NBA Insider: January 7, 2025

Executive Summary: This edition of NBA Insider covers the latest news and analysis surrounding the league, focusing on key trade rumors, power rankings, player performances, and emerging storylines. The trade deadline looms large, with speculation swirling around players like Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal. Meanwhile, on-court performance is scrutinized, with discussions on the league’s record-high three-point attempts, the rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an MVP candidate, and the contrasting performances of some young stars. Finally, we delve into the ongoing feud between NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard.

Trade Deadline Buzz

What Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle Tell Us About the New NBA

The New York Times (The Athletic) (2 hours ago) This article analyzes the potential trade implications of Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle, suggesting their situations reflect broader shifts in NBA team-building strategies. It likely explores how these players’ value impacts the current trade landscape and the types of deals being discussed as the deadline approaches.

2025 NBA Trade Block Big Board: New Deals for Top 10 Targets

Bleacher Report (10 hours ago) This piece offers a ranking of the top ten trade targets, providing insights into potential deals and their impact on the league. It likely includes analysis of each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with various teams.

NBA trade deadline: Biggest roster holes for 15 contenders — and the chance each makes a major move

ESPN (9 hours ago) This ESPN article identifies the biggest roster needs of fifteen contending teams and assesses their likelihood of making significant moves before the trade deadline. The analysis likely includes considerations of team salary cap, available assets, and the overall competitiveness of the league.

NBA Insider reveals surprising insight on $146 million All-Star joining the Bucks

Sporting News (2 hours ago) This article focuses on a surprising potential acquisition by the Milwaukee Bucks, hinting at a major All-Star player joining their roster. It likely provides details about the player, the potential trade package, and its impact on the Bucks’ championship aspirations.

NBA Rumors: Suns’ Bradley Beal Would Waive No-Trade Clause For Lakers

Lakers Nation (21 hours ago) This report suggests that Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns might waive his no-trade clause to join the Los Angeles Lakers, indicating a potential blockbuster deal in the works. The article likely analyzes Beal’s fit with the Lakers, the potential trade considerations, and the impact on both teams.

Power Rankings & Team Analysis

NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers-Thunder is a battle of the best two teams, but who’s No. 1?

Yahoo Sports (5 hours ago) and The New York Times (The Athletic) (9 hours ago) These articles present power rankings placing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder as the top two teams in the league. They likely offer detailed analysis of each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance to justify their rankings and predict the outcome of the upcoming Cavaliers-Thunder game.

At The NBA’s Midway Point, Meet The 3 Teams In The League That Have Played Their Way Into True Title Or Bust Status

Barstool Sports (1 hour ago) This article identifies three teams that are in a “win-now” situation, facing immense pressure to win a championship this season. It likely focuses on the teams’ roster composition, performance, and the implications of failing to reach the Finals.

Player Spotlights & Controversies

Steph Curry and the NBA’s most confounding paradox

ESPN (9 hours ago) This ESPN article explores the complex situation surrounding Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, highlighting the team’s struggles and the challenges Curry faces in leading them to success. It likely discusses the team’s weaknesses, Curry’s role, and potential solutions.

Ahead of NBA trade deadline, Steph Curry is calling out Warriors’ flaws

The Mercury News (10 hours ago) and Steph Curry Makes Brutally Honest James Wiseman Statement Sports Illustrated (1 hour ago) These articles highlight Steph Curry’s outspoken criticism of the Warriors’ shortcomings, potentially signaling a need for significant changes before the trade deadline. The articles delve into specific issues within the team and the potential impact of Curry’s comments.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is playing like an NBA All-Star

Andscape (1 day ago) This article focuses on Cade Cunningham’s impressive performance, suggesting he is playing at an All-Star level. It likely provides statistical evidence and analysis of his improved skills and overall impact on the Pistons.

NBA MVP odds: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerges as favorite ahead of Nikola Jokić

The New York Times (The Athletic) (4 hours ago) This article discusses the shifting odds for the NBA MVP award, highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence as the frontrunner despite Nikola Jokic’s strong performance. It likely includes analysis of their statistical achievements and overall impact on their respective teams.

NBA Breaks Silence After Controversial LeBron James Moment in Lakers’ Loss

Athlon Sports (24 hours ago) This article discusses a controversial moment involving LeBron James during a Lakers game, and the NBA’s official response. It likely analyzes the specific play, the controversy surrounding it, and the league’s explanation.

Other News & Analysis

NBA 3-Point Spree Draws Fan Ire but No ‘Imminent’ League Fire

Sportico.com (7 hours ago) This article discusses the record-high number of three-point attempts in the NBA and the mixed fan reaction to this trend. It likely includes statistical data, analysis of the strategic implications of this trend, and the league’s response.

The Least Improved Players of the 2024-25 NBA Season

The Ringer (1 day ago) This article identifies several NBA players who have shown the least improvement this season. It likely provides an analysis of their performances, highlighting specific areas where they have fallen short of expectations.

NBA Legend Shaq Attacks Dwight Howard On X

OutKick (16 hours ago) and Dwight Howard fires back at Shaquille O’Neal as NBA legends reignite beef: ‘You always been jealous’ CBS Sports (6 hours ago) These articles cover the public feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard, detailing their recent exchange on social media. The articles likely analyze the history of their rivalry and the reasons behind their ongoing conflict.

Former South Carolina basketball star nearing return to NBA action

On3.com (2 hours ago) This article reports on the impending return of a former South Carolina basketball star to the NBA after a season-long injury. It likely includes details about the player’s injury, his recovery progress, and the team he will be joining.

Video Of NBA Hall Of Famer Shows Extreme Athleticism Existed In 1960s

Sports Illustrated (16 minutes ago) This article features a video showcasing the exceptional athleticism of a Hall of Fame NBA player from the 1960s. It likely compares the player’s skills to those of modern NBA stars, highlighting the evolution of the game.

This magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the key NBA news and insights from January 7, 2025. The articles selected represent a balance of trade speculation, power rankings, player analysis, and intriguing storylines, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the current state of the league.