New York Knicks

The New York Knicks reportedly believe they will need to be part of a "multi-team deal" to land Ben Simmons in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Ian Begley of SNY. 

"They (the Sixers) have been consistent in wanting a top player (in return for Simmons)," a source told Begley. "(The Knicks) would need to get creative."

The report comes a day after Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the Sixers were "ramping up their efforts to spark multi-team trade scenarios to move [Ben] Simmons," with the Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly among the interested teams.

Per that report, Philly's asking price to prospective suitors is "an All-Star-caliber player and/or multiple first-round draft picks."

Simmons has yet to play this season after reports that he wanted to be traded over the summer. After a lengthy holdout, he returned to the team briefly in October, only to eventually tell teammates and coaches he wasn't ready to play and needed time to work on his mental health. 

Per Charania, Simmons has "sought help from a personal mental health specialist and gave the 76ers’ team therapist permission to speak with his own therapist."

Since leaving the team in October, Simmons has still not returned to game action. The 25-year-old is a three-time All-Star who averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season, but the lingering memory of him in Philadelphia will be his unwillingness to shoot the ball during the fourth quarters of the team's Eastern Conference Semifinals departure against the Atlanta Hawks, namely the dunk he passed on in Game 7. 

A change in scenery would make sense for both Simmons and the Sixers, with superstar Joel Embiid and Simmons always making for imperfect partners given that both are best operating closer to the basket. 

But assuming the Sixers find a trade partner for Simmons, they will miss his perimeter defense, playmaking and ability to push the pace in transition. 

Granted, the same things that made Simmons a questionable fit with Embiid would make him an equally puzzling fit next to Julius Randle, who has seen his three-point shooting (32.6 percent) regress this year after last year's career numbers (41.1 percent). 

But his defensive versatility would fit well on a Tom Thibodeau team, and he would equally give the team a playmaking boost. It seems likely the Knicks will need to find a third team to get the deal done, however. 

Kevin Knox has not earned a consistent role with the New York Knicks, but he has reportedly drawn interest on the trade market.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, "teams are inquiring" about the fourth-year player, who will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

Knox has only appeared in seven games all season for the Knicks but thrived in his first extended opportunity Sunday with 18 points in 29 minutes in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He had just six points in 22 minutes all season prior to that appearance.

The 22-year-old showcased his skill set with five three-pointers in the game.

The breakout performance could be enough for the Knicks to give Knox another chance in the rotation. After a 12-15 start to the season, the team could use the added production.

On the other hand, the one game might have been an audition for another team as he seeks a fresh start to his career.

The 2018 No. 9 overall draft pick had a solid first season in the NBA, averaging 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 75 appearances (57 starts). Playing time became hard to come by after that, however, averaging just 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game over the next two years.

After averaging 28.8 minutes per game as a rookie, he dropped to 17.9 minutes in 2019-20 and 11.0 minutes in 2020-21. 

An opposing team could buy low on a high-upside player before determining a plan for him in the offseason.   

The Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks "have shown interest in recent years" in potentially acquiring Indiana Pacers star big man Domantas Sabonis, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. 

Sabonis is "expected to generate strong interest and is among the attractive players who could be available in a trade" ahead of the NBA's Feb. 10 trade deadline, per Charania.

Last week, The Athletic's Charania and Bob Kravitz reported that the Pacers were "moving toward a substantial rebuild and are expected to open up trade conversations around some of their veteran stalwarts."

That meant players like Sabonis, fellow center Myles Turner and Caris LeVert, among others, could be put on the trade block. 

Sabonis will likely be considered the crown jewel of that group. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He's shooting 58.4 percent from the field but only 31 percent from three. 

While Sabonis isn't the modern prototype at center, offering little in the way of floor spacing out to the three-point line or elite rim protection, he's a dominant scorer and rebounder. 

However, it would be somewhat surprising if the Knicks and Suns seriously pursue him.

The Knicks' floor spacing with Sabonis next to Julius Randle would be questionable. While Randle shot 41.1 percent from three last year, he's hitting only 32.6 percent this season, which is much closer to his career average.

Meanwhile, Phoenix already has young star DeAndre Ayton at center. Unless the Suns are willing to move on from Ayton—perhaps they won't be interested in matching a max offer if he receives one this summer as a restricted free agent?—it's hard to see the defending Western Conference champs, who currently sit at 21-4, messing with a good thing when it comes to their roster. 

But there are plenty of teams around the NBA who could benefit from an upgrade at center. It won't be surprising in the least if Sabonis gets moved.

There is reportedly significant interest in a potential trade for Ben Simmons, with the Philadelphia 76ers "ramping up their efforts" to complete a deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. 

The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers are all considered interested in the disgruntled guard.

Simmons has not yet played for Philadelphia this season, saying he is not mentally ready to join the team. He previously requested a trade during the offseason before reporting to camp in October.

The 25-year-old could still make a significant impact in the NBA this season as a three-time All-Star who has been named first-team All-Defense in each of the past two years. Simmons has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game over his career as one of the most versatile players in the league.

It creates an obvious draw for teams looking to improve their standing in the playoff hunt.

The Lakers (15-13) haven't lived up to expectations this season, but adding Simmons could bring in some much-needed youth and athleticism that would fit perfectly with the team's fast-paced approach. On the other hand, the outside shooting questions would only grow considering Simmons has just five career made three-pointers in four NBA seasons.

The cap situation could also be difficult with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook all making at least $35 million this season, per Spotrac. The team might have to include one of the superstars in any deal for Simmons.  

The Knicks (12-15), Trail Blazers (11-16) and Kings (11-16) are all fighting for playoff spots with defenses that rank in the bottom six in the NBA in efficiency. Simmons could immediately turn things around for any of those teams after keying a 76ers team that ranked second in the category last season.

This potential trade could be a long-term move for the Timberwolves (12-15) or Cavaliers (16-12), two teams looking to solidify their core after several losing seasons in a row. Minnesota could have an exciting future with Simmons, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, while Cleveland would look to pair him with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Philadelphia will still have a high asking price, reportedly seeking an "All-Star-caliber player and/or multiple first-round draft pick," per Charania.

The 76ers have targeted Damian Lillard in a trade for Simmons, although the Trail Blazers have said he is off limits, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe. With plenty of league-wide interest in Simmons, however, the front office might still hold out for a top return in a trade.   

Nearly two months into the NBA season and, for some teams, dissatisfaction is mounting. With playoff expectations under duress, talk is growing louder in the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers camps. 

For the Pacers, a rebuilding effort feels imminent after a 12-16 start to the year. For the Knicks, a 1-6 run over their last seven games is spurring doubt.

The trade deadline is set for February 10 and all players signed as free agents this offseason become eligible for trades on December 15. So movement is bound to be coming.

Here are what the situations are looking like in New York and Indiana, with the former's leadership in question and the latter's roster on the precipice of serious shakeups.

Knicks Not Sold on Julius Randle's Leadership 

At 12-15, the Knicks are slipping further away from the playoffs and toward the draft lottery. According to the NY Post's Marc Berman, there's now concern that "locker-room leadership has started to become an issue."

And at the center of that locker room is Julius Randle, who Berman's source describes as an "occasional loner."

With Kemba Walker out of the rotation and Taj Gibson relegated to a minor role, the Knicks don't have many leaders who see court time. Complementary gunslingers Evan Fournier and Alec Burks don't quite fit the bill either.

That leaves Randle, whose 2020 renaissance sparked hopes that he could bring the team's mojo. Unfortunately, as his on-court production tumbles, it seems that his more intangible value is also unimpressive. It remains to be seen what that means for New York, but nothing propels trade talk more than unfulfilled expectations.

If the Knicks keep slipping in the standings, one can imagine calls for change growing louder.

Indiana Interested in Injured Collin Sexton

The Pacers are historically a rebuild-averse organization. The team hasn't drafted in the top 10 since 1989, and their most recent pick, Chris Duarte, is 24—an obvious win-now selection.

But Indiana isn't looking so hot this season and people believe the team is now looking to blow it up. Former centerpieces Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis are reportedly unhappy, while the highly touted Caris LeVert isn't safe from trade chatter.

According to The Athletic's Joe Vardon, "rival executives believe the Pacers might engage in substantial deals before the deadline." And the clearest target we have is the Cleveland Cavaliers' Collin Sexton, who Indiana "likes" as a "terrific scorer."

Sexton is out for the year with a knee injury and a restricted free agent this offseason, but he's 22 years old and has already proved himself an adept bucket-getter. At the moment, it's unclear how likely a deal is to be made, but Sexton has earned Indiana's attention and seems to be the caliber of player they're interested in rebuilding around.

Julius Randle is the best player on the New York Knicks, but he might not be the type of leader that's needed in the locker room after a 12-14 start.

"One source believes locker-room leadership has started to become an issue," Marc Berman of the New York Post reported. "Randle is not a born leader, self-admittedly the quiet type, as is Derrick Rose."

"One source said the forward can occasionally be a loner in the locker room," Berman added.

The Knicks had high expectations after earning the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference last year, but the current record is tied for 11th.

"When you look at the team, there really isn't an outspoken leader," another NBA source told Berman.

Randle earned his first career All-Star selection in 2020-21 while averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, winning the NBA's Most Improved Player in the process.

The Knicks rewarded the 27-year-old with a four-year, $117 million contract extension in the offseason.

The 6'8" forward hasn't been quite as effective early in 2021-22, averaging 19.5 points per game. His three-point shooting has dropped from a career-best 41.1 percent last year to 33.1 through 26 games this season.

New York needs more on-court production from Randle to turn things around, but an increased off-court presence could also be just as important going forward.    

New York Knicks swingman RJ Barrett has been placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols and will miss Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

New York City requires resident athletes to be vaccinated to play, so it's known that Barrett has been inoculated. He will need two negative PCR tests 24 hours apart to be eligible to return under the NBA's rules for vaccinated players.

It's unknown if Barrett is exhibiting any symptoms.

The Duke product has been healthy all season after playing all 72 games in 2020-21. He's been in the lineup for 25 of the Knicks' 26 games, averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. It's been a bit of an underwhelming output for a young scorer who many saw as a star in the making after a strong second NBA season.

The Knicks will rely more on Evan Fournier and Alec Burks with Barrett out. Immanuel Quickley is likely to take Barrett's place in the starting lineup, while Derrick Rose could also see additional time off the bench.

Kemba Walker, who has been taken out of the rotation by coach Tom Thibodeau, may wind up seeing some playing time as well.

The New York Knicks announced Saturday that forward Obi Toppin has been placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols and will miss Sunday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Toppin is having a solid second season off the bench for the Knicks, averaging 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 26 games. He primarily plays behind Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. 

He's seen an increase in production from his rookie season when he averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game while shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from deep. 

The 23-year-old has been great in transition this year, and not many 6'9" players can get down the court as quickly, which is why fans have been clamoring for head coach Tom Thibodeau to give him a shot in the starting lineup. 

However, with Toppin sidelined, the Knicks will likely rely on Jericho Sims off the bench behind Randle. He hasn't played much this season and is averaging just a point per game in nine appearances. 

The Knicks are a disappointing 12-14 and just 12th in the Eastern Conference. It hasn't been the season fans were expecting after the team reached the postseason last year, and being without a critical depth piece in Toppin won't help against the talented Bucks.

If you were a sports fan scrolling Twitter this year and thought you were seeing a lot of posts about the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, there's a good reason for it. 

Per data released by Front Office Sports, the Lakers, Dodgers, Yankees, Green Bay Packers and New York Knicks were the most-tweeted about sports teams in 2021:

It's worth noting that these rankings only encompass data from the United States. A worldwide list would almost certainly include soccer and cricket teams. 

The Lakers are arguably the most prestigious franchise in the United States. Though their 2020-21 playoff run was cut surprisingly short with a first-round loss to the Phoenix Suns, they attempted to boost their roster during the offseason by acquiring Russell Westbrook to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

The Dodgers are a juggernaut that won at least 100 games for the third time in the past five seasons, a run that included the 2020 World Series title. 

While it's not a surprise to see the top 10 list with five teams that play in New York or Los Angeles—the two largest media markets in the United States—one thing that does stand out is there are only two NFL teams featured. 

The NFL is, by far, the most popular league in the U.S. Television ratings for a regular-season football game will often do bigger numbers than a World Series game when the two go head-to-head. 

It's also unusual that the two NFL teams on the list aren't the clubs that played in Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7—Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.

There have certainly been plenty of off-field things to talk about with the Packers. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in April that Aaron Rodgers told some members of the Packers he didn't want to return to the organization. The sides were eventually able to work out a deal for him to come back this season.

Rodgers also had to miss a game against the Kansas City Chiefs after being placed on the reserve/COVID list last month.

He previously told reporters he had been "immunized" but went on The Pat McAfee Show in an attempt to clarify that comment by talking about a "woke mob" trying to put him in a "cancel-culture casket," attempting to quote Martin Luther King Jr. and consulting Joe Rogan for health advice. 

In MLB, the Mets had high-volume drama, with owner Steve Cohen regularly tweeting through his frustration with everything ranging from the team's on-field performance to getting spurned by Steven Matz in free agency. 

Of course, the Mets also made plenty of noise without Cohen helping out. They acquired Javier Baez from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Baez, Francisco Lindor and Kevin Pillar took a swipe at their home fans by doing a thumbs-down gesture during a game. 

Before the MLB lockout began, the Mets also had an active free-agent period by signing Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Eduardo Escobar and Max Scherzer. 

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves haven't made a lot of marquee moves this offseason, but they cracked the top 10 most likely by being the two teams that played in the World Series.