nottingham forest Danilo’s previous quest has taken another twist. John Textor is now publicly denying claims he tried to lure the midfielder back to the Premier League club for just €4.6m (£4m).

The allegation has attracted attention. this is because Earlier reports in Brazil Danilo’s proposed Nottingham Forest valuation was put at €19m (£16.4m).

Since then, the midfielder has become one of Botafogo’s standout performers, earning a place in Brazil’s latest squad and expected to be part of the country’s World Cup plans.

Meanwhile, Texter has been banned from Botafogo and left behind with growing financial problems that are making headlines in Brazil.

Against that backdrop, the emergence of very low figures has inevitably sparked debate.

New claims have emerged on the proposed deal

The latest chapter comes from Brazil, where Botafogo’s administration recently presented details of the club’s financial situation following Textor’s removal from control of the club.

According to the report of network fireOfficials have revealed that Nottingham Forest are owed €32.4m (£28m) in debt. This debt was accumulated during Textor’s management.

More specifically for Forest supporters, it was claimed that Textor’s proposed solution included sending Danilo to the City Ground on a deal worth just €4.6m (£4m) during the first half of 2026.

The move was reportedly blocked by Botafogo’s board before completion.

This immediately stood out as it was quite a departure from the statistics previously associated with the midfielder.

Earlier reports had suggested Danilo was part of talks involving a valuation of €19m (£16.4m). However, legal disputes and governance issues at Botafogo halted those discussions.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the reports refer to two separate proposed transactions or simply conflicting valuations of the same deal.

Danilo’s stock has increased dramatically

When the earlier negotiations emerged, Danilo was already an important player for Botafogo. Since then his reputation has increased a lot.

The midfielder has become one of the club’s key performers and was recently included in the Brazil national team in the final squad announcement before the World Cup squad is confirmed.

It is a very different profile to the player being discussed in a €4.6m (£4m) deal. now he is being chased Some of the biggest clubs in England. Botafogo is demanding up to €40m (£34m).

Texter issues strong denial

Of course, the texter has responded directly to the allegations. Posting on Instagram he denied that Danilo was set to be sold to Nottingham Forest for €4.6m (£4m). He also accused Botafogo’s current leadership of misrepresenting the proposal.

He wrote:

“Wake up, everyone. Every day it’s another distorted slander. The transaction being discussed was a sale in which the past dues required by FIFA would be respected while the player would remain at Botafogo.”

“This would have been followed by a significant injection of cash capital, as has now been proposed by the same organisation.”

“There is evidence that this would have generated significant cash flow for the club. They think you are an idiot and will believe anything you say.”

According to Texter, this operation was far more complex than a straightforward transfer fee. This should not be interpreted as a €4.6m (£4m) valuation of the player.

are back in the nottingham forest story

As we covered earlierForest have already signed Igor Jesus and Jair following transactions involving Botafogo. Deals have also been made with other clubs within Textor’s network. Danilo has repeatedly been involved in discussions between the two clubs.

The texter says the description is incorrect. However, the controversy has once again put Nottingham Forest at the center of the ongoing fallout from his turbulent final months at Botafogo.

The Aaron Rodgers saga came to an end earlier this weekend with the future Hall of Fame quarterback signing a one-year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With that matter resolved, the focus now turns to what Pittsburgh does with its two young signal-callers.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboli Pat McAfee Show Writes that the team has “no expectation” for Will Howard or Drew Elar to play during the 2026 NFL season.

RELATED: Insiders predict who the Steelers starting QB will be in 2027

Prior to Rodgers’ signing, there were reports that the Steelers quarterback competition would be between Howard and Mason Rudolph if the 42-year-old opted to retire. Now that he’s committed to one final season, the dynamics have changed significantly.

The new situation suggests Rudolph will serve as the Steelers’ backup quarterback behind Rodgers for some time. However, training camp could position Allar or Howard for the No. 2 job.

READ MORE: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, see where the Steelers rank

The competition between the two young passers matters because of how the 53-man roster will be constructed. It’s very unlikely that Pittsburgh will keep all four quarterbacks on the roster, so either Howard or Elar will need to perform well enough to overtake Rudolph.

Considering that Allar was the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he is all set to make the roster. However, since the Steelers’ coaching staff is drafting him solely as a passer, it is extremely unlikely that he will see the field anytime soon outside of preseason action this season.

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

The Houston Astros enter MLB games today with the second-worst record in the American League, with a top-10 lineup suppressed by the worst pitching staff in baseball. With this proving to be a disastrous year for Houston, the struggles could force the front office to make roster moves at the MLB trade deadline.

FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote that if the Astros ultimately decide to become sellers this summer, the most likely players to be moved are infielder Isaac Paredes and first baseman Christian Walker.

Houston entered the weekend with an 18-28 record, leaving it 10 games short of .500, but just four games behind the Texas Rangers for the third wild card spot in the American League. The club is also just six games behind the first-place Sacramento Athletics in the AL West, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the club could bounce back this summer and get back into playoff contention.

The question is whether or not the Astros pitching staff can get to a place where this team can compete. Hunter Brown, sidelined with a shoulder problem, is on the 60-day injured list and isn’t expected to return until sometime in June. Meanwhile, Ronel Blanco (elbow) is still only throwing bullpen sessions, and Cristian Javier is early in the throwing schedule and won’t return until the summer.

To put the Astros’ pitching problems into perspective, they have the worst ERA in MLB (5.47) and are the only club in baseball with an ERA over 5. Starting pitching (5.16 ERA, 29th in MLB) has been an issue, but the bullpen (5.81 ERA) has been the biggest culprit.

Luckily for Houston, Walker is helping his trade value significantly this summer. In the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract, his batting average (.235 to .268), OBP (.297 to .342) and OPS (.717 to .848) have skyrocketed compared to last season.

Paredes is making $9.5 million this season, and he has a club option for 2027 worth $13.35 million. The 27-year-old infielder has a .734 OPS with a .257 batting average this season in 34 appearances at third base, six at first and three at second base.

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

Kyle Busch has been the subject of speculation over NASCAR’s silly season for months, with many wondering if the future Hall of Famer will stick with Richard Childress Racing. What seemed like a foregone conclusion is no longer the case.

NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported that it now appears “increasingly likely” that Busch will sign a new contract with RCR. The hope is that both parties will “stick together” and eventually sign a long-term agreement.

RELATED: What’s happened during and since Kyle Busch’s winless streak

Busch has now won 105 races without a Cup Series victory and is currently 24th in points, behind teammate Austin Dillon and slightly ahead of Erik Jones.

The issues resulted in RCR making another crew chief change for the No. 8 team with Jim Pohlman being replaced by Andy Street. It’s a move that appears to be paying off, with Busch finishing in the top-10 twice in the last three races, and would have made it three consecutive top-10s had he not gotten revenge against John Hunter Nemechek on the final lap at Texas.

Another reason Bush could re-sign with RCR. Hendrick, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske and 23XI Racing don’t want him and clearly don’t see the 41-year-old as an upgrade from what they have. This potentially leaves a return to RCR as the best of Bush’s limited options.

RELATED: NASCAR All-Time Cup Series Winners, Including Kyle Busch

Who can replace Kyle Busch at RCR?

While Richard Childress Racing would obviously like to bring Busch back to the No. 8 car for the 2027 season, they have options. If he decides to leave or his contract demands become too high, there are two names to keep in mind as replacements.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

The most obvious RCR prospect is Jesse Love. In his age-21 season, Love is already a part-time driver for RCR in the No. 33 car and is poised to win the Xfinity Series this season.

Reigning Xfinity Series champion Love was previously looked at as an option for Legacy Motor Club in 2027 before their search focused on Riley Herbst. One reason for this could be the hope that Love is destined to occupy the number 8 car.

If RCR determines that Love is not quite ready for a full-time seat at the Cup Series level, the team could give Austin Hill a chance. He has proven to be far better racing in the lower levels than in the Cup, but he may be a short-term option until Love takes over.

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

23XI Racing Development driver Corey Heim is a top prospect in NASCAR and is widely viewed as one of the best young talents in the sport. Although he does not have a full-time ride this season, that may soon change.

Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic and Bob Pokrass of Fox Sports wrote this week that there is a real possibility that Heim will get a full-time ride as the third driver of 23XI’s Cup Series team next season.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

Heim, age 23, has split time with racing at all three levels this season. Although he is not eligible for The Chase in the Truck Series, he has the eighth-most points (204) in trucks this season despite making half as many starts as his teammates.

His performance in the cup series so far has also been impressive. Most recently, Heim led 69 laps at Texas Motor Speedway and just a few weeks ago he finished 15th at Kansas. There is universal agreement that he is ready for a full-time ride in the Cup and it seems the plan is for that to happen in 2027.

What the addition of Corey Haim means to Riley Herbst

Many in the industry agree that Heim is a better driver than Riley Herbst, who had a terrible rookie season in the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing. However, Herbst has brought significant funding resources to 23XI.

The important thing for the 27-year-old is to improve his chances of remaining in the Cup series beyond 2026. Herbst’s average starting position (20.25) and average finishing position (22.67) were significantly improved compared to last season (26.97 and 26.39), placing him 29th in points through 12 races.

Herbst is not only producing better on-track results, but he has also proven to be a great teammate to both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace this season. Additionally, he has received high praise from 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin for his improvements.

While Hamm is destined to take the No. 35 car next season, Herbst will likely get the ride in 2027. Legacy Motor Club has added a third charter and is in need of funding, Herbst’s improvements and his strong relationship with Monster Energy provide the results and financial resources to make him a potential target for the LMC.

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

Brock Lesnar’s retirement from WWE may not be as straightforward as it seems. PWInsider reported on Monday that, despite being moved to the alumni section of WWE.com – a page usually reserved for wrestlers outside the company – Lesnar is still listed as an active performer internally and is considered a free agent, not assigned to any specific brand.

The report does not explain why he appears on the alumni page instead of the free agent section along with Omos, AJ Lee, Paige and others. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter added context to the situation.

Brock Lesnar pretends to retire at WrestleMania?

Meltzer wrote, “Most people at the company believed this was not his retirement and no one would confirm that it was a true retirement.” “We were told straight up to take it as an angle, including from the same guy who warned us to take Seth Rollins’ first injury as an angle.

“Lesnar’s things are almost always kept a secret by design. Lesnar was very confident, and the situation became so big that it would almost be hopeless for him to retire again. Most people expected his retirement at SummerSlam, as it is in Minneapolis this year.”

SummerSlam being held in Minneapolis – Lesnar’s hometown – gives rise to hopes that the farewell tour is far from over. Retiring in front of a home crowd means more to him because he was born there and had the opportunity to wrestle for the university in college.

Kawhi Leonard’s days as a Los Angeles Clipper are done. one way or another.

We are still waiting for the NBA’s decision on how to punish the Clippers for the alleged ‘cap rigging’ scandal. This could potentially void Leonard’s contract (with one year remaining on $50 million). But even if not, it appears that Kawhi’s trade from La La Land is certain this summer.

Rumors have been flying around in recent weeks, but the latest information from insider Sean Deveney seems to put the nail in Kawhi’s coffin in LA.

According to a source close to Deveney, the Clippers will “move into a rebuild” this summer based on securing the No. 5 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

“I think you’ll see that they really move forward with rebuilding this summer, and they can probably get it done relatively quickly.”

The Clips got a huge lead on that young move before the trade deadline. They added exciting young backcourt players Benedict Mathurin, 23, of the Indiana Pacers, and Darius Garland, 26, of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He moved ahead of veterans Ivica Zubac and James Harden in the process.

Next, a perfect move to stay young in a trade to send Leonard to a team that needs a veteran superstar with championship credentials.

3 teams named as top summer contenders for Kawhi Leonard

Devenney specifically names three teams that are renowned as prime contenders for superstar-hunting Leonard:

• Miami Heat
• new York Knicks
• Golden State Warriors

The Warriors attempted to trade for any big star they could acquire at the deadline, with rumored targets including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi. They’ll try again this summer, potentially on all three fronts.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points writes, “Trading for a big-name star is extremely relevant for owner Joe Lacob and the Warriors.”

All three teams are also in the running in the Giannis sweepstakes, but Kawhi will also be a target.

Leonard returned to the top of his game last season. He proved that even at the age of 34, after years of injury troubles, he can still be one of the top players in the NBA. Kawhi averaged a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 boards and 3.6 assists per game in 65 games.

He is a two-time Finals MVP, in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs and in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors.

Just hours before the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers take the field for the decisive Game 3 of their playoff series, some new updates have emerged regarding injuries to several key players.

The Sixers are in position to win on Friday night as they look to avoid falling into a 3-0 deficit against the Knicks. If they want to turn things around and try to tie the series this weekend, they’ll need to get seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid back on the court for Game 3.

The one-time NBA MVP missed Game 2 due to hip and ankle problems. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Embiid is listed as questionable for tonight’s game which tips off at 7:00 pm ET. However, Knicks has been dealing with far more health issues in recent days.

Hart and Robinson probable for Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3

One of the biggest stories in New York is the availability of forward OG Anunoby. He limped off in the final minutes of Wednesday’s game, went to the locker room and never returned. He was diagnosed with a hamstring strain, and reports claimed the Knicks were optimistic about him playing in Games 3 or 4.

Begley reports he is still listed as questionable for tonight. This likely means he will sit out Game 3, which many expected.

Along with Embiid, skilled Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was unavailable Wednesday due to an illness. However, Begley says he is on track to return in Game 3 and is still listed as probable in the latest injury report.

During Wednesday’s game, forward Josh Hart hit his thumb on a Sixers player while going after a rebound and was in severe pain. That’s saying something for a player as tough and durable as Hart. But according to X-Account New York Basketball, a key member of the roster is listed as probable for this evening’s matchup in Philly.

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

Hiromu Takahashi’s name has begun to circulate in WWE circles following the NXT debut of his former Los Ingobernables de Japan partner EVIL, who is now performing under the name Naraku.

According to BodySlam, news has been circulating around the WWE Performance Center that Takahashi is expected to end up in WWE, with a separate source saying that some within the company believe he could use the name Knox Raijin – the trademark that originally stood for EVIL before a last-minute name change.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp previously reported that EVIL is still listed as Nox Raijin in WWE’s internal materials, as recently as Sunday, confirming that the switch to Naraku was a late decision ahead of the NXT name reveal on Tuesday night.

WWE filed a trademark for the name Nox Ryjin with the USPTO on April 28 – the same day as EVIL’s NXT debut – which now raises the possibility that the name was always meant for a different artist entirely rather than EVIL.

Takahashi spent 16 years with NJPW after debuting in August 2010, becoming one of the promotion’s best performers during that time. He is a five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a record four-time Best of the Super Juniors tournament winner, having won it in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. During the CMLL tour, he competed under the name Kamaitachi and won the CMLL World Lightweight Championship. He also worked in ROH, AEW, and Pro Wrestling NOAH during his career before leaving NJPW earlier this year.

Both Takahashi and Naraku were longtime members of Los Ingobernables de Japon in New Japan before EVIL’s betrayal of the faction to join up with Bullet Club in 2020. A potential WWE reunion of the two former LIJ teammates on NXT would add a layer to Naraku’s ongoing program with NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

Whether Takahashi comes under the Knox Raijin name or another identity entirely, his expected arrival gives NXT another important NJPW-affiliated signing to build on.

While things could certainly change, the Arizona Cardinals are set to enter training camp with low expectations. No one would have predicted they would reach the playoffs in a crowded NFC West divisional field in Mike LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

It also doesn’t help that the Cardinals don’t have a clear starting quarterback on the roster. For now, the expectation is that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett will take over the starting duties. But his relationship with the Cardinals has soured after leaving minicamp in search of a pay raise.

Behind Brissett, the Cardinals have free agent signee Gardner Minshew and third-round rookie Carson Beck. Still, recent rumors have linked the Cardinals to another free agent quarterback, albeit one that is much more accomplished. However, Cardinals fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high.

There is no truth, “at all,” to rumors of Aaron Rodgers eyeing a contract to play in Arizona, according to ESPN Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss.

Thus, the Cardinals appear prepared with their QB room. Meanwhile, for Rodgers, the options appear to be either playing one more season with the Pittsburgh Steelers or enjoying retirement. Even though he is taking his sweet time, everyone expects him to play another season, but it won’t be with the Cardinals.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals player recruiting future Hall of Famer to join team

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards suffered a knee injury on April 26, creating uncertainty about his status for the remainder of the NBA playoffs. Before the tip of Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Monday night, the Timberwolves got some positive news.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Edwards is now expected to play in Game 1 on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

RELATED: NBA Playoff Predictions for the Conference Semifinals

Edwards suffered a knee injury in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. He was ultimately diagnosed with a hyperextended kneecap and a bone bruise in his left knee, with the expectation that he would miss the Western Conference Semifinals.

Sources told ESPN that the team has become more confident in Edwards’ ability to return quickly in recent days. He is undergoing “round the clock rehabilitation”, working up to light workouts over the weekend and then participating in the team’s shootaround on Monday morning.

What to expect in Anthony Edwards’ return to the Timberwolves

Edwards entered the NBA playoffs after suffering another knee injury. He missed 11 of the Timberwolves’ final 14 regular season games due to inflammation in his right knee.

This definitely seems to be having some impact on his performance. He entered the 2026 NBA Playoffs averaging 26.9 points per game, making 3.1 three-pointers per contest, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from the perimeter in 42 career playoff starts.

In the four first-round series games against the Phoenix Suns, Edwards shot only 35.8 percent from the field and his average dropped to 2.0 three-pointers per game on 25.8 percent shooting.

The hope for Minnesota may be that nearly a full 8 days of rest and rehab can put Edwards in a better position to perform well in both Game 1 and the remainder of the series. Edwards is expected to be wearing a sleeve on his left knee, as he was spotted with one at shootaround this morning while testing it out with a quick-dribble stepback.

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

last September, chelsea An agreement has been reached with Strasbourg for Emmanuel Emegha to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Bluco owns both Chelsea and Ligue 1 sides and this connection facilitates easy transfers.

Liam Rosenior was the Strasbourg manager when the Blues agreed terms for the striker’s sale. At the time, this did not please the French club’s supporters, who made their feelings clear.

In September 2025, Rosenior said that the player was angry at reaction From fans of the French club.

Last season, he scored 14 goals and three assists and his form for Strasbourg earned him a call up from the Netherlands in November. That same month, the player said he’s happy to be safe A future move towards the Premier League.

Injury concern for incoming Chelsea player

The Netherlands international’s current fitness status will not please Chelsea.

The Netherlands international returned from a long injury break last month. Now they have suffered the latest blow with RC Strasbourg’s 2-1 defeat to Toulouse FC on Sunday.

In the 82nd minute, Emmanuel Emegha came in place of Sebastian Nnasi and suffered a new blow.

Strasbourg manager Gary O’Neill confirmed this, and ICI Alsace confirmed this. xFormerly known as Twitter, to broadcast his comments. The 23-year-old is unlikely to feature in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League semi-final clash against Rayo Vallecano.

“I have not yet received the report from the medical staff. But if you have hamstring pain on Sunday, it seems complicated that you will be able to play on Thursday. We have managed to win games without Emma this season.” He said.

Team Also release further comments from O’Neill regarding the incoming Chelsea striker.

The manager explained that he wanted to avoid risks with some players for tomorrow’s match, but his decision backfired with Emegha.

“If I fielded my best players, we would beat Toulouse, but the medical staff told us not to do that.” O’Neill explained.

“He [Emegha] He could have played fifteen minutes, I gave him ten minutes thinking he could help us and reduce the risk, but he got injured.

Our Opinion: Big concern for the Blues

Emmanuel Emegha has struggled with muscle injuries this season. Last August, he suffered a hamstring injury which kept him out of action for 29 days.

In December, the frontman suffered a muscle strain, due to which he spent 113 days away from the field and returned to the field only in April.

Now he has suffered another hamstring injury and it is unclear whether he will be able to play again this season. Regular muscle problems so far this season should be a concern for Chelsea.

There have been some big developments in and around the Minnesota Vikings since the 2025 NFL season ended. Last year, the Vikings spent $350 million more money on their roster than any other team. It was a complete failure, as the Vikings, who had won 14 games in 2024, only won nine games and did not reach the playoffs in 2025.

This year, the Vikings have committed to a much smaller budget. For 2026, the Vikings’ budget is only $226 million, the second lowest amount of spending in the NFL.

Charlie Walters, a local insider, thanked the Vikings for giving them about $124 million less than the previous year. Pioneer PressWondered if the owners, Ziggy and Mark Wilf, were considering selling the team in the near future.

However, according to Ben Gosling Star TribuneThere is “zero truth” to the idea that the Wilfs are assessing the market for a potential Vikings sale.

In other words, the Vikings are cutting costs, not because they are desperate and have no money, but because they feel it is necessary to tighten spending limits after going overboard in 2025. Still, that doesn’t mean the Vikings don’t intend to be competitive in 2026, where they’ll be introducing another new starting quarterback in Kyler Murray.

The Vikings have cut salary significantly from last season, most notably moving on from a pair of former Pro Bowl defensive tackles. Still, they seem to have found capable replacements in the draft, adding first-round selection Caleb Banks and third-round selection Domonique Orange along with former UFL standout Jalen Redmond.

Additionally, depending on how Murray performs in 2026, the Vikings may need some additional space on their future cap sheet if they have any hope of re-signing him to an extension for 2027 and beyond. Thus, the Vikings may have felt like they had no choice but to lose some fat.

RELATED: NFL scout believes Minnesota Vikings found difference-making ‘weapon’ on Day 3 of NFL Draft

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The New York Mets welcomed back All-Star outfielder Juan Soto last week, but lost star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a calf strain in the same game. Unfortunately for New York, it appears Lindor won’t be back on the field at Citi Field for a long time.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Mets are “privately expecting” Lindor to be out until mid-June.

RELATED: MLB Hot Seat Rankings 2026, See Where the NY Mets Skipper Ranks

Lindor’s absence is obviously a blow to the Mets’ lineup. However, perhaps there is some hope in New York that the vacation time could benefit the Silver Slugger Award winner long-term. Through his first 105 plate appearances this season, Lindor was on his way to a career-worst season with a .226/.314/.35 triple-slash line.

Surgery to repair his broken hamate bone in February was taking a toll on him. Therefore, it can be hoped that the rehabilitation of his calf strain over the next month may also prove beneficial for his wrist to fully recover from the February surgery and his swing to return to form.

RELATED: New York Mets managerial candidate to replace Carlos Mendoza

Meanwhile, former top prospect Ronny Mauricio is filling in at shortstop. He has posted a .286 batting average with 5 strikeouts in his first 14 at-bats, but just a .286 SLG. If he struggles, Bo Bichette could be moved to shortstop with Brett Batty and Mark Vientos getting time at third base when Jorge Polanco comes off the injured list. However, this would come at a great cost to the Mets’ infield defense.

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

While WWE has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, the company has yet to determine where he fits into its programming. According to PWInsider, EVIL is currently listed internally on the company’s diverse roster rather than being associated with Raw, SmackDown or NXT, placing him in the same internal category as veterans and injured talent while WWE figures out its plans for him.

PWInsider reported: “Former IWGP Champion EVIL is not officially assigned to any WWE brand and is listed internally on the company’s ‘Miscellaneous’ roster, where legends and injured talent reside internally.

The Miscellaneous listing reveals that, despite the signing being confirmed, creative plans to introduce EVIL to WWE audiences have not yet been finalized. Adding to the uncertainty, WWE has not publicly acknowledged the signing at all, keeping his arrival a secret, while reports from sources in Japan have confirmed that the deal has been completed.

The signing was first confirmed after months of speculation following EVIL’s departure from NJPW in January. PWInsider confirmed at the time: “World Wrestling Entertainment has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, PWInsider.com has confirmed with multiple sources in Japan. While rumors have been circulating about his appointment for months, PWInsider.com can confirm that he has signed and sealed a contract with WWE.”

The mystery surrounding his debut is further heightened as the expectation in Japan is that he will not use the EVIL ring name once he appears on WWE programming. A name change of that nature usually signals a character repackage, which may be part of why WWE is taking its time before assigning him to a specific show. Whether that debut comes as a way to relaunch his character in NXT, or directly under a new identity on Raw or SmackDown, remains to be seen.

EVIL, whose real name is Takaaki Watanabe, became a top star in NJPW in 2020 when he betrayed Los Ingobernables de Japon to team up with Bullet Club and defeated Tetsuya Naito to simultaneously hold both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. He is the partner of WWE’s IYO SKY.

Ahead of this week’s edition of SmackDown, multiple reports have revealed a new round of WWE roster cuts, including several members of the Wyatt Six.

Spring is a prime time during the WWE calendar as it includes the all-important road to WrestleMania. The annual mega event often serves as the conclusion of several major ongoing storylines, and the beginning of a new direction for the company in the days to come. It also comes with an audit of the current roster.

While this time of year is a high point for fans, it’s also usually a time for artists to be concerned about their spot on the roster. On Friday, several WWE stars learned that their services will no longer be needed.

The most notable releases that have been confirmed are the three members of the Wyatt Six. They are their leaders, Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy and Nikki Cross. It is unclear whether the remaining members of the team, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis, will also be included in the cuts or will remain in the company with New Directions.

The sole member of Chelsea Green’s Secret Her-Vice, Alba Phair, confirmed that her time at the company is coming to an end. Injured former Women’s Title contender Zoey Stark has also parted ways with WWE, and NXT veteran and Chase U leader Andre Chase revealed in an X-post that he too has been added to the roster.

A total of six performers were added to Friday’s WWE roster cuts. More releases may emerge in the next 24 to 48 hours.

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

College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has been a recognizable and lovingly emulated voice of the game for more than 40 years. When someone has been in your living room for decades, you feel like you know them a little bit.

So when someone like that goes through tough times, it impacts the fans too. Such is the case with Vitale, who delivered serious news on Monday by announcing that he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.

Fifth time. (voice) Cancer, as they say.

The 86-year-old icon revealed that a recent biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

Dick Vitale Just Delivered Grim News — And He’s Already Fighting Back

Vitale shared the update via a statement released to ESPN and social media after several days of medical testing, which included scans, MRI, bloodwork and a biopsy. He noted that the results were not what he had hoped for when his oncologist called, but now he knows exactly what he is facing and will begin immunotherapy treatment immediately.

“I beat melanoma,” Vitale said. “I’ve beat lymphoma. I’ve beat vocal-rod cancer. I’ve beat lymph-node cancer. I’m 4 for 4, and I’m pretty confident I’m going to make it 5 for 5.”

Yes, Dickie Wee! Millions of your fans are also attracted towards you.

“I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called,” he said. “At least now I know what I have to face.”

I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called. It’s been 10 days of multiple exams – PET scan – CAT scan – 2 MRI’s – biopsy – multiple bloodwork – now at least I know what I’m facing. Melanoma lung and liver cavity cancer would mean that I…

– Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 13 April 2026

The longtime voice of college basketball, who began his career as a high school coach before rising to prominence at ESPN in 1979, said he feels “fantastic” and remains motivated at age 86. He expressed gratitude for his life and emphasized his commitment to continue his work to raise funds for children battling cancer.

“At 86, I’ve lived a hell of a life and I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” Vitale said.

The man is still thinking about how he can help others. This is certainly a testament to his character.

Dick Vitale’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with scares that would have defied the spirit of lesser people. From melanoma to lymphoma to vocal cord cancer, Dickie V has faced it all.

And he has done so with utmost grace.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

George Pickens has been in NFL trade rumors since the Dallas Cowboys issued him the non-exclusive franchise tag in March. The Cowboys want to pair Pickens with CeeDee Lamb; However, the price would be too high for a player of his caliber. The 25-year-old wide receiver is a popular name in NFL trade rumors, and Dallas co-owner Stephen Jones has broken his silence.

The Cowboys “haven’t had any calls from anyone interested in George Pickens” regarding a potential trade, as Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, via ESPN’s Todd Archer. Jones joined 105.3 The Fan and also talked about Dallas’ process for the 2026 NFL Draft before addressing Pickens’ situation.

Despite NFL trade rumors, the Cowboys’ wide receiver has not been a popular call around the league. Many NFL teams like the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens are in need of an elite wide receiver. It is interesting to note that no one called Pickens before the NFL Draft.

The Cowboys could get one to two first-round picks for Pickens, but the clear priority is to find the right number on a contract extension. This may be part of why Dallas hasn’t received a call about the 25-year-old star. Pickens needs a big contract that could be closer to $35 to $40 million annually on a multi-year contract.

If an NFL team signed Pickens to an offer sheet, it would have to send two first-round draft picks to Dallas as compensation. Pickens would need to sign his $27.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag to replace the prospect package. However, the Cowboys still have long-term plans for the wide receiver.

So far, the Cowboys have not received a call on Pickens, but that could change this summer.

READ MORE: NFL Insider predicts George Pickens’ immediate future with the Dallas Cowboys

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

The Washington Commanders have the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, putting them in a strong position to land one of this year’s blue-chip prospects. As draft day approaches, more details are emerging about what Washington could add in Round 1.

In his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, ESPN.com’s Peter Schrager shared his belief that the Commanders will look to add to their defense in the first round. However, just because it doesn’t have value doesn’t mean it will happen with the seventh overall pick.

That’s because Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Washington is one of the teams actively trying to move down from their current spot. The idea, of course, is to land a potential high-end starter from Round 1 as well as gain additional draft capital.

If Washington were to trade down from seventh overall, it’s possible a team like the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9 overall pick) or the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10 overall pick) would want to move up from the New Orleans Saints to acquire the lead.

Trading down would likely give the Commanders an additional draft pick on Day 2, potentially giving them a Week 1 starter at defensive back or someone who could eventually play a meaningful role in the season.

The Commander could hypothetically move down from the No. 7 pick to the No. 9-12 range and still land All-American safety Caleb Downs, LSU cornerback Mansur Delaney or potential Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Reuben Benn Jr. However, given the number of teams that want to go down, it will be difficult to complete a deal.

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

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade in April, sparking a plethora of NFL trade rumors regarding the All-Pro lineman’s future. While many believed New York would keep their best defensive player, that may not be the case.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that New York will “at least listen” to inquiries during the 2026 NFL Draft regarding Lawrence. Given the financial impasse between the two clubs, the organization believes that transferring them is a valid option.

RELATED: Reporter reveals potential returns in potential Dexter Lawrence trade

It’s little surprise that a franchise with a starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver on rookie-level contracts would consider moving Lawrence. The beauty of placing stars at premium positions on team-friendly contracts with low cap hits is that it allows the front office to spend heavily on specific talent at other positions.

Lawrence, already a two-time All-Pro selection at only 28 years old, would fit that bill. Not only is he one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL when healthy, but he plays a position in which New York is dangerously weak. Removing him would leave the team in a dire situation on its defensive interior.

RELATED: NFL players who could be traded during the 2026 NFL Draft

A contract extension would likely cost more than $30 million per season. If Lawrence is traded and New York gets the second-day pick back, there’s really no one on the roster outside of Malik Nabors who can dedicate that cap space.

While the array of players in the 2027 NFL free agency class includes players like Drake London, Chris Olave, Tucker Craft, Quenton Nelson and Joey Porter Jr., all of them are expected to sign contract extensions this year. Realistically, New York will want to use that cap space on players who are potentially bigger or not as good as Lawrence. Given this, it remains likely that both sides will work out a long-term agreement.

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

The Detroit Tigers placed starting pitcher Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to left hip inflammation on Saturday, April 6. The news comes after Verlander had a poor start to the 2026 MLB season with Detroit, allowing five runs in 3.2 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. So, what’s the latest on the status of the three-time Cy Young Award winner?

Verlander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session for the Tigers on Saturday, the organization reports. In Verlander’s place, Kidder Montero will take the field on Friday night against the Miami Marlins. This means the Detroit pitcher likely won’t start a game until Thursday, April 16 against the Kansas City Royals.

It has been well documented that Verlander’s hip injury isn’t bad and if it weren’t for April he probably would have recovered from it. Verlander was placed on the IL a day before returning to Comerica Park, which would have been against the St. Louis Cardinals during an Easter Night game at the Peacocks.

This is a great step in the right direction for the 43-year-old pitcher. It’s unclear what will happen with Verlander after the bullpen session. As long as he can return soon, he won’t need rehab at Triple-A Toledo. However, there is no reason to recall Verlander right now.

While the Tigers have struggled to start the 2026 MLB season, they need Verlander. Montero played well in his debut against St. Louis and has a lot of experience in MLB over the past few seasons. As long as it doesn’t lose against Miami, Detroit should be in good shape.

Verlander will pitch at Comerica Park soon, but not until the Tigers feel confident he is ready.

READ MORE: Justin Verlander opens up about retirement plans ahead of 2026 season

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

armory Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to be without Martin Odegaard for a short while.

The Norway international has had to battle a number of injuries this season. To put this into context, he had already been out of action on five separate occasions, Missed 121 days and 23 matches for Arsenal.

Last weekend, the midfielder returned from a knee problem suffered during the derby win over Tottenham Hotspur in February.

He started in the FA Cup defeat to Southampton and the Gunners’ 1–0 Champions League win over Sporting. On Tuesday, the former Real Madrid player had to leave the field in the 70th minute due to injury.

TV2 expert Jesper Mathieson was concerned about the Arsenal star’s latest setback.

He Said: : “They are scary pictures. Like watching a horror movie. A nightmare. He is not sitting for no reason. If he had to go out with injury again it would have been a big loss for both Arsenal and Norway.”

Arsenal star’s latest setback confirmed

Earlier today, Norway manager Stel Solbakken attended a Football Conference 2026 event at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

This gave the Norwegian media a chance to talk to him daily newspaper Martin Odegaard has released his comments.

The national team manager has confirmed the latest setback for the Arsenal player, while insisting it is not a serious blow.

“He [Ødegaard] got a little one [injury] Where he shouldn’t have done it, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. He will be on the field in the near future. It was a small blip, and we don’t need them any more,” He said.

Our take: Not what Arsenal needed

Mikel Arteta is already without a few injured players and Martin Odegaard has now joined the list.

The 27-year-old’s setback comes at a crucial stage of the season for Arsenal, who are in the race to win the title and also win the Champions League.

Stel Solbakken says his shock is not serious. However, it is worrying for Arsenal until the end of the season and Norway ahead of the World Cup.

The midfielder has played 1,536 minutes in 26 matches this season, scoring one goal and six assists.

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn wants Geno Smith to have a big season in 2026 and he’s trying to force it into existence with public praise of the quarterback.

In his first season as head coach, Glenn convinced NY Jets fans that free agent addition Justin Fields could finally reach his potential and become a star for Gang Green. Ultimately, the former Chicago Bears first-round pick had the worst season of his career and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs this month to serve as their new QB2.

In 2026, the coaches will go with another new QB1. This time, it will be former Las Vegas Raiders starter Geno Smith. Unlike Fields, Smith has had success in the league and is a two-time Pro Bowler. However, he is still coming off a season where he went 2-13 and threw a league-leading 17 interceptions. Still, Glenn really wants NY Jets fans to believe that Smith can be a big difference maker next season.

“There’s something about a quarterback with a chip on his shoulder,” Glenn told SNY at an NFL meeting this week. “And he’s proven a lot with what he’s done in this league. Especially when you factor in his time in Seattle. He fits the bill perfectly with what we’re trying to do. We’ve created an identity. The foundation of our offense is great now.”

“… I just feel like he’s the guy that’s going to lead us to the promised land. The guy that’s going to touch the ball more than anybody else. I know he’s had his struggles. A lot of quarterbacks have their struggles.”

Aaron Glenn is entrusting his NY Jets future to Geno Smith

Could 2026 be a comeback season for Smith? It is definitely possible. He was playing behind, arguably, the NFL’s worst offensive line last season, and also has a Comeback Player of the Year award on his resume. However, this would also be an opinion that ignores the obvious.

Before turning his career around with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith was viewed as a draft bust who developed into a journeyman QB in the league. When he won CPOTY honors in 2022, he threw for 30 touchdowns. Since then he has not come even close to that number and last year his number was 19. Additionally, his interceptions have increased from 11 in 2022 to 17 last year.

If the NY Jets were to get Smith a year or two after his big season in 2022, perhaps he could fix the weaknesses of their offense and lead them back to relevance and a playoff run. However, he is four years away from having that career year and will turn 36 in October. An age point when even consistently good QBs start to decline in numbers.

There is far more evidence that Smith will be slightly better than the bad situation he was in 2025, rather than being back to being the player he was in 2022. Glenn is choosing to ignore the obvious, and it’s confusing him. This will likely cost him his job over the next eight months because he is creating expectations that the QB will not make it next season.

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

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner – just a few weeks away – and the Kansas City Chiefs are sitting on a chest of picks we haven’t seen in the Patrick Mahomes era. We’re talking top-10 picks, three shots in the top 40 and eight picks in the first five rounds. Translation? Brett Veach has the ability to reload this roster in a big way with young, impactful talent.

Let’s be real – the defense didn’t exactly bring the heat last season. Casey finished 22nd in sacks, and the pass rush was unable to consistently get to the house. That has to be changed. Good news? This draft class is loaded with juice off the edge and playmakers in the secondary – exactly what the Chiefs need to get that unit back to championship level and take pressure off their high-octane offense.

With that in mind, here are two prospects that ESPN’s Matt Miller is circling for draft night.

reuben ben jr

Reuben Benn Jr. is built like a wrecking ball off the edge – about 6’2″-6’3″, 260-275, with a compact frame that’s all about power and pop. Over three seasons (2023-2025), he prepared for 38 games and filled the stat sheet: 121 total tackles, 33.5 TFL, 20.5 sacks, as well as a handful of splash games with a forced fumble and even a pick.

But 2025? That’s when he really flipped the switch – 54 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, and a ridiculous 92.5 PFF grade that put him in the top-three among all EDGE defenders in the country. Oh—and 67 total pressure. The dude was staying in the backfield.

Turn on the tape, and it’s easy to see why he’s climbing the boards. Ben has that explosive first step, plays with natural leverage, and wins with violent hands and a nonstop motor. He’s not your typical tall, hunched pass rusher. He’s more of a power disrupter who can break loose in the pocket and act as a bully. And it’s not just pass rush juice, he’s a legitimate edge-setter in the run game, stays disciplined in his gaps, and shows high football IQ through the game.

This is exactly the kind of chess piece DC Steve Spagnuolo likes. The Chiefs manage to generate pressure without constantly attacking, and Benn fits that mold perfectly. He can win outside, kick inside when passing underneath and create chaos from multiple alignments. Add to your production against top-tier competition, including big-time performances in playoff level games. And you’re looking at a guy who’s already been battle-tested.

The resume also supports it: ACC Defensive Player of the Year, All-American honors, the Hendricks Award, and one of the highest-rated EDGE defenders in college football. If Casey wants someone who can bring instant heat and toughen up that front, Benn has “plug-and-play disruptor” written all over him.

Avion Terrell

Avion Terrell is the type of DB that just screams ‘Spags Guy’. At about 5’11”, 180-186 pounds, he’s not the biggest corner in the class – but he plays much bigger than his measurables. A three-year contributor at Clemson (39 games, 31 starts), Terrell filled the stat sheet with 128 tackles, 30 pass breakups, 4 sacks, 3 picks and a ridiculous 8 forced fumbles – setting a Clemson DB record. This is not normal production for any corner… this is the creation of chaos.

His 2025 tape also supports this. He logged 46 tackles, 11 PBUs, 5 forced fumbles and 3 sacks, while locking things down in coverage, giving up only 340 yards passing all year. No interceptions, sure, but don’t get it twisted, the QBs weren’t testing him much. The man was still pressing and disrupting everything that came his way, earning All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors in the process.

And yes- check the blood lines. He’s the younger brother of AJ Terrell, and you can see his polished, technically sound play throughout the film. He’s disciplined, smooth and coachable, which is exactly what Steve Spagnuolo looks for in his DB room.

Is the plan suitable? Almost perfect. Spags likes corners that can do a little bit of everything – press, tackle, blitz, rotate inside – and Terrell checks every box. He has been lined up outside, kicked in the slot, and even comes down as a safety in run support. Blitz ability also emerges, with 4 career sacks and legitimate time off the edge.

But what really sets him apart is how he generates turnovers. Doesn’t just pick up, he punches the ball. Those 8 forced fumbles (including 5 in 2025, leading the ACC) are elite production and fit perfectly into KC’s defensive identity of causing chaos and stealing possessions.

Bottom line: This is not just a projection of symptoms. Terrell is a battle-tested, high-IQ corner with 31 starts, big-game reps and a playing style that fits Kansas City like a glove. Plug him into that secondary, and you’ll get a tone-setter who tackles like a safety and plays every moment with that dog mentality.

RELATED: Did the KC Chiefs unveil a potential Round 1 target in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Detroit Pistons have weathered the storm well so far with Cade Cunningham out of the lineup due to a serious lung condition. The Pistons recently picked up a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday evening, but they are still hoping for good news about their best player moving forward.

On Wednesday, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic posted a video on xTwitter previously showed Cunningham working out with the Pistons’ training staff during the team’s shootaround.

Here’s Cade Cunningham working with the trainers at the Pistons Shootaround: pic.twitter.com/PypkIEG5S7

– Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) 25 March 2026

It’s unclear how intense the workouts became, but it’s still great to see the All-Star back in practice and participating in some capacity, even if it may take him a while to get back on the floor.

At this point, there is no firm timetable for Cunningham’s return to action, and his absence has sparked debate over whether or not the NBA should rescind its 65-game minimum rule for award eligibility, as Cunningham would need to play five more games this season to meet the limit, but is clearly eligible for things like All-NBA and even MVP consideration.

The Pistons have just a few weeks left in the regular season before the playoffs begin, where they are on track to become the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has done a solid job of showcasing its depth over the past few games in Cunningham’s absence.

In any case, the Pistons will take the field on Wednesday evening for a home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have to worry about their next TE1 in the near future. Travis Kelce is frozen in KC, and the dynasty window is wide open.

For a minute this offseason, it looked like Kelce might hang it up. Retirement talk was real, and Chiefs Kingdom was preparing for life after No. 87. But by mid-March, Kelce stopped all that noise and made it clear he wasn’t done cooking yet.

But turns out, Kelce has more gas in the tank than people expected, and the Chiefs are clearly planning as if their TE1 isn’t going anywhere in the near future.

RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs linked to future Hall of Famer

Travis Kelce hints at win-now mode for the Chiefs

Kelce isn’t going to stop this any time soon. He has just re-signed with the Chiefs, locking himself in for the next step and keeping TE1 duties firmly in his hands.

After weeks of retirement talks, Kelce called it all off and put pen to paper. The deal starts with a first-year payout of $12 million and incentives, and is structured to keep him among the top earners in the position. grassroots level? Casey didn’t bring it back – he doubled the pressure on his man.

And it makes sense. The Chiefs are coming off a brutal 2025 campaign that turned into a six-game slump, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. This isn’t exactly how a dynasty likes to run.

Kelce did not want this to be his final chapter. “Definitely I want to come back,” Kelce said. “I definitely don’t want to end my career without getting to the playoffs and having one of my best years. It still feels like I was hungry enough to get back into it.”

He said, “Obviously, there’s still a little bit of that grit and that feeling. I hate the way this thing ended last year. I want to make it right. I want to get another chance at the Super Bowl.”

That’s vintage Kels. Competitive, excited and still chasing rings.

Even in a ‘down year’, the future Hall of Famer posted 76 catches, 851 yards and 5 TDs while earning a nod to the Pro Bowl for the 11th consecutive time. Not bad for a guy who people thought could ride off into the sunset. Instead, Kelce is running it back, and Chiefs Kingdom have secured their biggest weapon for more than just a farewell tour.

RELATED: 5 Christian Wilkins Landing Spots for 2026

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has not played since Jan. 30 and has missed each of the team’s last 21 games due to what the team is repeatedly labeling as patella-femoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise in his right kneecap.

This injury has been causing persistent discomfort and swelling since before the All-Star break, causing Curry to be absent for an extended period of time.

Before Saturday’s 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Warriors announced that Curry continued to make “good progress” in his return and has stepped up his individual workouts. The next step, as outlined in the team’s injury update, will be to integrate him into live action and team practices in the coming days.

Head coach Steve Kerr said over the weekend that he expected Steph to participate in 5-on-5 drills on Sunday.

Unfortunately for Curry and the Warriors, he did not participate in Sunday’s 5-on-5 drills, league sources tell ClutchPoints. However, team sources are adamant that it is not being viewed as a setback and that Curry is on the same recovery timeline that was provided on Saturday.

He is expected to continue his on-court activities and will be re-evaluated when the team returns to San Francisco after Monday night’s game in Dallas.

The Warriors have been out of an abundance of caution regarding Curry’s right knee issue, which is why he was given an extra day of practice before returning to 5-on-5 play.

As reported by ClutchPoints ahead of the team’s update on Steph’s status on Saturday, the Warriors were optimistic about Curry’s return at some point following their six-game road trip. Upon returning home, seven of the team’s final 10 games of the season will be played at Chase Center, allowing Curry to receive maximum treatment for his right knee and not require him to travel as much.

For several weeks, the Warriors have been hopeful that Steph will be able to return for at least one of their two home games against the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards on March 25 and March 27, respectively.

Sources said that mentality hasn’t changed, yet everything will depend on how he feels in practice Tuesday and what is said upon re-evaluation in San Francisco.

Overall, Curry and the Warriors have insisted that he not be locked up for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Steph wants to play again before the end of the regular season, and the team remains optimistic about its chances of being competitive in the play-in tournament with Curry, despite falling in the standings without him.

In their last 21 games without Steph, Golden State has gone 6-15, 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the 7-seed and now 1.5 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 9-seed in the Western Conference.

A loss to the Mavericks on Monday night would put the Warriors in an even deeper hole as the 10-seed in the West.

During his recovery process, the Warriors remained adamant that Curry had not suffered a concussion and that his injury, described as “runner’s knee”, had resulted in prolonged pain and swelling that persisted longer than originally expected.

Multiple tests and imaging confirmed that there was no further structural damage to his right knee.

As for the team’s other injury concerns, running back Moses Moody, who hasn’t played since March 2 because of a right wrist sprain, is considered questionable to play Monday night at Dallas. Veteran big man Al Horford is out with a right calf strain, but the Warriors remain optimistic he will return before the end of the regular season.

The Warriors are currently 33-38 and have lost eight of their last nine games as of Monday night.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is out of Italy’s 28Man squad for the international break.

He suffered an injury just hours before Gennaro Gattuso announced his selection.

Gattuso confirmed the decision today and immediately recalled Alex Meret, who returned after being sidelined with injury at the start of the season.

Goalkeeping changed due to late injury

tuttomerkatoweb It is reported that Vicario will undergo a trial with Tottenham in the coming hours. As a result, Gattuso decided not to involve him and called up Meret instead.

Doctors have not yet clarified the nature of the injury, and further assessment will determine how long Vicario could be sidelined.

Italy’s goalkeeper hierarchy confirmed

Gianluigi Donnarumma will lead Italy’s goalkeeping group as first choice. Marco Carneschi is ranked as the primary backup, Elia Caprile plays the number-three role, and Meret completes the four-man unit.

Concerns for Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham will now assess Vicario to establish the severity of the problem, and the club are hopeful the 29-year-old will avoid a long absence amid an ongoing investigation into the goalkeeping situation.

If Vicario misses time, Antonin Kinski could get another chance to impress after his tough performance against Atletico Madrid.

Domestic and international bets ahead

Tottenham face Nottingham Forest in a relegation six-pointer this weekend, which adds urgency to the situation.

Meanwhile, Italy will turn their attention to World Cup qualification and gather in Coverciano ahead of the decisive week.

World Cup qualification pressure

Italy will host Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday, March 26, before a possible final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.

Although Vicario did not play a starting role, his absence still represented a blow, as it disrupted Gattuso’s carefully balanced team at a crucial moment.

Stability is a priority for Italy

With Italy only two matches away from a World Cup berth, the team needs stability, and late changes complicate preparations.

For Tottenham, the focus now turns to Vicario’s recovery timeline and whether the club can rejoin him as soon as possible.

The South American recruitment model at Chelsea could soon bring another in-form defender into the Bluco system, with Union’s Mateo Del Blanco emerging as a name to watch ahead of the summer window.

The 22-year-old left-back has been building serious momentum over the past year. He is no longer just a regular starter at Union – he has become one of their most decisive players.

In the current season, Del Blanco has already contributed two goals and one assist in 860 minutes, while averaging a 7.63 rating. His recent performance underlines that growth. He scored against Instituto, then provided a goal and assist in a chaotic 4–4 draw with Independiente. Shortly after, he delivered an 8.4-rated performance against Boca Juniors.

Those numbers matter because they reflect a broader trend. Del Blanco is not a traditional defensive full-back. He plays at a high level, often operating as a wide outlet, and regularly impresses in the final third.

This is also reflected in the flexibility of his position. He can operate as a forward on the left, which helps explain his output and growing reputation. All this has caught the attention of Chelsea.

Increasing attention in Argentina

That form has not gone unnoticed domestically. Reports from Argentina indicated that both River Plate and Boca Juniors showed interest in January. That level of attention usually signals that a player is ready for a big move, even before European clubs are fully involved.

Mateo del Blanco also provides continuity and availability. He extended his contract with the union until 2028 in December last year and has already made more than 90 senior appearances.

His current market valuation is around £3.4 million (€4 million), which puts him firmly in the profile that Chelsea are looking for – affordable, developing and with progress.

“Mateo del Blanco, Union player, to be bought by Chelsea and loaned to Racing de Strasbourg”

💣Bomb @RenzoMPantich In #NoPodemosPerderAZZ pic.twitter.com/tSU9OoY7WW

– AZZ (@azzenstream) 19 March 2026

Chelsea plan revealed

A new claim has emerged in this context. Journalist Renzo Pantich Chelsea are reportedly set to buy Mateo Del Blanco and send him on loan to Strasbourg in June.

Pantich tells the player “Will be bought by Chelsea in the coming months” Before joining the French side on loan.

Pantich goes further in his explanation, framing the deal as already negotiated within the group structure.

He indicated that Chelsea’s idea is not to just sign the player, but to integrate him into their multi-club route immediately, insisting that the plan is for Del Blanco “Arrive and then be sent to Strasbourg” As part of that process.

The clear tone of certainty in his reporting is telling. Pantich presents the move as an expectation of something happening rather than a loose possibility, and describes the operation as one that is already being prepared for the next window.

This passage closely matches how Chelsea have used Strasbourg since the acquisition of Bleu. Ligue 1 teams have become a major development platform for players coming from outside Europe. This provides minutes, adaptation time and a low-pressure environment before any potential move towards Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Valentin Barco has excelled this season, leading to Chelsea are considering a return to the Premier League for him.

One option is for Barco to move to London and Del Branco to replace him in France.

what happens next

For Chelsea, this would be a calculated move rather than an immediate first-team solution. Mateo del Blanco’s current level looks promising, but there is still a gap between Argentinian domestic football and the Premier League.

However, structures are already in place to manage that risk. Strasbourg provides the bridge, and Del Blanco’s trajectory suggests he is ready for the next step.

At present, this step is at the claim stage. Nevertheless, the profile, timing and route all fit Chelsea’s model closely.

🇩🇪 Fisnik Aslani | Tottenham and Chelsea call Kosovo a ‘shooting star’

📈 23 year old on the rise
🧠Have shown mental flexibility
🇽🇰Choose Kosovo instead of Germany https://t.co/gzoRT3yDup #thfc #Happiness #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026

While this season has been a rough one for the Sacramento Kings, Russell Westbrook, in his 18th year, has continued to work hard and help become a leader for the younger players around him. In the process of doing so, Westbrook has also continued to add to his legacy, and that’s what he did on Tuesday night against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Westbrook, the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, has added another major feat to his list of accomplishments as he moves past Mark Jackson (10,334) and Steve Nash (10,335) into fifth place on the league’s all-time assist leaderboard with 10,336 career assists and counting.

This puts Westbrook in the all-time top five in assists along with LeBron James (11,090), Jason Kidd (12,091), Chris Paul (12,552), and John Stockton (15,806).

Westbrook recently became the first guard in NBA history to surpass 9,000 career rebounds.

Despite playing with a handful of teams in the latter stages of his career, Westbrook has continued to play at a high level, and the 37-year-old guard is proving that retirement is not on his mind just yet.

Although the Kings are one of the NBA’s worst teams at 18-51 heading into Tuesday night games, Westbrook has had arguably his best season in the last three years.

In 62 games this season, excluding the Kings’ game against the Spurs, Westbrook has averaged 15.4 points, 6.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 42.8 percent from the floor. His six triple-doubles this year rank fifth among all players, and two of them have come in his last three games.

Coincidentally, the Kings have done well in achieving their triple-double-like identity with Westbrook, as they have won four of their last five games entering Tuesday night’s game in Sacramento.

The records and accolades speak for themselves, and Westbrook has plenty of records that prove he is a surefire Hall of Famer. This is his latest accomplishment that adds a whole new layer to his greatness as one of the best passers in NBA history.

Oh my god, the Jared McCann trade is the gift that keeps on giving to the Philadelphia 76ers; Not quite in the way many fans would have expected.

While the red, white and blue are improbably winning without their Big 3, thanks to the big play of a different random player in every outing, McCann is thriving in Oklahoma City, looking like the player Thunder fans saw during his rookie campaign but never thought would be on their team next season.

And the worst part? Mark Dangeault’s willingness to run plays through McCann highlighted how poorly the 76ers utilized the Duke sharpshooter during his sophomore season.

Discussing his experience with Thunder veterans setting screens for him, McCann said he always loved watching Joel Embiid screen for Tyrese Maxey in two-man games, but he rarely had that chance until landing in Oklahoma City.

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese, and I was like, ‘Dang, it’s really cool out there,'” McCain said, via Justin Martinez. “So it’s really fun to be able to be a part of it. Playing with Hart, J-Will and Chet, they’re all elite legends. I’m excited to play with them.”

Jared McCain asked if he had played with a big man who could make the screening a major play, like Isaiah Hartenstein:

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese and I was like ‘Dang, it’s really cool there.’ So to be able to be a part of it… pic.twitter.com/vTsyiC1P4u

– Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) 17 March 2026

Now understandably, these comments did not sit well with many 76ers fans, who flooded Martinez’s comment section with demands for Nick Nurse’s job. Some called him incompetent, others suggested he should be “blown in the sun”, and others still took a step further, requesting a clean house, including president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and even the Harris Blitzer Group, which has long been the subject of ridicule for its cap-skirting tactics.

Will the 76ers get the last laugh? Technically, McCann is only averaging 11.4 points per game in Oklahoma City, or about four fewer points than his run in Philadelphia in 2024-25, but as he becomes more comfortable and his minutes continue to increase, that number will increase in no time, making any talk of “overselling” difficult to swallow.

The devastating knee injury that ended Auston Matthews’ season has sparked all kinds of controversy around the NHL. Multi-time offense Radko Gudas received a controversial five-game suspension, and also the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Matthews’ agent and now Connor McDavid has also weighed in on his latest controversial decision.

But for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Matthews himself, the bigger questions now concern the player’s health and his future in Toronto.

Insider Elliotte Friedman gives us the latest on Matthews and his knee:

The Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews are still hopeful he won’t need surgery. He probably won’t find out for a week or two, but he hopes he won’t need to. The main thing here is that, even if he does need surgery, there is no concern at this time that he will be moved into next season (to recover).

How will this poor season affect Auston Matthews’ future with the Leafs?

But while the Maple Leafs are going through a reset/retool/rebuild or whatever R-word you want to call this summer, Friedman suggests this time away from the rink will give Matthews time to think about all of this, and where he fits into it.

It also lets Matthews know how he feels about things. A lot has happened in a short time in Toronto since he was last asked how he felt about things in early February. Since he won’t be playing anymore, he’ll have time to think about it, and they’ll have time to talk to him about it. And I think over the next few months we’ll get a better idea of ​​how everyone feels about Matthews and the overall future of the Maple Leafs.

And while the captain has yet to respond to the other big talking point around all of this — how no teammate on the ice came to his defense after the violent assault at the hands of Gudas — Friedman says this will at least impact the team in other ways.

“There’s no question in my mind that, internally, it will have an impact on the future and the building of the team… There were words like ’embarrassed’ and ‘apoplectic’ about how everyone felt about that situation.”

Matthews finished the 2025–26 season with the worst statistics of his 10-year NHL career. Only 27 goals (two years ago he had 69) and 53 points in 60 games.

A new report seems to suggest the New England Patriots acquiring AJ Brown in a trade isn’t a matter of if, but simply a matter of when.

After being decisively defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, the Patriots are making every effort to improve the roster and become the rare team to bounce back in the big game after a loss. Without a doubt, acquiring a bigger weapon in the pass game, especially after releasing Stefon Diggs, is a top priority this offseason.

Not surprisingly, the franchise has been linked to a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star receiver AJ Brown for several weeks. And a recent report suggested New England had even offered first- and third-round picks to the three-time Pro Bowler. However, the Eagles are looking to return at least a first and second rounder.

With the price being so high, there has been much discussion that Philadelphia could still hold on to Brown despite the obvious disappointment with his usage during the 2025 season. However, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, multiple league sources have described a trade from Philly as “inevitable”.

New England Patriots remain favorite in AJ Brown trade market

Furthermore, Florio says most people believe the Eagles are planning to move Brown after June 1, because, as one source explained, “The Eagles would be looking at a potential cap disturbance in 2027 if they keep Brown through 2026.” But how good are the chances for the Patriots to complete the trade when there are so many other interested teams, including the Los Angeles Rams?

Well, that sounds pretty good. An NFL insider claimed, “The Patriots remain in play despite the recent addition of former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs. A source anticipates the Patriots will be the final destination.”

“Regardless, the fact that a trade hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Signs continue to point towards it happening. The only question is if the Eagles decide to wait until after June 1 to make the deal official.”

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

Newcastle United remains one of the Premier League clubs after AllenBut Palmeiras are now moving to strengthen their position by agreeing a new contract for the midfielder.

Interest from England has surrounded the 21-year-old for several weeks. Newcastle have been repeatedly linked with the player and were Recently it has been reported that an envoy has been sent to Brazil To follow the situation closely.

Liverpool is also mentioned Recent coverage has featured fans, but journalist Andre Hernan has also hinted that Manchester United have joined the group of clubs keeping an eye on Allan.

Against that backdrop, Palmeiras appear to be working to protect their position ahead of the next transfer window.

Palmeiras is preparing another contract renewal

But I am saying ESPN Brazil’s live program Fala a FonteJournalist Bruno Andrade reported that Palmeiras have recently held fresh talks about renewing Allan’s contract.

The midfielder has already had his deal renewed several times in a short period. In 2024 his contract was extended to 2027, and in 2025 the club extended it further to 2029. Now Palmeiras is discussing another upgrade.

According to Andrade, positive progress was made at a meeting last week. And he said the current negotiations could result in a longer contract and better financial terms for the player.

He said: “There were meetings last week and discussions were very positive regarding another renewal. We still need to confirm whether this contract will be extended to 2030 and whether it only includes a salary increase or a higher release clause.”

The journalist also stressed that Palmeiras wanted to reward the player and at the same time protect themselves from increasing interest from abroad.

European interests are driving Palmeiras’ strategy

The renewed talks are taking place in the context of strong European interest, including from Newcastle United. According to the ESPN discussion, Palmeiras has already rejected the offer The price for Allan is estimated to be between €30m and €35m (£25.7m-£30m).

Andrade confirmed that if Palmeiras ultimately decides to sell, the valuation would need to climb well above that range.

He said: “When Palmeiras thinks about selling Allan – which is not in the board’s plans right now – the number being discussed is upwards of €40m.”

Even that price may not come as a single fixed payment. The panel suggested a deal worth around €40m (£34.3m) would include performance bonuses rather than a guarantee fee.

Andrade explained: “According to what people say in the market, €40m would probably be in a structure with just fixed money and bonuses. Something like €30m plus €10m, or €20m plus €20m.”

Why could the next transfer window be decisive?

Journalist Felipe Silva said the contract renewal strategy also serves another purpose: strengthening Palmeiras’ negotiating power ahead of the summer window.

He said: “This kind of renewal helps both parties. The club protects itself from interest and the player becomes more expensive.”

Silva pointed out that raising wages and extending contracts automatically increases the price paid to European clubs.

he adds: “If the player earns

The journalist also suggested that the next transfer window could bring serious offers. He said: “In the middle of the year, there will be heavy clubs coming to try to sign Alan.”

Our View: Palmeiras’ leverage is increasing

Palmeiras’ strategy is becoming increasingly clear. With Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs circling, the Brazilian side are looking to increase Allan’s value ahead of the next transfer window.

Extending the player’s contract gives Palmeiras a strong advantage and ensures that any future negotiations will start with a high valuation.

It also buys the Brazilian club time. They could keep a key player for their playing project and wait to see how far European clubs are willing to go once the next transfer window opens.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss the next 10 days due to ongoing patellofemoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise in his right knee dating back to Jan. 30, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

The team said Curry “has been working out individually on the court in recent days”, with the aim of intensifying his workouts as he looks to return to the court, which is a slight improvement from the previous injury update. ESPN was first to report Curry’s latest injury update.

Despite this, Curry has missed 15 consecutive games due to his knee soreness, hurting the Warriors’ playoff chances.

In that span, the Warriors have gone 5-10, falling below .500 for the first time since December. As a result, the Dubs have dropped from eighth to ninth in the West, with the Los Angeles Clippers passing them in the play-in area of ​​the standings.

This puts Golden State in the bottom bracket of the play-in tournament, and if the season ended today, the Warriors would need to win two straight games to secure a playoff spot against the West’s 1-seed.

As far as Curry is concerned, it has been a tough recovery process.

Before this latest update on Wednesday, Curry had not been able to get much work on the court, as the healing process of his knee was “unpredictable” in his own words.

“I’m feeling better. It’s weird. How it’s going to heal is unpredictable,” Curry said on the ESPN broadcast just before the last injury update 10 days ago.

“Progressing every day since All-Star weekend; that’s all I can ask for, and hopefully I’ll be back out there soon… I haven’t been on the court yet, but just trying to stay in shape and strengthen everything else around my body, knowing that at this level, once you get back, it’s an absolute sprint to the playoffs.”

Will Steph Curry return this season?

With the way Golden State’s season has gone, there has been speculation as to whether or not the Warriors will shut down Curry for the remainder of the season.

Although the Warriors are doomed for the play-in tournament and first-round series, one would think it would be best for Golden State to preserve their 37-year-old franchise star for next season. This is especially true given the tempting prospect of getting caught in the NBA Draft Lottery.

But the Warriors are adamant that they don’t plan on tanking this season, and ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reports that both the Dubs and Curry intend to return before the end of the regular season.

Draymond Green has also made it clear that he has full confidence in Curry’s return this season.

“Finally my confidence level is high,” Green said after the upset win over the Houston Rockets, via ESPN. “Because I know he’s going to put in all the work and do everything he can to come back. If his body allows him to come back, I know, he’ll come back. He doesn’t want to just turn it off.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors’ mentality is that they will just have to walk on water until Curry returns.

Their 5-10 record in his absence has left the water a bit high above their heads. Not to mention consecutive losses to tanking teams in the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls sting. But with Kristaps Porzingis back and encouraging play from youngsters like Gui Santos and Moses Moody, the Warriors are confident they can hold down the fort until he returns.

“For us, just keep swimming,” Green continued. “Nobody expects us to win 10 games, but you just have to hang in there. You can’t let things get too far, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers after suffering a left elbow injury in Thursday night’s 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the team announced.

In the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game in Denver, James suffered a hard fall on a layup attempt. LeBron’s left elbow landed awkwardly and he lay on the ground writhing in pain before the ball went out of bounds and the game was stopped.

The team says LeBron James (left elbow injury) has been listed out for tonight’s game against the Pacers.

LeBron suffered an injury after a hard fall in the final minutes of Lakers-Nuggets game on Thursday night.pic.twitter.com/FILh742gJY

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

After being helped up and walking to the team’s bench, James was still grimacing and holding his elbows in apparent discomfort. Although James returned to the game after being immediately examined on the bench, his elbow was badly wrapped in ice during the team’s postgame media session in the locker room.

James said he would be dealing with the injury “day by day” and that it was a “funny situation, but it’s more serious.”

The Lakers did not provide any official update on his elbow specifically and did not say whether James had further testing for his injury. The good news is that his injury is being listed as an “elbow injury” and he is not expected to miss any length of time.

His next chance to play will be on Sunday at home against the New York Knicks.

Although the Lakers lost in Denver on Thursday night, LeBron had 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting and eight assists. With his third shot of the contest, James recorded the 15,838th shot of his career, passing Kareem–Abdul-Jabbar (15,837) for the most field goals made in NBA regular season history.

“At the end of the day, just being added, and having my name mentioned with some of the greatest guys to ever play this game, it’s always humbling and pretty cool,” James said after the game. “I grew up watching, reading, analyzing a lot of great guys. If I ever got away from the NBA, I wanted to put myself in a position to do something like them and put my name up there with some of the greats.”

“So that’s awesome.”

LeBron is also closing in on another record, as once he plays six more games this season, he will surpass Robert Parish (1,611) for most games played in league history.

In 44 games this season, LeBron is averaging 21.4 points, 7.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.4 percent from the floor. Friday night will be James’ 19th missed game of the season, his most since missing 27 games during the 2022-23 season in Los Angeles.

According to some inside sources, the Montreal Canadiens have inquired about the acquisition cost of New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.

Pierre LeBrun believes the Canadiens have spoken to the Rangers, although we should note that this is far from a report, as he mentioned that he “thinks” the Habs have been somewhat active in this dossier.

Pierre LeBrun: I think the Canadiens have checked in with the Rangers on Vincent Trocheck, although it could be a huge haul – Melnyk in the Afternoon (3/4)

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026

potential impact

Given that the Habs have shown interest in trading for Robert Thomas, a deal that would obviously improve the roster while ignoring some more pressing needs, it makes sense that they have done their due diligence regarding other available centers, including Trocheck and Nazem Kadri.

Darren Dreger: If Robert Thomas doesn’t move on most people think Vinny Trocheck is going to be the second rung on that ladder, and then you get to Nazem Kadri – Barn Burner (3/4).

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026

The 32-year-old Trocheck doesn’t fit the Canadiens’ ideal age bracket, but it should be noted that he has managed to maintain a very respectable level of play for a skater who is on the wrong side of 30.

He is in the fourth year of a seven-year contract with an annual average value of $5.625 million, and he will be 35 when it expires in 2029.

For your buck, this is a good value deal, especially when we consider Trocheck is on pace to score 18 goals and 40 assists in 68 games. To make matters even more interesting, he has produced fantastic underlying numbers on a depleted Rangers roster, a testament to his ability to stave off the usual statistical decline that tends to take over at his age.

Trocheck is also excellent at the faceoff dot, winning over 58% of his draws this season, an asset that will certainly interest a head coach like Martin St-Louis.

In that vein, Trocheck would project as a significant upgrade over current second-line center Oliver Kapanen.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Like a potential Thomas trade, this deal would ignore the most significant issues in the organization, which are a lack of goaltending excellence and questionable defensive coverage.

And then there is the matter of acquisition costs, which are expected to be exorbitant.

Chris Johnston: Ray Vincent Trocheck: The question now is still being considered a little too rich for some contenders – Insider Trading (3/5)

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026

However, Vincent Trocheck checks almost every box for the Habs, except his age. There is also the issue of his lack of discipline, which will be further exacerbated by playing for a team that has already struggled with indiscipline for a few seasons now.

If the Canadiens were just one center away from being legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, this is the type of trade that would be considered a slam dunk, even if he is much older than most of the players Hughes acquired.

But the Habs aren’t at that point yet, making this a potential trade that would generate a certain amount of legitimate excitement while ignoring some major roster construction problems.

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

The Milwaukee Bucks faltered again, falling to 26-35 after losing 131-113 to the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Giannis Antetokounmpo played well but could not help his team. Following the Bucks’ loss, according to Eurohoops’ Johnny Askonis recap, Antetokounmpo lamented the loss and challenged his team afterward.

“I was a little disappointed. I feel like when you’re down 11 or 12, you just have to play smart, try to take the best shots possible, be in the right spots. At the end of the day, we all have to be on the same page,” Antetokounmpo told Askonis.

Antetokounmpo scored 24 points while making 10 of 15 shots from the floor. However, the rest of the players of his team could not do anything special. The offense still shot 50% on the night, but allowed the Hawks to shoot 54.3%, including 44.4% from triples.

The Bucks led 38-25 after the first quarter. Eventually, things fell apart later. While the Bucks led 71–66 at halftime, a poor third quarter performance doomed them, giving the Hawks the lead for good.

The team sits at 26-35, there is still time to make a run and at least clinch one of the play-in spots. Yet the Bucks are five games behind the Hawks for the final play-in spot, leading many to believe the team will miss the playoffs. Antetokounmpo acknowledged the situation and questioned what the plan was.

“We have to decide, do we wave the white flag, or do we come together and try to play hard and push for the last 21 games?” Antetokounmpo asked.

The Bucks will have a few days to prepare for their next game, which will be at home against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg missed Tuesday’s 117-90 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, then received an encouraging injury update ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic. Flagg missed the last eight games with a foot injury, but was listed as questionable on the Mavericks’ injury report.

Flagg, who hasn’t played since the Mavericks’ 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 20, could make his return in Thursday’s game against the Magic. The Rookie of the Year candidate is averaging 20.4 points on 48.2% shooting, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season.

Jeff Teague of the Mavericks on Cooper Flag, Kon Knueppel of the Hornets

Former NBA guard Jeff Teague addressed the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg’s candidacy for Rookie of the Year opposite Hornets rookie Kon Nueppel. Duke’s two prospects are the leading candidates for the award, and the race is close, as Knueppel has taken a slight lead as the likely favorite to win the award.

Flagg, who had led in rushing all season amid Cooper’s injury, and the Hornets’ five-game winning streak, was overtaken by Knueppel as Teague. Mentioned in their selection For Rookie of the Year, according to the Club 520 Podcast.

“If he is [Knueppel] Not Rookie of the Year, he was robbed. They [are] actually winning the game, that [is] Average 20 points.”

“He’s killing every game… If he’s not Player of the Year, he’s been robbed. They’re actually winning games, he’s averaging 20 points.”

Jeff Teague on Kon Knuppel 🗣️

(via @club520podcast)pic.twitter.com/B019SER50Z

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

In only his first season, Flagg is averaging 20+ points while playing for the Hornets. Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points on 48.8% shooting, and his 43.5% 3-point clip leads the NBA, along with his 212 threes. The Hornets improved to 31–31, the ninth-best record in the Eastern Conference standings.

Flagg and the Mavericks, who have lost eight of their last 10 games, have the fourth-worst record (21-40) in the Western Conference.

New Los Angeles Lakers owner Mark Walter continues to make big changes to the organization’s basketball and business operations department, and he made another change to his new staff on Wednesday.

Following the hiring of Lon Rosen as the Lakers’ new President of Business Operations a few weeks ago, Walter and the organization announced on Wednesday that Michael Spetsner has been named the new Chief Strategy and Development Officer.

Spetsner has spent the last decade of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, most recently holding the position of Vice President of Business Strategy and Analytics for the organization. Working with Walter for the Dodgers, Spetsner played a key role in identifying commercial opportunities for the franchise, implementing new business models for rights holders, and modernizing the fan ecosystem.

In this newly created role with the Lakers, Spetsner will lead the organization’s long-term business strategy to drive value and identify international growth opportunities.

“As we look to redefine what’s possible across the sports landscape for fans and partners, we will build on the Lakers’ legacy and look to the future to see what’s next,” Rosen said in the team’s press release. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”

This role designed for Spetsner appears to be a continuation of what he was doing with the Dodgers, as he did a lot of work with international engagement and led L.A.’s efforts to launch a Japan-based fan club. He was also instrumental in helping create a massive museum-style exhibit in Tokyo to celebrate the Dodgers’ history and global appeal.

The Lakers announced the hiring of Spetsner just one week after adding former NCAA champion and Virginia basketball head coach Tony Bennett as the organization’s new NBA Draft advisor.

In this role, Bennett will play a key role alongside executive Rob Pelinka in the Lakers’ decisions during and before the draft, assisting with player evaluation, scouting and the final decision on who the organization should select.

As far as Pelinka’s role in leading the team is concerned, Walter and Rosen have made it clear that they do not want to make any changes to the executive’s position and ability to usher in a new era of success for the Lakers.

“I just run the business side, Rob has the authority to do what he does,” Rosen said, via ESPN. “Look, I have a great relationship with Rob. I’ve known Rob Pelinka since he was representing Kobe [Bryant]. I met him many, many years ago.”

Since purchasing the Lakers from Jenny Buss and her family, Walter has continued to position this historic organization for success by making key decisions on the business side of basketball. Spetsner is the latest name to join this newly revamped staff, which features plenty of faces who have turned the Dodgers into MLB’s marquee powerhouse.

Walter aims to do the same in the NBA with the Lakers.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed Tuesday.

montreal canadiens news

It’s officially silly season! Habs-related rumors have been increasing, with one of the most recent reports linking the Calgary Flames to defenseman Arbor Zekaj. [Canadiens Rumours: Calgary Reportedly Interested in Xhekaj]

Patrik Laine’s name also came up on Tuesday. Apparently, the Los Angeles Kings have renewed interest in the power play specialist. [Canadiens Linked To Kings In Laine Trade Rumour]

While the Flames have shown interest in Zekaj, the Habs continue to kick the tires on Flames forward Nazem Kadri. [Evaluating Canadiens Rumour Linking Kadri To Montreal]

With the March 6 NHL trade deadline looming, we take a look at the most pressing needs of Kent Hughes and company. While many want the Habs to acquire a forward, the defensive situation is far more worrisome. Montreal scored a lot of goals, but struggled to keep the puck out of their own net. [Top 5 Canadiens Needs Heading Into Trade Deadline]

There were 12 goals scored in Tuesday night’s game between the Habs and Sharks! Watch highlights of the goal bonus in California that resulted in a 7-5 win for the Sharks [Canadiens Highlights: Goal Bonanza In San Jose]

One of the Canadiens’ top prospects, Bryce Pickford, refuses to stop scoring goals at will in the WHL. Pickford was voted as the No. 7 player in our annual Top 20 Habs prospects rankings. [Canadiens Top 20 Rankings – No. 7 The Extraordinary Bryce Pickford]

Don’t take your eyes off Pickford!! His 38th year has put us over 1!! 🚨🐅@CanadiensMTL | #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/OuGlGF855G

– Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) 4 March 2026

As always, phenom Lane Hutson has his eyes on the prize.

Len Hutson on this Habs squad today:

“We have a young group that is confident in what we’re doing and building. But we all bring different things and it’s fun… We all share the common goal of competing and trying to win a Stanley Cup.” pic.twitter.com/ABg2XuwBtH

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 4 March 2026

ICYMI: We’ve landed the top spot in our annual Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings, as voted on by Habs fans. Dynamic forward Michael Hayes earned the No. 1 spot because of his elite skill set, not to mention he has already established himself as one of the top players in the NCAA. It remains to be seen how long he’ll stay in the NCAA, and whether the Habs will want him to spend some time in the AHL before graduating to the NHL, but there’s no doubt that Hayes represents Montreal’s best hopes of drafting an elite player from their current prospect pool. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 1 Dynamic Michael Hage]

Sportsknot Network

Despite some players with expiring contracts, the New Jersey Devils still have value heading into next Friday with some short-term deals and favorable cap hits. [New Jersey Devils]

The St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabers are working on a trade that will shock the entire NHL. As TSN’s Darren Dreger reports, trade talks between the Blues and Sabers involving Robert Thomas are “heating up.” St.Louis is serious about trading Thomas after weeks of speculation. [Buffalo Sabres]

The Carolina Hurricanes have the most points in the Eastern Conference heading into the NHL trade deadline on Friday. Carolina is speculated to acquire Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Peterson, who has been criticized in Vancouver, could be traded despite his $11.6 million camp hit. The 27-year-old center has 35 points in 52 games in 2025-26. [Carolina Hurricanes]

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

The Atlanta Hawks essentially hit the reset button when they traded franchise cornerstone Trae Young to the Washington Wizards at the deadline. It’s clear they plan to build around their youth like rising star Jalen Johnson. And their other deadline trade for Jonathan Kuminga solidifies their direction. According to NBA insider Jake Fisher, the name of the game for the Hawks is to identify potential young talent, which they hope to do with the signing of Keyshawn Gilbert to a two-way contract roster spot.

With the Hawks signing Keyshawn Gilbert, all three two-way contract spots on their roster have been filled. The Hawks had an open spot after converting Caleb Houston’s two-way to a standard deal. Gilbert joins Christian Koloko and Raze Dennis as the Hawks’ two-way contract players.

Gilbert is on a new term with the Wizards as part of a 10-day contract. During that period, he appeared in three games, at a rate of approximately 16 minutes per game. He averaged 2.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 50 percent from 2-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line.

His best game came in his first game with the Wizards, even though they lost to the Brooklyn Nets. He finished with a well-rounded stat line of four points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocked shots in a little over 28 minutes. He went a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.

After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Gilbert joined the Wizards for training camp on an Exhibit 10 contract. He was waived before the start of the season, and was playing for their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go’s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Houston Rockets’ Monday night contest against the Washington Wizards proved to be much tougher than anticipated, especially as the Wizards were deliberately looking to lose games to gain better lottery odds. The Rockets won by only five points, 123–118, and they suffered an early exit from Amen Thompson, who left after about four minutes in the fourth quarter due to an ankle injury.

Houston’s depth was already quite shaky, and Thompson’s early departure made things worse for the team. But when a man goes down, there’s an opportunity for someone to step up, and that’s exactly what Reed Shepard did.

Shepard did not have good shooting nights; He went 7-18 from the field and just 4-11 from beyond the arc. But the Rockets made up for it with their disruptive ability on defense, playmaking and stat sheet-stuffing tactics.

He swiped the ball six times on the night, blocked two shots, recorded 10 dimes and pulled in seven boards and in doing so, he became the fourth sophomore in NBA history to average at least 15 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and two blocks in a single game, joining Larry Bird, Alvin Robertson and Alexander Volkov as the only ones to do so, according to StatMuse.

Reed Shepard is impressing Rockets brass

The Rockets’ competitive identity is built on grit and defense, and Shepard appears to be the antithesis of such an identity, as he plays with a more free-flowing style and steals numbers despite not being the most dominant on defense. But Shepard is stepping up on that end of the floor, and it will be important for him to earn more minutes under head coach Ime Udoka.

With Thompson facing a potential multi-game absence due to ankle trouble, Shepard could be in for a strong finish to the 2025-26 campaign.

With the Miami Heat’s win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday, the team will be looking to pick up some wins in the home stretch of the season, although Nikola Jovic looks to be absent for the foreseeable future. As Heat young forward Jovic has been working to turn his season around, a back injury has been another setback in a disappointing year.

Jovic has missed the last four games of the season with what is being called “low back injury management,” after already being listed for Tuesday’s home game against the Brooklyn Nets as he will miss more time. The 22-year-old will let you know how he feels.

According to The Miami Herald, Jovic said, “My back doesn’t feel good.” “The scans show I’ve got some swelling, and one of my veins doesn’t look right right now.”

The 2022 first-round pick will miss some early season time due to a back injury, but he downplayed that as a direct correlation.

“I was worried, but I don’t think it’s the same thing,” Jovic said. “The way my back is structured, I just have to manage it in the way I prepare for things and the way I prepare for games, practices and everything. I have to make sure it’s always ready for any type of intensity that I put it under.”

Heat’s Nikola Jovic now dealing with year-ending back injury

While Jovic received a $62.4 million contract extension with the Heat that ran for four years, the team saw enough year-to-year improvement in the player to warrant the deal.

However, this season has been a reality check, as he has averaged 7.5 points while shooting 37 percent from the field and 27.2 percent from deep in 17.6 minutes per game, the lowest of his career since his rookie season.

“I felt like it was that moment where I hadn’t played very much, and even though I hadn’t played it was still getting worse,” Jovic said. “I just had to stop because when it bothers you outside of basketball and starts bothering you doing regular things in life, I feel like the decision has come to, I can’t do it anymore.”

It remains to be seen how much time Jovic misses with the Heat at 32-29, leaving them in eighth place in the East ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Nets.

The Boston Celtics are preparing to host their rival Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, and while Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid will not be in the lineup, it is unlikely to be an easy night for the home team. The Sixers have won three straight games and are attempting to move up from sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They are 1 1/2 games behind the fifth-place Toronto Raptors and three games behind the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Sixers will not have Embiid in the lineup because he suffered an oblique injury in Thursday night’s win over the Miami Heat. Embiid will miss at least three games due to injury. The Sixers’ big players have been troubled by several injuries throughout their career. Missing a key game against the Celtics as well as the team’s next two games against the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz is a significant issue for Philadelphia.

Teammate Andre Drummond has a lot of sympathy for Embiid and wants the big man to find a way to avoid injuries and stay healthy. “I want to wrap her in a bubble sheet and hug her, man,” Drummond said, according to Gina Mizell. philadelphia enquirer. “I feel like he can’t get a break.”

Embiid has faced health issues throughout his career. This oblique injury appears to be relatively minor, but missing at least three games at this time of year is a huge blow to him and his teammates.

The Charlotte Hornets are suddenly in the mix for a spot in the Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament, and their resurgence in the standings is the result of a collective effort from the stars to the coaching staff. However, on the court LaMelo Ball, Kon Nueppel and Brandon Miller are leading the way for the Hornets.

Since January 3, the Hornets have won 18 games, the most in the NBA, and are the fourth-winningest team in the NBA with their 18–8 record, trailing only the Detroit Pistons (18–5), San Antonio Spurs (18–7) and Cleveland Cavaliers (17–7).

Since the beginning of January, LaMelo Ball (99), Kon Nueppel (92), and Brandon Miller (90) rank first, second, and third in the NBA in total three-pointers made, which shows how impactful these three players have been for the Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets are 17-2 this season, including their first five…

– LaMelo Ball
– Con Knuppel
– Brandon Miller
– Miles Bridge
– Moussa Diabet

In the 270 minutes these five have shared the floor this season, the Hornets have an offensive rating of 137.0 and a defensive rating of 106.5… pic.twitter.com/L3u3u105SU

– Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 27 February 2026

Additionally, the Charlotte Hornets are 17-2 this season with a starting five of LaMelo Ball, Kon Nueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate. In the 270 minutes these five players have shared the floor this season, the Hornets have an offensive rating of 137.0 and a defensive rating of 106.5, meaning they have outscored opponents by 30.5 points per 100 possessions.

This includes wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets. Charlotte is also currently the last team to defeat the Spurs, going 11–0 in the month of February.

The Hornets’ only two losses in the opening five have come against the Detroit Pistons by six points and against the LA Clippers by eight points.

Entering March, the Hornets have the 12th toughest remaining strength of schedule with an average opponent winning percentage of .502. Some of their toughest remaining games include three games against the Boston Celtics, two games against the New York Knicks, one game against the Detroit Pistons, and one game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Brandon Miller is the Hornets’ scoring leader, averaging 20.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three.

Kon Nueppel is averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Charlotte, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 44.2 percent from three and 89.8 percent from the free throw line.

LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.4 points with 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 73 assists per game, while shooting 40.3 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three.

As Miami Heat star Norman Powell returns from Thursday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, 124-117, the team has received an important injury update on the All-Star guard. While the Heat star is dealing with a serious groin injury, an MRI revealed the severity of the problem, as well as how much time he will miss.

Powell will be out for Saturday afternoon’s match against the Houston Rockets after an MRI revealed he has a Grade 1 strain, as he will be considered “week-to-week” by the team. The week-to-week label is more important than the “day-to-day” label as other players have been considered in the past.

Looking at this upcoming week, after Saturday’s game, Miami will have four games and Powell will be at risk of missing all of them due to a groin strain. Powell played only 10 minutes in Thursday’s loss, missing the game with a groin injury after he entered the game questionable with the issue before being upgraded to “available.”

“We’ll have to evaluate it when we get back to Miami,” Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said via video from the team’s YouTube page after the loss. “It wasn’t that he couldn’t [play]This was a slide against [Tyrese] Maxi, and he took it too far. So that’s what he’s dealing with, and we’ll just have to see what it is.”

Heat’s Tyler Herro likely to fill void left by Norman Powell

Powell has been Miami’s leading scorer with 22.5 points on 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from three-point range, making the 32-year-old a first-time All-Star. For most of the season, he served as the top offensive guard due to Tyler Herro missing significant time.

Now the roles will be reversed, with Herro coming off the bench since returning from a rib injury, one would imagine he has been included in the starting lineup, although the ongoing injury issues with the team have been frustrating.

“It’s obviously very difficult,” Herro said. “We just want to stay healthy, keep people healthy, pray for Norm. I hope he’s OK.”

It remains to be seen how long Powell misses time for the Heat.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is having a good year by his standards, but he would be the first to put his team’s success above individual accolades. As the Bucks hope to improve from their 11th-place finish in the Eastern standings, Antetokounmpo has been working hard in the gym to improve himself for the sake of the team. Recent photos from a training session also revealed his upcoming Nike Giannis Freak 8 sneakers.

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

First signing with Nike in 2017, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a widely successful signature sneaker run. His Nike Freak line already consists of seven sneakers, as well as the subset Nike Giannis Immortality sneakers. After usually waiting until the offseason to debut their latest creation, fans got a glimpse of the silhouette ahead of their retail debut.

Nike Giannis Freak 8

Giannis Antetokounmpo Debuts the Upcoming Nike Freak 8 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/f6AnsiKMWe

– Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) 21 February 2026

Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Debut the Nike Giannis Freak 8s? 👀 @Giannis_An34 pic.twitter.com/izV1m35KkP

– Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) 21 February 2026

According to photos shared by Antetokounmpo on social media, the sneaker appears to be his latest signature Freak 8. Appearing in a Hyper Pink and Metallic Gold colorway, we see a completely updated silhouette from the previous Freak 7. While similarities can be seen in the wavy midsole and chunky support system, all Nike Giannis sneakers have their own unique aspects and designs.

Previously, the backwards Nike Swoosh served as a hallmark for Nike Giannis sneakers, so it’s interesting to see a clean, metallic gold Nike Swoosh with minimal branding and a center back. The shoes feature a contrasting tongue as we wait for further looks to see what is included in the design of the tongue and rear heel.

For now, we’ll patiently wait for official retailer images, but fans can rest easy knowing that the Nike Giannis Freak 8 is looking like an early hit. What are your thoughts on this new silhouette?

The NBA is struggling with a big problem right now in the form of tanking. The league inadvertently has rules in place that effectively encourage teams to throw games in hopes of getting a better draft selection.

At a time when the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers have been heavily fined by the league for violating player participation policies, Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia is not saying anything about the practice.

“It’s an embarrassment, that’s totally, my point of view, tanking is a loser mentality. I’ve never been around anyone. You show me somebody who wants to lose, who thinks about losing, I’ll show you a loser, he’s a loser, that’s not my stuff,” Ishbia revealed on The Pat McAfee Show, according to a post by ClutchPoints on X.

“It’s a shame. It’s terrible. My view is that tanking is a loser mentality. … I think it’s bad for the NBA.”

Suns governor Matt Ishbia on the league’s tanking issue.

(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/dqK2YShWFf

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

“So I don’t like to lose, I don’t ever want to talk about losing. We try to win and the draft works, if you don’t have a good team, you get a good pick. But if you intentionally trade for players and then don’t play them, try to lose games. I think it’s bad for the NBA, I think Adam Silver knows it, organizations know it, it’s got to change. It will change.

After the 2026 All-Star break, the race to the bottom has become so transparent that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was forced to impose massive financial fines against organizations openly throwing games.

“It’s fixable, and credit to Adam Silver. He knows it’s a problem, he’ll fix it. I believe he’ll fix it, but you can’t have teams like that…the incentives are misaligned right now,” Ishbia declared.

The Utah Jazz were fined a whopping $500,000 for benching healthy stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter of highly competitive games against Orlando and Miami. Shortly afterward, the Indiana Pacers were fined $100,000 for resting Pascal Siakam and two other starters in violation of the league’s player participation policy.

Ishbia’s statements indicate that at least some owners in the NBA value competition above all else, even if it proves detrimental due to NBA rules.

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off a huge 114-103 win against the Detroit Pistons in a potential NBA Finals preview, and one in which Victor Wembanyama joined a pair of Spurs franchise legends with an incredible feat. Wembanyama also got a new teammate this week with the Spurs signing free agent guard Emmanuel Miller to a two-way contract, according to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.com.

The Spurs had all three of their two-way roster spots filled, so to make room for Emmanuel Miller, the team waived guard Stanley Umude. The team’s roster is now at 15 standard contracts and all three two-way.

The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for Miller. After starting the season on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers just before the deadline as part of a multi-team trade that included Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder with the Cavs and De’Andre Hunter with the Sacramento Kings.

Miller was then cut by the Cavs and eventually signed by the Spurs. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in a total of nine NBA games with the Bulls. He has yet to appear in a game with the Spurs this season.

As part of his season two-way contract, Miller has appeared in 27 G League games between the Windy City Bulls and the Cleveland Charge. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals with splits of 54.6 percent shooting from the field, 33 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 69.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Spurs front office is known for identifying untapped gems and overlooked players in the draft. So it’s worth keeping an eye on Miller’s development.