As reported by WWLTV, linebacker <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiko Alonso</a> is retiring from the NFL at the tender age of 31. This week, Alonso inked a contract with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-49ers-coach-kyle-shanahan-says-deebo-samuel-inspires-him-2423-20220801-SPD-2423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Saints</a>, putting pen to paper on the agreement on Friday. However, after just one training camp session, he made the decision to put his cleats away permanently.



When Alonso took a year off in 2021, he actually played his last NFL game for the Saints in 2019. He was picked by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Oregon, and he exploded into the game. In all, he had 159 stops, including 11 for loss, two sacks, and four interceptions, earning him a place on the PFWA’s All-Rookie team.



He missed the whole 2014 season due to an ACL rupture he received before the start of his second season. In exchange for LeSean McCoy, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles just before the start of the 2015 season. 



<h2>Alonso hadn’t played since 2020 and attempted to return this season</h2>



Miami Dolphins acquired him after one season in Philadelphia. Before the 2019 season, the Dolphins traded for the linebacker, who has a total of 115 tackles in each of his first three seasons in the league with the team. Since then, the 31-year-old has been moved four times – a record he holds with Eric Dickerson.



With 588 total tackles, three sacks, and ten interceptions across 86 regular-season games, Alonso has a solid resume. That the Saints will want to sign another experienced linebacker in free agency seems plausible in light of this situation.

Kiko Alonso quits NFL following first training session with Saints - thesportsdrops NEWS

Kiko Alonso quits NFL following first training session with Saints

destacadas

Ru<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-if-donovan-mitchell-joins-knicks-lakers-might-move-for-julius-randle-2448-20220803-SPD-2448.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ssell Westbrook</a> and Frank Vogel have a running spat about how late in games he should be playing. Westbrook was benched a couple of times by Vogel, who thought other players had earned the right to close out games for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-lebron-james-not-close-to-contract-renewal-agreement-2456-20220805-SPD-2456.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers.</a>



The 33-year-old veteran was not happy about it. In the aftermath of one of these incidents, he said, “I earned the right to be in closing lineups.” Soon enough, Vogel was fired from his position.



Darvin Ham, Vogel’s successor, seems to have been given carte blanche to use Westbrook any way he sees appropriate. Hammer has “greater authority to sit Westbrook down the stretch of games” and that “power might ultimately extend to eliminating Westbrook from the starting lineup,” according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. 



<h2>Russell Westbrook-Lakers: Inevitable split?</h2>



According to reports from last season, Vogel was on the verge of making this move, but he held off because he was afraid of losing Westbrook permanently. All indications are that Westbrook and the Lakers are looking to split. 



The Los Angeles Lakers have been publicly trading him for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-have-other-targets-besides-kyrie-irving-2269-20220719-SPD-2269.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a>. As of today, any possible trade is stalling. There is nothing the New York Knicks can do to compel a deal for Irving until the issue with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn is settled.

Lakers' coach Darvin Ham to have authority to bench Russell Westbrook - thesportsdrops NEWS

Lakers' coach Darvin Ham to have authority to bench Russell Westbrook

There is no immediate deal between the Lo<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-if-donovan-mitchell-joins-knicks-lakers-might-move-for-julius-randle-2448-20220803-SPD-2448.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s Angeles Lakers</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lebron-james-not-expected-to-depart-the-lakers-anytime-before-2024-2405-20220729-SPD-2405.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>, according to ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin, who spoke on NBA Today to discuss the situation. Since he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of June, there’s theoretically no need for James to sign a contract extension before then.



Rob Pelinka met with Lebron James’ counsel Rich Paul on Thursday, but no deal has been reached. James’ agency hailed the discussion as “constructive.” Talks will continue between the two parties, according to McMenamin.



Since his kid, Bronny, will be able to join the NBA Draft by 2024, a new claim from Marc Stein suggests that James is content in Los Angeles and has no intention of leaving until that time has passed. In the past, James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son.



<h2>LeBron James’ future yet to be decided</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Sources briefed on the matter stress that James is extremely happy in Los Angeles despite the Lakers’ back-to-back rocky seasons. He and his family, by all accounts, have grown increasingly entrenched in Southern California since James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. “The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit”, Marc Stein writes.</blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Lakers and LeBron James not close to contract renewal agreement - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Lakers and LeBron James not close to contract renewal agreement

With Deshaun Watson receiving a six-game suspension, Jacoby Brissett is expected to take the reins of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> at the beginning of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season.



Given that Baker Mayfield‘s days with the team were numbered, Cleveland acquired Brissett in free agency earlier this offseason knowing that it might need him in case Watson was suspended.



Brissett knows a thing or two about stepping up when needed, as he previously took over at the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-titles-have-the-patriots-won-59-20220501-SPD-59.html">Patriots</a>, Colts, and Dolphins on short notice. Therefore, he looks prepared to head into this season as starter.



<h2>Jacoby Brissett feels prepared to start for Browns during Watson’s suspension</h2>



“It’s been my situation throughout my career,” Brissett said, via Jake Trotter of ESPN.com. “Nothing that I’m unfamiliar with. Always been ready to go, whenever my number’s called and that’s the case at this point now. 



“Since I’ve been in this league, it’s been the next man up. So that experience obviously helps with not only the playing, but also like the mindset of understanding — you gotta be ready whenever your number is called.”

Jacoby Brissett reacts to possibly taking over for Deshaun Watson - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jacoby Brissett reacts to possibly taking over for Deshaun Watson

miniaturas

Perhaps <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> was hoping for a speedy resolution to his trade request back in June. After a turbulent season that they do not look interested in repeating, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> were inclined to comply with his request. 



His quality would have warranted many massive bids, from which Brooklyn could have picked the best. Unfortunately, a month after making the request, there still is no offer in sight. 



Given that DeAndre Ayton has signed an offer sheet that prevents him from being traded until January, it’s unlikely that Durant’s favored Phoenix Suns will be able to give him a contract. While the Boston Celtics have emerged with a stunning offer centered on Jaylen Brown, the Miami Heat are equally low on assets, and a deal between the two teams has not yet been reached. Those deals aren’t going to get better before training camp starts.



<h2>Could Kevin Durant change his mind and stay in Brooklyn?</h2>



However, ESPN‘s Zach Lowe reports that the Nets are still holding out hope that Durant would rescind his trade request once he realizes he has no realistic options. They also believe that there’s still a chance he will alter his mind if he goes without a trade for a little longer.



To what extent the forward would be open to that possibility is now unknown, but Marc Stein claims he is still trying to be traded away. In any case, returning to Brooklyn would put the veteran on a competitive squad with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> have a history of spending heavily in pursuit of championships. They have done very well considering they have had some of the most expensive lineups in NBA history, as seen by their four titles in the previous eight years and two more trips to the NBA Finals.



The problem is that things have the potential to become more costly than ever in the not-too-distant future. It is mainly because of the team’s senior core and their newer, younger players who have bloomed into crucial players for the future.



While Steph Curry’s future is assured until the 2025–2026 season, the Warriors still face a number of major choices in the near future. One involves <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draymond Green</a> and his upcoming $25.8 million salary and a player option for $27.6 million in the following season.



<h2>Draymond Green set for Warriors’ exit?</h2>



Green has shown interest in signing a new maximum contract with the Warriors, as reported by Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. His free agency period begins on August 3. The problem is that the Warriors don’t appear interested in giving him one.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">All indications, though, are that the Warriors have no plans to offer Green a maximum extension, and there isn’t any current traction on any type of extension. The typical pattern of this Golden State front office is to extend with one year remaining. Even Stephen Curry waited until one year remained before signing his max extension last offseason. Green has two years remaining on the maximum extension he signed in 2019. While he could opt out a year earlier, the Warriors’ current preference is to talk extension with Green next summer.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">While his desire is to remain with the Warriors, Green is said to be willing to explore his outside options to get the kind of contract he wants. That’s a risk Warriors’ management appears willing to take. Green playing this season with a chip on his shoulder, motivated by proving to the league he deserves a max contact, could have a positive on-court impact.<cite>Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic says</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Draymond Green could leave Warriors if not offered maximum contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Draymond Green could leave Warriors if not offered maximum contract extension

While the Los Angeles Lakers did indeed win the NBA championship in 2020, their road to glory has been everything from easy. The Lakers were eliminated from post-season action in the first round in 2021 and did not even make the cut this past season. 



Yet, according to Marc Stein to Substack, even with the team’s recent troubles, superstar player LeBron James is still dedicated to the club and has no plans to depart until 2024. In answer to your question: In that year, James’s kid Bronny may join the NBA draft. James has stated his wish to play on the same team as his son in the past.



Starting on August 4, the veteran will be able to sign an agreement with the Lakers before he becomes an unrestricted free agency next summer. Although, he need not hurry to sign an extension since he may do it at any time during the forthcoming season or later. It appears probable that the 37-year-old will agree to continue his career in Los Angeles, as reported by Stein since James is “very” satisfied there.



<h2>LeBron James to remain in Los Angeles at least until 2024</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Sources briefed on the matter stress that James is extremely happy in Los Angeles despite the Lakers’ back-to-back rocky seasons. He and his family, by all accounts, have grown increasingly entrenched in Southern California since James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. “The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit.”<cite>Marc Stein of Substack</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: LeBron James not expected to depart the Lakers anytime before 2024 - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: LeBron James not expected to depart the Lakers anytime before 2024

Last year was not easy for Jared Goff. Not only the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bobby-wagner-explains-decision-to-join-rams-after-seahawks-release-2228-20220717-SPD-2228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Rams</a> moved him to enter the season with Matthew Stafford as QB1, but he struggled in his first year with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-lions-to-make-t-j-hockenson-one-of-nfls-highest-paid-tight-ends-with-new-deal-2237-20220718-SPD-2237.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a>.



The team was already in a tough spot before he arrived, yet he left some doubts regardless. Goff threw for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 games, with the Lions going 3-10-1 with him as starter.



Lions head coach Dan Campbell, however, is not worried about the quarterback position. For him, Goff finished the year strongly and will pick up where he left off come September.



<h2>Dan Campbell confident in Jared Goff</h2>



“I think Goff’s in a real good place,” Campbell told NBC Sports, via Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. “Finished strong last year. I like the fact that we’ve got pieces around him that I think are going to help pull the most out of him. 



“We’ve got some pieces here that complement each other that really will help him be the best that he can be. Listen, he’s an accurate quarterback. That’s what he does well. He can throw the football and he can put it right on the money.”

Jared Goff gets strong support from Lions HC Dan Campbell - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jared Goff gets strong support from Lions HC Dan Campbell

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-jazz-get-numerous-players-in-exchange-for-rudy-gobert-from-timberwolves-1924-20220701-SPD-1924.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Jazz</a> seem to be on the verge of a rebuild after recent rumors indicated that the organization is willing to listen to trade proposals for All-Star guard <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-not-willing-to-trade-talen-horton-tucker-for-patrick-beverley-of-jazz-2216-20220715-SPD-2216.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donovan Mitchell</a>. Rudy Gobert was sold to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a slew of draft selections and promising young players earlier this month.



In order to get Mitchell, the Jazz have begun negotiations with the New York Knicks, who are interested in trading their shooting guard. While the Knicks can provide the Jazz with a boatload of future draft selections and some promising young players, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/jimmy-butler-isnt-ready-to-talk-about-miami-heats-playoff-elimination-1661-20220620-SPD-1661.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> are also interested in the agile guard. 



Utah rejected an offer from the Heat for Mitchell before they traded Gobert, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Now, Andy Larsen of ESPN reports that the Jazz have requested a third club in a possible trade for Mitchell because that agreement was deemed “insufficient.”



<h2>Why Heat need another club to acquire Mitchell</h2>



Similar to the Kevin Durant scenario, the Heat will need a third and maybe a fourth club in order to get the star. Even so, this isn’t because of the Designated Rookie Rule, which prevents teams from trading for Designated Rookie players while already having one of those players on a Designated Rookie contract.



The Miami side may not have enough draft capital to make a transaction, which is why this is happening. They only have two transferable first-round selection choices they can use to acquire Mitchell, compared to the up to eight first-round draft picks the Knicks can give, and that’s even before considering any players.

NBA Rumors: Heat in need of third club to get Donovan Mitchell - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Heat in need of third club to get Donovan Mitchell

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bobby-wagner-explains-decision-to-join-rams-after-seahawks-release-2228-20220717-SPD-2228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a> are still in the midst of a rebuild, but they are confident that they have at least one long-term building brick in place. According to ESPN, the Lions are anticipated to give tight end <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/veteran-jason-mccourty-hangs-up-cleats-after-13-years-in-nfl-2220-20220715-SPD-2220.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T.J. Hockenson</a>, a Pro Bowler, first priority when it comes to negotiating a new deal in the coming months.



Detroit activated Hockenson’s $9.4 million fifth-year option in the offseason, meaning he’s now signed through 2023 with the Lions after being picked No. 8 overall in 2019. Even so, he has developed as one of the team’s most consistent weapons over the previous two seasons and might soon be rewarded as a result.



 It’s possible that his success since 2020 might make him one of the highest-paid players in his position. By signing a new contract before or early in the 2022 season, Hockenson could fairly expect to earn at least $13.7 million per year, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends.



<h2>T.J. Hockenson set for long-term future in Detriot</h2>



Even though Hockenson is unlikely to match the average annual earnings of elite tight ends like George Kittle, with $15 million, and Travis Kelce with $14.3 million, who lead the tight end market thanks to multiple 1,000-yard outings. In terms of pass-catching, the 25-year-old has been just as good as or better than four out of the five veterans who make over $12 million a year at the same position.



After signing center Frank Ragnow to a record-setting contract in May, the Lions haven’t been bashful about locking up their best young players. Hockenson is under contract until the 2023 season thanks to the fifth-year option, but it seems like the Lions aren’t going to waste any time in securing one of their best players.

NFL Rumors: Lions to make T.J. Hockenson one of NFL's highest-paid tight ends with new deal - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL Rumors: Lions to make T.J. Hockenson one of NFL's highest-paid tight ends with new deal

Longtime linebacker <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/veteran-jason-mccourty-hangs-up-cleats-after-13-years-in-nfl-2220-20220715-SPD-2220.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bobby Wagner</a> was released by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle Seahawks</a>. For the first time in his illustrious career, the linebacker had been a free agent after 10 years with the team.



Since March 2022, Wagner had been a salary cap casualty. The 32-year-old then inked a five-year deal with the NFC West division rival <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-target-free-agent-ndamukong-suh-2197-20220713-SPD-2197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Rams</a> less than a month after the Seahawks cut him off.



In spite of this, Wagner continues to show his dedication to the Seattle community by hosting a charity field day earlier this week. Even though he wasn’t pleased with the Seahawks’ decision to let him go, Wagner said at the event that he was eager to continue his career in Southern California, where he was born and raised.



<h2>What Bobby Wagner said of his Seahawks departure</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Obviously, there are still feelings there [about being released]. But at the end of the day, I have a different perspective. I think my opinion on it would have been different if I ended up somewhere else. But to have the opportunity to go home and play not far from my family. Like I haven’t played this close to my family since high school [Colony High in Ontario, Calif.].“I didn’t want to leave Seattle. But if I was going to leave Seattle, home was the next-best thing for me and so being able to be home, like I’m at peace with the situation. But still, any competitor is looking forward to going back to the place that you played that they felt like you didn’t have nothing left and proving them wrong.”<cite>Wagner told Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Bobby Wagner explains decision to join Rams after Seahawks release - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Bobby Wagner explains decision to join Rams after Seahawks release

As per Shams Charania of The Athletic, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-not-willing-to-trade-talen-horton-tucker-for-patrick-beverley-of-jazz-2216-20220715-SPD-2216.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keldon Johnson</a> has signed a four-year $80 million contract deal with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-danilo-gallinari-to-move-to-celtics-for-next-two-years-after-being-released-by-spurs-2127-20220710-SPD-2127.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Antonio Spurs</a>. The 22-year-old has led the club in scoring and rebounding last season with an average of 17.0 points per game.



For the first two years of his career in the 2-1-0, Johnson struggled to make consistent three-pointers, making only 39.8% of his 5.3 tries per game. Dejounte Murray, the team’s All-Star point guard, was traded by PATFO a few weeks ago, and Johnson is expected to step in as the team’s default go-to option.



With the 29th overall choice in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Spurs picked Keldon Johnson of the University of Texas at Arlington. Because of his fast development, this contract might be a steal for a player of his caliber.



<h2>Keldon Johnson to remain in San Antonio until 2026</h2>



In order to determine whether or not Johnson can serve as a solid cornerstone for the team’s long-term success, the team are expected to give him the green light this season.



Because they believe his worth would rise if he performs well in the next season, they decided to sign him now. At the very least, they’ve laid the foundation for the foreseeable future with this achievement.

NBA News: Keldon Johnson pens new four-year contract with Spurs - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Keldon Johnson pens new four-year contract with Spurs

The former <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Dolphins</a> cornerback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-target-free-agent-ndamukong-suh-2197-20220713-SPD-2197.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason McCourty</a> has revealed that he is retiring from the NFL at the age of 35. Having spent three seasons in New England with his twin brother, Devin, he played his last season in the NFL in Miami.



When McCourty revealed that he was retiring, he posted a video on Instagram. The video contains narration from his children who wrote about their father’s journey from an inexperienced childhood player who almost gave up football to one of the game’s finest defensive backs.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“These past 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey. As I reflect and look back on my career, I have far surpassed any and all expectations that I set for myself back in 2009. And that’s what I’m most proud of when I look back on my career”, he says in the video.&nbsp;</blockquote>



<h2>Has Jason McCourty ever won the Super Bowl?</h2>



McCourty was drafted 203rd overall by the Titans in the 2009 NFL Draft and spent his first eight seasons with the team until signing with the Cleveland Browns for the 2017 season. There, the free safety went on to win a Super Bowl after being moved from the Browns to the Patriots.



He played another three seasons with the Patriots before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2021. To date, McCourty has played in 141 of his 173 regular-season games as a starter, including five seasons as captain.

Veteran Jason McCourty hangs up cleats after 13 years in NFL - thesportsdrops NEWS

Veteran  Jason McCourty hangs up cleats after 13 years in NFL

After bringing in several promising young players throughout the summer, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/new-lakers-coach-darvin-ham-content-with-current-roster-in-spite-of-recent-trade-rumors-2112-20220710-SPD-2112.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have not stopped seeking new additions. Veteran <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Beverley</a> is one of the players they are keeping an eye on. The point guard defender was part of the Rudy Gobert deal, and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-jazzs-rudy-gobert-connected-to-timberwolves-despite-interest-from-bulls-1708-20220622-SPD-1708.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Jazz</a> are expected to find a new home for him.



Darvin Ham’s side are set to make the 34-year-old their next trade deadline target. In little time at all, he had established himself as the team’s finest defender on the rim.



The Lakers’ desire to acquire Beverley through trade comes with one significant snag. It seems that they are not interested in trading Talen Horton-Tucker to the Jazz, according to Marc Stein, an NBA insider.



<h2>Lakers still interested in Patrick Beverley</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“While they continue to register the league’s only tangible trade interest in Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving, it’s likewise true that the Lakers have prioritized adding speed, youth and athleticism to the roster. As such,&nbsp;according to one source familiar with the team’s thinking, there is no push forthcoming from the Lakers’ side to swap Talen Horton-Tucker (as rumored) for Patrick Beverley, who ranks as one of Utah’s very available veterans alongside Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson. The Jazz acquired Beverley and Malik Beasley in the Rudy Gobert trade and have made Beasley available as well.“<cite>Marc Stein’s latest dispatch on Substack</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Lakers not willing to trade Talen Horton-Tucker for Patrick Beverley of Jazz - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Lakers not willing to trade Talen Horton-Tucker for Patrick Beverley of Jazz

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana Pacers</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-karl-anthony-towns-commits-to-new-four-year-224-million-supermax-deal-with-timberwolves-1935-20220701-SPD-1935.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deandre Ayton</a> have signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet, Ayton’s representative confirmed to ESPN. There will be a 48-hour window in which the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-jalen-brunson-agrees-four-year-104-million-deal-with-knicks-1947-20220702-SPD-1947.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a>, Ayton’s initial franchise, may decide whether or not to match the offer. 



A few hours remain until the clock strikes midnight, so the Suns and Pacers may attempt to hammer out a sign-and-trade deal before he does so. Before, the Phoenix side had been reluctant to offer the 23-year-old a deal with the team’s highest salary cap.



It was claimed that he sought one after helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, but Phoenix did not think he was worth such an expensive deal. It was rumored that he sought one after helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, but Phoenix did not feel he was worth such an expensive deal, according to reports. 



<h2>Suns-Ayton: Is it over?</h2>



To keep Ayton at this price point, they must either match the offer sheet or risk losing him for free. Once he signed the contract, he was left with no other choices. If they start the clock, they can no longer negotiate a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana or use Ayton as a signed-and-traded asset in discussions for Kevin Durant.



It will take until January 15, 2023, if Monty Williams’ roster want to trade Ayton rather than losing him for nothing, and even then, there are certain issues they will have to deal with. RFAs have the option of rejecting any trade for one year after their offer sheets are accepted, and they can’t be dealt to the club that signed them until that time has elapsed.

NBA Rumors: Deandre Ayton and Pacers agree four-year contract; Suns have 48 hours to match - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Deandre Ayton and Pacers agree four-year contract; Suns have 48 hours to match

In spite of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-rob-gronkowski-retires-for-second-time-in-career-after-two-seasons-with-buccaneers-1700-20220622-SPD-1700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a>‘s previous 40-day hiatus, it’s reasonable to assume that he will retire again. This time it will be for good, as he has already done so once before.



At 45 when the 2022 season begins, Brady has said several times that his <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultimate ambition</a> is to play until he is 45 years old. When he will retire is an interesting issue, and one he appears to be struggling to answer.



According to Variety‘s interview, he hinted at his possible retirement if the Buccaneers won this year’s championship. Brady told Ramin Setoodeh that he doesn’t know when he will retire, but he did say he’s “pretty near to the conclusion” of his playing career.



<h2>What Tom Brady said about his definitive retirement</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I think that would obviously be the greatest way to end [to win one more Lombardi Trophy]. I just have a competitive fire that got the best of me. I would say it’s year to year: Could this be my last year? Absolutely. Could I change my mind? Absolutely. “I’ve realized I don’t have five years left. I want to do it my way. I want to give it everything I got and see where I’m at. My body feels really good. I’ve had a lot of traumatic injuries over the years, but if things go really smoothly and we win, that’d be great.”<cite>Brady told Variety</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Tom Brady could retire for good in 2023 if Bucaneers win Super Bowl - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Tom Brady could retire for good in 2023 if Bucaneers win Super Bowl

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/trevor-lawrence-says-2021-nfl-season-will-make-him-appreciate-more-every-win-2148-20220711-SPD-2148.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ndamukong Suh</a>, the former <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> defensive lineman, has been linked to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nba-news-kareem-hunt-asks-browns-for-contract-extension-1652-20220619-SPD-1652.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>, as per reports. If he doesn’t find a new NFL club in the next few weeks, USA TODAY claims that he will sign with the Browns in the coming weeks.



Also said to be interested in signing Suh are the Minnesota Vikings and the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it is the Browns who have a notable lack of depth in the defensive line.



Not long ago, the veteran caught Browns’ eyes; nevertheless, nothing came of it. When it comes to the conclusion of his career, Suh will likely wait until the start of training camp before signing a new contract.



<h2>Where next for Ndamukong Suh?</h2>



Even though he is not getting any younger, the five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler still hasn’t missed a regular-season game since 2011. When asked about a possible return to the Buccaneers in 2022, Suh responded that he doubted it and then tweeted that playing for the Raiders “might be exciting.”



The experienced defensive tackle would at least provide another body to rotate in the middle, despite his performance being a shadow of his former self. The Cleveland side presently have Jordan Elliott, Taven Bryan, Perrion Winfrey, Tommy Togiai, and Sheldon Day on the roster.

NFL Rumors: Browns target free agent Ndamukong Suh - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL Rumors: Browns target free agent Ndamukong Suh

It’s the end of the road for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/2022-mlb-all-star-game-shohei-ohtani-and-aaron-judge-present-in-midsummer-classic-lineups-2119-20220710-SPD-2119.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Montoyo</a> with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toronto Blue Jays</a> after a rough month of July. It was reported on Wednesday that John Schneider will take over as temporary manager after the dismissal of manager Charlie Montoyo. 



Casey Candaele, the skipper of Triple-A Buffalo, has been named temporary bench coach. So far this season, Toronto have only won three games in July, after a 1-7 road trip that featured a four-game loss to the Seattle Mariners. 



It was announced that Montoyo will be leaving his post after Tuesday’s 4-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays have a record of 46-42 and are currently in third place in the American League’s Wild Card standings and fourth place in the AL East, respectively.



<h2>Charlie Montoyo leaves Toronto with even record</h2>



When Montoyo signed a contract extension through 2023 one week before the start of the new season. His 236-236 record with the Blue Jays is a stalemate at the conclusion of his time in Toronto.



The Blue Jays spent a lot of money to bring in the next generation of players like George Springer, Jose Berroa, and Hyun-jin Ryu. In addition, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette had made their MLB debuts during Montoyo’s fourth season as manager.

MLB News: Blue Jays and Charlie Montoyo part ways, John Schneider appointed temporary coach - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Blue Jays and Charlie Montoyo part ways, John Schneider appointed temporary coach

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-jalen-brunson-agrees-four-year-104-million-deal-with-knicks-1947-20220702-SPD-1947.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> have known for some time they have a gem in their hands in Luka Doncic. Last season, the Slovenian star put all the doubts to rest and confirm how far he can take this team.



The Mavs may have not won the title, but their trip to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-wins-first-finals-mvp-award-in-career-1586-20220617-SPD-1586.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Finals</a> was remarkable regardless. Therefore, it will be hard to ask fans to lower their expectations when they have such a talent on their side.



Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd understands those championship aspirations, but he made something clear to all fans: Doncic may have what it takes to lead the team to a title one day, but they’ll probably have to wait for it.



<h2>Jason Kidd says a championship team cannot be built overnight</h2>



“Luka is the start and finish for us,” Kidd said, via Mavs insider Landon Thomas. “He did a great job for us all season and the big thing is for us to build on that. I know expectations are going to be high with Luka but again, we want to build a championship team and it just doesn’t happen overnight.”



Kidd knows a thing or two about this matter, so it would be wise to listen him. Luka can do incredible things, but he still needs help to take this team to the promised land. Building around him will probably take a bit longer.

Jason Kidd asks fans to be patient for Luka Doncic, Mavs to win a championship - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jason Kidd asks fans to be patient for Luka Doncic, Mavs to win a championship

Von Miller heads into the 2022 NFL season with only one goal: to help the Buffalo Bills win a long-awaited <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> championship. The 33-year-old knows a thing or two about succeeding in the NFL, which explains why the Bills broke the bank for him.



A coveted free agent this offseason, the veteran linebacker signed a six-year, $120 million deal with Buffalo. Miller joined the Bills after helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI against the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-mixon-believes-the-bengals-have-what-it-takes-to-return-to-the-super-bowl-1848-20220628-SPD-1848.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cincinnati Bengals.</a>



However, Miller never forgets about the place where everything started. The 33-year-old spent 11 years in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/russell-wilson-explains-why-he-chose-the-denver-broncos-1683-20220621-SPD-1683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver</a> before the trade to LA and he stills roots for the Broncos, with whom he won his first ring.



<h2>Von Miller says he’ll forever be a Bronco</h2>



“This team is going to be great,” Miller said of the Broncos at his Von’s Vision charity event, per The Denver Post’s Kyle Newman. “It’s bittersweet that I won’t be here to be a part of it, because I’ve still got orange and blue in my heart, and it will stay that way forever.



“We’ve been close in the AFC West for a very long time, and now we’ve got Russell Wilson. Jerry Jeudy‘s going to be insane this year. Courtland Sutton‘s going to be insane this year. I want those guys to win as many games as possible.”



Von Miller has cemented a legacy in Denver, there’s nothing that will change that. However, now he’s on pace to cement a legacy of his own in the NFL as he could become the first player to win rings with three different teams.

Von Miller will root for Russell Wilson, Broncos while chasing Super Bowl ring with Bills - thesportsdrops NEWS

Von Miller will root for Russell Wilson, Broncos while chasing Super Bowl ring with Bills

There was a lot of excitement in Jacksonville when the Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence first overall in the 2021 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-mixon-believes-the-bengals-have-what-it-takes-to-return-to-the-super-bowl-1848-20220628-SPD-1848.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> Draft. However, it turned out to be a disastrous <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-rob-gronkowski-retires-for-second-time-in-career-after-two-seasons-with-buccaneers-1700-20220622-SPD-1700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">season</a> for the Jags.



Urban Meyer didn’t even get to finish the year at the helm of the team, which struggled to <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/daniel-jones-admits-that-lack-of-success-with-giants-affects-him-1820-20220627-SPD-1820.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get victories</a> in its first year with Lawrence under center. For the Clemson product, it was a tough rookie season.



While he got used to win almost every week in college, Lawrence suddenly found himself on a losing team. In an interview with Colin Cowherd on The Heard, Lawrence said he learned to appreciate more every win after last season.



<h2>Trevor Lawrence now has ‘greater appreciation’ for wins</h2>



“I think I learned a lot from last year,” Lawrence told Cowherd, via ProFootballTalk. Obviously, you get a different perspective than when you’re just winning like I had in the past. So I have a lot greater appreciation for winning, for one. And then just being able to overcome some of those challenges, face all of them, and then now going to a new year with a lot of confidence, good team around us, great staff — I’m really excited.”



In sports, it’s usually said that you learn from defeats. Last year was certainly a huge blow for Lawrence and the Jaguars, but there could be a silver lining in it if it helps the young quarterback to appreciate more every win. The team expects Doug Pederson to change its fortunes this year, hopefully getting the best out of Lawrence in the process.

Trevor Lawrence says 2021 NFL season will make him appreciate more every win - thesportsdrops NEWS

Trevor Lawrence says 2021 NFL season will make him appreciate more every win

Succeeding in any sport has always been the most challenging goal for all athletes. For some it was less difficult than for others, but it was never easy regardless.



Even for the all-time greats in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-trade-rumors-bulls-turn-attention-to-matisse-thybulle-of-76ers-956-20220521-SPD-956.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> it required a lot of effort, hard work, and sometimes a bit of luck besides their natural talent. The game has changed in recent years, but many would agree that succeeding nowadays is as difficult as ever.



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-141-20220502-SPD-141.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottie Pippen</a>, however, may disagree. During the NBA Summer League game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-bulls-to-sign-goran-dragic-on-one-year-contract-1983-20220703-SPD-1983.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> legend said that succeeding in the modern NBA is tougher than it was in his era.



<h2>Scottie Pippen says is tougher to succeed in this NBA era</h2>



“I would say yes. I think that watching these players, the stamina, just the pace of the game. This is a tough game. I mean to keep up with this pace – and you’ve got to be able to make shots. If you’re not making shots, you’ll be sitting over there with the coach. I think this is a tougher era to be successful because you need to be able to shoot the basketball. Bottom line. There’s guys that can get to the hole and create opportunities. But the guys that can shoot the basketball from range are much more valuable in today’s game,” Pippen said, via Fadeaway World.



Shooting the ball became a much more important part of the game than it was back in the day. That doesn’t mean that succeeding was easier before, it’s just a big change that rules in NBA nowadays. However, the iconic Bulls team Pippen was part of would probably find their way to glory regardless of the era.

Scottie Pippen compares modern NBA to the era when he played - thesportsdrops NEWS

Scottie Pippen compares modern NBA to the era when he played

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, will be another edition of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB All-Star Game</a>. The Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host the All-Star Game for the second time, after hosting the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-phillies-bryce-harper-out-indefinitely-after-breaking-left-thumb-1809-20220626-SPD-1809.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midsummer Classic</a> in 1980.



The game will once again feature the pennant-winning managers from the previous season in both the American and National leagues. As a result, Astros manager Dusty Baker will take charge of the American League, while Braves manager Brian Snitker will oversee the National League.



While fans elect the team’s starting lineup, players and the commissioner’s office are responsible for selecting the team’s backup lineup. Managers are no longer involved in any way.



<h2>2022 MLB All-Star Game lineups:</h2>



<h5>American League Starters</h5>



C: Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays 1B: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays 2B: Jose Altuve, Astros 3B: Rafael Devers, Red Sox SS: Tim Anderson, White Sox OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees; Mike Trout, Angels; Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees DH: Shohei Ohtani, Angels



<h5>National League Starters</h5>



C: Willson Contreras, Cubs 1B: Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals 2B: Jazz Chisholm, Marlins 3B: Manny Machado, Padres SS: Trea Turner, Dodgers OF: Ronald Acuña, Jr., Braves; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Joc Pederson, Giants DH: Bryce Harper, Phillies



<h5>American League reserves</h5>



C: Jose Trevino, Yankees IF: Luis Arraez, Twins; Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox; José Ramírez, Guardians; Andrés Giménez, Guardians OF: George Springer, Blue Jays; Byron Buxton, Twins; Andrew Benintendi, Royals; Kyle Tucker, Astros; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners DH: Yordan Alvarez, Astros



Legacy: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers



<h5>National League reserves</h5>



C: Travis d’Arnaud, Braves IF: Nolan Arenado, Cardinals; Pete Alonso, Mets; Jeff McNeil, Mets; C.J. Cron, Rockies; Dansby Swanson, Braves OF: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Juan Soto, Nationals; Starling Marte, Mets; Ian Happ, Cubs DH: William Contreras, Braves



Legacy: Albert Pujols, Cardinals



<h5>American League pitchers</h5>



Shane McClanahan, Rays Nestor Cortes, Yankees Alek Manoah, Blue Jays Framber Valdez, Astros Martín Pérez, Rangers Paul Blackburn, Athletics Justin Verlander, Astros Gerrit Cole, Yankees Shohei Ohtani, Angels Clay Holmes, Yankees Emmanuel Clase, Guardians Gregory Soto, Tigers Jorge López, Orioles



<h5>National League pitchers</h5>



Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Corbin Burnes, Brewers Luis Castillo, Reds Max Fried, Braves Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers Joe Musgrove, Padres Edwin Díaz, Mets Josh Hader, Brewers Ryan Helsley, Cardinals David Bednar, Pirates Joe Mantiply, Diamondbacks

2022 MLB All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge present in Midsummer Classic lineups - thesportsdrops NEWS

2022 MLB All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge present in Midsummer Classic lineups

Trade rumors swirl around for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/shannon-sharpe-blasts-kevin-durant-over-trade-request-out-of-nets-2002-20220704-SPD-2002.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, in the meantime, the team is making moves to bolster different areas.



A pair of ex-Pacers joined the franchise on Tuesday night. The Nets have just added free agents <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmond Sumner</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T.J. Warren</a> to the roster.



There were just 71 games played by T.J. Warren throughout his three seasons with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-steve-kerr-believes-stephen-curry-is-not-getting-enough-credit-1321-20220606-SPD-1321.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indianapolis Pacers.</a> A stress fracture on his foot forced him to miss the previous two seasons.



<h2>Edmond Sumner to team up with T.J. Warren in Brooklyn</h2>



Being an unrestricted, unrestricted-free agency, the 28-year-old small forward has officially signed a one-year agreement with the Nets for the 2022-23 NBA season. In addition, Steve Nash’s side have also added another free agent, Edmond Sumner less than 24 hours after Warren was signed by the organization.



Injuries have been a part of Edmond Sumner’s narrative since he joined the squad. The 26-year-old point guard spent three seasons with the Pacers as a healthy player, but he had to earn his place in the starting lineup.

NBA Free Agency: Nets acquire ex-Pacers duo T.J. Warren and Edmond Sumner - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: Nets acquire ex-Pacers duo T.J. Warren and Edmond Sumner

It has been reported by ESPN that the <a href="http://o-sign-new-three-year-contract-2054-20220706-SPD-2054.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> have reached an agreement with veteran forward <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-and-kings-among-teams-interested-in-hawks-john-collins-1716-20220623-SPD-1716.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danilo Gallinari</a> to sign him to a two-year, $13.3 million deal. The power forward has been connected to Boston for more than a week, but since he needed to clear waivers after his trade from Atlanta to San Antonio after the July moratorium, the two sides were unable to make it public until today. 



In order to bring in Gallinari, Boston will make use of a taxpayer mid-level exemption. Option for the player will be part of the agreement. The Italian was a salary-matching element in the Dejounte Murray trade that San Antonio made in June. 



In an effort to help make the arrangement work, the $5 million partial guarantee on his $21.45 million pay for 2022/23 was upped from $5 million to $13 million. As a result, Gallinari’s salary-guarantee date was moved from June 29 to July 8. They may save $8.45MM on his non-guaranteed contract for 2022-23 by releasing him now.



<h2>Celtics to acquire Danilo Gallinari on two-year contract</h2>



It is expected that Gallinari will be allowed to sign with the Celtics on Sunday after clearing waivers, and he has already agreed to terms. On his new deal, he will allegedly get $13 million over the course of two seasons, with a player option for a third. The Celtics are utilizing their taxpayer mid-level exception to complete the signing process.



An already-deep Celtics squad could benefit from his addition. It’s possible that Ime Udoka’s presence in Boston will make Gallinari’s defensive shortcomings less obvious. Welcoming him to the team will be a big help offensively.

NBA Rumors: Danilo Gallinari to move to Celtics for next two years after being released by Spurs - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Danilo Gallinari to move to Celtics for next two years after being released by Spurs

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-darvin-ham-has-high-expectations-of-lakers-starstruck-team-1435-20220610-SPD-1435.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have sought to deal with <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-new-lakers-coach-darvin-ham-plans-to-keep-russell-westbook-1379-20220608-SPD-1379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> since the previous season’s trade deadline, and that hasn’t changed recently. As a player, Westbrook struggled to adjust to a new position with the Lakers, as they finished the 2021-22 NBA season with a 33-49 record, missing the Playoffs.



As difficult as it has been for the Lakers to get rid of Westbrook, a proposal involving the former MVP and the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-kevin-durant-wont-get-involved-in-kyrie-irvings-decision-on-future-1775-20220625-SPD-1775.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> has emerged since the start of open-market free agency. <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-shannon-sharpe-wants-lebron-james-kyrie-irving-to-join-forces-again-1692-20220621-SPD-1692.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> and Irving had their most successful season together at Cleveland Cavaliers.



Now, Daevin Ham’s side aim to renew their old friendship in order to compete for a title once again. However, while the Lakers’ trade speculations swirl, their head coach remains steadfast in his belief in his present group of players.



<h2>What Darvin Ham said on Lakers’ squad</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We love everyone on our roster. And until you’re not on our roster, you’re ours and we’re going to try to get better with the group that we have. That’s just the bottom line of it. I don’t know a player that’s come through this league in my 26 years that hasn’t had their name part of a trade rumor a time or two. “But, it is what it is. It’s the nature of the beast of our business. And so, again, the guys we have on our roster I’m very thankful for, I’m proud of and we want to maximize everything they can do to help us get to that ultimate goal.”<cite>Ham said to the reporters during the Lakers’ most recent Summer League game</cite></blockquote>

New Lakers coach Darvin Ham content with current roster in spite of recent trade rumors - thesportsdrops NEWS

New Lakers coach Darvin Ham content with current roster in spite of recent trade rumors

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>, the standout guard for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a>, sought a trade late last month, shortly before the opening of free agency. More than a week after the deadline, there has been no movement toward a deal and the Nets’ search for a deal they like seems to be going on indefinitely.



Many variables are at play, but <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Simmons</a>‘ contract predicament stands out. He signed a new five-year, $177 million contract with the team in 2019 despite not playing in the 2022 season.



Teams are prohibited by league regulations from trading for more than one player under such a deal. As long as Simmons remains on the team, the Nets will be unable to acquire other young players like Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins.



<h2>Ben Simmons expected to stay in Brooklyn</h2>



Any deal for Kevin Durant that involves All-Star level players and draft selections is understandable from the standpoint of the New York Knicks. To put it another way, only a few clubs are in the position to make an offer that would tempt Durant while still keeping the team competitive. 



More than a dozen of the league’s greatest young players are ineligible to be dealt to Brooklyn, making the situation even more difficult. As a result, the next natural issue is whether the Brooklyn side will move the 25-year-old, either as part of a Durant deal or in a separate transaction. According to the New York Post, the answer looks to be no for the time being, at least for now.

NBA Rumors: Nets rule out possible trade for Ben Simmons - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Nets rule out possible trade for Ben Simmons

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-eric-bledsoe-to-become-free-agent-after-blazers-cut-ties-2068-20220708-SPD-2068.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a>, a key player for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-in-talks-for-matisse-thybulle-with-76ers-1726-20220624-SPD-1726.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, is very close to finalizing an extension that would pay him $122 million over the course of two more seasons. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, it will keep him in Portland until the 2026-27 season, making him one of the biggest earners in the history of the NBA.



According to Spotrac, Damian Lillard’s lifetime earnings from playing on the court will surpass $450 million by the time his contract expires in 2027. This would place him third in all-time earnings, behind only <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-wins-first-finals-mvp-award-in-career-1586-20220617-SPD-1586.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Curry.</a>



Lillard is coming off of an injury-plagued season in which he participated in just 29 games, which was the fewest number of games he has ever played in throughout his career. As the Trail Blazers slipped out of postseason contention, he was forced to be shut down after undergoing stomach surgery to treat a nagging issue. 



<h2>Damian Lillard to stay failtful to Portland for another two years</h2>



Even as the Trail Blazers try to retool after a disappointing season, the six-time All-Star remains the team’s central figure. The 31-year-old has played his whole career in Portland, where he won the Rookie of the Year title in 2012-13 and was selected for six All-Star games and six times earned All-NBA accolades.



Now that they have the star point guard under contract, Chauncey Billups’ side have an obligation to provide him the tools he needs to be successful in the NBA Playoffs. This summer, they have strengthened their roster by re-signing Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons and by acquiring Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II.

NBA Free Agency: New Trail Blazers contract to make Damian Lillard one of highest earners in NBA history - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: New Trail Blazers contract to make Damian Lillard one of highest earners in NBA history

According to a report that was published by Shams Charania of The Athletic, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> intends on signing a new deal with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-free-agent-veteran-pj-tucker-set-to-join-76ers-1892-20220629-SPD-1892.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. This new development would provide the organization with greater freedom to enhance the squad for the next season.



The shooting guard will take a $15 million salary reduction as a result of declining his player option for the 2022-2023 season, which was worth $47 million. It is anticipated that his new contract will be for a period of two years and will include a player option for the second year. 



Charania adds that the entire value of the transaction is estimated to be somewhere in the area of $66-68 million dollars, despite the fact that the specifics of the sale are not yet public. This compensation decrease is intended to provide Philadelphia with the freedom necessary to assemble a team that can compete for a title in the next season.



<h2>What Harden’s pay cut means for Sixers</h2>



After using their entire mid-level exception to sign P.J. Tucker and their bi-annual exception to sign Danuel House, the Philadelphia 76ers have now reached their salary ceiling for the season, which is set at about $157 million dollars. Derek Bodner of The Daily Six says that the 76ers should have around $2 million in wiggle space below that hard limit as a result of Harden’s new contract.



During the course of the discussions, Harden’s personal connections with important members of the Sixers organization played a significant role in developing trust between the two parties. Some of those people are said to be the president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and minority owner Michael Rubin.

NBA Free Agency: James Harden agrees to accept $15m salary cut to continue at 76ers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: James Harden agrees to accept $15m salary cut to continue at 76ers

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-leonard-fournette-knew-tom-brady-would-come-back-from-retirement-1348-20220607-SPD-1348.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> have reached an agreement on the trade of quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-seahawks-pete-carroll-suggests-chris-carsons-neck-issue-might-cause-him-to-retire-1426-20220610-SPD-1426.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> this week in exchange for a conditional first-round selection in 2024. There will be a $4.85 million split between Carolina and Cleveland in terms of Mayfield’s contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.



It was agreed that the 27-year-old would convert the remaining $18.8 million of his salary into incentives in order to speed up the transaction, which is still subject to a medical examination. There’s a chance that Mayfield will be able to recoup that money.



For the 2024 NFL Draft, the Browns will get a fourth or fifth round selection depending on how much the quarterback plays in Carolina. In order for a fourth-round choice, a league source told ESPN‘s David Newton that the quarterback would have to play 70 percent of the plays.



<h2>Baker Mayfield to attempt to revive career in Cleveland</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">A parting message from GM Andrew Berry was among several given by the Browns in regards to their former franchise quarterback: “He will always have a unique place in Browns history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career.”</blockquote>



After obtaining Mayfield, the Panthers are reportedly not interested in departing with his rival quarterback, Sam Darnold. In training camp, they will once again fight for the starting spot. If Mayfield wins the starting quarterback position, he will face his former side, the Cleveland Browns in the opening game of the season.

NFL News: Panthers acquire Baker Mayfield from Browns - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Panthers acquire Baker Mayfield from Browns

A report by Shams Charania claims that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-in-talks-for-matisse-thybulle-with-76ers-1726-20220624-SPD-1726.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> would release veteran point guard <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-and-kings-among-teams-interested-in-hawks-john-collins-1716-20220623-SPD-1716.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Bledsoe</a> before the last year of his deal is guaranteed. 



Now that Bledsoe is a free agent, he is likely to be pursued by a slew of NBA clubs. The 32-year-old point guard was traded for Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers.



Eric Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and a future second-round pick were acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers only days before the trade deadline last season.



<h2>Eric Bledsoe to leave Portland without ever playing</h2>



However, when Bledsoe arrived in Portland, he was diagnosed with an Achilles tendon injury and was declared out for the season. As a result, the Blazers never played a game with him on the roster. 



A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat tendinopathy in his left Achilles tendon was disclosed by the club in March, and he was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season. Furthermore, with a $3.9 million guarantee for next season, the decision to let him go this summer was always inevitable.

NBA Rumors: Eric Bledsoe to become free agent after Blazers cut ties - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Eric Bledsoe to become free agent after Blazers cut ties

There is one of the NBA’s most sought-after restricted free agents on the market who will soon be off the market. Forward <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/jimmy-butler-isnt-ready-to-talk-about-miami-heats-playoff-elimination-1661-20220620-SPD-1661.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caleb Martin</a> has agreed a new deal with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-heats-duncan-robinson-laments-lack-of-playing-time-under-erik-spoelstra-1411-20220609-SPD-1411.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a>, according to Anthony Chiang&nbsp;of the Miami Herland.



In the wake of his greatest season yet, the 26-year-old has been given a three-year contract extension, at around $20.5 million. Is it believed that the deal would supposedly bring him $6.5 million in the first season and around $14 million in the next two.



Prior to this summer, the Heat only owned Martin’s Non-Bird rights, which limited their potential to boost his compensation significantly beyond the 2021/22 season. According to Chiang’s reporting, the team will utilize the taxpayer share of its mid-level exemption to re-sign him and assure that he receives a sizable wage raise.



<h2>Caleb Martin to stay in Miami until 2025</h2>



Martin just finished his third season in the NBA, his first in Miami, and he established several personal records. In 60 games with the Heat, he scored 9.2 points and grabbed 3.8 rebounds on 51 percent shooting.



In the Eastern Conference finals, Miami lost to the Boston Celtics, and the small forward made it obvious to Miami Herald that he intended to stay with the team: “I want to be here, I got better here and I believe I will get better here.”

NBA Free Agency: Caleb Martin returns to Heat, to sign new three-year contract - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Free Agency: Caleb Martin returns to Heat, to sign new three-year contract

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-world-series-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-80-20220502-SPD-80.html">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> are going through a great moment in the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season, as they’re atop the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-213-20220503-SPD-213.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National League</a> with a 50-29 record. But there’s one thing that may concern fans ahead of next year.



Veteran pitcher David Price is playing the final year of his contract, and at 36 years of age, many believe he could call it a career at the end of the season. Price has already ccomplished some incredible things, including a World Series with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/alex-cora-explains-what-the-red-sox-can-learn-from-the-celtics-830-20220517-SPD-830.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Sox</a>, a Cy Young award, and several All-Star games.



But all good things come to an end, and maybe there’s not much left for him at this point of his career. Though the season is far from being over, Price admits that he’s thinking about retirement.



<h2>Dodgers’ David Price considering retirement at the end of 2022 MLB season</h2>



“I mean, yes and no,” Price said, via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “My (two) kids love it so much. That’s the only thing that makes me even think about playing any longer. I always told myself I’d ask my son, ‘Do you want daddy to play baseball or do you want daddy to be home all the time?’ I asked him before this year and he said, ‘I want you to be home.’ I said, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ Now when I ask him, he says, ‘No, I want you to keep playing.’”



It’s certainly been a wonderful ride for Price, regardless of when he decides to step away from baseball. Many players dream to achieve what he did, so he should be proud of his career.

MLB News: Dodgers' David Price opens up about retirement rumors - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Dodgers' David Price opens up about retirement rumors

The 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-75-20220501-SPD-75.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season is still a few months away from us, but with training camp looming around, the wait won’t be that long. Every season is eagerly awaited by football fans, but this time there are countless reasons to feel even more excited.



Many teams will show up with<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/russell-wilson-explains-why-he-chose-the-denver-broncos-1683-20220621-SPD-1683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> a new quarterback</a> under center, like the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcons</a>. Marcus Mariota has the chance to take over for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-falcons-interest-in-deshaun-watson-drove-matt-ryan-away-from-atlanta-360-20220504-SPD-360.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Ryan</a> in Atlanta, as the veteran signal-caller was traded to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/colts-head-coach-frank-reich-sees-similarities-between-matt-ryan-peyton-manning-1513-20220614-SPD-1513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indianapolis Colts</a>.



Mariota will face competition from rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder for the starting job, but that can wait. In the meantime, he seems to be enjoying his first months working for Arthur Smith and his staff.



<h2>Marcus Mariota says Falcons’ coaching staff challenges QBs</h2>



“I think they challenge us,” Mariota said, via Atlantafalcons.com. “They want us to understand why we run certain concepts, what coverages we’re running against. For us, it’s mentally stimulating because it’s challenging to look at it from different perspective. I think what’s really cool about Art and this staff is that they try to stimulate your mind constantly. There’s always brand new ideas. There’s always something that we always talk about. So, for me, I enjoy that part of it.”



Mariota, 28, is entering his eighth NFL season aiming to prove he can be a reliable starting quarterback in the league. Only time will tell whether Smith gets the best out of him.

NFL News: Falcons QB Marcus Mariota full of praise for Arthur Smith's methods - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Falcons QB Marcus Mariota full of praise for Arthur Smith's methods

In a shocking turn of events, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> reportedly requested a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets. The bombshell news came just a couple of days after Kyrie <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irving</a> opted into his player option, which is why it took many by surprise.



While for KD it may be the right moment to continue contending before he hangs them up, his desire to leave didn’t sit well with many people. After all, this is the team he preferred over the Warriors a few years back and the one that gave him the keys to succeed.



But things didn’t go according to plan and now it seems that he is on the move again. <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-shannon-sharpe-wants-lebron-james-kyrie-irving-to-join-forces-again-1692-20220621-SPD-1692.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shannon Sharpe</a> didn’t mince his words about it, saying that Durant runs away when things get complicated.



<h2>Shannon Sharpe reacts to Kevin Durant’s trade request</h2>



“Everything that’s there is because of Kevin Durant,” Sharpe said on Undisputed, via Fadeaway World. “The head coach is because of Kevin Durant, Kyrie, James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, Blake Griffin, everybody was there because of Kevin Durant.



“I’m surprised, but I started thinking and realized KD’s a runner. He’s a track star. He’s going to run away when it gets hard. He can’t take the pain, he can’t get scarred, if you get involved, he’ll leave your team in ruins… I’m so disappointed in KD. This KD/LeBron comparison, we can put it to bed.”



Many fans may be just as disappointed as Sharpe, but GMs around the league are excited about the idea of KD being on the market. His preferred landing spots seem to be Phoenix or Miami, but any suitor will have to make a reasonable offer for the Nets.

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