SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Luke Kennard #3 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after making a basket in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 11, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers made what will likely be their only move of the trade deadline on Thursday morning by trading Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second round pick to the Hawks for guard Luke Kennard, according to multiple reports.
The Lakers are nearing a trade sending Gabe Vincent to Atlanta, per a source.
Lakers fans are likely familiar with Kennard from his time with the Clippers as well as the playoff series against the Grizzlies a handful of years ago. He is a lights out 3-point shooter, connecting at a 49.7% clip this season. For his career, he’s a 44.2% shooter from range.
Kennard has earned a reputation as one of the league’s very best 3-point shooters. Over the last five seasons, he’s shot 46% from the 3-point line and averaged nearly five attempts per game. For a Lakers team that currently ranks 22nd in 3-point percentage and 23rd in 3-point attempts per game, Kennard is perhaps as good of a player as they could have landed in a deal like this.
Well Lakers need shooting and they might've gotten the best shooter.
Of 145 shooters that have more than 1000 three-point attempts over the last 5 seasons Kenard is miles above at no.1 at 46%.
The Lakers have three players on the roster shooting above 40% on wide open threes this year: Rui Hachimura at 44.9%, Luka Dončić at 41.9% and Austin Reaves at 40.8%. The next closest rotation player is LeBron at 34.1%. Luke Kennard is shooting 51.6% on wide open threes this season.
To say he is an upgrade on the team’s 3-point shooting would be an understatement.
Luke Kennard has shot an eFG% of 79% in spot up situations, 70% in transition, and 66% running off of screens this season.
By trading their 2032 second round pick in this deal, the Lakers are completely out of second round picks. While that will hurt them in potential trade negotiations moving forward, it doesn’t mean they won’t draft anyone in the second round in the future.
They’ve made a habit in recent years of buying second round picks once the draft comes around, which is one of the ways new ownership can flex its financial muscle as well. Last season, they made multiple trades with cash involved to move up and select Adou Thiero. It would not be a surprise if that becomes a trend.
From a salary standpoint, the Lakers also shaved $500,000 off the trade, creating some room under the second apron, which they are hard-capped at. That would likely only matter when signing buyout players or filling their final roster spot, but it gives them much more breathing room, relatively speaking.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: A view of the center court logo is seen prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today is not going to be as big as May 10, the date of the NBA Draft Lottery. Nor the draft whose date has yet to be set but somewhere in the last week of July at Barclays Center. Those two days have the potential to be franchise-changing and the days leading up to today have been, at least for the Nets, predictable with only one trade reported as of 10:30 a.m. ET: the Nets fifth salary dump since last summer.
The Nets acquired 6’6” 25-year-old shooting guard Ochai Agbaji; a 2032 second rounder (their fifth pick in that faraway draft) and $3.5 million in cash, likely bound for basketball operations in return for … the draft rights to a 29-year-old Serbian shooting guard, Vanja Marinkovic, essentially draft ballast to help Toronto get its financial books in order. To make Marinkovic even more obscure, he tore his achilles 10 days ago.
Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst, aware of the flexibility Sean Marks & co. have built up, predicted a busyness in the business of Brooklyn basketball. “Brooklyn, I expect to be in multiple deals in the next 24 hours.”
So, here.we.go!
—February 5: NBA Trade Deadline (3:00 pm ET) Nets currently have around $15.5 million in cap space, most in the NBA. Trades must all be completed and made official by the afternoon deadline. The Nets must also attend to other issues, like getting down to 15 standard NBA contracts as well. Agbaji, at the moment, would be the 16th standard NBA contract on the roster so someone must go. Cam Thomas didn’t accompany Brooklyn to Orlando Thursday afternoon and rumors continue to swirl about this fate. There are of course other candidates and maybe more permutations as the day wears on.
Meanwhile, In Long Island players are waiting for the trickle-down effect to determine their fate. The deadline is often a team for teams to rethink whether a two-way should be elevated to a standard deal or a G League regular contract be converted to a two-way
—February 8: Les Nets, aka the Long Island Nets, are back in Quebec vs. Noblesville Boom, the Pacers affiliate. It’s the third of four games that the Nets G League affiliate are playing this season in Laval, a Montreal suburb as the team hopes to establish a fanbase in French-speaking Canada 375 miles up up the Thruway and Northway.
—February 10: Les Nets play Noblesville Boom in Quebec. The final game this season in the Great White North (as opposed to the Great White Whatever in New York.) Between the two games, the Nets will be activating a number of community activities.
—February 13: Egor Demin will likely Brooklyn’s lone representative at the Intuit Center, the Clippers home. He’ll play in the Rising Stars game
—February 14: NBA All-Star Saturday at Intuit Dome – 5:00 p.m. ET (NBC & Peacock)
—February 15: 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome –5:00 p.m. ET (NBC & Peacock)
—March 1: Playoff eligibility waiver deadline aka the buyout deadline. Players waived before March 1 can sign with a new team and participate in the NBA playoffs. Players waived after March 1 can still sign with teams, but they will be ineligible for postseason play.
—March 1: Jalen Wilson becomes eligible for a multi-year deal.
—March 4: Last day to sign two-way contracts. Nets currently have no openings with all three two-way deals filled, but two-ways are not guaranteed.
—March 28: G League Regular Season ends
—March 31: G League Playoffs begin
—April 12: NBA regular season ends (All 30 teams play)
—April 13: Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET)
—April 13: WNBA Draft. Liberty have only one pick at No. 41 in the third round, having previously traded away their first and second round picks. Draft is also big for trades.
—April 14-17: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
—April 18: NBA Playoffs begin
—April 19: WNBA training camps open. Chris DeMarco, the Liberty’s new coach, gets started.
—April 25: New York Liberty first preseason game at Barclays Center vs. the Indiana Pacers and Caitlin Clark. Game time: 3:00 p.m. ET. It’ll be Clark’s first action since an injured groin ended her season on January 25.
—May 3: New York Liberty’s second preseason game, this one vs. the Connecticut Sun in Uncasville. Another afternoon start at 3:00 p.m. ET.
—May 8-10: NBA G League Combine in Chicago
—May 8: WNBA Regular Season Tip-Off. New York Liberty hosts the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center. All WNBA dates of course assume that the league and players union have a deal on a new CBA by this date.
—May 10: NBA Draft Lottery. Biggest day in franchise history since … the Clean Sweep back in 2019, KD’s departure in 2023? Nets currently are tied for the fourth best chance at the overall No. 1 at 11.5% and a 45.2% shot at a top four pick.
—May 10-17: NBA Draft Combine in Chicago
—June 1-17: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup tournament
—June 30: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship
—July 1: Teams can approach free agents at 12:00 p.m. ET. Rumors of deals start to get reported at 12:01 p.m. Nets are currently projected to have $48.8 million in cap space entering free agency.
—July 6: Free agent contracts can be signed, starting at 12:oo p.m. ET.
—July: Michael Porter Jr. eligible for a four-year $243 million extension starting in 2027-28.
—July 24-25: WNBA All-Star Weekend (Chicago)
—August 31 – September 16: FIBA World Cup break for WNBA players, coaches.
BYU men's basketball coach Kevin Young shared his disappointment about Oklahoma State fans following a loss to the Cowboys on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Following the No. 14 Cougars' 99-92 upset loss to Oklahoma State, Young expressed disappointment about anti-Mormon chants coming from the student section.
"There were some 'F The Mormons' chants tonight by the student section that I heard," Young said in his postgame news conference. "It was a great win for Oklahoma State University. I think their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class was warranted.
"I got four small kids at home, I'm a Mormon, and when I go home, they're going to ask me about it, the same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona."
BYU coach Kevin Young said he heard some “F- the Mormons” chants during the #OkState game.
According to ESPN, this is at least the fourth incident in the past year with derogatory chants aimed at Mormons during BYU football or basketball games. Last season, Arizona apologized for the chant that happened during a BYU loss in Tucson.
Similarly, the chants also were also heard during BYU football games against Colorado and Cincinnati. Buffalo was fined by the Big 12 for $50,000 and issued a public reprimand.
"There's too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that," Young said. "We've got enough problems in our world without going after people's religion and beliefs. … This stuff is unwarranted … And it's just disappointing."
In the loss, AJ Dybantsa finished with 36 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Oklahoma State. It marks the third consecutive loss for the Cougars. Oklahoma State fans stormed the court following the victory.
The San Antonio Spurs travel to the Metroplex to take on the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Southwest Division battle.
Naji Marshall is one of the more consistent Mavs that haven’t been traded, and my Spurs vs. Mavericks predictions expect Marshall to stuff the stat sheet tonight.
Read on for my NBA picks for Thursday, February 5.
Spurs vs Mavericks prediction
Spurs vs Mavericks best bet: Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists (+102)
Naji Marshall might see an uptick in his typical 30+ minutes.
With the Dallas Mavericks trading away key rotation pieces like Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell, Marshall is in a good spot to flourish.
Marshall has cleared 9.5 rebounds + assists in seven of his last eight games, averaging just over 11 in that stretch.
At better than plus-money, Marshall’s heavy minutes and rebounding floor make this a strong play against a San Antonio Spurs group playing on no rest.
Spurs vs Mavericks same-game parlay
Marshall should still put up numbers, but San Antonio is in a good spot to win this game. Dallas is short-handed, and the Spurs should be able to take advantage, adding to their strong 15-10 road record against a depleted Mavericks lineup.
The Spurs are 9-15 to the Under on the road, and their elite defense is well-suited to slow down a Mavericks team that’s gone 21-29 to the Under this season while dealing with multiple absences.
Spurs vs Mavericks SGP
Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists
Spurs moneyline
Under 228
Our "from downtown" SGP: Johnson drains some threes
Keldon Johnson snapped a brutal shooting slump last night, going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc.
At this price, backing a 39% 3-point shooter to make at least two triples makes sense, especially against a Dallas defense that’s allowed nearly 40% shooting from deep over its last five games.
Spurs vs Mavericks SGP
Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists
Spurs moneyline
Under 228
Keldon Johnson Over 1.5 made threes
Spurs vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Spurs -6 (-110) Mavericks +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Spurs -240 | Mavericks +200
Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Spurs have hit the Moneyline in 17 of their last 30 away games (+19.35 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Spurs vs Mavericks
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
KENS 5, MavsTV
Spurs vs Mavericks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Brooklyn Nets are in Florida tonight as they take on the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Paolo Banchero has been struggling lately, but my Nets vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks are focusing on his ability to break out against a poor Brooklyn squad.
Nets vs Magic prediction
Nets vs Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points (-130)
Paolo Banchero is having a respectable campaign for the Orlando Magic, averaging 21.6 points per game. While that’s down substantially from his 25.9 ppg last season, there’s still a lot of time left in the campaign, and he’s actually stayed healthy the whole year. He didn’t in 2024-25.
Although the Duke product has cashed the Under in three straight appearances, he did ball out for 30 points last month against the Nets in 42 minutes of action. He’s also hit the Over in points in two of his previous three games at home.
The Brooklyn Nets are a very poor defensive team, and Banchero already showed he’s capable of taking advantage of that. He’ll bounce back and have a big game.
Nets vs Magic same-game parlay
Michael Porter Jr. has landed in Brooklyn and become a star with a top role. He’s averaging a career-high 25.5 points, and the sharpshooter is torching his opponents at the moment, cashing the Over in three of his last five and going off for 30+ points in each.
Jalen Suggs is a solid playmaker for Orlando, averaging 5.0 dimes per night. While he’s not always consistent as a facilitator, the Gonzaga product is dropping dimes lately. He’s hit the Over in three straight.
Nets vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Michael Porter Jr. Over 24.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big day for Day'Ron!
Day’Ron Sharpe is dominating on the glass, cashing his rebound Over in five straight games. He has 25 boards across his last two appearances.
Nets vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Michael Porter Jr. Over 24.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Day'Ron Sharpe Over 6.5 rebounds
Nets vs Magic odds
Spread: Nets +11.5 | Magic -11.5
Moneyline: Nets +375 | Magic -450
Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Nets vs Magic betting trend to know
The Magic have stayed below their team total in 21 of their last 30 games for +10.8 units and a 32% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Magic.
How to watch Nets vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN Florida
Nets vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
MILAN (AP) — Lina Ljungblom scored two goals to lift Sweden to a 4-1 comeback win over Germany in the opening game of the Olympic women's hockey tournament Thursday.
Katarina Jobst-Smith's goal early in the first period gave Germany the lead before Ljungblom's two goals turned the game around and Mira Jungaker and Thea Johansson extended the Swedes' lead. Sweden outshot Germany 37-16 and Lisa Johansson and Jenna Raunio each had two assists.
Beating Germany is a big step in Sweden's push to win Group B, where the lower-ranked teams play, and secure a better seeding for the quarterfinals. All five teams in Group A and the top three in Group B make the playoffs.
Also Thursday, Vice President JD Vance plans to watch as the United States women's team begins its Olympic campaign against Czechia.
Canada's game against Finland was scheduled for Thursday night but postponed to Feb. 12. The Finns were affected by a stomach virus and had only eight skaters and two goaltenders at practice earlier Thursday.
Host team Italy takes on France in the first game at the main rink, the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which faced scrutiny over construction delays.
Two shorthanded Pacific Division teams clash tonight at Mortgage Matchup Center as the Phoenix Suns host the Golden State Warriors.
Both teams will be without key players, but the Suns’ deeper roster gives them the advantage at home, and my Warriors vs Suns predictions expect Phoenix to cover the spread as the home favorite.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this divisional showdown on Thursday, February 5.
Warriors vs Suns prediction
Warriors vs Suns best bet: Suns -6.5 (-110)
The Golden State Warriors will be without Stephen Curry yet again, and the Warriors' roster is utterly gutted for tonight's matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Curry and Jimmy Butler are sidelined. Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga were traded to Atlanta, and Trayce Jackson-Davis was dealt to Toronto.
The Suns sport the NBA’s best home against-the-spread record at 17-7, and they’ve covered in nine of 14 as the home favorite. The Warriors are 10-15 ATS as the road team and 5-5 as the road dog. Golden State is just 2-5 ATS across its last seven.
The Suns will be missing Devin Booker and potentially Jalen Green, but Phoenix's roster is far deeper, and it has home-court advantage. Strong performances from role players will provide the winning formula for Phoenix. Give me the Suns and the points.
Warriors vs Suns same-game parlay
The Suns have hit the Under at home more than any other team in the Association, doing so in 17 of 24 games. The Warriors have hit the Under in six of 10 as the road underdog, and Golden State will have a tough time putting up points with a depleted roster.
Even if Green is available, he'll be playing at less than 100%, and Collin Gillespie should see plenty of run as he fills in for Booker.
Over his last 10, Gillespie has averaged 24.7 PRA, and I expect him to ride the momentum from his career-high 30-point performance.
Warriors vs Suns SGP
Suns -6.5
Under 216.5
Collin Gillespie Over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Melton Steps Up
Someone's got to score for the Warriors, and I'm taking a swing on De'Anthony Melton being that guy. Over his last 12, Melton has averaged 15.3 points and gone for 16+ six times.
Warriors vs Suns SGP
Suns -6.5
Under 216.5
Collin Gillespie Over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists
De'Anthony Melton Over 16.5 points
Warriors vs Suns odds
Spread: Warriors +6.5 (-110) | Suns -6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Warriors +210 | Suns -260
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Suns betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have covered the Spread in 31 of their last 45 games (+15.60 Units / 32% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Suns.
How to watch Warriors vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Warriors vs Suns latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 23: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets in the second quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on December 23, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Note: I’m writing this preview before the Houston Rockets take on the Boston Celtics. I’m also writing this well ahead of the NBA trade deadline, which is Thursday at 2pm CT. So if you’re wondering why I’m not talking about how the Rockets have traded for prime Hakeem Olajuwon or whatever, you have your answer.
The Charlotte Hornets have won seven straight games and are looking for their first 8-game winning streak since 2000. They are the only team in American sports (non-football category) to not own a winning streak of 8 games or more this millenium.
Tonight, they’ll have a great shot at it since the Rockets will be on a back-to-back (and therefore be without Tari Eason and/or Dorian Finney-Smith) while Charlotte comes in well-rested having not played since Monday.
Charlotte has Brandon Miller starting to make “The Leap,” an underrated point guard in LaMelo Ball (how can a guy be underrated when he’s on a max deal?), rookie contributors Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and savvy veteran Grant Williams. Moussa Diabate patrols the middle, but the Hornets like the gang rebound like Houston. In their most recent game against the Pelicans, six players grabbed at least seven rebounds. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like that before.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits by the court before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on February 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA trade deadline is the last chance for teams to make a meaningful move toward accomplishing their goals for the 2025-26 season. The league’s best want to compete for a championship, and suddenly the title picture feels wide open with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent stumbles and the Denver Nuggets’ nagging injuries. Some teams are happy just making the playoffs and showing improvement before a bolder move in the offseason. Others are gunning for ping-pong balls to find a new franchise savior in the NBA Draft lottery.
We are tracking every deal as they happen in this post. All of these trades were first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania unless otherwise noted. Refresh it often.
Every 2026 NBA trade before the deadline
Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu from Bulls, per Shams
Knicks acquire Dalen Terry from Bulls for Guerschon Yabusele
The Warriors acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield (Grades)
Hornets acquire Tyus Jones from Magic for cash
Hawks acquire Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz for cash considerations
Jazz acquire Lonzo Ball for Cavs for two second-round picks. Ball will be waived
Nets acquire Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 Raptors second-rounder from Toronto for tax relief
Hornets acquire Coby White, Mike Conley Jr. from Bulls for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, three second-round picks (Grades)
Thunder acquire Jared McCain from 76ers for first-round pick (originally owned by Houston) and three second-round picks (Grades)
Wizards acquire Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum from the Mavericks for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders (Grades)
Cavs acquire James Harden from Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick (Grades)
Celtics acquire Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick from Bulls for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick
Bulls acquire Jaden Ivey from Pistons for Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric. Pistons acquire first-round pick swap from Timberwolves (Grades)
Jazz acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. from Grizzlies for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three first-round picks (Grades)
Trail Blazers acquire Vit Krejci from Atlanta Hawks for Duop Reath and two second-round picks
Kings acquire De’Andre Hunter from Cavs for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources tell ESPN. Bulls pick up two future second-round picks in the deal (Grades)
Wizards acquire Trae Young from Hawks for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert (Grades)
CHINA - 2024/06/21: In this photo illustration, the American National Basketball Association (NBA) men's professional basketball league logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an economic stock exchange index graph in the background. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Today is the day. Trade deadline day. The one we circle on the calendar and quietly count toward from the moment the season tips off.
What makes the NBA different is how much movement lives around this moment. And this year, it feels louder. It’s more alive than it has been in a while. Almost like teams finally cracked the code on the apron rules and the cap math, with front offices working overtime to build scenarios that actually function within the margins.
The movement has been constant. Anthony Davis ends up in Washington alongside Trae Young. Jonathan Kuminga finally finds a new home in Atlanta. Chicago, a franchise that usually plays this time of year conservatively, has gone full chaos mode, spinning off moves that leave you squinting at the transaction wire trying to figure out the why. James Harden is now in Cleveland. Dario Saric has been traded twice. Jock Landale too.
Here is the contrast. This kind of activity usually waits for the final hours. The panic. The scramble. The last-minute leverage plays. Instead, teams got out in front of it. They moved early. They acted decisively. And it has turned deadline week into something more than a countdown.
It has turned it into an entertaining spectacle.
But there is one team that has stayed quiet. One team with very little smoke, very few whispers, and almost no real traction in the rumor mill. That team is the Phoenix Suns.
I think everyone knows where I land on this. I do not need a big shake-up. Frankly, I am tired of them. A midseason reset is not something I believe this team needs, and it feels like the organization sees it the same way. What the Suns have right now is rare. It’s chemistry. It’s buy in. It’s defensive intensity and relentless effort. Around the league, teams are trying to manufacture that. Phoenix already has it.
That is the contrast. When you have something that is hard to replicate, you do not tip the boat. You do not make a trade simply for the sake of making a trade. Especially when you are still developing young players who need runway, not disruption. The Suns have given them that. And it shows.
Could they trim some payroll? Sure. Nick Richards moving makes logical sense on paper, even if it risks thinning the center depth and possibly biting them later. That is the kind of move that fits.
Today tells us what this team is going to look like for the rest of the season. Yes, the buyout market is coming. It always does. But rarely does it move needles in any meaningful way. It is conversation fuel, not an earthquake.
So now we wait. We watch. Notifications on. Refresh buttons working overtime. Waiting to see if any madness breaks through the calm.
Welcome to trade deadline day, my friends. One of the best days on the NBA calendar.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 1, 2026 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a franchise-altering trade on Wednesday, officially moving on from another franchise-altering trade that took place just over a year ago. Gone is Anthony Davis, and with him the last remnants of Nico Harrison’s ill-fated vision.
Davis and the cap relief his departure affords the Mavericks is rightfully the headline, however there are also four new faces headed to Dallas. On the surface, their value is in said cap relief, as three of the four are expiring contracts after this season. That said, the Mavericks front office may have plans for some or all of these players beyond this offseason. We’ll take a look at who is coming to Dallas, their season stats, contract status and how they may fit long-term.
Khris Middleton
Stats Summary: 10.3 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists per game – 34 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 39 pick in the 2012 Draft spent most of his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won the 2021 NBA Championship. Middleton was a big part of the Bucks’ success, playing the role of Robin to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Batman. He also has an Olympic Gold Medal to his name.
At age 34 and playing Cooper Flagg’s most ideal position, Middleton is unlikely to be a long-term Maverick. One has to figure a chance to sign on with a contender this offseason is appealing to him, plus he does not fit the Mavs’ rebuild timeline. With Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington alongside Flagg, he is not first in line for the forward positions either. Still, even if he lasts only half of a season in Dallas, he could still bring valuable mentorship to Flagg and a veteran presence in general.
Malaki Branham
4.6 Points, 1.6 Rebounds, 0.8 Assists per game – 28 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 20 pick in the 2022 Draft is a lesser known quantity. He logged decent minutes in his first two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, then saw a drop-off in year three before joining the Washington Wizards this year. He hits the three ball at a solid 37.8% clip and his draft profile suggested he was a capable three-level scorer coming into the league.
Branham gives the Mavs plenty of flexibility. He certainly fits the Flagg timeline at just 22-years old and it will cost Dallas nothing to give him some burn. He has proven capable of at least dropping 10 points per game given the chance, and is essentially a zero-risk player for Dallas. They can see how he pans out and either walk away or commit to him, likely for cheap, if they like what they see.
A.J. Johnson
2.8 Points, 1.2 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists per game – 25 games played
Contract Status: Under contract through 2026-27 season; team option for 2027-28 season
The number 23 pick in the 2024 Draft just turned 21-years old at the start of December. His road to the NBA was unique in that he committed to the University of Texas, then instead opted to go to the NBL before the Bucks drafted him. Standing 6’5” he has the length to defend on the perimeter but will need to fill out his 160-pound frame to endure the rigors of NBA life.
Like Branham, Johnson is a low-risk player who is certainly on the Flagg timeline. He averaged 9.1 points per game last season, but is raw any way you look at it with less-than-ideal shooting efficiency (36.8% overall; 27% from deep). Being under contract should give the Mavs some time to figure out what they have, with minimal financial impact on their bigger plans.
Marvin Bagley III
10.1 Points, 5.7 Rebounds, 1.5 Assists per game – 38 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 2 pick in the 2018 Draft is the most intriguing acquisition of the four. Bagley came into the league with plenty of hype but did not live up to the expectations of his draft status. His NBA career has spanned the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, none of whom were particularly good for any consistent stretch during his respective tenures, so it will be interesting to see how he may fit with a rebuilding Dallas team.
Bagley will turn 27-years old in March, so he doesn’t have the youth of Branham and Johnson, but it’s difficult to categorize him as “too old.” He may not be in his prime when Flagg is, but it’s unreasonable to expect the team to surround Flagg with 20-year olds and hope for the best. Bagley could easily be a longer-term fit in Dallas and the Mavs are in a good position to see where they can go with him. If Daniel Gafford ends up being traded in the next few hours, Bagley could be a built-in replacement (they have similar numbers, but Bagley is happy to put up the occasional shot from downtown). If Gafford sticks around and Dereck Lively’s injury history proves dubious, Dallas won’t be totally strapped. If Gafford and Lively are the answer going forward, Bagley can play some power forward as part of a deep group of bigs, or he can simply walk or be part of a sign-and-trade. Like the others, Bagley affords the Mavs a lot of flexibility they didn’t have on Wednesday morning.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
The Spurs have one more home game in San Antonio before they head into the All-Star Weekend followed by their annual Rodeo Roadtrip.
The Silver & Black have kept busy off the court with a series of community events.
On Tuesday, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, alongside San Antonio Sports, Behind the Whistle, and local school districts, hosted the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Leadership Summit at Frost Bank Center.
700 female high school athletes from across Bexar County participated in a panel discussion.
The crowd received a visit from Spurs shooting guard Stanley Umude, a Warren High School alum.
Later that afternoon, Spurs rookie Carter Bryant hosted the fourth annual “Spurs Math Hoops Live” program, presented by Whataburger. Fourth and fifth grade students from Essence Preparatory Public School, Eloise Japhet Elementary School, and Herman Hirsch Elementary School participated in Spurs Math Hoops, a comprehensive community program, featuring a basketball board game, mobile app and curriculum that teaches students fundamental math skills through the game of basketball.
The Spurs Math Hoops program was featured on a global scale with local San Antonio participant Camila Ramirez competing in an international championship in Paris as part of The 2025 NBA Paris Games.
Spurs are in Dallas this evening before heading home to host the Mavs on Saturday. They don’t play in the Frost Bank Center again until March 5th when they host Eastern Conference top seeded Detroit Pistons.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
BORMIO, Italy (AP) — Skiers from host Italy still trying to secure starting spots led the second downhill training session at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday and Austria’s Daniel Hemetsberger crashed.
Mattia Casse posted the fastest time but missed a gate midway down. Teammates Florian Schieder and Giovanni Franzoni were second and third, respectively.
Franzoni, the breakout star of the Italian team who recently won the downhill in Kitzbuhel, Austria, already has a starting spot, along with Dominik Paris, who holds the Bormio record with seven World Cup victories. Casse, Schieder and Christof Innerhofer — who was seventh — are vying for the last two spots.
Favorites like Marco Odermatt and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the American who led the opening session Wednesday, tested only portions of the Stelvio course and otherwise stood up out of their tuck positions.
Hemetsberger lost control midway down, got spun around and crashed through a gate — causing his helmet to pop off. He then hit the safety nets at high speed. He quickly got back up but was holding his face and nose area.
A third and final training session is scheduled for Friday before the downhill race on Saturday awards the first Alpine skiing medal of the Games.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Dalen Terry #7 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 31, 2026 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have a trade!
Leon Rose might not have had the midseason blockbuster up his sleeve (OG Anunoby) or added an impact bench player (Derrick Rose, Josh Hart), but he almost always makes a move. In his six seasons now as Knicks president of basketball operations, he has made a midseason move in all six:
2020-21: Traded Dennis Smith Jr. and 2021 2nd for Derrick Rose 2021-22: Traded Kevin Knox and a conditional CHA 1st for Cam Reddish 2022-23: Traded Cam Reddish (and more) for Josh Hart 2023-24: Traded Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett for OG Anunoby 2024-25: Traded Jericho Sims for Delon Wright
Yes, some of these are bigger than others, but the Knicks made a move, nevertheless.
Per Shams Charania, the Knicks are trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls in a straight-up, 1-for-1 deal for fourth-year wing Dalen Terry. There are no draft picks involved.
The New York Knicks are trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Dalen Terry, sources tell ESPN.
The move ends a frustrating Knicks tenure for Yabusele, who went from a celebrated offseason acquisition following his career revival for the horrid 76ers last season to a pariah. He showed up in camp overweight and visibly played slower than he did in Philly or even in Eurobasket. In 41 games, he averaged just 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds on 39.3% from the field and 29.4% from three. His best game as a Knick? When he scored 11 against the Jazz in a 34-point blowout.
Yabusele’s contract had been a holdup as the Knicks attempted to swing deals for a number of bench players like Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, and Jeremy Sochan. Yabusele has a player option for 2026-27 worth $5.7 million, making him a negative asset. It’s gotten so bad crumbs are being left on social media, and he’s flirting with overseas opportunities in Greece and Israel.
But now, he’s off the books. It was widely assumed that the Knicks would need to part with some of the little draft capital they have left to move Yabusele in any fashion, but that does not seem to be the case. This opens up extra salary for the 2026 offseason, giving the Knicks a better chance to retain Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson in free agency. The Knicks are now projected to have $21.3 million in space under the second apron in the offseason, albeit with six roster spots to fill.
Terry was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Bulls, and the Arizona product has struggled to break through in Chicago, despite the hopeless mediocrity the team has been in. He’s started just seven games and has averaged just 11.1 minutes a night for his career, but has taken a big step forward in one aspect: three-point shooting.
The 23-year-old has never been known for his shooting, but he’s at 41.3% in a small sample size this season. He had seen an improved role as of late due to injuries and has taken advantage, averaging 7.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 48% from the field and 55% from deep in his last four games.
Terry stands at 6’6” and is not a big, lanky wing, but he is taller than several rotation options and could get some minutes in a Josh Hart role, similar to what two-way wing Kevin McCullar Jr. has been getting when Hart is in street clothes. There’s a chance he could play a role, but he currently exists as emergency depth.
While fans will wake up Thursday morning assuming that this is the one and only move, there is a chance that Terry is redirected elsewhere. While the CBA normally restricts immediately flipping players, it is possible if the player’s salary is not aggregated. If the Knicks are still interested in Alvarado, for example, they can do a 1-for-1 trade while adding second-rounders as sweeteners.
This trade does, however, restrict the Knicks from acquiring another player making more than his $5.4 million salary. For that reason, Pacome Dadiet and other low-salary players can likely breathe a sigh of relief.
As for the buyout market, if no other move is made, this does nothing. The team will save approximately $38,000 from this move and will be able to sign a 15th player… three days earlier, on March 30. That basically does nothing.
This is a very small move, but one that Leon Rose has thrived with on the margins to keep flexibility. This move was undoubtedly made with offseason flexibility in mind, but don’t rule out one more deal involving Terry before the deadline at 3 PM.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 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
Let’s take a look at how exactly he’ll help the Cavs.
Ability to drive to the basket
One of the Cavs’ biggest problems at the beginning of the season was a lack of drives. They didn’t have a guard who could consistently get to and score at the basket. This led to a lot of side-to-side actions and pull-up threes. As a result, Cleveland is 16th in attempts at the rim.
Harden’s presence will solve a lot of those issues.
He is ninth in the league in drives per game this season with 14.8 per game. Harden’s ability to get past his defender and either draw a shooting foul, get all the way to the basket, or find an open teammate is still elite regardless of his age.
Harden has the rare combination of strength, touch around the basket, and straight-line speed. This is coupled with an uncanny ability to stop and start on a whim to create angles for attack. The skills that have made him one of the best offensive combo guards of all time are still there.
Harden’s rim attempts have gone down as he’s aged. The in-between runner has become much more a part of his game than it was during his peak years with the Houston Rockets. Still, he’s in the 60th percentile in shots at the rim for a point guard and in the 71st percentile for finishing at the rim (66%).
Pick-and-roll master
The Cavs aren’t a heavy pick-and-roll team. That will undoubtedly change with Harden in the fold. And the Cavaliers have two good bigs that Harden can play off.
The pick-and-roll works so well for Harden because of his ability to read the floor and create advantages. If you try not to switch the pick-and-roll, Harden is good enough to keep his defender on his hip and get the easy layup.
The jump shot hasn’t been as deadly this season. His 34.7% three-point shooting clip is the lowest since 2021-22. This includes hitting 34.4% of his pull-up threes. That number isn’t too much lower than Donovan Mitchell’s (35.9%), but not the level you’d want it to be considering Harden takes the second-most pull-up threes per game.
More than his scoring, the ability to playmake off on-ball screens is what makes Harden so dangerous. Seeing passes and making passes are two different skills. He does both at an elite level. That doesn’t always show up in impressive, otherworldly passes. The greats are often that way because they routinely do the little things right.
If the defense helps from the corner, Harden is going to pass out to where the help comes. If the defense is going to give the roller any space, he’s not afraid to make the simple bounce pass.
Basketball doesn’t always have to be complicated when you’re consistently executing at a high level.
Post entry passes
People don’t necessarily think of Harden as a basketball savant, but when you watch the reads that he’s consistently making, it’s clear that he processes the game incredibly well.
Harden’s entire offensive game is based on creating and exploiting advantages. He uses that mostly as a scorer, but if he sees a mismatch elsewhere on the court, he will make sure the ball gets there as soon as possible.
One of the most difficult things about exploiting mismatches is that by the time the offensive player sees it, the defense is also reacting and trying to help if they can. One of the ways the offense can keep that advantage is to throw an entry pass that keeps the offensive player away from the trouble.
The Cavs have historically struggled when teams would blitz their guards. Part of that is due to both of their primary offensive engines being 6’2” or under.
Harden will help in this area. It’s risky to double-team Mitchell if Harden is on the court because of his skill as an offensive player. And if you were to double Harden, he’s more often than not going to make you pay.
Being 6’5” with good strength helps Harden not get bullied when teams blitz him. This allows him to patiently accept the double, survey where the open man is, and get the ball out.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Let ‘Em Know shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Rebounding
The Cavs have had trouble with rebounding, particularly from their guards. Harden fixes some of those issues.
Harden also does a good job of holding his own when he’s forced to guard small and power forwards. His strength makes him difficult to bully in the post and on the glass. This can be useful in situations where he gets a big switched onto him or if you’re in a matchup where you’d be better served with hiding Harden on an offensively weaker forward so that Evan Mobley or Dean Wade could cover an opposing guard.
Free throw merchant
Harden gets a bad wrap, partially because no one likes the way he continually gets to the free-throw line. He’s the poster child of inventing new ways to initiate contact and bend the rules to his advantage. And while that’s annoying when he’s playing against your favorite team, there is an undeniable skill and craft that allows him to do this.
Harden’s presence alone is going to help immensely. He’s in the 90th percentile in drawing shooting fouls. This translates over to a team context. This season, the Clippers were in the 95th percentile in free-throw rate when Harden was on the floor. Over his 17-year career, his team has been in the 75th percentile for free-throw rate or better when he’s playing.
The Cavs’ offense under head coach Kenny Atkinson has been powered primarily by their shooting from the field. That will change some with the boost that Harden will provide here.
One man offense
The Cavs have gone as Mitchell has this season. When he’s on the floor, they’ve been great (+6.6 net rating) and without him, they’ve been awful (-3.3 net rating). This includes somehow being worse when Garland was on the court without Mitchell (-9.5 net rating).
Harden will help drastically in the minutes without Mitchell. He’s been a one-man offense over his entire career.
One of the most consistent things in the NBA over the past decade and a half is that your offense will be good if Harden is on the court. This season, the Clippers had a 120.3 offensive rating with Harden on the floor (87th percentile). That plummets to a 109.6 offensive rating (12th percentile) without him. And if your offense is that bad, you’re going to lose those minutes.
It’s fair to wonder whether Mitchell and Harden can mesh their games when they share the floor. The Cavs aren’t going to win a championship if their new core-four players don’t play well together. If they are going to play well together, Harden will likely have to adjust his game to play at Atkinson’s pace.
Those concerns aside, you can almost certainly guarantee that the Cavs will still have a great offensive attack when Harden is on the floor without Mitchell.
The Cavs are sacrificing future stability to increase their chances of winning now. Despite his age, Harden raises the floor and ceiling of this team. He will help their offense tremendously, especially when compared to this season’s version of Garland. Whether or not that will translate over to the playoffs remains to be seen and will ultimately determine if this was a worthwhile gamble.
