NBA Trade Deadline and All-Star Game Excitement
As the NBA heats up with the looming trade deadline on Thursday and the excitement of the All-Star Game in Los Angeles next weekend, attention turns to former Ohio State players making their mark in the league. Currently, there are eight Buckeyes on NBA rosters, with recent trades shaking up their standings.
Mike Conley’s Challenges and Trade
Starting with veteran guard Mike Conley, he has faced a challenging season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After two consecutive seasons of averaging over 60 games played, Conley’s minutes have drastically dwindled to a career-low 18.5 minutes and an average of just 4.4 points per game across 44 games. He only managed to score in double figures three times, the last occurring against the Washington Wizards on November 19.
In a notable move, Conley was recently traded to the Chicago Bulls in a complex three-team deal that also included the Detroit Pistons. This trade not only lightened Minnesota’s luxury tax bill from $24 million to $3.8 million but could also help the team prepare a bid for star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unfortunately for Conley, Chicago’s roster is crowded with young guards, limiting his opportunities on the court. His best chance of continued play may be if he can negotiate a buyout with the Bulls.
Emerging Stars and Limited Opportunities
On the brighter side of the spectrum is Brice Sensabaugh, who has emerged as an exciting prospect with the Utah Jazz, despite the team’s struggles. Averaging 12 points per game, his performance this season has elevated during January, where he posted a spectacular 18 points per game and achieved a career-high of 43 points in a game against Chicago. Nevertheless, with the Jazz’s recent trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. and other players, Sensabaugh might see a decrease in his minutes as the team reshuffles its lineup.
Meanwhile, Jae’Sean Tate is set to participate in the upcoming playoffs with the Houston Rockets. His contribution has been limited, averaging only 2.7 points and 8.2 minutes over 30 appearances this season, but he demonstrated his potential when he tied his season-high of eight points in a recent victory over the Indiana Pacers.
D’Angelo Russell finds himself in a precarious position as well. With the Dallas Mavericks in need due to injuries to key players Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, Russell has only played one game in 2026, scoring eight points in a limited role. Given his career-low average of 10.2 points this season, there is speculation that Russell could be traded or potentially seek a buyout to find a better opportunity as the season progresses.
Bench Players and Future Prospects
Jamison Battle has spent the majority of his minutes this season coming off the bench for the Toronto Raptors. Although not playing as frequently as in the previous year, Battle did have a standout game on Halloween, shooting perfectly from the field for 20 points against Cleveland. Currently, the Raptors are sitting well at fourth in the Eastern Conference, presenting a chance for Battle to gain more prominence during the playoff push.
In contrast, Malaki Branham’s journey with the Washington Wizards has been limited, averaging just 4.6 points over 9.8 minutes in his first season with the team. However, his impressive 17-point performance against the Lakers may inspire the coaching staff to increase his playing time.
E.J. Liddell, who has also found himself on a struggling Brooklyn Nets team, is facing a difficult situation with limited minutes. He has only played three games this year, totaling 17 minutes, but showed effort even in a challenging loss to the Detroit Pistons, scoring a season-high five points. Liddell’s future will depend on the Nets’ willingness to provide him a platform to showcase his skills.
Conclusion
In summary, as the trade deadline approaches, the fates of these former Buckeyes remain uncertain amid a rapidly changing landscape in the NBA. Their performances in the coming weeks will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in defining their respective careers on the hardwood.
