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

A player who last played for the <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">Los Angeles Lakers</a> in 2018 looks to be of interest to the team, according to reports. There is a possibility that the Lakers would enter into the picture if the <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">New York Knicks</a> manage to get <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-heat-in-need-of-third-club-to-get-donovan-mitchell-2242-20220718-SPD-2242.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donovan Mitchell</a>.



If NBA insider Marc Stein is correct, Darvin Ham’s side would have no problem taking on <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bam-adebayo-willing-to-devote-whole-professional-career-to-heat-in-spite-of-trade-rumors-2419-20220731-SPD-2419.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius Randle</a>‘s $117 million deal he signed in 2021. Since his contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 season, he will get $23.7 million in pay for the following two seasons.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“A very plugged-in person in the league told me… If Donovan Mitchell were to end up with the Knicks, there could be talks between the Knicks and the Lakers involving Julius [Randle],” Stein said on Spotify Live.</blockquote>



<h2>Julius Randle to return at Lakers?</h2>



Randle was drafted seventh overall by the Lakers in the NBA draft in 2014. L.A. served him well for the first four seasons and allowed him to continue to progress. He inked a two-year contract for $24 million with the New Orleans Pelicans after ending his time in Los Angeles.



He spent the 2018-19 season in New Orleans and chose not to exercise his player option for the 2019-20 season. Then, the 27-year-old moved to the Knicks and was supposed to lead the Knicks into the playoffs, but he had a poor season. As a consequence, the New York Knicks are now thought to be open to revamping their squad.

NBA News: If Donovan Mitchell joins Knicks, Lakers might move for Julius Randle - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: If Donovan Mitchell joins Knicks, Lakers might move for Julius Randle

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-hold-out-hope-that-kevin-durant-would-revoke-trade-request-2410-20220730-SPD-2410.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>‘s trade request on June 30 included the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-caleb-martin-returns-to-heat-to-sign-new-three-year-contract-2054-20220706-SPD-2054.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> and the Phoenix Suns among the teams he wanted to play for. This prompted both teams to investigate potential trade deadline deals to obtain him. 



The Heat would have to trade All-Star forward <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">Bam Adebayo</a> in order to get Durant since Adebayo meets the requirements that the Brooklyn Nets have set forth for the players they are looking to acquire in order to compete immediately.



Despite trade rumors surrounding him, the three-time All-Defensive center would want nothing more than to finish his career in Miami, much as Udonis Haslem did before him.



<h2>What Bam Adebayo said about his possible future away from Miami</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If I could, I would. Just to have that opportunity to be around this community for my whole career. A lot of the community has seen me grow up. Going from a random 14th draft pick to being a cornerstone in this organization and to become something bigger. It’s just one of those things that’s dope when people grow with you.”<cite>Adebayo told the Miami Herald</cite></blockquote>



Trade negotiations have reportedly included Adebayo, but the Heat are “disinclined” to include him in a deal to obtain Durant. Both Adebayo and Ben Simmons are on designated rookie extensions, meaning neither can be moved to Brooklyn while Simmons is still a 76er.

Bam Adebayo willing to devote whole professional career to Heat in spite of trade rumors - thesportsdrops NEWS

Bam Adebayo willing to devote whole professional career to Heat in spite of trade rumors

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

miniaturas

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

After having trouble getting after the quarterback for much of 2021, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-arizona-put-new-arrival-marquise-brown-on-injured-list-2386-20220727-SPD-2386.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City&nbsp;Chiefs</a> saw one of their best pass rushers, midseason acquisition Melvin Ingram, go for the Dolphins this summer. ESPN and NFL Media both reported on Thursday that the team had signed former Pro Bowl starter <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-mike-mccarthy-gets-strong-support-from-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-2364-20220726-SPD-2364.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carlos Dunlap</a> to a one-year contract, giving them a fresh experience at the position as training camp got began.



As reported by Ian Rapoport, the 33-year-old Dunlap, who spent most of the previous two seasons with the Seahawks, is set to make up to $8 million on the contract. Since Seattle released him in March, the veteran Bengals star has been looking for a new team.



After ten years with the Bengals, Seattle signed Dunlap for the last two seasons. Despite entering his mid-30s, Dunlap has continued to be an effective defensive end, one who can still sack the quarterback and cause havoc for much younger offensive linemen thanks to his savvy.



<h2>Carlos Dunlap to play 2022-23 season for Chiefs</h2>



As a member of the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, Dunlap had 8.5 sacks. Before being traded to Seattle in the middle of the 2020 season, the veteran played his first 11 seasons with Cincinnati, where he recorded 82.5 sacks. The 33-year-old proved he still has what it takes to pressure the quarterback and make nice tackles last season.



The acquisition of Dunlap strengthens a unit that has been struggling as a whole for the squad. With his experience and leadership, the team’s young defensive line will benefit greatly from his presence.

NFL News: Carlos Dunlap moves to Chiefs on one-year deal - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Carlos Dunlap moves to Chiefs on one-year deal

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

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-mike-mccarthy-gets-strong-support-from-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-2364-20220726-SPD-2364.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a> have already lost a crucial player due to injury, and it hasn’t even been two full days of training camp. In a surprising move, the Arizona Cardinals have placed offseason addition <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-patrick-mahomes-denies-chiefs-reported-dissatisfaction-with-orlando-brown-2346-20220724-SPD-2346.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marquise Brown</a> on the active non-football injury list.



Brown has been put on the active/non-football injury list by the Arizona Cardinals as training camp gets underway due to a hamstring ailment. He is entering his debut season with the Arizona Cardinals after being traded to them from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.



This happened only hours after head coach Kliff Kingsbury declared that all players had reported and passed the team’s fitness test. Both the nature and extent of his injuries remain unclear.



<h2>What coach Kliff Kingsbury said about Marquise Brown’s injury</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I think he just tweaked something and I expect him to be back sooner than later I think we’re just being precautionary. We know when he practices, he practices hard and he’s going to put in the work,” the head coach added. “We want to make sure when he comes back he’s full strength.“I would say his comfort level is farther ahead than he would be having played at OU in a similar type system. I would say verbiage wise, formationally, things like that, but he has tremendous speed. We feel like the comfort level he has with Kyler [Murray], he throws with him all the time, is a great kind of bonus to that icing on the cake.<cite>Kingsbury said, via ESPN‘s Josh Weinfuss</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Arizona put new arrival Marquise Brown on injured list - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Arizona put new arrival Marquise Brown on injured list

Several recognizable names are being considered by 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">Charlotte Hornets</a> as they attempt to enhance their point guard depth. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the club is contemplating re-signing <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-suns-tie-coach-monty-williams-down-to-new-long-term-deal-2356-20220724-SPD-2356.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kemba Walker</a> and/or <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-darvin-ham-says-he-wants-lebron-james-to-have-the-ball-basically-all-the-time-2374-20220727-SPD-2374.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isaiah Thomas.</a>



Both players are experienced and capable of contributing to the team, yet they are currently without a team. The 32-year-old Walker, spent the first eight years of his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s success and was recognized with three All-Star nods.



He holds the franchise record for both points and minutes played. Walker has played for the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks since becoming a free agent in 2019, but he hasn’t been able to replicate his success with the Hornets. 



<h2>Thomas and Walker could return in Charlotte</h2>



Since Thomas, 33, spent some time with the Hornets during the conclusion of last season, he is also somewhat acquainted with the squad. Thomas played in 17 contests with the Hornets, averaging 8.3 points, 1.4 assists, 1.2 boards, and 12.9 minutes per game.



In Charlotte, they would be playing behind LaMelo Ball, thus neither player would be expected to start. However, they may still be useful in a restricted backup position. When Walker played for the Hornets, he quickly became a fan favorite, therefore a reunion between the two teams would be warmly embraced by Hornets fans.

NBA Rumors: Hornets contemplating reunion with Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Hornets contemplating reunion with Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-took-pay-cut-to-help-76ers-compete-for-a-championship-2298-20220720-SPD-2298.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collin Sexton</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-suns-tie-coach-monty-williams-down-to-new-long-term-deal-2356-20220724-SPD-2356.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> have not yet agreed on a new contract. There have been reports that the No. 8 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft is seeking an enormous deal for approximately $80 million, but it seems that the Cavs are unable to commit to such a large sum of money for the young guard.



It has been claimed that Sexton is disappointed with the team’s current offer. With no serious suitors in sight, the restricted free agent has been on the market for close to a month. 



Reports stated that he had hoped for a $20 million annual agreement before the season started. Not one of them has come to fruition. 



<h2>Cavaliers make three-year offer to Sexton</h2>



According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers have made an offer to keep Sexton, but he is unlikely to take it. This was discussed on the Wine &amp; Gold Talk Podcast. Fedor claims that Cleveland have made an offer worth around $40 million over the course of three seasons.



Although Sexton would be compensated more than the mid-level exemption under such an agreement, his salary would still be far below the average for point guards. At $13.3 million annually, he would be the 30th highest-paid point guard in the NBA, behind stars like Markelle Fultz and Tyus Jones.

NBA Rumors: Collin Sexton rejects initial contract extension offer from Cavaliers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Collin Sexton rejects initial contract extension offer from Cavaliers

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-deandre-ayton-and-pacers-agree-four-year-contract-suns-have-48-hours-to-match-2209-20220715-SPD-2209.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> had been in the lottery for the better part of a decade before <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">Monty Williams</a> became their head coach. His leadership transformed them into a legitimate contender in the NBA almost overnight. 



He finished his first year with a perfect record in the Orlando area. His Suns went 64-20 and reached the second round before falling to the Dallas Mavericks, and he was named Coach of the Year for his efforts in both of those years. He’s done everything possible in his three years at the company except win a title. And the Suns have finally come to terms with it.



According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the 50-year-old agreed to a multi-year agreement with the Phoenix Suns. Williams had originally signed a five-year contract with the Suns, which is unusual for new hiring, and thus he still had two years remaining on his contract. 



<h2>Monty Williams to continue in Phoenix</h2>



This extension of his contract should make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Williams has had a significant effect on the Suns club, leading them to the 2021 NBA Finals and to a franchise record of 64 wins in the regular season last year.



The Suns finished last season tied for first with the 1969-70 New York Knicks as the only teams in NBA history to finish with a greater road win % than the sum of all other teams’ home win percentages. Since the introduction of the shot clock, the Suns have never lost a game while leading after three quarters.

NBA News: Suns tie coach Monty Williams down to new long-term deal - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Suns tie coach Monty Williams down to new long-term deal

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-cardinals-snatch-2022-usfl-mvp-victor-bolden-jr-2329-20220723-SPD-2329.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando Brown</a>‘s status with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-kyler-murray-extends-cardinals-contract-for-five-years-2313-20220722-SPD-2313.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a> remains uncertain, as the team has yet to receive confirmation that he would accept the franchise tag and report for training camp. Both parties were unable to secure an extension before the July 15 franchise tag deadline, thus he will become a free agent in 2023.



There were rumblings that the Chiefs were disappointed that the offensive tackle and the team could not agree on a long-term contract after the contract discussions concluded. A member of the Kansas front office was quoted as saying that Brown “isn’t the same man that we traded for” and that he “was going to be a team player and work with them on a team-friendly sort of contract.”



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-eddie-goldman-retires-at-28-two-weeks-after-joining-falcons-2301-20220720-SPD-2301.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a> got the chance to respond to the story, and he emphatically denied the claims that the 26-year-old was not a team player. Since Brown’s arrival in Kansas City, Mahomes’ friendship with him has only grown stronger.



<h2>What Mahomes said about Brown</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I have no idea who said that. I mean he’s a great team player. He’s one of the smartest football players I think I’ve ever played with. He has a high IQ, I remember even when he wasn’t at OTAs he’s asking me questions, he’s watching the film, he’s doing everything to make sure that when he steps here, he’s ready to go. “I think that comes with him cause his dad played in the league, he has been around the sport his whole life and you ask anyone on this team he’s one of the best guys on this team, if not the best one”, Mahomes said Friday.</blockquote>

NFL News: Patrick Mahomes denies Chiefs' reported dissatisfaction with Orlando Brown - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Patrick Mahomes denies Chiefs' reported dissatisfaction with Orlando Brown

On Saturday, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-marlins-jazz-chisholm-jr-ruled-out-for-another-six-weeks-2334-20220723-SPD-2334.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Brewers</a> locked up left-handed pitcher <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Ashby </a>to a new five-year deal through 2027 with additional options for the following two seasons. The news was broken by David Stearns, the side’s president of baseball operations.



According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, Ashby’s guaranteed salary under the five-year deal is $20.55 million. If all options are exercised and Ashby reaches all of his escalators, Sherman writes that Ashby’s total compensation could be more than doubled, reaching $52.5 million.



The agreement not only ensures that Ashby will be a key component of the Brewers’ future, but also provides the 24-year-old with financial stability and peace of mind at a crucial time in his professional development. He was taken by the Brewers in the fourth round of the 2018 draft and swiftly rose through the minor leagues, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2019 and making his Major League Baseball debut the following year.



<h2>What David Stearns and Craig Counsell had to say on Aaron Ashby’s new deal</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We are very happy to reach a multi-year agreement with Aaron. Throughout his time in our organization, Aaron has demonstrated a unique combination of persistence, character and talent. He is establishing himself as one of the premier young pitchers in baseball, and we look forward to watching his continued growth and success,” David Stearns said.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He’s very early in his big league career, but he’s a player that I think everybody thinks can have great success in this league. I’m happy that it kind of worked out for both sides and that he’s going to be a Brewer for a long time“, Brewers manager Craig Counsell added.</blockquote>

MLB News: Aaron Ashby signs new long-term contract with Brewers - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Aaron Ashby signs new long-term contract with Brewers

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Marlins</a>‘ All-Star second baseman <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">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> is expected to miss the rest of the month of August. On Friday, the Marlins announced that Chisholm has a stress reaction in his lower back. 



He will be out for around two months. For the first time in his career, 24-year-old Chisholm made the National League All-Star squad. 



Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it to Tuesday’s game in Los Angeles due to a scheduling conflict. Because of a right lower back ailment, he has been out of commission since June 29.



<h2>What Marlins manager Don Mattingly said about Chisholm’s injury</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He was really pushing hard to get to that All-Star Game, so we knew there had to be something more seriously wrong when he couldn’t make it. Now, it’s time to take the steps for him to get it right and go through that process. You feel bad for Jazz. He’s having a great year.”</blockquote>



This new setback seems likely to keep the explosive Miami second baseman out for the foreseeable future. The first-time All-breakthrough Star’s season has been hampered by recurring back problems since he was placed on the 10-day injured list in late June with what was first diagnosed as a lower back strain.

MLB News: Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. ruled out for another six weeks - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. ruled out for another six weeks

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-kyler-murray-extends-cardinals-contract-for-five-years-2313-20220722-SPD-2313.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a> have joined the growing list of NFL teams that have looked to the USFL for talent as they prepare to fill up their 90-man roster in advance of training camp. In a Friday press release, the team said it had signed wide receiver <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jared-goff-gets-strong-support-from-lions-hc-dan-campbell-2258-20220718-SPD-2258.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victor Bolden Jr.</a> away from the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-eddie-goldman-retires-at-28-two-weeks-after-joining-falcons-2301-20220720-SPD-2301.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birmingham Stallions</a> for a single season.



Bolden’s current NFL career is not his debut. The 27-year-previous old’s stops include the San Francisco 49ers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Detroit Lions.



While playing in the USFL, Bolden was a key part of the Stallions’ offense. He participated in nine games during the first regular season and had 42 catches for 415 yards and a score. His receiving yardage and receptions both placed in the top four in the league.



<h2>Victor Bolden Jr. returns to NFL</h2>



As a key contributor to the Stallions’ title run, Bolden was instrumental in the team’s 9-1 regular season record. The 27-year-old wide receiver grabbed six of his nine receptions for 64 yards and the game-winning score in the final victory against the Philadelphia Stars. 



He was also crucial in the return game, as seen by his 92 yards on four kickoff returns. For these reasons, Bolden was voted Most Valuable Player in the USFL Finals.

NFL News: Cardinals snatch 2022 USFL MVP Victor Bolden Jr. - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Cardinals snatch 2022 USFL MVP Victor Bolden Jr.

It would seem that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-warriors-set-to-bring-donte-divincenzo-in-on-two-year-deal-1958-20220702-SPD-1958.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> are no longer in the running 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">Kevin Durant</a>. Despite being the reigning champions, Warriors general manager Bob Myers told NBA.com on Wednesday that the team won’t be making any significant changes this summer.



Even though rumors were rife when Durant requested a trade to the Nets from the Warriors, the two teams were never likely to reunite. The Warriors superstars reportedly even contacted their ex-teammate at one point to have a chat about it.



The Warriors’ hopes of a repeat season mean that veteran forward must wait. Even though he asked to be traded three weeks ago, he is still a member of 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> and is unlikely to be moved anytime soon unless the trade market undergoes a dramatic upheaval.



<h2>What Bob Myers said of Kevin Durant</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I like our team and where it’s at. I want to give the guys a chance to do it again. We kept most of it together, but we have to stay healthy. I didn’t think we’d make it last year, but we did. I watch like you do. We’ll see what happens. “It’s a good group. We’re lucky. It’ll be fun to see. We were really hunting last year. Now I guess we’re back to being the hunted, which I didn’t think we’d be. We’ll see. I think we can handle it.”</blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Warriors rule out potential Kevin Durant trade - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Warriors rule out potential Kevin Durant trade

After much consideration, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-eddie-goldman-retires-at-28-two-weeks-after-joining-falcons-2301-20220720-SPD-2301.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyler Murray</a> has decided to stay with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-sean-payton-believes-hell-return-to-coaching-but-doesnt-know-where-2277-20220719-SPD-2277.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a>. The two parties apparently settled on a hefty $230.5 million contract extension Thursday after an eventful summer, as reported by ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.



The club seemed to announce the extension on Twitter, albeit they did not provide any other information on the deal. Value-wise, it is said that it tops Deshaun Watson’s record-breaking $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, which he signed back in March.



On the downside, it does not have as much certain cash. Although just a portion of Watson’s $230 million contract was guaranteed by the Browns, the quarterback is guaranteed $160 million.



<h2>Kyler Murray to stay in Arizona until 2027</h2>



From a financial standpoint, Murray’s new contract will pay him $30 million in Year 1, $68 million over the first two years, and $106.15 million over the first three years of his new deal, based on information from NFL Media. He is due to make just $965,000 in 2022, but the sum is supposed to skyrocket to $29.7 million in 2023 if his fifth-year option is fully guaranteed.



The 24-year-old has performed well for the team after being drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray has thrown for 70 touchdowns and 34 picks in his three seasons as a starter. He has also run for 1,786 yards and 20 touchdowns.

NFL News: Kyler Murray extends Cardinals contract for five years - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Kyler Murray extends Cardinals contract for five years

Unconfirmed reports indicate that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-james-harden-agrees-to-accept-15m-salary-cut-to-continue-at-76ers-2086-20220708-SPD-2086.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> will take a significant pay reduction in order to help the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/what-james-harden-needs-to-do-in-order-to-succeed-per-tracy-mcgrady-1672-20220620-SPD-1672.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> free up more salary cap room for the next 2022–23 NBA season. They have utilized that room to bring in Trevelin Queen, P.J. Tucker, and Danuel House, all of whom were Harden’s teammates in Houston. 



Harden’s sacrifice of household income made these deals feasible. In addition, other changes may still be in the works. 



. Moreover, the team was able to keep Harden while avoiding a lengthy commitment to an elderly star. Now the shooting guard discussed with Yahoo Sports his decision to sign a contract that benefits the team. 



<h2>What James Harden said about decision to take pay cut</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I had conversations with [Sixers president of basketball operations] Daryl [Morey], and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over. This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”“I don’t really listen to what people are saying. I wasn’t right last season and I still almost averaged a triple-double. If anybody else had those numbers, we’d be talking about them getting the max. People were used to seeing me averaging 40, 30 points, and so they viewed it as a down year. I was in Philadelphia for a couple of months and I had to learn on the fly. That’s just what it was. I’m in a good space physically and mentally right now, and I’m just looking forward to next season.”<cite>James Harden told Yahoo Sports</cite></blockquote>

Martina Alcheva