NBA rumors

Charles Bassey is returning to the Philadelphia 76ers on a 10-day contract, according to a report by Shams Charania.

After a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in two games, the big man moved to the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 18.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

By reaching the limit of 15 standard contracts, Philadelphia will be able to continue using its two Two-Way players, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker. It is widely expected that at least one of the two will be signed to a standard NBA contract after the trade deadline.

Franz Wagner is still experiencing significant soreness related to his left high ankle sprain. After recently returning, the Orlando Magic forward was ruled out of the home loss to the Charlotte Hornets due to soreness in that same ankle.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley said Wagner was “really, really, really sore” after shootaround and emphasized a long-term mindset in managing the roster, calling Wagner one of the key players the organization has to keep monitoring carefully.

Mosley added the pain stems from the previous high ankle sprain, but Orlando hopes it won’t linger. “I hope it’s not long term,” he said, noting the team will continue to track his progress to ensure the timing is right for Wagner and the group overall.

The Charlotte Hornets reportedly haven’t signaled they’re shopping Miles Bridges, but the forward is drawing interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Golden State Warriors, and the Phoenix Suns.

Charlotte is said to be seeking at least one first-round pick, and possibly two, to consider a deal. Bridges is on a tradable $25 million salary this season, with $22.8 million fully guaranteed in 2026-27.

A key complication for Milwaukee is that the Hornets reportedly have no interest in taking back Kyle Kuzma. The Warriors could explore Jonathan Kuminga as the centerpiece, while the Suns can assemble matching contracts but don’t have the draft assets Charlotte would likely want.

The Athletic

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly open to moving several veterans, a list that includes Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine. Sabonis carries the largest contract of that group, but interest around the veteran center remains strong.

Per the report, the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls have all shown interest in Sabonis. The Bulls and Wizards could offer expiring contracts, while the Suns would have to piece together multiple salaries to meet the required matching.

Toronto is described as a team to watch, with RJ Barrett potentially involved due to his connection with Kings GM Scott Perry, who drafted him in New York. Sabonis is owed $42.3M this season, $45.5M next season and $48.6M in 2027-28; Barrett is at $27.7M this year and $29.6M next year, meaning the Raptors would need at least one additional contract to match.

The Athletic

According to Brian Windhorst, the NBA trade season is “hinging” on one question: whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will come to market.
He argues a Giannis deal would trigger massive, multi-team trades because of the contract size and the likely need for multiple players.

So far, however, there’s been no trade request from Antetokounmpo and no indication the Bucks are initiating conversations.
The closest movement mentioned is brief Bucks–Knicks talks in August, described as presumably connected to Giannis.

ESPN frames the deadlock as mutual reluctance: Giannis would rather not formally ask out and risk his standing in Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, the Bucks reportedly won’t entertain trading him unless he explicitly requests it, with 2027 free agency and an October extension window looming.

 The New York Knicks are in active discussions with multiple teams regarding a potential trade involving Guerschon Yabusele, according to a report by Stefan Bondy.

The team is currently going through a difficult stretch, having won just two of its last 11 games, and in recent days several reporters close to the team have not ruled out the possibility of significant roster moves.

Yabusele is considered one of the most expendable pieces on the roster, largely due to a manageable contract — which includes a $5.8 million player option for the 2026–27 season — and the limited role he has played so far under head coach Brown, averaging just nine minutes per game.

A report claims Giannis Antetokounmpo was “very close” to moving to New York last summer, specifically the Brooklyn Nets.
Robinson attributes it to a breakfast conversation with a current player who previously played for both the Nets and Bucks.

Robinson adds that Brooklyn still “covets” Giannis and continues to monitor the possibility of a future deal.
He also writes that, in June 2025, the Nets opted against major marquee moves until summer 2026.

This is Giannis’ 13th season in Milwaukee and he remains under contract through 2027–28.
In 2025-26 he’s averaging 28.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists, with the Bucks 11th in the East at 18–24.

The Chicago Bulls are hopeful Josh Giddey can return Thursday at Minnesota after missing 11 straight games with a strained left hamstring, coach Billy Donovan said Tuesday before facing the Clippers. Donovan noted Giddey “feels pretty good” and that the final call depends on the medical staff and how the guard feels.

Donovan added the feedback has been encouraging: “There were no setbacks and he’s doing well.” Giddey hasn’t played since Dec. 31 against New Orleans, when he walked off gingerly early in the second half.

In his second season in Chicago after a trade from Oklahoma City, Giddey has been performing at an All-Star level, averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and nine assists, with seven triple-doubles. Donovan said the case for “strong consideration” was there before the injury.

The Bulls were ninth in the East at 20-22 entering Tuesday. Forward Patrick Williams missed the game with a right ankle sprain and is day-to-day.

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy said the Golden State Warriors have no plans to move Jimmy Butler before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, even after Butler’s torn ACL. “I don’t envision that,” Dunleavy told reporters, framing Butler’s value as a boost “next year” similar to last season’s arrival.

Butler’s injury ended his season and, as Dunleavy acknowledged, could linger into next regular season, complicating a team searching for a realistic West upgrade around Stephen Curry. Butler is owed $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next in the final year of his deal, but Dunleavy pushed back on using that contract as a trade vehicle.

The ripple effect hits Kuminga, who had asked out after being buried in the rotation, then returned Tuesday versus Toronto with 20 points in 21 minutes. Kerr said Kuminga will stay in the mix, while Dunleavy noted any pick-heavy push must land an “impactful” player who fits both now and the post-Curry timeline.

Dillon Jones has joined the New York Knicks on a Two-Way contract, according to a report by Michael Scotto.

The 24-year-old guard/forward, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder at the end of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, started the season in the G League with the Rip City Remix (16.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game).

Jones was traded to the Washington Wizards during the last offseason and subsequently waived.

During his rookie year, Jones appeared in 54 regular-season games and 10 playoff contests with the eventual NBA champions.

The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly informed rival teams that they are not willing to trade Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen or Jeremiah Fears. However, according to The Athletic, league sources are skeptical — particularly when it comes to Williamson.

Multiple league insiders have questioned whether Zion is truly untouchable. While still considered a very unlikely scenario, the Washington Wizards were mentioned as a potential — albeit extreme — possibility.

Sources indicated that Washington would not part with one of its own future first-round picks. However, one league source speculated that a pick owed to the Wizards — such as the least favorable among the Houston Rockets (top-four protected), Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder 2026 first-round picks — could align with New Orleans’ objectives.

To be clear, a Wizards–Williamson trade is viewed as an extreme long shot. Still, it was referenced by enough league sources to warrant mention. Even at a relatively low acquisition cost, trading for Williamson would carry significant risks, both in terms of health and potentially team culture.

That said, one source pointed to Washington’s recent history — including the trade for Young and last summer’s move for Cam Whitmore — as evidence that the franchise is willing, under the right circumstances, to gamble on high-upside players whose on-court shortcomings had tested the patience of their previous teams.

After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked how confident he feels about finishing the season with the Milwaukee Bucks. His response was non-committal, but enough to spark speculation:

“I don’t know. I take it day by day.”

The exchange began with a question about other teams potentially delaying trade plans while waiting to see what happens with Giannis. The Bucks superstar downplayed the external noise:

“I can’t control that. I can’t control what other teams do. I just try to focus on doing my job, which is to compete and try to win games.”

Embracing the villain

The conversation then turned to last week’s tense moment in Milwaukee, when fans booed Antetokounmpo — and he responded in kind. Asked how that moment felt in his heart, Giannis surprised with his honesty:

“Felt great. For some reason, I enjoy being the villain this year.”

When pressed about being booed by his own fans, Giannis doubled down:

“It doesn’t really matter — with everybody. It just makes my motor go more. It makes me hungry when I play. It makes me compete more. I just love playing basketball. And anything that can spark that fire in me, I love it.”

Giannis’ words paint the picture of a player fueled by conflict and emotion, locked in on competition — while leaving the door open to ongoing questions about what the future holds in Milwaukee.

At 34 years old, Khris Middleton has shown some recent signs of life, but no longer appears to be viewed as a potential difference-maker for a contending team.

According to the majority of league sources who spoke with The Athletic, the most likely outcome is that Middleton will remain with the Washington Wizards through the trade deadline and then emerge as a buyout candidate.

This scenario aligns with Washington’s rebuilding timeline and the league-wide perception of Middleton’s current impact. Should a buyout occur, the veteran could attract interest from playoff teams seeking depth and experience rather than a primary option.

It’s morning in the United States, and the first ripple effects of Jimmy Butler’s stoppage are already being felt around the Golden State Warriors.

On SportsCenter, Shams Charania reported that Butler has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, a season-ending injury that closes his year immediately and puts his recovery on a timeline that “really looks into the next calendar year.” In Charania’s words, it “shatters” Golden State’s hopes of contending for a championship around Stephen Curry, especially as the team had been playing its best basketball: four straight wins and 12 victories in their last 16.

Charania also emphasized Butler’s impact since arriving in Golden State. With Butler, the Warriors posted a .676 winning percentage dating back to last February, and this season he was having one of the most efficient campaigns of his NBA career. Charania placed him among a small group combining 20+ points per game with playmaking and an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.0 or higher, alongside Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray. With Butler set to turn 37 this summer, Charania noted the length of the recovery and the questions it raises about his future.

In the short term, the spotlight shifts to Jonathan Kuminga. Charania described the Warriors heading back onto the roller coaster of Kuminga’s situation: without Butler, the organization’s focus will be squarely on him and on what direction to take. Kuminga, Charania said, requested a trade last week on the first day he was eligible to be dealt (January 15), and sources told him the relationship with Steve Kerr is “fractured beyond repair.”

That leaves Golden State at a crossroads: attempt to reset and go all-in on Kuminga, or search the market for a deal that helps the Warriors compete without Butler, because his absence creates a “gaping hole” in the roster. Charania cited two teams with interest in Kuminga — the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings — and floated the idea of a player like DeMar DeRozan as the type of fit Golden State might explore. One way or another, Charania’s bottom line was clear: the Warriors are about to find out exactly where they stand with Kuminga this season.

The Knicks may not be actively shopping Karl-Anthony Towns, but his name is clearly out there.
Reports say New York has at least talked about him with Memphis, Orlando and Charlotte.

Towns first popped up in conversations last summer tied to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo framework.
The takeaway is simple: truly untouchable players usually don’t appear in those kinds of talks.

After arriving from Minnesota, Towns helped New York reach the 2025 Eastern Conference finals before Thibodeau was fired.
With a big salary, no no-trade clause, and a new coaching context, the Knicks are exploring what life could look like without him.

Source: Hoops Wire

The Toronto Raptors are emerging as one of the teams to monitor closely in the final weeks of the NBA trade market, with multiple reports describing the Canadian franchise as eager to upgrade its current roster.

According to ESPN, the Raptors — currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference — have held discussions with several teams involving wing RJ Barrett and guard Immanuel Quickley.

Toronto’s front office has significant flexibility to construct a wide range of trade offers. The Raptors control a deep pool of assets, including first- and second-round picks across the next seven NBA Drafts, and have recently been linked to high-profile names such as Ja Morant, Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis as potential targets.

Yahoo Sports journalist Tom Haberstroh provides new details about Giannis Antetokounmpo.

To sign a supermax extension with another franchise, the former MVP will have to leave the Milwaukee Bucks before the deadline.

Giannis will be a free agent in the summer of 2028 with a player option in 2027. Over the next three seasons, he will earn over $175 million.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to sign a supermax extension in October with a team besides the Bucks he has to be traded BEFORE the deadline, per @tomhaberstroh pic.twitter.com/rTHFJwXQgH

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 17, 2026

The Portland Trail Blazers will take to the court against the Los Angeles Lakers without Deni Avidija, as announced by the franchise.

Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday, who missed the last few games, are doubtful. Yang Hansen returns.

Blazers say Deni Avdija is OUT for tonight’s game vs. LAL. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday have been upgraded to PROBABLE. Yang Hansen is AVAILABLE to play.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 17, 2026

Jonathan Kuminga has formally requested a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, per ESPN sources.
January 15 is the first day he’s eligible to be dealt, with the deadline set for February 5.

The request follows a steady deterioration: Kuminga opened the season as a starter for the first 12 games, then was demoted.
He hasn’t played in the last 13 games, buried at the bottom of Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Tension spiked again when he ruled himself out with back soreness an hour before the Jan. 2 game vs OKC.
Kerr had said he planned to use him with starters resting, but the situation stayed inactive.

Contract talks in the summer were already contentious, ending with a two-year, $46.8M deal and a team option in Year 2.
Golden State has canvassed the market (Kings and Mavericks among interested teams) while prioritizing expiring money in return.

Per Jake L Fischer, the Indiana Pacers have called Atlanta about Onyeka Okongwu, adding him to a list that also includes Daniel Gafford (Dallas) and the “much harder-to-get” Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers).

Sources also mention Yves Missi (New Orleans) as another target.

Per Jake L Fischer, Toronto should be “kept an eye on” in the Ja Morant sweepstakes, after showing interest in Trae Young before he was dealt to Washington and pursuing Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis.

The Sacramento Kings still like Jonathan Kuminga, but they’re unwilling to include a first-round pick in a deal.
The report says their stance has shifted since the summer and may not change before the deadline.

The Kings remain interested in Kuminga, yet the asking price is where things stall.
While summer chatter included a possible protected first-rounder, that is reportedly off the table now.

Part of the hesitation centers on uncertainty tied to Kuminga’s next contract decision and extension timeline.
With real cost questions ahead, Sacramento appears reluctant to attach a first to the negotiations.

On the Warriors’ side, the message is clear: Kuminga won’t be moved for “spare parts,” which limits pathways to a deal.
For now, it reads as interest without a matching level of commitment.

Source: Hoops Wire

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, according to Shams Charania.

The 22-year-old, who was selected No. 15 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, had been waived by the Brooklyn Nets during the most recent offseason.

Bufkin had been playing in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he was averaging 26.7 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field, 41% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.

Shams Charania has provided the latest update on Anthony Davis’ health and the possibility of him being traded by the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.

The star big man is likely to undergo surgery due to a ligament injury in his left hand. With recovery timelines expected to last several months, his season in Texas could already be over.

However, the ESPN reporter adds that the Mavericks have begun to engage more aggressively in trade discussions involving Davis, with “multiple interested teams.”

Should he land with a contending team, the 10-time All-Star could potentially return during the playoffs, aiming to showcase his value in hopes of securing a new long-term contract.

Since arriving in Dallas, Davis has appeared in 29 regular-season games and two Play-In contests.

Fascinating development: The Mavericks are having renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams, sources said. If moved to a playoff contender, the return timeline could allow Davis to return during the postseason while establishing himself for the long-term elsewhere. https://t.co/RtoY5SutHr

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2026

Draymond Green has identified a potential surprise destination in the growing trade speculation surrounding Ja Morant.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors veteran suggested the New York Knicks could emerge as a dark-horse contender in the Morant sweepstakes, despite the lack of public reporting linking the two sides.

“A dark horse I’d throw out is the New York Knicks,” Green said.
“I haven’t seen any reports linking them, but imagine Ja Morant at Madison Square Garden. That’s box office.”

Green emphasized that any team acquiring Morant would see an immediate upgrade.

“Needless to say, if Ja Morant is traded, whatever team lands him instantly gets better. Make no mistake—when you have that level of talent, your team improves overnight.”

As the trade deadline approaches, Morant has been connected to several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat.

The Memphis Grizzlies star has had a challenging season, appearing in just 18 games so far. He is also posting the least efficient offensive numbers of his career, averaging 19.0 points per game while shooting 40.1% from the field.

Per HPbasketball, “multiple league sources” say the Boston Celtics would love to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.
The cited idea is a pick-heavy package plus movable talent/contracts such as Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez, if Memphis were to reset.
Key questions remain: will anyone top that offer, and is Jaren’s value better in a year under Iisalo next to Edey?

The Milwaukee Bucks have informed rival teams that they are actively searching for ways to improve the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to league sources.

With Antetokounmpo recently stating that he would “never” request a trade from Milwaukee, general manager Jon Horst has the freedom to explore the market aggressively in an effort to add talent and maximize the team’s championship window.

Two high-profile names linked to the Bucks are Ja Morant and Zach LaVine, both of whom would significantly upgrade Milwaukee’s backcourt with scoring and playmaking.

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly open to discussing Morant for the first time since selecting him in the 2019 NBA Draft. Memphis is said to be seeking a return centered around young players and draft picks—assets Milwaukee largely lacks—though the Bucks could potentially construct a deal using multiple smaller, movable contracts.

Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are also open to moving LaVine. While Sacramento’s exact asking price remains unclear, avoiding long-term salary commitments is believed to be a priority. Milwaukee could offer short-term contracts in exchange for absorbing LaVine’s $47.5 million salary this season and his $48.9 million player option for 2026–27.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Bucks appear determined to explore every possible avenue to build a stronger supporting cast around their franchise cornerstone.