Edwards hit a stepback three over two defenders to put Minnesota ahead 92-88 with 43 seconds left, then yelled 'That's what I do!' at coach Chris Finch as the Timberwolves held on for a 94-88 win over a Kawhi Leonard- and John Collins-out Clippers; he finished with 31 points on 12-for-24, showcasing his clutch ability in a sloppy late game.
In their first game after the All-Star break, the Lakers held off the Clippers 125-122 as Austin Reaves dropped 29 for L.A. and Luka Dončić poured in 38 for the Clippers. LeBron James contributed 13 points and 11 assists, Leonard sparked L.A.'s endgame with late bursts, and the decisive sequence came in the final seconds when Nicolas Batum’s late 3 attempt clanged off the rim, sealing the win for the Lakers.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline didn’t produce a Luka-level blockbuster but it did reshape rosters, with the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as the big winner after trading Ivica Zubac for two high-upside picks and swapping James Harden for Darius Garland; the Chicago Bulls were the biggest losers, gutting their rotation for future assets, while other notable moves included the Celtics saving tax by swapping Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic, the Timberwolves adding Ayo Dosunmu, and the Wizards buying low on Trae Young and Anthony Davis, leaving the Kings with a compromised deadline result.
The Clippers are trading center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, plus the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected and 10–30 protected), the Pacers’ 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and the Mavericks’ 2028 second-round pick. Los Angeles also receives Kobe Brown, with a conditional 2031 unprotected first-rounder going to the Clippers if the 2026 pick doesn’t finish 5–9. The deal pairs Indiana’s need for a starting center with L.A.’s move to add youth and multiple future picks during a potential rebuild.
Indiana Pacers reach a deal to acquire center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, sending Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, plus two future first-round picks and a future second-round pick, to L.A.; Kobe Brown also goes to Indiana. Zubac, a 29-year-old double‑double threat and top rebounder, provides Indiana frontcourt impact as Mathurin, a 23-year-old guard, has been posting career-best scoring and 3‑point shooting numbers. The swap marks a midseason reshaping for both teams amid Indiana’s rebuild and the Clippers’ post-Harden shift.
Indiana Pacers are among the teams eyeing Clippers center Ivica Zubac, with L.A. reportedly asking a premium for the 28-year-old who has been a steady two-way anchor; Indiana could include Bennedict Mathurin and other assets, but its $177M+ payroll and cap hits complicate a deal, and Celtics/Hornets were previously connected to Zubac.
Clippers center Ivica Zubac is drawing trade calls with the Indiana Pacers emerging as a prime suitor ahead of the trade deadline. Despite shipping James Harden to the Cavaliers, L.A. remains in the playoff race, and Zubac’s solid production keeps him attractive to teams needing frontcourt help. He’s under contract through 2027-28, so any move would be for more than a rental as a long-term asset for a new team.
A live NBA trade-deadline tracker shows the Lakers limited by a lack of second-round picks but still weighing Dalton Knecht’s value, with Luke Kennard headed to L.A. to boost shooting; the Clippers reportedly shopping Ivica Zubac for a big return; Giannis Antetokounmpo chatter persists with Heat and Wolves in the mix, though momentum seems uncertain. Ayo Dosunmu was traded to Minnesota for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks, suggesting Giannis’s market is cooling. Raptors appear unlikely to make a major move, while veteran discussions around Mike Conley and Kristaps Porzingis add to the drama as teams navigate assets and cap space.
Cleveland lands James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick, adding instant offense and elite playmaking to a Cavs team that has slipped offensively this season. The move could boost Cleveland’s title chances but raises playoff-fit questions given Harden’s age and postseason track record. Los Angeles gains a younger asset and cap flexibility, but Garland’s health and the team’s broader plan remain uncertain. The deal is also heavily driven by money, with Harden’s $42.3 million player option next season a key factor.
James Harden reportedly wants to move on from the Clippers, with the Cavaliers discussed as a potential destination in a deal that would involve Darius Garland and draft compensation, though the Clippers’ cap flexibility for 2027 complicates a move. Teammates including Kawhi Leonard and John Collins expressed surprise, while coach Tyronn Lue emphasized professionalism. Separately, Luka Doncic expressed confidence in the Lakers’ direction after a trifecta of trade chatter marking the one-year anniversary of his blockbuster move, and Jonathan Kuminga is poised to rejoin the Warriors rotation once he’s healthy as Kerr noted the door is open. Suns targets Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams discussed contract futures, with Gillespie’s market projected around $10–15 million per year as Phoenix aims to keep him. Overall, the piece threads together surprising trade talk, player confidence, and upcoming roster questions across the Pacific teams.
The Clippers and Cavaliers are reportedly in advanced talks about a blockbuster swap that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles ahead of the trade deadline; Harden has missed games for personal reasons, and Garland has toe injuries. The deal hinges on contract details (Harden’s no-trade clause, a 15% trade kicker, and salary matching) but would reshape both teams’ backcourts if completed.
In a tight Crosstown showdown, the Lakers’ late surge falls short against the Clippers as LeBron James and Luka Dončić lead the effort. A strong late-game push from Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt boosts the Lakers, but a Clippers response in the final minutes sinks them. The article provides a player-by-player grades rundown, highlighting standout performances and key struggles, including a rough night for Deandre Ayton.
Western Conference trade chatter centers on the Pelicans, who have rebuffed interest in Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones but may listen on Yves Missi and Jordan Hawkins; Missi’s role has faded and Hawkins is having a down year, with a Pacers inquiry on Missi already reported. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ slide, the Clippers' resurgence, and potential interest from the Suns and Blazers at the deadline keep the rumor mill active, with mid-tier contracts on those teams viewed as potential trade chips.
Memphis has begun listening to trade offers for Ja Morant, with Raptors, Heat and Clippers discussed as potential destinations. Proposed deals include Raptors sending Immanuel Quickley and Ja’Kobe Walter plus picks for Morant; Heat trading Terry Rozier, Simone Fontecchio and a 2029 first-round pick; Clippers swapping for John Collins, Bogdanović, Kobe Brown and a 2030 lottery-protected pick. The piece notes Morant’s injury history and shooting struggles but also his burst and playmaking, suggesting Memphis may pursue longer contracts or more draft capital in a deal, similar to but potentially more favorable than the Trae Young scenario.
Snoop Dogg provided humorous commentary during an NBA game where Warriors coach Steve Kerr was ejected after disputing calls, showcasing his readiness for his upcoming Olympics role with NBC.