Full Court Pressed Vol 2: Trade Rumors & Must-Watch Games

🏀 Weekly Recap: January 13 – January 19, 2025 🏀

As we approach the NBA trade deadline on February 6, the league is buzzing with activity. Here's a comprehensive look at the latest trades, rumors, and standout performances from the past week.

🔄 Trade Rumors and Discussions

• Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets): Johnson remains a focal point in trade discussions. The Nets are reportedly seeking substantial returns, valuing him at two first-round picks or equivalent assets. Teams like Cleveland, Indiana, and Sacramento have shown interest, but no deal has been finalized.

• Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz): The Dallas Mavericks have initiated talks to acquire Clarkson, aiming to bolster their roster amid Kyrie Irving's injury. Potential trade packages might include second-round picks and players such as Naji Marshall or Dwight Powell to match salaries.

• Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat): While Butler is back from him suspension, it is still clear that he wants to be moved ASAP. The biggest link has been to the suns, with Butler, but it is unclear if the Heat want any of the pieces that the Suns are willing to part with.

✅ Recent Trades

• Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets: The Suns acquired center Nick Richards from the Hornets on January 15, 2025. Richards is expected to strengthen the Suns' frontcourt as they push for a higher playoff seed. In his first game with the team, Richards posted a 21 and 11 line in 29 minutes of play.

📈 Standout Performances

• Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics (January 19): The Hawks secured a 119-115 overtime victory against the Celtics. Trae Young led the charge with 28 points and 11 assists, while Dyson Daniels contributed 23 points. Despite Jayson Tatum's 23-point effort for Boston, the Celtics couldn't clinch the win.

• Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards (January 19): The Warriors triumphed over the Wizards with a 122-114 win. Andrew Wiggins was instrumental, posting 31 points and 11 rebounds. Stephen Curry added 26 points but suffered a minor left ankle injury; Coach Steve Kerr indicated it's not serious. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole impressed with 38 points, including eight three-pointers.

• Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (January 19): The Heat dominated the Spurs with a 128-107 victory. A significant 46-27 run in the second and third quarters sealed the game. Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro delivered strong performances for Miami. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with a commendable effort but couldn't turn the tide.

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Upcoming Top 25 College Basketball Matchups: January 20 – January 26, 2025

The upcoming week features several crazy matchups between teams ranked in the AP Top 25.

Here are the games I will not be missing.

Upcoming Drops of the Week

Anyone else a big fan of the the off white type colorways? I just picked up a pair of the Sabrina 2’s (great basketball shoe) in the Coconut Milk colorway and they are clean! Easy to style, not too flashy but not basic white either. Seems to be mixed reviews on the performance of the Ja 2’s, but at least these will stand out.

Probably the next shoe I purchase. Maybe not this colorway though, not sure how I feel about metallic. The Vol 9 Hardens seems to take the success of the Vol 8’s and make them into a streamlined design. I’m 50/50 on if the 8 or 9 looks better, but I have always been a fan of the sock like inner section. What is your opinion? Does the 8 or 9 look better?

Unrivaled Basketball League's Electrifying Debut

The Unrivaled Basketball League, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, launched its inaugural season on January 17, 2025, in Miami, delivering an exhilarating start to the 3-on-3 women's professional basketball scene.

Opening Night Highlights:

• Historic First Basket: Breanna Stewart etched her name in Unrivaled history by scoring the league's first basket with a precise baseline jumper.

• Lunar Owls vs. Mist: In a thrilling opener, Napheesa Collier's Lunar Owls secured an 84-80 victory over Stewart's Mist. The game reached its climax with Skylar Diggins-Smith's decisive three-pointer, exemplifying the league's dynamic and fast-paced format.

• Vinyl vs. Rose: The second matchup saw Vinyl, led by Arike Ogunbowale and Rhyne Howard, triumph over Angel Reese's Rose with a score of 79-73. Howard's outstanding performance, including a 33-point game, highlighted her scoring prowess.

Unique League Features:

• Innovative Game Structure: Unrivaled introduces a distinctive format with three seven-minute quarters followed by an untimed fourth quarter, where teams aim to reach a "winning score"—the leading team's total plus 11 points. This structure ensures every game concludes with a game-winning shot, enhancing excitement for players and fans alike.

• Intimate Fan Experience: The league's debut at the 870-seat Wayfair Arena in Medley, Florida, provided a sold-out, up-close experience for spectators, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Looking Ahead:

As Unrivaled's season progresses, fans can anticipate continued high-caliber performances and competitive matchups. The league's commitment to showcasing top-tier talent in an innovative format marks a significant evolution in women's professional basketball.

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
— Hebrews 12:1-2

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