AS Roma are in the top four of Serie A and this could help them sign players nottingham forest And West Ham.

Not long ago, the Giallorossi were facing a pandemic. Claudio Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini were at odds with each other, leading to the departure of the chief advisor. Soon, there were suggestions that sporting director Ricky Massara might also depart.

Somehow, Gasperini has now helped the club reach the top four. They beat Lazio at the weekend and are now two points ahead of Juventus and Como.

As the return of the Champions League approaches, plans are being made for summer activities. This could also lead to a significant exit from Nottingham Forest or West Ham.

Gasperini keen on attacking options

today’s gazzetta dello sport According to reports the Giallorossi are already thinking about how to strengthen their squad for next season. Gasperini is playing an important role and his views are being taken into account.

The Italian has ‘special interest’ in Crescencio Somerville and Dan Ndoye. Both of them are seen as signings who will improve Roma’s attack, with Donyal Malen headlining another Premier League arrival this season.

Roma knows that the deal will not be easy for anyone. West Ham and Nottingham Forest could demand around €35 ​​million to sell their wingers. Qualification for the Champions League will help afford this.

For each home game, the Italian side will earn approximately €14m. This would help them a lot in acquiring the players Gasperini wants, with Antonio Nussa and Mason Greenwood also seen as targets.

Deals can’t be complicated

Ndoye has not caught fire at Nottingham Forest since joining from Bologna last summer. sports witness He covers how his squad are working to find a new club.

West Ham could be forced to sell Somerville. He has played a key role in the current campaign, but a demotion will leave them with no option but to sell the 24-year-old.

That’s why Roma may have identified the right targets. Both Ndoye and Somerville would likely be willing to leave, which would make things easier for Gasperini’s team.

Manu Kone’s future at AS Roma is becoming uncertain Newcastle United’s The move may depend on a few key factors.

The Frenchman has become one of the Italian club’s best players over the past few seasons. He has become synonymous with his ability to overcome press and move the ball into advanced areas.

This has made him very important to Gian Piero Gasperini, whose system relies on man-marking and players like Kone have a very special role. He has played 35 times in all competitions this season and scored five goals during this period.

sports witness Newcastle United have covered interest in the midfielder, who was chased by Inter Milan last summer.

Details are now emerging about Kone and how Newcastle United could potentially land him.

Roma Director Anarchy

messenger Look at a potential sale from Roma for FFP reasons and they describe Kone as a prime candidate for departure.

He is seen as one of the ‘players on display’ at the Giallorossi. He is seen as an ‘excellent option’ whose exit would help Roma from a financial perspective.

Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are keen. The Nerazzurri in particular are looking to make a fresh approach and defeat the Magpies. But Roma are in a bit of trouble off the field at the moment.

The future of sporting director Ricky Massara is uncertain, with adviser Claudio Ranieri having left two weeks ago. Massara’s replacement has not yet been found and this will determine Kone’s sales.

Gasperini is going to hold an important meeting with the ownership regarding this. He knows that the appointment of the director will decide the future of many players including Cone. The Italian would ideally not like to lose the French but financial reasons will weigh on him.

Our opinion: Who will add value to the midfield

Newcastle United themselves could lose at least one midfielder in the summer. Sandro Tonali is popular in many clubs and so is Bruno Guimarães.

Manu Kone’s profile makes him suitable for the Premier League, as he can play deep in midfield or as a number eight.

Anything around €45 million could really be a bargain for the France international. Kon is only 24 years old, he has huge European experience, he has also played for France more than ten times. He is a proven midfielder who could truly become one of the best in Europe – if fitness allows.

If everything goes right, this could be one of the best transfers of the summer.

The Washington Capitals had a busy Thursday morning with a few acquisitions. The team signed Theodore Niederbach and Petr Sikora to deals.

The 24-year-old Niederbach was signed to a one-year, two-way contract ($1.025 million/$85,000). In 2025–26, he scored a career-high 13 goals in 52 regular season games with Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

During the season, Nederback finished fourth on Frölunda in assists (19), fifth in goals and sixth in points (32). The six-foot, 196-pound forward recorded two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in six SHL playoff games.

Niederbach was originally selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (51st overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Sikora was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $995,000. He was selected by the Capitals in the sixth round (178th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Last season, Sikora recorded nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 24 games with HC Oselár Trník of the Czech Extraliga (Czech-1). The six-foot, 194-pound forward led his team in assists and points.

Sikora also added six points in four games as well as two points in 10 playoff games with HC Frydek-Mistek of the Maxa Liga.

Ironically, Sikora should not be confused with former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion, Petr Sikora.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

The Boston Celtics performed better than anyone expected in 2025-26. They entered this season with very low expectations as there was no guarantee that top star Jayson Tatum would suit up as he recovered from a torn Achilles suffered the previous spring. However, an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown and a defense that gave up a league-leading 107.2 points per game, earning them the No. 2 seed in the East playoffs.

With Tatum returning in March and immediately looking impressive, the Celtics began the postseason as favorites to reach the NBA Finals. However, despite having a 3–1 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, they were surprisingly eliminated in the opening round for the first time since the bubble playoffs.

His exit in the first round raises many questions on the structure of this team. Could they be finals contenders as they try to field two players with supermax contracts? Is making the playoffs every year enough? If the goal is to compete for championships, the Celtics need to make some big changes.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five bold deals the Celtics could make this summer.

Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and first-round picks Jaylen Brown in 2028, 2030 and 2032

If the Celtics decide they need to move one of those supermax contracts, Brown will likely be the odd man out, despite being an MVP candidate. But if they ever wanted to trade him, now would be the right time as his value is as high as it will ever be.

If there’s any glaring weakness for Boston, it’s in the front court. If they trade Brown, they still have strong core talent in Tatum and Derrick White. This is why Miami Heat great Bam Adebayo could be a trade target. He will give them both a defensive force on the front line and a good scorer who will help make up for the points left due to losing the Browns.

A deal that sends Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and two future first-round picks should get a deal done.

Jaylen Brown, Malik Monk, two first picks, including lottery selection in June, for Domantas Sabonis

Another potential target to strengthen the front court could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. While the Sacramento Kings star isn’t a defensive force, he is an elite rebounder and can stretch the floor just like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

To put the money to work, the Celtics would need to pick up the two years and $41 million remaining on Malik Monk’s contract. But if they get two first-rounders back in the deal, including the Kings’ lottery pick in June, that’s fine. The biggest issue is that Sacramento will have to find a trade for Zach LaVine and/or DeMar DeRozan after a deal is made.

Derrick White for Jakob Poeltl and Grady Dick

The Celtics don’t need to trade Brown to be better in 2026-27. However, this would mean they would have to move on from fan-favorite defensive player Derrick White. A potential trade could see the two-time All-Defensive Team honoree sent to the Toronto Raptors for centers Jakob Poeltl and Grady Dick.

While it’s not a sexy trade on the surface, Poeltl is a rock-solid and strong anchor in the front court that does everything you need to stabilize that position. As for Dick, he could be a potential steal who could be an impact player in Joe Mazzulla’s three-point-heavy attack.

Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Since Brown had such an impressive season, another option would be a swap for Milwaukee Bucks great Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Greek icon has more accolades, Brown is a few years younger and far healthier than the 10-time All-Star has been in recent years. If necessary, the Celtics can add a future first-rounder, but they shouldn’t add more than that.

The Bucks will get to build a new star in his prime, while the Celtics can experiment with the combo of Antetokounmpo and Tatum for a season. If that doesn’t work out, they free up a ton of cap space after next season if he opts out in search of a new long-term deal.

Jaylen Brown for Alpern Sengun, Fred VanVleet and two first-round picks

An interesting young star who could be on the trade block this summer, and who addresses the Celtics’ frontcourt needs, is Houston Rockets two-time All-Star Alpern Sengun. While he has been questioned for his play consistently and early in the playoffs, he is still only 23 and has excelled in Ime Udoka’s defense-first system.

Houston would be interested in a championship by pairing Jaylen Brown with Kevin Durant in 2026-27. But Sengun and Tatum have plenty of long-term potential. Additionally, to make the money work, the Celtics would get veteran guard Fred VanVleet (if he opts into the final year of his deal) and two future first-round picks.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

It’s very difficult to convey the Chicago Bulls’ NBA trade deadline deal in so few words. But the way the Bulls maneuvered before the deadline left more fans scratching their heads than any other team in the league. It certainly seemed like Chicago was ready for a fire sale, considering some of their established players were in the final year of their contracts. But some of the deals he has accepted are so complicated that it is difficult to believe them.

Over the past few seasons, the Bulls have been part of an honorary four-team, play-in tournament club that includes the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic. They don’t have the young prospects that can lead the team to their next competitive run, and their veteran players aren’t good enough to lead a deep playoff run.

However, as is the case with the Bulls, they couldn’t pull the trigger when they needed to and as a result, their roster is now a mix of players who don’t look like they have any long-term future in the Windy City.

Finally, here is a review of how the Bulls performed before the trade deadline and what grade they deserve for their maneuvers.

Bulls trade their guards to bring in more guards, Hydra style

The oxen were at a crossroads; They had a lot of players on expiring deals that they could get some value from instead of letting them leave in free agency for nothing. And it’s not like those players won’t make any kind of impact on winning teams. But again, the problem was that the Bulls have waited too long and been content to remain as an average team for too long, limiting their returns on the trade market.

Chicago made such moves before the trade deadline that it wasn’t exactly clear what the ultimate goal was for their front office. For starters, they brought a lot of guards. And this is not being exaggerated to any extent. They actually traded for so many combo guards that it’s hard to imagine most of them remaining on the roster for next season.

To start, the Bulls finally traded Nikola Vucevic in a deal that was honestly a long time coming. It was always going to hurt that the Bulls gave up Wendell Carter Jr., another starting-caliber big man in the NBA, and Franz Wagner to take Vucevic in the first round, but there was no reason for Chicago to hold on to Vucevic for too long.

For Vucevic, the Bulls received Anfernee Simmons and a 2026 second-round pick from the Boston Celtics. As it was, it would have been a great comeback. But Chicago made it even worse for themselves by attaching a 2027 second-round pick to Vucevic.

Chicago also kept Coby White for a very long time. All the Bulls could do was trade for White for a package from the Charlotte Hornets headlined by Collin Sexton, another guard, Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks. Due to White’s failed medical, which showed some severity of the calf injury he is currently experiencing, the Bulls had to settle for a lower selection in the second round.

Rather than trade White during the offseason if his value was high, the Bulls had to settle for that return for one of their best players.

And then Chicago made it even worse for itself; Due to their critical big man situation, they had to flip 22-year-old big man Dieng to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Nick Richards, who could show promise. Dieng has shined so far in his brief time with the Bucks, while Richards is a hot commodity – he’s a backup big man who can only be used as a starter in an emergency situation.

The Bulls’ guard wheeling and dealing didn’t stop there. They shipped Kevin Huerter, who was on an expiring contract, to the Detroit Pistons for the return of Jaden Ivy. While it’s hard to attack the Bulls for betting on another former lottery pick, especially considering that Ivy has shown promise in the past, he is yet another guard who adds to the team’s logjam at positions where he should play.

Ivey also continues the Bulls’ trend of gambling on former lottery players who have lost their luster; Chicago has brought in Ivey, Isaac Okoro and Jalen Smith in recent years, and yet their original teams passed on them for reasons that were all too obvious.

Speaking of gambling on former lottery picks, Rob Dillingham was somehow the primary piece the Bulls got in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu, whose speed, shooting and ballhandling would be such a boon to a contending team.

Sure, Chicago traded four picks in the second round for Dosunmu, who himself was drafted in the second round in the past, but Dillingham has further complicated the sticky web that is the Bulls’ backcourt picture.

For those not counting at home, the Bulls now have the following players who need minutes at the guard position: Josh Giddy, Simmons, Sexton, Ivey, Dillingham, and Tre Jones. Things are fine at the moment as Giddy and Jones are improving, but when those players return, head coach Billy Donovan will have his work cut out for them.

The swap for Guershon Yabusele for Delon Terry at least appears to be working out in the Bulls’ favor, with Yabusele hell-bent on reviving his career in the Windy City.

Chicago got a total of eight picks in the second round, which is nothing to scoff at. This should at least help them grease the wheels for future trading.

But the fact that they failed to get at least a first-round pick for players like Vucevic, White and Dosunmu is a complete failure. Chicago will have to pay Ivey big money for his next contract. Simmons and Sexton’s contracts are expiring. Patrick Williams’ deal is still on their books.

The Bulls front office may have been cooking before the trade deadline, but sadly, the dish they came up with is going straight into the trash can.

Bulls Trade Deadline Grade: D

The Toronto Raptors moved from a position of relevance to the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Not just play-in relevance, but legitimate home-court playoff position in a loaded Eastern Conference. That context matters when evaluating their viewpoint. Rival contenders began aggressive roster swings. However, Toronto’s front office opted for fiscal discipline and a change in surgical depth rather than headline-grabbing moves. outcome? Two trades that quietly reshaped their margins without touching their core. Was that an example of strategic intelligence or competitive hesitation?

From reconstruction to bracket danger

The Raptors have emerged as one of the Eastern Conference’s most pleasant surprises. They headed into the All-Star break with a 32–23 record, sitting solidly in 5th place. After a disappointing 30-win campaign last year, the “new-look” Raptors have flourished under coach Darko Rajakovic’s fluid offensive system. As a result, it currently ranks third in the league in assists per game (29.3). The uptick in performance has been largely attributed to the health and chemistry of their core trio. First up is Scotty Barnes, who is playing at an All-NBA level with a 19/8/5 stat line. Next up is Brandon Ingram, whose scoring gravity (21.8 ppg) has revitalized the half-court offense. Last up is Immanuel Quickley, who continues to provide elite spacing and playmaking.

Toronto’s offensive identity has developed in constant motion. Barnes starts, Ingram bends the defense from mid-post, and Quickey stretches pick-and-roll coverages beyond his comfort zone. This has made the Raptors much less predictable than last season. It has also transformed them from a transition-heavy outfit into a balanced scoring machine.

Despite the strong record, the season was not without setbacks. The frontcourt has become a revolving door due to Jakob Poeltl’s lingering back injury. This has forced Colin Murray-Boyles into crucial minutes sooner than expected. Yes, this young player has immense defensive ability. As noted, the lack of experienced players led to mid-season inconsistency and some big losses against an elite frontcourt.

However, Poeltl’s recent return has stabilized the rotation. Toronto is now top 10 defensively. Thus, the Raptors have established themselves as a dangerous “bracket-buster” threat capable of upsetting higher seeds. That competitive base framed every decision they made at the deadline.

Here’s what the Raptors did and didn’t do at the trade deadline.

Deal 1: Salary dump and future plans

The first transaction was less about basketball and more about the balance sheet.

Toronto received:Chris Paul
brooklyn received: Ochai Agbaji, 2032 second-round pick (via TOR), cash
LA Clippers received:Draft rights to Vanja Marinkovic

It was a purely financial maneuver. By extending Agbaji’s contract and absorbing Paul, the Raptors slipped below the luxury tax limit. Paul had fallen away from the Clippers and was already hinting at retirement. It’s no surprise that he never suited up for Toronto. Instead, CP3 was waived on February 12 and formally announced his retirement the next day.

From a roster standpoint, nothing changed. However, everything went well financially. Eliminating the tax preserved future flexibility and mid-tier exception access. Toronto also avoided repeater-tax implications that could have hampered their roster construction for years.

In short, the Raptors paid a modest second-round pick to reset their financial runway.

Deal 2: Frontcourt Insurance Policy

The second step addressed the Court’s actual need.

Toronto received: Tracy Jackson-Davis
received the golden state: 2026 second round pick

Poeltl’s health remained uncertain and Murray-Boyles carried heavier loads than planned. In that context, GM Bobby Webster targeted cost-controlled rotational bigs rather than chasing blockbuster names.

Jackson-Davis brings vertical spacing, rim running and defensive energy. Those attributes should complement Toronto’s ball-movement system. His contract structure, including a minor team option next season, adds value beyond this playoff push.

Most importantly, the Raptors avoided overpaying. He kept an eye on high-profile large companies across the market but refused to surrender premium draft capital for short-term upgrades. It wasn’t the big star-sized splash that many fans were expecting. Instead, it was a profound acquisition.

Resilience vs Firepower

Toronto’s dual-track approach reflects fiscal discipline and incremental depth. This signals a front office confident in its internal development curve.

The core of Barnes, Ingram and Quickley (add RJ Barrett as well) remains untouched. His developmental arc was prioritized over disruptive roster swings. By staying within the tax bracket and preserving first-round picks, the Raptors positioned themselves for big offseason moves if necessary.

Jackson-Davis, meanwhile, represents the type of invaluable rotation piece that playoff teams rely on when injuries inevitably arise. From a risk-management perspective, Toronto had a clean performance. On the other hand, championship races are rarely won on caution alone.

Stand firm even as rivals increase

Context shapes perception, and the context of the Eastern Conference was offensive. Cleveland strengthened its roster with star power. Boston reinforced its frontcourt. Other claimants took steps that clearly indicated the urgency of the title.

Toronto, in contrast, chose conservation over growth.

The question becomes inevitable: Did they miss any windows?

With an abundance of tradable first-round picks, the Raptors had the ammunition to pursue a major upgrade. This was especially true in the frontcourt. Giving more opportunities shows the front office views this season as competitive but perhaps not championship-ready yet.

It’s a defensive stance, but one that risks leaving modest playoff gains on the table.

practical but inactive

Grade: C+

Toronto’s deadline wasn’t bad. It was simply measured and, of course, boring.

The positives look good on the balance sheet. They avoided the taxpayer label, preserved financial flexibility, and added a large functional rotation at minimal cost. The Raptors protected their young core and retained draft capital for future blockbuster moves.

That said, the downsides and opportunity costs remain. Toronto’s restraints could potentially limit his range. Raptors look a little darker but not necessarily more dangerous. Their playoff fate still depends on health, internal development and matchup variation rather than reinforced star power.

Ultimately, the Raptors chose stability over urgency. That kind of patience could prove either wise or painfully conservative. The upcoming playoffs will decide.