The Phoenix Suns' desire to trade Bradley Beal has been widely known, and in recent days, they have been the most active team in the market. According to renowned journalist Shams Charania, the Suns have traded their unprotected first-round pick in 2031 to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three protected first-round picks. These three first-round picks are specifically: the one with the lowest position among the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, the one with the lowest position among the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz in 2027, and the one with the lowest position among the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz in 2029. In simpler terms, the Suns have essentially traded a high draft pick for three late first-round picks, which some might consider as "junk" picks. It seems that Danny Ainge, the Suns' general manager, never makes a loss-making deal. As a result of this trade, the Suns will have draft picks for the next six years (with the options to swap picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030, which cannot be traded but can be used for drafting). According to reports, the Suns increased their trading assets by turning one first-round pick into three, with the aim of acquiring the big fish on the market - Jimmy Butler. A source familiar with the Miami Heat's plans stated that this is the first step for the Suns to trade for Butler, which could involve multiple draft picks and two players sent to the Heat. This transaction is expected to involve at least four teams, and it may even involve more…

The Phoenix Suns have made another significant trade, as reported by Shams. They have completed a 1-for-3 trade with the Utah Jazz, sending their unprotected first-round pick in 2031 to the Jazz in exchange for first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029. However, it is important to note that these three returned first-round picks are the lowest among the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz. This move is clearly aimed at increasing the Suns' trading assets, as this trade triples the number of first-round picks they can use in trades, with the clear target being Jimmy Butler. A Heat journalist has stated that this trade marks the first step for the Suns in completing the Butler trade, involving multiple draft picks packaged together to acquire Butler, and this is expected to be at least a four-team mega-trade. According to Shams, the Heat have engaged in some effective discussions regarding potential Butler trades this week: "The current situation is that Jimmy Butler has applied for a trade for the third time. Earlier this month, he expressed his intentions to Pat Riley face-to-face, and last week, he also conveyed his thoughts to team owner Micky Arison and CEO Nick Arison. "I've been told that the Heat have had some productive discussions about potential Butler trades this week. However, this is a substantial contract, with a salary of 49millionthisseasonandaplayeroptionof49 million this season and a player option of 49millionthisseasonandaplayeroptionof52 million next season." "The final trade plan could involve two parties, or possibly three or four parties. But at the same time, Butler has…

On January 20th, Beijing time, there was a focus match in the Eastern Conference of the NBA's 2024-25 season regular season. The Philadelphia 76ers had to travel to Milwaukee for a back-to-back game and continue their away challenge against the Bucks. This was the second meeting between the two teams this season. In the previous matchup, the Bucks defeated the 76ers by 15 points, gaining a certain advantage. The 76ers have really performed poorly this season, becoming a laughingstock. During the offseason, they formed an anticipated "Big Three" combination. However, at this stage of the season, these three players with a combined salary exceeding $200 million are either plagued by injuries, playing intermittently, or having issues with coordination, resulting in an unsmooth offense. So far, the team has experienced three five-game losing streaks, with a total record of 15 wins and 25 losses, ranking 11th in the East. In contrast, the Bucks were mired in the mud at the beginning of the season, much like the 76ers, with their ranking once at the bottom of the East. However, with the resurgence of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the team's record has steadily climbed, and they have now achieved a three-game winning streak, with a total record of 23 wins and 17 losses, rising to fourth place in the East, which is a world apart from Philadelphia. Before the game, American media ESPN also provided the latest win rate prediction for that day's match. The 76ers' win rate was only 13.3%, while the Bucks' win rate was as high as 86.7%. Obviously, American…

The NBA regular season is nearing its halfway point, with fierce competition in the Western Conference. From the fifth-placed Mavericks to the twelfth-placed Spurs, there is only a difference of three wins, yet eight teams are clustered together, ensuring that some will secure direct playoff spots while others may not even qualify for the play-in tournament. On the Eastern side, the competition is also more intense than in previous seasons, with teams like the Hawks and Pistons achieving over a 50% win rate. Last season's Eastern Conference finalist, the Pacers, made a six-game winning streak to jump into the top five. The Heat, without Butler, have no room for tanking (if they don't make the playoffs this season, they will give their first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 directly to the Thunder and Hornets), leaving them with no choice but to push forward. Even the 76ers, who are on the brink of struggle, can only maintain a 40% win rate. In fact, the top four in the East this season are basically set. The Cavaliers started with 33 wins in 38 games and even have a chance to challenge the 73-win record! As defending champions, the Celtics have struggled to integrate Porzingis into the team, but like Leonard, Porzingis is meant for the playoffs, and the core lineup is solid enough. As for whether they will disband due to massive salary pressures this summer, that remains to be seen. Including the Knicks' four giants combination, leading with a 65% win rate, and the Magic, plagued by injuries but never dropping…

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving many wondering how the once-promising Spurs could suffer such a crushing defeat at the hands of the Bucks. The silence of Wenyambo, the struggles of Paul, and the inefficient performance of the Spurs' five tigers painted a picture of dark humor. The Bucks' strong showing served as a harsh reality check for the Spurs, casting a shadow over their future this season. This wasn't just a simple loss; it was a mockery. The Bucks demonstrated that reaching the playoffs isn't just about potential; it requires substance and grit. The tension was palpable from the start, with Antetokounmpo and Wenyambo, representing "the future and the present," facing off on the court. Antetokounmpo's powerful dunk at the beginning seemed to declare his dominance, while Wenyambo found his rhythm after several attempts, nailing an impressive three-pointer. The first quarter was a fierce battle, with the Spurs' five tigers attempting to counter the Bucks' momentum through quick counterattacks. The Bucks, however, maintained control with Antetokounmpo and Lopez's dominance in the paint. Both teams traded blows, but the Bucks' cohesion gave them the edge. Green's hot hand in the first quarter allowed the Bucks to pull away, setting the stage for the rest of the game. The second quarter was a bloodbath, with a 15-0 run by the Bucks akin to a sharp blade piercing the heart of the Spurs. The Spurs lost their composure during this period, even their shooting touch felt rigid. Despite Paul's valiant efforts with some clutch threes, the Bucks' Lopez and Lillard…

On January 11, 2025, Beijing time, the 22-win and 17-loss Magic hosted the 19-win and 16-loss Bucks. The Magic's top star, Paolo Banchero, returned from injury, while the Wagner brothers and Suggs continued to be absent. The Magic were playing back-to-back games, and except for Banchero, the other players were not physically fit enough. Could they compete against the Bucks, who have Giannis Antetokounmpo? The Bucks' starting lineup was Lillard + Jackson + Prince + Giannis Antetokounmpo + Brook Lopez, while the Magic's starting lineup was Anthony + Pope + Silva + Banchero + Bitadze. In the first quarter, Prince and Lopez hit three-pointers, giving the Bucks a 6-0 lead. However, Anthony, Bitadze, Silva, and Banchero scored 13 points in a row, allowing the Magic to take a 7-point lead. Lillard, Prince, and Giannis Antetokounmpo narrowed the gap to 1 point, but Pope, Silva, and Isaac extended it to 8 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Portis brought the Bucks within 1 point, and Blake and Banchero scored, while Middleton, Portis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo responded. The Bucks took a 1-point lead, but Isaac and Blake helped the Magic regain a 4-point advantage. Giannis Antetokounmpo dunked, and at the end of the first quarter, the Magic led 31-29. In the second quarter, Lillard made free throws, and Isaac and Blake responded, giving the Magic a 5-point lead. Middleton made a mid-range shot, and Banchero and Silva responded, increasing the lead to 7 points. Lillard scored 6 points in a row, and Silva and Anthony responded, keeping the lead at 5 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo…

The battle between Butler and Riley has left the Heat players disinterested in fighting. In a previous game against the Pistons, the team's two core players, Adebayo and Herro, sat on the bench with a look of bewilderment. This is easy to understand; Pat Riley's treatment of the team's veterans made them feel the coldness of losing their lips. Now, Riley, who has been forced to the brink, urgently needs to trade Jimmy Butler as soon as possible. However, Butler's previous remarks have made many teams wary, as spending a lot of money to get a Butler who only plays half a season has deterred many teams. The Heat not being able to maximize their interests is also what Riley finds most frustrating. After the Texas duo withdrew from the competition for Butler, both the Bucks and the Grizzlies expressed interest in trading for Butler. However, Butler's team made it very clear that Jimmy does not want to play for them. For the Bucks and Grizzlies, who want to challenge for the championship, it's not just about getting him; they must get Butler to agree to a contract extension. Otherwise, if he opts out of his contract this summer, these two teams will get nothing. In fact, Butler's desired destination is the Phoenix Suns. The team's owner, Ishbia, and general manager, James Jones, have both stated that they hope Butler can join them. They can also meet Butler's demand for a two-year maximum salary extension. The current difficulty is who the Suns can trade for Butler? Since the team has…

NBA league has many legendary players, and Alex English is one of them. Many new fans are not familiar with the name Alex English, but he was a real tough guy in the league back then. He competed with Jordan as a super shooting guard in the same era and was also a top scorer who won the scoring title. However, there are also geniuses among the younger generation, and the career scoring record that English created in 15 years has been surpassed by Russell Westbrook today. English was drafted in 1976, and his career starting point was not high. He was selected as the 23rd pick in the second round that year. Early on, he also debuted as a substitute, playing for the Bucks in his rookie season, averaging 5.2 points in his first year and 9.6 points in his second year. In the third year of his career, after joining the Pacers, English began to make a comeback. His average score soared to 16 points, and he could grab 8.1 rebounds at the same time, becoming a qualified starting player. Soon after, he was sent to the Pistons. After joining the Pistons, English completely exploded. At the age of 28, he averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, making his first All-Star appearance in his career, which can be considered a late bloomer. In 1983, he could average 28.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, making him the league's scoring champion. By 1986, when Jordan suffered an injury and only averaged 22 points, English could score an…

In today's NBA arena, the flames of the 2024-25 season have already burned through about 30 games, with various strong teams vying for dominance in fiercely competitive matches. The race for the MVP has entered a white-hot stage, while the title of scoring champion has also become a focal point of attention. Among them, superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are fiercely competing for this supreme honor. It must be said that the battle for the scoring title this season is particularly significant for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player of the Bucks. If he successfully claims the crown, it will leave an indelible mark in NBA history - becoming the first legendary star to collect all major NBA honors. It should be noted that even legendary figures in the basketball world like LeBron James and Michael Jordan have not achieved this feat. At 30 years old, Giannis is in the prime of his career, with his competitive form at its peak. Referring to the long and illustrious careers of stars like James, Durant, and Curry, with Giannis' physical prowess and competitive state, there are at least another five years of peak performance ahead. And after this contract ends, with his abilities, signing another maximum salary contract is almost a certainty. Looking back at Giannis' career, it is truly one filled with honors. He holds one championship trophy and was awarded the Finals MVP, which is the best recognition of his dominance in the finals. Two regular-season MVPs prove that he has always been one of the most…