Fans all said the same thing about the NCAA’s suspension of Tennessee star
The NCAA strikes again, and this time fans are in disbelief. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter was suspended for two games.
The reason why is that his agent paid for his $427 flight during the pre-draft process, although Carter would later repay him for the flight ticket, via a report from Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Carter ended up withdrawing from the NFL Draft in January and decided to return to Tennessee as he dealt with an injury, so it’s an odd scenario and a hefty penalty for a minor infraction.
After the news came out, plenty of fans were laughing and questioning the NCAA for the punishment.
it’s almost laughable at this point. #FREEARION https://t.co/8QGgr6Fvny
— Barstool Rocky Top (@BarstoolTenn) July 29, 2026
Sue them.
— Will Boling (@will_boling) July 29, 2026
We've got players flaunting their Italian sports cars, private jet deals and apparel partnerships and we're suspending a guy over a $400 flight?
What are we doing here? https://t.co/krUv5OGqUD
Wild decision by the NCAA. https://t.co/1ZQIXLVQgA
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) July 29, 2026
Guys, what are we doing?
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTuckerCBB) July 29, 2026
Your backup center can make a million bucks but we’ve sniffed out a $500 impermissible benefit! https://t.co/Xtojtfh8do
Adam Sparks, who broke the initial news, had some form of clarity on the situation.
“If Arion Carter got travel expenses provided as part of an approved NIL contract, there’d be no problem. Because he’d be an “amateur.” But by accepting a flight from an NFL agent, the NCAA sees him as getting perks as a professional,” he wrote on X.
Still, it’s a puzzling move by the NCAA, and the latest in what has been questionable handling ever since the NIL era began.
As of now, Carter is set to miss the first two games, which come against Furman and Georgia Tech.
Sharks make NHL history with record-breaking contract
The San Jose Sharks have missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons, but they are investing heavily in forward Macklin Celebrini.
On Wednesday, the Sharks and Celebrini agreed to a new five-year deal worth $18.8 million per season, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. It will be a total of five years and $94 million for the 20-year-old Sharks sensation.
#sjsharks announce Macklin Celebrini contract extension: 5 years x $18.8 million.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 29, 2026
Anaheim Ducks star Leo Carlsson signed a five-year deal worth $90 million in July, putting him at $18 million per season, so Celebrini’s new contract is almost $1 million more per season.
The Sharks selected Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. In two seasons, he has played in 152 games with 70 goals and 108 assists, and he had a total of 115 points this past season for the Sharks. That marked a single-season record for the Sharks.
Celebrini added that he “couldn’t be happier” after signing the new deal.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign an extension today,” Celebrini said, via the official release from NHL.com. “ My teammates and I are ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to this city and its incredible fans. I can’t wait to get going.”
The Sharks have plenty of work remaining to get back to the playoffs, but Celebrini will be in town for at least the next five seasons.
Ravens had the coolest training camp entrance with the help of a new face
The Baltimore Ravens enlisted the help of a new face to get their players hyped up as they arrived at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md., for training camp.
Welcoming the players was none other than the team’s new public address announcer, JP Stevenson, who brought an entire sound system to announce each player’s arrival. Stevenson clearly did his homework, highlighting notable accomplishments from each player’s football career.
Even superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson was impressed.
“Hey, this [is] crazy, Y’all funny,” the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player said as he walked past Stevenson.
Here is a video of Stevenson’s work.
Had a little extra juice for player arrivals 😂
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 28, 2026
Introducing our new PA announcer coming to the Bank, JP Stevenson! pic.twitter.com/c2NzZAUopy
Jackson and the Ravens will see (and hear) more of Stevenson once the 2026 season comes around.
Baltimore will kick off its campaign on Sept. 13 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., before traveling back home for a Week 2 showdown on Sept. 20 versus the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.
The Ravens are looking to bounce back after winning just eight games in 2025 and missing the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2021 before later parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh.
Report: Jaylen Brown ready to check ego amid LeBron James’ arrival
It is NBA championship or bust for the Philadelphia 76ers, given the tremendous offseason they are having. But if they are to bring a title back to the City of Brotherly Love, they will have to find the right balance with a top-heavy roster that now features Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.
That’s something that the 76ers will have to figure out going into the 2026-27 season.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, Brown has expressed his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of his new team following the arrival of four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James.
“There’s gonna be so much sacrifice that’s gonna go into next season. And one person around Jaylen Brown told me today, he’s gonna approach this with no ego,” Charania said.
Shams on the Sixers:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 28, 2026
"There's gonna be so much sacrifice that's gonna go into next season. And one person around Jaylen Brown told me today, he’s gonna approach this with no ego."pic.twitter.com/Cetk6jgzEp
It might take some time for Brown to get used to having the ball less in his hands, especially after leading the Boston Celtics with a 36.2% usage rate during the 2025-26 season. But at least he’s open to doing what it takes to ensure a smooth coexistence on the court with James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and rising star VJ Edgecombe.
It will likely come down to how efficient the 76ers will be with their possessions.
In the 2025-26 campaign, Philadelphia was 16th in the league overall with 114.3 points per 100 possessions and had the sixth-lowest turnover rate at 13.4%.
Falcons’ QB battle takes an unexpected turn after a notable Tua Tagovailoa update
The Atlanta Falcons will have to wait a little longer to see Tua Tagovailoa in action at training camp.
On Wednesday, new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that Tagovailoa is “dealing with an injury,” via Josh Kendall of The Athletic.
However, Tagovailoa’s injury does not seem serious, with Stefanski indicating the former Alabama Crimson Tide star will be “out there sooner than later” and that “he’ll be back shortly.”
With Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared medically after suffering an ACL injury in 2025, the Falcons will not have the quarterback battle between him and Tagovailoa just yet.
For now, it will be undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand’s time to shine as the Falcons’ QB1 on their first day of training camp, as noted by Kendall. Strand is a product of Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead.
Meanwhile, the Falcons are adding depth to their training camp QB room. Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that with Tagovailoa dealing with a back issue and Penix still out, the Falcons have decided to bring in former Dallas Cowboys QB Cooper Rush, who also played last season for the Baltimore Ravens.
Tagovailoa, who’s dealt with numerous injuries in his career in the NFL, is beginning a new chapter in his football journey with the Falcons after six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Atlanta signed the former first-round pick to a 1-year, $1.215 million contract in March.
Aaron Rodgers reveals wife’s message before major career decision
Aaron Rodgers sang the same song about his wife’s role in his decision to return for one more year in the NFL.
The future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback had said in May that his wife helped him decide to give it another go in the league. On Tuesday, he shared the same sentiment, this time with a little more detail about what his spouse, named Brittani, told him.
“I thought last year might be it,” Rodgers said after the Steelers’ conditioning test, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “And then Mike [McCarthy] got hired, and I talked to the wife and she said, ‘You can do one more year.’ I said, ‘Well, we’ll see if it works out.’ And then it kind of all came together.”
There is very little that the public knows about Brittani outside of her name, as Rodgers has kept her identity and their relationship extremely private. They will soon have more time with each other, though, once the 2026 season is over, as Rodgers doubled down on his decision that the upcoming campaign is his absolute last in the league.
“Zero debate. Zero,” Rodgers said when asked about the possibility of changing his mind and playing beyond the 2026 season.
Last season with the Steelers, Rodgers recorded 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions in 16 starts.
Allen Iverson responds to LeBron James choosing to play for the 76ers
“The Answer” offered a great response to what LeBron James’s decision to take his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers means for the City of Brotherly Love. In a recent appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” former 76ers superstar point guard Allen Iverson shared with host Stephen A. Smith his positive thoughts on James choosing the team as his last stop in the league.
“Just ecstatic, man. You know, I’m just happy for the city of Philadelphia, man. For the team, you know what I mean?” the 11-time NBA All-Star told Smith.
“The type of player he is, the type of person he is. I’m just happy, man. He brings a lot, you know what I mean? He really is the answer.”
Allen Iverson on LeBron James joining the 76ers:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 28, 2026
“Just ecstatic, man. You know I’m just happy for the city of Philadelphia, man. For the team, you know what I mean? The type of player he is, the type of person he is. I’m just happy, man. He brings a lot, you know what I mean? He… pic.twitter.com/s0dNzquov9
With James, the 76ers have someone who could finally lead them back to the NBA Finals, a stage they have not reached since Iverson took them there in 2001.
James will be turning 42 in December, but many believe he still has enough gas left in the tank to help Philadelphia win an NBA title. Iverson would love to see that happen, with the Sixers hoping to be the next team to end a long championship drought after their division rivals, the New York Knicks, snapped theirs in June.
For what it’s worth, the 76ers last won the NBA championship in 1983, a year before James was born.
Fans bring out jokes after seeing CJ Stroud’s appearance before training camp
NFL quarterbacks are rock stars, but Houston Texans star CJ Stroud didn’t have that kind of aura, at least if you asked the fans who ruthlessly roasted his appearance heading into the team’s training camp.
A day before the start of the Texans’ training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Texas, the team’s social media department shared a video of Stroud arriving at the site.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes star signal-caller may have looked unrecognizable to some fans, largely because of a significant change in his hairstyle. Gone are Stroud’s dreads, which he cut following the Texans’ playoff loss to the eventual AFC champions New England Patriots.
CJ7 reporting in 🫡 pic.twitter.com/q66dUdrOId
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 28, 2026
Meanwhile, fans didn’t miss the opportunity to roast Stroud’s look and his seemingly swaggerless gait.
Bro looks like he walking in senior year in 2007
— Drew 😈 (@Redrxk) July 28, 2026
He looks like a slightly overweight high school kid with below average athletic ability going to play pick-up hoops at the school gym with his buddies.
— DFreddwa (@DFreddwa) July 28, 2026
Bro looks like those kids who carried a speaker in their backpack
— Rich 🐍 (@MavsAndCowboys) July 29, 2026
Buddy walking like a toddler after swimming all day
— Lambeau Villain (@PackersRunNFC) July 28, 2026
Negative aura
— CantaLoupe (@CantALoupe_FF) July 28, 2026
There is one sure way for Stroud to get his aura points back, and it is by being great on the field, which he was not in 2025.
Last season, Houston won 12 games and made the NFL playoffs, but Stroud continued to regress after a stellar rookie campaign in 2023, when he passed for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. In the two seasons since, Stroud averaged only 3,384.0 passing yards, 19.5 touchdowns, and 10.0 interceptions.
Still without a contract extension offer from the Texans, Stroud will be on a mission to prove himself to Houston in the coming season
Details emerge on secondary injury ‘compromising’ Shohei Ohtani
A secondary injury appears to be delaying Shohei Ohtani from getting back on the mound.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star has not pitched since a July 3 start against the San Diego Padres due to a lingering left knee issue. On Tuesday, Ohtani told reporters that his bicep is also “not 100 percent” as he works his way back into the Dodgers’ rotation.
Ohtani threw a 31-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday during the team’s road trip to Philadelphia. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said during his press conference Tuesday that neither Ohtani’s knee nor his bicep had responded well after the session, prompting the team to halt his ramp-up back to the mound.
Roberts also shared that one of Ohtani’s injuries may be partly worsening the other.
“There is an effect on the lower half to the compromising of the upper half, the arm,” Roberts said, via the New York Post’s Jack Harris. “So trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens. Hopefully No. 1, take care of the knee, and then not try to have him create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%.”
Ohtani, who missed a game as a hitter earlier this month due to his bicep injury, clarified to reporters that the team is taking a cautious approach with the postseason still months away. He added the conversation would be “a little different if we’re in August or September.”
Despite all the injury talk, Ohtani was as effective as ever on the plate Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. The Japanese slugger went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a walk in a 7-6 loss.
Josh Hart blasts Draymond Green for claiming he should have taken pay cut instead of Jalen Brunson
Josh Hart publicly called Draymond Green out Tuesday for “counting other people’s pockets.”
A video of Green recently resurfaced showing him discussing the New York Knicks on an episode of the “Club 520” podcast hosted by Jeff Teague. In the clip, Green criticized Brunson’s now-celebrated move of leaving money on the table to give the Knicks more cap flexibility.
The Knicks point guard famously agreed to an early extension in 2024 that was worth around $113 million less in guaranteed money than if he had waited one more season to negotiate it.
“It’s the New York Knicks, bro. They can afford it,” Green said in the clip. “You ain’t got to take no discount for them to get paid. My situation is different because Steph making $270 million, Klay making $180 million. All right, something got to give. Cool. I can take a less.”
“He the top guy. Let Josh Hart or somebody else take less. They in my role. Guess what, Steph Curry ain’t take a penny less. And neither did Klay Thompson ain’t take a penny less. I don’t know what he doing. That’s $100 million.”
Draymond Green says Jalen Brunson shouldn't have taken a $100,000,000 discount with the Knicks
— dank (@cptdankkk) July 27, 2026
“It's the New York Knicks, bro. They can afford it. You ain't got to take no discount for them to get paid. My situation is different because Steph making $270 million, Klay making… pic.twitter.com/nczygJVNOQ
Hart took exception to Green’s comments and told him to mind his own business, especially when it comes to other people’s finances.
“We got to normalize grown men not counting other peoples pockets,” Hart captioned a repost of the clip.
We got to normalize grown men not counting other peoples pockets https://t.co/o5pr8MWiz6
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 29, 2026
Brunson’s sacrifice was arguably the difference in the Knicks’ fantastic NBA Finals run last season, because it enabled the team to keep the championship core intact for multiple seasons. In taking the pay cut, the Knicks star ultimately paved the way for him to become one of the most beloved human beings in New York City history — something money cannot buy.
If anything, Green’s issues with franchise players like Brunson needing to take pay cuts for the sake of roster flexibility should be directed toward the NBA Players’ Association.
The current era of the second apron has made it difficult for teams to keep their core players together for longer stretches without incurring draconian penalties. It’s why players like Brunson and now Victor Wembanyama have started taking less money for a better chance at team success.
Until the league and its players negotiate a new CBA, it’s likely to keep happening.
Blue Jays share Vladimir Guerrero Jr. injury update after baserunning scare
The Toronto Blue Jays experienced a scare Tuesday involving star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Blue Jays first baseman hurt his hamstring in the top of the 3rd inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. With a man on first and two outs, Guerrero tried to leg out a single after hitting a high chopper toward third base.
The ball’s tricky bounce allowed Guerrero to get on base safely and even led to a run-surrendering error that got Toronto on the board for its first run. But Guerrero was in visible discomfort as he made the turn to second base.
Look away, Jays fans 🫣
— BET99 Ontario (@BET99ON) July 29, 2026
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has exited the game against the Nationals with hamstring tightness 🤕pic.twitter.com/AyIRTCId0c
Guerrero remained on the field for the bottom half of the inning and even fielded the Nationals’ first out. But the Blue Jays pulled the Dominican-Canadian in the 4th inning due to what the team called hamstring tightness. Kazuma Okamoto, who initially had the day off, replaced Guerrero at first base.
UPDATE: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was removed from tonight's game with right hamstring tightness.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 29, 2026
“His hamstring was a little tight, as he hit the base there,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the game. “And then he turned into second; it was a little sore.”
Schneider told reporters that Guerrero himself wanted to stay in the game, but the skipper made the call as a precautionary move.
The 2026 season has been a campaign to forget for Vladdy, who entered Tuesday with just 6 home runs and a pedestrian OPS of .700 across 102 games.
Reporter had amazing way to get Commanders GM to indirectly comment on Brandon Aiyuk
One veteran reporter found a cheeky way to get the Washington Commanders to talk about Brandon Aiyuk.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn held a press conference Tuesday to mark the start of the team’s training camp. Arguably the most interesting question fielded to the duo was a supposed hypothetical tossed out by NBC Sports reporter JP Finlay.
Finlay asked a “general” question, but everyone in the room, including the Peters and Quinn, knew he was referring to Aiyuk.
Reporter: “Just in a general sense, as you’re always looking into improving the team, when you’re evaluating guys to maybe bring in for workouts, what role, if any, does a player’s social media have in that evaluation process?”
The inquiry got a chuckle out of both Peters and Quinn, who called Finlay a “straight bada–” for concocting it. The Commanders GM appeared to appreciate it so much that he actually gave Finlay a real answer.
This was a fun moment but I do appreciate AP giving a real answer pic.twitter.com/tGV9zVMR46
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) July 28, 2026
Peters: “That’s a good, roundabout question. We look at everything, JP. It’s a great question. We do look at everything. We want to make sure it’s the right player to be in our locker room, in our bloodstream, and in our culture.”
Peters admitted that social media has never been the first thing the team assesses when evaluating potential roster additions. While the Commanders do look into a player’s online activity, he noted that game tape and first-hand assessments from former teammates and coaches matter much more.
Commanders franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels was notably teammates with Aiyuk at Arizona State. While Aiyuk’s social media activity pointed to him teaming up with Daniels again in D.C., reports indicated that the Commanders eventually soured on the talented wideout.
The fact that Aiyuk was sending Daniels deranged messages on Instagram didn’t help his chances of landing a contract.
LaMelo Ball is being sued over alleged missed rent payments
LaMelo Ball still has some unfinished (legal) business to take care of in Charlotte.
The new Minnesota Timberwolves star point guard Ball is being sued by a North Carolina landlord for allegedly failing to pay rent, Edward Lewis of The California Post reported on Tuesday. The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, claims that Ball jointly owes nearly $200,000 in missed rent checks.
Agape Property Management Group, which owns the uptown Charlotte condominium complex in question, alleges that Ball rented out two of their units, living in one and subleasing the other one out to his manager and mentor Jermaine Jackson. Interestingly enough, Jackson used to be an NBA player himself, playing five seasons from 1999-2006 with the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The lawsuit claims that Ball agreed to buy his own unit in 2024 but continued to sublease the second unit out to Jackson. The two then allegedly fell way behind on rent payments for the second unit and are now being sued for rent payments exceeding $181,500 and also for $90,000 in unpaid HOA compliance fees.
You can read Lewis’ full report on the situation here.
Ball, 24, spent the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Hornets, making one All-Star team in 2022 before getting traded to the Timberwolves in a blockbuster last month. But Ball has had some notable off-court troubles in recent months, including a scary car crash that he was at fault for earlier this year.
Devin Booker is reportedly dating Tom Brady’s ex
Devin Booker is dating a woman with a notable history.
The Phoenix Suns star shooting guard Booker is now dating supermodel Irina Shayk, according to a report on Tuesday by People. Booker, 29, and Shayk, 40, have reportedly been spending a lot of time together this summer after being introduced by mutual friends a few months ago.
Interestingly enough, Shayk was previously in a relationship with retired NFL legend Tom Brady, 48. Shayk and Brady dated from 2023-24 following the latter’s divorce from Gisele Bundchen.
Shayk also used to be in a relationship with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The two even got engaged in 2011 before eventually breaking up in 2015 amid rumors of infidelity. Shayk later went on to date actor Bradley Cooper from 2015-19 and shares a nine-year-old daughter Lea with Cooper.
As for the five-time NBA All-Star Booker, he has an extensive dating history of his own as well. Most notably, Booker dated socialite Kendall Jenner on-and-off from 2020-24.
Booker averaged 26.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game on 46/33/87 shooting splits last season for the surprise 45-37 Suns. Now Booker will apparently be entering the 2026-27 NBA season with a (famous) new lady in his life.
Giants outfielder injures himself in a bizarre scooter accident
One San Francisco Giants player appears to have pulled a Monta Ellis.
Giants outfielder Harrison Bader injured himself in a scooter accident over the weekend, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reported on Tuesday. Pavlovic adds that the accident occurred on late Saturday evening into early Sunday morning.
Bader had already been dealing with a plantar fasciitis issue in his left foot. But the scooter accident reportedly injured his left foot even further, and Bader is now set to undergo an MRI for the new injury.
A former Gold Glover in 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Bader arrived on the Giants as a free agent over the offseason. He signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal to join San Francisco, his seventh career MLB team.
But Bader was batting a woeful .170 with five home runs and 14 RBIs through his first 30 games with the Giants. He then went on the injured list with the plantar fasciitis issue, which had kept him sidelined since late May.
Now roughly two months later, Bader has suffered an unexpected setback with the foot by injuring it in a totally unrelated scooter accident. As such, it looks like Bader’s biggest contribution to the 45-61 Giants this season will be his involvement in their ridiculous group thrusting celebration.
Notable update surfaces on Kelsey Plum’s future
Kelsey Plum may be in her final months in The City of Angels.
The Los Angeles Sparks star guard Plum does not intend to re-sign with the team in free agency this offseason, Annie Costabile of The Athletic reported on Tuesday. Costabile does add though that the Sparks still have not engaged in meaningful trade talks on Plum ahead of the Aug. 2 WNBA trade deadline.
Plum, who turns 32 next month, is one of the better-known names in the league today. She is a five-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time All-WNBA selection who also won back-to-back championships with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023.
Last year, Plum was traded to the Sparks as part of a three-team deal with the Aces and the Seattle Storm. She then re-signed with the Sparks this year on a $1 million contract, which marks a notable discount from the $1.4 million supermax that she could have gotten instead.
Plum also enjoyed a very productive start to the 2026 season, averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game on superb 53/38/81 shooting splits. But Plum has missed over a month and counting now due to a lower leg injury (though she is expected to return to the lineup shortly).
As for the Sparks, they are a non-contender this year at 10-16, which ranks sixth of eight in the Western Conference. Though the injuries to Plum and other key members of the roster have been partially to blame, it looks like Plum is ready to move on from Los Angeles one way or the other.
Colts GM puts himself on the hot seat with stern message before training camp
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard does not think he deserves any job security right now.
Ballard spoke to reporters on Tuesday, a day before the Colts begin training camp for the 2026 season. The Colts executive answered several questions about the roster before the focus turned back to him.
Ballard, entering the final year of a 5-year contract extension he signed back in 2021, was asked about the possibility of signing another extension. His response was interesting to say the least.
“No. I wouldn’t do one,” Ballard said with a defiant look on his face. “I’m on the last year of my deal. We need to win.”
#Colts general manager Chris Ballard is on the last year of his contract.
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) July 28, 2026
Does he expect a contract extension before the season?
"No. I wouldn't do one… We need to win." pic.twitter.com/3IrqSWDr2F
The Colts missed the playoffs last season for the fourth straight year. The team looked like it was finally going to end the drought when it started 8-2. Then Indy went on to lose its final seven games, falling just short of finally making the playoffs.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones also suffered a season-ending injury during that downward spiral.
Indianapolis has a 70-78 record since handing Ballard the top job before the 2017 season. The Colts have only made the playoffs twice during Ballard’s tenure.
While the Colts are expected to have Jones healthy to start the 2026 campaign, Ballard’s squad may already have to overcome another major injury to a key player.
Jalen Duren is considering a dramatic move amid his ongoing free agency
Jalen Duren may be ready to escalate things amid his ongoing standoff with the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons free agent center Duren is considering playing out the 2026-27 season on the one-year qualifying offer, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported this week. Doing so would allow Duren, currently a restricted free agent, to become an unrestricted free agent in summer 2027.
Duren, 22, remains in a statemate with Detroit nearly a month now into the official free agency period. The last that we heard of Duren’s situation was that there was still a gap to be bridged between the two sides in negotiations.
The ex-lottery pick Duren earned All-Star and All-NBA honors during the regular season but largely disappeared during the playoffs as the No. 1 seed Pistons lost in the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though Duren is still holding out for a specific high number in free agency, neither Detroit nor any other outside suitors appear to be willing to give that to him at this point.
For Duren, the one-year qualifying offer would be worth roughly $9.6 million next season. While that would obviously be leaving a lot of money on the table and also putting him at risk of tanking his value in 2026-27 (through injury or reduced production), it could also led to Duren earning much more money next summer.
Interestingly enough, Duren is not alone in considering the qualifying offer route this offseason. In fact, another notable NBA restricted free agent is reportedly doing the same as well.
Details emerge on James Harden’s expected new contract
With LeBron James officially spurning their team this offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers can now move onto another key item on the agenda — star guard James Harden.
The Cavs are expected to give Harden a contract at no more than two guaranteed years, veteran NBA writer Jake Fischer reported this week. Fischer adds though that the specific salary number for Harden remains “fluid” given the team’s other offseason priorities, including interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga and a desire to stay out of the second apron of the luxury tax.
Harden, who turns 37 next month, officially turned down his $42.3 million player option with the Cavaliers for next season. Cleveland was waiting with Harden to first see what James was going to do in free agency, but the four-time NBA champion ultimately decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
A former NBA MVP himself, Harden arrived on the Cavaliers in a trade last February. He averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per game for Cleveland during the regular season but a more modest 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game during the playoffs (along with some major duds along the way).
Harden has been playing out the last several seasons on 1+1 contracts, so it makes sense that he could do so again with the Cavaliers next season. A max contract length of two years also protects Cleveland in the event that Harden, who now has 17 years of NBA experience, experiences a rapid decline in skills and/or production.
If and when a Harden extension finally gets done, it would mark a big sigh of relief for the former NBA scoring champion. After all, Harden has had a difficult offseason thus far that even included getting arrested on a weapons charge last month.
Interesting new reason shows why LeBron James never joined Warriors
LeBron James had the entire NBA world waiting before he surprised many by picking the Philadelphia 76ers as his next team.
The other rumored finalists were the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. Still, James is suiting up alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown in hopes of ending the 76ers’ title drought.
As it turns out, ESPN’s Anthony later heard that James would’ve considered playing with Warriors star Stephen Curry if it was a team other than Golden State.
“I had a source tell me they think LeBron would have been more interested in playing with Steph Curry elsewhere away from the Warriors than actually going to the Warriors just because of the history and they think that’s part of the reason they were never ultimately considered,” Slater said on Tuesday.
Anthony Slater on Draymond Green's comments on his podcast:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 28, 2026
"I had a source tell me they think LeBron would have been more interested in playing with Steph Curry elsewhere away from the Warriors than actually going to the Warriors just because of the history and they think… https://t.co/LwJsxlfZcx pic.twitter.com/vuIiZPb28Y
Curry had been extremely vocal while trying to sell the Warriors to LeBron James, as was Draymond Green, although it would’ve made for a bit of an awkward time in the Bay Area.
The Warriors and Cavaliers met in the NBA Finals four straight times, with Golden State winning the title three times.
James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a stunning 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals over the Warriors in 2016, but the Warriors would win the title the following two postseasons.
For basketball fans, the thought of LeBron James and Steph Curry playing together was exciting, but it was never much of a reality due to the history between James and Golden State.
