Bulls Notes: White, Smith, Buzelis, Young
The Bulls are in the unusual position of both collapsing and holding onto a play-in spot, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago dropped its fifth straight game Thursday night in New York, falling to 22-34 overall. However, the weakness of the East leaves the Bulls with a game-and-a-half lead over Philadelphia and Brooklyn in the play-in race, and coach Billy Donovan isn’t interested in tanking the rest of the season.
“I think at some point, you gotta be able to talk about winning,” Donovan said. “The loss of DeMar (DeRozan), Alex (Caruso) and Zach (LaVine), in terms of the scoring and how great those guys are as players, losing those types of guys makes it challenging. But there is a responsibility for the guys that are playing. How can they find a way to do things to impact the outcome of the game? You’ve got to be accountable for those things.”
The absence of stars has caused opposing defenses to focus more on sixth-year guard Coby White, who had been a complementary scorer up until now. After Thursday’s overtime loss, White talked about how he handled late-game situations and the need to adapt to different looks.
“They were mixing up coverages,” White said. “They were blitzing, then not coming back, so I was just trying not to force it and let the game come to me. (Josh) Giddey had it going, (Lonzo Ball) had it going, (Nikola Vucevic) had it going, so take advantage of those moments. If that’s how they’re going to play me, then I have to be more of a playmaker, screening, those types of things. It’s definitely been a difference, but it’s something you’ve got to get adjusted to.”
There’s more on the Bulls:
- Backup big man Jalen Smith was ruled out of Thursday’s game after taking a shoulder to the face from Karl-Anthony Towns in the second quarter, per Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Smith dropped to the court after the contact, and Towns tumbled on top of him. Poe notes that the injury enabled Zach Collins to play 15 minutes in his second game with the team, but he produced just two points while missing all four of his shots from the field.
- Matas Buzelis is hoping to make a late run at Rookie of the Year honors, Poe adds in a separate story. No clear favorite has emerged in this year’s race, and Buzelis, who was recently moved into the starting lineup, believes he has a chance to win over some voters. “I would like to win that award for sure,” he said. “I also want to win as many games as possible. But you know, if you win the games, then you’ll be in that conversation.”
- The two-way contract that Jahmir Young signed this week will cover next season as well, per Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link).
Mark Williams: Time To ‘Move On And Play Basketball’
Mark Williams has been through enough dramatic moments this month, and now he wants to focus on helping the Hornets for the rest of the season, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer.
The 23-year-old center was traded to the Lakers two weeks ago, reportedly at the request of newly acquired star Luka Doncic, who wanted to be teamed up with an effective lob threat. That deal was rescinded a few days later when L.A.’s team doctors found issues of concern during Williams’ physical.
Williams faced the Lakers when he returned to the court Wednesday night at Staples Center, putting up 10 points and nine rebounds as he reclaimed his starting role. After seeing the course of his career dramatically change twice within a few days, Williams wants to stop talking about the failed trade.
“Yeah, I think it’s, for us, to finish the season strong,” he said. “Just try to have some good games and do a lot of the right stuff on the floor. I think now it’s kind of done. I think now it’s just move on and play basketball.”
Williams’ agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, issued a statement Thursday questioning the Lakers’ judgment for calling off the deal. Boone notes that Schwartz broke the news to Williams about his failed physical, and Williams expressed thanks for his agent’s support.
“It’s great for Jeff to have my back,” he said, “show his support and show he has the same stance as me and everybody else within my circle. So, for him to make a statement to go out to everybody is huge.”
Equally important, Boone adds, is the reaction of other Hornets players and team officials, who have welcomed Williams back like nothing ever happened. Boone states that Williams built up strong camaraderie within the organization since being drafted in 2022, and there’s “zero difference” in how he’s interacting with everyone now that he’s back in Charlotte.
“Mark is like a brother to us,” Miles Bridges said. “So, we’re just welcoming him back with open arms, letting him know that he’s wanted here. That’s just the biggest thing, just him knowing that he’s got a home here in Charlotte. That’s the biggest thing for us and he’s going to continue to play and give us results.”
Williams, who will be eligible for a rookie scale extension this summer, is presumably back to being part of the Hornets’ foundation for the future. The decision to trade him was more about the return — the Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick in 2031 and the option to swap first-rounders in 2030, along with Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish — than a desire to part with the young center.
Williams is averaging a career-high 15.3 PPG in his third NBA season, along with 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per night. He hasn’t attempted a three-point shot throughout his career, but he’s an efficient finisher around the rim, shooting 61.9% in 86 games.
He was held out of Thursday’s game at Denver, but coach Charles Lee explained that it was due to reconditioning on the second night of a back-to back rather than any lingering physical problem.
“Just that long-term view on all of our player health,” Lee said. “He didn’t play a couple of games during that whole trade week and just the transition. And so then having the break, too, we just want to make sure that we’re bringing him back and ramping him up at the right pace so that he can continue to have longevity.”
Joel Embiid Admits He Needs To ‘Fix The Problem’ With His Left Knee
After shooting just 3-of-9 from the field in Thursday’s loss to Boston, Joel Embiid told reporters he needs to “fix the problem” in his left knee before he can become dominant again, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
The Sixers‘ nightmarish season continued as their arch rivals embarrassed them by 20 points on their home court in their sixth straight loss. Embiid was limited to 15 points in 27 minutes, and Bontemps points out that his nine shot attempts were his lowest total of the season for a game in which he wasn’t ejected or didn’t have to leave early due to injury.
“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now,” Embiid said. “It sucks. … I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have trust when you’re not yourself.”
There was hope that the week-long All-Star break might help Embiid recover from the ongoing physical issues that have limited him to 18 games this season. Embiid still hasn’t fully recovered from the lateral meniscus injury he suffered a year ago, and a report earlier this month indicated that he may need surgery once the season ends.
When he has been able to play, Embiid hasn’t been near the MVP-level force he was in recent seasons. He’s averaging 24.3 PPG, which is more than 10 points lower than a year ago. His 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game are also well below last season’s rates, and his shooting percentages have dropped sharply to 45% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range.
Any thought the Sixers might be giving to shutting Embiid down has to be balanced against their postseason chances. Even though they’re tied for the sixth-worst record in the league, they’re just a game and a half behind Chicago for the 10th spot and a berth in the play-in tournament. There’s still hope that they can sneak into the playoffs, and a healthier roster could make them a tough first-round opponent.
In the meantime, the focus will be on helping Embiid manage his knee issue so he can stay on the court as much as possible.
Embiid added that the week off helped “a little bit,” but he’s still not feeling like he normally does. However, he believes he can help the team even if he’s not 100%.
“I’m not as dominant as I was a couple of months ago, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have a lot of impact on the game,” Embiid said. “Just me being out there, I think, helps a lot. My presence, my ability to attract double-teams, get guys more shots. It’s just tough because you know you can do so much more. But there’s no excuses. It’s just the way it is. You just have to find ways to figure it out and get better.”
Javonte Green Bought Out By Pelicans, Plans To Sign With Cavaliers
FEBRUARY 20: The Pelicans have officially waived Green, according to a release from the team.
FEBRUARY 19: Javonte Green has reached a buyout agreement with the Pelicans and plans to sign with the Cavaliers once he clears waivers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
The 31-year-old swingman has appeared in 50 games this season, making 18 starts and averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per night. He’s shooting 35.2% from three-point range and will give Cleveland another veteran wing off the bench for its upcoming playoff run.
The Cavs had a pair of open roster spots after sending two players to Atlanta to acquire De’Andre Hunter at the trade deadline. The team faced a February 20 deadline to get its roster back up to 14 players, which it will accomplish when a 10-day contract with G League forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin is finalized. One more opening will remain, so another move won’t be necessary to add Green, assuming he’s not claimed by another team.
Green is making $2.4MM on the one-year deal he signed with New Orleans last summer. If he gives up any money in the buyout, it will likely be roughly what he’ll earn in Cleveland for the rest of the season on a veteran’s minimum contract.
The Cavaliers will remain below the tax line after adding Green, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link).
The Pelicans will be down to 13 players once the move is official, and they’ll have two weeks to fill at least one roster opening. It will likely happen by giving a standard contract to two-way guard Brandon Boston, who has been part of the rotation for most of the season.
Central Notes: Giannis, Cunningham, Thompson, Green
Giannis Antetokounmpo likes the additions the Bucks made at the trade deadline, but a strained left calf has prevented him from getting on the court with his new teammates, writes Steve Megargee of The Associated Press. The injury caused Antetokounmpo to miss the last six games before the All-Star break, and he’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest against the Clippers. He was able to practice today, but neither he or coach Doc Rivers is sure whether he’s going to play.
Even though he’s stuck on the sidelines, Antetokounmpo has been impressed by what he’s seen from Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr., whom Milwaukee landed in two trades earlier this month.
“The team looks great right now,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re playing very, very fast. Everybody’s competing. Defensively I think we’re going to be way, way better. We’re big. And I’m excited.”
The downside of the deadline for Antetokounmpo was parting with long-time teammate Khris Middleton. They could back be on the court together again Friday when Milwaukee travels to Washington, and Antetokounmpo has a greeting in mind.
“I’m not shaking his hand, I’m not talking to him, I’m not even looking at him, and every time I see him, I’m going to guard him full court, pick him up full court and deny him,” Antetokounmpo quipped. “You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to make a 3 in his face and go, ‘Khash!’ I’m joking.”
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Cade Cunningham became the first Pistons player to be selected to the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin in 2019 and the first Detroit guard to make it since Allen Iverson in 2009, notes Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Cunningham enjoyed making his All-Star debut, but added that he expects to return many times in his career. “It’s cool, man. This is what I planned on, though,” he said. “This is what I saw for myself. To be in this position now is a great feeling, but there’s definitely more steps to climb. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and all the things to come.”
- Pistons forward Ausar Thompson could be primed for a strong close to the season, Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News states in a mailbag column. Davis notes that Thompson had to overcome a long layoff caused by blood clots he experienced late in his rookie season. When he was cleared to play in November, he was limited to 20 minutes per game and was still dealing with fatigue. He has been used as the team’s secondary play-maker over the last eight games and is averaging 4.0 assists per night, along with 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.
- Javonte Green, who is expected to join the Cavaliers after completing a buyout with New Orleans, was one of the wings the team considered adding before the trade deadline, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (Twitter link). Team officials believed Green was likely to be a buyout candidate, so they directed their trade efforts elsewhere and wound up with De’Andre Hunter.
Southeast Notes: Suggs, Middleton, Smart, Williams, Young
The left quad contusion that sidelined Magic guard Jalen Suggs before the All-Star break hasn’t healed enough for him to resume playing, writes Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. Suggs has been declared out for Thursday’s contest at Atlanta, making it the 10th straight game he’ll miss and the 20th of the last 21. He was limited to the non-contact portions of practice the last two days, Beede adds.
“Everybody responds to treatment, everybody responds to different injuries differently [and] everybody’s different,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “And so, you want to treat it as such, and not rush a process of getting him fully whole just to squeak back in to not be 100% on the court because he’s trying to push through certain things. It’s so important that we get him back fully healthy where there is no nagging pain as we go through it.”
The Magic are counting on Suggs’ return to help end a long spiral that has seen them fall to seventh place in the East at 27-29. They’re 6-14 in their last 20 games and haven’t won two in a row since late December. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both returned from extended injury absences over the past six weeks, but Orlando is clearly missing the all-around production of Suggs, who’s averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 35 games.
“Defensive-wise, that’s where we’ve been missing him the most,” Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said. “The way he guards and the energy that he brings, everybody feeds off that, even myself.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart, Washington’s veteran additions at the trade deadline, were both full participants in today’s practice, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic (Twitter link). They may be able to make their Wizards‘ debuts at home Friday against Milwaukee. “I’m here to be a basketball player,” Middleton said. “I’m here to win games, here to help win games however I can. I am going to be here as a mentor and whatnot, but I want Wizards fans to know that I’m not here just to be a mentor. I’m here to be a basketball player and compete out there and help win games.” Malcolm Brogdon, who sprained his left ankle last Wednesday, isn’t expected to play, Robbins tweets.
- Coach Charles Lee said Mark Williams is back to being the Hornets‘ starting center after his trade to the Lakers was rescinded (Twitter video link from Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer). Jusuf Nurkic, who was acquired from Phoenix at the deadline, will be the primary backup, pushing Moussa Diabate back to third string. Diabate started the last three games and recently signed a three-year contract after beginning the season on a two-way deal.
- Hawks guard Trae Young made his fourth All-Star appearance this year, so he has learned how to handle the demands of the weekend without getting overwhelmed, per Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I mean, it wasn’t my first time going,” Young said. “So I kind of knew how to take advantage of the weekend, a little bit more rest, during breaks and appearances and things like that. So, I was able to get some catnaps in there, and then after that, after Sunday, after the game, I was able to get out of there and get some rest and spend some family time those last two days. And I’m ready to go.”
Knicks Notes: Robinson, Anunoby, McBride, Hart, Towns, Shamet
The return of Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby to today’s practice gave the Knicks a fully healthy roster for the first time all season, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. This was Robinson’s first time participating in a full practice with contact since undergoing offseason ankle surgery, while Anunoby missed the last five games before the All-Star break with a sprained right foot.
New York has already declared Robinson out for Thursday’s game with Chicago, but it appears his season debut won’t be far away. Coach Tom Thibodeau is looking forward to having his defensive anchor back on the court.
“You have to anticipate that the game’s gonna be different, so we’ll see where he is once he’s out there,” Thibodeau said. “He’ll need a little bit of time. But the things that he can bring, the hustle, the ability to see things early, play pick and roll, rim-protect, offensive rebound; those are things he’ll bring right off the bat.”
Thibodeau added that Anunoby was able to heal during the week-long All-Star break. Miles McBride was also back at practice today after a rib issue forced him out of last week’s game with Atlanta.
“It means a lot. Obviously after the break you want everyone to be ready to go,” Jalen Brunson said. “I’m excited to get down this stretch. I love this team a lot.”
There’s more from New York:
- Josh Hart will be held out of Thursday’s game with patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee, tweets Steve Popper of Newsday. The condition is also known as “runner’s knee.”
- The Knicks have been the clear winners of the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, who has become their best center since Patrick Ewing, contends Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post. He states that Towns has been far more productive than Julius Randle, who was sent to Minnesota in the deal, while Donte DiVincenzo has suffered through an early-season shooting slump and a recent toe injury. Vaccaro notes that Towns has also shed any reputation he had of being “soft.” He has been able to stay on the court despite knee issues and a sprained thumb.
- Landry Shamet appears to be the odd man out of the rotation once Robinson is cleared to resume playing, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic states in a mailbag column. Shamet is averaging 11 minutes per night in 22 games off the bench, but Edwards notes that Thibodeau prefers a nine-man rotation at most and isn’t likely to expand that when Robinson becomes available. However, Edwards expects Robinson to start out on a minutes restriction, so there should still be some opportunities for Shamet.
- Towns isn’t likely to complain if he has to move from center to power forward to accommodate Robinson’s return, Edwards adds. He points out that Towns’ most successful season came playing alongside Rudy Gobert in Minnesota.
Bulls Notes: Ball, Tanking, Roster Keepers, Williams
Loyalty factored into Lonzo Ball‘s decision to accept a two-year, $20MM extension from the Bulls, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. The second year is a club option, and if the Bulls exercise it, Ball’s total salary for the next two seasons will be less than the $21.4MM he’s making this year. It’s his way of repaying the team for believing in him while he was sidelined with knee issues for two and a half seasons.
“Just the overall picture,” Ball explained. “The doctor being out here, so not having to deal with the rehab process like I have the last couple years, the relationship I have with the front office, the coaching staff, the young guys here, it all made sense for me to stay. That’s what I wanted ultimately, and we were able to come to an agreement.”
The announcement of the extension was somewhat of a surprise considering that Ball had been heavily involved in trade rumors leading up to the February 6 deadline. He was also headed toward free agency this summer, which could have resulted in a much larger payday, but he prefers the stability of staying in Chicago.
“I’m in trade talks every year so that’s not a new thing to me, but I expressed to my agent (Rich Paul) that I wanted to stay, and they wanted to have me,” Ball said. “They stayed with me for probably the toughest journey in my life so far, so I was just trying to get back, man, and be loyal to who was loyal to me. I was brought up like that my whole life. I’m really big on family and I feel like it’s family here.”
There’s more on the Bulls:
- The front office may regret not fully embracing a tanking strategy at the deadline, Cowley states in a separate story. Chicago sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento, but held onto Ball and veteran center Nikola Vucevic, sending mixed signals about which direction the franchise is headed. Cowley advocates emulating the 9-45 Wizards, as well as the Rockets and Pistons, who were able to quickly rebuild after tanking in recent seasons. Beyond having a better shot at Cooper Flagg, the top prize in this year’s draft, Cowley points out that there will be three potential franchise players in the 2026 class.
- In another Sun-Times piece, Cowley tries to determine which players from the current roster should return next season. His list includes Ball, restricted free agent Josh Giddey, rookie Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith and either Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu.
- Patrick Williams will miss Thursday’s game at New York with soreness in his right quadriceps tendon, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link). Williams banged knees with another player in the final game before the All-Star break, but the injury doesn’t appear serious as he was able practice without restrictions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lakers Notes: LeBron, Doncic, Reddish, Paul
LeBron James is listed as questionable for tonight’s contest as the Lakers resume their season against Charlotte, according to Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. James sat out Sunday’s All-Star Game, citing “ankle and foot discomfort.” He was able to practice on Tuesday, but the team is being careful not to aggravate his condition.
“It’s something that we managed all year and it was sore over the weekend,” coach J.J. Redick said after the practice session. “He was able to do most of practice today. But, like it’s been all year, like it’s a day-to-day thing. It’s just something that we’ve had to manage and we’ll continue to manage throughout the rest of the year.”
Lakers fans can expect to see more of Luka Doncic in his third game with L.A., Turner adds. Redick limited him to 24 and 23 minutes in his first two outings because he was returning from a calf injury, but the week off for the All-Star break has been beneficial.
“His minutes will be up (Wednesday),” Redick said. “I don’t think there is going to be any sort of restrictions going forward.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Cam Reddish practiced on Tuesday for the first time since the trade that would have sent him to the Hornets was rescinded, tweets Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. Reddish had been away from the team due to the birth of his daughter. “We talked a little bit. I know he’s in a funky situation,” Dorian Finney-Smith said. “I’ve been traded. I’ve never been part of having to come back after that. It was part of the business. I know he’s just happy it’s all over with and he can get back to playing basketball.”
- In a full story, Price identifies three trends to watch for the rest of the season: Doncic’s growing role in the offense, more reliance on small-ball lineups and the effects of lingering injuries to several players.
- Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents James and Anthony Davis, is the latest NBA figure to admit that the Doncic trade caught him completely off guard, saying in an interview with Pickup Hoop (Twitter video link), “99.9% of the time, I’m going to know what’s going on. The one time I didn’t was the one time we all didn’t. … I’m glad I didn’t know because it probably wouldn’t happened if you did know.”
Hoops Rumors Front Office Subscriber Chat Transcript: 2/18/2025
Hoops Rumors’ Arthur Hill held a live chat today exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers. Topics included the Bulls' options in the draft, players to watch in the buyout market, impact free agents for this summer, Kevin Durant's next team and more! Use the link below to read the transcript.
