Nets May Make Offer For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Although the Nets clearly aren’t focused on winning games this season, they’ve long had their sights set on Giannis Antetokounmpo and their rebuild shouldn’t prevent them from making an offer for the Bucks superstar, says Brian Lewis of The New York Post (subscriber link). Multiple sources Lewis has spoken to said the Nets plan to be competitive in 2026/27.
“Then this is their moment,” one league source told The Post. “Really depends on if they decide that their aimless tank is over. They could sure make the best offer.”
As Lewis writes, “best” is a relative term and an ideal offer for Milwaukee depends on what the team is prioritizing. But the Nets certainly have a large stash of draft assets if they decide to pursue the two-time MVP.
On the latest edition of the Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link), ESPN’s Brian Windhorst agreed that the Nets could be a suitor for Antetokounmpo, Lewis notes.
“Brooklyn has 10 tradable firsts, Michael Porter Jr. and 11 tradable firsts as of draft night,” Windhorst said. “… I think Brooklyn will seriously consider making an offer.”
Lewis’ aforementioned source assumed Porter would be involved in an outgoing package for Giannis, but an assistant GM thought the 27-year-old forward would be more likely to stay in Brooklyn, speculating that Nic Claxton and Terance Mann would be included instead for salary-matching purposes.
“The Nets make a lot of sense for him,” one Eastern Conference assistant GM told Lewis. “They have some good future picks. [They] could, in theory, trade five future [first-round] picks, keep this year’s pick, shut him down for the year? Tank?“
Cavs’ De’Andre Hunter Likely To Be Traded?
After reporting on Wednesday that the Cavaliers‘ front office was hesitant to trade De’Andre Hunter for less than it gave up to acquire him a year ago (Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps), Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints now hears the veteran forward is likely to be moved prior to the February 5 deadline (Twitter links).
The Lakers and a “couple other” teams have been speaking to the Cavs about Hunter, league sources tell ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Times previously cited Hunter as a possible Lakers target.
The Nets have emerged as a team willing to help facilitate a deal, according to Siegel, and L.A. has shown interest in Haywood Highsmith and Day’Ron Sharpe. Siegel doesn’t state it outright, but that construct implies Brooklyn would likely take on unwanted Lakers salaries in exchange for draft assets.
As Siegel writes, some members of Cleveland’s front office support the idea of moving off Hunter’s contract, with second-year Lakers forward Dalton Knecht heading back to Cleveland. That suggests the Cavaliers, who are the only NBA team over the second tax apron and are projected to have a massive luxury tax bill, view a potential deal as a salary dump.
Still, Siegel cautions that talks have been ongoing, so that three-team construct is merely one of multiple possibilities.
Hunter is converting a career-worst 30.9% of his three-point attempts this season after making a career-high 40.5% of his outside looks in 2024/25. For context, his career percentage is in the middle of those two figures (36.5%).
Hunter, 28, is owed $23.3MM in ’25/26 and $24.9MM in ’26/27. In 42 games this season, he has averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 26.2 minutes per contest.
Aaron Gordon Out At Least 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be reevaluated in four-to-six weeks due to a right hamstring strain, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post confirms the news (via Twitter).
Gordon, a key starter for the Nuggets, aggravated his right hamstring strain in a January 23 victory at Milwaukee. The team was cautiously optimistic his latest strain wasn’t severe as his first, which sidelined him for six weeks, but it appears he’ll end up facing a similar recovery timeline.
In 23 appearances this season, Gordon has averaged 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.9 minutes per game, with a strong shooting slash line of .509/.400/.789. The 30-year-old is also one of the best defenders on Denver’s roster.
The Nuggets have a 17-6 record when Gordon plays this season, compared to a 14-10 mark when he’s unavailable. They’re currently 31-16, the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
While Denver will be without Gordon for several weeks — likely for all of February — they should have superstar center Nikola Jokic back in the near future. Charania reported on Tuesday that the three-time MVP, who has been out for a month due to a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, is expected to be reevaluated next week.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Intrigued By Wolves, Sixers?
Confirming reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) say the Timberwolves should be included among the group of teams considered serious suitors for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Minnesota doesn’t currently have a tradable first-round pick, but Stein and Fischer hear that Antetokounmpo has “quietly had the Timberwolves in his thoughts” for some time and would be very intrigued by the possibility of teaming up with star guard Anthony Edwards. While Giannis doesn’t hold a no-trade clause, he’ll have some leverage in the Bucks’ trade talks, since any potential trade partner would be reluctant to give up a massive haul for a player who could reach free agency and head elsewhere as soon as 2027.
As Stein and Fischer observe, the Wolves weren’t willing to include forward Jaden McDaniels in an offer for Kevin Durant last year and have been reluctant to make many of their higher-paid rotation players available this season as they scour the trade market for backcourt help. But the expectation is that they’d be much more open to discussing McDaniels and others as part of a potential package for Antetokounmpo.
Surveying the market for the two-time MVP, Stein and Fischer touch on several other teams, including Philadelphia. The Sixers haven’t contacted Milwaukee about a possible Giannis deal to this point, but they’re on his radar, according to The Stein Line’s duo, who point out that Antetokounmpo and Sixers star Tyrese Maxey both work with trainer Drew Hanlen.
Here are several more Giannis-related updates:
- Antetokounmpo’s potential interest in the Heat dates back to at least 2020, when he had Miami high on his list of possible landing spots if he didn’t sign an extension with the Bucks, per Stein and Fischer. He also reportedly had interest in joining the Knicks last summer. Still, it won’t be easy for either team to win a bidding war for the star forward. According to The Stein Line, some sources around the NBA have wondered whether New York missed its window to land Giannis and believe that a complicated multi-team framework would be necessary to get him to the Knicks at this point.
- According to Stein and Fischer, several rival front offices have wondered if the Bucks are trying to establish asking prices with potential Antetokounmpo suitors now before holding a full-fledged auction in the summer, when several teams will have more tradable first-round picks available. “They’re asking for the moon,” one general manager told The Stein Line on Thursday. “All of your young players and all of your draft picks.”
- Early indications are that the Hawks haven’t entered the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes and don’t intend to, Stein and Fischer write. That echoes reporting from Sam Amick of The Athletic, who said Hawks team officials were conveying on Wednesday that they aren’t involved on Giannis and are taking a long-term approach with their roster. Forward Jalen Johnson and the Hawks’ most favorable 2026 first-round pick (either the Pelicans’ or Bucks’ selection) would be extremely valuable trade chips, but Atlanta reportedly isn’t interested in parting with either one and has some reservations about how Antetokounmpo and Johnson would fit together, per Stein and Fischer.
Jayson Tatum Mulling Sitting Out Rest Of Season
January 29: Tatum told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN on Wednesday night that he remains undecided about whether or not he’ll return this season.
“(I want) to get it right the first time, so it’s just a lot to think about,” Tatum said.
January 28: The prospect of Jayson Tatum returning this season from the Achilles rupture that has sidelined him since last spring’s playoffs grew murkier on Wednesday night, as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Tatum is reevaluating the idea and considering sitting out the rest of the Celtics‘ season (Twitter video link).
While it appeared Tatum was getting closer to being able to make his anticipated season debut, Haynes says the star wing’s return is now considered “up in the air.”
According to Haynes, Tatum previously told him that he had planned on coming back this season, but league sources say the situation has changed for “a couple” reasons, though Haynes didn’t elaborate on what those reasons were.
As Brian Robb of MassLive writes, in a recent podcast appearance, Tatum discussed the Celtics’ success without him this season and addressed how that delicate chemistry could impact his decision to suit up this year.
“They have an identity this year or things that they felt has clicked for them and has been successful,” Tatum said. “There is a thought in my head, ‘How does that work?’ or ‘How does that look with me integrating myself off with injury and 50, 60 games into a season?’“
Boston holds a 29-18 record after Wednesday night’s loss to the Hawks, and is tied for the second seed in the East while being led by Jaylen Brown, who is averaging career highs in points (29.6), rebounds (6.8), assists (4.9), field goal attempts (22.5), and free throw attempts (7.3) per game. Tatum expressed some concern that his presence could change the dynamic of the team.
“Obviously, there could be some challenges,” he said. “It is a thought like, ‘Damn, do I come back? Or should I wait?’ It’s something that, recently, in the last two weeks or so [I] just kind of contemplate every single day.”
That said, Haynes’ report certainly doesn’t rule out the possibility of Tatum coming back this season if he feels physically and mentally ready to do so. It’s unclear how Tatum’s status might impact the Celtics’ approach to the trade deadline, as there have been reports that the team’s somewhat unexpected success could lead to them being buyers at the deadline, with ducking the luxury tax no longer considered a top priority.
Isaiah Hartenstein Set To Return Thursday
Isaiah Hartenstein‘s return for the Thunder is imminent, as the big man is no longer listed on Oklahoma City’s injury report heading into Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman notes (Twitter link).
Hartenstein has missed the last 16 games for the Thunder with a soleus strain in his right calf. After starting the first 19 games for Oklahoma City and averaging 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, the 7’0″ German has suited up in just five of the team’s 29 contests since then.
Notably, the Thunder went 18-1 during Hartenstein’s healthy stint to start the year, compared to its record of 20-9 since he first started missing time. They recently lost back-to-back games at home for the first time all season.
The Thunder have been trying different looks with Hartenstein and Jalen Williams unavailable. Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell, and Isaiah Joe have all started games. While Jalen Williams remains out for at least another week, Hartenstein’s return should help settle the rotation.
Raptors Among Teams Eyeing Yves Missi
Pelicans center Yves Missi is among the potential targets on the Raptors‘ radar as they seek frontcourt help at the trade deadline, reports Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
With starting center Jakob Poeltl having battled back problems all season long, Toronto is believed to be looking to fortify its depth chart at the five while also ducking below the luxury tax line. The team, which is operating about $1MM into the tax, has been linked to big men like Daniel Gafford, Goga Bitadze, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Nick Richards over the course of the season.
The Raptors have also been connected to star-caliber bigs such as Anthony Davis of the Mavericks and Domantas Sabonis of the Kings, but they haven’t gained real traction on either front, sources tell Siegel, and they’re probably more inclined to make a smaller move.
At 29-19 (fourth in the East), Toronto has exceeded expectations so far this season, and Siegel suggests head coach Darko Rajakovic and the Raptors’ players have conveyed to management that they’d prefer if the roster isn’t shaken up too significantly.
A player like Missi would appeal to the Raptors – and other suitors – due to his modest salary ($3.4MM) and his favorable contract, which includes a $3.5MM salary for 2026/27 and a $5.6MM team option for ’27/28. The 21st overall pick in the 2024 draft, Missi started 67 games and averaged 26.8 minutes per game for New Orleans as a rookie, but has primarily come off the bench this season and has seen his MPG dip to 19.2.
Missi’s precise value on the trade market is unclear. According to Siegel, the consensus around the NBA is that the Pelicans will have to settle for multiple second-round draft picks if they move him. However, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) hears New Orleans wants to land a 2026 first-rounder for Missi and has already turned down at least one offer centered around second-round selections.
Toronto has also explored the idea of acquiring Missi as part of a larger package, per Siegel, who says the Raptors brought up the idea of offering RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, and draft picks for Missi and Trey Murphy III. However, the Pelicans – who have been averse to the idea of trading Murphy at all – didn’t have interest in that framework.
The Pacers, Knicks, and Bulls are among the other teams previously reported to have expressed interest in Missi. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks, Celtics, and Lakers are also in that group of potential suitors.
Steven Adams Undergoes Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone surgery on his left ankle and will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Adams injured his ankle in a January 18 win over New Orleans, landing awkwardly after contesting a Zion Williamson shot attempt. He was diagnosed last week with a Grade 3 sprain and was ruled out indefinitely.
Adams, 32, missed part of the 2022/23 season and all of ’23/24 due to a knee injury and was brought back carefully last season by Houston, averaging a career-low 13.7 minutes per game in 58 appearances. The big man seemed back to full strength in ’25/26, having logged 22.8 MPG in his 32 outings (11 starts) this season.
While Adams was still seeing less playing time than he did during his prime years in Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Memphis, he was a crucial part of the Rockets’ game plan in the first half of this season, with his 4.5 offensive rebounds per game ranking among the league leaders. His prowess on the boards helped make Houston the league’s No. 1 team in rebounding percentage and offensive rebounding percentage.
The Rockets still have plenty of depth in the middle, with veteran Clint Capela backing up Alperen Sengun. But the team’s top-five offense has been fueled by bigger lineups that control the glass, so there have been rumblings that Houston could seek more frontcourt help via trade or on the buyout market to make up for the loss of Adams.
The deadline to apply for a disabled player exception for a season-ending injury was January 15, so the Rockets won’t be granted a DPE for Adams. However, the team does have one worth $12.5MM as a result of Fred VanVleet‘s ACL tear. The usefulness of that exception is limited due to Houston’s close proximity to its first-apron hard cap.
Adams is under contract with the Rockets for two years beyond this season. He’ll earn $13MM next season and roughly $11.9MM in 2027/28.
Warriors, Heat Have Discussed Andrew Wiggins
The Warriors and Heat have had conversations about the possibility of a trade that would send forward Andrew Wiggins back to Golden State, according to reports from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Wiggins was initially dealt from the Warriors to the Heat in the Jimmy Butler blockbuster at last season’s trade deadline. However, with Butler recovering from an ACL tear and Kuminga’s days in Golden State seemingly numbered, the Warriors’ search for help on the wing has led them back to the former No. 1 overall pick, who is still highly regarded within the organization, sources tell Siegel.
A Golden State offer for Wiggins would almost certainly start with Kuminga, and Miami has shown some interest in acquiring the fifth-year forward, according to Siegel. Still, there are several factors which could complicate talks between the two clubs.
For one, chatter around the NBA indicates the Heat have been seeking at least one first-round pick in exchange for Wiggins, per Siegel. It’s unclear whether the Warriors have conveyed a willingness to put a first-rounder on the table.
Golden State is also operating right up against a second-apron hard cap and would need to add more salary beyond Kuminga’s $22.5MM cap hit to take back Wiggins, who is earning $28.2MM this season, with a $30.2MM player option for 2026/27. Adding Moses Moody ($11.6MM) or Buddy Hield ($9.2MM) would make it a legal trade for the Warriors, but the Heat would have their own reservations about taking on much additional money, since they’re operating just $1.6MM below the luxury tax line.
Finally, if they do part with Wiggins, the Heat would prefer to use his salary to bring back a star-level player, Fischer writes. Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is one such player, and the fact that both Miami and Golden State reportedly covet the two-time MVP would presumably make it more difficult for the two teams to work out a separate trade that could impact their chances of making a play for Giannis.
The Bucks have “long coveted” Wiggins, according to Fischer, though he points out that Milwaukee’s interest in the 30-year-old has been framed as part of the team’s efforts to upgrade its roster around Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen whether Wiggins would still appeal to the Bucks as part of a package for Giannis.
In 43 games (all starts) for the Heat this season, Wiggins has averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.3 minutes per night, with a shooting line of .470/.390/.789.
Bulls More Likely To Trade White Than Dosunmu
Bulls guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones have all drawn interest from potential trade partners leading up to next Thursday’s deadline, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). However, one of those players appears more likely to be dealt than the others.
Fischer identifies White as the Bulls guard who is the best bet to be on the move in the next eight days, while Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times agrees that White is the player the team is discussing most frequently. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints confirms that there are indications Chicago would prefer to keep and extend Dosunmu rather than White.
As Fischer outlines, both White and Dosunmu will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, but White – who previously passed on negotiating an extension that would’ve maxed out at about $87MM over four years – is expected to be seeking the larger payday of the two.
While the Bulls – with a relatively clean cap sheet and White’s Bird rights in hand – could accommodate a deal that exceeds $87MM over four years, it’s getting more difficult to envision them going too high for White after signing Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100MM contract last summer, Fischer writes. As Fischer explains, Dosunmu has proven capable of being a more complementary backcourt piece alongside Giddey, whereas White is at his best when he has the ball in his hands more frequently.
That makes Dosunmu a better fit going forward, and it helps that he’s a Chicago native, which the franchise has historically valued. Fischer also hears from sources that Dosunmu has “found good alignment” with the Bulls’ coaching staff.
As for which teams are in the mix for White, Fischer says the Timberwolves continue to be mentioned as a suitor. The Wolves are in need of a backcourt upgrade and their head of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, worked with Bulls executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas in Denver.
However, Minnesota would have some reservations about giving up much of value for White if there’s a good chance he might just be a rest-of-season rental, Fischer writes. With over $194MM in guaranteed money on their books for next season, the Wolves aren’t currently in a great position to sign White to a lucrative new contract in the offseason.
Fischer also hears that the Wolves aren’t necessarily eager to move on from respected veteran point guard Mike Conley, despite the fact that his expiring $10.8MM looks like an obvious salary-matching piece in a move for a player like White ($12.9MM). Minnesota appears more willing to deal 2024 lottery pick Rob Dillingham, Fischer adds.
Besides Minnesota, the Rockets are also in the mix for White, according to both Cowley and Siegel. Cowley suggests players like Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason have been “floated in some capacity.”
It certainly makes sense that Chicago would inquire on those youngsters, but I’m skeptical Houston would be willing to include either one in an offer for White, given his contract situation. Sheppard has emerged as a quality rotation player in his second NBA season, while one recent report suggested Eason is considered off limits in trade talks.
Siegel identifies the Clippers as another team with interest in White, though both he and Cowley suggest there are more teams beyond those three in play for the Bulls guard.