of liverpool Portugal’s pursuit of Francisco Trincao is being heralded as something much bigger than a manager’s choice.

Liverpool is preparing for a new era. Salah’s nine-year tenure at Anfield has come to an end. Arne Slott is set to step down from his post and Andoni Ierola is expected to take over.

Yet according to the Portuguese report, one transfer target is stuck exactly where he was before that uncertainty.

has been a sporting star Linked with a transfer to Anfield for weeks. Now morning mail ClaimLiverpool’s upcoming managerial change has also done nothing to dampen interest in the Portuguese international.

In fact, the newspaper says that Trincao is at the top of the club’s shortlist to replace Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s plans survive managerial change

According to the Portuguese press, Liverpool’s admiration for the 26-year-old runs deeper than a coach’s preferences.

The feeling coming from Portugal is that Trincao has become a club target rather than a manager target. And it’s easy to see why.

He was Sporting’s most-used player this season, amassing over 4,600 minutes in 54 appearances. This season, he recorded 13 goals and 15 assists. Additionally, he served in many different roles.

He started on the wing, spending most of the season as a creator behind the striker and even filling in at right-back when Sporting needed him.

Portuguese reports have also spent a lot of time recently highlighting something that Liverpool may find particularly attractive: availability. Trincao almost never gets injured.

As we have already coveredIf Liverpool’s concern after Salah is to find someone who can stay on the pitch week after week, then Trincao looks like a very obvious solution.

PSG is helping Trincao’s chances

The other development vehicle belongs to Diomande. The RB Leipzig attacker is regularly mentioned alongside Trincao in Liverpool discussions. However, Correiro da Manha believes the path is becoming too difficult.

PSG have joined the race and Leipzig are demanding €100m (£84m) to sell the Ivory Coast international, according to reports.

The Portuguese media now present him as a more attainable option. Sporting’s €60m (£50.5m) release clause is already significantly lower than Leipzig’s reported demands. Correiro da Manha Go one step further.

The newspaper claims club president Frederico Varandas is ready to discuss a sale below the release clause. This possibility has come up before in Portugal, but this is by far one of the most obvious claims Sporting could negotiate.

However, there is a catch. As we covered earlier this weekThe Portuguese club does not want to discuss any deal until after the World Cup.

Trincao is expected to be a part of the Portugal team. Sporting knows that a strong tournament can increase both his value and the number of clubs pursuing him.

But Liverpool remain the most tightly linked club, and even a change of manager is unlikely to change that.

Arne Slott was fired liverpool Ibrahima Konate’s plans will not change, he is almost certainly leaving Anfield this summer.

L’Equipe reports today ‘It’s definitely over’ for the French centre-back at Liverpool after his switch this week.

liverpool exit

The French newspaper reports that the 27-year-old has announced to his Liverpool teammates that there will be no change of heart. He will not extend his contract with Liverpool beyond this summer.

The centre-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the month. Reports initially stated that he would sign a new deal at Anfield and remain at the club.

However, that plan suddenly changed this week. Sport Witness covered a report in France Explaining that talks with Ibrahima Konate and his team had broken down due to ‘internal disagreements’ at Liverpool.

This has since been supported by reports in England. It has become clear from those reports that there is a huge gap between what Liverpool are willing to pay and what Konate is currently asking for.

And it seems that this decision will be final. According to L’Equipe, he has told the Liverpool team that ‘there will be no change of heart’ this summer. The decision to depart has not been influenced by the dismissal of Arne Slot on Saturday.

Where next for Konate?

It remains to be seen where Ibrahima Konate’s next stop will be. Reports have long linked him with a move to Real Madrid, but links have cooled in recent months due to turmoil at the Spanish club.

A report this week emphasizes that Chelsea intend to make an attempt for him this summer. They are planning a major build-up under Xabi Alonso, and the centre-back is reportedly one of their potential targets.

Konate is not expected to have a decision on his future before the World Cup. This means his name is likely to feature prominently in the summer transfer window.

brentfordThe €45m offer for Said Al Malaa includes conditions for the transfer to go through as quickly as possible.

image And game creation Cover Brentford’s 19-year-old winger’s efforts to push a deal ahead of the competition on to the stage today.

Brentford offer has a deadline

BILD kicked off by reporting that Brentford are ‘entering the final stages’ for the Cologne superstar. They have made a written offer for the winger.

“We have received an offer, which we are considering,” Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler, 40, confirmed on Tuesday. He did not mention Brentford specifically.

But according to BILD’s information, the written proposal reportedly includes a deadline. If no agreement is reached within a few days, the bees intend to withdraw from the race.

Sportbild go into a little more detail. He says ‘things are getting serious’ around the Cologne winger. Brentford are in the final stages of the race for his signature.

He has made a written proposal, which has been received by the Rhineland Club. The proposal was finalized and sent over the weekend. Now they intend to put pressure on Cologne to accept it.

€40m fee plus €5m bonus

The offer is close to Cologne’s €50m asking price. This is a base fee of €40m, with a €5m ‘easily attainable’ bonus added. The German side can easily expect to receive €45 million in total from the deal.

He will also receive a 15% share of any future transfer fees. No other club including long term lover brightonHave come closer. The Seagulls wanted to submit an offer of €35m but never officially did so. Their only written offer in January was €28m.

Brentford want to avoid the drawn-out negotiations that Brighton found themselves in last year. If no agreement could be reached within a few days, they would step back and focus on alternative candidates. However, Cologne will try to get a better deal.

Meanwhile, a big increase in player salaries is certain. Brentford are offering him more money than Brighton. The Seagulls were offering him €4m a year in his first year.

Now it’s a matter of him, his mother, who is refusing to work with an agency, and Colon deciding if they want a deal. Brentford are offering everything they want, but they won’t wait for it to be accepted.

A new NBA mock draft from ESPN shows the New York Knicks will use their first-round selection in June on a player who is unlikely to make much of an impact next season.

There is a lot of hope and excitement about the Knicks right now. On Tuesday night, they begin their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home and as favorites. Due to their excellent play over the past few weeks, this could be the franchise’s best chance to win an NBA title in decades.

Still, while the organization is hyper-focused on the East Finals, they should also keep some attention on what’s coming next, and that’s the NBA Draft next month. And when it comes to their choice at No. 24 at the June event, ESPN’s Jeremy Wu believes the team will take Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr.

On paper, getting an impact player from an elite team in 2025-26 sounds like a great accomplishment. But according to the draft expert, don’t expect Cenac Jr. to be more than a role player next season.

Will Chris Senac Jr. be Mitchell Robinson’s replacement for the NY Knicks?

Wu wrote, “Cenac measured well at the combine and excelled physically in on-court drills, with good amplitude and mobility for a center that makes him a worthwhile developmental bet.” “He made progress with his tenacity and rebounding in Houston, but is still a ways away from contributing to a winning NBA team.

“Still, his immense size and fluid movement skills give him a chance to carve out an eventual role in the NBA if he can find more offensive identity. There’s probably more rim-protection upside than his worrisome lack of blocks, as he was asked to play conservatively and focus on rebounding as part of Houston’s approach.

For a team that is hoping to win a championship this spring, and compete for more over the next few seasons, using a first-rounder on the prospect who will be the best role player next season is disappointing. However, Wu noted that with backup center Mitchell Robinson leaving in free agency this summer, the Knicks will have to look for a potential replacement.

Robinson is also basically a role player, but a very good player who specialized in certain skills. If Cenac Jr. can be just as meaningful or more in a few years, Knicks fans will be happy with this selection.

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

Sevilla fans have now started begging newcastle united Goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos will remain at the club beyond the summer.

L. Desmarck reports on the situation today. He explains that a group of Sevilla fans made their feelings clear to him at a recent meeting.

want transfer to sevilla

The newspaper reports that Odysseas Vlachodimos faces its last game at Sanchez-Pizjuan on Sunday. His loan deal with Newcastle expires at the end of the season and he is expected to return to England.

It would be a huge disappointment for Sevilla, where he has established himself as a hero in a difficult season. According to El Desmarck, he is ‘the best player in the team’.

Without him, Sevilla would have been in a much more precarious position, and he is greatly liked among Sevilla fans.

And they’re willing to make their feelings about it clear. This Saturday, Sevilla fans made their wishes known to the Newcastle loanee as he left training. “Please stop, please stop,” Vlachodimos appealed as he left the training ground.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. Vlachodimos has made it clear on more than one occasion that he would like to stay. He and the fans are together on this front. The question is whether Newcastle will be able to make it happen.

Newcastle’s demands are vague

ABC Seville also reports Today on the Greek goalkeeper. He says Newcastle ‘paid a huge sum’ for the 32-year-old and ‘will not let him go easily’.

Sport Witness covered a report last month It is being said that Newcastle want €10 million for Odysseus Vlachodimos this summer. However, given that he paid €23.6m in 2024, this seems a bit low.

Even if that is the asking price, it will likely be too expensive for Sevilla. The Spanish side is in financial trouble and doesn’t have that much money to spend on signings.

They are likely hoping for another loan deal this summer, which would leave Vlachodimos in the last year of his deal in 2027. But given that he has impressed in Spain, it is difficult to see Newcastle wanting to make any concessions, even if Sevilla fans keep begging.

Manchester United Midfielder Casemiro has now put to rest any doubts about his future, confirming in his own words that his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.

Casemiro arrives at Manchester United in 2022 after a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid. He soon became a leader in midfield and helped bring silverware back to Old Trafford by winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Speaking in an extensive interview with espn brazilCasemiro made it clear there will be no extension At Manchester United.

“I don’t think there’s any chance of staying another year, no possibility. The idea is to go out the front door. It’s been four beautiful, wonderful years, and I’m grateful not only to the club, but also to the fans. If there’s one thing I’ll take with me from these four years, it’s the fans. But no, I think it’s over. My cycle here is over.” He said.

A few moments later, he reiterated that decision and explained that he now sees it as the right time to move on.

“I’m moving into a new phase of my career. I still have to decide where I’ll go, but I want to go well, go happily. I will always be a United supporter here in England and I can only thank the fans for their affection.” He added.

four years in manchester

His time at the club was not straightforward. Injuries and tactical changes diminished his influence at some points. In early 2025, he also lost his place under Ruben Amorim. Yet he responded as would be expected from a player of his level.

Casemiro worked hard to return to the team and performed strongly. He played a key role in the final stages of the season, including an appearance in the Europa League Final, and reminded many of his importance. That reaction is something he views as one of his greatest personal accomplishments.

“I kept working, I kept trying to show the manager he was wrong about me. I could have accepted it and moved on, but I didn’t. I worked to change his mind and I managed to do that. That might be one of my greatest accomplishments.” he explained.

a goal scoring farewell

That’s also reflected in the strong closing numbers. Casemiro is enjoying the best scoring season of his career, with nine goals so far. He has also stayed away from injuries since 2023, which has helped him maintain consistency and rhythm.

Still, he remains clear about his priorities on the field.

“My son asks me: ‘Dad, are you going to score today?’ I tell him I’m a defensive midfielder. The first job is to defend, to help the centre-backs, full-backs, midfielders. If I can score then it’s a bonus. But first comes the defensive work and giving balance to the team.” He said.

He also pointed to the collective effort behind those contributions.

“It all depends on the team. People see the last touch, the goals, the defending, but everything starts somewhere else. In attack, it starts with the goalkeeper. In defence, it starts with the striker. Even if I score, it is the team’s job.” He added.

Emotional farewell and mentality till the end

As his Manchester United chapter comes to a close, Casemiro acknowledged the emotional significance of the moment. Leaving a club is something he has experienced before, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

“You have to get through the front door. It’s always something I’ve tried to do at every club. It’s emotional. With every game, you feel it more. You have that feeling in your chest, but it’s been beautiful. The matches, the training, the daily work – it’s been a really good story, especially this end,” He reflected.

He went even further in describing how he was experiencing these final moments.

“It’s almost too perfect, this exit. I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m really enjoying what I’m living at a big club like United.” He added.

Despite knowing he would be leaving, his competitive mindset hasn’t changed.

“I’ve always been like that and I think I’ll always be like that. Whether it’s one minute or ninety minutes, every day when I go to bed I want to feel like I gave everything. We all know I’m going, we know the World Cup is coming, but that’s who I am – giving everything on the field, even when I can’t give anything else.” He said.

The decision has now shifted to the next destination

Casemiro also made it clear that his next move will be carefully decided, with his family playing a key role in the process. As we recently coveredMLS could be his destination.

“The priority is to talk to my family and see what they want. When I decided to come to Manchester United, they were the first to support me. They always say they will be happy wherever we go, but now this decision is very important and I need to make it together with them.” he explained.

He stressed the importance of that option.

“This is a very important decision for me now. I still need to analyze everything carefully.” He added.

Also, he highlighted the positive moment he is experiencing.

“Things are going really well for me. It was a great end to the season and a great season overall.” He said.

The situation is now completely defined. This comes straight from the player himself, closing a four-year chapter and opening the door to the next phase of his career.

A new report suggests the Detroit Pistons are actually hoping big man Jalen Duren won’t earn All-NBA honors this season.

On Tuesday night, the Pistons begin their semifinal series against division rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s the latest step in the franchise’s most productive season since going to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008.

Without a doubt, top star Cade Cunningham has played a vital role in the Pistons’ success this season. But second on the list of credits is center Jalen Duren. The 2022 first-round pick had a breakout season in 2025-26. Leading the team in rebounds (10.5) and second in points (19.5). His emergence as an All-Star is why they are the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Plus, his big season comes at the perfect time for him. He is in the final year of his contract and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. The expectation for several months has been that the Pistons will match whatever offer they receive. However, the franchise has always been on the conservative side when it comes to spending. And when it comes to Duran there’s one place they’re not willing to go.

Detroit Pistons won’t pay Jalen Duren supermax

In a new report from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the pair of NBA insiders revealed, “If Duran is selected to the All-NBA team, he would become Supermax-eligible, which is an area the Pistons cannot venture into.” Cunningham is already playing on a supermax deal that will pay him an average of $55 million per year.

That doesn’t mean the Pistons aren’t willing to pay that type of money to two players. It’s probably more that they don’t want to pay Duran that kind of money, and they shouldn’t after a subpar performance in the opening round series against the Orlando Magic.

So what might be a good middle ground for both sides? A Western executive told Bontemps and Windhorst that a deal in the mid-$30 million per year is what Duren could get after a career year this season.

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

Manchester CityNathan Ake is in his final weeks with the Premier League team.

The Netherlands international was a regular for Manchester City until the end of last season.

However, he has lost prominence at the Etihad this season and to put it into context, the centre-back has made just four Premier League starts.

The former AFC Bournemouth player has played 1,455 minutes in 29 matches for the Citizens.

Manchester City defeated Arsenal in the final to win the EFL Cup in March. Following the Wembley success, the defender hinted that he could leave after this season.

At that time when he was asked about his future after this season. He said: : “I have no idea, but winning the Carabao Cup would definitely be a nice ending.”

Last Friday, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy That his agent has offered him to Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus.

Manchester City is certain to be eliminated

football international Focus on that and let us know that Nathan Ake is getting closer to leaving Manchester City.

Recent claims in the Dutch press have mentioned PSV Eindhoven as an option. However, VI State sources close to the player insist the Eredivisie side ‘will stand no chance’.

That’s because the 31-year-old aims to remain in the top European leagues, and could be on his way to Serie A.

He is attracting ‘solid interest’ from both Juventus and AS Roma. AC Milan is also an option, with the San Siro club trying to sign him in January.

At that time, due to injuries to other players, Pep Guardiola stopped his move. However, the Manchester City manager will not stop his exit after this season.

Juventus and Roma are options and the defenders will have to secure European football for them to be considered. The Old Ladies are fourth in the table, one point ahead of fifth-placed Roma.

Our opinion: Summer exits beneficial for Manchester City

Nathan Ake’s contract expires in 2027 and his value, accordingly transfer marketIs €15m.

His exit would give Manchester City the opportunity to earn a fee and avoid losing him for nothing after a year. The Dutchman could enjoy regular minutes at another club, providing protection for an experienced defender.

In short, relocation can benefit all parties.

leeds unitedSebastian Bornou did not enjoy good performances in his first season in the Premier League.

The Belgian player moved to Germany when 1. FC Köln signed him from Anderlecht in August 2019. He spent two years with them and moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.

His performances for Wolfsburg convinced Leeds United to spend around €6m in July 2025.

However, the centre-back has not performed well under Daniel Farke and has made only four Premier League starts.

His league statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 9
• Start: 4
• Total minutes played: 215
• Minutes per game: 35

The 27-year-old’s last Premier League appearance was in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea on 10 February. Since then, he has made three appearances for the Whites in the FA Cup.

Back in January, FC Köln Vice President Ulf Sobek indicated His side were ready to wait for the defender in the winter market. However, he is still at Elland Road but that could change in the summer.

On March 31, Khel Witness Covered claims from Germany The Bundesliga side could offer him an escape route after this season.

Interest in Leeds United increased

image Now focus 1. FC Köln’s transfer plan for the next window. With the incoming, his main priority is to sign a striker and centre-back, who is experienced and ‘strong-in-the-air’.

Sébastien Bournau appears to suit their needs and is the ‘top candidate’ for the defensive position.

rioter Also report that FC Köln are looking for an experienced centre-back. The Leeds United player is mentioned because he already knows the club from his two-year stint between 2019 and 2021.

However, without mentioning the price, it ‘will not be cheap’ for FC Köln to lure Bornou away from the Whites.

Contract, price and agent information

Sebastian Bornau’s contract expires in 2029 and he is worth €8m transfer market.

Leeds United may attempt to recoup most of the fee invested to sign him a year ago. Belgian agency Stirer Associates represents the Whites defender.

Sometimes, a pitcher going on the injured list is a big blow to a team. But let’s admit that sometimes, that’s not such a bad thing. The latter is the case for Toronto Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer. He is hitting the IL with “arm and ankle injuries.”

Truth be told, forearm tendinitis has been hindering Scherzer since his second start, and it shows.

The 41-year-old has struggled to a 9.64 ERA in his five starts so far this season. In his last four starts, in fact, over 12.2 innings, he has surrendered 19 earned runs, allowing six homers, seven walks and only six strikeouts.

“All I can say is that I was not right. [Pitching coach] peat [Walker] “He was right there, and we both saw it,” Scherzer said, according to MLB.com. We didn’t feel like I was in a good place to move forward. Based on the calendar, here in April, it’s the beginning of the season and that’s the time where I can be right.

Scherzer impresses IL with two historic achievements

The IL stint will leave him hanging around for some time in search of two historic numbers. Scherzer was one strikeout away from 3,500 in his career, and was only 11 away from passing Walter Johnson for 10th on the all-time strikeout list.

And so, while the battered and bruised Blue Jays rotation is bringing back one of its walking wounded in Trey Yesways, another is headed to the hospital. Scherzer Cody Ponce (out for the year), Jose Berrios (close to a return), and Shane Bieber (still going slowly, recovering from elbow and arm problems) have been ruled out of the lineup.

The Jays have recalled right-hander Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo to take Mad Max’s spot on the roster. Lee has an impressive 1.32 ERA in 13 innings out of the bullpen with the Bison, but has a bit of a control problem. The 27-year-old issued 9 walks against 12 strikeouts. This leaves him with 1.42 WHIP.

Lee is in his first year in the Jays organization, after making his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers last season. He posted a 4.10 ERA in 37 innings in Detroit last season.

The Yesves, last year’s rookie of the year, will make their long-awaited season debut on Tuesday night after completing their rehab assignment. He had been out since spring training with a right shoulder injury.

Sunderland Manager Regis Le Bris is ‘absolutely not a candidate’ to replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports The French coach is happy at Sunderland and neither have any desire to part ways at the moment.

chelsea manager search

Chelsea are looking for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior this week. The report has already named a long list of candidates, many of whom are already in the Premier League.

Regis Le Bris can be found in some, but Tavolieri says that’s not the target. He says that although the Sunderland manager is on Chelsea’s shortlist, he is ‘absolutely not a candidate’ for the job.

He then adds that Le Bris is currently happy at Sunderland. According to their information, the Black Cats want to retain him, and the French coach is keen for him to stay and continue his ongoing project.

This is in contrast to reports this week. He said Le Bris could lose his job this summer if Sunderland fail to secure European football. It has since been widely rejected, and Tavolieri continues that trend.

Sunderland in safe hands

It’s easy to imagine that Regis Le Bris would be on Chelsea’s list given the work he has done so far at Sunderland.

He took the Black Cats into the Championship and has since led them to promotion to the Premier League. they now sit 11^th Defeating the odds in the table this season.

Many had predicted a relegation battle but instead Le Bris and his side were never part of that conversation. The fact that they are just three points off seventh place is testament to how good they have been.

The French coach has offered consistency, noticeable improvement year after year and the kind of tactical understanding that will benefit his current Chelsea team. But it appears that, despite being on his shortlist, the Sunderland manager will not be moving to Stamford Bridge.

of leeds united Ilya Gruev says he is very happy at the Premier League club and is not thinking about leaving them.

The 25-year-old arrived at Elland Road from Werder Bremen in August 2023 and has made 86 appearances for Leeds United so far.

Last season, he made 25 appearances as his minutes were partially limited due to a knee injury. The midfielder won the championship with the Whites and this is the only silverware of his career so far.

back in january, the player said When asked if he wanted to live in the present or dream of something bigger he replied “I want more”.

Daniel Farke convinced him to join Leeds United

transfermark.de Interviewed Ilya Gruev to discuss a range of topics relating to the English club and his time with them so far.

Finally, he talks about how his move to Leeds United shaped up and what his future plans are.

The Bulgaria international said that Daniel Farke’s call up was one of the main reasons for his joining the Whites, who were in the Championship at the time.

“Of course, this was a time-sensitive move. The transfer window was only open for a few more days. Leeds offered me a clear plan, and the phone call with Daniel was very promising. He showed me what kind of project was being developed at Leeds,” He said.

“And then, there was the dream of playing in the Premier League with a club full of tradition like Leeds. Looking back, it was a very good decision, and everything fell into place perfectly.

“This move was not at all easy for me, because I played for Werder for eight years. I was promoted with Werder and played my first Bundesliga season. But I was ready for a new challenge, and when the offer came from Leeds, it was a very exciting opportunity.”

The player has no plans to leave Leeds United in the summer and has opened up about his long-term plans.

“I feel very comfortable here and see how the club is developing. The long-term plan is to become a top 10 team in the Premier League.” Gruev explained.

“If you can be part of that journey as a player and compete against the elite every week, that’s an absolute success. Fans also look at which players have been with the club for how long. They’re happy with the guys who have been there from the beginning.”

leeds united’s remaining matches this season

Daniel Farke’s side are 15th in the table, eight points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The Whites have at least six matches left this season, including the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday.

Leeds United’s fixtures are as follows:

• vs afc bournemouth [away] on 22nd April
• in chelsea [FA Cup] on 26th April
• v burnley [home] on 2 may
• at tottenham hotspur [away] on 11th may
• vs brighton and hove albion [home] tbd
• vs West Ham United on 24 May

PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi should reject any further approaches fulham And wait for the World Cup before deciding your future.

This advice is from journalist Munir Bowlin, via psv fans. He believes the striker should now abandon any plans to switch to Craven Cottage.

fulham transfer disaster

Ricardo Pepi looked set to move to Fulham after the club agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven last month.

Marco Silva’s side made an attempt for the 23-year-old in the January transfer window. That failed, but he then restarted talks with PSV about a deal for the summer.

Everyone was making plans, Pepi was also going to London for medical. However, the deal broke down as Fulham and PSV could not agree on when they would transfer responsibility for the player.

Reports in the Netherlands have revealed that Fulham are expected to return at some point. But now he may need to reassure Pepi, Who were very disappointed with the transfer collapse.

Reject Fulham and wait

Now journalist Mounia Boulin believes that if Fulham return, Ricardo Pepi should reject him. With the World Cup around the corner, he may have better options.

“Ricardo Pepi’s transfer to Fulham fails, but Fulham are expected to come back with another offer,” he said on Soccer News’ Transfermind podcast.

“If I were Pepi, I wouldn’t go – but that’s just my opinion. If he has a strong World Cup, other clubs will definitely come calling for him.”

Growing ideas in the Netherlands

The idea that Fulham may have shot themselves in the foot with Ricardo Pepi is nothing new in the Netherlands. In fact, Sport Witness said as much in a report late last month.

The belief is that their World Cup will be good. And this will not only increase her value but also increase her potential suitors.

Of course, this is something we’ve seen before in the past. Whether the transfer collapse comes back to haunt Fulham with Pepi remaining to be seen.

A new report reveals the possibility that the Miami Dolphins have the top pick in this month’s NFL Draft, and it’s sure to disappoint the team’s fans.

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Dolphins. After a 7–10 finish, ownership decided to dismantle the team’s leadership and brought in a new regime led by John-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach. But that was just the beginning.

Over the past few weeks, the team has adopted a strategy of additions and subtractions by trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick and cutting Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This is a big change that comes with a lot of dead cap and serious limitations to fill those holes. That’s why the 2026 draft will be so important for Sullivan and Hafley in the first year. Especially his selection at 11th overall.

The team has been linked with a variety of players at that position. As we get closer to the event, projected top-five talents Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs are becoming realistic options for the Dolphins at 11. Anyone can fill the spots left by Hill, Waddle or Fitzpatrick. However, the new leadership of the team has a different player they would love to have.

Spencer Fano is the Miami Dolphins’ dream pick at No. 11 in the NFL Draft

ESPN’s Jordan Reed reports, “Sources tell me the Dolphins are big fans of Utah lineman Spencer Fano and will take him at No. 11 overall.” “The team likes his versatility, believing he can play any interior position or be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle.

“Austin Jackson is entering a contract year, and there are a lot of question marks about his durability. The new front office is leaning on selecting an offensive lineman to start his tenure, so this pairing makes a lot of sense,” he said.

Although getting an offensive lineman won’t get Dolphins fans excited – especially if Downs and Tate are still on the board at that point – Fano is an attractive prospect. He doesn’t look like it, but he is an impressive athlete for his position and was impressive during his tenure with the Utes. Additionally, he can play the two guard and tackle spots at a high level, and he took snaps as a center during the combine.

Taking Fano at No. 11 won’t garner wild cheers from Dolphins fans, but he could easily become a key building block for contending teams for years to come.

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

A new report has revealed who the Dallas Mavericks had top choices to replace Nico Harrison as general manager/team president and why they won’t land either of them.

The last 13 months have been tough for Mavericks fans. Last February, Dallas fans were completely stunned when the organization traded away top star Luka Doncic entering his prime. And for the Los Angeles Lakers no less. Since then the situation has become even worse.

Kyrie Irving tore his ACL shortly after the trade and has yet to return to the court. Anthony Davis, returning in blockbuster trade, could barely stay healthy – and was ultimately shipped to the Washington Wizards earlier this year. While they were fortunate to have the No. 1 pick in the draft and rising star Cooper Flagg, the team’s poor play early in the season was too much for the executive suite to handle, and Harrison was ousted as GM and president.

Since then, there has been much speculation as to who might replace the most hated man in Dallas basketball. On Wednesday, NBA insider Marc Stein offered a big update on the search that won’t actually start until the regular season ends, and the top names on the Mavericks’ wish list.

According to Stein, ownership has some “lofty ambitions” and is curious if it can lure away Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti, San Antonio’s RC Buford and Boston’s Brad Stevens. However, obtaining all three is close to impossible as they “are generally considered lifers with their respective franchises, who would not be costly to try to pry away. Strong only begins to describe the executive/team bond there.”

Dallas Mavericks interested in Golden State Warriors legend Bob Myers

Another big name linked to the Dallas opening is two-time Executive of the Year winner Bob Myers. However, the man who helped build the Golden State Warriors’ recent dynasty currently has an opportunity that seems too good to pass up.

“Myers currently has a highly lucrative job as President of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which requires him to provide high-level consulting for all pro sports franchises in the HBSE portfolio,” Stein wrote. “This includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers as well as the New Jersey Devils and Crystal Palace Football Club… Myers is also part of the hierarchy with the Josh Harris-owned Washington Commanders.”

Steen says landing Myers is considered a long shot, and he has already fielded interest from the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

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

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is fully aware of his growing niche in the NBA. He expects his team to finish near the top of the league standings. And after essentially serving as the buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns, he made it clear he thinks nothing is possible without his Spurs teammates.

“We’ve got former Clutch Player of the Year De’Aaron Fox, so that’s a big component of it,” Wembey said of his young team’s success in close games. “We have talented guys all around. We can put five offensively talented guys on the court at any time in the game, so that makes a lot of sense. The fact that we don’t have experience can work in our favor.”

From 22 wins two years ago to 34 wins last season, San Antonio has not only clinched a playoff berth, but is already one of the best teams in the league despite its youth.

“It’s not a meaningless game. I should say it’s a meaningful game, close to the playoffs, so it’s a good test right now,” Wembanyama said of the 101-100 win against Phoenix.

“The good thing is I can feel like we’ve formed habits and that’s on both sides of the field, especially defense. Now we just have to work without even thinking about it too much, and we know each other, and we can anticipate. And it looks the same on film. That doesn’t mean our play was perfect. Far from it, I think it was actually below average, but it’s a good test, especially this time of year.”

Victor Wembanyama details his buzzer-beater vs the Suns

Vembanyama’s jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining proved as subtle as it was effective.

“It was hard to keep up with all the excitement around me,” Vembanyama admitted. “The fans were looking at me. This guy spilled wine on me, and this, by the way, was before the game was over. I made the shot, I came back to defend and hit a guy, and now I have wine on my shorts. There was a lot going on. I didn’t see all my teammates come forward in a second. It felt like I was stuck in the crowd.”

However, Short himself could not trick Wembley.

Vembanyama said, “This is a shot I worked on. It’s everything.” “Our game plan is not inventing things, so it’s all things we’ve been working on. This shot, in particular, is a shot I’ve been working on with (assistant coach) Tim Martin, so it’s nothing new.”

The Spurs trailed most of the time against Phoenix. Vembanyama did his best to ensure they did not fall behind again after their last-second effort.

“In this situation, you want to wait,” the two-time All-Star said about his approach on that final Spurs offensive possession. “If you take the shot too early, whether you make it or miss, you’re shooting yourself in the foot because the defense will probably get the rebound and have some time or inbound and have some time. So, you want to shoot it as close as a second or two. That way if we miss we have a chance to get an offensive rebound, and if we make it, they don’t have time.”

Devin Booker’s half-court heave missed at the buzzer, giving the Spurs their 52nd win in 70 games.

Lucas Anderson, who struggled to find a club after leaving Queens Park Rangers, says he is not done with his playing career.

The 31-year-old has been relayed by tip sheetAddressing his current situation following his exit from QPR.

At the end of the 2024/25 season, QPR released the Dane and he is yet to find a new club.

The attacking midfielder graduated from AAB Fodbold, spending a year with their first team before leaving them for Ajax in 2012.

He returned to the Danish club in 2019, and left them for the Championship side in February 2024.

Without a club since leaving QPR

Anderson played 2,126 minutes in 51 matches in all competitions for the London club, scoring three goals and providing four assists. He made 12 starts in the Championship in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

However, the Dane operated mainly as a substitute last season, starting in 13 of 33 league matches.

Given that he does not have a club, he has been training with AAB. Three months earlier, the Danish club’s sporting director, John Møller, had stated that there were no plans for the player to return. The official also said that his desire is to join a club away from Denmark.

Anderson has yet to find a new club since leaving QPR and this has led to questions whether he has finished his playing career. Although he is not comfortable answering these, but now he has sent a clear message.

“Even though time is going on, I’m still staying true to myself in terms of trying to find the right football project.” He said.

“The love of sport, which has been a part of my life since I was three years old, is really important to me. Not just playing and being a football player. I want to be able to do something and experience a thrill through the lens of football.

“I have a lot of time to think right now. And sometimes it’s hard to deal with all the constant questions. You’ve been out long? Do people think I’m finished? What are you going to do now?”

“Not being able to do a lot because you’re worried that people will ‘retire’ you in their minds, although I’m still very keen to continue my football career.

The decision to reject the proposals backfired

In October, Sport Witness reported news from Denmark that it had rejected offers from Saudi Arabia and Olympiacos Nicosia.

A month later, the former QPR man said he accepted the consequences of not accepting offers from these clubs.

When highly optimistic Zion Williamson limped off the court in Utah with another ankle injury, the familiar fear that had eclipsed his career resurfaced. Another blow that resulted in the game being lost. Another story about availability, another cause for concern for the New Orleans Pelicans. Luckily, Williamson’s personal trainer Chris Crisp quickly reassured fans that the All-Star forward’s latest injury is just a setback that doesn’t deserve much media scrutiny.

Crisp, who is pulling double duty as a PR champion as well as training the 25-year-old phenom, posted a quick cool message to fans shortly after Williamson’s passing.

“In the past, it became a two-week story,” he said. “This year, it’s just a game and then get back to work. That’s growth. Availability isn’t luck; it’s the result of deliberate preparation and the discipline to be consistent.”

As far as sitting against the Clippers?

“Precautionary decision. We’re not chasing streaks. We’re building longevity. That’s the standard. See you all soon.”

The importance of a good public relations response cannot be underestimated. Before he could counter the negative narratives with some direct answers, he had fans rooting for Williamson simply by going over social media posts. This is something that has been suggested by many people for many years.

Thankfully for fans, even after years in the dark, Williamson finally felt comfortable stepping into the spotlight to address the situation directly.

“I looked in the mirror,” Williamson told ESPN. “It was ‘Am I doing what I need to do to stay on the court?’ Even if I feel like I’m doing a lot, there’s still more I can do. My trainer Chris is always telling me about different things and recovery methods.

Even broadcaster Antonio Daniels had to appreciate the work of Williamson and Crisp while on the road.

Daniels explained, “There are a lot of people who deserve credit for…34 games. First of all, you give credit to the New Orleans Pelicans’ performance staff, but also Chris Crisp, who is Zion’s personal trainer.” “He’s doing a great job physically and mentally. You can see it playing between the four lines. (Williamson) being available, him being active, him being impactful, is a beautiful thing.”

For a player whose career has often been defined by injuries as well as highlights, missing even one game can raise anxiety levels. However, this time, those closest to Zion Williamson say the situation is under control and it is far from becoming another long saga for the Pelicans.

Arsenal striker Victor Gyckeres received public support from Sweden manager Graham Potter after his Derby heroics against tottenhamBut the national boss made it clear he will not be asking for any favors from Mikel Arteta.

Gyöckeres scored twice in Arsenal’s 4–1 win over Tottenham, further cementing his role in a team that has competed on four fronts this season. Talking to Swedish outlet sportbladetPotter praised the 27-year-old’s character and impact.

“It was great for him. I think it highlights his character and personality. From my point of view, there’s no doubt about Victor. He’s a top player, a top person.” The potter said.

The Arsenal forward has faced criticism this season. However, Potter insisted that he never doubted her.

“I think he has contributed to where Arsenal are as a team in all four competitions, but every player goes through periods sometimes where they get a bit of criticism. It’s part of the job.”

Why would no requests be made to Mikel Arteta?

With Sweden facing an important match against Ukraine in March, fitness is a concern. Dejan Kulusevski is expected to miss camp, while Alexander Isak and Lucas Bergvall are also dealing with injuries.

A natural question arose from that context: would Potter ask Arteta to manage Gyöckeres’ Arsenal minutes more carefully? The answer was blunt.

“If I’m honest I don’t think he’ll be particularly interested in what I have to say and I don’t blame him. I think he’s got a lot to think about.”

In other words, Potter understands Arsenal’s priorities. Even if the Spanish manager Was blamed by the Swedish press Having previously made up for Gyöckeres’ slow start, Arteta is now fighting on multiple fronts, and the striker is at the heart of those ambitions.

How it looks from Arsenal’s perspective

Potter’s comments dispel any suggestion of outside pressure regarding Gyöckeres’ workload. The Sweden manager acknowledges the club-over-country dynamics at this stage of the season.

Furthermore, the praise reinforces Gyökeres’ position. Despite criticism early in the campaign, both club and country continue to have confidence in him.

If Arsenal continue to perform well in domestic and European competitions, rotation will be inevitable. Nevertheless, Potter’s stance makes it clear that any decision on Gyöckeres’ minutes will be entirely up to Arteta.

For now, Arsenal benefit from an in-form striker and a national manager who knows his place in the pecking order.

NFL franchise tag window opens Tuesday, February 17^thAnd despite the New York Giants having several key free agents, don’t expect them to designate their franchise tag.

The Giants’ three biggest free agents are receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and corner Cor’Dell Floet. Although all three had their best seasons with Big Blue in 2025, all three will be unrestricted free agents when free agency begins on March 11.^th.

In an ideal world, the team would like to bring back all three, but the NFL is not an ideal world, and the franchise tag for each position is expensive. The projected franchise tag for a receiver is $28.8 million, the projected tag for an offensive lineman is $27.9 million, and the projected tag for a corner is $21.4 million.

All three are talented players, but they aren’t elite and aren’t guaranteed to be among the highest-paid players at their respective positions for 2026, especially considering the team is only projected to have $6.9 million in cap space. General manager Joe Schoen can cut players and restructure contracts to free up cap space, but it still wouldn’t be in his best interest to overpay one of his free agents, even if it’s just for one season.

New York will try conservatively in contract negotiations to retain all three, but knows that the chances of keeping all three are slim. But with the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team is equipped to move on from at least one of its free agents.

First-round picks who could replace veteran free agents

There have been several mock drafts where teams address each position of their top free agents in the first round. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the team let one of its free agents leave in free agency and replaced him with a top college prospect.

As for wide receiver, Big Blue has been linked to Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Arizona State wideout Jordan Tyson and USC receiver Makai Lemon. Lemon was named first-team All-American, while Tate received second-team honors, and Tyson was named first-team All-Big 12.

It was clear that the receiver position was an issue when Malik Nabors was lost for the season in Week 4, as Robinson was the only reliable target to throw to Jackson Dart.

But there’s a good chance the team could lose Robinson in free agency, as it’s rumored he’s seeking a four-year deal that would pay him around $17 million annually. That price may be higher than what teams are willing to pay for a 5-8, 185-pound slot receiver.

Drafting one of the college prospects would be a cheaper option for New York, and since all three are bigger than Robinson, they provide more of a threat on the outside, which the team will especially need if Nabors gets injured again.

University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa has also been linked as a possible option for the Giants at pick number five. The 6’6 315-pound Mauigoa appeared in 42 games in his three years at Miami and was rated as one of the best right tackles in the country. In 2025, he was a consensus first-team All-American, and he fits all the measurables you need in a tackle.

Another player who has been linked to New York is LSU Tiger cornerback Mansur Delaney. Delaney spent his first three years at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU in 2005. He was a unanimous All-American and recorded 45 tackles, 11 passes defensed and two interceptions. The six-foot, 190-pound corner is very good in press coverage and would be ready to step in as the Week 1 starter if drafted.

How the Giants handle their free agents will provide insight into what direction they may go with their first pick in the draft. We should take a look at these prospects during the NFL Combine this week.

RELATED: New York Giants coach John Harbaugh discusses drafting Caleb Downs

The Boston Celtics came out of the All-Star break with another blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday as they continued their West Coast trip. The win came as the team awaits further updates on injured star Jayson Tatum, who many doubt can return any time soon this season.

However, one person who thinks the Celtics can reach their goal this season regardless of whether Tatum is in the lineup is former ESPN big man Kendrick Perkins, who recently took to First Take to express his thoughts.

“They can go to the NBA Finals without [Jayson] Tatum. … They’re the most dangerous team in the NBA because they have no expectations,” Perkins, formerly of First Take on X, said via Twitter.

Perkins also said that Boston has “the best two-way player in the game in Jaylen Brown, because no other player in the league is doing what he is doing in terms of being top five in scoring and top five defensively in opponent field goal percentage.”

In fact, Brown is getting it done on both ends of the floor this year, although fans of Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama and many other players will strongly disagree with Perkins’ assessment.

Still, at this juncture, the Celtics are starting to look like a real threat even without Tatum in the lineup. There is a theory that Tatum’s hasty return this season could actually work against Boston’s 2025-26 plans, considering the team’s rhythm would be at least temporarily disrupted, and the fact that the star would have a lot of rust to shake off. Tatum also has not distinguished himself as a postseason performer so far in his career, which continued last year against the New York Knicks.

In any case, the Celtics’ road trip continues on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.

The Boston Celtics started the season with a lot of questions about their ability to compete with the best teams. The injury to Jayson Tatum and the resulting massive turnover of players meant that the Celtics were not even seen as a playoff contender by many.

However, so far they find themselves in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 36–19 record, and the addition of Nikola Vucevic has only improved. His impressive performance also led to some high praise from an unexpected source, with Blake Griffin naming Boston when asked about the team with the fewest weaknesses in the East.

When Blake Griffin was asked @NBAonPrime Pointing to the Celtics on which team in the East has the fewest weaknesses: “That might be the team that has the fewest questions.”

Udonis Haslem feels similarly: “To me, the Boston Celtics have the best habits of any team in the NBA.”

Rudy…

– Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) 20 February 2026

“This might be the team that has the fewest questions,” Griffin said on Amazon Prime, according to a post on X by insider Taylor Snow, with the rest of the crew also naming the Celtics in the segment.

“To me, the Boston Celtics have the best habits of any team in the NBA,” Udonis Haslem claimed, before Rudy Gay explained how Vucevic has single-handedly solved their ‘problems’.

And that praise is also worthy. Despite only playing three games so far, the Montenegrin big man has averaged 15.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists, with the Celtics immediately relying on his interior scoring and floor spacing.

Of course, much of the credit for this also goes to Joe Mazzulla. Despite massive changes in personnel, the Celtics have employed the same high-velocity playing style that continues to get results.

With the offensive leadership of Jaylen Brown (29.3 points) and the possibility of Tatum still playing a role at the business end of the season, the Celtics look capable of emerging as title contenders once again. Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard are both averaging 17.2 points per game, and the addition of Vucevic gives this team another offensive outlet and solution in games where they struggle to score from inside, instead relying heavily on distance shooting.

There’s no doubt that this new-look Celtics team is still capable of producing some big results.

When Kyrie Irving suffered an ACL tear last March, everyone knew the star point guard would miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season. As the year progressed, the timeline for recovery became blurry and as the Dallas Mavericks sank more rapidly, the expectation was that he would not play at all until the next campaign. The team officially signed Irving on Wednesday, a move that fans are extremely appreciative of.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd explained exclusively why the 2016 NBA champions will be inactive for the remainder of the season.

“Long-term health,” he said, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “We want to make sure he’s ready for next season… In practice, some of the things he’s been working on have looked good. I think as we get into March and April, we want him to keep moving in the right direction. With the decision he’s made, we’re thinking about his health long-term and us staying healthy next season.”

Mavericks hoping to make a strong comeback next season

Dallas clearly doesn’t want Irving to return for the final round of a losing campaign and potentially cause a blowout or inadvertently harm the franchise’s draft position. The Mavericks have had a rough year as they navigate their way into the post-Luka Doncic era. Spectacular rookie Cooper Flagg ensures that Dallas can return to the upside at some point soon, but he could definitely use some more help.

A premium draft pick in a loaded class could give the Mavs one of the brightest futures in the NBA. Kyrie Irving also benefits from this. The 33-year-old knows he has limited time to win a second ring. He’s still a high-level scorer, but taking on larger offensive responsibilities on a nightly basis seems impractical, especially after a major injury. A rising flag and a potential top-five pick might take the load off a bit.

However, due to the young talent on this roster, Irving will still be an extremely important component of the Mavericks for the next two seasons. However, he cannot play that role until he is healthy. The future Hall of Famer now has an additional 200-plus days to recover.

When the NBA scheduled midseason games in Europe this year, some veterans complained about the extra miles and the toll it took on their bodies during a grueling campaign. Given their sacrifice to become the first team to land in Berlin, Tuomas Isalo’s unheralded Memphis Grizzlies could be forgiven for being one of the loudest voices. As it was, the schedule was brutal, and mounting losses led to the departure of Jaren Jackson Jr. Yet, for the confident Cedric Coward, the experience was far more important than the extra miles on his legs.

“It was cool. It was definitely a special experience. To be able to play the first game in Berlin, it was extremely special, especially as a newbie,” Coward told ClutchPoints. “It’s great for growing the game, giving us new experiences. People may have never been abroad before. That was my first time in Germany, so it was special. Getting a chance to connect with foreign fans.”

A transatlantic trip during the NBA season is no small ask, and the physical toll of additional travel is real. However, the 82-game grind can be somewhat monotonous, grinding in its own way. Given the shuttle schedule from airport to hotel to grounds and back, players could be forgiven for not actually remembering which city they are in. It’s not like MLB, where teams get a few days to explore a city. So Kayar is immersed in the culture, food, language and energy of living in a different part of the world.

On the business end, practices, media sessions and fan events created touchpoints with an audience that consumes the NBA at odd hours and remotely. For a young player who is still establishing his professional identity, that exposure matters.

Big picture, Seattle and Las Vegas are already on deck as the next expansion markets, with European cities also included as part of the league’s long-term vision. For a rookie still absorbing the professional lifestyle, the Berlin trip felt like a preview of what the league is becoming. Coward is no stranger to the international flavor that already defines the modern NBA.

“I’m used to it because we have so many international players,” Coward joked. “I played with teammates in college who were from Germany and Serbia, but at the same time, going out there and experiencing their culture, living in their world is definitely something special. You get to try new foods, you get to hear a new language all the time, see the way people move around, and get those street experiences that you can’t get here in the states.”

However, a player’s world can only get so big if he wants to reach All-Star status. That’s why this rookie also made it clear that his personal preparation will not be affected by this summer’s World Cup. While many Grizzlies took in some EPL games during the Euro trip, Coward plans to stick to his offseason workout regimen ahead of Summer League action. The globe may be hustling for a target in the background. Coward hopes to be playing on that kind of stage in just a few years, when NBA basketball expands beyond North America.

“I don’t really watch football that way,” Coward admitted. “I’m not a huge soccer fan, but at the same time, it’s exciting to see how big soccer is around the world. Hopefully, basketball can grow the same way around the world and be like soccer.”

This is a clear statement and instructive. The World Cup is perhaps the greatest example of a sporting event that transcends competition and becomes close to a cultural phenomenon. For the NBA and FIBA, it represents a benchmark for the kind of worldwide relevance basketball is actively pursuing. Trips like the one in Berlin are a step in that direction.

Getting quality minutes after years of watching from the sidelines has plagued Coward for the remainder of this season. Ja Morant is out for a few more weeks, but he has assured that the Grizzlies will not play in the postseason. Coward will soon have a new lottery-level partner to work with. Until then, finding some All-Rookie Team silver linings amid a losing season is the first step in getting the franchise back to the NBA Playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made it clear on Saturday that he won’t be emotional when Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James finally retires.

Speaking during NBA All-Star Media Day at the Intuit Dome, Wembanyama was asked if he would shed tears when James walked away from the game.

“No.” Laugh

Then he added:

“I won’t shed tears but it’s definitely going to be very awkward.”

Wembley on whether he cries when LeBron retires:

“No” pic.twitter.com/dXHLb3eEtl

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026

The light-hearted exchange came as players reflected on sharing what could potentially be James’ final All-Star appearance. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was asked the same question and gave a different response.

“Am I going to shed tears? I might cry a little.” Laugh.

Ant: “I could cry a little”

Who is asking this question??? https://t.co/sUFOBY7wPo pic.twitter.com/e66sP1tsus

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026

The 41-year-old James is currently in his 23rd NBA season and continues to produce at a high level for the Lakers. Through 36 games, he has averaged 22 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and one steal per game, while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range in 33.3 minutes per contest. Los Angeles enters the weekend with a 33-21 record.

On Thursday night, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, adding to a resume that spans two decades.

Wembanyama has previously spoken about what he can learn from James’ longevity and professionalism, calling him an example of how to navigate the spotlight as the face of the league. As the NBA enters a new era, the 22-year-old centerpiece of the Spurs is widely viewed as one of the league’s future standard-bearers.

Whether emotional or not, Wembanyama acknowledged that James’ eventual departure will mark a significant change in the NBA landscape.