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There’s renewed momentum for the creation of a future in-season NBA tournament among the league’s 30 teams, sources told ESPN.

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have been discussing elements of the tournament, which could become part of the calendar as soon as the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 seasons, sources said.

Negotiations have centered on an in-season tournament that would begin with pool play as part of the regular-season schedule prior to teams with the best records advancing to an eight-team, single-elimination tournament that would culminate prior to Christmas, sources said. The proposal would also shorten the regular-season from 82 to 78 games, sources said.

The sides have discussed a $1 million per player purse for the winning team, and the players could see more financial and competitive incentives before an agreement on the format, sources said. The NBA’s been motivated with the prospects of lucrative television and sponsorship revenue that they’re hopeful would deliver long-term financial growth.

The league’s had to work to make certain that the financial reductions for teams and players because of the shortened regular season would initially be break-even — with the hope of more considerable financial gains in the long run. The success of in-season tournaments in European soccer have intrigued NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who believes that players and fans would become enthusiastic over the tournament with time.

The idea’s been percolating for a few years and the early success and acceptance of the play-in tournament appears to have built a bridge for the league to intensify plans for the event. The Players Association has been talking broadly with players on the idea in team meetings, and those conversations are expected to become more serious in the NBPA’s February winter meetings on All-Star weekend in Cleveland, sources said.

Previously, there’s been some apprehensiveness over the idea among big-market owners — especially among those who generate larger home-game revenue streams, sources said. Teams had expressed uneasiness on absorbing short-term losses on losing two home dates to introduce the tournament, especially when those games can be worth between $2.7 million and $4 million for the most profitable big-market teams, sources said.

Nevertheless, Silver has been an immense champion of the idea and has shown an ability to rally ownership on his priorities. In recent months, there’s been an increased confidence that the tournament is within reach of negotiations.

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Oh, you want an expanded College Football Playoff, do you?

Look, I get it. More just seems better.

But really? Non-playoff bowl games haven’t lost enough luster? The Rose Bowl used to be the greatest spectacle in college football, national-title implications or not. Now it’s superpower Ohio State against Pac-12 champ Utah and, you know, not all that big a deal.

Several teams each season used to be able to approximate the experience that now is reserved for playoff winners only. Baylor in 2011 is a perfect example of this: A long-moribund program won 10 games — and quarterback Robert Griffin III took the Heisman Trophy — and you won’t find a Bears fan who will tell you anything since has touched those four magical months.

Ask Purdue fans about the 2000 Boilermakers going to the Rose Bowl with Drew Brees. Or Northwestern fans about the 1995 “Purple to Pasadena” journey. Or Wisconsin fans about the 1993 Badgers — a team I covered — rising from nothingness to win the Rose Bowl.

And the regular season hasn’t been watered down enough? Huge Saturday games — rivalry games, full of pomp and pageantry — are what distinguish college football from the NFL.

Let’s say we had an eight-team playoff right now. Do we need No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 8 Mississippi? They already did it once, on Oct. 2, with the Crimson Tide winning by three touchdowns. Do we need No. 4 Cincinnati vs. No. 5 Notre Dame? They already did it once, on that very same day, with the Bearcats winning by 11 in South Bend.

Three of 14 semifinal games in the playoff era have been decided by single digits. Three.

More? Four is plenty. And here’s what’s happening:

SUN 26

Bills at Patriots (noon, Ch. 2)

If the Bills — one game behind their nemeses — are going to reclaim AFC East big-boy status, they absolutely have to have this one. Fearless prediction: Pats QB Mac Jones attempts more than three passes this time.

Bears at Seahawks (3 p.m., Fox-32)

Matt Nagy isn’t the only coach who’s up against it. Anybody else have an appetite for Pete Carroll joining Tony La Russa in Chicago’s 70-and-over club?

Steelers at Chiefs (3:25 p.m., Ch. 2)

Just in case a game involving playoff-caliber teams is more your speed, the Chiefs are gunning for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the Steelers are still — OK, barely — in the wild-card mix.

Pacers at Bulls (7 p.m., NBCSCH)

Man, it’s good to have Zach LaVine back. He’s like a Christmas present that drills step-back threes, has a 46-inch vertical and is almost awesome enough to make you forget all about that Jimmy Butler toy you lost.

MON 27

Bulls at Hawks (6:30 p.m., NBCSCH)

With coach Billy Donovan in COVID-19 protocol, assistant Chris Fleming takes the reins for the first of a back-to-back against Atlanta. Not to tell him how to do his job, but he probably should just hand the whiteboard to DeMar DeRozan for the fourth quarter.

Dolphins at Saints (7:15 p.m., ESPN)

These teams might be a run-of-the-mill 7-7, but the Fins have won six straight and the Saints are coming off a shutout of Tom Brady. The sneakiest-good essentially meaningless game of the season?

TUE 28

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks (7:30 p.m., NBCSCH)

The Hawks take the ice for the first time in 10 days — hopefully, enough time to devise a strategy that doesn’t involve losing in overtime.

WED 29

CBB: DePaul at Butler (4 p.m., FS1)

Let’s try this Big East-opener thing yet again, shall we? It was pretty sweet of the league to change its game-cancellation policy, wiping a pair of forfeit losses from the Blue Demons’ record.

Blackhawks at Jets (6:30 p.m., NBCSCH)

Last time the Hawks went to Winnipeg, they gave up two goals in the first three minutes, generated hardly any quality shots all game, lost 5-1 to fall to 1-9-2 on the season and — oh, yeah — got their coach fired. Other than that, it really was a lovely little trip.

Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs. Oklahoma (8:15 p.m., ESPN)

“Big Game” Bob Stoops is right where he belongs — back on the Sooners sideline for the first time in five years. Alas, it’s for one game only. Boomer, bummer.

FRI 31

Cotton Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati (2:30 p.m., ESPN)

Bearcats fans are super sensitive about Cincinnati not getting the respect it deserves, but let’s just tell it like it is: Skyline Chili is an abomination.

Orange Bowl: Michigan vs. Georgia (6:30 p.m., ESPN)

Not to be negative about the Wolverines’ chances, but all they could muster in the schools’ last meeting was seven measly points. It’s tempting to blame Jim Harbaugh, although, in his defense, it was 1965 and he was 1.

SAT 1

Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State (noon, ESPN)

What an exciting way for Marcus Freeman to make his debut as Irish coach. He better win, too, or else we might have to endure the sight of a Gatorade dump on Mike Gundy’s mullet.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Utah (4 p.m., ESPN)

The Utes had not one but two blowout victories against Oregon, the very squad that won at Ohio Stadium in September. Yada, yada, Buckeyes by 14.

Blues at Wild (6 p.m., TNT)

Not many sports scenes can top the NHL’s annual Winter Classic, which finally makes its way to Target Field. Special bonus: Viewers don’t even have to watch the Twins.

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Quarterback Ryan Willis is among five players the Bears have flexed from their practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. If Justin Fields is not active for the game because of an ankle injury, Willis would back up starter Nick Foles. Andy Dalton is out because of a groin injury.

The other players flexed from the practice squad are wide receiver Dazz Newsome and Nsimba Webster, linebacker Ledarius Mack and cornerback Dee Virgin.

The Bears did not announce any players activated from their reserve/COVID-19 list. Nine players are on it and would not be eligible to play against the Seahawks unless activated Sunday: defensive end Akiem Hicks, wide receiver Allen Robinson, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Tashaun Gipson, tight ends Jesse James and Jesper Horsted, linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe, running back Ryan Nall and wide receiver Isaiah Coulter.

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After clearing the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Friday, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the starting lineup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday.

Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, planned to get on the court Friday for a workout.

In the protocols and unable to work out since Dec. 14, Antetokounmpo has significant basketball inactivity to overcome in a 24-hour window.

Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 27.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this season, has missed the Bucks’ past five games.

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Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, it was announced Friday.

He becomes the fourth NBA head coach to enter into COVID-19 protocols, joining the Lakers‘ Frank Vogel, Indiana‘s Rick Carlisle and Sacramento‘s Alvin Gentry.

Bulls assistant Chris Fleming will be the acting head coach in Donovan’s absence.

Donovan, who had coldlike symptoms on Friday morning, became the latest member of the Bulls to land in protocols.

2dJamal Collier

2dAdrian Wojnarowski

1dNick Friedell

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The Bulls had as many as 10 players in the protocol earlier this month, which led to two of their games being postponed, but all players had cleared protocols and were expected to be available for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

Chicago has the second game of a back-to-back on Monday at the Atlanta Hawks.

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Russell is the eighth Timberwolves player to enter the protocols, along with starters Karl-Anthony Towns, Patrick Beverley, Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Russell is averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game this season.

Other Timberwolves in the protocol include Taurean Prince, Josh Okogie and McKinley Wright IV.

Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, died at 59 last year from complications with COVID-19. Towns said before last season that six other family members had also died from complications with the virus.

The All-Star center tested positive for COVID-19 in January and went on to miss 13 games.

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The pieces that are being waved around right now around the league are few, but what Marc Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas have shown is an aggressiveness to strike when they feel the time is right.

There’s always moves to be made.

That’s how Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have handled their business since last season’s trade deadline.

Whether it was prying Nikola Vucevic from Orlando or going the sign-and-trade route in the summer and acquiring both Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, this front office has shown an aggressiveness not seen by the Bulls in quite some time.

But are they done?

Unlikely, as the Feb. 10 trade deadline slowly starts showing itself on the horizon.

Where it becomes difficult, however, is what pieces will be made available between now and then from the rest of the Association, and who would the Bulls be willing to part with?

Billy Donovan’s roster is a close-knit group, but also one with veterans that understand the business side of the league. If they are looking to move contracts that are or could be expiring then a Derrick Jones Jr. or Troy Brown can come into play. If they are set on moving off a younger developmental piece then a Coby White is in play to be traded.

The problem is White could bring back an interesting return because of his potential, but his rookie salary limits large-ticket items, even when packaged.

Basically, the Bulls would be in the market for another team’s problem. That young player that either wants out or hasn’t worked out.

Marvin Bagley III’s name has been floating out there for more than a month, as the Sacramento forward is unhappy with his organization and the feeling seems to be mutual.

The Bulls, Philadelphia, Utah, Detroit, Orlando, Indiana, San Antonio and Dallas have all been mentioned in Bagley rumors, but the likelihood that the Bulls could eventually be frontrunners is small. Especially if the Kings are looking to blow up the roster and package Bagley with shooter Buddy Hield, who still has $40 million guaranteed his way the next two years after he makes $23 million this year.

Does White and Jones for a Bagley and say a Moe Harkless work? Financially it fits, but what would the Kings really get out of that?

If Hield is moved there would be a place for White, but otherwise it’s more backcourt logjam.

Jones would be an expiring contract to help the Kings get more cap relief, but would bring little to the big picture of a very disappointing season in Sacramento.

The other organization that is dealing with major underachievement issues and has been circulating in the rumor mill is Portland.

Again, what could interest the Bulls, as well as appease the Trail Blazers? As long as both CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard are on the roster a White makes little sense. The Bulls are shopping for a power forward and Larry Nance Jr. would give them a lot of elements they need at that position, but the two teams need to be willing dance partners.

As far as a team in the Eastern Conference to look at, well, all eyes are on the Pacers, who reportedly are willing to put “Everything Must Go’’ signs outside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Domantas Sabonis would give the Bulls everything they could want from a power forward – think a much more skilled version of what Daniel Theis was – but the asking price is one the Bulls likely couldn’t answer, especially if they deem Patrick Williams the power forward of the future.

The good news for the Bulls? Saturday was only Christmas Day, and the number of teams that will undergo a standings reality check as the deadline nears will only grow.

The pool of tradable assets will deepen.

Until then, Karnisovas and Eversley will be lurking.

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Dominik Kubalik (No. 8) is one of several players the Blackhawks could consider trading later this season. | Elsa/Getty Images

Blackhawks beat reporter Ben Pope answers more questions from fans on Twitter.

This is the second part of Blackhawks beat reporter Ben Pope’s mailbag, answering questions from fans on Twitter.

If the Hawks don’t make the playoffs, which players will be considered to trade?

We can assume for now they won’t make the playoffs.

The Hawks have been trying to trade Dylan Strome since last spring, but haven’t received any significant offers. Any improvement in those offers will likely mark the end of his Hawks tenure, rightly or not. The same goes for Calvin de Haan, a pending unrestricted free agent, who has openly discussed the tenuousness of his future with the Hawks. Ryan Carpenter is a pending UFA, too.

The most intriguing trade questions involve Marc-Andre Fleury — more on him below — and Dominik Kubalik. There are many conflicting factors with Kubalik. He was great his first two seasons; he has struggled in his third. He’s only a restricted free agent, but he requires a $3.7 million qualifying offer and holds arbitration rights. Interim GM Kyle Davidson, who signed Kubalik to this contract two years ago, must make a really tough call here.

Will the Hawks consider trading Fleury?

The Hawks would probably happily trade Fleury for assets come February. Despite his terrific on- and off-ice impact, that’s simply smart business for a non-playoff team with a veteran UFA.

The bigger question is whether Fleury would consider another trade. His reluctance to move to Chicago last summer demonstrated his family-first attitude. Now that his family has grown accustomed to Chicago — “School’s good, the house is all settled, [so] yeah, it has been good,” Fleury said recently — the same reluctance works in reverse. Maybe he’d use his no-trade clause to block a deadline move, or maybe he’d like to chase another Stanley Cup ring, but it really all depends on him.

Why can’t anyone on this team finish?

Indeed, the Hawks’ finishing is bad. Only 51.8% of their even-strength shot attempts make it on goal — 32nd (as in worst) in the NHL. And then only 7.7% of those shots on goal are goals — 25th in the NHL.

It’s harder to say conclusively if the bad finishing is a specific problem or if it’s alternatively a reflection of an overall bad offense. They’re also 29th in even-strength shot attempt frequency, after all. And while their shooting percentages were significantly better last season, they got rid of two of their more efficient finishers (Pius Suter and Mattias Janmark) and have seen another, Kubalik, worsen significantly.

Who should replace Pat Foley as play-by-play broadcaster?

I truly can’t answer this question, because I’m at most games and therefore not listening to the commentary.

But I do find it interesting to observe how resistant to change Hawks fans are. The vast majority seem to want Foley to stay, or — if that’s not possible — to have longtime radio broadcaster John Wiedeman replace him. The Hawks seem keen to hire an outside voice, and understandably so, but they’ll encounter significant backlash if/when they do.

Will Alex Nylander and/or Lukas Reichel get NHL opportunities this season? Which other Rockford IceHogs players are worth call-ups?

Lukas Reichel is in his own category among the AHL prospects. The Hawks know he’s an NHL-caliber player. Their sole priority is to not rush him — basically, to not screw up a golden ticket. The organization will be very careful with the timing of his long-awaited first call-up.

Outside of Reichel, the IceHogs are tough to judge, because they’re loaded with players who have played lightly in the NHL but haven’t stuck yet. Nylander has the name recognition, but I’m more interested in the order and length of call-ups that each of the defensemen — Ian Mitchell, Wyatt Kalynuk, Isaak Phillips, Jakub Galvas, Nicolas Beaudin and Alec Regula — will receive.

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Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.Read More

Bears quarterback Nick Foles warms up Monday night. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Foles will start against the Seahawks only because, for the first time this season, both the quarterbacks ahead of him are hurt at the same time.

One hundred and forty-four days before the Bears named third-stringer Nick Foles the starting quarterback for their game Sunday against the Seahawks in Seattle, he took to the podium at Halas Hall and lobbied for a way out.

Foles was perturbed with the storyline that he was a willing third-stringer — maybe the most accomplished practice-squad quarterback in NFL history! — and thought other teams might be interested in trading for him. They had tried earlier in the offseason, Foles said, but he was waiting for the right fit.

‘‘Listen, I’m 32; I feel great,’’ he said. ‘‘The version of me right now is much better than the version that played in the Super Bowl [with the Eagles], I’ll tell you that. And I’m confident in that. So put that through your mind.’’

The Bears didn’t agree, obviously.

Neither did any other team in the NFL.

Foles has stood on the sideline and watched Andy Dalton and Justin Fields get hurt — then get hurt again — and still hasn’t found his way onto the field. He will start against the Seahawks only because, for the first time this season, both quarterbacks above him are hurt at the same time. Fields’ ankle injury got worse last week, and Dalton came off the reserve/COVID-19 list but struggled with a groin injury during practice.

When Foles does start, it will be the logical conclusion to the Bears’ completely illogical handling of their quarterbacks all season long.

The Bears signed Dalton last spring to be their starter, then were stunned when Fields fell far enough in the draft for them to swing a trade for him. But coach Matt Nagy refused to open the competition for the starting job, leaving Fields to spend most of training camp throwing to backups.

General manager Ryan Pace, of course, traded for Foles in March 2020, only to watch him win two games in seven starts. Foles’ 80.8 passer rating was so bad that Pace couldn’t find a taker for him a year later. The Bears restructured Foles’ contract into a three-year, $24 million deal after acquiring him from the Jaguars, but that deal proved overpriced after one season, making him impossible to move when he became the most qualified practice-squad quarterback in history.

The whole thing was ridiculous in the moment, much less in hindsight. But it was no more ridiculous than the situation the Bears will be in Sunday: starting someone to whom they remain in an arranged marriage simply because a divorce is too expensive.

It will be what the Bears deserve.

‘‘I know he’s a competitor, and I know that he understands this is a great opportunity for him, too, on a personal level, to be able to help our team out and help him out,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘So I think . . . in this situation, it ends up being good for us and good for him.’’

It’s good for Foles and his loved ones. This might be the last start of his NFL career.

It’s not good for the franchise, however. Fields needs every snap he can get, even in a game that means little. Dalton has won as many games in four starts as Fields has in 10.

Foles? He has taken as many snaps this season — zero — as the number of interviews he has given since that day in August.

‘‘There’s not a lot of teams that, in this situation, can go to a quarterback like Nick to be able to help you win a football game and feel really good about it,’’ Nagy said.

Nagy meant that as a compliment. It’s not.

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