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Cubs BCB After Dark: Which outfielder should get an extension?

It’s Wednesday night here at BCB After Dark: the most happening hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We’re so glad you decided to stop by. Come in out of the cold. We can check your coat for you. We’ve got a fire going and the show will start soon. There’s no cover charge tonight. Bring your own beverage.

BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.

Last night, I asked you where the Cubs were most vulnerable heading into the season. Thirty-five percent of you thought the biggest issue was the bullpen, and that makes a lot of sense. Another 31 percent of you said “outfield depth,” and that makes a lot of sense too. I wonder about the two percent of you who said “infield depth.” I guess if you don’t believe in Matt Shaw that could be a problem, but is that the biggest potential problem on the team?

Here’s the part where we listen to music and talk movies. The BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic starts the third round tonight. But you’re free to skip all that. You won’t hurt my feelings.

My adage when I can’t think of anything to play is to just play the hits. So tonight, we have a classic from Count Basie and his Orchestra on the BBC in 1965. This is “April in Paris,” which you’ve probably heard many times, even if only in Blazing Saddles.

You voted in the BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic and you decided to send Back to the Future to the final eight over The Matrix. A lot of you noted that I probably would have voted for The Matrix (I don’t vote except to break ties) but were it up to me, this round would have been Gattaca against 12 Monkeys, so I’m not going to get too worked up.

With that, we close out the second round and move on to the third. We also move back to the “Classic” period where we have a battle of two heavyweights: The Day the Earth Stood Still and Godzilla (Gojira). I put the Japanese title in the matchup to make clear that were voting on the Japanese original. The English-language version is called Godzilla: King of the Monsters. I’ve mentioned that version with Raymond Burr is a lot of fun but it is definitely the inferior version.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951). Directed by Robert Wise. Starring Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal and Hugh Marlowe.

Here’s what I wrote last time about The Day the Earth Stood Still.

The key clip from The Day the Earth Stood Still is Patricia Neal saying “Klaatu Barada Nikto” to Gort, but I used that one last time. But it’s just a magnificent piece of filmmaking from director Wise. You can see how he would go on to win two Oscars for directing.

This clip of Klaatu (Rennie) emerging from the saucer is also good.

Godzilla (1954). Directed by Ishirō Honda. Starring Akira Takarada, Momoko Kōchi, Akihiko Hirata and Takashi Shimura.

Here’s what I wrote last time about Godzilla.

Here’s Godzilla emerging out of Tokyo Bay.

Both of these films are dealing with the anxieties of the nuclear age from different sides of the Pacific. For Americans, the destruction of nuclear weapons was only theoretical and in The Day the Earth Stood Still, Klaatu comes as a Christ-like savior to lead us to the path of peace. No one gets hurt other than Klaatu. Even he (sort of, thanks the Production Code) comes back to life.

Of course for the Japanese, the terror of nuclear weapons was all too real and Godzilla wrecks major havoc to the country. Tens or hundreds of thousands are likely dead in Godzilla’s wake. The message isn’t so much “live in peace with nuclear weapons” as it is “get rid of them because someone is going to use one again eventually.”

Both films are fantastic. Tough choice tonight. But now is your time to make it.

You have until Monday to make your vote. Next up is the finals in our “New Hollywood” bracket between 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes (1968).

Welcome back to everyone who skips the music and movies.

Earlier this decade, the Cubs were lining up all of their big contracts to run out at the end of this year. That’s gone a bit by the wayside with the signings of Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman and Phil Maton, but for the most part, the Cubs are going to have a few free agents at the end of 2026 if they don’t sign them to extensions before that.

Both Cubs starting corner outfielders, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, are going to be free agents at the end of the season unless they agree to extensions or accept a qualifying offer. Both of them are very good players, but neither one is a superstar. It’s hard to tell what Suzuki is thinking with the language barrier and all, but I’ve got no reason to think he isn’t happy in Chicago. There was a little grumbling from his camp last year when he was moved to DH after the trade for Kyle Tucker, but Tucker is gone now and Suzuki is penciled back in right field for 2026.

Happ has made it clear that he loves Chicago and the Cubs and would like to be a Cub for life.

So should the Cubs make a move now to sign either outfielder to an extension? Or both?

Al wrote an article earlier this winter arguing for Happ to be signed to a three-year extension. I actually think that his contract proposal was a little low on money. I think Happ can get significantly more than three years, $48 million on the open market. Jorge Polanco is a year older than Happ, is a bad defender who is moving to first base and is a similar hitter. He got two years and $40 million from the Mets on the open market.

So I’m going to propose a three-year extension for Happ for $60 million. That’s basically what he signed in his last extension. Yes, Happ is older now than he was then, but salaries have gone up since then too.

Suzuki is a better hitter than Happ but a much worse fielder. The two were born six days apart from each other, so age isn’t a factor. I think Suzuki’s defense is going to be a bigger problem as he ages, so he may be destined to be a full-time DH with only an occasional game as a corner outfielder. So I’m going to put Suzuki’s extension at a slight discount from Happ at three years and $54 million.

So would you sign either of these outfielders to an extension before Opening Day? Or both of them? The Cubs are definitely going to need two corner outfielders in 2027. Even if you think that Kevin Alcántara is ready to take over one of those spots, there really isn’t another reasonable candidate in the minor leagues to fill the other one. The free agent market for outfielders next winter isn’t great. There’s George Springer, who is going to be 37 years old and then there are guys who I’d argue aren’t as good as Happ and Suzuki—Randy Arozarena, Adolis García and Trent Grisham. That may make signing either one to an extension harder because they know that teams looking for outfielders next winter aren’t going to have a ton of options.

There is one wildcard in the Cubs minor league system that would argue against signing both is last year’s first-round pick Ethan Conrad. Conrad hasn’t made his professional debut yet because of injuries and it seems highly unlikely that he’d be ready to start the 2027 season in the majors. However, if he’s as good as the Cubs think he is, Conrad will definitely be ready by 2028, if not sooner. But can you really count on a player who hasn’t taken a professional at-bat yet?

You can make your own estimates on what the extension would go for, but make it realistic. Neither one is signing for two years and $20 million. You don’t have to give either one no-trade options, although Happ wouldn’t need one because he would become a 10-5 player some time in the 2027 season.

So what would you do? Would you lock up one of these outfielders by Opening Day? Both? Neither?

Thank you for stopping in tonight. We know you have a lot of fake online baseball and jazz-themed nightclubs to choose from, so we’re happy you chose us. Please get home safely. Stay warm out there. Don’t forget anything. Recycle any cans and bottles. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again next week for more BCB After Dark.

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Knicks 119, Raptors 92: “Didn’t see that coming.”

The New York Knicks (29*-18) played at MSG last night and fought deep into the night before finally knifing the Kings. Just 24 hours later, they took the floor in Toronto to face the Raptors (29-20). The Raps had rested since Sunday and won four straight. A fatigued Knicks team versus one of the hottest in the league? With Immanuel Quickley having a career year? Some of us had concerns. So a 119-92 win? Quoth YIK: “Didn’t see that coming.”

The game had an unpromising start. The visitors opened with a turnover-soaked first quarter and scrambled after an ill Jalen Brunson exited early, managing just 18 points. They steadied in the second behind Towns’ absurd rebounding and improved team defense, clawing their way to a four-point deficit at halftime. After another uneven stretch to start the third, New York went on a 64-26 run to the finish line, riding Mikal Bridges’ unstoppable shooting, Anunoby’s full-court impact, and another solid game by Josh Hart (playing on a sore ankle, no less).

New York outshot the Raps (50% to 38% FG, 37% to 27% 3PT), applied relentless interior pressure (winning the paint, 60–38), and superior ball movement (32 assists)—most of the good stuff happening after intermission. Bridges led the way with 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting, while Anunoby delivered a ferocious two-way performance with 26 points, six steals, and five assists. The hobbled Hart was everywhere, piling up 22 points, six boards, and six dimes, and Jalen Brunson, clearly not at full strength, still steadied the offense with 13 points in 30 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to score (8 points on 3-of-11 FG) but grabbed a staggering 22 rebounds and fouled nobody (nobody!) in 35 minutes.

Off the bench, Tyler Kolek made the most of his chance. He orchestrated the offense with 10 assists in 19 minutes and a team-high +23, while Landry Shamet chipped in timely shooting (9 points, three threes).

Brandon Ingram carried Toronto with 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting, but faded late, while Scottie Barnes filled the box score (17 points, 10 boards, 5 dimes) and committed five turnovers. OAKAAKUYOAKs RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley both labored ineffectively: the former chipped in 14 points and eight boards but shot 3-of-13; the latter managed just seven points.

That finish gives our heroes a four-game win streak, a 3-0 season series lead, and ownership of third place. Rejoice, fans!

[Editor’s Note: Boston lost to Atlanta, tying them with New York for second place.]

First Half

Woof, what a start. In the first three minutes, New York committed four turnovers, missed all three shot attempts, and watched Toronto score seven unanswered points. Coach Mike Brown called a timeout, out of which Towns committed a backcourt violation.

New York’s shooting was atrocious. Their defense is worse. When Collin Murray-Boyles fired a pass to a cutting Barrett for an uncontested layup, Bridges jogged helplessly behind. Making matters worse, Jalen Brunson was fighting an illness and subbed out after five minutes. While the leaderless Knicks fumbled and bumbled, the Canadians went up by nine.

With multiple players absent or ailing, Mike Brown drew deeply from his bench. Recent DNPs Tyler Kolek, Mohamed Diawara, and Ariel Hukporti reported for duty midway through the frame, as did Guerschon Yabusele, who’s likely sipping the last of his New York coffee. Even Jordan Clarkson checked in around the two-minute mark. With the reserves in, the Raptors were unconcerned. Spoiler: In the entire half, allll those bench guys contributed a total of five points.

Making matters worse, Landry Shamet tried to reverse direction and hurt his leg or groin—and his leg was already sleeved in a brace. Shamet limped off the court to watch the quarter play out from the bench. Whether your vantage was from up close or upstate New York, it was unpleasant, and when the buzzer buzzed, the score on this dud was 28-18.

Yet again, an assortment of Brunson, Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart couldn’t break 18 points. Hard to believe that somewhere in his lair, James Dolan isn’t dusting off his Melo-scented nuclear button.

We’ve seen KAT disappear. Now behold the vanishing OG!

In the second quarter, the game improved somewhat. Towns couldn’t make a shot, missing 5-0f-6 so far, but was hauling in rebounds at a record rate. By the five-minute mark, his total was 15 and climbing. On the other hand, he’d been blocked four times by Murray-Boyles in the second quarter alone. Note: CMB stands 6’7”.

Good news—Shamet returned, hit a triple, and moved well. And the Knicks’ defense improved enough to hold the Raptors to just 6-of-26 shooting in the second quarter. Although the Raptors shot terribly from the field in the first half (31% FG, 35% 3PT), they made plenty of hay at the free-throw line. By intermission, they had attempted 18 freebies in New York’s six. Both teams had missed one at the stripe.

Down 34–22 around the nine-minute mark, New York outscored Toronto by eight from there. That cut the score to 51–47 at halftime. Kind of surprisingly, every Knicks mini-run coincided with Towns being on the floor. Because, the rebounding! KAT finished the frame with 16 rebounds, the most by any NBA player in a half this season. And yet: four points on 2-of-9 shooting. And yet: no fouls. It’s always a mixed bag, innit?

Meanwhile, but Bridges was starting to cook. . . .

The Knicks scored 28 points in the paint to Toronto’s 14, but had been outrebounded 29-26 and missed 15-of-19 three-point attempts. After committing a season-high 21 turnovers last night, they kept the party going with 11 more in the first half tonight. Anunoby was the only New Yorker in double-digits with 14 points; for Toronto, Ingram and Barnes had 13 apiece. Quickley, who delivered a 40-burger earlier this month, had scored three points.

Second Half

The Knicks spent much of the quarter knocking on the door. More turnovers and offensive fouls hindered their progress, however. Toronto continued to benefit from free throws and defensive lapses. Last night, New York had no answer for DeMar DeRozan; tonight, the role was picked up by Ingram. There’s always someone.

Josh Hart was playing on a sore ankle. He’d finish the game with over 35 minutes and made plays like this:

New York finally cobbled together a decent run (with buckets by Shamet, Bridges, and Hart) and overtook the Raps with an Anunoby pick-six late at the four-minute mark. That gave them some momentum, and the train kept going—a 27-4 run helped them close the quarter ahead 82-70. Players on the floor during the scoring party? Kolek, Shamet, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns. Mikal was especially incendiary, having made 10 of his first 11 shots, including 3-of-4 from deep, and Anunoby—who recorded seven giveaways yesterday—was stealing and blocking and scoring (10-of-16 thus far).

New York won the quarter 35-19, and a stunned hush fell over the city of Toronto. Check out this sequence, culminating in a krazy KAT dime:

Early in the fourth quarter, Kolek turned his ankle and had to leave the court. It was a disappointing break for the rookie who’s been in and out of the rotation this season and hungry for opportunities. A DNP for the previous two contests, the sophomore had dished 10 dimes in 19 minutes at the time of the injury (and only three turnovers).

Meanwhile, New York was rolling. The Knicks rattled off multiple threes (Hart twice, Shamet, Bridges) and paired them with rim pressure and dunks from OG and Bridges. The lead ballooned to 22 halfway through the period. For the villains, Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett missed jumpers in succession, and Toronto’s scoring dwindled to occasional dunks and free throws. By pairing defensive rebounding with blistering shooting, New York was a chainsaw, and Toronto folded like a maple leaf.

Up Next

The Knicks will return stateside to host the Trail Blazers on Friday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

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Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby pick up slack for other Knicks stars in comeback win over Raptors

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) looks for a play against the Toronto Raptors, Image 2 shows Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball over a Toronto Raptors player, Image 3 shows Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball down the court, guarded by two Toronto Raptors players

TORONTO — Mikal Bridges had an epiphany.

He had been passive and struggling for about a month, carrying the look and feel of a player who wasn’t on the level necessary for his team to succeed.

But something changed during Wednesday’s 119-92 victory over the Raptors. He went from unsure to extremely effective, dropping a game-high 30 points and carrying the Knicks to a feel-good win under difficult circumstances.

Mikal Bridges shoots a long jumper during the Knicks’ 119-92 blowout victory over the Raptors on Jan. 28, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. NBAE via Getty Images

“In the past weeks… I think the past weeks I was just… just feeling like I wasn’t being coachable to my standard,” Bridges said. “I don’t know what it was — maybe I was feeling too entitled. But it was something where I had to sit down and talk to myself a little bit, and just look at yourself in the mirror and what type of player I want to be.

“It was affecting me personally on both sides of the ball.”

Bridges and the Knicks came alive in the third quarter in Toronto. And on the same day news broke that the Bucks were fielding offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo — a development that interests New York’s front office — the short-handed Knicks pulled off an impressive comeback.

The heroes were the wings, Bridges and OG Anunoby, who combined for 56 points and keyed the second-half turnaround that extended New York’s winning streak to four games.

They compensated for a sickly off night from Jalen Brunson, who was battling an illness and managed just 13 points and sat most of the second half.

There was also a tactical adjustment from the players and staff, realizing they have to fight the Raptors ball pressure with quick drives rather than half-court sets.

“We had to throw out everything we had to do offensively in terms of sets and early offense and say, ‘Hey, if they’re up in you, go by them,’” coach Mike Brown said.

Karl-Anthony Towns was ineffective offensively (just eight points) but provided the highlight of the evening — a nifty over-the-shoulder pass to Bridges during that game-breaking third-quarter run. Towns sprinted to the hoop from the trail position, just in time to grab an offensive rebound — the 19th of his season-high 22 boards Wednesday — and shovel his no-look assist to a streaking Bridges while falling out of bounds.

It gave the Knicks a nine-point lead, which expanded to 27 by the final buzzer.

“I took a good guess that [Bridges] would be in that area, trusted him,” Towns said. “Trust was rewarded, he was exactly where I thought he was and we were able to get two points and keep the momentum going.”

OG Anunoby looks to make a play during the Knicks’ blowout road win over the Raptors. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Knicks (29-18) improved to 3-0 against the Raptors (29-20) this season. They trailed by as many as 12 in the first half and won the second 72-41. They killed the Raptors spirit with a 13-0 run to end the third quarter, perhaps their best stretch since New Year’s Eve.

Bridges scored 19 of his 30 points in the third quarter, shooting 12-for-15 overall. It was his best game in a long time. Same with Anunoby.

“[Anunoby] had six steals, seven deflections. Those numbers are unheard of defensively,” Brown praised. “The thing I loved about OG was his ability to attack the rim. He attacked the rim like a grown man. His finishes were unbelievable.”

The result had implications on the standings. The teams entered Wednesday in a virtual tie for third in the East, behind the Pistons and Celtics. The Knicks are now a full game ahead.

Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket as Sandro Mamukelashvili defends during the first half of the Knicks’ road win over the Raptors. Getty Images

Brown said it didn’t matter, not in January.

“I haven’t looked at it recently, but I know we’re right there. There’s still a lot of basketball left,” the coach said. “Every game is important. Try to go get it. But it’s not the end of the world because there’s a long season left. If we win, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to finish ahead of them. If they win, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to finish ahead of us.”

Still, it was an impressive finish given the circumstances. The Knicks were missing players and visibly exhausted in the first half after playing Tuesday night and flying from New York to Toronto. Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson were load managing and unavailable. Josh Hart, who finished with 22 points and six assists, was dealing with a sore ankle.

The team was also enduring trade rumors following the news about the availability of Antetokounmpo, who is a Knicks target and will require a haul in return.

At least for one night, it was easier to forget about the Greek Freak. And easier to remember what Bridges is capable of.

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Alina Muller, Aerin Frankel help Fleet beat Sirens 4-3 in shootout

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Alina Muller scored the winning goal in the eighth round of the shootout, Aerin Frankel had 30 saves and the Boston Fleet beat the New York Sirens 4-3 on Wednesday night at the Tsongas Center in the final game for both teams before the PWHL's Olympic break.

Abby Newhook, Liz Schepers and Jamie Lee Rattray also scored goals for the Fleet.

Boston (8-2-2-2) leads the league with 30 points this season.

Kristyna Kaltounkova scored two goals for the Sirens and Kristin O'Neill added another. Kaltounkova leads the PWHL with 11 goals this season, one more than Minnesota’s Kendall Coyne Schofield, and is just the third rookie in league history to score double-digit goals. Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle scored 11 goals in the inaugural season and Sarah Fillier had 13 for the Sirens in 2024-25.

New York (7-0-2-7) has lost three in a row and four (three in overtime) of its last five. Kayle Osborne stopped 32 shots for the Sirens.

Kaltounkova drew penalties that gave New York power plays for the final 1:57 of regulation and that last 1:10 of overtime. The Fleet went into the game killing a league-high 96.9% of its penalties.

The Fleet beat New York 2-0 on Dec. 17.

Boston played in its second consecutive shootout, the Fleet's third in the last four games and fourth this season.

Up next

New York: The Sirens host Montreal on Feb. 26.

Boston: The Fleet visits Ottawa on Feb. 28.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

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Hornets beat Grizzlies 112-97 to top victory total from all of last season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Brandon Miller scored 26 points, Moussa Diabate had 18 points and 20 rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets topped their victory total from all of last season, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 112-97 on Wednesday night.

Charlotte had won four straight to improve to 20-28 after finishing 19-62 last season. Miles Bridges added 20 points, and LaMelo Ball had 16. Diabate was 9 of 10 from the field in the first night of a back-to-back.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26 points. Cedric Coward had 17. The Grizzlies have lost four in a row to fall to 18-27. Star guard Ja Morant is out at least three weeks because of a left elbow injury.

Miller scored 14 points in the first quarter to help Charlotte take a 36-28 lead. The Hornets led 29-13 with 3:56 left. The Hornets led 62-55 at the half, and had a 9-75 edge after three quarters.

Up next

Hornets: At Dallas on Thursday night.

Grizzlies: At New Orleans on Friday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Mikal Bridges, Knicks come alive in second half to beat Raptors, 119-92

The Knicks took control in the second half to rout the Toronto Raptors, 119-92, on Wednesday night.

Here are the key takeaways...

-- On the second leg of a back-to-back, traveling from New York to Canada in the process, the Knicks did not start off so hot. They had three turnovers in their first five possessions and were 0-for-2 on the other two possessions, missing two three-pointers, which would be a theme of the night.

-- With nothing happening offensively in the first four minutes and looking for a spark with his team down 14-5, head coach Mike Brown put in Tyler Kolek for Jalen Brunson and Kolek immediately responded with an assist on a three-pointer by OG Anunoby. New York went on a mini 5-0 run after the move, and with the help of its defense, mostly coming from the bench, it was able to get back into the game.

-- Still, it was an ugly opening quarter by the Knicks, who scored just 18 points on a paltry 6-for-20 from the field. They relied way too heavily on the deep ball, settling for tough shots and going 2-for-12 from beyond the arc. It was there that New York was missing Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and his offensive rebounding prowess, getting outrebounded in the quarter, 16-9.

-- The Raptors weren't much better (8-for-19 from the floor), but they were efficient from deep (3-for-5) and the free-throw line (9-for-10) to go into the second quarter with a 28-18 lead.

-- The poor shooting by both teams continued in the second. Toronto missed its first seven shots of the quarter before hitting back-to-back threes, and the Knicks began the frame 4-for-15. After the two made threes, the Raptors missed their next eight shots, but despite going 2-for-17 for eight minutes, their lead barely shrank because of their ability to get to the line and knock down free throws.

-- Meanwhile, New York was dealing with its own terrible shooting and turnovers, too. At halftime, the Knicks had 11 giveaways after a season-high 21 turnovers on Tuesday night. After all that, though, New York was still able to keep it within a reasonable margin and ended the half on a mini 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 51-47.

-- Brunson had just nine points, and the Knicks' bench could only add five points despite six players seeing at least three minutes, but Anunoby (playing against his former team) led all scorers with 14, and Karl-Anthony Towns ended up picking up the slack on the glass with 16 rebounds (six offensive) at the half.

-- Things changed tremendously after the break for New York, with one player in particular stepping up in a massive way. Mikal Bridges (with just six points in the first half) put on a clinic in the third quarter, going 7-for-8 from the field, 3-for-4 from deep and 2-for-2 from the line. 

-- What was once an 11-point deficit with eight minutes left to play in the quarter quickly turned into a 12-point lead by the Knicks at the end of the frame, thanks to the play of Bridges who scored the final 11 points in the quarter as part of a 20-2 New York run that ended the third. Overall, the Knicks outscored the Raptors, 35-19, in the quarter. 

-- Anunoby also had a nice quarter (nine points) as he continued his solid play with Brunson and Towns struggling to find the net all night. 

-- Suddenly red-hot offensively, which was a total reversal of the first half, New York continued its dominance in the final frame by putting up another 37 points. After such a rough start, the Knicks ended the night shooting 50 percent (45-for-90) from the field and finished 14-for-38 from deep. 

-- Bridges (30), Anunoby (26) and Josh Hart (22) did most of the damage for New York while Brunson and Town took a backseat, combining for just 21 points. KAT did finish with 22 rebounds, imposing his size on the shorter Raptors team. 

-- As for Brunson, he was questionable before the game with an illness and although he played 30 minutes, it was clear he wasn't 100 percent healthy. However, Kolek filled in nicely as a facilitator and finished with a career-high 10 assists in 20 minutes.

Game MVP: Mikal Bridges

Bridges came alive in the second half, which allowed the Knicks to take the lead and ultimately get the win (outscoring the hosts 72-41 after the half) following such a poor shooting performance in the first half.

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks return home for a Friday night matchup at MSG against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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LeBron James fights back tears during Cavaliers tribute video as questions about NBA future loom

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James reacting on the bench during a video tribute, Image 2 shows LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench and looks up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James got emotional during his trip back to Cleveland on Wednesday night as he watched highlights from his 25-point Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 performance from 2007. 

The heartfelt moment occurred during a stoppage in play during the first quarter of the Lakers’ 129-99 loss to the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. 

James, 41, teared up as the clip played, attempting to wipe his face with his Lakers jersey before grabbing a towel from underneath the bench to try and presumably dry the tears from his eyes. 

Lakers forward LeBron James reacts on the bench during a video tribute shown on the scoreboard during a timeout in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Jan. 28, 2026. David Richard-Imagn Images

According to the Associated Press, it was the first time the Cavs had honored the four-time MVP by playing the highlights from that game, usually putting clips on the video board of his Game 7 effort in the 2016 NBA Finals when Cleveland won it all over the Warriors. 

The emotional moment came on the same night James — who finished the night with 11 points and five assists — reached 60,000 career regular-season minutes, becoming the first player to do so in NBA history. 

James spent 11 of his 23 years in the NBA with the Cavaliers over two stints.

He eventually left Cleveland for the second time in 2018 via free agency to go to Los Angeles. 

Questions have continued this season about what James’ future holds for him in LA and in the NBA.

LeBron Jamesof the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE via Getty Images

ESPN reported Wednesday that the Cavaliers “would gladly welcome” the NBA superstar back this summer if he wanted one more go in Cleveland. 

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell seemed intrigued by the idea when speaking to the California Post ahead of Wednesday’s game, but he ultimately said that wasn’t something he had control over. 

 “That ain’t up to me,” Mitchell told The California Post. “That ain’t up to me. I’m focused on these guys in the locker room. And from that point, everything else kinda goes where it does. But that ain’t me.

“I’m focused on what we got here and I’m excited for that.”

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Sayvia Sellers scores career-high 38 and No. 25 Washington women top No. 16 Maryland 83-80 in 2OT

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Sayvia Sellers scored a career-high 38 points, Avery Howell had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and No. 25 Washington defeated No. 16 Maryland 83-80 in double overtime on Wednesday night for the Huskies' fifth consecutive win.

Addi Mack's jumper that got Maryland within 77-76 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the second overtime was the final made basket of the game. Washington made 6 of 8 from the line in the final minutes to finish off the win.

Sellers scored seven points in the second extra period. Her fifth 3-pointer opened the scoring and the Huskies never trailed.

The score was tied at 46 heading to the fourth quarter and there would be five more ties in regulation, including a 3-pointer by Elle Ladine that sent the game to overtime. The Huskies were 6 for 25 from 3-point distance in regulation.

Sellers made a go-ahead basket for a one-point lead with four seconds left in overtime but Maryland's Saylor Poffenbarger drew a foul after an offensive rebound and made one free throw to tie it.

Yarden Garzon scored 24 points and Mack 20 for Maryland (17-5, 5-5 Big Ten). Poffenbarger had 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Ladine scored 10 points for Washington (17-4, 7-3) and Brynn McGaughy had 11 rebounds.

Mack buried three 3-pointers in the first quarter and Maryland raced out to a 22-11 lead. Maryland a 35-23 halftime lead.

Sellers scored eight points in Washington’s 13-2 run that tied the score at 39 halfway through the third quarter. She scored 14 of Washington’s 23 points in the third and the score was tied at 46.

Up next

The Terrapins host Oregon on Saturday.

The Huskies return to Seattle for a home game against Illinois on Sunday. ___

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Islanders 5, Rangers 2: Total domination in Palat, Soucy’s debut

It was a fun one to start the home-and-home as the New York Islanders beat the New York Rangers 5-2 in a game they dominated from the start.

While the Islanders added two players in Palat and Soucy leading up to this Olympic break trade freeze, the Rangers have put Artemi Panarin on the trade block as they go all in on their official letter-based proclamation retool. Panarin was held out of the game, and will also be out of tomorrow’s if he isn’t traded by then.

But the Islanders took advantage of the struggling Rangers and put on a show for the home fans, with Ondrej Palat picking up first star honors in his debut (with his PP goal and a secondary assist, while Simon Holmstrom, Mat Barzal (also on the power play), JG Pageau, and Emil Heineman scored the other four goals.

This score could’ve been more lopsided, as the Isles hit a few posts throughout the night, but fans will be leaving UBS Arena happy with the big win tonight.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

It was all Islanders tonight, though despite leading in shots and shot attempts the Isles couldn’t get anything past Spencer Martin early.

There was some typical Isles vs Rangers roughness, as Vincent Trocheck tripped into David Rittich and got an extra shove or two from former teammate and new Islander Carson Soucy, along with Matthew Schaefer crushing Brennan Othmann along the boards by the bench.

Alexis Lafreniere was called for slashing Mat Barzal and breaking his stick (although his stick kind of looked like it broke moments before the slash). The refs might have realized this, as they then called Bo Horvat for interference just nine seconds later, after he flipped Mika Zibanejad’s stick out of his hands and over the glass to send us to some 4 on 4 hockey.

But then Simon Holmstrom drew a slashing penalty on Trocheck, giving the Islanders a 4 on 3. Will Cuylle nearly set up JT Miller shorthanded, but Miller couldn’t handle the puck.

Newcomer Ondrej Palat then picked up the power play goal, with Holmstrom and Schaefer grabbing the assists.

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Tony DeAngelo set up Holmstrom back door to make it 2-0 just a little over a minute later.

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Jonathan Drouin took a bad high sticking penalty, but fortunately didn’t draw anything more than just the two minute minor. David Rittich made a couple of great saves, but then Miller set up Zibanejad to make it 2-1.

Casey Cizikas went in to the boards hard early in the second, and while falling, took a knee from Matt Rempe to the back. A crowd came together after that, but no penalties were given, and Cizikas skated back to the bench and seemed to be okay.

Then, the Islanders drew three(!!) penalties in the same shift – two for Sam Carrick (tripping and crosschecking) and one for Rempe (boarding), giving them a full two minute 5 on 3 power play along with an extended 6 on 5.

Emil Heineman put a shot off the post, and the Islanders had some good chances, but not a lot of net front presence to really make it difficult for Martin and the Rangers.

But with 30 seconds left on the regular 5 on 4, Barzal scored to make it 3-1 off a great pass from Holmstrom, who picked up his second PP assist of the night.

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Just 47 seconds later, JG Pageau scored his 11th of the season to make it 4-1, sticking with the loose puck after Marc Gatcomb’s shot was stopped by Martin.

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A bit over a minute later, Taylor Raddysh got one back for the Rangers, but with 46.6 seconds left in the period, Heineman ripped the puck past Martin to make it 5-2, restoring the three goal lead for the Islanders.

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In the third, Jonathan Drouin had a chance on goal, but it was deflected by Braden Schneider.

Horvat took a tripping penalty, and Pageau and Holmstrom couldn’t connect on a shorthanded chance, but the Isles killed the penalty.

DeAngelo hit the post, adding to the near-misses for the Isles tonight. But the Islanders would close out the game 5-2, picking up their third win against the Rangers this season.

Up Next

Next, the Islanders make the very long trek to Madison Square Garden to take on the Rangers tomorrow. That’ll likely be the big Sorokin vs Shesterkin showdown, and we’ll see if the Islanders can make it a perfect 4-0 against the Rangers this season.

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Gillespie scores 21, Tennessee beats Georgia 86-85 in OT for coach Rick Barnes' 850th career win

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Ja’Kobi Gillespie had 21 points, J.P. Estrella scored five of his 17 points in overtime, and Tennessee beat Georgia 86-85 on Wednesday night for coach Rick Barnes' 850th career victory.

Gillespie went 1 of 2 at the free throw line with 19 seconds left in regulation to give Tennessee a 74-72 lead. Then Georgia guard Marcus Millender spun at the edge of the paint and made a contested shot with 3.6 left to tie it. Gillespie took it the length of the court but his floater in the lane did not drop.

Bishop Boswell made two free throws with 24.5 seconds left in overtime to give Tennessee an 85-80 lead, but Millender answered with a 3-pointer at the other end.

A quick foul put Felix Okpara at the free-throw line with 15.7 seconds left and he went 1 of 2 to put Tennessee ahead 86-83. Millender took too much time off the clock before making a layup with 0.6 seconds left and Tennessee inbounded it for the victory.

Nate Ament added 19 points and Boswell had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Tennessee (14-6, 4-3 SEC). The Volunteers dominated the glass 52-27, including a 26-7 edge on the offensive end.

Kanon Catchings scored a season-high 22 points for Georgia (16-5, 4-4). Millender scored 17 of his 19 points after halftime.

Millender made a floater in the lane just before the buzzer to extend Georgia's lead to 34-28 at halftime. Catchings scored 14 points and made four 3-pointers in the first half.

Up next

Tennessee: The Volunteers return home to play Auburn on Saturday.

Georgia: The Bulldogs host Texas A&M on Saturday.

___

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Islanders crush Rangers to continue season domination of rival

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Emil Heineman (left), who scored later in the game, celebrates a goal by Ondrej Palat during the first period of the Islanders' 5-2 win over the Rangers on Jan. 28, 2026 at UBS Arena
Islanders rangers

If you wanted to sum up the state of the Battle of New York in one moment, you could do a lot worse than 14:59 of the first period Wednesday night.

There was Ondrej Palat, celebrating his first goal as an Islander one day after being traded across town from New Jersey.

There wasn’t Artemi Panarin, the highest-paid Rangers player, being held out of the match for roster management reasons as the Blueshirts seek to take the next step of their teardown by moving the Russian wing who chose Broadway over Long Island in 2019.

Emil Heineman (left), who scored later in the game, celebrates a goal by Ondrej Palat during the first period of the Islanders’ 5-2 win over the Rangers on Jan. 28, 2026 at UBS Arena. Robert Sabo for New York Post

There was the UBS scoreboard, showing the Rangers had just one shot on goal in nearly 15 minutes.

At least this time, they didn’t get shut out. The Islanders, though, took their third game of three against their rivals this season, tilting the ice all night long in cruising to a 5-2 win over the Rangers.

“I don’t judge my play on points,” Palat said after notching a goal and assist over 11:53 of ice time. “I’m happy I got a couple, but the team played well and that’s all that matters.”

“We’re used to having him score goals against us,” Jean-Gabriel Pageau said. “To have him on our side, we’re extremely happy.”

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The injection of energy brought by the acquisitions of Palat and Carson Soucy — the latter of whom made his Islanders debut against the team he played for until Monday night — was evident all night long.

The Islanders played with the puck. They got below the hash marks and worked off the cycle, controlling proceedings all night long. Palat seemed to instantly click with Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman, the latter of whom had his most noticeable game in weeks, accounting for a number of dangerous looks before finally breaking through off Adam Pelech’s feed that made it 5-2 late in the third.

The third line of Anders Lee, Pageau and Simon Holmstrom was the Islanders’ best, though, with Holmstrom playing a starring role.

He fed Palat’s opening goal on the power play, scored just 1:11 later off Tony DeAngelo’s slick backdoor feed, then added a second power-play assist on a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing sequence on which the puck pinged from DeAngelo to Horvat to Holmstrom to Barzal before No. 13’s one-timer beat Spencer Martin across the crease.

Simon Holmstrom scored a goal on Spencer Martin during the first period of the Islanders’ win over the Rangers. Robert Sabo for New York Post

That made it 3-1 after the Islanders had failed to convert a two-minute 5-on-3 following the Rangers taking three penalties on one shift, with two of them going to Sam Carrick. Another emblematic moment for the Blueshirts.

“I thought the turning point was the three penalties on one shift,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said. “I’ve never seen that before.”

Of Holmstrom, and of DeAngelo, Islanders coach Patrick Roy used the same word: “Outstanding.”

DeAngelo, whose play has gone up a notch lately, was nothing short of terrific against his old club, his vision and passing at an elite level all night long.

Matt Rempe gets into a fight with Adam Pelech during the second period of the Rangers’ blowout loss to the Islanders. Robert Sabo for New York Post

Mika Zibanejad’s power-play one-timer briefly brought the Rangers within 2-1 at 13:12 of the second, but Barzal’s goal, followed 42 seconds later by Pageau jamming Marc Gatcomb’s rebound into the crease, quickly extended the Islanders lead back to 4-1.

David Rittich, who had quietly struggled for much of January, had a solid night in nets for the Islanders with 13 saves, though the Rangers scoring chances came few and far between.

“The last two games, I really feel like we played really well defensively, and I think that allows us to get the puck faster and get on the rush and create some offense because of it,” Roy said. “This is something we need to continue to do.”

Indeed, the second game in a row, this was more about the Islanders play in front of the goalie than it was about the goalie — an extremely positive sign.And for the third time in three games against the Rangers, this looked like a playoff team facing a last-place club.

Oh wait. That’s exactly what it was.

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Islanders thump sputtering Rangers, 5-2

NEW YORK (AP) — Ondrej Palat scored the opening goal and added an assist in his debut with the New York Islanders, who defeated their cross-town rival New York Rangers 5-2 on Wednesday night.

Simon Holmstrom had a goal and two assists, David Rittich made 14 saves, and the Islanders won their second straight game. Mathew Barzal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman also scored.

Mika Zibanejad and Taylor Raddysh scored for the Rangers. Spencer Martin stopped 31 shots, but the Rangers lost for the fourth time in their last five games and are 2-8-1 since they won the Winter Classic in Florida on Jan. 2. Star forward Artemi Panarin was held out of the lineup for roster management purposes and will not play again for the Rangers before the Olympic break.

Holmstrom made a slick pass from the half wall to set up Palat in the slot for a power-play goal with 5:01 remaining in the first period.

Tony DeAngelo found Holmstrom for a tap-in goal 1:11 later, giving the Islanders a 2-0 lead.

Zibanejad buried a cross-ice feed from J.T. Miller late in the first period to pull the Rangers within one.

Barzal and Pageau scored 47 seconds apart midway through the second period to extend the Islanders’ lead to 4-1.

The Islanders acquired Palat from the New Jersey Devils, along with a third-round pick in 2026 and a sixth-round pick in 2027, in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov.

Up Next

The Rangers host the Islanders on Thursday for the second half of a home-and-home.

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Player Grades: Cavs vs Lakers – Cleveland’s youth puts on a show

The Cleveland Cavaliers ran the Los Angeles Lakers off the floor 129-99. Their youth stole the show.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

25 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds

Mitchell has had to carry a lot of weight without Darius Garland. Opposing defenses have made him their primary target, doing everything in their power to keep him from breaking free. Mitchell used that to his advantage tonight, finding the perfect balance between being aggressive and riding shotgun.

He did enough to keep the Lakers’ defense preoccupied while still giving enough freedom for his teammates to create off of his advantages. Mitchell wasn’t incredibly efficient, but his decision-making was strong throughout the night.

Grade: A–

Jarrett Allen

17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists

The Cavs need the best version of Allen to show up during these next few weeks without Mobley. He did that tonight, opening the game 6-9 from the floor and attacking in the pick-and-roll to open the floor for everyone else.

Grade: A+

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Jaylon Tyson

20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Playing against LeBron James in Cleveland is something special. It’s the type of game that a young, wide-eyed player like Tyson could struggle with. But Tyson has had no fear of the moment in his sophomore season. He embraced the challenge, forcing James into multiple offensive fouls and carrying the Cavalier offense while LA’s defense focused primarily on stopping Mitchell.

Grade: A+

Craig Porter Jr.

7 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals

Porter’s playmaking has been crucial to Cleveland’s recent success. He’s kept the offense alive during his minutes at backup point guard, making quick decisions off the catch and getting the defense into rotation before dishing to his teammates.

Grade: A

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De’Andre Hunter

19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Hunter began this game 0-5 from the floor. Something that doesn’t feel very surprising with the way he has played recently. But then, something encouraging happened. Hunter drilled three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter and seemingly found his confidence again. Let’s hope it sticks around.

Grade: A

Nae’Qwan Tomlin

8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Tomlin’s hustle has carried him throughout this season. But it led to perhaps the best moment of his young career when he stripped Luka Doncic at halfcourt, then took off flying for a fastbreak dunk while the Cavs built up their massive lead in the third quarter.

Later in the fourth quarter, he blocked LeBron James from behind and then threw down a Cavalanche-triggering windmill dunk a few minutes later. This was Tomlin’s show.

Grade: A+++

Dean Wade

11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

Wade’s settling into one hell of a groove. He was active off the ball, cutting to the hoop for a handful of easy opportunities while nailing 2-3 three-point attempts. All the while, he’s back to being one of the best and most versatile defenders on the roster.

Grade: A+

Sam Merrill

4 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists

Merrill returned from a hand injury tonight. He was relatively quiet, dishing four assists as he was run off the line for most of the game.

Grade: B-

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Aaron Nesmith makes go-ahead layup and game-saving block as Pacers rally past Bulls 113-110

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Aaron Nesmith made a go-ahead reverse layup with 13.9 seconds left and blocked Coby White's attempt from close range with 2.9 seconds remaining, and the Indiana Pacers rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Chicago Bulls 113-110 on Wednesday night.

Pascal Siakam scored 20 points, Andrew Nembhard had 18, Jarace Walker added 16, Bennedict Mathurin had 15 and Nesmith finished with 14 for the NBA-worst Pacers, who improved to 3-0 against Chicago this season.

Indiana has won two of three, having beaten defending champion Oklahoma City in an NBA Finals rematch on Friday night. The Thunder have the league's best record while the Pacers have plummeted to the bottom of the standings following Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Finals.

Nikola Vucevic scored 25 points and Matas Buzelis had 20 for the Bulls, who lost their second straight to fall one game under .500 (23-24).

Chicago led 101-87 on a layup by Jalen Smith with 7:14 to go. But the Pacers responded with an 18-4 run and Jay Huff's 3-pointer with 2 minutes left tied it at 105-all.

Vucevic's 3-pointer with 33.5 seconds left gave the Bulls their last lead at 110-109. Johnny Furphy hit two free throws for the final margin, which was the Pacers' biggest lead of the game.

Chicago’s Josh Giddey finished with seven assists to surpass 2,000 for his career. The 23-year-old became the 15th player in NBA history to reach that milestone at age 23 or younger.

Up next

Bulls: Host Miami on Thursday night.

Pacers: Host Atlanta on Saturday night.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Giannis Antetokounmpo trade destinations: Trade rumors, possible packages, landing spots including Warriors, Knicks

The Milwaukee Bucks "are starting to listen" to offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

That may be a step closer to the door for Antetokounmpo compared to where he stood a week or two ago, but it's also a long way from the Greek Freak being on a new team before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.

There are more than a few obstacles in the way of a trade deadline deal, in addition to the fact that Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade:

• He has a $54.1 million salary (plus the fact that any team that trades for him will need to give him a $275 million contract extension six months after the trade).
• The luxury tax aprons restricting what teams can trade (especially the Knicks and Warriors) come into play in almost any deal.
• Antetokounmpo's calf injury has him out now, and it is his second calf injury this season. Remember, he has missed recent playoff runs because of leg issues, this is a recurring thing.

However, the biggest challenge is this: If the Bucks are going to trade Antetokounmpo, they are going to expect a historic haul of picks and players in return, starting with a "blue chip" young star and a boatload of draft picks. Those kinds of trades are very difficult to put together a week before the trade deadline. Milwaukee's best option may be to be patient and wait to make a move in the summer when better trades are likely available (and in the short term, they can try to put together potential deals to upgrade the roster and convince Antetokounmpo to stay).

That said, the Bucks are listening. Charania said later in the day that Antetokounmpo wants to go to New York, Miami, Minnesota or Golden State, but other reports contradict some of those destinations. Take everything with a grain of salt.

Here are some potential destinations for Antetokounmpo.

Golden State Warriors

Golden State isn't done trying to recapture its glory days. It doesn't want the 2022 title to be the last great playoff run of the Stephen Curry era — that's why they traded for Jimmy Butler (who is now done for the season with an ACL tear). Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo gives the Warriors the best chance of making another run with Curry.

A potential Warriors trade that works is:

Golden State gets: Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis
Milwaukee gets: Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, first-round draft picks in 2027, 2029 and 2031, pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.

Butler is the matching salary and a player the Bucks could and would try to flip in another trade over the summer or next season. They can take a flier on Kuminga (this trade can be done without him and the Bucks keeping Portis, but the floor-stretching big man might be a good fit in Golden State). The real selling point is the draft picks (Golden State can trade a fourth as well). The Warriors' sales pitch is that, "once Curry retires, and as Antetokounmpo fades, we have to rebuild, and those picks are very valuable."

This trade has the kind of pick package the Bucks will want, but the only young player coming back is Kuminga and he is more of a roll of the dice than a blue chip prospect. Big picture, the Warriors should also take a step back and ask whether they really want to give up all those picks and pay a serious price in the future for the dream of one more run.

If the Bucks are really trading Antetokounmpo at the deadline, this is likely the best straight-up, one-team offer out there. The questions are: 1) Does Antetokounmpo want to go there? 2) Do the Bucks think this is as good as they can do and take it, or do they wait (this trade will still be there in the summer)?

New York Knicks

If Antetokounmpo could pick his destination, it would be Manhattan — he pushed the Knicks and Bucks to have talks late last summer that went nowhere. (Those talks started after the Knicks had just traded a bunch of picks for Mikal Bridges because it didn't look like the Greek Freak would be available.) The Knicks are going to be aggressive going after Antetokounmpo, reports Ian Begley of SNY.TV.

What killed trade talks last summer is still the problem now: The Bucks want high-level young players, and a lot of first-round draft picks, and the Knicks have none of that. They have Karl-Anthony Towns.

Straight up, this trade is not happening. One scenario that has been floated is a three-team trade that brings in Portland and looks something like this:

New York gets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jerami Grant
Portland gets: Karl-Anthony Towns, Guerschon Yabusele
Milwaukee gets: Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, a potential 2026 first-round pick, they get back some pick swaps from Portland (Damian Lillard trade) and control at least part of their own picks in 2028, 2029, 2030.

There are seemingly countless variations of this trade that have been speculated about, some with Jrue Holiday going to New York, others with Kyle Kuzma instead. Grant ends up on the Bucks in some versions of this. A few have Towns and Bridges in Portland, another has Towns on the Bucks and Bridges in Portland.

First, Zach Lowe of The Ringer called this trade a "wild rumor" on his podcast because he has not heard anyone who would be involved say they know anything about it. Lowe is about as well-connected as it gets, if he's not hearing this, is it real?

This trade absolutely works for the Knicks (which is why their fans love it). The Bucks prize would be control (or, at least some partial control) of some of their own picks, making future tanking a path to a rebuild. But they get no good young players in this deal. As for Portland… why do this? The Trail Blazers are an improving team with a growing young core. Why trade away all those future assets for an expensive player in Towns, who only makes the team marginally better in a deep West? I don't get it.

The only way Antetokounmpo ends up on the Knicks is if he forces his way there, he has not seemed willing to do that, yet. It seems unlikely to be happening before the trade deadline, the Bucks would rather wait out a better offer. (And do the Knicks want to do it now? Owner James Dolan has said he expects to make the Finals, and retooling core parts of a roster midseason — and forcing a dramatic change in playing styles — does not lead to deep playoff runs, even if a team is adding talent.

Minnesota Timberwolves

There reportedly is some mutual interest between the sides. Why Antetokounmpo would want to jump to the stacked Western Conference if his goal is another ring is a good question, but the Timberwolves have been to the Western Conference Finals the past two seasons and have played like a contender at times this season.

What would a potential trade look like?

Minnesota gets: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee gets: Julius Randle, Jade McDaniels, Rob Dillingham, 2029 and 3032 first-round picks, multiple pick swaps

If the goal is to pair Anthony Edwards with Antetokounmpo, then Randle becomes the odd man out (who the Bucks would then try to flip in another trade). Dillingham is not the rising star the Timberwolves hoped for, but maybe the Bucks are willing to take a flyer on him.

If the goal is for Milwaukee to stack up young talent and picks, at least one more team needs to be brought into this trade because the Timberwolves do not have the assets to satisfy the Bucks. This also seems more like an offseason discussion than a trade deadline one.

Miami Heat

If there is a superstar available, you know Pat Riley and the Heat will be in the mix. Miami offers warm weather, a strong organization, and other perks. What would the trade look like?

Miami gets: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee gets: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Kel'el Ware, first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, swap rights in 2031

The only way the Bucks consider this is if they agree to work with Antetokounmpo and he gives them a two-team list of New York and Miami. The Heat offer is better than the Knicks, but this deal isn't that great. Maybe Miami can loop in a third team and up the offer, but that is more of a summer thing than a deadline thing.

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta might be the team Milwaukee wants to deal with because it can put together a trade the Bucks front office would love — but would the Hawks want to do this dance? Would Antetokounmpo re-sign there? What would a trade to the ATL even look like?

Atlanta gets: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee gets: Kristaps Porzingis, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, New Orleans 2026 first-round pick, Hawks 2030 and 2032 first-round picks.

Milwaukee will ask for Jalen Johnson and the Hawks should shoot that down before the sentence is even finished — the goal here is to pair Antetokounmpo and Johnson (who is having a strong season and should be an All-Star). There are ways to construct this trade with Nickeil Alexander-Walker in it that could work for the Bucks.

The real prize here is the Pelicans' 2026 pick — and it's why the Hawks should not do this trade at the deadline. That pick, if it lands top three, is too valuable for Atlanta to trade — even for Antetokounmpo. He is a win-now move and that pick could provide a cornerstone for winning for the next decade. If the Bucks could talk the Hawks into this deal, Milwaukee would control both the Pelicans pick and their own, two shots at the top of the lottery (they could, theoretically, land 1-2), plus get another No. 1 in Risacher.

Atlanta should wait for the NBA Draft Lottery before even considering this trade.

Other Potential Suitors

• Both the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons were linked to Antetokounmpo over the summer, but after their success this season, it makes no sense to get involved now. Why blow up a young core poised for long-term success at midseason to get older and hope for the kind of run they might make anyway? Maybe they revisit this summer, but why now?

• Toronto was often linked to Antetokounmpo when Masai Ujiri was in charge, now it seems a long shot. The Raptors can make the contracts work with some combination of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, but they don't have the young players the Raptors would want. Would Antetokounmpo re-sign there?

• The Lakers will make a call on Antetokounmpo and offer Austin Reaves and anyone else on the roster not named Luka, but they can offer more picks this summer and that helps. Much like New York, Antetokounmpo to the Lakers only happens if he really pushes for it.

• Chicago could get in the mix if it's willing to include Matas Buzelis and at least three of its first-rounders. Would Antetokounmpo want to play in Chicago, and does he really fit next to Josh Giddey?