The Portland Trail Blazers made a bold choice in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-2 center, with the 16th overall pick acquired through a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Hansen was not expected to be drafted this high, reflecting the Blazers' confidence in his potential. The 20-year-old has impressed during his tenure with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over two seasons, earning two All-Star selections and a Rookie of the Year award.

Joining the evolving Portland roster, Hansen's arrival adds height and versatility to a team looking to compete in the upcoming season. The Blazers are banking on his unique skill set to complement their existing players and to help elevate the team in the competitive Western Conference.

The Brooklyn Nets (22-44) faced a disappointing 116-110 loss against the Chicago Bulls (28-38), a game crucial for their play-in tournament aspirations. Despite initially holding a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Nets couldn't keep it together, especially as Bulls guard Coby White exploded for 31 points.

Cam Thomas showed promise with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his first double-double in four seasons. However, his performance waned in the second half, raising concerns about his fitness after a lengthy injury layoff. Meanwhile, Cam Johnson contributed effectively but recognized the need for better execution in critical moments. Coach Jordi Fernandez expressed frustration over the team's shot selection, particularly their reliance on mid-range shots in the second half, derailing their offensive strategy.

During a weekend of NBA All-Star festivities, Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs attempted to exploit the Skills Challenge rules but were disqualified for not making a valid shot attempt. This disqualification opened the door for the Cavaliers' duo Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who ultimately won the event against the Warriors' Draymond Green and Moses Moody. The performance was reminiscent of past finals, with Warriors fans disheartened by Green's familiar mistakes.

The NBA buyout market is heating up post-trade deadline, with notable names potentially on the move. Ben Simmons, the former All-Star and top draft pick, is rumored to be negotiating a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, with the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as potential destinations. Simmons, now battling injuries and a decline in scoring since the 2021-22 season, could still provide valuable depth if he can regain his form.

The Washington Wizards, fresh off a rebuilding phase, are opting to keep veterans Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, and Marcus Smart, believing their experience will nurture younger talents. Despite their declining performance, they may still have enough left to contribute to playoff rotations, particularly Middleton, who showed signs of resurgence before the deadline.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are set to waive recent first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino and Josh Richardson, the latter struggling with injury and not fitting into the Jazz's rebuilding plans. This move opens opportunities for other teams looking for young talent or experienced players to bolster their rosters for the playoff push.

The Houston Rockets are not inclined towards major trades leading up to Thursday's deadline but could pursue a minor deal to enhance their squad depth before the playoffs. A proposed trade with the Miami Heat involves sending Josh Richardson to the Rockets in exchange for a second-round pick swap in the 2026 NBA Draft. Despite speculation about potential blockbuster trades, the Rockets are keen on maintaining their young core and have shown reluctance to disrupt their rotation.

Reports indicate that Houston's management is unwilling to jeopardize their future by trading significant assets, even for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. They are likely to target draft picks rather than established players, which aligns with their strategy to build around existing talent. Richardson, currently sidelined due to injury, could be seen as a buyout candidate after the trade, thus opening up further roster flexibility for the Rockets.