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Disaster struck for the Golden State Warriors on Monday night when Jimmy Butler collapsed to the floor after landing awkwardly and immediately clutching his right leg.The six-time All-Star was in visible distress following contact with Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat. He was eventually helped to the locker room by teammates Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II, with early concern quickly giving way to confirmation of the worst-case scenario.ESPN’s Shams Charania later reported that Butler had suffered a season-ending torn right ACL, an injury expected to sideline him for up to a year and dramatically alter Golden State’s immediate outlook.Golden State Warriors Suddenly Forced Into New RealityDespite a 135-112 win over the Heat, the mood shifted quickly. Following the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked whether forward Jonathan Kuminga could re-enter the rotation with the team suddenly shorthanded.“Sure. Absolutely,” Kerr said bluntly, before stating that the 23-year-old is game-ready and has been practicing.Kuminga has not appeared in a game since December 18 amid a long-running standoff with Kerr and the organization.On January 15, the first day he became eligible to be traded, he formally requested a move, according to Charania and ESPN colleague Anthony Slater.On Tuesday morning, Charania appeared on SportsCenter AM to discuss the fallout, describing Kuminga’s relationship with Kerr as “fractured beyond repair” while outlining how Golden State’s plans could shift as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.Warriors Linked to Kings Star as Trade Pressure MountsCharania reported that the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings have emerged as the most serious suitors in any potential Kuminga deal, before zeroing in on Sacramento as a particularly intriguing option.“Does a player, say DeMar DeRozan, does that fit the bill of what the Warriors could need without Jimmy Butler,” Charania said. “But one way or another, the Warriors are about to find out where they stand with Jonathan Kuminga this season.”DeMar DeRozan has averaged 19.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals through 42 games this season while shooting 50.7% from the field and a career-high 36.3% from three-point range.Sacramento currently sits near the bottom of the Western Conference at 12-31 and is widely viewed as a looming draft lottery team.The Kings have been actively shopping DeRozan’s $24.8 million salary and have been described as “eager” to move the 36-year-old via trade.Kuminga’s connection to Sacramento predates Butler’s injury. Andscape’s Marc J. Spears previously reported that the Kings were Kuminga’s preferred destination during offseason discussions.“He wants to go [to Sacramento],” Spears said back in June. “The Kings are offering a starting spot, as the power forward, next to Keegan Murray and [Domantas] Sabonis.”Golden State sits 25-19, eighth in the Western Conference, and is riding a four-game winning streak, having won 12 of its past 16 games.A deal with Sacramento now carries added urgency. For the Warriors, a DeRozan-centered return could represent the closest and quickest like-for-like option available, offering a path to remain competitive in the West while navigating the sudden loss of one of their centerpieces. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Warriors Tipped to Land Kings Star After Brutal Jimmy Butler Injury appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Of all the early candidates to get a look from the Cleveland Browns for their head-coaching position, several have already moved on to second-round interviews. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had a second interview on Monday, and former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has his interview on Tuesday. Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel are also in line for second interviews.One name who has not come up for a second interview: Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. While Pitcher has an impressive resume and history, the initial feeling was that he would leave Cincinnati only for a head-coaching job. Traditionally, teams only let coordinators leave if they’re getting a promotion.But it turns out, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor–who is the play-caller for the team–is willing to let Pitcher leave for an OC’s role in which he can call plays. That could be significant once the Browns look past their head-coaching hire and begin to fill out the rest of the staff.Browns Could Add Dan Pitcher as Offensive CoordinatorAccording to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, “The #Bucs will interview #Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say, an opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities. A significant development.”That could be a significant development for the Browns, if they were impressed enough by Pitcher to consider him a top OC candidate.Wrote Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns’ beat writer for Cleveland.com, “This could put him in play for the #Browns OC job too.”Would Bengals Let Dan Pitcher Stay in Division?But there are some caveats there for the Browns.It would be one thing for Taylor to allow Pitcher–who is very popular with quarterback Joe Burrow–to leave to coach in the NFC. But whether he would afford that same mostly lateral move to a team within the AFC North is another question altogether.And then there’s Pitcher’s view on the Browns situation. Getting a head coaching job would be a welcome step up, even if it is with a team that is struggling the way the Browns have in the past two years, with just eight wins in those seasons.Throw in the fact that the Browns are without an NFL-caliber starting quarterback, that their offensive line is heading into free agency en masse and that they have a very weak wide-receiver room, and Pitcher might well prefer to either go coach Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay or simply stay in Cincinnati and let Taylor call plays.Browns Coaching Search UpdateWith the Browns set for Monken on Tuesday, there’s still a chance that the whole search could be upended if the team decides to go all-in for fired Bills coach Sean McDermott. But as of yet, that’s undetermined. Here’s the overall look at where the coaching search stands now: Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, not expected to advance to second round. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, had second interview on January 19. Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. Ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, second interview scheduled for January 20. Ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, second interview scheduled for January 21. Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, second interview planned, but must wait until after NFC Championship Game. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, second interview planned. Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, second interview this week. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, first interview request but not scheduled. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Browns Get Good News on Potential Coaching Staff Hire appeared first on Heavy Sports.

As NASCAR prepares for the 2026 season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said the sport feels more organized and focused than it did a year ago. He pointed to leadership continuity and championship format changes as key steps forward after a period of instability.Earnhardt Jr. shared his views during recent media appearances on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, following NASCAR’s decision to move back to a Chase-style playoff system.NASCAR has since brought back a Chase-style playoff format for 2026, making a dramatic shift away from the elimination-heavy system fans have debated for years. The new format spotlights drivers’ season-long performance, rewarding consistency across the playoff stretch instead of relying on unpredictable, one-off victories. NASCAR removes the “win, and you’re in” rule; now, every lap and every point matter.Dale Earnhardt Jr. on playoff changes after challenging yearDale Earnhardt Jr., a trusted voice among fans, openly criticized the old system’s pitfalls. “I’ll be honest, I’m in a better place now. Last year wore me down, the trial, the negativity, all of it. I didn’t realize how much I disliked the format until it was gone, and I couldn’t really say it out loud while I was still broadcasting. You want to protect your job, and that puts you in a tough spot.”Earnhardt Jr. credits veteran drivers like Mark Martin for championing a format that values steady performance while still celebrating race wins. He states clearly: the new system gives fans and teams a playoff they can trust and gives drivers a championship that means more than ever.Dale Earnhardt Jr. is confident in NASCAR leadership and directionEarnhardt Jr. also spotlights NASCAR’s leadership as a key reason for the sport’s newfound momentum. He singles out industry veterans like Steve O’Donnell and Steve Phelps, highlighting their experience and commitment to doing right by the teams, especially during last year’s high-stakes lawsuit.“I like O’Donnell. I’ve known him my whole career. I know where his heart is. If you paid attention during the trial, you learned that both Phelps and O’Donnell were actually trying to get the teams what they wanted. They were working to make it right.”With O’Donnell’s deep roots in short-track racing and three decades of experience, Earnhardt Jr. feels confident NASCAR has the right people to guide the sport into its next chapter. He also believes Ben Kennedy, a rising force in the organization, will lead the future as he gains more experience.Signs NASCAR Is Back on TrackAfter a year of lawsuits, criticism, and internal tension, Earnhardt Jr. says optimism has returned to the garage. He points to real improvements on and off the track, from the revamped playoff format to upgrades in tires, cars, and horsepower.“That said, there have been real gains. The tire was better last year. The car is being adjusted in the right direction. A lot of things are looking good. It feels like the sport is pointed in the right way. We’ll see how it all plays out.”As NASCAR continues to fine-tune rules and technology ahead of 2026, Earnhardt Jr.’s endorsement matters. For fans looking for reassurance, his message is clear: NASCAR is getting back to its roots, building on its strengths, and giving everyone, from teams to fans, a reason to believe the best days are still to come. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Dale Earnhardt Jr.: “I’m in a better place now” as NASCAR resets for 2026 appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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