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armory Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are battling for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez in the summer.

Last month, we broadcast news Both Arsenal and PSG are convincing him to ignore the La Liga winners.

On 7 May, Game Witness Covered claims from Spain The striker is ‘fully aware’ of the interest from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona.

The source said the Argentina international aims to gain clarity on his future ahead of the World Cup.

This report came out a few days later Diego Simon said Premier League sides and other clubs are keen, “This is normal.”

Incentive for Arsenal and other contenders

The Madrid club finished the season with a 5–1 defeat to Villarreal. After the match Diego Simeone said that Julián Álvarez must make a decision on his future.

to be a chain Relay the manager’s quote and provide an update from their journalist, Pedro Fulana, on the 26-year-old’s situation.

He says Atletico Madrid is aware of developments related to his possible summer exit. Their CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, wants to collect a large fee if the sale goes through without any figures being mentioned.

Barcelona have made contact with Ferran Torres and cash in return for the World Cup winner, but the Spaniard does not want to join Los Rojiblancos.

As well as Hansi Flick’s side, the journalist also covers the Gunners and the Ligue 1 winners’ interest in the South American.

“There are some intermediaries linked to PSG and Arsenal who have also made inquiries to Atletico.” He said.

“It is clear that the club knows that when all this is happening, it is because Julian’s agents and therefore Julian himself have given the green light to discussions about his future away from Atletico Madrid.”

Journalists say the Madrid club have changed their stance on selling the frontman and explain why. This is meant as a boost for Mikel Arteta’s side and their other supporters.

“There is one name that stands out above the rest. That is Matteo Alemany, who knows that Apollo will invest very little, if anything. Therefore, the financial activity in the transfer market will be similar to that of recent seasons,” Fulana explained.

The sale of Alvarez for a big fee could allow Los Rojiblancos to use those funds to reshape their squad in the upcoming window.

Contracts, stats, prices and agent information

Julián Álvarez has scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 49 matches and is under contract until 2030.

He is estimated to be worth €90m transfer marketAnd agent Fernando Hidalgo represents the former Manchester City star.

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a gamble with the James Harden trade during the season, hoping it would propel them into the NBA playoffs. Heading into the elimination game, Harden’s future in Cleveland seems predetermined.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported this weekend that even if they bow out in Game 7 on Sunday, “there is an understanding” that the Cavaliers will work out a new contract with Harden.

Cleveland is reportedly already “happy” with the replacement of Darius Garland in favor of Harden. The former NBA MVP provides Cleveland with the lead guard they’ve been looking to pair with Donovan Mitchell, and he’s seen enough of that to commit to him long-term.

Harden has a $42.317 million player option for the 2026–27 season, which he is expected to decline. However, while he may explore his options in NBA free agency, the Cavaliers’ situation appears to be the best fit for him.

For now, it seems like there is an unwritten agreement between both sides that Harden will be taken care of this summer. He is set to get a multi-year extension that will likely include a player option, potentially also allowing him to hit the open market again next summer.

So, no matter what happens in Game 7 on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers are ready to move forward with the guard tandem of Harden and Mitchell. It’s less clear whether both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will be part of the organization’s plans if they are waived again before the Eastern Conference Finals.

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 New York Mets have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this season, entering Sunday’s game with an 18-26 record despite having one of the highest payrolls in MLB. As a result, questions are being raised about changes to the front office and coaching staff.

MBL insider Robert Murray wrote this week that he believes Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is likely safe. This had a lot to do with how much team owner Steve Cohen wanted him and how long he waited to hire him.

RELATED: Insiders explain whether the Mets will sell at the trade deadline

“Cohen coveted Stearns, believing he was the top candidate for the job, and waited more than a year to hire him after he left the position with the Brewers. He would not fire him at the first sign of trouble.”

In New York, Robert Murray met with president of baseball operations David Stearns, claiming to be safe.

Stearns, age 41, established himself as one of the best general managers in baseball during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers (2015-2023). After taking over as the Mets president of baseball operations ahead of the 2024 MLB season, he led the club to the National League Championship Series in his first year, but the team is now on the verge of consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.

Despite declines in recent years, Cohen still believes in Stearns’ vision for the future. Therefore, New York’s head of baseball operations would have to dictate how the club approaches the MLB trade deadline, with a strong incentive to buy out and save his job.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 7, New York Mets Climb

The same level of trust and job security doesn’t exist for Mendoza. Murray wrote that the Mets’ captain’s future “seems more uneven” and that change is possible. What doesn’t help the New York manager is the fact that a vacancy will attract the top managerial candidates in MLB.

Ultimately, the most likely outcome is that Mendoza will be fired this year and Stearns will be chosen as the next captain of the Mets. If things don’t work out with the next manager, Cohen will likely vacate the house.

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

The San Francisco Giants made the first significant trade of the 2026 MLB season, dealing Gold Glove Award winner Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Browns. In a season where a lot has already gone wrong, it appears there may be other steps to take.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants “would love to unload” first baseman Rafael Devers, third baseman Matt Chapman, shortstop Willie Adams and outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. This will be part of a “reboot” and redraft effort ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.

RELATED: SF Giants reportedly have bold MLB Draft strategy

According to FanGraphs’ payroll tracking, the Giants have the 11th-highest payroll in MLB at $230 million. Despite investing over $200 million in the roster, San Francisco has the third-worst record in the National League (17–24) and the worst run differential in MLB (-42) through 41 games.

Will the Giants become sellers at the MLB trade deadline?

If the Giants are going to make another move a few months before the MLB trade deadline, a likely candidate to be dealt would be starting pitcher Robbie Ray. His contract is expiring and it appears he will hit MLB free agency. Dealing him would also save money, as more than half of his $25 million salary is still due this season.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants player named as Cubs trade target

After that, things become more suspicious. Adams is under contract through 2031, his age-35 season, with an average annual value of $26 million. Given his defensive limitations and only a .223/.304/.405 triple-slash line over his last 200 games, there will be a very thin market for him and San Francisco will need to cover a significant portion of the remainder.

Trading Devers would at least open up first base for top prospect Bryce Aldridge and create a more viable path for Casey Schmidt to get an at-bat in every game. However, since being traded to San Francisco he has compiled only a .237/.330/.438 triple-slash line.

Chapman, meanwhile, is under contract through 2030, when he will make $25.166 million per year as a 37-year-old third baseman. Lee, who has a .692 OPS this season, is owed $22 million annually over the next two seasons and then has a player option for 2028.

In all likelihood, San Francisco won’t have much luck trading Devers, Lee, Adams or Chapman, and a deal is also unlikely as all four hitters are struggling at the plate. If the team continues to struggle, Ray, starting pitcher Tyler Mahle and outfielder Harrison Bader are potential trade candidates.

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

Galatasaray are plotting an ambitious move liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk and his €11m per year salary will be on par.

Fotomaç reports that The Turkish side are waiting for the green light before making an official move for the Liverpool defender.

Galatasaray targets Liverpool captain

Fotomac reported that Galatasaray have already started their transfer preparations for next season. The plan is to strengthen their defence, and Virgil van Dijk is the star name they want.

The Liverpool centre-back would be a replacement for one of the two current options, Davinson Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardaki.

The 34-year-old is a dream signing for President Dersun Ozbek, and there is belief a deal can be done. Van Dijk has one year left on his deal at Anfield and will consider his options if he risks losing his place in Arne Slott’s team next season.

The Dutchman is more than aware that he now faces the ‘last important contract’ of his career. Galatasaray plan to contact him soon and president Dursun Ozbek will be ‘closely involved’ in the process.

The feeling in Turkey is that Van Dijk is ready to play for Galatasaray. He has faced them in the Champions League this season and impressed.

He currently earns €11m per year at Liverpool after taxes. Galatasaray are ready to match him to lure him to the Super Lig next season. If the 34-year-old gives the go-ahead, action will be taken ‘immediately’ at the end of the season.

turkish optimism

Now, here at Sport Witness, we would urge caution. It’s a classic in the genre of Turkish optimism with one of their clubs signing a major European star.

In a summer where Liverpool are losing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, while Alisson could also leave, it would be a big decision to let Virgil van Dijk go as well.

The whole idea is also based on the theory that Van Dijk could lose his place next season. Even at 34, this is not possible unless massive changes occur.

This does not mean that it is not possible by any means. But we would urge caution for now about any such transfers actually happening.

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie faces new uncertainty days before his scheduled fight in Paris after receiving an adverse anti-doping result. The 33-year-old was set to headline a major card promoted by Queensberry Promotions against France’s Tony Yoka on Saturday, April 25.

The bout was planned as a 12-round contest at the Adidas Arena and drew intense interest due to the condition of both fighters. Okolie, a former world champion at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, moved up to heavyweight and remained undefeated in three bouts at the new weight.

The latest developments have cast doubt over the fight, with officials yet to confirm whether the event will go ahead as planned.

The situation came to light after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed the promoters about adverse analytical findings from a test conducted before the fight. Queensberry Promotions confirmed the update in an official statement, saying Okolie had “come back with an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted before the show in Paris this Saturday.” The company said it would provide more information about the status of the fight “in due course.”

Okolie responded publicly by linking the result to medical treatment during training. “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, after my bicep injury last year, I suffered an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I got it treated, and now here we are. A sense of hope really prevails. I will, of course, cooperate fully with all authorities concerned, and I am confident that any investigation will clear my name.”

Under anti-doping rules, Okolie can request testing of his B-sample. A formal process will be followed to determine the outcome of the case.

Situation of fight not clear due to postponement of Paris event

The timing of the issue has thrown the Paris program into uncertainty. Promoters, broadcasters, and officials have not yet confirmed whether the fight between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka will go ahead, be postponed, or replaced.

Okolie entered the bout coming off three wins since moving up to heavyweight, including a stoppage win over Ebenezer Tetteh in December. The fight against Yoka was expected to be an important step in his run at the new weight.

This match holds equal importance for Yoka. Fighting at home, the Olympic gold medalist had a chance to achieve a big result in front of the French crowd. Due to the current situation, his next step is also uncertain.

If an adverse result is confirmed after further testing, disciplinary action may be taken under anti-doping rules. Until then, the case will remain under review and the outcome of the Paris card is still pending.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

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

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

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

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

RELATED: Agents reveal potential cost of Macklin Celebrini contract extension

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

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

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

RELATED: Why Macklin Deserves the Celebrini Hart Trophy

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has consistently shown that he is not afraid to make major changes to the roster. While last year’s team failed to make the playoffs, the Chiefs are confident in their ability to bounce back in 2026.

Still, there is no running away from the weaknesses of the Chiefs. They have lost two starting cornerbacks this offseason, while one went through a trade. What is the plan to replace them? With two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chiefs will have their opportunities.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted a potential improvement: drafting LSU’s Mansur Delaney with the ninth overall selection in the first round. Bowen believes Delaney will “thrive” in Kansas City, playing under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

“Kansas City played man coverage on 52.3% of opponent dropbacks in 2025, which is the fourth-highest rate in the league. Delaney will thrive in those coverages (primarily Cover 1, Cover 0 and Cover 2 man) with the speed to match him vertically as a press corner. Plus, he can jam and sink into Cover 2. It’s an easy fit for someone who I think is top in the class. Is a cornerback.”

Delaney is widely viewed as the best cornerback in the draft class, and he would certainly bring an elite athlete back to Kansas City’s secondary. Delaney’s 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the LSU Pro Day showed he has the speed to keep up with the game’s greatest athletes; Now he just has to prove it. He may get this opportunity in Kansas City.

Still, other teams selecting in the top ten also need cornerbacks. The question is whether they are willing to choose one of the top ten for this position, or whether they will find other needs more important. The same is true for the Chiefs, who could also use an edge rusher, offensive tackle or possibly another pass-catching weapon for Mahomes.

If the Chiefs determine that Delaney is not the right fit with the ninth overall pick, they could move back into the position later, as they also have the 29th overall pick in the first round.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

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

If there’s any guarantee that someone is going to get from Bones Highland, it’s that he or she will always carry themselves with great confidence and swag. Hyland, of course, has been humbled in recent years, having to settle for a minimum deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s free agency after a brief cameo with the team. But he’s finding his groove again, and at exactly the right time, given that Anthony Edwards is recovering from a right knee injury.

On Sunday night, in a heated contest against the Boston Celtics, Hyland provided the spark the Timberwolves needed for a 102-92 victory. He played 29 minutes off the bench and made 14 shot attempts en route to scoring a team-high 23 points on the night, in the greenest of green lights. It’s not that it was bad shot-chucking; He was plus-26 that night, as Minnesota played with a lot of energy whenever he was on the court.

After the game, Highland found Maria Taylor hosted the NBC NBA Showtime crew with all-time NBA greats Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady and they laughed at the Timberwolves guard’s reaction to being handed the reins.

“He definitely gave me the green light,” Hyland said, responding to Carter’s laughter.

“So what was your reaction? ‘Say less,'” Carter said with a big laugh, to which Hyland agreed.

“Don’t worry about it, yo. You told me to be aggressive, I need you to listen right here,” Hyland said.

“What was your reaction… say less?” ???

Bones Hyland talks with the NBA Showtime crew about the Wolves coach giving him the green light. pic.twitter.com/I2ydZQnG9K

– NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) 23 March 2026

The Timberwolves certainly needed a spark with Edwards out, Donte DiVincenzo struggling and Julius Randle getting bricked on Sunday (3-14 from the field). And Highland has answered the call. He seems to be maturing and playing more within the system, and he’s thriving. Talent has never been an issue for Hyland anyway, and he’s making that very clear.

According to a report from BodySlam, Gunther was originally planned to enter a program with Rey Mysterio that would have culminated with a match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Those plans are now in doubt following the rib injury Mysterio suffered in January, and it is currently unclear whether Gunther will compete at the event unless Mysterio is cleared in time.

There were calls to start the angle in the original creative direction after Gunther attacked Dragon Lee on the March 2 episode of WWE Raw. That attack was intended to serve as an inciting incident for a feud with Mysterio, but the injury has thrown that timeline into question. Gunther’s attack on Lee is his last appearance on television, leaving his WrestleMania status in limbo with less than five weeks until the event.

Mysterio’s injury occurred during a match with Austin Theory on the January 26 edition of Raw, during which he suffered fractured ribs. He competed in the Royal Rumble match the following Saturday, but has not wrestled since. In the weeks following, Mysterio has been appearing on commentary for AAA on Fox, including last Saturday’s broadcast of the first part of Rey de Reyes. His ring return timeline has not been publicly confirmed.

WrestleMania 42 will take place over two nights on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The card already features Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship and Randy Orton challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE title. Gunther, as one of Raw’s top stars and former World Heavyweight Champion, would be a notable absence from a card of that scale if an opponent could not be secured for him.

It remains to be seen whether WWE looks for an alternative opponent for Gunther or continues to hold out hope for Mysterio. Now that WrestleMania weekend is approaching, a decision will need to be made soon. One name worth keeping an eye on as a potential replacement for Mysterio is LA Knight, as it would give Gunther a notable name to work with, who hasn’t even had a match yet for Mania.

Considering the way WWE has been booking Gunther for almost a year, with names like Goldberg, AJ Styles and John Cena retiring, it seems unimaginable for him not to have a match at WWE’s biggest show of the year.

Despite a messy situation and a failed attempt to trade him this month, a new rumor suggests Max Crosby will be a Las Vegas Raider in 2026.

Over the past few months, the once strong relationship between the Raiders and top star Max Crosby has deteriorated rapidly. It all started at the end of last season when the organization asked the fiery pass rusher to sit out the final two games of the schedule so they could unofficially try to get the No. 1 pick in next month’s NFL Draft.

The plan worked, but her relationship with the five-time Pro Bowler ended up being collateral damage. That’s why rumors swirled for weeks that he would be traded, and it became a reality last week when it was announced that Las Vegas was sending Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that will give them a pair of first-round picks.

Then, like the relationship between the Raiders and Crosby, the deal surprisingly fell apart this week when Las Vegas announced that the Ravens “withdrew” from the trade. Yet, despite returning to the silver-and-black, ESPN’s Dan Graziano claimed on Thursday morning’s edition sports center There is still a strong upside potential for trade in the coming days and weeks.

Max Crosby and the Raiders back on good terms after failed trade?

Still, on Wednesday night, a social media post from Max Crosby suggested he’s OK with staying with the Raiders in 2026. “Everything happens for a reason. Believe everything you hear and half of what you see. I’m a raider. I’m back. Run that s***,” he wrote in a post on X.

Some people believe this is his public face on the messy situation that has been the past few weeks and that he still wants to get out of Las Vegas. However, a new report indicates that the organization is in favor of the star pass rusher remaining with the same team he has played for for at least one more season.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports, “According to a league source, the Raiders are currently telling teams that defensive end Max Crosby will not be traded, after a failed attempt to send him to the Ravens for a pair of first-round picks.”

A week ago, a new report surfaced on various defensive end issues with the team, including one involving an associate of minority owner Tom Brady that has rubbed many in the organization the wrong way.

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

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t provide any official medical update on Max Strus ahead of the team’s win over the New York Knicks, but what he had to say falls in line with the impression that the veteran swingman is getting healthier by the day.

“I watched him work on the court today,” Atkinson said Monday night. “It’s been a really positive trend. A lot of activity, contact with coaches, changes in direction. So that’s all I’ll tell you. What it means — when you start playing, all that — I can’t give you that. I haven’t even asked.

“I was so pleased and surprised, like, man, he’s starting to pick it up now.”

This is the first instance in which Atkinson mentions that Strus graduated from non-contact court work and conditioning to working against contact. Although this is only against the coaching staff, it is an important development that portends a comeback.

Strus has yet to play a game this season after suffering a Jones fracture of his left foot in late August, a few weeks before training camp. The Cavs’ last official statement on the injury came on January 6, indicating it required more time to heal. Strus had a follow-up evaluation four weeks later, but other than Atkinson emphasizing his progress, the team has not released any other updates since then.

“The hardest part for him is just being patient,” Cavs president Koby Altman said in his post-trade-deadline Zoom call with the media in early February. “That injury was a terrible offseason injury. It took a long time to heal, but he’s making progress. He’s getting back on the field, and we’re excited to have him for this stretch run, but we’re definitely taking our time to make sure that when he comes back, he’s 100 percent.

“I know there’s no one more excited than him to come back. No one’s pushing harder than him to come back. But at the same time, we want to make sure he’s 100 percent when he comes back. And unfortunately I still don’t have a timetable for you.”

Atkinson recently shared that Cleveland does not have a target number of games for the Struts to play in order to advance to the postseason. He hopes to suit up in the regular season.

“Getting Max back any time before the playoffs would be a huge bonus,” Atkinson said. “I mean, he missed a lot of time last year with an ankle. He’s not a 22-year-old, right? A guy with that experience and the way he works in the weight room. Of course, he wants a little runway where he can find his rhythm. But, as long as we get him to make a run in the playoffs, I think it’s a win for us. He has a lot of experience. Obviously, he played very well in the playoffs last year.”

It will be interesting to see how the Cavs’ rotation looks when Strus returns to the floor. Atkinson has plenty of options to go with the rebuilt core of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Guys like Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Keon Ellis have proven their ability to step up when needed. Unfortunately, someone will have to fall down a peg due to the depth of the team.

“Obviously, thrilled that we’re getting healthy. We’re almost there,” Atkinson said last week. “Max, like that last part, but almost perfect. So I think it’s figuring out the rotation and the lineup. That’s the biggest thing. And also, when you have everybody healthy, obviously, the minutes are distributed differently. Guys who are playing a lot may not be playing as much.

“There’s a lot of moving pieces with this, which we all know is part of it. And everybody has to make sacrifices and do their part. But listen, it’s a good problem to have with the talent we have. So, excited to see James with the new guys we’re integrating.”

Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham has been spot-on in the NBA this season. The Pistons are firmly on top of the Eastern Conference after finishing sixth last time out with a 44-38 campaign, one win away from the overall record.

And well, the contributions of MVP contender Cunningham are a major reason behind that improvement. But while his offensive strengths are well-documented, Jalen Duren also pointed to an aspect of Cunningham’s game that doesn’t get talked about enough, according to a post on X by journalist Jeremy Otto.

Jalen Duren says Cade is a great two-way player, even though everyone talks about his offensive skills. 3 more blocks tonight #piston pic.twitter.com/uLT4qph6ef

– Jeremy Otto (@JeremyOttoPxP) 26 February 2026

“Yeah, I mean, 6-7, I mean, doing exactly what he’s supposed to do. He’s a great defender, he’s a great scoring player, you know people know him for being a point-guard, for being a scorer but he’s a great two-way player. He’s been doing that all season, so it’s nothing new. I know when I see him one-on-one on a fast break with a smaller guard, I’m Likes his chances,” Duren said.

While that may be true, it’s hard to praise a player’s defensive efforts when he’s averaging 25.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per appearance. However, Cunningham is averaging about 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

He boasts a solid defensive rating of around 109.5 while producing 4 defensive rebounds per game, and is undoubtedly making his presence felt on the other end of the court as well. However, Duren may still feel that it is Cunningham’s offensive ability that gets talked about the most, and for very good reason.

Barcelona have been given the ‘green light’ to sign Norwich City youngster Ajay Tavares. He is scheduled to fly to Barcelona on Sunday.

This is according to the sport. The Spanish newspaper reports that the deal is now ‘close’ for the youngster to join Barcelona.

According to their information, Norwich City have given the 16-year-old permission to travel to Barcelona. ‘Several weeks of processes’ are followed to resolve the transfer. ‘Bureaucratic problems’ had halted Barcelona’s deal for the highly rated young player.

However, they are now history and Tavares will fly to Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical on Monday. He plans to join his training at the Camp Nou mid-next week.

norwich city green light

Tavares’ move to Barcelona has been ‘practically finalized’ for some time. Actually, Sport Witness covered a report In December it was said that the deal had been done.

It was said in a report in January Barcelona was on the verge of completing it.

This was raised again in another report this week, which suggested that it was Determined to complete the deal. The same has happened now.

According to Sport, officials have now completed the remaining ‘administrative details’, which will allow the deal to proceed without any hindrances. As a result, Tavares is set to fly to Barcelona on Sunday ahead of a medical on Monday.

FIFA allows

Under FIFA rules, Tavares must wait until he turns 18, but his Portuguese passport allows him to transfer from Norwich now. They still needed FIFA approval, which they have now received, giving them the green light to travel to Barcelona immediately.

He is one of a number of talents targeted by Barcelona as they look to strengthen their academy prospects. Hamza Abdelkarim and Joaquin Delgado also joined in the January transfer window.

They are keen to support the youth in the future and Tavares is the latest signing on that mission. Now, with no problems in the way, he can take the final steps on Monday before starting his integration with the Blaugrana.