The Los Angeles Kings pulled off a huge trade ahead of the Olympic break, acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
It's got the hockey world, but most specifically Kings and Rangers fans, reacting all over social media, and for good reason.
Several fans couldn't believe the limited return New York received from Los Angeles. Although it's worth mentioning that Panarin had a full no-move clause on his contract, giving the player all the leverage in the deal.
"Artemi Panarin for a third-round pick and a prospect?" @Usmanrdabai posted on X. "Did the Rangers just get robbed in broad daylight, or are they desperate to shed that contract? Either way, L.A. wins."
"Are you kidding me that’s all we got for Panarin? Drury botched this one up, Panarin couldn’t even garner a first round pick? Kings won this trade," @z35_big wrote on X.
"Wow, a conditional third? The Rangers practically gave Panarin away for free!" @sarpnch1979 said.
"The Kings got PANARIN. For a conditional third and a prospect. That's it. No first-rounders. No top prospects. This is pure robbery. LA is ALL IN on a Cup run, and this move proves it. Rangers will regret this one," @L4vlcx posted.
"What a robbery, NY really out here handing stars away!" @Smoggy01 claimed on X.
"LA basically got Panarin for nothing," @BoltsPodcast wrote.
Many praised Kings GM Ken Holland, who was able to shed minimal assets, received Panarin with 50 percent of his contract retained, and signed the superstar to a two-year contract extension at $11 million per season.
Quinton Byfield and Artemi Panarin (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
"instant upgrade and serious playoff intent from LA," @uglyfreak077 wrote.
"I am on a Bread and Juice diet," @NicoleMae11 reacted on X.
However, some other fans are still skeptical about this Kings' team and if they have what it takes to go past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"Wow. The LA Kings just went from a first round exit to Edmonton to a first round exit to Edmonton," @Howard4Hart put up on X.
"With Panarin in the Kings lineup they have moved from “not winning the West in any circumstance this year” to “not winning the West in any circumstance this year," @travisyost posted.
"Kings still not gonna go anywhere," @therealahype1 protested.
"Hopefully this allows them to beat the Oilers in the first round...that would be most satisfying," @Relay36697862 said on X.
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal went to a record-setting salary arbitration hearing Wednesday, with the left-hander asking for $32 million and the Detroit Tigers offering $19 million.
A decision by Jeanne Charles, Walt De Treux and Allen Ponak is expected Thursday.
Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the highest salary in an arbitration case decided by a panel, winning at $19.9 million in 2024 in a case decided by Charles, De Treux and Scott Buchheit.
A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons.
Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings while earning $10.5 million. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.
Players have won both decisions thus far. Right-hander Kyle Bradish was awarded $3.55 million instead of the Baltimore Orioles’ offer of $2,875,000, and catcher Yainer Diaz received $4.5 million instead of the Houston Astros’ $3 million proposal.
Three cases have been argued with decisions withheld so as not to impact other players in arbitration: Toronto left-hander Eric Lauer ($5.75 million vs. $4.4 million), Atlanta left-hander Dylan Lee ($2.2 million vs. $2 million) and Tampa Bay right-hander Edwin Uceta ($1,525,000 vs. $1.2 million).
Seven players remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 13: Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin ($3,375,000 vs. $2,975,000), Cincinnati right-hander Graham Ashcraft ($1.75 million vs. $1.25 million), Kansas City left-hander Kris Bubic ($6.15 million vs. $5.15 million), Milwaukee catcher Willson Contreras ($9.9 million vs. $8.55 million), Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers ($2,925,000 vs. $2,625,000), Miami right-hander Calvin Faucher ($2.05 million vs. $1.8 million) and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson ($6.8 million vs $6.55 million).
Two Eastern Conference franchises trying to emerge from NBA play-in status are exchanging valuable backcourt pieces in a multi-team move involving the defending NBA champions ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
White, 25, is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and joins the Hornets as they've surged to seven-straight wins behind a nucleus featuring rookie Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. White is averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in his seventh season since the Bulls drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2019.
Sexton was Charlotte's leading scorer off the bench this season and will also be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He is averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 assists per game. Conley and Plumlee could be candidates to be waived by their new teams with both on expiring contracts. Dieng will also be a restricted free agent after this season.
The 2026 NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, which is still over a month away. But because of the Olympic break, the Ottawa Senators have just five games remaining before they have to show their hand. So it remains to be seen whether GM Steve Staios fancies himself as a buyer, a seller, or a team best served by standing pat.
As the deadline approaches, it’s a perfect time to look back at some of the most memorable Senators' deadline deals from the past ten years, trades that fueled playoff runs, accelerated or hindered rebuilds, and helped shape the current roster.
February 9, 2016
Feb 10, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf (2) during their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Senators 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
On February 9, 2016, Ottawa acquired Dion Phaneuf, Matt Frattin, Casey Bailey, Ryan Rupert, and Cody Donaghey from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In return, the Senators sent Jared Cowen, Colin Greening, Milan Michalek, Tobias Lindberg, and a 2017 second-round pick to Toronto.
The trade was almost three weeks before the actual deadline, and it was notable not only for its size, but for the rarity of a big deal between provincial rivals. Phaneuf played 154 games with the Senators, and while he had lost a step, he was still a key part of the Sens' amazing run to the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.
February 27, 2017
Mar 2, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing Alex Burrows (14) during the second period in the Heritage Classic hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
On February 27, 2017, the Senators acquired Alex Burrows from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Jonathan Dahlen. GM Pierre Dorion said that one Senator player was so excited about the deal, he came up and hugged him. Burrows played 91 career games for the Sens, then retired.
A few days later, the Sens parted ways with Curtis Lazar, their former highly-touted first-round draft pick. He was sent to Calgary in a package deal that brought back a second-round pick that would become Alex Formenton.
February 13, 2018
Feb 15, 2018; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Marian Gaborik (12) skates during a break in the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Ottawa traded Phaneuf and Nate Thompson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore. Both teams got a big-name, big-money player in the exchange, but both were at the end of their careers, especially Gaborik, who played all of 16 games for the Senators then retired because of injuries.
Closer to the deadline, Ottawa traded Derick Brassard to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a three-team trade involving Vegas. The Senators received a 2018 first-round pick, goaltender Filip Gustavsson, defenseman Ian Cole, and a 2019 third-round pick, while Pittsburgh received Brassard and a 2018 third-round pick. Vegas retained 40 percent of Brassard’s salary.
February 22, 2019
Jan 18, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Mark Stone (61) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Ottawa Senators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Five months after trading Erik Karlsson, the 2019 trade deadline really began to reshape the franchise in dramatic fashion, which is a nice way of describing a fire sale.
On February 22, Ottawa traded Matt Duchene and Julius Bergman to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, a 2019 first-round pick, and a 2020 conditional first-round pick. The Sens would only get that second first-rounder if Duchene re-signed with Columbus. He left and signed with Nashville.
One day later, on February 23, the Senators sent Ryan Dzingel to Columbus, receiving Anthony Duclair along with 2020 and 2021 second-round picks.
On February 25, Ottawa traded Mark Stone to the Vegas Golden Knights for Erik Brännström, Oscar Lindberg, and a 2020 second-round pick. Losing Stone was painful for the fan base, and any talk that this was all Stone’s idea was put to rest when Eugene Melnyk told a CBC reporter downtown that day that Stone’s trade was "part of our rebuild, we've been planning this for some time."
February 24, 2020
Jan 14, 2020; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) faces off against Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
On February 24, 2020, the Senators traded Jean-Gabriel Pageau to the New York Islanders. In return, Ottawa received a 2020 conditional first-round pick (Ridly Greig), a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2022 conditional third-round pick.
Pageau, a popular Ottawa native, was enjoying an excellent season at the time, but in the midst of their fire sale, the Senators did maximize his value at the deadline.
March 20, 2022
Apr 8, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Nick Paul (13) follows the puck following a faceoff with Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) during the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
On March 20, 2022, Ottawa traded Nick Paul to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Senators received Mathieu Joseph and a 2024 fourth-round pick in return.
Paul immediately helped the Lightning make the Cup final that year. Joseph played two and a half seasons in Ottawa’s bottom six before being dealt to St. Louis with the Blues receiving a third round pick as a sweetener.
March 1, 2023
Mar 27, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) waits for the face-off during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
In a rare deadline move aimed at improving the present rather than selling for future assets, Dorion acquired Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes on March 1, 2023. The Senators sent a 2023 conditional first-round pick, a 2024 conditional second-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick to Arizona.
The deal signaled that Ottawa believed it was ready to take a step forward. Even with Cychrun, the Sens missed the next two playoffs. After that, rather than extend a third highly-paid, puck-moving, left-shot defenseman, new GM Steve Staios shipped him out in July of 2024 for right-shot, stay-at-home defenseman Nick Jensen.
March 7, 2025
Dec 21, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Josh Norris (9) during a stop in play against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
In his second deadline as GM, on March 7, 2025, Staios completed two major trades.
Ottawa acquired Dylan Cozens and Dennis Gilbert, along with a 2026 second-round pick, from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Norris was probably the best player in the deal, but staying healthy has famously proven to be elusive.
Later that day, the Senators also acquired Fabian Zetterlund, Tristen Robins, and a 2025 fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks, sending Noah Gregor, Zack Ostapchuk, and a 2025 second-round pick the other way.
Staios has two deadlines under his belt now. The first one in 2024 was uneventful, shipping Vladimir Tarasenko to Florida for a mid-round pick. The second one last year was fireworks.
This one is tricky, because whether Staios buys, sells or stands pat, one can make a pretty solid argument for each of his possible decisions.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
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Many New York Rangers fans may look at the Artemi Panarin trade to the Los Angeles Kings and feel underwhelmed.
Just two conditional picks and one prospect (Liam Greentree) in exchange for a superstar talent the likes of Panarin? How does that make sense?
At the surface level, it is a severely underwhelming trade package, but given the circumstances, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was ultimately handcuffed into settling for less value than Panarin is truly worth.
The Rangers seemingly lost leverage when it was announced on Jan. 16 that the team does not plan to re-sign Panarin beyond this season and will look to trade him to any team he wishes to join.
Panarin’s full no-move clause in his contract allowed him to dictate the exact destination that made the most sense for him.
Leading up to the trade, it was clear that Panarin was seeking a contract extension from the team to which he would be traded, as his seven-year, $81.5 million contract is set to expire after the 2025-26 season.
Upon being held out of the Rangers’ lineup starting on Jan. 28 due to roster management, Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, were able to explore the market and determine which teams would be willing to give a contract extension that met their demands.
Multiple reports indicate that Panarin zeroed in on the Kings as his preferred destination, and the Rangers were only able to do business with them due to his no-move clause and unwillingness to be traded to any other organization outside of the Kings.
It was Panarin’s desire for a contract extension that gave the Kings an advantage over the multiple reported teams originally in the mix for the Russian winger, including the Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks, and New York Islanders.
Panarin and his camp always held the cards throughout this entire saga.
There’s still plenty of blame to go around from Drury's end who, similar to the way in which he traded Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, and Ryan Lindgren, simply waited too long and let this situation with Panarin linger to the point where his value was diminished to what it ultimately could have been.
When it came down to it, the Rangers had no leverage, and this return for Panarin is just the harsh reality of the situation.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA's performance-enhancing substance program rules.
Jones, who has missed most of the 2025-26 season with various injuries, won't be eligible to return until Apr. 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has played in seven games this season, compiling only one point.
#LetsGoPens defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating #NHL/#NHLPA performance enhancing substance program rules.
According to Penguins general manager and president Kyle Dubas, Jones came to the organization this week, telling the team that he had tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
"Caleb Jones informed us this week that he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance under the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substance program," Dubas said in a statement. "Throughout the process, Caleb has been forthcoming with the organization as to how he believes the positive test occurred. Caleb takes full responsibility for his actions, despite him being unaware that what he consumed was a prohibited substance at the time."
"The organization appreciates his transparency regarding this matter, and Caleb will follow all NHL and NHLPA protocols related to his suspension. Caleb has the full support of the Penguins organization, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the ice when he is cleared."
Jones was signed to a two-year contract by the Penguins during the 2025 offseason and will have one year left on that contract at a $900,000 cap hit for next season.
The Nets have ruled out guard Cam Thomas for Thursday’s game against the Magic due to personal reasons.
Curious timing, considering Thomas has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to last year, when a contract extension was not agreed on.
Thomas did not make the trip to Orlando with his team as the basketball world awaits whether Brooklyn will trade the guard ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Nets drafted Thomas with the No. 27 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft and he gradually became a proficient scorer. After averaging 8.5 and 10.6 points per game in his first two seasons, Thomas took a major jump in the 2023-24 season when he became a regular starter for the Nets.
Across 66 games (51 starts), Thomas averaged 22.5 points and 2.9 assists while averaging 31 minutes a game.
The next season, Thomas was on track to have similar numbers, but suffered a number of injuries. He appeared in just 25 games (23 starts) but averaged a career high 24 points across 31 minutes.
This season, Thomas has played just 24 games with the Nets, averaging 24 minutes and 15.6 points on 40 percent shooting.
In the Nets’ loss to the Lakers on Tuesday, Thomas scored eight points on 3-of-7 shooting and dished two assists across 23 minutes.
If the Nets were to move Thomas, it would be another deal ahead of the trade deadline for GM Sean Marks after they acquired guard Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick from the Raptors in a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Clippers.
Boston Celtics (32-18) at Houston Rockets (31-17) Wednesday, February 4, 2026 8:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #51, Road Game #27 TV: NBCSB, Space City Home Network, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 790 AM, Sirius XM Toyota Center
The Celtics visit the Houston Rockets for the 2nd and final meeting between these two teams this season. The Rockets won the first meeting 128-101 in Boston on November 1. They split the series 1-1 last season, with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 98-58 against the Rockets overall, all time. They are 42-34 in games played in Houston. The Celtics are playing in the 2nd of back to back games. They are 5-3 this year on the second night of back to back games.
The Rockets made some significant changes since last season. Their biggest change was a trade that brought Kevin Durant and Clint Capela to Houston in exchange for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the draft. They also signed Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie as free agents. They also brought in JD Davison as a 2-way player.
The Celtics are 3rd in the East, 5.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are tied with 2nd place New York, 2.5 games ahead of 4th place Toronto and 5th place Cleveland, 3.5 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 6 games ahead of 7th place Miami. The Celtics are 10-6 against Western Conference opponents. They are 16-10 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Rockets are 4th in the West, 7 games behind first place OKC, 1.5 games behind 2nd place San Antonio, 1 game behind 3rd place Denver, 1.5 games ahead of 5th place Minnesota, 2 games ahead of 6th place Los Angeles Lakers, and 7th place Phoenix. They are 14-2 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 17-9 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Celtics complete a 2 game road trip with a game at Houston on Wednesday. After this trip they will host Miami, New York, and Chicago for a 3 game home stand, which will take them into the All Star Break. After the break, they will head out on a 4 game Western road trip through Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix, and Denver.
The Rockets are playing in the first of 2 home games. They will host Charlotte on Thursday in back to back games. They then play one game at Oklahoma City before hosting the Clippers for 2 straight games. Then they break for the All Star break before playing at Charlotte and at New York. They then host Utah and Sacramento.
The Celtics are still without Jayson Tatum as he rehabs from the Achilles tear. Chris Boucher is out for personal reasons. Anfernee Simons was traded to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic and neither player will be available since the trade is not official as yet. Jaylen Brown is doubtful with knee and hamstring soreness. Sam Hauser is out due to a thumb injury. I’m just making a wild guess that Pritchard, Scheierman and Walsh will get the start. With Joe Mazzulla you never know.
For the Rockets, Steven Adams is out for the season after undergoing season-ending left ankle surgery. Fred VanVleet is also out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in late September. Dorian Finney-Smith is out due to left ankle injury management. Kevin Durant missed Monday’s game against the Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. He is expected to return for this game and is listed as probable.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Amen Thompson
Derrick White | Getty ImagesAmen Thompson | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Celtics Reserves Xavier Tillman Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Josh Minott
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga Amari Williams
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Chris Boucher (personal) out Sam Hauser (thumb) out Anfernee Simons (personal) out Nikola Vucevic (traded) out Jaylen Brown (hamstring/knee) doubtful
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Rockets Reserves Aaron Holiday Jae’sean Tate Steven Adams Reed Sheppard Josh Okogie Clint Capela Jeff Green
Two Way Players JD Davison Isaiah Crawford
Injuries/Out Fred VanVleet (ACL) out Steven Adams (ankle) out Kevin Durant (ankle) probable Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) out
Head Coach Ime Udoka
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Kevin Durant This should be a good matchup. Durant is averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He is shooting 51.0% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, Durant finished with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 steals while shooting 72.7% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to do a better job of defending him in this game.
Neemias Queta vs Alperen Sengun Sengun is averaging 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 50.1% from the field and 29.3% on threes. In the first game against the Celtics he finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal while shooting 38.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well and box out on rebounds if they want to win this game.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs Amen Thompson Thompson is averaging 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 50.7% from the field and 18.6% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 100% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning. Players struggle on offense in some games, but they can always play defense. The Rockets have an offensive rating of 117.9 (5th). The Celtics have an offensive rating of 120.7 (2nd). The Rockets are 4th with a defensive rating of 111.9 while the Celtics are 11th with a defensive rating of 113.1. The Celtics have to stick to their defensive identity in this one because the Rockets play tough defense and the Celtics can’t depend on a shoot out to win. In the first game between these two teams, the Celtics allowed the Rockets to shoot 54.5% from the field and 65.5% from beyond the arc. They have to defend better in this game if they hope to win it.
Rebound – In order to score, the Celtics need the ball and to get the ball, they will need to crash the boards as a team. The Celtics average 45.0 rebounds per game (11th) while the Rockets average 49.4 rebounds per game (1st). Much of rebounding is effort and when the Celtics put out extra effort on the boards, it usually carries over into the rest of their game. The Rockets are 1st in the league with 18.8 second chance points per game. The Rockets are a very good rebounding team and so the Celtics must come into the game determined to put out extra effort and to hustle for every rebound to limit 2nd chance points for the Rockets. In the first game against the Rockets the Celtics were out-rebounded 53-36. They must rebound better in this game.
Be Aggressive and Stay Focused – The Celtics have to be aggressive in taking the ball to the basket and not settling for 3 pointers on every possession, especially if the 3s aren’t falling. They also have to be aggressive in hustling for rebounds and for loose balls. And they have to be aggressive on defense. They have to play harder than the Rockets and play like the team that wants this game more. They also need to carry that aggressiveness through all 4 quarters with no let up. They also need to stay focused on taking good shots and making them. They have to keep their focus on playing team ball.
Be Consistent – The Celtics have been up and down this season so far. One game they lose to a team that they clearly should have beat. The next game they win in a blowout over a contender. One game they give up a big lead and lose down the stretch. The next game they come from behind to get a win. The Celtics need to get back to giving consistent effort every game and every quarter. No let up and no easy easy shots for their opponent.
X-Factors Back to Back Road Game – The Celtics are on the road where they have a 15-10 record. The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games while the Rockets at home and in the first of back to back games. The Celtics had to travel, stay in a hotel, play in front of a hostile crowd and on an unfamiliar court while the Rockets should get a boost from being on their home court. The Celtics also will be short handed as they wait for the trade to be finalized.
Coaching – The Rockets are led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, who left Boston under less than desirable circumstances. He was suspended for violating team rules and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was made interim coach. Eventually, Udoka was officially released and Mazzulla was made head coach. I am sure that Udoka would love nothing more than to once again beat the team that let him go after he led that team to the Finals.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Some referees call the game tight and others let them play. Some favor the home team and others call it evenly. Recently the officiating has been getting some scrutiny for being visibly bad. The Celtics have to play through whatever calls go against them and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus on playing the game the right way.
SGA will be re-evaluated after the break. He suffered the injury in the Thunder's win over the Magic.
Gilgeous-Alexander being out for the All-Star Game means Commissioner Adam Silver will get to pick his replacement on the World Team for the game on Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
SGA's injury comes as backup point guard Ajay Mitchell is also out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs with a hip injury (he was out for the Orlando game as well).
The Thunder have been hit with injuries of late, and Wednesday against the Spurs will also be without Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. That said, OKC has a comfortable six-game lead over San Antonio for the No. 1 seed in the West.
Oklahoma City has some guard help coming, trading for the 76ers second-year player Jared McCain.
The Thunder are sending the Rockets' first-round pick this year (likely in the mid-20s) and three second-round picks for the promising shooting guard with a large social media following. Oklahoma City creates the roster spot by trading Ousmane Dieng to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, then the Thunder will waive Plumlee.
This is a great pickup for the Thunder. McCain was the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year last season until injuries derailed that, sidelining him for the season. He still hasn't been right this season, but in recent weeks, he has looked more like himself and started to find his form. McCain averaged 15.3 points in the 23 games he played pre-injury last season. He recently scored 17 against the Bucks and 12 against the Pelicans, but for the season is averaging 6.6 per game in limited minutes.
For a Thunder team that has some hard financial decisions coming — Holmgren and Williams max extensions kick in next season, Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort are extension-eligible this summer, and Mitchell will be in 2027 — finding good players on rookie contracts who can contribute will be critical. McCain can be that guy.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly trading point guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cleveland will be parting with their two remaining second-round picks to complete the deal. They have no more left available to trade.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball's agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon. pic.twitter.com/qrNtC6tlc7
Ball was acquired this past summer from the Chicago Bulls for Isaac Okoro, a move that has not hit its intended target on Cleveland’s roster.
Ball’s short tenure in the wine and gold will be largely remembered as a disappointment. Despite actually managing to stay relatively healthy, the on-court product was far from expected. He shot exceedingly poorly, 30.1% from the floor and 27.2% from three-point territory, while not being able to make the defensive, playmaking, and rebounding gains make up for it. Ball’s effective field goal percentage is the second-worst in the league for wings per Cleaning the Glass.
As if the writing was not already on the wall when Craig Porter Jr. passed Ball on the depth chart months ago, the Cavs recently acquired point guard Dennis Schroeder from the Sacramento Kings. While not as defensive or playmaking-savvy as Ball, Schroeder can shoot the basketball, get an offense situated, and play off the ball next to either Donovan Mitchell or James Harden. Keon Ellis, whom the Cavs also acquired from the Kings, will slot in as the best backcourt defender as well — filling a role Ball was expected to occupy.
Ball is effectively an expiring salary, as his $10 million due next season is a team option that will almost certainly not be picked up by the Jazz. This move gets the Cavs closer to being out of the second apron, opens up a standard roster slot for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and gives them the flexibility for a bigger trade at the deadline if they wanted to go that route.
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 01: Miguel Rojas #72 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning during Game Seven of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
It has been three months since Miguel Rojas rescued the Dodgers’ 2025 season.
And still, the thank you’s from fans haven’t stopped coming.
“It’s been overwhelming,” Rojas said. “Like in Italy (during vacation this offseason), I’m walking around Rome and I’m seeing Dodgers fans over there saying, ‘Thank you for hitting that home run.’ It’s crazy.”
Rojas #72 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after Barger #47 of the Toronto Blue Jays is forced out. Getty Images
The Dodgers, of course, had many heroes emerge in their trek to a second consecutive World Series title last fall. There was the World Series-MVP effort of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The two-way showcase put on by Shohei Ohtani. The four scoreless innings that little-known reliever Will Klein produced in a marathon Game 3 victory in the Fall Classic. The game-winning extra-inning home runs Freddie Freeman and Will Smith hit in Games 3 and 7, respectively. The list goes on.
No one, however, had a moment as unforgettable (or unexpected) as Rojas.
When he came to the plate in the ninth inning of Game 7 last year, the Dodgers were two outs from defeat, and on the cusp of a cruel ending to their repeat title dreams. At that point, Rojas himself wasn’t even 100% healthy, playing through a side injury that had nearly sidelined him for the winner-take-all occasion that night at Rogers Centre.
Yet, when Jeff Hoffman hung him a two-strike slider, the 12-year veteran didn’t miss it.
“I just felt like everything that happened, happened for a reason,” Rojas said three months later. “And I was ready for the opportunity.”
Indeed, Rojas not only saved the Dodgers with his game-tying home run –– which was so stunning, Fox broadcaster Joe Davis could only utter “No way!” as the typically light-hitting, glove-first infielder rounded the bases. But Rojas also etched his name into immortal October history, going from an often-overlooked veteran contributor on the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, to one of the most celebrated and recognizable faces of a team that would go on to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy and cement a modern-day dynasty.
“Now,” Rojas joked, “I just have to live with the consequences.”
\Miguel Rojas #72 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run to tie the game. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Rojas felt all that love anew on Saturday, receiving some of the loudest crowd ovations during the Dodgers’ annual Fanfest event at Chavez Ravine. And ahead of what will be the final season of his MLB career, he has embraced his sudden celebrity with his own sentimental gratitude, appreciative of every encounter (at home and abroad) he’s had with Dodger fans over the course of what he described as a life-changing offseason.
“The most important part is that everybody continues to say that that’s one of the best moments that they’ve had in their life, and the best moment of sports that they watched,” he said. “That makes me feel really good, because we were part of something bigger than just a home run for ourselves.”
On Saturday, Rojas was quick to note that he’s “not done yet,” after re-signing with the Dodgers on a $5.5 million free-agent deal early in the offseason. Despite last fall’s heroics, “I have to continue to prove myself and prove to everybody that I can still play,” he said.
“I want to be a coach, but maybe I’m going to be good at something else,” he said. “That’s something that I want to realize about myself. Coach a little bit of everything. TV maybe. Work in the front office a little bit with Andrew and company. And definitely learn a little bit from more from Doc and what they value as a team, as a player.”
Miguel Rojas speaks to the crowd during the 2025 Dodgers World Series Celebration at Dodger Stadium. Getty Images
For now, however, he’s happy to keep basking in the glory of his momentous home run last year –– one that saved the Dodgers’ season, elevated his stature and came with plenty of thank you’s that won’t stop anytime soon.
“I waited 20 years in professional baseball to have that moment, and it happens to me at the end of my career,” he said. “I mean, my life changed a lot. Especially the way I’ve been seen on the streets and outside of baseball, it’s just something different (that has) happened to my career and my life. But I’m not gonna step away from it. It’s something that I always wanted … Definitely gonna share those moments forever.”
Dodgers shuffle roster
The Dodgers made a notable roster move this week, designating infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment less than a month after signing him to a $1.2 million free-agent deal, and claiming outfielder Mike Siani off waivers just two weeks after DFA’ing him.
Ibáñez was expected to provide the Dodgers with infield depth, especially at the start of the season if Tommy Edman isn’t initially ready to return from offseason ankle surgery. He could still stick with the organization going forward, but will now have to clear waivers first.
Siani returns to the Dodgers after being DFA’d to make room for Kyle Tucker’s signing in mid-January. He had been claimed by the Yankees, but was quickly DFA’d again by New York this past week.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the first inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on September 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are still attempting to make a big splash in free agency after all.
After watching Kyle Schwarber, Eugenio Suarez, and others come off the board and sign with rival National League contenders, the Pirates may improve an already strong portion of the team: starting pitching.
In a surprising turn of events, the Pirates are reportedly an “aggressive” pursuer of the best pitcher remaining on the market.
The Pirates are interested in two-time All-Star lefty Framber Valdez, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, to join a young and promising rotation led by Paul Skenes.
Valdez, 32, owns a career 3.36 ERA over eight seasons with the Houston Astros. 2025 marks his worst ERA performance since 2019, posting a 3.66 clip with a 1.245 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 192 innings.
He earned an MLB-best two complete games but an MLB-worst 12 wild pitches in 31 starts.
Valdez would immediately become the Pirates’ No. 2 starter and solidify the Pirates rotation as one of the best in baseball.
Teaming Valdez with Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Mitch Keller, and Braxton Ashcraft could make the Pirates legitimate playoff contenders this season.
Two things could be attentive to Valdez.
The Pirates hired former Astros pitching coach Brett Murphy for the same position in Pittsburgh. The spacious left field and left-center field at PNC Park plays well for lefties and could be an opportunity for Valdez to reset his market on a one-year contract.
Pittsburgh has struggled to land viable free agents over the years and shown the willingness to overspend. Rosenthal noted that the Pirates may be being used as “a stalking horse” once more.
“However, the Pirates again might prove to be little more than a stalking horse for a more competitive team willing to offer Valdez the type of short-term deal with opt-outs he seems likely to command,” Rosenthal wrote.
Valdez is also drawing interest from the Blue Jays and Orioles to stay in the American League.
It’s possible that signing Valdez could open the door for the Pirates to trade Keller for a third baseman, adding a front-line starter to the rotation, making Keller expendable and a valuable trade chip to complete the lineup.
Rosenthal noted that the Pirates remain interested in slugger Marcell Ozuna, who is primarily a DH and would complicate the team’s defense, but adds a former All-Star who hit 21 home runs a season ago.
The Pirates still have time to add offense, or another impactful starting pitcher, before the heart of spring.
Pitchers and catchers officially report to Bradenton, Florida on February 11.
Chris Paul's final NBA season is being re-routed north of the border, with another stop potentially on the way.
The 40-year-old point guard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors as part of a multi-team deal ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, ESPN reported on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Paul will go to the Raptors, while forward Ochai Agbaji and a 2032 second-round pick will move from Toronto to the Brooklyn Nets in the transaction.
But the State Farm pitchman might not be there for long, according to multiplereports. It's still unclear if Paul will actually report to Toronto, be included in another trade or be waived by the Raptors in the coming days. What jersey he'll be wearing for his final NBA game will remain an ongoing subplot.
Paul signed a one-year, $3.6-million contract to return to the Clippers this past offseason and then later announced this would be his final NBA season. The Clippers then shocked the NBA in December when they sent Paul home in the wee hours of the night in the middle of a road trip as the team struggled early on this season. General Manager Lawrence Frank and coach Tyronn Lue made clear the organization intended to part ways with one of the greatest players in franchise history as reports emerged about friction involving Paul's leadership style inside the team's locker room.
Paul could be a veteran presence on the bench for an emerging Raptors roster led by multi-faceted forwards Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, which is readying for a postseason run after emerging as one of the pleasant surprises in the Eastern Conference this year. The Raptors would become the eighth NBA team of Paul's decorated career. He was averaging a career-low 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes over 16 games this season with the Clippers.
Agbaji is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason after being selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and will get a chance to prove himself to potential suitors with the rebuilding Nets. He was initially traded to the Raptors in 2024 and saw his playing time drop significantly this season.
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 21: Ochai Agbaji #30 of the Toronto Raptors plays defense against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Sacramento Kings during the game on January 21, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In a three-team deal, involving the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers announced Wednesday afternoon, the Nets acquired 6’5” shooting guard Ochai Agbaji, a 2022 lottery pick; and a 2032 second round pick from the Raptors plus $3.5 million in cash considerations from the Los Angeles Clippers. all essentially for nothing.
In return, Brooklyn sent the Clippers their draft rights to Vanja Markinovic, a 29-year-old Serbian shooting guard who the Nets acquired as part of the 2023 Kevin Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns. He was not seen as an NBA prospect even before he injured his knee last week, ending his season in Serbia. Also in the deal announced , the Raptors obtained Chris Paul from the Clippers. He is expected to be waived, freeing him up to sign with any team other than LAC.
Shams Charania was first with the news…
The Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors have agreed on a multi-team trade sending Chris Paul to the Raptors and Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 Raptors second-rounder and cash to the Nets, sources tell ESPN.
Moreover, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Nets are not near done. “Brooklyn, I expect to be in multiple deals in the next 24 hours.” he said on ESPN following the Shams tweet.
Ogbaji is in the final year of his rookie deal which will pay him $6.4 million. A 6’5” 25-year-old, Milwaukee native was taken at No. 14 in 2022 after starring at the University of Kansas with Nets forward Jalen Wilson. Agbaji was named a consensus first-team All-American and voted the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2022. He led the Jayhawks to a national championship and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
He was drafted originally by the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 3-and-D prospect. However, he was traded to the Utah Jazz that September before playing a regular-season game in Cleveland then later traded to the Toronto Raptors in February 2024.
In 243 NBA games, 108 starts, Agbaji has averaged 7.3 points on 45/34/75 shooting splits. His best year was two years ago when in 64 games, he averaged 10.4 points on 50/40/71 shooting splits and a registered 1.0 “stocks,” aka steals and blocks.
His acquisition, once completed, will put the Nets roster at 16 players requiring them to cut someone before game time in Orlando Thursday.
Yossi Gozlan of capsheets.com and the Third Apron podcast laid out the Nets current salary cap and draft assets situation…
The Brooklyn Nets now have a whopping 21 second-round picks through 2032 by taking on Ochai Agbaji.
They can absorb him with their $15.3 million in cap space, leaving them with $8.9 million.
The Nets will need to create a roster spot for this trade.
In other words they can either absorb Agbaji into their league-high $15.3 million in cap space and still have $8.9 million left. However, if in other deals, they exhaust the rest of their cap space to take on more expensive contracts before Thursday, then they could instead use their $8.8 million Room Mid-level Exception to absorb Agbaji, according Gozlan.
Meanwhile, the Nets left Cam Thomas behind in New York Wednesday at they flew from Newark to Orlando for Thursday’s game vs. the Magic.
Can confirm Cam Thomas was not on the #Nets team plane, which just departed for Orlando. Brooklyn plays the #Magic tomorrow, with the #NBA Trade Deadline being Thursday at 3 p.m. https://t.co/f0M6m9aAu9
Michael Scott reported that Thomas is “receiving trade interest” from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is drawing trade interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the trade deadline, league sources told @hoopshype. Thomas is out for tomorrow’s game against the Orlando Magic due to “personal reasons.” pic.twitter.com/fDdX9Brylw
After exercising his qualifying offer in October, Thomas is making $6.0 million this season as an unrestricted free agent. As such, he’ll have to approve any trade.
This is the fifth salary dump the Nets have participated in since last summer. In the others, they acquired:
Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected Nuggets first in 2032 from Denver for Cam Johnson;
Terance Mann and an unprotected Hawks first in 2025 (that became Drake Powell) from Denver for $1.1 million in cash considerations;
Haywood Highsmith and an unprotected Heat second in 2032 for a heavily protected second in 2026 from Miami;
Kobe Bufkin for $110,000 in cash considerations from the Hawks.
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 30: The sneakers worn by Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 30, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Kings Acquire Artemi Panarin And Sign Two-Year Extension From New York RangersThe Los Angeles Kings have acquired left winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick. Panarin also signed a two-year extension with the Kings at $11 million per season.
