NBA Northwest

Arbitrators ruled in favor of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez on Monday in their legal battle to become the majority ownership group of the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, though they still need to receive approval from the NBA's Board of Governors.

"We are extremely pleased with today's decision," Lore and Rodriguez said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the NBA to complete the approval process and close this transaction so that we can turn our attention to winning championships in Minnesota for our incredible fans and the Twin Cities community."

Taylor released his own statement after the ruling:

Glen Taylor says it was a 2-1 ruling, says he and Becky were "disappointed."
"We will review the decision thoroughly prior to making any further comment. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Timberwolves and Lynx players, staff, and loyal fans for their support.”

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 10, 2025

The arbitration case was to resolve Taylor's attempt to completely nix the sale of the Wolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx after he said that Lore and Rodriguez failed to meet the deadline for payment.

As ESPN's Brian Windhorst outlined in November, the incoming ownership group agreed to make three payments to Taylor to complete the sale. The first two were made in 2022 and 2023, transferring a 36 percent ownership stake (worth around $600 million) to Lore and Rodriguez, with the third due by the end of March 2024 for another $600 million.

But Taylor said the pair missed the payment and sought to halt the sale of the team, though Lore and Rodriguez argued that they had the money but were delayed by the NBA's approval process, believing they should be granted an extension.

And thus, the situation went to arbitration.

While Lore and Rodriguez picked up a crucial win on Monday, they are not guaranteed to become the majority ownership group just yet. The NBA Board of Governors will still need to approve the ownership percentage transfer, with Lore and Rodriguez requiring 23 of 30 votes. While it would be "unprecedented" for the current NBA governors to reject the sale at this point, per Windhorst, it remains a possibility.

The Board of Governors vote could be fascinating. A-Rod/Lore need 23 of 30 votes. Taylor is a former BOG chairman with a long history with Adam Silver. Will Taylor accept the ruling and go quietly? Will he fight it at BOG level?

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 10, 2025

Lore and Rodriguez have been preparing for this moment, however. As Windhorst noted, the duo have added billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Eric Schmidt, alongside private equity firm Dyal Homecourt Partners, to their ownership group. In the process, they've raised "$950 million and have it in an escrow account and have made it clear in documents they plan to offer to buy out Taylor and his partners for the remaining 64 percent of the teams, sources said. Not just the additional 40 percent the disputed contract calls for."

Lore and Rodriguez have remained confident throughout that if they won in arbitration that the approval process with the league would be a smooth one. When that vote comes is not immediately known

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 10, 2025

The most important thing for the Wolves and Lynx is that they can now move forward with one direction and vision. So many people were caught in the middle of this fight for too long. Now there is clarity.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 10, 2025

Taylor could look to draw out the legal process, or the NBA Board of Governors could make the surprising decision to side against Lore and Rodriguez. For now, however, it appears likely that the majority ownership of the Wolves and Lynx will be changing hands.

Chet Holmgren made a welcome return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup on Friday night.

The 22-year-old had four points, five rebounds, four blocks, two steals and an assist in 22 minutes as the Thunder cruised to a 121-109 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

It was Holmgren's first game since November after he suffered a pelvic fracture. Following the game, Holmgren expressed how happy he was to return and how he looks forward to further progress.

"It's amazing," Holmgren said, per ESPN. "I missed it for a long time, and I worked really hard to be able to get back out there. So I'm happy and excited and look forward to continue to try and help us win and keep improving."

Holmgren is in his second true season after he missed the 2022-23 season due to a foot injury. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 2023-24, finishing second in the bid for Rookie of the Year, helping the Thunder earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

He was averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 10 games prior to suffering the pelvic fracture and will hope to regain that form as he returns. Oklahoma City is currently 41-9 and has a 6.5-game lead for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

ESPN analyst and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins brought up Kevin Durant's leadership abilities once again after the Phoenix Suns superstar called him out in a social media post.

"When I challenged KD to leadership, it's not because he's not the best player on the team," Perkins explained Friday on NBA Today. "I'm wondering why can't he bring the best out of those players, of what you've got right now, to try to make a late push."

Perkins, who was teammates with Durant on the Oklahoma City Thunder, previously expressed his belief that he was the one leading the Thunder instead of Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

The Suns star didn't take his claim seriously, calling it "the craziest s--t I've seen this week" in a Thursday social media post.

I know this may be a reach but this comment is by far the craziest shit I’ve seen this week https://t.co/kNbncZhIUH

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 6, 2025

While Perkins' overall point regarding team leaders not necessarily being the highest-scoring players is certainly valid, Durant didn't seem to think that it applied to his own leadership style in Oklahoma City.

Perkins' latest comments also focus on the former MVP's current tenure in Phoenix. While Durant has averaged 26.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 52.4/39.8/82.7 shooting splits, the Suns sit at No. 9 in the Western Conference standings with a 25-25 record.

Phoenix reportedly discussed moving Durant prior to Thursday's trade deadline, but a deal didn't materialize.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed that the 36-year-old was "not happy" that the Suns put him into trade talks and it is now "reasonable to forecast that Durant will be breaking up" with Phoenix during the offseason.

As Durant's reported frustration with his trade involvement combined with the Suns' overall inconsistency continues, Perkins criticized his former teammate's leadership again.

Kevin Durant was surprised by comments from current ESPN analyst and former teammate Kendrick Perkins regarding their shared tenure on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After Perkins referred to himself as the one leading the Thunder during an appearance on NBA Today, the Phoenix Suns star responded on social media.

"I know this may be a reach but this comment is by far the craziest s--t I've seen this week," Durant wrote.

I know this may be a reach but this comment is by far the craziest shit I’ve seen this week https://t.co/kNbncZhIUH

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 6, 2025

Durant and Perkins were teammates in Oklahoma City from the 2010-11 season through the middle of the 2014-15 season.

They've disagreed multiple times over the past few years, specifically regarding Durant's decision to join the Golden State Warriors as a free agent in 2016 after the Thunder lost to Golden State in the Western Conference Finals.

Yea and our starting center @KendrickPerkins averaged a whopping 2 and 3 during that series. U played hard tho champ lol

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 10, 2020

Boy stop you did the weakest move in NBA History!!! Up on a team 3-1 in the western conference finals and then go join them the following season?! Heart of Champion right there

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 10, 2020

Weak is starting at center, playing real minutes with no production. Should’ve worked on your skills as much as I did

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 10, 2020

That’s fine!!! You worked that hard and still had to go join a 73-9 team. Truth be told you don’t even feel like a real Champ, you have hard time sleeping at night huh knowing that you took the coward way out!!!

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 10, 2020

Perkins has continued to call out Durant's vocal leadership ability, specifically during a Feb. 2024 appearance on NBA Today as well as a Dec. 2023 appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

While Perkins may have viewed himself as the leader on Thunder teams that also included Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Durant clearly disagrees.

The 36-year-old is currently in the midst on another impressive individual season with the Suns, earning his 14th All-Star selection. In 39 starts, Durant has averaged 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on 52.4/39.8/82.7 shooting splits.

His name was involved in trade rumors prior to Thursday's deadline, though. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that there were "multiple teams" making "really aggressive calls" to Phoenix regarding Durant.

He ultimately remained with the Suns following the deadline at 3 p.m. ET.

While Durant may have been skeptical of some of the trade buzz throughout the week, nothing surprised him more than Perkins' claim regarding his Oklahoma City tenure.

While the Golden State Warriors were the team perhaps most prominently in the mix for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, another team reportedly made a late offer for him at the trade deadline.

Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Minnesota Timberwolves "made a last-ditch effort" to trade for Durant ahead of Thursday's deadline, but the deal ultimately didn't materialize.

It's unclear what package the Timberwolves offered the Suns for Durant, but it's fair to assume they wouldn't have included young star Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has a handful of draft picks and some pieces on its roster at its disposal, but whatever the Wolves offered the Suns wasn't enough.

Phoenix appeared ready to make a splash at the deadline by either trading Durant or landing a star like Jimmy Butler, but it ended up being a relatively quiet day. The only move the Suns made on Thursday was a deal that sent Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in return for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić and a 2026 second-round pick.

The Timberwolves had an even quieter deadline with no trades.

Durant received plenty of attention at this year's deadline. The Warriors pursued their former star, but he was reportedly "cold to the idea" of returning to Golden State, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Sam Amick.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on NBA Today Thursday that after the Warriors' pursuit of Durant ended, other teams began "making really aggressive calls to the Suns" about Durant.

“From what I'm told, there are multiple teams making really aggressive calls to the Suns on Kevin Durant.”@ShamsCharania on what he’s watching as the trade deadline approaches 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hwd6N48mGg

— ESPN (@espn) February 6, 2025

One such team was the Dallas Mavericks, who SNY's Ian Begley reported were "very aggressive" in trying to find a trade for Durant.

"I was told that the Mavericks were very aggressive, as recently as Wednesday, trying to find other teams to get involved so they could make the math work and bring Kevin Durant to Dallas. Obviously, nothing coming to fruition there." - @IanBegley

Ian, @ChelseaSherrod and… pic.twitter.com/l9qGPrkUZw

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 6, 2025

Ultimately, Durant will remain in Phoenix for now and the Suns will try to turn things around after a rough start to the year. Phoenix is currently in 10th place in the Western Conference at 25-25. The Timberwolves haven't fared much better, sitting in seventh place in the West at 28-23.

Both teams will try to regroup and come back stronger in the second half of the season despite a lack of significant moves at this year's trade deadline.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been floated in trade rumors prior to Thursday's deadline, but his head coach made it clear that he won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Following Monday's 125-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in which Porter dropped a season-high 36 points, head coach Michael Malone had a definitive answer when asked about the trade rumors involving the swingman.

"No because we're not trading Michael Porter," Malone said, per ESPN. "So I'm not touching base with anybody on that. ... And if there's something coming, obviously [Nuggets GM Calvin Booth] will talk with me and I'm sure we'll communicate with whatever players. But Michael is a really important piece, he helped us win a championship."

While Porter is in the midst of the best season of his seven-year career, he's still considered a prime trade candidate because he's the only player on the Nuggets roster who has a salary above $9 million and is also eligible to be traded before the deadline. He signed a five-year max extension in 2022 and has two years and nearly $80 million left on the deal.

However, Porter appears to have overcome the injury woes that plagued him early in his career. After playing in 81 games last season, he's appeared in all 50 games this year and is averaging 18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from three-point range.

"As long as I'm here, I'm going to be here and I'm going to be happy and I'm going to play hard and try to be available and try to help win games," Porter said after Monday's win. "And then if the day came where they wanted to trade me and they wanted to go a different direction, then I'll be excited for the new opportunity. But ... it's not something I think about at all."

Utah Jazz president and former Boston Celtics legend Danny Ainge reportedly didn't know he was helping his once-hated rival Los Angeles Lakers acquire one of the biggest stars in the NBA in Sunday's three-team trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon, the Jazz "didn't know Dončić and [Anthony] Davis were a part of the deal until about an hour before it was completed, league sources said," and Ainge "had only about 30 minutes notice, sources said, that Los Angeles was about to acquire Dončić to be the new face of its franchise."

The Jazz acquired two second-round picks and 2023 No. 17 overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino to help facilitate the deal between the Lakers and Mavs.

Coincidentally, Utah was in negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers for a trade involving veteran forward PJ Tucker. Shelburne and MacMahon noted that the Lakers "had asked the Jazz to complete the trade involving Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills by the time they" finished Saturday night's game against the New York Knicks. Los Angeles reportedly "had several backup plans if the Jazz option fell through."

The deal between the Jazz and Clippers was completed on Saturday afternoon, allowing the Lakers to move forward with negotiations with the Mavs.

"Shortly after the Jazz completed their business with Mills, they learned of the magnitude of the trade they were about to be involved in. All that did was buy them an extra hour to digest its ramifications," Shelburne and MacMahon stated.

The Lakers now have one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Dončić will be the clear successor to LeBron James once the 40-year-old ends his legendary career, shifting the balance of power in the Western Conference.

The Jazz, meanwhile, rank last in the West with a record of 11-36 entering Monday night's game against the Indiana Pacers (27-20). Utah will be in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and Ainge and company will certainly be hoping to land a player who can lead the franchise back to prominence.

Celebrate P.J. Tucker's Utah Jazz tenure while you can.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Sunday the Jazz are looking to trade Tucker and his $11.5 million expiring salary in a move that would see them absorb more money in return for draft assets.

Should a trade fail to materialize, Utah is expected to strike a buyout with the 39-year-old forward, per Scotto.

The Jazz acquired Tucker along with center Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash considerations from the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Patty Mills and forward Drew Eubanks last Saturday. They have already waived Bamba and it's only a matter of time before Tucker is out the door as well.

Finding a suitor for the 6'5" forward may not be easy between now and Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline, though Utah's willingness to take on additional salary will help.

Tucker has yet to appear in a game this season. The Clippers announced in October he'd be away from the team while they tried to pursue any trade avenues.

Along with having to shake off some rust as a result of his extended break from the court, Tucker's performance the last two seasons has left something to be desired. Between spells with the Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 3.0 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 38.9 percent from three-point range.

Tucker found a great niche with the Houston Rockets as a small-ball 4 for head coach Mike D'Antoni, and he even played some center when D'Antoni sacrificed size for athleticism and switchability.

But those days are getting further and further into the past. Tucker was a good rebounder and defender with Philadelphia and Los Angeles, but that wasn't enough to outweigh what limited value he provided offensively.

For a contending team, maybe it makes sense to trade for Tucker as a cost-savings maneuver in the hope he has something left in the tank for the second half of the season.

Otherwise, waiting until the Jazz buy him out seems the better low-risk play.

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray believes that Nikola Jokić deserves to win his fourth MVP award in five seasons.

"It's hard to deny his greatness," Murray said, per Shakeia Taylor of The Athletic. "If you look at the stats, and his stats are better than every other MVP (season) he's ever had, then you know, what can you say? Well, what's going to be your argument?"

The superstar center is in the midst of another incredible season, averaging career-highs in points (29.6), assists (10.1) and steals per game (1.8) on 57.0/47.5/81.3 shooting splits. Jokić is also pulling down 12.8 rebounds each night, the second-best mark of his career.

JOKIĆ FROM FULL COURT ‼️

OMG WHAT A SHOT 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/14sl697uly

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 24, 2025

He's on track to become the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of a full season, joining former MVPs Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.

"He's someone that goes and brings it every single night on a daily basis and makes everybody around him better," Murray said, via Taylor.

Jokić leads the NBA with 76.5 passes made per game, while his 26.3 assist points created are the second-most in the association (via NBA.com).

JOKER KNEW GORDON WOULD BE THERE...

Passes it over his head for the HUGE slam 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CLKrcsnIWh

— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025

The Nuggets' No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings could hurt his MVP case, as they've finished lower than No. 4 just once in the past six seasons.

Murray doesn't think that should affect his candidacy, though.

"We've been top seeded for a few years now, and they try to come up with all different kinds of reasons," Murray explained, per Taylor. "And I don't think they really have a strong, strong case. Even if some other guys are playing really well, it's really hard to deny other numbers that he's putting up. There's not much you can say or down him about, especially this year."

"So just appreciate greatness, and it's fun to play in this time," he added. "And I don't take it for granted."

Denver has lost three of its past four games, sitting at 29-19 on the season.

If the Nuggets climb a bit further up the standings before the end of the year while Jokić continues to perform at a high level, he could become the sixth player in NBA history to win at least four MVP awards.

The Denver Nuggets snapped a three-game losing streak on Friday night, taking down the Philadelphia 76ers by the final score of 137-134 at the Wells Fargo Center.

With the Nuggets maintaining a narrow one-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Nikola Jokić connected on a floater with 12 seconds left that pushed Denver's lead to three.

JOKER FLOATER. 🃏

3-POINT NUGGETS LEAD.

12.7 SECONDS. SIXERS BALL. ESPN. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/JxxGSMywMT

— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2025

The 76ers cut the deficit to one with a bucket by Kelly Oubre Jr. shortly afterwards, but Jamal Murray connected on a pair of free throws and a last-second three-point attempt from Guerschon Yabusele missed to seal the win for the Nuggets.

Jokić nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 28 points and 13 assists to go along with nine rebounds. He shot 11-16 from the field, connecting on two of his three attempts from behind the arc.

The three-time MVP stepped up to secure the victory, scoring eight points within the final minute of regulation.

JOKIC CLUTCH THREE❗

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/SBpg2bYqmS

— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2025

Fans were in awe of the heroics from Jokić.

Jokic tonight:

28 PTS
9 REB
13 AST

Dropped 8 points in the final minute. pic.twitter.com/cpuIrJBxzq

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 1, 2025

Jokic just wanted to work on some clutch time scenarios. That's all.

— WADE 🏀 (@Its_Wade) February 1, 2025

I am not even exaggerating when I say Nikola Jokić is the most clutch basketball player of all time

— Ethical Hoops🏆 (only takes Ws) (@EthicalHoopz) February 1, 2025

Jokic might be the best offensive player I’ve ever seen.

— Josh Rosen (@Joshimpressions) February 1, 2025

Nikola Jokic might mess around and win MVP and Clutch Player of the Year in the same season.

— Jokic Muse (@_JokicMuse_) February 1, 2025

Nikola Jokic scored 11 of the Nuggets’ last 15 points after they trailed the 76ers 125-122 with 2:15 to play. Game-tying 3, go-ahead 3-point play, game-winning 3, driving insurance bucket.

— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) February 1, 2025

Final: Nuggets 137, Sixers 134

Denver escapes with a wild win behind 28-9-13 from Nikola Jokic, who scored or assisted on 13 straight points in the crunch time to pull out the win.

Massive game from Tyrese Maxey, who had 42 & 9, in the loss to snap Philly's 4 game win streak.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 1, 2025

Murray scored a team-high 31 points and dished out 11 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 24 points and six rebounds on 10-14 shooting.

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey nearly led his team to an impressive win by finishing with 42 points and nine assists. He shot 15-26 from the field and hit six three-pointers.

Philadelphia was ultimately unable to overcome the absences of Joel Embiid and Paul George, who were out with knee and finger issues respectively.

The Nuggets improved to 29-19 with the victory, maintaining the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings.