoable. 

Pelinka, whose only move before Thursday’s deadline was to deal Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick for Luke Kennard, made it clear the Lakers are looking toward their future, when they’ll have three first-round picks and a heap of expiring contracts this summer.

“One form of being aggressive is saying no to moves,” he said. 

Pelinka also revealed that the Lakers intend to restructure their front office, emulating back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. 

In other words, change is going to come. A lot of change. For him, too. 

“When Mark [Walter] bought the team, Jeanie [Buss] and I did a really deep dive with him on sort of the areas he wants to grow and move into and get aggressive,” he acknowledged.

Both organizations are at a turning point.

The Lakers are trying to build around Dončić while he’s in his prime. And the Warriors are trying to stay relevant while 37-year-old Curry still looks like Curry. Neither team is a true contender this season. 
But both teams believe this summer, they can make the tweaks necessary to put their teams atop the league. 

So, while the basketball was fun Saturday (six Lakers players scored in double-digits, led by James’ 20-point, 10-assist and seven-rebound performance), the real intriguing stuff happened behind the scenes. 
We got a glimpse into how the two of the most important franchises in the league are thinking.

And it’s clear that this summer is going to be monumental.

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(All times Central)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Monday, February 9
NBA BASKETBALL
7 p.m.

Detroit at Charlotte — FDSN Detroit, FDSN SE Charlotte, NBA League Pass

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

(All times Central)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Monday, February 9
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
4 p.m.

St. Francis (PA) at Chicago State — NEC Front Row

6 p.m.

Navy at Bucknell — CBSSN, Fubo Sports

NBA BASKETBALL
10 p.m.

Philadelphia at Portland — KUNP Portland, NBCS Philadelphia, BlazerVision, NBA League Pass

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

The new-look Los Angeles Clippers head to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will be showing off a new look of their own.

Minnesota's roster improved after the deadline. Meanwhile, the Clippers are looking to rebuild for the future.

My Clippers vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks reflect that, calling for a Minnesota cover on Sunday, February 8. 

Clippers vs Timberwolves prediction

Clippers vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -9 (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves needed a jolt, and they’re hoping a deadline move provides it. Minnesota is just 1–2 in February and 0–3 against the spread, despite facing a weak slate. The losses came against Memphis, New Orleans, and the lone win was a narrow two-point escape over fifth-place Toronto. 

That uneven stretch followed a strong finish to January, when the Wolves closed the month on a four-game winning streak, both straight up and ATS.

With a tougher slate looming in March, failing to capitalize now could leave the Timberwolves battling just to avoid the play-in tournament.

The Los Angeles Clippers, meanwhile, appear comfortable heading in the opposite direction. After a surprising 17–4 run, Los Angeles dismantled what had become a competitive roster, trading away 25-point scorer James Harden and 14-point-per-game center Ivica Zubac in separate deals. 

The key return was Darius Garland, who is currently sidelined with a toe injury, leaving the Clippers clearly prioritizing the future over a playoff push.

Take the T-Wolves to cover today. 

Clippers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

The T-Wolves are the 10th fastest-paced team in the league and have gone Over in four of their last five games. They haven't been happy with the results recently, though. 

In addition to losing two leading scorers, the Clippers also traded away the team's rebounding leader. John Collins should be able to keep alive his streak of four straight games with seven or more rebounds.

Clippers vs Timberwolves SGP

• Minnesota -9
• Under 223
• John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds 

Our "from downtown" SGP: Board Crashers!

Rudy Gobert has double-figure rebounds in five straight games and a total of 28 in his last two. 

Clippers vs Timberwolves SGP

• Minnesota -9
• Under 223
• John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds 
• Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds

Clippers vs Timberwolves odds

• Spread: Clippers +8.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -8.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Clippers +267 | Timberwolves -330
• Over/Under: Over 226 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)

Clippers vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the game total Under in 17 of their last 22 games at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Clippers vs Timberwolves

Clippers vs Timberwolves latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

On Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went for the Houston Rockets. They were one of the few inactive teams in the league.

There’s a bit of confusion regarding whether the Rockets were even working the phones. General Manager Rafael Stone said that the team had spoken to various organizations and ball clubs.

“Obviously, we talked to every team. We had discussions. But this year, in particular, with the way the cap works, we were hard-capped at the first apron. So constructing trades was hard.”

Stone added that the team has generally been good through the first half of the season, thus, Houston “wasn’t looking to make changes at all”.

That’s a bit of a contradiction, but let’s keep going.

Well-known reporter Jake Fischer noted that Houston hadn’t been in contact with anyone.

“I have not heard the Rockets are actively involved in anything right now, not Coby White, not Ayo Dosunmu, not anything else.”

Chicago Bulls beat writer Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reportedly repeatedly that the Bulls and Rockets had been in contact regarding Coby White, as the Bulls coveted Tari Eason but Houston’s brass wouldn’t give Eason up.

(He’s never wavered off that reporting).

So what’s the truth?

Who knows?

In general, the decision to stand pat wasn’t an unwise one.

Although fans don’t want to hear it.

Which is understandable. Especially after watching these last three games against the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.

(The latter two were on back-to-backs, I know, but Houston lacked effort, especially in the second half of both games).
But from a trade standpoint, you have to have assets. Something to trade.

Not to say that Houston doesn’t have trade chips. They do.

The Bulls proved that.

But those negotiations also proved that Houston doesn’t have players they can sacrifice. This is a top-heavy roster.

Houston was willing to part with…..Dorian Finney-Smith and an injured Steven Adams?

What was that going to fetch? They couldn’t part with Clint Capela, in light of Adams’ season-ending injury.

It would’ve been different if either of those players were on expiring deals. That, in it of itself, holds value.

DFS has three more seasons under contract. Adams has two years left.

Both deals were just signed.

What value do they hold?

Can this team afford to lose Eason or Reed Sheppard for a rental like Coby White? Or Ayo Dosunmu?

Or even Jabari Smith Jr.

Could they risk losing him for a rental?

For the way the roster is built, Houston’s best bet was standing pat.

And it could be why they never seriously engaged in real trade talks.

(Which seems to be the case)

Franchise records, cardinal sins, basketball gods, and the unexpected. Volume 7 is nothing if not varied. And while the past fortnight might have seemed all doom and gloom to begin, a win streak and the quiet celebration of a post-trade deadline with Giannis still here have brought some much-needed positive mojo back to the Bucks. Rejoice!

@ Sixers

To begin, the land is flat, city streets gently rolling at worst. One street into another. Into another, into another. Eventually, there’s movement. Subtle. Tectonic. Paul George trails the play then steps into a 27-footer, putting the Sixers up eight. On their next trip down, he rises again—splash—and an incline becomes noticeable. Two minutes and forty-eight seconds of game time and a three-quarter time break later, George is back at it, hitting again from 27 feet. Then, just 37 seconds on from that, a painted landscape: George screens and then gets screened as he curls to the corner, dropping yet another—a franchise-record-tying ninth triple. By the time it falls through the hoop and the Bucks are back on offence, you’d swear they’re in San Francisco, or at Denali. A mountain looms. 

Win probability prior to George’s initial 27-footer: 23.3%

Win probability following his ninth three: 1.4%

@ Wizards

The Bucks don’t score for the first three minutes. Don’t get their second bucket for another two. Don’t reach 10 points until there’s only 4:50 left in the quarter. But somehow, with 45 seconds left on the clock, a Pete Nance tip-in gives them the lead. It caps a 10-2 run that should give the Bucks momentum going into the second. Instead, on the very next possession, Bobby Portis fouls Bub Carrington on a 32-footer. And one. Four-point play. Then, with just 2.2 seconds left in the quarter, Nance commits the same sin, sending Will Riley to the line to shoot three. He makes them all, and the Wizards take a two-point lead into the break that the Bucks can never get back. But considering where the season is right now, you don’t mind. Not. One. Bit. 

Win probability prior to Portis’ foul: 67.2%

Win probability following Riley’s free throws: 56.3%

@ Celtics

There’s hardware up for grabs and the Bucks start en fuego—middies to Rollins and Portis, threes to Rollins and Kuzma—and suddenly it’s a 12-0 lead. The crowd is stunned, silent. Kuzma keeps pressing, getting to the line, and then Myles Turner gets in on the action with a 27-footer that makes you think his recent hot form ain’t just a streak: up fake, 360 pivot, pull-back—phone booth stuff—nothing but the bottom. 16-6 Bucks. Showing out in the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic. They even get a miss on the other end, Payton Pritchard back-rimming his own 27-footer. But when Turner and then Rollins fail to control the rebound, it starts to smell like trouble. And when Turner compounds the error, watching frozen as Neemias Queta turns middle and two-dribbles into an uncontested left-hand dunk, it flat-out stinks. The TD Garden crowd finds its voice and the Celtics go on a 99-63 run the rest of the way. 

Win probability following Turner’s three: 44.9%

Win probability following Queta’s dunk: 42.6%

vs. Bulls

Okay, I confess: I didn’t watch this one. You get it, don’t you? They’d lost five on the trot. By an average of 15.4 points. Bobby Portis joined Giannis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Harris on the inactive list. Amir Coffey started. Bucks trade rumours were running wild. Actual trades were going down. Podcasts and podcasts and podcasts and podcasts. But hey, Kuz turned into Giannis, Trent found his stroke, and I’m the loser. I can live with it. 

Win probability prior to the game: 51.8%

Win probability following my decision to forego it: 100% (apparently) 

vs. Pelicans

It’s trade deadline eve and a million unanswered questions flit in the air like leaves in a tornado. Will the Bucks trade Giannis? Will they make an offer for Michael Porter Jr.? Why are there rumours about Cam Thomas? But only one of them carries real weight. Do you believe in god?

Deep in the fourth quarter of the Bucks’ matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, long after you’ve forgotten they’re really only playing to protect their draft pick, it’s a ballgame. And you’re invested. Zion Williamson sinks a pair of free throws to put the Pels up two with just 58 seconds on the clock. Then Kevin Porter Jr., back from the indefinite, spins tornado-like into a dunk that ties it up. And after Zion gets called for an offensive foul, KPJ again touches paint and finds Myles Turner in the corner. He rises up for three—for the win—only for the refs to initiate a review and, somehow, waive it off. You’re enraged, fists clenched, yelling out His name in vain. Regardless, it’s overtime, and before you know it, it arrives—the moment. Up two after a Rollins layup, KPJ finds Turner again—this time on the wing, feet well inside the sidelines—and he lets it fly. The shot is clearly long, bypassing the rim entirely. But it does find glass. Then net. And the Bucks hold on from there. Protect the pick.

Later that night, as you lie awake in bed, the question rears itself again. Do you believe in god? No, you think. Then pause. But I sure as hell believe in the basketball gods. 

Win probability after Turner’s game-winner is waived off: 46.6%

Win probability after Turner’s bank shot three: 80.6% 

vs. Pacers

Sitting on his lounge room couch, scrolling on his phone, Jericho Sims’ heart skips a beat—the Bucks have just traded for centre Nick Richards. Sims discards his phone, heads straight to Fiserv. Gets to work. He stays there overnight, minutes turning into hours turning into tip-off against the Indiana Pacers. And he’s starting. His presence is felt early—five decisive caroms—but it’s a sequence in the second that tells the story. Sims finds his anti-gravity, comes out of nowhere to throw a Johnny Furphy attempt off the backboard that turns into a transition deep two for Bobby Portis. Back on the other end, Sims collects another rebound and turns point-forward, milks the hot hand so well Jason Kidd would be proud, and Portis pays it off for three. Timeout, Pacers. Four-point deficit to one-point lead. 26 seconds of utter dominance. By the half, he’s already got double-digit rebounds. By the end of the game, he’s arguably the most valuable player of the night. It’s not until he gets home and finds his phone that he sees Richards was traded before arrival for Ousmane Dieng. Good thing, he thinks. Wasn’t gonna take my spot anyway. And with that, Jericho Sims may have just saved his career.

Win probability prior to Sims’ block on Furphy: 33.9%

Win probability after Sims drops it off to Portis for three: 49.1% 

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New to Momentum Moments is a fan poll giving you the final say on what moment hit hardest. Cast your vote below and, as always, add your thoughts in the comments.

James Harden’s 15 fourth-quarter points were enough to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a narrow 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings in his debut with the team. Immediately after the game, while he was doing his first postgame interview with Cavs sideline reporter Serena Winters, Travis Scott decided to crash the party.

“We’re going to the yard,” Travis Scott yelled after he came running into the picture. “What are we doing? DM, JH, what the f***!”

Travis Scott crashed James Harden's interview after Harden's first W with the Cavs 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/kA8T9O7Gow

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2026

FanDuel Sports Network didn’t cut off the last part like they probably wish they did. At the same time, they couldn’t have expected Travis Scott to run in like that.

Winters handled this chaotic moment like a pro. She held the microphone in a death grip and, understandably, wasn’t going to give it up to someone who just ran in. And then when Travis Scott left, she resumed interviewing Harden and Donovan Mitchell as if nothing happened.

She’s good at her job.

You know it girl 😂😂😂 you know we were always taught to never give up our mic, just never knew I was going to have to implement it with such force 😂

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 8, 2026

It’s also worth noting that Harden and Travis Scott are friends, as seen in their interactions after the game.

🔥 Had Travis in the building supporting on the debut! @JHarden13 & @trvisXX | #LetEmKnowpic.twitter.com/wasyeGAllJ

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 8, 2026

The James Harden Era has gotten off to a good and entertaining start for Cleveland.

Harden and Mitchell started slow in the first half, but turned it on in the second. Harden poured in 20 points on 6-7 shooting with two assists over the final two quarters. Mitchell scored 29 on 11-16 shooting in that time as well. That was good enough to get past a rudderless Kings team.

How the Mitchell and Harden pairing works out on the court will determine whether this trade was a win. The duo performed well together on Saturday as they combined for 32 fourth-quarter points down the stretch and one crashed postgame interview with Travis Scott.

The Washington Wizards have requested waivers on Dante Exum, the team announced Sunday.

The Washington Wizards have requested waivers on guard Dante Exum.

— Wizards PR (@WizPRStats) February 8, 2026

Exum, 30, was acquired from Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade. The veteran guard was on an expiring $3.3 million contract.

After waiving Exum, Washington now has two open roster spots it can fill with standard NBA contracts. One of spots is currently being filled by the 10-day contract of Keshon Gilbert.

Washington could convert one of its two-way players — Tristan Vukcevic, Jamir Watkins, Sharife Cooper — to a standard NBA deal with one of those roster spots.

Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference face off on Sunday when the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson had one of his worst offensive performances of the season on Friday, and my Knicks vs. Celtics predictions expect a bounce-back performance from the superstar guard.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this heavyweight matinee matchup on Sunday, February 8.

Knicks vs Celtics prediction

Knicks vs Celtics best bet: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points (-105)

Jalen Brunson had arguably his worst offensive showing of the season on Friday as he finished with 12 points on 4 of 20 shooting. The 12 points tied his season low, not counting his five-minute game against the Sacramento Kings.

Brunson is averaging 27.1 points per game this season, and he’s scored at least 27 points in 14 of 22 road games. He also finished with 15 and 31 points in two tilts with the Boston Celtics.

This afternoon's matchup is nationally televised with one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams, and I expect Brunson to bounce back under the bright lights.

Knicks vs Celtics same-game parlay

Nikola Vucevic made his Boston debut on Friday with an 11/12/4 line across 28 minutes. He averaged 29.7 PRA over 30.8 minutes with the Bulls and averaged 35 against the New York Knicks in two matchups.

The Knicks have hit the Under in eight of their last 10, and the Celtics have hit the Under in nine of 10, including seven straight. In this clash between strong defenses, I'll take the Under on this low-scoring total.

Knicks vs Celtics SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
• Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
• Under 213.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Superstars shine

Jaylen Brown has gone for 29+ points in 30 of 47 games this season, and he's reached that mark in seven of his last 10 — including three straight. 

Knicks vs Celtics SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
• Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
• Under 213.5
• Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points

Knicks vs Celtics odds

• Spread: Knicks +4 (-115) | Celtics -4 (-105)
• Moneyline: Knicks +145 | Celtics -170
• Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5

Knicks vs Celtics betting trend to know

The Boston Celtics have hit the game total Under in 19 of their last 25 games (+12.40 Units / 45% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Celtics.

How to watch Knicks vs Celtics

Knicks vs Celtics latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Jason Richardson won the Slam Dunk Contest in his first two NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Now his son will try to repeat his feat in his own rookie season.

let's get it rook !!

Jase Richardson will participate in the NBA Slam Dunk competition 👏 pic.twitter.com/WULwn0iime

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 7, 2026

Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic is one of four dunkers competing for glory at this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, happening Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. After Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons pulled out of the contest due to a knee injury, the NBA tapped Miami Heat guard Keshad Johnson to replace him, along with rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers center/total jerk Jaxson Hayes, who served a one-game suspension this week after cheap-shooting Washington Wizards mascot, G-Wiz.

Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions

Hayes has been suspended for one game, per @ShamsCharaniapic.twitter.com/x4xz2Ndw2I

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2026

J-Rich won the first two dunk contests he entered then fell short in 2004, when Indiana Pacers guard Fred Jones backed into the win after a disappointing final round where both competitors missed their last dunks. However, Richardson was transcendent in his first appearance in 2002, delivering the three highest-rated dunks in the contest while seamlessly duplicating a classic Dominique Wilkins windmill dunk and closing on a reserve two-handed jam.

The younger Richardson is a different type of player than his father. Jase isa five inches shorter at 6-foot-1 and he’s a three-point specialist, a skill that eventually took off for J-Rich but not until his fifth NBA season. Also, J-Rich dunked 81 times in his rookie season, while so far his son has dunked exactly four times.

That’s a weird element of this year’s contest: These guys don’t actually dunk in games. Richardson has four dunks. Bryant has dunked six times. Johnson has nine dunks, and 15 in 37 career games. Hayes dunks a lot, throwing it down 69 times this season before Saturday’s game and 67 times before Tuesday’s contest, and which of those numbers you find funniest says a lot about your age.

However, Richardson has shown an ability to get up, especially in Michigan State’s preseason dunk contest in 2024, when the freshman put on his dad’s old No. 23 jersey before throwing down a 360-degree slam.

Jase Richardson puts on his dad’s jersey during the dunk contest. pic.twitter.com/YA8as3Zsgv

— Jacob Cotsonika (@jacobcotsonika) October 5, 2024

Plus, he’s significantly shorter than all the other dunkers, which makes dunks look more impressive. How else did Nate Robinson become a three-time champion?

Dwight Howard was never the same after this.

Jase probably isn’t the best dunker among Jason Richardson’s sons. That honor goes to his younger brother Jaxon Richardson, who has won multiple dunk contests while still in high school.

Jaxon Richardson dunks over his dad. 2x NBA slam dunk champ Jason Richardson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BpnPWhJX5l

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 15, 2025

Hey, remember when Jason Richardson won his second dunk title in 2003? We do!

Jase and Jason could become the first father-son pair to win the Slam Dunk Contest, after Larry Nance, Jr., son of 1984 dunk champ Larry Nance, fell to Donovan Mitchell in the final of the 2018 event. They’d also tie for the family dunk championships record with the Robinson’s and the McClung’s, who have three each.

Is Jase excited to compete? Sort of.

i guess 😂🤷🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/uDkgJZl0M6

— Jase Richardson (@JaseRich4) February 7, 2026

The Slam Dunk Contest still struggles to attract star talent, with this group including two rookies and a guy in Johnson who was on a two-way contract six weeks ago. Mac McClung bowing out of this year’s event after three straight titles removes some star power, though he’s playing great for the Windy City Bulls — 27.9 points, 7.9 assists and 1.4 steals in his 14 games. Thursday, he signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, and it wasn’t just so the NBA could save face before All-Star Saturday!

Look, with Jimmy Butler out and Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jonathan Kuminga traded, the Warriors are down to one guy who ever dunks, Gary Payton II. But thanks to McClung’s Summer League stint with the Warriors and Richardson’s dad, Golden State could be looking at four straight dunk contests with a vaguely Warriors-adjacent champion. At this point in the 2025-26 season, Warriors fans will take any W they can.