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crystal Palace And Bayer Leverkusen will compete for AS Monaco’s Crepin Diet this summer.

The winger had the chance to arrive in England last summer, when Burnley reportedly made contact.

Last August, Sports Witness broadcast news of a loan offer from the Clarets, while the Ligue 1 side were looking for a sale.

The move never came to fruition and a year later, Crystal Palace are trying to bring him to the Premier League.

The Senegal international’s contract expires at the end of this month and he is likely to leave Monaco as a free agent.

Feud between Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen

Africa Foot Crepin Dieta has a report on the Eagles and the Bundesliga side’s interest. His headline suggests that both of these Cubs are in a battle to sign him.

The report states that both Crystal Palace and the German club are the frontrunners.

Bayer Leverkusen remain in top spot after holding two meetings with their representatives to discuss a potential deal. However, the parties did not come to an agreement.

The outlet has warned they face stiff competition from the UEFA Conference League winners. The Senegal international’s preferred role is on the right wing but he has played mainly as a right wing-back this season.

He can also be used as a left winger/wing-back and as a striker. The Eagles appreciate Dyatta’s versatility and experience and are keen to bring him to Selhurst Park. Africa Foot have not made it clear whether Crystal Palace have yet contacted his camp.

Saudi Arabia are also interested in the 27-year-old, but his desire is to remain in the top five European leagues.

New Crystal Palace manager could be key

Oliver Glasner resigned as Eagles manager following the European success in May.

The Premier League side are in the process of appointing the Austrian’s successor. The incoming manager could make the final decision on whether Crystal Palace should make a strong bid to sign Crepin Dyata.

transfer market The Senegalese is valued at €6m and he has played 1,235 minutes in 22 matches this season.

of brighton The recruitment network has once again turned to South America. Athletico Paranaense youngster Joao Cruz is now emerging as a player to keep an eye on ahead of the summer window.

According to information first disseminated by a Brazilian journalist Vinicius FurlanThe Premier League side is one of the clubs showing interest in the 19-year-old midfielder. It is said that a Dutch club is also keeping a close eye on the situation.

The report claims someone inside Brighton’s recruitment department is “very interested” in Joao Cruz. Specifically, this individual works within the club’s structure focused on identifying young talents and emerging prospects abroad.

At this stage, there is no sign of a formal bid. However, the expectation in Brazil is that Joao Cruz may receive an approach during this transfer window, and Athletico may at least consider potential offers.

Who is this gem?

João Cruz is considered one of the more technically gifted academy products of Athletico Paranaense of the 2006 generation. Developed in the club’s youth setup, the midfielder has already attracted attention due to his versatility and quality on the ball.

The Brazilian can operate as a deep-lying midfielder, central playmaker or attacking midfielder. This tactical flexibility is one of the qualities that interests clubs abroad. Joao Cruz is comfortable driving play from deep areas, switching the ball quickly and finding vertical passes through defensive lines.

The other big strength is his shooting ability. He is considered dangerous from distance and regularly takes responsibility for set-pieces, including free-kicks and corners. The midfielder also likes to get to the edge of the box. There, he can either complete moves himself or create chances for teammates.

Beyond the technical side, reports from the Brazilians also highlight their intensity and flexibility. João Cruz has built a reputation for creating decisive moments in youth football and is often described as a player willing to contribute both defensively and creatively throughout the midfield.

Athletico is already debating the player’s future

The discussion about Joao Cruz in Brazil is not just about external interest. It’s also about whether Athletico should really allow him to leave now.

Player has recently lost position. Nevertheless, the tone of the discussion suggests that there are those in and around the club who believe their situation is more complex than abandoning them.

The Brazilian report repeatedly emphasizes that Joao Cruz is still very young and still has qualities that can be developed in the right environment. He is considered versatile enough to operate as a midfielder, attacking midfielder or even in wide roles.

It’s also an acknowledgment that the player may welcome a different challenge after struggling for minutes on their own. Meanwhile, Athletico are said to understand the situation and could consider offers if the market moves forward.

However, the same report raises questions about whether this is the right time to sell.

Squad depth concerns may be difficult to overcome

One of the strongest points raised in Brazil is the lack of depth in Athletico’s current squad.

The argument given by Furlan is that the club is lacking options for an already demanding season. Because of this, allowing more players to leave could be risky. This is especially true when the need for rotation arises in domestic competitions.

The report also mentions other possible departures in the team. There are also questions about whether Athletico can really afford to lose another player without a proper replacement. That argument could still work in Brighton’s favour.

Even observers of Brazil admit that their performance has fluctuated. Nevertheless, the feeling around the player is that there is still significant room for development under the right coaching structure.

At present, the situation appears to remain at a level of keen interest and internal monitoring. Yet the Brazilian are clearly referring to Brighton with growing confidence, and that alone suggests Joao Cruz is firmly on the club’s radar ahead of the next market opportunity.

Anthony Edwards trade rumors continue to circulate as the Minnesota Timberwolves face increasing uncertainty about their long-term direction. Although no trade request has been made and no deal is imminent, speculation regarding the franchise’s future with its young star is beginning to gain league-wide attention.

So, what’s the latest on Edwards’ future with the Timberwolves? This is not good news for Minnesota fans.

What are the Anthony Edwards trade rumors going on?

The Timberwolves fear Edwards could eventually request a trade from Minnesota, as reported by KSTP’s Dan Wolfson on Flegrant Howells. This fear is driven by Minnesota’s roster construction, with suspicions that Edwards knows he can’t truly make the NBA Finals with this current team.

As the Western Conference continues to improve with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, the Timberwolves may be forced to make a move. Ultimately, this may be the only way Edwards wants to stay in Minnesota long-term.

Timberwolves face questions about long-term direction

Minnesota has established itself as a contender, but tough roster decisions are coming soon. The Timberwolves have been linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and could be one of the favorites. If so, Minnesota will have to decide to either build long-term or go “all-in” to maximize their window with Edwards and Antekonpompo.

To keep Edwards in Minnesota, the organization may have to make a massive trade to give him an obvious running back partner. If the Timberwolves can’t land the Bucks star, they may have to shift their attention elsewhere. Either way, the organization will have to decide between maintaining the status quo and moving in a different direction.

Anthony Edwards’ role in Minnesota’s future remains unclear

Edwards is the focal point of the Timberwolves, and expectations are rising. After making two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, Minnesota will need to provide the 24-year-old star with a team capable of making the NBA Finals. The 2026 NBA Playoffs failed to live up to that standard after being eliminated by the Minnesota Spurs in the semi-finals.

Minnesota would commit to pursuing Edwards; However, it may not be the same for him. If the Timberwolves are unable to make the playoffs deep into the NBA Finals, Edwards may raise his hand. Edwards’ future in Minnesota remains unclear, and with this latest report, his words and actions will be closely watched.

As NBA rivals monitor the situation, speculation about the league grows

There are no indications that Minnesota and Edwards are on the verge of divorce, but the league will keep an eye on the situation. Many NBA teams such as the Miami Heat and New York Knicks are always involved in trade talks for disgruntled players. That won’t change for Edwards.

Miami is looking to make a big move after missing the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and Edwards would be one of its dream goals. Many NBA organizations would love to acquire the 24-year-old star, so there will be speculation whether the Timberwolves will make an impact this offseason. This may also lead to some business enquiries.

What could be next for the Timberwolves and Edwards

The most likely scenario is that Minnesota makes a move to keep Edwards with the organization long-term; However, this will have to come soon. The Timberwolves need to get themselves into the conversation of annual championship contender, and the current roster is not living up to those standards.

If Minnesota fails to put together a team around Edwards, he could request a trade in the coming years. In fact, it could come even sooner if Minnesota falls short due to a lack of moves. Right now, Edwards’ future in Minnesota is up for debate, but it could become a big story if the Timberwolves don’t act fast.

Read more: Blockbuster trade coming? Los Angeles Lakers target major 2026 offseason move

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

AJ Brown trade rumors have begun to circulate again as speculation increases regarding his long-term future. Although nothing has been confirmed, discussion about a potential move is starting to gain more attention as June approaches, with the New England Patriots being the most likely landing spot.

However, as the situation evolves, multiple teams could begin to show interest, creating the possibility of a competitive trade market if Brown were ever made available.

Why are AJ Brown trade rumors gaining attention?

Brown’s tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles appears to be coming to an end. The 28-year-old superstar desires to play elsewhere, with New England the most likely option to land him. Despite Brown being under contract, the Eagles loaded up on wide receivers during the 2026 NFL offseason.

However, this is all procedural. Philadelphia has an incentive to wait until June to trade Brown for financial reasons. With less than two weeks left until the calendar turns to June, Browns trade rumors are heating up again. Despite rumours, it all points towards the same team unless there is a shocking turn of events.

Why are there New England Patriots? Involved with AJ Brown

The Browns want to play for the Patriots and the feeling is mutual. New England needs an elite wide receiver, and would give 28-year-old superstar Drake Mays their WR1. During the offseason, the Patriots released Stefon Diggs and signed Romeo Doubs; However, neither of them are true top wide receivers.

Enter Brown. Despite injury concerns with his knee, the Eagles receiver is one of the NFL’s best at his position. New England has struggled to produce in the 2026 NFL playoffs, so the offense will need a boost. However, this is still far from guaranteed, as other organizations may enter the mix.

Why might competition enter the mix?

While the Patriots are the favorites to acquire Brown, the team may face some stiff competition. The Kansas City Chiefs may consider trading for Brown as Rashee Rice deals with his ongoing legal situation. Rice’s long-term future in Kansas City is up for debate, and Brown would be a perfect fit for Patrick Mahomes.

Xavier Worthy will be the projected WR1 without Rice, and although he has the potential, the on-field production has not yet been proven. Brown will look to elevate the Chiefs’ offense into elite play following a difficult 2025-26 NFL season. The Patriots may be the leader, but don’t count out Kansas City and any other contending organization.

What does it take to acquire AJ Brown?

There has been widespread speculation over the Browns’ trade package for months. The Patriots would likely have to include a 2028 first-round pick and another asset to acquire the Eagles’ star wide receiver. That could be wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who appears to be on the move soon if the Browns commit to the Patriots.

If not Boutte, New England could include a third- or fourth-round draft pick along with a 2028 first-rounder. Unless a team like Kansas City makes a move, Philadelphia shouldn’t get much more. The possibility of another suitor remains open, so the Patriots may have to raise their offer to get the deal done.

Major Obstacles in Any Business Scenario

There are some obstacles to a Browns trade from Philadelphia. The 28-year-old supersetter will be landing at one of her favorite destinations. Brown has become a distraction at points in Philadelphia and going to any team probably won’t be enough. This familiarity with head coach Mike Vrabel makes the Patriots trade even better.

However, the biggest hurdle is financial. The Eagles won’t lose much if they trade Brown after June 1. If not, a deal is likely to be made at this point. Luckily for the Patriots, the two biggest obstacles to a Brown trade should be cleared by June 1, 2026.

what could happen next

More likely, the Eagles are going to trade Brown after June 1. The Patriots are the top contenders, but a team like the Chiefs could swoop in at the last minute. Everyone involved has waited many months for the trade to be completed, but it looks like this situation is nearing a conclusion.

The Eagles don’t want to trade Brown immediately, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see this fall in July. However, New England is believed to be the landing spot, and if everyone is operating under the same assumption, it would be best to make the Browns a Patriot in the early summer.

READ MORE: NFL Insider gives big update on AJ Brown trade to New England Patriots

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

After nine days of wondering who their next opponent would be, the Carolina Hurricanes finally have their opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals following the Montreal Canadiens’ overtime win in Game 7 against the Buffalo Sabres.

Between their sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in round two of the ECF and Game 1, the Hurricanes would have 11 days of rest, setting a modern NHL record. Ironically, only 1919 Canadians had more than 12.

Game 7 between the Canadiens and Sabers was certainly interesting. The Canadiens took an early lead by scoring two goals in the first frame, before the Sabers evened it out in the next two frames. However, the Sabers found the back of the net for the third time after the puck bounced off the legs of Jacob Dobbs, while the remaining puck was pushed across the line by Beck Malensteen. But unfortunately for the Sabres, as Dobbs tried to cover the puck, the referee blew the whistle – despite having no control over it, and the goal was ultimately waved off.

With 8:38 left in the extra frame, Alex Newhook got the game-winning goal.

A Brief History of the Hurricanes vs. the Habs

Throughout the regular season, the Canadiens won all three games against the Hurricanes. However, in the only two instances when the two teams have faced each other in the postseason (2002, 2006), the Hurricanes have defeated them in six games or less. Ironically, the Hurricanes also appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in both postseasons, and won the championship in 2006.

Carolina Hurricanes-Montreal Canadiens schedule and broadcast information

game 1

When: Thursday, May 21, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

game 2

When: Saturday, May 23, 7:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

game 3

When: Monday, May 25, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

game 4

When: Wednesday, May 27, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

Game 5 (if necessary)

When: Friday, May 29, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

Game 6 (if necessary)

When: Sunday, May 31, TBD
Where: Rivals Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, TVAS

Game 7 (if necessary)

When: Tuesday, June 2, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS

All games will feature local play-by-play by Mike Maniscalco and analysis by Trip Tracy on the Hurricanes’ radio partner, 99.9 The Fan.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

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

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Despite dominating for large portions of Game 5, the Anaheim Ducks lost 3–2 in overtime on Pavel Dorofeyev’s second goal of the game at 4:10 of the extra session.

Beckett Seneke and Olen Zellweger each scored a goal for Anaheim, and Cutter Gauthier had two assists. Lucas Dostal made 29 saves.

The Ducks will face elimination in Game 6 at Honda Center on Thursday at 6:30 pm PT.

Ducks had no answer to Vegas’ OT push

Anaheim dominated the second and third periods and outscored Vegas 27-16 in those 40 minutes. Also, the Ducks took the lead when Zellweger made a big save by scoring her first career Stanley Cup playoff goal with just 3:05 left in regulation.

Yet, in a city famous for its high-profile boxing matches, Vegas reached the knockout stage early in overtime. The Golden Knights defeated the Ducks 5–0 in the extra session and finally answered the bell after a physical 40-minute onslaught from Anaheim.

“I thought it was a very competitive game,” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said. “It’s definitely a big disappointment, but tomorrow you’ll wake up, and it’ll be a new day.”

Dorofeyev’s second goal concluded an eventful night. He single-handedly scored the Golden Knights’ first goal by deflecting the puck to Chris Kreider on what would have been a short-handed two-on-one, then skated to the slot and beat Dostal to tie the game at 1.

But Dorofeyev missed at least two shifts in the second period after injuring his knee from a slap shot. He returned later in the frame and buried the game-winning goal by batting in Jack Eichel’s rebound in the air in front of Dostal.

Zellweger said, “That was a tight game. There were a lot of chances all the way.” “[Dostal] Played amazing.

“We just need to reset, and we know what we need to do in the next game.”

Cutter Gauthier almost saved the day

Gauthier has played like a superstar throughout the second-round series, and he was Anaheim’s best player again in Game 5. He found Zellweger with a slick cross-slot pass that set up the young defenseman to tie the game late.

Gauthier now has five assists over the last two games and a primary assist on each of the Ducks’ last four goals before Game 4.

But his two assists were only part of Gauthier’s contribution. He also saved a goal in the first period by sweeping the puck from the goal line, keeping the game scoreless.

Anaheim played the forward throughout Game 5 after losing center Ryan Poehling to an undisclosed injury in the first period. Vegas defenseman Braden McNabb took a hard check against Poehling and was ejected after officials called a major penalty for interference.

Seneca beat Vegas goalie Carter Hart between the pads on the next power play, then Gauthier made a neat zone-saving play along the half-wall.

The Ducks scored a power-play goal for the second straight game and finished 1 of 2 – the major penalty being their only man-advantage.

Ducks face elimination in Game 6

After all this, the Ducks will face elimination for the first time this season.

“I know this group will bounce back like we have all playoff long,” Ducks forward Mason McTavish said after Game 5. “We’ll take some lessons from this and be ready to go.”

The Ducks have also played with the Golden Knights for the majority of the series. Vegas has a plus-4 goal differential – partly due to its two empty-net goals in the series.

Anaheim has played hard the last two games. Even though Dostal should have swallowed Rasmus Andersen’s initial shot on Hertz’s goal, the Ducks goaltender has been solid since suffering the blowout in Game 3.

So even though they lost a gut-punch game in Vegas, the Ducks are saying all the right things ahead of their final home game of the 2025-26 season.

“I think our guys will be excited about it,” Quenneville said. “It’s a fun opportunity. We’ve got to come out and play hard and simple at home and get excited by the home crowd. It’s a game to play one more time. That’s our mentality.”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

newcastle His association with Gabriel Make continues as the Grêmio teenager’s profile continues to rise across Europe following his increased involvement in the Brazilian club’s first team.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has gradually become part of the senior rotation this season and is starting to attract more attention with each appearance.

Clubs in England, Portugal, Spain and now France are keeping a close eye on the situation as Gremio prepares for another major transfer battle around one of its biggest talents.

Last year, Shakhtar Donetsk offered around €15m (£12.9m) for Make, only for the move to fail after resistance from both the player and Grêmio.

chelsea There was also a strong push at one stage, with reports in the Brazilian earlier mentioning a package that could reach €24m (£20.6m) including bonuses.

That background is helping shape Grêmio’s current strategy.

Gremio took steps to strengthen its position

according to espn brazilThe Brazilian side are now close to agreeing a contract renewal with MEC until September 2031.

Their current deal runs until September 2027, and there was growing concern internally about losing benefits as time went on. The renewal push appears to be designed to avoid exactly the same scenario before the next transfer window opens.

Importantly, this does not mean that Gremio wants to remove him from the market.

Instead, it looks like the club are trying to put themselves in a stronger negotiating position before a serious offer is made.

That also fits with it Recent Comments Grêmio vice-president Antonio Dutra Júnior insisted that no official bid had been made yet, but openly admitted that the club saw Meck as a player capable of generating “huge value” in the future.

It is getting bigger.

Newcastle will remain involved as soon as PSG enters

are newcastle Once again among the mentioned clubs Regarding make

The Magpies are actively monitoring emerging South American talent and have featured prominently in Brazilian reporting about the player. Make fits the type of high-upside signings Newcastle have sought in recent windows.

However, the race is becoming more crowded.

Villarreal, Sevilla, Porto and Shakhtar remain interested, but Paris Saint-Germain are now the latest heavyweight name to enter the picture.

The emergence of PSG is significant because it changes the market dynamics around MAC. Grêmio already valued him at between €15m and €20m (£12.9m-£17.2m), but the increasing level of competition suggests the Brazilian side believe they may be able to move even more than that.

now big sales objective

Rather than rushing towards a sale due to contractual pressure, Grêmio is now focusing on creating a controlled bidding war.

Newcastle, Chelsea and PSG have all been linked at various stages, with the club increasingly viewing Meck as a player capable of generating one of their biggest sales in recent years.

For Newcastle, that means the opportunity is alive – but both prices and competition are moving rapidly upwards.

Just days after being fired by the Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora was reportedly offered a chance to take over as the Philadelphia Phillies. It looks like he’ll have even more job offers this winter.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that in addition to the Phillies, Cora is “expected to be wooed” by both the Houston Astros and New York Mets.

RELATED: MLB Insider reveals which manager could be fired next

Cora turned down the opportunity with Philadelphia in April and opted to forgo the remainder of the 2026 MLB season to spend time with his family. However, he is widely expected to return to the dugout in 2027.

While the Astros (Joe Espada) and Mets (Carlos Mendoza) have publicly stuck to their managers, change is expected. Espada is in danger of being fired during the season and Mendoza’s future in New York is tenuous.

RELATED: Early favorite emerges to become Phillies manager in 2026

Cora, age 50, is a three-time World Series champion who has played a role in title wins as both a manager and bench coach. He is well-liked by the players and appears to be an ideal fit for an older team with experienced players looking to win a championship.

Why are the Phillies favored to hire Alex Cora?

While Mets owner Steve Cohen could offer Cora a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid managers in MLB next season, Philadelphia may be in a better position to give him the job.

Given Cora’s experience in Boston, where chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had extensive influence over the organization, his relationship with his next boss will be important. In Philadelphia, he will have the opportunity to reunite with Dave Dombrowski.

It is worth noting that Cora had worked in the Astros organization for some time, but that was only for the 2017 season as a bench coach. Most of his experience came in Boston, many of which were years when Dombrowski worked in the Red Sox front office.

As Phillies manager, Cora would have the support of a president of baseball operations he trusts and ownership that is willing to spend on a winner. Ultimately, it would be surprising if Cora is not hired by Philadelphia this winter.

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

It’s official, the Montreal Canadiens will be participating in more playoff hockey, having won their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Canadiens were victorious in Game 7, winning 2–1 against the Bolts, and taking a 4–3 series victory in the process.

This can only be seen as a significant step forward for the organization, as they were clearly the underdogs heading into the series, and yet, they rarely allowed the Lightning to establish a single-goal lead.

They also took the lead in high-danger scoring chances for the majority of the series, which was the driving force behind their first-round win, along with some other factors including Jacob Dobbs’ goaltending and Montreal’s scoring depth.

Next playoff opponent

The Canadiens will face the Buffalo Sabers in the second round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, and given that they finished the regular season with 109 points, three more than the Habs, Buffalo will maintain home-ice advantage in the series.

Buffalo picked up its first-round win by defeating the Boston Bruins 4–1 on Friday, with Alex Tuch (4), Mattias Samuelsson (2), and Zach Benson (2) providing the offense for the Sabres, while David Pastrnak (3) was the only scorer for the Bruins.

The Habs have the wind in the air, but this could turn out to be a very tough series, as Buffalo is a bad matchup from a stylistic standpoint. Montreal and Buffalo split their four-game season series, but there were stretches in which the Sabers defeated the Canadiens by much larger margins.

Such is life in the NHL playoffs.

To be the best, you have to beat the best, and the Sabers are certainly one of the best teams in the NHL this year.

Canadiens Vs. Sabers second round schedule

• game 1 – Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm KeyBank Center
• game 2 – Friday, May 8 at 7 pm KeyBank Center
• game 3 – Sunday, May 10 at 7 pm Bell Center
• game 4 – Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm Bell Center
• *game 5 – Thursday, May 14, TBD | KeyBank Center
• *game 6 – Saturday, May 16, TBD | Bell Center
• *game 7 – Monday, May 18, TBD | KeyBank Center

*if necessary.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

nottingham forest A move for Davide Fratesi to Inter Milan failed in January. There is still hope for a transfer, with the player increasingly accepting that he needs to leave.

At the end of January, the East Mids club came close to signing the Italian. A deal was almost complete, with the Nerazzurri simply waiting to sign a replacement.

sports witness The saga was covered closely, as Fratesi had to stay due to Inter’s failure to sign Curtis Jones.

After that, things did not change for the midfielder. The 26-year-old has started only two Serie A games in 2026, relegating him to bench-warmer status.

Nottingham Forest may have another chance at Fratesi, who is awaiting a transfer.

evacuation team

corriere dello sport Reports on the Italy international made it clear that he was keen on a transfer in January.

The newspaper believed that Nottingham Forest could not meet Inter’s demands and this was another reason for the failure. The Nerazzurri wanted a loan with an obligation to buy but the Premier League side wanted a simple loan.

Now, it is certain that Fratessi will leave Inter in the summer. Despite being very important for them in the 2024/25 campaign, he has given up hope of making his mark.

It is said that the midfielder’s smile has disappeared in the last few months. Hoping to get out, he has his ‘phone in hand’ and his crew is doing everything they can to make a move.

He wants to play regularly and make an impact at the highest level, as he did under Simone Inzaghi.

Nottingham Forest given another chance

Ideally, the Champions League-experienced player may not be keen on a move to the City Ground. But in this case, things may be different.

Nottingham Forest dealt Fratessi’s squad in January in their move for Lorenzo Lucca. This shows that they have a very good working relationship, which could also help in the signing of the Italy midfielder.

Fratesi is a midfielder who adds a lot of unpredictability in the final third. He may not be technically proficient, but he has the ability to achieve important goals. This would help any team, let alone Nottingham Forest.

Vitor Pereira’s side have a chance but there are every possibility that more clubs will come knocking for them.

armory And Atletico Madrid are among the clubs pursuing Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt in the summer.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires in June and he will leave Signal Iduna Park as a free agent. Both the player and BVB have confirmed his summer exit.

This makes Germany an international market opportunity for Arsenal, Atlético Madrid and other clubs.

Last month, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany That the Gunners and Barcelona are ready to sign him.

He is fluent in Spanish and has a Catalan girlfriend, which could give the Camp Nou team an edge over Arsenal.

Atletico joins Arsenal in transfer race

Mark There is a detailed report on Los Rojiblancos’ interest in Julian Brandt and it also involves Mikel Arteta’s side.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann will join Orlando City in July and his team are considering several options. This also includes the player of Borussia Dortmund, who is the main target.

The Spanish club’s sporting director, Matteo Alemany, is leading Germany’s international efforts. He is also attracting interest from Arsenal, the Madrid club’s rivals in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Gunners are in the race to sign Brandt and face off competition from Diego Simeone to secure his services.

It is most likely that these two teams will not be the only teams fighting for the player who has already confirmed that he is leaving after this season.

The contract situation, performance and experience would make him an attractive option for many top European clubs. The increased competition may allow him to request better terms and more signing bonuses.

Marca made no mention of whether Atlético or Arsenal had made any progress nor about the player’s choice.

Prices, stats and agent information

Julian Brandt joined Borussia Dortmund in 2019 and scored 57 goals and 69 assists in 303 appearances.

He has played 1,934 minutes in 37 matches in all competitions this season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists.

His Bundesliga statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 25
• Start: 14
• Total minutes: 1,364
• Minutes per game: 55
• Target: 7
• Assist: 3

transfer market The BVB star is worth €20m, and had a high of €50m in June 2019, and is represented by his father, Jürgen Brandt.

F1 drivers in Italy are being investigated as authorities believe some of their income has not been taxed where it was actually earned. It is not about where they live on paper, but where they work in reality.

Most Formula 1 drivers are officially based in low tax countries, and this is completely legal. This is a loophole that many racing drivers have taken advantage of. The problems begin when they race at the Italian circuits of Monza, Imola and Mugello. Incidents there are now being used as a basis for calculating what portion of a driver’s global earnings should be taxed locally. The income generated by those events is linked to the work they do on Italian soil. Italian authorities now argue that a portion of that income should be declared and taxed locally.

So they have turned the tax pressure on Formula 1 drivers in Italy into a full-scale investigation, and its scope is broader than before. Authorities are not just looking at individual cases, but are systematically reviewing how drivers have been taxed on income associated with races organized in the country over a number of years.

Italy looking for years of F1 income

It’s certainly not just a straightforward check or routine paperwork. The Italian financial police are going back to the 2020-2024 season, asking for all the paperwork: contracts, sponsorship deals and even pay statements to get a clear picture of how much drivers really earned while doing their job in Italy. They’re tearing it to pieces, looking at everything from race win money to appearance fees, even pieces of sponsorship deals tied to racing in the Italian Grand Prix.

And the consequences can go beyond money. If the amount they are being asked to repay exceeds €50,000 it could actually become a full criminal case under Italian law, carrying large fines and even, at least in theory, a prison sentence of up to five years. Given the large amounts of money involved per season for drivers, it would not take much for the sums to add up, which is why this investigation holds real legal importance.

It has been reported that all drivers are receiving official letters demanding that they hand over all their tax filings. This confirms that the process is active and targeted, and not just a generic warning for the game. They’re not just looking at drivers. The teams are also involved in a case of not deducting proper taxes on payments for work done in Italy. If all this is true, teams may also face financial risks of their own.

At the same time, Italy has also tightened its tax system to make it less attractive for people considering moving there, raising the annual fixed payment on foreign income to €300,000. More importantly, the scheme does not only cover income earned within Italy. Any salary paid by an Italian team like Scuderia Ferrari is taxed under standard rates, which can reach up to 43 percent. This also limits the leverage for high-profile moves like Lewis Hamilton joining the team.

The situation is straightforward in theory but messy in reality. Drivers have long structured their finances, often legally, in many countries, but Italy is now testing it.

Watch all the Formula 1 action live at the Miami Grand Prix: Now available on Apple TV+

My love for motorsports began as a child watching races with my family in Tunisia. Fast forward to today… more about Farah Ben Gamra

The Buffalo Sabers weren’t about to fool the Boston Bruins twice.

The Sabers stunned the Bruins with four third period goals to steal Game 1 of the series between the Atlantic Division foes.

However, Boston got its revenge in Game 2, scoring three goals in the middle frame, and another quick goal early in the third on Tuesday night, resulting in a 4–2 Bruins victory that tied the series with Buffalo.

Sabers goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen blamed himself.

“It’s my fault,” Luukkonen said. “There is no way around it.”

Trailing 1-0 on the backend of the second period, the Bruins’ Morgan Geikie delivered a backhanded clear lob from center ice to the Sabres’ zone. A favorable layup went Boston’s way, Luukkonen calmly dodged it to give the Bruins a 2–0 lead.

That’s when the game started to spiral for the Sabres.

Tage Thompson took an interference penalty shortly thereafter, leading to Pavel Zacha’s first goal of the series on the power play and a 3–0 lead for Boston.

“It’s a bad bounce, but there’s no way to avoid it. It can’t go in,” Luukkonen said. “I kind of read a bad read about it, but that’s about it. I was trying to get to it before it flipped, but when you start questioning yourself and doing things like that, you get bad bounces. It’s unfortunate, but you’ve got to play through it.”

Well, Luukkonen missed only 16 seconds of the third period, allowing Viktor Arvidsson to score his second goal of the night to make the game 4–0. Sabers head coach Lindy Ruff immediately pulled him for Alex Lyons.

And as Luukkonen said, he clearly questioned himself.

Ruff turned to Alex Lyons for the remainder of the third period and suddenly Buffalo’s confidence was restored.

The Lyon side made his job easy as he only saw seven shots and made seven saves.

That’s because Buffalo played most of the final frame in the offensive zone, outscoring Jeremy Swayman on 20 shots in the third period and scoring twice on the sticks of Bowen Byram and Peyton Krebs.

In fact, Ruff even said that Game 3 could go to Lyon instead of Luukkonen.

“I think if you look at the year and the way it unfolded and how successful we were when we were rotating goaltenders, and then Alex [Lyon] Got injured, so he missed a few games, but just felt there might be a chance we would need him,” Ruff said. “Could play the next game, but just give him a period of playing time, because he hasn’t played in a while.”

This is where inexperience could hurt them for the Sabres.

Buffalo began the 2025–26 season quite inconsistently, but proceeded to win the Atlantic Division through December for the rest of the season.

However, this is the first time in 14 seasons that the Sabers have been back to the playoffs. Most of the roster, including Luukkonen, had never held the position before.

Luukkonen and Lyon split the load for the surging Sabers this season. However, it is ideal to hopefully make a run with a goaltender in the postseason

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Sunny Mehta soon became a New Jersey Devils loyalist on Tuesday. But, come on. He is a former professional poker player. Of course he was not going to show his hand.

However, he did tell me about my accent, which is blatantly obvious that it originates from Staten Island.

Yes, that’s where I grew up. Don’t worry, I’m originally from New Jersey now.

Anyway, Mehta has said all the right things. He didn’t give much away, but he gave us enough to chew on. More details on the key takeaways below.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Here are three takeaways from Sunny Mehta’s introductory press conference that included news regarding Devils ownership.

📺 devil’s rink report: So, what priorities will Mehta face as he steps into his new role as general manager in New Jersey? We break it down in the latest Devils Rink report.

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Forever Blueshirts: One of the biggest issues with the New York Rangers last season? No one was afraid of his top-six.

Athletic ($): Could Kevin Adams be back in the front office already? The Vancouver Canucks are allowed to talk to him about a potential role.

Pittsburgh hockey now: Here’s how NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has hit back at goaltender interference and the optimism surrounding the sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Hockey Now: Michael Misa had a good rookie season. However, the San Jose Sharks forward knows he has a lot more to offer, and he’s excited to show the “real” version of himself next season.

Philly hockey now: The Philadelphia Flyers are fun to watch right now, man. That’s why Philly was actually successful after taking a commanding 2-0 lead over its Pennsylvania rival.

montreal hockey now: If you missed the highlights of the exciting matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, check them out here.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and … More about James Nicholls

wolverhampton wanderers The scout was at FC Porto’s 2-0 win over Tondela on Sunday.

portuguese outlet record It was reported that Wolves were one of three English clubs represented at the Dragão. Stoke City and Leicester City were the others.

Even with relegation from the Premier League now effectively looming, Wolves are still operating in a financial bracket above most Championship clubs, meaning they may at least be looking slightly higher up the board before reality sets in.

Without a doubt, Porto’s biggest names were there. Gabriel Veiga changed the game after half-time and Victor Froholdt scored again, while Rodrigo Mora produced another lively performance in the first half.

But those names come with their own problems. Neither can be considered a realistic post-resignation project. That’s why the more interesting Wolves angle may sit just below that level.

Other players who matter more

Winger Pepe is an obvious place to start. Before the break he was one of Porto’s main sources of threat. This was especially evident on the right side. Additionally, local coverage also highlighted his defensive work on a busy night.

At 29 he is not an unknown quantity, but he fits the type of player that Wolves could still look at if they feel the market is opening up. He is established, versatile and still capable of delivering real output from wide areas.

Alberto Costa looks like he has a long-term game. The 22-year-old right-back spent most of the match in advanced positions and was heavily involved in combinations down Porto’s flank.

He’s young, more approachable than elite names on the same side, and still has room for growth. For a club trying to rebuild smartly, that kind of profile often makes more sense. This is often better than pursuing the main task.

Then there is Deniz Gul. The 21-year-old attacker didn’t dominate the game from start to finish, but he still had a hand in both goals. He assisted Gabriel Veiga for the opener and helped create the second, a contribution the club noticed.

Young forwards who can impact a game, even when they are not at their peak ability, retain the interest of scouts. Wolves might have left thinking he was one of the more realistic attacking names on the show.

The goalkeeper resurfaces – and Tondela delivers other reminders

For Tondela, Bernardo Fontes was once again exceptional. The 23-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper of Italian citizenship saved the penalty. He has also been widely described as one of the pillars of Tondela’s season in Portugal.

His contract runs until 2029 and he has already built momentum after being named Liga Portugal’s second goalkeeper of the year last season. If Wolves wanted a name outside of Porto’s talent pool, Bernardo was the most obvious one there.

Rodrigo Conceição, Brian Medina and Juanse Rodriguez also gave Wolves something to think about.

Conceicao is a more practical full-back option. Medina brings size and a left-footed centre-back profile. Furthermore, Juanse Rodríguez (on loan from Ecuador’s LDU Quito) remains one of the young developmental names in the Tondela squad.

None of them weighed in on Bernardo on the night, but all three fit the market club’s radar when they’re trying to find value.

There was also a familiar face involved, as midfielder Joe Hodge started for Tondela. Wolves announced his permanent move in July 2025. However, this will still give them a chance to check in on a former player they know well.

Hodge, now 23, is under contract with Tondela through 2029, so his presence added another layer to the scouting visit.

For Wolves, this perhaps made it a more productive evening than it first appeared. Porto’s top-level talent did what Porto’s top-level talent usually do. Still, a more realistic value could be to sit alongside Pepe, Alberto Costa and Deniz Gul on one side. Meanwhile, Bernardo Fontes finished second.

This is a far more practical shortlist than just writing down the biggest names and moving on.

nottingham forest Preparations are already underway for a hostile environment in Portugal. However, the scale of the task against FC Porto far outweighs the pressure of the crowd.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will face a team with strong domestic and European form. Porto are currently leading the Portuguese league and have lost only once in their last 11 matches in all competitions. This fixture adds another layer to an already demanding Europa League quarter-final.

Nottingham Forest have shown resilience to reach this level. Still, this tie presents a different challenge. Porto combines pace, structure and experience, especially when playing at home.

Strong home record against English sides

FC Porto’s record against English clubs at the Estadio do Dragão highlights the size of the test awaiting Nottingham Forest.

according to to ballPorto has played 25 home matches against English opposition in European competitions. They have won nine, drawn nine and lost only seven. This is a solid record that shows how difficult it is for visiting teams to control matches in Porto.

Recent history supports that pattern. Porto drew 3–3 with Manchester United in a high-profile performance in October 2024. Earlier, he had secured a late win over Arsenal in the Champions League with a stoppage time goal.

So they are certainly a team that is comfortable dealing with top-class English opposition on home soil.

The context behind the Nottingham Forest meeting

There is also a layer of recent history between the two sides.

Nottingham Forest beat Porto 2–0 early in the competition, handing the Portuguese team their only defeat in Europe this season. That result came via two penalties that Diogo Costa could not save.

However, the context has changed since then. Porto are now in a stronger position domestically, and there is a clear sense of unfinished business in this regard. Furthermore, they there will be some reinforcements For this stability.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli knows it is a completely different scenario.

“When we played Nottingham before, it was Sean Dyche’s first game. I have positive memories of the game there. We conceded two penalty goals and played well throughout the game.” he said A recent press conference.

“But now we are talking about a completely different reality, a team that is in more positive form. Nottingham Forest have many strengths, including great wingers and very high-quality forwards. They also have strong midfielders and are dangerous at set pieces.”

He then concluded: “It is difficult to say which version of Nottingham suits us best, but what is certain is that we will have to do our best.”

It is also worth noting that this will be Nottingham Forest’s first match at the Estadio do Dragão. It adds an element of the unknown to the Premier League side.

more than just atmosphere

The focus has already been on the build-up Porto will bring intense supportBoth at home and outside. Their fans have sold out allocations and have formed a strong presence throughout the competition.

Yet the challenge for Nottingham Forest is wider. They will face a team that is leading their league, in form and is historically strong at home against English clubs.

Plus, this is a team that has already lost once this season and now has clear motivation to respond.

For Forest, it is about managing a complete test – tactical, emotional and physical – against one of the most consistent teams left in the competition.

That’s why this quarter-final feels particularly challenging. And that’s why Nottingham Forest will need one of their most controlled performances of the season to take something positive from Portugal.

Jhon Lucumi is looking increasingly likely to leave Bologna in the summer, and Sunderland are very interested in a transfer after failing to hire him a few months ago.

The defender was in the news as a transfer marker for Bologna last summer. The Black Cats made an offer to sign him immediately after his release clause expired. Those times were unfortunate for the Premier League club.

Lukumi was very curious – as covered sports witness in the past, but Bologna managed to hold on to it. The Rossoblu were proud of their decision, even though the Colombian had refused a renewal beyond 2027.

Fast forward to now, and Lukumi has yet to commit to a new deal and is looking to depart in the summer.

There is still interest from Sunderland but there is a new contender in the race.

AS Roma in the hunt

Forzaroma’s francesco balzani It is reported that Lukumi will be a prize asset for the summer transfer window. The journalist is confident that Bologna will not force him to stay and that he will not sign any new agreements.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has had a ‘long-standing crush’ on the South American since his time at Atalanta. They also attempted to sign him last summer and now, with Ivan Ndika leaving, a deal could become possible.

Roma could make up to €40m from the Ivorian’s exit and use that money to sign Lucumi.

Their biggest hurdle is Sunderland, who remain interested. It is believed that Colombians have long been in love with the Italian capital and have often expressed this on social media. But he might also like to go to England – as happened last summer.

The Premier League and additional finance should change this.

Sunderland transfer competition heats up

Given that Lukumi’s contract expires in 2027, it is no surprise that competition for him is increasing. In January, even Manchester City were mentioned as contenders, but it felt like a fleeting interest based on injuries.

While Sunderland have made progress this year, Lukumi may feel like he must compete for silverware.

He won the Coppa Italia with Bologna last season, and has also been playing in Europe for two seasons now. Ideally this is why he might prefer to join a major club that guarantees him playing at a high level.

That said, he clearly fancied a transfer to Sunderland last summer and has since established himself further.

🇩🇿 Sunderland | Anis Hadj Moussa and Yassine Titraoui

➡️Premier League club looking for pairing
💶 Offers may comehttps://t.co/QrjW8lP3Gd #safc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026

Portsmouth’s decision on Gustavo Caballero is gradually becoming more complicated. The winger’s position is now shaped by club performances, international recognition and rising market expectations.

The 24-year-old joined Portsmouth on loan from Santos earlier this season. The deal already included a clear path to a permanent transfer.

As explained in detail earlierIf Caballero reaches a set number of league appearances, the Championship side can trigger a buyout clause.

That position is considered achievable, and the structure gives Portsmouth some control. If activated, the clause would pay them approximately £4.25 million (€5 million) for 80% of the player’s rights. The remaining percentage is kept elsewhere.

Since arriving in England, Caballero has begun to settle in. He has made 10 Championship appearances, scoring once against Millwall – and is increasingly being used on the left wing. His minutes have increased continuously. This reflects the confidence of the coaching staff as he adapts to the physical demands of the league.

Off the pitch, the winger has also spoken positively about his debut. In a recent interview with Paraguayan radioHe described English football as intense and competitive, while emphasizing his focus on earning minutes and adapting tactically.

That progress has not gone unnoticed internationally. Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro Caballero has already been highlighted As a player on their radar, his development since leaving Santos was praised and his renewed consistency in England was pointed to as a major factor.

World Cup factor puts pressure on decision

The situation with Gustavo Caballero is now taking on another layer. This could have a direct impact on the long-term plans of Portsmouth.

according to Latest reports in BrazilSantos is actively monitoring its development with a view to future sales. The expectation internally is that the value of the Caballero may increase in the coming months. This is especially true due to his increasing involvement with the Paraguay national team.

He was recently called up and featured briefly in a friendly, and there is belief that he could be part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. This prospect represents a clear market dynamic.

Santos is not planning to reinstate the player to their team. Instead, they are presenting him as a potential sale, hoping that international performances – coupled with his time in England – will increase his value ahead of the next transfer window.

What does this mean for Portsmouth

Gustavo Caballero’s trajectory puts Portsmouth in a favorable but time-sensitive position.

The current agreement gives them a set price and a controllable trigger through appearances. However, external factors are now forming around the player. Increased visibility with Paraguay and the prospect of a World Cup could push his valuation above the current trend.

For Portsmouth, this creates an obvious incentive. Securing a player ahead of that potential growth would represent a controlled investment in a growing asset. He is already adapting to the Championship.

Additionally, the club would like more evidence on the pitch. Caballero is still early in its optimization, and although the signs are positive, sustainability will likely determine whether the segment is active or not.

Therefore, the coming weeks will bring additional load. Each appearance not only brings him closer to the trigger point, but also increases the possibility that Portsmouth may need to take action before the wider market.

The NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard has dominated the league’s headlines. Los Angeles reportedly attempted to circumvent the NBA salary cap by paying money to Leonard through a bankrupt company called Aspiration. As of now, the NBA has not finalized its investigation; However, a franchise-altering decision may be coming.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix joins Rachel Nichols on Open Floor to discuss the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. While the NBA continues to work on the scandal, the Clippers may receive a “basketball death sentence.”

“I don’t know what’s in that thing, but certainly a lot of people in NBA front offices around the league are speculating that something is going to happen,” Mannix said. “It’s some kind of punishment. Whether it’s a slap on the wrist or, you know, a basketball death penalty, I don’t know. But there’s a lot of curiosity right now about how close the NBA is getting to revealing all this.”

This would be a terrible outcome for Los Angeles, as it would cripple the organization for years to come. However, what is the NBA’s version of basketball death penalty likely to include?

Los Angeles Clippers’ potential penalties for Kawhi Leonard scandal

There is precedent for teams messing with the NBA salary cap. In 2000, the NBA voided Joe Smith’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after circumventing the salary cap. Minnesota was also stripped of five first-round picks, fined $3.5 million, and officials Kevin McHale and Glenn Taylor were suspended.

The Clippers could face similar punishment; However, more drastic action may be taken. There are rumors that Leonard’s contract could also be voided, which would affect the Clippers’ immediate future as a playoff contender. This would bring the superstar forward into NBA free agency.

As of now, the Clippers have several first-round picks that could be traded away, so there won’t be a problem if the NBA decides to go that route. Meanwhile, the potential fine could exceed $3.5 million, as the value has increased over the past 26 years. Either way, Los Angeles could face devastating consequences from the NBA’s investigation.

It’s unclear when the NBA will release its findings, but the Clippers hope it won’t result in the NBA’s version of a “basketball death sentence.”

READ MORE: NBA could void Kawhi Leonard’s contract amid Los Angeles Clippers investigation

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

Hugo Akitike’s injury against Brighton & Hove Albion was not serious, with early indications suggesting the Liverpool striker has escaped major injury.

Report by French journalist Santi Auna That Ekitike suffered more from ‘fear’ than ‘anything serious’.

According to their information, Ekitike has suffered a ‘serious thigh injury’. Liverpool are awaiting further tests before deciding on a timescale on his absence. However, the good news is that the injury is not serious.

brighton injury

Akitike had to be subbed off after just seven minutes in the clash with Brighton. It appeared that he had suffered a leg injury due to a late challenge from James Milner.

The French striker collapsed on the turf in pain before staggering to the sideline. After a brief attempt to play on, he went down again and was replaced by Curtis Jones before heading straight into the tunnel.

international suspicion

It was a worrying moment for Liverpool. They were already without Mohamed Salah and Alisson for the trip to the south coast. Alexander Isaac has also been absent for a long time.

This also put Ekitike in doubt for the international break. He has been called by France for next week’s friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia. But now it is doubtful whether he will play in both the matches.

Auna reports that the 23-year-old has at least escaped major injury. However, a serious thigh injury is no laughing matter.

While a mild Grade 1 injury usually requires at least one week, severe injury can often result in an absence of 4–8 weeks. With Ekitike’s injury described as ‘serious’, he may now have to be out for a few weeks.

What does this mean for liverpool

This would be a huge blow for Liverpool as they try to make it into the top four and qualify for the Champions League.

Ekitike is their top goalscorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions and losing him for a long period of time could be extremely damaging.

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.

Chelsea’s midfield plans are again under scrutiny, with Andre Santos drawing attention during a busy week of European fixtures in London.

This comes shortly after the same player was linked with a move to Manchester United.

Chelsea have invested heavily in midfield. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia all arrived for big fees, and it is difficult for their competitors to secure minutes. Even Reece James is being tested in midfield by Liam Rosenior recently.

That reality has shaped how Chelsea manages young players. And Santos is a clear example of that dynamism.

But despite limited opportunities, the Brazilian has quietly become one of the team’s most effective defensive midfielders when he does play.

according to footystatsHe averages 2.60 tackles and 1.58 interceptions per 90 minutes. These numbers place him among the strong performers in his role.

He is also active in duels, winning 5.75 ground duels per 90. Additionally, he contributes to blocks and recoveries while avoiding mistakes.

Being in possession also keeps him reliable. Santos has completed 556 of 620 passes this season, with an 89.7% completion rate. That consistency allows Chelsea to maintain control in the midfield phases.

His blend of defensive intensity and composure on the ball makes him one of the more complete profiles available. Still, this has not translated into consistent minutes.

That situation has started to attract attention. Manchester United Recently he has been linked with Andre Santos as they look for a young midfield profile. This interest highlights both his ceiling and the uncertainty surrounding his role at Stamford Bridge.

Joins Inter line-up after London scouting trip

That context makes the latest developments all the more relevant. according to fc inter newsInter Milan directors Piero Ausilio and Dario Bacin were in London during this week’s Champions League fixtures. He attended Chelsea’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain and used the opportunity to keep an eye on the players.

Santos was among those watched closely. He started the match and has been described as having a profile appreciated by Inter, although still in the early stages of interest.

His next step will depend on internal planning. It will also depend on Chelsea’s approach, given their crowded midfield and flexible approach to young players.

A profile that goes unnoticed for a long time

Chelsea may not be actively pushing for Santos’ exit, but situations like this evolve quickly.

Interest naturally increases when a midfielder delivers the ball at both ends of the pitch. Inter’s presence in London gives importance to this. The Manchester United links strengthen this even further.

The player himself says he is happy in London For now. But at the same time, Chelsea’s team construction continues to create internal competition that is difficult to resolve quickly.

Santos is right in the middle of that equation. If his role does not increase, others will try to take advantage. And if their performance continues at this level, it becomes difficult to justify their marginalization.

For now, Chelsea has the situation under control. But the balance between growth and opportunity is beginning to attract more attention than ever before.

The interest from both Manchester United and Inter Milan says a lot about Andre Santos and his development.

🇦🇷 Mateo Del Blanco | The player “will be bought by Chelsea”

➡️Confidence of soon transfer to Argentina
🇫🇷 will then be sent to Strasbourg
🔁There could be a case for Valentin Barco to move to Chelsea and Del Blanco to replace him in Francehttps://t.co/aduwJ75hUj #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 March 2026

The Baltimore Ravens have made two surprising moves in the last 12 hours. The Las Vegas Raiders announced that the Ravens have backed out of their trade for EDGE Max Crosby on Tuesday night. Baltimore signed free-agent EDGE Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

This is a surprising development, considering the Ravens had two first-round picks and Hendrickson on the same contract as Crosby. Adding Hendrickson and two first-round picks in place of Crosby is undoubtedly an improvement; However, according to an NFL insider, the league’s perception is not good for the organization.

As NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports, many NFL decision makers believe the Ravens got “cold feet” when trading for Crosby, and that could have an impact on the way other teams work with the organization. Baltimore reportedly backed out of trading Crosby due to a failed physical on Tuesday.

However, it has been made clear by multiple people at all levels of the NFL that Baltimore had medical information and understood where Crosby’s knee was at in terms of his recovery timeline, as reported by Diana Russini of The Athletic. Needless to say, NFL team personnel are unhappy after Hendrickson signed with the organization.

The Ravens have made no announcement about backing out of trading for Crosby. For now, Baltimore has to undergo a physical on Hendrickson, who is coming off core muscle surgery. The Raiders are welcoming Crosby back to the organization, leaving the door open for another trade.

It remains to be seen how NFL team personnel and agents will proceed with negotiations with the Ravens. If true, it could affect the way Baltimore does business with other teams.

READ MORE: Winners and losers from the Baltimore Ravens signing with Hendrickson after failed Crosby trade

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

Lorenzo Lucca has not had a good time so far at Nottingham Forest.

After scoring a goal on his debut, the striker’s spell came to an end and soon, a mystery surrounded his absence for two matches. This became clear after confirming the ankle injury.

sports witness The Italian has already covered claims that have questioned the striker’s general attitude. This was cited as one of the reasons why his time at Napoli was not a good one, as he never made much of an impression under Antonio Conte.

Even if his absence at Nottingham Forest was due to injury, there is a lot of character assassination of the player going on. And it seems to have gotten even worse.

Lucca’s character was questioned

Journalist Salvatore Caiazza spoke to Canale 8 and was asked specifically about the situation in Lucca.

The Italian did not hold back from revealing details about the player and his general behaviour.

He said- relayed by tuttonapoli: : “He could not join this team because of his character flaws.

“I assure you, and I say this because I know it, that no one could stand up to him. He didn’t get along with anyone. He was alone, he went out alone.”

Additionally, Kaizza revealed that Lucca usually cuts his hair at home when other players have specific barbers. It feels like it’s scraping the barrel for criticism and gives it a level-headed look for some in Italy.

“Let me give you an example. The custom there is that the barber cuts everyone’s hair, but he cut his hair at home. He didn’t make any team. It’s a common example, but that’s how it is.”

Our perspective on Lucca’s criticism

The Italian press appears to have gone to the extreme in its deliberate mudslinging of Lucca. This level feels forced and an attempt to justify Napoli’s decision to let him leave after just six months.

They easily forget that the 25-year-old performed very well at Udinese. He contributed with 26 goals in two seasons, earning him a place in the national team. Just because it didn’t work out at Napoli doesn’t mean Lucca is a bad player (or a bad person). Besides, how he likes to get his hair cut says nothing about the striker.

Nottingham Forest is his chance to prove the naysayers wrong in Italy. He is experienced in demotion battles. If he returns and scores some important goals, the entire perspective around him will change.

Ever since news broke about the Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration saga, it is being said that the NBA is considering giving a major punishment to the Los Angeles Clippers after completing its investigation on the matter. The allegation is that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used the ‘no-show’ endorsement deal with Aspiration to give Leonard approximately $28 million in additional compensation through a four-year deal.

And while the expectation is that both the franchise and the players are considering a major punishment, Max Kellerman has argued that the Clippers should actually effectively walk away unscathed.

“He’s willing to spend his money and resources to give his fans the best product. Whether he does it smart or not, right or wrong, that’s what he’s trying to do. Can I give Kawhi more money to entice him to come here? Well, if I’m a Clippers fan, cool. If you’re the league, a punishment is a punishment for a solution to something that isn’t really a problem,” Kellerman said on Game Over. Told on the podcast.

He argued that “no harm, no foul” simply because the Clippers “aren’t that good anyway”, suggesting that the rest of the league had no reason to complain. Kellerman suggested financial penalties instead

“Don’t punish the Clippers in terms of draft picks or anything like that. That’s silly, you don’t want a team to be worthless for five years, and I believe the Clippers will do that. Don’t do that. You want to punish him? Fine him. Give him a huge fine. $100 million, $50 million fine, Ballmer will pay it. Just fine him something big if the league is upset that he used his money to get an unfair advantage. “If you’re doing that, spread your assets. And you give it to other teams, make Kawhi a free agent, that’s fine,” he said.

Kellerman believes it would be detrimental to the NBA because the Clippers would not be able to compete if real action was taken. Instead, he suggested making Leonard a free agent, claiming that wealth redistribution might be a better solution.

Of course, while this argument makes sense given that the Clippers will undoubtedly be affected, the problems are also obvious. Not imposing adequate penalties would not only set a hugely problematic precedent, but it would also completely undermine the league’s salary cap and other finance-related rules and regulations.

Despite swapping life for a relegation battle at Manchester United, Christian Eriksen has braved life at Wolfsburg.

Kicker has the 34-year-old’s comments today. The Dane insists he is very happy with life at the Bundesliga club.

Eriksen left Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer window, ending three seasons at Old Trafford.

Serving as a consistent presence under Eric ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, he made 107 appearances in that time, scoring eight goals.

Pushed forward decision in search of playing time

Christian Eriksen took his time choosing his next club during the summer. Sport Witness covered the veteran’s comments on how much he Enjoyed your leisure time while choosing that option.

Ultimately, Wolfsburg won the race for his signature, with Eriksen joining on a two-year deal until June 2027. Since then he has been a regular starter with 21 appearances in all competitions.

However, it has been a tough campaign for him. The German club currently sits 15^th With 20 points in 23 games in the Bundesliga. This leaves them just above the relegation play-off places on goal difference.

The battle of accusations and counter-accusations was not expected

Their recent form has seen them struggle to move out of the relegation battle. But Eriksen is not worried, despite their aim being to qualify for Europe.

“Actually I’ve mostly been on the other side,” He said.

“At many of the clubs I have played for, it was more important to finish in the top 10. Brentford was probably the only exception.

“And in the VFL, it’s actually my first time fighting demotion. But that’s football; in the end, it’s an experience that comes with the territory.

“I can handle it! Of course, you’d love to be on a winning team. But that doesn’t always work out. Then it’s about getting back on track.

“For us, it’s a battle right now, and there are a lot of little things going against us, which makes it even more difficult. Still, I’m positive when I see how we’re doing.”

Asked whether he had made the right decision by choosing Wolfsburg over Manchester United, Eriksen said: “Yeah, soccer is fun. I wanted to play soccer, and that’s what I’m doing here.”

Rangers improved Danny Rohl’s squad as four new players arrived at Ibrox in the winter market.

New signings Ryan Naderi and Andreas Skov Olsen have already scored for Rangers, while Ture Romans managed an assist.

Rohl’s side are second in the table, two points behind leaders Hearts, and one point ahead of third-placed Celtic, who have a game in hand.

Rangers are fighting for the title this season and are also working on improving their squad over the summer.

Rangers in the picture for Coulibaly

The Ibrox club have now set their sights on US Lecce’s Lassana Coulibaly. this is it Africa Foot are reporting, and Rangers are among the contenders to sign the 29-year-old.

Africa Foot have named the Scottish club in a report which mainly focuses on Saudi interest in the midfielder.

Al-Fateh SC have moved to sign the Mali international and have made him their main target.

He joined the Serie A team in August 2024 after spending three years with US Salernitana. The player, who has established himself in Italy over the past five years, has played 61 matches for Lecce.

Koulibaly is also a regular player for the national team and has played four matches in the AFCON. His performances in Morocco have attracted the interest of Al-Fateh, and the club have cleared his profile internally for the summer.

The Middle East club have had positive discussions with his camp and are optimistic about reaching a deal with Lecy. The report states that Lecce are prepared to let the player leave for €4-5m.

Al-Fateh faces competition from Rohal and others

The Saudi Pro League side aim to finalize the deal quickly, mainly due to the increasing competition. This occurs whenever the Ibrox club is mentioned.

Africa Foot report Rangers, Trabzonspor, Red Star Belgrade and unnamed Italian and Spanish clubs are also keen on Koulibaly.

In short, Rangers are in contention to sign him, and Rohl’s side could offer Lecce €4m to bring him to Ibrox.

According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards won the All-Star Game MVP award, it’s fitting to appoint him the face of the NBA. Talking about Edwards’ all-round game, Smith says that Edwards’ unique skill set sets him apart from players like San Antonio Spurs youngster Victor Wambayama.

Edwards is eligible for Smith informal title he said of the face of the NBA, according to ESPN’s First Take.

“[Victor] Vembanyama, brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man, he’s worth watching. That’s Jordan-esque. He hasn’t won yet. So we can’t say that,” Smith said. “But his game – the pureness of it – the handle, the shot, the athleticism, the swag. She doesn’t believe it, but her boy Stephen A. is going to tell her. You got it all.”

Smith says the average fan may relate more to Edwards than Vishal Wembanyama.

“A lot of people can’t relate to someone who’s 7-feet-5 inches tall. We can never do that. We can’t be that. It’s just an anomaly. Ant-Man is just like Steph [Curry]The baby face is killer. Damn, look at his size, and he’s doing what he’s doing,” Smith said. “Look at Ant-Man what he’s doing… [He] Is going to be the face of the NBA. Mark it. Vembanyama is there with him. He may win sooner than we know, but Ant-Man will be there.

“[Victor] Vembanyama, brother, is special. But that damn Ant-Man… he’s worth watching… you got everything… it’s just like Steph [Curry]The baby’s face is a killer… [He] He’s going to be the face of the NBA.”

Anthony Edwards on Stephen A. Smith 🙌pic.twitter.com/ulFmpksuqs

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

Edwards totaled 32 points in 26 minutes over three games. He helped lead the USA Stars to a 47–21 victory in the All-Star Game final.

Brian Windhorst praises Anthony Edwards’ ASG performance

Stephen A. Smith wasn’t the only NBA analyst to praise the Timberwolves’ All-Star forward on the four-letter network, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gave Anthony Edwards his due following the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

windhorst kept it 100 About Edwards, according to ESPN’s Get Up.

“This guy does everything you want from a superstar,” Windhorst said. “He plays on both ends of the court, he has great dunks, he’s a great 3-point shooter, he has a great personality, he’s been a winner. He hasn’t won a championship, but he’s led the Wolves to their best two years in franchise history, and he has incredible competitive juice, which he’s shown in this game.”

“He’s so attractive that the NBA needs huge investment going forward.”

Brian Windhorst on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, whom he described as “the most underappreciated superstar in all of American sports.”

(via @GetUpESPN)pic.twitter.com/njdOIqzam7

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

Edwards earned his first All-Star Game MVP award.

Amid all the groaning about the increasingly lackluster NBA All-Star Game, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama displayed an intense competitive fire that resonated with the players on the court and those watching at home. He bravely led a shorthanded and injury-limited Team World, posting 34 points and three blocks in a total of 20 minutes. Although the 7-foot-5 Frenchman was on the losing side, he presented himself as someone who is expected to eventually become the face of the league.

Vembanyama addressed fans’ All-Star-Game apathy by energizing the proceedings. Exhibition competition will always have its flaws, but for the first time in ages, the conversation around it isn’t overwhelmingly negative. And that is a big reason for this. The 22-year-old decided to give fans a better product. It’s exactly the proactive approach Silver and company want to see from the game’s top players.

Vembanyama’s efforts only reinforce the notion that he will soon become an NBA trailblazer. However, he is not campaigning for this privilege/responsibility. The 2024 All-Defensive First-Team selection firmly believes that such change can only happen naturally, free from media provocation or his own promotion.

According to HoopsHype, Wembanyama told reporters when asked about players’ reluctance to publicly stake a claim for the title of future face of the NBA, “I see what you’re trying to tell me, too.” “But I think it’s something that should be natural. Social media, the NBA can promote whoever they want, but at the end of the day it’s going to be the best players – and the ones people want.

“Becoming the face of the league is not something that can be manufactured – maybe only to a certain extent. It’s just going to be the best player. So becoming the face of the league will be a byproduct of their basketball level.”

Victor Vembanyama is not shying away from the subject. The two-time All-Star is confident he will one day take over this role. But he is not going to issue any public petition. His performance on the court makes a pretty compelling case in itself.

The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from 3-point range this season. If he can stay healthy and lead the Spurs to a deep playoff run, the NBA will no longer have to worry about finding a new leading man.

As NBA All-Star festivities continue at the Intuit Dome, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama acknowledged the influence of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James on his understanding of what it means to be the face of the league.

Wembanyama spoke during the NBA’s All-Star media day on Saturday, reflecting on James’ two-decade tenure at the center of the sport’s spotlight.

“He’s very intelligent in the areas in which he’s obviously the face of the league. And in two decades, very few mistakes like very few PR mistakes, so I think there’s definitely some intelligence required. I think there’s a lot of things to learn from him. I’ve never had a chance to spend time with him to have a full discussion and I would love to talk to him… I don’t know how many millions of basketball players there are on Earth and they could all learn something from LeBron.”

The comments come as Wembanyama heads into his third NBA season. The 22-year-old is averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 blocks and one steal per game, while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range in 40 games.

“She’s very intelligent… Very few mistakes are made in PR. I think it definitely requires some intelligence… I would love to do that [talk to him about that]…They could all learn something from LeBron.

Victor Wembanyama on the impact of LeBron James as the face of the NBA.pic.twitter.com/o94wUlNMdy

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 February 2026

LeBron James’ blueprint shapes Victor Wembanyama’s rise as the next face of the NBA

San Antonio entered the All-Star break with a 38–16 record, good for second place in the Western Conference, and are on a six-game winning streak. Spurs’ progress has fueled growing conversation about Wembanyama’s place among the league’s elite.

Earlier this week on NBA Today, former center Kendrick Perkins declared Wembanyama the new face of the NBA, citing his production, global appeal and willingness to be in the spotlight. The buzz has heated up as Spurs position themselves as contenders in the West.

For Vembanyama, the blueprint is clear. James, now in his 22nd season with the Los Angeles Lakers, has risen to stardom by consistently excelling on the court. From performance to professionalism, Vembanayama looks to the four-time champions as a model for longevity and leadership.

As the league looks toward its next era, the intersection between James’ legacy and the rise of Wembanyama is shaping the narrative around the future of the NBA.