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Heat Legend Tim Hardaway Sr. Reveals Whether He’ll Allow His Son to Wear His Retired No. 10 Jersey in Miami

Tim Hardaway holds a cup of coffee while waiting for fans during the Sun City Card Show at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Hardaway is a former UTEP Miners basketball standout and NBA player.
Tim Hardaway holds a cup of coffee while waiting for fans during the Sun City Card Show at the Starlight Event Center in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Hardaway is a former UTEP Miners basketball standout and NBA player.

The Miami Heat have been stealing all the headlines this offseason. First came the blockbuster move to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach, and then the Heat added Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million deal in free agency.

While fans have been talking about how Hardaway Jr. fits into Miami’s new-look roster, another Heat legend has grabbed attention with a comment about the family’s famous jersey number.

Tim Hardaway Sr.’s Latest Revelation Regarding His Jersey Number

During a recent appearance on “The Hochman, Crowder & Solana Show,” Tim Hardaway Sr. was asked whether he would allow his son to wear the retired No. 10 jersey in Miami.

The Hall of Fame guard made it clear that he would not, as his legacy with the franchise means too much to him. Now, because of that, he would not want anyone, even his own son, wearing the retired number.

“You love your kids unconditionally, you know. My legacy is my legacy. He’s doing it his way. Even though he likes to wear 10, he loves to wear 10, but that is not coming down from the rafters.

“That is tough to do. Once it’s up there, you want it to stay up there. You don’t want nobody to touch it. I love him, you know. I love him to death. I’m the happiest for him. I’m living the life watching him play through college and in the NBA… So I’m happy that he’s doing it. But no, he can’t wear No. 10,” Hardaway Sr. said during the interview.

Hardaway Sr. joined the Heat in a mid-season trade from the Golden State Warriors in February 1996 and went on to spend six seasons with the franchise. He played in 367 regular-season games.

One of the best moments of his Heat career came in the 1997 playoffs, when he scored 38 points in a Game 7 win over the New York Knicks to close out the Eastern Conference Semifinals. That kind of performance is the reason the Heat retired his No. 10 jersey on October 28, 2009.

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Now, Hardaway Jr. joined Miami at an interesting point in his own career. He spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot 40.7% from three-point range.

That kind of shooting could prove to be a major asset for Miami’s new roster. With the Greek Freak expected to be the focal point of the offense, having players who can consistently knock down outside shots will be important.

So while Hardaway Jr. won’t get to wear his dad’s number, he’ll suit up in No. 11 instead. It’s not the number his father made famous, but that doesn’t mean he can’t build something meaningful of his own in Miami.

U.S. World Cup Fans Taunt Trump Over Folarin Balogun's Birthright Citizenship

President Donald Trump and his MAGA loyalists got kicked where it hurts by fans noting that U.S. World Cup hero Folarin Balogun is a birthright citizen.

Balogun scored the first goal in a 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday and is the squad’s leading scorer in the tournament. He’ll miss Monday’s round-of-16 clash against Belgium due to a questionable red card call on him. But his impact is being felt ― and fans took it upon themselves to remind the president and his anti-birthright allies of that.

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The timing of Balogun’s feats couldn’t be better. The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship this week. Trump responded by calling the policy “unfair” and vowing to end it through legislation.

Some fans on X asked Trump, who received a bogus peace prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, to intercede on behalf of Balogun’s red card suspension. But so far in the tournament, Trump has been silent on all matters Balogun, including his birthright status.

“Isn’t it crazy that Trump doesn’t want Americans like Folarin Balogun in America?” one commenter wrote on X. “Thank goodness SCOTUS upheld birthright citizenship.”

“Folarin Balogun wouldn’t even be playing for USA if it was up to Trump and his birthright citizenship views smh lol. Let’s go!!” another chimed in.

Balogun told NBC he was born in Brooklyn, New York, to his Nigerian parents because his mother, who was in the late stages of pregnancy, was prevented from boarding a flight back to England.

“To represent the United States means a lot,” he said previously. “I just hope I can bring that prestige and winning mentality over into soccer.”

Folarin Balogun (left) has been winning big in the World Cup while President Donald Trump suffered a loss over birthright citizenship.
Folarin Balogun (left) has been winning big in the World Cup while President Donald Trump suffered a loss over birthright citizenship. Associated Press

The White House did not immediately return a HuffPost request for comment on Balogun’s birthright citizenship.

Check out the aforementioned social media remarks and others right here:

Isn't it crazy that Trump doesn't want Americans like Folarin Balogun in America?

Thank goodness SCOTUS upheld birthright citizenship.#USMNT#USA 🇺🇸

— Matt (@nosoupforgeorge) July 2, 2026

Folarin Balogun wouldn’t even be playing for USA if it was up to Trump and his birthright citizenship views smh lol. Let’s go!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

— Mal (@jarrard_3) July 2, 2026

Don’t forget…Flo Balogun is playing for the USA thanks to birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution.

— 👊Ryan King 🔥 (@RKING90210) July 2, 2026

Folarin Balogun, who is a US citizen because he was born here, scores a go-ahead goal for the US team in a knockout game. Score one for birthright citizenship.

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 2, 2026
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

Trump use your white and executive privilege to protect your number one birthright citizen folarin balogun

— emily (joao pedro’s left foot) (@propachelsemily) July 2, 2026

Red card for Folarin Balogun is just awful. 💔

I hate that Trump supporters will probably celebrate this, since they don't want Americans who are Americans by birthright citizenship to be American.

— Matt (@nosoupforgeorge) July 2, 2026

Wow Great. We are in round 16! Thanks to Balogun who is a birthright American. See below. Hmmmm , what do you think MAGATS? Something fishy has happened like birthright tourism? Should we cancel his citizenship or wait until the world cup is over? pic.twitter.com/05sp2uUQqv

— Vas kumar (@kumar_vas18713) July 2, 2026

A huge thank you to #20, Mr. @balogun, for choosing to play for the @USMNT. As a fan, we’re blessed to have you.

For the members of #MAGA who are out cheering and waving flags, donning the national team shirt, and celebrating the US’ success in this year’s World Cup, remember…

— Nicholas Waller (@N_A_Waller) July 2, 2026

Trump won't do it because Balogun is a birthright citizen. https://t.co/6UTpoHYTIi

— BearsFanSteven (@BearsFanSteven) July 2, 2026

Birthright citizenship allows Folarin Balogun to play for the US team. I wonder if the Trump supporters who just cheered knows that. #WorldCup#GoUSApic.twitter.com/uRjLZ3XiAQ

— Kevin Simmons (@TheSkorpion) July 2, 2026

Same ones crying about birthright citizenship screaming free Balogun the jokes write themselves

— Meek 🃏 (@JihLikeMike) July 2, 2026

Read the original on HuffPost

‘It Would Be Similar to Kobe and Shaq’ — Ex-NFL MVP Urges LeBron James to Team Up With $55.1 Million Superstar

‘It Would Be Similar to Kobe and Shaq’ — Ex-NFL MVP Urges LeBron James to Team Up With $55.1 Million Superstar
‘It Would Be Similar to Kobe and Shaq’ — Ex-NFL MVP Urges LeBron James to Team Up With $55.1 Million Superstar

LeBron James has played for three different teams in his illustrious 23-year career. He’s won a ring with each franchise. Now, as the 41-year-old ponders his next career move, basketball fans of all types are offering their insight.

That even includes a former NFL MVP who isn’t afraid to provide some advice to the four-time NBA MVP.

Cam Newton Suggests LeBron James to Consider Spurs

James has already played for his home team (twice). He chased the ring in South Beach, winning not one, but two NBA Titles with the Miami Heat, forming a Big 3 along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He’s also joined an iconic franchise while prioritizing being close to his family in L.A.

Now, James is reportedly pursuing happiness. Exactly what that looks like remains to be seen.

Yet, former Carolina Panthers quarterback turned NFL MVP Cam Newton believes it’s time for LeBron to team up with Victor Wembanyama on the San Antonio Spurs. By doing so, Newton says LeBron and Wemby would become the next “Kobe and Shaq.”

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“What San Antonio gives a LeBron James is something that LeBron has never had,” Newton said. “It would be similar to Kobe and Shaq. Think about it. And why I even say San Antonio over everybody. LeBron can now take Wemby under his wing.”

O’Neal wasn’t quite the grizzled veteran that LeBron is now when the 24-year-old paired up with an 18-year-old rookie Kobe Bryant. Yet, the comparison of pairing two gravitational playmakers together does hold up.

From the Spurs’ perspective, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t have interest in adding the future Hall of Famer. It’s like injecting a coach on the floor, but one who can play at an elite level. When the Spurs added Chris Paul ahead of the 2024-25 season, it was because they wanted a veteran who could impart invaluable lessons on the locker room.

Now they have a chance to do so again, but this time with a much more effective version. After coming up just short in the NBA Finals, maybe someone who’s won four Larry O’Brien Trophies is just what the Spurs need to get over the hump.

Now the question is whether the Spurs can offer LeBron everything he’s seeking. They’re tight against the salary cap, but if winning remains a key priority for James, and chances are it is, then there’s an outside chance that the Spurs still emerge as the winner of the LeBron free agency sweepstakes this summer.

‘Don’t Know What She Was Trying’ – Aryna Sabalenka Takes a Dig at Wimbledon Opponent for ‘Faking It’ in R1

Jun 29, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Aryna Sabalenka serves against Teodora Kostovic (SRB) (not pictured) on day one of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jun 29, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Aryna Sabalenka serves against Teodora Kostovic (SRB) (not pictured) on day one of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Aryna Sabalenka has stormed into the third round of Wimbledon 2026 without dropping a set. The World No. 1 is chasing her maiden title at the All England Club and has every reason to be pleased with her campaign so far.

Sabalenka opened her tournament with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Serbia’s Teodora Kostović before overcoming American McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6(9) in a more hard-fought second-round encounter on Wednesday.

Aryna Sabalenka Raises Questions Over Teodora Kostović’s Pre-Match Claim at Wimbledon

Kostović, a 19-year-old qualifier, booked her place in the main draw by defeating Yeon Woo Ku 6-1, 6-4, rallying past Rebecca Šramková 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, and sealing qualification with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Zhu Lin.

Ahead of their opening match, she fired a warning to Sabalenka. “Let’s see if she can deal with my power. Of course I can beat her. I can beat anybody when I’m in the zone,” she told the WTA.

Sabalenka addressed the remarks during her post-match press conference and rather sarcastically described them as “scary.” After advancing to the third round, the World No. 1 expanded on her earlier remarks, explaining that she never considered the comments a serious threat because they weren’t matched by her opponent’s performance on the court.

“Me looking at this and then going to the match and seeing the reality, I think it was more like she was trying to trick herself, and she was just trying to boost that self-belief that she actually didn’t have.”

“Sometimes it works. It always depends on the personality. Sometimes you have to really fake it ’til you make it. Sometimes you have to stay grounded and be real and work with what you have,” she continued. “I would understand if it would be reasonable. But I went in that match and was like, which power was she talking about?”

Kostović, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 177 in December 2025, is currently ranked No. 184. The 19-year-old has largely competed on the WTA Challenger and ITF circuits, with Wimbledon 2026 marking her Grand Slam main-draw debut. It also marked the first time she had faced a World No. 1.

“Sometimes it works if you actually have that self-belief. If you’re just trying to fake it and you don’t actually believe in it, it’s not gonna work,” Sabalenka said. “It’s important to stay true to yourself and be yourself and trust yourself. I don’t know what she was trying to do with that message exactly. For me it was just like, faking it a little bit.”

MORE: ‘Was Destroying Me’ – Aryna Sabalenka Explains Why Yelling and Throwing Rackets Are Essential to Her Game

After overcoming McCartney Kessler and Teodora Kostović, Aryna Sabalenka now faces a far sterner test against former French Open champion Jeļena Ostapenko in the third round on Friday.

‘There’s Already a History’ – Shams Charania Details Why LeBron James Could Possibly Return to East Contender

Mar 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. © Isabella Frias-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. © Isabella Frias-Imagn Images

LeBron James is once again the talk of the NBA world as free agency is underway in full force. When James hits the market, even at age 41, the world waits.

He let the Los Angeles Lakers know he was leaving earlier this week, creating the current sea of speculation. The 4-time champion hasn’t announced where he will be heading next, as the world waits to see which uniform he will wear.

Shams Charania Claims History Could Play a Part In LeBron James’ Decision

Fans want to know if he will return home to Cleveland or stay in California and join a former rival in the Golden State Warriors.

Yet those are not his only two options. As pointed out by ESPN’s Shams Charania, another former LeBron team is in the mix.

“They have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, and Erik Spoelstra,” Charania said about the Miami Heat on “Get Up.” “They’re the Miami Heat. There’s already a history with both Miami and Cleveland if LeBron wants to go to either destination and go back to the Eastern Conference.”

Charania made it clear that both the Cavs and the Heat are top options if James wants to return to the Eastern Conference. He also makes it clear that no one should forget about the Warriors either.

“But there’s a reason why the Golden State Warriors have formulated a plan over the last week that surprisingly included Draymond Green option out of his $27.7 million contract,” the insider said.

Charania is a top NBA insider, and his words carry plenty of weight. Thus, fans in Miami, Cleveland, and Golden State are awaiting any and all further updates on James’ plans.

James may ultimately get his number retired in Miami, but a return this season would see him show up in a much different role than the first time. The Heat just landed Giannis Antetokounmpo, pairing him with Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins.

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James would not be considered a top option on offense and could be used in a reduced role to save him for the playoffs.

It’s easy for fans in Cleveland to assume James will return once again to finish his career where it began. However, fans in Miami may be waiting for their own return following his four years in town. Golden State remains the Wild Card in all of this.

A key difference this time around is that his close friend, Wade, is no longer on the Heat. That will happen once you play into your 40s. Yet the addition of Antetokounmpo cannot be ignored if James’ ultimate goal is to win one more championship before retirement.

Lakers Rumors: ’Anticipation Growing’ That Los Angeles Will Sign 2 Key Players Who Perfectly Complement Luka Dončić

Los Angeles is reportedly eyeing two key free agents as the franchise looks to build the ideal supporting cast for Luka Dončić.
Los Angeles is reportedly eyeing two key free agents as the franchise looks to build the ideal supporting cast for Luka Dončić.

Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations, vowed to build a championship-contending roster around Luka Dončić heading into the offseason.

Following LeBron James’ decision not to return to LA, Pelinka can now solely focus on his task of revamping Dončić’s supporting cast.

Among the holes needed to fill were backcourt depth, frontline reinforcement, and much-needed shooting. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on Tuesday that the Lakers could sign the potential names to address those issues.

Los Angeles Lakers Gaining Momentum to Sign Two Players Who Fit Luka Dončić Perfectly

The Lakers wanted to retain unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, backup guards who played well, particularly in the playoffs.

Smart is reportedly in talks with the Houston Rockets for a three-year, $21 million deal, while Kennard just signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.

LA’s wings and frontcourt are also quite thin due to James’ departure and Rui Hachimura receiving serious interest from other teams, underlining the urgency for Pelinka to look for reinforcements.

Stein and Fischer shared their intel on Tuesday on who the Lakers could sign to bolster the lineup.

“The growing anticipation leaguewide is that the Lakers ultimately secure commitments on new contracts from Toronto free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili and Philadelphia free agent Quentin Grimes while still pursuing their top summer target: Utah restricted free agent Walker Kessler,” the NBA insiders wrote on “The Stein Line.

Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Toronto Raptors this past season, is a prized free agent.

The 6-foot-9 can jostle with bigs in the paint but also has the touch to punish defenses from deep. Mamukelashvili shot 38.9% from deep, making him an ideal fit alongside Dončić.

The former San Antonio Spurs big man can also toggle between the center and power forward spots. He can man the paint for the Lakers or play the 4 alongside Deandre Ayton or Walker Kessler, who is reportedly LA’s primary offseason target.

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Grimes struggled from 3-point distance during his 2025-26 campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he is a 36.6% career shooter from behind 22 feet, so there’s hope he can regain his efficiency.

The 6-foot-5 combo guard is also a versatile scorer and playmaker who averaged 13.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, and 3.3 apg this past season. With Kennard out and Smart likely going to Houston, Grimes will be a desperately needed backcourt piece.

If the report holds true, Mamukelashvili and Grimes could be part of the Lakers as they begin their post-James era and usher in Dončić as the unquestioned franchise superstar.

NBA Rumors: Pistons ’Not Interested’ in Acquiring 3-Time All-Star in Jalen Duren Sign-and-Trade

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to center Jalen Duren (0) in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to center Jalen Duren (0) in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

With NBA free agency underway, one restricted free agent is drawing a ton of interest: the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star center, Jalen Duren. Reportedly, Duren and the Pistons are at an impasse in negotiations.

However, the Pistons’ ability to match any offer sheet and their reluctance to lose him in sign-and-trade packages mean they still hold all the cards in the Duren sweepstakes.

This spells bad news for the Sacramento Kings, according to recent reports from The Athletic.

Pistons Not Interested In Duren Sign And Trade Package Involving Kings Center

According to a recent article by Sam Amick of The Athletic, Duren would prefer a path out of Detroit due to the contractual stand-off and has scheduled meetings on Tuesday with the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the Kings’ three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis is of no interest to the Pistons in a setback for Sacramento.

Per Amick: “Duren, as The Athletic has reported, is a restricted free agent who is taking meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings on Tuesday with the hopes of finding a sign-and-trade pathway out of town.”

“The gap in negotiations between Duren and the Pistons sparked this strategy, but it remains possible the two sides eventually strike a deal…”

“Detroit does not have interest in the Kings’ scenario, which would send three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis their way as a replacement for Duren, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.”

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The Kings are looking for a young marquee name to kick-start their rebuild; meanwhile, Luka Dončić of the Lakers is looking for an elite pick-and-roll partner at center, and with LeBron James moving elsewhere in free agency, they now have the cap space to acquire him.

Duren would therefore fit the bill in both instances.

However, according to Dave McMenamin’s ESPN article, don’t expect the Pistons to entertain any sign-and-trade offers as they have every intention of signing him.

“The Pistons, however, say they are not interested in any sign-and-trade deals for Duren and will match any potential offer sheet he signs.”

The Pistons still hold the cards on Duren, who had a sensational All-Star season for them, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65%.

With their feelings clear that they wish to match any potential offer sheet and turn down a Sabonis trade with the Kings, all signs point to Duren and the Pistons eventually striking a deal, barring a late change of heart.

BREAKING: Suns Steal Key Sharpshooter Away From Rival Lakers With $13,000,000 Contract

BREAKING: Suns Steal Key Sharpshooter Away From Rival Lakers With $13,000,000 Contract
BREAKING: Suns Steal Key Sharpshooter Away From Rival Lakers With $13,000,000 Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to bring back unrestricted free agent Luke Kennard after the sharpshooter guard impressed during his stay in Los Angeles. Acquired before the February trade deadline in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, Kennard provided much-needed shooting to space the floor for the Lakers’ superstars.

After Kennard played well in the postseason, the Lakers knew that keeping Kennard wouldn’t be easy. Now, hours into free agency, LA’s fear came true.

Suns Sign Luke Kennard to $13 Million Deal

Kennard played 32 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest while shooting 44.8% from deep to help make life a little easier for Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. For the season, he led the NBA in 3-point efficiency with 47.8%.

Kennard is extremely valuable in the modern NBA, so it didn’t take long for another team to swoop in and steal Kennard away from the Lakers. What makes this loss even worse for Los Angeles is that the sharpshooter decided to join the Lakers’ Western Conference rival, the Phoenix Suns.

On Tuesday, ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news about the nine-year guard.

“Free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, with a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.

Kennard helped his stock during the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 3-pointers while shooting 47.4% from the 3-point range. Across the Lakers’ first two wins of the series, Kennard totaled 50 points on 72.7% shooting from deep. With Dončić missing the entire postseason and with Reaves sidelined for several games as well, Kennard took on an increased role in the starting lineup and delivered, helping LA defeat Houston in six games.

While the shooting was as good as advertised, Kennard also proved that he was a reliable playmaker. He helped ease the burden on James and Marcus Smart in setting up the offense.

In the next round against the Thunder, Kennard continued his impressive play. Despite Oklahoma City’s elite defense, he still averaged 10.0 points on 58.3% shooting, including a sizzling-hot 57.1% clip from behind the arc.

The Suns were linked to Kennard even before the start of free agency, so this isn’t a huge surprise. Still, it’s a significant loss for the Lakers, who also learned on Tuesday that LeBron James won’t be returning next season.

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Kennard will provide a boost to the Suns’ offense after the team traded Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday in the Miles Bridges deal.

With Jalen Green and Devin Booker penciled in as starters, Kennard joins a talented backcourt and provides some much-needed shooting for a team that’s trying to build on last year’s 45 wins.

BREAKING: Nets Agree to $18,000,000 Contract With Premier 3-and-D Guard

BREAKING: Nets Agree to $18,000,000 Contract With Premier 3-and-D Guard
BREAKING: Nets Agree to $18,000,000 Contract With Premier 3-and-D Guard

The Brooklyn Nets have been through the wringer over the past several years. After patiently recovering from their disastrous Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett trade, they managed to bring in the star trio of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant.

However, the Big 3 lasted less than two full seasons together before the franchise had to start over. As the Nets look to embrace youth and build a sustainable future, they’re assembling a solid core and have landed a potential steal of a signing on the first day of NBA free agency.

Nets Sign Ideal Guard in Keon Ellis

Keon Ellis was an undrafted free-agent signing for the Sacramento Kings in 2022. Like many other guards for the franchise, his stock continued to improve before he was traded to a better situation.

An ideal 3-and-D guard, Ellis excels at the little things, making him the perfect role player on any squad. As a result, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were looking to bolster their guard depth behind Donovan Mitchell and Harden, brought him in as a bench piece midway through this past season.

Continuing his upward trajectory, Ellis averaged 8.3 points per game in 24.8 minutes per game for Cleveland. Despite shooting 49.1% from the field as a 6-foot-4 guard, he made his living on the defensive side of the ball, adding over 2 stocks a night.

The 26-year-old later contributed in spurts to the Cavaliers’ 2026 Eastern Conference finals run. However, he was in the final year of a three-year, $5.1 million contract.

With Cleveland potentially looking at bigger fish, such as LeBron James, resources were going to be hard to come by for the rest of the roster. As a result, the Nets were able to swoop in and add a quality piece to their growing asset pool.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news on X, detailing Ellis’ new contract.

“Free agent guard Keon Ellis has agreed to a two-year, $18 million guaranteed deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported.

After making five selections in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn added two more first-rounders this year, picking dynamic guard Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6) and versatile, high-IQ forward Joshua Jefferson (No. 28).

Between Ellis’ addition, their incoming rookies, young pieces like 6-foot-8 floor general Egor Dёmin and offensive-minded veterans Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., the Nets could be in store for a noticeable improvement from their 20-62 finish in the 2025-26 campaign.

Georgia Football Season Preview: Biggest Opponents, Possible Upsets and More

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia has a history of excellence in the Kirby Smart era. Smart’s team hasn’t lost more than three college football games in a season since 2016. However, every run of dominance eventually runs out of juice. Will 2026 be that year?

Here’s a look at the schedule, starting with the biggest opponents and toughest matchups for Gunner Stockton and Smart.

Top 3 Biggest Opponents On Georgia’s Schedule

The first game of the season is always one of the biggest games. It sets the tone for the season, and a loss can take a month to erase. The Bulldogs shouldn’t have much trouble with Tennessee State, but even a semi-close game could raise anxiety heading into the rest of the season.

If the Bulldogs implode at any point, fingers could point back to this game as the first hint that something was broken.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are coming off a season in which the team produced the runner-up Heisman trophy winner, Diego Pavia. The Oct. 3 matchup will have plenty of eyes on it, and expect the Commodores to put the team’s best foot forward in an attempt to remind fans that programs make players.

The Georgia Bulldogs struggled against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in 2025, winning a slugfest 16-9. Gunner Stockton will have every reason to view the game as a measuring stick of his progress. If he struggles against the team again, it could undercut his draft stock and leave a sickening feeling for fans heading into the playoffs.

3 Games Where Kirby Smart’s Squad Will Fall Short

Georgia’s season came to an end against the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sugar Bowl last season. Unless Kirby Smart comes up with a winning game plan, all signs point to a similar result on Nov .7. The contest will take place in Trinidad Chambliss’ building, so things will be that much more difficult for the Bulldogs.

Georgia lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025 by a score of 21-24 when the two teams duked it out on Sept. 27. Ty Simpson is gone, but he wasn’t on the map heading into the 2025 season either. Smart could be blindsided once again if he’s not careful.

If the Bulldogs coast to a 3-0 start, the Oklahoma Sooners could be a sneaky difficult game if Smart lets his foot off the gas. The Sooners earned double-digit wins in two of the last three seasons, so don’t expect Oklahoma to roll over even if it has already lost at least one game heading into the contest.

Overview

The Bulldogs are in great shape for another breakout season. Gunner Stockton took a big step forward in 2025, and 2026 will be his chance to make an NFL case. As such, almost like an NFL player in a contract year, expect Stockton to pull out every stop. Georgia might be able to make a run at the national championship in 2026.

Here’s a look at the regular season road to get there, courtesy of ESPN.

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Iran World Cup Team Leaves Farewell Message About 'Humanity And Dignity'

Iran’s soccer team thanked the people of Tijuana on Tuesday for their hospitality at the World Cup following the side’s group-stage elimination, saying Mexico had become “our second home and our second team”.

Political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced Iran to abandon plans to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, and relocate to Tijuana shortly before the tournament.

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The Iranian team was also only allowed to enter the U.S. a day before its games. The U.S. authorities later eased some restrictions, permitting Iran to travel two days before its final group game in Seattle, although the team was still required to return to its Mexican base afterwards.

“True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana,” the team said in a message published on the team’s WhatsApp channel.

“From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team.”

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Fans gather outside the hotel where the Iranian national soccer team was staying in Tijuana, Mexico, to bid farewell to the players.
Fans gather outside the hotel where the Iranian national soccer team was staying in Tijuana, Mexico, to bid farewell to the players. Anadolu via Getty Images

Earlier in the tournament, Iran left a message in its SoFi Stadium locker room also thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality after hosting two of Iran’s Group G matches.

However, coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi both publicly criticized the arrangements during the tournament, saying the team had not been treated on the same basis as other participants.

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The statement also raised concerns about what Iran described as a lack of competitive fairness.

“We leave this World Cup with pride, but also with one fundamental question: Did every team truly compete under equal conditions and equal professional standards?” the team said.

Iran did not directly name FIFA, tournament organizers or U.S. authorities, but referred to “a series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances that undermined the sense of fairness.”

The country was denied an injury-time winner by a tight offside call in its final group game against Egypt which would have earned the team a place in the last 32.

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“For us, Fair Play is not a slogan printed on advertising boards; it is the very identity of football. Yet this tournament reminded us that there is still a significant distance between inspiring words and meaningful actions,” the statement said.

However, Egypt also came in for praise.

World Cups come to an end. Administrators change. But civilizations such as Iran, Egypt, and Mexico — built upon truth, respect, and human dignity — endure through history,” it said.

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