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Welcome to February Daily Topics at Golden State of Mind. A question (almost) every day this month to give the community a prompt to talk about!
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is officially behind us, and it’s safe to say, the Golden State Warriors ended up right in the middle. Golden State sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis and, to help facilitate that move, traded Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a second-round pick.
That’s perhaps more than fans were expecting, but less than they were hoping for, given the rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo that had swirled for weeks. It wasn’t a big swing, but it wasn’t nothing, either.
The Warriors finally found a home for Kuminga. They cleared future salary space by offloading Hield’s contract. They opened up cap space and a roster spot for Pat Spencer (who used his final game of two-way eligibility on Thursday), and likely another player as well. They grabbed a former All-Star in Porziņģis, and will have a few months to see how well he fits, and decide if they want to re-sign him this offseason.
So what grade do you give Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the rest of the front office for both their maneuverings and their lack thereof?
Personally? I’m not a fan. There’s nothing they could have done about Antetokounmpo — they put all their chips on the table and Milwaukee decided otherwise. But the end result felt like they were trying to straddle both sides and failed to land on either. Getting rid of Hield’s contract gives them flexibility in the offseason, but they also could have just made that move over the summer, to see if something better materialized. Really, the only reason for making the move they made is to see if they want to re-sign Porziņģis, and his health — he’s played 17 games this year, and 60 just once in the past nine seasons — has me scared that the Warriors will do exactly that. Add in his declining play and the rape allegations that have been levied against him, and it’s not really the move I was clamoring for. But they do get some credit for ending the Kuminga saga, and getting an intriguing, All-Star talent without sacrificing a draft pick.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
VIGO, Spain (AP) — A late goal from Raúl García de Haro gave Osasuna a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Friday and dealt the home side a first defeat at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos since November.
García de Haro got on the end of Alejandro Catena’s clever knock down with 11 minutes remaining to side-foot the ball home at the far post.
Ante Budimir put visiting Osasuna ahead shortly before halftime with his 11th goal of the season only for Borja Iglesias to equalize from the spot for Celta eight minutes into the second half.
Celta’s winless run was extended to four games in all competitions and left it in seventh place.
Osasuna was one place behind and closed the gap between the teams to four points.
“This is out second consecutive away win,” Budimir said. “We competed very well and we got what we deserved through hard work.”
As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic break begins, the San Jose Sharks are enjoying a season that even their most optimistic fans might not have anticipated. Sitting just five points outside the Western Conference Wild Card playoff spots after 55 games, the Sharks are quietly positioning themselves for a potential return to the Stanley Cup postseason.
While the front office will turn its attention to cheering on Macklin Celebrini and the other Sharks representing their countries, the looming NHL Trade Deadline is also on the horizon. The question now is how GM Mike Grier will navigate it. Will he lean toward adding veteran depth to give the team a playoff boost, or will he hold back, conserving assets for the future?
This season has already been a massive success for the Sharks. Now that's not to say that they can't improve any further before the playoffs begin, but when you think back to the last handful of seasons and how the Sharks were literally in last place in just about all of those years, to come back this year and be considered a fringe playoff contender is a huge improvement.
The Sharks of today remind me a bit of the Colorado Avalanche in the early 2010s. That Avalanche team built its core through the draft, selecting players like Gabe Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and others. But beyond their young stars, they also focused on strengthening their defensive corps, acquiring Erik Johnson from the St. Louis Blues and drafting Bowen Byram, while adding key pieces like Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky. Over the years, they steadily worked to improve their goaltending and overall depth.
Credit: Walter Tychnowicz. Mikko Rantanen was a huge factor in the Avalanche Stanley Cup run in 2022, but he was drafted and developed, much like what the Sharks are attempting to duplicate.
It was a long, deliberate process—it didn’t happen overnight. After the 48-point season in 2016–17, the organization faced tough decisions and difficult conversations, and not everyone was willing to stick around. The bottom line, though, is that they persevered and stayed the course together.
The Sharks might reach that level faster than the Avalanche did. They have a generational talent in Celebrini, a dynamic playmaker in Will Smith, and recently added Kiefer Sherwood to bolster the roster. With the team’s recent success, some have argued that GM Mike Grier should be serious buyers at the trade deadline in hopes of making a deep playoff run. However, there’s a significant risk-reward calculus involved in pursuing that approach.
Perhaps it was just the word usage, but when I hear serious buyers, I'm thinking the go for broke mentality, which I don't think is necessarily a good strategy. We're very early into the Sharks rebuild. You have a very solid foundation. Now you just need to add pieces that can steadily build this team into a Stanley Cup contender. I think the Sharks are already playoff contenders. Yes, they've lost their last four games; the Olympic break is upon us, and now the team can sit down and evaluate to see where they need the most help.
Defense
The Sharks have allowed 193 goals this season, the sixth-most in the Western Conference—and you can’t place all the blame on the goaltenders. Yaroslav Askarov has been brilliant at times, but he’s also had his share of forgettable moments. More often, though, the problem lies elsewhere: when a team consistently turns over the puck in its own zone, it inevitably leads to scoring chances against. At some point, goals are going to happen—that’s the law of averages in a nutshell.
The next step for the Sharks to improve their chances of becoming true playoff contenders isn't offense, it's adding a shutdown defenseman. For instance, Ryan Shea, a Pittsburgh Penguin, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has emerged as a dependable, steady, and physical force on the Penguins’ blue line, frequently paired with Kris Letang in a shutdown role tasked with containing opposing top-six forwards.
Credit: Timothy J. Ludwig. Ryan Shea would be a great add for the Sharks if they're able to snag him.
Letang, who's won three Stanley Cups as a Penguin, is one of the best offensive defensemen of his era, is currently week-to-week with a fractured foot and has a significant injury history, but his accomplishments are written in stone. And Shea is having a career-best season right now. Through 56 games, he's posted three goals and 19 assists for 22 points with a plus/minus rating of +21. The Penguins are a rebuilding team. It wouldn't hurt to try to float a trade idea and offer a 2026 second round pick to sweeten the deal, but these are just ideas.
The bottom line is that the Sharks aren't going to make a deep playoff run one way or another this year, but the foundation to becoming a Stanley Cup champion down the line is here. It's just about adding the right pieces and getting the juicy flavors and the chemistry flowing. The Sharks are easily the most improved team in the NHL. What happens next is up to them. The puck is in their court.
The Montreal Canadiens will be a team to watch once the NHL Olympic trade freeze passes. With the Canadiens currently being second in the Atlantic Division standings, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they look to add to their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Now, the Canadiens are being connected to one of the NHL's top trade candidates.
During his most recent 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman wrote that he believes the Canadiens "like" Nashville Predators star center Ryan O'Reilly.
The Canadiens being viewed as a possible suitor for O'Reilly is not surprising in the slightest. The 34-year-old would be a great addition to the Canadiens' top six if they acquired him, as he is a very good two-way center who produces well offensively, kills penalties, and is a well-respected leader. With this, he would be a big-time pickup for a Canadiens club on the rise.
O'Reilly would also be more than a rental for the Canadiens if acquired, as he has a bargain $4.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season. Thus, he would help the Canadiens beyond this season, which adds to his appeal.
In 57 games this season with the Predators, O'Reilly has recorded 20 goals, 36 assists, 56 points, and a plus-8 rating.
METZ, France (AP) — Struggling Metz held high-flying Lille to 0-0 at home but the point was not enough to lift it off the bottom of Ligue 1 on Friday.
Metz had not won in eight games and it looked second best for much of the match against a team whose early season promise had tapered out after a run of four league defeats.
But visiting Lille could not breach a staunch Metz defense.
Lille had to settle for fifth place, six points behind Lyon.
Metz remained rooted to the bottom of the table with the same points as Auxerre and a point behind Nantes, both of which have a game in hand.
Yasiel Puig has been found guilty of federal crimes.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday the former Dodgers superstar was convicted of one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements after he was accused of lying to federal investigators about making illegal bets.
Yasiel Puig arrives at the United States Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on January 21, 2026 in Los Angeles. Jeremy Louwerse for NY PostYasiel Puig appeared in federal court sketches as his trial began in downtown Los Angeles. Mona Shafer Edwards / BACKGRID
According to prosecutors, Puig faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the obstruction of justice charge and an additional five years in prison for the false statement charge. He will remain “free on his own personal recognizance” until the hearing, prosecutors said.
The feds claimed that back in May 2019, Puig began placing wagers through an associate, Donny Kadokawa, to an illegal gambling organization run by former minor leaguer Wayne Nix.
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In January 2022, Puig was interviewed about his role in the gambling org., but prosecutors alleged he lied about participating in it.
looks to the sky after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sat, October 28, 2018. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Puig made an agreement with the feds to close out the case in November 2022, and as part of the pact, he said he would plead guilty to lying to federal investigators.
“I want to clear my name,” he said at the time. “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.”
Puig’s case ultimately went to trial at the end of January. A jury came back with its guilty verdicts on Friday.
Puig is due back in federal court on May 26 for sentencing.
Puig made his MLB debut on June 3, 2103 with the Dodgers, and became one of the city’s most beloved sports figures for his brash style of play and power at the plate. He was an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2014.
Following his time in the MLB, he logged at-bats in South Korea and the Mexican League.
Head coach says champions were ‘outplayed for large parts’ in 3-0 reverse last November, but are now more dangerous
The test for Liverpool against Manchester City on Sunday is not of their title credentials. That ship has sailed. Instead it is of how far Arne Slot’s side have truly progressed since their title defence was holed.
Slot feels Liverpool’s displays have warranted defeat only occasionally this season – late lapses, set-piece failures and wasted chances have been more common explanations than the overall performance – and the 3-0 reverse at the Etihad Stadium in November was certainly one of them. The controversy over Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed header at 1-0 still lingers for the Dutchman but does not prevent him holding his hands up.
Rosenior hails positive change in culture at Chelsea
Liam Rosenior says life is too short to worry about people laughing at him. The 41-year-old has quickly become a figure of fun since his appointment as Chelsea’s head coach and was ridiculed after miscontrolling a dropping ball during his side’s defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday.
It was the latest example of Rosenior facing online mockery because of his quotes and mannerisms. He has been referred to as “LinkedIn Liam” because of some of his comments in press conferences and compared to David Brent. One meme had him mocked up as Will McKenzie, the nerdy lead character from The Inbetweeners.
LEEDS, England (AP) — Leeds United scored twice in four minutes in a dominant first half then added a third soon after halftime in beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 for a massive boost in its fight against Premier League relegation on Friday.
Leeds' fourth Friday night win in a row lifted it nine points clear of the relegation zone and equal on points with the two clubs above it, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.
Forest's four-game unbeaten league run came to an unceremonious end, and remained in 17th place.
Leeds started the better side and led after 26 minutes.
With the Forest defense static, Jayden Bogle ran on to a superb through ball from Ilia Gruev and poked it under the hesitant keeper.
Four minutes later, Noah Okafor broke a 16-game scoring drought to make it 2-0. But much the credit went to James Justin, who started the move on the right flank and saw his shot parried into the path of the former Napoli and AC Milan winger who made no mistake.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin completed the scoring three minutes into the second half when he dived to chest Gruev’s ball into the box past Stefan Ortega.
Lorenzo Lucca’s consolation goal for Forest with six minutes remaining did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the home fans at Elland Road.
“It is always nice to take the three points back to the training ground," Justin said. “We deserved them, we put in the graft.
"Some of the football we played tonight was some of the best we’ve played all season. To put in a performance like that is a big one in the league.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 07: Andy Ibanez #77 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners in game three of the American League Division Series at Comerica Park on October 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Athletics made two minor roster moves today as they continue shaping their 2026 club.
First, the A’s claimed 32-year-old Cuban infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. With their 40-man roster full, the club designated fellow infielder MaxSchuemann for assignment to make room for Ibáñez.
Last month, the Dodgers signed Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, only to release him earlier this week when they reclaimed outfielder Mike Siani. They hoped to keep the out-of-options player in their organization, yet the A’s claimed him.
Ibáñez spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, carving out a role as a platoon utility player thanks to his .280 career batting average against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he accumulated four home runs and 21 RBIs in 91 games.
After trading for second baseman Jeff McNeil earlier this winter, the A’s acquired Ibáñez to compete with youngsters Darrell Hernaiz, MaxMuncy and Brett Harris this spring for playing time at third base this year. All four candidates bat right handed, ruling out a third base platoon. Ibáñez also brings the defensive versatility the A’s value, with MLB experience at second base, first base, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots.
Unfortunately, Schuemann’s time with the franchise could be over unless he sneaks through waivers and returns as non-roster depth. Ibáñez’s arrival made Schuemann’s presence redundant as the club does not need that many offensively-challenged utility players.
Schuemann debuted in April 2024 and took over as the team’s starting shortstop for most of that season. However, Jacob Wilson’s emergence and Schuemann’s offensive struggles pushed him back into a part-time utility role last year. Given his defensive versatility and minor-league options remaining, another team will likely claim Schuemann on waivers unless they all bypass him due to his tepid offense.
In addition, the team reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with free-agent right handed relief pitcher Scott Barlow. Entering his ninth season, Barlow brings vast experience pitching in late-game situations to what is otherwise an inexperienced A’s bullpen. Last year, he appeared in 75 games with the Cincinnati Reds, going 6-3 with a 4.21 ERA. This is a low-cost move that fills a need, although Barlow will have to limit the free passes and get over allowing Nick Kurtz’s monster 493 ft grand slam at Sutter Health Park in September. At the very least, he cannot be worse than José Leclerc.
What do you think of these two moves A’s fans? Are you sad to see Schuemann go or is it the right call to jettison him from the 40-man? Who should the A’s sign next?
A’s were looking for a versatile infielder with experience and Ibañez fits the bill with plenty of time at 3B and 2B while also playing some 1B and OF.
Decision to DFA Max Schuemann was no doubt a tough one. Would expect him to join A’s in spring as a NRI if he clears waivers. https://t.co/KUny27ga55
VERONA, Italy (AP) — Verona and Pisa drew 0-0 in a dire game that reflected the clubs’ positions at the foot of Serie A on Friday.
Both teams had new managers on the sidelines and were looking for the three points that might kickstart what looks set to be a long and arduous fight against relegation.
But neither team managed a shot on target in the first 45 minutes and it wasn’t until the final minutes that either side showed any urgency.
A header from Pisa’s Stefano Moreo hit the woodwork and although both goalkeepers were forced to make crucial stops to thwart counterattacks no goal was forthcoming.
Verona remains last, behind Pisa on goal difference.
BERLIN (AP) — Union Berlin drew with Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 in a poor Bundesliga game that came alive in the final minutes with two goals and a red card on Friday.
After 83 scrappy minutes, Nathaniel Brown put Frankfurt ahead with a rasping shot from 15 meters. Substitute Mahmoud Dahoud mistimed his scissor kick but the ball fell perfectly for Brown to volley home.
The goal set up the visitor for its first win in nine games but its hopes crumbled just seconds later.
Oscar Højlund was sent off for a second bookable offense two minutes after his side took the lead and Leopold Querfeld scored from the resulting penalty.
The draw meant both clubs were still looking for their first win of 2026.
The late implosion was particularly galling for Albert Riera, who took over as Frankfurt coach this week and was denied a starting three points. One bright spot was the team’s defensive display. Friday’s game was the first in eight this year in which it has not conceded at least two goals.
Frankfurt was seventh in the table, three points ahead of Berlin in ninth.
Sep 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) hits a run-scoring single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Andy Ibáñez experience with the Dodgers lasted all of 24 days. The A’s claimed the veteran infielder off waivers on Friday, just three days after Ibáñez was bumped off the 40-man roster in Los Angeles.
Ibáñez was designated for assignment on Tuesday when the Dodgers claimed outfielder Michael Siani in one of his many waiver transactions this winter.
That meant fewer opportunities for Ibáñez, who has played mostly second and third base throughout his career.
There might be more opportunities for playing time in Sacramento, though the A’s this winter also traded for Jeff McNeil and have an infield that already includes first baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson, along with Zack Gelof, who is coming off surgery late last season.
Ibáñez in parts of five seasons with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers is a .254/.305/.389 hitter with a 92 wRC+, including .280/.327/.452 with a 115 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. He turns 33 in April.
While the Detroit Red Wings were listed as a potential landing spot for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, he was ultimately dealt within the Western Conference to the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, that doesn't mean that the door is closed for a potential deal with Andersson's former team.
As part of the package to acquire Andersson, the Golden Knights sent defenseman Zach Whitecloud (along with defenseman prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick).
Not only does Whitecloud fit the bill of a right-shot defenseman with top-four potential, but he's also signed through 2028 with a reasonable $2.75 million cap hit.
While Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is known for keeping his cards close to the vest, NHL insider Darren Dreger recently suggested that Detroit, positioned as a buyer at the NHL Trade Deadline, is not interested in rentals and would prefer players with term.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Whitecloud, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, was named a 2017–18 WCHA Scholar-Athlete and earned WCHA All-Academic Team honors while playing for Bemidji State University.
He began his NHL career with the Golden Knights, who signed him to a three-year entry-level contract in 2018.
He gained his first extended taste of NHL action during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, appearing in 20 games for Vegas, and followed that by playing in 51 of 56 regular-season games of the COVID-shortened 2020–21 campaign.
In October 2021, he signed a six-year, $16.5 million extension with Vegas, whom he'd eventually help win the Stanley Cup in 2023. While appearing in 22 postseason games, Whitecloud scored two goals and added six assists.
Since his acquisition by the Flames, Whitecloud has routinely seen time on Calgary's second defensive pairing and is a regular on their first penalty-killing unit.
At 29, Whitecloud is still in the prime of his career and would be a sensible option for the Red Wings to consider from the rebuilding Flames.
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