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The Masters 2026: McIlroy chases repeat; Scheffler and DeChambeau among as challengers in Augusta  Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions.Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.“Maybe not the largest field in golf but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said. “I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play.”McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.“I’ve taken the last three weeks to make sure I’m 100 percent coming in here, which I am,” McIlroy said.“I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me.”Scheffler, last year’s British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids.“Defending can always be difficult, but I think that’s mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years,” Scheffler said. “That’s just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships.”Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27.“Game feels like it’s in a good spot,” Scheffler said. “I feel rested and ready to go this week.”DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history.“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” DeChambeau said. “It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf.“It’s one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.”DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta.“If it’s firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are,” DeChambeau said. “I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”‘Be more precise’Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course.“You have to be more precise when it’s firm,” American Kurt Kitayama said. “Whenever it’s firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it’s going to be even more penalizing missing your spots.”Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course.“Makes it a little bit more difficult,” Johnson said. “You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they’re going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small.”Other contenders include World No. 3 Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England’s fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year’s Tour Championship winner, and England’s ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up.Published on Apr 08, 2026  #Masters #McIlroy #chases #repeat #Scheffler #DeChambeau #among #challengers #Augusta

The Masters 2026: McIlroy chases repeat; Scheffler and DeChambeau among as challengers in Augusta

Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions.

Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.

“Maybe not the largest field in golf but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said. “I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play.”

McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.

“I’ve taken the last three weeks to make sure I’m 100 percent coming in here, which I am,” McIlroy said.

“I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me.”

Scheffler, last year’s British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids.

“Defending can always be difficult, but I think that’s mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years,” Scheffler said. “That’s just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships.”

Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27.

“Game feels like it’s in a good spot,” Scheffler said. “I feel rested and ready to go this week.”

DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history.

“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” DeChambeau said. “It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf.

“It’s one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.”

DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta.

“If it’s firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are,” DeChambeau said. “I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”

‘Be more precise’

Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course.

“You have to be more precise when it’s firm,” American Kurt Kitayama said. “Whenever it’s firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it’s going to be even more penalizing missing your spots.”

Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course.

“Makes it a little bit more difficult,” Johnson said. “You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they’re going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small.”

Other contenders include World No. 3 Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England’s fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year’s Tour Championship winner, and England’s ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Masters #McIlroy #chases #repeat #Scheffler #DeChambeau #among #challengers #Augusta

Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions.

Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.

“Maybe not the largest field in golf but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said. “I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play.”

McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.

“I’ve taken the last three weeks to make sure I’m 100 percent coming in here, which I am,” McIlroy said.

“I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me.”

Scheffler, last year’s British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids.

“Defending can always be difficult, but I think that’s mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years,” Scheffler said. “That’s just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships.”

Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27.

“Game feels like it’s in a good spot,” Scheffler said. “I feel rested and ready to go this week.”

DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history.

“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” DeChambeau said. “It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf.

“It’s one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.”

DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta.

“If it’s firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are,” DeChambeau said. “I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”

‘Be more precise’

Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course.

“You have to be more precise when it’s firm,” American Kurt Kitayama said. “Whenever it’s firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it’s going to be even more penalizing missing your spots.”

Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course.

“Makes it a little bit more difficult,” Johnson said. “You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they’re going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small.”

Other contenders include World No. 3 Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England’s fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year’s Tour Championship winner, and England’s ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Deadspin | Rockets escape 21-point hole, down Suns to tie for 4th in West <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28682086.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28682086.jpg" alt="NBA: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Kevin Durant had 24 points and five 3-pointers in his return to Phoenix and the Houston Rockets overcame a 21-point deficit for their largest comeback of the season, producing a 119-105 victory over the host Suns on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Amen Thompson logged 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points and five 3-pointers for the Rockets, who have won seven in a row and nine of 11.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rockets (50-29) are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers (50-29) for fourth place in the West and are one game behind the Denver Nuggets (51-28) with three to play. The Lakers own the tiebreaker over both.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Devin Booker had 31 points and eight assists and Mark Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Suns (43-36), who had a 24-0 run in the first quarter to build a 26-5 lead before fading.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>With the Suns’ loss and the Timberwolves’ Tuesday win, Minnesota clinched the sixth and final guaranteed Western Conference playoff berth. Phoenix will have to compete in the play-in tournament.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Rockets opened the fourth quarter with a 30-12 run to take a 111-96 lead, and the Suns never drew closer than 10 the rest of the way.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Houston swept the four-game season series and has won eight in a row against Phoenix.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>The Rockets shot 45% from the field and had a 55-34 rebounding edge, turning 24 offensive rebounds into 37 second-chance points.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Suns made 34 free throws on 39 attempts, both season highs, but shot only 42.7% from the field. Booker was 15 of 16 from the line and Williams was 5 of 6.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Houston’s Alperen Sengun, bothered by foul trouble, had 12 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in 28 minutes. He picked up his fourth foul 48 seconds into the third quarter and returned with four minutes left in the period.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Williams had 10 points in the Suns’ 24-0 run, their longest run since play-by-play has been recorded starting in 1997-98.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Durant, who played for the Suns the previous 2 1/2 seasons, and Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks engaged in a running dialogue in a chippy second quarter. Booker and Houston’s Jae’Sean Tate received technical fouls a minute apart midway through the period. Durant had 11 points in the quarter as the Rockets pulled within 57-54 entering halftime.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Brooks made two free throws for a 75-70 lead after Reed Sheppard was called for a flagrant-1 foul for grabbing Brooks around the neck on a third-quarter drive. The Suns led 84-81 after three.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Rockets #escape #21point #hole #Suns #tie #4th #West

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Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28679633.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28679633.jpg" alt="NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth

Deadspin | U.S. submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team  Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images   The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it.  Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday.  Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later.  Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness.  “We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.”  Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.  The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany.   UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER  Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner  Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty  Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan  Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas  Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #teamOct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images

The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it.

Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday.

Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later.

Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness.

“We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.”

Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.


The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany.

UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner

Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan

Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas

Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #team">Deadspin | U.S. submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team  Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images   The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it.  Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday.  Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later.  Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness.  “We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.”  Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.  The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany.   UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER  Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner  Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty  Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan  Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas  Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #team

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

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