Dillon Brooks, Brandon Miller Earn Player Of Week Honors
Suns forward Dillon Brooks and Hornets forward Brandon Miller have been named the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, according to the league (Twitter links).
Brooks led his team to a 3-1 record during the week of January 26 to February 1 while averaging 28.8 points per game on 54.5 percent shooting from three-point range. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists during those four contests, which included victories by double-digits over the Pistons and Cavaliers.
Miller averaged 26.3 points in just 29.8 minutes per game as the Hornets enjoyed a 4-0 week capped by a win over San Antonio The third-year wing shot 50 percent from three-point range, grabbed 5.8 rebounds per game, and made all 25 of his free throw attempts en route to his first ever Player of the Week award.
Besides being named Player of the Week for the first time in their respective careers, Brooks and Miller are each became the first player from his team to earn the honor this season.
Brooks beat out a handful of stars for the weekly awards. Luka Doncic (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) were the other Western Conference nominees.
Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers), OG Anunoby and Josh Hart (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Joel Embiid (Sixers) and Aaron Nesmith (Pacers) were also nominated in the East.
Cavaliers, Kings Actively Looking To Make More Deals
The Cavaliers and Kings made a splash over the weekend, completing a deal that saw Cleveland acquiring Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder, and Emanuel Miller, with De’Andre Hunter headed to Sacramento. The Bulls were also involved in the transaction, acquiring Dario Saric and two second-round picks to facilitate it.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Cavaliers and Kings aren’t through wheeling and dealing.
The Cavs’ top executive, Koby Altman, is aggressively pursuing trades involving Lonzo Ball and injured wing Max Strus. The Hunter trade took the Cavs from $22MM to just $13.9MM above the second apron and brought their total payroll down to $221.7MM.
Altman is hoping to move his team out of the second apron, thus giving him more flexibility to make significant roster changes over the summer. Shedding Ball’s contract — he’s making $10MM this season with a $10MM club option for next season — would help the Cavaliers achieve that goal. Ball has only averaged 4.6 points and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game, so dumping his salary would likely cost the Cavs some draft capital.
As for Strus, he’s still recovering from offseason left foot surgery. Strus has become a focal point in talks surrounding the Cavs in the aftermath of Saturday’s trade, according to Siegel.
He’s become even more expendable with the acquisitions of guards Ellis and Schroder. Strus is making nearly $16MM this season and has $16.66MM more remaining on his contract for next season. If the Cavs can’t move him this week, he will be a prime trade candidate in the offseason, Siegel adds.
As for the Kings, they’re continuing to look for any takers for Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis. While it’s unlikely DeRozan or Sabonis will be dealt before Thursday’s deadline, one intriguing suitor remains in the mix the big man — the Raptors.
Jakob Poeltl‘s ongoing back problems have led Toronto to consider the possibility of adding an impact frontcourt player. They’ve cooled on the idea of trading for the Mavericks’ Anthony Davis but adding Sabonis would be less complicated, especially since the Kings are interested in RJ Barrett.
The Kings could also help to facilitate other trades around the league with Monk’s contract. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $78MM deal. The Timberwolves have expressed exploratory interest in Monk.
Whatever the Kings may do this week, they will likely soon convert Dylan Cardwell‘s two-way contract into a standard deal.
As for the transaction that was completed, the Bucks and Lakers held trade discussions with the Cavs regarding Hunter.
The Lakers’ package revolved around Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht but they balked at not receiving any additional assets or draft compensation for the final year of Hunter’s contract. The Bucks made both Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis available to Cleveland.
Jason Kidd Fined $35K For Criticizing Officials, Using Profanities
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has been fined $35K for public criticism of the officiating and using profane language during a media interview, the league announced (Twitter link).
Following Saturday’s loss at Houston, Dallas’ fourth straight defeat, Kidd went on an expletive-filled tirade regarding media criticism of Kidd using rookie Cooper Flagg as the team’s de facto point guard.
“I don’t give a f–k about the criticism,” Kidd said. “The criticism, that’s your opinion. You guys write that bulls–t. I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level, and I know what the f–k I’m doing.”
The No. 1 overall pick has thrived the past two games, putting up 49 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday and finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists on Saturday.
“I don’t give a f–k what you guys write,” Kidd said. “Because you guys have never played the game before. I have built players. I know what the f–k I’m doing. To take criticism, it only makes me better. Because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes at what I’ve done.”
Kidd also ripped the officiating crew. He was particularly upset about a play with 25 seconds remaining, when Flagg drove down the lane and missed a left-handed layup that would have tied the game.
“I saw a foul,” Kidd said. “[Officials] Sean [Wright], Simone [Jelks] and Jason [Goldenberg] were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible.”
Warriors Making Strongest Pitch For Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors have been the most aggressive team in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, league sources tell Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Siegel states that owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. agree that no player other than Stephen Curry is off limits in a potential trade for the Bucks star. Siegel adds that Antetokounmpo is the Warriors’ sole focus in their search for a roster upgrade before the trade deadline. If a deal can’t be reached by Thursday, they plan to keep their most valuable assets and try again to land Antetokounmpo this summer.
Sources also tell Siegel that the Bucks haven’t turned down the Warriors’ latest offer. He describes general manager Jon Horst and Milwaukee’s front office as “fascinated” with the chance to acquire a large parcel of Golden State’s future assets. However, the Bucks’ leadership is taking its time in reaching a decision, which isn’t expected until the final 24 hours before the deadline.
Siegel adds that if Antetokounmpo finishes out the season with the Bucks, it becomes far less likely that Jonathan Kuminga will be dealt before the deadline. Golden State holds a $24.3MM option on Kuminga for 2026/27 and he could be a valuable asset to keep for the offseason.
Siegel hears that the Warriors also have some level of interest in Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. and Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, but they aren’t considered likely to trade for either player this week. Despite a slew of trade rumors, Siegel is skeptical that either player will be dealt prior to the deadline.
There’s an increasing chance that Draymond Green rather than Jimmy Butler might be part of an Antetokounmpo deal, Siegel writes, echoing recent reporting. He checked with sources close to trade talks over the weekend and states that he didn’t get an “emphatic no” about Green’s possible inclusion. A rival executive suggested Green could be agreeable to that scenario while planning to turn down his $27.6MM player option for next season and return to a much stronger Warriors team in free agency.
“Look, without Jimmy, the Warriors aren’t getting to the NBA Finals, even if they added Giannis right now,” the executive told Siegel. “If you leverage Draymond and get more assets, you can pull off the biggest blockbuster and leave these other teams wanting Giannis scrambling for answers. There is no doubt in my mind there are those who would immediately offer a first-round pick for Draymond to make a title push right now. I 100 percent believe there are teams who would essentially help the Warriors get Giannis if it meant they got Green for the next three or four months to pursue a title.”
Bucks Making Counteroffers In Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks
The Bucks “remained engaged with teams that have interest” in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo over the weekend and submitted counteroffers to a few of them, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on a SportsCenter appearance (Twitter video link; hat tip to Real GM).
Charania listed the Heat, Timberwolves, Warriors and Knicks as “the most serious suitors” so far, although several other teams are rumored to be involved. He adds that it “comes down to the price point” for Antetokounmpo, which means parting with young talent, “a surplus of draft picks” or possibly a combination of both.
The Bucks have been sending mixed signals about whether they intend to part with their franchise player by Thursday’s deadline or wait until the summer in hopes of negotiating a better deal. Charania’s report is the strongest indication so far that Milwaukee is serious about making a trade this week.
The Bucks were hoping to put together a late-season run toward the playoffs and were originally approaching the deadline as buyers with an eye on upgrading the roster and convincing Antetokounmpo to stay. Those plans seemed to change on January 23 when Antetokoumpo suffered a calf injury that will keep him out indefinitely, virtually sinking the team’s postseason hopes. Milwaukee lost its fifth straight game Sunday at Boston and has fallen to 12th in the East at 18-29.
As Charania points out, there are pros and cons to the Bucks waiting for the offseason to make the deal. Interested teams will have additional draft capital to offer, but Antetokounmpo will also have more control over where he wants to go. After making $58.5MM next season, he holds a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28 and can threaten not to re-sign with a team that trades for him if it’s not one of his preferred destinations.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers addressed the trade rumors Sunday in an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Countdown (Twitter video link), stating, “I think everyone will be here” past the deadline. He also said he’s looking forward to the end of the week so speculation can be put on hold for a few months.
“He wants to be a Buck, he loves the city and that’s all I can go by as a coach right now,” Rivers said of Antetokounmpo. “Has it been difficult? Yeah. My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline. I think everyone will be here.”
Rivers added that Antetokounmpo expects to play again this season and is hoping to “get into the playoffs healthy.”
NBA Announces 2026 All-Star Reserves
The NBA has announced its 2026 All-Star reserves, revealing this year’s honorees on NBC ahead of the Knicks/Lakers matchup (Twitter links).
The following players will join the 10 All-Star starters the league announced on Monday, January 19.
Eastern Conference Reserves:
Guard: Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)- Guard: Norman Powell (Heat)
- Frontcourt: Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Frontcourt: Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Frontcourt: Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Frontcourt: Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Frontcourt: Jalen Duren (Pistons)
The East will see three first-time All-Stars in Johnson, Powell, and Duren. Powell is averaging a career-high 23.0 points per game in his first season in Miami, while Johnson has emerged as one of the league’s most versatile point forwards on offense, averaging 23.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per night while hitting 36.0% of his threes. Duren is averaging 18.0 PPG and 10.7 RPG, and is the second-leading scorer on the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.
Towns is having a down year from an efficiency standpoint but has managed to contribute in other ways, leading the NBA in rebounds per game (11.8) while scoring 20.0 points per game on 36.4% shooting from deep. He will join teammate Jalen Brunson, who was named a starter for the second straight year, while Duren will join running mate Cade Cunningham.
Western Conference Reserves:
- Guard: Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Guard: Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Guard: Devin Booker (Suns)
- Frontcourt: Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Frontcourt: Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- Frontcourt: Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Frontcourt: LeBron James (Lakers)
For the Western Conference, Murray, Holmgren, and Avdija are all first-time All-Stars. Murray had long been considered one of the league’s best players – if not the best – to never take part in the event, but will no longer hold that title. He’s having his best scoring (25.8 PPG) and play-making (7.4 APG) season as a pro, and has helped the Nuggets hold onto the No. 2 seed despite missing co-star and All-Star starter Nikola Jokic for 16 games.
Avdija has exploded for the Blazers this season, averaging 25.5 points per game (after scoring 16.9 PPG last season) while also contributing 7.2 RPG and 6.7 APG and leading Portland to what is currently a play-in spot.
Despite cooling off a bit since his scorching start, Holmgren is averaging 17.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 2.0 BPG and has anchored Oklahoma City’s dominant defense all season, especially while starting center Isaiah Hartenstein faced an extended absence due to a calf injury.
Booker was named to the team after leading the overachieving Suns to a 30-19 record — they’re currently percentage points behind the Lakers for the No. 6 spot in the West.
James was named to his 22nd consecutive All-Star team despite having a down year by his own standards. He is currently averaging 21.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 6.6 APG for the Lakers, who are 29-18 coming into tonight’s game against the Knicks.
The Lakers, Knicks, Thunder, Pistons, and Nuggets are the teams with multiple players represented.
Some notable players not to make this year’s All-Star team include Michael Porter Jr., Kawhi Leonard, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, and Alperen Sengun — they’re among the top candidates to become injury replacements.
As Ian Begley of SNY notes (via Twitter), the NBA’s decision to include a USA versus World component requires at least eight international players. Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Jokic, Avdija, Murray, and Siakam will make up a majority of the World roster, but with starter Giannis Antetokounmpo injured, the league will need to decide whether Towns, who suits up for the Dominican Republic in international play, as well as Powell, who played with Jamaica last summer, will be considered international or American players, Marc Stein observes (via Twitter). Either way, an injury replacement will need to be named for the Eastern Conference.
Stein adds that the NBA will announce the official roster breakdowns on Tuesday (Twitter link).
Hawks Trade Krejci To Blazers For Reath, Second-Rounders
3:40 pm: The trade is official, the Hawks and Trail Blazers announced.
11:20 am: The Hawks and Trail Blazers have agreed to a trade, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reports (via Twitter) that Vit Krejci will be heading to Portland for Duop Reath and two second-round picks.
The Hawks will receive their own 2027 second-round pick back from Portland, as well as New York’s 2030 second-rounder, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Twitter link). The Blazers controlled both of those picks from previous trades.
Reath, a 6’9″ big man, recently underwent season-ending foot surgery. Although he doesn’t state it outright, Charania suggests Reath could be waived to open a roster spot for the Hawks (Twitter link). N’Faly Dante, who is also out for the season after tearing his ACL, is another candidate to be released, tweets cap expert Yossi Gozlan.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Twitter link), the Trail Blazers have been very active in trade conversations. They plan to promote two-way players Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko to standard contracts after the February 5 deadline, Stein adds.
As several NBA insiders have noted, Atlanta evidently viewed Krejci as expendable after the team acquired Corey Kispert from Washington.
A 6’8″ guard, Krejci has averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.3% from three-point range in 46 appearances this season (22.3 minutes per game). The 25-year-old is on a very affordable contract, earning $2.3MM this season, a non-guaranteed $2.7MM in 2026/27, with a $3MM team option for ’27/28.
Krejci’s outside shooting fills an immediate need for the Blazers, who rank last in the league in three-point percentage (33.6%). The former second-round pick will be extension-eligible in July, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link).
Reath, meanwhile, is earning $2.2MM this season and could be a restricted free agent in the summer if he finishes his current contract and is given a qualifying offer, though that seems unlikely.
Cavs, Kings, Bulls Finalize Trade Involving Ellis, Hunter, More
The Cavaliers, Kings and Bulls have officially completed their three-team trade, according to press releases from Cleveland, Sacramento and Chicago.
The full deal is as follows:
- Cavaliers acquire Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder, and Emanuel Miller; waived Luke Travers.
- Kings acquire De’Andre Hunter.
- Bulls acquire Dario Saric, 2027 second-round pick, and 2029 second-round pick; waived Jevon Carter.
“After careful evaluation and a clearer view of the Eastern Conference landscape, we believe adding Dennis and Keon strengthens our depth, expands our flexibility, and positions us to keep building a Championship caliber team now and into the future,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a statement.
“In a season defined by its parity, this move better aligns us for a deeper postseason run. I’m thankful as well to De’Andre, who made an immediate impact upon his arrival to Cleveland and represented the Cavaliers with class. We appreciate everything he did for us both on and off the court, and we wish him the best in Sacramento. We drafted Luke in 2022 and have seen his development improve each year and thank him for his contributions to the franchise.”
Our primary breakdown of the trade can be found here. The involvement of Miller and Travers was outlined here.
The Kings have now have two standard roster openings after sending out three players (Ellis, Schröder, Saric) for one (Hunter). They will have 14 days to get back to at least 14 players on standard contracts. The Cavs and Bulls, meanwhile, have full 18-man rosters.
Warriors Reportedly Assured Jimmy Butler They Won’t Trade Him
The Warriors recently informed Jimmy Butler they don’t plan to trade him as he rehabilitates from a torn ACL in his right knee, a league source tells Nick Friedell of The Athletic.
Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported on Saturday that they have received “strong indications” that Golden State’s offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlikely to include Butler. Both players make $54.1MM this season.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said he didn’t expect to trade Butler in the wake of the six-time All-Star’s season-ending injury. However, that was before the Bucks became more receptive to offers for the two-time MVP.
Multiple reports have indicated Stephen Curry is the only untouchable Warrior in talks for Antetokounmpo. Golden State’s actions will speak louder than words when it comes to Butler, Friedell notes.
If Butler is not part of the Warriors’ offer, four-time champion Draymond Green will likely have to be part of the outgoing package for salary-matching purposes. He addressed that possibility on Friday.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night.”
Other members of Golden State’s roster admit the lead-up to the trade deadline is a stressful experience.
“It’s hard on all of us,” veteran big man Al Horford told Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, “but especially for younger players that are trying to find their way and establish themselves. This time of year, I find that it doesn’t matter what team you’re on, it’s always going to be stressful.
“It’s tough. We kind of have to have some sort of empathy for everybody, because we’re all just kind of going through it. And there’s a lot of ‘what ifs’ and things like that. From my experience, once the deadline passes, everybody kind of takes a deep breath. It slows down, and you’ll see a better team.”
Backup guard De’Anthony Melton is trying to tune out the outside noise, according to Poole.
“Honestly, you just got to put your head down and work,” Melton said. “Some stuff is out of your control. Early in my career, one of the vets told that when a superstar or whatever wants to get moved, everybody’s on the (trading) block. Nobody’s above the program.”
Jason Kidd Rips Media, Officials After Saturday’s Loss
Following Saturday’s loss at Houston, Dallas’ fourth straight defeat, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd went on an expletive-filled tirade regarding media criticism of Kidd using Cooper Flagg as the team’s de facto point guard to open his rookie season, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic.
“I don’t give a f–k about the criticism,” Kidd said. “The criticism, that’s your opinion. You guys write that bulls–t. I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level, and I know what the f–k I’m doing.”
As Clark observes, the Mavs went 2-5 and had the worst offensive rating in the league in the first seven games of the season before Kidd moved Flagg off the ball. But the Mavericks have once again been playing without a traditional point guard of late and the No. 1 overall pick has thrived the past two games, putting up 49 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday and finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists on Saturday.
“I don’t give a f–k what you guys write,” Kidd said. “Because you guys have never played the game before. I have built players. I know what the f–k I’m doing. To take criticism, it only makes me better. Because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes at what I’ve done.”
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Kidd also ripped the officiating crew following Saturday’s loss. He was particularly upset about a play with 25 seconds remaining, when Flagg drove down the lane and missed a left-handed layup that would have tied the game.
“I saw a foul,” Kidd said. “[Officials] Sean [Wright], Simone [Jelks] and Jason [Goldenberg] were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible.”
Flagg set a record for a teenager when he scored 49 points and his 83 combined points are the most a teenager has scored over a two-game span in league history. The 19-year-old also became the first teenager to record consecutive 30-point double-doubles, per MacMahon.
“I definitely felt some contact, but at the end of the day, the refs are the ones making the call, so it is what it is,” said Flagg. “I mean, it’s tough. You just got to play through it. It’s part of the game. It’s not the first time in my life that I haven’t got calls, and it’s probably not going to be the last. So whatever it is, just got to keep playing through it.”
For what it’s worth, Dallas (15-of-26) attempted 11 more free throws than Houston (11-of-15), Clark notes.