ELMONT, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders scores a goal on Stuart Skinner #74 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at UBS Arena on February 03, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Pregame
The Penguins happily welcome the return of Bryan Rust from his suspension and get Stuart Skinner in net.
Good start for the Penguins, they get an early power play after Scott Mayfield hooks Egor Chinakhov. Smart penalty to take being as Chinakhov was in a similar position to his goal last night, catching a centering feed from Tommy Novak this time and about ready to fire before getting impeded. The Islanders kill the penalty, though Sidney Crosby almost has a highlight reel goal skating by Matthew Schaefer and getting a nice shot away.
Game goes back and forth for a little, the big guys come through. Justin Brazeau dishes to Anthony Mantha who uses his reach to manipulate just how he can lift the puck to the far-side of Ilya Sorokin. 1-0 Pittsburgh.
The period turns sour for the Penguins as the Islanders score two goals in the final 1:19.
The first goal is mostly bad luck compounding, Skinner leaves a rebound off his glove, then Ryan Shea can’t clear the puck out of danger. The opposite happens with it ricocheting off bodies and right back to Bo Horvat. Horvat reaches to it before Shea can recover. 1-1.
As the period nears its end, a delayed penalty call is coming up on Pittsburgh. It never gets called, a long stretch of puck control tires the Pens out and Schaefer is there to hammer one from deep. 2-1 NYI.
Not a good last minute or so for the visitors to see their lead turn into a 2-1 deficit after 20.
Second period
The Pens find a goal to tie the game. Slick setup from Tommy Novak coming from behind the net. Who else but Egor Chinakhov is there to somehow get just far enough away from the reach of Ryan Pulock and still stay in a prime scoring position. Then again, with his release speed and shot velo, almost everywhere in a prime scoring position. 2-2.
ELECTRIC EGOR.
Since he made his Penguins debut on January 1, no one has scored more goals than Egor Chinakhov (8). pic.twitter.com/l6Pnzw3hQJ
Rust gets back on the scoreboard in his first game back from suspension, sneaking a bad angle shot off Sorokin and in. Fittingly the sequence starts with Rust out-working Schaefer to keep a puck alive in the zone, a few seconds later it comes back around behind the net and Rust puts some mustard on a Crosby-esque bank shot that leaks through. 3-2.
Chinakhov and Novak nearly combine for another highlight-reel goal but toss around one too many passes (gahh). Chinakhov does draw his second power play of the game, again for getting impeded as he slipped behind the defense and cut into the net. The power play doesn’t score and the second period wraps up.
Great response period for the Pens, who outshoot NYI 12-5 in the second period and outscore them 2-1 to regain the lead.
Third period
More good work in the early going, it takes until the 13:59 to go mark before NYI gets their first shot of the period, an outside shot that Skinner easily corrals. By then the Pens had four shots, including Malkin nearly scoring from just in front of the net.
Which makes it more frustrating when the Islanders find a tying goal with 11:23 to go. Crosby and Ilya Solovyov bump into each other in front of Skinner with no Islanders around them. Mat Barzal shoots from long range, there’s no one in the lanes to block it. Not sure if that puck deflected off Rakell or Solovyov there, it hits the back of the net. 3-3 game.
The crowd comes to life with something to cheer about and the Pens quiet them with a big answer. Brett Kulak does well to win a puck off the wall and quickly fire it to the net. Justin Brazeau makes a brilliant deflection back across where Sorokin thinks it’s going. 4-3 game, Pittsburgh back in front with 9:20 to go.
Crosby gets the gate for a tripping call and the NYI power play gets a crack at it, they’re unable to generate a shot.
Crosby gets high-sticked, no penalty since it was Karlsson’s stick. The Islanders get back to work, Barzal’s pass clicks off Malkin and right to Pulock. Pulock measures up and beats Skinner cleanly. 4-4 game, 4:36 to go.
The Pens get a close call for a goal, which would have been controversial on Ben Kindel’s part by sticking his leg into Sorokin as Brazeau followed up on a chance.
Pittsburgh takes their timeout, the plans they draw up don’t work out.
Frantic third period leads to extra time.
Overtime
Crosby-Rust-Karlsson start things out, Crosby wins the draw and the Pens get the all-important possession though only for the first 20 seconds. The Pens get it back but Kulak mis-hits the puck and Horvat goes the other way on a breakaway. He makes no mistakes beating Skinner and ending the game.
Some thoughts
It seemed like the Islanders were either lazy/fatigued in their gap control or perhaps surprised by how fast the Penguins looked when they allowed them to slip behind them and then play catch up on rushes up the wall. These teams haven’t seen each other since the early days of the season. These Pens with players like Chinakhov, Novak and even the deceptively fast Mantha aren’t really the Pittsburgh teams of the past few years. Not that these Penguins are excessively fast across the board but it probably caught their opponent off guard that this team isn’t quite as familiar as they might have remembered.
Speaking of growth and changes from the beginning of the season, how amazing is that Schaefer huh? Hard to believe the last time he played the Penguins it was his first night in the NHL. He’s had plenty of highlight moments since then, just seeing how comfortable and much more in control he is out there from where he was in Game 1 in October to now is really remarkable. Schaefer’s already one of the best and most dynamic players out there, scary to think what he’s going to look like in another 1-2-3 years as he gains even more experience.
There’s an old trope that when the second line wingers get too productive they soon find themselves playing on Crosby’s line. That turned out to finally benefit Evgeni Malkin now that *he* has become the productive second line winger. The Pens tried a Chinakhov-Crosby-Malkin line for an o-zone draw. They got too cute with the passing and then someone took a penalty (negated by the Schaefer goal). Humble beginnings, maybe it’ll work out next time.
Sorokin’s been arguably the best goalie in the league by far this season, which might make it all the more surprising he just looked average tonight. Everyone has their off days (see also, the Penguins last night), how she goes sometimes. Probably aren’t too many times when he’s just straight up getting beat (Mantha, Chinakhov shots) or giving up a weak, leaky goal from no angle that he definitely would want back (Rust). It wasn’t like it was bad luck on bounces or instances where traffic was making his life difficult, just maybe a “C” type of game for what’s been an A goalie.
Then again, Skinner had a few he would want back too. That fourth goal, by Pulock, is one that has to be a save. The earlier goal in the third period was a team breakdown, it was also the type of stop Skinner was making when he was in a groove a few weeks ago. Now, not so much. Olympic break suddenly is coming at a good time for him.
Chinakhov has scored a goal in five of his last seven games. Sometimes you see a guy pop a high shooting percentage or maybe string a couple of two-goal games together or hit an empty net or two and can see the inevitable fall coming a mile away. In this case it looks like Chinakhov is still getting started, he’s just scratching the surface of what he could lie ahead. If he (and, to be fair, his linemates) didn’t over-pass the puck so much, there would be even more. They’re generating so many potential looks and his shot is so good that it’s going to find success as long as they keep it going.
The Bob Grove stat of the night is a good one: Pittsburgh recorded their 15,000th regular season goal tonight as a franchise. Only the Original 6 teams have more.
Getting one point on the road is something, based on the first 40 minutes it was a night where the Pens were the better team for the majority of the night, so not getting that second point hurts in that regard.
This has been a crazy stretch of games (five in eight nights) and it’s nearly over. One more to go on Thursday night in Buffalo and then the NHL takes an Olympic pause.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Cavaliers are still looking to move backup point guard Lonzo Ball.
The Cavaliers aren't done, either. Cleveland is very much still working towards finding a trade partner to assume Lonzo Ball's $10 million salary, per sources.
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Trading Ball would only help decrease the salary for this season. His non-guaranteed contract for next season could be waived in the summer at no cost. Moving him would only be necessary if you’re trying to duck under the second apron this season. And even at that, trading Ball alone wouldn’t get them under. They would be roughly $3.8 million above the second apron.
Additionally, the Cavs only have two movable second-round picks that they could move to get off of Ball’s salary. They sent one out to Los Angeles in the Harden trade. They may have a difficult time finding a suitor for Ball with their remaining second-rounders.
It’d be unwise to rule out the possibility that the Cavs have another larger deal that they’re trying to work through. If so, moving Ball would be necessary to facilitate something like that. As reported earlier today by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavs have made calls to the Milwaukee Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Dallas Mavericks about Anthony Davis.
Trading Ball makes sense regardless of what else the team has planned for the rest of the season. The Cavs have until the Feb. 5 deadline to find a trade partner for Ball.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 3: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 3, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers closed their road trip in style, dominating the Nets from start to finish on Tuesday en route to a 125-109 win.
The Lakers scored 45 points in the first quarter, 69 in the first half and built up a 39-point lead before the break. Predictably, the second half was little more than conditioning for the two sides with Brooklyn making the score look much more respectable.
The game began with four of LA’s starters scoring early. Egor Dëmin drained a 3-pointer for the Nets. Brooklyn called a timeout after Deandre Ayton scored on a layup, putting the Lakers up by three. Out of the break, Michael Porter Jr. was fouled from behind the arc and converted on two of his freebies.
Los Angeles missed their first shot of the quarter at the 7:02 mark after starting the game going 7-7 from the field. Jake LaRavia was having a strong first period with six points.
LA extended their scoring run to 18-4 for an 11-point lead. As usual, Luka Dončić was the first Lakers in double figures with 10 points.
Day’Ron Sharpe scored a quick four points off the bench for Brooklyn. Jaxson Hayes had a million dunks, resulting in a quick nine points for Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves returned to action and was in his usual form, drawing a foul and converting on his free throws. At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by 22.
The Lakers hit a ridiculous 15 of 18 FG’s (83.3%) towards 45 1st Q points, despite missing 6 free throws.
They lead 45-23 in Brooklyn as they try to close this road trip at 5-3.
The second period began with LeBron converting on a layup. Reaves then connected with LeBron for an insane alley-oop that had everyone buzzing.
The Lakers were in complete control of the game as the Nets looked awful. LeBron threw down yet another dunk, dazzling the large group of Laker fans who filled Barclays Center.
LA’s only fault was free throws as they were shooting 61% from the charity stripe.
Reaves was now up to nine points as LA built a 38-point lead. Los Angeles started to play a little sloppy and allowed Brooklyn to score seven in a row as the half was winding down. Still, the Lakers were up by 29 at halftime.
The third period started with LeBron scoring on a layup, forcing a timeout by the Nets. Out of the break, Brooklyn turned the ball over and it led to yet another dunk on the other end by LeBron. Reaves knocked down his first 3-pointer after five attempts.
The Lakers were +6 in the 6:20 that the new projected starters — Luka, AR, Smart, LeBron, DA — played to open the second half.
Brooklyn started making more of their shots, knocking down four triples and shooting 58% from the field. Luka converted on four shots for nine points in the quarter. Brooklyn outscored LA 34 to 31 in the third.
Going into the fourth period, the Lakers were up by 26.
The fourth quarter happened.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes. LeBron scored 25 points with three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. In Reaves’ return, he ended with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals in 21 minutes.
Hayes had nine points with two assists. LaRavia pitched in with 18 points and five rebounds. Ayton notched seven points and eight rebounds.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday at 7:00 PM PT.
Jordan Staal's breakaway goal with under five minutes to play gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory, squandering the Sens comeback from a 3-1 deficit. The effect of playing back to back games probably played a role as Staal took advantage of a brutal Sens line change for a free pass to the Ottawa net.
Seth Jarvis scored twice while Sebastian Aho had three points. Jake Sanderson and Dylan Cozens each had two points.
The Senators started fast in this one, with Stephen Halliday scoring the fourth goal of his season and career less than three minutes into the first. Jordan Spence took a shot from the left point that Halliday tipped past Carolina goalie Brandon Bussi to give Ottawa a 1–0 lead.
That lead held until under three minutes remaining in the opening period, when Aho tied the game. Carolina won the draw back to the point, and James Reimer stopped both the initial shot and the rebound, but Aho knocked in a bouncing puck to make it 1–1.
It certainly looked like a play that could have been challenged for goalie interference. Jarvis clearly made contact with Reimer (see banner photo) before he reached back to try and grab the puck as it trickled toward the goal line.
Jarvis wasn't done making life miserable for Reimer, scoring twice in a span of just over three minutes in the second period.
The first came immediately after a rare “playing with a broken stick” call on Halliday. The Senators’ penalty kill has been solid lately, but Jarvis was left completely unaccounted for, walking in and picking his spot over Reimer’s left shoulder to make it 2–1 Carolina.
Jarvis struck again shortly after, beating Jake Sanderson wide, cutting to the net, and backhanding it past Reimer for a 3–1 Hurricanes lead.
Ottawa responded late in the period. With just over three minutes left, William Carrier was called for interference on Claude Giroux. On the ensuing power play, Tim Stützle blasted a one-timer from the top of the circle to cut the deficit to 3–2 after 40 minutes.
The Sens power play went to work again early in the third when Sanderson blasted a point shot home, with Stutzle serving as a perfect screen. That tied the game at 3 before the Sens got their foot-shooting guns out.
With just over five minutes to play, with the puck innocently tied up on the boards at centre ice, the Sens made a wholesale line change. The far side D always has to be conservative on a full line change, but Jordan Spence went off with everyone else.
The puck squirted out to Nikolaj Ehlers who quickly hit Staal and there was no Senator right defenseman there to oppose him. He walked in for an easy breakaway and ripped one home, high glove side on Reimer to give the Canes the lead. That stood up as the winner.
The Sens outshot the Canes 25-18 and did a good job of limiting Carolina's chances, but Reimer allowed four goals on those 18 shots.
The Senators will be back at it on Thursday at Philadelphia, their final game before the Olympic break.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 02: Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on February 02, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
They did it. The Utah Jazz front office pooled its expansive war chest of assets and took aim at a game-changing, contribute-today type of player. From my home in Japan, I woke up to a vibrating hailstorm of NBA alerts, which made my 7:00 alarm entirely obsolete. Much better to be awoken by good news than just another typical day of work, eh?
Jaren Jackson Jr, a versatile and acclaimed 6-foot-10 forward, had spent the first seven years of his NBA career in Memphis. Snagged with the fourth overall pick out of Michigan State back in 2018, JJJ is the second pillar of the Grizzlies’ core to fall, following Desmond Bane, who was jettisoned to Orlando in the offseason.
By dealing Jackson, the Grizzlies have enacted a rebuilding policy upon themselves, discarding the original game plan to start anew. No bear tracks in the freshly laid powder snow.
The bear is in Utah. He is called the Jazz Bear. And his arrival indicates a change in pace for the slow-building Utah Jazz, who marked the path for self-destruction and new beginnings back in 2022, when they sent their once-championship-contending core of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, and company across the National Basketball Association (but mostly to Minnesota, eventually) in the hopes of sprouting new hope from the rubble.
That torch is now carried by the Grizzlies. From this exchange, Memphis adds experimental pieces of Utah’s young core ripe for in-house development, and some draft picks for good measure. Utah, exporting some of their filler youngsters in favor of more experienced and proven imports, has shifted up a gear by adding Jackson. His arrival carries a promise that the Jazz have little intention of losing in the future.
This trade includes eight players and three draft picks, and I’ll break down each piece of the deal right here, right now.
To Utah, From Memphis:
MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 23: Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 23, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaren Jackson Jr | 6’10” 242 lbs | Forward/Center
Here’s the big one. The king of the pond. The great fish from which fishing tales are orated. Jaren Jackson Jr is the headliner of the trade, and for good reason. The 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time All-Star, two-time block champion, and three-time All-Defense team member, Jackson is a defensive stalwart who just as naturally spaces the floor on the offensive end, shooting 35% from distance in his career.
Pairing alongside Walker Kessler (assuming Utah doesn’t fumble in restricted free agency), Jackson and Kessler would be the best rim-protecting frontcourt in basketball by a galaxy’s length, ranking second and third for opponent field goal percentage within the restricted area over the past five seasons, both at 52.3%. That’s just ahead of Rudy Gobert, 52.4%.
…the Utah Jazz have recreated Gobert in the aggregate, and tacked on some offensive firepower in the process.
Speaking of Gobert, time is finally unveiling what came of his blockbuster trade back in 2022, as the assets gathered in that exchange have now actualized into Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, and Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s Billy Beane’s dream — the Utah Jazz have recreated Gobert in the aggregate, and tacked on some offensive firepower in the process.
For the Jazz, who might be the worst defense in the entire NBA, adding a legitimate all-world level defender with actual offensive ability is a major net positive. All that, plus the fact that Jackson is just 26 years old, should have the atmosphere buzzing in SLC (but try not to think too long about his $50 million price tag in a few seasons).
Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis
franchise rankings:
8th in games 6th in points 7th in rebounds 6th in steals 3rd in blocks 4th in threes
four playoff appearances one conf semis 56 wins in '22 51 wins in '23 DPOY in '22 3x All-Defense (2x 1st) 2x All-Star 2x blocks leader pic.twitter.com/xVtEx5yVuZ
MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 7: John Konchar #46 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 7, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
John Konchar | 6’5” 210 lbs | Guard
The pride of Purdue University Fort Wayne, John Konchar quickly became a fan-favorite in Memphis after being snagged in undrafted free agency in 2019. And how could anyone not love Konchar? His number 46 jersey, his hustle-first, think later mindset, and positional versatility are all reasons why Memphis fell in love with Konchar, though his production and involvement in the Grizzlies’ lineup have taken a bit of a dip in recent years.
With the Jazz, Konchar’s role will likely be similar to that in Memphis: the glue-guy, energizer off the bench who lives to light a fire on the floor and under the feet of his teammates.
Vince Williams Jr. | 6’4” 205 lbs | Guard
Williams was taken out of VCU in the second round back in 2022 as a versatile, switchable defender who can space the floor on offense and hit the occasional three-pointer. In practice, he’s a bit more of a defensive specialist. Horribly inefficient in his fourth NBA season with 35% field goal shooting and 30% from distance, what Williams lacks in reliable shooting, he adds in defensive know-how. For a team like Utah, which has been without competent perimeter defense for far too long (not you, Cody, you’re doing great), Vince Williams’ role is set before him.
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 2: Jock Landale #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies boxes out during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 2, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jock Landale | 6’11” 255 lbs | Center
Landale is another product of the Randy Bennett Aussie pipeline out of Saint Mary’s College. He’s a lifetime bench big who saw his career take an upward turn after joining the Memphis Grizzlies. This season, Landale’s averages have doubled in nearly every category since his inclusion in the starting lineup (courtesy of Zach Edey’s crumbling body).
Landale began his professional career as an artist, playing in the paint. With a wide array of hookshots and old-man-style footwork in the paint, he carved out a niche in the NBA. But in recent years, he’s made a Brook Lopez-esque improvement as a three-point shooter, knocking through 38% of his attempts beyond the arc, of which he’s shot nearly three per game this season. Challenging the 40% threshold is a remarkable improvement, considering the first three years of his career were much closer to 25%. He also shows promise as an offensive rebounder, nearly matching his count of rebounds on the defensive end. Still, that means he collects just six boards per night.
The Utah Jazz are stuffed to capacity at the center position, unfortunately, so the 30-going-on-31 Landale will have to fight for minutes among established giants like Kessler, Nurkic, and now Jaren Jackson Jr.
To Memphis, From Utah:
Three First-Round Draft Picks
These are what the Grizzlies were really after. Dumping your core of three former All-Stars (unless they can’t part with Morant) is a questionable decision without a plan for the future, and Memphis collected some promising future draft picks from a team looking for ways to lighten their load. From Utah’s collection of draft picks, the Grizzlies come away with optimism for the future.
These are the draft picks heading to Memphis:
2027 first-round pick via Utah or Minnesota or Cleveland (most favorable) 2027 first-round pick via Los Angeles Lakers (top-four protected) 2031 first-round pick via Phoenix
The Jazz gave away the most favorable of their many draft picks next year, so it’s official: there is no reason to tank in ‘26-’27. The Utah Jazz have returned to the straight and narrow way of ethical basketball. The social media tanking police can finally stand at ease; Utah is trying to win basketball games again.
This trade is a trailhead for two exciting transitions.
Utah is far from pushing all its chips into the center for this one, however, much like they did the last time they ushered an Earth-shaking trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, giving up a large portion of their future for Mike Conley Jr. back in 2019. They still hold at least one first-round pick in every draft from 2026, with fingers crossed that this year’s pick falls below the eighth pick, keeping it out of Oklahoma City’s white-gloved grip.
Utah obtained the Lakers’ 2027 first-rounder before divine intervention delivered Luka Doncic on a silver platter in Tinseltown. It was with zero tears that this pick was dealt.
It’s with similar dissociation that the Jazz parted with Phoenix’s 2031 first-rounder they worked so hard for last season. Prior to Phoenix’s resurgence this season, Matt Ishbia’s reign seemed self-destructive, with the core of Beal, Booker, and Durant imploding with very little to show for it. But credit to the Suns, they dug themselves out of that hole and managed to acquire Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green from Houston for a 37-year-old Kevin Durant. Phoenix no longer appears destined to scrape the bottom of the standings, and Utah sees more value in JJJ today than they project in a first-round pick five years from now.
This trade is a trailhead for two exciting transitions. For Memphis, a clean slate and all the patience in the world to obtain a franchise cornerstone through the draft. For Utah, the pendulum swings toward competitive basketball. Finally, the Jazz will be gunning for a playoff position again, and a saving light has appeared above the heinous concourses of basketball hell.
TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 1: Walter Clayton Jr. #13 of the Utah Jazz dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Walter Clayton Jr | 6’4” 195 lbs | Guard
Of all the players given up in this deal, Utah will miss Clayton the most. A player they traded up to grab in this year’s draft, the former national champion and Final Four Most Outstanding Player entered Utah in hopes of developing quickly and fighting for minutes at point guard.
He has yet to break through as an NBA player, though, buried beneath the supernova of Keyonte George and the steady playmaking of Isaiah Collier. Clayton flashed passing upside in his first 45 games as a pro, but his trademark three-pointer has struggled to catch up, coming in at just 30.8%.
The book is not closed on Clayton as a pro, of course, and with a more straightforward backcourt in Memphis, Walt could see more consistent burn and find his rhythm with the Grizzlies.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 10: Taylor Hendricks #0 of the Utah Jazz prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 10 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Taylor Hendricks | 6’9” 215 lbs | Forward
The Taylor Hendricks experience did not go according to plan in Utah.
Selected ninth overall in 2022, Hendricks was the first draft pick of the Jazz reconstruction. Injuries and inconsistent play plagued Hendricks since entering the NBA, unfortunately, and he never really found his place with the Jazz.
It’s never fair to judge a player’s career when injuries occupy so many chapters, and Taylor Hendricks was a victim of horrific luck in his first two and a half seasons of pro basketball. His broken leg suffered as a sophomore sidelined Hendricks until 2025, and he never quite found his place in Will Hardy’s lineups. The letters DNP have been stamped on Hendricks’ box score a discouraging number of times this season, especially recently. He’s appeared in just 33 games this season.
Given time and patience, Hendricks could develop into a serviceable rotation-level player in the NBA. That potential never materialized with the Jazz.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 27: Kyle Anderson #2 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center on January 27, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kyle Anderson | 6’8” 230 lbs | Forward
Slo Mo is an NBA journeyman who, hilariously enough, enjoyed the best years of his career with Memphis back in ‘18-‘24. Anderson joined the Jazz through a trade with Miami that posted the forward in a veteran role, and he played the part very well for the youth movement in Utah, however briefly.
Anderson, now 32 (going on 50), will likely fill a similar role in Memphis that he did in Utah. He does a bit of everything — scoring, passing, rebounding, defending — despite potentially being the slowest professional athlete on the face of the Earth.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 13: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks and Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz high five after the game on November 13, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Georges Niang | 6’6” 230 lbs | Forward
Few things have been more disappointing this season than the fact that we never got to witness Georges Niang back in a Utah Jazz jersey after all these years. I wrote a tear-jerking reunion story (historical fiction) before the season about Niang’s return to the Salt Lake Valley, and it brings me great despair that Niang never set foot on the floor.
After being drafted to Indiana in 2016, Niang spent the first five seasons of his career in the Beehive State before bouncing from Philadelphia to Cleveland to Atlanta and back to Utah before, of course, now being dealt to Memphis. Now 32 years old, Niang lands with the Grizzlies as a three-point specialist, who will be ready to plug-and-play in the near future, as his most recent injury update posted Niang as week-to-week.
Player Retained in Utah
Perhaps the most important wrinkle for Utah’s end of the trade is the players they were able to retain while adding Jackson. Truth be told, though the Jazz were hopeful that Clayton and Hendricks would pan out, Utah gave away very little from a personnel standpoint.
The Jazz still have Keyonte George in a breakout season, Ace Bailey, who is seen by many as a foundational piece in Utah’s future, former All-Star Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler, currently out with injury and pending restricted free agency.
But the Jazz didn’t even have to part ways with their most promising youngsters outside the starting lineup, either. Cody Williams, who is finally showing signs of life in his sophomore season, will remain in Utah. As will Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski, all of whom are gradually developing into rotational players in Will Hardy’s depth chart.
2026 marks the end of the line for Utah’s tank, and that is worth celebrating.
Jackson’s addition to the starting lineup makes Utah’s roster one of the most fascinating in the league. A starting five of Keyonte George (6’4”), Ace Bailey (6’9”), Lauri Markkanen (7’1”), Jaren Jackson Jr (6’10”), and Walker Kessler (7’2”) is gargantuan and could be formidable with a few years to mesh.
2026 marks the end of the line for Utah’s tank, and that is worth celebrating. In this deal, the Jazz lost three first-round picks, while maintaining a spot in every single first round moving forward. They gave away two non-foundational youth who still have a long journey of growth before they’re ready to contribute at a high level. Utah will not suffer from the loss of Anderson, and couldn’t possibly miss a player who never even suited up to play.
Whether this version of the Jazz will be competitive in the coming years is yet to be determined, but few can deny that this is a franchise finally moving in the right direction.
Calvin Barrett is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the NBA and College Sports since 2024.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Dailyn Swain scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Texas pulled ahead midway through the second half to beat South Carolina 84-75 on Tuesday night.
Tramon Mark added 18 points for Texas (14-9, 5-5 Southeastern Conference). Camden Heide and Matas Vokietaitis chipped in with 12 points apiece. Texas finished 29-of-36 shooting from the line (81%), with Swain hitting all nine of his free-throw attempts. Heide made three of the Longhorns' seven 3-pointers.
Heide made consecutive 3-pointers to give the Longhorns the lead for good, 56-50, with 10:37 to play. The Gamecocks later used a 5-0 spurt to cut the deficit to 70-68 with 3:23 to go. Swain answered with a jumper and dunk.
Meechie Johnson scored a career-best 35 points on 12-of-21 shooting to lead South Carolina. He also made 10 of 14 free throws. Elijah Strong added 12 points for the Gamecocks (11-12, 2-8), who have four straight and seven of eight.
South Carolina opened on a 16-7 run and didn't trail until Texas closed the first half on 7-3 surge for a 35-31 lead at the break. Vokietaitis scored eight points and Swain added seven. Johnson scored 15 first-half points for the Gamecocks.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 3: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks and Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards look on during the game on February 3, 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
One day coach Brian Keefe will bring a football to practice and the Wizards will discover they’ve been playing the wrong sport all along. Until then, Washington (13-36) will continue to play their unique brand of NBA hoops. Tonight, they hosted the Knicks (32*-18), and there was so much orange and blue in the crowd that this was essentially a home game for New York. The third-quarter MVP chant for Jalen Brunson shook the shingles on Capital One Arena, and when the Knicks finished with a 132-101 win—their seventh straight—more than half of those in attendance left satisfied.
New York had the game in their grip from the tip, ripping off seven straight points before Washington noticed the game was underway. Josh Hart should be called Elmer because the dude is all glue. He rebounded, pushed the pace, and created clean looks for OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and himself. In a game cut short by injury, Josh recorded just four points, but his seven boards, seven dimes, and endless energy powered him to a +34.
Meanwhile, Brunson sputtered from deep (21 points, 7-16 FG, 1-6 3PT) but delivered on the other end, like when he stepped in front of Sarr to draw a league-leading 14th charge. The Wiz, meanwhile, shot 11-of-31 from deep tonight and mostly survived on midrange jumpers and whatever they could scrounge up in the paint. That old pro Middleton was the only reliable ‘Zard, finishing with 12 points. Bub Carrington scored a very low-calorie 14.
Bridges set the tone on both ends. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-10 from the field, 3-of-4 from deep and two blocks—one at the rim on Coulibaly, another chasing down Carrington on the perimeter. Add Anunoby’s three three-pointers and a 7-of-13 team mark from deep, and the first quarter closed with New York up 38–22.
Second frame, the results were the same. With Tyler Kolek handling point guard duties, the Knicks continued to methodically make their shots and apply defensive screws. Towns was the anchor, scoring at the rim, stepping out for a three, cleaning the glass, and even jumping a passing lane for a steal. He would finish the game with a league-leading 33rd double-double, scoring 19 points, 15 boards, three assists, and two steals in 26 minutes. Not a bad night of work for the All-Star who got piggy-back rides from Sarr all night.
Midway through the second quarter, the floodgates opened. In a 95-second stretch, the Knicks scored 14 unanswered points to go ahead by 29. Washington was doomed. Middleton tried his best, and Sarr showed occasional flashes, but undercut them with turnovers and fouls. But Washington was doomed.
By the break, New York was ahead 72-45, with their biggest halftime lead of the season. They had outshot the home team from the field, 55% to 39%, and from deep, 50% to 33%. New York had assists on 16 of their 24 made field goals, won the boards (27-20), and blocked five shots. In the first half, Towns led all scorers with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Middleton had seven points for the hosts.
The Knicks brought the same dominance to Q3. OG (19 points, 6-of-11 FG) and Mikal scored on cuts and floaters while Brunson mixed drives, free throws, and a pull-up three to keep the lead in the 20s. Washington found a smattering of offense from Carrington and Middleton, but they could never gain ground. Nor did they have an answer for KAT, who scored at will in the paint, scrubbed the boards, and cleaned up at the free-throw line. The lead reached 32. Even when the Knicks fell into a shooting lull, Washington couldn’t get their act together. The only bummer of the period was when Josh Hart left the game, limping to the locker room. Otherwise, the sailing was smooth. Knicks up 102-71 going into the fourth.
Washington continued to take their lumps in the final frame. The lead ballooned to 41, so Coach Brown fielded a bench crew of Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Dillon Jones, Trey Jemison, and Ariel Hukporti. Kolek had a rough shooting night (3 points, 1-0f-7 FG), but logged six assists and two turnovers in his 21 minutes. The rest of the bench contributed meaningfully, too. Huk protected the rim plus scored 12 points, nine boards, and a three-pointer (!); Mohamed Diawara scored five points and facilitated two dimes in four minutes before an ankle injury cut short a promising performance; and Landry Shamet chipped in 14 points, making 4-of-6 from range.
Up Next
Quoth Jaybugkit, “Good stuff, no drama stress free team win.” Now our heroes zip back to NYC for a tilt with the Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets tomorrow. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 03: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 3, 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
Oh boy. This was not a good game at all. The Washington Wizards lost to the New York Knicks, 132-101 on Tuesday night at Capital One Arena.
Washington never led in this game and were behind by as many as 41 points at one point in the fourth quarter. That tells you all you need to know about how this game went.
Mikal Bridges scored 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the game. For Washington, Will Riley led with 17 points. The biggest statistical disparity here was that the Knicks dished a total of 34 assist while the Wizards only nasty 19 assists themselves. Even if the Wizards evened up the assist margin, they probablty would have still lost, but it wouldn’t have been so lopsided.
I’m just not in a good mood right now, so less is more with this recap.
The Wizards’ next game is on Thursday when they head on the road to play the Detroit Pistons. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
This time it came down to a missed fadeaway 3-pointer from Buffalo's Ryan Sabol to win 73-71 after the 24th-ranked Redhawks (23-0, 11-0 in MAC play) were unable to go up 5-points on a pair of missed free throws from Luke Skaljac, who finished with a team-high 19 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and five steals, four rebounds and three assists.
It's the second time in the last two and a half weeks that Miami was able to escape an upset against Buffalo.
The way Miami's game played out — a missed free throw and having the other team go short on a game-winning 3-point attempt — was its second close call in the last seven days, with the other being an 86-84 win over UMass on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
It also marked the fourth single-digit win in the last five games for the Redhawks, with two of them coming against the Bulls.
If that wasn't enough off the laundry list of game finishing stats, Sabol's missed 3-point attempt keeps Miami as one of the two remaining undefeated teams in men’s college basketball with Arizona. The Redhawks entered the week at No. 3 in USA TODAY Sports' mid-major program power ranks.
"The results will take care of themselves if our process is right," Miami coach Travis Steele told USA TODAY Sports' Craig Meyer recently on the Redhawks' run. "It may not always happen immediately, but eventually it will figure itself out. That’s why our guys have been so loose. We feel no pressure, none. Our guys are enjoying it. We’re having fun on this journey together."
Miami will look to extend its 23-game win streak on the road in Huntington, West Virginia against Marshall at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Miami Ohio basketball 2026 schedule
Here's who the RedHawks have left on their schedule:
In a wild twist of scheduling fate, the Cavaliers play the Clippers in LA on Wednesday night, although it's unlikely that either man plays for his new team. It is possible this is Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis' Cavaliers debuts.
The Cavaliers, who want to contend now in a wide-open Eastern Conference, pick up a point guard they think can help them get there. Harden has shown he can play at a near-All-Star level at age 36, averaging 25.4 points per game this season. Harden's passing will be an upgrade for the Cavaliers, as is the fact that he has been largely healthy this season while Garland has not. That said, Harden's defense, ball dominance and fit next to Donovan Mitchell are concerns.
The Clippers and Harden had been working together for a couple of weeks to find a trade that worked for both of them and there was no animosity, according to reports. That said, this was all about the money and the direction the team was headed.
Harden has a player option for $42.3 million next season, but only $13.3 million of that is guaranteed. Harden sought assurances that the Clippers would not exercise their option, so he would receive his full salary next season, and he also wanted to discuss an extension next summer (Harden is not extension-eligible during the season). The Clippers are in a different place than the Cavaliers, they are not contenders and they are an older team. The Clippers are looking to pivot away from the Harden/Kawhi Leonard era over the next couple of years and did not want to discuss an extension. That led to the decision to find him a trade.
While the Clippers have pushed to keep their 2027 books clean so they can chase free agents, the chance to land a 26-year-old All-Star point guard was too good to pass up, even if it messes with that plan.
Both the Clippers and Cavaliers have been playing their best basketball of the season in recent weeks. How this trade impacts that for both teams will be something to watch.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Isaiah Collier had a career-high 22 assists — the most in the NBA this season and the most by a Utah player since John Stockton in 1992 — and the Jazz beat the Indiana Pacers 131-122 on Tuesday night with just seven healthy players.
The last NBA player with 22 assists in a game was Denver's Nikola Jokic last March 7. Collier, who played the entire game, also scored 17 points as all seven Utah players had 14 points or more. Brice Sensabaugh scored 20, Ace Bailey had 19 and Kyle Filipowski had 16 points and 16 rebounds.
Quenton Johnson scored 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting and Jarace Walker also had 24 for the Pacers, who held out four regular starters — All-Star Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell — for rest or because of minor injuries. All four played a night earlier, when Indiana lost 118-114 to visiting Houston.
Little-used Kam Jones, a healthy scratch on Monday, made his first career start for the Pacers and had 12 points.
Keyonte George (ankle), Kevin Love (illness) and Walker Kessler (shoulder) sat out for the Jazz. Jusuf Nurkic was listed as available with an illness but did not play.
Stockton had 22 assists for Utah on Dec. 18, 1992 against Philadelphia. The Hall of Famer also had eight games with 23 or more, including a career-best 28 on Jan. 15, 1991 against San Antonio.
With the Utah Jazz limited to 8 players tonight, due to the Jazz’s blockbuster trade acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. (and “illnesses”), they still found a way to beat the Pacers 131-122. The Pacers also had an unfortunate case of the flu, which happened to spread throughout their entire team; ultimately leaving them with 7 total available players. Believe it or not, one of the biggest losses tonight was Jusuf Nurkic being out; the Indiana Pacers were feasting on Kyle Filipowski and Lauri Markkanen, who were attempting to fill in the center position. This is a perfect example as to why the Utah Jazz made the trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. in the first place, and is a point of emphasis regarding Walker Kessler and a hopeful contract extension after the 2025-26 season is over. Below, I’ll touch on a few young players and their role with the Jazz going forward, along with snippets from tonight’s game vs Indiana.
We have completed a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire F/C Jaren Jackson Jr., G John Konchar, C Jock Landale and F Vince Williams Jr.
Now, because the Utah Jazz are headed towards contention next year, the Jazz’s youth have to start showing signs of life if they want to be a part of what Utah is building. Tonight felt like a perfect opportunity for them to show what they can do. Out of the young guys who were on the floor tonight, and if I had to choose one guy who shines in his role more than others on a consistent basis, Brice Sensabaugh has shown what he can do on an NBA floor at a high level — and that skill is putting the ball in the basket. Realistically, Brice’s role is coming off the bench as the 6th-9th man on the roster. Why? Unfortunately, he is an abysmal defender, and with it being year 3 of his NBA career, and with the long track record of poor defensive production before he even stepped foot into the league, what we see now is likely around the production that he’ll provide for the foreseeable future. Along with other qualms, such as passing, this is why he is projected to be a rotation-level player instead of a consistent starter. However, the Jazz scaling him down and allowing to let him play his game in short stints can be beneficial next year as we attempt to make the playoffs. Tonight he scored 20 points and then added on 5 assists and a rebound.
Filipowski had a really solid outing tonight where he tallied a double-double with 16 points, 16 rebounds, along with 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block. I believe he also can carve out a role for the Jazz down the line, too. It seems the Jazz are embracing the thought of handling bigs, which has been a trend since the very start of the Jazz rebuild when they brought in Kelly Olynyk. Not only has this been a trend with the Jazz, but the Ainge’s constructed Celtics’ teams that have won championships with bigs who can pass in high-low actions, from the post, finding cutters, and running handoffs for guards in bigs like Kevin Garnett (yes, he could pass) and Al Horford. I think this is something Jaren will be able to provide on occasion, despite not being considered a passer throughout his career. If Kyle can clean up some of his passing turnovers and bring consistent spacing, then he could be a nice player to slide into a lineup with either Jaren or Walker, who can make up for Flip’s borderline non-existent rim presence.
I don’t have much to say about Collier, generally speaking, but here is a post I have posted previously on Twitter:
Isaiah Collier has been a detriment to this Utah Jazz team. On average, Jazz players dip 18.7 points in net rating when they are on the court with Isaiah Collier. Below I touched on his on-ball usage and how it is not ideal for him to dominate the ball as much as he does, and he… https://t.co/80fWjdd5vPpic.twitter.com/LNsfzKWknj
Tonight, however, he had a fantastic outing where he dropped a DOUBLE-DOUBLE with 17 points (6/16 FG) and 22 assists. He also managed to tack on 5 rebounds and 3 steals to his line. There is a world where he is our backup point guard going into next season, where he can facilitate the bench unit’s offense, and if we were to play him in a small-ball lineup with Jaren at the 5, then that could open up the floor for him, where he’s able to get to the rim at ease just like he did tonight. The shooting and defense remain a big question mark, along with the fact that he carries more on-ball usage than is usually warranted for his archetype & playstyle.
The Pacers look like they have something with Johnny Furphy! He’s a guy who can dribble, pass, shoot, and dunk the basketball, all at 6’8”. I thought he was the most productive player on the court for the Pacers, and he finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss to the Jazz.
Jazz basketball is going to look pretty different in the coming weeks, and I wonder how good we can be down the road. Only one way to find out; it’s going to be a wild ride! GO JAZZ!
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second quarter at Intuit Dome on March 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This is a fascinating trade. Let’s grade it for both sides.
Cavs grade for James Harden trade
The rule of thumb in sports is that you don’t trade young for old. The Cavs broke that rule by acquiring the 36-year-old Harden for the 26-year-old Garland. The difference in this case is that the older player has actually been more durable.
Garland has had some bizarre injury issues in Cleveland including a broken jaw and a sprained toe. Garland’s toe injury significantly slowed him down in the 2025 NBA Playoffs and helped cause the Cavs’ second-round exit after a 64-win regular season. Garland never looked like himself this season after missing a bunch of games nursing the toe, and Cleveland obviously felt like it couldn’t count on him down the stretch.
Harden is having an awesome year, and was one of our top All-Star snubs. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 60 percent true shooting so far this season. Harden is a fascinating fit with Mitchell, who had been spending more on-ball time this year. Harden remains just about the most on-ball heavy player in the league, and he’s never been much of a threat without the ball. This trade frees Mitchell to do more off-ball work which could be effective, but it will only be maximized if Harden can add some value when the ball isn’t in his hands.
Harden has a $42.3 million player option after this season. It seemed like he would pick that up before this week, but now it might be a question after he yearned for a two-year, $80 million extension. Before the Cavs think about their future with Harden, they just need to get through this season. Harden is always a great regular season player, but he’s notoriously terrible (by his standards) in the playoffs. Cleveland felt like it couldn’t rely on Garland to be his best self physically, but does it really think it can count on Harden to produce when it really matters?
I just don’t get the Cavs’ logic for this trade. If they wanted to move off Garland, trading him for a haul of future assets was a smarter play than this. Of course, Cleveland wants to give itself a chance to make a run this year in a wide open Eastern Conference, and it didn’t think Garland was capable of helping them in that push.
Fading Garland makes sense because he just wasn’t reliable. Harden is reliable in the regular season, but he also famously struggles in the playoffs, he’s 10 years older, and he introduces a new super ball-dominant player into the mix. Maybe Cleveland isn’t done yet, but for now I’m not loving it.
Grade: C+
Clippers grade for Darius Garland trade
Garland is a two-time All-Star who beat the allegations that small guards can’t succeed in the modern NBA … at least until he started getting injured all the time. At his best, Garland offers a fantastic blend of speed, playmaking, and off-the-dribble shooting. He’s just about the smallest very good player in the NBA at 6’1, 190 pounds, and he’s never been known as a good defender.
Garland makes $42 million next season, and then $44.8 million in 2027-28. That’s a ton of money, and now it’s going to eat into the Clippers’ 2027 free agency plan. LA obviously thought Garland was better than anyone they were likely to land in free agency, but it’s still a huge price point if he can’t return to his All-Star form.
Garland made 40 percent of 11.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions last year. This season that’s down to 36 percent on 9.8 attempts. His finishing has fallen from 65 percent at the rim last year to 60 percent this year. Most damning of all, his net-rating is -8.5 for his on-off swing.
If Garland’s toe can heal, he can give the Clippers a young point guard just entering his prime years who could help steer the franchise out of its Kawhi Leonard era. He just makes a ton of money and hasn’t been the same player this year. His lack of size gives him less room for error. He’s going to need to be super fast and a deadly shooter and playmaker to be effective. His turnover rate being way up this year (from 12 percent to 15 percent) isn’t a good sign, but maybe he’ll be able to take better care of the ball when he’s 100 percent physically.
It would have seemed impossible for the Clippers to get Garland for Harden at the start of this year. Do the Cavs know something the Clippers don’t? For now, I like this move for getting younger. It makes LA worse this year, but I never thought they were going anywhere in the West even with Harden.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks avoids an inside pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Chase Field on September 24, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This position is an improvement on the 2025 rankings, in which Carroll finished sixth. He was also fourth going into 2024, coming off his unanimous selection as the NL Rookie of the Year, so this ties a career high in these rankings for Corbin. He came ninth in the network’s recent ranking of the top hundred players across all positions. There, Carroll was behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but Corbin also trailed the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker in this list.
Here is the full top ten:
Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Juan Soto, New York Mets
Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs
George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox
The 16th season of each Top 10 Right Now ranking considers player performance over multiple seasons, offensive and defensive metrics, both advanced Statcast data and traditional numbers, and expert analysis by the MLB Network research team. This might be the end of D-backs getting mentioned. Tomorrow is third basemen, and I suppose it’s just about possible Nolan Arenado could get mentioned, though I would be a little surprised. The other two categories remaining are first base and relief pitchers. Much as I regard Pavin Smith as under-rated (not least by his own fanbase!), I honestly do not expect Arizona to be troubling the list in either department.
Like most young players, Gabe Perreault mostly experienced winning on his way to the NHL, whether it was with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program or at Boston College, where he reached the national title game in 2024.
But since scoring a pair of goals Jan. 14, Perreault has just one assist — and no goals — over his past eight games and the Rangers have fallen to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with losses in seven of those matches.
“It’s definitely a lot of learning,’’ Perreault said after practice Tuesday in Tarrytown. “For me, growing up, I know you can learn the most from failure, in a way. It’s never fun to lose, but you can still grow from it and have this help us win more games.”
The 20-year-old winger, selected by the Rangers No. 23 overall in 2023, is one of several young players stepping into a larger role in the wake of this disastrous stretch that led to general manager Chris Drury issuing another letter to fans and opting not to sign Artemi Panarin to an extension.
New York Rangers right wing Gabe Perreault (94) handles the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Perreault, who made his NHL debut last season with a five-game cameo with the Rangers, is among those who will be sticking around Broadway, as the team looks to ship Panarin — and likely others — out of town by the March 6 trade deadline.
The Rangers are set to miss the playoffs in consecutive seasons, but Perreault doesn’t want the rest of the year to be a waste.
“You still have to have a positive attitude, whether you’re winning or losing,’’ Perreault said. “It’s the same mindset whether I was in college or the [national] program. You just have to stay with it, day by day.”
So whether it’s Perreault, Noah Laba or any of the other young players looking to forge a path with the Rangers, the stretch run of the regular season will remain valuable.
“You have to take advantage of everything, whether it’s practice or games,’’ Perreault said. “When you’re in the locker room and with the team, you can learn from guys who have played for a while.”
One of the Rangers’ many issues during this horrid stretch has been poor goaltending in the absence of Igor Shesterkin.
Not only do they no longer have Shesterkin — out since Jan. 5 and on injured reserve with a lower-body injury — to mask many of their other issues, they’ve also been forced to play Jonathan Quick more often than they’d like.
Quick turned 40 last month and has struggled with the added playing time, as has his replacement as the backup goalie, Spencer Martin.
The duo has combined to allow at least five goals in two of their past three games — all losses.
Only four goalies who have played as many games as Martin — six — have a worse save percentage than his .864 mark and no one with that many games played has a worse goals-against average than Martin’s 4.13.
“He’s got an opportunity to help us,’’ coach Mike Sullivan said of the 30-year-old on his fifth NHL team. “I think he competes hard in there. I think he’s made some timely saves for us. I think he plays the puck very well [and] adds to our depth at the goaltending position.”
