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Novak Djokovic before a tournament

Novak Djokovic sets record with latest Wimbledon semifinal berth

July 9, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Novak Djokovic continues to make tennis history even at the age of 38.

Djokovic on Wednesday dropped the first set of his quarterfinal match at Wimbledon against Italian Flavio Cobolli to win the match in four sets, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. The victory put Djokovic into the semifinals at Wimbledon for the 14th time in his career, which is more semifinals than any other player in the open era. Djokovic had been tied with Roger Federer at 13 apiece before breaking the tie. This will also be Djokovic’s 52nd major semifinal, which ties Chris Evert for the most career major semifinals in the open era among either men or women.

Djokovic blew a lead in the first set and lost it in a tiebreak before rallying to win the match. He played mostly error-free tennis and only committed 22 unforced errors.

Djokovic will face top seed Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday. Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz will meet in the other semifinal that day, and the winners of the respective matches will face each other in the finals on Sunday.

Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times during his career. He is looking to win his eighth, which would tie Roger Federer for the most by a male player. He’s already made history by reaching the semifinals of the event. Can he take it two steps further and win it all?

TennisNovak Djokovic
Deion Sanders with a headset on

Deion Sanders suggests radical change to college football

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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Colorado coach Deion Sanders thinks one radical change could help address the NIL issues that continue to go unaddressed around college football.

Speaking at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, Sanders was asked how he believes NIL should be handled by the NCAA. The coach essentially called for some sort of salary cap to create some parity across the sport.

“I wish there was a cap. The top of the line player makes this, and if you’re not that type of guy, you know you’re not going to make that. That’s what the NFL does,” Sanders said. “The problem is, you’ve got a guy that’s not that darn good, but he can go to another school, and they give him a half a million dollars. You can’t compete with that.

“All you have to do is look at the playoffs and see what those teams spent. You understand darn well why they’re in the playoffs. It’s kind of hard to compete with someone who’s getting $25-$30 million to a darn freshman class. It’s crazy. We’re not complaining, because all these coaches up here and coach their butts off … but what’s going on right now don’t make sense. We want to say stuff, but we’re trying to be professional.”

"All you gotta do is look at the [CFP] and see what those teams spent, and you'll understand darn well why they're in the playoffs."

Deion Sanders on NIL and the current state of college football. pic.twitter.com/y6A5C3dWUP

— ESPN (@espn) July 9, 2025

Sanders’ point is that teams with the most NIL funds available to them are inevitably going to land the best players and make the playoffs repeatedly. NIL creates plenty of other problems and nudges players to transfer sometimes, but the wealth is not exactly being spread around.

We have seen that a big NIL budget is no guarantee of success. There is no doubt, however, that it helps. The irony is that Sanders used the transfer portal to establish his program nationally, but there is only so much he can do now that other programs are catching up.

College FootballHeadlinesDeion Sanders
Randy Couture at a race

UFC legend Randy Couture hospitalized after crashing race car

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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UFC legend Randy Couture has been hospitalized with serious injuries after crashing while practicing for his National Hot Rod Association racing debut this year.

Couture was airlifted to a burn center after crashing during practice runs at a racetrack in Kansas City, Mo., according to TMZ Sports. The UFC icon is reportedly suffering from first- and second-degree burns, trauma injuries, and smoke inhalation.

The exact cause of the crash is unclear, but TMZ reports that Couture is expected to recover.

Couture was one of UFC’s first major stars. The 62-year-old made his UFC debut in 1997 and retired in 2011 after winning six titles. The UFC Hall-of-Famer has done commentary since retiring and also appeared in several films and television shows. He suffered a heart attack in 2019, but made a full recovery.

Couture had launched his NHRA career earlier this year. He has been training and practicing, and had hoped to make his racing debut later in 2025.

Auto RacingMMARandy Couture
Trinity Rodman looks on

Trinity Rodman gets an apology from the BBC

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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Trinity Rodman received an apology from the BBC over how she was covered during Ben Shelton’s match at Wimbledon on Monday.

Rodman had complained on social media after BBC commentator Andrew Castle repeatedly misidentified her as “Tiffany” during Shelton’s win over Lorenzo Sonego on Monday. Rodman was also unhappy that her father, Dennis Rodman, was brought up.

Once again can the media leave Trinity Rodman alone and stop bringing up her dad for everything lol pic.twitter.com/t28O7a4zrk

— Key 👻🖤🏆 (@Frejoregui) July 7, 2025

Rodman’s complaint about her name, at the very least, did land. According to Emine Sinmaz of The Guardian, Castle issued an apology on Wednesday for “mispronouncing” Rodman’s first name.

Shelton and Rodman went public with their relationship earlier this year. The soccer star received a shoutout from Shelton after one of his matches at Wimbledon this year, and has been on hand to support him for the entire tournament.

Shelton was eliminated from Wimbledon on Wednesday, losing in straight sets to top overall seek Jannik Sinner.

SoccerTennisTrinity Rodman
Mike Gundy wearing a headset

Mike Gundy had perfect reaction to his look in new College Football video game

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy became a viral sensation this week for his appearance in the new EA Sports “College Football 26” video game. It did not take him long for him to become aware of that.

Some top coaches will have their likenesses appear in the upcoming game this year, and Gundy is one of them. On Monday, a screenshot of Gundy quickly went viral, as the Oklahoma State coach looked like he was rocking an afro in the game.

First look at Mike Gundy in game pic.twitter.com/cCOf9VY1DB

— PokeNation (@Big12Pokes) July 7, 2025

Gundy addressed the look on Wednesday at Big 12 media day, and he seemed pretty pleased with the result.

“It’s pretty cool, someone put me in the video game. Someone showed me my hair. They gave me pretty good hair. That’s permanent hair,” Gundy said, via Brett McMurphy of On3.

Gundy added that his virtual likeness is more “muscled up” than the real thing, and that he expects his high school buddies to get a kick out of how he was depicted.

Mike Gundy reacts to his College Football 26 avatar pic.twitter.com/iumVYVZzdR

— Marshall Scott (@MarshallScottOK) July 9, 2025

Gundy is known for his famous mullet, which EA seemingly tried to replicate here. They did not quite nail it, but what we got instead is very memorable.

At this rate, Gundy is probably pleased to be in the game at all. His status at Oklahoma State was in some doubt this offseason, but he will return for a 21st season in 2025, both in real life and virtually.

College FootballEA SportsMike Gundy
James Borrego on the sideline

Knicks’ plan to hire new top assistant has fallen through

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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After coming up short on their preferred targets at the start of their coaching search, the New York Knicks appear to have swung and missed at their top assistant coach target as well.

Ian Begley of SNY reported Wednesday that James Borrego, the main target to become Mike Brown’s top assistant in New York, will remain with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans sought to retain Borrego and have successfully done so.

Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego, a Knicks target for a lead spot on Mike Brown’s staff, will be staying in New Orleans, per league sources familiar with the matter. Knicks interviewed Borrego for their head coaching position and had interest in adding him to Brown’s…

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 9, 2025

The Knicks had strongly prioritized Borrego for the role of lead assistant, but faced roadblocks as the new job was not technically a promotion. As such, the Pelicans had the right to step in and prevent Borrego from leaving, and they have done so.

It is unclear what the Knicks’ backup plan is. While they are keeping ex-coach Tom Thibodeau’s top assistant in the fold, they are also demoting him, so the job is very much open.

Borrego, 47, has been an assistant coach with the Pelicans since 2023. He previously served as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons. The Hornets went 138-163 under him and never made the postseason, though they did have a winning season in his final year 2021-2022. Borrego is highly regarded for his offensive coaching systems.

BasketballFeatured StoriesJames BorregoNew York Knicks
A Commanders helmet on the bench

Washington Commanders unveil new throwback uniforms

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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The Washington Commanders have had a complicated relationship with their history for the past several years, but are leaning into it with their new alternate uniforms.

The Commanders unveiled their throwbacks on Wednesday, billing them as a nod to their “Super Bowl era” of the 1980s and early 1990s. The new uniforms are essentially identical to the ones they wore before their 2020 rebranding, though with their new logo replacing the former Washington Redskins one.

Weaving past and present

We’re adding back the Super Bowl Era threads to our uniform rotation pic.twitter.com/9nKrTYVABk

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 9, 2025

Additional angles of Washington’s alternate “Super Bowl Era” uniforms: pic.twitter.com/EslWYS3lWL

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 9, 2025

The Commanders plan to wear the uniforms for three games next season, including their Week 17 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington’s greatest successes came using the team’s old nickname, which was changed in 2020. For a while, the Commanders distanced themselves from the franchise’s most successful era as a result.

Many fans have not warmed up to the new nickname, but ownership has said there are no plans to reverse the change. The alternate uniforms may be a nod to those fans as the team tries to link the franchise’s past with its bright future.

The Commanders are coming off an unexpected 12-5 season that saw the team reach the NFC Championship game. Enthusiasm is high for the team, making the new uniforms well-timed.

FootballUniformsWashington Commanders
The Red Bull Racing logo

Christian Horner fired by Red Bull Racing

July 9, 2025 by Sam Ahn
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Red Bull Racing has fired Christian Horner after 20 years with the team. Under Horner, Red Bull Racing had immense success racking up 8 drivers championships, 6 constructors titles, 124 grand prix wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podium finishes.

Laurent Mekies will now take over as CEO of Red Bull Racing, while Alan Permane will take over as team principal.

Since the 2022 death of Dietrich Mateschitz, the ownership and leadership support of Horner has been in flux. Though he made it past an investigation into inappropriate behavior with a female staffer, the inconsistency in results since the middle of last season seems to have been the final straw that led to Horner’s firing.

Currently, Max Verstappen is in 3rd place in the drivers’ championship, trailing Oscar Piastri by 69 points. The team is 4th in the constructors’ standings, trailing McLaren by 288 points.

With several key staff changes over the last few years, punctuated by the loss of Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing will face a lot of questions. Matters get more complicated next year with the introduction of new car regulations, as well as Red Bull leaving longtime engine partner Honda, and creating its own in-house power unit.

To complicate matters further, Horner’s firing will only add fuel to the rumors that continue to swirl regarding Verstappen’s potential exit from Red Bull Racing.

Auto RacingF1Red Bull Racing
Patrick Mahomes smiling

Patrick Mahomes’ trainer beefs with Kansas City radio host

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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Patrick Mahomes’ trainer is once again going after one of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s critics.

Mahomes was photographed celebrating the Fourth of July holiday on a boat. Some, including KCMO radio host Kevin Keitzman, felt the quarterback was looking a bit chubby.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QAC1MVx8hv

— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) July 6, 2025

According to TMZ, Keitzman referred to Mahomes as “fat” and an “embarrassment” on his podcast Monday. That did not sit well with the quarterback’s longtime trainer, Bobby Stroupe.

In a set of now-deleted X posts, Stroupe challenged Keitzman to take part in Mahomes’ workout routine, and said Keitzman has no clue about the quarterback’s training regimen.

“You don’t have a clue what it takes. It’s not a look, it’s performance,” Stroupe wrote.

#Mahomes trainer Bobby Stroupe claps back at Kevin Kietzman, who questioned Patrick's offseason training and eating habits on the Kevin Kietzman Has Issues Podcast. pic.twitter.com/3wpbdZhDSW

— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) July 7, 2025

Mahomes’ trainer is not shy about calling out the quarterback’s critics. The Chiefs star certainly has a body of work that speaks for itself, but Stroupe is not going to let the remarks pass unchallenged. That said, if Keitzman is just looking for attention, Stroupe fell right into the trap of giving it to him by responding.

Mahomes will definitely look somewhat different this year, but nobody seems legitimately concerned about his weight.

Featured StoriesFootballBobby StroupeKevin KeitzmanPatrick Mahomes
Chet Holmgren looks on

Thunder poised to sign 2 stars to lucrative contract extensions

July 9, 2025 by Grey Papke
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are locking down their core players on the heels of their NBA title.

The Thunder are in agreement on a five-year rookie max contract with center Chet Holmgren, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. That deal could be worth as much as $250 million.

The Thunder are not done there. Charania added that the team has momentum in rookie extension talks with Jalen Williams, and are hoping to get something done with him soon.

After missing three months during the season, Holmgren returned in February and came back stronger to help lead OKC and its young core to the NBA title. The Thunder will now move toward locking in All-NBA superstar Jalen Williams, who has momentum in his rookie extension talks. https://t.co/oua4FZcuem

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 9, 2025

It has been a busy offseason for the Thunder, who are determined to keep their big three together for years to come. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already got a monster new contract from the team earlier this summer.

Both Holmgren and Williams have proven their worth to Oklahoma City. Holmgren has become a star in his own right, while Williams had a breakout moment in the NBA Finals. There is a history of injury with Holmgren, but the Thunder clearly do not believe that will linger.

The strong core the Thunder have built could certainly grow into a dynasty. They will be an expensive group, but they should pile up a lot of wins in the years to come.

BasketballChet HolmgrenJalen WilliamsOklahoma City Thunder
Patrick Bailey celebrating a walkoff home run

Patrick Bailey hits MLB’s first walkoff inside-the-park HR in 99 years

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Patrick Bailey pulled off a feat on Tuesday night that you might not see again for another century.

The San Francisco Giants catcher Bailey completed an improbable come-from-behind victory for the team against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif. The Giants were down 3-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning with Phillies closer Jordan Romano on the mound.

San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt started off the party with a leadoff double, and Wilmer Flores followed two batters later with a single that put runners on the corners with one out. Bailey stepped up to the plate and immediately ambushed the first pitch from Romano.

The ball traveled to deep right-center and banged off the wall, missing the stands by just a few inches. But Bailey was in luck because the ball took a fortuitous hop and caromed away from both Phillies outfielders. That easily brought both baserunners home, and Bailey himself followed suit, waltzing into the plate standing up for an unbelievable walkoff inside-the-park home run.

Here is the thrilling video.

PATRICK BAILEY

WALK-OFF INSIDE-THE-PARK HOME RUN@SFGIANTS WIN! pic.twitter.com/xwswjv2fLP

— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2025

According to Baseball Reference, that was MLB’s first walkoff inside-the-parker since Aug. 11, 1926. On that date, Bennie Tate (who was also a catcher) achieved the feat for the then-Washington Senators, giving them the victory over the New York Yankees. Jeff Passan of ESPN pointed out the incredible fact.

Patrick Bailey just hit the first inside-the-park walk-off home run from a catcher since Bennie Tate on Aug. 11, 1926, according to @baseball_ref. pic.twitter.com/yBNDs5cJnF

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 9, 2025

Like many catchers, the 26-year-old Bailey is not exactly known for his speed and has only swiped five total bases in his MLB career (with none this season). He is not much of a power hitter either and entered play on Tuesday batting .188 this year with a .531 OPS.

But none of that mattered to the baseball gods during San Francisco’s amazing comeback win over the Phillies. That was also quite the full circle moment considering that the Phillies victimized the Giants with an inside-the-park home run of their own a couple of years ago.

BaseballFeatured StoriesPatrick Bailey
Russell Westbrook looks on

Surprising new suitor emerges for Russell Westbrook

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Russell Westbrook has only played one of his 17 career seasons in the Eastern Conference, but that number could soon be going up.

The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a surprise new suitor for the former MVP guard Westbrook, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Tuesday. Siegel notes that the Bucks are expected to use one of their last remaining roster spots to add extra guard depth.

Westbrook remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent after turning down his $3.5 million player option for next season with the Denver Nuggets. At 36 years old, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for Denver last season.

As for the Bucks, they have a glaring hole at point guard after opting to stretch-and-waive nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard this month. Their current PG rotation is headlined by Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, both of whom signed new deals with Milwaukee this offseason. However, neither Porter nor Rollins are starting point guard-caliber, especially on a team like the Bucks that intends to compete for an NBA title.

Westbrook, who has transitioned into a full-time bench role, is not an ideal starting PG at this point of his career either. But as a three-time NBA assists leader who has averaged 8.0 dimes per game for his career, Westbrook may be the best option left out there for the Bucks, especially at his price point.

The market for Westbrook remains relatively quiet, and the team that was once seen as the frontrunner to sign him has since moved in a different direction at the guard spot. If Milwaukee does decide to sign Westbrook though, it might get a little awkward given Westbrook’s past history with Bucks lead assistant Darvin Ham.

BasketballMilwaukee BucksRussell Westbrook
Caitlin Clark dribbling

Caitlin Clark snubs Angel Reese during WNBA All-Star draft

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Caitlin Clark will not be playing with her longtime rival during this year’s WNBA All-Star Game.

The Indiana Fever superstar Clark appeared Tuesday during a televised ESPN special to pick her roster as a captain of the All-Star Game. Clark was the leading WNBA All-Star vote-getter this year and thus got to choose a team along with the other captain, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx (who was the second-leading vote-getter).

Clark had the No. 1 overall pick, and Collier then selected at No. 2 (with the two alternating picks from there). They first selected from the pool of eight other All-Star Game starters and then from the pool of 12 reserves (with Collier getting the first pick from the reserves list). Clark chose her Fever teammate Aliyah Boston at No. 1 overall and also circled back to her other All-Star teammate on the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell, with her first pick among the reserves (at No. 10 overall).

Interestingly enough, Clark did not select Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, who was recently selected (as a reserve) to her second career WNBA All-Star team. After choosing Mitchell, Clark then used her next reserve pick on Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm (No. 12 overall). Collier then used the very next pick (No. 13 overall) to select Reese.

Here is the full All-Star draft selection list.

The full rosters of both teams after the 2025 WNBA All-Star Draft. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/lrjbMzQdoP

— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) July 8, 2025

Clark and Reese have had a major rivalry ever since their college days, and that has continued into their respective sophomore WNBA seasons as well. To kick off the 2025 season, Clark hit Reese with a flagrant foul during a game, and Reese was incensed (later sharing a social media post taunting Clark).

Interestingly enough, Clark and Reese were teammates during last year’s WNBA All-Star Game (when they were both rookies). In the middle of that game, Reese was asked about the experience of playing on the same team as Clark and responded with a classy message.

That said, there will be no encore for the two players at this year’s WNBA All-Star Game. Some on social media pointed out how Clark also snubbed Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream. Clark had five different chances to use a reserve pick on Howard, whom she beefed with earlier this season, but did not do so.

BasketballHeadlinesAngel ReeseCaitlin Clark
A Norfolk Tides pitcher committing a balk

Minor-league pitcher bizarrely balks in run due to thunder

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The Norfolk Tides got dunked on this week by an unexpected foe — the weather.

Norfolk (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles) faced off on Tuesday against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins) at VyStar Ballpark in Jacksonville, Fla. A very bizarre moment occurred during the bottom of the first inning of the game.

With a runner on third base and nobody out, Tides pitcher Roansy Contreras began his delivery to Jacksonville’s Graham Pauley. But Contreras abruptly aborted the delivery when a loud thunder clap in the area startled him (and just about everybody else in the stadium as well).

The home plate umpire was unmoved by the unusual weather situation though and called a balk on Contreras. As a result, the runner who was on third (Jacksonville’s Jakob Marsee) was waved in for the first run of the game by the Jumbo Shrimp.

Here is the bizarre video.

A lightning induced balk brought home a run in this MiLB game! pic.twitter.com/jJ7iematK7

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 9, 2025

The purpose of the balk rule, which only applies when there are runners on base, is to prevent pitchers from tricking baserunners with deceptive movements. So while Contreras’ stop-and-start there was technically a balk by the letter of the law, that is certainly not why the rule was implemented in the first place.

A better question is probably why the game was allowed to continue in Tuesday’s inclement weather. There were no delays at all during the contest, and the Tide managed to overcome the “thunder balk” to defeat the Jumbo Shrimp by a 9-5 final score. All things considered, that had to be the strangest balk in baseball since this one at the MLB level from last year.

BaseballJacksonville Jumbo ShrimpMinor League BaseballNorfolk Tides
Damian Lillard looks on

3 reported frontrunners emerging for Damian Lillard

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The race for Damian Lillard has essentially become the 2022 NBA Finals.

Three frontrunners have emerged in the sweepstakes to sign the nine-time NBA All-Star Lillard, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Tuesday. They are the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat.

Siegel notes that the Heat have long been linked to Lillard and adds that the Celtics and the Warriors are “near the top of the list” for the 34-year-old guard as well. However, Siegel also says that Lillard, who is nursing an Achilles tear, is in no rush to decide on his future. You can read Siegel’s full report on the situation here.

Of those three teams, the Celtics appear to be the favorites. They have constantly been linked to Lillard in recent days due to Lillard’s close relationship with Jayson Tatum, Boston’s hole at guard after trading away Jrue Holiday, and the likelihood of the Celtics punting on next season with Tatum dealing with an Achilles tear of his own.

But it is hard to discount the Heat, especially since they were the only team that Lillard wanted to go to when he asked out of Portland in 2023 (though Portland did not acquiese and sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks instead). Still, Miami just swung a big trade for a 20-ppg scorer at the guard position, so they may be a less logical spot for Lillard at this point.

As for the Warriors, the links are obvious since Lillard is a Bay Area native and is said to have close rapports with Golden State stars Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. But Lillard plays at Curry’s position, and the Warriors might not be willing to wait out for him to rehab since their window to win is right now. Curry, Green, and Butler are only under contract through 2027, and at least one of those guys has hinted at retirement upon the end of his contract.

What we do know though is that Lillard is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NBA career and now has his pick of the litter as to where he wants to sign. The 13-year veteran Lillard is also still looking for his first career championship, so title contention will likely factor into what Lillard ultimately decides as well.

BasketballBoston CelticsDamian LillardGolden State WarriorsMiami Heat
Kyrie Irving in his Mavericks uniform

Kyrie Irving’s new contract contains 1 interesting provision

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The Dallas Mavericks are apparently trying to do right by Kyrie Irving as he recovers from his ACL tear.

Details have emerged this week on the new three-year contract extension that Irving recently agreed to with the Mavs. The extension officially totals $118.5 million over the three years and includes a player option for Year 3 plus a 15 percent trade kicker, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported on Tuesday.

While those provisions are generally common, there is one provision in Irving’s new contract that is less common. Stein adds that Irving’s extension includes an advance payment provision for half of each season’s salary by Oct. 1.

The 33-year-old Irving, who tore his ACL in March, might not play at all next season. He even hinted as much in a recent Q&A with fans on a video game stream.

But under the advance payment provision, Irving, who is owed $36.6 million next season will earn roughly $18.3 million by Oct. 1 of this year (before the new season starts). He will also make about $19.75 million of the $39.5 million he is owed in 2026-27 by Oct. 1, 2026. That means that Irving may just have $56.3 million from the Mavs drop in his bank account before he even plays in another game for them.

Contract negotiations between Irving and the Mavs got a little bit dicey, and the nine-time All-Star ended up settling for less than he was hoping for per year. But the advance payment provision for Irving marks a notable concession from the Mavs that may have helped the deal get over the finish line in the end.

BasketballDallas MavericksKyrie Irving
The Spurs logo at center court

Spurs make trade for former NBA Finals piece

July 8, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Victor Wembanyama is no longer the only floor-spacing big on the San Antonio Spurs roster.

The Spurs have acquired veteran center Kelly Olynyk in a trade with the Washington Wizards, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Tuesday. San Antonio is sending guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley plus a future second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for Olynyk.

Olynyk, 34, was a first-round pick back in 2013 (No. 13 overall) and has been in the league for 12 seasons now. A career 37.1 percent three-point shooter, Olynyk is known for his long-range ability as well as for his craftiness off the dribble (albeit often awkward-looking at that).

Having previously made it to the Finals with the Miami Heat in 2020, Olynyk averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 20.3 minutes per game between the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans last season. He has also played for the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and Utah Jazz at other points in his pro career.

Earlier this offseason, the Pelicans sent Olynyk to the Wizards as part of the Jordan Poole-CJ McCollum swap. Now Olynyk is on the move again in exchange for Branham and Wesley, two 22-year-old players who might benefit from the move to a developmental team in the Wizards, plus a pick.

The Spurs already signed another notable former Celtics big man in free agency earlier this month. Now Olynyk is joining the mix in San Antonio too as a sizable $13.4 million expiring contract (at worst) and potentially a viable frontcourt scoring partner for Wembanyama (at best).

BasketballKelly OlynykSan Antonio Spurs
Cardi B in a nurse outfit

Cardi B seems to respond to Stefon Diggs breakup rumors

July 8, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Rapper Cardi B seemed to respond on Tuesday to rumors about her potentially breaking up with Stefon Diggs.

Cardi B and Diggs went public with their relationship in May when they attended a New York Knicks playoff game together. But Cardi B recently scrubbed Diggs from her Instagram page, leading many to speculate that she had broken up with the wide receiver.

Cardi B deletes all Stefon Diggs photos from Instagram as fans speculate they’ve broken up. pic.twitter.com/zUaxrBDreS

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) July 6, 2025

Cardi B may have seen those rumors, because she shared some posts on X that stated a strong message.

“Shut the f–k up,” she wrote in one post on X (profanity edited by LBS).

She also seemed to suggest that those creating rumors need to find something different to do with their time.

“Go to dinner ,go shopping, go to the park …Get off the internet…ENOUGH!!” she wrote on X.

Go to dinner ,go shopping, go to the park …Get off the internet…ENOUGH!!

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) July 8, 2025

She also told fans to “ignore the bored.”

Cardi B still has multiple photos of her with rapper Offset on her Instagram profile even though the two are no longer together. It seems odd that she wouldn’t have scrubbed those photos but has taken off ones that included Diggs.

Amid the rumors about a breakup, Diggs shared a clip on YouTube of him and Cardi B working out.

Cardi B working out with Stefon Diggs in Stefon’s new YouTube video uploaded today. 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/FCIeUcwnEC

— Devo🕴️ (@devometric) July 8, 2025

Maybe that was his way of responding to the rumors.

FootballGossipCardi BStefon Diggs
Jacob Misiorowski ready to pitch

Brewers manager has great quote about Jacob Misiorowski

July 8, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Jacob Misiorowski has been a revelation for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, and his manager has put the young pitcher’s emergence into context.

Misiorowski, 23, was a second-round pick by the Brewers in 2022. He battled elevated walk totals but ascended through the Brewers’ minor-league system to get promoted to the big club in June. Entering his start on Tuesday, Misiorowski was 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA in four starts. He had allowed just three hits and two runs over his first 16 MLB innings. Brewers manager Pat Murphy thinks this is only the start for The Miz.

Murphy gave a great quote about Misiorowski ahead of the pitcher’s start against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

“He’s just broken the shell, man. He’s just out of the egg, all arms and legs. He’s still got gooey stuff coming off him. He’s something special,” Murphy said.

Pat Murphy on The Miz: “He’s just broken the shell, man. He’s just out of the egg, all arms and legs. He’s still got gooey stuff coming off him. He’s something special.”

— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) July 8, 2025

The thought of Misiorowski as a baby dinosaur cracking the shell is a humorous one, but it puts things into context. Misiorowski is only 23 and just getting started. He’s listed at 6-foot-7 and 197 pounds. He still might be able to put some more weight onto his frame and improve his velocity and command.

Misiorowski’s average fastball velocity in MLB this season has been 99.3 mph. There aren’t many pitchers who can do that as a starter, but he’s one of them.

BaseballJacob MisiorowskiPat Murphy
Nikola Jokic in a nuggets sweater

Nikola Jokic makes decision on contract extension with Nuggets

July 8, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Nikola Jokic has made a decision regarding his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.

Jokic on Tuesday became eligible for a contract extension with the Nuggets. The extension could have added three years and $212 million to his existing contract. However, Jokic informed the Nuggets he would not sign an extension this summer. Instead, he plans to delay his decision until next year, when he will be eligible to sign for even more money.

Jokic’s current contract is a 5-year, $276 million deal he signed in July 2022. He is set to make $55 million next season and $59 million the season after that. Jokic also has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-2028.

By waiting until next year, Jokic would be eligible to make $80 million more on his contract extension. The 30-year-old center was offered the opportunity to add an additional $212 million onto his contract now, but he has decided to wait until next year.

One has to wonder how much of Jokic’s decision has to do with money and how much is rooted in his uncertainty over the team’s future. The Nuggets finished tied for the third-best record in the West last season at 50-32. They lost in seven games in their conference semifinals series against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver also fired Michael Malone, who had been the head coach of the Nuggets for Jokic’s entire career. Jokic made it clear that he felt the team was not good enough last season.

Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP. He averaged 29.6 points, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.0 three-pointers made per game last season, all of which were career-high marks.

BasketballFeatured StoriesHeadlinesDenver NuggetsNikola Jokic

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