Cowboys’ relationship with former All-Pro may be ‘severed’
The Dallas Cowboys may have alienated one of their star players to the point of no return.
The Cowboys announced Saturday that cornerback Trevon Diggs will not be activated for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The move was made despite the fact that Diggs had a full week of practice and says he is healthy enough to play.
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reported that the relationship between Diggs and the Cowboys has “soured” and may even be “severed.”
Sources: #Cowboys All-Pro CB Trevon Diggs will not play Sunday vs the Vikings.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 13, 2025
This comes after what was described to me as a “great week of practice,” while multiple sources tell me the relationship between Diggs and the organization has “soured” and “been severed.”
Diggs,… pic.twitter.com/ncFINVrMbn
Diggs has been on injured reserve since mid-October due to a concussion he suffered at home. The Cowboys have activated his 21-day practice window, but must fully activate him next week or leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Diggs is best remembered for his 2021 season when he intercepted 11 passes and was named first-team All-Pro. He has only played in 19 games over the last three seasons, largely due to knee injuries. He has 18 tackles in six games for the Cowboys this year.
The Cowboys signed Diggs to a five-year, $97 million contract extension in 2023. The team could save as much as $15.5 million by releasing him this offseason, an outcome which is starting to feel increasingly possible.
Dave Roberts played big role in UCLA’s head coach search
The UCLA Bruins got a somewhat surprising assist in their search for a new head coach from Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts was an active part of UCLA’s coaching search and even spoke with several of the candidates, according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times. Roberts even took part in Zoom calls while the Dodgers’ playoff run was still ongoing.
Roberts, a UCLA alumnus, said he spoke with eventual hire Bob Chesney three times while the Bruins courted the coach, and they texted even more often than that.
“I just see him as a guy that failure’s not an option,” Roberts said. “He’s gonna win. I think I have a pretty good gut and read on people and I couldn’t have more conviction in coach Chesney.”
It is not terribly unusual for a school to lean on its alumni when making hires like this one. Roberts’ role seems to have been even bigger than that, and he basically did everything except join the search committee.
If the Bruins want to replicate a winner, they could do a lot worse than following Roberts’ lead. He has won three titles with the Dodgers, including two in a row in 2024 and 2025. He certainly has his critics, but the results ultimately speak for themselves.
Donald Trump had the most awkward coin toss at Army-Navy game
President Donald Trump was in attendance for Saturday’s annual Army-Navy game, but he did not exactly nail the coin toss.
Trump took part in the coin toss prior to Saturday’s game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. and was given the honor of actually tossing the coin. His form, however, left something to be desired. Instead of flipping the coin, the president more or less tossed it in the air underhand, sending it flying toward the Army captains.
Trump with one of the worst coin tosses I've seen lmao pic.twitter.com/TdPZcEoff7
— 🜲 🜲 🜲 (@fsh733) December 13, 2025
It was not even clear that the coin actually flipped, much to the amusement of many viewers.
Trump is known to be a sports fan. He attended an NFL game earlier this season, and has offered some feedback on the league’s new kickoff rule. This is his third time attending the Army-Navy game in his role as commander-in-chief dating back to 2016.
Army wound up winning the toss and chose to defer to the second half. Navy promptly scored a touchdown on the first drive of the game.
49ers make decision on Brandon Aiyuk’s future
Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his final game as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list on Saturday, according to multiple reports. That makes the wide receiver ineligible to return this season.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area added that the move likely ensures that the two sides will head their separate ways this offseason.
Aiyuk’s likely departure ends a rather bizarre tenure with the team. He appeared to be developing into a star, but a protracted contract negotiation led to bad feelings between the two sides. Though they eventually got a deal done worth $120 million, the 49ers came to regret it, especially after he suffered a serious knee injury in 2024.
Aiyuk has not played this season, and the 49ers were disappointed enough with his rehab work that they voided some of his guaranteed money. A split was seen as likely even before Saturday, with the wide receiver set to give away a lot of money just to leave San Francisco.
In his last fully healthy season of 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Arkansas and Texas Tech players get in handshake line scuffle
Arkansas and Texas Tech players got involved in a scuffle during the handshake line after Saturday’s game.
The Razorbacks beat the Red Raiders 93-86 on Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tex., in a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 game. The two teams got into a bit of a postgame scuffle during the handshake line, as recorded by Cory Whitman of The Daily Toreador.
A postgame scuffle between the Razorbacks and Red Raiders, including Trevon Brazile showing his middle finger. pic.twitter.com/nQV84r6S9g
— Cory Whitman (@CoryWhitmanDT) December 13, 2025
Things did not escalate too much, though Arkansas star Trevon Brazile can be seen flipping off someone from the Texas Tech side. Coaches were able to step in and separate the two teams.
There was definitely a bit of added emotion in this game, as Texas Tech staged a late comeback against the Razorbacks in the Sweet 16 to win 85-83 in overtime. This time, it was Arkansas that made a comeback, as they trailed by as much as 10 in the first half.
With Saturday’s win, Arkansas is now 8-2 on the season. They are playing like the best team in the SEC at the moment.
Video shows Anthony Edwards having an exchange with a Warriors fan
Anthony Edwards was not even playing on Friday night, but he still managed to get heckled.
The Minnesota Timberwolves star Edwards did not suit up on Friday against the Golden State Warriors due to right foot soreness. However, Minnesota (led by 27 points from Julius Randle, 24 from Rudy Gobert, and 21 from Donte DiVincenzo) still managed to get the 127-120 win over the Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.
On Saturday, video went viral from the game of an exchange between Edwards and a Warriors fan. As the video began, the male fan appeared to be getting escorted out by security just behind the Minnesota bench.
The fan yelled at Edwards, saying, “You have zero! Zero, Ant Man!” In response, an amused Edwards then yelled back, saying, “What you mad at me for? What you mad at me for, playa?”
You can see the video at the link here.
It is unclear if the fan was referring to Edwards’ point total on Friday (which was obviously zero) or Edwards’ career ring total (which is also zero). But with Minnesota getting the victory on Friday even despite Edwards’ absence to improve to 16-9 on the season, the fan might have just been coping there.
While the three-time All-Star Edwards is already known as one of the game’s great trash-talkers at 24 years old, he usually deals with opposing fans very well. Earlier this season, Edwards went viral over an incredibly classy gesture for a rival fan during another game.
Jon Gruden’s chances of landing the Michigan job have been revealed
Whether Jon Gruden wants the Michigan job or not, he does not appear to be in line for it.
Gruden is not likely to be considered for the job, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. It is unclear if Gruden will coach at any level until his ongoing litigation against the NFL is concluded.
Gruden is linked to virtually every major coaching job that opens up. He has suggested in the past he would be interested in a college vacancy if one came his way, and he grew up in northwest Ohio, suggesting he has at least some familiarity with the region.
Realistically, Gruden might also prefer an NFL job, though it is not clear if one of those will come his way either.
The Wolverines will be hiring a new head coach after firing Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. The headlines about Moore that have since emerged have caused a lot of embarrassment for the university, and the program has dealt with a number of scandals dating back to Jim Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach. The school might prefer to target someone without a history of controversy, and the reasons for Gruden’s dismissal from the Las Vegas Raiders may negatively impact him here more than they would in relation to other jobs.
Instead of Gruden, Michigan has been consistently linked with some other top college coaches.
Interesting new actor tabbed to play Dennis Rodman in upcoming film
The upcoming Dennis Rodman film just got a little more interesting.
Oscar-nominated actor LaKeith Stanfield is now set to portray the retired Basketball Hall of Famer Rodman in the forthcoming Lionsgate film “48 Hours in Vegas,” Michaela Zee of Variety reported Friday. Stanfield is taking over for fellow actor Jonathan Majors, who was dropped from the movie’s lead role amid an assault conviction in 2023.
“48 Hours in Vegas” will be a comedy film based on Rodman’s infamous trip to Las Vegas in the middle of the 1997-98 NBA season while with the Chicago Bulls. We first heard that the movie was in the works back in 2021.
As for Stanfield, he is a veteran actor known for his range and expressiveness. He had memorable roles in the cult films “Get Out” (2017) and “Uncut Gems” (2019). Stanfield also starred in the acclaimed comedy film “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) and later received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor over his role in “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021).
Television fans might also remember Stanfield for his role as Darius in the Donald Glover-created FX series “Atlanta” (2016-22). Stanfield received a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor thanks to his performance in that series.
No further details were available on the projected release date of “48 Hours in Vegas.” However, the Stanfield news is a bit of positive press for the now 64-year-old Rodman, who recently made headlines over some drama with his professional soccer star daughter Trinity.
Kenley Jansen signs with a new contender in free agency
38-year-old Kenley Jansen is getting a chance to compete for another World Series title.
The veteran MLB reliever Jansen has agreed to a deal with the Detroit Tigers in free agency, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Saturday. Jansen’s deal is reportedly for one year and $11 million and also has a club option for 2027.
Jansen, a four-time MLB All-Star and a two-time NL saves leader, spent the first 12 seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and won a World Series ring with them in 2020. He then went on to pitch for the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, and the Los Angeles Angels.
Last season for the Angels, Jansen was surprisingly stellar, albeit on a team where save opportunities were few and far between. Jansen went 5-4 with a 2.59 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP through 62 total relief appearances. He also logged 29 saves in 30 opportunities (but did struggle at times when called on during non-save situations).
As for the Tigers, they are very much in the title hunt after winning 87 games last season and very narrowly losing to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS. Detroit also has extra incentive to compete in 2026 given that it is ace pitcher Tarik Skubal’s final guaranteed year under contract.
While Will Vest was decent last year as the Tigers’ closer, he did blow seven total saves, and now Detroit will have another option in the ninth inning in Jansen, who leads all active MLB players with 476 career saves. On top of that, the Tigers also just signed another All-Star reliever to a new deal.
Giants interested in top college coach to replace Brian Daboll
The New York Giants have already identified a set of coaching candidates to replace Brian Daboll, and one prominent name from the college ranks is on the list.
The Giants have interest in Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. They also have interest in a number of top NFL coordinators, including Kliff Kingsbury of Washington and Jeff Hafley of Green Bay.
Russini notes that other teams might also have interest in Freeman, with NFL executives impressed by his success at Notre Dame and his charisma and intangibles.
Despite all his success at Notre Dame, Freeman’s name comes up a lot in relation to major job openings at both the college and pro levels. He has shrugged off NFL interest in the past, but that interest remains serious, and he will not be able to duck it forever.
If Freeman is lured by an NFL team, it might have to be based on the prestige of coaching at a higher level. The Fighting Irish have made it very clear that they have no intention of letting an NFL team outbid them financially.
Freeman just finished his fourth full season as head coach of the Fighting Irish. He is 43-12 overall, including a 10-2 mark this season.
Mets sign their replacement for Pete Alonso
The New York Mets have gone in an unusual direction to replace first baseman Pete Alonso.
The Mets have agreed to a 2-year, $40 million deal with infielder Jorge Polanco. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Polanco is expected to play first base for the Mets.
Infielder Jorge Polanco and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract, sources tell ESPN. He is expected to play first base and DH.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2025
The Mets are essentially replacing Alonso, one of their most popular players, with a 32-year-old veteran who has never regularly played first base before. To say that is a gamble would be an understatement. Polanco is coming off an excellent season which saw him hit .265 with 26 home runs for the Seattle Mariners, but he hit just .213 in 2024, so he has not necessarily been a consistent performer.
Alonso left the Mets for the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million contract. The Mets are saving money by bringing in a cheaper replacement in Polanco, but it is hard to argue that they actually got better by doing so.
Many fans were already questioning the Mets over what they saw as an underwhelming offseason so far. This signing is unlikely to change many opinions on that front.
Scott Frost is suing Nebraska
Former Huskers head football coach Scott Frost has launched a legal battle against the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, accusing the institution of breaching his contract and botching buyout payments that saddled him with a hefty tax liability.
Frost, fired in September of 2022, amid a dismal 16-31 record over five seasons, was due payments through his contract’s expiration on December 31, 2026.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Lancaster County District Court, claims the university abruptly halted 2025 and 2026 liquidated damages, yet in a contradictory email, assured him those sums would cover his obligations — triggering a $1.7 million IRS tax hit on funds he never pocketed.
The complaint blasts the university’s stance as “muddled, internally inconsistent and transparently self-serving,” forcing Frost into legal fees, audit stress, and financial limbo.
“But, in the same email, the University expressly stated that the payments could be adjusted at a later date, without any further explanation,” the filing states.
Frost seeks court clarification on contract rights, an order for owed payments, and at least $5 million in damages. No hearing date is set.
University officials have yet to publicly address the lawsuit, but the case could drag into Nebraska’s gridiron offseason, spotlighting administrative accountability in college athletics’ high-stakes world.
Two Georgia football players arrested for shoplifting
In a fresh off-field controversy for the Georgia Bulldogs, freshmen offensive lineman Dontrell Glover and running back Bo Walker were arrested Friday on misdemeanor theft by shoplifting charges in Athens, Ga.
The incident, which occurred at a local retailer, led to the players being booked into Clarke County Jail late Friday afternoon — Walker at 5:30 p.m. and Glover at 5:55 p.m. Each player posted a $1,500 bond to be released.
Glover, a Fairburn native and All-SEC freshman selection, started the final 11 games of the season, anchoring the line for the SEC champions.
Walker, from Decatur, contributed 100 rushing yards and three touchdowns across six reserve appearances, though he missed the SEC title game after surgery for injuries sustained in an earlier car accident.
University spokesman Steve Drummond acknowledged the arrests.
“We were informed of the charges and are currently in the process of gathering additional information,” he said in a statement to ESPN. “This is a pending legal matter, and we will not have further comment at this time.”
The arrests echo recent turmoil in the program.
Just weeks ago, redshirt freshman Nyier Daniels was dismissed by coach Kirby Smart following his arrest on 13 charges, including felony fleeing police at over 150 mph and child cruelty, in Commerce.
As Georgia prepares for the College Football Playoff, these incidents raise questions about player conduct under Smart’s watch, potentially impacting team morale and recruitment.
Details on stolen items remain undisclosed, with court dates pending.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder want to beat Warriors’ record
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t mince words when asked if the Oklahoma City Thunder are chasing the NBA’s single-season wins record of 73, set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
“Absolutely. Winning matters,” the All-Star guard declared during a press conference ahead of the NBA Cup semifinals. “And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely.”
The Thunder, boasting a blistering 24-1 record, have matched the Warriors’ best 25-game start in league history. Their 16-game winning streak puts them on pace to eclipse the mark, and Gilgeous-Alexander wants to win every night.
“We are trying to be a better version of ourselves every night we go out there, and we like to hunt in that form,” he said, via ESPN. “If we didn’t get better tonight, then we wasted an opportunity. That’s kind of how we see it.”
Forward Harrison Barnes, a veteran of that Warriors squad, cautioned about the toll of such pursuits.
“It’s tiring. It’s tiring,” Barnes told ESPN. “Obviously, you deal with all types of narratives going into the season and things like that. But everything’s different. It was a lot.”
Oklahoma City faces the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, a matchup that counts toward regular-season standings. Teammate Jalen Williams echoed the mindset.
“If we are going to apply ourselves to anything, let’s do it to the best of your ability and try to win. That’s just our nature. That’s just how we play basketball,” he said.
With the NBA Cup on the line — one of the few blemishes last season — the Thunder are hunting history, one dominant performance at a time.
Colts coach may have been asked the worst question about Philip Rivers
In a press conference that could double as a comedy sketch, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen fielded a query straight out of left field this week: “Is Philip Rivers the first player you’ve ever coached who’s older than you?”
Cue the mic drop — or rather, Steichen’s bemused pause.
“Ummm… I’ve coached him when he was older than me before,” he quipped. “So, obviously, with age, everyone gets older. That was true 10 years ago.”
Oof. The room erupted in chuckles, but let’s unpack this gem.
See, Steichen isn’t Rivers’ wide-eyed rookie coach. Back in 2016-2019, as the Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterbacks guru, he molded the ageless arm of Rivers, who racked up Pro Bowls and passing yards like it was his job — because it was.
Rivers, now 44 and fresh off high school coaching glory in Alabama, is back slinging it on the Colts’ practice squad amid a QB injury crunch. Talk about a plot twist.
The reporter? Probably skipped the research deep dive — Rivers’ 16 Charger seasons scream “veteran mentor.”
Hey, oversights happen; even pros need a fact-check buddy. But Steichen’s zinger? Pure gold. It reminds us: In the NFL’s whirlwind, a little homework keeps the laughs on the right side.
Report: Sherrone Moore made advances to other women
In a bombshell Wall Street Journal investigation, former Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore faces fresh allegations of misconduct beyond his suspected high-profile affair with staffer Paige Shiver.
The report reveals that at least two women lodged complaints with the university, accusing Moore of making unwanted online advances toward them during his tenure. These incidents, detailed in the probe that ultimately led to his firing for cause last week, paint a disturbing pattern of inappropriate behavior.
One complainant described Moore’s messages as persistent and unwelcome, escalating to discomforting propositions despite her clear disinterest. The second echoed similar experiences, noting his attempts to leverage his position for personal gain.
University officials, upon reviewing digital evidence, confirmed that the advances violated conduct policies, which contributed to the internal investigation’s findings.
This revelation compounds Moore’s woes. Hours after his dismissal — stemming from an “inappropriate relationship” with Shiver, whom he allegedly stalked for months and threatened with suicide post-breakup — Moore was detained by police in an assault probe.
Reports also surfaced of Moore wielding a knife during a confrontation at Shiver’s home, vowing self-harm to coerce reconciliation.
Michigan’s swift action underscores a zero-tolerance stance, but questions linger about oversight. As the fallout engulfs the program, the voices of victims demand accountability.
Mike McCarthy does not know how to pronounce Caleb Williams’ name
In a clip that’s got the NFL world in stitches, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy turned the Pat McAfee Show into a comedy roast — unintentionally.
Chatting about nurturing young quarterbacks like Chicago’s second-year sensation, McCarthy dropped this gem: “Frankly, I wouldn’t be too hard on Kalib because he’s different.”
Host Pat McAfee, mid-sip of whatever caffeinated chaos fuels him, choked.
“Who?” he interjected.
McCarthy doubled down: “Kalib Williams.”
McAfee exploded into hysterics, wheezing, “It’s Caleb! Jesus Christ, you’re nowhere near it!”
The studio dissolved into tears as McCarthy, McAfee, and A.J. Hawk began poking fun at each other.
“I love it when you talk about other bulls–t,” McCarthy said, as McAfee playfully apologized for interrupting.
The irony? Last year, after Jerry Jones showed McCarthy the door post a bumpy 7-10 Cowboys season, Chicago nearly scooped him up to mentor none other than Caleb Williams.
McCarthy’s QB whisperer cred — turning Aaron Rodgers into an MVP machine and boosting Dak Prescott to 37-touchdown glory — had Bears fans dreaming of Super Bowl synergy. But they passed, opting for a fresh face amid their own 5-12 dumpster fire.
Imagine McCarthy barking play calls: “Kalib, hit ’em on the slant!”
Williams, ever the cool USC kid, might’ve just nodded and called in the play with his colorful nails.
McAfee, still wheezing, later quipped he’d never heard of a “quarterback coach” like that. Classic Mike: All heart, zero phonics. Who needs elocution when you’ve got Lombardi vibes?
Victor Wembanyama throws subtle shade when asked about the best player in the NBA
Victor Wembanyama had a rather unexpected answer when asked about who wears the biggest crown in the NBA today.
The San Antonio Spurs star sat down for an interview with ESPN ahead of his highly anticipated return from injury. Wembanyama missed the Spurs’ last 12 games due to a lingering calf issue.
Many fans and media members believe three-time MVP Nikola Jokic to be the best player in the league. But Wembanyama apparently doesn’t share the same sentiment, indicating that the Denver Nuggets star’s defensive abilities (or lack thereof) remove him from consideration.
“I think Jokic is the best offensive player. I don’t think he’s the best player,” Wembanyama said.
Victor Wembanyama on who is the best player in the NBA:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 13, 2025
“I think Jokic is the best offensive player. I don’t think he’s the best player… I think it’s between Giannis and Shai.”
“When I come back on the court, I think it will be me.”pic.twitter.com/ESHKmQyJ9x
Instead of Jokic, Wembanyama pointed to two-way superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as potential options — before pointing the arrow back at himself.
“It’s hard to say,” the Spurs phenom added. “I think it’s between Giannis and Shai. When I come back on the court, I think it will be me.”
It’s hard to know for sure how the comments would resonate with Jokic, who’s known for his easygoing personality, particularly off the court. Perhaps that had something to do with Wembanyama feeling comfortable enough to dismiss him as the league’s best player in the manner that he did. One can only imagine how a louder personality like LeBron James or Kevin Durant would have taken such a jab.
On the other hand, Jokic isn’t afraid to raise his level of intensity on the court, especially when challenged by opposing centers. Jokic has even done the same against Wembanyama in the past.
The next Spurs-Nuggets game in March should be interesting, to say the least.
Texans owner pulled elaborate stunt after he got ignored by CJ Stroud
Houston Texans owner Cal McNair showed the world how far he’s willing to go to secure a high five from his starting quarterback.
Stroud accidentally left McNair hanging after the signal caller led the Texans to a resounding road win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Stroud went 15/31 for 203 yards and a touchdown in the contest, outdueling Patrick Mahomes in the 20-10 contest.
The Ohio State alum was generous in handing out high-fives after the victory. But Stroud hilariously stopped his high five train short of McNair, who looked toward the broadcast camera like he was a character on “The Office.”
Oh no, CJ Stroud accidentally left Texans owner Cal McNair hanging 😂(@benjicooksey from IG) pic.twitter.com/oWvP2qiof2
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) December 9, 2025
McNair responded to his awkward moment’s virality in the best way possible. The Texans owner filmed an elaborate video depicting him keeping his hand up for days after getting shunned by Stroud. Several Texans employees and even players were in on the joke, with McNair finally getting five up top from his star QB.
#TEXANS OWNER CAL MCNAIR WITH ONE OF THE FUNNIEST TIKTOKS OF ALL TIME AFTER CJ STROUD IGNORED HIM.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) December 11, 2025
🤣🤣🤣
CRYING OF LAUGHTER WATCHING THIS. HE DID THIS ALL DAY LONG.
pic.twitter.com/3VxArKxEQm
One has to hand it to McNair for having a sense of humor about the whole thing.
It’s no surprise he was in great spirits to produce and star in such a video. Aside from finally getting the high five from Stroud, the Texans also gifted McNair with a five-game winning streak to improve to 8-5 through Week 14.
Warriors targeting a trade for notable 20-ppg scorer
The Golden State Warriors may be trying to acquire a Splash Nephew.
Golden State has been “open about their desire” to trade for New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Friday. Amick notes that Pelicans players like Murphy and Herbert Jones are expected to attract “serious interest” from contenders amid New Orleans’ rotten 4-22 record this season.
Murphy, 25, is a budding three-level scorer who is averaging 21.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game this year on solid 49/36/91 shooting splits. He also has plenty of defensive upside at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan.
In Oct. 2024, Murphy agreed to a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the Pelicans. Currently in just his first year of that contract, Murphy will likely fetch a premium on the trade market if New Orleans does indeed make him available.
The Warriors do badly need a player of Murphy’s profile. Outside of elder statesmen Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, Golden State’s best perimeter defender is rookie guard Will Richard, who is undersized. Meanwhile, outside of Steph Curry, Golden State’s best three-point shooter is Buddy Hield, who is a lousy defender and is in the middle of a career-worst year with just 8.0 points per game. Murphy could hypothetically solve both those issues at once.
When it comes to the assets that the Warriors would have to trade, the likes of Hield and Jonathan Kuminga could be contract-match options while Richard, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody fit as young upside pieces as well. While the Pelicans may be able to get a better return for Murphy elsewhere, the interest from the 13-12 Warriors (who have some glaring defensive issues in particular right now) is very much there.
