Rui Hachimura decides to leave Lakers
Rui Hachimura is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, but he is not going far.
Hachimura is signing a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Shams Charania added that Hachimura had been interested in remaining with the Lakers, but when they did not move aggressively to re-sign him, he opted to stay in the city and join the Clippers.
Hachimira and his agent Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together. The sides waited for the Lakers to complete their offseason business to pursue a sign-and-trade, but the Lakers didn’t cooperate on an… https://t.co/3v2hzswKm6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026
Hachimura is coming off three-plus seasons with the Lakers and should fit in as a rotation piece with the Clippers. He averaged 11.5 points per game for the Lakers in a role that saw him jump between starting and coming off the bench with regularity.
Ultimately, the Lakers, potentially for financial reasons, never really prioritized keeping Hachimura in the fold. He drew interest from contenders elsewhere as well, but clearly wanted to stay in Los Angeles. Fortunately for him, he did not have to look far to make that happen.
The Clippers will look very different next season after trading Kawhi Leonard. Hachimura will be one of several players expected to help fill that void.
Jude Bellingham shares daring advice for England fans after eliminating Mexico
England midfielder Jude Bellingham did his job on Sunday, and he wants his countrymen to skip theirs.
Following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Bellingham offered hilarious advice for his side’s supporters across the pond, who all had to sleep very late after watching the thrilling win of The Three Lions to advance to the quarterfinals of the biggest football tournament in the world.
“Have another shot and text your bosses to say you’re not coming in tomorrow,” the Real Madrid star told BBC in a post-match interview.
Jude Bellingham's message to England fans 😂 pic.twitter.com/mdAloVMqSd
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2026
The 23-year-old Bellingham had the game of his life to help lift England past the pesky Mexico side.
Bellingham scored the first and second goals of the contest in the 36th and 38th minutes, respectively, to give England a 2-0 cushion. With that, he became just the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score a couple of goals in a World Cup game at the storied Estadio Azteca.
Mexico put up a gallant stand, with Julian Quinones scoring in the 42nd minute to make it a 2-1 score. England’s Harry Kane scored on a penalty kick in the 60th to give his side a 3-1 lead. Raul Jimenez found the back of the net with a penalty kick in the 69th minute, but that proved to be the final one of the match.
As for their next outing, England will take on Norway on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Norway went 2-0-1 in group stage play and eliminated Brazil on Sunday.
Major Peyton Watson free agency twist emerges
The future of guard-forward Peyton Watson with the Denver Nuggets is still up in the air. Denver has already extended a qualifying offer worth $6.53 million to Watson, who is a restricted free agent, and is said to be willing to match any offer that another team would offer the former UCLA Bruins star.
However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Sunday that the Nuggets are also open to the idea of a sign-and-trade involving Watson.
Noting that the Nuggets and Watson’s camp are still “apart in negotiations for a new contract,” Amick compared Watson’s potential sign-and-trade to another team with the recent move the Utah Jazz did with big man Walker Kessler, who was inked to a new deal before getting sent to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Watson is coming off his best year yet in his NBA career, and he seems to feel he’s worthy of a much bigger contract than what the Nuggets have on the table for him. At the same time, Amick is unsure whether there is ample trade interest from other teams in Watson, who will turn 24 years old in September.
Selected by the Nuggets 30th overall in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Watson had an expanded role with Denver in the 2025-26 season, as he averaged career-highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 41.1% from behind the arc through 54 games, including 40 starts.
Heat rookie savagely taunts Lakers after a huge play
Miami Heat rookie Vladislav Goldin couldn’t help but celebrate emphatically after a big defensive play in Sunday’s NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
During a play in the third quarter, Los Angeles guard Adou Thiero tried to score a layup in transition, but he was met at the rim by a determined Goldin.
The former Michigan Wolverines star rose and swatted away Thiero’s attempt for a highlight block, sending the Lakers guard crashing to the floor. Goldin clearly loved the moment, staring down Thiero before pointing toward the Lakers bench as he ran back on offense.
That block preserved Miami’s 12-point lead during that juncture of the contest.
Here is a video of that sequence.
VLAD GOLDIN WHAT A BLOCK
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 5, 2026
TAUNTS THE LAKERS BENCH. 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/qSIjgRg0ux
Goldin finished the game with just 6 points on 3/9 shooting from the floor and turned the ball over four times, but he flashed his intense rim protection with 4 blocks. He also committed nine fouls, one short of the 10-foul limit in the summer league.
And for what it’s worth, Goldin got posterized by Lakers forward Anton Watson a couple of minutes after his block on Thiero, with Los Angeles players on the bench enjoying Goldin’s comeuppance.
Anton Watson rises up for the slam 💥
— NBA (@NBA) July 5, 2026
A big-time jam in the California Classic! pic.twitter.com/H97rG0UNYQ
The Lakers ended up with the last laugh, too, as they notched a 93-91 come-from-behind win via overtime.
Mason Miller pulls off a historically absurd accomplishment
Mason Miller continues to be great at his job, and he is doing it at a historic rate in the 2026 MLB season.
On Sunday, Miller shut the door on the Los Angeles Dodgers to help the Padres end a brutal eight-game losing skid in a 5-2 win over the reigning World Series champions at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
The 27-year-old Miller pitched a scoreless and hitless ninth inning, while recording a strikeout to get his 22nd save of the campaign.
In doing so, he became just the first player since earned runs were first tracked in 1913 to post an ERA lower than 1.00 and have a 16.00 strikeout per nine innings or better through his first 35 appearances in a season, according to OptaSTATS.
Over his first 35 appearances this season, Miller has posted a 0.98 ERA and an average of 16.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Another interesting fact about his season is that he has yet to allow a home run across 36.2 innings. In 2025, he surrendered five home runs and posted a 2.63 ERA plus a 15.2 K/9 in 60 games split between the Athletics and the Padres.
Everything Miller is doing on the mound has made him a highly coveted trade target for reliever-needy teams ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and one of them could potentially land him if the Padres continue to fall behind in the National League playoff race.
Ranger Suarez’s injury update is not encouraging
The Boston Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a 7-5 win on Sunday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., but they also saw All-Star pitcher Ranger Suarez leave the series finale early with an injury.
Suarez left the contest with two outs in the third inning due to tightness in his left adductor.
The 30-year-0ld left-handed pitcher later elaborated on his injury.
“With that pitch that I threw, I felt a big pinch around the groin area,” Suarez said through an interpreter, via ESPN. “I tried to throw another pitch, but I still felt it, so I came out.”
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy shared his concern about Suarez’s injury, as he and the team await a clearer picture of the southpaw’s lower-body issue.
“You’re always concerned,” Tracy remarked. “Anytime you see that, you are concerned. We’ll have a better idea tomorrow. Those things always present one way, but then you see how they wake up.”
It remains to be seen whether Suarez would end up on the injured list, a scenario the Red Sox are surely hoping to avoid.
“I don’t have a feel on that yet,” Tracy said about the possibility of an IL stint for Suarez. “There’s things that pop up, and then you check the next day, and then, they get better quick. It’s just hard to say right now, until we see how he feels tomorrow coming out of it.”
Before exiting the game, Suarez surrendered 3 earned runs on 6 hits with 5 strikeouts and 0 walks on 53 pitches and across 2 2/3 innings. That brings his 2026 numbers to 3.15 ERA and 1.16 WHIP to go along with a 4-3 record in 17 starts.
Corbin Carroll had a strong message about the state of Diamondbacks
As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to languish in mediocrity.
They are not doing so great down the stretch of the first half of the 2026 MLB season, as they are under .500 with a 44-45 record following a 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in a series finale on Sunday at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.
Arizona has also lost six of its last nine outings, and the team’s struggles has elicited a frank takeaway from star outfielder Corbin Carroll.
“Kind of scuffling would be the word I would use,” Carroll said about the Diamondbacks’ form, via Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports.
“I think we’re not playing the way that we need to play if we want to be in a position where we’re going to do something with this season.”
Playing in the same division as the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers doesn’t make the path to the playoffs any easier for the Diamondbacks, but they haven’t done themselves any favors either.
Through Sunday, Arizona is just 26th in the big leagues overall with a .689 OPS and 18th with a 4.28 ERA.
Carroll and the Diamondbacks can still build momentum heading into the All-Star break, with a series coming up against the San Diego Padres before facing the Dodgers to conclude the first half of the season.
England star Harry Kane had hilarious voice mishap after win over Mexico
Harry Kane may need to rest his vocal cords as well as his legs for the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The England striker was being asked about a concerning moment following his team’s 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kane’s teammate, Jordan Henderson, needed to be stretchered off the field following a nasty spill during the team’s celebration.
Kane was trying to give a serious update, but couldn’t help but laugh as his voice made it sound like he belonged on the U.K version of “Sesame Street.”
“Jordan, just there,” Kane said before realizing he had lost his voice. “My voice is gone. Hendo, just there, fell over there. I think he’s okay. Something to do with his arm.”
One of the best post-match interviews you will EVER see! Rest up, Harry :) pic.twitter.com/twk8bhP2YK
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2026
There’s a simple explanation as to why England’s top striker could barely get a word out. Kane had just been belting his lungs out to “Wonderwall” moments prior as his team celebrated with the Three Lions fans who made the trip to Mexico City.
🏴 WATCH: England sing 'Wonderwall' with fans at the Azteca after eliminating Mexico from the World Cup pic.twitter.com/BvwWfUQwLN
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) July 6, 2026
Kane even got a seal of approval from Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
It’s hard work that singing Harry Kane cmon ENGLAND cmon WONDERWALL
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 6, 2026
Kane scored a decisive penalty kick in the 60th minute that proved to be the difference in the match. The goal pushed England ahead 3-1, which was a much-needed cushion given that their side had been reduced to ten men following a 54th-minute red card issued to Jarell Quansah.
Mexico scored a penalty kick of their own in the 69th minute, but failed to find the equalizer that would have sent the crowd roaring inside the fabled stadium.
Instead, Kane and the Three Lions were the ones roaring until their voices gave out.
Dodgers prospect debuts on same day his sister, stepmother were found dead in earthquake
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. played through personal tragedy to make his MLB debut.
Alfonzo took his very first at bat as a big-leaguer on Sunday against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. What was supposed to be a celebratory moment was marred by misfortune, as Alfonzo learned earlier in the day that his sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, were confirmed to be among more than 3,000 casualties of an earthquake in his native Venezuela.
Alfonzo received a standing ovation from the Dodger faithful as he stepped up to the plate for the first time in the bottom of the 3rd inning.
Dodgers fans give a standing ovation to Eliezer Alfonzo, who is making his MLB debut on the day it was reported his sister and stepmother were killed by the Venezuelan earthquakes
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 6, 2026
Sending all our love to the Alfonzo family 💙 pic.twitter.com/vrb9DuzHT7
Eliana and Patricia had been reported missing since two massive quakes struck northwestern and central Venezuela on June 24. Before Sunday’s confirmation, Eliezer had been holding out hope that they would be found. He spoke about the experience of playing through tragedy after the game.
“Honestly, it was a little difficult, but at the same time, thanking God always for everything,” Alfonzo told reporters in Spanish after the 5-2 loss, via MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
“What happened, unfortunately, is out of my hands and part of life. Only God knows why they happen. I went out there to honor my sister and my stepmother and give my best in a difficult moment. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win, but you have to keep moving forward.”
Alfonzo and fellow Venezuelan Miguel Rojas honored the deceased with messages on their caps during the game.
Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. is making his MLB debut on the same day that it was reported his sister and stepmother were found dead from the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 6, 2026
Alfonzo and fellow Venezuelan Miguel Rojas are honoring them with messages on their hats 💙 pic.twitter.com/ax5yc6WHOC
Alfonzo went 0-for-2 in his two at-bats before being pinch-hit for in the bottom of the 7th inning.
England player stretchered off the field after scary fall during celebration
England midfielder Jordan Henderson suffered a concerning injury as his team celebrated advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
England survived a thrilling contest against Mexico to win 3-2 in their Round of 16 clash at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico. The Three Lions pulled it off despite falling to ten men after right back Jarell Quansah was sent off shortly after halftime.
The vibes were high after the victory. England’s players celebrated near the team’s fan section, singing along to the British song “Wonderwall.” Henderson hurt himself as he tried to jump the digital advertisement screen. The 36-year-old veteran stumbled as he tried to leap over the screen and violently slammed into the grass.
You can see the moment happen towards the end of the video below.
Wonderwall, Azteca edition. pic.twitter.com/cabYzzu2cR
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) July 6, 2026
Henderson needed to be stretchered off the field and was seen using an oxygen mask, as the stadium stands over 7,000 feet above sea level.
Jordan Henderson appeared to injure his arm during England's post-game celebrations, after jumping the advertising hoarding 🙁
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 6, 2026
He had to be stretchered off and needed oxygen. pic.twitter.com/4vrJZOeBVK
England head coach Thomas Tuchel told reporters that Henderson had suffered a serious wrist injury and that the initial diagnosis was “not good.”
“Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,” Tuchel said, via The Athletic’s Luke Bosher and Jack Lang.
“I’m sad because Jordan injured his wrist,” Tuchel added during his later press conference. “It’s quite serious. He’s in hospital. It doesn’t fit with the rest of the evening. I don’t know the procedure.”
Henderson did not play in Sunday’s match. But he did receive a yellow card while warming up late in England’s 3-2 win.
LaMelo Ball reveals big change he made after crashing his car
LaMelo Ball has made a grown-up decision after causing a car crash midway through his last season with the Charlotte Hornets.
In February, the 24-year-old Ball crashed into another vehicle while driving his custom Hummer at a busy downtown Charlotte intersection. While nobody was injured from the incident, Ball made negative headlines during what ended up being a banner season for the Hornets.
Minnesota Timberwolves fans will be happy to hear that Ball won’t be behind the wheel of any cars speeding around Minneapolis. The Ball family was together on the first episode of “The Lavar Ball Show,” where Melo revealed that he had actually gotten a driver.
When his father, Lavar, asked what cars LaMelo had been driving lately, the youngest Ball brother stated that he’s now traveling in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Lavar read between the lines and understood it meant that his son had gotten himself a driver.
Things got AWKWARD after LaVar and Lonzo Ball started trolling LaMelo Ball over his reckless driving, with LaMelo admitting he bought a Sprinter and hired a driver 😭👀
— Peak Culture (@TheCulturePeak) July 5, 2026
“..thank god.. you need to stay in the back seat..” pic.twitter.com/WeXKjBw3dy
LaMelo may have a new perspective on life after he welcomed his to the world in May. The baby boy, whom Ball gave a rather unusual name to, was fittingly on his lap as he admitted to getting a driver.
The Timberwolves are hoping LaMelo Ball’s maturation happens both on and off the court. Ball’s success in Minnesota could very well be the key to keeping Anthony Edwards happy for the foreseeable future.
Jets became butt of the joke after World Cup result at MetLife Stadium
The New York Jets may have to cede their right to play at MetLife Stadium to a visiting nation making waves at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dark horse contender Norway punched its ticket to the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday with a thrilling 2-1 win over Brazil at the Jets’ home venue in East Rutherford, N.J. After 78 minutes of scoreless action, Erling Haaland broke through with back-to-back goals to secure an upset for the Norwegians.
The victory was Norway’s second at MetLife Stadium. The Scandinavian nation also beat Senegal 3-2 in the same building during the group stage.
Several fans hilariously pointed out how Norway has just as many wins at MetLife Stadium as the Jets did all of last season.
Wins at Met Life Stadium in the last year:
— Jared Smith (@jaredsmithbets) July 5, 2026
Norway – 2
New York Jets – 2
Norway now has as many wins at Metlife as the Jets did in 2025
— Snowman Sports (@snowman_sports) July 5, 2026
I saw a stat tonight that said with Norway’s win tonight they have matched the 2025 Jets with wins at MetLife Stadium (2) 😂
— Tyler Meinerding (@TylerMeinerding) July 6, 2026
Some took it even further by pointing out that Norway has more playoff wins (1) than the Jets have ever had.
Playoff wins at MetLife stadium over the last 15 years:
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) July 5, 2026
Norway: 1
Jets: 0 pic.twitter.com/t09o0wN78Q
The last time the Jets made the playoffs was in 2010 — the same year MetLife Stadium first opened its doors to the football-viewing public. New York did win two playoff games that season, but both were on the road.
Norway has a chance to get one more win at MetLife Stadium. They’d need to win the entire tournament to do it, as the World Cup Final is set to be played at the venue.
Fans had 1-word chant after Marlins pulled pitcher 2 innings away from perfect game
Fans were not happy to be robbed Sunday of what could have been a perfect game unfolding right before their eyes.
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez did not allow a single baserunner through seven innings of work against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif. With the visitors holding an 8-0 lead, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough removed Perez from the mound just six outs away from perfection.
The decision was not popular amongst the home fans who were left hoping for a perfect game with an Athletics win seemingly out of reach. A 1-word chant began echoing throughout the stadium.
“Shame! Shame!” fans chanted.
Marlins pulled Eury Perez after seven perfect innings with 92 pitches
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 5, 2026
Fans loudly chanted "SHAME!" as the bullpen promptly walked the first batter to end the perfect game pic.twitter.com/htXAIU0ac4
The decision made sense logically, as Perez was just a few starts into his return from a groin injury that placed him on the IL for about a month. But no such logic made sense to the fans when perfection was within reach.
Perez was at 92 pitches at that point. With an 8-run lead, McCullough could have given Perez a short leash to chase the possibility of becoming the first Marlins pitcher (and 25th pitcher ever) to record a perfect game.
The baseball gods did not seem happy about the decision either. After seven innings of immaculate pitching, Marlins reliever Lake Bachar walked the first batter he saw. The Athletics would then go on to plate 8 runs in the final two innings to give the Marlins a scare.
Miami ultimately held on for a 9-8 win. But it would have probably been much simpler had Perez gotten his shot at perfection.
Astros are eyeing 2 ace pitchers on the trade market
The Houston Astros may be making their move in a wide-open AL West.
Houston is expected to be in on the trade sweepstakes for both Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Sunday. Both players are expected to be made available by their respective teams ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Skubal, the reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young winner, is in his final year under contract and holds a 4-4 record with a 3.15 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP through 11 starts this season. The reeling 40-50 Tigers are expected to be sellers, and one particular team has already been pinpointed as a possible frontrunner for Skubal.
As for Gray, the three-time MLB All-Star, he has been the undisputed ace of the Red Sox this season. He has a glowing 10-1 record with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP through 16 starts and is likely up for sale with Boston sitting at an AL-worst 39-48 and holding a mutual option on Gray for 2027.
The Astros are a sub-.500 team themselves this year at 45-47. But in a weak division, they are just two games out of first place and one game out of a Wild Card spot.
Houston already failed to make the playoffs last season for the first time in nearly a decade. Their pitching staff has been very up-and-down this year, and now they may be taking steps to address that over the next month.
Bryce Harper says he will compete in the Home Run Derby on 1 condition
Bryce Harper is conditionally placing his name in the 2026 Home Run Derby field.
The Philadelphia Phillies star first baseman Harper spoke Sunday to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. During the interview, Harper revealed that he plans to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby … if he can find the right pitcher to throw to him.
“It’s a big thing,” said Harper. “You can’t just pick somebody random. Also with it being the swings and not the timing on the clock — if I don’t get any pitches I can hit, swing-wise I’m in trouble. And I’m not going to do something if I’m going to have a half-mentality toward it because I’m worried about the pitcher.
“If I’m going to do it, I’m going to be full bore and very confident in winning it,” Harper continued. “I’m not going out there just to have fun. I’m going out there to win it.”
The former NL MVP Harper, 33, last competed in the Home Run Derby back in 2018, beating out his now-Phillies teammate Kyle Schwarber in the final round by a narrow score of 19-18 to win it all. Notably, Harper’s father Ron was pitching to him during the competition that year.
This time around, All-Star Weekend will be hosted by the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. Harper already made this year’s All-Star Game as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s “Legend Pick,” and now it appears that he will be participating in the Home Run Derby in front of his home fans as well.
On the year, Harper is batting .274 with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs. With the Home Run Derby also recently implementing a very exciting change, Harper’s appetite is properly whetted again.
Edwin Diaz speaks out on his alleged links to illegal cockfighting
Edwin Diaz is not worried about any potential consequences related to his cockfighting scandal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Diaz spoke with reporters on Sunday. During the media session, Diaz addressed his alleged links to illegal cockfighting in his native Puerto Rico, which were unearthed in May.
“I wasn’t doing nothing illegal,” said Diaz, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “So [MLB] didn’t reach to me. But at the end of the day, I’m looking to help this team to win.”
USA Today revealed in mid-May that the image of the three-time All-Star Diaz was being used to advertise illegal cockfighting events in his Puerto Rico. Additionally, the report stated that Diaz had been featured in a local news story talking about his love for the now-banned sport (read the full details here).
Though a longstanding tradition in Puerto Rico, a federal ban on cockfighting officially went into effect in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories in 2019. Even attending a cockfighting event as a spectator comes with a potential punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine.
As for Diaz, the 32-year-old righty who signed a $69 million contract with the Dodgers over the offseason, he remains on the injured list after undergoing minor right elbow surgery in April. But he is now targeting a return after the All-Star break and does not sound concerned about facing possible MLB discipline for his links to cockfighting.
Interesting update surfaces about Trey Murphy III trade
Trey Murphy III is still a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, but the team is actively trying to change that.
The Pelicans have recently dropped their asking price on Murphy, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported this week. New Orleans is now asking for the equivalent of three future first-round draft picks for Murphy, which is down from their previous ask of four.
Murphy, 26, is a homegrown Pelican who arrived on the team back in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has developed rather nicely over the years and has now posted back-to-back 20-ppg seasons, including last year when Murphy averaged 21.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for New Orleans.
At 6-foot-8, Murphy fits the modern NBA very nicely. He is a 38.2 percent career three-point shooter and can defend countless positions with his combination of size, effort, and instincts.
But the Pelicans went a rotten 26-56 last season and now seem to want to cash in on Murphy, who is owed $29 million per year over the next three seasons. There were pretty heavy trade rumors surrounding Murphy ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, but the former first-round pick is still with New Orleans nearly two weeks later.
We recently heard that there were two particular frontrunners that had emerged to possibly trade for Murphy. Now that the Pelicans have lowered their asking price, the Murphy sweepstakes may just be opening back up again.
President Trump called FIFA over Folarin Balogun suspension
The perception surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card was such that the highest levels of the United States government got involved in trying to get it tossed out.
President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the one-match World Cup suspension Balogun received after being shown a red card in last Tuesday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, via Tyler Pager and Tariq Panja of the New York Times.
FIFA are insistent that Trump’s intervention was not a factor in their decision to suspend Balogun’s punishment and allow him to play Monday against Belgium.
🚨 Exclusive: The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 5, 2026
FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee.
FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision… pic.twitter.com/Rl97b1wm4X
After the decision was announced, Trump posted a message on Truth Social praising FIFA for “reversing a great injustice.”
USA-USA-USA 🦅 https://t.co/yKnJxew9tU pic.twitter.com/75KmExgrUJ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 5, 2026
This information will raise questions about government influence on FIFA no matter what the organization says. Balogun received the automatic one-match suspension after being shown a controversial red card against Bosnia, and FIFA originally said that would stand before abruptly changing their minds on Sunday.
This is hardly the first time President Trump has offered his take on a sports issue, though he has not necessarily been successful in the past when lobbying for changes. Many Americans already felt Balogun’s red card was undeserved, so they’ll more or less shrug off any accusations of impropriety.
Balogun is the United States’ leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals in three matches.
Charles Leclerc wins British Grand Prix in dramatic fashion
Charles Leclerc on Sunday won his first British Grand Prix, giving him his first P1 finish in almost two years.
After overtaking Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap at Silverstone Circuit, it seemed as though Leclerc would give up the lead on lap 42. However, mechanical issues combined with a 5-second penalty forced Antonelli to drop several places and end up in P16. Consequently, Antonelli now only leads Russell by 25 points in the drivers’ standings.
Finishing behind Leclerc in second was George Russell, who looked as though he would finish off the podium after experiences a puncture on lap 34. Lewis Hamilton finished third.
"Finally!"
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2026
Charles' first British Grand Prix win 🏆#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/fiMkW5yDhX
In somewhat of a mixed-bag result for Red Bull, Max Verstappen crashed out of the race on lap 49 despite being in P3, while Isack Hadjar finished fifth.
For only the second time this season, Mercedes failed to finish on top of the podium. Races in Belgium and Hungary remain for Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren to try to score more points before F1’s mandatory summer break from July 27th to August 20th.
Luis Arraez is being linked to 1 team in trade rumors
A return to the American League may be beckoning for Luis Arraez.
The Texas Rangers are among the suitors for the San Francisco Giants infielder Arraez ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Sunday. Morosi even adds that the Rangers are the team to “highlight most of all” for Arraez.
The three-time batting champion Arraez, 29, is currently in the final year of his contract. He has done well to boost his trade value too, hitting a smoking .330 this season to go along with four home runs and 33 RBIs through 83 games played.
But Arraez has been doing it all for one of the worst Giants teams in recent memory. At 37-51, San Francisco is fourth in the NL West and on pace for their poorest finish since their 98-loss season of 2017.
With the Giants looking extremely likely to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, the Rangers are trending in the opposite direction. They have climbed back above .500 with seven wins in their last nine games and now sit just 0.5 games back of the Seattle Mariners for the AL West division lead.
San Francisco is expected to trade away several other All-Star players on their roster by Aug. 3. But Arraez might be the one who ultimately ends up fetching them the best return, whether from the Rangers or from another team.
