Knicks Hold Players-Only Meeting; Warriors Lose Jimmy Butler for Season; Bulls Test Trade Market
knicks-meeting-warriors-butler-acl-bulls-trade-talks
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson convened a players-only meeting Monday night after a 17-point home defeat to an injury-depleted Dallas team, ESPN reported.
Sources told the network Brunson stressed that the club’s recent issues are on the players, not the coaching staff, and called for renewed focus to halt a skid that has produced nine losses in 11 games. The Knicks, who opened 23-9 and claimed the NBA Cup, are now 25-18 with only a 1.5-game edge over Cleveland for the Eastern Conference’s third seed.
The meeting followed a first half in which New York trailed by 28. “We all need to do some soul searching. Right now we’re playing embarrassing basketball,” forward Josh Hart said postgame.
Warriors confirm Butler ACL tear
The Golden State Warriors announced Tuesday that forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee during Monday’s game. The injury came in the third quarter when Butler landed awkwardly after contact while catching a pass. He was helped from the floor and could not put weight on the leg.
Butler will undergo surgery; no timetable has been set. Because the Jan. 15 deadline to apply for a Disabled Player Exception has passed, Golden State is ineligible for the roster relief. Butler, under contract through 2026-27, averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists across 37 games.
Bulls weighing front-court options
With the trade deadline approaching, the Chicago Bulls have explored acquiring help in the paint and have held discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans about center Yves Missi, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Talks could stall, however, because Chicago is hesitant to part with draft assets.
The same report said the Minnesota Timberwolves have inquired about guards Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones and Coby White as the Bulls evaluate the market.
Source: Hoops Wire
