Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers Have Won Five Straight | HOOPS, 1/29/26
Cleveland's huge second half vs. an emotional LeBron, the Bulls blow a close one late, Wemby powers the Spurs past Houston, Giannis trade szn is here, and more.
The Tip-Off: The Giannis Trade Request is Official
After days weeks months years of rumors and back and forths and commitments, Shams Charania finally broke the news that Giannis was ready to move on and the Bucks were listening to trade offers.
Now, this type of report has been off and on for years at this point so take everything with a grain of salt from now until a trade is actually announced, but according to early reports, Giannis’ preferred destinations are the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, and the Toronto Raptors.
We also got word that the Warriors WOULD be willing to trade Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler (out for season) to acquire Giannis. Very big of them.
But of those reportedly preferred destinations, I’m curious if you have anywhere you’d like to see him end up.
One Thought From Every Game on Wednesday Night
Bulls - 110, at Pacers - 113
The Bulls really blew a 14-point lead and gave up an 18-4 run to lose to the Pacers. This Bulls team is like the definition of middle of the road. They need to trade some of these guys and embrace tank for the sake of their fans.
Also, I really like Jay Huff as a backup big man. What a good high-energy player who just comes in and does 25 minutes of dirty work down in the paint. He’s a perfect Indiana player in that regard.
Lakers - 99, at Cavaliers - 129
The Cavaliers pulled off one of the greatest rope-a-dope tactics I’ve ever seen. They really played a tribute video to make LeBron James all emotional in what may have been his last game in Cleveland and then put on a ridiculous belt to ass performance with a 72-44 second half.
Shoutout to Jaylon Tyson as well cause he scored 20pts and then hopped on the mic post game to call Cleveland Donovan Mitchell’s city now. That’s a real teammate.
Hawks - 117, at Celtics - 106
I’m really happy to see Jalen Johnson (19pts/14r/7a, 6-16 FG) bouncing back to the level he was at earlier in the season. The shot still isn’t quite as efficient as it was to start the year but he’s doing so much across the floor that I’m confident the efficiency will bounce back.
Magic - 133, at Heat - 124
This is exactly the kind of game I want to see this Magic team win more of. Shoutout to Anthony Black (26pts/7r/5a) because that dude has excelled recently and provides such a good counterbalance for Jalen Suggs now that he’s back. The combination of the two of them in the backcourt is so good. I need this team to get Franz back soon.
Knicks - 119, at Raptors - 92
As good as it is to see OG Anunoby (26pts/5a/6stl) and Mikal Bridges (30pts/4a) both have good games, I’m worried about this Knicks bench. Won by 27 points but only had 20 points off the bench. This team absolutely has to get active at the trade deadline, even if it’s not a massive Giannis trade. They can’t expect to roll into the playoffs as a serious contender with Landry Shamet leading the way for the bench unit.
Hornets - 112, at Grizzlies - 97
Shoutout to the Charlotte Hornets who officially passed last season’s win total with this victory over Memphis. They are now at 20-28. Think about that. They had 19 wins all of last season. This turnaround has been so much fun to watch as it’s unfolded.
Timberwolves - 118, at Mavericks - 105
Julius Randle (31pts/5r/4a) led the way for the Timberwolves as they got by the Mavericks who were without Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis still.
Warriors - 140, at Jazz - 124
It blows my mind that the Warriors could have 20 turnovers in a game and still win by 16 points. That’s part of what makes their situation so hard to manage. They watch Moses Moody (26pts/5r, 9-15 FG) have a strong performance and then hit trade negotiations like “actually we want a second first for him.”
Spurs - 111, at Rockets - 99
Victor Wembanyama to Kevin Durant tonight:
Did LeBron Really Just Play His Last Game in Cleveland?
So far we haven’t heard anything of an official retirement announcement from LeBron but the rumors are not going to get any lighter following the Lakers’ trip into Cleveland. The Cavs aired a tribute video to LeBron and he got very choked up.
The announcers/media/analysts/everyone also mentioned multiple times that this may be his last time playing in Cleveland if he does decide to retire after his 23rd season.
At the Buzzer
- Rockets’ Steven Adams has season-ending ankle surgery
- Lakers’ Dalton Knecht has officially requested a trade
- “I want to get it right the first time.” - Jayson Tatum uncertain about returning from Achilles’ injury this season
- Shams Charania to participate in NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
- Jason Williams’ rookie-year jersey sells for $140,000
- KD moves into 10th all time in 3-pointers made
- Stephen Curry passes Paul Pierce to be 19th all-time in scoring
Key Games Tonight
Eight games tonight so let me know what you’re excited to check out.
Kings at 76ers
Bucks at Wizards
Rockets at Hawks
Heat at Bulls
Hornets at Mavericks
Nets at Nuggets
Pistons at Suns
Thunder at Timberwolves
Thank you so much for hanging out and checking out today’s HOOPS. I appreciate you taking a little bit of time out of your day to do so. More importantly, I hope everyone reading this is doing well and having a good week so far. Hang in there. Take care.