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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

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Patrick Redford

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)

Los Angeles Clippers v Washington Wizards

James Harden’s Latest Trade Demand Isn’t About Basketball

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 28: Raymond Felton #20 and Gerald Wallace #3 of the Charlotte Bobcats react during a game with the Boston Celtics at the TD Banknorth Garden on October 28, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Charlotte Bobcats v Boston Celtics

Podcasts

Into The Research Triangle Of Sadness, With Jacob Rosenberg

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Ray Ratto

Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after the game against the Sacramento Kings at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Kings 113-111.

Sacramento Kings v Philadelphia 76ers

Sixers Enact Intentional, Then Unintentional Tribute To The Late Great Dan McQuade

inthishousewe

In This House We Believe In Highlights, With Samer Kalaf

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Tom Ley

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Women's Basketball

“Disgusted” Breanna Stewart Holds Up “Abolish ICE” Sign Before Unrivaled Game

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the first half of their game against the Brooklyn Nets at Intuit Dome on January 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

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Clippers Win, Sentencing Blogger To Eat Words

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


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Chris Thompson

Giannis Antetokounmpo looks bummed on the sideline.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is injured

Make Hay While The Sun Is Shining, By Losing In Earnest While Giannis Is Injured

Golden State Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga L competes during the 2025-2026 NBA regular season basketball game between Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors on January 20, 2026.

U.S.-SAN FRANCISCO-BASKETBALL-NBA-WARRIORS VS RAPTORS

The Jonathan Kuminga Saga Swings Towards Tragicomedy

Michael Jordan #23 of the Washington Wizards on the court during the final NBA game of his career, played against the Philadelphia 76ers at First Union Center on March 30, 2003 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sixers won 107-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Michael Jordan on court at career finale

The Good Team Always Wins, With Jeremy Gordon

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Giri Nathan

Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green blocks a shot by New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns in 4th quarter of 126-113 win

Golden State Warriors Play New York Knicks During NBA Game At Chase Center In San Francisco

The Knicks Are Exuding Toilet Aromas

Jimmy Butler hurt

Jimmy Butler’s Injury Thrusts Steve Kerr And Jonathan Kuminga Once More Into The Hell Of Working Together

Jonathan Kuminga, at left, of the Golden State Warriors sit with fans before their game against the New York Knicks at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California.

New York Knicks v Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga Is In Basketball Purgatory

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Rich Paul talks with LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 04, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Lakers

Media Meltdowns

LeBron’s Agent Openly Suggests A Trade For The Lakers On His Podcast

Giannis booing

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Curdling

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 12: &lt;&gt;at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics v Indiana Pacers

Joe Mazzulla Reacts To Celtics Loss By Only Repeating Two Words: “Illegal Screen”

Coach John McLendon showing and discussing play strategy to the players on the chalkboard doing basketball practice in the gym. (Photo by North Carolina Central University via Getty Images)

Coach John McLendon

Convening The TrueHoop Ideas Summit, With Henry Abbott

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is fouled while going up for a shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Golden 1 Center on January 11, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets v Sacramento Kings

This Is So Stupid

Sacramento Watch: Several Teams Tainted By Proximity To Kings

Bill Kennedy explaining, to the NBC cameras, that a play was called correctly. He is making "the Bill Kennedy face."

BillKennedyScreenshot

Everybody Loves Bill Kennedy

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 5: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder walks the floor during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Paycom Center on January 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Charlotte Hornets v Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder Are Mortal

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on December 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Trae Young

New York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young Is A Casualty Of The Changing NBA

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A Brief Lineage Of The NBA’s Supposed Swag Crisis, With Devon Walker