newcastle united Dusan has stepped in for Vlahovic, whose situation at Juventus is becoming increasingly uncertain.

As things stand, the Serbian’s contract in Turin expires in the summer. He has had a season hampered by injuries, most recently coming back from a groin problem and a calf problem.

The striker scored a fine goal against Lecce at the weekend, giving Juve a 1–0 win.

This comes just days after he scored a vital equalizer against Hellas Verona. Despite problems throughout the campaign, his impact has been clearly seen in the Champions League race. Juve currently find themselves in the top four and Vlahovic’s contribution has come at the right time.

sports witness English interest in him has already been covered, with Tottenham being mentioned as potential suitors. Time is running out for a new deal and Newcastle United are attempting to make a move.

Vlahovic sets conditions for transfer

today’s tuttosport The Serbia international pays attention to the situation, marking his possible options in the summer. There is no dearth of clubs who could sign him but things have not gone in the right direction yet.

Juve are also hesitant about whether they can afford to pay him a huge salary, sign-on bonus and commission to his agent.

There remains interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona but there has been no concrete result. The German side made inquiries but Vlahovic does not want to play second fiddle to Harry Kane.

Recently, Atletico Madrid have also stepped forward. He may not even be able to offer regular first-team minutes until Alexander Sörloth leaves.

Meanwhile, interest from Newcastle United has emerged. He has inquired about the terms of the deal and tried to understand the financial situation involved.

The Magpies cannot attract the striker. Even if they can hand him regular football, he is still keen to play in the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s team will not play any European football next season, making them less attractive.

As a result, the forward could seriously consider staying in Turin.

Deal is risky for Newcastle United

Dusan Vlahovic’s goalscoring abilities can never be doubted. His performance against Lecce was brilliant. Even when Juve struggled to serve under Max Allegri, he still managed to score goals.

His fitness has not been that good. Muscle injuries have increased – as is evident from the ongoing campaign. Therefore Newcastle United should think carefully.

Even if Vlahovic is available for free, he is still in a position to command a high salary. Their group will demand large commissions, as well as player sign-on bonuses.

The Kansas City Chiefs WAG squad just added a new rookie to the roster. George Karlaftis officially put on the ring when he married his high school girlfriend Kaia Harris on Saturday, May 9, at the luxury One & Only Esthesis.

The couple said “I do” in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony, paying homage to Karlaftis’s roots. The two-time Super Bowl champion spent his early years in Athens before moving to the state at age 13, making the wedding a full-circle moment straight out of the championship playbook.

Inside George Karlaftis and Kaia Harris’ Greek wedding

People dumped the full wedding day photo on Instagram, giving fans an inside look at George Karlaftis and Kaia Harris’s big day, with the caption: “NFL Player George Karlaftis Is Married!”.

And while Karlaftis is known for bringing pressure on the field, the Chiefs star admitted he almost bowed down emotionally at the altar. “I think my favorite part was the ceremony because I got really emotional, more than I expected,” he told People. “I didn’t expect to cry so much during the ceremony. When I saw Kaia and her dad walk down the aisle I started crying so hard.”

The wedding turned into a full-on Chiefs reunion, with 220 guests in attendance, including current and former teammates, coaches from both Purdue and Kansas City. Plus the couple’s longtime MVP pup, 8-year-old Ralph.

Even the NFL’s most talked-about power couple made the guest list. Reports claim Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were on the dance floor all night celebrating their partner’s big win off the field.

Karlaftis and Harris’ love story began long before the NFL lights. The two first met each other as teammates on their high school track team in West Lafayette, Indiana. Bond over their shared work ethic, trust and loyalty. Both later attended Purdue University, before Karlaftis, last heard from in April 2025, proposed while the pair were relaxing in bed watching TV.

What’s next after saying “I do”? The newlyweds are hoping to build their own dynasty. Saying they are most excited about “starting a family” and “building a life together.”

Harris, a former discus throw competitor turned marketing professional, has been by Karlaftis’ side since making their relationship public in 2021. Five years before they officially tied the knot.

After the confetti settled, the newlyweds continued the festivities with a honeymoon stay in the coastal Greek city of Porto Cheli.

Alisson signs a new deal liverpool Two months ago, but Juventus has not given up on the goalkeeper.

The Brazil international’s contract now expires in 2027, giving the Reds more control over the player.

sports witness The Italian media have covered Alisson’s move positively. Juve could also offer a player in the deal, which could potentially make things easier.

But there is talk that the Old Lady may struggle to pay the full package of a transfer. This includes the player’s salary and signing-on fee, even though Alisson has expressed openness to returning to Italy.

Now, Liverpool’s stance is becoming clearer and a summer move is becoming more difficult.

Reds blamed for transfer struggle

tuttosport Alisson’s move to Turin is reportedly gaining momentum by the day. Juve is in constant contact with the Brazilian squad.

But when Liverpool is mentioned the report contradicts itself. Their demands will be the ‘main basis’ of any move but negotiations between the two sides are expected to be difficult.

With intense weeks of discussions ahead, Ellison is said to be keen on a deal. This makes the move look promising but it will be difficult for Liverpool to deal. Their price tag has not been mentioned, but it is believed that the deal will be expensive and will require further discussion.

The Old Lady are desperate for a goalkeeper, with Michele Di Gregorio’s future in doubt. His exit in the summer will make signing the stopper a priority over the next few months.

Our take: Deal probably won’t happen

It seems that Tuttosport is working in its classic way which favors Juve, even if their information is contradictory.

This is also mainly due to Alisson’s entourage, who could push for a transfer. This does not mean that the 33-year-old will definitely leave Liverpool and Juve will have to pay a significant package to afford him.

The Italian media have mentioned the idea of ​​swapping Di Gregorio, but ideally the Italian would like to be first choice. he wouldn’t want to hang out with Giorgi Mamardashvili is making things difficult for the ex-Monza player.

There is a ‘high percentage chance’ that Vitaly Mykolenko will everton Next season. If not, he will remain in the Premier League regardless.

sport express report on the Everton defender today with comments from ‘well-known’ Ukrainian journalist Ihor Tsyganik regarding the 26-year-old’s situation.

likely to stay at everton

Vitaly Mykolenko may extend his deal with Everton this summer and not look for a new club, Tsyganyak reported on his YouTube channel.

“As far as I understand, Vitaliy himself, and this is probably right, will in any case consider the option of Everton first,” He said.

“If not with Everton, then Premier League options. Mykolenko played quite a successful season. No matter what the fans say, he played quite consistently this season.

“It is worth noting that he has recovered from injuries suffered after the 2023/24 season when he went to the Euros, where he was still injured.

“This season he played more strongly. And I believe that Mykolenko will not go anywhere from the Premier League. I give a high percentage of probability that he will still be at Everton.”

Contract or Premier League move

according to transfer marketVitaly Mykolenko’s current deal at Hill Dickinson expires in 2027.

It was due to expire this summer, but Everton had the option to extend by one year. This appears to be an option they have chosen for the 26-year-old.

Now the question is what will happen next. David Moyes and his team would not want a player with only one year left on his contract.

Either they extend Mykolenko’s contract again with a new offer, or he is sold this summer to avoid leaving for free. As far as Tsyganik is concerned, it would be the former.

A report last month said He could be an option for Roma. However, as far as he is concerned in Ukraine, Mykolenko will remain on Merseyside.

🇮🇹Arthur Atta | Everton ready for Napoli transfer battle – player’s wishes will be key https://t.co/9pyB8nYtv9 #efc #koyab

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 22 April 2026

At least by the unpopular demand of fans and media, the 2026 NHL Draft is once again decentralized. The New Jersey Devils retained their first-round selection all year, and have a chance to have an early-round pick.

However, with Sunny Mehta in charge, will they do the same?

The 2025-26 regular season has ended and the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is firmly underway.

The Devils finished 21st overall in the NHL with a 42–37–3 record, not qualifying for the postseason.

On Saturday, the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery odds were released:

According to the NHL’s draft lottery rules (in effect after the 2022 draft), No team can move up more than 10 places In draft order, regardless of which lottery draw they win (for first or second overall pick).

This 10-spot cap is a hard limit on any single lottery win. This means:

• Only the bottom 11 teams in the standings (based on points, with tiebreakers) are eligible to win the No. 1 overall pick.
• Teams seeded 12th–16th can win the lottery draw, but are limited to moving up exactly 10 places (the lowest finishing qualifying team moves up to the vacant higher place if necessary).

Well, the Devils are the 12th seed, meaning they can’t select higher than the second overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

This isn’t the worst case scenario, but their chances of moving up 10 spots are only 2.5% less.

We’ll see what Mehta and company have in store for the draft, which will likely depend on where they fall in the first 12 selections.

However, with a clear need in the top six, particularly a left wing to line Jack Hughes, it should be no surprise if Mehta moves up to selection.

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 5. The draft lottery will be held at NHL Network’s Secaucus, NJ, studios, with a live broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, where left wing Gavin McKenna of Penn State leads the list of North America-based skaters and left wing Ivar Stenberg of Frölunda (Swedish Hockey League) leads all international-based skaters.

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

The San Francisco Giants were one of the biggest winners in the MLB Draft Lottery last year, moving up to get the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While draft day is still a few months away, there is some early information on who the Giants may want to draft in 2026.

In a mini MLB mock draft, ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel reported that the Giants would “really like” they had the chance to draft high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the fourth overall pick. Although he appears to be the top target there, it appears they have plans for some quick returns.

At the beginning of the season, the consensus of evaluators was that UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowski would be the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. However, as the season has unfolded, Emerson is now inserting himself into that mix. He is currently projected to be drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Emerson, age 18, is 6 feet 2 inches tall and plays left-handed. MLB Pipeline rates his hitting tool, fielding and arm strength at a 60 on a 20-80 scouting scale with 66-grade power and speed.

“Emerson is an all-around prospect who is a virtual lock to be at shortstop for a long time because of his plus range, action and arm strength. He’s a grinder in the box who takes a lot of pitches and spoils boundary line offerings unless opposing hitters give up and either give him something to hit or give him a walk.”

FanGraphs scouting report on Grady Emerson

If Emerson is off the board, McDaniel says San Francisco “would be happy to get” Georgia Tech catcher Von Lackey or UC Santa Barbara starting pitcher Jackson Flora.

Lackey could be an attractive option for San Francisco, as the catcher doesn’t seem to have a long-term plan. Patrick Bailey has provided Gold Glove-caliber defense behind the plate and is one of the best pitch framers in baseball, but he is also a well-below average hitter at catcher.

Flora, 6 feet 5 inches tall, entered the season as the consensus top 2026 MLB Draft prospect and has done nothing to change that this season. In 10 starts, he has a 0.71 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP and an 84-24 K-BB ratio with just 4.1 H/9 in 63.1 innings.

According to McDaniel, another name worth keeping an eye on is high school shortstop Jacob Lombard. The younger brother of New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr., he offers some of the most attractive equipment among position players in the upcoming class.

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

Aston Villa Bayern Munich are in the battle to sign Noel Aseko in the summer.

The defensive midfielder has already attracted the attention of clubs across Europe, including Germany and Aston Villa.

In February 2025, Bayern Munich allowed him to join Hannover 96 on loan and later that year, extended his stay until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old took advantage of his temporary transfer to the second division German club to enjoy regular minutes.

His 2.Bundesliga statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 28
• Start: 26
• Total minutes: 2,004
• Minutes per game: 71
• Interceptions per game: 0.9
• Tackles per game: 1.6
• Possession won (final third): 0.5
• Balls recovered per game: 3.4
• Clearance per game: 1.0
• Duels won per game: 4.9

Aston Villa keen on youngsters

Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion are set to sign Noel Aseko.

Fast forward to April and sky germany Now report Aston Villa have joined the transfer race.

Their headline reads: ‘Bayern Munich talent Noel Aseko is in high demand – Roma, Brighton and Aston Villa interested.’

Several clubs from the Sky State have already expressed interest in the Germany U21 international and Villans will be on the list.

The Serie A side, for their part, have made a solid enquiry, and will have to contend with Unai Emery’s side and Brighton to secure his services. In addition to these clubs, Eintracht Frankfurt also expressed interest in the youth.

Aseko would return to Bayern Munich after the season and pre-season under Vincent Kompany. As things stand, his future at the Allianz Arena is open.

In the event of a sale, the Bavarian club would be looking for a fee of around €10-12m, which should be affordable for Aston Villa.

Contract, price and agent information

Noel Aseko’s contract at Bayern Munich is until 2028 transfer market He is now worth €8 million.

Rummenigge Sport Marketing GmbH, owned by agent Roman Rummenigge, is looking after their interests.

With Roma already making a concrete approach, Aston Villa will have to act quickly to convince both the player and the German champions.

The New York Jets have a big week coming up, with the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching on April 23. After finishing with only a 3–14 record, the Jets earned the No. 2 overall pick in the first round. They also have the 16th overall pick from the Sauce Gardner trade to the Indianapolis Colts.

Many expected the Jets to select a pass-rusher with the second overall pick, but there has been some debate as to whether they would target Ohio State’s Arvel Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey. after this? Things are even more uncertain.

However, according to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Jets “think very highly” of Arizona safety/cornerback hybrid Traydon Stukes, and he has been flying up draft boards since his season ended.

Stukes ran a stellar 40-yard dash of 4.38 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as a vertical jump of 38 inches. He has played safety, nickel and outside cornerback and NFL evaluators believe he will be able to handle all three positions at the next level as well.

While Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is generally regarded as the third-best safety in the draft class behind top-10 pick Caleb Downs and fellow first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, Pauline reports that Stucks is graded as the third-best safety on some teams’ boards. Others have him as the top nickel back of the draft.

The Jets have the 2nd, 16th, 33rd and 44th picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Chances are, Stukes will be considered at picks 33 and 44, otherwise they might not get it.

RELATED: ‘Consensus’ points to the New York Jets selecting with the No. 2 pick

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

At times, the Indianapolis Colts looked to be one of the NFL’s best teams last season. Nevertheless, in the weeks before Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, the Colts began to slip. But that didn’t stop them from trading their first-round pick in 2026, as well as their top selection in 2027, in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Now, as we approach next Thursday’s 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts find themselves in a tough situation, with no selection in the first round and no selection until No. 47. Indianapolis’ only other selection in the top 116 selections is in the third round at No. 78.

This makes it incredibly difficult to predict who will be available once the Colts reach time, but Indianapolis has taken a liking to some elite mid-round prospects. Now we also know who.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Colts are “very high” on Caleb Ellers-Orr. The TCU linebacker’s stock is rising, and he is currently projected to land on Day 2, where the Colts have the 47th and 78th picks.

Pauline wrote, “Ellers-Orr is a pure off-ball linebacker whose game and draft stock have risen over the past nine months.” “Entering the season classified anywhere from the late round to the middle of the third day, Allarms-Orr turned in a stellar senior campaign and then stood out at pre-draft scouting events like the Senior Bowl and Combine. He has solidified himself as a second-day pick and could be among the early 60 picks.”

Pauline says the Broncos, Texans, Panthers and Vikings are also “very high” on Almers-Orr and they have all interviewed him, as have the Colts. Elmers-Orr has received strong marks for his athleticism and quickness, but negative marks for his football IQ, which can develop with NFL coaching.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

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The New York Jets have four top-50 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft this month, including a pair of selections in each of the first two rounds. While there are a myriad of needs to be addressed, there is one name to monitor closely for one of those four selections.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reed reported this week that the Jets are “extremely high” on Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. In the eyes of the organization, he is an “ideal” No. 2 receiver to share the field with standout weapon Garrett Wilson.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft, including trades

Cooper, who won’t turn 23 until December, is an Indianapolis native who spent his entire collegiate career with the Hoosiers. After averaging 21.2 yards per reception as a junior, he posted personal bests in receptions (69), receiving yards (937), and touchdowns (13) last season.

With his 6-foot height, he has been compared to former All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. While Cooper’s struggles with contested catches and his specific skill set may keep him in the slot, he is viewed as an excellent playmaker with the football in his hands.

RELATED: Why the NY Jets could take Ty Simpson in Round 1

If New York doesn’t take Cooper at 16th overall it would be a real gamble for them. He is one of the most sought-after players for pre-draft visits, with the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans all bringing him in for top-30 visits this month.

There is a possibility that the Jets could package the 33rd overall selection with either their fourth-round selection (103rd or 140th overall) to move up late in Round 1 to land Cooper. This would allow the club to come out of the first round with three starting players, including a No. 2 receiver for Aaron Glenn and potentially two impact guards.

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 looks like the Kentucky Wildcats are on the verge of a major coup after an update on their search for the No. 1 high school recruit in the country.

After going 24-12 in his first season replacing coaching veteran John Calipari, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is feeling the pressure. In 2025–26, the Wildcats finished with a 22–14 record and 10–8 mark in the SEC. In the NCAA Tournament, they barely surprised Santa Clara in the opening round, then lost badly to Iowa State in the round of 32.

Their results last season have led to speculation that Pope may not be able to maintain the very high standard of the powerhouse program. The coach now must perform well in the transfer portal and add to a roster that makes significant progress next season. However, the portal isn’t the only way to improve the roster for next season.

This past season showed how impactful a star freshman can be. Duke’s Cam Boozer, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Kansas’ Darrin Peterson, and BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa all had huge years in their collegiate debuts. Recruit Tyrann Stokes has the potential to do the same in 2026-27, and the Wildcats are ready to meet him soon.

Kentucky basketball meeting with Troyan Stokes again this week

In a new conversation with NBA.com’s Kristen Peake, Stokes revealed he plans to meet with officials from the Kentucky basketball program again this week. The coaching staff has changed little since his first visit to campus, and it seems likely the Wildcats will try to sell him based on the improvements he has made.

The Rainier Beach High School product is viewed by many basketball analysts as the No. 1 recruit in the country. Yet, despite being near the start of his collegiate career, he has not committed to any program. Kentucky, Kansas and Oregon, along with other schools, are believed to be trying hard to land him.

The 6-foot-7 forward is very athletic and looks like a natural power forward. However, he is an effective ball handler and can lead the attack. During his senior season, he averaged 35 points and 14 boards a game.

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

The Green Bay Packers do not have a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, complicating the team’s ability to address some glaring needs ahead of a season with Super Bowl aspirations. However, the other day there is someone their front office would reportedly love to get.

According to ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, Green Bay has been “widely linked” to cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft and has spent a potential Day 2 pick at the position. According to Miller, one name worth keeping in mind is San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, who has “a lot of fans” in the scouting department.

RELATED: Packers GM reveals team will add key positions in 2026 NFL Draft

Packers reporter Rob Demowski also shared that cornerback is widely viewed within the organization as one of the top Packers draft needs. While Green Bay still likes KeySean Nixon, they want to add another “impact player” to start opposite him.

Corner is an obvious issue on the Packers’ depth chart. For now, the team will start Nixon and Carrington Valentine on the outside, with only Benjamin Saint-Juste, Kamal Hayden and Shemar Bartholomew as boundary corner options behind them.

RELATED: Potential Green Bay Packers backup QB options

For a team already facing questions about its ability to generate pressure while Micah Parsons (ACL tear) is sidelined, and he’s also thin on the interior, help in the secondary is vital. Of course, it’s far from certain that Johnson is still available at the 52nd overall pick.

Coming out of San Diego State, Johnson certainly matches the length requirements that Green Bay prioritizes at 6-foot and 193 pounds with 30 5/8″ arms. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to cornerback Byron Murphy, highlighting Johnson’s scheme versatility with good footwork, excellent ability to mirror into coverage, and good ball skills.

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

Nottingham Forest are quickly building up the layers as they prepare for their Europa League quarter-final against FC Porto. The latest developments have further increased the challenge they face.

Vitor Pereira’s side already know they will face Strong atmosphere in Portugal For the first phase. even Nuno Espirito Santo attended On the creation of this tie. Now, they are also set to face off against a Porto team boosted by the return of key players at a crucial moment.

Main returns before forest conflict

according to gamePorto received encouraging news on the injury front this week. Rodrigo Mora has accelerated his recovery from a muscle problem. Despite some limitations, he is now back in integrated training.

He is expected to be available for the upcoming fixtures, including the clash with Nottingham Forest.

The young winger is seen as one of Porto’s most creative options, and his availability increases Francesco Farioli’s flexibility in midfield selection.

At the same time, there is clarity regarding star goalkeeper Diogo Costa. He is suffering from an adductor problem, which has forced him to withdraw from Portugal’s recent international matches. However, the goalkeeper is now expected to be fit in time to face Nottingham Forest.

Their presence is important. The Porto captain has already registered 22 clean sheets in all competitions this season. In the league alone, he is chasing his 19th shutout. It’s a mark that would match Iker Casillas’ 2016/17 campaign.

For Forest, this points to a difficult attacking task. Porto will likely have both their first-choice goalkeeper and a key creative option in the squad for the first leg.

“Blue Sea” is ready to sail again

There is activity off the pitch too, and this reinforces the scale of the occasion.

according to to ballPorto supporters have already sold their entire ticket allocation for the second leg at the City Ground on 16 April. The travel section will be packed. This would ensure a strong Portuguese presence in Nottingham.

Porto fans too Filled your allocation for the last meeting between the sides in the league stage, when the “Blue Sea” was described as “flooding Nottingham”.

This consistency highlights just how active Porto’s support has been throughout this European run.

Buildings required for Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are heading towards a tie with the intensity increasing from every angle.

On the pitch, Porto is regaining key players at the right time. Furthermore, their supporters continue to travel in large numbers, alternating both legs in high-pressure environments.

Forest have already shown resilience in this competition. However, this tie now presents a different kind of test – one shaped by a clear understanding of the quality, experience and pace of their opponents.

With both teams close to full strength and the stands already full in both countries, everything points to a quarter-final that will demand control, composure and sharp execution from Nottingham Forest.

Amid All-Star Stephen Curry’s recovery from a right knee injury, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has taken on an increased role. As head coach Steve Kerr said after the three-game losing streak, the newfound opportunity has given Podziemski a boost in confidence. While Kerr’s reality check regarding the Warriors’ playoff approach was considered challenging, Kerr cannot ignore how beneficial it has been to Brandin.

Without Curry, Podziemski, in only his third season, will be one of the Warriors players Kerr will rely on, as these regular season reps will only make him better, Kerr said, according to Danny Ammerman of the San Francisco Standard.

“It’s a great experience for Brandin,” Kerr said Saturday in Atlanta. “I mean, 20 games without Steph.”

As for Podziemski, he’s learned a very important lesson amid Curry’s absence.

“[That] I can do it,” Podziemski said.

Brandin Podziemski struggled in the Warriors’ 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He finished with five points and one assist on 2-for-6 shooting. However, he has been playing consistently well throughout March for the Warriors, averaging 16.2 points on 42.8% shooting, including 37.% from deep, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 11 games.

Steve Kerr’s blunt opinion on Warriors’ ‘tough times’

Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back about the Warriors struggling toward the finish line of the 2025-26 regular season without Stephen Curry. Kerr says Warriors have suffered eight defeats in nine tries this is the hardest part According to Warriors reporter Joseph Dykes, he talked about being an NBA coach for a team struggling with injuries.

“This is the hardest thing to go through,” Kerr said. “Losing and getting destroyed by injuries. And feeling like you’re pushing, you’re trying, you’re competing, but things aren’t going your way. It’s definitely a tough, tough time for everybody. It’s human nature to get down, hang your head.”

“Certainly, it’s a tough, tough time, for everybody, it’s human nature to, you know, kind of keep your head down.”

Steve Kerr after the Warriors’ loss to the Hawks. pic.twitter.com/nqpCMusnkI

-Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) 22 March 2026

The Warriors, 33-38, have dropped to 10th, 1.5 games behind the Blazers for ninth in the Western Conference standings.

It’s a whole new environment in South Beach following the departure of Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. The new system, led by GM John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, has wasted no time in making its mark on this franchise.

It all started with trimming Tua Tagovailoa from the roster, even though it meant a record-setting $99 million dead cap charge for the 2026 NFL league year. Subsequent moves have been equally notable, with the Dolphins releasing a pair of Pro Bowl players in Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. They’ve also traded a pair of Pro Bowlers, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a lottery scratch-off, and getting top value for Jaylen Waddle.

Now, it’s time to rebuild this thing from the ground up. One of the most challenging aspects after moving on from a franchise QB in Tagovailoa was how the Dolphins would find their next solution under center. It didn’t take much time.

The Dolphins signed one of the top free agent quarterbacks available, signing Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with $45 million guaranteed. This decision is sure to be criticized by football critics across the industry. Still, some people liked Miami’s move.

Count out ESPN’s Seth Walder as an NFL analyst who thinks the Dolphins made one of the best signings in free agency this offseason. For a Dolphins team that had no clear path forward at QB, Walder believes Miami got exactly what they needed by taking a chance on the upside that Willis represents.

Certainly, there are obvious potential drawbacks with a quarterback who has made just six starts since arriving as a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis is far from a perfect product. Yet the Dolphins, who have two key decision-makers at the helm who were with Willis in Green Bay, are confident in the 26-year-old dual-threat QB’s development into a star in South Beach.

RELATED: Teams keep trying to trade for another Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler

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The Boston Celtics had to play behind the eight-ball during the second half of Tuesday’s 125-116 loss to the San Antonio Spurs when Jaylen Brown was ejected early by officials after picking up two technical fouls in quick succession.

Brown was protesting a no-call that went against him when he turned the ball over on the sideline after being pushed by Stephen Castle, and he was so irate that the officials felt as if they had no choice but to discipline him.

The Celtics star expressed his displeasure to crew chief Tyler Ford, who was at least willing to listen to Brown’s protests. Ford then gave Brown a technical when he felt the Celtics star had crossed a line. But this did not stop Brown. He continued to pass Ford, after which umpire Suyyash Mehta felt he had to intervene and whistled Brown for another technical, sending him out of the game.

After the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla made fun of On the officials, in particular Ford, for the decision to eject Brown using the ridiculous high school analogy.

According to Noah Dalzell of CelticsBlog, Mazzulla said, “I give my high school principal a lot of credit. He had the guts to throw a student out. He didn’t leave it on the hall monitor.”

Joe Mazu has Jaylen’s ejection:

“I give my high school principal a lot of credit. He had the courage to expel a student. He didn’t leave it on the hall monitor.”

“He was a great principal.” https://t.co/ExlyfzyXD1

– Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) 11 March 2026

Celtics couldn’t keep up with Spurs’ firepower

Without Brown for the final 27 minutes of the game, it was always going to be difficult for the Celtics to keep up with the Spurs. Jayson Tatum has not yet reached full speed, pushing Derrick White into first-option duties. White made up for his troubles by scoring 34 to lead Boston to an unexpected victory over his former team.

Schedule difficulties continue for the Celtics; Their next game, which takes place on Thursday at 9:30 PM ET, will be against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

On Monday evening, the Los Angeles Clippers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season with a comfortable home win over the New York Knicks. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard, who scored an impressive 29 points with seven rebounds and eight assists.

The Clippers are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference, although it will be difficult for them to overtake them, as the Phoenix Suns are five games ahead of them in seventh.

Recently, former NBA wing Chandler Parsons appeared on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show and explained why he still sees Los Angeles as a playoff threat.

“The Clippers have so much talent, depth and experience that it’s a nightmare for what they get,” Parsons said, according to Run It Back on

“This team was built to win now this summer,” he said. “They were an old team, they’re an experienced team, and at the deadline, they lost a lot of talent that can probably help you win right now, but now they also have pieces for the future to look forward to.”

In fact, the Clippers surprised many at the recent trade deadline by sending James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and bringing back Darius Garland in return. Garland has started to find form in his new Clippers threads, scoring 23 points in a 126-118 win over the Knicks on Monday.

Through it all, Leonard is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, and continues to be a threat on both ends of the floor, and no team will want to match him up come playoff time.

In any case, the Clippers will next take the field on Wednesday evening for a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET.

New York Knicks’ reigning ‘Clutch Player of the Year’ Jalen Brunson has already established himself as a top talent in the NBA, earning the title of captain and playing on the most famous arena in the world. However, long before Brunson became King of the Big Apple, he had a stellar career as one of the best high school basketball players in the state of Illinois. Continuing his recent Nike Kobe PE series, Brunson pays homage to the Stevenson Patriots with the Nike Kobe 4.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Jalen Brunson hails from New Jersey, but moved during his youth and attended Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Brunson’s accolades all four years have been high, including Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year (2014, 2015), three-time All-State selection, McDonald’s All-American (2015), Illinois Mr. Basketball (2015), and leading Stevenson to its first boys basketball IHSA 4A state title.

Honoring his illustrious career as a Stevenson Patriot, Brunson launches a new Nike Kobe 4 PE sneaker in the color scheme of his alma mater. Brunson notably decided to forgo his own signature sneakers with sponsor Nike and instead has an endless supply of the late great Kobe Bryant’s signature sneakers at his disposal.

Brunson’s new Nike Kobe 4 PE (Stevenson HS)

Good luck to the 2015 IHSA State Champs.

Jalen Brunson looks back at his days at Stevenson High School in Illinois for his latest Nike Kobe 4 PE, inspired by the team’s colors. pic.twitter.com/v0zPRZ626L

– SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks) 24 February 2026

First Look: Jalen Brunson Shares His Nike Kobe 4 Protro “State Champs” PE 🏆 @jalenbrunson1

Inspired by his Stevenson Patriots winning the Illinois state title in 2015. pic.twitter.com/4Y5HdFUJKx

– Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) 24 February 2026

Appearing in a predominantly White base above the iconic Nike Kobe 4, we see prominent hits of Yellow across the front medial and outsole, along with a plastic heel support. The toe, tongue, side panels, sockliner and rear half of the midsole are dressed in clean white, contrasted by forest green flywire on the side panels. The Nike Swoosh comes in a Shiny Metallic Green colorway framed by Gold and matching Black Mamba logo on the tongue.

Enhanced details include Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 embossed in leather on both heels as well as Bryant’s signature in green on the rear heel support. The finishing touch comes in the form of a tab on the inside of the tongue that reads ’15 State Champs’, modeled after the championship banner that Brunson helped raise in 2015.

While it is still unknown whether or not this sneaker will be released to the public, Jalen Brunson has already made a splash in-game and we have seen a steady rhythm of his actual player exclusive releases to the public. Keep it locked to our sneakers news for more updates on when we can see these.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCann cried when Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey traded him. The news came as a shock to the second-year guard, who celebrated his 22nd birthday in a city he never thought he’d call home. Still, McCann has shined since joining the Thunder. Amidst an increased role due to a plethora of injuries, he has been a constant source of inspiration off coach Mark Daigneault’s bench.

McCann is averaging 14.0 points on 50.0% shooting, including 50% from deep on 9 of 18 attempts, along with 3.5 rebounds in 21.2 minutes over his last four games with the Thunder. He scored 10 points to go along with a season-high 21 points in a 105-86 win against the Brooklyn Nets, including a pair of threes, three rebounds and a steal in Sunday’s 121-113 win against the Cleveland Cavs.

Without All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe joined the Thunder’s starting lineup, while McCann and Jaylin Williams combined to lead the bench with 20 points. Against a healthy Cavs team led by All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and James Harden, Joe’s 22 points, including six threes and a career-high five steals, led the Thunder to victory.

After the win, Joe explained how the addition of McCann has opened up creative opportunities for the Thunder’s offense, which is finding ways to win without three of its top four scorers.

“It puts the defense in a dilemma whether to help or not, and it kind of creates driving lanes, even when they went box-and-1, and they made that run, we were still getting really good looks,” Joe said. “I think Lou got some wide-open shots – Jay-Will, Chet. The shots didn’t fall, but given that severity, we just try to find ways to either get looks, take shots, and a lot of times it creates opportunities for other guys, and creates other opportunities for everybody else.”

Joe is 33 of 65 (50.8%) from deep in February, including 18 of 31 in his last four games. The Thunder have won four of their last five tries without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell. Meanwhile, the Sixers are leading 1-4.

Jared McCann felt ‘all the emotions’ after trade with Thunder

76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was confident about trading Jared McCann to the Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick and two future second-round picks. While the 76ers had a bit of a logjam at the guard position, as rookie VJ Edgecombe took over a dominant role over McCann, many fans felt it was too early to give up on the second-year guard.

Moray felt differently and wasn’t afraid to say itAs they did, according to NBC Sports Philly.

Morey said, “I’m pretty confident we were selling high. Obviously, time will tell, but the only other high point, and we weren’t looking to sell, I would say frankly.” “Teams came to us with aggressive offers for him, and you can say, yes, it’s because he’s a good player. I agree with that. We thought this return was above what we could have gotten, for the future value to our franchise. So the only high point would have been his performance last season. But otherwise, we think we’ve done well this time.”

“I’m pretty sure we were selling high” 😐

Daryl Morey explains why the Sixers pulled the trigger on trading the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCann. pic.twitter.com/DM6qJyzmPk

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 6 February 2026

McCain couldn’t believe it. He revealed how he found out about his trading days after the deal was made.

“We were all on the bus to the airport, and I just got a call. I had no idea. I honestly didn’t think it was going to happen. There was nothing, and I got the call, and just went and told everybody. I went to Tyrese [Maxey] First of all, and it was very emotional,” McCain said.

However, his confidence never wavered after the 76ers said a hollow goodbye to Daryl Morey after trading McCann before this year’s deadline.

McCain said, “I allow myself to feel all the emotions. It’s natural. Give myself grace through the process.” “But you move fast. I got to L.A. and then had to come straight here. It’s a little bit of both. It’s a balance you have to work on.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Raptors on Tuesday.

On Saturday evening, the New York Knicks got back into the win column with a thrilling win over the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden. Despite falling behind by 18 points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks came back and ultimately won the game, shutting down Houston’s offensive attack.

It was a strong game for Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 25 points with seven rebounds in the win.

After the game, Towns joined ESPN’s Inside the NBA for an interview, and Shaquille O’Neal had an interesting conversation with the Knicks’ big man.

“If you guys win the chip, sure they’ll talk about Brunson, but it’s you and your game. You have to be dominant. You played well,” O’Neal said, according to Hoopsship.

“As long as we get a ring they can talk to anybody about, that’s the most important thing,” Towns said.

“No, you have to play well. You’re part of that 1-2 punch,” countered Shaq.

Towns responded, “Yes, but the main goal is to win, no matter who gets the credit.”

“No, you have to play well to get credit,” Schock said.

O’Neal has long been known to be a critic of centers in today’s NBA, with some fans speculating that jealousy or malice may play a role in his disdain.

Perhaps O’Neal’s ‘me-first’ attitude was part of what made him so effective, but also why he is considered a relative underachiever in recent NBA history, given his natural talent.

Towns, meanwhile, has faced accusations of being “soft” earlier in his career, but he has always put the team before himself, which has continued into his time with the Knicks.

When New York next takes the field against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, it will try to register two consecutive wins.

It is a well-known fact that NBA legends Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the late 2000s, which ultimately resulted in controversy in 2018 when the two played for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers respectively.

However, sport knows sport, and Paul quickly put aside this long-standing feud when asked about the NBA players with the best attitude on the court.

“When you even say court vision. Rondo, I would say Rondo. Rondo got one of the worst passes ever when he threw a behind-the-back pass into the corner,” Paul said during his appearance on the In Brooklyn podcast at 7 p.m. CP13 just debuted and went into detail about what really set the Rondo apart.

“If you watch sports over the years. You’ll watch teams over the years, you’ll see teams get rebounds, and you can see me being like, ‘Yo, yo, yo, let me get it.’ Rondo was the same way, right. Like, let me get the ball, let me get the ball. It’s because everyone’s like, ‘Oh, he’s got to have the ball.’ It’s like, no. We all have a job to do, I know who I am. I’m not a finisher,” he said.

Some would say similar things about Chris Paul, though the point guard could also score at will during his long time in the league. Nonetheless, both Paul and Rondo fall into the category of truly intelligent players who can control a game on their own regardless of their competition.

Rondo’s exclusion from the 2008 Olympics “Redeem Team” roster, which also included Paul, was seen as an early flashpoint. On the court, the rivalry escalated when Rondo reportedly reminded Paul of Boston’s championship lead during a heated 2009 argument.

However, the largest incident occurred during the 2018 Lakers-Rockets brawl, when a heated exchange turned into a physical fight that involved punches and multiple players.

Of course, Paul’s latest comments indicate that regardless of the incidents, there is immense respect between the two former superstars.

College basketball insider Adam Zagoria says some programs have abandoned recruiting high school players altogether, a change he discussed on the most recent episode of The Sportsknot Interview Podcast.

Zagoria told host Evan Groat that Kansas State is one of those programs.

“I think the state of Kansas, which has some real problems this year, they don’t even recruit high school players anymore,” Zagoria said. “Rick Pitino has a new player on his roster at St. John’s, but he has said several times that he won’t really recruit high school players anymore.”

The reason is quite simple. Coaches can look for someone who is older, bigger and more ready to contribute right away.

“If you’re a coach and you can get an adult, who is 23 years old, out of the portal, or a European, a former European professional, they will be more experienced and physically stronger than a high school kid,” Zagoria said. “There’s a lot of worlds overlapping.”

College football has already proven that model works. Indiana won a national championship the previous season with a roster based on experienced transfers and older players. The Hoosiers were not recruited through traditional high school recruiting classes. They were paired with people who were ready to compete at the highest level immediately. Basketball coaches are clearly paying attention.

Zagoria said the best formula over the past decade has been a combination of the portal’s veterans and some exceptional newcomers. Duke pulled it off last season.

“Duke clearly has the perfect mix,” he said. “They had Cooper Flagg, they had Kon Knueppel, and they had some older players. It looked like they were going to win the whole tournament. They got to the Final Four, blew a lead late on Houston.”

UConn is running a version of it this year with Braylon Mullins. But Zagoria made it clear that most programs can’t recruit at that level.

“Not every school can or is recruiting five-star guys like Cooper Flagg and Braylon Mullins,” he said.

So they take another route. Zagoria referenced UCLA coach Mick Cronin, who recently joked about the kind of player he’s looking for now.

“UCLA coach Mick Cronin joked yesterday that he wanted to bring in someone who drinks vodka and wrestles bears from Lithuania,” Zagoria said. “I think now only a few schools are really enrolling high school players, and that’s hurting high school recruiting.”

The conversation turned to something even more strange – former professional players trying to gain college eligibility. Zagoria said he has a longstanding view on the issue.

“If you’ve decided to leave college and you’re going to go professional and lose your qualifications, you shouldn’t be able to leave college and come back to college,” he said.

Current NCAA rules allow a player to return if he is within five years of his high school graduating class and has not signed an NBA contract or participated in NBA games. But Zagoria points out a contradiction that makes the whole thing unclear.

“There are all kinds of European professionals who have signed with schools during semester breaks and are coming to American colleges,” he said. “So really, what is the difference between a European professional and an American professional? I understand the arguments, but it’s such a huge change from the college game we all grew up with that it’s hard for many people to process it.”

He talked to people from both sides. Jai Bilas has no problem with this. Certainly not Tom Izzo.

Zagoria said, “One day I couldn’t get Tom Izzo off the phone for 25 minutes because he just said it was the end of the world.” “And he’ll go back and try to get Miles Bridges and Magic Johnson back playing for Michigan State.”

What makes this season so interesting is that the freshman class runs counter to the overall trend. Zagoria said eight of the top picks in the NBA draft will be freshmen, headlined by Darrin Peterson at Kansas, Cameron Boozer at Duke and AJ DiBantsa at BYU.

That this talented freshman class exists at exactly the same time as programs are abandoning high school recruiting says a lot about where college basketball is right now.

Zagoria also breaks down the conference race and mid-major contenders on the podcast. The full interview is available on The Sportsknot Interview.

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

Derik Queen is choosing optimism as the New Orleans Pelicans stare down a pivotal stretch of the 2025–26 NBA season. Speaking after an encouraging win on Friday, the Pelicans forward voiced strong belief in the group’s chemistry and its ability to flip the narrative over the final 42 games.

“The chemistry might not show in the wins, but we’re all close, we all like each other. It’s still a work in progress,” Queen said. “We’ve got like 40 games left. Hopefully have a great winning percentage the next 40 games.”

His comments reflect a locker room still united despite a season that has yet to meet expectations. Queen had 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists in a big win over the Washington Wizards.

That optimism comes amid a difficult campaign for New Orleans. As of this writing, the Pelicans sit at 9-31, placing them 14th in the Western Conference and fifth in the Southwest Division. They are outside the current playoff picture. Injuries, inconsistency, and late-game struggles have plagued the team. These have prevented them from building sustained momentum. Still, the organization has emphasized development and cohesion. They are leaning on internal growth rather than short-term fixes as they evaluate their direction heading into the second half of the season.

Queen has been a notable bright spot during that process. He is currently averaging 12.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He has shown steady growth while adjusting to increasing responsibilities in the rotation. His energy, physicality, and willingness to do the dirty work have earned trust from the coaching staff, even as the wins haven’t consistently followed. More importantly, Queen’s outlook underscores a broader belief within the locker room that New Orleans can still salvage pride and progress from a challenging season by finishing strong.