As the league approaches the end of the 2025 calendar year, all 30 NBA teams are moving toward a stretch that historically defines the rest of the season. On Monday, 82 players who signed contracts during the offseason became eligible to be traded, making roughly 90% of the league available for movement. From Dec. 19 through Dec. 22, front office executives, scouts, and coaches gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the G League Showcase, which serves as the NBA’s version of Major League Baseball’s winter meetings.

By the time teams reach the 25-game point of the season, front offices typically have enough information to determine roster direction, which has triggered early trade planning across the league.

Milwaukee’s Season and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future Intersect

League attention has centered on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a nine-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and the 2021 Finals MVP. Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have opened discussions with the Bucks regarding the organization’s future direction and whether staying in Milwaukee or pursuing a trade is the best path forward. The talks are happening while Antetokounmpo is sidelined for several weeks with a right calf strain.

Milwaukee holds a 10-15 record after losing 10 of its last 12 games and has spent much of the past several weeks ranked either 10th or 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. If the slide continues, sources indicate that conversations between Antetokounmpo’s representation and the franchise are expected to intensify and move toward clarity ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Roster Construction and Recent Decisions

General manager Jon Horst assembled the Bucks’ championship roster in 2021 and has spent six seasons building teams around Antetokounmpo. Since winning the title, Milwaukee was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2022 and has since experienced three consecutive first-round playoff exits.

During the most recent offseason, the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s remaining $113 million over the next two years to complete the signing of Myles Turner to a $108 million contract. The decision showed the organization’s view that a transitional season was not acceptable to its franchise star, who has consistently stated his desire to compete for a second championship.

Internal Confidence and External Exploration

Entering the season, Horst, head coach Doc Rivers, and team ownership believed the roster was capable of contending. That belief was communicated during a late July meeting between Horst and Antetokounmpo in Greece. Despite the confidence, Antetokounmpo expressed concerns about the roster and explored external options, identifying the New York Knicks as a preferred destination if a trade were to occur.

Trade discussions between Milwaukee and New York extended over several weeks in August. The Knicks submitted offers during that period, but no agreement was reached, and both organizations ultimately moved forward.

Trade Assets and Roster Limitations

Milwaukee’s ability to adjust its roster is limited by its available assets. The Bucks control only one first-round pick that is eligible to be traded, either in 2031 or 2032, and have no second-round picks available for deals. The largest tradable contracts outside of Antetokounmpo and Turner belong to Bobby Portis, who has three years and $44 million remaining, and Kyle Kuzma, who is owed $40.7 million over the next two years.

Ryan Rollins, age 23, and AJ Green, age 26, have drawn interest from other teams, although Green is not eligible to be traded during the season.

Short-Term Focus and Contract Leverage

If Milwaukee opens formal trade discussions involving Antetokounmpo, the Knicks would not hold any exclusive negotiating position. The immediate focus remains on Antetokounmpo’s recovery and the team’s performance. Since his injury, the Bucks have lost at home to the Philadelphia 76ers and on the road to the Detroit Pistons. Six of Milwaukee’s remaining nine games in December are scheduled away from home.

Antetokounmpo is under contract through the 2026-27 season and holds a player option for the 2027-28 season. League executives believe the NBA’s new apron rules, with his maximum salary and a potential supermax extension, would require any acquiring team to secure long-term clarity before completing a trade.

Dallas Evaluates Its Roster With Anthony Davis in Focus

Anthony Davis is among the players closely monitored in league-wide trade planning. The Dallas Mavericks are open to exploring the market involving Davis, center Daniel Gafford, and guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, met with interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to gain clarity on whether the organization intends to pursue a contract extension or move Davis before the trade deadline. Dallas has indicated it wants additional time to evaluate the roster and has not ruled out an extension.

Interest From Eastern Conference Teams

Several Eastern Conference teams are closely monitoring Davis’ situation, including the Detroit Pistons, who are 19-5, the Toronto Raptors at 15-10, and the Atlanta Hawks at 14-11. Davis is a 10-time All-Star who turns 33 in March and becomes eligible on Aug. 6 to sign a four-year, $275 million maximum extension, which would pay $76 million during his age-37 season. If an extension is not completed, Davis can become a free agent in 2027 by declining his $62.8 million player option.

Klay Thompson’s Role and Performance

Thompson’s place within the Mavericks’ plans is also being evaluated. He joined Dallas in July 2024 after the team’s run to the NBA Finals, with the expectation of playing alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. With Dončić no longer on the roster and the team performing below .500, league teams understand Thompson prefers to compete for a contender during the remaining two years of his three-year, $50 million contract.

Over his last 10 games, Thompson has averaged 12.8 points per game, shot 39.5% from three-point range, and limited opponents to 38.5% shooting as the closest defender. That defensive mark ranks 10th among 120 guards who have defended at least 50 shots during that span.

Organizational Structure After Front Office Change

Since the firing of general manager Nico Harrison on Nov. 11, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has adopted a measured approach. He has relied on Finley, Riccardi, head coach Jason Kidd, and minority owner Mark Cuban while granting Finley and Riccardi authority to guide discussions about the franchise’s future. A formal general manager search is expected in the offseason, and both interim leaders are considered candidates.

The Mavericks are still assessing their roster as Kyrie Irving remains out indefinitely after tearing his left ACL in March. Dallas holds a 9-16 record and sits in the play-in picture. With control of the 2026 draft as its final draft until 2031, the franchise has the flexibility to retool the roster and collect future assets.

Trade Board Movement and James Harden’s Situation

As the trade window expands, teams are closely monitoring a defined group of potential movers ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. Anthony Davis currently tops the NBA Trade Deadline Big Board, followed by Trae Young. Young can become a free agent in 2026 by declining his player option, placing pressure on the Hawks to determine whether to extend him or risk losing him without compensation.

Other players under close watch include Domantas Sabonis, Coby White, Quentin Grimes, Kristaps Porziņģis, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Kuminga, Ayo Dosunmu, Zach LaVine, CJ McCollum, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Collin Sexton, Nikola Vučević, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Chris Paul. Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are not currently included, as their teams are not yet prepared to engage in trade discussions.

In Los Angeles, league personnel believe James Harden could enter trade conversations before the deadline, even though the Clippers have pushed back on the idea of actively shopping him. Harden, the 2017-18 NBA MVP, holds veto power on any trade. He is averaging 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 26 games, shooting 43.3% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range, and 88.3% from the free-throw line. He has appeared in 26 of the Clippers’ 28 games this season.

The Clippers hold a 7-21 record and sit 13th in the Western Conference, ahead of only the New Orleans Pelicans at 7-22 and the Sacramento Kings at 6-22. Their situation became more difficult when center Ivica Zubac was ruled out for three weeks with an ankle injury.

On June 28, 1997, a heavyweight boxing rematch in Las Vegas became one of the most shocking moments in sports history. Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield met again at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but the fight did not end because of a knockout or the distance. Instead, it ended when Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear during the third round. The incident stunned fans around the world, led to an immediate disqualification, and changed both fighters’ careers forever.

The Background That Made the Rematch a Global Event

Mike Tyson reached the peak of boxing at an unusually young age. In 1986, at just 19 years old, he defeated Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Within a few years, however, problems outside the ring began to dominate his life. By 1989, Tyson’s behavior had grown increasingly unstable. He married actress Robin Givens and later divorced her after she accused him of domestic violence. Around the same period, Tyson fired and sued his manager, broke his hand during a street altercation that took place early in the morning, and was involved in two separate car accidents, one of which was described as a suicide attempt. During this stretch, he also ended his working relationship with longtime trainer Kevin Rooney and moved forward under the guidance of promoter Don King.

Tyson’s dominance in the ring ended abruptly on February 11, 1990. In one of the most shocking results in boxing history, he lost the heavyweight championship after being knocked out by James “Buster” Douglas, a 42-to-1 underdog. Legal troubles followed soon after. In 1991, Tyson was accused of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was convicted on February 10, 1992, and sentenced to prison, where he served three years and one month in a state prison.

After being released, Tyson returned to professional boxing and regained the heavyweight titles. His comeback eventually led to a matchup with Evander Holyfield, a former heavyweight champion from Georgia known for his disciplined lifestyle and strong religious beliefs. Holyfield had stepped away from boxing in 1994, but the financial opportunity persuaded him to return. When the two fighters met on November 9, 1996, Holyfield entered the bout as the underdog and stunned observers by stopping Tyson in the 11th round to claim the WBA heavyweight title.

Even after the defeat, Tyson was installed as the betting favorite heading into their 1997 rematch. The second fight attracted massive worldwide attention and generated an estimated $100 million in revenue, setting a new benchmark at the time. Lennox Lewis, who held the WBC heavyweight championship then, later said the events surrounding Tyson led him to believe Tyson had crossed a mental line and made him doubt that a future fight between them would ever take place.

The Fight Night Atmosphere and Early Rounds Inside the Ring

The rematch took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas before a worldwide audience. Holyfield entered the second fight stronger and more confident than in the first fight. In the opening round, Holyfield landed hard body shots while Tyson flailed and abandoned the disciplined boxing approach his trainer had promised. By the end of the round, the crowd was chanting Holyfield’s name, turning against Tyson, who had long been the sport’s biggest fan favorite.

In the second round, a clash of heads occurred. Holyfield’s head collided with Tyson’s, opening a cut above Tyson’s right eye. Referee Mills Lane ruled the incident a clash of heads rather than an intentional foul. The decision did nothing to calm Tyson, who believed the headbutts were deliberate and felt no points were deducted to protect his career and livelihood.

The Third Round That Shocked the World

In the third round, Tyson lost control. He spat out his mouthpiece and leaned into Holyfield, biting off a piece of the top of Holyfield’s right ear. Holyfield recoiled in pain as Tyson spat the severed piece onto the canvas. Holyfield later described believing his ear had fallen off and expressed disbelief that such an act could happen within a sport governed by rules and regulations.

After a four-minute delay, during which blood streamed from Holyfield’s injured ear, the fight was allowed to continue. Mills Lane deducted two points from Tyson. The punishment failed to deter him. Before the end of the same round, Tyson bit Holyfield’s left ear. Tyson had left his stool with illegal intent and had removed his gumshield to prepare for the act, leaving Lane with no alternative.

At the end of the third round, Mills Lane disqualified Mike Tyson. Immediately after the decision, chaos began when Tyson attempted to get at Holyfield and his corner amid pushing and shoving, and also took a swing at a police officer.

Later that night, after the arena was empty, an MGM Grand employee discovered a portion of Holyfield’s bitten ear on the canvas and returned it to Holyfield’s team.

Medical Impact, Financial Stakes, and Official Consequences

Evander Holyfield required eight stitches for the injury to his ear. Despite the severity of the incident, he made clear that he held no lasting grudge and later said that seeing his ears in the mirror did not bother him, as it reminded him he earned $35 million in nine minutes.

Tyson’s $30 million purse was withheld while Nevada boxing officials reviewed the fight. He was ultimately fined $3 million and received an 18-month suspension from boxing. After being reinstated, he returned to the ring, where he continued to be one of the sport’s biggest financial draws.

Career Fallout and the Long Shadow of the Bite Fight

Mike Tyson was never the same fighter after the incident. His personal life continued to spiral, including further legal trouble and a prison sentence a year later for an assault charge. His financial problems eventually led to bankruptcy, reportedly worsened by spending $400,000 per year maintaining a flock of pet pigeons. The dark humor surrounding his suspension included jokes that his next opponent would be Hannibal Lecter.

Tyson eventually received one final opportunity at the heavyweight title when he fought Lennox Lewis in 2002 — a bout that ended in a punishing eighth-round knockout defeat. Tyson had also previously bitten Lewis on the thigh during a brawl at a press conference promoting their fight, reinforcing concerns about his control outside the ring.

Holyfield continued his career and later faced Lennox Lewis twice in 1999, losing on points after a controversial draw earlier that year. Although both Tyson and Holyfield ultimately lost much of the wealth they earned during their careers, their legacy among heavyweight greats remains intact. Lewis later stated that when boxing history is written, Tyson and Holyfield belong alongside Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Joe Louis, each remembered for distinct qualities that defined their greatness.

Reconciliation and the Fight’s Place in History

In later years, Tyson and Holyfield reconciled and became friends. They even appeared together in a humorous television advertisement referencing the Bite Fight, in which Tyson visits Holyfield and presents him with a piece of “ear” kept in a jar of formaldehyde.

“Whenever I see my ears in the mirror, it don’t bother me,” Holyfield said. “I just remember how I made $35 million in nine minutes.”

Tyler Kolek capitalized on his first NBA start, delivering a career-best performance as the New York Knicks fell 115-104 to the Minnesota Timberwolves last Tuesday night at Target Center.

With Jalen Brunson sidelined, Kolek moved into the starting lineup and logged 31 minutes, the most he has played in an NBA game. He finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, all career highs, while adding three steals and shooting 41 percent from the field. The performance stood out on a night when New York was short-handed.

“Anytime you get an opportunity like that, you try to take advantage of it,” Kolek said. “These guys got confidence in me to go out there and play my game and do what I do.”

Injuries Force Lineup Changes and Move the Betting Market

Kolek’s expanded role was the result of multiple absences. In addition to Brunson, the Knicks were without Miles McBride, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, and Landry Shamet, who missed the game with a shoulder injury. The depleted backcourt forced head coach Mike Brown to rely heavily on Kolek, a 2024 draft pick who is still considered a rookie due to limited NBA action last season.

The injury situation was directly tied to the betting market before tipoff. Minnesota opened as a home favorite, and the line moved further in the Timberwolves’ direction as player availability became clear. Action Network’s odds tracker showed the Knicks opening at +6.5 before moving to +7.5, with the Timberwolves listed at -276 on the moneyline and the Knicks at +222. The game total was posted at 229.5.

Other sportsbooks showed similar expectations. DraftKings listed Minnesota at -6.5 with a 225.5 total, while BetMGM priced the Timberwolves at -8.5 with a 227.5 over/under. FanDuel research also referenced a Knicks +7.5 line paired with a 229.5 total. Public betting data from Action Network showed 70 percent of spread bets on Minnesota, with 30 percent of the total money backing that side.

Player Props React to Kolek’s Starting Role

Kolek’s first start also drew attention in the player prop market. Covers listed his points line in the 12.5 to 13.5 range, with Caesars offering an over 12.5 and FanDuel posting an under 13.5. His assists prop showed clearer movement. Action Network listed Tyler Kolek over 6.5 assists at -118 as an expert pick, and prop tracking showed the price rose from -128 to -132 at 6.5, signaling increased interest in the over.

Those numbers matched his on-court responsibilities. Kolek handled primary ball-handling duties, rebounded aggressively for a guard, and created scoring opportunities for teammates while taking on more offensive work than usual. KnickMuse later posted his final stat line — 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals — following his first NBA start.

Coaching Adjustments and Defensive Focus

Although Kolek’s stat line showed strong production, Brown pointed to areas that influenced the outcome. He addressed defensive issues when discussing the rookie’s night and explained a mid-game tactical change as Minnesota gained momentum.

“We wanted to mix it up,” Brown said. “We weren’t getting many stops. [Anthony] Edwards was playing at a high level, and we wanted to try to just give them a different look.”

The Knicks switched to a zone defense in the second quarter, but Minnesota maintained control. Randle led the Timberwolves down the stretch, helping them pull away late and secure the 11-point win.

Flagrant Foul Sequence Adds Third-Quarter Tension

Late in the third quarter, Josh Hart was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for pushing out at Rudy Gobert’s knee. The play occurred as both players went up for a rebound. Hart appeared to be fouled before being knocked to the floor, then reached toward Gobert’s legs while down. The ruling added tension to a physical stretch of the game as New York attempted to close the gap.

On December 21, 2025, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the New York Yankees had re-signed right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn. Heyman shared the news publicly, writing, “Paul Blackburn goes back to Yankees,” confirming that Blackburn would return to the team after finishing the 2025 season in pinstripes.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic later reported that the agreement is a one-year contract worth $2 million. Heyman added that the $2 million is fully guaranteed and includes incentives that could increase the total value of the deal to $2.5 million.

Contract Terms and Pitching Depth Considerations

Blackburn’s contract includes five innings-based incentives, each valued at $100,000. The bonuses are awarded if he reaches 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 innings pitched. If all five benchmarks are met, the total incentive amount reaches $500,000.

Blackburn is primarily expected to pitch out of the bullpen, though he can be used as a swingman if needed. His role is influenced by injuries within the Yankees’ starting rotation, as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt are all expected to miss Opening Day.

With those absences, the Yankees are projected to begin the season with a four-man rotation consisting of Max Fried, Will Warren, Luis Gil, and Cam Schlittler.

Betting Markets Reflect Yankees’ Position Entering 2026

Sportsbooks continue to list the Yankees among the top contenders for the 2026 season. At DraftKings and BetMGM, the Yankees are listed at +750 to win the 2026 World Series. FanDuel lists them at +700, while Caesars and PointsBet have posted odds of +850.

In American League futures markets, DraftKings and Action Network list the Yankees at +310. In individual awards markets, Covers lists Aaron Judge at +300 to win the 2026 American League MVP.

Reuters reported that after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in 11 innings in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, the Dodgers opened as the early 2026 favorite at +350 at both FanDuel and BetMGM, with the Yankees listed behind them. Earlier in 2025, Yankees World Series odds moved from +800 to +900 during spring training amid injury concerns.

Paul Blackburn’s Career Background

Paul Blackburn is a 32-year-old, 6-foot-1 right-handed pitcher and a nine-year MLB veteran. He was selected in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs out of a California high school.

Blackburn spent eight seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he was named an All-Star in 2022. During that season, he recorded a 4.28 ERA over 111.1 innings.

After leaving Oakland, Blackburn spent parts of two seasons with the New York Mets. He joined the Yankees in August 2025 after being released by the Mets.

Across his major league career, Blackburn has pitched 467.1 innings and has a 4.97 ERA.

Performance Breakdown From the 2025 Season

Blackburn’s 2025 season was split between the Mets and the Yankees. With the Mets, he recorded a career-worst 6.23 ERA, went 0–3, and finished with a -0.4 WAR. He allowed 31 hits and eight walks in 23.2 innings pitched and gave up the same number of earned runs as strikeouts. One of his appearances came on June 23, 2025, at Citi Field against the Atlanta Braves.

After joining the Yankees, Blackburn appeared in eight games and pitched 15.1 innings. He posted a 5.28 ERA, allowed 16 hits, nine earned runs, and three home runs, and struck out 16 batters. His strikeout rate with the Yankees was 9.4 batters per nine innings.

In September, Blackburn struck out 14 batters and allowed six hits. During that stretch, he relied more heavily on his sinker and cutter, which resulted in lower contact from opposing hitters.

Yankees Bullpen Moves and Projections

Blackburn is one of only a few bullpen-related moves made by the Yankees this offseason. The team exercised Tim Hill’s $3 million club option and re-signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a $2.5 million deal.

During the same offseason, the Mets signed former Yankees bullpen arms Clay Holmes, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. The Yankees currently have six bullpen pitchers projected on their roster entering the 2026 season.

Manager Aaron Boone said earlier in the week that he expects additional roster additions before Spring Training and stated that the Yankees already have a good roster.

According to BaseballReference.com projections, Blackburn is expected to post a 4.74 ERA over 74 innings pitched with 66 strikeouts in the 2026 season.