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Deadspin | Tigers’ confidence renewed entering home series with Royals  Apr 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) fields a ground ball against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images   The Detroit Tigers enjoyed a confidence-building weekend at home. They’ll try to keep the good vibes going when they host Central Division rival Kansas City in a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.  The Tigers had lost five straight before the Miami Marlins headed north to Michigan for a three-game series. Detroit swept the series by a combined score of 16-3.  “Collectively, you know, the sum of our parts is pretty good,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Just because you lose a game or two doesn’t mean it defines you. … I trust this team and I believe in this team. It doesn’t shock or surprise me. And I hope it doesn’t shock or surprise anybody who follows us.”  Most of their runs came via the long ball. Javier Baez hit a solo shot in the series opener. Riley Greene smashed his first home of the season, a three-run shot, on Saturday.  Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle and Kerry Carpenter went deep in Sunday’s 8-2 victory. It was the first career homer for rookie phenom McGonigle, who had three hits in the series finale to raise his average to .322.  “It meant everything,” McGonigle said of the homer. “Especially doing it in front of this city. I love this place already and I’m looking forward to a long future here. I can’t believe I was able to do that in front of them.”  McGonigle forced his way onto the team with a stellar spring. Hinch has moved the 21-year-old shortstop to the top of the lineup.  “This is just who he is,” Hinch said. “I like that he’s settling into playing every day at this level. Things will normalize for him as the attention settles down.”  Left-hander Framber Valdez (1-1, 4.76 ERA) will start the series opener for Detroit. Valdez gave up just one run in his first two outings, but he was lit up for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings at Minnesota in an 8-6 loss on Wednesday.  Valdez is 2-3 with a 3.29 ERA in nine career outings against Kansas City. He’ll be opposed by Cole Ragans (0-3, 5.91), the first left-hander to start against the Tigers this season.   Ragans was removed in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday after taking a Jose Ramirez liner off his left hand. He avoided a serious injury, as he was diagnosed with a left thumb contusion.  Ragans said he felt he could have stayed in the contest.  “One of those things where it’s probably the right thing to do,” Ragans said. “But I think all of us as competitors, we want to play every chance we get. Obviously aggravating for me, just because I felt so good prior to that, and then something like that happens.”  Ragans is 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA in six career outings against Detroit.  Kansas City split a four-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The Royals lost the series finale on Sunday, 6-5. They had scored just seven runs in their previous five games.  The offense has yet to find a spark. They’ll head to Detroit with a .221 team batting average.  Sluggers Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are both hitting .153.  “I think just with both of them, they’re expanding a little bit more than what they normally do,” manager Matt Quatraro said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Tigers #confidence #renewed #entering #home #series #Royals

Deadspin | Tigers’ confidence renewed entering home series with Royals
Deadspin | Tigers’ confidence renewed entering home series with Royals  Apr 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) fields a ground ball against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images   The Detroit Tigers enjoyed a confidence-building weekend at home. They’ll try to keep the good vibes going when they host Central Division rival Kansas City in a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.  The Tigers had lost five straight before the Miami Marlins headed north to Michigan for a three-game series. Detroit swept the series by a combined score of 16-3.  “Collectively, you know, the sum of our parts is pretty good,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Just because you lose a game or two doesn’t mean it defines you. … I trust this team and I believe in this team. It doesn’t shock or surprise me. And I hope it doesn’t shock or surprise anybody who follows us.”  Most of their runs came via the long ball. Javier Baez hit a solo shot in the series opener. Riley Greene smashed his first home of the season, a three-run shot, on Saturday.  Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle and Kerry Carpenter went deep in Sunday’s 8-2 victory. It was the first career homer for rookie phenom McGonigle, who had three hits in the series finale to raise his average to .322.  “It meant everything,” McGonigle said of the homer. “Especially doing it in front of this city. I love this place already and I’m looking forward to a long future here. I can’t believe I was able to do that in front of them.”  McGonigle forced his way onto the team with a stellar spring. Hinch has moved the 21-year-old shortstop to the top of the lineup.  “This is just who he is,” Hinch said. “I like that he’s settling into playing every day at this level. Things will normalize for him as the attention settles down.”  Left-hander Framber Valdez (1-1, 4.76 ERA) will start the series opener for Detroit. Valdez gave up just one run in his first two outings, but he was lit up for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings at Minnesota in an 8-6 loss on Wednesday.  Valdez is 2-3 with a 3.29 ERA in nine career outings against Kansas City. He’ll be opposed by Cole Ragans (0-3, 5.91), the first left-hander to start against the Tigers this season.   Ragans was removed in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday after taking a Jose Ramirez liner off his left hand. He avoided a serious injury, as he was diagnosed with a left thumb contusion.  Ragans said he felt he could have stayed in the contest.  “One of those things where it’s probably the right thing to do,” Ragans said. “But I think all of us as competitors, we want to play every chance we get. Obviously aggravating for me, just because I felt so good prior to that, and then something like that happens.”  Ragans is 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA in six career outings against Detroit.  Kansas City split a four-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The Royals lost the series finale on Sunday, 6-5. They had scored just seven runs in their previous five games.  The offense has yet to find a spark. They’ll head to Detroit with a .221 team batting average.  Sluggers Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are both hitting .153.  “I think just with both of them, they’re expanding a little bit more than what they normally do,” manager Matt Quatraro said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Tigers #confidence #renewed #entering #home #series #RoyalsApr 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) fields a ground ball against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers enjoyed a confidence-building weekend at home. They’ll try to keep the good vibes going when they host Central Division rival Kansas City in a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.

The Tigers had lost five straight before the Miami Marlins headed north to Michigan for a three-game series. Detroit swept the series by a combined score of 16-3.

“Collectively, you know, the sum of our parts is pretty good,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Just because you lose a game or two doesn’t mean it defines you. … I trust this team and I believe in this team. It doesn’t shock or surprise me. And I hope it doesn’t shock or surprise anybody who follows us.”

Most of their runs came via the long ball. Javier Baez hit a solo shot in the series opener. Riley Greene smashed his first home of the season, a three-run shot, on Saturday.

Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle and Kerry Carpenter went deep in Sunday’s 8-2 victory. It was the first career homer for rookie phenom McGonigle, who had three hits in the series finale to raise his average to .322.

“It meant everything,” McGonigle said of the homer. “Especially doing it in front of this city. I love this place already and I’m looking forward to a long future here. I can’t believe I was able to do that in front of them.”

McGonigle forced his way onto the team with a stellar spring. Hinch has moved the 21-year-old shortstop to the top of the lineup.

“This is just who he is,” Hinch said. “I like that he’s settling into playing every day at this level. Things will normalize for him as the attention settles down.”

Left-hander Framber Valdez (1-1, 4.76 ERA) will start the series opener for Detroit. Valdez gave up just one run in his first two outings, but he was lit up for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings at Minnesota in an 8-6 loss on Wednesday.


Valdez is 2-3 with a 3.29 ERA in nine career outings against Kansas City. He’ll be opposed by Cole Ragans (0-3, 5.91), the first left-hander to start against the Tigers this season.

Ragans was removed in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday after taking a Jose Ramirez liner off his left hand. He avoided a serious injury, as he was diagnosed with a left thumb contusion.

Ragans said he felt he could have stayed in the contest.

“One of those things where it’s probably the right thing to do,” Ragans said. “But I think all of us as competitors, we want to play every chance we get. Obviously aggravating for me, just because I felt so good prior to that, and then something like that happens.”

Ragans is 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA in six career outings against Detroit.

Kansas City split a four-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The Royals lost the series finale on Sunday, 6-5. They had scored just seven runs in their previous five games.

The offense has yet to find a spark. They’ll head to Detroit with a .221 team batting average.

Sluggers Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are both hitting .153.

“I think just with both of them, they’re expanding a little bit more than what they normally do,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tigers #confidence #renewed #entering #home #series #Royals

Apr 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) fields a ground ball against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers enjoyed a confidence-building weekend at home. They’ll try to keep the good vibes going when they host Central Division rival Kansas City in a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.

The Tigers had lost five straight before the Miami Marlins headed north to Michigan for a three-game series. Detroit swept the series by a combined score of 16-3.

“Collectively, you know, the sum of our parts is pretty good,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Just because you lose a game or two doesn’t mean it defines you. … I trust this team and I believe in this team. It doesn’t shock or surprise me. And I hope it doesn’t shock or surprise anybody who follows us.”

Most of their runs came via the long ball. Javier Baez hit a solo shot in the series opener. Riley Greene smashed his first home of the season, a three-run shot, on Saturday.

Dillon Dingler, Kevin McGonigle and Kerry Carpenter went deep in Sunday’s 8-2 victory. It was the first career homer for rookie phenom McGonigle, who had three hits in the series finale to raise his average to .322.

“It meant everything,” McGonigle said of the homer. “Especially doing it in front of this city. I love this place already and I’m looking forward to a long future here. I can’t believe I was able to do that in front of them.”

McGonigle forced his way onto the team with a stellar spring. Hinch has moved the 21-year-old shortstop to the top of the lineup.

“This is just who he is,” Hinch said. “I like that he’s settling into playing every day at this level. Things will normalize for him as the attention settles down.”

Left-hander Framber Valdez (1-1, 4.76 ERA) will start the series opener for Detroit. Valdez gave up just one run in his first two outings, but he was lit up for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings at Minnesota in an 8-6 loss on Wednesday.

Valdez is 2-3 with a 3.29 ERA in nine career outings against Kansas City. He’ll be opposed by Cole Ragans (0-3, 5.91), the first left-hander to start against the Tigers this season.

Ragans was removed in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday after taking a Jose Ramirez liner off his left hand. He avoided a serious injury, as he was diagnosed with a left thumb contusion.

Ragans said he felt he could have stayed in the contest.

“One of those things where it’s probably the right thing to do,” Ragans said. “But I think all of us as competitors, we want to play every chance we get. Obviously aggravating for me, just because I felt so good prior to that, and then something like that happens.”

Ragans is 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA in six career outings against Detroit.

Kansas City split a four-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The Royals lost the series finale on Sunday, 6-5. They had scored just seven runs in their previous five games.

The offense has yet to find a spark. They’ll head to Detroit with a .221 team batting average.

Sluggers Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are both hitting .153.

“I think just with both of them, they’re expanding a little bit more than what they normally do,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Tigers #confidence #renewed #entering #home #series #Royals

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Japan and Pakistan agree to cooperate on Middle East issues<div> <p>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, agreed Monday to work together to ease tensions in the Middle East at an early date.</p><p>In their 15-minute telephone conversation, held after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace deal in negotiations mediated by Pakistan, Takaichi stressed that “restoring the stabilization of the Strait of Hormuz …is urgently needed.”</p><p>Sharif responded that his country seeks to continue working with Japan toward an early de-escalation of the situation and to ensure the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>Takaichi expressed appreciation and support for Sharif and other Pakistani officials’ efforts to mediate U.S.-Iranian talks, and said that “a final agreement should be reached promptly through dialogue.”</p><p>The Japanese prime minister explained that she has been in contact with the leaders of both the United States and Iran, and that she intends to continue diplomatic efforts.</p><p>Also on Monday, Takaichi held telephone talks with Vietnamese President To Lam and reaffirmed their countries’ cooperation in bolstering the energy resilience of the entire Asian region.</p><p>“Vietnam has the world’s sixth-largest rare earth reserves, and cooperation is extremely important for economic security,” Takaichi told reporters.</p><p>The two Asian leaders also discussed the situation in the South China Sea, where China is ramping up coercive activities, North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs, and the abduction of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang decades ago.</p> </div>#Japan #Pakistan #agree #cooperate #Middle #East #issuespakistan, sanae takaichi, middle east, PAKISTAN-JAPAN RELATIONS, IRAN

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Barcelona Open: ‘Beautiful’ battle with Sinner extra motivation, says Alcaraz <div id="content-body-70858979" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said Monday his battle with new world number one Jannik Sinner was giving him extra inspiration ahead of the Barcelona Open.</p><p>Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the final at the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday to usurp him at the top of the world rankings. Alcaraz can claim back the spot with victory in Barcelona this week, where he finished runner-up last year.</p><p>“I think the battle for number one that Jannik and I are having is a very beautiful one, and I think it’s probably an extra motivation,” Alcaraz told reporters.</p><p>“The truth is that Jannik and I have a very good relationship. Obviously it’s not super personal, we don’t go out to dinner, we don’t go eat together, but I think the relationship we have off court is very good.”</p><p>Alcaraz said the Italian was driving him on to be a better player, although he would “not miss him” this week in Barcelona.</p><p>“(He’s someone who) makes me better, who makes me aware of my weaknesses, who makes me realise what I really have to focus on in every practice and every match,” said the 22-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner.</p><p>“I try to push myself every day, and that’s why it’s really nice to have him as a reference point and to see him achieving everything he’s achieving.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/monte-carlo-masters-jannik-sinner-win-on-clay-warning-for-carlos-alcaraz-before-french-open/article70856617.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Monte Carlo Masters: Sinner’s win sends early clay-season warning to Alcaraz</a></b></p><p>Alcaraz said he was happy to see Sinner taking “giant steps forward” on clay and that they were very even on every surface.</p><p>“When we face each other, between him and me there isn’t really a favourite, it doesn’t matter if we play on grass, on hard court or on clay,” he added.</p><p>The Spaniard has won the Barcelona Open twice, in 2022 and 2023, and takes on Finnish player Otto Virtanen on Tuesday in the round of 32.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #Barcelona #Open #Beautiful #battle #Sinner #extra #motivation #Alcaraz

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing  Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, .6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.  #Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing

Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.

The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.

In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.

Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.

With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.

India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.

One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.

Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.

For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.

Published on Jun 01, 2026

#INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton">IND-W vs ENG-W 3rd T20I: All eyes on Smriti Mandhana, middle order ahead of decider in Taunton  India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.Published on Jun 01, 2026  #INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton

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