標籤: targets

Manchester United And armory Recent weeks have been spent being presented as the leading contenders for Morten Hjulmand. However, the Sporting captain’s transfer saga has developed a habit of changing directions every few days.

Recent Portuguese reports have pointed towards Manchester United and Arsenal. Both clubs were said to be frontrunners For Danish international.

This week there was one real madrid twist Following reports it was suggested that Jose Mourinho had identified Hjulmand as a target for a move to the Spanish giants.

Now another contender is back in the picture. And this time Atletico Madrid is said to be in its strongest position ever.

Atletico’s claim changes the story

According to the news coming out spain And portugalAtletico Madrid has already reached an agreement with Hjulmand. Now they just need to convince Sporting.

sports worldCiting information from the Portuguese broadcaster antenna 1claims that Diego Simeone’s team have practically agreed personal terms with the midfielder. Now they are preparing afresh for sporting.

If true, this would represent the most advanced development ever associated with any club associated with Hjulmand.

Atletico’s previous attempt came during the January transfer window. The Spanish side were willing to offer around €25m (£21m) at the time. However, Sporting were never interested in discussing a deal at that stage.

The expectation now is that any serious offer would have to get very close to the figure already established between player and club.

Sports agreement remains central

Sporting are understood to have reached an informal agreement with Hjulmand, allowing him to leave this summer for around €40m-€50m (£34m-£43m), while the midfielder’s official release clause is €80m (£69m).

That understanding has been mentioned repeatedly in Portuguese reports. And according to the latest claims, Atletico are fully aware of those conditions. They are preparing their next move accordingly.

Reports also state that the Madrid club are willing to triple Hjulmand’s current salary at Sporting. This offer will meet the financial expectations of the player.

And if Atletico’s latest move is as advanced as it is being reported, then Manchester United and Arsenal could suddenly find themselves chasing rather than leading.

Feyenoord coach Etienne Rejanen “wants to move” liverpool“This summer if the Dutch club will allow it.

Journalist Mikos Gauka reports, via FR 12That Rejen wants to move to Anfield this summer comes amid reports that Liverpool are making a move to take the Dutch coach to Anfield.

liverpool reconstruction

Liverpool are expected to make some restructuring this season after a disastrous defense of the Premier League title.

Arne Slot has already hinted that this is a transitional summer for the club, with a busy transfer window expected. There will be changes behind the scenes too.

Reports indicate that the current assistant manager, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, wishes to step down. He has been linked with a return to FeyenoordIn a position on their board or as a technical advisor at the table.

Slott is reportedly eyeing his old club Feyenoord to replace him. He would like to reunite with former coach Etienne Rejean.

Indeed, reports from the Netherlands suggest there is hope he will move to Anfield. Robin van Persie has also been asked about the possibility.

Reports in England are now insisting that a deal is on the table and Rejen will move to Merseyside some time this summer.

Rijanen wants liverpool

Gauka now gives his opinion on this matter. According to their information, Etienne Rejan wants the move if Feyenoord will allow it.

Regarding his arrival at Feyenoord he said at FC Rijnmond, “They said Bakkati is coming. It’s definitely good. He was at De Kuip earlier this week.”

“He’s certainly not just there to pick up a sandwich. He’s going to join the club, and – barring any surprises – Rene Heck will be going, maybe even to Sparta.

“And Etienne Rejan would like to move to Liverpool, provided he gets permission to do so. In that scenario, the staff would certainly need another addition.

“Because then you’re essentially missing out on that more experienced person. I haven’t heard any specific names attached to that role yet, but they’re actively working on it.”

A new report sheds light on some coaches the Dallas Mavericks could soon target to replace former head coach Jason Kidd.

Before the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers squared off in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals inside Madison Square Garden, the Mavericks dropped a bomb on the basketball world. And that was the firing of their head coach after five seasons on the job.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kidd led the team to the NBA Finals two years ago, and has four years and $40 million left on his contract after signing an extension through 2024. The new Mavs head of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri, wanted a “clean slate” after taking the job a few weeks ago.

Micah Nouri is among potential targets to become the next Dallas Mavericks coach

The talented executive isn’t rushing into making a move, so he likely has multiple candidates in mind to lead the franchise. Late Tuesday night, Steen offered up a pair of assistants who would likely be on Ujiri’s candidate list.

As Steen noted, both have been linked to various head coaching jobs in recent years and come from two elite teams in the Western Conference. It’s also possible that Ujiri goes after more proven candidates like Billy Donovan, Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau, who have all been linked to the Orlando Magic job in recent days.

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

Certainly, the New Jersey Devils won’t be able to upgrade their top-six with impact free agent acquisitions given the lack of free agents this summer.

However, that doesn’t mean they don’t get the scoring depth they need.

The Athletic’s experts have pointed to a specific forward they believe is a good fit for New Jersey. More in the link below.

Elsewhere, trade goals for New York, Minnesota need clarity and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

Athletic ($): This summer’s crop of free agents isn’t going to be overwhelming, but there will be some serviceable names to help with depth scoring issues. Here’s a name The Athletic thinks would be a good fit.

📺 devil’s rink report: As we approach the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency, the elephant in the room has not yet been addressed. The Devils still have a Dougie Hamilton problem. I break it down in the latest clip via Devils Rink Report.

Last week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Quinn Hughes is saying all the right things after the Minnesota Wild were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, here’s why they need clarity on his future as soon as possible.

Forever Blueshirts: The Devils are not the only ones who may be inquiring for the services of Mason McTavish. That’s why it makes sense for the New York Rangers to do the same.

San Jose Hockey Now: Well, that’s great. Maclin Celebrini was named captain of Team Canada at Worlds when the preliminary roster was announced. When Sidney Crosby was later added to the roster, he proceeded to remain captain of the San Jose Sharks.

Florida hockey now: Pink Florida Panthers? Their new alternate jersey may have leaked over the weekend.

Philly hockey now: Could the Philadelphia Flyers find their blueline forward Porter Martone via the 2026 NHL Draft this summer?

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

The New Jersey Devils trading Nico Hischier is a bad idea. However, not trading for Quinn Hughes is also a bad idea.

You have to give to get.

I want to reiterate that I am not advocating that the Devils should move Hischier. They should build their 1-2 center punch around him and Jack Hughes.

After all, the Devils are screwed by keeping Hischier—who is undoubtedly a top-line center—on the second line.

Still, you’re not getting Quin without premium returns. And if you can acquire arguably the best defenseman in the league, you will.

It’s more than uniting the Hughes brothers. Still, the Minnesota Wild are just as interested in employing them all on one team as the Devils.

evidence?

After bringing Quinn back from Vancouver last season, Bill Guerin tried to bring in Luke Hughes via the Devils trade.

This will undoubtedly help Guerin sign the Jacks as a free agent in 2030. Nevertheless, the Devils did not entertain Guerin’s pursuit of Luke, and the Devils remained with two of the three Hughes brothers.

However, Sunny Mehta is no Tom Fitzgerald. How much does he desire to unite Hughes’s triumvirate – if at all?

How much is he willing to trade his captain for Quinn?

This seems unlikely. Still, if the nuclear option of acquiring Quinn is successful for Hischier, there are options who should be available to fill the center void this summer, even if not the same as the Devils captain.

Perhaps Quinn’s presence covers any holes left by Hischier, because although you’re upgrading with Quinn, you’re upgrading at center.

Ryan O’Reilly-Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators were treating Ryan O’Reilly with kid gloves last season.

O’Reilly has no protection from a trade, yet Predators GM Barry Trotz was treating him as if he did. Thus, despite all the trade speculation, O’Reilly remained in Nashville as they tried for the playoffs.

They couldn’t make it, and now Nashville will have a new GM.

Who will be at the helm in Nashville has yet to be determined, but after a roller coaster season, a new GM should be ready to move O’Reilly who is going into the last year of his contract on a roster that needs to get younger.

O’Reilly is cut from the same cloth as Hischier. He may no longer have elite metrics in the neutral and defensive zones, but he’s still on the bubble.

In his age-34 season, O’Reilly scored 25 goals and 74 points in 81 games. That’s fewer goals than Hischier (28) but more points (66) while winning 55.8% of faceoffs.

You’re betting on the 35-year-old O’Reilly’s play as a potential short-term stopgap solution and pending free-agent to fill the void.

Mason McTavish-Anaheim Ducks

You might be shopping upside down here.

It seems things are rocky between the Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish, who often served as a healthy scratch through two rounds in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The ducks were eliminated on Thursday night. The focus now turns to the offseason where they will undoubtedly look to improve on an unexpectedly successful 2025-26.

Still, McTavish serving as a healthy scratch in his most important games over seven seasons shows where he stands in the eyes of Joel Quenneville.

Now the Ducks will have to make a decision about his future, just like they did with Trevor Zegras last summer.

And it worked out very well for the Philadelphia Flyers.

McTavish has completed the first year of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. Heading into his age-24 season, there is still a lot to like about McTavish’s game.

The Ducks forward has shown good scoring touch with occasional high-end flashes — winning battles along the wall, driving through contact, and making quick plays in tight areas — but his skating and defensive reliability remain glaring areas of limited consistency so far.

Perhaps Quinn’s tarpaulin-like ability to cover the ice will make up for the defensive deficiencies here. And the Ducks would certainly be selling the player at a low price.

Shane Wright-Seattle Kraken

For a more defensively reliable option, Shane Wright brings some interesting tools to his game – he’s a strong short-field player with solid wheels and reliable defense.

That said, he has seen very limited puck touches in both of his NHL seasons, making it hard to project him as a true driver given how limited his overall participation has been.

Instead, he will need the support of two key top-six wingers. Perhaps Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer will provide ample support until Wright figures out how to move the game forward on his own – or rather If He figures out how to carry the game on his own.

The Kraken were challenging Wright to make his splash at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. In this situation, the Devils are a good fit for a 22-year-old player heading into the final year of his entry-level contract. And there is a positive side to Wright’s development as the aforementioned playdriver.

Wright was more successful in his first full season in 2024–25, scoring 19 goals and 44 points in 79 games, compared to only 12 goals and 27 points the previous season.

Perhaps in a more offensive system in New Jersey – as opposed to Seattle – he can unlock what made him so popular in his draft year.

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

The Los Angeles Clippers took a big risk ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline when they traded talented and affordable center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for a first-round pick. The risk was in the fact that the selection was top four safe, and with one of the worst records in the league, Indy had a great chance to reach the first four spots.

But he did not do so. They moved up to No. 5 in the NBA Draft Lottery, meaning the Clippers will now have the No. 5 pick next month. Or maybe not. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, LA has plenty of options, and he suggested trading the pick to get a star to pair with Kawhi Leonard next year isn’t out of the question.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some potential trade ideas if the Clippers considered moving the No. 5 pick for short- and long-term gains.

Atlanta Hawks picks 8th and 23rd

The Clippers could certainly use the No. 5 pick in exchange for a proven star. But what if they took an NFL-style approach and tried to get a higher pick in Round 1? Many believe the class of 2026 is one of the best in a very long time, so if there was ever a year to go down and get more picks, this is it.

The Atlanta Hawks have a pair of eight-and-23. Moving back just three spots and gaining another pick in the top 25 to get two shots at landing potential stars isn’t a bad idea for a team with only one obvious star who is always waiting for an injury to happen.

Donovan Mitchell

On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers can punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win over the Detroit Pistons. If they don’t do that, and Donovan Mitchell doesn’t sign a max extension he will be eligible for this summer, there is speculation the Cavs could trade the seven-time All-Star.

While the fifth pick won’t be enough to get Mitchell, it’s a great starting point that will certainly tempt Cleveland. They can use the pick to get a cheap replacement for the guard, and the Clippers will have a very interesting one-two, Leonard-Mitchell, punch next season.

paolo banchero

Another route the Clippers could take would be to dangle the No. 5 pick to the Orlando Magic and see if he can be part of a trade package for forward Paolo Banchero. It feels like the Banchero and Magic relationship has hit its stride after blowing a 3-1 lead over the Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs.

A combo with Leonard would be strong, but Banchero would also give them a piece to build around long-term once Leonard is gone for a long time.

Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy

Over the past two seasons, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the rising young stars in the league. While NO is hesitant to trade him, after another poor season, moving him for the No. 5 pick in June would be a return worth pulling the trigger.

While the 25-year-old has plenty of upside and is signed for three more seasons, the Pelicans should also include center Yves Messi in the deal to give the Clippers a good replacement for Zubac next season.

Oklahoma City Thunder picks 12 and 17, plus Isaiah Joe

One last option for the Clippers, if they trade the No. 5 pick, would be for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s selections at picks 12 and 17 in Round 1. OKC doesn’t have many roster spots, so they need to move picks and players. Moving two picks and backup guard Isaiah Joe will open up space and give them another elite prospect to go with their young core.

The trade will give the Clippers two top 20 prospects and a good, young reserve guard in Joe. Those three players could be part of LA’s new core going forward.

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

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, entering MLB games today with 27 wins and several double-digit wins. This comes as the club’s pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, but that could change at the MLB trade deadline.

MLB insider Robert Murray named starting pitchers Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants), Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins) and Freddy Peralta (New York Mets) among potential Cubs trade targets this summer.

Peralta surfaced in MLB trade rumors last week when Bruce Levin reported that the Cubs had talked to the Mets about a trade for the All-Star pitcher. Although that report has since been retracted, New York has given no indication it is willing to trade Peralta yet.

Chicago still desperately needs starting pitching. While Matthew Boyd (meniscus surgery) may only be sidelined for a month, Cade Horton had season-ending elbow surgery in April and fellow starter Justin Steele now faces an uncertain timeline for his return after recovering from elbow surgery.

Entering the game on May 12, the Cubs’ rotation ranked seventh in ERA (3.77), sixth in WHIP (1.17) and ninth in quality starts (15). However, since April 26, Chicago’s rotation ranks 16th in WHIP (1.26) and 12th in ERA (3.71), depth is becoming a bigger issue.

Evaluating the Cubs’ potential trade targets

Robbie Ray and Freddy Peralta appear to be the most realistic trade targets for Chicago. Both have expiring contracts, reducing the potential acquisition cost for either starter and increasing the likelihood that either San Francisco or New York is willing to make a move.

Ray, who is making $25 million this season, has outperformed Peralta this season. The 6-foot-2 southpaw has recorded a 2.76 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP in 45.2 innings, striking out 26.1 percent of the batters he faced for a .198 batting average.

Peralta, who is owed just $8 million this season, hasn’t been as effective in his first season with New York. While he has a solid 3.12 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 43.1 innings, it comes with a career-low 23.2 percent strikeout rate.

Given the Cubs’ infield arrangement, Peralta may be a better option. The 29-year-old righty ranks 36th among starting pitchers in groundball rate (43.7 percent), while Ray is 74th (27.4 percent).

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

After months of Minnesota Vikings trade rumors, the front office agreed to send out Jonathan Greenard over draft weekend. While 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner is set to replace Greenard’s spot in the starting lineup, where he will play opposite Andrew Van Ginkel, the Vikings’ forward depth is undoubtedly thin.

Prior to this, the Vikings had a strong three-man rotation. Behind Turner and Van Ginkel, they have a trio of former undrafted free agents in Bo Richter, Tyler Batty and Chase Chambliss, all unproven players with less than three years of experience. Thus, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is likely aiming to sign another pass-rusher before the season starts.

Below, we look at five edge rushers the Vikings could still sign, as they recently did with Jaun Jennings.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: Where does Kyler Murray land?

leonard floyd

Floyd recorded 19 pressures last year, which was actually the fewest in his eight-year career. He only had 3.5 sacks, the second fewest of his career. So, why would the Vikings want him? While the 33-year-old Floyd is coming off a rough season, even those numbers would be respectable as a rotational edge rusher, especially if Coach Flores thinks there’s a chance Floyd can return to top form in 2024 after recording 8.5 sacks. Plus, Kevin O’Connell and Floyd overlapped for two seasons on the Rams, so he already knows what the veteran will add to the locker room.

AJ Ebenezer

Still only 27 years old, AJ Epenesa may still have some untapped potential hidden in his bones. He has never recorded more than 6.5 sacks in a season, but he has recorded at least 6 sacks in three of his six playing seasons. This is a respectable track record, considering he has only once started more than two games in a season. The Vikings’ coaching staff may feel like they can get the most out of the 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound defender.

by miller

The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer has reached his prime, yet Von Miller is still extremely productive. Last season, he managed to record nine sacks despite starting only three games. Plus, he’s already won the Super Bowl once with Coach O’Connell; Who’s to say they don’t want to pair up and aim for another Lombardi Trophy?

Jadeveon Clowney

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft is somehow still only 33 years old, and he’s become a bit of a journeyman, but still a productive guy. Last year, he recorded 8.5 sacks as a member of the Cowboys, despite only making six starts and appearing in 13 games. Clowney also has a very high floor and a high ceiling, having recorded over 20 pressures in each of the last three seasons.

joey bossa

Last year, Dallas Turner and Jonathan Greenard tied for the Vikings lead with 24 pressures. This is the same pressure that Joey Bosa generated. Bosa is a five-time Pro Bowler who won’t turn 31 until July. Although he hasn’t had a double-digit sack season since 2021, the Vikings don’t need him to be a superstar; They just need someone who can generate pressure on demand, and Bosa certainly fits the bill.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings rookie may have revealed hint about All-Pro status

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

Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, many argued that the Minnesota Vikings needed to select a wide receiver who could compete for the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Last year’s third receiver, Jalen Naylor, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

The Vikings drafted receiver Tai Felton in the third round last year, but as a rookie he recorded only three receptions for 25 yards. This is not enough to suggest he will replace Neller in 2026. While the coaching staff may have stronger internal belief in Felton than others, after not selecting any receivers with their nine selections, Minnesota’s need has only increased.

Still, the Vikings’ deregulation of the position, along with opening up more than $10 million in cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, has led to speculation that Minnesota could add a veteran receiver in the next few weeks. Here are some players they could target.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

odell beckham jr

He has already won a Super Bowl playing in the offense that Kevin O’Connell was a part of with the Rams. While OBJ’s best days are far behind him, there has been renewed interest in him in continuing his NFL career since he lined up for a flag football game this offseason. Still just 32 years old, perhaps Beckham will find his spark reuniting with KOC while catching passes from Kyler Murray, and we can guarantee he’ll never have to face a double-team with Justin Jefferson again.

deandre hopkins

Hopkins has already spent three seasons with the Cardinals catching passes from Murray. He has already expressed interest in reuniting with K1 on Vikings. Now that the draft is over, the Vikings can return to the 3x All-Pro knowing his price will be low, given that no one else is knocking on his door. Still, Hopkins turns 34 in June, and hasn’t thrown for 600 yards since 2024. How much does Hopkins have left in the tank?

brandon ayuk

Still under contract in San Francisco, the 49ers appear unwilling to receive anything valuable in return for the former second-team All-Pro. Teams had long expected the 49ers to release the receiver after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, but the Vikings may have to offer a 2027 Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the 28-year-old receiver.

john jennings

Somehow still a free agent after recording a respectable 643-yard, 9 TD season, Jennings will be in high demand on the open market. After all, it took him just one year to fall 25 yards short of a 1,000-yard season. After spending five seasons playing for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Jennings would also be a great fit for Minnesota’s offense, especially since he is capable of playing all three receiver spots, which is a must for anyone signing to back up Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

RELATED: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the Eagles and the 2027 draft class

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

After months of intense debate and evaluation of players, the Arizona Cardinals are finally ready to use the third overall selection on who they hope can become a franchise cornerstone. Of course, Cardinals general manager Monty Ossenfort could find a trade offer too good to refuse, allowing Arizona to add to their draft capital while still getting a prospect they like a lot.

Still, the Cardinals themselves may not yet know what they’ll be doing on draft day. Like most other teams, the Cardinals’ plans may depend on how the draft board goes past them, with the Jets selecting at No. 2, and rumor that they are targeting a pass-rusher.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Cardinals’ GM “wants” Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. If he is no longer available, the Cardinals front office will “try hard” to trade up in the first round.

Pauline wrote, “The Cardinals, especially general manager Monty Ossenfort, want David Bailey.” “If he’s not available, Arizona will work hard to move the selection up. They could potentially move the selection up before the draft starts. If Bailey is unavailable and they can’t move up the selection, I’m told it’s unlikely they select Arvel Reese, as they view him as a hybrid defender versus a pure edge rusher, and the Cardinals have bombed out on hybrid selections in the past.”

The Cardinals have attempted to draft guys who have no natural home in the NFL, such as eight-year-old Isaiah Simmons in 2020 and 16-year-old Zavon Collins in 2021. Neither one has lived up to their potential, and the fear is that Reese won’t either.

However, Ossenfort wasn’t even with the Cardinals in 2020 or 2021, meaning he had nothing to do with the Cardinals’ previous draft misses. One would think this shouldn’t impact how the Cardinals pursue draft prospects, but unless Pauline’s report is a smokescreen, Arizona doesn’t appear to be too impressed with Reese, leaving us to wonder how far Ohio State could fall on hybrid draft day.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals target elite position on 3+ trade in late first round

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

Juventus are moving to secure the future of midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with Roberto De Zerbi reportedly tipping him as a target Tottenham Hotspur.

tutomercatoweb Report Locatelli will be the next to sign a new contract with Juventus. CEO Damien Comolli himself has announced that the deal will be signed soon.

“In the next few days we may get some news about a new contract, but not about Vlahovic,” He said.

“I’ve always said we’ll talk about Dusan at the end of the season, and that’s what we’ll talk about. There have been discussions, but don’t expect anything before the end of the season.”

contract till 2030

TMW now reports that Manuel Locatelli will sign a two-year contract extension until 2030. The deal has been agreed with Juventus.

His current contract runs until 2028, but the new agreement will extend it. This will also include the option to extend it till 2031. The Italian club have moved quickly to secure the 28-year-old.

He is a key player under Luciano Spalletti, who has made him the leader of the team. He will greatly appreciate the effort taken to secure his future. The move may have come as a result of increased interest from Tottenham.

De Zerbi wants him at Tottenham

Sport Witness covered a report earlier in the month That said, Roberto De Zerbi has named Manuel Locatelli as a key target for the leadership of Tottenham.

It was reported that De Zerbi had spoken to the Tottenham ownership about transfer targets prior to his arrival. He reportedly put forward Locatelli’s name as someone who could help improve the team in the future.

He has a close relationship with the midfielder, having worked with him at Sassuolo between 2019 and 2021. His performances under De Zerbi earned him a transfer to Juventus in 2023. Now he wants a reunion in London if Tottenham avoid relegation.

But it appears that Juventus have moved to close down this possibility. Locatelli will be in the final two years of his deal this summer. Instead, he will now be held hostage with four years remaining, effectively closing the door on his departure.

Tottenham Hotspur PSV Eindhoven have joined the race to sign star Ismail Saibari in the summer.

His performances have attracted the interest of many clubs and Tottenham have now joined the list.

The attacking midfielder has been a standout player for the Dutch club and has been instrumental in helping them win the title this season. He has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 35 matches so far.

His Eredivisie statistics this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 25
• Start: 25
• Target: 14
• Assist: 8
• Expected target: 11.92
• Expected Support: 6.58
• Key passes per game: 2.1
• Big chances created: 10
• Big chances missed: 20
• Goal conversion: 16%

Former Netherlands defender on Thursday Khaled Boulahrouz encouraged Asked him to join a club like Spurs.

Tottenham transfer plan suits De Zerbi

25 years old growing up and Africa Foot Now covering the latest on Tottenham Hotspur and PSV Eindhoven’s stance.

The Premier League team has endured a difficult season and now sits one point above the relegation zone. New Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi will have his first game in charge against Sunderland on Sunday.

His immediate task is to help the north London club remain in the top flight. Additionally, Spurs have started work on reshaping the Italian team in the next window.

Tottenham entered the race for Ismail Saibari, ‘inspired by internal recommendations that align with Roberto De Zerbi’s playing philosophy.’

Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on the player while Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also in the picture.

Tottenham will have to battle it out with a number of clubs to secure the player’s services, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next season.

The Spain-born Morocco international is expected to receive offers in the summer and the Dutch club would be open to a sale.

PSV Eindhoven had initially set a price tag of €40m and have now increased it to €50m following his impressive performances. As of now, it is not clear whether any of his suitors is ready to meet his demand or not.

Contract, price and agent information

Ismail Saibari’s contract at PSV Eindhoven will expire in 2029 transfer market He is worth €32 million.

HCM Sports Management, headed by agent Hasan Cetinkaya, is representing the star. His client list includes players like Arsenal striker Victor Gyöckeres, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, AS Monaco’s Magnus Akliouche and many others.

The North Carolina Tar Heels coaching search has resulted in contract extensions for at least two top targets, with Alabama’s Nate Oats and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd agreeing to new deals. Now the program’s focus has reportedly shifted to four other current head coaches.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Michigan Wolverines coach Dusty Mays, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelbarger and UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley are the top targets in North Carolina’s coaching search at the moment.

RELATED: Potential cost of UNC Tar Heels coaching search revealed

Specifically, according to Thamel, if Michigan loses in the Final Four, the Tar Heels plan to play hard for May. With the Wolverines advancing to the men’s national championship game to face UConn, both Hurley and May are being viewed as unlikely recruits for North Carolina.

What’s likely to happen is that Hurley and Mays will use the Tar Heels’ coaching search as leverage to land a deal. After receiving interest from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, Hurley used that to take advantage of an extension from UConn. May, who was hired by Michigan in 2024, will do the same here.

The real question may be whether Otzelberger uses the interest as leverage. However, given that North Carolina can provide better resources to build a top program, it stands to reason that Otzelberger would see it as an upgrade from his current program at Iowa State.

RELATED: NBA coach addresses Tar Heels’ interest in HC gig

Specifically, according to Thamel, Donovan does not want to leave his position in the NBA until Chicago’s season ends. This would mean that North Carolina, if he were hired, would not be able to make an official announcement until the Bulls season ends on Sunday, April 12. Until then, the college basketball transfer portal will be exhausted with limited options available for North Carolina.

Donovan appears to be the Tar Heels’ preferred option of the two, and there have been reports that the opportunity to coach in Chapel Hill would be appealing to Donovan. However, if the school decides it can’t wait, Otzelberger could be the next Tar Heels men’s basketball coach.

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 Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With 10 games left in the regular season, the rebuilding squad is ranked No. 3 in the draft lottery standings. If the season ended today, the Nets would have a 52.1 percent chance of being picked in the top four and could fall no lower than seventh.

Many of the draft’s top prospects will square off on Wednesday and Thursday during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. With that, here are the top four players Nets fans should keep an eye on.

4. Keaton Wagler – PG/SG, Illinois

Wagler has been the biggest surprise of this year’s draft cycle. A three-star recruit and the No. 261 player in the Class of 2025, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, he wasn’t on the radar of most draft analysts this summer. Fast forward six months, and he’s made his way into the top-10 of mock drafts.

Wagler’s excellent shooting, ball-handling and high-level playmaking cannot be denied. While the freshman is a limited athlete, his speed, finesse and high-IQ have allowed him to flourish as a dominant creator. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 40.8 percent on 10.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions. He has been one of the most efficient facilitators in the class, averaging 4.4 assists per game with a 2.48 assist/to ratio.

Despite concerns about his limited versatility and ground athleticism, Wagler is able to get to the rim using ball screens, shot fakes and change-of-pace moves. His rim frequency and efficiency have been in line with other top guard prospects, as he has attempted 4.1 close-tos per 36 minutes and converted at a 58.5 percent clip.

The Nets may be hesitant in taking another lead ball-handler with a limited athletic profile after selecting Igor Demin eighth overall last June. However, if they fall at the low end of their lottery range, Wagler should be included in the conversation.

Wagler’s limited athleticism has led to some struggles against more athletic, physical safeties. After Illinois’ impressive first and second round wins over Penn and VCU, it will face a tough test against Houston’s top-ranked defense on Thursday at 10:05 pm EST.

3. Darius Acuff Jr. – PG, Arkansas

Acuff may be the biggest player in this year’s class since the beginning of tournament play. The freshman led Arkansas to the SEC Championship and became the first player to lead the conference in points and assists per game since Pete Maravich in 1969–70. He is averaging 30.2 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent in three SEC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament games.

It’s no exaggeration to call Acuff the most talented offensive player in this year’s class. He’s an elite shooter, converting at a 44.6 percent clip on 9.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions with a mix of catch-and-shoot and pull-up looks. The 6-foot-3 guard is also a talented court-mapper and decision-maker, averaging 6.5 assists and committing only 2.2 turnovers per game (3.01 est/to).

But as good as Acuff’s offense has been, its defensive shortcomings are hard to ignore. He struggles to defend at the point of attack or navigate off-ball actions. Many have questioned whether Acuff’s size would fit at the combine at 6 feet 3 inches, and the NBA has moved away from undersized guards who need to hide on defense. The front office will have to decide whether Acuff’s ridiculous shooting season is an outlier or his bottom line, and whether it outweighs his shortcomings on the other end.

Brooklyn has strayed away from drafting smaller guards during Shawn Marks’ tenure. The Nets GM pointed to positional size as the main selling point of the team’s 2025 class. Still, Acuff’s aggressive production and ability to thrive on the biggest stage is attractive. After scoring 36 points on 11 of 22 shooting during a second-round win over High Point, Acuff and Arkansas will face No. 1-seed Arizona on Thursday at 9:45 p.m. EST.

2. Kingston Flemings – PG, Houston

Flemings headlined the second tier of guard prospects behind Kansas star Darrin Peterson for most of the season. The Houston star’s 6-foot-4 frame, elite athleticism and two-way versatility will give him a strong claim for the No. 5 spot on the draft board.

Flemings is the most explosive guard in this year’s class. He creates advantages with ease and consistently takes advantage of his paint touch. The freshman has been an adequate finisher (57.3 percent on close twos) while posting elite numbers as a mid-range shooter (44.4 percent on far twos) and playmaker (5.2 assists per game, 2.85 ast/to ratio). Considering his defensive value, NBA front offices should jump on the idea of ​​bringing him into their building.

Fleming’s low three-point volume will give some scouts pause. He has attempted just 5.6 threes per 100 possessions. However, he has converted at a 38.8 percent clip. His efficiency from the mid-range and free-throw line (84.3 percent) may ease any concerns.

Houston defeated Idaho and Texas A&M in the first two rounds of the tournament. Fleming faces a much tougher challenge Thursday against Wagler and third-seeded Illinois.

1. Cam Boozer – PF/C, Duke

According to many metrics, Boozer has been the best player in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-9 standout has made his historic mark from high school and the AAU circuit to Duke. He averaged 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .563/.398/.787 shooting splits while leading the Blue Devils to a 34–2 record.

Boozer has posted a +19.45 box plus/minus, the second-highest of any college player in the last 16 years, trailing only former Duke star Zion Williamson (+20.1, 2018-2019).

The star freshman is widely considered a safe bet in the top three of the draft. Boozer has led Duke’s offense with his steady ball-handling, passing and shooting. He consistently makes the right reads with the ball in his hands while dominating as an interior scorer and showing promise as an outside shooter. Although he has been an elite defensive rebounder, his ground athleticism and above average lateral speed have raised questions about his NBA outlook.

Boozer was shaky during Duke’s narrow first-round win over Siena. However, he bounced back with a stellar performance in the second half during a decisive second-round win over TCU. They face a tough test against St. John’s and reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year Zubie Ejiofor on Friday at 10 PM EST.

The New England Patriots were active on the first day of 2026 NFL free agency. New England agreed to a deal with former Baltimore Ravens EDGE rusher Dre’Mont Jones in the first moments of free agency, followed by a deal with fullback Reggie Gilliam just hours later. Then, before midnight struck, the Patriots agreed to a three-year deal with left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.

New England is entering the second day of free agency with still a number of needs. Below, we break down the five best players the Patriots are targeting after the first wave of free agency!

Romeo Dobbs, wide receiver

Romeo Dobbs is the best wide receiver available in free agency after day one. Dobbs would rank as New England’s current top wide receiver; However, it would be better if he finished as the WR2 in the offense. The former Green Bay Packer will suit up for the Patriots, and will likely be worth around $12 to $15 million on a multi-year deal.

Jaylin Hawkins, Security

Jaylin Hawkins improved with the Patriots during the 2025-26 NFL season, and he should be one of the top priorities remaining. Hawkins will fill a need at safety next to Craig Woodson, providing continuity for New England moving forward. The 28-year-old safety is projected to make approximately $6 to $8 million over two to three years.

Jauan Jennings, wide receiver

Jauan Jennings is a very interesting option for the Patriots. Jennings, who served as one of the top wide receivers for the San Francisco 49ers, can play inside and outside the slot. The 28-year-old wide receiver will start as the top target in New England. Jennings should get a similar deal to Dobbs, which could be around $12 to $15 million.

Leo Chenal, linebacker

Leo Chennel is a versatile linebacker who will fit really well in Mike Vrabel’s defense. Channell can play on the edge and inside, as well as rush the passer, defend the run and drop into coverage. The 25-year-old linebacker will be an excellent player that Vrabel likes on defense. Chenal should earn around $8 to $10 million on a multi-year deal.

Chig Okonkwo, tight end

Chig Okonkwo is the best tight end left on the board and that ties in with Vrabel. Okonkwo has great athleticism at the position of need for the Patriots, producing yards after the catch as a vertical threat in the passing game. The 26-year-old tight end is not a great blocker, but New England would sign him for his receiving ability. Okonkwo should receive $10 to $14 million on a multi-year deal.

Read more: New England Patriots should make AJ Brown trade a top priority

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

The fallout from UFC 326 has rekindled one of the top rivalries in combat sports, with Conor McGregor already paving the way for a third fight against Nate Diaz. Despite being left off the “UFC Freedom 250” White House card, “The Notorious” remained the center of conversation this weekend, specifically targeting the BMF belt held by Charles Oliveira.

McGregor was vocal in his criticism of Oliveira’s wrestling-heavy victory over Max Holloway. He believes the BMF title should return to its roots in the welterweight division.

“The BMF title was founded by Nate Diaz at 170 pounds. The creator of the belt,” McGregor said during a recent appearance on Smash Cast. “So, there’s a fight for the belt at 170 pounds, and I’m ready for it. I’ll go and take it, and I’ll bring it back, and Nate and I can complete the trilogy for the belt.” McGregor argued that losing weight to 155 pounds for a title that celebrates toughness was unnecessary.

Charles Oliveira, who earned a 50–45 clean sweep on the scorecards against Holloway to become the fourth BMF champion, was sharply criticized by both McGregor and Diaz. During the post-fight press conference at UFC 326, he dismissed McGregor’s social media posts calling the main event “shockingly bad”.

Conor McGregor Record: 22-6 (19 knockouts, 1 submission)

Oliveira made it clear that although his primary goal is to reclaim the undisputed Lightweight Championship, he is willing to accept a “money fight” against the Irishman at any weight.

“You want to put him at 170, you want to put him there, I don’t care, you want to put him at middleweight, we do it, it doesn’t matter,” Oliveira said. “I’ll tell you what – if you want it, make it a Grand Prix. Two fights, same day, and let’s see what happens.” Oliveira’s dismissive tone underlined his current position of power in the division, although he acknowledged that a fight with McGregor would be motivated solely by financial gain.

While McGregor’s ambitious plans for the BMF title and the Diaz Trilogy have his fans excited, the reality of his return remains complicated. UFC CEO Dana White said over the weekend that a deal is “not even close” to McGregor’s return despite the fighter’s claims. However, McGregor revealed on Smash Cast that his manager, Audie Attar, was in Las Vegas on Monday for a one-on-one meeting with UFC officials.

“I’m extremely good at tackling, I’m an honest guy,” McGregor said. “I hope a respectable offer comes.”

The Green Bay Packers went into NFL free agency knowing they would lose Malik Willis, Rasheed Walker, Romeo Dobbs and Quaye Walker. For general manager Brian Gutekunst, the balancing act will come with trying to both improve the roster, while also ensuring the team remains in good position to receive a compensatory selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

With free agency underway, we’re examining some potential targets Green Bay could pursue.

Josh Jobe, cornerback

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged that cornerback is an area where the team needs to improve. However, without a first-round pick, any rookie brought in will be a developmental piece who won’t see the field a ton in 2026. Immediate help is available in NFL free agency, although clubs have limited financial flexibility to address the situation.

Before winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, Josh Jobe spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including one season under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, whom he spent mostly learning from the sidelines. He played 65 percent of Philadelphia’s defensive snaps in 2024, allowing a 76.6 passer rating and 7.2 yards per target in coverage, and then played 78 percent of the Seahawks’ defensive snaps last season, allowing a 77.0 passer rating and 5.7 yards per target. He’s a bit of a gamble, as his success has come with great talent around him, but he offers qualities Green Bay likes, and he could challenge for a starting spot next season in a reunion with Gannon.

Roy Lopez, nose tackle

As impressive as Micah Parsons was for Green Bay’s defense last season, the absence of Kenny Clark was felt. The team needs more help in the interior, especially with Jonathan Gannon taking over as the defensive play-caller. Luckily for Brian Gutekunst and Gannon, there are some options in NFL free agency. Within the club’s price range, Roy Lopez stands out.

According to Pro Football Focus, he spent last season with the Detroit Lions, setting career highs in quarterback hits (five) and sacks (two), while finishing 15th among interior defensive linemen in run defense grade (68.9). Before that, Lopez spent two seasons guarding Gannon in Arizona, playing 45 percent of the defensive snaps. He’s a strong nose tackle at 6-foot-2 and 312 pounds, and he’ll help restore what Green Bay lost on the interior when Clark was traded.

Nakobe Dean, off-ball linebacker

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last week that Green Bay has reached out to agents who have linebacker clients hitting the open market during the NFL Combine, gauging the market for potential additions. Nakobe Dean could be an option, especially since Jonathan Gannon was the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia when the team selected him in the 2022 NFL Draft. Dean has a small frame and stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, but is considered one of the best blitzing linebackers in the NFL. If Green Bay wants to find different ways to generate pressure for Micah Parsons, who suffered an ACL injury in year one — especially if Rashaan Gary is released — Dean could be a target at off-ball linebacker.

Calais Campbell, defensive lineman

One topic of our list of potential Packers free agent targets is the relationship between said player and defensive play-caller Jonathan Gannon. The same applies to Calais Campbell, who recorded 33 pressures, 16 quarterback hits and 6.5 sacks at Arizona last season. The 6-foot-8 and 315-pound Campbell is often used in a rotational role — he logged 524 snaps last season — as he now enters his age-40 season. That said, he can be a very good situational pass rusher, and he’s still making an impact on special teams.

Asante Samuel Jr., cornerback

Before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of the 2025 season, Asante Samuel Jr. met with the Packers. After playing six games (three starts) with Pittsburgh, he did not sign with the team. There are still medical risks, but Green Bay’s height-weight-speed limits on cornerbacks already limit their options. If Gutekunst doesn’t want to spend much at the position, perhaps a one-year deal with Samuel could be a good risk-reward move for both sides.

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 Montreal Canadiens have until 3 p.m. Friday afternoon to make a deal before the NHL trade deadline hits.

It is important to note that most rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. It is very easy to add canadiens to the bait mixture.

That being said, not every rumor is baseless.

Canadians are very active in the trading market and inquire about the potential trading costs of different players. That means there may be fire beneath the smoke, while also understanding that Kent Hughes is one of the busiest general managers in the league when it comes to completing due diligence.

Potential Montreal Canadiens trade deadline targets

The Canadiens have been linked to several forwards, including St. Louis Blues center robert thomas. Although the acquisition cost is expected to be very high, there is no doubt that Thomas will significantly improve Montreal’s top six. Click here To see the latest analysis regarding the Robert Thomas rumor.

calgary flames forward nazam qadri This is a name that has been circulating with new interest among Canadians throughout the years recently. Simply put, if the price is right, Canadians will want to acquire a premier center. Thomas would be the ideal target, but if it’s not a viable trade, Montreal will turn to players like qadri.

Keeping with the center theme, Montreal has also been linked to the New York Rangers Center Vincent Trocheck. At 32, he doesn’t necessarily fit into the age bracket of most lineups, but he has done a great job of mitigating the normal statistical decline that often occurs when a player is on the wrong side of 30. Click here Check out our latest article analyzing Trocheck’s potential impact on the Canadiens’ lineup.

Given that the Habs have struggled in the goaltending department, they have been linked to experienced netminders sergey bobrovsky And Jordan Binnington. At a glance, it would make sense to add a Stanley Cup-winning goalie to the mix, but the fact is that both goaltenders linked to the Habs have worse numbers than Samuel Montembeault, the goalie they will replace. All things considered, a trade involving Bobrovsky or Binnington It won’t mean anything to Canadians.

Recent Montreal Canadiens Trade Rumors

guard Arbor Zekaj was engulfed in flamesAn interesting development, as we know Montreal and Calgary are common trade partners, even more so when we remember the teams have discussed a potential Kadri trade.

related to Patrik LaineKings reportedly said Circled back to the 27-year-old forwardHowever, it remains to be seen whether Canadians will receive a legitimate offer. Laine’s contract expires this summer, and there’s no reason to force a trade, unless Hughes wants to free up salary cap space for another potential deal.

Elliotte Friedman: Names to keep an eye on: Oliver Bjorkstrand (TB), Michael Carcone (Utah), Paul Cotter (New Jersey), Stephen Holliday (Ottawa), Patrik Laine (Montreal), Maxim Shabanov (NYI), Luke Schenn (WPG) – Sportsnet (3/5)

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026

salary cap situation

The Canadiens have approximately $1.5 million in available salary cap funds, although it is important to note that players transferred at the NHL trade deadline do not carry their entire cap hit to the new team.

Salaries are based on days, and given that there will be approximately 22% of days left on the schedule, the cap hit will be only 22% of their original value.

For example, if the Canadiens are able to find a guy for the line, that team will be on the hook for about a fifth of his $8.7 million contract, or about $1.9 million.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

The Canadiens are far from a perfect team, but they are well ahead of schedule when it comes to their long-term rebuilding goals.

With that in mind, there’s no rush to get a significant trade deadline deal done, as they’re not quite ready to compete for the Stanley Cup in the first place.

There is also the matter of a seller’s market, with bottom-six players like Nicolas Roy being selected in the first round. The price tags are far from par for the course leading up to the final day of trades in the league.

Things can change in a hurry, but all signs point to this being another quiet deadline for Kent Hughes and company.

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

It is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have received less-than-stellar netminding this season, a situation that has led some to suggest the team should acquire a goaltender before the NHL trade deadline.

This is a logical approach, as the Habs could improve the team by trading for a goaltender who can perform better than Samuel Montembeault.

Frank Serravalli: Among teams potentially interested in adding a netminder, I would include Ottawa, Montreal, Vegas Golden Knights – NHL Now (3/4).

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumourReport) 5 March 2026

However, the two names being mentioned as potential upgrades for the Canadiens, Jordan Binnington (32) and Sergei Bobrovsky (37), are far from their statistical prime.

In fact, the 29-year-old Montembeault is much younger than the troubled netminders. This doesn’t mean the Canadiens can’t acquire a goaltender over the age of 29, but if they do, they’ll have to make sure the player in question can potentially deliver better results than Montembeault.

According to Pierre LeBrun:

– If the Habs do trade for a goalie, it won’t be for a rental. He says Jordan Binnington, who is signed for next season, would make sense.

– The Habs are also monitoring the status of Nazem Kadri and perhaps Vincent Trocheck as well. https://t.co/NZDEPaqqIq

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

Montreal Canadiens goaltending trade targets

Before we look at the numbers, it should be noted that Binnington and Bobrowski have won Stanley Cups in the past, and there is something to be said for providing valuable experience to the youngest team in the league.

However, the goaltender in question is no longer in Stanley Cup shape, as evidenced by his numbers, which are downright terrible.

To get a better idea, we’ll take a look at four different metrics at 5v5: save percentage (SV%), goals saved above average per 60 (GSAA/60), high-danger save percentage (HDSV%), and high-danger goals saved above average per 60 (HDGSAA/60).

We filtered results for players with at least 1000 minutes played at 5v5 this season, giving us a total of 49 goaltenders.

As you can see in the table above, Montbault is near the bottom of the league in all four metrics.

And yet, he’s still managed to produce better numbers than both Binnington and Bobrowski. They are ranked last or close to last in most categories, a good reminder that the grass is not always greener.

You could argue that this isn’t a fair comparison, as the Montreal Canadiens are a better team than the Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues, but that would be to ignore the fact that the Canadiens are below both teams in high-danger shot share (46.3%).

In other words, the Canadiens squandered high-danger chances, making life much harder on their netminders. There are a dozen or more awkward rushes every night, not to mention a few instances of confused defensive coverages.

Simply put, the idea of ​​acquiring Jordan Binnington or Sergei Bobrovsky makes little to no sense for the Montreal Canadiens, as they would be unlikely to surpass Montembeault, not to mention Jacob Dobbs.

And then there’s the matter of freeing up cap space for netminders with worse numbers than the second-best Habs goalie.

All things considered, making this type of deal would be a mistake in the face of the smart, thorough work Kent Hughes and Co. have done since taking the reins in Montreal.

All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

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

Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is aiming to return on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks after being upgraded on the team’s injury report for the first time all season.

He is officially listed as questionable to play against the Mavs.

Tatum, who has been working extremely hard to make his comeback from an Achilles injury suffered in last year’s playoffs against the New York Knicks, will now give the Celtics a huge boost a month before the end of the 2025-26 regular season.

Many were wondering when this moment would come for the 28-year-old superstar and now the answer has been found.

Friday will mark 298 days since Tatum suffered an Achilles injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, a moment that changed the trajectory of the Celtics franchise as we knew it. However, Tatum immediately dedicated himself to coming back stronger than ever, and his goal was always to return during the 2025–26 season.

After recently being cleared for full contact in 5-on-5 scrimmages and practice, it was only a matter of time before Tatum got the green light. When he steps onto the court for the first time this season on Friday at TD Garden, Tatum will face a very strict minutes restriction from head coach Joe Mazzulla and the medical staff.

Tatum recently took to social media after passing the 40-week mark in his recovery process, leading many to wonder if his season debut was imminent.

“40 weeks,” Tatum wrote. “I have really grown to appreciate this journey and have found time to pat myself on the back for doing well every day!”

Without Tatum this season, many expected the Celtics to take a step back, but All-Star wing Jaylen Brown has put this franchise in a position to compete for a championship, especially with his partner in crime back.

Brown has cemented himself in the MVP discussion this year, and he has led the Celtics to a 41-21 record ahead of Friday’s showdown with Dallas. Boston currently holds sole possession of the 2-seed in the Eastern Conference and is five games behind the Detroit Pistons for the top spot in the standings.

While he’s still technically listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavs, all signs point towards the Celtics making it official and Tatum’s season debut to what will be a thrilled and sold-out crowd in Boston.

Tatum is back for the Celtics.

The New England Patriots are looking for an elite wide receiver during the 2026 NFL offseason. On Wednesday before NFL free agency, the Patriots released Stefon Diggs due to his contract, freeing up the wide receiver room. However, according to Jordan Schultz’s report, New England is set to spend big at wide receiver this offseason.

Below, we consider the five best wide receiver targets for the Patriots after releasing Diggs!

AJ Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown is the top option for the Patriots; However, the asking price is very high. A potential trade for Brown would depend on whether New England is willing to trade a first-round pick and more. The superstar wide receiver would be a big addition, but compensation will be the major determining factor.

Alec Pierce, free agent

Alec Pierce is the top wide receiver available in the NFL free agency class this offseason. Pierce is estimated to make approximately $30 million per season on his next contract and that includes New England. 26-year-old wide receiver Drake will thrive with Meyer’s deep ball abilities, and earn the money he deserves.

Mike Evans, free agent

Mike Evans may not be in his prime anymore, but would be a great addition for the Patriots. If Evans stays healthy, he’s a 1,000-yard wide receiver and has the potential to do even more with Mays. The star wide receiver likely won’t earn a long-term contract, but it would greatly improve the Patriots’ wide receiver room in the short-term future.

Wandell Robinson, free agent

Wan’Dale Robinson would be an excellent pickup for the Patriots. The organization is in need of an upgrade at slot wide receiver, and Robinson is the top option in free agency. The 25-year-old wide receiver is a 1,000-yard wide receiver, and would be a great chain mover with Mays at quarterback.

Romeo Dobbs, free agent

Romeo Dobbs is another free agent wide receiver who will improve New England’s wide receiver room. Dobbs has spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, where the team does not prioritize a wide receiver. The 25-year-old will have a big role in New England, and if he stays healthy, he could be Mays’ top target.

Read More: 5 Best Stefon Diggs Landing Spots After New England Patriots Release

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

The Washington Commanders are going to be flush with cash this offseason, with a new report claiming they are willing to spend every bit of it and go after some top names on the open market.

According to ESPN’s John Keim, “Although the Commanders will not spend recklessly, if there is a player they want who makes the most money on the market and is considered a good fit, they will spend to get him this offseason”.

The Commanders are one of the five teams with the most cap space this offseason. However, they also have a lot of roster spots to fill, so they can’t throw all their cash at the top talent on the market. But they could bring in several high-impact veterans from next week.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at six big-name or impactful players the Washington Commanders could pursue in NFL free agency.

Alonte Taylor, CB

That area is around the corner, with Keim claiming the organization will look to “aggressively” look at upgrades in the coming weeks. An intriguing option is former New Orleans Saints second-rounder Alonte Taylor. The 27-year-old was a starter last season and showed his versatility covering both the outside and slot receivers. He should come at a reasonable rate and is at his peak. In Dan Quinn’s system, he has Pro Bowler potential.

Stefon Diggs, WR

Are Stefon Diggs’s best days behind him? Yes, but in Washington, a player viewed as a leader for the AFC champion New England Patriots doesn’t need to be a WR1. In his first season after tearing his ACL, he posted over 1,000 receiving yards. A case can be made that he will get even better in the next year of recovery from injury. That means the Commanders can get him at a reasonable rate – after being cut by the Pats this week – and get a ton of bang for the buck.

Chig Okonkwo, TE

While it won’t be the primary focus of the offseason, the Commanders will be aware of the tight market this offseason, and according to Keim, Tennessee Titans veteran Chig Okonkwo is a possibility.

The fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has shown solid promise in his first four seasons in the NFL. While his stats don’t jump off the page, with bigger roles and star receivers garnering more attention, his speed and ability to make plays after the catch could make him a big contributor to the Commander’s offense in 2026.

Trey Hendrickson, DE

Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is the biggest fish on the NFL free agent market this month. Additionally, EDGE is another post that commanders are reportedly willing to spend big on improving. When healthy, there have been few better pass rushers than Hendrickson in the NFL since 2020.

There is certainly risk in giving a big deal to a player with two 17.5 sack seasons on his resume at age 31 and after playing in only seven games last season. However, he immediately turns one of the worst defenses in the league last year into something much better.

Kenneth Walker, RB

Another area the Commanders are expected to target this offseason is the running back spot. There’s a good chance that Austin Ekeler is waived, leaving Zachary Croskey-Merritt as the only RB on the roster. Washington could certainly look to add some more in the draft. However, the other option would be Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker.

He has been an above-average player in the backfield since entering the league in 2022 and played a key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ championship run in 2025. He is a very reliable runner but is also a threat in the pass game. Running backs are getting very few paydays right now, they could add a reasonable number compared to the going rate for top NFL free agents.

Jaylen Phillips, EDGE

If the cost of signing Hendrickson is too high for the Washington Commanders, a backup option would be six-year veteran Jaylen Phillips. He is a talented player who can be both an edge setter and pocket disrupter from the linebacker spot. He will be a top target this offseason, and the only thing that could hurt Washington’s chances is if a bidding war is created by teams that miss out on Hendrickson.

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

The New England Patriots need to improve their roster despite making the Super Bowl. The Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, exposing the team’s weaknesses. Now, it’s clear that New England needs a dominant wide receiver, EDGE rusher, and offensive lineman.

Below, we break down five trade targets for the Patriots during the 2026 NFL offseason!

AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

The Patriots are targeting Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown; However, it must be at the right price. The asking price for Brown is high, and the Patriots have some wiggle room. Does New England pounce on the opportunity to acquire a top wide receiver or wait for a trade that doesn’t require as much draft capital?

max crosby, edge, las vegas raiders

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Max Crosby has been in trade rumors even before the 2025-26 NFL season ends. Crosby needs a change of scenery and the Patriots need an EDGE rusher to sack the quarterback. The asking price for Crosby is high, but getting an elite pass rusher will be worth it.

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens might be the best trade target for the Patriots. Dallas franchise tags Pickens; However, if both sides do not reach a contract extension, it could open the door to a trade. If it is successful, New England should have the opportunity to acquire a true number one wide receiver.

Jonathan Greenard, LB, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are listening to trade offers on Jonathan Greenard, and he would be an excellent fit in New England. Last season, Greenard only had three sacks in 12 games, but he had at least 12 sacks the previous two years. The Vikings linebacker will upgrade the Patriots’ defense next season.

DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore may not be on the same level as Brown and Pickens, but he will be a big boost for New England. Given the number one target for Patriots quarterback Drake Mays, Moore won’t cost as much as top-tier wide receivers. Moore is a 1,000-yard wide receiver and will help lead New England’s offense.

READ MORE: New England Patriots interested in Cincinnati’s star free agent

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

The Boston Bruins are looking for some upgrades ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Boston holds the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with 71 points. However, the Bruins have several needs, such as a top-4 right-shot defenseman and options to improve their blue line and offensive depth.

Below, we’ll break down the five best trade targets for Boston ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline!

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues

Robert Thomas would give Boston an incredible update at the center position. With prospects like Mathieu Poitras and Dean Letourneau, the St. Louis Blues will be able to get the breakthrough they are looking for with Thomas. That would be a steep price, but the Blues center would look good in Bruins colors.

Connor Garland, Vancouver Canucks

Connor Garland will give Boston more offensive depth moving forward. The Vancouver Canucks are the worst team in the NHL and are set to trade most of their roster. Attack isn’t as big a need as defence, but the Canucks forward would be a great addition moving forward.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

Colton Parayko is an ideal target for the Bruins before Friday’s deadline. Boston needs a top-4 right-shot defenseman, and Parayko would be an excellent replacement for former Bruin Brandon Carlo. The St. Louis defenseman is estimated to have a lot of suitors, but the price would be reasonable.

McKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames

McKenzie Weegar would be a great pick this season, but there are some negative factors in the future. Weegar is 32 years old and is under contract for the 2030-31 season with a $6.25 million cap hit. The Calgary Flames defenseman is good enough to anchor the Bruins’ defence, and although his play may decline in the coming years, this would be a multi-year solution.

Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues

Justin Faulk continues the trend of strong St. Louis options for Boston ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Faulk has a strong 2025-26 NHL season, providing strong offense and defense. The Blues defenseman is arguably the best option for the Bruins, and can take this team to the next level moving forward.

READ MORE: St. Louis Blues could trade Robert Thomas, 5 best landing spots including Boston Bruins

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

MIAMI – As the game between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies began late in the game, a scuffle broke out between Myron Gardner and Scottie Pippen Jr. The game Saturday ended with the home team leading by a score of 136–120. As the Heat look to achieve their individual goals with 24 games left in the season, Norman Powell and Tyler Herro revealed what’s at the top of the team’s list of things to win.

For the past three seasons, Miami has finished in familiar territory, closing in on the eighth seed, struggling to make the playoffs through the play-in tournament. To be out of the tournament race, a team would have to be at least the sixth seed, with the Heat making progress after Saturday’s win and the Orlando Magic’s double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns. Miami is now in seventh place at 31-27.

At the moment, the Philadelphia 76ers are in sixth place with 30-26, and the standings may change at time depending on the results of each game. Powell acknowledged after the win over the Grizzlies how “focused” the team is on playing to their strengths and avoiding the play-in tournament.

“We want to get out of the play-in. So we’re locked in, we know what we need to do obviously… no one is going to help us,” Powell said after scoring 25 points. “It’s all on us to control what we can control as a team…to ​​do our best to give us a chance to get out of it and move forward.”

“Obviously, we want [teams] Powell added, “There’s been a little bit of a letdown as we’ve been getting into gear and getting wins. But we’re focused on how we need to play and how we need to compete every night.”

Norman Powell on Heat focusing on exit from play-in tournament: #HeatNation

“That’s what we’re focused on. We want to get out of the play-ins. We’re locked in. We know what we need to do. We’re not expecting anyone to come help us, it’s all on us…” pic.twitter.com/9yF8jHEfd0

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026

What the Heat’s Tyler Herro, Erik Spoelstra talk about all the time

While the Heat are trying to maximize their potential, especially now that the team is the healthiest it has been in some time, although they were without Davion Mitchell and Nikola Jovic on Saturday, it is important to get wins. Miami was also having trouble winning consecutive games to begin 2026, but now, with the offensive boost in Herro’s return after missing a total of 45 games this season, the goal is to clinch at least the sixth seed.

Herro once again came off the bench, and although he scored a game-high 24 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, he was not as efficient against Memphis, scoring 14 points. Still, he’s finding his footing after losing 15 straight games before Friday and admitted that besides him and Bam Adebayo, they want to get most of the play-in play out because they’ve experienced it the most, so head coach Erik Spoelstra wants the same.

“Yeah, our coaches talk about it every day,” Herro said, talking about missing out on the tournament. “We as players, mainly me and Bam, who came here, we want to get out of the play-in. That’s our goal, and that’s our first goal. We’ve got a lot of goals.”

Tyler Herro speaks after the game about how he’s feeling after coming back from a rib injury, the team’s depth, how the coaches approach being eliminated from the play-in tournament, and more: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mFqiBqau9A

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026

If one thing is for sure, Miami seems to be on the rise offensively, scoring over 120 points in the last three games, even as the team has scored at least 70 points in the paint in the last two contests.

“I like what’s been happening offensively the last two games,” Spoelstra told ClutchPoints. “Playing a real collective game, sharing the ball, being aggressive, back-to-back 70-point games in the paint. Taking proper shots, guys are really playing the right way, and you can see it.”

Erik Spoelstra was asked about the offense not missing a beat, although the defense giving up 120 runs is not something he wants to give up every game.

“I love what’s been happening offensively the last two games, playing the real college game…”

Complete answer: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/VaQj1lxed9

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026

Norman Powell on what the Heat are starting to do

Despite a current three-game winning streak against inferior teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, Hawks, and now the Grizzlies, the team has had trouble handling weaker opponents in the past. At any rate, it’s the first time in more than a month that Miami has won three games in a row, leading Powell to tell ClutchPoints how the Heat are “starting to buy into the collective effort.”

“I think now, at this point in the season, all the clutter aside, nothing else matters but winning,” Powell said. “I think that’s the most important thing. And I think we’re really starting to put in a collective effort and trust each other and work on the game. And I think that’s the biggest part.”

“I think obviously we’re finally getting healthy, you know, we didn’t have that [Mitchell] Like tonight, but I think this is the healthiest time we’ve had all year, and we just want to continue to build that chemistry and do all the little things to help us get out of these games and not have any slipups and continue to focus on our goal of getting out of the play-in. [tournament]Powell continued.

Norman Powell was asked about the Heat winning three consecutive games for the first time, and while he joked about it being a shot (laughs), he explained how the team is “starting to buy into the collective effort” and the goal of getting out of the play-in tournament: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/5WOEXWbFUw

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026

Miami is now 31-27, placing them in seventh place in the East as they begin a two-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

A new report links the Los Angeles Lakers to seven different players as offseason targets, including a player who had one of the worst contracts in the history of NBA free agency, and is one of the game’s top stars at the moment.

The LA Lakers lead the playoff race in the Western Conference and are just a few games away from having the fourth-best record in the NBA. Suffice it to say, they’re still aiming for a deep run in the postseason this spring. However, that doesn’t mean the front office doesn’t also have an eye on the offseason.

After making the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic last year, the organization has taken a surprisingly conservative approach. They’re not willing to give up a future first-round pick in a trade, and they don’t want to add any big contracts to their payroll so they can retain salary cap flexibility in the summer.

But expect them to be much more active in improving the roster around Doncic in the offseason. And according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Milwaukee Bucks icon Giannis Antetokounmpo will be on their wish list.

McMenamin reports, “The Lakers clearly see the appeal in Antetokounmpo and believe they would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks ask to trade the star out of Milwaukee.” “A Western Conference executive tells ESPN he believes Antetokounmpo is the ‘big prize’ the Lakers are hoping to get should the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade the 2021 NBA Finals MVP in the offseason.”

LA Lakers could target Quentin Grimes, Tobias Harris this summer

While the LA Lakers will look to pair Doncic and Antetokounmpo – two of the league’s top 10 best players – next season, completing a trade for the Greek giants will not be easy as they will be competing with at least a half-dozen other teams in the trade sweepstakes.

That’s why the LA Lakers will have other players on their radar this summer. According to McMenamin, there have already been internal discussions about pursuing restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson.

When it comes to the unrestricted market, an NBA insider claims Andrew Wiggins, Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are the players the organization will be looking for in the summer.

While Harris is a solid player, the five-year, $180 million deal he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 will go down as one of the worst signed contracts ever in free agency. In Philly, he averaged 17 points, 6 boards and 3 assists over his six seasons, as he earned $36 million annually.

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

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently preparing for the unofficial second half of their season following the All-Star Game over the weekend. The Lakers are currently in a solid position in the Western Conference playoff picture, but are just two games above the play-in line, meaning things could get dangerous down the road.

Los Angeles had a relatively quiet trade deadline, trading Gabe Vincent to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for sharpshooter Luke Kennard, but did little to address his lack of defensive versatility.

Now, some people are already looking forward to the summer, when many three-and-D free agents will be on the market.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, an Eastern Conference executive said, “They need to bring in more defenders with length who can knock down a shot.”

“Unrestricted free agents who have been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, include Andrew Wiggins and Tari Eason, while Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” McMenamin reported.

McMenamin also said that “the Lakers also privately discussed the signing of restricted free agent Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets.”

At this point, all indications are that the Nuggets plan to bring Watson back after his breakout campaign this season, although Denver ownership has a history of letting prized free agents walk out the door due to an unwillingness to go to some tax apron.

Last year, the Lakers had a solid two-way player in Dorian Finney-Smith, but he joined the Houston Rockets in free agency over the summer.

Currently, there is not a single player on the Lakers roster who is above average on either end of the floor, and many expect the problem to be exposed come playoff time, as it was last year.

The Lakers’ season continues on Friday evening against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Rangers have reportedly made enquiries to Sunderland for duo Dan Neil and Romaine Mundle.

Despite playing a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League last season, the pair have seen their playing time limited this term.

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Academy graduate Neil captained his hometown club in their Play-Off Final win over Sheffield United at Wembley in May.

However, he has only featured three times in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign, having been replaced by Granit Xhaka in the Sunderland midfield.

Meanwhile, after a breakthrough year in the Championship last season, winger Mundle is yet to start in the top-flight this term.

Sky Sports report that the 22-year-old is keen for more regular game time, with Sunderland open to allowing him to leave on loan this month.

As for Neil, he is said to be on the radar of some Championship clubs, and is out of contract in the summer.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris appeared to suggest both players could be allowed to leave in January.

When asked about the prospect of Mundle leaving, he said: “If a player won’t play too much in the second part of the season, there is the possibility for him to find another club to get minutes.”

Rangers alert to Sunderland duo

It appears Rangers are alert to Neil and Mundle’s situations, with head coach Danny Rohl prioritising recruitment in January.