NBA Player News

The NBA announced that Hayes has been suspended for Thursday's game against the 76ers after he pushed a mascot during pregame introductions in the Lakers' 142-111 win over the Wizards last Friday.

Hayes had appeared in both of the Lakers' ensuing two games following Friday's contest before the NBA concluded its investigation of the incident and levied the one-game ban. With Hayes sitting out Thursday, starting center Deandre Ayton could have a higher minutes floor, and the Lakers will likely turn to either Drew Timme or Maxi Kleber to serve as Ayton's primary backup.

The Hawks waived Reath (foot) on Thursday, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Reath was already ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on his foot back in late January. The Hawks will clear a roster spot with this transaction, freeing them up to make other moves.

McClung (calf) signed a two-way contract with the Bulls on Thursday.

After being cut loose by the Pacers in early November, McClung caught on with the Bulls' G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Over 24 games for Windy City, McClung averaged 25.4 points, 7.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 three-pointers, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 37.4 minutes per contest. He hadn't taken the floor for Windy City since Jan. 28 due to a right calf injury, but McClung is apparently back to full health. Jake Fischer of BleacherReport.com notes that McClung will join the Bulls in Toronto for Thursday's game against the Raptors, and the 27-year-old guard will likely be part of the rotation while Chicago is shorthanded after executing several trades in recent days.

The Bulls traded Phillips (wrist) and Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) to the Timberwolves on Thursday in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Phillips spent the past three seasons in Chicago, but he was never able to carve out a consistent role. Across 154 career regular-season appearances for the Bulls, he averaged just 11.6 minutes per contest. Minutes won't be easy to come by in Minnesota, so his fantasy outlook remains bleak. He can be considered questionable to debut Friday against the Pelicans.

Collins notched 19 points (8-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and seven rebounds across 27 minutes during Wednesday's 124-91 loss to Cleveland.

Collins was impressive on the offensive end even though his team was out of this one early. He's hitting at a clip of 62.0 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from three over his last nine appearances, averaging 16.0 points during this hot stretch.

The Timberwolves traded Miller, Rob Dillingham and four second-round picks to the Bulls in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) and Julian Phillips (wrist) on Thursday, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

A second-round pick back in 2023, Miller never found his footing in Minnesota with just 49 career regular-season appearances. He could get a real opportunity in Chicago down the stretch with the team pivoting toward a rebuild, but at least in the short term, he's just someone to monitor in deeper formats. He should be considered questionable to debut Saturday versus Denver.

Minnesota traded Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks to the Bulls on Thursday in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) and Julian Phillips (wrist), Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Dosunmu is projected to enter the Minnesota rotation right away, assuming he is healthy after being sidelined due to a quad injury. Dillingham joins a Bulls team that has traded for a large quantity of guards recently, including Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons, and Dillingham's role within this team is uncertain given he is expected to be buried on the depth chart.

Niederhauser closed Wednesday's 124-91 loss to the Cavaliers with 10 points (4-4 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds and two blocks over 25 minutes.

Niederhauser played a good chunk of the second half Wednesday with the Cavs fully in control. The Clippers elected to pull Brook Lopez early given the score, and with Ivica Zubac (personal) sidelined, Niederhauser received plenty of looks. The big man took full advantage of the blowout by turning in his best scoring performance since Jan. 14 and his best rebounding night since Jan. 1. He also set a new season high in swats.

The Bulls are trading Dosunmu (quadriceps) and Julian Phillips (wrist) to the Timberwolves on Thursday in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The Timberwolves have been trying to upgrade their guard position after trading Nickeil Alexander-Walker last offseason, and the Bulls had a surplus of guard talent after acquiring Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey and Collin Sexton over the past couple of days. Dosunmu could be the primary backcourt backup in Minnesota, operating behind Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. Dosunmu can be considered questionable to make his team debut Friday against the Pelicans.

Wade produced five points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Wednesday's 124-91 victory over the Clippers.

Wade continues to be held in check on the offensive end and has scored six or fewer points in three of his previous four appearances. It's also worth noting that he's seen a decrease in playing time during this stretch, averaging 21.0 minutes per game in comparison to the 27.5 minutes per game he averaged from Jan. 21 to Jan. 26. Opportunities could become even more difficult to come by for Wade with Jaylon Tyson playing well and James Harden (recently traded) expected to make his Cleveland debut Saturday.