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Brighton Reject Improved £60M Liverpool Bid for Minteh

Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion at Turf Moor in Burnley, United Kingdom, on April 11, 2026. (Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

After Liverpool and sporting director Richard Hughes sold winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich last summer and didn’t see the need to replace him, the Reds struggled through 2025-26 with a lack of quality, application, and end product on the wings one of the side’s biggest issues.

To make matters worse, the club’s efforts to move on from Mohamed Salah and build a team around Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak—the first of whom never fully delivered and the second of whom spent much of the season injured—saw Hughes and the club again happy to part ways with Salah this summer, mutually agreeing the termination of his contract.

In theory, this freed up a large chunk of wages to put towards a new winger. The problem in practice has been that everyone knows the Reds are exceptionally desperate and are holding out for top dollar.

Liverpool have as a result spent much of the summer struggling to sign their top targets and will kick off the season against Newcastle on Sunday with a weaker squad than the one they ended last season with. Meanwhile, the latest blow on the winger recruitment front has Brighton rejecting an improved second bid for Yankuba Minteh.

Having seen a £50M offer rejected, Liverpool have upped their bid to £60M—and Brighton have rejected this second bid. Minteh is currently injured and expected to be sidelined until October. Last season, he made 36 appearances for Brighton with three goals and four assists and a goal involvement every 350 minutes.

If that number seems bad, that’s because it is. To put it into perspective, Salah had a goal involvement every 140 minutes last season while much-maligned Tottenham target Cody Gakpo had a goal involvement every 240 minutes last season. Both were down considerably from their career averages.

Minteh’s underlying numbers also don’t speak to a player on the verge of breaking out—which is to say, those top line numbers look about right based on advanced statistics. While Minteh doesn’t have end product or any real signs of the potential to develop it, the 22-year-old does have is endless graft and work rate. So there’s that.

Even in the current inflated market, though, a £60M bid for graft and work rate will rightly raise some eyebrows. To even put it in is a sign of just how desperate Liverpool are getting. That this is the club’s third summer under the guidance of Hughes as sporting director and this is the reality is quite frankly damning.

Thousands of athletes from the freshman class of 2022 won’t be eligible for a fifth year of NCAA sports—for the time being, according to a new federal court ruling.

On Friday, the Tenth Circuit Court ruled to stay the eligibility injunction granted on July 31 by Colorado district court judge Charlotte Sweeney, which allowed a fifth year of eligibility for players who entered college in 2022 but who had already completed four years of eligibility. Now, their extra year of eligibility has been temporarily suspended until the court reaches a final decision on the appeal, which could take weeks or months.

The decision will mostly affect fall sports athletes, who had just a few weeks to find a roster spot for this upcoming season. Several football players across the country have already done so. Now, they’ll be sidelined at least until the appeals court rules.

“The Tenth Circuit’s stay is a temporary procedural ruling, not a decision on the merits of the athletes’ antitrust claims or their right to recover treble damages if they are not allowed to compete this year,” plaintiff attorney Rob Shelquist said in a statement to Front Office Sports. He added that not all three of the judges involved agreed with the ruling: “We are exploring every available option given the split in the panel’s ruling and remain committed to fighting for these college athletes whose opportunities and eligibility have been unfairly restricted.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be any players from the freshman class of 2022 on fall sports rosters. Players who filed their own lawsuits in state court will still be eligible if their requisite state court judges grant them injunctions to play. That includes the 16 football players who participated in NFL preseason activities, but who a Louisiana judge ruled can now go back to college.

It’s yet another stunning twist in the ongoing saga of eligibility rules for players from the 2022 freshman class.

In a memo to members Friday, NCAA Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby confirmed that the NCAA rules will return to the “status quo” for now, but clarified schools won’t be punished for adding players to their rosters after the original injunction—provided they’re now sidelined. “Institutions will not have violations for any class members who were allowed to compete consistent with the scope of the Wisne injunction prior to the stay being granted, and those former student-athletes are no longer eligible under the Wisne injunction.”

Eligibility Disputes

The legal dispute began in June, when the NCAA voted to implement an “age-based” eligibility policy that would allow players five years to complete five seasons of eligibility (instead of the previous four) starting on their 19th birthday or when they began college—whichever came first. The policy was supposed to simplify the previous eligibility rules and halt the flood of lawsuits challenging the eligibility policy.

Instead, it launched a new string of lawsuits filed by players from the freshman class of 2022 who had already exhausted four years of eligibility because the NCAA refused to grandfather them into the new policy and grant them a fifth year.

Some state lawsuits were initially successful, but they applied only to the specific players who signed onto those lawsuits. The Colorado case—a proposed class action in federal court—asked for an injunction applying to all Division I athletes; Judge Sweeney granted that injunction on July 31. (It did have restrictions, however: Sweeney clarified the NCAA could still enforce roster and revenue-sharing caps, professional participation eligibility restrictions, and the “ghost transfer” rule.)

Instead of changing its policy, the NCAA has vowed to fight all the injunctions, whether state or federal.

Another case where it has found a modicum of success: the first Class of 2022 lawsuit filed by men’s and women’s basketball players in Ohio. Earlier this week, the state appeals court granted a stay of the original injunction. The stay has created a complex situation for the plaintiffs, whose newfound eligibility through this case was temporarily paused but who still maintained eligibility through the federal Colorado case. Now, the Colorado case has been paused as well.

“The NCAA argued and the Ohio Court of Appeals agreed the injunction harms the thousands of college athletes and member schools across Division I who are playing by the rules,” the NCAA said in a statement regarding the Ohio case. “We appreciate the court’s recognition of the harm caused by the injunction and the substantial arguments we have presented in favor of reversal, and we look forward to fully arguing the merits of the case in the future.”

Meanwhile, questions arose this week about how the NCAA Selection Committees might handle teams that play with athletes granted eligibility through these cases. One unnamed source told The Field of 68 that selection committees could punish them by not ranking them highly or giving them spots in postseason brackets. But that could be considered a violation of the court orders themselves.

In a statement Monday, Samford AD and Division I men’s basketball committee chair Martin Newton said: “It is not under the committee’s purview to pass judgement on players deemed eligible by an institution, conference, the NCAA, or other entity. A player’s or coach’s availability or unavailability shall be considered without prejudice.”

The post Court Hands NCAA Temporary Win in Fifth Year of Eligibility Ruling appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Defensive end Isaac Terrell stands for a photo during Iowa State Football media day at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Wednesday, August 19, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Let us be honest about something. The 2026 Iowa State offense is going to need some time to figure itself out. A new quarterback making his Big 12 debut, an entirely new offensive line, and a wide receiver room still sorting out its pecking order. Jaylen Raynor is talented but nobody should expect a fully functioning offensive machine to emerge on September 5th against Southeast Missouri. These things take time.

Which means the defense may have to carry this team early. And based on what Iowa State has assembled on that side of the ball, that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact it might be the best kept secret in the Big 12 this summer.

The Pick: Isaac Terrell

Terrell is the crown jewel of Iowa State’s defensive haul and the most decorated player Rogers brought with him from Washington State. In 2025 he was named the Pac-12 Conference Top Defensive Line Performer, recording 28 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a safety. PFF graded him as the fifth best returning edge rusher in the entire Big 12 at 86.8.

Let that sink in for a moment. A player who was terrorizing Pac-12 quarterbacks last season is now in Cardinal and Gold. Opposing offensive coordinators are already circling his name in red on their scouting reports. Iowa State fans should be doing the same thing on their calendars.

The Supporting Cast: Caden Crawford

If Terrell is the headline Crawford is the fine print worth reading very carefully. The South Dakota transfer posted 78 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in his lone season with the Coyotes earning Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors. PFF graded him as the fourth best returning edge rusher in the Big 12 at 88.1.

Yes you read that correctly. Iowa State has two of the top five rated returning edge rushers in the entire Big 12. On a roster that lost 50 players. Somehow. Jimmy Rogers apparently raided the discount rack and found two of the best items in the store.

Having Terrell and Crawford on the same defensive line is genuinely exciting. Double teams become a problem when both options are this dangerous. Big 12 quarterbacks are going to have a very long fall.

The Wildcard: Montreze Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. traveled a road less traveled to get to Ames. Duke. Western Kentucky. Austin Peay. Three programs in three years before landing in the Big 12. If college football had a frequent flyer program this man would have status.

At Austin Peay last season as a redshirt freshman he posted 74 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions including a pick six and a forced fumble. FCS Freshman All-American. UAC Freshman of the Year. PFF graded him as the second highest rated returning linebacker in the entire Big 12 at 90.0.

The jump from the FCS to the Big 12 is substantial and nobody should pretend otherwise. But a player with those kinds of instincts and that kind of production has a way of translating regardless of the level. If Smith Jr. makes that leap this season Iowa State’s defense becomes something genuinely special.

The Big Picture

The offense is going to take some time to gel and that is okay. Not every team needs to score 40 points to win football games. Sometimes you just need to not give up 40 points. Iowa State’s defensive line and linebacker corps give Jimmy Rogers a real identity to build around while Raynor and the offense find their footing.

As every Cyclone fan learned the hard way last season, availability is the best ability. If Terrell, Crawford and Smith Jr. stay healthy and on the field together this defense has a chance to be the backbone of a bowl eligible team.

Joe Root has etched his name into the Test cricket record books, overtaking Australia great Steve Smith to become the leading fielder for most catches in the history of the format. Root reached the landmark during Pakistan's second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley on Friday, taking a sharp catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer.

The dismissal was the result of a well-executed plan between Root and Archer. Just a couple of deliveries earlier, Root had spoken to Archer and added a leg slip and short leg to the field. Archer then bowled a delivery that jagged sharply into Awais, who attempted to glance it towards fine leg but instead found the inside half of the bat, with Root completing the catch at leg slip.

Awais departed for 9 off 14 balls, leaving both Pakistan openers back in the pavilion. The catch was Root's 219th in Test cricket, moving him one clear of Smith, who had 218 catches. Root had equalled Smith's tally during Pakistan's first innings and then moved ahead in the second innings.

Most catches as a fielder in Test cricket
219 – Joe Root*

218 – Steve Smith

210 – Rahul Dravid

205 – Mahela Jayawardene

200 – Jacques Kallis

England leads in Headingly
Root's latest milestone came as England continued to dominate the opening Test. England were bowled out for 409 around 40 minutes into the third day's play, having resumed at 366/8. The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight total, with Jofra Archer contributing a valuable 23 before running out of partners. Archer's innings included two fours and a six.

Khurram Shahzad claimed the final two England wickets, dismissing Jamie Smith for 25 and bowling Josh Tongue for 8. Despite taking three wickets, Shahzad finished with expensive figures of 3/133. England's first-innings total gave them a commanding 238-run lead after Pakistan had been dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Hernandez poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Toyota Center on February 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

At the UFC Sacramento weigh-ins, all 26 fighters on Saturday’s fight card step on the scale Friday in Sacramento, Calif. Watch ceremonial weigh-ins above, set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET, with highlights of the morning weigh-ins available below.

In the main event, middleweight contenders Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues face off. Both fighters can weigh no more than the 186-pound limit for their non-title fight.

Hernandez is currently tied with Caio Borralho for the No. 5 spot at middleweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings after seeing an eight-fight win streak snapped by Sean Strickland. Rodrigues sits at the edge of the rankings at No. 15.

186lbs for Fluffy!

Anthony Hernandez is on weight for his hometown main event!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/z8cJ3PU9iR

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

Robocop is ready 😤@Gregory_MMA hits the scale at 185lbs!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/ByRIPIgdiV

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

In the co-main event, top-10 heavyweight Serghei Spivac fights Vitor Petrino. Neither fighter may weigh more than 266 pounds.

Time to hunt for the Polar Bear!

Serghei Spivac weighs in at 257lbs!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/rSsCx2rEQO

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

Looking to break into the heavyweight rankings!

It's 246lbs for @VitorPetrino!!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2r7Chyhlig

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

Light heavyweight RdR!@ReinierdeRidder comes in at 205lbs!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/NMTaQFAXwy

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

206lbs on the scale 💪

It's almos statement time for @RomanDolidzeUFC!

[ #UFCSacramento is LIVE AUG 22 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/MQV6IBa5HT

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2026

Official weigh-ins begin at 12 p.m. ET.

Ceremonial weigh-ins begin at 6 p.m. ET.

Check out the UFC Sacramento weigh-in results below.

Main Card (Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET)

Anthony Hernandez (186) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185)

Serghei Spivac (257) vs. Vitor Petrino (246)

Reinier de Ridder (205) vs. Roman Dolidze (206)

MarQuel Mederos (156) vs. Mason Jones (156)

Carli Judice (125.5) vs. Jeisla Chaves (124.5)

Terrance Chatman (266) vs. Anthony Wint (231)

Preliminary Card (Paramount+ at 5 p.m. ET)

Jamall Emmers (143.5) vs. Lerryan Douglas (145.5)

Kennedy Nzechukwu (244) vs. Shamil Gaziev (261)

Chris Padilla (156) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (155.5)

Marcio Barbosa (145.5) vs. Ryan Kuse (144.5)

Gauge Young (155.5) vs. Stan Dorsainvil (155.5)

Wes Schultz (186) vs. Jackson McVey (185)

Shanelle Dyer (116) vs. Elise Reed (115)

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 07: Terry Francona ( center), the new Manager of the Cincinnati Reds talks to the media at Great American Ball Park on October 07, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Nick Krall ,President of Baseball Operations sits to his left and Brad Meador , Senior Vice President & General Manager sits to his right. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There is a giant pile of blame to chuck around for the failures of the 2026 Cincinnati Reds. Just yesterday, for instance, they had the game, series, and bragging rights in the bag against the St. Louis Cardinals with two-out in the Bottom of the 9th only for their centerfielder to – quite literally – fumble the bag, the end result being a devastating loss in a game they’d all but won.

The players simply haven’t been good enough. That’s how you end up 6 games under .500 with an even worse run differential and residing in last place in the division (again). But at some point you have to begin to search deeper for the root of the larger problem, as the Reds have simply been terrible more often than not for three decades running.

Not just bad, but terrible.

I posed the question to you earlier in the week for the latest edition of MLB Reacts about where the particular blame for this season resides. In a result that is only moderately surprising to those who voted for the silo that finished runner-up in this week’s exit polls, it’s the front office that you think shoulders the load for the latest last place foibles.

47% of you think that the group spearheaded by Nick Krall and Brad Meador is to blame, and it’s hard to argue. They’re the ones that not only sent a Top 10 organizational prospect to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Ke’Bryan Hayes and his chronically bad back, they’re also the ones that decided to take on the full $36 million still owed to him despite their perpetually tight budgets. They’re also the ones that sunk all their bullpen cash into Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke, and the ones who threw Eugenio Suarez $15 million for his immediate decline.

They’re the ones who have seen the products of the 2022 Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray trades simply not materialize at all. They’re also the ones who couldn’t get Elly De La Cruz under long-term contract, officially putting the future of the franchise on short-term notice every day.

Granted, the 33% of voters who put the blame on the ownership group have a pretty good case, too. If the Castellinis and their cronies weren’t so notoriously frugal, maybe Krall & Co. wouldn’t be pressed to try to thread needles on every single move and would have more flexibility to be aggressive.

Either way, it’s telling that 80% of respondents this week think it’s the people pulling the strings who set this team up for disaster, and that’s a pretty accurate endorsement of things.

MLB Reacts is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Don’t close the book on Jack Flaherty.

“I’m very much close to throwing off a mound,” he said before the game in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19. “Very close.”

Like, this weekend.

“I want to get in there and help these guys,” he said. “They’ve been grinding and I’ve been grinding every day to get back as soon as I can, while also understanding that pushing on it too much can push it in the other direction. And that doesn’t help anybody here.”

//www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/07/21/ty-madden-called-up-to-bolster-tigers-bullpen/90992700007/">has been on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right forearm</a> since coming out his start at Wrigley Field on July 20.

Flaherty has been on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right forearm since coming out his start at Wrigley Field on July 20. It was his first start in 10 days, coming after the All-Star break. In the six starts before that, he was in a groove. The Tigers were 4-2 in those starts and he posted a 2.12 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 10 walks.

After an up-and-down start to the season, he’d finally gotten right. And, salt in the wound, what he thought was minor muscle soreness is going to cost him six, maybe seven weeks.

“We need to get him off the mound just to have that test,” manager AJ Hinch said. “The tentativeness at the beginning of a throwing program is the unknown. How is it going to feel? Then you start throwing farther and you start throwing harder, then you introduce the slope and pitch things.”

In other words, there are still a lot of boxes to check before he can get to some rehab starts to build his arm strength and pitch count.

“He’s super excited,” Hinch said. “He’s been at a steady, safe pace and he’s been hungry for more. And that’s an excellent sign.”

To better support the flexor tendon, the Tigers’ trainers and medical staff are having Flaherty build up the areas around the tendon. And that’s led to some discomfort in unfamiliar areas.

“It’s a different type of soreness,” he said. “I just have to make sure what I’m feeling is good and so far, it’s been good. But (the soreness) has bounced around. But everything I’ve been told, that’s a good thing. You never want to feel something in different areas but it’s better than having just one spot that’s uncomfortable every time.”

The clock is ticking, though. If the Tigers stay true to the process they've used for Justin Verlander, Tarik Skubal and others who have had long stays on the IL, Flaherty will throw at least three regular bullpens, spaced out every three or four days. Then there would be one or two live bullpens against hitters in a controlled setting.

Then, if he clears all that, he will be sent on one or two minor league rehab starts.

“If we can get him off the mound (in Kansas City), then I think we will start to perk up around here about where he’s heading," Hinch said. "He’s responding really well.”

Flaherty has every intention of being back in September.

“We’re in a really good spot right now,” he said. “It feels very, very close. In terms of editing or changing my expectations, right now it’s narrowed down to just what can I get done next and the end game is get back on the mound. I know I’m going to pitch at some point for sure.

“I feel good about that. I want to help these guys.”

Tigers at Royals

First pitch: 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.

TV/radio: Detroit Sports Net/97.1 FM

Scouting report

▶ RHP Drew Anderson (4-4, 4.01), Tigers: This will be his fourth start since moving into the rotation. And after pitching five innings in 74 pitches against the White Sox last time out, it feels like his pitch count is built up enough to remove the governor. His stuff was sharp last time out, working changeups and curveballs off 96 and 97-mph four-seamers, he allowed just three hard-hit balls. One, unfortunately, was a mislocated curveball that light-hitting catcher Drew Romo hit out of the park.

▶ RHP Michael Wacha (6-8, 3.58), Royals: He beat the Tigers at Comerica Park on July 25, allowing two runs in seven innings. Both runs were delivered by Hao-Yu Lee, who homered and rapped an RBI double, which tracks with Wacha’s splits this season. Right-handed hitters are slugging .504 with an .803 OPS. The reason Wacha has always been able to neutralize lefties is his elite changeup. That pitch is holding hitters to a .194 average this season. Righties have been feasting on his slider and cutter.

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers' Jack Flaherty: 'I know I'm going to pitch at some point, for sure'

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws during an NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Adam Hunger

The New York Jets will start veteran quarterback Geno Smith against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Friday night’s preseason game at Acrisure Stadium, according to Connor Hughes of SNY.

Rookie Cade Klubnik started last Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Smith was dealing with an ankle injury.

“I just think there’s soreness,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said of Smith’s ankle, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “I think any player at this point knows that something is going to hurt at some point. He’s a competitor and he wants to make sure he gets those reps in. The thing is that we want to be smart too about how we go about doing things when it comes to him and any of our players.”

When asked if Smith and the Jets’ starters are going to play in Friday night’s preseason game, Glenn said, “The players are going to play. Things can change as we get closer to game time.”

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Warriors, Bucks and Pelicans projected to become NBA’s bottom three teams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Three franchises that entered the decade with championship ambitions could occupy the bottom of the NBA by 2030.

The Golden State Warriors ranked 28th, the Milwaukee Bucks 29th and the New Orleans Pelicans 30th in The Sporting News’ future NBA power rankings.

Each franchise arrived at its bleak projection differently. Golden State maximized one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history. Milwaukee exhausted its resources trying to extend the Giannis Antetokounmpo era. New Orleans repeatedly failed to build stability around Zion Williamson. By 2030, all three could be searching for new identities.

Warriors face inevitable end of Curry era

Stephen Curry will be 41 during the 2029-30 season and is not expected to remain on Golden State’s roster. Jimmy Butler will be 40, Draymond Green 39, Kristaps Porzingis 34 and Al Horford 43. The Warriors’ current veteran core will have aged out, leaving Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg as the only players listed as likely to remain.

Golden State has protected its upcoming first-round selections, giving the franchise a chance to begin rebuilding through the draft. The timing is problematic because the 2027 and 2028 draft classes are not expected to contain an abundance of franchise-changing talent. The Warriors received a C-minus asset grade and could be in the earliest stage of a rebuild by 2030.

Bucks will still be paying for championship pursuit

Milwaukee’s outlook is similarly discouraging. The Bucks received a D-plus asset grade and do not control a first-round pick capable of directly improving their roster until 2030. Dead money created by Damian Lillard’s stretched contract also will continue restricting the team.

Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Jaime Jaquez and Kasparas Jakucionis provide some young talent. The larger concern is that none currently projects as the centerpiece of a future contender. Milwaukee should create cap space in 2027, but spending it effectively will be difficult without a foundational star already on the roster.

The decisions made to chase another title alongside Antetokounmpo carried understandable logic. The bill for those decisions eventually had to arrive.

MORE: Lakers hit major hiccup in pursuit of ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga amid Peyton Watson deal

Pelicans still lack a clear direction

New Orleans landed last because its roster could be completely dismantled over the next three seasons. Williamson can become a free agent in 2028. Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy also could be traded if the Pelicans continue struggling.

That would leave Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen as the probable faces of the franchise. Both displayed talent during inconsistent rookie seasons, but neither has established himself as a future superstar. The Pelicans received a B asset grade and could benefit from a valuable 2027 pick through their swap rights with Milwaukee. Their future nevertheless depends heavily on lottery luck.

Golden State and Milwaukee can point to championships as justification for their difficult futures. New Orleans cannot make the same argument. The Pelicans’ failure to create a winner around Williamson could leave them behind two franchises entering unavoidable post-dynasty rebuilds.

More NBA news:

Charlie Mulgrew says Celtic have found ‘definite upgrade’ on Daizen Maeda in Camilo DuranCharlie Mulgrew believes Celtic have found an upgrade on Daizen Maeda in new signing Camilo Duran.

Duran has made an immediate impression at the Hoops, with his relentless running, pace and willingness to work defensively drawing obvious comparisons with the former Celtic favourite.

However, Mulgrew reckons the Colombian possesses an extra level of technical quality that Maeda sometimes lacked.

Duran produced a sensational two-goal display in Celtic’s 3-0 Champions League play-off victory over LASK on Wednesday, with Martin O’Neill describing his performance as “world-class”.

And former Hoops vice-captain Mulgrew was equally impressed.

Speaking about Duran’s performance on the Go Radio Football Show on Thursday, Mulgrew said: “What a player.

“The work back the way [is] similar to Maeda used to do, the way he works back.

“The difference is that Maeda was a bit of a speedboat with no driver at times.

“Take nothing away from him, that’s no disrespect to him – because a lot of the time, he done what he done for the job – but technically, he wasn’t the best.

“Duran looks technically very good. Those two finishes last night tell you everything that you need to know about him.

“He keeps his on it [for the first goal], finishes it, and sometimes you can get lucky with them.

“The second strike shows that he’s not lucky, he opens his foot up, uses the defender and guides it past him.

“It’s just goals that Maeda might’ve snatched at, would’ve went over the bar, we’ve seen him go down the line a few times, make a cross out the pitch.

“Duran just looks another level again, and it’s a definite upgrade.

“It’s a great signing, £4.5 million is great business.”

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

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NEW BOOK LAUNCH FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties in two volumes, available to pre-order now…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

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