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The Chicago White Sox are mandating COVID-19 booster shots for all minor league players, telling them in an email Friday that they “will not be able to participate” in spring training without being fully up-to-date on vaccinations, according to a copy of the letter obtained by ESPN.

The White Sox are the first team known to require vaccinations for minor league players. In late January, Major League Baseball told teams that vaccines would not be mandatory for minor league players but would be for managers, coaches and other staff that come into regular contact with players.

In the letter to players, the White Sox said players needed to send “proof of receiving the COVID booster vaccine” and that “you will need to have proof of vaccination before reporting to Spring Training or you will not be able to participate.” Players are expected to report to spring training Feb. 21. The White Sox last spring mandated vaccines for minor league players and, according to sources, had 100% compliance.

Because minor league players are not represented by a union, organizations can unilaterally implement rules such as a vaccine mandate. Major league players on teams’ 40-man rosters are not subject to a mandate, which would need to be collectively bargained.

The White Sox will not grant releases to minor leaguers who refuse to receive the vaccine, a source told ESPN, confirming a report in The Athletic.

Multiple minor leaguers currently in the White Sox organization are unvaccinated, sources told ESPN, and others have not received the COVID boosters the team is mandating.

In a statement, the team said: “The Chicago White Sox are requiring all of our employees to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination status, and this requirement extends to our minor-league players as well. We believe this is the right thing to do to protect the health and well being of all of our players and staff across the organization.”

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The 2022 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Chicago Bulls look the exact same as they did prior to.

Arturas Karnisovas decided to keep the guys he had in place and instead wait for the team to get healthy, rather than shake anything up, noting that he liked what they had and didn’t want to disrupt the chemistry.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have a very good goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury. He has given them a chance to win so many games that they didn’t deserve to win. It is amazing to watch him play in Chicago but they are probably going to trade him at the deadline.

Fleury has never missed the postseason in his NHL career that will end with him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Hawks will almost certainly, as mentioned before, trade him at the deadline to a team that needs a goalie for their postseason run.

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The 2022 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, as we are now past the 3 p.m. ET cutoff to put players with new teams for the 2021-22 regular season. Deals might still come in after the deadline, as teams only need to be on the phone with the league before 3 p.m. ET to make the move official.

The biggest deal of 2022 happened just hours before the deadline when the Brooklyn Nets agreed to send James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, a move that shakes up two major Eastern Conference contenders.

That trade came on the heels of a major move on Tuesday, when the Damian Lillard–CJ McCollum era ended in Portland. McCollum headed to the New Orleans Pelicans to pair with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, the Sacramento Kings acquired 25-year-old All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb and Justin Holiday from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for promising second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson.

Get all of the news, intel and analysis from our experts here, including trade grades and destinations for everyone who moved at the deadline.

MORE: Trade Tracker | Trade Grades

Feb. 10 post-deadline updates

3:19 p.m. ET: Ben Simmons has already talked to Kevin Durant and general manager Sean Marks, his agent, Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul, tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Simmons is eager to join the Nets and ramp up for a return to play this season, Paul says: “We’ve got to work to do to get him back to play, but it’s a great step in right direction.”

3:16 p.m. ET: The Orlando Magic, who acquired P.J. Dozier from Boston earlier Thursday, have announced they have waived Dozier. The guard has been out since November with a torn ACL in his left knee.

3:13 p.m. ET: Once the Rockets-Celtics trade is official, Houston will waive Enes Freedom, a source tells ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Freedom averaged 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 35 games for the Celtics this season.

3:07 p.m. ET: The New York Knicks, currently in 12th place in the East, do not have any last-minute deals in the works, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

3:05 p.m. ET: There will be no last-minute trade for the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The team, currently in ninth place in the West, will turn to players available after buyouts are completed to help improve the roster.

3:03 p.m. ET: The Washington Wizards are trading Aaron Holiday to the Phoenix Suns, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Feb. 10 pre-deadline updates

2:59 p.m. ET: The Houston Rockets are trading Daniel Theis to the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Boston is sending guard Dennis Schroder to the Rockets in the deal. Houston gets Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando as well.

2:37 p.m. ET: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon.

2:23 p.m. ET: The Charlotte Hornets are acquiring Washington Wizards center Montrezl Harrell for Vernon Carey Jr. and Ish Smith, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

2:15 p.m. ET: The Los Angeles Lakers do have a deal available to them to trade Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets for John Wall, but they are balking at including the additional draft assets the Rockets are asking for, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports on the NBA Today Trade Deadline special.

1:58 p.m. ET: The Indiana Pacers are finalizing a trade to send Torrey Craig to the Phoenix Suns for Jalen Smith and a future second-round pick, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Smith, the No. 10 pick in 2020, had his third-year option declined before the season, limiting what the Pacers can offer him in a contract this summer.

1:38 p.m. ET: The Boston Celtics are acquiring guard Derrick White in a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Romeo Langford, Josh Richardson and a top-4 protected 2022 first-round pick are going to San Antonio. The Spurs will also have rights to swap first-round picks with Boston in 2028.

1:35 p.m. ET: After swinging a deal for Ben Simmons, the Brooklyn Nets might not be done. Sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Nets are still working to be aggressive in more deal-making today, armed with two new first-round picks.

1:26 p.m. ET: Ben Simmons will continue to work with his therapist to get mentally ready to play for the Brooklyn Nets. “It’s a work in progress,” a source close to Simmons tells ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Simmons is thrilled with the change of scenery and has already spoken to Kevin Durant.

1:17 p.m. ET: The Brooklyn Nets are trading James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Sixers are sending the Nets an unprotected 2022 first-round pick and a protected 2027 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

Trade grades: Risks, rewards and implications of the massive Harden-Simmons deal

1:06 p.m. ET: The Los Angeles Lakers are not engaged in trade talks on Russell Westbrook and a dramatic makeover of the Lakers’ roster is not likely, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. If the Lakers make any moves, they’ll likely be on the edges.

1:01 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports on the NBA Today Trade Deadline special that the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets are engaged in trade talks for James Harden. “There’s a place today where they can get to a deal,” Wojnarowski says. However, the 76ers believe they can get Harden in the offseason, although “the price will go up.”

12:37 p.m. ET: Hours before the NBA trade deadline, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers canceled practice Thursday to let “everyone just come in, relax and get some shots up,” according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “Tomorrow, we’ll have shootaround with our team, for sure,” Rivers said.

12:30 p.m. ET: The Boston Celtics are trading P.J. Dozier, Bol Bol, a future second-round pick and cash to the Orlando Magic for a future second-round pick, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The trade puts the Celtics under the luxury tax. Dozier and Bol are both out for the season.

12:03 p.m. ET: The Toronto Raptors are trading Goran Dragic and protected 2022 first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for Thad Young, Drew Eubanks and a 2022 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Pick is protected 1-14 in 2022 and 1-13 in 2023 and would turn into two seconds beyond that.

11:57 a.m. ET: The San Antonio Spurs — who are trading for the Toronto Raptors‘ Goran Dragic — are expected to negotiate a contract buyout with Dragic. Among the teams expected to be interested once he becomes a free agent: Dallas, Milwaukee, Chicago, Clippers.

11:44 a.m. ET: The Sacramento Kings are acquiring Milwaukee Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo in a four-team trade, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Kings forward Marvin Bagley is going to the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks are acquiring the LA Clippers‘ Serge Ibaka in the deal, according to Wojnarowski. Detroit, which is sending out multiple second-round picks, is sending Josh Jackson and Trey Lyles to the Kings. The Bucks are sending Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood to the Clippers in the four-team deal, too.

Trade grades: How this four-team deal impacts the Bucks’ chances to repeat

11:18 a.m. ET: Sources tell ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that the Dallas Mavericks would need “a lot more” than Goran Dragic and a package of draft picks to have serious interest in trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Toronto Raptors.

10:37 a.m. ET: Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash told the media Thursday morning that he feels the same way he did the other day — that James Harden will not be traded today. “He’s not told me he doesn’t want to stay. So I’m working off our conversations, which is he wants to be here and we want him here,” Nash said. The Nets coach also said he does not expect Harden or LaMarcus Aldridge to play in Saturday’s game at the Miami Heat.

8:57 a.m. ET: James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge did not accompany the Brooklyn Nets to the Washington Wizards for Thursday night’s game; they stayed behind to work with the Nets’ performance coaches instead, the Nets tell ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

8:36 a.m. ET: Although Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden wants to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has so far resisted making a formal request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Harden is hopeful Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will secure a trade today, but Morey and Nets general manager Sean Marks have yet to engage in serious dialogue on a deal. But there’s an expectation the sides will talk today and a possibility of a deal remains, sources say. Both teams are measuring the risk-reward of a Harden deal now.

8:07 a.m. ET: While a Russell Westbrook trade remains highly unlikely, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking at guards Alec Burks and Dennis Schroder, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Feb. 9 updates

10:02 p.m. ET: New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. is scheduled to have surgery on his right knee on Friday and is expected to miss up to six weeks, sources told ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. Nance, who was acquired in the seven-player deal that also brought CJ McCollum and Tony Snell to New Orleans, hasn’t played since Jan. 5.

7:44 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on SportsCenter that a Los Angeles Lakers team source would specifically like to see guard Russell Westbrook traded because “we gotta rip the Band-Aid off to be able to move forward this season.”

7:15 p.m. ET: There are less than 20 hours left until the trade deadline, and at this moment, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are not engaged in any meaningful dialogue about a James Harden-for-Ben Simmons trade.

What deals are going down? Here’s what you need to know ahead of the trade deadline.

o Latest deadline deals, buzz and intel
o NBA trade tracker: Details on every move
o Trades grades: Winners and losers
o Build a deal in the Trade Machine

3:24 p.m. ET: The Los Angeles Lakers have so far been unwilling to include their 2027 first-round pick in any possible Russell Westbrook trade, sources tell ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

2:45 p.m. ET: The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired KZ Okpala from the Miami Heat in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, the Heat announced Wednesday. Additionally, the Heat have agreed to amend the conditions on the 2025 first-round pick owed to the Thunder, potentially giving Miami more flexibility in trading future picks.

2:08 p.m. ET: The Utah Jazz are acquiring Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Portland Trail Blazers and Juancho Hernangomez from the San Antonio Spurs in a three-way deal, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Spurs get guard Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick, and the Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes and a second-round pick.

1:03 p.m. ET: The Indiana Pacers do not plan to trade Buddy Hield, despite interest from other teams, sources told ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Hield was acquired from the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

12:15 p.m. ET: On Greeny, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says James Harden “wants” a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, adding “his actions over the last 10 days are basically a threat to the Nets.” Harden scored four points in 37 minutes in a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 2 and has not played since. “He is screaming in every way he possibly can, ‘I don’t want to be here — get me out of here!’ Just like he did in Houston,” Windhorst added.

10:01 a.m. ET: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets are “absolutely engaged in trade discussions” about Ben Simmons and James Harden, sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “There is definite motivation from both sides to make this fall into place.”

3:30 a.m. ET: As the trade deadline nears, and after Tuesday night’s 131-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers are acknowledging something needs to be done with the roster to get the team back on course, sources told ESPN.

12:05 a.m. ET: Guards Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, whom the New Orleans Pelicans traded earlier in the day to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Tomas Satoransky and Didi Louzada for CJ McCollum, Tony Snell and Larry Nance Jr., decided to sit courtside Tuesday to see their former teammates one more time before heading to the Pacific Northwest.

Feb. 8 updates

10:27 p.m. ET: After Tuesday’s 114-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Joel Embiid said he believes the Philadelphia 76ers have enough to make a run as they are now, but that the door is open for Ben Simmons to return to the team if the deadline passes without a trade.

“Anybody is welcome to play,” Embiid said. “If you want to be part of us, I’m sure everybody will be fine with it, but you have to show up and want to be there.”

4:51 p.m. ET: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is planning to undergo season-ending surgery on his left wrist, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Beal, a three-time All-Star, will be eligible to sign a five-year, $245M contract with the Wizards this summer. He has a $36.4M player option for next season.

2:34 p.m. ET: The Sabonis-Haliburton trade will likely have a significant impact on Myles Turner‘s future with the Pacers. The 25-year-old Turner, who is averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game, gets to play center now and appears thrilled with the idea of playing with Haliburton.

1:28 p.m. ET: The Indiana Pacers are trading Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday and a 2027 second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Sabonis, a two-time All-Star, is averaging 18.9 points and 12.1 rebounds this season.

Trade grades: Sacramento did what? Examining bizarre Kings-Pacers deal

12:16 p.m. ET: Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden will not play against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night because of left hamstring tightness, he told ESPN after Tuesday’s shootaround. Harden declined comment on anything other than his playing status as he made his way out of Barclays Center after the Nets’ morning walk-through. Harden’s name continues to swirl in trade speculation as Thursday’s deadline approaches, but Nets coach Steve Nash made it clear before Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz that the Nets would not trade Harden.

12:14 p.m. ET: ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on SportsCenter that the Philadelphia 76ers continue to be willing to take the Ben Simmons stalemate into the offseason. The 76ers are looking for a star player in return in any Simmons trade and are not looking to make a deal for “a good player and a role player.”

11:28 a.m. ET: After trading CJ McCollum to New Orleans, the Portland Trail Blazers‘ plan is to fully reshape their roster around Damian Lillard now, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Portland created a $21 million trade exception Tuesday and could potentially have up to $60 million in salary-cap space this summer. The Blazers also picked up multiple draft picks and young players in the trades with the Pelicans and Clippers. The plan now for Portland is to pursue high-end talent, not retreat.

2 Related

10:59 a.m. ET: The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to send CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pelicans are sending Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Didi Louzada, a future first-round pick and two future second-round picks to the Blazers.

Trade grades: Did Portland get enough for McCollum?

10:11 a.m. ET: The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans are in serious discussions on a trade centered on guard CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Talks are ongoing today. McCollum has averaged at least 20 points in each of the past seven seasons for Portland.

2:35 a.m. ET: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst provides the latest intel on where some of the league’s biggest storylines stand with less than 72 hours until the NBA trade deadline, including the buzz surrounding Ben Simmons and James Harden.

Feb. 7 updates

6:30 p.m. ET: The Indiana Pacers are looking for a big package for Domantas Sabonis, while talks have slowed for Myles Turner in part due to his injured left foot, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

3:30 p.m. ET: Several teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks, have been aggressively pursuing the Portland Trail Blazers‘ CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN. Portland is engaged in talks over the best package for McCollum after trading Norman Powell and Robert Covington on Friday.

3:30 p.m. ET: The Detroit Pistons have yet to receive any offers for Jerami Grant that they’d be willing to move on, sources tell ESPN.

6:35 a.m. ET: Four weeks ago, on Jan. 11, Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reached out to Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks to inquire about James Harden, sources told ESPN. “No,” Marks responded. This exchange represents the single, direct communication between Morey and Marks this season. With three days to go before the deadline, the stalemate remains: The Sixers plan to pursue Harden, while the Nets have no intention of surrendering him.

Feb. 6 updates

4:37 p.m. ET: The Cleveland Cavaliers are acquiring Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick (via Miami) from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick (via Houston) and a 2027 second-round pick (via Utah), sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Trade grades: Is Indy done dealing? What’s next for the Pacers and Cavs

4:01 p.m. ET: Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash made it clear the franchise does not plan to trade James Harden prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. “I’ve talked to James; he wants to be here. He wants to be here long term as well, so I don’t think anything’s changed other than noise from the outside,” Nash said before Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Feb. 4 update

2:26 p.m. ET: The LA Clippers are trading Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and a future second-round pick to the Trail Blazers for Norman Powell and Robert Covington, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Clippers are sending the Trail Blazers a 2025 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, sources told Wojnarowski.

Trade grades: Who won the Blazers-Clippers trade?

Feb. 3 update

7:57 p.m. ET: The New Orleans Pelicans have been aggressively trying to add a guard or a perimeter scorer ahead of the trade deadline, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Thursday on NBA Today. New Orleans’ efforts have included talking to the Portland Trail Blazers about guard CJ McCollum, to the Sacramento Kings about guard De’Aaron Fox and to the Houston Rockets about guard Eric Gordon.

Jan. 28 update

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

2:28 p.m. ET: The Sacramento Kings — one of the most aggressive teams in the trade market and once an eager suitor for Ben Simmons — have ended their pursuit of a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and turned elsewhere in trade talks, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Kings, who have lost five straight and sit 13th in the Western Conference, are determined to reshape their roster and remain engaged on several other fronts, sources said.

Trade grades: Three realistic Simmons trade options

Jan. 26 update

7:17 p.m. ET: The Brooklyn Nets are not engaging with any teams inquiring about potential James Harden trades, a resolve rooted in Harden’s repeated insistences to ownership and management that he’s committed to staying and winning a championship with the franchise, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jan. 25 update

6:57 p.m. ET: Jerami Grant‘s representation has offered the Detroit Pistons a list of trade destinations should the franchise choose to move the 27-year-old forward before the Feb. 10 deadline, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on The Hoop Collective podcast.

Jan. 21 update

3:30 p.m. ET: How does Joel Embiid‘s play affect how Philadelphia team president Daryl Morey and the Sixers are thinking about the possibility of trading Ben Simmons? “We are looking for a deal that makes us a championship contender,” Morey said during a radio interview on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia on Jan. 20. “I think it’s less likely than likely,” Morey said. “It won’t be from lack of trying.” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said during Friday’s NBA Today: “I think that was the purpose of that interview was to manage expectations and say, hey, listen [Embiid’s] having a historically great year. We have to get this trade right.”

Jan. 18 update

11:23 p.m. ET: The Denver Nuggets are acquiring San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes in a three-way deal with the Boston Celtics, sources told ESPN. The Nuggets will send Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier to the Celtics and the Spurs will acquire Celtics forward Juancho Hernangomez and Denver’s 2028 second-round pick, sources said.

2:02 p.m. ET: Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is expected to be sidelined beyond the Feb. 10 trade deadline with a stress reaction in his left foot, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The injury could complicate the franchise’s hopes to deal him before the offseason.

Jan. 13 updates

11:59 a.m. ET: The deal between the Nuggets and Pistons involving Bol Bol has been voided after the Pistons didn’t pass Bol on his physical with the team, sources confirmed to ESPN.

11:26 a.m. ET: The Hawks are trading forward Cam Reddish to the Knicks for a deal that includes a protected 2022 first-round pick via the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Knicks also acquire Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets in the trade.

Trade grades: What Cam Reddish brings to New York

Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Jan. 9 update

2:27 p.m. ET: The Pistons are finalizing a deal to acquire Nuggets forward Bol Bol for Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second-round pick via the Nets. Bol, 22, has shown flashes of promise with Denver, but he has never found traction in a deep and talented Nuggets frontcourt.

Jan. 4 update

4:08 p.m. ET: The Oklahoma City Thunder are acquiring Miye Oni from the Utah Jazz and a 2028 second-round pick. The Thunder will waive Oni and open up a roster spot ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline. Utah saves money and opens a roster spot, too.

Jan. 3 update

11:22 a.m. ET: The Knicks are acquiring Denzel Valentine in a three-way deal with the Lakers and Cavs, also getting $1.1M and two draft-rights players but ceding the draft rights to Louis Labeyrie. New York will make a decision on keeping Valentine or providing him an opportunity to sign elsewhere.

Dec. 31, 2021, update

11:06 a.m. ET: The Cavaliers have agreed to trade Denzel Valentine to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Rajon Rondo, who is eager for the chance to play a bigger role with an ascending Cavaliers team. He has been positive on the deal since it was presented to him as an option.

Trade grades: How Rondo fits in Cleveland

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The Chicago Blackhawks had a big win on Wednesday night. They are for sure not going to the postseason but it was a big game because the team still wants to go out strong and be ready for whatever decision the front office makes.

A new GM might think that rebuilding is a good idea. If that is the case, some people might want to prove that they deserve to be there in the long term. If they go with a continued (bad idea) retool, people will want to be good enough to stick around as well.

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While the Chicago Cubs and the rest of Major League Baseball wait for a new collective bargaining agreement between the owners and Major League Baseball’s Players association, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed a rule change that will stand to benefit the Cubs when the season starts.

During the shortened 2020 season, Major League Baseball first tested the idea of a universal designated hitter rule. The rule would serve as a balance between the American League and National League as both leagues would utilize the designated hitter rule as opposed to the pitcher having to hit. When Major League Baseball returned to a 162-game regular season in 2021, it was agreed that the Universal Designated hitter rule would not be implemented and pitchers would return to hitting for National League teams.

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Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or not, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nice glass of wine. The list below contains all our personal favorite spots for a relaxing wine tasting in Chicago, including some adjacent suburbs! With this weather being bitter cold, and us in the middle of the Hygge month, a rich glass of red sounds just about right.

2456 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Located in the heart of Logan Square, Soif Wine Lounge is our new favorite spot for a girl’s night out, and easily the best place for a wine tasting in Chicago! Down an unmarked staircase in Logan Square’s esteemed Testaccio, Soif is a wine lounge with the exclusivity and low-key attributes of a speakeasy.

Their extensive menu centers around French wines, but also has a wide variety of Champaigns for those going for the bubbles. The crew is so knowledgeable and will help you pick the right wine to match your mood and food. So, if you haven’t been to Soif, check them out next time you’re in the area. You’ll love this place!

1200 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Every Chicagoan has heard of City Winery. It’s not the easiest thing to find a venue that has music, good food, and one of the most extensive wine lists in town all in one place. So, make a reservation at their Barrel Room Restaurant and Bar, or check out their wine experience, including virtual tastings, winery tours and tastings, and wine blending demos. You can also join the wine club for more exclusive benefits.

845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

With a Jury Prize from World’s Best Wine Lists and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2021, El Che is on the rise to become one of the superstar locations for a wine tasting in Chicago. Their beloved Wine Class by the Glass program has gained a ton of popularity since its relaunch. This month, they’re featuring Rose for Valentine’s Day!

1113 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Birch Road is the perfect place to host your own wine tasting events and meet fellow wine lovers. This private club comes with temperature-controlled storage to house all your favorite wines. The club itself also hosts various wine tastings and other events regularly. So, come here hang, mingle, and enjoy some delicious wine. You’ll fall in love with this place!

5553 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

2008 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

Rated #1 hidden city patio by Chicago Magazine, Volo is one of our favorite wine spots in town. Their extensive wine menu keeps us coming back, and the Happy Hour food deal is also quite irresistable. Volo hosts special events, such as wine tastings regularly. Right now, they have a tasting party dedicated to Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14th. Reservations can be made here.

7301 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626

Picnic Wine & Provisions is another fantastic spot for wine and cheese lovers! Right now, they’re doing weekly wine tastings on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Reservations are $5 per person, or free for the Picnic Wine Club members. Each tasting features different wines and sometimes has a special theme. For more information, follow them on Instagram!

616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Whoever said wine and sushi don’t go together hasn’t been to Lure Fishbar. This is our go-to place for a casual friend’s wine tasting in Chicago, especially if we’re craving authentic nigiri! For the month of February, you can also enjoy their special Winter Retreat Weekdays prie fixe menu for $45, plus $45 per bottle of wine!

1962 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Find out the perfect wine for your favorite oyster. Are you team west coast or team east coast? Quality Crab & Oyster Bah has a wide selection of bubbles, roses, whites, and reds. You’ll find a perfect drink to go with your meal, whether you’re diving in the ocean or feasting on land. They’re also doing Bubbles, Oysters, and Fried Chicken Dinner on Feb. 24! Reservations can be made here.

317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Wine and seafood is the divine combo, especially if you’re coming for RPM Seafood’s The Sommelier Experience!

The seafood driven prix fixe tasting menu (typically 8-courses) from chef Michael Coté changes daily and is curated to guests’ tastes and dietary restrictions, all with expertly paired pours from Richard and his team. The Sommelier Experience at RPM Seafood is available Tuesday – Saturday with two seatings at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. This experience, starting at $225 per person plus tax, takes approximately two hours and seats up to 4 guests.

1 Illinois St # 140, St. Charles, IL 60174

Have you heard? The Wine Exchange in St. Charles is doing super Saturday every month where you can sip through 4 vendors and 25+ wines! All it takes is a $20 admission, and you can fill your glass for as many times as you want. If you can’t make it to the super Saturday, this local gem also does regular tastings on the rest of the Saturdays of the month. Anyways, we better get our reservations in. See you there?

Featured Image Credit: City Winery

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The second edition of the Basketball Africa League [BAL] is set to tip off in Dakar, Senegal, on March 5, with the 12 competing teams confirmed and defending champions Zamalek returning.

The group phase will take place in Dakar (Sahara Conference – March 5-15th) and in Cairo (Nile Conference – April 9-19th) before the tournament moves to Kigali for the playoffs from May 21-28th.

Last year, with the tournament taking place over two weeks in Rwanda due to COVID-19, Egypt’s Zamalek beat Tunisia’s US Monastir in the final, becoming the first NBA-affiliated African club champions.

This year, indications are that the level of performance is set to be even higher, with the tournament moving across three different countries, as initially intended before COVID hit.

No word yet on which, if any, Grammy-winning rapper will compete at this year’s edition, after J. Cole stole the show with the Patriots last year.

Sahara Conference – Dakar, Senegal – March 5-15th

US Monastir (Tunisia)

How did they qualify? Last year’s runners-up qualified automatically once again by winning the 2020/21 Championnat National A.

History: Established in 1959, US Monastir did not rise to the top of Tunisian basketball until 1998, when they beat Ezzahra Sports in the league finals to win their first title. In 1999/2000, Monastir beat Club Africain in the league final and Ezzahra in the cup final to win the double.

After a third title win in 2005 and a maiden appearance at the FIBA Africa Club Championship in 2014, Monastir finished third in the Africa Champions Cup in 2017. They were defeated by ES Rad?s in the semi-final, but won the bronze playoff against Sport Libolo e Benfica.

If they needed revenge on local rivals ES Rad?s, Monastir claimed it by beating them to claim the league title not only in 2019, but again in 2020. In 2021, Monastir beat Ezzahra Sports to claim the crown yet again.

They were widely viewed as favourites for the inaugural BAL title, but lost to Zamalek in the final.

Star man: Ty Lawson

Reasons for optimism: The presence of former NBA player Ty Lawson in the Monastir side makes them a better team and they will be hungry to avenge their unexpected defeat to Zamalek in last year’s final.

Reasons for concern: With Zamalek having made a raft of star signings, Monastir are going to have to raise their game to keep up. Not everything is going their way at home, where they have recently been beaten by Ezzahra Sports. Even more recently, Lawson is reported to have been arrested in Madrid over a fight which broke out in a restaurant and this may have implications for his BAL hopes.

Solms’s prediction: Final

The 12 Basketball Africa League teams for the second edition, revealed in Dakar, Senegal on Feb. 8 2022. Basketball Africa League

DUC Dakar (Senegal)

How did they qualify? In a nail-biting finale to the Senegalese basketball season, DUC Dakar beat 2021 BAL participants AS Douanes 66-65 to claim last year’s Nationale 1 title.

History: Dakar Universit? Club Basketball (DUC) is the basketball team of the Cheikh Anta Diop University. Founded in 1956, they have won five Nationale 1 titles including their 2021 triumph. Their others were in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015. DUC were also runners-up in 1991, 1993 and 2012.

Founded as a basketball club, DUC went on to play other sports in addition, including athletics and football.

Star man: Thierno Niang

Reasons for optimism: Senegalese basketball is in a strong position after a third-place finish at AfroBasket 2021. DUC Dakar guard and Senegalese League Finals MVP Thierno Niang has the ability to separate his team from others. Furthermore, DUC will have home advantage for some of the tournament.

Reasons for concern: AS Douanes, who represented Senegal at last year’s BAL, were a disappointment — scraping through to the quarter-finals before losing to Monastir. Overall, they had a 1-3 tournament record. DUC Dakar do not have a star-studded roster and have no BAL experience.

Solms’s prediction: Group stage

REG (Rwanda)

How did they qualify? Avenging three successive final defeats to the Patriots, REG finally won back their crown by beating the 2021 BAL semifinalists 2-0 in the 2020/21 Rwandan National Basketball League (NBL) final.

History: Rwanda Energy Group BBC (REG) is owned by and named after the Rwanda Energy Group Limited. Established in 2016, they quickly became one of the dominant forces in the country’s rapidly developing basketball scene. After winning the NBL in 2017, they played second fiddle to the Patriots for three years, eventually beating them again to clinch a second national title in 2021. REG have also won the Rwandan Heroes Cup in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Star man: Kami Kabange

Reasons for optimism: The playoffs and finals of the BAL will be held in Rwanda, giving REG a major advantage. Countrymen the Patriots used this well last year, making it all the way to the semi-finals of the inaugural BAL. Given that REG toppled them en route to the league title, they will fancy their chances.

Reasons for concern: The Patriots came up well short when they took on the might of Monastir and Petro de Luanda. Looking at REG’s roster, it is difficult to see how they will fare any better against the best teams, who are beefing up with seasoned NBA campaigners.

Solms’s prediction: Quarter-finals

AS Sale’s Terrell Stoglin became the first player to score 40 BAL points when he dominated AS Police in his team’s win. Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images

AS Sal? (Morocco)

How did they qualify? Moroccan champions Sal? were invited to the BAL to replace Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers, who were disqualified due to their federation failing to effectively organise a league.

History: The basketball section of AS Sal? was founded in 1928. Today, they are the pride of the organisation, as the football team competes in the second division. However, even the basketball side did not win the national title until 2010. Since then, they have been utterly dominant.

In 2017, they beat ES Rad?s 77-69 in Rad?s to win the FIBA Africa Champions Cup, becoming the first Moroccan side to lift the title since MAS Fez in 1998. In 2018/19, Sal? were runners-up, losing the final 83-71 to Primeiro de Agosto.

The 2021 BAL season saw a Terrell Stoglin-inspired Sal? reach the quarter-finals while playing some thoroughly entertaining basketball, but they were knocked out by Petro de Luanda.

Star man: Terrell Stoglin

Reasons for optimism: The Moroccan champions have been boosted by the return of Stoglin to their ranks and will be fired up. They can count themselves unlucky to have been knocked out so early in the tournament last time, despite being one of the most exciting teams, and will be hungry to progress further this time.

Reasons for concern: Having been parachuted into the tournament despite missing the Elite 16 round of the qualifiers, Sal? may be lacking in preparation. Their dominance at home is being threatened, particularly by FUS Rabat. Stoglin aside, it is difficult to see where they can bridge the gap to the best teams in the BAL.

Solms’s prediction: Semi-finals

1dMarc J. Spears

14dLeonard Solms

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SLAC (Guinea)

How did they qualify? Seydou Legacy Athletic Club (SLAC) qualified by finishing as runners-up of the West Division in the qualifying tournament. They beat Mali’s AS Police 81-78 in overtime in the semi-finals, but were hammered 81-34 by Forces Arm?es et Police (FAP) in the final.

History: SLAC have dominated Guinean basketball since winning a first Ligue 1 title in 2015. They have since added further triumphs in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Before the BAL came into existence, they played their first FIBA Africa Basketball League tournament in 2018/19, losing all three matches against AS Sal?, JS Kairouan and Rivers Hoopers.

Star man: Dane Miller Jr.

Reasons for optimism: By beating 2021 BAL participants AS Police in order to qualify for this year’s tournament, SLAC proved that they are capable of playing at the required level to compete in the tournament on their best days.

Reasons for concern: The 47-point West Division final defeat to FAP suggests SLAC still have some way to go before they can compete with the BAL big guns. Their squad is inexperienced at major basketball competitions relative to some of their competitors.

Solms’s prediction: Group stage

Ferrovi?rio da Beira (Mozambique)

How did they qualify? In their first appearance in the BAL qualifiers, Ferrovi?rio da Beira won the East Division. They emulated fellow Mozambican team Ferrovi?rio de Maputo the previous year by ensuring that Mozambique will have a representative at Africa’s biggest club basketball showpiece.

History: Ferrovi?rio da Beira’s history dates back to 1924, but the basketball section of the club has enjoyed its golden years over the last decade. They won the Mozambique Division 1 in 2012, 2013 and 2014 before finally adding another title in 2021, earning their right to play in the BAL qualifiers, which they did with much success.

Star man: Will Perry

Reasons for optimism: Beira peaked at the right time in qualifying and should go down as one of the dark horses for the tournament. Ferrovi?rio de Maputo came very close to reaching the semi-finals last time and so Mozambican basketball teams know they can mix it with Africa’s big guns when required.

Reasons for concern: There were moments over two titanic qualifying battles with the Cape Town Tigers when Beira’s vulnerability showed. One of those matches ended in defeat and the other in victory. Although there are accomplished players in the squad, Beira lack bona fide stars to compete with the best teams.

Solms’s prediction: Quarter-finals

Nile Conference – Cairo, Egypt – April 9-19th

Egyptian side Zamalek became the inaugural winners of the BAL when they beat Tunisia’s US Monastir in the final in Kigali. Muzogeye Plaisir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Zamalek (Egypt)

How did they qualify? The defending BAL champions doubled up by also clinching the 2020/21 Egyptian Basketball Super League, beating Al Ittihad 3-2 in a fiercely contested final.

History: Zamalek won the Egyptian Republic Championship, the precursor to the Egyptian Super League, in 1969/70 and 1973/74.

They were a dominant force early in the Super League era, following up their 1973/1974 title with wins in 1974/75, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1977/1978, 1979/80, and 1980/81.

Al Ittihad then had a spell of dominance, winning the title for six seasons in a row, with Zamalek finally ending that run in 1987/88. Zamalek lost the title to Cairo rivals Al Ahly the following season and then to Al Ittihad again, but reclaimed first prize in 1990/91.

After finishing second in 1975 and 1976 and third in 1972 and 1983, Zamalek finally achieved continental supremacy by winning the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup in 1992. They would not win another national title until 1996/97, but retained it in 1997/98, also finishing second in the Africa Clubs Champions Cup in 1998 and winning the 1997/98 Egyptian Cup and 1997 and 1998 Egyptian Super Cup titles.

Zamalek started the new millennium with a spell of Egyptian Cup dominance, winning the tournament in 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2005/06. However, despite Super League victories in 2002/03 and 2006/07, they struggled to keep pace with Gezira, Al Ittihad, Sporting Alexandria and Al Ahly.

In 2018/19, Zamalek finally returned to the summit of Egyptian basketball. Although they lost their title to Al Ittihad the following season, they promptly won it back, also winning the inaugural BAL by beating Monastir 76-63 in the final.

Star man: Anas Osama Mahmoud

Reasons for optimism: The reigning African champions followed up their BAL triumph by becoming champions of Egypt. They have added several new signings to their roster, with the most recognisable new players being Ike Diogu, DJ Strawberry and Tony Wroten.

Star man Anas Mahmoud is back from a stint with the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Summer League, and Zamalek are the best team in the tournament on paper. Furthermore, they will have an added advantage of playing some basketball on home soil, a privilege they were not afforded last year.

Reasons for concern: As champions, Zamalek will have a target on their backs. US Monastir have kept pace with them in terms of improving their squad and everyone will be hungry to raise their game when they come up against Will Voigt’s side.

Solms’s prediction: Champions

Brazilian Jose Neto took the Petro de Luanda job in 2020, and is an experienced international coach, having led Brazil’s women’s team in the past. He was voted Angola’s coach of the year in 2021. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

How did they qualify? Semi-finalists at the inaugural BAL tournament, Petro de Luanda qualified again by beating Interclube 3-0 in the final of the 2020/21 Angolan Basketball League.

History: Established in 1976, Petro de Luanda’s basketball team is one of many sporting outfits in a diverse institution which includes football and handball teams. They are second only to Primeiro de Agosto in overall Angolan Basketball League title wins.

Petro de Luanda’s first national title came in 1989 and they dominated Angolan basketball in the early 1990s, winning the league in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. Further triumphs followed in 1998 and 1999.

After a seven-year drought, Petro de Luanda won the league again in 2006, which was the same year in which they were crowned African champions for the first time. Fittingly, it was a 76-71 win over Primeiro de Agosto which earned Petro de Luanda their first FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup title.

After another league title in 2007, Petro de Luanda’s next came in 2011. In 2015, they repeated their 2006 Angolan and African double. Having beaten Primeiro de Agosto in the semi-finals, they saw off fellow local rivals Rec do Libolo 89-75 in the FIBA Africa Club Champions Cup final.

Petro de Luanda’s next league title came in 2019 and they have dominated nationally since. They were top of the table in 2020 when the league was called off due to COVID-19 and won their 14th title in 2021.

At last year’s BAL, they finished third, losing to eventual champions Zamalek in the semi-finals before beating the Patriots to clinch bronze.

Star man: Carlos Morais

Reasons for optimism: Carlos Morais was in superb form for Angola at AfroBasket 2021, suggesting that the shooting guard has a major role to play at the BAL even at the age of 36. Petro have dominated the Angolan Basketball League in recent years and were deserving bronze medallists at the 2021 BAL. They are likely to be among the contenders for the throne once again.

Reasons for concern: Petro were found wanting against Zamalek at last year’s BAL semi-finals and the Egyptians have strengthened further since then. It is difficult to see how Petro can keep pace with them, as well as US Monastir, who were runners-up last year. If the Angolan champions are to do so, they will almost definitely need to strengthen their roster.

Solms’s prediction: Semi-finals

DRC-born Canadian Myck Kabongo played his college hoops for Texas Longhorns, and was a McDonald’s All-American in 2011. Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Cape Town Tigers (South Africa)

How did they qualify? Controversially so, as the South African champions were awarded a 20-0 walkover against New Star in the East Division third-place playoff as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among the team from Burundi.

History: Founded in 2019 by an American ownership group, the Cape Town Tigers saw their plans halted by COVID-19. However, they rebuilt and won last year’s national championship. The Tigers subsequently used home advantage well in the Elite 16 round to become the first South African team ever to secure qualification for the BAL.

Star man: Myck Kabongo

Reasons for optimism: The Tigers are a well-resourced team with backing from an American ownership group and they have a healthy balance of exuberance and experience within the squad. They were convincing throughout the majority of the qualifying tournament even though they were not at their best in the Elite 16. The Tigers’ new assistant coach, Al Harrington, is a welcome addition to the staff with 16 years of NBA playing experience.

Reasons for concern: As an institution, the Tigers are inexperienced and have yet to be put to the test at this grand stage. Their handling of Nigerian international point guard Ben Uzoh was worrying to say the least. The Tigers did well to sign him and he was influential last year, but he had to be replaced at the eleventh hour by Myck Kabongo, who played for Maputo at the 2021 edition, for the Elite 16 round of qualifiers due to his VISA having been allowed to expire. The Tigers were lucky to scrape their way into the tournament without him and will have to improve if they are to be competitive at the BAL.

Solms’s prediction: Quarter-finals

Cobra Sport (South Sudan)

How did they qualify? Cobra Sport finished second in the East Division of BAL qualifiers, booking their spot with a 78-76 semi-final win over New Star of Burundi.

They had initially lost both of their first round qualifying matches, but were handed a wild card to compete in the second round by FIBA and made the most of it with a strengthened roster. The team from South Sudan lost the division final 91-65 to Ferrovi?rio da Beira.

History: Cobra Sports Club was founded in 2017 and earned the right to participate in qualifiers for the inaugural BAL season. Although they missed out, they strengthened by bringing in John Jevish Omondi as head coach. The signings of Kenyan international Tom Wamukota and Rwandan international Dieudonn? Ndizeye strengthened them further and they became the first team from South Sudan to advance to the BAL proper.

Star man: Dieudonn? Ndizeye

Reasons for optimism: Cobra Sports are going from strength to strength under the guidance of Omondi and beat a very strong New Star team to qualify for the BAL. Their gradually improving performances in qualifying suggest they are only going to get better.

Reasons for concern: The defeat to Beira in the East Division final suggests Cobra Sports still have plenty of improvements to make before they can be competitive at the BAL. A lack of experience on the big stage will also count against them. They were lucky to get through qualifying after a slow start.

Solms’s prediction: Group stage

FAP of Cameroon lost to eventual champions Zamalek in the BAL quarterfinals in 2021. Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images

FAP (Cameroon)

How did they qualify? FAP won the West Division of the qualifying tournament in style, sealing their BAL spot for the second year running.

History: Established in 1972, FAP won the Central Region Championship in 2011, 2016 and 2018. However, their first Cameroonian Basketball League title did not come until 2019/20, after they had finished as runners-up to Condor BC the previous season. In 2020/21, they repeated their feat from the following campaign by winning another national title and once again qualifying for the BAL.

Star man: Joel Almeida

Reasons for optimism: FAP made the quarter-finals of the inaugural BAL tournament and have since added veteran Cape Verdean shooting guard/small forward Joel Almeida to their roster. He was one of the key players for them as they eased to the West Division title in qualifying.

Reasons for concern: An 82-53 defeat to Zamalek in last year’s quarter-finals showed that FAP are still well behind Africa’s best teams. Almost a year later, they are hardly closer if at all to bridging the gap in terms of roster quality.

Solms’s prediction: Quarter-finals

Espoir Fukash (DR Congo)

How did they qualify? Espoir Fukash beat AS Police 93-87 in an overtime thriller to claim third place in the West Division of the qualifying tournament, qualifying for the BAL despite a 70-56 semi-final loss to FAP.

History: Founded as recently as 2019, Espoir Fukash made their first regional final in 2020, losing to BC Terreur. The following season, they went one better and won the title, also picking up the Congolese Cup in October 2021 – their first national title. This earned them the right to play in the BAL qualifiers and they seized the opportunity with both hands.

Star man: Rolly Fula

Reasons for optimism: Inspired by Rolly Fula, who was one of the best players in the BAL qualification tournament, Espoir Fukash are an unknown quantity on the big stage. Like other new teams, particularly the Cape Town Tigers, they may have the element of surprise on their side.

Reasons for concern: Espoir Fukash were twice resoundingly beaten by FAP in qualifying and only scraped through their decisive West Division third-place playoff against AS Police to qualify for the BAL. On paper, they are one of the least likely teams to go far.

Solms’s prediction: Group stage

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