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Trade deadline history (2017): Serge Ibaka to the Raptors, Terrence Ross and a first-round draft pick to the Magic. Ibaka won a title with Toronto, while Ross had a productive seven-year run as Orlando’s bench bucket. The 2017 pick became Anžejs Pasečņiks, an NBA afterthought.

The Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks are being linked in vastly varied trade scenarios these days.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart praised his teammate Mikal Bridges after he gave an honest and self-reflective interview following a 30-point effort in a 119-92 road win over the Toronto Raptors.

One of them was a stubbornness to lineup construction. Thibodeau’s defense always required a rim protector, preventing him from ever considering a small-ball lineup despite the options presented. He played a tight rotation and stuck with his chosen starting lineup through thick and thin, only experimenting due to injuries or desperation.

The New York Knicks have an unlikely duo who has been producing when paired together on the court.