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Why a Jayson Tatum–Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Actually Makes Sense | Deadspin.com

Why a Jayson Tatum–Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Actually Makes Sense | Deadspin.com

It’s the classic case of two wrongs making a right.

Jayson Tatum for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Straight up.

I know what you’re thinking.

Well, actually I don’t.

Because if you’re a Celtics fan, you’d never do this.

And if you’re a Bucks fan, you’d never do this.

In that sense, I guess I do know what you’re thinking.

And in both cases, you’re wrong. You need to reconsider.

In almost every case, the greatest players in NBA history were winners.

Celtics fans consider Tatum a great player. Same with the Bucks and their beloved Giannis.

And in many ways, they’re right.

But with two titles in a combined 21 NBA seasons, neither qualifies as a winner.

That’s not to say they can’t be. There’s still time.

But a change of scenery — and a situation more tailored to their skills — would help.

In an Eastern Conference that remains wide-open – but not open enough at this point for the Celtics or Bucks – here’s why each team should pull the trigger on one of the all-time blockbusters …

Giannis fits the Celtics better

What we’ve learned from watching the first third of the season is that the Celtics are at their best when focused on defensive tenacity and transition opportunities.

Tatum does a lot of good things, but he’s more liability than leader in those areas.

Which makes you wonder: Will he attempt to transition into the team’s new style when he returns from his Achilles injury (fat chance of that), or will the Celtics transition back into Tatum Ball?

As we now have gotten an opportunity to see, the Celtics play with much more energy and unselfishness when Jaylen Brown is given the opportunity to set the example. Too often, his role as Tatum’s sidekick has been to stand in the corner and watch his teammate put on a 23-second dribbling exhibition that has led to a bunch of bad shots.

Giannis doesn’t play that way.

It starts with his rim-protecting ability that would allow the suddenly younger, more athletic Celtics to smother opponents on the perimeter, like they did when they had Robert Williams stationed in the paint to repair cracks in the defense.

And when it comes to a fast-paced attack, nobody goes end-to-end faster – and with more crowd-pleasing force – than the Greek gazelle.

More defense. Faster pace. Allow Brown a chance to spread his wings.

Three strikes and Tatum is out.

Like Tatum, Giannis has his shortcomings. Both are on the offensive end.

First off, he’s a poor perimeter shooter. Yet when things slow down and the Bucks need a hoop from their star, far too often he’s jacked up some of the most ill-advised 3-pointers in NBA history.

Maybe it’s because he’s such an unimaginative ball distributor.

Continual late-game failures led to the Bucks paying a miller’s ransom to bring in Damian Lillard two years ago. The future Hall of Famer made his fair share of clutch shots, but at age 33, then 34, he wasn’t the 20-something version Milwaukee foolishly thought it might be getting.

Lillard is no longer around, and the Bucks are right back where they were three years ago – with Giannis taking bad shots or, worse yet, Kyle Kuzma taking pretty much any shot.

This team desperately needs a turn-back-the-clock version of Lillard, and that’s exactly what Tatum brings. Heck, he’s even 20-something (27), four years younger than Giannis.

Nobody wants the ball more in clutch situations than Tatum. That’s not always a good thing, but it sure beats putting Giannis in that situation.

The Bucks have some nice pieces, including a collection of surprisingly good 3-point shooters and a defensive force at the rim.

That’s the type of supporting cast that’s made Tatum an MVP candidate in the past. Especially the presence of Myles Turner, who can take on the toughest big-man defensive challenges while Tatum stands next to the rim and collects cheap rebounds.

Better structured half-court offense. Slower pace more suitable to the postseason. An elite passer who draws double teams and creates openings for perimeter shooters who can’t do it themselves.

The name even fits better on a Bucks uniform.

Immediately, the Celtics would become the favorite in the East, with the Bucks quietly re-emerging as a contender pending Tatum’s return to form.

That’s a win-win – and a loss for the likes of the Knicks, Pistons, Magic, Cavaliers and whoever else is dreaming of being this year’s Pacers.

Yes, Celtics and Bucks fans, both teams indeed get better … but only if the doubters understand that when the other side thinks their player is better than yours, they might be right.

So make the deal already.

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#Jayson #TatumGiannis #Antetokounmpo #Trade #Sense #Deadspin.com

This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.

To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week">Nelly Korda can accomplish the Career Grand Slam this week  This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images) Getty ImagesThe LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.It is going to be quite the week.  #Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week">Nelly Korda can accomplish the Career Grand Slam this week

This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.

To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week

The Egyptian football federation on Wednesday said it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.

“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.

On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when Egypt was leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.

A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champion level.

In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believes it should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.

“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.

It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.

The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.

“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Egypt #files #complaint #referee #controversial #FIFA #World #Cup #exit">Egypt files complaint against referee after controversial FIFA World Cup 2026 exit  The Egyptian football federation on Wednesday said it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when Egypt was leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champion level.In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believes it should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”Published on Jul 08, 2026  #Egypt #files #complaint #referee #controversial #FIFA #World #Cup #exit

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