Kevin Durant Should Consider Following LeBron James’ Luka Doncic Example, Suggests Kevin Garnett

Even though Kevin Durant is 36 right now, his skill and impact on the game is undeniable. There are a lot of people in the media who believe KD can still win a championship, but the same people also agree he’d have to take on a different role to do so. Durant has always been the best player on every roster bar perhaps his Warriors stint, even then he shared the spotlight with Stephen Curry. Kevin Garnett, who is among those who believe Durant still has one more left to win, also said the current Suns star needs to change his stance.

Luka Doncic’s arrival in LA has seen LeBron James pass the proverbial torch as the team’s main guy, and Garnett believes Durant will need to do the same. He’s certainly got the facilities around him. Both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are All-Star caliber players and can lead the team if asked to.

“And bro if I’m being honest, he got another 3-4. If he get with somebody right, bro he can get one of these 3-4, bro,” Garnett suggested. “On some real sh*t, KD looks really good! I’m talking about where he can actually go and help somebody!” the Celtics legend said. He clearly feels Durant doesn’t necessarily need to stay in Phoenix.

KG then brought up James’ situation with Doncic, and said, “He needs to be kinda like Bron is evolving into this. Bron still is the maestro don’t get it f****d up this Bron’s sh*t! The transition is here, but KD man!” In a way, Garnett is right. It is clear, even from the limited time James and Doncic have been together, that this will ease the pressure off LeBron and turn Luka into the main guy.

Of course, saying KD needs to be a second star is one thing, and finding a team that’s built to allow that is another. Some names were thrown around, with OKC and the Rockets being mentioned. And it’s a serious possibility that KD will not be in Phoenix next year.

Brian Windhorst thinks the Suns will trade Kevin Durant in the offseason

Taking to NBA on ESPN after KD hit 30k career points, Windy believes the Suns’ current situation can be solved by trading him. Their poor roster construction, massive wage bill, and overall underperformance all point to them looking to offload Durant in the summer.

Windy said, “They’re really locked into how they can change this roster… so again, you do not need high-level analysis to figure out that you’re going to need to move Durant. And again he’s got 1 year left on his contract so if you’re going to do something you’re going to have to do it now.”

The Suns’ desperation is also well-known around the league, and Windy claims this summer could end up being a very busy one as far as Kevin Durant is concerned.

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“I Chickened Out”: Stephen Curry Painfully Recalls the Time When He Missed Out on 7 Free Tom Ford Jackets

Sports and fashion have become synonymous. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be one of the biggest NBA fashion influencers, but Warriors star Stephen Curry is also a key figure in the fashion world. His reputation for style coupled with his basketball prowess has brought him many opportunities with fashion brands, but he recalls a painful memory when  he missed out on the chance to snag seven free Tom Ford jackets.

Stephen partnered with Vanity Fair for a photo shoot with his wife Ayesha. On Valentine’s Day, he uploaded a video to his personal YouTube channel showcasing behind the scenes and giving fans more insight into his fashion preferences.

The 11-time All-Star was discussing his personal style when someone asked about the color of his clothes. He initially just called it blue but then specified it was indigo. Shortly after, Curry reminisced about the blazer he wore for the 2024 NBA Cup commercial, which was white with black accents on the lapel. Curry couldn’t keep the blazer, but like the ad’s heist theme, he wanted to run away with it.

The recollection of that blazer reminded him of when he could’ve potentially walked away from the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon with seven free Tom Ford jackets. He said,

“Tom Ford told me I could keep any jacket I wore on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I messed up. I was going to wear all eight jackets on set at the same time… But I chickened out and only wore one of them.”

Curry confesses he was tempted to keep them, but he got cold feet. In hindsight, it worked out because he still has an excellent relationship with Tom Ford. In fact, he ended up wearing a navy blue Tom Ford suit for the Vanity Fair shoot with Ayesha.

Stephen Curry is a dream client for any wardrobe designer

Nearly every professional athlete who is big into fashion has a designer or stylist by their side. Wardrobe designers appreciate Stephen Curry’s willingness to experiment and say it’s a pleasant experience to work with him. Costumer Oliva Perdoch witnessed this first hand during his cameo on the Peacock comedy Mr. Throwback. She said,

“He’s so cool. He was so willing to try on anything, even though if was like, ‘I would never wear this or I haven’t worn this or would normally wear this.'”

Steph experimented with many different brands for his appearance on the show. Trying things that were out of his comfort zone opened his eyes to styles which he now enjoys. He is one of the most versatile players on the court and the trait follows him into the world of fashion.

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“That’s a Total Joke”: Max Verstappen’s Former Boss Rubbishes Red Bull Star and Other’s Hectic F1 Schedule Concern

F1 drivers are among the most vocal athletes, unafraid to speak out against issues they find unjust. One widely debated topic is the sport’s increasingly hectic schedule, with the number of races rising to 24 last year.

Max Verstappen is one of the many drivers who have raised his concerns. “From my side, I’ve said it before, this is not sustainable,” he told reporters last year in Bahrain. “I love racing a lot and I do it a lot also outside of Formula One“.

Fernando Alonso agreed, noting that when he started, there were only 16 races. However, the calendar has expanded, especially since Liberty Media took over the sport in 2017.

Franz Tost, who was Verstappen’s boss at Toro Rosso, however, dismisses these concerns, finding the complaints from drivers and others in the sport unnecessary.

“We had the race on the weekend, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we tested,” Tost said while appearing as a guest for Sport Marke Medien in Munich last year. “At the beginning, we even had two cars. And it was always the same technicians and engineers. I never heard a complaint from them back then“.

24 races for ’25! #F1 pic.twitter.com/U6WIkSMLOI

— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2025

The 69-year-old argued that 24 races are the right number and dismissed concerns about mechanics being overworked. “People always say that the mechanics are overworked—that’s a total joke,” Tost said. “They are not overworked at all.” 

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first controversial statement made by the former Red Bull honcho.

When Tost wanted drivers’ salaries to be capped at $10m

Back in 2020, Tost not only suggested that drivers’ salaries be included in the budget cap but also proposed capping them at $10 million. His reasoning was straightforward: “The drivers anyway earn too much money, they should get much less.”

In 2025, eight drivers earn $10 million or more annually, with stars like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton making over $60 million. Given that drivers risk their lives every weekend for the sport and its fans, it’s no surprise they wouldn’t support such a proposal.

Back in 2020, Hamilton appeared baffled upon hearing about the proposal to cap drivers’ salaries at $10 million. “Who said that?” he asked when a reporter brought it up.

Upon learning it was Franz Tost, Hamilton simply responded, “Who’s that?”

Whether he was genuinely unaware of Tost or just dismissive, it was clear he wasn’t impressed by his opinion.

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Steph Curry Proudly Showed Wife Ayesha His History With SLAM on Valentine’s Day

Few honors signify an athlete’s ascension to stardom like snagging a signature shoe deal. On that same tier is making the cover of SLAM magazine. Many say if you’re on there more than once, you’re a bonafide superstar. Warriors star Steph Curry, who’s been the publication’s front face almost too often to count, easily proves that theory. He took his wife Ayesha on a walk down SLAM memory lane on Valentine’s Day.

Curry was one of the biggest stars of college basketball following his Elite Eight run in 2008. However, his rise to NBA stardom wasn’t immediate, as nagging ankle injuries derailed his progression. That changed after the 2012-13 season when Curry finally emerged as a budding star and received his first SLAM cover. In the nearly 12 years since, he’s graced the cover 16 times.

SLAM held an event for All-Star Weekend to showcase the magazine’s history. To honor being in the city in which the Warriors are based, they displayed a special exhibit for Curry that featured every SLAM cover the four-time champion has ever been on. He took Ayesha’s hand as he guided her through a blast from the past for their subtle Valentine’s date.

 

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A post shared by SLAM (@slam)

One of the most iconic Curry covers is issue 203, which features the Warriors star with Kevin Durant following his 2016-2017 season signing. Another infamous cover was a 2022 issue celebrating Curry’s fourth title. Issue 239’s cover shows Curry with his first Finals MVP in his arms and the Larry O’Brien trophy to his right while doing his patented “night-night” celebration.

Ayesha and Steph’s adorable relationship

Steph and Ayesha are among the top NBA power couples. The two first met as teenagers at church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their relationship didn’t become serious until 2008 when they bumped into each other in Los Angeles. They married in 2011 and have four children. It is to grow complacent in a marriage, so Steph and Ayesha prioritize their alone time with each other.

In December of 2024, Ayesha took to Instagram to highlight a special moment the two shared. Steph took her to NASA Ames Research Center, where she had the opportunity to fly. She called their outing the “Best day date ever.”

 

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

2024 was a great year for the Currys despite the lack of NBA team success. Steph’s heroics in the Paris Olympics led Team USA to a gold medal, and he became an American hero. Following the historic victory, he took time to enjoy life the best way he could, with Ayesha. He shared a post on X, showcasing a lovely outing with his special lady.

Enjoying life!!! pic.twitter.com/7BNRA4ne5U

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) September 1, 2024

The power couple always finds a way to have fun. This past Halloween, they found time to party, dressed up as a pair of pirates. Ayesha posted the pics to Instagram saying, “Date night with my golden state waRRRRRior.”

 

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

If 2024 taught the public one thing, it is to watch for more Curry pleasantries in 2025.

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Empowered by Lucrative Returns From Coca-Cola Deal, Baron Davis Advises NBA Rookies to Invest $25,000 Right Away

By any measure, Baron Davis had a very good NBA career. He played for 13 years in the league, made two All-Star teams, and averaged over 16 points and 7 assists per game. He also made nearly $150 million from his playing contracts alone. As successful as he was on the hardwood though, he’s been even better at investing.

It’s well-known that professional athletes often end up bankrupt shortly after their careers are over. Many athletes spend too extravagantly in an effort to fit an image they’ve been trained to believe they should conform to, and too few make an effort to actually grow their money in any meaningful way. Davis once told CNBC that he tries to help young athletes avoid these pitfalls by giving them some advice: Begin investing from the moment they sign their first contract.

Davis wishes someone had given him this advice at the outset of his professional career, which is why he’s trying to pass his knowledge to today’s generation of athletes.

“Knowing what I know now, I definitely wish I would have taken the onus to invest more and be more of an angel entrepreneurial investor.”

He knows of what he speaks, as he reportedly made out extremely well from his decision to buy a stake in vitaminwater early in his career. That investment paid off handsomely when Coca-Cola acquired the company a few years later for over $4 billion. He’s also founded and invested in more than a dozen other companies, including the WNBA, Thrive Market, UWish, and Hims.

All athletes should be listening to Baron Davis

Being a professional athlete is like being part of an exclusive fraternity. There’s a responsibility to look out for one another that most athletes take seriously. Davis is doing his part to help those that came after him, but he isn’t the only athlete who has given good financial advice to the younger generation.

Future NFL Hall-of-Famer Rob Gronkowski likes to play on his persona as a dumb jock, but his advice to athletes to sock away their salaries and live on their endorsement money is incredibly intelligent. Charles Barkley has warned athletes against following in the footsteps of his younger days, calling himself an idiot for spending all of his money on ostentatious items like fast cars and fancy clothes.

Even though many of today’s NBA players earn salaries that dwarf what Davis was able to pull in during his career, the pitfalls remain the same. That makes his advice timeless and applicable across all sports.

 

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Trayce Jackson-Davis Brain Surgery: 2025 Rising Star Went Through Two Major Surgeries Under the Age of 6

The Golden State Warriors have one of the most underrated young cores in the NBA, featuring rising stars Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody. Big man Trayce Jackson-Davis is another young player emerging through the Warriors’ ranks. Trayce has overcome adversity to get to where he is, including undergoing two major surgeries under the age of six.

Jackson-Davis wasn’t a troublesome child, but he was a curious kid. When he was 4, Trayce found a resistance band under his parents’ bed. His first instinct, like any child, was to play with it.

Although he didn’t know the band’s true purpose, it looked like it would make for a fun experience. Little Trayce tied a toy dinosaur to one end of the band and attached the rubber cord around the handle of a door. As he stretched it toward the bedpost, the metal handle snapped off and went flying into his forehead, resulting in an experience that was anything but fun.

Blood gushed from a massive gash on Trayce’s forehead, and his family rushed him to emergency care. Multiple scans revealed an open skull fracture. Doctors informed his mother that the metal hit her son’s head with the velocity of a gunshot. Doctors immediately performed a seven-hour surgery. Jackson-Davis made a full recovery but encountered more trauma two years later.

At the age of 6, Trayce happened to be playing with his best friend, who accidentally hit him in the face with a golf club. The impact of the hit destroyed Jackson-Davis’ cheekbone and broke an orbital bone. Doctors had to implant a titanium screw, which remains in place to this day.

Trayce’s family and health professionals worried whether Jackson-Davis would ever live a normal life, much less become an NBA player. His sister, Arielle, stated her brother is, “A walking miracle.” The series of childhood events led Trayce to come out stronger than ever.

Jackson-Davis attended Mater Dei High School and returned to his hometown of Indianapolis to play college ball at Indiana University. His life hit a high once he heard his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. Everything he had endured up to that point was worth it for that moment. However, it wasn’t the end of his journey by any means.

Jackson-Davis continues to earn everything in his career

Coming out of Indiana, Jackson-Davis wasn’t the most sought-after prospect. Despite his father being one-time All-Star Dale Davis, Trayce wasn’t a shoo-in. Plenty of mock drafts didn’t even include his name. However, the Warriors selected Jackson-Davis as the 57th pick in 2023. That spot originally belonged to the Wizards, but was added as a piece of the Jordan Poole-Chris Paul trade.

There weren’t many expectations, since Golden State famously doesn’t utilize big men. But Jackson-Davis made a strong impression on head coach Steve Kerr every time he stepped on the court. In the fourth game of his rookie season, Jackson-Davis earned 19 minutes. In his increased playing time, he finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Following that performance, Trayce made serious noise on the Warriors’ radar. It wasn’t until mid-December of 2023, that he became a full-time member of the team’s rotation. That trust and faith from the coaching staff has carried over into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Jackson-Davis has played in 49 of the Warriors’ 55 games, starting in 37. Jackson-Davis is expected to help spearhead the team’s youth movement once Stephen Curry retires. In 18.5 minutes per game, he is averaging 7.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 57% shooting from the field. His consistent efforts on a night-in-night-out basis have earned him a spot in the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.

Jackson-Davis has overcome tremendous obstacles and adversity not just to become an NBA player but to become an impactful participant on a team competing for a playoff spot. Jackson-Davis is only 24 years old and has his entire career ahead of him. The rising star has shown at every stage of his life that he continues to beat the odds.

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“I’d Have Been a Billionaire”: Shannon Sharpe Once Regretted Listening to His Financial Consultant Who Advised Against Investing in Google

Shannon Sharpe is easily one of the highest-paid NFL podcasters/broadcasters in the business. His ability to read and diagnose team and player drama sets him apart from other sports analysts. However, if he had trusted his instincts in investing the way he does in sports commentary, he might not have needed to work as much after his playing career. Sharpe himself believes that he “wouldn’t be working” today if he had made smarter investment decisions.

Sharpe said in a recent sit-down interview with Mark Cuban that he was interested in investing in Google when the company went public in 2004, a year after he hung up the cleats. The former tight end recalled that shares opened at $115, and he had enough money to invest $300K. However, a financial advisor close to him advised against it, claiming the shares were overpriced. According to the consultant, $85 would have been a better entry point.

Flash forward to today, and Google is worth over $2 trillion. If Sharpe had trusted his instincts, he’d still be earning money today, as Google has become one of the biggest staple companies in the world. Not only that, but Sharpe thinks he’d be a billionaire from that investment (not true), making the $14 million he earned over his 14-year NFL career look like chump change.

It’s something Cuban let the former tight end jokingly know he messed up on.

“I’d have been a billionaire,” Sharpe told Cuban.

“You f*cked up,” Cuban joked.

“I did, I f*cked up bad!” Sharpe agreed. “I had the money to do it, but I let somebody talk me out of it.”

Setting aside the disappointment, Sharpe would have actually made a little over $7.4 million from his investment if he had bought Google shares for $115 in 2004 and sold them at their high of $2,960 in 2021. But no one sells at the absolute peak unless they’re a mathematical genius. Even still, he would have made enough money to call it a very good investment.

It’s not the first time Sharpe has admitted to regretting not investing money, either. On his latest episode of Nightcap, he told his co-host, Chad Johnson, that if he had invested in Bitcoin when it came out there’d be no podcast of the two.

“I’m looking back now, I could have taken $800,000 and bought me some bitcoin,” Sharpe said. “If I bought 800,000 worth of Bitcoin in 2015, Ocho, I ain’t even gonna lie to you, I wouldn’t be working. There would have been no Unc & Ocho.”

To be fair, lots of people wish they had invested in cryptocurrency back then. However, Bitcoin is a skeptical investment that relies on other people using it to gain value. It’s essentially a “popularity” stock with not much real-world utility. The value of the stock is only tangential to the number of people online buying it, making it a risky investment at the time and still to this day.

However, the lack of investment was another miss in Sharpe’s portfolio. At its lowest value today, he could’ve cashed out at one point with $27 million, but now he’s left wondering what could have been if he had taken advantage of the opportunity.

It seems as though Sharpe doesn’t need any financial advice. The two companies he’s wanted to invest in historically have turned out to be wildly successful. What he needs is someone egging him on to risk the money and make the investment. Like sports, Sharpe seems to have his finger on the pulse when it comes to reading and diagnosing future company success—he just needs to start putting his money where his mouth is.

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Former NBA Champion Wants Kevin Durant to Leave Phoenix and Win Championships After Being Shopped Around for Trades

Kevin Durant hasn’t been able to truly contend for a championship since his departure from the Golden State Warriors, but he appeared to be satisfied with his new home in Phoenix. Though the Suns have underwhelmed this season, KD seemingly wanted to see his tenure through, at least until his name surfaced on the trade block.

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson recently discussed how Durant was blindsided by trade talks on All the Smoke. Barnes underlined how newer owners don’t always understand the landscape of the NBA or how they should operate. The former forward stated that KD has shown enough throughout his legendary career to warrant a heads-up when his team plans to move him.

Jackson echoed Barnes’ sentiment, emphasizing Durant never had to go to Phoenix in the first place and pointing out how KD and Devin Booker are the only consistent aspects of the Suns right now. Jackson knows KD doesn’t appreciate when someone tries to pull a fast one on him and hopes Durant parts ways with the franchise this summer.

“I hope in the back of [Durant’s] mind, this summer, that he get the f*** on and go somewhere else and get him a couple more championships,” Jackson said. KD is already 36 years old, but the 14-time All-Star is still capable of helping lead a team to contention.

Matt Barnes highlighted how Durant will never let a situation like this affect his on-court play, but the former MVP is known to hold grudges. Phoenix’s decision to shop KD could come back to bite them if the franchise isn’t able to mend the relationship before the season comes to a close.

Kevin Durant could leave the Phoenix Suns this summer

Durant’s future with the Suns was already in question before his name ever popped up in trade rumors. Phoenix has been a mediocre team in the Western Conference since the star forward signed with the franchise despite boasting a star-powered offense. The Suns currently sit at 26-28, firmly outside of the West’s playoff picture, but the franchise’s recent conduct could be the last straw for the two-time champion.

Brian Windhorst confidently claimed that Durant will likely find his way out of Phoenix this summer, saying on ESPN’s Get Up,

“Yeah, [Durant’s] probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, the rest of the league knows it,”

The veteran sportswriter isn’t at all shocked by the likelihood of KD’s departure considering the current standing of the Suns.

Now sitting under .500, the Suns have disappointed despite possessing one of the league’s most expensive rosters. Windhorst doesn’t believe it takes an expert to realize Phoenix will need to shake things up after their expensive experiment failed.

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“Top-10 Player, Top-3 Scorer of All-Time”: Stephen A. Smith Gives Kevin Durant His Flowers After 30,000-Point Landmark

On Tuesday night, Kevin Durant joined some elite company as the eighth player to reach the 30,000-point mark. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith couldn’t contain his praise for the Suns star. He boldly went on live television to state that Durant has cemented his place within the top 10 players in NBA history.

Smith debated Durant’s position on the all-time ranks on ESPN’s First Take. Although the outstanding scorer has only won two championships, Smith doesn’t believe it undermines his accomplishments as a player. He gave Durant the flowers he deserved, saying,

“This is a top-10 player of all time. This is a top-3 scorer in the history of basketball. He’s that elite.”

Smith’s assessment of Durant’s scoring ability isn’t a far stretch of the imagination. There has never been a season in the 15-time All-Star’s career when he hasn’t averaged 20 points per game. He has averaged over 25 points in every season aside from his rookie campaign. Smith also gave KD props for his continued scoring dominance following his Achilles injury.

In the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant tore his Achilles. He missed the entire 2019-20 season and the majority of the 2020-21 year as well. Despite that, he elevated his efficiency, shooting over 50% in each season since. He is in a league of his own when it comes to his level of play, however, even he isn’t safe from trade talks.

Durant may be on a different team this offseason

The 2025 NBA trade deadline was the craziest in league history. It could’ve been even crazier if Durant hadn’t shut down the nearly agreed-upon deal with the Warriors. KD was against a reunion with his former team. However, the Suns were willing to part ways with the NBA legend to improve their roster. The front office shopping Durant behind his back has done damage to their relationship, which many deem unfixable.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst spoke on the rift the recent Durant trade talks caused. Following his sources and intel gathered, he is certain that Durant’s tenure in Phoenix is over. Windhorst said,

“Kevin Durant is probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, and the rest of the NBA knows it.”

“Kevin Durant is probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, and the rest of the NBA knows it.”

– @WindhorstESPN

(Via @GetUpESPN / h/t @Fullcourtpass ) pic.twitter.com/wspIdToXDj

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2025

There will certainly be plenty of contending teams calling the Suns to inquire about Durant. Although he is 36 years old, he still has a lot of skill left in the tank and could be the deciding factor for an aspiring championship-level team.

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Kyrie Irving’s “Balanced, Rational, and Calming Viewpoint” Amid Storm After Luka Doncic Trade Draws Appreciation From NBA Insider

The relationship between the Mavericks and their fans has fostered animosity. However, amid the chaos, one figure has provided all sides involved with calming reassurance. Mavs star guard Kyrie Irving has displayed his leadership and maturity in his handling of the Luka Doncic trade. He has completely flipped the script of any narratives suggesting Luka was a locker-room cancer. NBA insider Brian Windhorst couldn’t contain his praise toward Irving for maintaining peace in Dallas.

Windhorst took to ESPN’s The Hoop Collective Podcast, to share his thoughts on the aftermath of the Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. Although he isn’t a fan of how the Mavericks are handling the situation, he is a fan of the way Irving is. He said,

“I’m very appreciative of the balanced, rational, and calming viewpoint of Kyrie Irving throughout this process. He seems to be repeatedly able to make a coalition attempt at forming and showing empathy with the fans and also support for Luka and support for his teammates.”

Windhorst even suggests the Mavericks should consult Kyrie on what to say to the fans.

“I actually think it might be a good idea if the Mavericks organization would reach out to Kyrie to let him guide them.”

Irving has never been shy to express his emotions and wear his heart on his sleeve. He is a human being before he is a basketball player, and he is making that known through how he is handling this entire situation.

Kyrie has shown sympathy to Luka, along with the fans, while supporting the Mavericks organization. He hasn’t picked one side but is showing his understanding of each perspective involved. His mature outlook on the situation is reflective of how he has processed the Luka trade, which he has seemingly taken in stride.

Kyrie grieved the Luka trade

It wasn’t easy for Kyrie finding out the Mavericks were trading away Luka. Irving and Doncic had grown to become close friends, brothers in fact. In his first media address following the trade, he shared his profound emotions regarding the deal. Irving said,

“Just really shocked, so still the grieving process right now. I miss my hermano. We had a lot of time together.”

Despite the pain Irving is going through, he has remained a complete professional through it all. He hasn’t negatively spoken about the organization at all and has welcomed the new Mavericks members with open arms.

Dallas will need Irving’s leadership more than ever as they move forward following the unfortunate news of Anthony Davis’ extended absence due to injury.

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3000 Miles Away From Home, Paolo Banchero Calls Parents Attending His NBA Games “A Blessing”

Paolo Banchero couldn’t have moved further from his hometown of Seattle, Washington, after the Orlando Magic called his name first in the 2022 NBA Draft. Now on the opposite side of the country from his family and friends, Banchero has grown more appreciative when his loved ones are able to attend his games.

Banchero shared how much it means to him as a pro for his parents to attend his games, underlining how far they have to travel in order to do so. The star forward said,

“Having my parents there is always a blessing. As I’ve gotten older and got into the NBA, I don’t take it for granted as much as I used to.” 

Once a mainstay in the stands throughout his high school career, Banchero’s parents obviously aren’t able to make every Magic game while living in Seattle. Banchero continued,

“But with me going to a city like Orlando, which is so far from home, they’re not able to come to every game and be there all the time. So, the times that they are able to make it, I always hold them a little closer to my heart…”

The rising All-Star shared how, when his parents are in attendance, he always goes the extra mile to put on a show. With averages of 22.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the playoff-hopeful Magic, Banchero is putting on a show more often than not.

Paolo Banchero credited his mother for his NBA success

While it’s important for any child to see their parents supporting them at their sporting events, Banchero’s mother involved herself every step of the way throughout her son’s basketball career. The 22-year-old has often credited his mother for helping his love for the sport blossom.

Banchero has said that his mother was the biggest influence in his passion for basketball. They often watched WNBA games together, and he continues to be a proud fan and supporter of women’s basketball.

Banchero’s former college coach, Mike Krzyzewski said,

“All he is and all he ever hopes to be is a result of his mother.”

His mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, was the University of Washington women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,948 points while playing from 1991 to 1995 before eventually being surpassed by Kelsey Plum. So, she certainly knew what she was talking about when coaching and influencing young Paolo.

Banchero’s mother isn’t able to attend every game like she used to, but it’s clear the influence she had on her son will impact him for years to come.

The post 3000 Miles Away From Home, Paolo Banchero Calls Parents Attending His NBA Games “A Blessing” appeared first on The SportsRush.

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“Uh, That Game Was Just Boring”: Matthew Stafford’s Wife Kelly Says She Started to Feel Bad for the Chiefs at One Point

Kelly Stafford never hesitates to speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she did on her latest podcast episode about Super Bowl LIX. She called the game a snooze fest and was surprised to see the Eagles dominate the Chiefs as they did. However, she also acknowledged that football is unpredictable and that sometimes an entire team can have a bad day in the most important game. It’s why she and we all love the sport.

Kelly cut to the chase when she was talking about the game on her podcast, Timeout. She opened the show by saying this will be her last episode of the season, and that they’re going out on a dull note. And by dull, she meant how the Philadelphia Eagles spanked the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in unexpected fashion, 40-22.

The loss stunned Kelly, her co-host, and football fans everywhere. Patrick Mahomes struggled, throwing multiple interceptions, taking more sacks than usual, and only in the final minutes did the Chiefs attempt to claw back from the 40-6 deficit. It was a crushing blow for the defending champs.

“People have good and bad days, just like in regular life,” Kelly said, reacting to the loss. “Unfortunately, those bad days are the days that you need to be good, and that stinks. But you know what, it happens to everybody. And it can be a group. Your receivers had a bad day, o-line had a bad day. And it’s a team sport, so therefore, if someone is having a bad day it’s tough… Gosh, but uh, that game was just boring.”

Her co-host then talked about how stunning the Eagles’ performance was. All season long, she had been sulking over the Chiefs as a league superpower overcoming each opponent, only for them to get exposed on the biggest stage. At one point, she admitted she started rooting for the team she had grown to dislike just so the game wouldn’t be so lopsided. Kelly agreed to an extent.

“You start to feel bad,” Kelly replied. “In a weird way. Like again, a lot of those Chiefs have won a bunch of Super Bowls. But at the end of the day, you always want a good game, especially at that magnitude. Like, you don’t want, well, I know the NFL doesn’t want people turning (the game) off. But that was one of those games where it didn’t seem like it was going to turn around (for the Chiefs).”

Kelly also mentioned that she attended a Super Bowl party in Montana with her husband, Matthew, at the end of a ski trip. She noted that there were both Eagles and Chiefs fans there, making for a lively and rowdy atmosphere. But Kelly didn’t complain.

 

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A post shared by Kelly Stafford (@kbstafford89)

The big game felt over even before halftime. When the Chiefs got the ball back with just under a minute left in the half, down 17-0, something felt off. Still, everyone expected Patrick Mahomes to lead the team down the field and put some points on the board before halftime. Instead, he threw a pick to Zack Baun on his own 13. That’s when the game truly felt over.

It took just two plays for the Eagles to punch it in on a short AJ Brown crossing route. Then, after another three-and-out for the Chiefs, they went into the half down 24-0. It was an ugly performance—uncharacteristic of both the Chiefs and Mahomes.

Now the attention turns towards their offseason. Does Travis Kelce retire? Do they make a move for a receiver? All questions we’ll surely get answers to in the coming weeks.

The post “Uh, That Game Was Just Boring”: Matthew Stafford’s Wife Kelly Says She Started to Feel Bad for the Chiefs at One Point appeared first on The SportsRush.

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“Does This Look Infected?”: Legendary Comedian Explains How Big of a Julius Erving Fan He Is

George Lopez is a comedy icon, but the 63-year-old is also a noted basketball fan, often seen courtside at Lakers games. Lopez recently joined Byron Scott on his podcast, where the comedian revealed who inspired his love for the game. He informed the Laker great that if he had a chance to take the place of one of his favorite hoops for the day, it would be Dr. J.

Lopez described the hype surrounding Julius Erving while he was growing up and shared the influence the high-flying forward had on him as a youngster. “Because in that time, of the ’70s, and the ABA, and the ‘fro, and the devil goatee… Just the Doctor. I was obsessed with Dr. J.”

When asked how big of a fan he was of Dr. J, Lopez joked that the New Jersey Nets legend was the first doctor he ever met. He humorously quipped how his parents never took him to the doctor, so Erving was his first experience with a real “doctor”. “When I saw Dr. J, I said, ‘Does this look infected?'” Lopez revealed to a roar of laughter.

Lopez even shared how he knows Erving personally, and the pair are friends now. The comedian was even invited to the Doctor’s 75th birthday party (Feb 22), which the whole crew felt he should attend.

George Lopez has always been a big supporter of Dr. J.

Lopez’s fandom clearly didn’t stop once Erving retired from the hardwood. Almost 40 years after the Doctor decided to hang ’em up in 1987, Lopez is still supporting Erving and his cause. The comedian is known for helping with Dr. J’s charitable endeavors and is a consistent attendee at his events.

Lopez’s friendship with Erving has stretched for over a decade now, as the sitcom sensation was welcomed to Dr. J’s Golf Classic event in 2015. Lopez joined several notable former NBA players, including Alonzo Mourning, Rick Barry, and Gerald Henderson. The comedian was also joined by other veteran entertainers, including Alan Thicke, Vivica A. Fox, and Cedric the Entertainer.

George Lopez’s love for Dr. J may have started during his Hall of Fame basketball career, but the longtime television star has shown loyalty to Erving throughout his charitable post-playing career, as well.

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“Nobody’s Safe”: Patrick Ewing’s Unexpected Trade Opened Shaquille O’Neal’s Eyes to the Harsh NBA Business

This NBA trade deadline once again proved that any player can be moved in the NBA, regardless of their talent or loyalty to the franchise. Hall of Fame players getting traded is nothing new in the league, but it still goes to show that even the most formidable stars can be moved for the right price. Shaquille O’Neal recalled a trade that left him heartbroken during an episode of The Big Podcast.

Shaq shared that the saddest trade he remembered was when Patrick Ewing was traded to the Seattle Supersonics after a legendary 15-year stint with the New York Knicks. “I was in the league, but still like d*mn, Patrick Ewing was traded, nobody’s safe,” O’Neal said.

The Big Fella remembered how Dominique Wilkins was traded soon after, underlining how owners don’t care about their players once they hit a certain point in their careers.

“I knew that the business of basketball, from the owner’s standpoint, nobody cares,” Shaq continued. The four-time champion emphasized how owners can decide to trade a player whenever they want, but if a player requests out, they’re the problem.

Diesel underlined how players who make a trade request will be blamed as a distraction to the team, but front offices can avoid that kind of backlash.

The Knicks’ trade of Ewing and the Mavericks’ unceremonious Luka Doncic decision have proven Shaq’s point. Both players were blamed for being overweight and out of shape near the end of their tenures. Especially in the 25-year-old Doncic’s case, Shaq believes there’s more to the story, as the transcendent guard has established himself as one of the best talents in the NBA, conditioning issues aside.

Shaquille O’Neal knows firsthand how unfair the business side of basketball can be

While he was far too dominant early in his career to be considered for a trade, Shaquille O’Neal bounced around the league quite a bit near the end of his career. This sequence started once his time with the Miami Heat turned sour.

The Hall of Fame center is no stranger to being blamed for his impending exit. In fact, Heat executive, Pat Riley, got personal with O’Neal once the former coach realized their relationship was unsalvageable.

“Pat started telling people that ‘[Shaq’s] faking [his injury], he’s getting a divorce, we’ve got a bad record, so he doesn’t feel like playing anymore,’” O’Neal said in his memoir, Shaq Uncut.

Shaq was surrounded by rumors of his supposed laziness and selfishness whenever his name surfaced on the trade block. So the 15-time All-Star certainly knows how Ewing and Doncic felt during their unexpected exits.

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JJ Redick Would Have Been “One of the Great Analysts” if He Had Stayed an NBA Analyst, Claims Legendary Announcer

Mike Breen is one of the most legendary announcers in professional sports today. The 63-year-old, who’s been in the industry for more than 30 years, took a moment to praise his former teammate in the booth, JJ Redick. Redick joined ESPN immediately after retiring from the NBA but only lasted three seasons as an analyst before becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Breen shared how much he enjoyed working with Redick during his appearance on the Roommates Show. Breen lauded Redick’s intelligence and eye for the game and even underlined his belief that the former guard could have been a legend in the broadcast booth, saying,

“I really feel like if [Redick] had stayed the course, he would have been one of the great analysts.”

While it may seem like a bold statement about someone who had only spent a couple of seasons as an analyst, Breen explained his reasoning:

“[Redick] lives and breathes basketball. He loves it so much. He’s so intense, and his work ethic is there.” 

However, despite the high praise for his announcing skills, Breen realized while working with Redick throughout last season that the former Duke guard was bound for something else. Breen continued,

“You could tell, he’s gonna be a great coach.”

Breen realized that Redick may have an even better fit in coaching because of his elite basketball mind and great people skills. One of Redick’s most prominent traits, Breen underlined, is his tendency to be direct with whoever he’s speaking with, noting,

“You’ll know where you stand with him.”

JJ Redick’s career change hasn’t altered his personality

Just as Breen said, JJ Redick has always spoken his mind. Even now, as a rookie head coach, Redick hasn’t been afraid to be brutally honest with his team and the rest of the NBA. The 40-year-old has been seen emotionally lambasting his players mid-game, a tendency of most coaches with a strong desire to win, but he’s carried that same energy outside of his team, as well.

When commissioner Adam Silver recently proposed the idea of shortening NBA quarters from 12 to 10 minutes, Redick was among the most prominent detractors of the proposal.Redick responded,

“Not a fan. That’s not a good idea. We are the premier league, in the NBA. Why are we conforming to anyone else? It’s not a good idea.”

Redick is still getting comfortable with becoming a great NBA coach, but he has made noticeable strides with the Lakers as their season has gone on. Regardless of his situation, though, Redick always sticks to his guns and shares his unfiltered thoughts.

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“Don’t Think So”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Can Be Traded, Says Current Brooklyn Nets Star

As shocking as the Luka Doncic trade was, it opened up a bigger can of worms around the league. Players once considered untouchable have been thrown into shock after seeing Dallas part ways with their franchise star. Analysts have raised questions about how safe players truly are in the NBA. While Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are considered clearly untouchable, debates are circulating about the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Johnson believes the Bucks would be tempted if a good enough offer was made; hence, Giannis cannot be ruled out of trade talks. He spoke about the “untouchable player list” on The Young Man and the Three and claimed that Giannis cannot be included among them.

“Right now, I would say Jokic, Wembanyama, and Shai. I don’t think so, I wouldn’t say [Giannis].”

Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson agreed with him and said he could see a future where Giannis could move from Milwaukee if the offer came to go to a bigger market. He said,

“I think there’s also, without having asked out publicly, I see a scenario where Giannis ends up getting traded if, you know, he wants to be in a bigger market.”

While the claims sound far-fetched, Giannis’ past actions have indicated he hasn’t always been happy with how the Bucks are managing the roster. Just earlier this season, after a nightmare start to the campaign, Antetokuonmpo made some thinly veiled threats to the front office to strengthen the lineup.

It wasn’t the first time either. Before the 2023-24 season started, Giannis made clear his intention to win more rings, whether in Milwaukee or elsewhere.

Giannis Antetokuonmpo could leave Milwaukee in search of a championship

In the 2023 offseason, Antetokuonmpo claimed he was a winner and would attempt to win rings anywhere. On an episode of the 48 Minutes podcast, he said,

“At the end of the day, I am a winner. I want to be a winner. Contracts, fame, status, comfort zone does not matter to me. What matters the end of the day is that thing right there.”

Giannis even had a direct hand in acquiring Damian Lillard because he thought the Bucks’ championship window would increase with another All-Star by his side. No, the Bucks have not had great seasons under the two, but they are slowly finding their chemistry and have entered the playoff race again this season.

The Bucks are 5th in the East with a record of 27-23 and only sit two games behind the 4th seeded Pacers. As Robinson said, unless Giannis explicitly demands a trade, he might stay with the Bucks for a long time.

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After Showering Praise at Patrick Mahomes, Arch-Rival Maxx Crosby Predicts Philly to Win Super Bowl LIX

Maxx Crosby’s rivalry with Patrick Mahomes has both players competing fiercely on the field while maintaining mutual respect off it. Crosby once again praised the QB and the Kansas City Chiefs for their quality and back-to-back Super Bowl victories. However, he raised some eyebrows when he boldly predicted that the Philadelphia Eagles would win Super Bowl LIX.

The 27-year-old, who recently appeared on OutKick, believes that the Eagles’ superior defense would give them the edge over the Chiefs in New Orleans. Crosby, a top DE himself, admires peers such as Jalen Carter, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson.

Not only are these players physically imposing, but their game awareness and offensive IQ make them even more dangerous for Maxx Crosby. To find them all playing for one team makes the Eagles extremely dominant in the Raiders star’s eyes. “I’ve been saying Philly since the playoff started… You look at the O-line and D-line, they have the most dominant fronts overall,” he started.

“Jalen Carter is generational… you see both sides, and you got Lane Johnson, one of the best tackles in the game, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson… they got so many guys, and then on the defensive front, they got just dudes rolling in, rotating in and getting out to the passer. So I feel like Philly is gonna win…”

That said, he did give the Chiefs a chance, and rightly so. For Crosby, Patrick Mahomes & Co. got the edge over the Eagles if the game goes down the wire, thanks to their experience of playing more high-pressure games.

But Crosby has a gut feeling that the match won’t be an even contest. He expects the Eagles to win like the legendary Super Bowl XLVIII matchup between the Seahawks and the Broncos, which the former won 43-8.

“But if it’s close, I feel like the Chiefs have the edge, but also, I feel like it might be like a Seattle versus Denver where Philly comes out rolling.”

Hilariously enough, moments before backing the Eagles to crush the Chiefs, Crosby was singing praises for Mahomes.

How Patrick Mahomes elevates Maxx Crosby’s game

A total of 26 solo tackles, 14 assists, and 6.0 sacks in 12 games—this is what Maxx Crosby’s record looks like against the Chiefs. Not many DEs in the league have performed this well against Patrick Mahomes & Co. But what motivates Crosby to step up his game for this matchup?

“I’ve been able to sack Mahomes more than anybody in the league because I feel like when you’re going against a guy like that, it just elevates your play… It’s a division opponent; if we want a chance to win, I have to wreck the game. That’s how I look at it every single week… like I got to be at my best.”

Patrick Mahomes also has a similar opinion on Crosby. Since Maxx Crosby is such a live wire against the Chiefs, Mahomes must remain alert on every snap when facing the Raiders’ DE. “It’s special to see a guy who gives that much effort while maintaining such a high level of play,” he said.

That said, will Mahomes appreciate Maxx hoping for a Chiefs loss this Sunday? We can only find that out in the next chapter of Raiders vs Chiefs.

The post After Showering Praise at Patrick Mahomes, Arch-Rival Maxx Crosby Predicts Philly to Win Super Bowl LIX appeared first on The SportsRush.

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Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart Name Their Favorite ‘Double-Bang,’ Mike Breen Explains Lore Behind Call for Stephen Curry

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart brought iconic commentator Mike Breen on their podcast, the Roommates Show. Breen has called countless memorable moments as the lead NBA broadcaster for ABC and the lead announcer for New York Knicks games for nearly two decades. Known for his trademark “Bang!” calls dating back to his time at Fordham University, Breen has mastered the art of adding extra excitement to big moments throughout his career in broadcasting.

While on the show, the trio discussed Breen’s much rarer “double-bangs”, which have only occurred a handful of times. The 63-year-old explained that his double-bangs aren’t premeditated and are instead an honest reaction to the excitement of the moment. “And the double [bang] is when it’s just some unbelievable game, wild sequence,” Breen said.

He referenced Donte DiVincenzo’s clutch three-pointer in the playoffs against Philadelphia last season as a moment worthy of a double-bang.

Brunson and Hart took time to reminisce on some of their favorite double-bangs, including Julius Randle’s game-winner against the Miami Heat in March 2023. While Breen couldn’t recall each of his eight double-bangs, he distinctly remembers the first time he uttered the phrase following Stephen Curry’s deep-range game-winner against Oklahoma City in 2016.

While they weren’t in the NBA yet, both Brunson and Hart remembered Curry’s iconic three as their favorite double-bang moment.

While discussing Curry’s shot, Hart imitated Breen’s call in a hilariously high-pitched voice. “Bang, bang, oh what a shot by Curry,” Hart re-enacted. Breen wasn’t exactly flattered by the imitation and confirmed with the hosts that his voice didn’t actually sound like Hart’s. Brunson and Hart both confirmed that Breen sounded much better during his call.

Breen explained how the phrase came about during the Warriors’ historic run, recalling how the Thunder were the only team viewed as a threat to Golden State’s dominance. He explained how Curry actually got hurt during the first half of the contest but returned in the second half, which sparked a comeback after OKC had given themselves some separation.

It all culminated in Curry’s clutch game-winner that’s still discussed today.

Mike Breen and Stephen Curry still celebrate the first ‘double-bang’

The moment was so iconic for Curry that the two-time MVP actually has a pair of sneakers dedicated to Breen’s call. The future Hall of Famer also took the opportunity to gift the same pair of shoes to Breen nearly two years ago to celebrate the first iconic double-bang.

While his first double-bang in 2016 may be remembered as the call that started it all, Curry is the only player who has ever received two double-bangs from the longtime commentator. During a heated matchup between the Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, Curry knocked down another deep three to tie the game with just seconds remaining, prompting Breen to grace the guard with another double-bang.

Considering Curry’s laundry list of exciting plays, it’s no surprise that Steph both started Breen’s double-bang calls and also has more than anyone else.

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“I Love Your American Accent”: When Lewis Hamilton Delivered Impeccable American Impression

Although born and raised in the UK, Lewis Hamilton loves life across the pond. American culture has always fascinated him, and he enjoys spending time there, especially in New York City, which he deems his favorite place in the world.

This love isn’t new, either. Hamilton has been connected to the US for a long time and has invested in multiple properties Stateside, including a $50 million penthouse in New York. He also owns homes in Los Angeles, California, and Denver, Colorado.

The streets of New York, I love this city! What’s your favourite city? pic.twitter.com/xbMC51Vo1t

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 13, 2019

So, it’s fair to say that the seven-time World Champion has picked up a thing or two from his time in America. As it turns out, he has mastered the accent perfectly as well.

During a Mercedes sponsor event in Las Vegas in 2023, Hamilton was talking about how people in the US have always been surprised at the fact that F1 drivers don’t have ACs in their cars. To emulate their reaction, he used an American accent and said, “Damn, I need to be a racing driver.”

The host found it funny, but was also amazed at how genuine he sounded. “I love your American accent,” he said.

His fans from the country, which is warming up to F1 more and more with each passing year, will be glad about that fact.

Hamilton’s popularity in the US

It’s not just Hamilton who loves the US. The country loves him back.

Because of F1 and personal ventures, the Briton travels there quite frequently, and has gotten close to several celebrities. Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tom Brady are some from the sporting world who have been spotted hanging out with Hamilton.

Plus, Hamilton has also invested in NFL team Denver Broncos, which has made him a popular figure among those who locally support the Colorado-based team.

Lewis Hamilton has joined the ownership team of the Denver Broncos pic.twitter.com/0yZfAho76l

— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) August 2, 2022

Among celebrities, Hamilton is friends with Kim Kardashian, Pharrell Williams, and Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom the seven-time world champion has even attended NBA games in the recent past. The ‘Titanic’ actor is also reportedly an investor in Hamilton’s vegan burger chain called Neat Burger.

Although DiCaprio isn’t the only Hollywood star who has linked up with Hamilton to establish business relations in the US. Brad Pitt is another A-lister with whom the 40-year-old is making an F1-themed movie that is set to hit the big screens on 27th June 2025.

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Kevin Durant Trade Thwarted Over Suns’ Demand for “Massive Return,” Heat Getting Comfortable With Andrew Wiggins

The Miami Heat were able to revamp their roster after finally coming to terms on a Jimmy Butler deal with the Golden State Warriors. The team reportedly had the opportunity to make an even bigger move by acquiring Kevin Durant, but the Suns’ asking price was too rich for Miami’s blood.

Brian Windhorst stated that while the Suns and Heat engaged in talks surrounding the 14-time All-Star, Miami was never willing to meet Phoenix’s astronomical asking price. Windhorst underlined that he now believes KD will remain in Phoenix, but notes a Miami trade was offered. Windhorst said on ESPN’s Get Up,

“I do think there was some on both sides. But in the cursory discussions from what I heard… Phoenix was looking for a massive return for Kevin Durant; the Heat weren’t really into that game.”

Windhorst underlined how the Heat had become comfortable acquiring Andrew Wiggins from the Warriors rather than giving up a haul for the aging Durant. The 29-year-old has stepped his game up after an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign marred by personal issues, including the death of his father, Mitchell. Now, Wiggins will likely slide into Butler’s former role as a starting forward in Miami.

Considering the Heat have already made their big move, and Durant has made his disinterest in a return to Golden State clear, Windhorst was confident that the 36-year-old wouldn’t be going anywhere. Phoenix could be left to figure out how to improve the team around the roster they already have. With little flexibility and three max contracts, though, the middling Suns could struggle to make any meaningful changes.

Phoenix could be stuck with their current core

While Durant sticking around certainly isn’t the worst thing for the Suns, the franchise will have serious concerns if they are unable to move Bradley Beal and his no-trade clause by today’s deadline. Phoenix has been trying to move the three-time All-Star for the majority of the season, but Beal’s $50 million salary and unwillingness to move to most franchises has made it difficult for the Suns to improve. Outside of adding center Nick Richards, the Suns have been unable to make any notable additions to the roster this season.

Now, it seems that the Suns will be forced to play out the rest of the season with their current core. While the addition of Richards has improved their interior game, Phoenix has still struggled to mesh as a unit as the year has gone on. Barely hanging on to the 10th seed in the Western Conference, the Suns will be in serious danger of missing the entire postseason.

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Cavaliers Trade Rumors: Cleveland Eyes De’Andre Hunter, Ready to Send Kenny Atkinson’s “Favorite” Wing to Hawks

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best success story in the NBA this season. Nobody could have predicted that a team that finished last year as the 4-seed in the East and got knocked out in five games in the second round of the playoffs would now be 40-10 and in the driver’s seat for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. New head coach Kenny Atkinson is the runaway favorite for Coach of the Year with how he’s turned the Cavs into a juggernaut. With the trade deadline looming, it looks like his team is looking to improve even further.

Cleveland.com Cavs beat writer Chris Fedor reports that the Cavs are interested in making a move for Hawks small forward De’Andre Hunter, with sixth man Caris LeVert being a possible centerpiece to acquire him.

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and the #Cavs, with the league’s second-best record, are considering upgrades. Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter — Ty Jerome’s best friend and someone Cleveland almost drafted years ago — is one of their targetshttps://t.co/wVY1xSXreN

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) February 5, 2025

With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, most of Cleveland’s starting lineup is locked and loaded. Hunter would bring stability to the 3 in a way that LeVert, Isaac Okoro and Max Strus haven’t totally been able to. His versatility on defense would pair beautifully next to Mobley, though Atkinson would certainly miss LeVert, who has been one of his favorite players dating back to their days together in Brooklyn.

LeVert’s minutes are down this year, but he’s been having the most efficient season of his career. He’s shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from three, both easily his personal bests, and his turnovers are the lowest they’ve been since his rookie season. Still, it would be hard to pass up Hunter if he’s available.

The Cavs are thinking title, and adding De’Andre Hunter would give them a better shot

Donovan Mitchell was rumored to be ready to leave Cleveland at this time last year, but his extension this summer, coupled with Atkinson’s hiring, has catapulted this team to the top of the league. The Cavs need to strike while the iron is hot if they want a chance at the second title in franchise history. Trading for Hunter would be a great way to do that, even if it does cost them LeVert.

In addition to his defensive ability, Hunter would be an upgrade in the scoring department, as he’s currently averaging 18.9 points per game for the Hawks. He’s the second-favorite for NBA Sixth Man of the Year behind the Payton Pritchard of the Celtics, and with Atlanta in free fall due to their recent eight-game losing streak and the news that Jalen Johnson will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum, now could be the perfect time to acquire him.

Other teams have made huge splashes already at the deadline, but this is one move that could have a real impact on who lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year.

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“Mortgaging off the Future”: Insider Points Out Draymond Green’s Contradictory Statements About Warriors’ Trade Strategy

The Golden State Warriors are in a tricky place. They’re currently just one game above .500, looking up at 10 other teams in the Western Conference playoff race. Three games behind them are the Spurs, who just pulled off a major move for De’Aaron Fox. Should the Warriors be making moves to try to compete now, or should they be focused on the future? Depending on when you ask Draymond Green, you might get a different answer.

NBA insider Kevin O’Connor pointed out the contradiction in Green’s statements about the state of the Warriors on Monday and from two weeks ago.

Draymond Green two weeks ago: “Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and myself all disagree with mortgaging off the future of this organization, saying that we’re going for it right now. Bad teams do that. Bad organizations do that.”

Draymond now: https://t.co/3kjhovw5ci

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 4, 2025

Green seems to have changed his stance on whether the Warriors should be making win-now moves, in part because of how much Golden State owner Joe Lacob hates losing.

“That guy is always trying to win. He’s always pushing the envelope as much as he can… You ever look at him when we’re losing? He ain’t going for no losing.”

Green said he doesn’t expect the front office to do anything dumb, but he understands and respects the need to be aggressive at the trade deadline, especially given the magnitude of recent moves that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers, Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, and Fox to the Spurs.

The Luka Doncic trade has changed the way the league thinks

NBA teams were so blindsided by the Luka-AD trade that they’ve all become Kevin Garnett screaming, “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” after winning the NBA title. Contending teams used to be constrained by conservative thinking and would often treat the trade deadline not as a place to hunt superstars but as a spot to improve on the margins and make incremental gains for the rest of the season. That thinking is out the window now, as reflected by Green’s about-face from two weeks ago.

What exactly “aggressive” means to the Warriors remains to be seen. Chandler Parsons of the Run It Back podcast advocated earlier today for Golden State to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, an idea that seems far-fetched, at best. The Warriors are reportedly out on the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes after being told he wouldn’t sign an extension with them. They’ve also been rumored to be interested in a reunion with Kevin Durant or a trade to acquire LeBron James and reunite him with his Olympic teammate Steph Curry.

After the Luka trade, we can’t rule anything out, but with the trade deadline just two days away, the Warriors better get moving if they hope to make a splash.

The post “Mortgaging off the Future”: Insider Points Out Draymond Green’s Contradictory Statements About Warriors’ Trade Strategy appeared first on The SportsRush.

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“God, I Hope Not”: Kelly Stafford Hopes Her Sleep Number Commercial With Husband Matthew Won’t Air During the Super Bowl

Back in October 2024, LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly Stafford, teamed up for a Sleep Number Smart Bed commercial that has been airing throughout the NFL playoffs. It’s an entertaining commercial, where Matthew and Kelly boast about their smart bed with two different sides—one hot and one cold—to satisfy both people sleeping on it. However, Kelly now says she’d prefer the commercial not air during the Super Bowl. Is she embarrassed by it?

In the latest episode of The Morning After, Kelly didn’t outright reveal the reason behind her dread of seeing the commercial during the Super Bowl, but she dropped a hint that it may involve her kids not knowing about it until they went out to eat.

Kelly recalled a time when she and Matthew took their daughters—Sawyer, Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler—to a burger joint, where the ad was playing on the screens. Since the Staffords mostly rely on streaming services for entertainment, which don’t feature many ads, the kids hadn’t seen it before. But upon finally seeing it, they were left thrilled.

The kids immediately started squealing in joy and excitement as they asked their mothers why the commercial was kept oblivious to them. For Kelly, the whole situation was a bit embarrassing, especially since it all unfolded in the middle of a burger joint. She even shushed them to avoid causing a scene.

“God, I hope not [to see the ad during Super Bowl]. We love Sleep Number… but… it’s just that we were in a burger place the other day and we’re sitting there with our kids. They had somehow never seen the commercial… There’s a basketball game on and all of a sudden, they’re yelling, ‘Daddy’s on TV!’ They were like, ‘Mom, why didn’t you tell us you’re on TV?’”

That said, Kelly also revealed her love for creative commercials, particularly those featured in the Super Bowl. However, for the podcast host, the issue lies with the execution of the commercials.

Finally, someone said it—Brands should stop teasing commercials

A recent advertising trend has been irking Kelly Stafford—brands releasing/teasing their commercials early. She believes it doesn’t make sense to drop a teaser for a video that’s usually just 30 seconds long.

“I love the commercials, but I hate that they tease the commercials now. I also hate that they release them early.”

From an agency and a marketeer’s point of view, Kelly’s takes may seem blasphemous. Teasers first help generate buzz about the commercial if done well. Moreover, the views on a teaser also help the brand jack up the cumulative reach of their promotional efforts—a metric brands leverage for sponsorship money.

Where Kelly does make a lot of sense is about brands re-hashing the same advertisement without adapting it to the moment. Things change quickly today. Authenticity is transient. Brands should thus always strive to give their best shot at incorporating trending elements in their commercial during the time of release.

The Sleep Number commercial, for instance, lacks any Super Bowl-themed elements in its visuals or messaging. The connection with the audience may be missing in this case, which could also be why Kelly doesn’t want it broadcast during the big game, expected to be watched by over 100 million people.

Thankfully, Kelly also pointed out a solution for marketers—watch Budweiser’s wholesome Super Bowl ad with the Clydesdales and take notes on how to come up with a timeless commercial that resonates with all.

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