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The New York Knicks have the chance to add scoring to their bench in the buyout market this winter.
Knicks could look to Bojan Bogdanovic signing
The Knicks may be able to make a play for Brooklyn Nets wing Bojan Bogdanovic. Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported that Bogdanovic is a strong candidate to get bought out and could become available for New York to claim:
“Bojan Bogdanovic is viewed as a likely buyout candidate,” Sidery published on X on Feb. 7. “After being included in the Mikal Bridges trade, Bogdanovic hasn’t played yet for the Nets this season after undergoing foot surgery last April. Bogdanovic’s shooting prowess would be a welcome addition for contenders.”
Knicks’ bench needs what Bogdanovic could provide
The Croatian talent is an elite outside shooter and skilled shot-creator who can score from anywhere inside 27 feet. Just last season, Bogdanovic averaged 20.2 points per game on 41.5 percent shooting from the three-point line across 28 games played for the Detroit Pistons.
Should the Knicks sign him in the event that he hits the waiver wire, that would not be the first time that he dons a Knicks jersey. The 35-year-old was dealt to New York midway through the previous campaign. However, despite scoring in double figures with 10.4 PPG and 1.6 three-pointers made per contest, he did not fit perfectly in their scheme.
This time around, he’d be just what the doctor ordered for a new-look Knicks team that boasts the worst-scoring second unit in the league at 21.4 PPG. With his paint penetration and marksmanship from distance, New York’s bench would get the versatile forward it needs in hopes of waging a Finals run this spring.
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TODAY'S BEST
LeBron James & Steve Nash Send Strong Message to Adam Silver Over Long-Standing Kawhi Leonard Issue
The NBA is facing a growing injury crisis, and many believe it’s tied to the demanding 82-game schedule. While some, like Steve Kerr, have long advocated for change, he even emailed Commissioner Adam Silver before last season, urging a reduction to 65 games! On the other hand, some do feel 82 is a sweet spot. The debate continues to divide the league, as concerns over player health and performance intensify. Now, LeBron James and Steve Nash have stepped in to share their perspectives. While discussing the sheer amount of superstars injured for the upcoming season on their ‘Mind The Game‘ podcast, Nash asked James about how much of it has to do with the number of games today’s players have to play each year. The Los Angeles Lakers forward gave a very balanced reply: “I mean, I don’t know, I can’t sit here and say that I have the direct answer to that. But we are at this point in the era that we’re playing in, it’s a lot more running.” While LeBron played it safe, Nash did not hold back. The former Suns star sent a strong message to the NBA, especially to commissioner Adam Silver. “When the acceling-deceling in space, there’s no getting around the wear and tear that causes. Like, we were talking about elite athletes covering elite athletes in bigger spaces, longer rotations, more closeouts, more possessions. Unfortunately, it just is a factor,” Nash pointed out. If you take an ideal scenario, a team can play around 110 games. 82 and then if you take 7 games (ideal situation) in each of the 4 rounds of the playoffs. “And then, so I hate load management. But it’s a part of the equation. We have to be smart. We don’t want guys to miss when LeBron James goes to Atlanta, we don’t want some kid to be sad ’cause he’s got to sit up. But sometimes that’s the reality. It’s that we have to be smart about it. So I don’t know, I feel like it’s an important part of the puzzle is managing the rigors of the game.” Well, Steve Nash does present a fair argument, because we have seen the Clippers star dealing with this issue. Although many fans criticize players like Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid for sitting out a significant number of games each season, it might be the result of the immense amount of stress their bodies have taken over time. After all, there’s a huge difference in playing 82 games back in the day compared to today. Then, players did not have to run 20-30 feet to cover a shooter, which might not seem much during one game, but takes a toll on an athlete’s muscles over the season. Teams will have to lean on load management because they do not have any other way of protecting their players. It’s not like the franchise and players like to disappoint the fans, the former Nets head coach revealed, but they don’t want to risk losing their stars for key games. Nonetheless, while LeBron James and Steve Nash have sent strong messages through their statements, what can be the solution? Is there a way to solve the NBA’s load management crisis? Well, in the past few years, load management has become a massive issue for the league, with fans frustrated with the situation. Although the NBA did come up with a way to combat the issue, as they issued a minimum threshold of 65 games for them to become eligible to be considered for the end-of-the-season honors, that doesn’t solve the root cause. You see, while this might prompt players to not sit out every game, the real problem, as Lakers superstar LeBron James and former NBA guard Steve Nash pointed out, is the wear and tear of muscles. The only, or rather an immediate solution, is to reduce the number of regular-season games unless there’s a solid alternative. That’s because any other solution than that will not help the players’ health, which should be a priority for the association. In fact, as mentioned, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has already raised this concern before. “I’m concerned about the product because I think we are asking way too much of our players,” Kerr said back in November last year. “The game has never been more difficult to play at a high level night after night after night. We should account for that. We all need to be thinking about that, for sure.” The Dubs boss pointed out that, given how difficult the game has become for players daily, teams have no choice but to sit out their players for certain games. As disappointing as it might be for the fans, it’s something the franchises have to do to avoid risking their players suffering a serious injury. Now, with more players and coaches joining Kerr, such as James and Nash, the league might finally be forced to look into this issue. However, reducing the number of games is easier said than done. So, will Adam Silver and Co. finally take some action to solve the NBA’s load management issue, or not? That’s something we can only wait and watch as the new season approaches.
Why Blue Jackets winger is a logical trade target for the Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are ready to start the 2025-26 season, with high expectations around the team with a reinforced young core. On Wednesday, Heavy.com proposed a trade between Columbus and Montreal. The Canadiens would acquire Yegor Chinakhov, with a cap hit of $2.1 million, and the Blue Jackets would receive Patrik Laine, with a cap hit of $8.7 million. The outlet had previously proposed an alternative, where the Canadiens obtained Chinakhov for a package of Josh Anderson and Arber Xhekaj, freeing up $4.7 million in cap space. The Columbus coach confirmed that Chinakhov will be a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' season opener. Chinakhov requested a trade in July, so a change is not seen as improbable. Blue Jackets' Yegor Chinakhov would fit in well with the Canadiens This trade pitch makes sense because Chinakhov needs a change to get stable minutes on a top-nine team. In Montreal, he could benefit from an environment that maximizes its young offensive players. The Russian's profile would also fit Martin St. Louis' system, as he shoots well and plays well without the puck. In a system that prioritizes possession, the volume and quality of his shots should improve. As he is a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2026, Montreal could maintain contractual control if his production improves. It is a buy-low with upside, as he has recorded a season with 16 goals. This would reduce the risk in relation to larger contracts. The Canadiens could offer a development environment without demanding immediate results. He would not have pressure to be the "savior." Furthermore, not all benefits would be for the player. The Habs are looking for more talent for their wings and scoring depth without sacrificing their defensive structure. The Russian would add shooting threat and quick transitions, especially with centers who gain the zone of control, which could be Suzuki or Kirby Dach.
Rangers must address these details after season-opening loss to Penguins
The New York Rangers started the 2025-26 season poorly, as the opening night at Madison Square Garden ended with a 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This result overshadowed the official debut of Mike Sullivan as coach of the Rangers and the first game of J.T. Miller as captain of the franchise. That said, two empty net goals at the end masked a game that was closer than the score reflects. Justin Brazeau scored near the end of the first period, and then there were two empty netters in the final minutes, from Brazeau and Blake Lizotte. Igor Shesterkin saved 27 of 28, keeping the Rangers alive for a long period. The match was stuck and there were few clear chances, remaining at 1-0 for almost the entire game. Sullivan's team fell into the defensive pace proposed by the Penguins. What went wrong for the Rangers in their loss to the Penguins It was not a total tactical disaster for the Rangers, but there were specific details that can be linked to the result. There was a lack of offensive interiority from the Blueshirts. New York lived on the perimeter, without traffic, without second chances, and without backdoor runs. It became evident that a goaltender in rhythm, like Arturs Silovs, sees everything and shuts you down. Although Zibanejad and Lafreniere generated volume, the team did not produce the type of danger that moves the scoreboard. There were also misalignments in the defensive pair made up of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov. The idea of Gavrikov operating as a physical stabilizer to free up Fox did not materialize. Whenever the first breakout fails, the team plays uphill, and the offense becomes more predictable. On the power play, there was a lack of timing and triangulation in the slot. And although on the penalty kill, new rotations were shown that worked in stretches, the defensive zone at five-on-five offered second chances that Shesterkin saved until he could no more. Decision-making under pressure is also an area of opportunity for the Rangers. In the final minutes, the pinches without backup showed anxiety more than an organized aggressiveness. Brazeau's goal came as a result of a lost face-off that was managed poorly, without clear guidance and roles. An elite team cannot afford to have that lack of synchronization. The goal resulted from a disorderly collapse toward the puck carrier, which led to a lost coverage and an open man in the slot. Had there been communication, a high F3, a quick switch to the netfront, and active sticks, that same pattern would have died in an outside shot without danger. It was many small details together that led to this defeat.
Bengals QB Jake Browning angry about being benched for Joe Flacco, but team had no choice
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning has officially been benched, and he is not taking it lightly. Browning has started the last three games for the Bengals in the wake of a toe injury that Joe Burrow suffered in Week 2. After going 0-3 in those games, the Bengals decided to acquire Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced on Wednesday that Flacco will start in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. That means the new guy is taking Browning's job right away, which is hardly a surprise. Jake Browning is not happy about losing his job Browning spoke with reporters shortly after Taylor revealed that Flacco will start in Green Bay. The 29-year-old quarterback said the situation "sucks" but that he understands how the business of the NFL works. "I think it sucks but, like I said, everyone's in the middle of a season. I think, 'Welcome to pro football,'" Browning said. "If you don't play well, you're gonna get replaced, and that's what I'm going through." Browning also admitted he is angry over being benched. Though, he said he is not willing to shoulder the blame for everything that has gone wrong for Cincinnati since Burrow went down. "For me, I'm trying to respond the right way. Obviously, I'm pi--ed. If I wasn't pi--ed, then I shouldn't be in this locker room," Browning added. "I'm aware of the role I played in the offensive struggles over the last few weeks, but I'm also not shouldering the entire situation. I went through yesterday, watched my throws, tried to come up with some stuff I want to work on, and just doing that." Zac Taylor had no choice but to make a switch Browning threw three interceptions in Cincinnati's 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns as well, but anything positive that the veteran did came when the game was essentially out of hand. In his two starts prior to the Lions loss, Browning threw for a total of 265 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Bengals scored 13 points in the two games combined. Ja'Marr Chase looked extremely frustrated at times and even had a heated exchange with Taylor on the sideline. Taylor had been facing tremendous pressure from fans to make a quarterback change. It would not be a surprise if Cincinnati's front office and some players expressed a desire for Browning to be benched, as well.
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