Williamson’s deal will be for five years and will last through the 2027-28 season.
When Williamson was asked about signing an extension with New Orleans following the Pelicans’ first-round loss to the Phoenix Suns, the 2021 All-Star said that he “couldn’t sign it fast enough.”
Injuries have plagued Williamson’s career during his young career, but when he’s been healthy, he’s been an All-Star, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 61.1 percent shooting from the field.
HENDERSON, Nev. — It’s not often a team that just played in the postseason undergoes a massive rehaul, from front office philosophy to on-the-field playcalling. Yet, here are the Las Vegas Raiders, implementing a certain Patriot Way via the arrivals of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler in January from New England.
As such, McDaniels and Ziegler are trying to put a shine on the outfit that endured the Jon Gruden/Henry Ruggs III/Damon Arnette controversies and a 1-5 midseason stretch to win four straight games at the end of the season to finish 10-7 and force their way into the playoffs for just the second time since 2002. Talent on the offensive side of the ball already exists, so not much finagling had to happen, but the new regime was able to swing a trade for the best receiver in the game to make the No. 11 overall offense a threat to be a top-five unit.
The last time the Raiders brought in a new coach, Gruden took a wrecking ball to the roster. The new regime, at least for now, seems to have taken a polishing rag to the roster. And, as owner Mark Davis said, it’s not a reset so much as taking a next step.
Breaking down the offense and judging whether the units within are better, worse or the same is an exercise in patience — hurrying up to wait and see if McDaniels truly learned from his last painful experience as a head coach with the Denver Broncos in 2009-10. Already with the reputation of an elite playcaller — especially in the red zone, an Achilles’ heel for the Raiders of late — McDaniels has the pieces in place (the No. 6 passing attack in the NFL, the No. 18-ranked scoring team) to, yes, take that next step.
Of course, a million times of course, the Raiders’ QB situation should be better with the additions of the best receiver in the game in Davante Adams and an elite playcaller in McDaniels. But keep this in mind — not only is Carr learning an entirely new offense, the QB room is almost also entirely new with Mariota gone.
Plus, Carr’s QBR dropped precipitously the last two times he changed playcallers, going from 56.1 in 2016 under Bill Musgrave to 50.5 in 2017 under Todd Downing to 46.5 in 2018 under Jon Gruden. Carr’s QBR last year with Gruden and then Greg Olson taking over upon Gruden’s resignation? Try 52.4, a year after a career-best 64.3.
Given the amount of front-line talent and depth added to Jacobs, who has averaged more than 1,000 yards rushing a year in his three seasons, and Drake, who was coming into his own in the offense before a broken right ankle ended his season in Week 13, the No. 28-ranked rushing attack in the NFL has to be better, right?
Bolden knows the offense and was not brought in to simply be a mentor. Using a fourth-round pick on White should portend the future at the position, especially since Jacobs did not have his fifth-year option picked up by the new regime. In any event there are power backs (Jacobs and White), pass-catching backs (Bolden and Drake) and short-yardage backs (Johnson) in this group, so McDaniels has a variety from which to pick and play.
While rumors were flying that Waller, who is in line for a contract extension, was in line to be traded, the former Pro Bowler was instead watching old tape of Rob Gronkowski doing his thing in McDaniels’ offense to better prepare himself for a similar role. And if Waller can stay healthy — he missed six games with knee and back issues — he will be the perfect complement to Adams, who will take the top off of defenses, and Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow, who will work underneath from the slot.
But Waller, who set a franchise record with 107 catches in 2020, had just 55 last season and you have to wonder if his production goes down again with the addition of Adams, the emergence of Renfrow and Carr’s ever-growing trust in Moreau. Especially with said extension in play.
Adding the best receiver in the NFL who, I don’t know if you’ve heard this yet but, also happens to be the college bestie of the QB? Yeah, the Raiders receiver room is the best it has been since Carr entered the NFL in 2014. Adams has averaged 108 catches for 1,328 yards and 12 TDs the last four years. Him joining Waller and Renfrow gives the Raiders one of the most feared pass-catching trios in the league. Period.
The additions of Hollins and Robinson provide some versatility and special teams opportunities, but it all revolves around Adams and how quickly he and Carr can reignite their chemistry without upsetting the vibe already set with Waller and Renfrow. Tim Brown and Jerry Rice 2.0? Pump the brakes a bit there, but this is the best WR room since the two Hall of Famers wore Silver and Black at the turn of the century.
Are the Raiders really going to run it back with the same O-line that contributed to Carr being sacked 40 times in 2021, the second-most of his career? On the surface, it looks like it. But the two keys could be Good, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee in the opener last year, regaining his form and, thus, his position at right guard, and Leatherwood, last year’s first-round pick, regaining his right tackle spot after being relegated to right guard in Week 5.
The fact the new regime selected an interior lineman (Parham) with its first pick spoke volumes. A summer O-line prediction, then — LT Miller, LG Parham, C James, RG Good, RT Leatherwood, with Parker the swing tackle. Not sexy, but workable. Unless it collapses — again — and serves as another built-in excuse.
Arsenal starlet William Saliba will wear the no.2 shirt next season upon his return to the Premier League side, according to the Premier League website.
The 21-year-old defender was initially handed no.4 when he joined the club in 2019, but lost it last summer upon the arrival of Ben White, who took it off the then on-loan Frenchman.
Now back with the side, it appears as though he will have to settle for a new number, though it is the same one that he donned while on loan most recently with Marseilles.
William Saliba has been handed the number 2 shirt for the upcoming season according to the Premier League website. He previously wore number 4 which Benjamin White took when he joined. Héctor Bellerín previously wore number 2. pic.twitter.com/Xdgg7jlSsz
The change hints that, as was always likely, Hector Bellerin (who formerly wore that shirt) will be leaving the club once again this summer after a successful loan spell at Real Betis.
Pepe free to leave
In more unsurprising news, Arsenal are open to a loan move away for club-record signing Nicolas Pepe, who has flattered to deceive in north London and only managed 681 minutes in the top flight last campaign.
There seem to be few possible destinations for the Ivorian on a permanent deal, though the arrival of Christophe Galtier at PSG may change that. However, at present, it seems as though a loan move with an option to buy at around £20m is the most likely outcome this summer.
Arsenal are now openly seeking suitors for club-record signing Nicolas Pepe.
Given valuation/wages, a loan move away from the club is the most likely outcome. Aware that Spain is a possible destination.
Jaren Jackson Jr. went under the knife on Wednesday to address a stress fracutre in his right foot, per the Memphis Grizzlies.
BREAKING: Memphis Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr., underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for 4-to-6 months, sources tell ESPN. Jackson is expected to make a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/RBFlyYiiUq
Jackson is coming a breakout season after averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a League-best 2.3 blocks per game in his fourth year in the NBA. Jackson was integral in the Grizzlies finishing second in the West with a 56-26 regular-season record.
The pairing Jackson has formed with Ja Morant has made the Grizzlies one of the more dangerous up-and-coming squads in the NBA going into the 2022-23 campaign. As long as the team stays healthy, there’s no telling how quickly they’ll become a title threat in the coming future.
Ja Morant has reportedly agreed to a max extension deal that’ll last five years on Thursday, per his agent and NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has agreed on a five-year, $193M designated rookie maximum extension that could become worth $231M, his agent Jim Tanner of @_TandemSE tells ESPN.
After four seasons, Morant has emerged as a certified superstar after winning Most Improved Player of the year, earning his first All-Star bid, and being named to the All-NBA Second Team. Morant also averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while leading Memphis to a 56-26 record, good for second place in the Western Conference. Morant led the Grizzlies to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs before Memphis fell to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in six games.
“Over the past three seasons, Ja has truly emerged as an NBA superstar and must-see TV,” Jim Tanner, Morant’s agent, told ESPN. “From Rookie of the Year to NBA All-Star starter, to All-NBA Second Team and Most Improved Player, we are incredibly proud of him for his dedication to improving his game and developing into a team leader. The Grizzlies are a perfect fit for Ja. The organization and the city have embraced him.
“The sky is the limit for Ja both on and off the court, and we look forward to helping him continue to build his legacy in the league.”
Morant and the Grizzlies will look to take the next step as one of the youngest and hard-nosed teams in the League. Led by Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, this Grizzlies team could be a threat for many years to come. They even have a budding rivalry brewing with the 2022 champion Warriors. Morant and Draymond Green have gone back and forth on Twitter. Klay Thompson called Jackson out for some tweets he perceived as disrespectful.
The young and hungry Grizzlies vs. the grizzled veteran Warriors could be the best NBA feud since the Kings and Lakers, Lakers and Spurs, or even Cavaliers and Pistson when LeBron James was coming up in the League as a young and upcoming threat to the NBA’s hierarchy.
Bradley Beal has inked a five-year deal to stay in Washington, per his agent.
All-Star guard Bradley Beal has agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to stay with the Washington Wizards, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
Beal agreed to the deal shortly after declining to sign his player option during the extension deadline on Wednesday. The former lottery pick was the subject of many reports and rumors saying he was prepared to leave Washington for greener pastures. However, Beal stayed the course and is locked in with the Wizards for the foreseeable future.
The three-time All-Star averaged 23.2 points and 6.6 assists per game before receiving season-ending surgery on his wrist in February.
P.J. Tucker will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a reported three-year, $33.2 million deal, Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported.
As expected, Tucker will rejoin his former close teammate, James Harden, in downtown Philly. Franchise big Joel Embiid was hardly campaigning for the club to chase Tucker this offseason.
Tucker is off from a great 2021-2022 season with the Miami Heat, averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.9 minutes while shooting 45.1 percent from three. He took a gamble and turned down his player option to ink a much bigger paycheck.
Other than Tucker, lead executive Daryl Morey has snagged two familiar and former Houston Rockets members, as swingman Danuel House has agreed on a two-year, $8.5MM deal (via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN) and Trevelin Queen (link).
COMMERCE CITY, CO – JUNE 25: Taylor Kornieck #20 of the United States celebrates scoring with Megan Rapinoe #15 during a game between Colombia and USWNT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on June 25, 2022 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
As Pride Month comes to a close, FanSided celebrates LGBTQ+ heroes across 10 professional sports leagues for paving the way to a more inclusive future.
The present moment is one of polarity for queer people in sports.
Visibility is higher than ever, with women’s sports stars like Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Brittney Griner and Katie Sowers recognized for their contributions to the game. Last year, Carl Nassib became the NFL’s first openly gay active player, long after college defensive lineman Michael Sam came out before the 2014 NFL Draft.
At the same time, it’s a fraught time for queer people in the United States.
A recent poll indicates that most Americans do not think that trans women and girls should compete in sports with other women and girls. There is the “Don’t Say Gay” law recently passed in Florida, which many queer athletes have vehemently opposed, yet there’s traction for this kind of law gaining in other U.S. states.
Then there’s the striking down of Roe v. Wade, which means accessing safe abortions will be so much more difficult for many cisgender women, trans men, and non-binary individuals. On the day the decision was announced, Justin Clarence Thomas made it clear that he’s coming for gay marriage next — which has only been constitutionally protected since 2015.
Despite all the visibility, acceptance is relative, and it is gendered. Women’s sports have become a safe space for queer athletes, while men’s sports are still far behind in this regard. Rapinoe and Bird are one of many lesbian power couples seen across the women’s sports landscape, while few men share their sexuality publicly — and when they do, they risk being ostracized. Who would feel comfortable coming out on a baseball team with players that said Jesus “encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would abstain from that behavior”?
After the U.S. Supreme Court removed federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade, Rapinoe delivered an unplanned speech about what this meant for vulnerable Americans.
The next day, Rapinoe and the USNWT defeated Colombia 3-0, continuing a 68-game unbeaten streak at home.
Rapinoe’s resilience demonstrates what queer athletes have been doing for decades: fighting for their rights and the rights of others off the field while they strive to build legendary resumes on it.
With LGBTQ+ pride in mind, here are the athletes who broke barriers for queer folk across ten different professional sports leagues.
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns have reportedly finalized a four-year supermax extension that he will likely sign sometime next week per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Phoenix Suns and All-NBA guard Devin Booker are finalizing a four-year, $214 million supermax contract extension that he’s set to sign as soon as next week, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium.
Booker will also be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23, per sources.
Booker has played a significant role in the Suns’ resurgent rise to the top of the Western Conference standings over the last two seasons. He’s earned his All-Star stripes the last three seasons and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career last year after averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 46.6 percent shooting from the field and 38.3 percent shooting from deep.
Charania also reported that D-Book will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K23.
Nikola Jokic has reportedly signed the richest deal in NBA history on Thursday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, the richest deal in NBA history, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Fifth season (2027-28) will be a player option at $60M.
The back-to-back MVP and the Nuggets agreed to a five-year $264 million supermax contract extension. The Joker reportedly also has a player option worth $60 million for the 2027-28 season. The 27-year-old center has led the Nuggets to the playoffs each of the last four seasons, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2020.
This last season, Jokic led the Nuggets to a 48-34 record and a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference playoffs while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. missed most if not all of the season due to respective knee and back injuries. The Joker averaged 26.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 57.5 percent shooting from the field. Jokic also led the League in player efficiency for the second year in a row.
“I would like it, of course, but it’s not something that I’m deciding,” Jokic said, per Sam Amick of The Athletic when asked about winning another MVP. “I think of course if it’s offered—if (the) offer is on the table—of course, I’m going to accept it because I really like the organization and really like the people who work here.”
Amick reported that Denver was expected to offer Jokic a five-year, $254 million extension that would make him the highest-paid player in the game. Assuming Murray comes back near his top form, Porter Jr. is healthy, and Jokic continues to play at a high level, the Nuggets could be a significant playoff threat next season.
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