Tottenham HotspurLuka Vuckovic spent this season on loan at Hamburg SV and has already said goodbye to them.

The Croatian international was one of the standout players for the Bundesliga side and his excellent performances did not go unnoticed.

Hamburg have spoken publicly about their desire to extend the Tottenham man. Also, the 19-year-old player has attracted the attention of top European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Last week, centre-back expressed his desire To remain at the German club.

He is also happy with transfer links but said he is concerned Spurs are in control of his future.

Tottenham player’s return to Hamburg rejected

The latest claims from UK state that Roberto De Zerbi’s side want to extend his contract and send him back to Hamburg SV on loan.

sky germany There has been no time in ruling out the possibility of Luka Vuckovic’s return as there have been no talks with the German club over a new loan deal.

The defender has two options; ‘A long-term contract extension with Spurs or a transfer to a top club.’ He is now preparing for the World Cup with the national team.

nova tv diary The British claim has also been broadcast in Croatia and their journalist, Stipe Antonijević, provides his own updates.

Sources, presumably from the Spurs man’s camp, have informed him that a new loan move to Hamburg has ‘not been considered at all’.

Antonijevic says ‘it is true’ that the north London club are planning to offer an improved contract without giving details. They want to reward him after impressing during his loan spell in Germany.

Awaiting Vuckovic’s decision

Tottenham Hotspur managed to avoid relegation on the last day of this season.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness broadcast news Luka Vuckovic prefers to change clubs this summer. If this is true, it will be a difficult task for Spurs to secure his renewal.

Croatia’s contract expires in 2030, and his value, accordingly transfer marketIs €60m.

Brock Bowers will not sign a contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders this year. He can’t. NFL rules say so.

For the Raiders to future-proof their franchise, they will have to wait until after the 2026 season. Until then, the price tag won’t look like it does today. And that can be a problem. or is it?

There are three tight ends sitting ahead of Brock Bowers in line for new deals. Those players are about to have new deals and when the riders are ready to extend or give their studs a new deal it could make a huge difference in a tight market.

Sam LaPorta in Detroit, Tucker Craft in Green Bay, and Kyle Pitts in Atlanta are set to reset a resurgent tight end market in the NFL. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month, based on conversations with league officials, that Laporta and Krafth are both in a position to increase their salaries to above $19 million per season. Pitts will hit the open market next offseason and could make an absolute splash if he reaches free agency.

That’s the part that should concern general manager Jon Spytek.

Brock Bowers in a league of his own?

The 23-year-old Bowers is still playing on a four-year, $18.1 million rookie contract signed through 2024. Spotrac lists his average annual value at approximately $4.5 million, which ranks him 32nd among NFL tight ends. He set rookie records with 112 catches and 1,194 receiving yards at age 21, and was named All-Pro and Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

The current top of the tight end market is San Francisco’s George Kittle at $19.1 million per year, while Arizona’s Trey McBride is essentially flat at $19 million as well. Apart from those two, the situation deteriorates rapidly. It’s that difference that makes Laporta, Craft and Pitts set the standard for Bowers and Spytek.

Bowers may end up in a different conversation entirely.

NFL.com senior researcher Anthony Holzman-Escareno argued last year that Bowers’ next contract would be benchmarked against specific wide receivers, not tight ends. The top 10 wideouts in the league average $32 million per season. Ja’Marr Chase reset that market at $40.3 million per year last season in Cincinnati. Of course, Bowers won’t be getting Chase’s money, but the floor for his extension continues to grow.

Their use is proof that he is moving in that direction. After trading away Davante Adams in 2024 and Jakobi Meyers in 2025, the Raiders failed to add a proven veteran wide receiver in either of the following two offseasons. Bowers became the offense’s top option by default. New head coach Clint Kubiak, who spent last season leading the offense in Seattle, is expected to be relied upon even more.

Connected: Michael Meyer has never had a real QB with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that will change in 2026

Raiders continue to rely on Bowers as key to offense

Brock Bowers missed five games due to a PCL injury in the first week of the 2025 season and returned in Week 9 against Jacksonville, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns, then played in 11 more games before going on injured reserve in late December. The final line: 64 receptions, 680 yards, seven scores. Pro Bowl number two was locked in and his value to the franchise was cemented.

There’s no doubt that GM Jon Spytek will spend to keep his guys. The second-year general manager signed defensive end Max Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension through 2025, the richest non-quarterback contract in franchise history. They gave Meyers wide receiver money last summer and traded him in return. The pattern is becoming clear: pay the homegrown stars, and don’t move the rest.

Cap space is not the issue here. Over the Cap projects the Raiders will make $207.5 million in 2028, 13th-most in the league. This covers the first year of any Bowers deal with plenty of room left.

The point is the order in which things happen.

Every tight end who signs before Bowers raises his ceiling and costs Spytek and the Raiders. In Detroit, Laporta will likely end up this summer. Could be in craft training camp. Pitts is expected to hit the open market next spring. Each of those numbers becomes the new comp and will set the standard for how much Bowers will cost the Raiders. By the time the spytech picks up the phone, the negotiations and costs will have escalated.

Bowers gets a base salary of $1.07 million and a roster bonus of $1.36 million in 2026, just under the cap hit of $4.95 million.

Las Vegas opens the season on September 13 against Miami at Allegiant Stadium.

Connected: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 schedule: Zero primetime games, toughest road stretch in years

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The Los Angeles Lakers face two important offseason decisions this summer with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While it’s uncertain how much it would cost if the Hall of Famer is retained in the future, there is more information on the rate at which Reeves is paired with Luka Doncic.

NBA executives who spoke to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Dan Wolke said Reaves could get a multi-year extension in the range of more than $40 million per season.

RELATED: Executive details potential win-win contract for Lakers, LeBron

Reaves, age 27, is hitting NBA free agency at exactly the right time. The 6-foot-5 guard is coming off a season where he set career highs in scoring, free-throws and rebounds per game.

• Austin Reeves Stats (2025-26): 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 3pts per game, 36% 3pts

He’s also hitting the open market right this summer. LeBron will have a very limited number of suitors, and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent. This makes Reaves the most coveted player available in NBA free agency this offseason.

Currently, the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls stand as the two guard-needy teams with the cap space to afford Reaves. There is also expected to be interest from the Utah Jazz.

In all likelihood, a bidding war would lead the Lakers to pay more than $40 million per season to retain Reaves. A deal would mean Los Angeles is committing more than $90 million per season to Reaves and Doncic together for the foreseeable future.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Atlanta Braves struck gold with the selection of catcher Drake Baldwin with the 96th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As he emerges as an All-Star and one of the new faces of the franchise, a historic contract extension could be next for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that although the Braves have not “seriously begun talks” with Baldwin to discuss a potential contract extension, an eventual deal could reset the market for catchers.

• Drake Baldwin Stats 2026 (ESPN): 9 home runs, 30 RBI, .313/.392/.532, .922 triple-slash line in 147 at-bats this season

Baldwin, 25, is proving that his breakout season last year was no fluke. Atlanta’s budding All-Star has increased his walk rate (8.5% to 9.6%) and his isolated power (.195 to .218) so far. He’s clearly one of the best catchers in baseball, and his offensive production has been vital for a club that has also faced early struggles from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Cal Raleigh is currently the highest paid catcher in MLB at an average annual value of $17.5 million. Notably, Raleigh and Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith is the only catcher to sign a contract worth $100 million or more. Realistically, if Baldwin signs a long-term deal he will reach that area.

There’s certainly no reason for Atlanta to rush into negotiations with Murphy. He is also not arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2027 MLB season. He still has additional team control remaining, so he will not be eligible for MLB free agency until 2030.

Rosenthal explained why the record for the highest AAV ever for a catcher, $23.1 million, is a figure Baldwin could surpass with his next deal. If that’s the case, Atlanta could consider a five-plus-year contract extension totaling around $120 million.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Houston Rockets are suffering a first round exit in the NBA playoffs, extending their streak to six seasons without a semifinal appearance. While the Rockets’ young core didn’t take a step forward this season, it appears as if one of them is going to be rewarded with a big deal.

According to Sam Amick and William Guillory of The Athletic, the Rockets are expected to sign Amen Thompson to a contract extension this offseason that will be worth more than $250 million over five years.

Thompson, age 23, earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors last season. Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many around the league have been high on the 6-foot-7 wing for his length and excellent defensive ability. In each of the last two seasons, he has been viewed as a player who could make the leap to superstardom and Houston has been unwilling to include him in any trade proposal to bring in an established superstar.

When Thompson signs a five-year contract extension worth more than $250 million, his average annual salary of more than $50 million will make him one of the six highest-paid shooting guards in the NBA. He will be paid similar to Donovan Mitchell and slightly ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards ($48.924 million average annual value).

Importantly, according to The Athletic, Rockets ownership is giving the front office clearance to spend more on the roster next season and it looks to keep the young core together. However, that could be a problem for Houston once the contract extension takes effect.

Why the Rockets might regret Amen Thompson contract extension?

Entering the offseason, the Rockets payroll for the 2026-27 season is already $184.925 million, according to Basketball Reference. Alperen Sengun is now making more than $35 million per year, Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension also kicks in next season and nearly doubles his salary to $23.643 million. In addition to adding more than $50 million for Thompson, the Rockets will commit $200 million to key players who have not gone to the Western Conference Semifinals together.

There were also some real signs of the limitations of Thompson’s game this season. While he averaged 19.2 points per game in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, this came in 44 minutes per game and 14.3 shot attempts per contest.

In his third NBA season, Thompson did not consistently demonstrate the ability to be a primary scorer who could get his shot and take over games during the playoffs. However, a $250 million contract extension is paying him to perform at that level.

All the money owed on the current core, in addition to the team’s desires to bring in another star this summer, could complicate the ability to retain Terry Eason. Even if Eason returns, it will be one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA and has no postseason success to show for it.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The San Jose Sharks have one of the best players in the NHL at the moment in 19-year-old Maclin Celebrini. Coming off a record-breaking season where he almost led the team to the playoffs, it appears the phenom will be rewarded with a new deal this summer.

On the latest episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts, insider Elliotte Friedman said San Jose will be proactive regarding extension talks with Celebrini once he becomes eligible. He does not expect Celebrini’s camp to come up with a long-term deal for seven to eight years, but a four-year deal is also unlikely.

“I think they work hard on it. For me, it’s not a question of numbers, but of words. I can’t see them or their representatives… I can’t see them wanting to go for eight years or seven years.:

Elliotte Friedman on Maclin Celebrini contract extension talks for the San Jose Sharks

RELATED: Agents reveal potential cost of Macklin Celebrini contract extension

• Macklin Celebrini Contract (Puckpedia): $975,000 cap hit (2026-27), RFA in 2027

Friedman further said the extension could be for three or five years. The three-year extension will serve as the final year before Celebrini becomes an unrestricted free agent. Alternatively, a five-year contract would effectively buy out the first year he would be eligible for NHL free agency as an unrestricted free agent.

Both sides will have to figure out how to strike the right balance between giving Celebrini a salary that reflects his value to the franchise, while also keeping it at a point that allows the front office to build a great team around the franchise.

RELATED: Why Macklin Deserves the Celebrini Hart Trophy

• Macklin Celebrini Statistics (2025–26): 115 points (70 assists, 45 goals), 8 power-play goals, 25 power-play assists

Based on informed speculation from agents who spoke to The Athletic, a three-year extension could come in at anywhere in the ballpark of $10 million to $12 million per season. If both parties can agree on a five-year deal, the average annual value of the said deal could be closer to $14 million to $15 million.

At the very least, a contract extension is likely sometime this summer after Celebrini becomes eligible for the first time on July 1. Once this matter is resolved, the Sharks will have a much clearer picture of their long-term financial flexibility and how they can strengthen their defense in the years to come.

RELATED: Love the San Jose Sharks? Watch San Jose Hockey Now

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

San Jose Sharks phenom Maclin Celebrini capped off a season at age 19 where he broke the franchise’s single-season points record and reached milestones that were only achieved by the all-time greats. With this he can break some new records with his next contract.

In a poll of NHL agents conducted by The Athletic, Celebrini received the second-most votes to select who will be the highest-paid player in hockey by the start of the 2028–29 season.

RELATED: Why Macklin Deserves the Celebrini Hart Trophy

“Why shouldn’t Celebrini make $20 million a year? I mean, that’s a lot, but look at that kid. I guess my thing with Celebrini is I know it’s not apples to apples because Kaprizov could have become a UFA, but if you’re that, why wouldn’t I say, Kaprizov is getting it, why shouldn’t I make more than Kaprizov?”

NHL agent on Macklin Celebrini potentially getting $20M/year contract

Another survey asked agents about the future contracts of both Celebrini and fellow No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard. While the Chicago Blackhawks star received considerable praise, the general consensus was that Celebrini is on a “very different level” than Bedard.

An agent suggested that Celebrini’s eventual extension with San Jose would be in the range of $10 to $17 million per season. If the 19-year-old were to sign a short-term deal, it would most likely be somewhere between $10-12 million. If he wants long-term security and a long-term commitment to the club, that figure could reach more than $17 million.

RELATED: Love the San Jose Sharks? Watch San Jose Hockey Now

“He’s going to get a big deal, and they’re going to have to pay him. What Celebrini is doing in San Jose is incredible. It’s happening at a slower pace with other contracts being so big. This is going to take him to another level, which will reshape the way teams squeeze in their high-level guys.”

Undisclosed NHL agent on potential Macklin Celebrini contract extension (via The Athletic)

Celebrini is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Sharks on July 1. During his record-breaking season, in which he set multiple single-season franchise marks and joined the record books of legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, the team was relatively quiet on a potential long-term deal.

However, Sharks general manager Mike Grier joked with reporters when asked about the matter earlier this season, saying “We probably wouldn’t try to sign him.”

For now, according to PuckPedia.com, Celebrini is under contract for next season with an $877,500 base salary with a $975,000 cap hit and performance bonuses of up to $3.5 million. While he is eligible for restricted free agency as a 21-year-old after the 2026-27 season, he will likely have a new deal with San Jose before 2027.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

After 23XI Racing effectively won its lawsuit against NASCAR, securing a permanent charter and a large financial settlement, the team’s focus turned to re-signing Tyler Reddick. With contract negotiations stretching into the season, the new asking price could be staggering.

Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported this week that industry executives have estimated that Reddick’s demands in the NASCAR Fool’s Season could push his contract demand to as much as $7 million per season.

RELATED: NASCAR Power Rankings after Bristol, see where Tyler Reddick lands

It’s not hard to see why there could be an intense bidding war for Redick. Not only is 23XI Racing looking to bring him back to the No. 45 car long-term, but Hendrick Motorsports is also likely to have the No. 48 car available.

Bowman’s contract year has been derailed by vertigo, which has kept him out of four races, effectively leaving him with no realistic shot at making The Chase. He was already viewed as the hot seat entering the season, Hendrick wanted to find a driver who could give him another Cup Series championship contender.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin Addresses Tyler Reddick’s Future With 23XI

With the two teams making the most money, Reddick could use 23XI and Hendricks against each other to generate bigger offers. He’s also ready to hit the open market at just the right time in his Cup Series career.

It certainly would have been cheaper for 23XI to sign Redick to an extension before the season. He was coming off a winless season, seemingly taking a step back from winning the team’s first regular season cup title. Fast forward to now, he has made more team history.

Reddick became the first 23XI driver to win the Daytona 500 and the first driver to win three consecutive Cup Series races. Even before April hit, he broke the team’s single-season wins record with four trips to Victory Lane.

Realistically, 23XI will sign Redick to a new contract before the summer ends, and that could be followed by an announcement later this year that top prospect Corey Haim will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 car next season. In all likelihood, 23XI will have a three-driver team of Reddick, Hamm and Bubba Wallace in the near future.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The NCAA is looking to extend March Madness, and a decision is coming soon. As Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reports, NCAA leadership and members of the association’s basketball committees are expected to expand the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to 76 teams.

If successful, eight games would be added to the existing “First Four” played on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the original first round. The new “Preliminary Round” will see 24 teams play 12 games at two host venues on Tuesday and Wednesday. After this, the 12 winners will join the other 52 teams.

The NCAA has been considering expanding the March Madness bracket for several years. In the first two days, there will be a drastic change in the format of the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. In this scenario, the original round of 64 will remain. Just the way of making it will be different.

This expansion will give the NCAA more games in the first two days instead of the traditional four matchups. In this new format, games will be played throughout the day from Tuesday to Sunday. According to Dellenger, Big 12 and ACC leaders have pushed aggressively for an expansion of March Madness.

This bubble will allow teams to extend their seasons beyond conference tournaments. This may allow more power league schools to make the March Madness bracket, but as seen in this year’s edition of the tournament, mid-major programs have left their mark.

As of now, nothing is official, but the March Madness expansion may be coming soon. The NCAA Tournament ends on April 6, so an announcement may be coming soon. If so, it would change the way March Madness operates.

READ MORE: 10 replacements after Hubert Davis fires North Carolina after March Madness

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

A new report suggests that the New York Mets and pitcher Freddy Peralta will not agree to a contract extension during the season.

The top priority for the Mets during the offseason was to acquire a legitimate ace, if possible. A big reason for their poor performance at the end of the season in 2025 was that they had no losing-streak stopper leading their rotation.

Well, they addressed it in January when they made a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. 2025 was a historic year for the two-time All-Star as he posted 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA – both career bests. Unsurprisingly, shortly after the deal, speculation began regarding the impending free agent extension.

Locking the 29-year-old to a multi-year deal rather than letting him hit the open market would be a smart move. However, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic, an in-season extension is not something the Mets ever do.

Britton wrote, “The Mets’ hesitation to extend has persisted over nearly two decades of varying player cores, front offices and even ownership.” “The Mets are 27th in baseball in extensions signed this decade with three. They are 28th in extensions signed in the last decade under Wilpon ownership, with six.

“Since 2010, the Mets’ nine extensions are ahead of only the Detroit Tigers (eight) and New York Yankees (five).”

Sources suggest NY Mets will not give Freddy Peralta a season extension

Still, the club’s long history of being resistant to in-season extensions is not the only reason this is unlikely. Britton also said, “The Mets are unlikely to get deeply involved in extension talks across their entire roster, according to people familiar with the club’s thinking.”

Considering the big money the team has already invested in multiple players, it would be understandable if they would at least want to see how Peralta handles half a season in New York. Additionally, team president David Stearns has consistently shown that he is against major extensions for players 30 or older. Peralta will turn 30 in June.

However, if Peralta posts another All-Star season in 2026, the Mets are at major risk of losing his services in free agency this winter.

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

The price of Puka Nakua skyrocketed. And the Los Angeles Rams know it.

The wide receiver market has received a new reset, with the Seahawks cashing in on WR Jackson Smith-Njigba’s historic extension. And now? Beautiful is sitting as the next person in line to get Nakua paid. The Rams are looking at a loaded extension class heading into Year 4 – Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, Kobe Turner, and Byron Young – all worthy of locking in the bag long-term. But let’s be real, puka is major. He’s a WR1, Matthew Stafford’s security blanket, and a straight-up chain mover with YAC juice.

From a front office perspective, this is where you either strike early or risk seeing the price rise even higher. Shut him down now, otherwise you’re talking another terrible season. And that number? Yes, it’s only going up. However, for now, things are all quiet on the Nakua front. No leaks, no discussion, no urgency. But with a new market agreement on board, the clock is officially ticking in LA.

RELATED: Los Angeles Rams ‘interested’ in 34-year-old QB

Puka Nakua contract talks just got real

Smith-Njigba blew the WR market wide open on Monday morning. Four years, $168.6 million, and now the ripple effect is hitting LA. As soon as the deal fell through, all eyes were on Nekua. Same draft class, same production tier, same OPOY crap. But don’t expect the Rams to move at Seattle’s pace.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, this is not a copy-paste situation. Garafolo said, “Puka Nacua… was neck-and-neck with JSN last year in terms of production and his candidacy for Offensive Player of the Year. But based on my conversations, I expect the situation will be different with Puka and the Rams.” good morning football On 23 March.

Let’s call it what it is: It was always going to be a two-man race for WR1 money between JSN and Puka. Seattle blinked first and quickly got their man; Smart cap play, long term savings. Meanwhile, Ram? Maybe they added a few extra million per year to Puka’s future deal.

JSN set the level at $42.15M per year with $120M guaranteed. That’s no longer the ceiling, that’s starting line.

Now LA’s front office has two options. Either they try to thread the needle between Jammer Chase and JSN Money. Or they rip off the band-aid and make Nacua the highest-paid WR in football. And honestly? Nekua’s got a case.

Over the past two seasons, he has been the WR1 production-wise, finishing second in catches and yards; Right behind JSON. This guy has been a volume monster, a YAC monster, and Stafford’s favorite in the clutch spot. Yes, there has been some turbulence along the way. But when it comes to contract negotiations, production speaks louder than anything else.

The market has just reset, the floor is just higher, and if the Rams want to keep their alpha WR… they better come right with the bag.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has entered a critical phase as team owner Wes Edens has outlined a clear path forward: a contract extension or a potential trade. The stance, detailed in a report by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on Friday, signals a crucial moment for the franchise as it evaluates the long-term outlook for its two-time MVP.

Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension starting on October 1. According to Shelburne, Edens and co-owner Jimmy Haslam emphasized that the organization would make its decision based on whether the star forward committed to that deal.

“Milwaukee Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam told ESPN in a joint 90-minute interview that they will decide on a path forward with their two-time MVP, and the most important factor will be whether Antetokounmpo signs the four-year, $275 million extension he is eligible to receive on Oct. 1.

‘Giannis is going into his final year [of his contract],’ said Edens, the team’s controlling owner until April 2028. ‘So one of two things will happen: either he’ll be extended or he’ll be traded.

‘The possibility that you’ll let him play last year is something we can’t afford. This is not consistent with what is good for the organization. This is not a Giannis issue. “That is any player who is in his final year.”

Bucks’ decision-making remains uncertain amid Giannis Antetokounmpo situation

While ownership’s message appears to be direct, Shelburne reported that league executives and insiders view the situation as more complex. Questions remain about the internal decision-making structure within the organization, creating uncertainty about how quickly or decisively the Bucks can act.

“Yet team sources, rival executives and league insiders question whether the situation is that simple. Interviews with more than a dozen people with knowledge of the situation said what is happening in Milwaukee goes beyond a typical NBA franchise’s struggle to maintain a winning roster: A unique ownership structure has made it difficult for opposing franchises to identify who is really running the team.

“This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asked to be let out,” a source with knowledge of team operations said. ‘It’s about who is making the decision to trade Giannis, and I don’t think anybody knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day.

‘They are not even close to being ready to make this kind of decision.’

Injuries and trade speculation surrounded Giannis during Milwaukee’s decline

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo was the subject of trade speculation leading up to last month’s deadline but ultimately stayed in Milwaukee. Despite battling injuries, including a recent hyperextension and bone bruise in his left kneecap, he has continued to produce at a high level. Through 36 games, he has averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while shooting 62.4 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range in 28.9 minutes per game.

A recent report from Eric Nehm of The Athletic also indicated a disagreement between Antetokounmpo and the organization regarding the possibility of shutting him down for the remainder of the season. The 10-time All-Star has shown no interest in sitting out as the Bucks continue their effort to remain competitive.

After a 128-96 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, Milwaukee is currently 28-41 and the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks trail the Charlotte Hornets by 7.5 games for the final play-in spot as they continue a four-game road trip.

Milwaukee’s next game comes against the Phoenix Suns (39-31) on Saturday night at 10:00 PM ET on NBA TV. As the season winds down, the organization’s approach to Antetokounmpo’s contract situation will be one of the league’s most closely watched developments.

When it was revealed that the NBA was set to vote on allowing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle through the 2028-2029 season, many were thrilled.

Adding more teams has long been a hot topic in the NBA, and now, it may finally become a reality. The last time the league added a new member was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats franchise was granted.

However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks expressed his misgivings about expansion, using the Brooklyn Nets to emphasize his argument.

“After seeing some of these numbers over the past few nights we might want to reconsider the expansion,” Marx wrote on X.

“In the last two games, Brooklyn has trailed by a combined 60 points at halftime.”

He posted it after the Nets scored just 24 points in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center on Wednesday. This is the team’s lowest performance since the 1997–1998 season.

For perspective, the Thunder had 28 points in the first quarter.

The Thunder are dominating the nets 👀

The 24 points in the first half matched Brooklyn’s fewest points since 1997–98. pic.twitter.com/tkdwEqkuNF

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 19 March 2026

Some have argued against expansion because it could dilute talent. Having new teams means having specific players spread out more across rosters, which will further dilute the competitive balance.

This season, the Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have all separated the top-tier teams from the bottom-tier teams, all with less than 20 wins.

Additionally, with the NBA already dealing with the polarizing issue of load management, expansion would lead to heavier schedules, more travel and less rest. There is also the matter of rearranging conferences.

At the time of writing, the Nets are trailing the Thunder 99-67 in the fourth quarter.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed Ethan Frank to a two-year, $4 million extension. The average annual value of the contract will be $2 million.

Frank, 28, has recorded 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 76 career games with the Capitals. This season, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward has 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games.

Frank’s 11 goals are tied for the seventh-most goals in the NHL among skaters who average less than 13:00 of ice time per game. Additionally, the forward also ranks eighth among the Capitals in goals scored and fifth in goals allowed per 60 minutes at 5v5 (0.85).

Additionally, Frank is the fastest skater on the Capitals roster, with a maximum skating speed of 23.52 mph. This is in the 97th percentile among NHL skaters in top skating speed.

The 28-year-old started this season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL, but has worked his way back up to the Capitals’ main roster. He has been a key member of the lineup ever since.

With Frank, the Capitals have 17 players under contract next season and $34.5 million to work with in cap space. Teams will also determine their plans ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

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 Washington Wizards have gone full force in their tanking efforts this season, with trade acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis both out of the lineup due to apparent injuries. Young was brought to the team by the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with the hope that he, Davis and a blue-chip prospect from the 2026 NBA Draft vault would put Washington into contention next year.

Recently, NBA insider Marc Stein provided the latest information on when Young could potentially return from injury, as well as the status of his contract extension with the Wizards.

“Washington has said Young is moving toward making his Wizards debut at some point before the regular season ends, but there remains doubt in various corners of the league as to whether it will actually happen this season,” Stein reported on his Substack.

Stein also reported that “I have been repeatedly advised that Young and the Wizards agree to a contract extension this summer, which has been widely speculated to be a three-year deal.”

A big reason for the Hawks trading Young was believed to be around Atlanta’s reluctance to sign the star to a contract extension last offseason, a decision that reportedly alienated Young from the franchise that traded for him on draft night in 2018.

Young has only played a handful of games for the Hawks this year, missing significant time with an MCL sprain and has yet to make his debut for the Wizards this season.

The Wizards are one of several teams with their eyes on the 2026 NBA Draft class, and playing with Young this season could potentially hurt their chances of landing one of the top picks.

In any case, the Wizards are set to take the field on Monday evening for a home game against the Houston Rockets.

SAN FRANCISCO – It’s been a career year for Gui Santos, and the Golden State Warriors have rewarded him in that way.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Santos and the Warriors agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Saturday morning — a three-year, $15 million deal with a player option for 2028-29. Santos was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, but the Warriors signed him to a deal that will benefit both parties.

With Golden State troubled by injuries and absences this season, Santos emerged as a key rotational component in Steve Kerr’s system. A 2022 second-round draft pick out of Brazil, the third-year forward has transitioned from the Warriors’ G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz to now being a guy Kerr and the Dubs rely on in tightly contested games.

Since Kerr joined Santos as a starter about a month ago Averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 28.8 minutes in 12 games.

In that span, Santos has come up with two game-winning buckets – a fastbreak layup to take the lead against the Phoenix Suns and a chaotic layup in traffic at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“He’s taken another step forward this year, Gui,” Kerr told reporters after a win in Memphis earlier this week. “Last year, he was a very important role player for us. Number one on the team in plus-minus and then [Jimmy Butler] Business, he really strengthened that role. But now, he has become more active as a creator [and] A post-up boy. The step-by-step moves you saw were incredible.

“He has the ability to play point guard when the other team is putting pressure on us. He’s a really versatile player and someone we really value.”

Santos’ journey to the NBA

For Santos, the journey to this point in his career has required patience. After the team’s practice Thursday afternoon, Santos reflected on what he needs to do to become a guy capable of staying in the NBA.

“I think the key word for this is patience,” Santos said.

“Patience, because when I got here, I was a point guard playing in Brazil. I was playing as a point guard, with the ball in my hands, and I spent the whole year in the G-League just learning how to fit into the system here, because my goal was always to play in the NBA, play for the Warriors. And I asked [Kerr]What am I supposed to do? And he was like, okay, I’ll show you the way, like, you have to work hard on defense. You have to crash the boards all the time, and you just have to find Steph.

It’s safe to say that Santos did all of those things, which is why Kerr felt comfortable increasing his minutes this season after not seeing much action the past two seasons.

But ultimately, what stands out about Santos is his relentless positivity and upbeat personality. You’ll rarely find Santos without a big smile on his face, whether he’s on the podium, at practice, or talking with teammates. That’s why even now, he’s grateful for the opportunity and support given to him by the Warriors.

“The coaches here, the staff and the organization, they’ve always been good to me,” Santos said. “They always help me with anything I need, and because of what’s happened right now they’re giving me a chance to show a little more.”

Gui Santos reflected on his journey up to this point, now a key figure for the Dubs:

“The key word for it is patience. Because when I came here, I was a point guard playing in Brazil… and I spent the whole year in the G-League just learning how to fit into the system here.” pic.twitter.com/Q2tyVmjhEQ

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 27 February 2026

The Memphis Grizzlies have a track record of finding diamonds in the second round. One of his latest discoveries is increasingly making the case that his value far exceeds current wages. With an All-Rookie year on his resume and another productive season underway, Jaylen Wells should consider pushing for a contract extension worth approximately $15 million annually this summer.

Selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells has outperformed his draft slot in ways that typically command top dollar on the open market. The Grizzlies aren’t going to let Wells hit free agency any time soon. According to Tuomas Isalo, EVP Zach Kleiman knows the value of the early caliber two-way wing and why Wells is the best fit for Beale Street.

“Jaylen is extremely solid. (Wells) fits into a variety of lineups because he doesn’t need the ball to have a positive impact on the game,” Isalo explained. “He’s hitting open shots and he’s also improved his mid-range scoring, which is higher efficiency for him. Defensively, he gets into different matchups. He’s always been an on-ball specialist for us. Now, for the second year, his off-ball defense, his awareness, his disruptions have really gotten better.”

That last sentence is statistical logic in simple language. Wells is producing 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 three-pointers and 0.9 steals in 26.7 minutes per game in his sophomore season. Those are cool numbers. There were even louder noises when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were out. Wells averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 boards and 2.0 assists while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc in December. That three-point accuracy is up to 45.3% in February.

Wells has had three 20-point games in a five-game span and posted four steal games twice. After the NBA All-Star break he went 10-13 from the field for 25 points against the Miami Heat. It’s not just the scoring, but the efficiency that separates this race from the usual production. Committing almost one turnover per game despite the huge increase in usage rate (20.8) is acceptable in this part of the process. Thankfully for the Grizzlies, the 10-year rolling comparison of the CBA cap and second-round picks provides a great framework for a team-friendly deal.

Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies on the clock

Herb Jones, the 35th pick in 2021 by New Orleans, signed a four-year, $54 million extension ($13.5 million AAV) after two seasons of averaging 10 points and strong defense. Andrew Nembhard, selected 31st overall in 2022 by Indiana, signed a three-year, $59 million ($19.7 million AAV) deal after a sophomore year of 9.5 points and 4.5 assists. Ayo Dosunmu, the 38th pick in 2021 by Chicago, earned a three-year, $21 million ($7 million AAV) contract after similar 3-and-D production.

Isaiah Joe (49th, 2020) signed a three-year, $30 million ($10 million AAV) deal with Oklahoma City; Aaron Wiggins (55th, 2021) agreed to a five-year, $47 million ($9.4 million AAV) extension. Wales should seek a number near the top end of that scale. If his February surge (51.6% FG, 44.9% 3PT) continues into the offseason, the $15 million target may prove conservative.

For the Grizzlies, Wells’ extension now aligns with building cost-controlled talent amid salary cap constraints. This is a contract that will have immediate first-round value. For Wells, pushing for a $15 million AAV could take advantage of his speed before injuries or roster changes alter his leverage. Unrestricted free agency is still a long way off, and the NBA would be a big gamble for such a small return under the CBA’s projected average player salary structure.

However, there is no telling where the organization will be a year from now, nor can anyone assure that the 22-year-old (birthday in August) has any significant role in it. Therefore, first lock the middle money. Negotiate player options by Labor Day. Either way, this must be done before training camp opens. There must be some protection in place to cover the prime years before Wales are at risk of another sudden injury.