Bobby Portis intends to sign a three-year, $44-million contract to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks,...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a> intends to sign a three-year, $44-million contract to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939430268730818883">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The deal includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season, Charania adds, and will bypass Portis' $13.4-million player option for the 2025-2026 season.Portis has been with the Bucks for the last five seasons and has earned Sixth Man of the Year votes in three of those campaigns. He only suited up in 49 contests last year due to a 25-game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy. Portis averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in 2024-2025.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Chicago Bulls selected Portis in the first round of the 2015 draft. He spent four years in Chicago before playing for the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks. Portis has averaged 12 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest in 654 career games.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Portis returning to Bucks on 3-year, $44M deal

The Edmonton Oilers are ready to begin contract extension negotiations with Connor McDavid but ar...

The Edmonton Oilers are ready to begin contract extension negotiations with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> but are just waiting for the superstar forward to come to the table."We're very eager to do that whenever they're ready," general manager Stan Bowman said Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/contract-talks-will-begin-whenever-connor-mcdavid-is-ready-says-edmonton-oilers-gm?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">Derek Van Diest of NHL.com</a>."I think Connor has earned the right to choose when he wants to get into the details of it, and we're ready right now; he knows that. He's right that July 1 is a date where we can officially sign him to a contract, but besides that, it's just another date, and it doesn't really change the process at all."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McDavid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301985" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301985">said</a> at his end-of-season press conference earlier in June that he would take some time to speak with his agent and family before discussing an extension with Edmonton."We haven't talked to him at all about his contract," Bowman added. "It's really just been talking to him about our team and how we can improve and what he sees and that kind of stuff. So, the conversations haven't even started as far as a contract."McDavid is entering the final season of an eight-year, $100-million contract he signed in 2017 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The 28-year-old has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Oilers after being drafted first overall by the club in 2015.Edmonton is coming off another loss in the finals to the Florida Panthers, marking the second straight season McDavid fell just short of securing his first Stanley Cup.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1700">Jeff Skinner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4556" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4556">Derek Ryan</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1994" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1994">John Klingberg</a> are among the Oilers set to become UFAs on Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>, the 25-year-old defenseman who led Edmonton in ice time last season, is set to become a restricted free agent.McDavid has won three Hart Trophies since entering the league. He has 361 goals and 721 assists in 712 career regular-season contests.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 17: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the second period against the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Oilers GM: Contract talks with McDavid will begin 'whenever they're ready'

Xavier Griffin, a top-30 recruit in ESPN's 300, committed to Alabama on Sunday.  Listed as the th...

Xavier Griffin, a top-30 recruit in <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/256776/xavier-griffin">ESPN's 300</a>, committed to Alabama on Sunday.Listed as the third-highest-rated linebacker and the third-best recruit in the state of Georgia, Griffin chose the Crimson Tide over Ohio State, Texas, and Florida State.The four-star prospect stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 205 pounds. In eight games as a junior at Gainesville High School, Griffin racked up 43 tackles and six sacks, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/player/xavier-griffin-46142592/">247 Sports</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Griffin becomes Alabama's highest-ranked commitment in the 2026 class, which also includes ESPN 300 recruits Ezavier Crowell (running back) and Jorden Edmonds (cornerback).

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 28: An Alabama Crimson Tide football helmet sits on the sideline prior to the college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 28, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL.

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Top-30 recruit Griffin commits to Alabama

Bojan Bogdanovic is retiring from the NBA after 10 seasons, he announced Sunday.   "Sometimes in ...

Bojan Bogdanovic is retiring from the NBA after 10 seasons, he announced Sunday. "Sometimes in life, you don't choose the moment. The moment chooses you. After 14 months of battling a foot injury, two surgeries, and countless efforts to get back on the court, the time has come to close a chapter," Bogdanovic said in a <a href="https://x.com/ScottAgness/status/1939337255409070394">statement</a>."After more than two decades in the game, the moment has arrived to say goodbye to basketball. Not just as a sport, but as a part of who I am."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bogdanovic suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks during his career.The 36-year-old was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for a second stint with the team last July but never suited up with the club in 2024-25 after undergoing foot surgery. He last played for the Knicks in 2024.Bogdanovic was a star player in Europe before transitioning to the NBA in 2014. He earned NBA All-Rookie second-team honors in his first campaign after signing a three-year deal to join the Nets.The Croatian was known for being a sharpshooter from distance, averaging 15.6 points per game on 39.4% shooting from the three-point line.

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 15: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts against the Houston Rockets at Barclays Center on January 15, 2017 in Brooklyn borough of New York City.

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Bogdanovic retires after 10 NBA seasons

Ace Bailey said he had "no idea" the Utah Jazz were interested in drafting him after the franchis...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171836" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171836">Ace Bailey</a> said he had "no idea" the Utah Jazz were interested in drafting him after the franchise selected him fifth overall Wednesday night, according to <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2025/06/25/ace-bailey-reacts-surprise-utah/">The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen</a>.Utah wasn't among Bailey's preferred destinations, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45586394/jazz-ace-bailey-preferred-landing-spots">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a> added.The Rutgers product was the only American in the class who didn't work out for a single NBA team after declining several requests heading into the draft.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I can control what I can control," Bailey said when asked to address people who don't believe he wanted to go to the Jazz, according to Larsen. "They feel how they feel. But my team and me, me focusing on basketball and them doing what they're doing, so it happens."Although Bailey was unaware of the Jazz's interest, general manager Danny Ainge was excited to draft the young small forward."We really like him as a player and a fit in our program," Ainge told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45586394/jazz-ace-bailey-preferred-landing-spots">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a> after making the selection.Bailey, 18, spent his only season in college with the Scarlet Knights alongside second overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171821" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171821">Dylan Harper</a>. The 6-foot-10 Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds on 46% shooting during the 2024-25 campaign.Utah finished at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 17-65 record last season. The Jazz also added Florida standout guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171835" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171835">Walter Clayton Jr.</a> in yesterday's draft after trading up to No. 18 with the Washington Wizards.

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 25: Ace Bailey poses for a photo after being drafted fifth overall by the Utah Jazz during the 2025 NBA Draft - Round One on June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Bailey: 'No idea' Jazz were interested in drafting me

Collin Murray-Boyles looked upset after getting selected to the Toronto Raptors in the first roun...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171807" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171807">Collin Murray-Boyles</a> <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1938042649744662863">looked upset</a> after getting selected to the Toronto Raptors in the first round of Wednesday's draft. He shook his head and appeared to say "f--k" seconds after Adam Silver read the pick.However, the former South Carolina forward dismissed the narrative that he was disappointed in his landing spot."Just disbelief," Murray-Boyles said of the viral reaction to going ninth overall, according to <a href="https://x.com/JLew1050/status/1938062081267294285">TSN's Josh Lewenberg</a>. "Toronto is the first team that I worked out for. What I said was not a bad thing. Just very thankful. That was a surreal moment. This organization has a good history."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He <a href="https://x.com/JLew1050/status/1938071502160548103">added</a>: "I'm super excited. I know how passionate the fans are, how diverse the city of Toronto is. To see that and to be around that environment on a daily basis is something that is going to make me a better player. That environment is amazing, the city is great."The Raptors' social team had fun with the internet's response, posting a picture with Murray-Boyles smiling after joining the club.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
See guys, he’s happy!! 😂 <a href="https://t.co/CDwAmxLZQr">pic.twitter.com/CDwAmxLZQr</a>— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/1938057868609007795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"WTF, for sure," Murray-Boyles said, also explaining his reaction on <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1938057215039955201">NBA TV</a>. "WTF all the way, until my name got called. It was crazy ... I almost shed a tear. But, I tried to keep my composure. It's surreal. I dreamed of this when I was a kid. ... My passport is in my book bag."The 20-year-old spent two seasons with the Gamecocks before entering the 2025 draft. He missed time during his freshman year due to mono but thrived when he returned to action. Murray-Boyles earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023-2024 and also received a Freshman of the Week award in February.Murray-Boyles played in 32 contests last season, averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on 60% shooting. He was also known for being a physical defender during his tenure at South Carolina.

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Murray-Boyles downplays reaction to Raps pick: 'Just disbelief'

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht to contrac...

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht to contract extensions, the team announced Thursday.The Buccaneers didn't disclose the details of the contracts, but both are multi-year deals, according to <a href="http://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1938209388814016971">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Bowles and Licht have won three consecutive NFC South crowns together since Bowles became the head coach in 2022. Tampa Bay has a 27-24 regular-season record during that stretch and reached the divisional round of the playoffs in 2023.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 61-year-old Bowles served as the defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers from 2019 to 2021 before being promoted to head coach, replacing Bruce Arians following his decision to step down and assume a senior football consultant role with the club.Bowles helped Tampa Bay secure a dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl XXII. He's the first head coach to receive a contract extension from the team since Jon Gruden in 2008 and is four wins away from tying Arians for the most victories as a head coach in franchise history.Licht has been the general manager since 2014. The 54-year-old has an 85-95 regular-season record during his Buccaneers tenure with one Super Bowl ring. Tampa Bay leads the NFL in total snaps and starts by homegrown players drafted in Rounds 1–5 since hiring Licht, per <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1938209661150204185">Schefter</a>.

TAMPA, FL - SEP 09: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles talks with General Manager Jason Licht during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Mini Camp workout on May 09, 2025 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Florida.

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Bucs signing Bowles, GM Licht to reported multi-year extensions

Fred VanVleet is signing a new two-year, $50-million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources told ...

Fred VanVleet is signing a new two-year, $50-million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937906900072354157">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The Rockets are declining the guard's $44.9-million team option from his previous contract to facilitate the deal, Charania adds. VanVleet's new pact reportedly includes a player option for the 2026-27 season.The 31-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 60 regular-season games in 2024-25. VanVleet helped guide Houston to its first postseason appearance since 2020, as the club secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>VanVleet upped his production in the postseason, tallying 18.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in the Rockets' seven-game opening-round series loss to the Golden State Warriors.The eight-year veteran earned an All-Star nod in 2022 with the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet inked a three-year, $128.5-million deal with Houston during the 2023 offseason.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 2: Fred VanVleet (5) of Houston Rockets in action against Stephen Curry (30) of Golden State Warriors during NBA Playoffs game 6 between Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on May 2, 2025 in San Francisco, California, United States.

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Report: VanVleet to sign new 2-year, $50M deal with Rockets

Cooper Flagg says he isn't worried about the expectations that could come with being the face of ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> says he isn't worried about the expectations that could come with being the face of the Dallas Mavericks after Luka Doncic's departure. "I wouldn't look at anything as pressure," Flagg told reporters ahead of the NBA draft, according to <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1937590224177234105">Ben Golliver of The Washington Post</a>."I'm not worried about living up to certain players' expectations or things like that. I'm just going to be myself and really try to get better every single day that I can."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Mavericks own the top selection Wednesday night, and Flagg is projected to be taken No. 1 overall. Dallas shocked the sporting world in February by trading Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a stunning three-team deal.Doncic, 26, had been with the Mavericks since being selected third overall in the 2018 draft. He earned five first-team All-NBA nominations during his Dallas tenure and is considered one of the best players in the league.The Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall selection in the NBA draft lottery after a 39-43 season. Flagg, who is only 18 years old, would become the second-youngest player taken with the first pick, behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>.The Duke forward reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class after his sophomore season in high school and graduated after only three years. "A quote my mom likes to say a lot: 'If you're the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym,'" Flagg <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1937591761855189034">said</a> to explain why he decided to leave high school early.Flagg secured the 2025 National Player of the Year award at Duke last season. He averaged 19.2 points per game on 48% shooting with 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Flagg would feel no 'pressure' succeeding Doncic in Dallas

Cornerback Preston Ashley, a 2026 four-star prospect, committed to Colorado, he told On3's Hayes ...

Cornerback Preston Ashley, a 2026 four-star prospect, committed to Colorado, he told <a href="https://x.com/Hayesfawcett3/status/1937578970939048372">On3's Hayes Fawcett</a>.Ashley chose the Buffaloes over Florida and Florida State. His final visit on his recruiting tour was to Boulder last weekend."The visit is what did it," Ashley said, according to <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/4-star-cb-preston-ashley-commits-to-colorado-its-a-great-for-me/">Chad Simmons of On3</a>. "It was the first time there, and everything was right. I fit like a glove there with the system they run. Coach Livingston put Travis Hunter and other guys in a position to make plays, and I think I can do that, too."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ashley added: "The staff has been great. I had that gut feeling before the visit, and when I got there, I knew it was home."The 5-foot-11 defensive back has spent the last three years at Brandon High School in Mississippi, racking up 168 tackles and two interceptions, according to <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ms/brandon/brandon-bulldogs/athletes/preston-ashley/football/stats/?careerid=r6hss24n932sc">Maxpreps.com</a>. He's the No. 13-ranked cornerback and the sixth-highest-rated recruit in the state on the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/playerrankings/_/view/rn300">2026 ESPN 300</a>.Ashley is the first four- or five-star recruit in the 2026 class to commit to Deion Sanders' team.

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 28: Colorado Buffaloes helmet sits on the field during warm ups before a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCF Knights on September 28th, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL.

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Colorado lands 4-star CB Preston Ashley

Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith says Philadelphia has already moved on from last season's Super Bo...

Eagles edge rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188182" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188182">Nolan Smith</a> says Philadelphia has already moved on from last season's Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs."I'm not waiting to get no ring," Smith said on <a href="https://x.com/gmfb/status/1937485165997293602">NFL Network</a> when asked what the culture is like surrounding the team. "We onto the next page. Like coach said, we gotta flip the page in the book."He added: "That's last year, everybody else has moved on to this year. So we can't be stuck in last year."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Philadelphia finished second in the NFC conference with a 14-3 record in 2024 before outscoring opponents 145-77 in four playoff games to secure the franchise's second Super Bowl win in eight seasons.The Eagles' defense led the way to the Lombardi Trophy, allowing an NFL-low 18.1 points per game and topping the league in success rate (39.9%). Philadelphia swarmed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> in the season finale, combining for 11 quarterback hits and six sacks.However, the team's defense lost some key pieces this offseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161873" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161873">Milton Williams</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53740">Darius Slay</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94114" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94114">Josh Sweat</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104127" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104127">C.J. Gardner-Johnson</a> are on new clubs for the 2025 campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14840" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14840">Brandon Graham</a>, the veteran leader of the unit, also retired after a 15-year career with the franchise."The 22 men that helped us accomplish the goal last year, we're just trying to pick up where we left off as far as the connection piece, talking to each other, communicating on and off the field," Smith said.Smith took a massive leap in his second season after being drafted in the first round in 2023. The 24-year-old posted 10.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 20 total games last year.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 09: Nolan Smith Jr. #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts on the sideline in the closing moments during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Eagles' Smith: 'We gotta flip the page' after winning Super Bowl

The New York Knicks are interviewing Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for their vacant...

The New York Knicks are interviewing Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for their vacant head coaching job, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937486420349714653">ESPN's Shams Charnia</a>. Nori will be the third person to formally interview for the position after the team <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">spoke</a> with Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins.The 51-year-old has served as the lead assistant to Chris Finch in Minnesota since 2021. He began his coaching career with the Toronto Raptors in 2009 and also worked with the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. Nori has never been an NBA head coach during his 17-year career.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New York's been in search of a new head coach since firing Tom Thibodeau in early June. They <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299126">reportedly</a> reached out to multiple current head coaches in hopes of interviewing them but were denied by their respective clubs. Those requests included Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd, and Atlanta Hawks boss Quin Snyder.The Knicks finished third in the East with a 51-31 record. They made it to the Eastern Conference finals but fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 29: Assistant coach Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 29, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Report: Knicks to interview T-Wolves assistant Nori

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Indiana's Game 7 defe...

Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Indiana's Game 7 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team announced.His surgery is scheduled for Monday.The injury occurred in the first half Sunday when Haliburton slipped while attempting to drive past <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>. He immediately began pounding the floor in pain and was carried to the locker room by his teammates.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haliburton was playing through a calf strain that intensified after Game 5. He ultimately suited up in Game 6 and didn't have a minutes restriction.The 25-year-old was off to a hot start in the series finale before exiting the contest. He scored nine points on five shot attempts and finished the contest with a game-high three 3-pointers.Haliburton became the third notable player to sustain a torn Achilles in the 2025 NBA playoffs after Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> in Game 4 of the opening round and Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> in Game 4 of the East semifinals against the New York Knicks.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Pacers' Haliburton tore Achilles in Game 7

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been thrilled with the relationship that he's built ...

Chicago Bears quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> has been thrilled with the relationship that he's built with head coach Ben Johnson and the entire coaching staff over the last few months."Ben Johnson is great, and it's not just Ben Johnson," Williams said at Fanatics Fest, according to <a href="https://x.com/RyanGarciaESM/status/1936077357372092514">Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media</a>. "We have a young staff slash old staff, we have a bunch of experience, a bunch of new energy provided by the coaches and players."I think it's been awesome. Ben Johnson, he uses some choice words every day toward me. He's tough, and I love him. He's awesome. It's great being around him."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Johnson was hired this past January after the team fired Matt Eberflus during the 2024 season. Chicago finished 5-12 last year and struggled on the offensive side of the ball with Williams under center. The Bears finished 26th in EPA/play and 30th in offensive success rate, and they failed to score 30-plus points in their final 11 games.The 39-year-old Johnson spent the last three campaigns as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, and the team went 36-15 in 51 regular-season contests during his tenure. Detroit led the NFL in points per contest (33.2) and ranked second in yards per game (409.5) in 2024."We hang out in his office and we just have lunch sometimes, things like that," Williams said. "We're building this bond and relationship to be able to last a while. "I know Bears fans, it's year after year typically, or every other year, where coaches and quarterbacks specifically are in and out and our goal is to be here for a while."Williams was up and down in his rookie year, but he played alongside an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 68 sacks. General manager Ryan Poles bolstered the unit this offseason by adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161908" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161908">Drew Dalman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99866" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99866">Jonah Jackson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/52828" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/52828">Joe Thuney</a>.The 2024 first overall pick will also have new offensive weapons to work with after the Bears selected tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209919" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209919">Colston Loveland</a> and wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210034" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210034">Luther Burden III</a> with their first two picks in this year's draft.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 04: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 04, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois.

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Williams: Johnson brings experience, energy to Bears

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman TJ Brodie cleared unconditional and will have the remainder of his ...

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1492" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1492">TJ Brodie</a> cleared unconditional and will have the remainder of his contract bought out, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1936817303275938043">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>. The buyout means Brodie will count for $3.233 million on Chicago's books in 2025-26 and $258,333 in 2026-27, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/chicago-blackhawks">PuckPedia</a>.Brodie signed a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million as a free agent last summer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He suited up in 54 contests for the Blackhawks in 2024, totaling two goals and eight assists with a minus-18 rating. The 35-year-old consistently struggled in the defensive zone, accumulating just 15:38 minutes of ice time per contest.The Calgary Flames selected Brodie in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs before joining the Blackhawks.

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 23: TJ Brodie #78 of the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 23, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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Blackhawks' Brodie clears waivers for buyout

The Carolina Hurricanes signed left-winger Eric Robinson to a four-year extension, the team annou...

The Carolina Hurricanes signed left-winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7639" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7639">Eric Robinson</a> to a four-year extension, the team announced Friday.Robinson will make an average of $1.7 million per season."It's no surprise to us that Eric had his best professional season last year with Carolina," general manager Eric Tulsky said in a <a href="https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-sign-eric-robinson-to-four-year-extension">statement</a>. "His size and speed make him an excellent fit for the way we want to play, and we are thrilled that he's chosen to remain a Hurricane."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old set career highs in goals (14), assists (18), and games played (82) this season. He also notched three points in 15 playoff appearances before Carolina bowed out in the conference finals.Robinson spent time with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres before joining the Hurricanes in 2024.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 08: Eric Robinson #50 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 8, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Hurricanes sign Robinson to 4-year extension

Steelers cornerback Darius Slay has been impressed with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the short ti...

Steelers cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53740">Darius Slay</a> has been impressed with quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> in the short time they've been together in Pittsburgh. "It's not no coverage he's seen, not nothing he don't know," Slay told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6X6c22DXFk&amp;t=1s">ESPN's Mina Kimes</a>. "So that's just great for us. I've been playing against him - we was in the same division for eight years. I done played him over 20-30 times. Man, he's still doing what he does."Rodgers signed a one-year deal with $10 million fully guaranteed in June and is projected to be the Steelers' starting signal-caller in 2025. The agreement came after months of speculation about whether Rodgers would retire or continue playing after a two-year stint with the New York Jets.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 41-year-old will be tasked with turning around a Steelers passing attack that's struggled to get consistent production in recent years. Over the last two campaigns, Pittsburgh's ranked 23rd in EPA per dropback, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>.Rodgers got off to a slow start last season but was able to finish the year strongly. Over the last five contests of the 2024 campaign, the four-time MVP threw for a combined 1,270 yards with nine touchdowns and a 98.3 passer rating."His arm strength's still there," Slay said. "Of course, it's not like he's 20, but it's still the fact that he can still get the ball to a position where the receiver can make a play on it."Slay, 34, joined the Steelers on a one-year deal this offseason after spending the last five campaigns with the Philadelphia Eagles.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 11: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Steelers' Slay: Rodgers' arm strength 'still there'

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown believes his team's offense can reach new heigh...

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82710" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82710">Orlando Brown</a> believes his team's offense can reach new heights after giving lucrative contracts to wideouts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a>."We're really special," Brown said on <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/orlando-brown-expecting-more-from-special-bengals-offense-following-ja-marr-chase-tee-higgins-extensions">NFL Network</a>. "I'm really proud of the way that we worked this offseason, just with the intent and focus from us as individuals, as players. Everything that the coaches threw at us, we were able to respond really well."I mean, I'm excited, man. At the end of the day, paying Tee and Ja'Marr, making them more comfortable, knowing that they're going to be able to go out there and sell out even more than they have in the past, I think it's only going to make us better, to be honest."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Bengals made Chase the highest-paid wide receiver in the league with a four-year, $161-million extension and handed Higgins a four-year, $115-million deal in March.Cincinnati finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs last campaign due to a slow start to the season. The Bengals won their final five games of the year, but it wasn't enough to secure a wild-card spot in the AFC.The offense wasn't to blame for the lackluster season, though - it ranked sixth in success rate and seventh in EPA/play, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>. Cincinnati's defense, on the other hand, finished 25th in points allowed per contest. The team made sweeping changes on that side of the ball this offseason, including firing longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replacing him with Al Golden."For us, I think the focus has been more on this year as opposed to last year and previous years," Brown said. "There's so many areas that we want to take the next step in. "I think at the end of the day, we know who we are, we know what our DNA is, especially as a team and as an offense. So, we have a ton of confidence in that. To me, I don't think it's necessarily gonna be a ton of carryover, although you think it would be."Brown, 29, has been Cincinnati's starting left tackle since 2023. He allowed three sacks and 20 pressures in 11 contests last year, according to <a href="https://premium.pff.com/nfl/players/2024/REGPO/orlando-brown-jr/46227/offense-pass-blocking">PFF</a>.

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) during an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers on September 29, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C.

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Bengals' Brown: We'll be better after Chase, Higgins got extensions

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia took a shot at the Big Ten, saying he had no interest in leavi...

Vanderbilt quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/176570" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/176570">Diego Pavia</a> took a shot at the Big Ten, saying he had no interest in leaving the Commodores and joining a team in the conference."You want to play with the best - you don't want to play with the Big Ten," Pavia said during an interview with the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoaBycP4p3A">Bussin With The Boys</a>" podcast published Tuesday. "You ignore those calls. You know that."Pavia was granted another year of eligibility by a federal judge in December and made it clear he wanted to remain at Vanderbilt. However, the signal-caller revealed he had offers from other schools, including a $4-million NIL deal to join another SEC program.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"(In the Big Ten) you really only have four games a year," Pavia said. "The SEC, it's like week after week. You're going to get beat on. The Big Ten, you ain't going to get beat on with the Purdue, Nebraskas."He added, "The best pass rushers are from the SEC, except, like, Abdul Carter. You'll find one. You'll have one or two. If the kid from South Carolina (Dylan Stewart) could've left, he would've been a first-round pick."The Big Ten went 15-12 versus other conferences in 2024, while the SEC finished 20-11. However, the Big Ten produced four teams in the College Football Playoff, and the SEC fielded three.Pavia is set to enter his second season as the Commodores' starting quarterback after transferring from New Mexico State. He led Vanderbilt to a 7-6 record last year. The school didn't face any Big Ten programs.The 24-year-old also took aim at the Tennessee Volunteers, saying the Commodores will become the premier school in the state following this season."Vanderbilt's gonna run Tennessee after this year," Pavia said. "This is gonna be the new staple of college football. It's going to happen here at Vanderbilt."He added, "Everyone wants to come to Tennessee because of Nashville. ... Then, when we have, like, the most money in NIL, why not come here? So, we literally just have to win this year and throughout the rest of the year, and it'll take care of itself."Pavia completed 59.4% of his passes last season while throwing for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns.

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 27: Diego Pavia (2) of the Vanderbilt Commodores makes a pass during the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets game versus the Vanderbilt Commodores in the Birmingham Bowl on December 27, 2024 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.

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Pavia rebuffed Big Ten interest, says Vandy will soon 'run' Tennessee

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been impressed with the speed of newly acquired wi...

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been impressed with the speed of newly acquired wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Deebo Samuel</a>."Somewhere along the way, I'd forgotten until (he was) out here how fast he is," Quinn said, according to <a href="https://www.commanders.com/news/dan-quinn-deebo-samuel-kliff-kingsbury">team writer Zach Selby</a>."I can remember one time he just ran by somebody down the field on a deep ball, and I was like, 'Yeah, I forgot about that. So...it didn't surprise me, but it was maybe (that) I missed talking about it to that space because I was easily reminded, he's one of the fastest players on the team."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Washington sent a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Samuel in March. He spent the first six years of his career in the Bay Area after being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft.The 29-year-old is coming off arguably the worst year of his NFL tenure, totaling just 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. He set career lows in catch percentage (63%), success rate (40.7%), and receiving yards per game (44.7).Samuel is projected to be the No. 2 wideout on the Commanders in 2025. The South Carolina product ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine and can lineup all across the field on offense. He's racked up 202 rushing attempts during his six-year career. "He was such a difficult person to tackle that you spent so much time, 'How are you going to tackle this person?'" Quinn said. "And so, sometimes when you're playing against the receiver, you say, 'Man, you better either get him at the line or you better be on top of him.' With him, so many times there were so many runs after catch plays that we had a tackling plan, and how would you go about it?"Samuel's best season came in 2021 when he posted 1,405 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns.

ASHBURN, VA - MAY 28: Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. during the first day of OTA's at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on May 28, 2025.

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Commanders' Quinn: Samuel 'one of the fastest players on the team'

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