Jalen Duren’s future with Pistons is in doubt
The Detroit Pistons’ offseason plans may be changing rapidly as Jalen Duren’s future with the team is in serious doubt.
Duren plans to explore sign-and-trade scenarios in free agency after being underwhelmed by the Pistons’ initial contract offer, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. One source indicated that the gap between the two sides is so large that Duren is considering ways to move elsewhere, and that a sign-and-trade is preferred to receiving an offer sheet that the Pistons would likely match.
The Pistons seem at least willing to consider Duren’s objections, as Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the team could consider a sign-and-trade involving Duren and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.
There’s also a potential backstop emerging for Boston’s Jaylen Brown trade discussions. Detroit is very much weighing the prospect of signing-and-trading restricted free agent Jalen Duren for Brown, sources say, among other conceptual outcomes, if that option remains available… https://t.co/cHzIdOQbTO
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 26, 2026
The Pistons had publicly indicated their desire to keep Duren, who emerged as a genuine star during the regular season. His disappearing act in the playoffs likely complicated things, however, as he wound up averaging just 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. That was a far cry from the 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds he averaged during the regular season.
Duren is eligible for a 5-year, $287.1 million contract extension. Previous reports indicated that the Pistons were likely to offer a fair bit less than that in order to try and prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent.
Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza
The New York Mets announced on Friday that they have dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza. Andy Green will serve as interim manager for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The move comes with the Mets at 34-47, last place in the National League East, and 9.5 games out of the Wild Card race at the midpoint of the season.
Mendoza, hired before the 2024 season, led the club to the NLCS that year with an 89-73 record and was a finalist for NL Manager of the Year. He departs with a 206-199 mark over three seasons after the team missed the playoffs in 2025 following a late collapse.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns praised Mendoza’s passion and grace, noting his transformative impact on players, staff, and culture.
“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis,” said Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns in a statement, via ESPN. “Carlos’ impact on our players, staff, and culture over the last three seasons has been transformative. Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward.”
Owner Steve Cohen thanked Mendoza for his leadership and dedication, wished him and his family the best, and called the season a disappointment while reaffirming the commitment to a championship-caliber team.
Clippers draft pick intends to play for Auburn during 2026-27 season
Narcisse Ngoy, selected 57th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2026 NBA Draft, announced Thursday that he plans to honor his commitment to Auburn University and play college basketball for the Tigers during the 2026-27 season.
The 7-foot center from France, who earned MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors in France’s Elite 2 League last season, committed to Auburn in March. In a statement on Instagram, Ngoy expressed gratitude to the Clippers while affirming his intentions.
“I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me. I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University, and I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey for the 2026-27 season,” he wrote.
Because Ngoy turns 22 this summer, he was automatically eligible for the draft without forfeiting his college eligibility, unlike players who voluntarily declare. The Clippers view this as a draft-and-stash arrangement, retaining his rights while he develops at Auburn. This marks a rare instance of a player opting for college immediately after being drafted in the modern era.
Auburn coach Steven Pearl praised Ngoy’s high-upside potential, toughness, and physicality upon his signing.
This situation highlights evolving dynamics between professional and collegiate basketball amid rising NIL opportunities and eligibility rules.
Mauricio Pochettino lashes out at critics of USMNT loss
Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration with media questioning following the United States men’s national team’s 3-2 loss to Türkiye in their final 2026 World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium.
Despite the defeat on a last-kick goal, the USMNT topped the group after securing first place with victories in their opening two games.
Pochettino, who rotated his squad heavily with nine changes from the previous lineup, defended the approach aimed at resting key players, avoiding suspensions, and giving minutes to Christian Pulisic in his return from a calf injury. Pulisic delivered a strong impact off the bench, easing concerns ahead of the round of 32.
“The questions are a little bit weird,” Pochettino said, noting it was “a little bit sad” that no one congratulated the team on winning the group.
“I need to remind you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry guys, we won,” he said, via the New York Times.
He dismissed concerns over lost momentum as “petty” and thinking too small, emphasizing that true history is made by winning the tournament, not three group games.
“Making history is winning the World Cup,” Pochettino said, via ESPN. “It’s not winning three matches only within the World Cup. I don’t really understand. It’s a little bit petty if you will — you’re thinking a little too small. You’re telling me you could make history — what does it mean to win three matches if you lose the next one?”
Pochettino highlighted squad depth and readiness, pointing to the USMNT’s preparation for their matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He remained confident in the team’s progress and focus on the knockout stages.
Prosecutors want Lions’ Terrion Arnold jailed until trial
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared in a Tampa, Florida, courtroom Thursday via video following his surrender the previous night on felony charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy.
A judge ordered him held without bail pending a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Monday morning, where prosecutors plan to argue he should remain in custody until trial.
The charges stem from a February 4 incident in which three men in their late teens were allegedly lured to a Tampa apartment, held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped, and robbed. Authorities accuse Arnold, 23, of serving as the primary conspirator in retaliation for the theft of more than $250,000 in personal property from an Airbnb in Largo days earlier.
The victims were not involved in that theft, investigators said. The offenses carry the possibility of life in prison.
Arnold’s defense attorney stated he is “absolutely denying these allegations.” His agency representative, Denise White of EAG Sports Management, emphasized a lack of credible evidence and suggested reliance on cooperating witnesses with incentives to shift blame.
At least seven people face charges in the case, with two having pleaded guilty and one sentenced to four years.
The Lions acknowledged awareness of the situation but declined further comment out of respect for the legal process. Arnold, a 2024 first-round pick from Alabama, had been participating in the team’s activities before the arrest.
Doug Martin’s parents blame excessive police force for his death
The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Oakland, California, its police department, and an ambulance company, alleging excessive force and delayed medical care contributed to their son’s death during a mental health crisis in October 2025.
Leslie and Douglas Martin claim that Oakland police officers restrained their 36-year-old son face down, with one or more officers applying pressure to his back, a maneuver they say caused restraint asphyxia.
According to the suit filed in federal court, Leslie Martin had called for medical assistance after her son began acting strangely. He fled the home and was found hiding in a neighbor’s basement.
The lawsuit alleges officers initially believed the unresponsive Martin was “sleeping or pretending to be” and delayed requesting aid. Paramedics from Falck Northern California reportedly took more than 15 minutes to arrive and did not promptly administer care, the family contends. Martin was pronounced dead at a hospital.
A family attorney noted the parents simply seek answers about what happened after calling for help.
“They just want to know what happened,” John Burris, the family’s attorney, told The Athletic. “Here’s a situation where the mother was calling for help. He was emotionally out of it, and she was calling for help.
“When you call for help and the police come, it’s not a death warrant. You don’t expect the person to die.”
Martin, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2015 first-team All-Pro known as the “Muscle Hamster,” rushed for over 5,300 yards in his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.
The Oakland Police Department has declined to comment on the pending litigation, and the coroner’s investigation remains ongoing.
Video: Golfer hits incredible chip shot from the water
Yani Tseng produced one of the most memorable shots of the opening round at the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Thursday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
The 37-year-old five-time major champion, who previously won this title in 2008 and 2011, found her ball in the water hazard on the seventh hole for her third shot of the hole. Instead of taking relief, the former world No. 1 waded into ankle-deep water, removed her shoes and socks to gain better footing, and gripped down on her club.
Commentator Paige Mackenzie noted beforehand that Tseng would need to swing hard to execute the shot successfully. Tseng did exactly that, as her chip struck the flagstick and dropped into the cup for a birdie.
The video of the remarkable hole-out quickly spread on social media and golf platforms, highlighting Tseng’s creativity and composure. She carded a one-over 73 for the round and was tied for 69th place when play concluded for the day.
The moment served as a standout highlight in an otherwise challenging start for the veteran player at the major championship.
Bryce Harper flips off Nationals fans after receiving a vulgar chant
Bryce Harper had a big one for his former fanbase this week.
The Philadelphia Phillies played Thursday against the NL East rival Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. During the ninth inning of the contest, the Phillies star Harper came up to bat with a runner on and nobody out in a 5-5 ballgame.
As Harper stepped up to the plate, Nationals fans were heard loudly chanting “F–k Bryce Harper!” The former NL MVP Harper then responded in kind by proceeding to hit a go-ahead two-run home run on the second pitch of the at-bat.
As he rounded the bases, Harper gave the finger to the Washington crowd. He also flashed another one-fingered salute to the Nationals fanbase right as he touched home plate.
Nationals fans were chanting “FU*K Bryce Harper” before his at bat
— Punchoutpitch (@Punchoutpitch) June 26, 2026
Harper hit a home run and flipped off the crowd twice pic.twitter.com/ZiLd5fIctR
Philadelphia trailed Washington 5-0 in the early stages of Thursday’s game. But they responded with a whopping 10 runs unanswered (including Harper’s ninth-inning bomb) to secure a 10-5 win and move to 45-36 on the season (fourth-best in the NL).
As for Harper, 33, he began his MLB career with the Nationals playing there from 2012-18. But he left to sign a monster 13-year, $330 million deal with the division rival Phillies in 2019 after an acrimonious contract negotiation with Washington. While the Nationals did go on to win a World Series without Harper in 2019, their fans still do not care much for the eight-time All-Star. On Thursday however, Harper was able to have some fun right back at them.
Basketball Hall of Famer may be out at NBC after 1 season
NBC may be shaking up their NBA coverage team after just one season.
Retired Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady spoke Thursday with Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports. During the interview, McGrady, who worked as a studio analyst for NBC last season, revealed that he was only on a one-year deal with the network and is unsure if he will be back.
“I give ourselves a B+,” McGrady said of his group’s overall performance for NBC. “And we have a lot of room to improve. I only did a one-year deal, so we’ll see how that goes moving forward. But I would love to be back with the camp.”
Now 47 years old, McGrady was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a two-time scoring champion who played from 1997-2013. After his retirement, McGrady was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
McGrady now has a full decade of media experience and first began as a studio analyst for ESPN in 2016. He then joined NBC in 2025 and worked with Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, and his cousin Vince Carter as the network’s pre- and post-game team.
Viewers had mixed feelings this past season about McGrady, who did well enough in his role but also delivered some zany takes on the air. Now it appears McGrady could be looking for a new media employer (though he did also recently land a notable job in college basketball).
Surprising WNBA player ties the all-time single-game scoring record
One WNBA player had her Bam Adebayo moment this week.
Toronto Tempo shooting guard Marina Mabrey put together the game of her life against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night. Mabrey erupted for 53 points at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ont., tying the WNBA’s all-time single-game scoring record.
The 29-year-old Mabrey shot 17/28 from the field (including 9/18 from three) and 10/12 from the free throw line. Mabrey capped off the night by hitting a three-pointer in transition with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter to tie the record.
MARINA MABREY. 53 POINTS.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) June 26, 2026
TIES THE WNBA SINGLE-GAME RECORD.pic.twitter.com/o71K5oG1z3
Few would have had Mabrey tying the record that was originally set by Liz Cambage in 2018 and then tied by A’ja Wilson in 2023. After all, Mabrey has played for five different teams in her WNBA career and has never once made an All-Star team or won a WNBA championship.
On top of that, Mabrey is on the Tempo because they selected her in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft. Previously with the Connecticut Sun, Mabrey was not one of the five players whom the Sun elected to protect in the draft and was thus free for selection by Toronto.
Last season, Mabrey was mostly only known for being the player who shoved down Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a game. But now Mabrey, who entered play on Thursday averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game for the Tempo this season, has certainly made a new name for herself with her historic performance.
Knicks are not expected to bring back 2 notable players from their title team
The New York Knicks may now be coming back to reality after their NBA championship victory.
New York is not expected to bring back center Mitchell Robinson or guard Landry Shamet this offseason, Shams Charania of ESPN reported this week. Charania noted that the Knicks are trying to stay under the second apron of the luxury tax, which would effectively spell the end for both of those players in New York.
The seven-footer Robinson, 28, and the sharpshooter Shamet, 29, both played impactful roles for the Knicks during their 2026 championship run. The former was the team’s go-to rebounder and shot-blocker behind Karl-Anthony Towns and the latter was a tremendous floor-spacer, shooting a scalding 47.5 percent from three in the playoffs.
But both players are now set to be unrestricted free agents this summer. Knicks owner James Dolan also recently said rather bluntly that he does not intend to go into the second apron for next season.
Shamet has been a Knick since 2024. But we did hear even in the middle of the NBA Finals that he was expected to draw heavy free agent interest this offseason.
Meanwhile, Robinson is by far the longest-tenured player on the Knicks (since 2018) and is very beloved by the local fanbase. Though a previous report suggested that the Knicks were leaning towards keeping Robinson, they may now be drawing a line in the sand thanks to how prohibitive the second apron is.
Timberwolves standout had car stolen from his Los Angeles home
One Minnesota Timberwolves player is having a very confusing week.
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels had his car stolen from his Los Angeles, Calif. home this week. NBC4 Los Angeles reports that McDaniels walked outside of his residence on Wednesday morning to find his 2022 Dodge Charger missing from his parking space.
McDaniels then reportedly proceeded to visit an LAPD station on Thursday morning in order to file a police report. No arrests have been reported up to this point however.
NBC4 adds that law enforcement sources do not believe that McDaniels was targeted in the theft. You can read their full report on the situation here.
McDaniels, the 25-year-old former first-round pick, has blossomed into one of the best two-way role players in the entire NBA. He was an All-Defensive selection in 2024, and then his offense came around as well this past season (as McDaniels averaged a career-high 14.8 points and 2.7 assists per game in a small-usage role).
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are undergoing a lot of changes this week after trading Julius Randle to an Eastern Conference team and then also trading away Naz Reid as part of a large blockbuster deal for LaMelo Ball. While that means the 6-foot-9 McDaniels will have to be playing a lot of power forward next season, he has a more pressing personal property matter to attend to for the immediate time being.
Report: Lakers had their price for Austin Reaves driven up by 1 team
The Los Angeles Lakers apparently paid far more than they wanted to in order to retain Austin Reaves.
The Lakers re-signed their homegrown star Reaves to a monster four-year, $185 million deal earlier this week. The humongous contract even ended up setting a notable all-time NBA record.
But that was not the price that the Lakers wanted to pay for Reaves. Speaking Thursday on “Get Up,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that the Lakers had their price for Reaves get driven up by the Detroit Pistons.
Windhorst said that the Lakers originally offered Reaves a contract for around $30 million per year. However, the Lakers were reportedly forced within some 24 hours to increase their offer to that ultimate figure of over $46 million per year because the Pistons were already priming a max offer of their own for Reaves.
Indeed, Detroit was lining up their ducks for Reaves and even ended up trading away one prominent player in a salary dump to create some more cap space. But the Lakers then moved quickly to increase their offer to Reaves, apparently before the Pistons got a chance to tender their offer.
Reaves is obviously a big winner here, and his girlfriend even captured the exact moment that Reaves learned about his historic contract. But now the Lakers, who are also paying Luka Doncic around $53.5 million per season, are in a very tough position financially and may not be able to materially improve their roster otherwise this offseason (or to re-sign LeBron James, who was recently the subject of an interesting sign-and-trade scenario).
Matthew Stafford talked to Tom Brady about playing into his 40s
Matthew Stafford is taking his career year-to-year, but he has at least chatted with some of the longest-lasting quarterbacks in NFL history about playing into his 40s.
Stafford said in a new edition of the “Green Light” podcast that he still takes retirement year-to-year since he is never completely sure how he will feel at the end of a season. However, he has consulted with both Tom Brady and Drew Brees about playing into one’s 40s.
“I talked to [Brady] a little bit, I’ve talked to Drew Brees a little bit about it as well,” Stafford said, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “It is year-to-year because I think it’s fair to the team, I think it’s fair to me, my family — I don’t want to sit there and say, OK, 24 months from now, I’ve got to be ready to play another football season. I’m like, phew, that just seems like a lot.
“I was talking to Drew — this was before last season — and he was like, ‘How old are you, again?’ I was like, ‘I’m 37.’ He’s like, ‘You might have your best five years of your career coming up.’ And I was like, ‘Huh.’ I never really thought about it that way.”
Stafford is still just 38, so if he wants to play into his 40s, he has several years to go. The fact that he has given it though, however, suggests that it is not totally out of the realm of possibility. The Rams certainly think as much, even though they drafted Ty Simpson as his potential successor in April.
Stafford has shown few signs of slowing down. He threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns last season and has been able to stay healthy. Nobody should put it past him to be successful for a few more years.
Timberwolves are determined not to trade 1 player
The Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to be one of the most active teams in the NBA’s offseason, but there is one player on their roster they appear very determined to hold onto.
While the Timberwolves have other moves in the work, they are not trading guard Donte DiVincenzo, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Minnesota is focused on adding another power forward, as well as some more shooting.
The Wolves do still have other moves in the works. They need a power forward and they need more shooting. I am told that they are not trading Donte DiVincenzo. The work continues.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 25, 2026
On the surface, DiVincenzo makes sense as a trade candidate. He is likely to miss a good portion of next season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs, and is entering the final season of his current contract. Evidently, however, the Timberwolves believe he will be able to make a full recovery and want to keep him beyond next year.
DiVincenzo was an important player for the Timberwolves last season when healthy. He averaged 12.2 points and 1.3 steals per game while playing in all 82 regular season contests.
The Timberwolves have already made one big trade to start the summer, and even parted ways with fan favorite Naz Reid to make it happen. That should be an indicator of just how highly they value DiVincenzo.
Caleb Williams’ controversial trademark application has been denied
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has, at least for now, failed in his effort to trademark his controversial nickname.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has refused Williams’ attempt to trademark “Iceman,” according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN. The denial had nothing to do with George Gervin, however, but was instead refused because LaCrosse Footwear trademarked the term in 1988 for insulated boots, and Williams’ plans to sell Iceman apparel created a “likelihood of confusion.”
Williams sought to trademark the “Iceman” nickname in March. Gervin, an NBA legend who has long gone by the same nickname, responded by trying to trademark it himself, though that application is still pending.
The quarterback responded to critics of the move by saying he was simply protecting his business interests, and was not trying to steal or tarnish Gervin’s legacy.
Williams, 24, gained the “Iceman” nickname amidst his stellar play for the Bears last season. The former No. 1 draft overall pick led Chicago to their first playoff victory since 2010 and notably began doing an ice-themed celebration following touchdown passes. He has the right to appeal the ruling, though it is not yet clear if he will.
WNBA announces discipline over Caitlin Clark controversy
The WNBA agreed with the Indiana Fever that Caitlin Clark was on the wrong end of a bad missed call on Wednesday.
The league announced Thursday that Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas would be suspended one game and assessed a flagrant 2 foul for striking Clark in the throat during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, In. The league said Thomas “recklessly (made) contact with her fist to the throat area” of Clark, which was deemed a non-basketball act.
Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas Receives Flagrant Foul 2 Penalty and a One-Game Suspension pic.twitter.com/VnDF8M3SXQ
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) June 25, 2026
Somehow, no foul was called on the play during the game (video here). That only furthered the notion that Clark gets a raw deal from the league and its officials, and the Fever were furious both during and after the game over the no-call.
As is the case in the NBA, the WNBA can go back and look at incidents that were not punished during a game and retroactively assess a flagrant foul and a suspension. That is what the league did here, though it came too late for Indiana’s liking.
Indeed, there has even been a perception that the league is needlessly harsh on Clark, as evidenced by her technical foul troubles. They had no choice but to step in and punish Thomas in this instance.
Jay Williams addresses ‘uncomfortable’ NBA Draft exchange with Richard Jefferson
ESPN’s Jay Williams admitted that his on-air exchange with Richard Jefferson during Tuesday’s NBA Draft coverage was every bit as awkward as it looked.
Jefferson made questionable jokes about the motorcycle crash that ended Williams’ NBA career during ABC’s draft telecast on Tuesday. After video was shown of fans cheering Williams being selected second overall in the 2002 NBA Draft, Jefferson made a rather cruel joke.
“They also didn’t see the future coming, so they were cheering kind of pre-emptively,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson wasn’t done there, adding that Williams’ motorcycle crash showed that “everybody that goes to Duke isn’t that smart.”
Richard Jefferson: They also didn't see the future coming, so they were cheering kinda preemptively
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 24, 2026
Jay Williams: Wow
Kenny Smith: His career trajectory would've been a lot different if he didn't like motorcycles
RJ: I guess everybody that goes to Duke isn't that smart… pic.twitter.com/jrw8tPWnuo
In an interview with Ben Horney of Front Office Sports, Williams said there was “no real tension” on the set as a result of the exchange, but it was certainly awkward.
“For me, it was extremely uncomfortable,” Williams admitted.
A year after being drafted, Williams’ NBA career was ended by a serious motorcycle injury that caused a fractured pelvis and severe injuries to one of the nerves in his leg.
Jefferson’s decision to make fun of that in the moment felt needlessly personal and very mean-spirited, even if it was intended as a joke. While he is no stranger to poking the bear, so to speak, this seemed to cross a line.
Kawhi Leonard would only re-sign with 2 teams if traded
Kawhi Leonard’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers remains in some doubt, but interested teams will have to be wary of being able to secure a long-term commitment from him.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Thursday that the Toronto Raptors have interest in Leonard, and that the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are the only teams Leonard would consider signing a new contract with. Not coincidentally, those are the two other teams Leonard has played for during his career.
While Kawhi Leonard’s preference is to remain with the Clippers, league sources say the two-time Finals MVP would be open to signing an extension with Toronto, amid the Raptors’ own interest in reuniting with Leonard.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 25, 2026
Full story here: https://t.co/3cXkUpMI6X https://t.co/09GoDmoZYb
This is bad news for some of the other teams who have been linked to Leonard. The veteran forward is entering the final season of his three-year contract and can become a free agent next summer.
By all accounts, the Clippers want to keep Leonard, and Leonard does not want to leave. Still, that contract status is looming over both sides, and the team will be forced to make a tough decision if Leonard does not commit in the next few months.
Leonard and the Clippers may also be forcibly separated depending on the results of the NBA’s ongoing investigation into potential salary cap circumvention.
LaVar Ball reveals big personal news about him and his wife Tina
LaVar Ball revealed big personal news about him and his wife Tina during an interview with a popular YouTube creator.
Ball was interviewed by YouTube personality N3on for a video that was published on Wednesday. In the video, Ball revealed that he and Tina have separated.
“Even with my wife. Tina decided to go her own way. That’s why you don’t see her right here,” Ball told N3on. “She wanted to go do something else, that’s fine with me. We had our run. We had our run.”
Ball indicated that Tina initiated the split. He says he has since “found someone else,” though he kept the identity of his new girlfriend private.
“No need to worry,” he told N3on in response to a question about the new woman’s identity.
LaVar Ball revealed to N3on that his wife Tina Ball have split ways with each other and filed for divorce after 30 years 💔
— yoxic (@yoxics) June 25, 2026
"she wanted to go do something else that's fine with me we had our run.. it is what it is" pic.twitter.com/e1kCwAsYwc
LaVar and Tina were married in 1997 and were together around 30 years. They had three sons together — LiAngelo, LaMelo and Lonzo. LaMelo was just traded to a new team.
LaVar had his foot and part of his leg amputated last year after ignoring a health issue. He now walks around on a prosthetic right leg.
