MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Manny Machado #13 of Team Dominican Republic rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Team Israel during their World Baseball Classic Pool D game at loanDepot park on March 14, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Manny Machado - Getty Images
The rosters for each of the World Baseball Classic teams were announced, Friday and the San Diego Padres were well represented on several teams. Mason Miller will play for the US, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wandy Peralta for Dominican Republic, Xander Bogaerts for Netherlands, Yuki Matsui for Japan, Ron Marinaccio and Alek Jacob for Italy, Carter Loewen for Canada, Josh Mallitz for Israel and Miguel Cienfuegos for Panama. It is an honor and in some cases a dream for these players to compete for their country, but with so many players leaving during Spring Training to compete in the WBC, there is concern about how productive they can be for the Padres.
Padres News:
With the bulk of the lawsuit between Sheel Seider and Matt and Bob Seidler being settled, the probability of a new owner in San Diego seems to be growing more possible by the day. A report in The Athleticidentifies potential buyers and adds that the bids for the purchase of the franchise could come by the end of the month.
Machado has been one of if not the de facto leader of the Padres throughout his tenure in San Diego. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribuneshifts his focus to the All-Star third baseman for his ongoing Padres roster review.
Sanders also contributed a report on the Padres starting rotation as they prepare to open Spring Training next week. The five top arms have been discussed and dissected throughout the offseason. According to Preller he is still looking to add an arm in free agency,
Baseball News:
Detroit Tigers left-hander and back-to-back American League Cy Young Award-winner Tarik Skubal notched a win in arbitration. Skubal will make $32 million in 2026.
The Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Indiana Pacers to Fiserv Forum this evening, with tip-off set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Gary Trent Jr. is making his presence felt offensively right now, and I’m eyeing him to hit double digits in scoring in my Pacers vs. Bucks predictions.
Pacers vs Bucks best bet: Gary Trent Jr. Over 9.5 points (+100)
Gary Trent Jr. has been a nice piece for the struggling Milwaukee Bucks this season. He’s averaging 8.5 ppg off the bench, and the veteran has been on a roll lately.
He’s cashed the Over in points in three of his last five games, including back-to-back appearances.
Trent Jr. poured in 13 points on Wednesday in a nail-biter victory over the Pelicans, and he also dropped another 15 points on Tuesday against the Bulls. The 27-year-old is averaging exactly 8.5 ppg at home, but these last two games in which he played well were both at Fiserv Forum.
While Trent is averaging just 8 ppg across two meetings with the Indiana Pacers in 2025-26, I’ll ride his hot hand to do his part in the second unit tonight. Expect another 10+ point performance from Trent Jr.
Pacers vs Bucks same-game parlay
Pascal Siakam is on fire lately, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo still out for the Bucks, I’m eyeing him to ball out tonight.
Siakam has cashed the Over in points in three of his last four outings. He showed out for 27 in Monday’s loss to the Rockets, and he also scored 25 on Saturday evening against the Hawks.
Kevin Porter Jr. has been one of the Bucks’ top playmakers this season alongside Antetokounmpo. He’s averaging 7.5 assists, a career-high for the guard. Porter Jr. has hit the Over in dimes in four of his last five as well.
Pacers vs Bucks SGP
Gary Trent Jr. Over 9.5 points
Pascal Siakam Over 24.5 points
Kevin Porter Jr. Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Aaron's not erring from deep
Aaron Nesmith has been red-hot from deep lately, cashing the Over in triples in five straight. He’s drained three treys in each of those games.
Pacers vs Bucks SGP
Gary Trent Jr. Over 9.5 points
Pascal Siakam Over 24.5 points
Kevin Porter Jr. Over 6.5 assists
Aaron Nesmith Over 2.5 threes
Pacers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Pacers -1.5 | Bucks +1.5
Moneyline: Pacers -115 | Bucks -105
Over/Under: Over 223.5 | Under 223.5
Pacers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Bucks have hit the Under in 23 of their last 35 games (+9.80 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Pacers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Friday, February 6, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Indiana, FDSN Wisconsin
Pacers vs Bucks latest injuries
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DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 5: Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In basketball and narrative terms, the Wizards’ 126-117 win over the first place Detroit Pistons was fun. Entertaining game with extended runs for both teams, great plays from guys on both teams, and drama about the outcome to the very end.
In terms of what the win means for the Wizards…not as much fun. I’ll come back to that.
The game followed the pattern of Washington’s last win — two games ago against the Sacramento Kings. The Wizards shot well and played decently on defense while Detroit missed everything. In the first quarter, the Pistons shot 6-21 from the floor and 1-9 from deep. That’s sub-30% overall and 11.1% on threes.
Wizards rookie Will Riley scored a career-high 20 points in the team’s win vs. the Detroit Pistons. | Getty Images
Detroit mostly righted the shooting ship (so to speak) over the final three periods — 52.2% on twos and 33.3% on threes — but the damage was done. Washington ended the first with a 13-point advantage.
It would be inaccurate to say Washington clung to their lead because the Pistons roared back in the second, going on a 17-0 run (which grew to 21-2) to slice a 20-point Wizards lead to as little as one.
Washington re-opened the lead in the third quarter — going up by as much as 19 before the Pistons came back yet again. In the end, Detroit didn’t have enough to pull out a win.
Like the Sacramento victory, head coach Brian Keefe went with the deep bench mob for virtually the entire fourth quarter. The Wizards played just six guys in the final period: — Bilal Coulibaly, Sharife Cooper, Anthony Gill, and Jamir Watkins played all 12 minutes. Tristan Vukcevich played the first minute, and Will Riley went the rest of the way. How’d that work?
Riley — 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal in the final period
Watching the diminutive Cooper compete with Cade Cunningham and more ballyhooed Pistons was fun. On consecutive possessions late in the game, he knocked down a three and then made slithery lefty drive and finish in traffic.
The Wizard were helped by the perennial Sixth Man of the Year — luck. I’m not talking about Detroit shooting 27.3% on threes. I’m referring to stuff like Coulibaly’s late shot clock heave with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter that somehow went in. Or Watkins banking in a three earlier in the game. Definitely luck. Also, they count.
As for what the win means…there’s a push-pull. The push is that it complicates The Tank a bit. Washington now has the league’s fifth worst winning percentage, which means they’re most likely to land the sixth or seventh pick in this year’s draft. The Wizards aren’t in danger of losing the pick. Yet. It’s top eight protected, so even at fifth worst, they’re safe. But that margin for safety is getting smaller.
The pull is that the factor complicating The Tank is young guys playing well. And the Wizards pretty much have to play the young guys, because there’s basically no one else left. Trae Young won’t be available for at least a couple more weeks. Anthony Davis might not play this season.
Perhaps D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum, who came in the Davis trade, could help lose games. If the Wizards don’t just buy them out or release them. At 23-years-old, Jaden Hardy, who was also part of the Davis deal, also qualifies as one of the young guys.
Thoughts & Observations
I watched the Wizards broadcast because Detroit’s is pretty doggone awful. I was hoping to hear improvement. My hopes were not met.
Note to someone running League Pass — stop cutting off the national anthem and timeout entertainment.
The most repeated entry in my notes from this game were about Ausar Thompson’s defense. Coulibaly is a very good defender. Thompson is among the very best defensive players I’ve seen this season. Washington’s first offensive possession is a good example — Sarr got a paint touch and kicked to Justin Champagnie for what looked like a routine wide open three. Thompson blocked it.
A few minutes later, Champagnie accelerated his shot motion in a similar play to make a three over a Thompson closeout.
Champagnie played 16 highly productive minutes — 14 points, 7 rebounds (4 offensive) and a block. The Wizards were +16 on the scoreboard with him in the game.
Riley played his fourth straight very good game. Last night, he scored a career-high 20 points to go with tying his career high in rebounds (6), 5 assists, and 2 steals. He showed patience and craft on the offensive end. Right now, he’s still surprising opponents because there’s no way he’s on scouting reports. That will change (probably after the All-Star break), and it will be fascinating to see how he adapts.
I don’t know if Cooper has an NBA future beyond “fifth guard in a three-guard rotation,” but it’s fun watching him play. He’s quick, skilled, and competitive. Last night: 18 points (on 8-12 shooting), 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Also 5 turnovers, at least a couple of which looked to be of the needs experience variety.
Riley and Cooper did combine for one unacceptable play. In the first quarter, they were positioned at half court for a teammate free throw attempt. The miss got back-tapped, and Detroit’s Marcus Sasser outran both to a) get the ball, and b) get to the rim for a layup.
Early second quarter, I enjoyed seeing Gill drain a no-dip three.
Funniest play of the game was when Riley threw a lob for Gill, who does not have that kind of verticality. Gill somehow tipped it in and got fouled for an and-one.
I probably need to watch more Pistons games. People I respect keep talking about how great Cunningham is, and I do think he’s very good. But when I do see Detroit play, I’m always left with the impression that he’s a bit overrated.
Four Factors
Below are the four factors that decide wins and losses in basketball — shooting (efg), rebounding (offensive rebounds), ball handling (turnovers), fouling (free throws made).
The four factors are measured by:
eFG% (effective field goal percentage, which accounts for the three-point shot)
OREB% (offensive rebound percentage)
TOV% (turnover percentage — turnovers divided by possessions)
FTM/FGA (free throws made divided by field goal attempts)
FOUR FACTORS
WIZARDS
PISTONS
LGAVG
eFG%
63.7%
51.7%
54.3%
OREB%
25.0%
33.3%
26.1%
TOV%
15.7%
14.7%
12.7%
FTM/FGA
0.110
0.295
0.208
PACE
102
99.5
ORTG
123
115
115.5
Stats & Metrics
PPA is my overall production metric, which credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defending) and dings them for things that hurt (missed shots, turnovers, bad defense, fouls).
PPA is a per possession metric designed for larger data sets. In small sample sizes, the numbers can get weird. In PPA, 100 is average, higher is better and replacement level is 45. For a single game, replacement level isn’t much use, and I reiterate the caution about small samples sometimes producing weird results.
POSS is the number of possessions each player was on the floor in this game.
ORTG = offensive rating, which is points produced per individual possessions x 100. League average so far this season is listed in the Four Factors table above. Points produced is not the same as points scored. It includes the value of assists and offensive rebounds, as well as sharing credit when receiving an assist.
USG = offensive usage rate. Average is 20%.
ORTG and USG are versions of stats created by former Wizards assistant coach Dean Oliver and modified by me. ORTG is an efficiency measure that accounts for the value of shooting, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers. USG includes shooting from the floor and free throw line, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers.
+PTS = “Plus Points” is a measure of the points gained or lost by each player based on their efficiency in this game compared to league average efficiency on the same number of possessions. A player with an offensive rating (points produced per possession x 100) of 100 who uses 20 possessions would produce 20 points. If the league average efficiency is 115, the league — on average — would produced 23.0 points in the same 20 possessions. So, the player in this hypothetical would have a +PTS score of -3.0.
Players are sorted by total production in the game.
Apr 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey addresses the media with head coach Nick Nurse after the game against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
As you all know by now, it was an underwhelming trade deadline for the Sixers.
They traded second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft capital and veteran guard Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies in what amounts to a salary dump. The positive is Dominick Barlow was rewarded for his strong play with a standard contract. They did some roster housekeeping, with some more surely coming.
Here’s a summary of where things stand for the team after the NBA trade deadline:
2028 own (if 1-8 or if 2026 first-round pick is 1-4)
2028 LAC (fully unprotected)
2029 own (rights to pick swap with LAC)
2030 own
2031 own
2032 own
Second-rounders:
2027 own
2027 GSW/PHX (more favorable)
2027 OKC/HOU/IND/MIA (more favorable)
2028 own
2028 DET (protected 31-55)
2028 GSW
2028 MIL
2028 OKC
2029 PHI
2030 PHX/POR (more favorable)
2030 WAS
2031 PHI
2032 PHI/MEM (least favorable)
While ducking the tax doesn’t help all that much with team building, the draft capital the team received for McCain could be very useful as the team looks to build long-term around Maxey and Edgecombe. Overall, the Sixers have a decent amount of draft assets while having a good amount of talent already in place. Again, that does little for the 2025-26 Sixers, but could help Daryl Morey and company take big swings in the future.
What are your thoughts on the deadline? Who would you like to see the team target on the buyout market? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks fight for the loose ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 07, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pencils down, everyone.
Through Monday night, this was an exceptionally boring trade deadline, but the action heavily increased to a feverish pace beginning on Tuesday morning and through the Thursday afternoon deadline, seeing several all-stars and several intriguing role players change hands, along with a small army of draft picks.
As we know, the Knicks were able to effectively flip Guerschon Yabusele and two second-round picks for Jose Alvarado by using the Chicago Bulls as an intermediary, sending Dalen Terry to New Orleans. The move, while not only adding a rotation player, allows the Knicks to participate in the buyout market immediately.
And, yes, a lot of the action this week involved Western Conference teams, but plenty of moves were made by teams in the East as well. We’ll be checking in on all of the teams in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, plus one or two more that could be relevant for one reason or another.
Detroit Pistons
Added: Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric
Subtracted: Jaden Ivey
Jaden Ivey, at one point a white whale for the Knicks’ front office in the 2022 draft, is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Pistons did not want to pay him with the several major injuries he’s suffered in the last two seasons. He’s shown flashes, but he was shipped to Chicago in a three-team trade.
What they do add is shooting. With Malik Beasley currently trying to stay out of jail and Tim Hardaway Jr. in Denver, they’ve needed shooting, and they get it with one-time Knick killer Kevin Huerter. The 27-year-old is shooting a career-low from three, but is over 37% for his career. It’s a casual deadline for the East’s top dog.
Boston Celtics
Added: Nikola Vucevic
Subtracted: Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, Josh Minott, Xavier Tillman Jr.
The surprisingly stout Bostonians made a big 1-for-1 move with the Bulls, finally replacing Kristaps Porzingis (and Al Horford) by adding a pure stretch five in Vucevic, who should’ve been dealt years ago. Simons was kind of redundant with all the guard talent, and Boston needed an upgrade over Luka Garza and Neemias Queta. If the 35-year-old from Montenegro can show up anywhere, it’s in the Mazzulla system.
Boucher, Minott, and Tillman Jr. were salary dumped to three different teams to duck the luxury tax. Since the offseason, Brad Stevens has saved his new bosses a staggering $350 million in luxury tax penalties and has built a Celtics team that, if Jayson Tatum returns, could come out of the East in a gap year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Added: James Harden, Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder
Subtracted: Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Lonzo Ball
The Cavs have steadied the ship after hovering around .500 into January and have solidified themselves in the East’s top six, but they still sit several games behind the Knicks and Celtics, who are tied for the No. 2 seed. The stagnation, especially after flaming out early last year, has caused them to take a sledgehammer to the “Core Four”.
Garland is gone, freeing up future cap flexibility for the NBA’s lone second apron team. In comes future Hall of Famer James Harden, who remains one of the league’s premier scoring threats even past his 36th birthday. Can he and Spida co-exist? Can the Cavs avoid another flameout that will cause Spida to look elsewhere?
They also banished Hunter to Sacramento, accepting defeat from a disappointing trade last February, and Ball to Utah in a pure salary dump. Keon Ellis was a highly coveted pesky guard, and Schroder will play for his *checks notes* 11th team. It’s his 10th different team in eight seasons. They’re absolutely deeper at guard now, but does this move the needle?
Philadelphia 76ers
Added: Some draft picks
Subtracted: Jared McCain, Eric Gordon
For a team with an aging, injury-prone superstar, the Sixers really didn’t have any urgency to go for it this year, even with Paul George on the shelf due to a PED suspension.
They ducked the luxury tax thanks to a tax credit from the suspension and trading away McCain and Gordon. Trading away the second-year guard who showed so much promise as a rookie is baffling to me. Players always play worse right off a severe knee injury. What’s with the impatience? Was the package of three seconds and a late 2026 first-rounder too enticing?
Toronto Raptors
Added: Chris Paul (will be waived), Trayce Jackson-Davis
Subtracted: Ochai Agbaji
The Raptors were very public about wanting an upgrade at center, fishing in the Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis markets. They settle for an undersized TJD, but he’s at least a rotation-caliber big in a rotation that is giving center minutes to Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Chris Paul still has never played a game in the East and will likely not do so for the Raptors. This will be the second time he is shipped to an Eastern Conference team and immediately redirected or waived.
Orlando Magic
Added: cap relief
Subtracted: Tyus Jones
It’s not a good look when, in a year where you pushed all your chips to the center of the table, you’re not only a likely play-in team, but you’re only deadline move is a salary dump. They attached two second-round picks to get Jones off their books.
They’ll be players in the buyout market, but they’re going to have a hard time getting on track with the injuries, inconsistent shooting, and regression on defense. This was a year where they had to show some progress, because it’s their last before the bill comes due. As of right now, they’re projected to be a second apron team in 2026-27 with two open roster spots and a quickly dwindling asset pool. It’s bleak in Orlando.
Miami Heat
Crickets
Pat Riley… wake up…
Pat? Are you there?
Despite being in on a star every single offseason and trade deadline, the Heat continue to do nothing. They reportedly wanted Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant; they got neither. Here is every single player the Heat have traded for since bringing in Jimmy Butler in July 2019:
Jae Crowder, Solomon Hill, Andre Iguodala (February 2020)
Trevor Ariza (March 2021)
Victor Oladipo, Nemanja Bjelica (March 2021)
Kyle Lowry (August 2021)
Terry Rozier (January 2024)
Pelle Larsson (June 2024, draft rights)
Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell (February 2025)
Simone Fontecchio, Norman Powell (July 2025)
He went 2 and a half years without trading for a single player. While there are multiple flashy names on here, aside from Powell, who’s seriously contributed? Complacency and continuity mean something when you’re competing for titles, but the Heat just aren’t anymore, and I don’t understand why every deadline looks like this.
Atlanta Hawks
Added: CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Jock Landale, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Gabe Vincent, Duop Reath (waived)
Subtracted: Trae Young, Vit Krejci, Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porzingis
The Hawks are finally conceding. After years of mediocrity and attempts to retool around Trae Young, they’re finally committing to something a bit bigger. They’re not totally bottoming out (mostly because they can’t), but they’ve changed timelines. Jalen Johnson is the future now and they’re going to build around him and whoever they get from the Pelicans’ pick.
Trae and Tingus Pingus are out the door. They get some veteran fliers in McCollum, Hield, and Landale (who had the game of his life Thursday) and some young talent. Can they unlock Kuminga? What about Kispert? One criticism I have of their deadline is getting essentially no draft compensation, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.
Charlotte Hornets
Added: Coby White, Malaki Branham, Xavier Tillman Sr., Mike Conley (may be waived)
Subtracted: Mason Plumlee, Collin Sexton
What on earth are you doing here?
The Hornets have won eight in a row and are currently in the play-in. After years of what-ifs, they’re finally realizing their potential. They, though, smartly approached this deadline.
Would I have fielded calls for people like Grant Williams? Sure, but they didn’t have to. They also got Coby White for three seconds, which can be an absolute steal if they extend him. They also picked up some seconds along the way, scooping up one from OKC to eventually ship Ousmane Dieng to Chicago (who then went to Milwaukee), while doing something similar with Tyus Jones in redirecting him to Charlotte.
It’s startling how hot they are. How high can they climb?
Chicago Bulls
Added: Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, Guerschon Yabusele, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, Nick Richards
Subtracted: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, Coby White, Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips
Well, it’s three years too late, but the Bulls finally accepted they need to tank. Sure, they got off DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine last year, but they still held onto hope for no real reason.
They have a lot of guards now, so that’ll be interesting. There’s potential in Ivey and Simons, both expiring contracts that now get a 30-game audition. Yabusele is now a pure rental, too, after waiving his player option. They also picked up eight second-round picks, only trading away a pick swap.
Milwaukee Bucks
Added: Nigel Hayes-Davis, Ousmane Dieng
Subtracted: Cole Anthony, Amir Coffey
Giannis is still in Milwaukee, which is the wise move for the Bucks. No matter what the Warriors, Wolves, or Heat offer you now, you will definitely get more in June. Just tell your social media team to stop being delusional for a sec, okay?
As for what they did… essentially nothing. They got no picks, neither player they got moves the needle, and it just felt like they wanted to say they did something.
Subtracted: CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson
Is this a MyLeague rebuild? Why the hell are the Wizards acquiring two all-stars at the deadline?
Neither Davis nor Young will play a game for the rest of the season, but as long as they keep their pick (please keep winning, we’d appreciate it), they have an interesting foundation.
Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, a top-five pick.
Just saying, maybe they’re a sleeper next year.
Brooklyn Nets
Added: Josh Minott, Hunter Tyson, Ochai Agbaji
Subtracted: A singular second-round pick
You had one job: selling off Michael Porter Jr. after an all-star caliber first 50 games. You failed.
Maybe one of these three can shine with the opportunity down the stretch. I doubt it. At least you rid yourself of Cam Thomas?
Indiana Pacers
Added: Ivica Zubac, Kobe Brown
Subtracted: Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, potentially a top-10 pick
I really like this move for Indiana, on one condition.
Zubac is a great big man and will feast when Tyrese Haliburton is healthy next season. They’re shaping up to contend for another Finals berth next year with him, and all it cost them was two firsts and an expiring Mathurin, who will get an opportunity out west.
Here’s the thing. They traded their 2026 first-round pick, but heavily protected. If the pick falls between 5 and 9 only, it goes to the Clippers. Even if the Pacers lost out, they’d have only a 52% chance of keeping the pick. Their best odds of keeping the pick would actually involve trying to win down the stretch to get the 10th-best odds, but it would heavily lower their odds of getting a potentially game-breaking talent that the top of this loaded draft class provides.
Is all of this worth potentially losing a top-10 pick in a loaded draft? That’s up to them to decide.
For all the hype and speculation of recent weeks, what the Milwaukee front office was doing in the run-up to the NBA trade deadline was gathering information, league sources told NBC Sports. The team never seemed serious about making a trade. The Bucks listened to offers but didn't really negotiate. They surveyed the market and got a sense of what was out there, but a trade was never likely.
Now what? The core issue remains: Antetokounmpo wants to compete for another title but the Bucks are nowhere near that level. Which is why the trade rumors are just going to roll over into the offseason, not stop. Antetokounmpo has said every summer he re-evaluates where he and the team are in their relationship, so what happens when he does that self-assessment this offseason?
What's next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks?
Bucks try to keep him
Milwaukee does not want to trade Antetokounmpo — this is the greatest player in franchise history, a guy who remains a top-five player in the world, and he's the guy who drives the economic engine of the franchise (he fills the seats, sponsors flock to them wanting to be near the international superstar).
For his part, Antetokounmpo would like to stay in Milwaukee and win there.
The first thing that will happen is that general manager Jon Horst and the Bucks front office will try to make one or more moves to bolster the roster and turn the team back into a contender. This is what has happened in the past when Antetokounmpo was up for a contract extension as he is next October: One time they traded for Jrue Holiday, another time it was Damian Lillard — and both times Antetokounmpo signed the extension and stayed in Milwaukee.
The challenge is that the best way to do that sets up an internal conflict.
As of the day after the trade deadline, Milwaukee has the ninth-worst record in the NBA — they should tank, increase their NBA Draft Lottery odds, then use that pick either to draft a star or trade it to get a star who can help them win right now. The problem is that, in the wake of the deadline, Antetokounmpo said he planned to return soon from his calf injury and make a playoff push. He does not want to tank, he wants to compete.
After this season, the Bucks will have three first-round picks they can trade (including the 2026 pick) plus movable salaries such as Kyle Kuzma's — could that be enough to land another star player or two, which convinces Antetokounmpo to stay? That's the hope.
On Oct. 1, the Milwaukee Bucks can put a four-year $275M extension in front of Antetokounmpo. After Antetokounmpo reassesses his situation this summer and sees what Horst and the front office can put together, if he tells the Bucks he will not sign that extension, it's the same as demanding a trade (otherwise he could walk as a free agent in the summer of 2027, and teams are lining up to pay him).
At that point, trade talks would get serious — and Antetokounmpo would have more leverage as an expiring contract to direct where he goes.
Who would be suitors?
One of the other key reasons for the Bucks to wait and not trade Antetokounmpo at the deadline is that trade offers for him this offseason will only get better. Milwaukee didn't leave anything on the table. Look at the teams lining up.
• New York Knicks. This summer, the Knicks will be able to trade up to three first-round picks (including drafting and trading their 2026 pick) plus the matching salaries of Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges will still be there. Or, the Knicks can loop in a third team, such as Portland, to add young players and picks. The bottom line is the Knicks didn't have the trade assets to make a serious push for Antetokounmpo at the deadline, but this summer they can put together a reasonable offer. If Antetokounmpo puts his thumb on the scale and says he will only sign in New York, a trade can be reached.
• Miami Heat. Much the same as New York, Miami becomes a team that can trade three first-round picks this offseason, as well as have the matching salary of Tyler Herro and maybe Bam Adebayo. Miami also can bring in a third or fourth team to the deal and have options for an improved offer if Antetokounmpo wants to take his talents to South Beach.
• Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota made a hard push to try to pair Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards at the trade deadline and next summer, but they lacked any first-round picks they could offer. This summer, the Timberwolves will have one of their own they can trade, plus they will be in a better position to involve another team to get more picks and young players in an offer.
• Los Angeles Lakers. Their name comes up whenever a star looks to switch teams, but this summer the Lakers could make a legitimate offer if Antetokounmpo wants to form an international powerhouse with Luka Dončić. The Lakers can offer three first-round picks plus an Austin Reaves sign-and-trade to give the Bucks a young star to go with those picks. Like New York, Antetokounmpo would have to push his way there, but he'd be far from the first star to push his way to the purple and gold.
• Golden State Warriors. Golden State's offer would not change much, but they still would have four first-round picks on the table, plus a young player such as Brandin Podziemski. Does Antetokounmpo want to play with Stephen Curry? If he does, he can force his way there.
• Playoff loser. This might have been the most enticing reason for the Bucks to wait and not make a trade until the summer — some deep, good team is going to flame out earlier than expected in the playoffs, then want to make a big move.
What if Houston or San Antonio in the West lose in the first or second round and don't look like the contender they thought they were? What if Detroit falls way short in the East and decides they need a star next to Cade Cunningham? What if Orlando realizes they are not close to contending and makes Paolo Banchero and a lot of picks available? What if Portland, with all its young talent plus control of future Bucks picks, decides it wants to go all in?
There are a lot more teams that could jump into the mix this summer and make better offers to the Bucks, ones that would jump-start the inevitable rebuild if Antetokounmpo leaves.
Bottom line: The Bucks trade options will be better this summer — and first, they get a chance to keep him in Milwaukee.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: Tanner Scott #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is interviewed at Dodger Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers in December signed the best relief pitcher available on the market, with Edwin Díaz setting a new record for average annual value with his three-year, $69 million contract. The idea is that Díaz will solidify what was the Dodgers squeakiest wheel last season.
There is reason to believe that Scott will be better in 2026 than he was in 2025, and still pitch important innings, whether he’s setting up Díaz or picking up a few saves of his own along the way.
We are launching a new daily article here at South Side Sox, more prominently than our items that pop up on The Feed. It falls under the category of White Sox Discussions, which you’ll see in a few weeks will also be our new branding for Game Threads.
Yes, asking this question here on February 6 does presume that GM and late-starter Chris Getz, in contrast to his promises that with a week left before camp he’s “still not done” improving the White Sox. But at this moment, and as Spring Training nears, it’s time to see if the pleasant surprises that have comprised this offseason will codify into something positive.
Even the most grizzled fan must concede that the White Sox are likely on an upswing, with a core of young talent that should render setbacks deeper into the 100s of losses are over. Chicago’s second-half record indicated a 70-92 team over a full season.
Will the White Sox surpass a 10-win improvement on the season, or fall short. In short: What needs to happen with the team to consider 2026 a success?
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 23: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thank goodness we can focus solely on the Milwaukee Bucks on the court, not the trade rumors, as they host the Indiana Pacers tonight in a Central Division tank-off. Milwaukee has successfully defeated the Pacers in their previous two games this year.
Where We’re At
Despite Shams Charania’s and Brian Windhorst’s best efforts, the Milwaukee Bucks did not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jon Horst was able to add Ousmane Dieng to the roster, while the team parted ways with Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey. These departures won’t be too upsetting to most fans, but it will be interesting to see what transpires for this team for the remainder of the season. The Bucks have a slim chance of making the play-in with a two-game winning streak this week. Yes, it was against the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans, but wins are wins, so you take what you can get.
The Indiana Pacers are just trying to get through the season. Last year’s runner-up, the Pacers sit near the bottom of the standings as they adjust to a season missing their star player, Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana has struggled on the road, only winning three of their 23 games this year. This season might be a lost cause, but the Pacers did make a trade on deadline day, acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. They parted ways with Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks (the most juicy being this year’s first, protected both 1–4 and 10–30), along with a second.
Injury Report
The Bucks will be without Taurean Prince (neck) and Giannis (calf), while Gary Harris (hamstring) and Bobby Portis (hip) are listed as questionable. The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin, while Micah Potter is listed as questionable.
Player To Watch
Pete Nance has gone from just another two-way player to a likely full-time roster possibility. Nance simply plays hard and has solid basketball IQ to boot. With Coffey traded, Harris potentially out, and Andre Jackson Jr. unlikely to break into the rotation, tonight will give Nance another opportunity to show the Bucks he is worth keeping around.
How To Watch
7:00 p.m. CST on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 02: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in game three of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on October 02, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been a very big week for the Tigers, indeed, or at least a very big week for the checkbooks in the front office. First the Tigers announced their deal with leftie Framber Valdez, one that proved the team was not afraid to shell out a decent chunk of change for a talented left-handed pitcher. Then, in very related news, the Tigers were forced to pay Tarik Skubal precisely what he’s worth when the Tigers’ ace won his arbitration hearing and earned a $32M payday. The Tigers are going to be spending an awful lot of money on pitching in 2026. It would be nice to think they’ll continue to spend big bucks on the rotation, but it seems likely at this point that they’ll need to win Skubal the hard way in free agency (if they don’t trade him before the end of the season anyway).
In sadder news, the Tigers and baseball lost a legend as Mickey Lolich passed away this week. He will forever be remembered by Tigers fans as a member of the iconic 1968 World Series-winning team.
We have more to share in terms of general baseball news today (and we’ve covered these big stories in more detail here on the site), so let’s just jump right into the day’s news.
And remembering two Negro League players who were part of many Tigers’ celebrations.
The Tigers mourn the passing of Negro Leagues players Clinton Forge and Ron Teasley. Both regularly attended our Negro Leagues celebrations at Comerica Park.
A Birmingham, AL native, Forge was a catcher for the Detroit Stars and recently launched the Forge the Future Foundation… pic.twitter.com/63KpGO6hdJ
Things are looking worse and worse for Emmanuel Clase.
Indicted Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase is accused of throwing suspect pitches to benefit bettors in at least 48 games over two years, significantly more than was initially revealed by federal prosecutors, according to a court document filed Thursday.
Former Chicago White Sox player Alexei Ramirez hasn’t played an MLB game since 2016, but he’ll be representing Team Cuba in the WBC. Fun fact, he also played for Team Cuba in the first WBC in 2006.
44-year-old Alexei Ramirez will play for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic
The infielder played for Cuba in the first WBC in 2006. He last played in MLB in 2016 pic.twitter.com/1ifoyvgprt
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan reacts to striking out Mike Trout #27 of Team USA to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Of all the things I wish were better than they are, the World Baseball Classic is definitely one of them. The ongoing insurance-as-a-bar-to-participation debacle only underscores that missed potential. The roster reveals from yesterday, are, well… you get the idea, I think.
Anyway, a short one since it’s Friday: who ya got? Japan has won three of five WBCs so far, including the most recent one held, and has never finished lower than third. The U.S. is the only other team to finish in the top four in at least three of the five — that’s kind of weird when you think about it, but yes, it appears to be the case.
I know this is a site devoted to college sports, but forgive me as I pay tribute to a childhood hero who, nearly 60 years after his greatest act, is still top of mind to a generation (or more) of Detroit sports fans.
The death of a childhood sports hero is never easy. It often hits harder than you would expect. You may not have known them personally, but you grew up with them. They became a part of your life. And they forever remain a part of your memories.
Like most sports fans, the deaths of some of my childhood sports heroes have hit me hard. None, however, have hit as hard as that of former Detroit Tiger Mickey Lolich. Lolich was my first favorite player, and a fellow lefty at that. That’s enough to make him special to me. But it’s what he meant to a franchise and a city that made Lolich special to so many others.
Lolich didn’t have the career of players like Ty Cobb, Charlie Gehringer, Hal Newhauser or Al Kaline. He didn’t have that one shining season like Hank Greenberg, Denny McClain, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera or Tarik Skubal. But he was as instrumental as any player has ever been in bringing a championship to Detroit.
The 1968 baseball season remains one of the greatest seasons in Detroit Tigers history. A seminal memory for a generation of fans. A 103-win season that culminated with a game seven victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, giving the Tigers their third world championship and first in a generation.
The Tigers won the 1968 World Series for many reasons. They won because four-time gold glove centerfielder Mickey Stanley made the unprecedented move to shortstop so Detroit could find a place in its lineup for a 33-year-old Al Kaline. They won because Kaline, in his only World Series appearance, hit .379 with two home runs and eight RBIs. They won because Bill Freehan tagged out St. Louis speedster Lou Brock at the plate, saving the series and the season. But more than anything, the Tigers won because of Mickey Lolich – who authored the greatest pitching performance in World Series history.
With the lights their brightest and his team in desperate need of a lift, Lolich pitched three complete game victories for the Tigers in the 1968 Fall Classic – outdueling Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in the decisive game seven. And if that weren’t enough, Lolich also batted .250 and hit the only home run of his career.
If there’s been a greater performance by any athlete in any sport when so much was on the line, there can’t have been many. And for that performance, Lolich earned his place as one of the most consequential and beloved players to ever don the Olde English D.
1968 wasn’t Lolich’s greatest statistical season. In 1971, he finished runner-up in Cy Young voting, with 25 victories, more than 300 strikeouts and an almost unfathomable 376 innings pitched. But it’s what he did in 1968 that makes Lolich a Detroit legend. Delivering a championship to a city that was in desperate need of some good news.
There’s a case to be made for Lolich being in the Hall of Fame. And with 217 victories and 2,832 strikeouts (fifth most among left handers), you could argue that it’s a strong case. But Hall of Fame or not, Lolich’s legacy is cemented. And his passing is mourned.
Mickey Lolich brought me to tears twice in my life. Once as a young child, when I learned that the Tigers had traded him to the New York Mets. And a second time earlier this week, when as a not-so-young man, I learned of his passing. I doubt I was the only one who reacted in such a way.
The Baltimore Orioles enter 2026 with plenty of questions, most notably in a starting rotation that lacks the depth and dominance it showed in 2024. With uncertainty on the mound, the offense will need to carry more of the load. That makes Jordan Westburg’s health and production pivotal to the team’s success.
After a 2025 season marred by injury, Westburg is poised for a bounceback. His return to full health should provide exactly what the Orioles need: steady, reliable production in the middle of the lineup that can help compensate for whatever inconsistency emerges from a pitching staff not necessarily in its finished form.
Westburg’s 2025 was frustrating precisely because of what he’d shown in 2024. After a debut slashline of .260/.311/.404 in 68 games as a rookie in 2023, he seized the everyday second base job and delivered a .264/.312/.481 slash line with 18 home runs in 107 games the following year.
Then came 2025, and there the injuries. The specifics varied (a hamstring in May, a jammed finger in June, a sprained ankle in August) but they amounted to the same: extended absences that prevented Westburg from building any momentum. When he was on the field, he was still productive in flashes, but the continuity simply wasn’t there. He had a monster July, and a nice August, but he limped to the finish line, and ended the year with just 85 games played.
The good news is that none of this should be concerning long-term. This wasn’t a degenerative issue or something that required major surgery with a lengthy rehab. It was bad luck, plain and simple.
When Westburg is right, he’s exactly the kind of hitter the Orioles need in their lineup. Like his old scouting report said, Westburg takes a mature approach at the plate, boasts solid contact skills, can drive the ball to all fields, and has over-the-fence pop (albeit more on his pull side).
His 2024 numbers showed a hitter with developing power who could handle both righties and lefties. He posted an ISO over .216, demonstrating legitimate gap-to-gap pop that occasionally turned into home runs. More importantly, he made consistent contact, striking out at a reasonable rate while showing enough discipline to avoid expanding the zone too often. That’s the profile of a player who can hit anywhere from fifth to seventh in a good lineup and provide real value.
Defensively, Westburg gives the Orioles flexibility. While second base is his primary position, he’s shown the ability to handle third base and has even gotten reps at shortstop. That versatility matters for a team that likes to carry an extra reliever and may need its infielders to move around depending on matchups or injuries. It’s not flashy, but it’s valuable—especially over the course of a 162-game season.
The key to a Westburg bounceback isn’t complicated: health plus opportunity equals production. He’ll enter spring training fully healthy for the first time since his debut season, with a full offseason of normal training behind him. That matters more than people might think. After an injury-plagued year, getting back into a regular routine—working on specific aspects of your game, building strength, refining your swing—makes a huge difference.
Westburg also benefits from knowing what’s expected of him. In 2024, he was still establishing himself, proving he belonged in the everyday lineup. In 2026, he’ll arrive as an established piece of the offense, with the confidence that comes from already having succeeded at this level. That mental aspect shouldn’t be underestimated. Players who’ve proven themselves once often take another step forward when they get a clean slate.
The lineup context also sets up well for Westburg. With Henderson, Rutschman, and Pete Alonso anchoring the top of the order, and Colton Cowser continuing to develop, Westburg won’t be asked to carry the offense. He just needs to be steady—get on base, drive in runs when opportunities arise, and provide consistent at-bats that keep the lineup moving. That’s exactly what he did in 2024, and there’s no reason he can’t do it again.
A return to his 2024 form—something like .270/.320/.450 with 20-plus home runs and strong defense—would be exactly what the Orioles need from him. It would stabilize the middle infield, provide protection in the lineup, and give manager Craig Albernaz another versatile piece to deploy. More importantly, it would give the Orioles the depth they need to withstand whatever challenges emerge over a long season.
SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 12: Andrew Painter #47 of the Glendale Desert Dogs pitches during the game between the Glendale Desert Dogs and the Surprise Saguaros at Surprise Stadium on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Yesterday we opened the discussion about the Phillies impending youth movement by asking what your expectations were for Justin Crawford. Today, we’ll discuss another one of the Phillies top prospects poised to make a major impact on the big-league club in 2026.
It’s been an unconventional path to the Majors for Andrew Painter to say the least. Once a near consensus top five prospect in all of baseball, Painter was on the verge of a Major League debut when he suffered a tear to his UCL in the spring of 2023. After originally opting to rehab the elbow, Painter eventually was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery that kept him out of all of the 2023 season and limited him to just six starts in 2024.
Painter returned in 2025 and spent the year in Triple-A while slowly rehabbing and working his way fully back from the long layoff. The results at Lehigh Valley were not pretty, as Painter had a 5.40 ERA across 106.2 IP in 22 starts. His stuff eventually began to resemble what it was prior to his injury, but his command was erratic and his fastball shape was drastically different. The velocity was there, but his arm slot was different, which caused the once elite pitch to become much more hittable as it had less movement. It’s to be determined if some more time removed from rehab and a full, normal offseason for the first time in three years will help Painter’s heater fully recapture its preinjury form or at least something close to it. For more on Painter’s fastball, make sure to read Matt Winkelman’s scouting report and breakdown of the problems Painter faces.
Nevertheless, there is an open rotation spot this spring that is Painter’s to lose. It feels as though his spot is all but guaranteed, providing he ends the spring healthy and doesn’t come out flat in spring training. The question will perhaps be revisited when Zack Wheeler is ready, but that timeline is still unknown. Regardless, Painter will be the favorite to occupy the fifth starter role as long as he is able to perform adequately.
FanGraphs’ ZIPS projection for Painter is a 4.80 ERA in 108 IP across 24 starts with 0.9 WAR. So again, using those projections as a barometer, what are your realistic expectations for Andrew Painter in 2026? Will more time off help him get back to something close to his old form? Or is he a fundamentally different pitcher now?
Mar 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) argues a call with referee Curtis Blair (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Players don’t switch teams in free agency anymore. Instead, they get traded with one year left on their contract to a team that they’re willing to sign an extension with. Based on Koby Altman’s comments to the media on Thursday afternoon, it seems that’s what happened with James Harden’s trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Altman was asked if there would be a contract extension beyond this year. He mentioned that it wasn’t appropriate to talk about that at this time and that they can’t negotiate one with him until after the Finals. But then, Altman relayed that this is somewhere Harden wants to be.
“He would love to have a future with the Cavaliers,” Altman said.
“Because…he had a de facto no-trade clause, he waived that to come to Cleveland, and I think that’s something that needs to be spoken about. He had control of where he’d be traded or not traded, and he sought us out as a destination, a basketball destination, leaving lovely Los Angeles and an incredible basketball situation where he was at to where he wants to be to compete for a championship.”
Harden is making $39.4 million this season and has a player option for $42.3 for the following season. The Cavs wouldn’t have traded for him if they knew he didn’t want to be here. And presumably, Harden wouldn’t have waived his no-trade clause if he knew they weren’t going to give him a contract extension.
We’ll see how this plays out next summer. The Cavs giving him another two-year contract with the second year being a player option would seem likely based on Harden’s age and how he’s conducted business the last several seasons.
For now, it’s clear that Harden wants to be in Cleveland, and the Cavs are happy he’s here.
“I’ve been banging this drum for a long time: Cleveland’s a great basketball destination,” Altman said. “You can have some of the best years of your career here, and guys want to play here. One of the best players to ever put on a jersey wants to be here in Cleveland, and I think it’s a privilege. I think it’s a privilege and honor that we’re going to see James surpass a bunch of milestones as he chases this championship ring with us.”
