Both teams are tied at 37-23 for the season setting up a direct contest for the No. 4 position in the Western Conference. Denver enters as a slight home favorite per odds from DraftKings, looking to move on from a loss against Oklahoma City on Friday, which was a replay of last year’s conference semifinals. 

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Odds

• Minnesota Timberwolves: +2.5 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets: -2.5 (-110)
• Over: 237.5 (-110)
• Under: 237.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Key Injuries

Denver Nuggets The Nuggets’ depth will once again be tested with multiple high-profile absentees. Anthony Gordon is confirmed to be out alongside Peyton Watson, who are both struggling with hamstring trouble. Tamar Bates is a long-term absentee while Spencer Jones is questionable and Cameron Johnson is probable for this one.

The Timberwolves are relatively healthy and almost have a clean injury slate. They have Julius Randle listed as questionable due to right lower-back spasms.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

Denver has won the last three head-to-head meetings against Minnesota, including a 142-138 overtime thriller in their last matchup. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in four consecutive games. 

Conversely, Denver is a perfect 3-0 ATS in their last three games against Minnesota. Denver has seen the Over hit in 38 of their 60 games (63.3%) this season. The Nuggets have been elite at covering on the road (21-12) but have struggled slightly at Ball Arena, posting a 13-14 ATS home record.

Keys to Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Matchup

The outcome of this game rests on Denver’s ability to work around Nikola Jokic’s customary brilliance. The Nuggets have shot well as a unit, scoring 120.5 points per game at more than 49% overall from the field. 

Much will depend on the inside battle between Rudy Gobert and Jokic, with Jamal Murray also recently picking form, which gives the Nuggets another important scoring threat. However, the Timberwolves will hope that Anthony Edwards can take charge.

The All-Star has been on a tear the entire campaign, averaging 29.6 points on the season. Minnesota will be determined to make use of the Nuggets’ thin rotation to dominate important stretches of the game.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick

While the Timberwolves are surging on the road, Denver’s historical edge in this specific matchup is hard to ignore. The Nuggets have won the last three times these teams met, and Jokic typically finds a way to neutralize Gobert’s rim protection by operating away from the paint, especially in the presence of Murray.

ATS Pick: Nuggets -2.5 O/U Pick: Under 237.5

The post Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction, odds, pick – 3/1/2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Even at his own coach.

Edwards sank the dagger three-pointer with only 43 seconds left to lift the Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Clippers, 94-88, at Intuit Dome on Thursday.

After he sank the big shot, he had words for coach Chris Finch when the Timberwolves went to the bench after the Clippers called a timeout.

“That’s what I f****** do!” yelled Edwards.

ANTHONY EDWARDS CLUTCH THREE IN THE FINAL MINUTE pic.twitter.com/NGx93OHmpw

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 27, 2026

The four-time All-Star forced the fallaway jumper over two defenders, extending their lead to 92-88 and making it a two-possession game.

In the postgame interview with NBA on Prime, Edwards revealed that Finch wanted him to pass the ball instead of trying to play hero ball. Rudy Gobert was wide open in the paint for several seconds.

“The play before, when I took a midrange (shot), Finchie was like, ‘Pass the ball!’ You know, I just told him, you don’t want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it,” said the 24-year-old star.

"I told him, you don't want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it."

Anthony Edwards tells @Kristina_Pink what he told Wolves coach Chris Finch after his clutch three. pic.twitter.com/Qcw1iaXFPh

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 27, 2026

He finished with a game-high 31 points on 12-of-24 shooting, three rebounds, and five assists.

Edwards, who has displayed his improved maturity, picked up the slack, with Julius Randle struggling with just four points on 1-of-10 shooting.

The Timberwolves improved to 37-23, while the Clippers, who played without Kawhi Leonard due to ankle soreness, fell to 27-31.

The heated exchange between Edwards and Finch was clearly just part of their competitive spirit. They have often publicly expressed their mutual respect, with Edwards admiring Finch’s approach.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards chirps at Chris Finch after sticking dagger in Clippers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While he has scoffed at the label, Edwards cannot simply ignore the impact he has on the league, especially among the fans. Edwards’ electrifying style and colorful personality have made him a very popular player in his generation.

The 24-year-old Edwards has also matured over the years, understanding the game better and acknowledging that he has to be a well-rounded player, not just a scoring machine.

Former NBA star Blake Griffin pointed out that people have overlooked Edwards’ defensive acumen.

“Offensively, he’s gotten better and better every year, and it shows. But the one thing I don’t hear talked about enough is how good a defender he actually is. He’s not a target guy. You don’t look to put him in a ton of actions. You sort of avoid him. He’s second on the team in steals, fourth in deflections,” said Griffin on NBA on Prime.

“He’s truly a guy who’s doing it on both ends of the floor, which is huge for a team.”

“He’s truly a guy who’s doing it on both ends of the floor.”@blakegriffin23 on Anthony Edwards' defensive growth pic.twitter.com/reOavxKkny

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 27, 2026

Griffin, who was also a very popular player, also mentioned the significance of Edwards’ fun-loving attitude. Even when he is on the court, he likes to talk smack and kid around, which fuels him to play harder.

“The other thing that I love about Ant is the joy that he plays the game of basketball and really, lives life with. That’s contagious for a team, and that team takes on that personality,” added Griffin.

Edwards, who recently won his first All-Star Game MVP, has often touted his work ethic and dogged attitude in becoming among the NBA’s elite.

He has led the Timberwolves to a 36-23 record—fifth place in the Western Conference—entering their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Thursday.

The post Blake Griffin gives overlooked part of Anthony Edwards’ game big shoutout appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He returns to a Wolves team looking to stock up for a playoff run in the Western Conference. With the pending signing of Kyle Anderson after the Grizzlies buyout becomes official, the Timberwolves roster will stand at 15 standard contracts and three two-way contracts. The Wolves filled another roster spot in bringing back Mike Conley Jr. after the veteran guard also agreed to a contract buyout with the Charlotte Hornets.

The No. 30 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Anderson has developed into one of the league’s better role players. He began this season with the Utah Jazz after being a part of the three-team trade with the LA Clippers and Miami Heat involving Norman Powell and John Collins.

Anderson was traded to the Grizzlies as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal at the deadline. He appeared in four games with the Grizzlies, including three starts, at a little over 22 minutes per game. He was averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals with splits of 78.9 percent shooting from the field, 100 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 75 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

He began his career with the San Antonio Spurs where he played for four seasons before being traded to the Grizzlies. Anderson’s best offensive year came during the 2020-21 season when he averaged 12.4 points.

The post Timberwolves reuniting with Kyle Anderson after Grizzlies buyout appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Almost immediately after the fine was announced, Adidas posted a hilarious response on X in the form of a video promoting the 24-year-old’s newest sneaker, Anthony Edwards 2.

Good thing we saved for times like this…Believe That. https://t.co/d0kL7pPdg3 pic.twitter.com/M1KDW8J2Ie

— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) February 26, 2026

The clip opened with ANT’s accountant handing over a bag of money to the player.

“Alright ANT, this season I am setting aside 430 grand in case you have any mishaps, disagreements, or slip of tongue. Let’s take it easy this year,” he said.

But Edwards had a starkly different idea.

“You really think I am going to slow down now that I got to 2s? Man look at them. You see that? That’s the difference between a floater and a poster set. They got the things that’s gonna keep me stable, and they strong too,” ANT explains, before being told that he was talking to his accountant.

“I just don’t think I am going to be slowing down anytime soon so you might as well double up,” Edwards says in response, per the post on X by Adidas.

And well, the fine proves exactly that. The incident took place at the end of the second quarter; after grabbing a rebound off a Portland miss, Edwards pump-faked a full-court shot and then launched the ball well after the buzzer sounded.

The ball struck a bystander near the basket and has now led to the fine. ANT’s 34 points were a result of a 17-35 shooting split, which also included five three-pointers.

Regardless, there is little doubt that Edwards will be fully focused on preparing for the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Timberwolves play next. The fine is undoubtedly unfortunate, but it did give him the ideal opportunity to promote his new sneakers.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards’ $25,000 fine leads to hilarious Adidas response appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Kawhi Leonard headlines it as he has been listed as out due to left ankle soreness, per the official report. The same is true for John Collins, who is dealing with a neck problem, and Darius Garland and Bradley Beal are also out.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Kawhi Leonard injury status vs. Timberwolves

Kawhi Leonard is out despite putting up a massive 37 points last time around against Orlando while playing through injury. However, with the Clippers sitting precariously in the 10th and final play-in spot in the West, the stakes are incredibly high. 

Edwards has been on an absolute tear since winning the All-Star Game MVP, averaging 34 points over his last three contests, including a 34-point masterclass in Tuesday’s 124-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers desperately need their own talisman to come good.

The Timberwolves boast the NBA’s third-ranked scoring offense at 119.6 points per game, spearheaded by Edwards (29.6 PPG). On Feb. 8, a healthy Leonard systematically dismantled the Timberwolves to the tune of 41 points in a 115-96 blowout.

Regardless, Minnesota has a clean bill of health for this game, with its only absentees being due to G League assignments. Hence, much depends on Kawhi’s injury status. The Timberwolves will be looking for revenge either way, but Leonard’s presence is likely to play a major role in deciding the tie.

Clippers injury report

• Kawhi Leonard: Out (Left Ankle; Soreness)
• John Collins: Out (Head; Laceration; Neck Soreness)
• Bradley Beal: Out (Left Hip; Fracture)
• Darius Garland: Out (Left Toe; Injury Management)

Timberwolves injury report

• Jules Bernard: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Enrique Freeman: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Rocco Zikarsky: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The post Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? Clippers vs. Timberwolves injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In 37 G League appearances (33 starts), Bernard is averaging between 22.5 points per game while playing 34.5 minutes per contest. He is shooting between 42.5% and 42.9% from the field, 34.9% to 35.3% from three-point range, and 80.1% to 80.6% from the free-throw line. His all-around production includes 6.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. The 26-year-old has scored 30 points six times, including a season-high 38 points against the Long Island Nets on January 18. On February 7, he recorded 30 points with eight three-pointers, along with season highs of 13 rebounds and 13 assists in a 123-120 victory over the Maine Celtics.

Bernard previously held a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 19 games for a combined 149 minutes. He averaged 3.9 points on 45.3% shooting, including 37.9% from three, and 1.4 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. He made his NBA debut on December 8, 2023, in a 124-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Undrafted out of UCLA Bruins in 2022, the Los Angeles native played four collegiate seasons, appearing in 130 games (65 starts) and posting career averages of 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 23.4 minutes per game while shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.4% from three. As a senior in 2021-22, he averaged 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds and earned Pac-12 All-Tournament Team honors.

The Timberwolves had an open two-way slot after waiving Johnny Juzang. Bernard is eligible to be active for up to 14 NBA games for the remainder of the regular season and would need promotion to the standard 15-man roster to qualify for postseason play.

The post Timberwolves sign former UCLA guard to two-way contract appeared first on ClutchPoints.

McDaniels eventually finished with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks for the Timberwolves. The stat had previously been posted by a select group of players, the most recent being the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, who did it against the Los Angeles Clippers back in 2024, per a post on X by ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.

The other names on the list are Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lamar Odom and Chris Webber, who did it twice. Regardless, the Timberwolves only narrowly defeated the Trail Blazers 124-121 victory, returning to form after a lacklustre performance against Philadelphia.

McDaniels went 12-of-16 on shooting and sank 5 of his 6 three-point attempts. He also became the first player in NBA history by becoming the first player to record at least 25 points on 75 percent shooting, five three-pointers, five blocks, and three steals in a single game.

The matchup itself was gruelling with as many as 15 lead changes. Anthony Edwards spearheaded Minnesota’s scoring and had 25 points in the first half.

Returning from a one-game suspension, Rudy Gobert commanded the paint with 19 rebounds, 10 points, and two blocks. Off the bench, Donte DiVincenzo added 19 points via five three-pointers, helping the Wolves hit an impressive 17 of 35 from deep.

Of course, the Trail Blazers were valiant throughout as Jrue Holiday top-scored with 22 points while Jerami Grant added 21 points and Scoot Henderson provided impetus off the bench with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Timberwolves will now face the Los Angeles Clippers next while Portland take on the Chicago Bulls hoping to close down distance on the .500 mark. 

The post Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama with historic half appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For a player that functions as the hub of the offense and a key defender, it’s an unacceptable showing. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has an explanation as to why Randle’s game was so off today.

“Finch said Julius Randle was “under the weather, pretty severely” tonight,” Jon Krawczynski reported on X. “Only 3 boards and 3 assists from him.”

Randle was a -20 in his 31 minutes of action against the 76ers, and made only one of his five three-point attempts. The former All-Star was largely ineffective for the Timberwolves in the game, as they struggled to gain momentum. Minnesota lost 135-108 to Philadelphia despite Joel Embiid missing the game for the 76ers and 28 points from star guard Anthony Edwards.

The Timberwolves were also playing with key players out. Star center Rudy Gobert was out against the 76ers due to a suspension after he committed his seventh Flagrant Foul a few days prior. Meanwhile, Sixth Man of the Year contender Naz Reid was also out due to an injury. Philadelphia’s physicality bothered the shorthanded Wolves to 21 turnovers, with Randle accounting for two while Edwards accounted for seven.

“They were physical, they’re good defensively, they’re super handsy, they’re active in the gaps,” Finch said. “We fought the game. We went into traffic, we didn’t get off the ball early enough. All the things that happen when you play in a crowd.”

The Wolves now sit at a 35-23 record. Despite the loss, losses by the rest of the Western Conference contenders meant that the Timberwolves still sit within striking distance of the third seed and still hold control of the sixth seed in the conference.

The post Timberwolves’ Chris Finch gives ‘pretty severe’ Julius Randle update appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Maxey, who had just played alongside Edwards in the All-Star Game, scored a team-high 39 points on 16-of-28 shooting. The win snapped the Sixers’ four-game losing streak, moving them to 31-26, and ended Minnesota’s three-game winning run, leaving them at 35-23.

Even after Maxey threw down a huge poster dunk on Edwards, he stayed relaxed and smiling, showing no frustration toward the rising 76ers star.

“He’s incredible, man, he already know he’s one of my favorite players to watch in the league. He dunked on me today too, I don’t really like that,” Edwards told reporters after the game.

“I didn’t know he was going downhill… Ended up turning my head. I’m thinking he was going to lay it up, then he went and punched it… That’s why we play the game, I’m not mad at that.”

"I didn’t know he was going downhill… Ended up turning my head. I’m thinking he was going to lay it up, then he went and punched it… That's why we play the game, I'm not mad at that."

Anthony Edwards on Tyrese Maxey's dunk on him

(via @adukeMN)pic.twitter.com/tMH3TiO5rT https://t.co/WDw98cSWGz

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 23, 2026

Maxey put on an exceptional performance despite the absence of Joel Embiid and a Paul George-less 76ers squad, with neither star taking the court.

Edwards scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but Maxey’s game-high 39 points led Philadelphia to a dominant win over Minnesota.

Rudy Gobert sat out due to a one-game suspension, and Naz Reid missed the game with a shoulder injury, leaving Minnesota shorthanded.

Edwards and Maxey will meet once more on Apr. 3 for the last regular-season game between Minnesota and Philadelphia.

Even after the viral dunk and a tough loss, Edwards remains a must-watch player at just 24. Whether he’s underrated can be debated, but there’s no question he’s one of the game’s top talents.

For now, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they face the Portland Trail Blazers.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards sounds off on getting posterized by Tyrese Maxey appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Maxey had a game-high 39 points on 16-of-28 shooting on top of three rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. The 76ers ended their four-game losing streak and improved to 31-26.

They also snapped the three-game winning streak of the Timberwolves, who dropped to 35-23. Minnesota played without Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid due to a one-game suspension and a shoulder injury, respectively.

In the third quarter, Maxey gave the 76ers even more momentum after emphatically dunking on Anthony Edwards and Joan Beringer.

After the game, Edwards acknowledged Maxey’s huge slam and gave his fellow All-Star high praise.

“He’s incredible. He already knows he’s one of my favorite players to watch in the league. He dunked on me today too. I don’t really like that. He played great,” said Edwards in a video posted by Timberwolves reporter Andrew Dukowitz.

“I didn’t know he was going downhill. I just ended up turning my head. I’m thinking he was going to lay it up, then he went and punched it. It was like a little quick dunk too. I couldn’t even get a chance to block it. But yeah, that’s why we play the game. I ain’t mad at that.”

Anthony Edwards on Tyrese Maxey and getting dunked on

“He’s incredible man, he already know he’s one of my favorite players to watch in the league. He dunked on me today too, I don’t really like that(laughs)… I didn’t know he was going downhill, I just ended up turning my… pic.twitter.com/GbOlgtciHA

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) February 23, 2026

Ant-Man has always kept it real during interviews, and it is nice to hear him give props to Maxey. While the 24-year-old Edwards is known to talk a lot of smack on the floor, he is equally generous in giving compliments.

He finished with 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. He also had a game-high seven turnovers.

The Timberwolves will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

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Edwards made the comment during a special guest appearance on the sports comedy podcast Sundae Conversation. As the franchise player from the Timberwolves, fans would assume he knew at least one player on Minnesota’s professional baseball or hockey teams. However, Edwards, who is always up for debate of being the face of the NBA, is always brutally honest with his remarks and lacks the media trained fake answers many star athletes give.

“I don’t got no favorite player from them either. I don’t know no players from the Twins or the Wild. I’m going to keep it a buck with you, I don’t watch no baseball or no hockey,” Edwards said at the 2:56 mark.

Given his tendency to be blunt, it’s funny to hear his honesty here just admitting he doesn’t watch or care about the other pro teams in Minnesota.

What lies ahead for Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards tends to go viral on and off the court with his highlights and statements. This example was no different as the Timberwolves star continues to garner attention with his comments about the sports world

This season has been strong for Edwards as he is halfway through his sixth year in the league. Throughout 47 appearances, he is averaging 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 49.4% from the field, including 40.1% from beyond the arc, and 79.4% from the free-throw line.

Minnesota has a 35-23 record on the season, holding the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors while trailing the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets.

Following Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Timberwolves will look to bounce back in their next matchup. They will be on the road when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. ET.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards admits he can’t name one player on Wild or Twins appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With center Rudy Gobert serving a one-game suspension and power forward Naz Reid ruled out before the game due to a shoulder issue, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch had to make some uncommon lineup moves, which drew quite a reaction from star shooting guard Anthony Edwards.

“We was all out of whack today. We had Slim at the 5, Julius at the 5 sometimes. I was at the 4. It was crazy today,” Edwards said following the game, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

The 76ers dominated Minnesota from start to finish, and even led by as many as 29 points. Philadelphia did not have big man Joel Embiid because of right shin soreness, but the Sixers did not have much trouble getting their way on the court.

The 76ers took 26 more field-goal attempts than Minnesota and scored 21 points off the Timberwolves’ 21 turnovers. Moreover, the Sixers shot 52 percent from the floor and hit 21 3-pointers on a 57 percent success rate.

Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe led the way for Philly, scoring 39 and 24 points, respectively, while combining for a 10-for-14 shooting from behind the arc.

Meanwhile, Edwards racked up 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting, but shot the Timberwolves in the foot repeatedly with turnovers, as he committed seven of them. Perhaps he was thrown out of his rhythm at times while playing an unfamiliar position on the court, not by design but out of necessity.

Looking ahead, Edwards and the Timberwolves will begin a three-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers this coming Tuesday.

The post Anthony Edwards calls Timberwolves ‘all out of whack’ after 76ers loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Maxey made sure to remind Edwards about it on Sunday.

With the 76ers surging in the third quarter, Maxey attacked the rim and went up for a forceful left-handed slam over Edwards and center Joan Beringer, wowing the crowd at Target Center.

TYRESE MAXEY SLAMS IT OVER MULTIPLE DEFENDERS! pic.twitter.com/y8aNCXkxEH

— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026

Maxey clearly had bad intentions when he drove to the lane.

While the 25-year-old guard is more known for his speed and explosiveness, he can definitely throw it down.

Edwards, who has quite the collection of posters, must appreciate Maxey’s fearless jam.

Fans on X sure did.

“He jumped like gravity forgot him,” said @LinLyn99.

“Maxey slamming over multiple defenders? Nasty,” added @shydyor.

The post Watch 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey unleash insane dunk over Anthony Edwards appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reid has been balling out in recent weeks, and sitting out against the 76ers was a big blow for the Timberwolves, who are looking for their fourth straight win.

It is unclear when Reid suffered the shoulder injury. He suited up in their win against the Dallas Mavericks, 122-111, on Friday, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 30 minutes off the bench.

The 26-year-old Reid has a strong case to win his second Sixth Man of the Year trophy, as he is averaging career-highs of 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.

He signed a five-year extension worth $125 million in the offseason.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has often lauded Reid’s work ethic, which has helped them remain competitive in recent years.

“I can’t remember exactly the time, but it was certainly within the first window of the season. I would say he really started to kind of just really rebound at a high level and make a lot of those types of plays. Get out and run, rebound, just play with more activity. That’s what really got him going offensively,” said Finch in a report from Timberwolves reporter Liam Willerup.

Aside from Reid, Minnesota also battled Philadelphia without Rudy Gobert, who served a one-game suspension.

Joan Beringer, Ayo Dosunmu, and Terrence Shannon Jr. have earned extra minutes without Reid and Gobert.

It is still unclear how long Reid will be out.

The post Timberwolves’ Naz Reid ruled out of clash vs. 76ers due to injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The league’s announcement followed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at Target Center. Gobert entered the game with six Flagrant Foul points and was assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 with 29.8 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The infraction added one point to his total, bringing him to seven and triggering an automatic suspension under the league’s regular-season Flagrant Foul point system.

“Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been suspended one game without pay for accruing his seventh Flagrant Foul point of the 2025-26 regular season, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” the NBA said in its statement.

Under the NBA’s policy, a player who exceeds five total Flagrant Foul points during the regular season receives an automatic suspension. A player at five or six points who commits a Flagrant Foul 1 is subject to a one-game suspension, while further flagrant fouls at higher thresholds result in increased discipline.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/lk88UZj5ZU

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 21, 2026

Rudy Gobert suspended after dominant outing as Timberwolves prepare for 76ers

Gobert, 33, turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season prior to the foul. He finished with 22 points, 17 rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal while shooting 9-for-11 from the field and 4-for-8 from the free-throw line in 32 minutes.

In his fourth season with Minnesota, Gobert is averaging 11.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 70.6% from the field across 55 appearances. He is logging 31.3 minutes per contest as a key defensive anchor for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota (35-22) will be without Gobert when it hosts the Philadelphia 76ers (30-25) on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PT at Target Center. The game concludes the Timberwolves’ six-game homestand before they begin a three-game road trip Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers (27-30) at 7:00 p.m. PT on Peacock.

Gobert will be eligible to return following completion of the one-game suspension.

The post Why Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert received 1-game suspension appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During a postgame interview, the 24-year-old shooting guard claimed he feels fresh and seemed happy with his performance. But he admitted that he should have dunked on Gafford. Edwards even sent a message to the Mavericks center.

“I should’ve dunked on Gafford,” said Edwards. “I hope you see this. I should’ve punched on your ass, but I spared you.”

Anthony Edwards to Daniel Gafford

“I should’ve dunked on Gafford. I hope you see this. I should’ve punched on your ass but I spared you” pic.twitter.com/QKQpveYG0g

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 21, 2026

Anthony Edwards led the way for the Timberwolves with 40 points, six rebounds, and one assist. He accomplished that statline while shooting 53.3% from the floor and 38.4% from beyond the three-point line. The four-time All-Star looked as good as ever and seems more than ready to lead Minnesota in the final stretch of the regular season.

Edwards is in the midst of what might be the best season of his career so far. Through 47 games played, the six-year veteran is averaging 29.5 points (career-high), 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while owning a 49.4% field goal percentage (career-high) and a 40.1% three-point percentage (career-high).

The Timberwolves appear to be getting hot at the right time. With the club residing in sixth place in the Western Conference, Minnesota is 7-3 in its last 10 games and is currently on a three-game winning streak. We’ll see Anthony Edwards and his teammates back in action again on Sunday when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers at home.

The post Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards drops Daniel Gafford admission after defeating Mavericks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“I kinda do this sh*t in my sleep for real… I woke up today & knew I was gonna get 40. I seen Cade [Cunningham] go for 40 & I said sh*t, that mean I gotta get 40 too,” Edwards revealed post-game, per a clip on X posted by ClutchPoints. The Timberwolves star not only watched his fellow young superstar deliver one of the best performances of his career, he also used it to push himself.

"I kinda do this sh*t in my sleep for real… I woke up today & knew I was gonna get 40. I seen Cade [Cunningham] go for 40 & I said sh*t, that mean I gotta get 40 too."

Anthony Edwards on his huge game against the Mavs last night

(via @Timberwolves)pic.twitter.com/zAAudJn61B

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

The Timberwolves won 122-111 as Edwards produced 40 points on 16-of-30 shooting with five threes and six rebounds, marking his eighth 40-point game of the season. That included 14 fourth-quarter points, mirroring the same kind of efficiency Cunningham showed just days earlier.

Cunningham proved exactly why he had previously said he loves playing at Madison Square Garden. The Pistons guard delivered one of the most complete games of the season, posting 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds on 50% shooting in a 126-111 win over the New York Knicks.

Cunningham scored 14 points in the first quarter and even delivered a stretch where he scored 11 consecutive points for the Pistons, who extended their run to 41-13, the best in the Eastern Conference.

And yet the biggest contribution may have come in the form of the inspiration it gave ANT, who responded with a memorable night of his own. The All-Star MVP returned to familiar form as Minnesota romped to their third straight win on the trot.

They will now take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards’ Cade Cunningham motivation for 40-point masterclass vs. Mavericks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

At this point, however, the Timberwolves are simply looking for ways to be better than the team they were the day before and the day before that. They are not exactly stacking themselves up to others; what’s important to them is that they unlock their full potential.

At present, however, head coach Chris Finch said that he doesn’t know if the Timberwolves are quite there yet, especially when compared to last season.

“When you sit back and look at it, we’ve got pretty high internal expectations. If you took the temperature of the team internally, we’d probably be a little disappointed in where we are. We feel that we should be a little further ahead. We’ve just been inconsistent with our defense at times, that’s hurt us. The West is even more competitive this year,” Finch said, via Dane Moore, Timberwolves beat reporter.

“I don’t know if we’re better. We’ll measure that at the end of the season. But we know who we need to be when we’re a good team. And sometimes we deviate from that.”

Here's Chris Finch when asked if this season's Wolves team is better than last season's team.

"When you sit back and look at it, we've got pretty high internal expectations. If you took the temperature of the team internally, we'd probably be a little disappointed in where we… pic.twitter.com/qN2UpcWTQT

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 20, 2026

Timberwolves know that the next step is to get over the hump

The Timberwolves may have made it to the Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, but they weren’t exactly very competitive once they got there. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder in five games; they did let a few winnable games slip against the Mavs, but against the Thunder, they were outclassed for the majority of that five-game series.

The gauntlet hasn’t gotten easier for the Timberwolves. The Thunder still loom. The Nuggets have so much depth. But they have the ability to get over the hump, that’s for certain.

The post Are Timberwolves better in 2025-26 than 2024-25? Chris Finch weighs in appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Edwards, on Friday night following the Timberwolves’ 122-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks, decided to set the record straight regarding his conversation with Johnson, saying that fans shouldn’t read too much into that exchange.

“I don’t think it’s nothing for real, it wasn’t too much, it’s a conversation. I’ve been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dawg. We were just having a conversation. I’m happy where I’m at,” Edwards said, via Andrew Dukowitz of Zone Coverage.

Edwards then reiterated that he was very much content with the Timberwolves considering how the city of Minneapolis has welcomed him as one of their own.

“They embraced me. A lot of people didn’t think I was worthy of the number one pick and they did. I think that’s the main thing,” Edwards added.

Anthony Edwards on the Jalen Johnson Conversation

“I don’t think it’s nothing for real, it wasn’t to much, I’ve been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dog, we were just having a conversation I’m happy where I’m at”

On why he is happy to be in Minnesota and happy… pic.twitter.com/k0yHRwwndS

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) February 21, 2026

Timberwolves have built their franchise with Anthony Edwards as foundation

Edwards invited criticism with his purported nonchalance towards basketball back in 2020 after the Timberwolves decided to draft him number one overall. But Edwards’ love for basketball cannot be questioned now, as he is one of the most exciting competitors in the entire association.

The Timberwolves have entrusted the keys to Edwards, and it’s resulted in back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals. There is certainly a non-zero chance that everything breaks right for Minnesota and they end up being the team that stands tall come June, but Edwards has to play like he’s the best player in the NBA for that to come to fruition.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards opens up about Jalen Johnson conversation: ‘It wasn’t too much’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

And well, in perfectly characteristic fashion, Edwards was seen showing off his MVP trophy to his teammates with a huge grin on his face, per a post on X by NBA. Edwards can be seen patiently showing the trophy to each of his teammates before placing it back.

Ant made sure all of his teammates got a good look at the Kobe Bryant Trophy https://t.co/6EB7MyQIvj pic.twitter.com/Eem2nH4g9C

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026

Playing his first game following the All-Star break, ANT delivered on 16-of-30 shooting (53.3%), knocked down 5-of-13 from three, and added six rebounds across 38 minutes. Edwards committed just three turnovers on the night despite being the main focus of a hapless Mavericks defence.

The Mavericks struggled to keep up throughout and were pegged back each time they threatened to take control of the game. After Dallas erased a significant deficit and tied the game at 103 with 6:55 remaining, Edwards answered with a step-back three that reestablished Minnesota’s control.

Edwards went on to score 14 fourth-quarter points as the Timberwolves eventually grew comfortable and finished the game 11 points ahead. The Timberwolves shot 16-of-42 from three (38.1%), generating a 24-point advantage from beyond the arc.

Rudy Gobert delivered 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks while Naz Reid added 21 points and four three-pointers, providing ample support. For the Mavericks, Khris Middleton led with 18 points and Marvin Bagley produced a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double.

However, in the absence of several stars including Cooper Flagg, Max Christie and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks struggled with their shooting the entire night and had a 42.3% team field-goal accuracy. That proved to be their downfall as ANT returned with his eighth 40-point game of the season, helping the Mavs to their tenth straight loss.

Minnesota will now take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday while the Mavericks play the Indiana Pacers next.

The post Watch Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards show off Kobe Bryant Trophy to teammates appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“We got 25 more [games] hopefully we can go 25-0,” ANT responded when asked about his expectations for the rest of the season, per a post on X by ClutchPoints.

"We got 25 more [games] hopefully we can go 25-0."

Anthony Edwards following the Timberwolves' win to kick off post All-Star break

(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/MbXHZNyB0e

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

The Timberwolves are currently 5th in the Western Conference with a 35-22 record and will have their sights set on the top spots on the table. Edwards marked his eighth 40-point outing of the season and extended the Mavericks’ losing run to their worst in three decades.

The Timberwolves opened the game 8-for-13 from three-point range, exploded for a 40-point first quarter, and built a lead that reached 17–18 points before halftime. Edwards spearheaded that surge with 20 first-half points, including 17 in the second quarter.

The Wolves finished the half with 69 points and 11 made threes and then proceeded to withstand a late surge from the Mavericks. Dallas responded with a 24-8 run that trimmed the deficit to two midway through the third quarter.

However, the comeback was immediately stifled even though the Mavs were tied at 103 103-103 with 6:55 remaining. Dallas was without the likes of Cooper Flagg and Max Christie in addition to the absences of Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively, who are both out for the season.

Edwards seized control over the final minutes, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points to make the margin comfortable in the end. Apart from ANT, Rudy Gobert recorded 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks while Naz Reid added 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four threes.

The Timberwolves will now play the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, with the Mavericks set to take on last year’s finalists the Indiana Pacers next, hoping to bring an end to the losing run.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards’ 25-0 declaration will have fans hyped appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On Friday night, with Edwards suiting up for the Timberwolves for the first time since the All-Star break, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP picked up where he left off. He scored 40 points for Minnesota to power them to a 122-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks, and in so doing, he notched his eighth 40-point game of the 2025-26 campaign.

This puts him in rarefied air; this season, only two players have scored 40 points in a single game at least eight times, with Edwards joining Luka Doncic in that exclusive club, as pointed out by the official ClutchPoints account on X (formerly Twitter).

Edwards, on the season, is now averaging 29.5 points per contest, which puts him at third in the association behind only Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There’s a reason why the Timberwolves loom as a dark-horse contender in the Western Conference, and Edwards plays a big factor in that.

Timberwolves do not let off the gas pedal vs. Mavericks

It was thanks to a stellar first quarter that the Timberwolves managed to create a comfortable cushion between them and the Mavericks. They were already up by 15 at the end of the period, and Edwards only scored three during that span. Edwards turned it up in the second frame, scoring 17 points in 10 minutes, and Minnesota kept Dallas at bay for most of the game.

Edwards had his way against an overmatched Mavs team that was without Cooper Flagg on Friday night due to a foot injury.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards ties Luka Doncic for impressive 2025-26 mark appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With under two minutes remaining in the first quarter and Minnesota already holding a 10-point cushion, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year took matters into his own hands.

Reid caught a pass at half-court and took off on a one-man fastbreak. Most big men would look for a trailing guard or settle for a safe layup, but Reid isn’t most big men. He pulled off a smooth “around the world” move to navigate past a retreating defender, gathered his momentum, and took flight.

NAZ REID. OH MAMA

Put Daniel Gafford on a POSTER pic.twitter.com/17BnlSl90p

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford attempted to meet him at the summit, but he quickly realized he was on the wrong side of things. Reid hammered home a thunderous poster dunk that sent the Minneapolis crowd into a literal frenzy. It wasn’t just a dunk; it was a statement.

Reid tallied 6 points on 3-of-5 shooting, while grabbing three rebounds and one assist. His energy off the bench sparked a massive run that the Mavericks simply couldn’t answer. Minnesota is shooting a collective 46% from the field, overwhelming a Dallas team that struggled to find its rhythm without rookie star Cooper Flagg.

Anthony Edwards led the way for the Wolves with a game-high 20 points, while Rudy Gobert chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. On the other side, Khris Middleton is trying to keep the Mavericks afloat with 12 points.

If you weren’t a believer in the “Naz Reid” hype before, that poster on Gafford should officially convert you.

The post Timberwolves’ Naz Reid puts Daniel Gafford on a poster in Mavericks clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Furthermore, Dillingham is virtually celebrating the Bulls’ playing style, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. He contrasted the approaches of Billy Donovan and Chris Finch. Essentially, Dillingham likes getting the ball more and doing something with it.

“Just two different styles of offense — not as much holding the ball [with the Bulls],” Dillingham, 21, said of the difference between Finch and Donovan. “Just, like, get off the ball. And, really, in Minnesota, it was, like, every possession.

“I mean, every possession matters here, but you’re going to mess up. Over there, not everyone could mess up and keep playing. So [it was] just the opportunity and the pace of the game, just the playing styles.”

What Billy Donovan expects from Rob Dillingham

Donovan recognizes the potential Dillingham has; he wants him to embrace it, particularly given his ability to score.

“He’s the one guy who, off the dribble, can really get by people and get into the teeth of the defense,” Donovan said. “That’s a real great positive. But the decision-making, the shots he’s taking, are not sustainable, and I told him that.”

“His job and responsibility is to generate shots for guys when he gets [inside], and to understand the shots where he has angles and can shoot a high percentage on and the shots he can’t,” Donovan said. “It’s not like I’m giving him free rein. We need him downhill, but he also can’t be jumping off two feet, getting caught in the air, trying to shoot over guys [or] trying to throw passes that aren’t there. He’s got to clean that up, and we’ve got to help him do it.

“What I don’t want him to do is not be aggressive or be afraid to attack. He has to attack. He just has to make better decisions, and I think that will come in time.”

Dillingham cited his performance against the Boston Celtics on Feb.11. He scored 16 points and dished out seven assists in a 124-105 loss. He said it was his first time playing against Boston, and now he knows what it takes to excel against them.

“[Last week] was my first time playing against the Celtics and actually having the ball in my hand,” he said. “If I play against the Celtics three, four more times, [then] by the time I play them the fifth time, I’ve already played them so many times that I know how to play against them. It comes with experience, studying film and taking that into the next game.”

Currently, the Bulls are 24-31 and are in the midst of a six-game losing streak before the All-Star break. On Thursday, Chicago will play their first post-All-Star break game against the Toronto Raptors.

The post Rob Dillingham reveals why the Bulls are a much better situation for him than Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the days leading into the trade deadline, one team picked up steam as a major destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s services: the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, led by charismatic star Anthony Edwards, have made runs for the Western Conference Finals the past two seasons, but it appears that they haven’t had enough to get over the hump. So, the Timberwolves made an aggressive pursuit of Antetokounmpo, and it appeared that playing with Edwards was at the top of mind for the Bucks star.

This interaction between the Greek Freak and Ant-Man at All-Star Weekend:

Giannis Antetokounmpo: “We about to go viral again, man.”

Anthony Edwards: “We always gonna go viral you get me and you together. We going viral.”

(via @Timberwolves)pic.twitter.com/DFnmFXHKc1

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2026

Ultimately, talks fell apart as Milwaukee elected to keep Antetokounmpo through the rest of the season and explore his future in the off-season. At the All-Star break, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards added fuel to the trade rumors.

In a video posted by the Timberwolves, the two All-Stars were seen interacting in the tunnel in the Intuit Dome and made a mention of how they knew that the video of them together would go viral.

“We about to go viral again, man,” Antetokounmpo said.

Edwards replied, “We always gonna go viral you get me and you together. We going viral.”

These interactions between players at the All-Star Game are always seen as a possible precursor for a team-up in the future. During the 2019 All-Star Game, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were caught on video speaking with each other privately, which many at the time speculated was about possibly teaming up to play with each other. And the speculation appeared to be true.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last night

(@jpizzy15 sent me the video) pic.twitter.com/xKXT8MPnwm

— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) February 18, 2019

On Kevin Durant’s podcast The ETCs with Kevin Durant in September 2020, Durant indicated that the interaction solidified their intention to play with each other, although they did not know which team they would be joining.

“The All-Star game video where they caught us in the hallway. That’s when it was solidified that we were going somewhere. They didn’t know for a fact where it was, but it was somewhere.”

Durant added that the conversation at All-Star Weekend wasn’t the first time they discussed their futures.

“Like we would have these types of [basketball related] conversations all day, every day. And it grew from there. It just grew from there, it was organic, you know what I’m saying? And it wasn’t something that you can kind of pinpoint and say like, this was the moment. It just, it just happened.”

It’s unknown if Edwards and Antetokounmpo were having similar conversations, and they certainly weren’t having it in that video. But, there is a possibility that we could see the two All-Stars team up in the future.

The Bucks and the Timberwolves are both back in action on Friday night. Minnesota hosts Dallas at 7:30 PM, with the game being broadcast on ESPN. Meanwhile, the Bucks will travel to New Orleans for an 8 PM tip-off.

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Edwards, in every second he spends on the court, believes as though he’s the best player on the court regardless of who he shares the court with. The Timberwolves star, as fans would put it now, has that “dawg” in him, as he relishes going up against the best and showing that he’s better than them.

This belief Edwards has in himself is so contagious to the point that star agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who, as one would recall, once had the Timberwolves star as a client before he decided to switch representations in 2023, is also all in on the hype.

“I still think it’s a community, but I think that community is led by Anthony Edwards. I think Anthony Edwards is the best player in our league today,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman. “He’s the best player in the NBA, yes he is.”

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has Rich Paul on his side

Paul may be using his ability to sweet talk his clients to get Edwards back on with Klutch Sports, but even then, the Timberwolves star has certainly accomplished a few things that make him worthy of such hype. Now, being called the “best” player in the NBA may be a tad bit hyperbolic. Nonetheless, Paul believes that Edwards stands taller among his peers.

“Face of the league vs. best player. The face of the league, you have to grow into that, that’s something different. But best player? Yes, he is the best player. You can’t watch a game on any given night against anybody and look at that game and say that person is better than Anthony Edwards,” Paul added.

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Since the trade deadline, re-signing Conley has been a foregone conclusion for the Timberwolves. As a result of Minnesota having 13 players on its active roster for 14 days, it must fill at least one of its two open roster spots on Tuesday per league rule.

That is why Conley has officially signed his contract and is rejoining the team he’s spent the last four years with.

The reason Conley is allowed to re-sign with the team that initially traded him this season is that after being traded to the Chicago Bulls, the veteran guard was once again redirected to Charlotte. He was then released, which allows the Timberwolves to re-sign him.

Although his numbers and effectiveness have declined in his 19th NBA season, Conley is still a well-respected player, and he has held a key leadership role for the Timberwolves over the last few seasons. Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch, and many others in Minnesota always speak highly of his character and ability to help the team grow.

Following the trade deadline, Edwards advocated for bringing Conley back to the team, making it clear that everyone in the Timberwolves locker room wanted to see the veteran return.

“I keep hearing he can come back, so hopefully he will, and I hope he sees this,” Edwards said, via Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, after a 128-126 win over the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 4. “We want you back, Mike. He knows we miss him.”

In 44 games this season with the Timberwolves, nine of which he started, Conley has averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 32.1 percent from 3-point range in roughly 18.5 minutes per game.

Conley will likely see fewer minutes on the court this go-around with Minnesota, especially now that Dosunmu holds a key role in the backcourt next to Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. The Timberwolves are currently 34-22 and find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference coming out of the NBA All-Star break.

The post Mike Conley officially re-signs with Timberwolves after getting traded twice at deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For Smith, Edwards is worthy of the unofficial title of face of the NBA, he said, per ESPN’s First Take.

“[Victor] Wembanyama, the brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man, He is something to behold. He is Jordan-esque. He hasn’t won yet. That’s why we can’t say that,” Smith said. “But his game — the purity of it — the handles, the shot, the athleticism, the swag. He don’t believe it, but his boy Stephen A is going to tell it to him. You got it all.”

Smith says the average fan can relate to Edwards more than the towering Wembanyama.

“A lot of people can’t relate to somebody 7-feet-5. We can never do that. We can’t be that. It’s just an anomaly. Ant-Man is just like Steph [Curry], the baby face assassin. Damn, look at his size, and he’s doing what he’s doing,” Smith added. “Look at Ant-Man doing what he’s doing… [He] is gonna be the face of the NBA. Mark it down. Wembanyama is right there with him. He might win before him for all we know, but Ant-Man going to be right there.”

"[Victor] Wembanyama, the brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man… He is something to behold… You got it all… It's just like Steph [Curry], the baby face assassin… [He] is gonna be the face of the NBA."

Stephen A. Smith on Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/ulFmpksuqs

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2026

Edwards scored a total of 32 points across three games in 26 minutes. He helped secure a 47-21 win for the USA Stars in the All-Star Game final.

Brian Windhorst praises Anthony Edwards’ ASG performance

Stephen A Smith wasn’t the only NBA analyst praising the Timberwolves’ All-Star forward at the four-lettered network, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gave Anthony Edwards his due after the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Windhorst kept it 100 about Edwards, per ESPN’s Get Up.

“This guy kind of does everything you could want from a superstar,” Windhorst said. “He plays both ends of the court, he has fantastic dunks, he’s a great 3-point shooter, he has great personality, he’s been a winner. He hasn’t won a championship, but he’s taken the Wolves to their best two years in the history of their franchise, and he’s got incredible competitive juice, which he showed in this game.”

"He's so magnetic that this is a guy that the NBA needs to heavily invest in going forward."

Brian Windhorst on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, whom he described as "the most underappreciated superstar in all of American sports"

(via @GetUpESPN)pic.twitter.com/njdOIqzam7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2026

Edwards earned his first All-Star Game MVP award.

The post Stephen A. Smith anoints Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards as next face of NBA appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The NBA has switched up the All-Star game format several times over the last few years in an attempt to wring some sort of competitive spirit out of the players, and the product did seem to be improved on Sunday in comparison to what we’ve seen previously.

However, that didn’t stop St. John’s head coach and basketball icon Rick Pitino from pitching another idea for the event moving forward.

“Great to see the new format with the All-Star game. I suggested to the NBA having a Ryder Cup with Basketball. Starting in Greece and then going back to the States. Would be incredible and even more popular than the Ryder Cup,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The NBA implementing its own version of golf’s Ryder Cup would certainly be a sight to behold, and would continue the theme of US vs international players that began this year.

For the time being, it seems that the league is happy with what it saw from the players on Sunday night, as the game lived up to the billing and produced some entertainment for the fans in attendance at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Now, the league will move forward into the stretch run of the season, although Adam Silver and company still have a ton of questions on their hands, including around the rise of artificial intelligence, gambling, and many other factors that could have a major impact on the sport as we know it.

The post Rick Pitino makes wild NBA All-Star Game suggestion appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following the All-Star Game, ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst spoke about why Anthony Edwards should be getting more praise than he has as one of the up and coming faces of the NBA.

“This guy kind of does everything you could want from a superstar,” Windhorst said. “He plays both ends of the court, he has fantastic dunks, he’s a great 3-point shooter, he has great personality, he’s been a winner. He hasn’t won a championship, but he’s taken the Wolves to their best two years in the history of their franchise, and he’s got incredible competitive juice which he showed in this game.”

“I think Ant Edwards is a guy who is going to be a centerpiece for Team USA going forward,” Windhorst continued. “A centerpiece of All-Star games going forward, and it’s not something that he always necessarily wants. . .but he’s so magnetic. This is a guy that he NBA needs to heavily invest in going forward. They don’t have a choice, they’re going to have to.”

The two seasons that Windhorst was referring to were the past two seasons when the Wolves reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. Prior to that, the franchise had only made it to one conference finals in its entire history back in 2004 when Kevin Garnett was in his prime.

This season, Edwards has appeared in 46 games at a little over 35 minutes per game. He’s been averaging a career-high 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds. 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals with splits of 49.3 percent shooting from the field, 40.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 79.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The post Brian Windhorst heaps ultimate praise on Anthony Edwards after All-Star Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

One of Edwards’ teammates for the game was Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, who caught up with Edwards after the game in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

In a leaked video, Edwards could be heard telling Johnson that he “Can’t wait to come home,” per PlayoffJalen on X, formerly Twitter, via Basket News.

BREAKING: A new video has surfaced around NBA twitter of Anthony Edwards telling Jalen Johnson he “can’t wait to come home”

Could we see a potential ANT to ATL??!

pic.twitter.com/c7CT7Zvqh7

— 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻 (@PlayoffJohnson) February 16, 2026

Edwards hails from the Atlanta area and could be seen pointing to his Atlanta-themed hat when his name was announced prior to the start of the All-Star game.

Johnson, meanwhile, has established himself as the man in Atlanta after the team traded point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards earlier this year, using his combination of playmaking and athleticism to turn himself into one of the best young forwards in the game today.

While Edwards has seen some great success with the Timberwolves so far, it’s not out of the question that things could become untenable if they have a playoff disappointment in 2026. Minnesota has made it to the conference finals in each of the last two seasons, but was uncompetitive in both of those series, first against the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 and then against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025.

If Edwards were to ever request a trade or threaten to leave in free agency, the Hawks would be a landing spot that would likely be floated by fans and pundits alike due to his connection to the area, as well as the recent exchange with Johnson.

In any case, the Timberwolves will next hit the floor on Friday vs the Dallas Mavericks.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards causes stir with sneaky ‘home’ comment to Jalen Johnson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While he became a talking point after the match, it was another post-match moment that became viral on the internet. Edwards was seen giving his autograph on a jersey for 2 Chainz after the All-Star Game. Video shows the rapper requesting the autograph from the young superstar after his MVP performance.

Anthony Edwards autographed a jersey for 2 Chainz after the All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/hBV0Zoyrmv

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2026

The two even hugged and posed for a picture while holding the jersey for display. The 24-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard and 2 Chainz both are from Atlanta, Georgia. And the rapper was present courtside to witness Edwards and his team achieve victory.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards shares his mindset following the victory

Following his MVP performance in the NBA All-Star game, Edwards opened up at the post-game, where he opened up on cooking opponent teams’ LeBron James and Kevin Durant. “Yeah, sure, I wanna cook them every time.”

While still young when compared to James and Durant, Edwards has been steadily building his name and legacy in the game. Edwards boasts 29.3 points per game on 49.3 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Keeping a winning mentality and attitude throughout the game, Edwards earned his first-ever NBA All-Star MVP trophy.

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Speaking to reporters, Edwards discussed Obama being at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. He was asked if his presence gave him any “extra motivation” going into the game.

Edwards smiled and conceded that it did, saying, “You’ve always gotta put on a show” for someone like Obama. He then went a step further, calling Obama his “favorite person in the world.”

“He’s my favorite person in the world.”

Ant talks about putting on a show in front of President Barack Obama! pic.twitter.com/ALSHRJxRVP

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026

Turns out, Edwards and Obama were hanging out before the All-Star Game. Edwards promised Obama that he would “put on a show for him.”

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards “put on a show” for Barack Obama at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game

As promised, Edwards did “put on a show” for Obama and everyone else watching the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Edwards won the NBA All-Star Game MVP for his efforts.

He helped lead the USA Stars to a victory over the USA Stripes in the championship game. Edwards scored eight points in the championship game and had four rebounds and two assists. He scored a total of 32 points in three games for the USA Stars.

Currently, Edwards is the third leading scorer in the NBA. He is averaging 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 season.

Throughout his young career, Edwards is already a four-time NBA All-Star, making it every year from 2023 to 2026. Edwards is also a two-time All-NBA Second Team player.

Edwards was selected with the first overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft out of Georgia. He played for Georgia from 2019 to 2020 before going to the NBA. During his collegiate career, Edwards was named SEC Rookie of the Year and Second-team All-SEC in 2020. Additionally, he was named McDonald’s All-American in 2019.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards drops ‘favorite’ truth bomb about Barack Obama at All-Star Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But the Stars certainly faced a few close calls on their way to bagging the NBA All-Star Game crown. They lost to the Stripes in the round robin game, but thankfully, they won their earlier contest against Team World thanks to a game-winner from Scottie Barnes that had Victor Wembanyama exploding in fury due to his team’s blown defensive assignments.

This reaction was simply a telltale sign of how seriously Wembanyama was taking the competition, even the All-Star game that’s lost its luster in recent years. And the Timberwolves star credited him for infusing some much-needed life into the exhibition contest.

“I ain’t gonna lie, Wemby set the tone. He came out playing hard. Hard not to match that so, s**t that’s what happened. Sorry for my language. But that’s what happened,” Edwards said in his postgame interview, via the official ClutchPoints account on X (formerly Twitter).

“Wemby set the tone. hard not to match that so, s**t that’s what happened. Sorry for my language.”

Anthony Edwards after the USA Stars’ win
pic.twitter.com/7CguenFt3o

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards relishes the competition

Edwards is the kind of player who always wants to come up against the best players in the association; that’s just the kind of stone-cold killer on the court he wants to be. The Timberwolves star also said that he very much liked the new format the NBA had for this year’s edition of the All-Star Game, and that feedback from him will definitely be taken into account by the people responsible.

Now, all that’s left for Edwards to do this season is to try and power the Timber

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards credits Victor Wembanyama for increased All-Star effort appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Edwards scored 32 points through three games and was the Stars’ most consistent player in their NBA All-Star Game-winning performance, earning himself the MVP award in the process. And in so doing, he became just the only player in NBA history besides LeBron James to score 10,000 points or more, win an Olympic gold medal, become the All-Star Game MVP and matching the hype as the number one overall pick before turning 25 years of age, as pointed out by OptaSTATS on X (formerly Twitter).

The Timberwolves star, of course, is missing one crucial element of the LeBron experience; he’s yet to take his team to the NBA Finals and he’s yet to win overall MVP honors, both of which James had pulled off by age 24. But Edwards has time on his side to figure it out anyway.

Anthony Edwards’ next goal is to get Timberwolves over the hump

As much as Edwards is brimming with confidence, he knows that legacies are cemented when one’s team is the last one standing come June. The Timberwolves are yet to do that in their history; they haven’t even made it past the Conference Finals just yet.

This is now Edwards’ next goal — to get the Timberwolves over the gauntlet that is the Western Conference. And if he somehow brings a championship to Minnesota, then he should earn passage into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame just for that.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards joins LeBron James club after All-Star achievement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Edwards dropped 32 points across three games (two wins), and he emerged as Team Stars’ most consistent bucket-getter. The Timberwolves star was clearly feeding off of the energy of the game, especially when he was coming up against almost all the other best players in the association.

For what it’s worth, Edwards gave his stamp of approval towards the new All-Star Game format, although it’s hard to blame the Timberwolves star for thinking this way considering how he had so much success this year.

“I know they ain’t gon’ really take in what I’m saying, but I like this format. I think it makes us compete, ‘cause it’s only 12 minutes. There different teams, you separate the guys. I think it was really good,” Edwards said, via ClutchPoints Washington Wizards beat reporter Joshua Valdez.

Anthony Edwards on the new All-Star Game format

“Yeah. I know they ain’t gon’ really take in what I’m saying, but I like this format. I think it makes us compete, ‘cause it’s only 12 minutes. There different teams, you separate the guys. I think it was really good.”

(via… pic.twitter.com/61cKUVIpVx

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2026

Will NBA continue tinkering with All-Star Game format?

Players like Edwards certainly have a say in what the competition committee would do moving forward. While it’s certainly something different to see four different games decide which team wins the exhibition contest, perhaps this kind of new format simply needs time to marinate.

Alas, this NBA All-Star Weekend was very divisive; a good portion of the league’s fanbase found the festivities very boring, including the All-Star Game. However, a few players, such as the Timberwolves star, believe as though the new format raised the stakes a bit and made them play with a bit more force — something that the league will definitely be taking into account.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards reveals true feelings on NBA All-Star Game format appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Edwards displayed his all-around talent, tallying 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in three games. Team Stars dominated Team Stripes in the final, 47-21, avenging their loss in the round robin.

Team World, meanwhile, lost their two assignments despite the strong showing of San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. For Edwards, Team World would have been more competitive had Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played more.

“No shade towards Luka and Jokic, but they are two of the best players in the league, and they are not trying to play in the All-Star Game,” said the 24-year-old guard.

"No shade towards Luka and Jokic but like they two of the best players in the league they not trynna play in the All Star game"

– Ant Man on the world vs USA format https://t.co/y3LMLTBwir pic.twitter.com/TJ6c4dh3qS

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 16, 2026

Doncic and Jokic did not suit up in Team World’s do-or-die game against Team Stripes. In their opening game versus Team Stars, Doncic had two points and two assists, while Jokic went scoreless and had two rebounds.

Doncic has missed the Lakers’ last four games due to a hamstring injury, while Jokic recently returned from a long layoff due to a knee injury.

The lack of competitiveness has been the main problem in the All-Star Game, as most players do not treat it seriously. The NBA has tweaked the format several times, including this year, to increase the level of competition, but nothing has worked.

It does not help that Lakers forward LeBron James made a dismissive comment about this year’s staging of the midseason classic.

If more players cared like Edwards, the All-Star Game would be much more watchable.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards gets real about Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic after All-Star Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Edwards scored 32 points total across three games, including eight in the Stars’ convincing 47-21 triumph over the Stripes, and that was good enough to have the Timberwolves star be crowned as the All-Star Game MVP.

Going up against the likes of Kevin Durant, someone he’s had a friendly rivalry with over the past few seasons, and LeBron James, both of whom he played with on the gold medal-winning Team USA side in 2024, lit a fire underneath the Timberwolves star, as was obvious.

“I wanna cook them every time,” Edwards said in his interview after receiving the All-Star Game MVP honors.

Ant when being guarded by Lebron & KD
"I wanna cook them every time" pic.twitter.com/cPeZgyX9Ij

— 𝗠𝗔𝗟 (@MindOfBron) February 16, 2026

Indeed, the Timberwolves star did his fair share of cooking, as a few buckets from him created so much separation between them and Team Stripes in the All-Star Game final. All that’s left now is to keep cooking whomever he comes up against come postseason time.

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards is coming for the crown

Edwards has now been hardened in the playoffs, having been on the receiving end of two Western Conference Finals heartbreaks. In his first WCF appearance, he ran out of steam. The following year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were simply too overwhelming. But now, Edwards understands the level that is required for him to get over the hump.

The Timberwolves star raises his game when he comes up against the legends of the sport, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has swiftly become one of them. And knowing the chip he has on his shoulder, expect him to put up his best fight when the postseason begins in April.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards drops cold truth on facing KD, LeBron in All-Star Game MVP performance appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following the win by Edwards and Team Stars over LeBron James and Team Stripes in the NBA All-Star Game finals, the former Georgia Bulldogs star was named the NBA All-Star MVP.

ANT: 2026 @Kia ALL-STAR MVP!

He receives the Kobe Bryant Trophy pic.twitter.com/eHypNna1DN

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026

In his fourth All-Star Game appearance, Edwards scored a total of 32 points to go with nine rebounds, three assists and a steal to lead the way for Team Stars, who also defeated Team World, 37-35, in the Round Robin. The win in the finals was sweet revenge for Edwards and Team Stars, who lost to Team Stripes in the Round Robin, 42-40.

Edwards and Team Stars blew Team Stripes out of the water right away, as they started hot, building a huge lead and holding off Kevin Durant and company the rest of the way. Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers led the way for Team Stars with nine points, while Chet Holmgren and Edwards each had eight points in the finals.

The NBA All-Star Game MVP is another feather in Edwards’ cap, as he continues to prove himself as one of the best players in the league today. At the All-Star break, the former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick had season averages of 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 46 games, while shooting 49.3 percent from the floor and 40.2 percent from behind the 3-point line.

With the All-Star Game over, Edwards will turn his focus to Minnesota’s first game after the break, a date with the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center on Friday.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards wins All-Star Game MVP in Team Stars win appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Am I going to shed a tear? I might cry a little bit,” Edwards said.

Another question was asked to Edwards on if he’d like to become the face of the league with James retiring.

“Man, them folks got Victor Wembanyama. That’s what they got going on. They got Wemby. They’ll be all right,” Edwards said.

"They got [Victor] Wembanyama. They'll be aight."

Anthony Edwards on becoming the future face of the league

(via @WorldWideWob)pic.twitter.com/DGLJGbPJpH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

It’s obvious that Edwards does not want that title, because he was asked the same thing last year and pretty much gave the same answer. As for Wembanyama, it seems like he doesn’t mind being the future face of the league.

“I definitely see it happening… Supply and demand. I’m here to supply,” Wembanyama said.

There will be several players who many could see as the future face of the league, and it includes guys such as Wembanyama, Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and many more. As of now, Tatum should have the top spot because of the success that he’s had over the course of his career, but Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t seem to be far off.

Wembanyama can make a case for himself if he continues to dominate and win at a high level, and it seems like he can reach that point sooner rather than later.

As for Edwards, he has the charisma to be the face of the league, but it doesn’t look like he’s interested in carrying that weight on his shoulders.

The post Anthony Edwards’ Wemby mic drop after admitting he’ll cry when LeBron retires appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Despite Irving currently recovering from a torn ACL, Edwards expressed total belief in his own abilities to stop one of the greatest ball-handlers the game has ever seen.

This fearless attitude has been the driving force behind Minnesota’s success this season, as evidenced by their 118-105 win over the Mavericks on January 28, 2026.

In that game, Edwards contributed a versatile line of 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists, proving he is much more than just a scorer as the Wolves maintain a 34-22 record.

Outside of his defensive talk, Edwards recently shared a hilarious personal boundary involving another NBA star.

When asked about the one player he would never allow to date his sister, Edwards gave a specific answer in a video posted by ClutchPoints on X via Celtics on CLNS.

“I’m gonna go with Jaylen Brown. I’m gonna go with JB because he’s from the city. He can’t date my sister.”

“I'm gonna go with Jaylen Brown. I'm gonna go with JB because he from the city. He can't date my sister."

Anthony Edwards on the one NBA player he wouldn’t allow to date his sister

(via @CelticsCLNS)pic.twitter.com/QwvaqWTV1C

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026

The comment highlights the fun side of the All-Star guard, even as he remains one of the fiercest competitors on the court.

His competitive streak also took a viral turn during his AntLand event hosted by Adidas at the NBA All-Star Weekend. While signing autographs, Edwards jokingly told a young fan wearing a Luka Doncic jersey that he doesn’t really “f*** with” the Lakers star.

This comes as both players prepare for the All-Star Game on Sunday, though Edwards is considering resting due to an injury.

Currently, Edwards is averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game, while Doncic leads the league with 32.8 points.

With the Timberwolves and Lakers set for a rematch on March 10, the NBA world is eagerly waiting to see if Edwards can back up his talk against the league’s top talents.

Whether he is locking down veterans or trading barbs with fellow stars, Edwards has cemented himself as the engine of Minnesota’s stingy defense.

The post Why Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards won’t allow Jaylen Brown to date his sister appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Oh for sure I can guard Kyrie,” Edwards said when asked about the hypothetical matchup. “In a 1-on-1 setting, I like me.”

“Oh for sure I can guard Kyrie [Irving]… In a 1-on-1 setting, I like me”

Anthony Edwards says that he could take on Kyrie Irving on a 1v1

pic.twitter.com/nhOuY3ohd5

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026

It is that exact brand of fearless bravado that has the Timberwolves sitting near the top of the Western Conference. Minnesota recently took care of business against a short-handed Dallas Mavericks squad on January 28, 2026, walking away with a dominant 118-105 victory. Even without Irving on the floor to test his theory, Edwards made his presence felt across the stat sheet.

The face of the franchise finished the night with a well-rounded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 38 minutes of action. While Julius Randle led the scoring charge with a massive 31 points, Edwards acted as the engine that kept the Wolves ahead.

On the other side, P.J. Washington tried to keep the Mavericks afloat with 21 points, but Dallas clearly missed the offensive gravity of their star backcourt.

Irving has historically been a nightmare for Minnesota, averaging 31.6 points over his last ten meetings against them. However, with the Timberwolves currently boasting a 34-22 record and one of the league’s stingiest defenses, Edwards is eager for the chance to prove his defensive chops. For now, the NBA world can only imagine what a duel between these two would look like, but Edwards has already made his pick.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards leaves no doubt if he can cover Kyrie Irving 1-on-1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

One young fan repping a Luka Doncic jersey asked Anthony Edwards to sign it. However, the 24-year-old star made it clear how he feels about Doncic before turning down the young fan’s request. Edwards did say it with a smile, though, as he continued signing basketballs and other objects.

“I don’t really f*** with Luka [Doncic],” said Edwards.

“I don't really f*ck with Luka [Doncic]."

Anthony Edwards, after a young fan asked him to autograph his Luka jersey

(via @stockx/ TikTok)pic.twitter.com/GHTvVxswE9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

Both players were named All-Stars this year. However, Edwards is considering not playing due to an injury, as he could opt to rest instead in preparation for the back half of the regular season. Meanwhile, Doncic is expected to play in the All-Star Game.

The Timberwolves and Lakers have played against each other twice so far this season, with Los Angeles winning both contests. Both teams are scheduled to play for a third time on March 10, giving Anthony Edwards and his teammates an opportunity to avoid the season sweep. Either way, these games are a fun matchup, as Edwards and Doncic are superstar talents in the NBA.

Edwards, who is in his sixth season in the league, was named an All-Star for the fourth straight year. He’s been a monster for the Timberwolves this season, as he’s averaging 29.3 points (career-high), 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the floor and 40.2% from beyond the three-point line.

Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is leading the way for the Lakers. The 26-year-old guard is balling out this season, averaging 32.8 points (league leader), 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per contest. He also owns a 47.3% field goal percentage and a 34.5% three-point percentage.

The post Anthony Edwards goes viral for attention-grabbing Luka Doncic statement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Appearing Thursday on NBA Today, ESPN insider Shams Charania said expansion discussions are “top of mind” for the league’s Board of Governors, with a March meeting expected to provide further financial clarity.

“This is top of mind for the Board of Governors and the NBA owners because this is big business potentially,” Charania said. “And I’m told there is a Board of Governors meeting in March where the expectation is there’s going to be some more information, financials on what it looks like when you go get a couple more expansion teams potentially. What it means for the rest of the league? How much are the valuations for those two teams going to be? What does the league layout look like? And then potentially in the summer as 2026 goes on, have a potential determination.”

Seattle, Las Vegas expansion push could force NBA realignment decision

Charania added that Seattle and Las Vegas are widely viewed as the frontrunners for expansion franchises. Should both cities land teams, the league would likely need to shift one current Western Conference franchise to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance.

“My understanding is Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansions teams and from there a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference,” Charania said. “So, you think about teams in that region, right? Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans. Could one of those teams potentially move to the Eastern Conference? These are conversations that will be picking up as 2026 goes on. This is still a few years away from actually taking place as far as these expansion teams being put forth for the public.”

“Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansion teams. From there, a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference… Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans,?”

— Shams Charania on the potential expansion around the NBA in the upcoming years pic.twitter.com/oTIsvvNz0E

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Among the candidates, the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans are frequently mentioned due to geography. Memphis enters the weekend’s All-Star festivities at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with a 20-33 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at the deadline in what signaled the beginning of a rebuild.

New Orleans is 15-41 and 14th in the West, also navigating a transitional period. Minnesota, meanwhile, stands at 34-22 as the fifth seed and is coming off consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, positioning itself as a contender that could benefit competitively from an Eastern Conference alignment.

While expansion remains years away from implementation, the NBA’s long-term structure is clearly under evaluation as financial projections and competitive considerations take center stage.

The post NBA rumors: Which teams could move to Eastern Conference after league expansion? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Meanwhile, 2024 Timberwolves draftee Terrence Shannon Jr. has been tearing it up in the G-League with some big performances as of late, and now, the team has announced a big update regarding the young wing.

“NEWS: Timberwolves recall guard Terrence Shannon Jr from G League affiliate (Iowa Wolves),” reported the Timberwolves’ PR team on X, formerly Twitter. “In tonight’s game against the Austin Spurs, Shannon Jr finished with 36 points on 10-15 shooting and a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line.”

Shannon Jr. was an intriguing prospect coming out of Illinois, and although he played sparingly in Chris Finch’s rotation throughout the regular season last year, he had a surprisingly big role in the team’s Western Conference Finals series loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In that series, Shannon Jr. was one of the few Timberwolves players to provide consistent offense for the team off the bench, although it still wasn’t enough to help a severely overmatched Minnesota team pull off the upset over the eventual champions.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves recently elected to shake things up by trading for Chicago Bulls wing Ayo Dosunmu, sending out fellow 2024 draftee Rob Dillingham in the process. Dillingham never quite panned out in Minnesota despite high expectations coming out of the draft, but clearly, the team still has high hopes for Shannon Jr.’s development moving forward.

In any case, the Timberwolves will now have more than a week off to rest for the All-Star break, as superstar Anthony Edwards heads to Los Angeles to participate in the festivities at the Intuit Dome. Minnesota will next take the floor next Friday night at home against the Dallas Mavericks.

The post Timberwolves make Terrence Shannon Jr. move after G League domination appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Recently, the NBA All-Star reserves were announced, and although Anthony Edwards made the cut to represent Minnesota, Randle did not, and he was also not named among the injury replacements for the various stars who have since bowed out of the contest.

After the game against the Blazers, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch spoke on how that may have factored into Randle’s epic performance.

“A conversation. We had a couple good chats in the last week. Everything that swirls around this time this of the year, whether it be All-Star nominations — I know he was disappointed that he wasn’t named an All Star. I think he took this game quite personally in that regard,” said Finch, per Dane Moore on X, formerly Twitter.

Some fans might take Finch’s “took that personally” quip as a reference to a viral meme with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who seemed to take a lot of things personally, as evidenced by 2020’s ESPN “The Last Dance” documentary, to which he would respond by letting his play on the court do the talking.

The Timberwolves opted to bring Randle back on a big contract extension this past summer, and thus far, the move has paid dividends, as the former New York Knicks power forward’s chemistry with Edwards and his other Minnesota teammates has seemed to increase in their second year together.

The Timberwolves will now be able to kick back and relax for over a week for the All-Star break, before they next hit the floor next Friday night at home against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.

The post How Julius Randle’s All-Star snub made him go full Michael Jordan in Timberwolves vs. Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the first quarter of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center, the “Slim Reaper” provided a legitimate candidate for dunk of the year. The play started with Donte DiVincenzo, who has been a defensive pest all season, snagging a steal at the half-court line.

Jaden McDaniels throws it down with AUTHORITY

pic.twitter.com/jyuXf79mrQ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

DiVincenzo didn’t hesitate, immediately looking up to find a streaking McDaniels. He lobbed a perfect pass toward the rim, and McDaniels did the rest, soaring through the air to posterize a defenseless Avdija with a thunderous alley-oop finish. The home crowd in Minneapolis absolutely lost it as the Timberwolves’ defensive ace showed off his elite verticality.

The game is still in the early stages, but McDaniels’ highlight has already set the tone for a high-energy Western Conference clash. Minnesota is looking to protect its home court, where they have been solid with an 18-10 record this season.

Anthony Edwards has already made his presence felt early, knocking down a 28-foot triple off another DiVincenzo assist to keep the momentum squarely with the Wolves.

On the other side, Avdija is trying to shake off the highlight and keep the Trail Blazers in the hunt as they look to extend their three-game winning streak. Portland has leaned heavily on rookie Donovan Clingan recently, and they’ll need his interior presence to counter Rudy Gobert if they want to escape Minneapolis with a win.

With the Timberwolves leading 61-51 going into the half, this one is shaping up to be a tight contest. Minnesota’s defense has been the story so far, but with plenty of basketball left to play, the Blazers are hanging around.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls, trading away guard Rob Dillingham and forward Leonard Miller in addition to four second-round draft picks (2026, 2027, 2031, 2032). The Bulls offload one of their rising talents, hoping to hit big through the draft the next couple of years.

Ayo Dosunmu gets a standing ovation in his Minnesota Timberwolves debut pic.twitter.com/JlCfMdk7rd

— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) February 8, 2026

In exchange, the Timberwolves will add depth to Anthony Edwards’ position will also bolstering their defense with Dosunmu’s length and hustle on that end of the floor. The Timberwolves also parted ways with veteran guard Mike Conley, who’s expected to sign a new deal in the near future.

One week following the trade deadline, we’ll grade the Timberwolves’ overall efforts in trying to contend for another title and what these deals could mean moving forward.

Minnesota lands Dosunmu, deals young talent and picks.

Ayo Dosunmu adds 15.1 PPG on 51% shooting this season off a bench role for the Chicago Bulls. His production will instantly add sustainable scoring to a guard rotation that includes Donte DiVincenzo, Jaylen Clark, and Bones Hyland. Dosunmu can also stretch to a small forward and is capable of guarding the other team’s number one scorer. In his debut with his new team, Dosunmu immediately made an impact with 21 points, three assists, a block and a steal en route to a double-digit win.

While some fans believed the Timberwolves may have given the Bulls too much in draft capital, it’s clear their objective is to win now and improve every position they can to bolster the team around their star players. Rob Dillingham (3.5 PPG, 1.7 APG) and Leonard Miller (2.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG) haven’t been able to carve out meaningful roles, but both players are 21 and 22 years young, so they still have time to develop their potential.

Overall, this seems like a solid trade for both teams if Minnesota can win a championship soon and the Chicago Bulls can build their own championship roster through the draft.

Timberwolves move Mike Conley, free up salary space.

This was a smart move by the front office and something that had to be done in order to free salary cap space for the upcoming offseason. Conley’s production has clearly taken a dip during this season (4.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.9 APG) and moving his contract will free around $10.4-10.7 million in cap space. With the addition of Dosunmu, the Timberwolves should be set with enough guard depth will upgrading on the defensive end as well.

Furthermore, the Timberwolves were one of the heavily-speculated teams to land Giannis Antetokounmpo prior to the trade deadline. While they couldn’t get a mid-season deal done, expect Minnesota to be extremely aggressive in chasing Antetokounmpo this offseason. Every bit of cap space is crucial in sweetening the deal for the NBA Champion to join Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.

Overall Trade Deadline Grade

Overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t make any huge splashes, but they got the necessary deals done to set them up for the rest of this season and potentially a big offseason. They’ve been able to reach the Western Conference Finals the last two seasons with a similar lineup and adding Dosunmu should give them an even better chance to make an impact during competitive playoffs series.

Overal Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 Trade Deadline Grade: B-

The post Timberwolves 2026 NBA trade deadline grade after 2 deals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Anthony Edwards’ injury status vs. Blazers

Anthony Edwards is officially listed as questionable on the NBA’s official injury report due to an illness. It’s likely that a final status update will not come until right before the game. Players commonly try to go through pregame warmups and see how they feel before making a final determination on their playing status.

The Timberwolves are currently 33-22 and trying to keep pace in the Western Conference standings. They are essentially tied percentage-wise with the Los Angeles Lakers who are in fifth place in the West. But they are only a half game ahead of the No. 7 Phoenix Suns and falling to a play-in spot.

For Edwards, he was recently named to his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance. He’s appeared in 45 games this season at a little over 35 minutes per game. He’s averaging a career-high 29.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals with splits of 49.2 percent shooting from the field, 39.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 79.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Timberwolves injury report

-Anthony Edwards questionable (illness)
-Johnny Juzang 0ut (G League two-way)
-Terrence Shannon Jr. out (G League assignment)
-Rocco Zikarsky out (G League two-way)

Blazers injury report

-Damian Lillard out (left Achilles tendon injury managment)
-Kris Murray out (lumbar strain)
-Shaedon Sharpe out (left calf strain)
-Matisse Thybulle out (right knee tendinopathy)

The post Anthony Edwards added to injury report for Blazers game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Of course, then there are situations where trades simply do not develop as some had anticipated.

Take Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, for example. This is one of those scenarios where the star player held virtually no market value amid all the other activity at the NBA trade deadline. There was never any deal close to happening for Morant and the Grizzlies, which is why he enters the back half of the 2025-26 season as a prime trade candidate in the summer.

Then there are situations like the one that transpired with Ivica Zubac and the Los Angeles Clippers. In the week leading up to the trade deadline, the Clippers signaled to every team calling about Zubac that they were not interested in trading him and that he would remain with the team, even after the James Harden-Darius Garland swap.

This obviously did not hold true, as the Clippers dealt Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in the final hour before the NBA trade deadline passed. How did this trade come together so fast, and why did the Clippers all of a sudden change their stance on trading their starting center?

Both Morant and Zubac are on opposite sides of the spectrum regarding the trade deadline: one was traded, and one was not.

That is the nature of the NBA trade deadline, and like both these players, so many other notable names and teams were involved in advanced trade discussions leading up to this past Thursday’s deadline. With that said, let’s dive right into what happened with Morant and why the next few months are expected to be his last in Memphis.

What’s next for Ja Morant, Grizzlies?

Since his feud with head coach Tuomas Iisalo and the coaching staff on Oct. 31, nothing has gone right for Morant and the Grizzlies. Aside from his injury concerns, Morant and the organization have been at odds, resulting in a new path being charted by GM Zach Kleiman and this front office.

It is very clear, especially after the trade deadline, that the Grizzlies are rebuilding and gathering assets for the future success of the franchise. Desmond Bane was traded in the summer for a slew of first-round picks, and now Jaren Jackson Jr. finds himself in a new home, as he was dealt to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks and young talents like Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks.

Jackson’s trade came as a surprise to many fans, but the fact of the matter is that teams had been calling the Grizzlies about Jackson since before the holidays. As previously reported on ClutchPoints in early November, teams began making calls not only about Morant’s availability but also about Jackson’s as well.

At the time, pursuing the former Defensive Player of the Year seemed like nothing more than a long shot. However, with the Grizzlies not going anywhere in the standings and Kleiman wanting to hit the reset button with Morant, Memphis began seriously discussing trade avenues with teams regarding Jackson at the start of 2026, league sources said.

Jackson became a prime trade candidate for several teams around the league, including the Golden State Warriors, who held multiple trade discussions with the Grizzlies in the month leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks all checked in with Memphis about Jackson as well.

How far these talks went and each team’s level of interest in Jackson is unknown.

Two other surprising teams that league sources pinpointed as teams with interest in Jackson before the trade deadline include the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets. The belief among league personnel is that the Hornets’ interest was real rather than exploratory. As far as the Suns’ interest in Jackson goes, one can’t overlook his Michigan State connection with owner Mat Ishbia.

But the main reason the Suns did not pursue an all-in move like adding Jackson was due to the organization’s desire to keep their core group together. Phoenix did not want to shake up its roster and run into cap problems again by adding stars on big contracts. That is why their interest was described more as exploratory than anything else, simply seeing where Memphis’ head was at in trading Jackson.

With Jackson gone, Morant is the last man standing from the Grizzlies’ recent era of success. After all, it was not too long ago that this team won 56 games and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. Now, a new rebuilding era will commence in Memphis, and a trade involving Morant looks all too likely entering the summer.

So, why wasn’t Morant traded now at the deadline?

Rival teams around the league viewed Morant in the same light as Trae Young, where they would not sacrifice true assets for him, sources said. In fact, some teams the Grizzlies had reached out to regarding a potential Morant trade felt as if they were the ones who should be getting assets in return for taking on the 26-year-old’s contract.

Kleiman and the Grizzlies would not sell low by any means on Morant, which is why he remained with the team past the deadline. League sources say the Grizzlies would have done a deal if they received an offer including a first-round pick.

As far as what his future holds, Morant wants to play and return to the court this season once he is cleared from his current elbow injury, sources said. Whether the Grizzlies allow him to play again, seeing as they will likely begin tanking near the end of the season, is yet to be determined.

Whatever happens the rest of the season, it is very likely that Morant will be traded this upcoming offseason.

Clippers not fully rebuilding

Once Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers less than 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline, teams began making calls to the Clippers to get a sense of what their next move was. Trading for Garland was not a step back necessarily for Los Angeles, but sending Harden to Cleveland led many teams to once again reach out about Zubac.

When the Clippers were 6-21 at the bottom of the league standings, rival franchises were calling the Clippers almost daily to see what the likelihood of them being sellers at the trade deadline was. Throughout their early-season struggles, executive Lawrence Frank and the Clippers’ front office continually told teams that they did not want to give up on the season or shake up their core.

As previously reported at ClutchPoints with Tomer Azarly, the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Charlotte Hornets were among five different organizations that held strong interest in Zubac before the December holidays. One team even offered a first-round pick and a future swap, which was later revealed to be Boston.

Interest in Zubac did not go away, especially from the Pacers’ perspective. Their main goal before the trade deadline was to find a way to move Bennedict Mathurin and add a center who could immediately get them back into the championship mix when Tyrese Haliburton returns for the 2026-27 season.

The Pacers continued to make calls to the Clippers in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, league sources said. At the same time, Indiana was also discussing what it would take to trade for Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks and Yves Missi from the New Orleans Pelicans. Other players, such as Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets, were viewed as potential Pacers trade targets.

Zubac was the player Indiana had at the top of their list, which is why they continued to make an aggressive push for the All-Defensive center in the immediate aftermath of Harden being traded. Although the Clippers did not want to trade Zubac, this was seen as an opportunity to sell high and regain lost assets from previous deals made through the years.

As of Wednesday night before the trade deadline, the Clippers still held no interest in trading Zubac, yet the Pacers’ relentless approach resulted in them putting their coveted 2026 first-round pick on the table. This was a non-negotiable, as Los Angeles insisted that this pick be involved in a trade for Zubac before the deadline, sources said.

While the Pacers did not want to trade such a valuable draft asset for Zubac, they got creative by protecting it 1-4 and 10-30. Essentially, since the Pacers hold the second-worst record in the NBA, they currently hold slightly over a 50 percent chance at retaining this pick inside the top four. Should Indiana not get a top-four pick in the draft lottery, the Clippers will get this pick instead.

How the NBA Draft lottery plays out with this specific selection will be very telling for the Clippers’ immediate future, as landing a top prospect with the fifth or sixth selection would give them more reason to start fresh and devote time to their newfound youth.

That, along with Harden and Zubac being traded, is why Leonard is viewed as a major question mark in LA.

The talk among scouts and league personnel since the trade deadline is that a few teams called the Clippers about Leonard’s availability in the days leading up to the trade deadline after Harden was traded. Teams that spoke with ClutchPoints after the trade deadline hinted at Los Angeles receiving calls for Kawhi, but we were unable to confirm the exact teams or any legitimate details on the matter.

This upcoming offseason, Leonard will be entering the final year of his contract at $50.3 million, and it is expected that teams will engage in conversations with the Clippers about trading for the 34-year-old. Even though his knee health and injury concerns stand out, many are already comparing these upcoming talks to Leonard being traded by the San Antonio Spurs in the final year of his contract before the 2018-19 season.

It was then that the Toronto Raptors traded for Leonard without knowing what the future held for him in free agency. That move led Toronto to their first NBA championship.

Something similar could happen with Leonard this upcoming offseason. Maybe, just maybe, a return to the Raptors to compete for another championship is a scenario we could see play out.

Big man market heated up before Ivica Zubac trade

This year’s trade deadline was all about frontcourt talent. Multiple teams were looking to improve at the power forward and center positions, which is why we saw names like Ivica Zubac, Nikola Vucevic, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Jock Landale on the move.

However, plenty of notable frontcourt players involved in trade talks throughout the weeks before the trade deadline ended up staying with their current teams. This list includes Daniel Gafford, Yves Missi, Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and Domantas Sabonis.

Since many of these players were rumored trade targets for the Raptors, let’s just start there.

Sabonis was the top name linked to the Raptors throughout this year’s trade cycle, as Toronto made it clear they would be making some sort of move to add depth either in place of or next to Jakob Poeltl, who has been dealing with nagging back problems all season. Toronto also had a goal of moving below the luxury tax, which is the move they ultimately decided to make.

Despite the Raptors and Sacramento Kings engaging in serious trade talks about Sabonis, nothing ever truly materialized as far as Sabonis being on the verge of heading to Toronto because nobody around the league wanted to take on Poeltl’s contract. These two teams are expected to talk about Sabonis again in the offseason, especially since the Kings hold high interest in RJ Barrett, sources said.

In addition to talking with the Kings about Sabonis and the Grizzlies about Jackson Jr., the Raptors also made a very strong push the day of the trade deadline for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints. Multiple first-round picks were offered by the Raptors for Kessler, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, yet the Jazz held zero interest in trading their young big man.

Other teams, including the Pacers before landing Zubac, showed heavy interest in trading for Kessler. The Jazz are fully expected to retain Kessler as a restricted free agent in the summer on a new long-term contract. After trading for Jackson Jr., Utah sees itself having a formidable big-man trio that can do damage defensively during the 2026-27 season.

The Pacers were certainly the most active team when it came to pursuing a center at this year’s deadline. Kessler was on their radar next to Zubac, and Indiana held trade conversations with the Mavericks about Gafford as well, sources said. His rim-running abilities and pick-and-roll fit next to the Pacers’ guards would have made a lot of sense, but these negotiations never truly gained any steam.

Whereas Dallas was looking to add an immediate first-round pick in 2026, Indiana was not prepared to offer this pick for Gafford by any means. It also didn’t help that the Mavericks did not hold much interest in Bennedict Mathurin, given his upcoming extension talks in the summer. The Mavs’ main goal was to have clean cap books entering the summer, which is why trading Davis to Washington was essential.

Another team that the Mavericks talked with at length about Gafford was the Atlanta Hawks, sources said. Along with a level of interest in Davis, the Hawks were exploring Gafford’s price point and seeing if they could land him utilizing the expiring contracts of either Kristaps Porzingis or Luke Kennard, as well as a future first-round pick.

Since Atlanta was not willing to discuss their second 2026 first-round pick, which is currently expected to be the Cleveland Cavaliers’ pick, these talks with Dallas never progressed.

Missi was another heavily discussed center this trade cycle, with the Chicago Bulls holding strong interest in him. Although Chicago attempted to trade for Missi on the day of the trade deadline, utilizing several second-round picks they had acquired, the Pelicans were not open to trading the young center unless they were to receive a first-round pick, sources said.

As a result, Missi will now be a prime trade target for teams around the time of the 2026 NBA Draft in June, as the Pelicans want to try to regain a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Timberwolves to be aggressive in offseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves made an aggressive push for Giannis Antetokounmpo, one that would have involved several other teams in a multi-team framework to pair the Greek Freak with Anthony Edwards. Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks were never serious about trading Giannis at this year’s trade deadline, which is why Minnesota, along with several other teams, will once again look to pursue him in the summer.

After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, the Timberwolves have high aspirations to win the Western Conference and make the NBA Finals this season. Coming up short of this goal will result in changes to maximize Edwards’ emergence as one of the best players in the entire league.

One interesting note on the Wolves, outside of their strong pursuit of Giannis, is that Minnesota checked in on a few star-level players to see if there were any potential buy-low opportunities around the league in January. One of those stars was Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, sources said. Chris Haynes was first to report on the Wolves’ interest in Ball.

The Timberwolves wanted to add a key backcourt piece next to Edwards before this year’s deadline, and after seeing Trae Young traded in a salary-dump-like move by the Hawks, Minnesota made a call about LaMelo.

League sources have described these talks from the Timberwolves as more “exploratory” than anything else, especially since there were no active talks between the two sides leading into the first week of February before the trade deadline. The Hornets were not interested in trading Ball, and the Timberwolves were simply interested in seeing if his price matched that of Young’s, which it did not.

Even though they did make a trade for Ayo Dosunmu, expect to see the Timberwolves be very aggressive in the summer to maximize their championship future. New owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are focused on making their team a true title contender, and it appears they will be willing to pay whatever price it takes to win.

We mentioned Kawhi Leonard’s market likely to heat up in the offseason, and perhaps he would become a prime target for the Timberwolves if landing Giannis isn’t a realistic path.

Lakers’ immediate outlook & LeBron James’ future

With plenty of expiring contracts, many expected the Los Angeles Lakers to make a key upgrade to help their playoff push. Unfortunately for the Lakers, there was simply no market for them with their lack of assets and the wing market being completely dry.

Near the start of January, the Lakers held discussions with the Pelicans about Herb Jones, who was one of Los Angeles’ top trade targets, sources said. While the Lakers did explore the possibility of flipping their future 2031 first-round pick to try to get extra assets in a trade for Jones, the Pelicans were not interested in anything being offered.

The Lakers also attempted to pursue Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, who Los Angeles also held interest in around the time of NBA Summer League in the offseason. However, Wiggins was held out of trade talks by the Heat unless there was a path to them strengthening their package for Giannis. That was not the case here with a potential Lakers trade.

Luke Kennard ended up being the Lakers’ only deadline addition, and he should leave his mark as a sharpshooter receiving passes from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, two of the best passers in the entire league.

As for LeBron and his future, many around the NBA are still of the belief that the 2025-26 season will not be his last. League sources who spoke with ClutchPoints believe James has one more year left in him and that he will want to finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making what would be his 24 years in the league full circle.

How could the Cavs even make this work given their financial situation?

Well, there was a lot of talk after the Garland-Harden swap that the Cavaliers wanted to cut even more salary than they did. As things currently stand, the Cavs are $4.5 million over the second apron and will enter the summer as a second-apron team.

Max Strus and Jarrett Allen were two players who emerged in trade rumors during the days leading up to the deadline, yet both players remained with Cleveland. Could one or both players be involved in more discussions this offseason? Will the Cavs look to make a significant upgrade next to Harden and Donovan Mitchell using these two players?

Whatever the case may be here with the Cavs’ offseason plans, they can create enough space to give James a contract other than a minimum deal. Whether or not Cleveland would be willing to part ways with key assets like Strus and Allen to make this possible is the big question.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority see LeBron finishing his career during the 2026-27 season in Cleveland.

The post NBA trade deadline intel: Why Grizzlies didn’t deal Ja Morant after Jaren Jackson Jr., Ivica Zubac shocker fallout appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Dosunmu provides speed, playmaking, and floor-spacing off the bench for the Timberwolves, and while he may not be the natural point guard the team needs to succeed Mike Conley, he still provides a pinch of ballhandling, which is what Minnesota needed. And it seems as though Dosunmu’s experience on the guard-heavy Bulls has prepared him for life alongside the Timberwolves’ other guards, such as Anthony Edwards and Bones Hyland.

“In Chicago, that’s what we played, with a lot of guards,” Dosunmu said, via Dane Moore of Blue Wire. “You get to a certain point in your basketball career where you adapt to being able to play with anybody. I can play along Bones, along Ant, along Donte [DiVincenzo]. That’s just how I was taught to play basketball, to go out and adapt to whoever’s out.”

Asked Ayo Dosunmu if it feels natural sharing the backcourt with Bones Hyland when they come off the bench together.

"In Chicago, that's what we played — with a lot of guards." pic.twitter.com/oyPC0Xlb82

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 10, 2026

Ayo Dosunmu is already endearing himself to Timberwolves fans

Dosunmu is a quintessential team player who’s already fully bought into the Timberwolves system, and fans are already lauding him for his unselfish approach, especially after he scored 21 points on 9-13 shooting from the field in his second game for the team.

“I love this guy, really really excited with his role and his overall impact for the wolves. Definitely looking forward to writing about Ayo in the future!” X user @MnorthSports5 wrote.

“Hes become another fave player for me already,” @iPureBrutality added.

“Ayo might become my favorite role player in Wolves History…” @CoachBGonzo furthered.

The post Timberwolves’ Ayo Dosunmu breaks down backcourt fit with Bones Hyland appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Randle finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, recording his third triple-double with Minnesota. The performance moved him into a tie for third place on the Timberwolves’ all-time triple-double list, matching marks set by Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson.

The milestone quickly gained attention around the league. In a post shared by StatMuse on X, formerly known as Twitter, Randle’s stat line was highlighted alongside his place in franchise history.

Julius Randle vs Atlanta:

18 PTS
12 REB
10 AST
2 STL

Ties SlowMo & KLove for the third-most triple-doubles in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/qmL614xAQi

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 10, 2026

The Timberwolves seized control of the game early. After Atlanta guard CJ McCollum sparked an initial Hawks run, Minnesota responded with a dominant 40–18 surge stretching from the end of the first quarter into the middle of the second. This run established a decisive halftime lead of 79–52, effectively putting the game beyond the reach of any opponent.

Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 30 points, including 21 in the first half, as Minnesota’s offense overwhelmed Atlanta. The Timberwolves also received strong contributions beyond their starters, continuing a trend of improved depth.

Newly acquired guard Ayo Dosunmu added 21 points off the bench in just his second game with the team, providing a spark and reinforcing the Timberwolves’ versatility. His scoring helped Minnesota maintain momentum whenever the starters rotated out.

The game was not without incident. An on-court altercation escalated early in the fourth quarter between Minnesota center Naz Reid and Atlanta forward Mouhamed Gueye, leading to the ejection of both players.

Atlanta played the contest shorthanded, missing Jalen Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Dyson Daniels due to injury. Despite solid individual efforts from McCollum and former Timberwolf Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks never recovered from the early deficit.

For the Timberwolves, the victory snapped a recent skid and underscored how valuable Randle has become. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate continues to shape the Timberwolves’ identity as they push forward in the season.

The post Timberwolves star Julius Randle ties Kevin Love on all-time list in win vs. Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reid took exception to Gueye’s physicality; just as the Timberwolves center was about to set a screen, the Hawks forward seemed to give him a shove. As expected, the Timberwolves big did not take too kindly to this. He then confronted Gueye about the matter, and Gueye was unfazed, leading to a fracas between the two. Reid had grabbed a fistful of Gueye’s jersey, and it took a good minute or so before everyone was able to separate the two.

ANOTHER FIGHT TONIGHT

Naz Reid vs. Mo Gueye

Both players have been ejected from Timberwolves-Hawks.pic.twitter.com/n0GEKcMFJm

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

It wasn’t quite clear if Reid did indeed throw a right hand as the commentators put it. This fight wasn’t quite as violent as the Hornets-Pistons one, which is for the best. Julius Randle did a good job of breaking up Reid’s stranglehold on Gueye’s jersey, preventing everything from escalating even further.

Both Reid and Gueye were ejected in the aftermath of their tussle. This did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, as the Timberwolves waltzed to victory over the Jalen Johnson-less Hawks in the end.

Timberwolves overcome Hawks rather easily amid all the extracurriculars

Winning on Monday night was always going to be difficult for the Hawks, as they were without their best player in Johnson and they were on the road. The Timberwolves took care of business rather easily as a result.

They led by 25 at the half and did not look back. Seven different players scored in double figures for the Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, who put up 30 points.

The post Naz Reid, Mo Gueye ejected from Timberwolves-Hawks after altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Alexander-Walker played three seasons for the Timberwolves before signing with the Hawks in the offseason on a four-year deal worth $62 million in a sign-and-trade.

NAW wanted to stay in Minnesota, but the team’s lack of financial flexibility forced him to seek a better contract in the open market.

In his first return to Target Center since joining the Hawks, Alexander-Walker was presented with a video tribute, as shared by The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Christopher Hine.

The 27-year-old guard also received a loud ovation from fans when he was introduced before tip-off.

The Timberwolves' tribute video for Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

(via @ChristopherHine)pic.twitter.com/3vaWsi4CBc https://t.co/pnZxlIxch7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

The Timberwolves trampled the Hawks, 138-116.

Alexander-Walker had a fine showing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Minnesota improved to 33-22, while Atlanta fell to 26-29.

Alexander-Walker barely played for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz in his first few years in the NBA. He eventually carved out a role when he was shipped to the Timberwolves in 2023. He played significant minutes off the bench, including during the playoffs.

His solid play gave him leverage to ask for a bigger paycheck. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves could not do it.

Now with the Hawks, Alexander-Walker is enjoying a breakout campaign, averaging career-highs of 20.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He is one of the early frontrunners for Most Improved Player.

NAW is a big part of the new vision in Atlanta in the post-Trae Young era, along with Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu.

The post Watch Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s touching tribute video before Timberwolves-Hawks clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

To acquire this veteran presence, the Wolves would send young prospects Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. to Chicago.

While Bobby Marks highlights the team’s dire need for a point guard, he also notes that Shannon has struggled with his shot and a nagging foot injury after a strong summer league.

This medical hurdle has been a focal point for the organization as they weigh their future moves, but the latest reports suggest a turn for the better.

Fortunately for the team, the cloud over Shannon’s health has finally begun to lift with a significant medical breakthrough.

Chris Hine recently confirmed that Terrence Shannon Jr. has been cleared for full-contact 5-on-5 basketball activities after being sidelined by a left foot strain since late December.

As part of his recovery process, Shannon will be assigned to the Iowa Wolves for a rehabilitation assignment and is expected to be available for their game against the Austin Spurs on Tuesday, February 10.

Following the conclusion of his G League stint, he will be re-evaluated during the All-Star Break to determine his readiness for the NBA rotation.

While this return provides much-needed internal depth, the front office is also keeping a close eye on a familiar face who could further stabilize the rotation.

Beyond internal recoveries, the possibility of Mike Conley Jr. returning to the locker room has generated substantial buzz across the league.

Under NBA regulations, Minnesota is permitted to re-sign the veteran because he was traded twice before hitting the market.

Bringing the 38-year-old back on a minimum contract would offer the team a stabilizing presence while providing crucial luxury tax relief.

Having spent three-plus seasons as a leader in the backcourt, Conley is viewed as the ideal veteran to guide the Timberwolves through a competitive playoff push.

The post Timberwolves’ Terrance Shannon Jr. cleared for 5-on-5 activity amid foot injury recovery appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Gobert would say after Minnesota’s disappointing 119-115 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans that the effort was at a low point, “someone has to have accountability for the players,” and also acknowledged how hard it is to take players out of a game. Finch would respond, saying that it has been addressed.

“I handle all my conversations with ourselves in-house. Disappointed, he felt the need to go outside. But nonetheless, that’s been addressed already today. There’s never been a team that’s won anything meaningful that’s substituted their way there,” Finch said.

For the NBA insiders on “The Hoop Collective,” Brian Windhorst would say that Finch’s comments are saying that he isn’t taking out star Anthony Edwards, which many believe he’s one of the players Gobert was talking about, though he didn’t name anybody.

Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert emphasizes accountability and effort 

While the rumors around the Timberwolves will continue, Gobert’s original comments attracted a lot of attention, calling out players on the team who are not giving enough effort. He spoke at length about accountability, though didn’t name any players who were showcasing a lack of effort.

“At some point, if the players don’t have accountability, someone has to have accountability for the players,” Gobert said, via ESPN. “I’m on straight effort, I’m just talking straight effort. I’m not even getting to the basketball side of things, like … mistakes are a part of the game, but the effort to me for a team that wants to play for a championship, it’s unacceptable.”

“It’s not an easy position for a coach to take guys out of the game,” Gobert continued. “It’s not something that you want to do, but I think if the players don’t show any effort, at some point, no matter how talented we are as a team, if you don’t have that, you just can’t be a winning team.”

Minnesota is currently 32-22, which puts them sixth in the Western Conference as they next take on the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

The post Timberwolves’ Chris Finch calls out Rudy Gobert over benching suggestion appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When Dosunmu checked into the game off the bench with just over six minutes left in the first quarter, there was a loud standing ovation for the 26-year-old. This shows how much the Minnesota fanbase is enthralled to have Dosunmu on the team, with the franchise looking to reach new heights this season.

AYO DOSUNMU WELCOME TO MINNESOTA

Wolves fans give their newest acquisition a standing ovation as he checks in for the first time pic.twitter.com/lAtyxLRoXH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 8, 2026

However, it wasn’t the most efficient first game, as the player in 22 minutes in his debut had 11 points on four of 11 shooting from the field, making three of seven attempts from beyond the arc. To go along with two steals, a rebound, and an assist, he had recorded a -33 on the floor.

Ayo Dosunmu speaks on the “great opportunity” with the Timberwolves

While the Timberwolves are hoping their trade deadline addition pays dividends, Dosunmu showed how valuable he can be with his time on the Bulls. This season, he’s been averaging 15 points, 3.6 assists, and three rebounds per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 45.1 percent from three-point range.

He spoke Friday after the trade about how much of a “great opportunity” it is for him to join the Timberwolves, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.

“This is a great opportunity for me. I’m excited to be here with the Timberwolves playoff team,” Dosunmu said on Friday. “[There are a] lot of great guys on the team, great coaching staff, great management. I’m just excited to help get over that hump, whatever it takes to help win.”

Minnesota is now at a 33-22 record after losing to the Clippers on Sunday afternoon, with its next game on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. The Timberwolves are sixth in the Western Conference, looking to make major noise in the playoffs when it rolls around later in the year.

The post Ayo Dosunmu gets standing ovation for Timberwolves debut, which then goes terribly appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With over six minutes left in the third period of the contest at Target Center in Minnesota, the former Georgia Bulldogs star took flight and put Clippers big man Brook Lopez on a poster.

Edwards was initially defended in the perimeter by Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., but he easily blew past him before charging to the basket and taking off from outside the restricted area for the poster dunk on the 37-year-old Lopez.

That throwdown cut the Timberwolves’ deficit down to seven points at that point and injected energy to Minnesota — and into the crowd.

You can watch that play here:

ANTHONY EDWARDS DUNKS ALL OVER BROOK LOPEZ

What a poster from Ant!

pic.twitter.com/eCkL2zFsV4

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 8, 2026

The 24-year-old Edwards, who was the top pick overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, has proven himself to be someone who can do more than just put people on a poster, but he’s also constantly reminding everyone that he’s one of the best in the league when it comes to that.

Edwards and the Timberwolves entered the Clippers game looking to bounce back right away from a 119-115 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Friday.

Minnesota also won the first meeting in the 2025-26 NBA regular season against the Clippers to the tune of a 109-106 score at home in December. In that contest, Edwards scored 15 points on just 3-for-11 shooting from the floor, though he went 9-for-9 from the free-throw line in 37 minutes of action.

The post Timberwolves news: Anthony Edwards climbs Mount Brook Lopez on bonkers poster slam appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Ayo Dosunmu availability status vs. Clippers

While Dosunmu is not injured, he was still considered questionable due to the pending trade. However, the Timberwolves did not list their newest guard on the injury report, clearing him to make his debut on Sunday against the Clippers.

Dosunmu has been with the team for a few days and has been ready to go from the jump. He joins Minnesota amid a career year, averaging 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists, while shooting a career-high 45.1 percent from deep.

Even with his improved numbers, Dosunmu still believes he has another level to achieve with the Timberwolves. He said he believes he never reached his full potential with the Bulls during his introductory press conference and sees himself as a better fit for Minnesota’s roster.

Dosunmu could end the regular season in the Timberwolves’ starting lineup, but he will begin his new chapter coming off the bench. Expect him to absorb the minutes Chris Finch gave to Johnny Juzang and Jaylen Clark in Minnesota’s last game on Friday, particularly with Juzang back in the G League.

The Timberwolves are also expected to re-add Mike Conley Jr. soon, but the 38-year-old currently remains a free agent. For now, Dosunmu is looking like Minnesota’s best option at point guard and will make his debut against the Clippers.

Timberwolves injury report

Johnny Juzang, OUT — G League

Julian Phillips, Questionable — Right wrist sprain

Terrence Shannon Jr., OUT — Left foot abductor hallucis strain

Rocco Zikarsky, OUT — G League

Clippers injury report

Bradley Beal, OUT — Left hip fracture

Darius Garland, OUT — Right toe sprain

Isaiah Jackson, OUT — Trade

Bennedict Mathurin, OUT — Trade

The post Is Ayo Dosunmu making Timberwolves debut vs. Clippers after Bulls trade? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Ascension and identity

The Timberwolves enter the final stretch of the 2025-26 season with a 32-21 record. That places them 6th in the Western Conference. The campaign has been fueled by Anthony Edwards’ continued ascension into the league’s elite tier. He leads the team with a staggering 29.8 points per game on career-best efficiency. Edwards has transformed from rising star to nightly offensive engine. He can carry Minnesota through scoring droughts and late-game pressure.

Alongside him, the frontcourt pairing of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert has given the Wolves structural stability. Randle’s 22.2 points per game have provided physical downhill scoring. Gobert continues to anchor the defense with elite rim deterrence. Together, they’ve forged an identity built on size, rebounding, and interior control.

Still, the road hasn’t been seamless. A long-term foot injury to Terrence Shannon Jr thinned the wing rotation. Also, a mid-season slump with five losses in 10 games exposed bench inconsistency and playmaking fatigue behind Edwards. It was clear Minnesota needed reinforcement, particularly within its second unit.

Deadline pivot

In response, the Timberwolves were active at the February 5 deadline. They acquired Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls. The move signaled a win-now shift. It also prioritized defensive depth and rotational reliability ahead of a postseason push.

The cost, however, has sparked debate. Minnesota parted ways with Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall pick in 2024, along with Leonard Miller and four second-round picks. For a team already light on tradable draft capital after previous blockbuster deals, the outflow of young assets raised eyebrows.

On paper, the trade strengthens Minnesota’s rotation. In practice, it may have sacrificed long-term upside for short-term steadiness.

Chasing Giannis, losing the bench

The Timberwolves’ deadline can’t be evaluated in isolation. It unfolded under the shadow of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.

Minnesota entered February aggressively linked to the superstar pursuit. Front-office focus, trade modeling, and asset preservation were all geared toward potentially landing a transformational piece.

When that blockbuster failed to materialize, the Wolves redirected resources toward a depth play that may have cost more than intended.

The result: a roster slightly improved for May, but potentially weakened for the next five years.

Dillingham disposal

The most jarring element of the deadline was Minnesota’s admission of defeat on Dillingham. Less than two years ago, the Wolves paid a steep price to draft him. They moved a 2031 unprotected first and a 2030 swap to climb into lottery position. He was envisioned as a microwave scorer and long-term backcourt heir to Conley.

Dillingham, however, struggled to crack the rotation consistently. Flashes of shot creation and bench scoring remained evident, though. Moving a 21-year-old lottery talent, who is still on a cost-controlled deal, for role-player upgrades represents a steep depreciation of asset value.

In essence, Minnesota sold low on a player they once paid premium capital to acquire. This is a second-apron team starving for young, affordable contributors. With that, this move pushes a dangerous precedent.

Opportunity cost

The Wolves’ biggest mistake wasn’t necessarily trading for Dosunmu. It was the time they lost chasing a different prize. By remaining tethered to Giannis negotiations deep into deadline week, Minnesota delayed alternative roster upgrades, particularly in the frontcourt. That hesitation proved costly.

In the immediate post-deadline stretch, vulnerabilities surfaced. A home loss to a sub-.500 Pelicans squad highlighted interior defensive fatigue. Randle struggled to contain Zion Williamson in isolation and transition.

Had Minnesota pivoted earlier, attainable big-man reinforcements such as Ivica Zubac or Mason Plumlee were available at modest acquisition costs. Instead, the Wolves reinforced guard depth while leaving their frontline insurance thin behind Gobert and Randle.

In a playoff gauntlet featuring Nikola Jokic, Chet Holmgren, and Victor Wembanyama, that imbalance looms large.

Financial gamble

Then came the most fascinating wrinkle of Minnesota’s deadline maneuvering: the Mike Conley round-trip.

In a tax-saving move, the Wolves dealt Conley to Chicago. They cleared roughly $11 million in salary. The Bulls subsequently routed him to Charlotte. The Hornets waived him. Now, Conley will likely re-sign with Minnesota on a veteran minimum deal this week.

From a cap-management standpoint, it was brilliant. The maneuver slashed Minnesota’s luxury tax bill from approximately $24 million to $3.8 million. Culturally and competitively, however, it carried risk.

The Wolves briefly left themselves without a stabilizing lead guard. They are now banking on a 38-year-old Conley to reintegrate seamlessly after transactional whiplash. Fans are eager to see how this plays out.

Depth gained, upside lost

There’s no denying Dosunmu helps Minnesota now. His perimeter defense, secondary playmaking, and transition energy fit seamlessly alongside Edwards. Phillips also adds wing athleticism. The bench is more playable. The playoff rotation is tighter.

Still, championships aren’t won solely in the present. They’re sustained through asset layering.

By offloading Dillingham, Miller, and multiple seconds, Minnesota narrowed its developmental pipeline. Future trade flexibility shrank. Cheap scoring upside disappeared.

For a franchise operating deep into the tax and apron structure, young contributors are currency. Minnesota spent that currency on incremental upgrades.

Final word

The Timberwolves didn’t implode their future at the 2026 trade deadline. They may have chipped at it, though.

Chasing Giannis cost them time. Pivoting late cost them value. Moving Dillingham cost them upside. The Conley loophole saved money but risked rhythm.

Individually, each move is defensible. Collectively, they could represent a subtle but significant miscalculation. Minnesota is paying premium assets for marginal elevation. Of course, they remain dangerous this season. When the bill for this deadline comes due, though, Minnesota won’t pay for it in wins or losses. They might pay for it in what they no longer have left to trade.

The post Timberwolves’ biggest 2026 NBA trade deadline mistake appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Despite the trade, Dosunmu hasn’t forgotten where he came from. On Saturday, Dosunmu posted a touching love letter to his hometown of Chicago on X (formerly Twitter).

“Dear Chicago, You’ll always be my first love,” Dosunmu said. “From the halls of Beasley and MPHS to the tunnels of the United Center, you’ve been with me every step of the way.”

“Thanks to my teammates, #BullsNation, the coaching staff and admin team, media and UC staff for an unforgettable five years!” he said. “Although my time in a Bulls uniform may have come to an end, that’s not the story; the story (and blessing) is that it happened. My heartfelt thanks to the Bulls front office for making it so.”

“As I walk confidently through this new door God has opened, rest assured that I’ll never forget where I came from-you can take the kid out of Chicago, but never Chicago out of the kid!”

From Chicago, to Chicago pic.twitter.com/TwANZzhJTF

— Dos (@AyoDos_11) February 7, 2026

Reflecting on his journey, in 2021, Dosunmu was drafted out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He played for the Bulls for five seasons, cultivating a persona as a feisty, offensive, and defensive presence. He can score from all spots on the floor, attack the basket, and be disruptive on defense.

As his impact continued this season, Dosunmu is averaging 15.0 points and 3.6 assists per game. He was playing out the final year of his contract.

The post Ayo Dosunmu pens farewell letter to Bulls appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Anthony Edwards. TOO SMOOTH pic.twitter.com/1OYdNHzzyy

— Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) February 7, 2026

Squaring up against Bryce McGowens at the top of the key, Edwards didn’t need a complex screen or a frantic series of dribbles. He simply sized up his defender, stepped back with the kind of rhythm that makes professional basketball look like a light Sunday shootaround, and buried a three-pointer that hit nothing but net. He hardly broke a sweat as the Target Center crowd erupted, pushing the lead to six and reminding everyone why he is the face of the franchise.

The Timberwolves entered Friday night with a 32-20 record, comfortably sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference. They are looking to secure a regular-season sweep of a struggling New Orleans Pelicans squad that is currently 13-40 and missing key pieces like Dejounte Murray.

Minnesota has all the momentum right now, especially after a wild trade deadline that saw it land guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls. While Dosunmu hasn’t checked in yet, his arrival signals a team that is dead serious about a deep playoff run.

By halftime, the Timberwolves had extended their lead to 70-56. Edwards led the way with 23 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from deep, continuing the hot streak that saw him drop 30 points on Toronto earlier this week. The Pelicans are leaning heavily on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, but they have had no answer for Minnesota’s 48.3% shooting from the field. If Edwards keeps treating the New Orleans defense like a series of cones in a training drill, this one could get out of hand quickly.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards showcases smooth dagger vs. Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Conley “plans to return” to Minnesota as both sides ‘are working on the timing of him re-signing.”

“Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. plans to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The sides are working on timing of him re-signing. Conley was traded twice this week – to Chicago, then to Charlotte – before being released and allowed to rejoin the Wolves.”

As mentioned, Conley saw himself in two trades, the first that sent him from the Timberwolves to the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade with the Detroit Pistons. Then, the Bulls would trade Conley and Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets, leading to the expectation that the veteran guard would be waived.

The Timberwolves’ trading of Mike Conley impacted the team 

The first trade of the Timberwolves dealing Conley no doubt was a hit to the team, as he’s been with Minnesota since being traded in the 2022-23 season from the Utah Jazz. He’s brought the Timberwolves a stable point guard and a veteran presence, one that impacted star Rudy Gobert when the initial news happened.

“Mike has been a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for… this morning on the bus, looking next to me on the bus and seeing an empty seat, it hit me a little bit,” Gobert said, via Christopher Hine.

"Mike has been a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for… this morning on the bus, looking next to me on the bus and seeing an empty seat, it hit me a little bit."

Wolves' Rudy Gobert on Mike Conley getting traded

(via @ChristopherHine)pic.twitter.com/dUHb8ZIfSd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 4, 2026

This season, the 38-year-old has been averaging 13.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range. The long-time point guard looks to join back with Minnesota as the team is currently 32-20, which puts them sixth in the Western Conference, as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

The post Mike Conley Jr.’s wild trade deadline path leading him back to the Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Julius Randle injury status vs Pelicans

Given that Julius Randle is questionable on the injury report, the assumption is that he will be suiting up against his former squad. Randle has been a fixture on the injury report amid trade rumors, but now that the deadline has come and passed, he’s still listed as questionable with a left thumb injury.

The Timberwolves have won five of their last six games, including victories over the defending champion Thunder and the Raptors on the road on Wednesday. The Timberwolves improved to 32-20, which is the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. Randle finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a 128-126 victory against the Raptors.

Randle has been having one of the better seasons of his career. He’s averaging 22.1 points on a career-best 48.8% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals, which is also a career-best for the 12-year veteran. In his second season with the Timberwolves, Randle has improved his averages in nearly every statistical category across the board, including points and assists.

However, the question is: Is Julius Randle playing tonight vs. the Pelicans? The answer is maybe.

Timberwolves injury report

Rob Dillingham — Out — Not with team

Leonard Miller — Out — Not with team

Julius Randle — Questionable — Left thumb soreness

Terrence Shannon Jr. — Out — Left foot; abductor hallucis strain

Pelicans injury report

Jose Alvarado — Out — Not with team

Dejounte Murray — Out — Right Achilles rupture

The post Timberwolves’ Julius Randle on injury report vs. Pelicans after not getting traded for Giannis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Timberwolves reached out to Charlotte to gauge the availability of their franchise point guard. While a deal for a star of Ball’s caliber would have sent shockwaves through the league, it appears Minnesota was doing a bit of high-end window shopping. Sources indicate the Wolves were essentially “price checking” Ball to see if his trade value was comparable to that of Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.

The Timberwolves check in with the Hornets on Lamelo Ball, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/b0YMHB4Q2m

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 6, 2026

The fit alongside Anthony Edwards is easy to see on paper; a dynamic, fast-paced playmaker like Ball paired with the sheer scoring gravity of Edwards would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, the Hornets aren’t in any rush to break up the band. Charlotte is currently riding a massive wave of momentum, having secured their seventh consecutive victory on Monday night.

In that latest win, a 102-95 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans, LaMelo Ball was at the center of everything. Despite a scary head-to-head collision early in the game with head coach Charles Lee, Ball finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. He spearheaded a gritty 22-point comeback, showing exactly why Hornets General Manager Jeff Peterson is hesitant to move him.

Peterson reportedly wants to give this current core time to gel, especially with the way they’ve responded to Lee’s coaching during this win streak. For Minnesota, the search for a secondary playmaker continues.

While landing Ball might have been a long shot, the inquiry proves the Timberwolves are willing to explore every avenue to turn their roster into a legitimate title contender. For now, Ball remains the centerpiece of a surging Charlotte squad that finally looks like it’s figured things out.

The post Timberwolves rumors: Minnesota kicked tires on LaMelo Ball trade with Trae Young angle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In return, the Bulls receive guard Rob Dillingham and forward Leonard Miller as well as four second-round draft picks.

Dosunmu, a Chicago native, was drafted by the Bulls in 2021 out of the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. Since then, he emerged as a genuine talent. A player who can score from all spots on the floor, fearless in going to the rim, and an effective defender.

This season, Dosunmu has played in 45 games. Altogether, he is averaging 15.0 points per game. In his final game with the Bulls, Dosunmu scored 17 points and handed out eight assists in a 131-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, there were rumblings that the Bulls were looking to trade Dosunmu to the Indiana Pacers. Dosunmu is playing on an expiring contract, as was the case with other Chicago players.

Earlier in the week, the Bulls made some noteworthy trades. First, they traded Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-way deal. In return, Chicago got Jaden Ivey from Detroit and Mike Conley Jr. from the Timberwolves.

Then, the Bulls traded veteran big man Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick.

Shortly after, Chicago sent Coby White and Conley to the Charlotte Hornets in a three-way exchange. In return, the Bulls got Collin Sexton from the Hornets, Ousmane Dieng from the OKC Thunder, and three second-round draft picks.

Grading the Bulls trade with the Timberwolves

For starters, the Timberwolves have been looking more depth at the guard postion. They get the total package in Dosunmu. A perfect match alongside Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Dosunmu plays with sheer rentlessness that can provide an additional to a playoff contending team.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are continuing in their efforts to bolster their draft captial. They have nine second round draft picks, which can help move them up in the draft, package them in going after first round picks, and/or develop if proven worthy.

Dillingham, 21, is somewhat of a reflection of Dosunmu with the ball in his hands. He is an effective scorer who can shoot from all spots on the floor. Dillingham also has the same willigness to do whatever it takes to score.

Nevertheless, he will have to fight for minutes as part of a crowded backcourt that includes Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Jaden Ivey. At the same time, he will now have more ample opportunity to showcase his skills through means of development.

Something he didn’t have with the Timberwolves.

In the same breath, Miller is another young prospect on a young team with flashes of potential. While in the NBA G League, Miller averaged 24.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season with the Iowa Wolves.

At 6-foot-10, he brings size to the wing position.

Bulls trade grade: B

The post Ayo Dosunmu trade grades for Bulls-Timberwolves deal that features 4 players, 4 picks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Just in: The Chicago Bulls have traded Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DOzVoArBsL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026

In exchange, the Bulls get guard Rob Dillingham and forward Leonard Miller, along with four second-round draft picks. Along with Dosunmu, Julian Phillips will head to Minnesota.

Additionally, this move comes at a time when the Wolves, as well as the Miami Heat, are apparently gunning for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per Jake Fisher of The Stein Line. Although it is very unlikely that the Milwaukee Bucks would want to let go of their franchise player.

According to Fisher, the Bucks are keeping an eye on Ja Morant.

This is the third trade the Bulls made this week. They engaged in a three-way deal with the Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons that sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to Detroit. In exchange, the Bulls got Jaden Ivey from the Pistons and Mike Conley Jr. from the Wolves.

Then, Chicago traded away center Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. On Wednesday, the Chicago Bulls traded Coby White and Conley to the Charlotte Hornets. In return, they get Collin Sexton from Charlotte Ousmane Dieng from the OKC Thunder, and three second-round picks.

Dosunmu, a native Chicagoan, completes five years with the Bulls. In 2021, he was drafted by his hometown team out of the University of Illinois. This season, he is averaging 15.0 points per game and played in 45.

In his last game, Dosunmu scored 17 points and dished out eight assists in a 131-115 loss to the Bucks.

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While Edwards is not going through any major injury, the Timberwolves star admitted after their hard-fought 128-126 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday that he is dealing with some wear and tear and that he may just choose to sit out the All-Star Game.

“I’m pretty banged up. I might not be playing. I hope it’s competitive,” Edwards said, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Edwards has indeed been racking up heavy minutes over his past few games. He’s played an average of 37.5 minutes over his past 10 games, including 38 on Wednesday against the Raptors.

Considering how the All-Star Game has trended in the way of competitiveness over the past few seasons, the game has become increasingly more meaningless to players than ever. And it might be the smart move for both Edwards and the Timberwolves to simply not run the risk of injury in what many believe is a pointless exhibition contest anyway at the end of the day.

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards to sit out All-Star Game?

With Edwards looking likely to sit out the All-Star Game on the 15th, at least one more spot is going to open up for the All-Star Game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears to be on track to miss the festivities as well, opening up another roster spot.

The NBA has their work cut out for them to bring back the mystique of the All-Star Game. They have to make it feel more important than it has in recent years to incentivize players such as the Timberwolves star to suit up so that the league can truly highlight the best of the best.

The post Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards’ All-Star participation in doubt: ‘I might not be playing’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Minnesota moved Conley earlier this week in a three-team deal that sent the 38-year-old to the Chicago Bulls. However, Conley’s time in Chicago was brief. On Wednesday, the Bulls dealt him again in another three-team trade involving the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In that transaction, Charlotte received Coby White and Conley from Chicago, along with a future second-round pick from Oklahoma City. The Bulls acquired Collin Sexton from the Hornets, Ousmane Dieng from the Thunder and three future second-round picks from Charlotte. Oklahoma City received center Mason Plumlee from the Hornets to complete the deal.

Shortly after the trade was announced, HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto reported that Conley has emerged as a buyout candidate now that he is with Charlotte. Scotto noted that if Conley is bought out, it would allow him to return to Minnesota.

Mike Conley Jr. buyout path could allow Timberwolves reunion after Hornets trade

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel added that such a move would be permissible under league rules. Because Conley was traded by Minnesota, then traded again by Chicago, and could potentially be bought out by Charlotte, the Timberwolves would be allowed to re-sign him.

A return would likely come on a minimum contract, which could carry financial benefits. Siegel noted that bringing Conley back at that figure would help Minnesota save luxury tax money and operate under the NBA’s first apron, preserving flexibility as the season progresses.

Conley spent the previous three-plus seasons in Minnesota and was widely viewed as a stabilizing presence in the backcourt. If a buyout materializes ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, the Timberwolves could quickly reemerge as a logical landing spot for the veteran guard.

The post NBA rumors: How Timberwolves could bring back Mike Conley Jr. after trading him to Bulls appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Memphis traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in the offseason and signaled that they want to build around their two stars: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. In acquiring Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first round picks, The Grizzlies positioned themselves with some assets to improve the roster and a number of intriguing young players like Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells, among others.

But Memphis’ season quickly went downhill. Morant played in 11 of the team’s first 12 games, but that didn’t stop the Grizzlies from getting off to a 4-8 start to their season. The Grizzlies guard would go on to play in just nine of the team’s next 37 games before the trade deadline, simply unable to stay healthy due to numerous, unfortunate injuries.

The Grizzlies continued to fall in the standings despite Jaren Jackson Jr. playing in 45 of the team’s first 48 games of the season, which quickly showed that changes needed to be made.

Ja Morant Trade Talks

Ja Morant’s name came up in trade rumors in November, after a heated exchange with Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo in the Grizzlies’ locker room. Those talks were reignited as the team embarked on their trip to Berlin and London, as the team made it known they were fielding trade offers for the former two-time NBA All-Star.

Morant, sources said, has maintained that he never requested to be traded and has wanted to remain with the franchise to see things through. This despite Memphis signaling that they were not going to be offering him the three-year, $178 million contract extension he was eligible for.

The trade sending Jaren Jackson Jr. in a package to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday afternoon came as a surprise to Morant and Grizzlies players, one source said, especially given the fact that the big man just signed the new, renegotiated four-year deal with the Grizzlies franchise in July of 2025 — seven months ago.

Ja Morant has long insisted that he not be traded, expressing his desire to remain a part of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise and community. The guard is aware of his struggles to stay healthy, and wants the opportunity to improve things for the team and the city. But Morant also understands that the trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. now effectively ends this era for the franchise and signals a rebuild around the newer, younger pieces on the roster.

Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman has been fielding trade offers for Morant for over a month now, and the asking price for him as been higher than that of the Hawks for Trae Young. But Memphis is not getting offers anywhere near what they’re asking for, and there’s an increasing likelihood they never will.

The Grizzlies also aren’t working with Ja Morant on any trade packages, added one league source, and Morant’s team is essentially in the dark on trade talks right now. This is not a collaborative situation like James Harden’s with the LA Clippers or Giannis Antetokounmpo’s with the Milwaukee Bucks — if he does officially request a trade.

Morant would like to end up in a situation like the Miami Heat, a franchise led by Pat Riley and Erik Spoeltra that has done their homework on Morant in recent weeks, league sources said. In a perfect world, the Heat want to trade for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant to pair with Bam Adebayo to make a run for an NBA Championship.

But in the last 24 hours, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has reported that the Heat don’t believe the Bucks want to take their trade offer, and have since pivoted to potentially trading for Ja Morant.

The Miami Heat are also said to be open to signing Morant the three-year, $178 million extension he’s eligible for, one source said, if they’re able to land him in a trade.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently making a strong push for Giannis Antetokounmpo, league sources say, but could pivot to Ja Morant if their talks for the Milwaukee Bucks star fall through. The Sacramento Kings, sources said, would entertain such a move if it allowed them to get off the contracts of guys like DeMar DeRozan ($24.5 million) and Malik Monk ($18.7 million).

The post Sources: Why Grizzlies, Ja Morant split appears imminent before NBA trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ players will certainly miss having Conley’s leadership and veteran presence around the locker room.

“Mike has been a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for… this morning on the bus, looking next to me on the bus and seeing an empty seat, it hit me a little bit,” said Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert, per Christopher Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune on X, formerly Twitter.

Conley had been with the Timberwolves for a few years and played a big role on their two runs to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, serving as a key mentor for star Anthony Edwards and providing some stability and playmaking for the team.

While his play had started to diminish down the stretch of last year and into this season, Conley remained a beloved member of the locker room, who could help stabilize the offense when needed.

Many fans and pundits alike theorized that the Timberwolves made this move as a mechanism to clear space for a bigger trade down the line, with a potential name being disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen if Minnesota will be able to bring in the Bucks star without having to gut their entire roster beyond recognition, but the Conley trade sure seemed to be the precursor for something to come.

The trade deadline is set for Thursday afternoon at 3:00 pm ET. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will next hit the floor on Wednesday night vs the Toronto Raptors on the road.

The post The moment Timberwolves’ Mike Conley Jr. trade hit Rudy Gobert like a ton of bricks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Multiple teams have been making calls to Milwaukee leading up to the trade deadline in an attempt to acquire Giannis. So far, the Bucks have listened and discussed certain aspects of value in these trade talks with teams, but executive Jon Horst and his front office have yet to definitively say that Antetokounmpo is available.

As a result, the majority of league executives and scouts are of the belief that Giannis will remain on the Bucks past the Feb. 5 deadline.

How does this potentially impact teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat? All three of these teams have been in talks with the Bucks leading up to the trade deadline regarding Giannis, and each team has gone back and forth with Milwaukee about different scenarios.

However, the latest intel circulating in NBA circles on Tuesday evening was the Timberwolves’ aggressive pursuit to finalize a deal done immediately and not let the Giannis situation carry over into the summer. The main reason behind all of this is indications from Antetokounmpo’s camp that playing alongside Anthony Edwards is at the top of his list if he were to be traded before the deadline.

Timberwolves aggressively pursuing Giannis trade

Amid strong interest from the Warriors and Heat, it is the Timberwolves who have emerged as the top destination for Giannis before Thursday’s deadline. League sources told ClutchPoints on Tuesday night that Antetokounmpo not only wants to play alongside Edwards but also that Minnesota has been engaged in several trade conversations around the NBA to make landing Giannis right now their reality.

The Timberwolves have been in constant communication with the Bucks in the week leading up to the trade deadline about what it would take to acquire Antetokounmpo, and a small move they made on Tuesday created more flexibility for Timberwolves president Tim Connelly to discuss what would be a multi-team scenario to trade for Antetokounmpo.

In a three-team deal with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, Mike Conley Jr. was dealt to Chicago in a trade that moved Minnesota below the first apron and just $3.8 million above the luxury tax line. The Wolves now have two open roster spots after making this trade.

After moving Conley, it has become clear that another deal is on the horizon in Minneapolis. Whether or not it’s the ultimate deal for Giannis is the question at large. It is worth noting that the Timberwolves could have made a deal for Bulls guard Coby White, whom they have been linked to throughout the trade season, yet they chose not to because of this ongoing pursuit of Giannis.

Minnesota is doing everything it can to gather more potential assets and draft picks to go back to Milwaukee and make a Giannis trade before Thursday. That is why the Timberwolves have talked with multiple teams about the values of Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid.

At the same time, the Timberwolves will not make any significant roster changes involving any of these three players unless there is a deal for Giannis in place, league sources said. In any potential scenario, the Wolves are said to want to keep Reid for the foreseeable future.

Among teams to speak with the Timberwolves lately, the Los Angeles Lakers expressed interest in swingman Donte DiVincenzo, sources said. These talks have not progressed to anything significant, as the Timberwolves would only consider moving DiVincenzo if it helped them pull off a trade for Giannis. The Lakers don’t appear to have any valuable assets that could aid Minnesota’s quest for Giannis other than their future 2031 first-round pick.

As we inch closer to the 24-hour mark before the trade deadline, the Timberwolves, who are extremely aggressive on the trade market, attempting to get the necessary assets, very well may run out of time to put together a compelling offer for Giannis.

Other than the Timberwolves’ strong pursuit of the Milwaukee star, the Warriors’ trade package, highlighted by various first-round picks, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Brandin Podziemski, is still one the Bucks have yet to decline, sources said. There is still a level of intrigue from Milwaukee regarding Golden State’s future draft picks, especially those past the 2029-30 season.

The same cannot be said for the Heat and their offer, as there is a growing sense of doubt around the league that Miami has the assets right now to pull off a trade with the Bucks. In fact, some league sources who spoke with ClutchPoints late Tuesday night (technically Wednesday morning if we want to count anything past midnight on the East Coast) insisted that the Heat have already changed course and are pivoting to other options.

With the trade deadline closing in on the 24-hour mark, the Timberwolves are doing everything they can to find one, two, maybe even three more teams that can help them facilitate what would be arguably the biggest last-minute blockbuster trade this league has seen. From the Warriors’ perspective, they continue to hold out hope that this doesn’t happen for the Wolves and their package remains the best on the table.

Even so, it still may not matter, as the Bucks could simply take all of this information from teams pursuing Giannis with them into the offseason and revisit trade talks then. This is the route many rival front-office personnel believe the Bucks will take.

Heat pivoting from Giannis trade

The Heat have been at the forefront of Giannis trade talks, yet too many questions surround their potential package, especially considering Tyler Herro’s upcoming extension talks and the question of just how good their draft assets are. That is why Giannis no longer appears to be a possibility before Thursday, and it’s also why league sources have indicated that Miami has already turned its attention to someone else.

Enter Ja Morant.

Ever since Morant became a focal point of trade conversations around the league near the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, all the intel surrounding him has been that he wants to find his way to Miami. The relationship between the Memphis Grizzlies and Morant cannot be repaired, and trust has been broken between him and the front office, sources said.

This is especially true given that Morant tried to make things work following his feud with Tuomas Iisalo and the coaching staff, yet GM Zach Kleiman and front-office personnel went behind the star’s back to begin discussing possible trades with any teams that were interested.

Morant has been on the record countless times saying he loves the city of Memphis and would have no reason to leave, but it appears as if that decision has already been made for him by Kleiman and this front office. If you need any more reason to believe a Morant trade is on the horizon, just look at what the Grizzlies did on Tuesday by essentially selling Jackson to the Jazz for as many draft picks and young talents as they could.

It is a matter of time before news of a Morant trade begins buzzing on everyone’s phones, and the Heat are certainly at the forefront of those conversations. For weeks, the Heat have been attempting to buy low on Morant, much like how the Washington Wizards did with their Trae Young trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

While the Young trade did not involve any draft picks, the Grizzlies do want draft compensation for Morant and are widely expected to take the first deal they can involving a first-round pick, sources said. Morant wants Miami, and only Miami, so will a deal get done here?

His value is at an all-time low right now, and the Grizzlies did not help themselves by trading Jackson first. Every team in the league knows Kleiman and the Grizzlies are entering a full-blown rebuild, which is why nobody will offer anything of real value for Morant at this juncture. Salvaging a first-round pick is the best Memphis can do before Thursday’s deadline.

Now that they appear to be pivoting away from pursuing Giannis, Morant is the likeliest star to join the Heat in the coming days.

But what would a potential trade look like for Miami, which is just $1.6 million under the luxury tax and likely doesn’t want to cross that line this season? Would the Heat even be willing to offer any draft picks for Morant, knowing he wants to go there, and there’s still a possibility to pursue Antetokounmpo in the summer with more draft assets should the Bucks hold onto him?

These are two major questions surrounding the Heat’s possible pursuit of Morant.

There are then questions about whether the Grizzlies, who simply seem to want to get any value from any team for Morant with no regard for where they send him, will circle back with teams like the Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. Both organizations were rumored to have some level of interest in Morant earlier this year.

The Timberwolves could certainly pivot to Morant if their talks for Giannis fall through, and the Kings, league sources said, would entertain such a move if it allowed them to get off the contracts of guys like DeMar DeRozan ($24.5 million) and Malik Monk ($18.7 million).

Perhaps there is a path to the Grizzlies not only moving Morant, but also helping the Kings trade star big man Domantas Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors.

Can Kings, Raptors trade for Domantas Sabonis happen?

For months, the Raptors have discussed the possibility of pursuing three-time All-Star and three-time rebounding champion Domantas Sabonis from the Kings. Various scenarios have been discussed through the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, and what appears to be the final framework of a potential deal includes RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, and some sort of draft compensation that is presumed to be a first-round asset.

ClutchPoints reported this exact framework the two teams were discussing on Monday. Whether or not this iteration of Sabonis going to Toronto is completed is a major question mark.

Given Poeltl’s ongoing back problems, the Raptors appear prepared to part ways with the 30-year-old center, whom they just signed this past summer to a three-year, $84.5 million extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. However, the hold-up in talks between the Raptors and Kings is precisely Poeltl’s contract.

The Kings have indicated they hold no interest in taking back this long-term contract, even if it paves a path to acquiring Barrett, whom Kings GM Scott Perry has held a very strong relationship with dating back to when the former Knicks executive drafted him third overall in 2019.

Such a deal between Toronto and Sacramento would need to involve at least one other team to facilitate Poeltl’s contract, which raises more questions about added draft compensation and assets being traded by the Raptors.

As the two teams continue to try to find another team to help facilitate their trade, the Grizzlies came up in multiple conversations league personnel had with ClutchPoints in the aftermath of their trade involving Jackson being traded to Utah. The Grizz have clearly hit the reset button and will be rebuilding, which is why some around the league believe they could be persuaded to take on Poeltl’s contract for at least one unprotected first-round pick.

Then again, if Memphis is to rebuild, Kleiman won’t want to take on any long-term salary. The Grizzlies are solely focused on finding a way to move Morant before Thursday, which leads to the idea of the Kings being a potential suitor for the star guard if Memphis takes on Poeltl’s contract.

This would offer Sacramento a path to move DeRozan, who is owed only $10 million of his $25.7 million salary if waived this upcoming offseason, by adding draft compensation. Again, this is just a hypothetical path to the Kings dumping future money and striking a deal to send Sabonis to Toronto without taking on Poeltl’s contract.

To this point, the Grizzlies have not shown interest in helping facilitate this trade between the Raptors and Kings, sources said.

Is there another team out there that has a need for a center and could utilize Poeltl? After trading Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics, maybe the Chicago Bulls could be persuaded to add Poeltl if they were to get draft picks. The Indiana Pacers are unlikely to pursue Poeltl, but that’s another team with a clear need at the center position.

Unless a third team pops up between now and Thursday afternoon, or unless the Kings reverse course and take Poeltl in this trade, which is highly unlikely, talks between Toronto and Sacramento will need to be put on hold until the offseason. Should this happen, expect the Raptors to quickly pivot to a cost-effective, short-term move for big-man depth while dodging the luxury tax for the season.

Next move for Cavs after James Harden trade?

As reported with ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly on Monday night, talks of James Harden’s departure from the LA Clippers had been ongoing for weeks leading up to the week of the trade deadline. The Clippers had been working with Harden on a potential trade amid being one of the hottest teams in the league on the court, and a trade was reached with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night for Darius Garland.

The Cavs, who recently traded for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder from the Kings, completely shifted gears in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline and decided to make an all-in move by trading Garland for Harden because of concerns surrounding the 26-year-old’s health and availability, sources said.

There had also been some within the organization concerned about his fit next to Donovan Mitchell as it pertained to contending for a championship right now. As a result, the Cavs took this opportunity to move Garland for Harden, a proven superstar guard in the NBA who gives this organization a clear two-year window to possibly win the Eastern Conference.

From the Clippers’ perspective, Garland is a player they have long held interest in as a young star guard, and he represents a path forward with a fresh start on a team that was desperate to add high-level, youthful talent.

Entering the trade deadline, the Clippers held zero interest in investing future assets into this iteration of the team, so moving on from Harden now for Garland and an immediate second-round pick was a massive win for executive Lawrence Frank and this front office.

Los Angeles will now continue to search for potential paths to move veteran guard Chris Paul and former first-round pick Kobe Brown before Thursday, sources said. The Clippers currently have one open roster spot and are roughly $1.1 million from their first-apron hard cap. By moving Paul and Brown in salary-dump moves, the Clippers can open up roster spots and funds to sign both Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders to standard contracts.

As for the Cavs, they still are not done operating as one of the deadline’s busiest teams. Cleveland remains $13.8 million above the second apron after acquiring Harden, and the focus is on trading Lonzo Ball’s $10 million contract. The Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets are all teams that will likely be willing to accept a second-round pick or two for this salary dump.

Still, such a move would leave the Cavs slightly over the second apron, and with executive Koby Altman still searching the market for potential upgrades before Thursday, both Max Strus and Jarrett Allen have come up in trade discussions around the league, sources said. News of Allen’s availability was first reported by Sam Amick of The Athletic, who reported that such a move could unlock “much bigger possibilities” for this franchise in the trade market.

With Mitchell, Harden, and Evan Mobley combining to make over $130 million on the Cavs’ cap sheet, it’s hard to imagine another major move being made by Cleveland. However, the Cavs are still looking to cut salary, which could signal a potential massive move to pursue an All-NBA talent like Anthony Davis or even Giannis in the summer.

There is pressure mounting in Cleveland to win right now and compete for a championship before Mitchell makes a decision on his future, which is why Altman and owner Dan Gilbert are willing to gamble right now.

Other trade notes and intel around the NBA

Brooklyn Nets: As we’ve discussed numerous times over the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets are prepared to keep Michael Porter Jr. for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. ClutchPoints’ Nets reporter Erik Slater recently mentioned how the team will revisit trade conversations during the offseason, as some are skeptical whether the organization will make a significant, long-term commitment to Porter.

Chicago Bulls: Yves Missi has been on the radar of several teams entering the week of the trade deadline, but none more than the Bulls, sources said. The Bulls’ interest in Missi was first reported by ClutchPoints before the start of February, and now there’s a gaping hole at center with Nikola Vucevic shipping up to Boston. The New Orleans Pelicans have been holding a firm asking price of a first-round pick for the recent All-Rookie big man, but no team has been willing to reach said price. The Bulls will be very active over the next day and a half, especially as it pertains to moving Coby White and possibly even Ayo Dosunmu after acquiring guards Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons.

Houston Rockets: Amid rumored interest in Bulls guard Coby White and potentially looking to move Dorian Finney-Smith before the trade deadline, the Houston Rockets are said to be content with their roster as is. Even though this team needs another frontcourt talent in the wake of Steven Adams’ season-ending injury, the Rockets will only be looking to make moves with players involving minimum-like contracts. Tari Eason has come up in countless trade rumors, with several teams showing interest in him, but league sources have been adamant that he will not be traded before Thursday.

New Orleans Pelicans: Teams around the NBA have been extremely confused with the Pelicans’ approach to this trade season, especially since they never really considered any offers coming their way for Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. Both players have been highly pursued by several playoff-contending teams, and sources said NOLA received offers that included multiple first-round picks for Murphy and Jones. There is a very real possibility the Pelicans stick to their asking prices for all of their players through Thursday’s deadline and don’t make any moves, which would be extremely puzzling for a team at the bottom of the standings with several players holding real trade value.

New York Knicks: Guerschon Yabusele has been the player the Knicks have been attempting to move for any type of bench production before Thursday’s deadline. However, New York has run into a wall trying to find a team that wants his $5.7 million salary for next season. Although the Knicks spoke with the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans recently, as first reported on ClutchPoints, neither team has been willing to take on Yabusele’s deal. It has become a real possibility that New York fails to find a trade for the French forward before the deadline.

The post 2026 NBA trade deadline intel: Bucks still contemplating Giannis’ future, Cavs escalate trade market appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Timberwolves have also been in the news as the trade deadline approaches, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is at the top of their list. There seems to be some traction with a possible trade, and the Timberwolves could look different in the next 24 hours or so.

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Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle’s injury status vs. Raptors

Edwards and Randle are both listed as questionable against the Raptors, which means it probably will be closer to game time before we learn if they’ll play or not.

The Timberwolves have been one of the better teams in the Western Conference this season once again, and they’ve always found a way to execute at a high level on both ends of the floor. Before the deadline, it looks like they’re trying to go to the next level, and that means possibly acquiring a talent such as Antetokounmpo.

Moves are already being made to clear space, as the Timberwolves traded Mike Conley Jr. in a three-team deal, and many people think that move was in correlation with making a bigger move. If the Timberwolves do acquire Antetokounmpo, a player such as Randle will most likely have to be in the deal, as well as Jaden McDaniels.

It was also reported by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points that Antetokounmpo has joining Edwards and the Timberwolves at the top of his list as well, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle on injury report vs. Raptors amid Giannis trade buzz appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This imbalance was further highlighted by the departure of veteran Nikola Vucevic, who was sent to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Simons and a second-round draft pick.

While the Bulls have been remarkably active, the future of their new acquisitions remains in flux. Mike Conley Jr., an eighteen-year veteran, was brought in via a three-way deal involving the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, but he is not necessarily expected to stay in Chicago through the final hours of the deadline.

Reports suggest he could be rerouted to a contender like the Phoenix Suns, who are seeking depth at the point guard position.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are gambling on the upside of Jaden Ivey, a former fifth-overall pick working his way back from leg injuries.

The hope is that Ivey can eventually develop into a foundational piece alongside young talents like Josh Giddey and Coby White.

Interestingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves remain a primary team to watch as the trade deadline arrives tomorrow.

Despite their recent move to clear cap space for a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Minnesota still has a pressing need for guard depth after parting with Conley.

League sources have identified Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu as specific targets that the Timberwolves are monitoring.

The Bulls’ current overabundance of backcourt players makes them a logical trade partner, even as rival executives continue to question the logic behind Chicago’s latest string of moves.

As the clock ticks down to the February 5 cutoff, the Bulls may still have one more significant transaction left to address their lack of frontcourt rotation.

The post NBA rumors: Could Bulls make another trade with Timberwolves after ‘confusing’ execs? appeared first on ClutchPoints.