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

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs and free agent Colin Rea have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract, reuniting the right-hander with manager Craig Counsell, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers on Friday.

The 34-year-old Rea made one appearance with Milwaukee in 2021 and then pitched in Japan during the 2022 season before returning to the Brewers. He went 12-6 with a 4.29 ERA over 27 starts and five relief appearances for the NL Central champions last year.

Counsell managed Milwaukee for nine years before he was hired by Chicago in November 2023.

Rea gives Counsell and Chicago another versatile arm for their pitching staff. The Cubs have Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd for their rotation, but Rea could push Javier Assad for the fifth spot or work out of the bullpen.

Rea became a free agent when Milwaukee declined its $5.5 million club option on his contract in November. The Iowa native was paid a $1 million buyout.

Rea was selected by San Diego in the 12th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Indiana State. He made his big league debut with the Padres in 2015.

He pitched for the Cubs during the 2020 season, going 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

TORONTO -- All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $33 million, three-year contract.

The team announced the deal Friday night, two days after Hoffman's 32nd birthday.

Hoffman went 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves last season for the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies, earning his first All-Star selection in July. He set career bests for ERA, saves and appearances (68).

The right-hander struck out 89 and walked 16 in 66 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .197 batting average and compiling a 0.96 WHIP before becoming a free agent.

"We are excited to add Jeff to our bullpen. His arsenal, strike throwing, and ability to miss bats against all types of hitters is elite and will undoubtedly make us better," Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said in a news release. "Jeff will get an opportunity to close games for us this season. His track record, competitiveness, and experience make him a great complement to this group."

Hoffman was chosen ninth overall by the Blue Jays in the 2014 amateur draft out of East Carolina but has never pitched for them. He was traded the following year to Colorado with three other players in a blockbuster deal that brought star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins to Toronto.

The 6-foot-5 Hoffman made his major league debut for the Rockies in 2016. He is 23-26 with a 4.82 ERA in 256 career games, including 50 starts, over nine seasons with Colorado, Cincinnati and Philadelphia.

Hoffman pitched six shutout innings over five appearances for the Phillies in the 2023 National League Championship Series against Arizona. But he struggled badly in last year's playoffs versus the rival New York Mets, going 1-2 while allowing six runs in 1 innings over three outings in their division series.

Hoffman gets a $5 million signing bonus from the Blue Jays and salaries of $6 million this year and $11 million in each of the following two seasons. He can earn up to $2 million annually in performance bonuses for innings pitched: $500,000 each for 60, 70, 80 and 90.

In another roster move, Toronto right-hander Brett de Geus was designated for assignment.

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has banned two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending games at big league ballparks.

The league sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.

"On Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior," said the letter, the contents of which were first reported by the New York Post and later obtained by The Associated Press.

"Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities," the letter said. "You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass."

MLB has previously issued leaguewide bans for fans who trespass on the field or threaten baseball personnel. A fan who approached Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. at Colorado's Coors Field in 2023 received a similar ban.

Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on Oct. 29 and banned from Game 5 the following night.

Betts leaped at the retaining wall in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres' pop fly in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees road jersey grabbed Betts' glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts' bare hand.

The Yankees at the time called the behavior "egregious and unacceptable."

The team said Friday the two fans MLB banned were not season-ticket holders. The Post reported Friday that the person who is the season ticket holder was not at the game and will be allowed to keep them.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

For years, teammates have asked Devin Williams to teach them his changeup, a pitch so unusual and dominant it has its own nickname. Williams always helps. They just never get "The Airbender" right.

"I haven't seen anyone replicate it," Williams said.

Powered by The Airbender, Williams has established himself as one of the premier relievers in baseball since breaking into the majors in 2019. He has been so good that the Milwaukee Brewers, keeping with their frugal roster-building tactics, traded Williams to the New York Yankees last month for left-hander Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin before he inevitably would become too expensive in free agency next winter.

So, for one season, at least, Williams will follow in the footsteps of another Yankees closer who perplexed hitters with one pitch: Mariano Rivera.

"Those are big shoes to fill," Williams said of Rivera, whose signature cutter helped him become the first player voted unanimously to the Hall of Fame. "I feel he kind of ruined it for everybody else. I mean, after him, it's hard to live up to those expectations. But at the end of the day, I can only be me."

Being himself has been more than good enough for the 30-year-old Williams. The right-hander won the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year Award with a 0.33 ERA in 22 games as the Brewers' primary setup man during the COVID-shortened campaign. He was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023, his first full season as a closer.

Last season, after missing the first four months with stress fractures in his back, he posted a 1.25 ERA with 14 saves in 15 opportunities across 22 appearances. His 40.8% strikeout rate since 2020 ranks second in the majors among relievers. His 1.70 ERA is also second. His .144 batting average against ranks first.

"Obviously, he's one of the best in the league, if not the best," Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said.

For Williams, it all starts with The Airbender. Williams grips it like a changeup and its 84-mph average velocity plays off his fastball like a changeup. But it's a changeup with an exceptionally high spin rate that breaks to his arm side -- opposite from the typical changeup -- making it resemble a screwball or a left-hander's sweeping slider. It is without precedent.

"It's not anything to do with the grip," Williams said. "The grip is nothing special. That's why I think it's funny when people are like, 'Oh, don't give it away.' This is the most basic changeup grip they teach you when you're 8 years old."

Williams said his changeup is so different for two reasons: His elite extension, which ranked in the 98th percentile in 2024, and a singular ability to pronate his wrist.

"It's the way my wrist works, the way I'm able to manipulate the ball is something unique, uniquely me," Williams said. "It allows me to throw my changeup the way I throw it. I'm a really good pronator, not supinator. That's why my slider sucked. You need to get on the other side of the ball. I'm not good at that. I'm good at turning it over."

Williams did, however, modify his changeup grip to unearth the weapon. Entering 2019, Williams was a struggling minor league starter with a solid changeup, two years removed from Tommy John surgery. He was one year from reaching free agency, from perhaps seeing his career come to an end and going to college to play soccer.

That spring, seeking more movement, he altered his changeup grip from a two-seam to a four-seam, circle change grip. He first threw it during a live batting practice session to Trent Grisham, then a Brewers prospect. Grisham, now with the Yankees, told Williams the spin difference was noticeable. Williams stuck with it.

A starter through spring training, Williams was sent to Double-A as a reliever to begin the season. The demotion sparked desperation, and Williams decided to throw harder than ever, reaching back to lift his fastball into the high 90s. He was in the majors by August. But it wasn't until the COVID shutdown in 2020 -- when he realized spinning the ball more and dropping the velocity from high-80s to mid-80s created more movement -- that his changeup reached another level.

"I took that into the season and at summer camp I'm facing my own teammates," Williams said. "And Jedd Gyorko, I threw him one, and he swung and missed and he was just like, What is that? I've never seen [anything] like that. That gave me confidence and we just ran with it. And I literally started throwing it all the time."

Coincidentally, Williams said the closest changeup he's seen to his belongs to Luke Weaver, whose emergence as a shutdown reliever in 2024 was crucial in the Yankees reaching the World Series. Williams happened to be in New York when the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers played in the Fall Classic. He was on his annual autumn vacation after the Brewers were eliminated from the postseason. Past trips have taken him all over Europe: London, Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Munich, Dortmund, with a soccer game invariably on his itinerary.

This time, he was in New York. He explored the city for 10 days. Instead of soccer, he watched the World Series from a bar. He shopped. He ate good food. He absorbed the city's energy.

"I'm a city guy," Williams said. "I love to explore cities. I like to immerse myself in the culture. I want to be like a normal, everyday person. You guys like bacon, egg and cheese? All right, I'm getting a bacon, egg and cheese."

Less than two months later, as part of a series of moves executed in their pivot from Juan Soto's decision to sign with the crosstown Mets, the Yankees added Williams. On Thursday, Williams settled for $8.6 million to avoid arbitration.

He'll partner with Weaver to create one of the best bullpen back ends in baseball -- in hopes of helping the Yankees win their first championship since Rivera was dominating hitters with his cutter.

When Kyrgios returned to action at the recent Brisbane International after an 18-month absence, it completed a comeback which even his wrist surgeon doubted was possible.

Kyrgios suffered a full rupture of the scapholunate ligament, which often leaves patients unable to regain normal function even after surgery.

"In the past, our ability to restore such a wrist after such severe injuries has been unreliable - let alone getting someone back to high level sport," Dr Michael Sandow, who is regarded as one of Australia's leading wrist surgeons, told BBC Sport.

"His return to tennis is better than we could have hoped for."

A 3D modelling and animation technique - developed over 20 years at the University of Adelaide and the Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic where Dr Sandow works - allowed the surgeon to use an innovative and complex repair technique on Kyrgios.

The drilling of the wrist bones and use of artificial ligaments enabled the joint to be realigned.

Kyrgios picked up a racquet again nine months after the surgery in September 2023.

"As a surgeon you hold your breath when your patient is pushing the boundaries of competitive sport," added Dr Sandow.

"Nick's progress so far has been a massive team effort and we are looking forward to him pushing deeply in the Australian Open."

One Australian academic, speaking to the Guardian,, external said Djokovic's claim was a "wild accusation".

"It's possible but very unlikely given how long he was locked up," said Damian Maganja, research fellow in food policy at the George Institute for Global Health.

"These meals were probably made in mass amounts and there haven't been other reports as far as I know."

Djokovic was sent to an immigration hotel where refugees and asylum seekers had long complained of poor conditions.

In December 2022, shortly before Djokovic had arrived at the Park Hotel, detainees had complained about finding maggots in their food.

By the time Djokovic was sent there, the hotel had been certified and licensed by the City of Melbourne local authority as a food service premises. It was subject to auditing and inspection by the city's Department of Health.

Detainees are said to have had access to a variety of food and beverages, which was deemed nutritious, culturally appropriate and met any specific medical or dietary requirements.

Djokovic has long been known to eat a gluten and dairy-free diet, while following a largely plant-based nutritional regime - which he has regularly cited as a recipe for his success.

Fish and shellfish commonly have higher levels of mercury than other foods, according to the NHS., external

PITTSBURGH -- Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists to move into ninth on the NHL's career scoring list as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 on Thursday night.

The Penguins' captain tied Hall of Famer Joe Sakic at 1,641 points with an assist on Bryan Rust's first-period goal. Crosby then moved past Sakic with an assist on Drew O'Connor's sixth goal of the season later in the period as the Penguins raced to a 4-1 advantage.

Crosby's 12th goal 5:42 into the second put the Penguins up 5-1, providing some welcome wiggle room for a team that has struggled to hold multiple-goal leads this season.

The next name ahead of Crosby on the career scoring list is none other than Penguins icon Mario Lemieux, who had 1,723 points.

"I'm running out of superlatives [about Crosby]," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters after the game. "What he's accomplishing, first of all, his body of work in the league, his legacy that has been built to this point, speaks for itself. He's the consummate pro. He just represents our sport, the league, the Pittsburgh Penguins in such a great way.

"He just carries himself with so much grace and humility and integrity. And he's a fierce competitor on the ice."

Rust also had a goal and two assists for Pittsburgh, which snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Oilers for the first time since Dec. 20, 2019.

"For us, that was our goal -- to be on our toes, be all over them, be on top of them, because they're very fast, a skilled team," Rust told reporters after the game. "I think just a result of that was us being able to get some offense."

Alex Nedeljkovic made 40 stops for the Penguins and Rickard Rakell scored his team-high 21st goal as Pittsburgh won without injured center Evgeni Malkin.

McDavid finished with three assists. Leon Draisaitl scored twice to boost his season total to an NHL-best 31, but the Penguins beat Stuart Skinner four times in the first 14 minutes. Skinner settled down to finish with 21 saves but it wasn't enough as the Penguins ended Edmonton's four-game winning streak.

TAKEAWAYS

Oilers: Their attention to detail in the first period was shaky. Though Skinner wasn't at his best, the Penguins also had little trouble generating chances.

Penguins: Pittsburgh remains a work in progress at midseason but showed it can compete with the league's best.

UP NEXT

Edmonton finishes a four-game trip at Chicago on Saturday. The Penguins continue a five-game homestand Saturday against Ottawa.