Louisiana State Police have issued an arrest warrant for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, who is accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17 and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities.

Louisiana State Police said Friday that Lacy will be charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Police said they have been in contact with Lacy and his attorney to turn himself in.

According to a news release from state police, Lacy was allegedly driving a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20 and "recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated no-passing zone."

"As Lacy was illegally passing the other vehicles, the driver of a northbound pickup truck abruptly braked and swerved to the right to avoid a head-on collision with the approaching Dodge," a Louisiana State Police news release said.

"Traveling behind the pickup was a 2017 Kia Cadenza whose driver swerved left to avoid the oncoming Dodge Charger. As the Kia Cadenza took evasive action to avoid impact with the Dodge, it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento."

Police alleged that Lacy, 24, drove around the crash scene and fled "without stopping to render aid, call emergency services, or report his involvement in the crash."

Herman Hall, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who was a passenger in the Kia Sorento, later died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to state police. Hall was 78.

The drivers of the Cadenza and Sorento also sustained moderate injuries, according to police.

Lacy's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said in a statement that his client is "fully cooperating with the authorities."

"We strongly believe that the facts will ultimately demonstrate the truth, but we respect the need for a full and thorough investigation," Arceneaux's statement said.

Lacy played two seasons at Louisiana before transferring to LSU in 2022. This past season, he had 58 catches for 866 yards with nine touchdowns and declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 19, two days after the crash.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns before Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate that he returned 83 yards for a score with 2:13 left as Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday night to advance to a shot for its sixth national title.

The Buckeyes (13-2) got the semifinal victory in the same stadium where 10 years ago they were champions in the debut of the College Football Playoff as a four-team format. Now they have the opportunity to be the winner again in the debut of the expanded 12-team field.

Ohio State plays Orange Bowl champion Notre Dame in Atlanta on Jan. 20. Ohio State opened as a 9.5-point favorite over the Irish, per ESPN BET.

Sawyer got to Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers on a fourth-and-goal from the 8, knocking the ball loose and scooping it up before lumbering all the way to the other end. It was the longest fumble return in CFP history.

Ewers and Sawyer were roommates in Columbus, Ohio, for the one semester the quarterback was there before transferring home to Texas and helping lead the Longhorns (13-3) to consecutive CFP semifinals. But next season will be their 20th since winning their last national title with Vince Young in 2005.

Texas had gotten to the 1, helped by two pass-interference penalties in the end zone before Quintrevion Wisner was stopped for a 7-yard loss.

Judkins had a 1-yard touchdown for a 21-14 lead with 7:02 left. That score came four plays after quarterback Will Howard converted fourth-and-2 from the Texas 34 with a stumbling 18-yard run that was almost a score.

Howard was 24-of-33 passing for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Ewers finished 23-of-39 for 283 yards with two TD passes to Jaydon Blue and an interception after getting the ball back one final time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The New Orleans Pelicans suspended Zion Williamson for one game for a violation of team policies, the team said Friday.

Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Williamson was late for Thursday's team flight to Philadelphia ahead of a game Friday night against the 76ers. The Pelicans' traveling party was waiting for a period of time for Williamson to arrive for the flight.

Speaking with reporters Friday night in Philadelphia, New Orleans coach Willie Green said Williamson's lateness to the flight wasn't an isolated incident.

"There were several occasions that led up to this, and that's how we got to this decision," Green said.

Williamson missed Friday night's 123-115 win against the 76ers and will rejoin the Pelicans on Saturday ahead of a game Sunday against the Celtics in Boston, the team said.

In a statement, Williamson acknowledged being late to "team activities" and apologized.

"I take full responsibility for this suspension," he said. "I've worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to [Pelicans owner] Mrs. [Gayle] Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization."

Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said Williamson failed to meet "team standards."

"His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him," Griffin said in a statement. "He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team today. I'm confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor."

Williamson missed 27 games because of a left hamstring strain before returning Tuesday night and scoring 22 points in a little less than 28 minutes in a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He was rested when the Pelicans played the Portland Trail Blazers the following night.

Paolo Banchero missed 34 games, then came back and scored 34 points.

The Orlando forward -- back in the lineup for the first time after almost 2 months spent recovering from a torn oblique muscle -- gave his team a chance on Friday night, but the Magic fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 109-106.

"I didn't see that one coming, I can tell you that," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. "But that's who he is. The kid's been working his tail off to get back in. And so, what he was able to do with poise, taking the right shots at the right time, defending, taking matchups on, this tells you how much he wants to go get it and get after it. That's who he is. He's a star for a reason."

Banchero was 11-for-21 from the field, plus added 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in 27 minutes.

"I had a lot of fun," said Banchero, an All-Star for the first time last season. "I feel all right. Little sore. I think I performed pretty good."

He said the long recovery time following his Oct. 30 injury in a game against Chicago tested his patience, but he looked back to normal on Friday.

"I don't think I've been in bad spirits at all," Banchero said in an interview with The Associated Press regarding his return. "But it is frustrating. You know, I've never missed this much time since I started playing basketball. Going so long without playing, I mean, I was so ready for the season and then going down so early into it just makes you ask 'why?' sometimes."

"I didn't see that one coming, I can tell you that. But that's who he is. The kid's been working his tail off to get back in. And so, what he was able to do with poise, taking the right shots at the right time, defending, taking matchups on, this tells you how much he wants to go get it and get after it. That's who he is. He's a star for a reason."

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley

He got hurt in the fifth game of the season. The Magic played their 40th on Friday, one shy of the season's midway point.

They did better than most probably expected during Banchero's absence.

The Magic -- who have been dealing with a slew of other injuries, Franz Wagner's torn oblique and Moritz Wagner's season-ending torn ACL among them -- entered Friday in the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference. They lost their first four without Banchero, then went 19-11 during the remainder of his absence. The Bucks leapfrogged the Magic for the No. 4 spot with Friday's win, sending Orlando to No. 5 in the East.

"There's a team-wide belief in each other that anyone can step up at any moment," Banchero said. "Guys put in the work just to be ready for the moment. And you've seen that with different guys stepping up every night. It was just really encouraging for me to see us respond like that. Guys getting this experience, coming through in tight games, close games against good teams, that's only going to make us better."

Banchero didn't take time away from the team with his injury. He sat in on coaches' meetings at times and was always on the bench with teammates for games, cheering at times and consoling at others.

"I had to try to find the positives," Banchero said. "I've been able to sit and watch and just learn the game through a different lens. But I, for sure, have a chip on my shoulder now. Feels like some stuff I had was taken from me for a little bit. And now that I'm back, I might have to make up for lost time."

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick fought back tears Friday, grieving not only the loss of his family's home -- reduced to rubble from the Palisades Fire that remains active and has already burned more than 20,000 acres -- but his entire community that was wiped out this week.

Redick's wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Knox and Kai, were one of the thousands of families evacuated from their home Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of the unprecedented fires that began to ravage L.A. while Redick was on the road with the Lakers, preparing for their game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The team's flight back home after the Dallas loss arrived around 2 a.m. and the Lakers coach met his family at the hotel where they had relocated. After a few listless hours of sleep, he drove to the Pacific Palisades early Wednesday morning to check on the house he was renting as he searched for a more permanent home in his first year coaching the team.

"I was not prepared for what I saw," Redick said. "It's complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a kind of a different way to the house, but I went through most of the [Palisades] Village and it's all gone. And I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that. Our home, our home is gone."

The Lakers game against the Charlotte Hornets, scheduled for Thursday, was postponed by the NBA. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Redick and the Lakers gathered as a team for a light practice Friday, meeting for the first time since the fires in anticipation of hosting the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday -- a game that Redick said he hopes will tip off as scheduled.

"We obviously are going to work with the NBA, the Spurs, the city and do what's right," Redick said. "I want to play tomorrow; I want to coach tomorrow. I want these guys to play tomorrow and if we can play, we'll play."

Lakers guard Austin Reaves said Rob Pelinka, the team's vice president of basketball operations and general manager, informed the players about Redick's situation through a group text message.

"Not just me, but this team loves him and cares about him and his family," Reaves said of Redick. "He's such a competitor, he comes into work every single day -- especially today -- and wants to do his job. And there's a million other things he could be thinking about doing right now, but he's dedicated to what he's doing here and obviously dedicated to his family, I know he's taking care of them."

Redick opened up about some of the items that perished in the fire, family treasures accumulated through 18 years of marriage and 10 years of parenting.

"My son did an art project last year," Redick said. "It was ... a charcoal, pencil painting of a lighthouse that we had framed above the stairs. You can't ever replace stuff like that."

However, he emphasized how fortunate he feels, knowing that others will have a harder time rebuilding what was lost.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for me and my family," Redick said. "We're going to be alright. There are people that, because of some political issues and some insurance issues, are not going to be alright. And we're going to do everything we can to help anybody who is down and out because of this."

Redick might have become the face of tragedy for the Lakers' organization, but he shared there are others within the team dealing with the unthinkable havoc the fires have caused. Among those affected are Dan Grigsby, the team's chief legal officer, who lost his home in Pacific Palisades; Josh Green, the team's general counsel, who lost his home and whose parents lost their home to the Palisades fire; and Rohan Ali, a team videographer, whose parents lost their home in Altadena.

Lakers players Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt both made significant charitable contributions to a GoFundMe set up to help Ali's family.

Redick said it was a difficult decision for his family to leave Brooklyn, New York this summer and relocate to L.A. when he was considering the Lakers job, but that the connections they've made in Pacific Palisades eased that transition.

"The Palisades community has really just been so good to us," Redick said. "I think that's the part for us that we're really struggling with is just the loss of community. And I recognize that people make up community, and we're going to rebuild, and we want to help lead on that. But all the churches, the schools, the library, like, it's all gone."

Redick said that the Lakers getting back on the court, in some small way, can help the L.A. community at large find some normalcy after a hellacious week.

"We obviously want to give people hope and we want to give, I don't want to say a distraction, maybe an escape," Redick said. "We talked about it as a group before practice. It is our responsibility -- everybody in this building -- to lead on this and to help people."

The NBA has postponed two Saturday games -- San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena and Charlotte Hornets-LA Clippers at Intuit Dome -- due to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California.

The league made the announcement Friday night, adding that the dates for the rescheduled games will be announced at a later time. It did not say whether additional games would be postponed.

"The NBA and the Clippers and Lakers organizations have been in communication with local officials in Los Angeles and Inglewood about the ongoing situation in the Los Angeles area and the game postponements ensure no resources will be diverted from the wildfire response efforts," the league said.

As part of the announcement, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said they're donating $1 million for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations. The league said the donation was "to support those affected by this disaster" and that it is "working with the Lakers and Clippers on ways to support longer term assistance and rebuilding efforts."

The Lakers had a game postponed Thursday against Charlotte, and that one also has not been rescheduled.

Lakers coach JJ Redick lost his home in the Palisades Fire earlier this week. Speaking earlier Friday, he said he hoped Saturday's game would tip off as scheduled.

"We obviously are going to work with the NBA, the Spurs, the city and do what's right," Redick said before the league's announcement. "I want to play tomorrow; I want to coach tomorrow. I want these guys to play tomorrow and if we can play, we'll play."

On Monday, the Lakers are set to host the Spurs again while the Clippers are scheduled to host the Miami Heat. On Wednesday, the Heat are scheduled to visit the Lakers and the Clippers are slated to host the Brooklyn Nets.

The Clippers said they expect the games starting Monday will be played as scheduled.

"The health and safety of our community and our fans remains our highest priority," the team said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

All eyes will be on Wednesday's big matchup (and a possible NBA Finals preview) between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a clash between the league's top two teams.

Both boast the best records in their conferences and both are riding impressive winning streaks (OKC's 15 to Cleveland's 10). Both have All-Star talent in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Off the court, the buzz around the NBA has been on Jimmy Butler and what the Miami Heat will do with the disgruntled player ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline after suspending him for seven games last week. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers got the trade action started in December, and with less than a month to go until the deadline, expect deals to pick up as teams jockey for postseason push or rebuilding plans.

This week, we asked our NBA insiders to look at one trade option -- some sneaky, some less so -- for all 30 teams, whether it's to fill a glaring roster hole or add some depth ahead of the second half of the season.

Here are the updated rankings for all 30 clubs.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 record: 31-4

• Previous ranking: 1

• Next games: vs. OKC (Jan. 8), vs. TOR (Jan. 9), vs. IND (Jan. 12), @ IND (Jan. 14)

Acquiring Cameron Johnson and Maxwell Lewis from the Nets for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and draft capital would give the Cavs a coveted two-way player. Johnson is on a reasonable contract for years to come, while LeVert is on an expiring deal. Cleveland has been so good that this isn't an absolute must move -- the Cavs front office is reluctant to disturb the chemistry in that locker room for any marginal deal, sources told ESPN, but Johnson seems like he could fit in anywhere with his game and demeanor. -- Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 record: 30-5

• Previous ranking: 2

• Next games: @ CLE (Jan. 8), @ NYK (Jan. 10), @ WAS (Jan. 12), @ PHI (Jan. 14)

Oklahoma City will be tied to much splashier trade candidates because the Thunder have the assets to deal for anyone. But for a team projected to win 70 games, an argument can be made against making a core-altering deal midseason, especially considering that OKC will need to go through an adjustment period when Chet Holmgren returns. The Thunder could use another shooter for the bench, though. How about Sacramento's Doug McDermott, who's played in 25 games this season for the Kings and had a brief stint in OKC earlier in his career? -- Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 record: 27-10

• Previous ranking: 6

• Next games: vs. SAC (Jan. 10), vs. NO (Jan. 12)

The Celtics, with a roster that's basically set, will either stand pat or trim salary between now and the trade deadline. The most obvious candidate for the latter option is guard Jaden Springer, who is in the final year of his deal making a little north of $4 million. If the Celtics send Springer to another team and don't take back salary in the deal, they can save roughly $16 million. -- Tim Bontemps

4. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 record: 24-13

• Previous ranking: 3

• Next games: vs. TOR (Jan. 8), vs. OKC (Jan. 10), vs. MIL (Jan. 12), vs. DET (Jan. 13)

The Knicks have gotten fewer minutes and less scoring production out of their bench than any other team and could benefit from another reserve big man. Wing minutes are largely covered by Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. But having a big, reliable center behind Karl-Anthony Towns -- other than 6-foot-8 Precious Achiuwa -- will be vital, and Mitchell Robinson's health has been a question for a while. A 7-footer like Washington's Jonas Valanciunas is far from perfect on defense, but would fill a need. -- Chris Herring

5. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 record: 24-12

• Previous ranking: 5

• Next games: @ MEM (Jan. 9), @ ATL (Jan. 11), vs. MEM (Jan. 13)

The Rockets could use a go-to wing scorer capable of fitting into coach Ime Udoka's defense-first philosophy, but general manager Rafael Stone doesn't appear to be interested in disrupting the club's young core (at least for now). Houston seems ready to take the next step in its ascension. But the summer might be the best time to do something major (De'Aaron Fox?) for a team that possesses plenty of young prospects and draft assets to pull off big moves. A move for Jimmy Butler feels unlikely. -- Michael Wright

6. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 record: 24-13

• Previous ranking: 4

• Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 9), @ MIN (Jan. 11), @ HOU (Jan. 13)

Another team rumored to be involved in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, Memphis ranks third in the West with one of the NBA's deepest rosters, making players such as Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Brandon Clarke attractive options in potential trades. The Grizzlies have the resources to acquire a star such as Butler, and they've been looking to grab a two-way wing who can create. But at 35, Butler appears to be more of a potential solution to current goals than the bright future in Memphis. -- Wright

7. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 record: 20-15

• Previous ranking: 10

• Next games: vs. LAC (Jan. 8), vs. BKN (Jan. 10), @ DAL (Jan. 12), @ DAL (Jan. 14)

Russell Westbrook has worked out a lot better than expected when the Nuggets added him in the offseason. But Nikola Jokic could use more help to alleviate some of the burden on his and Jamal Murray's shoulders. While the Nuggets could desperately use a two-way wing to help improve the defense, they also need another scorer. Bulls guard Zach LaVine has scored 30 or more in four of his previous five games entering Tuesday, and the Nuggets can use another big-time scorer like him, but it would almost certainly cost Michael Porter Jr. in return. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 record: 20-16

• Previous ranking: 9

• Next games: vs. CHA (Jan. 9), vs. SA (Jan. 11), vs. SA (Jan. 13)

If L.A. could keep its best three players in Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Austin Reaves while adding a two-time All-Star like Zach LaVine -- for a package of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft capital -- it would give JJ Redick's offense a much-needed boost, while not sacrificing too much on the defensive end. Dorian Finney-Smith could step into Hachimura's role, and L.A. could be a destination for buyout players for the stretch run. LaVine, averaging 23.1 points on 51/45/82% splits this season, and still just 29, can help L.A. now and in the future. -- McMenamin

9. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 record: 20-16

• Previous ranking: 11

• Next games: @ DEN (Jan. 8), vs. CHA (Jan. 11), vs. MIA (Jan. 13)

The Clippers just got Kawhi Leonard back to join a roster that has been built around having complimentary defensive-minded players. While they could use another scorer to help Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers also could use a young player with potential. They need some consistent help behind Zubac at center. Portland's Robert Williams III has been injured, but he's still only 27 and the kind of young talented player with potential that the Clippers can use more of. And he would only make Jeff Van Gundy's defense even stingier. Of course, Portland's price tag for Williams might be too much for the Clippers. -- Youngmisuk

10. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 record: 22-16

• Previous ranking: 8

• Next games: vs. MIN (Jan. 9), vs. MIL (Jan. 10), vs. PHI (Jan. 12)

Since Franz Wagner joined Paolo Banchero on the sidelines, the Magic's offensive rating ranks 29th, ahead of only the Hornets. Orlando's top-five defense has helped the team stay in the East's top four, and Banchero could return soon, but the Magic will still be in the market for more offensive punch at the deadline. With Cole Anthony falling to the fringes of Orlando's rotation at times, would the Magic be willing to add a veteran scorer off the bench like Utah's Jordan Clarkson? -- Kevin Pelton

11. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 record: 21-16

• Previous ranking: 7

• Next games: vs. POR (Jan. 9), vs. DEN (Jan. 12), vs. DEN (Jan. 14)

Can the Mavs find a trade to replace the offensive production they're missing while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are sidelined by injuries? Of course not. If healthy, Dallas will be considered a dangerous playoff matchup regardless of seeding, but the Mavs could use a disruptive on-ball defender such as the Pelicans' Javonte Green, who is on a minimum contract. -- MacMahon

12. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 record: 18-16

• Previous ranking: 12

• Next games: vs. SA (Jan. 8), @ ORL (Jan. 10), @ NYK (Jan. 12), vs. SAC (Jan. 14)

The Bucks have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league looking for deals throughout the season, scouring the trade market as early as the start of November after a slow start. But Milwaukee is up against the second apron, meaning the Bucks can't aggregate salaries in a trade or bring back a single dollar more than it sends out. That hasn't stopped Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who has been one of the most active general managers at the deadline the past few seasons. The Bucks could even make a long-shot play for Butler but that would require some salary management moves with MarJon Beauchamp, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis. -- Jamal Collier

13. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 record: 18-18

• Previous ranking: 16

• Next games: @ DET (Jan. 9), @ TOR (Jan. 10), @ TOR (Jan. 13)

The Warriors might wait until closer to the trade deadline to not only give their current roster more time to get out of their recent struggles but also see what the market will be for other deals. One player who could help the Warriors -- and might not cost them as much as a bigger star -- is Chicago's Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls' big man would seem to be a nice fit for Steve Kerr's offense and could give Stephen Curry another scoring option as well as stretch the floor and help on the glass. Golden State, though, won't want to part with young assets like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski unless it brings back a franchise-altering player. -- Youngmisuk

14. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 record: 18-18

• Previous ranking: 17

• Next games: @ MIL (Jan. 8), @ LAL (Jan. 11), @ LAL (Jan. 13)

Sacramento guard De'Aaron Fox makes plenty of sense in San Antonio, given how the 27-year-old fits within the timeline of the young Spurs roster and his potential on-court fit alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama. But the Spurs are still trying to figure out what combinations work best with Wembanyama, making it unlikely they will make a legit play for Fox at the deadline unless the right deal falls into place. San Antonio probably won't make a real push for Fox until the summer. Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones and Zach Collins appear to be on the team's list of most tradeable players. -- Wright

15. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 record: 19-18

• Previous ranking: 19

• Next games: vs. CHI (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 10), @ CLE (Jan. 12), vs. CLE (Jan. 14)

Indiana made a big splash last season by acquiring Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline en route to the Eastern Conference finals. Is there a similar splash that could propel them there again this year? It's unlikely, but the Pacers -- who have won three in a row and seven of their past 10 games -- could use some help on the wings, which is why they have been connected to Nets sharpshooter Cameron Johnson. -- Collier

16. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 record: 18-17

• Previous ranking: 15

• Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 9), @ POR (Jan. 11), @ LAC (Jan. 13)

With Jimmy Butler suspended for their entire West Coast road trip, which began Monday in Sacramento, the Heat have a couple of weeks to let the temperature cool between the two sides. Butler's future will dominate in Miami until he's traded, or the deadline passes. It's hard to see Miami focusing on anything else until that massive piece of business is resolved. -- Bontemps

17. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 record: 19-18

• Previous ranking: 14

• Next games: @ PHX (Jan. 9), vs. HOU (Jan. 11), vs. PHX (Jan. 14)

After acquiring Dyson Daniels -- whose defensive prowess earned him the nickname the Great Barrier Thief -- via trade last summer, the Hawks would be wise to target a player like Chicago's Jevon Carter, who also prioritizes defense. Carter isn't known for his scoring ability, but the 29-year-old exploded for 26 points -- including 19 in the first quarter, during which he drilled six triples -- in a Dec. 26 loss to Atlanta. Carter likely wouldn't cost the Hawks much, given that he doesn't play every night for the Bulls. -- Herring

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 record: 19-17

• Previous ranking: 13

• Next games: @ ORL (Jan. 9), vs. MEM (Jan. 11), @ WAS (Jan. 13)

Minnesota made a major trade before the start of the season by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. After such a major shake-up, the Wolves are more likely to be quiet at the deadline. But if they wanted to make a move, the Wolves could move Randle and use his $33 million salary to pursue a superstar to fit alongside Anthony Edwards. -- Collier

19. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 record: 18-18

• Previous ranking: 23

• Next games: @ BKN (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 9), vs. TOR (Jan. 11), @ NYK (Jan. 13)

The Pistons are in an unusual position as the only NBA team with cap space leading up to the trade deadline. Ordinarily, teams with cap room are near the bottom of the standings, but a recent four-game winning streak has Detroit in a battle for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons could use that flexibility to add to their core, perhaps by bringing in another guard following Jaden Ivey's fibula fracture. Marcus Sasser has moved into the rotation after playing well in spot opportunities, but Detroit has little depth in the backcourt beyond him. -- Pelton

20. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 record: 18-19

• Previous ranking: 24

• Next games: @ BOS (Jan. 10), @ CHI (Jan. 12), @ MIL (Jan. 14)

A five-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie won't likely do much to change the Kings' pursuit of a deadline upgrade, although it might change their target. With Keon Ellis excelling in a starting role and rookie Devin Carter debuting after shoulder surgery, adding a guard may no longer be important for Sacramento. The Kings could use help in the frontcourt, where they lack a reliable backup for Domantas Sabonis and have limited size at the forward spots. Jerami Grant, Brandon Ingram, Cameron Johnson and Kyle Kuzma are logical targets to fill that void. -- Pelton

21. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 record: 14-20

• Previous ranking: 20

• Next games: vs. WAS (Jan. 8), vs. NO (Jan. 10), @ ORL (Jan. 12), vs. OKC (Jan. 14)

Daryl Morey is always aggressive at the trade deadline, and don't expect this year to be any different with a win-now 76ers roster that has been beset by injuries. It's been a steady climb back into the East playoff picture over the past few weeks after Philadelphia's disastrous 3-14 start. Armed with some mid-tier salaries and several first-round picks, the 76ers could make multiple moves to improve their standing and use KJ Martin -- he becomes trade eligible next week -- if the opportunities arise. -- Bontemps

22. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 record: 17-19

• Previous ranking: 22

• Next games: @ IND (Jan. 8), vs. WAS (Jan. 10), vs. SAC (Jan. 12), vs. NO (Jan. 14)

The Bulls have not been an active team at the trade deadline in recent years, going three straight seasons without making a deal during deadline week. However, Chicago seems likely to change that this season with veterans Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine off to terrific starts but not fitting in with the long-term vision for the team's rebuild. Currently in 10th place in the East but with a 2025 draft pick due to the Spurs if it falls outside the top 10, the Bulls are likely to target young players with upside rather than a collection of draft picks. -- Collier

23. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 record: 16-19

• Previous ranking: 18

• Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 9), vs. UTAH (Jan. 11), vs. CHA (Jan. 12), @ ATL (Jan. 14)

This is not so sneaky but acquiring Jimmy Butler should be the move Phoenix obsesses over until it is completed or it becomes clear it will not happen -- either because of Miami's unwillingness to send Butler to a preferred destination or Bradley Beal's refusal to waive his no-trade clause. Butler would shake things up for a Suns team that just can't find a rhythm, and the move would signal to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker the franchise's continued urgency to capitalize on their time together. -- McMenamin

24. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 record: 12-23

• Previous ranking: 25

• Next games: @ NO (Jan. 8), @ DAL (Jan. 9), vs. MIA (Jan. 11), vs. BKN (Jan. 14)

If the Blazers trade one of their veteran starters, Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons, expect them to target players who can help now rather than draft picks. That approach paid off with Deni Avdija, who's been Portland's most efficient perimeter scorer after being acquired on draft night for two first-round picks. As flush as the Blazers are with young guards, they could stand to upgrade their shooting by adding a player like Sacramento's Kevin Huerter as matching salary in such a trade.-- Pelton

25. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 record: 13-23

• Previous ranking: 21

• Next games: vs. DET (Jan. 8), @ DEN (Jan. 10), @ UTAH (Jan. 12), @ POR (Jan. 14)

Brooklyn already dealt two starters in Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith in recent weeks, indicating that the Nets -- hoping to land a top pick in the lottery -- are still more likely to trade away talent. (Nets forward Cameron Johnson figures to be on several teams' wish lists leading up to the deadline.) The club isn't concerned about finding win-now players. Still, with floor generals and free-agents-to-be D'Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons on the roster, Brooklyn could inquire about a solid young guard like San Antonio's Tre Jones as the Nets take the next steps in their rebuild. -- Herring

26. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 record: 9-26

• Previous ranking: 26

• Next games: vs. MIA (Jan. 9), @ PHX (Jan. 11), vs. BKN (Jan. 12)

Any trade the Jazz make will likely be more about picks than players in terms of compensation, but perhaps Utah can acquire a young prospect. Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia is the type of player who might fit that mold, as he's shown potential but has a murky future in Memphis, which declined his fourth-year player option. The third-year guard has had a good season -- 8.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes per game while shooting 50% from the floor and 45.3% from 3-point range -- and the salary cap rules might hamper the Grizzlies on what they can offer if they do want to keep him. -- MacMahon

27. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 record: 8-28

• Previous ranking: 28

• Next games: @ NYK (Jan. 8), @ CLE (Jan. 9), @ DET (Jan. 11), vs. GS (Jan. 13)

After years of contention, Toronto is entering into a rebuild centered around All-Star forward Scottie Barnes. The biggest question for the Raptors over the next month is the future of guard Bruce Brown, who is finally back on the court and is on a $23 million expiring contract, making him a prime candidate to be moved if Toronto can find the right deal. -- Bontemps

28. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 record: 7-30

• Previous ranking: 29

• Next games: vs. POR (Jan. 8), @ PHI (Jan. 10), @ BOS (Jan. 12), @ CHI (Jan. 14)

Brandon Ingram is about to be an unrestricted free agent on a team that doesn't appear to be close to making a real push for the postseason. Trading the 27-year old is a priority for the Pelicans, who also appear open to potentially moving veteran guard CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson isn't exactly untouchable here, but he's still 24 and dripping with superstar potential that the Pelicans aren't ready to give up on yet. -- Wright

29. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 record: 8-27

• Previous ranking: 27

• Next games: @ LAL (Jan. 9), @ LAC (Jan. 11), @ PHX (Jan. 12)

Far more likely to lean into its solid lottery odds than to push for more wins in the second half, Charlotte doesn't need to take an aggressive swing for a contributor. If anything, it'd be best served by finding solid veterans to serve as examples for star youngsters like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who figure to lead the organization for years to come. That could potentially be accomplished by the Hornets using their cap space to help to facilitate deals as a third party -- and collecting spare draft picks by doing so -- the way they did to help the Knicks and Wolves close the blockbuster deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns.-- Herring

30. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 record: 6-28

• Previous ranking: 30

• Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 8), @ CHI (Jan. 10), vs. OKC (Jan. 12), vs. MIN (Jan. 13)

Washington has been more connected to who they could trade -- Kyle Kuzma -- rather than who they could get. The Wizards will keep collecting as many assets as they can as they continue to build for the future. But if they do land any players in trades, Memphis veteran point guard Marcus Smart could be someone who could help them in a variety of ways. Smart is more suitable for a team ready to win now, so that could serve Washington well in relocating the veteran in exchange for more assets. But if the Wizards were to land someone like Smart and hold onto him for a bit, he could help mentor young talent like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. -- Youngmisuk