Bagpipes and a train commute: Scenes from the 2025 Winter ClassicBagpipes and a train commute: Scenes from the 2025 Winter Classic
The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues are facing off in the 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
Day: December 31, 2024
NBA suspends Rockets’ Thompson, Heat’s RozierNBA suspends Rockets’ Thompson, Heat’s Rozier
Houston’s Amen Thompson and Miami’s Terry Rozier were each suspended, while four others were fined a total of $145,000 for their actions in Sunday’s game.
Butler to play Wed.; noncommittal on Heat futureButler to play Wed.; noncommittal on Heat future
Jimmy Butler declared himself healthy after what he described as a fairly severe illness for more than a week and said he will return to the Heat’s lineup Wednesday.
Trade Zion? Keep him? Cut him? New Orleans’ options ahead of the deadlineTrade Zion? Keep him? Cut him? New Orleans’ options ahead of the deadline
Williamson has played in just six games this season as injuries continue to keep the 2019 No. 1 overall pick off the court.
Jimmy Butler Not Sure If He Wants To Remain With Heat, Situation Out Of His ControlJimmy Butler Not Sure If He Wants To Remain With Heat, Situation Out Of His Control
Jimmy Butler rejoined the Miami Heat for practice on Tuesday, but did not deny a report from ESPN that his preference is to be traded. Butler said he’s “hoping” to play for the Heat on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Does it matter?” said Butler when asked if he prefers a trade Does it matter?.. I honestly do not care about getting traded, where I’m supposed to go, who’s saying what…. All of that is out of my control anyway.”
Butler reportedly would prefer a trade to one of the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks or Houston Rockets. Pat Riley has gone on record saying the Heat will not trade Butler. Butler was also asked if he will be content if he is not traded.
“I don’t know,” he said. “We will see. Only time will tell. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen come tomorrow. I appreciate the statement. But this is a business after all. I won’t have any hard feelings either way.”
Butler was then asked if it is in the interest of both sides to finish out the season, or have a trade by the deadline.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t know. That’s up to Pat. He will do what’s best for the organization as they should. And as long as I’m happy. And right now, I’m happy. I’m in a good space. I’ve got my kids here. I’m healthy. I’m smiling. I promise you I’m happy.”
Butler was then asked if he wants to be with the Heat.
“That’s a good question. Who knows? I don’t. Right now, I’m here and I’m going to make the most of it. I am going to compete and I’m going to win. It’s a lot of talk, a lot of noise, which I’m cool with. It doesn’t bother me at all. I love that. I thrive with it. It keeps you all wondering, the world wondering. It’s good to be talked about. Even better to be wanted.”
Zion Williamson Won’t Pursue Trade From Pelicans Ahead Of DeadlineZion Williamson Won’t Pursue Trade From Pelicans Ahead Of Deadline
Zion Williamson’s agent, Bill Duffy, has no intention to push for a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the February 6th deadline, sources tell ESPN. Williamson has played in only six games games this season and is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 31.1 minutes. Williamson is week-to-week with a hamstring injury.
Both Williamson and the Pelicans want to get him back on the floor without any additional injury issues.
“Let’s ramp him up and create value for him,” a source said, “whether that’s with the Pelicans or another team.”
Williamson’s five-year, $197 million contract has several protections that make his contract non-guaranteed if he can’t stay healthy. Because Williamson has already missed 26 games this season, either the Pelicans or any team he’s traded to could release him before July 15th when his $38.9 million salary becomes guaranteed. The Pelicans are not considering that path, but a team acquiring him could do so if they are a second apron team searching for salary cap relief.
The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are a pair of teams that rival executives have speculated could have interest in Williamson.
At this point, Williamson’s trade value could be as low as a late first round pick and salary filler.
“Take a swing and work on his body,” the executive said. “It would be complicated with his salary, but I think it would be doable.”
A rebuilding team could also take a chance on Williamson’s talent.
“Maybe there’s a bad team that needs a star,” another West executive said. “I don’t think he’s getting a premium picks package, but the guy has proven that when he’s healthy, he’s a star.”
Pelicans Prioritizing Trade Of Brandon Ingram By DeadlinePelicans Prioritizing Trade Of Brandon Ingram By Deadline
As the February 6th NBA trade deadline approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans are prioritizing a trade of Brandon Ingram, sources tell ESPN. Ingram and the Pelicans have discussed an extension, but those talks have repeatedly been unable to gain traction. Ingram will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he doesn’t sign an extension.
Ingram left Excel Sports in November and has since signed with Klutch Sports as his representation. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Pelicans had interest in signing Ingram to an extension worth approximately $40 million per season.
In 18 games this season, Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 33.1 minutes. Ingram is a one-time All-Star, making the team during the 19-20 season when he first joined the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz are among the teams previously linked with Ingram.
Sirianni to consult players, brass on Barkley callSirianni to consult players, brass on Barkley call
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hasn’t decided whether he’ll let Saquon Barkley attempt to break the NFL’s single-season rushing record Sunday but he says he’ll talk to everyone in the organization, including owner Jeffrey Lurie, before making that call.
Niners’ owner: Shanahan ‘not going anywhere’Niners’ owner: Shanahan ‘not going anywhere’
49ers owner Jed York says coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch “are not going anywhere.”
As Azeez Al-Shaair returns, it’s a reminder of the NFL’s elusive rules to protect QBsAs Azeez Al-Shaair returns, it’s a reminder of the NFL’s elusive rules to protect QBs
As quarterbacks toe the line between taking advantage of rules made to protect them and getting out of harm’s way, defenders are left trying to navigate a sticky situation.