Sports

Erling Haaland is having the most fun at the World Cup. There’s a reason why.

Erling Haaland has a ball at the World Cup. Norway’s national striker, Erling Haaland, scored two goals against Brazil to help send them home. He tells reporters, after the match, that he is surprised that he even won. Haaland spent the majority of World Cup 2018 looking completely different. He is still “Striking Viking”, a 6-foot-4, goal-scoring machine that runs like a marauding Berserker at the defenders. He’s also posting photos with Shrek and trying out a Southern Accent.
It is no surprise that the internet has fallen in love. There may be something more to this than just the fact that Haaland has a great sense of humor. Norway’s surprising performance at the World Cup has been one of its most notable stories. They qualified for the first 30 years and then made it to the semi-finals. Brad Stulberg is a professor and performance coach at the University of Michigan, and author of The Way of Excellence. He believes that Haaland’s memes are a good way to dispel the notion that being great has to be painful. Stulberg and I discussed what Haaland’s memes reveal about Norwegian sporting success, the reasons Americans dislike fun in sport, and if any of it would be important if Norway wasn’t winning. The interview was edited for clarity.
Aymann ismail: Erling haaland has the best time at the World Cup. Erling Haaland is having a lot of fun, making memes and posting funny selfies on Snapchat. Then he will go onto knock Brazil out, scoring 2 points. What’s your theory?
Brad Stulberg is in a video clip where he’s wearing a cowboy boot and a hat, then doing the Viking Row with Team Norway after games, with an enormous smile on his lips. You can tell that the guy is enjoying himself. He’s doing things you would expect a 9-U or 8-U team to do.
Imagine Michael Jordan with the Bulls, in the NBA Playoffs, not after they’ve won it all but just a game, going to the half court and celebrating. The Bulls don’t do that. All they do is business. The locker room is their next stop. Michael Jordan’s philosophy is that you have to endure for greatness. Everything has to be taken seriously, and there must always be anger.
Haaland, the Viking, is wearing the Viking helmet, and giving an interview. It’s obvious that he is having an absolute blast. This combination was really cool to see.
He started to follow my wife on Snapchat. When he replied to a question from a fan about whether he is male or female, he said “My father is a man and my mother is a woman.” She was so tickled. I’m a mixture. I saw a hair styling how-to with a man who looked uncannily like Haaland. He went in the comments and said, “Hi,” which resulted in the video being viewed 22 million times. When you see something like this, what comes to your mind?
Norway is a dominant force in the Winter Olympics. This is remarkable because Norway, a relatively small nation, dominates. Everyone says “Well it’s Winter Olympics and Norway is always cold” or “Nobody really cares about these sports”. But Norway also has one of the best triathletes in the world, Kristian Blummenfelt. The men’s volleyball team is always a favorite. Some of their best Tour de France cyclists are there. They’ve also put together an incredible soccer program. All of this is contrary to the usual retorts.
What’s going on? Norway has a lot of money and invests heavily into sports. It’s fascinating that Norway’s youth sport programs aren’t modeled after the Americanized model where sports get professionalized very early. There are rankings, travel teams, and A teams. Kids can specialize as early as 7 years of age. Norway’s sports culture is completely different. The Norwegians don’t keep track of scores or rankings for children. The trophies are for participation. It’s a joke, and people believe that it turns them into snowflakes because they are world-beaters. It’s called “Joy of Sport”. The U.S. coach of an 8-year old will say, “You should play this sport all year round.” But in Norway, children are encouraged to try multiple sports.
Access is the other issue. Many kids in the U.S. are priced out of sport. Norway makes huge investments to ensure that more children can participate in sports. You can’t lose children because of an 8-year-old bad experience when you live in a small country with less than 6,000,000 people. It’s impossible to predict if an 8-year old will become Erling Haaland when he is 15, 16 or 17. It is important to maintain a pipeline that’s as strong as possible.
I wonder what the experience was like for players from the opposing team. Vinicius, Raphinha and Hendrick come to mind. They are all under pressure to perform well because Brazil is a global sport. The expectation for them is that they should waltz through the final. Can you tell the difference?
It’s difficult to tell if it is pressure, or if it is just another response to the pressure. I think that Norway is also under a great deal of pressure. Perhaps the expectation was not that they would win. Once you are this far into the tournament, and everyone is watching you closely, you will feel the pressure.
People who grew up in cultures where winning is everything and soccer was the life, can respond to pressure by becoming more narrow-minded and obsessed. Haaland is someone who grew up with a sport-loving culture. Haaland feels the pressure but he says something like: “Yeah, I know, it’s crazy. But, here we are playing soccer together with my friends.” Just have some fun. This release valve includes the ability to enjoy yourself.
Haaland said he didn’t expect to win after Brazil won.
It’s easier to speak after you win. What would the press conference look like if it went the other direction? There are enough statistics throughout the entire tournament for me to think that this sentiment is true. You think that these athletes are sleeping in hyperbaric chambers, correct? Haaland’s out dancing.
There’s this misconception, especially on the internet–in the grind-slop, alpha-bro hustle culture, whatever you want to call it; in my book, I call it “pseudo-excellence”–that you have to suffer for greatness. All these sacrifices are required. If you are having fun while doing this, then you’re not doing it right. David Goggins’ approach to success is hard work. It’s important to have anger, resentment and a chip in your shoulder. It’s not the right time or place to do that. It’s just one tool among many.
Haaland shows that he can be a very fierce competitor, but also have fun. All of these things are pitted against one another. You can either sing along and hold hands, without caring about the outcome of a competition. Or you can be so ruthless that your opponent is genuinely feared. It’s neither/nor for many of the most talented performers. It’s both/and. Both are possible. Steph Curry’s example is also great.
It will lead directly into your book. When you put it together, what did you discover about sports?
People would often ask: “Why is there a section on joy in an excellence book?” This was confusing for people. Haaland’s actions make it clearer. In this online hypermasculine world, the pendulum is so far in favor of being angry, resentful, and even killing. It’s not the way performance is done. People always ask me: “What about Michael Jordan? The No. This guy was a murderer. He was furious. “He literally created enemies in his mind to compete with.” My response was twofold. Most people don’t have the same wiring as Michael Jordan. For every Michael Jordan there is a Steph. The more interesting fact is that Jordan did not win a championship before Phil Jackson, but he has won them all under Phil Jackson. What is Phil Jackson famous for? Right? He is the coach of “zen, compassion and joy”.
Jordan is a great player, and I don’t want to diminish that. He might not have survived without Jackson’s balancing influence. Even when looking at the most extreme counterexamples you can still discern this: A fierce intensity must be balanced by some lightness, and joy. It will eat itself if you don’t. Then it becomes too much. In my life I believe I undervalued having fun. If I don’t have fun anymore, I know that something is wrong.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that every day will be enjoyable. Writers are writers. It’s hard to write. It’s hard. Not always enjoyable. It should all be fun.
While reading the recent Supreme Court decision regarding transgender sportsmen, I thought about this. In a section, the majority questions “What harm is there in allowing another athlete to participate in girls’ or women’s sports?” and then says this sentiment “misunderstands nature and reality” of sports. The opinion describes sport as being highly competitive and usually zero-sum. How do you feel about this conception of sports?
To me, the idea that 10U recreational soccer is about nothing but winning, and this is the spirit behind sport, seems to be a misinterpretation of what sport really means. My kids are my priority, and I am a volunteer in the community. We base everything we do on having fun, building teamwork, and developing character. Youth sports are all about having fun. It doesn’t matter if you get an 8U award. It’s important to be a good role model for these children and hope that they develop life skills. That’s what I see as the current beauty of sports, particularly in an age when life has become so automated and online. It’s a very tangible sport, with few venues in which you can fail or succeed.
It’s usually a direct relationship between what you do and the results you achieve. Sport can be a wonderful tool for building confidence, teaching others how to lose and how to win. For me, this should be the purpose of all sports. In youth sport, winning is not the goal. The goal is to create athletes and people.
My kids will be hearing different things from me about sport. It’s possible I have been reacting to their excitement about scoring points.
My are older. This is how I go about it. It’s not like I pretend winning isn’t important, I find that stupid. Competitive kids will say: “Dad that’s stupid.” Wining matters. The answer is: Because winning matters. The game is about winning. Win is our goal. You know what’s the best way to win? Have fun. “If you don’t have fun, you won’t win in the end.”
They are shocked to hear that we cannot control everything. Because we do not know the game plan of the opposing team, it is impossible to control points. The weather will be unpredictable. We can only control two things. Are we making an effort? Are we enjoying the moment? We’ve won our internal game if we can do these things. If you enjoy sports long enough, you will lose and win.
When you lose, it’s easy to be depressed. Enjoy the victories. You need to enjoy the game. You just keep coming back. When my son was 5, he used to be so frustrated playing basketball. When he was 5, I used to ask him, “Theo would you enjoy it if I always won and scored?” He said, “No. It’d be boring.” I replied, “Yeah. You need to sometimes lose. “If it isn’t fun, then why bother?”
Would we be discussing Haaland at all if Norway were not winning?
The both/and is right there, yes? You need to win. If they hadn’t made it out of their group, we wouldn’t even be talking about them. Is inspiring the people the same as holding the trophy up? No, of course not. That’s when I believe everything gets extreme. One extreme is: “Let’s hold hands, sing together and everybody wins.” No, it’s not really true. The other extreme is just as stupid, You have to win at all costs and everything else doesn’t matter, particularly for kids.

Sports

Caitlin Clark declines WNBA 3-Point Contest invitation, dealing major blow to All-Star Weekend and ESPN

It didn’t seem long before a glaring omission was noticed when the WNBA revealed its field for their 3-Point Contest on Tuesday.
Caitlin is not in the movie.
ESPN reports that Clark was invited to the shooting competition by the league, but declined. Kayla McBride and Sabrina Ionescu also turned down invitations.
This is a huge blow to both the WNBA, and ESPN as its broadcasting partner.
CAITLIN CLARK KEEPS DELIVERING RECORD WNBA VIEWERSHIP AS FEVER TOP 1 MILLION VIEWERS YET AGAIN
Clark was the focus of the league’s All-Star Weekend Shooting Contest, which included “From the Logo Shots” in the competition. Clark is not only the WNBA’s most prominent player, she may be the only WNBA star to have shot logo triples. State Farm has built an entire campaign around Clark’s long-distance threes.
It’s difficult to see the “From the Logo”, shot of the NBA as anything other than a tribute to the most famous superstar.
As bad as this is for the WNBA it’s even worse for ESPN. ESPN would almost certainly draw a minimum of one million viewers if Clark competed.
It gets worse.
Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham were also excluded from the league. The league did not include Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell or Sophie Cunningham.
Mitchell was voted ninth in overall voting, and third for guards. Mitchell is also shooting 42 percent from the three-point line this season.
WNBA ALL-STAR CHARITY INITIATIVE SUPPORTS SPORTS GROUP THAT SAYS IT IS ‘MOVING BEYOND THE BINARY OF GIRL’
Cunningham is shooting at 44% when she shoots from distance. Cunningham is followed by over 3.2 millions people on TikTok, and has 2.6 million Instagram followers. She is also one of the most famous players in the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers is another notable absentee. Bueckers is the number one overall pick in 2025 WNBA Draft. Bueckers, the No.
Yes, there is a WNBA 3-point competition.
There aren’t many names that people expected or wanted in a three-point competition.
Rhyne, Marina, Mabrey and Azzi will be competing at the Wintrust Arena on Friday.
This is a respectable group of players, although most are probably unknown by casual sports fans. Mabrey is the WNBA’s leading three-point shooter with 82 as of Tuesday. Howard comes in second place with 79. Salaun, Carleton and Hiedeman are tied at seventh. Fudd is tied for 10th place, and the number one overall pick in 2026’s WNBA Draft. Fudd, the No.
All six of those players can shoot well.
Come on, let’s not be silly.
Clark has become the most popular player in women’s basketball. Ionescu, one of women’s basketball’s most famous players, is a great shooter. Bueckers was voted the best player in All-Star voting by fans. Clark’s teammates Mitchell and Cunningham are also very popular shooters.
ANGEL REESE’S LATEST WNBA CONTROVERSY SHOWS HOW VICTIMHOOD BECOME CENTRAL FOR HER BRAND
Clark is the only player who can claim to be more important than Clark. She has not yet competed in a WNBA three-point competition in her career of three years.
She reportedly turned down the 2024 WNBA 3 Point Contest. She was originally expected to participate in the version of 2025, but pulled out due to injury. Now, she has reportedly rejected this year’s competition.
This is a major problem for the WNBA. Clark’s presence changes everything. When she is involved, regular-season games seem bigger. Road arenas fill up. Ratings jump. Social media explodes. The WNBA has suddenly become a big deal to people who normally don’t watch it.
Caitlin will not be participating in the WNBA’s 3-point competition with logo shots that is televised nationally during All-Star Weekend.
This is a huge miss for a team trying to build momentum.

Sports

Dustin Poirier reveals Bud Light ‘terminated my contract immediately’ after arrest for public drunkenness

Dustin Poirier has left Bud Light.
The former UFC lightweight interim champion, who had appeared in Bud Light commercials and represented the brand during public appearances revealed that Bud Light severed ties with the company as soon as Poirier was arrested for public drunkenness. Poirier’s appearance in an advertisement with UFC announcer Bruce Buffer, which was heavily edited so as to exclude the Louisiana native during recent broadcasts, had already led to speculation about Bud Light ceasing business.
Poirier claims that Bud Light cut ties immediately after his release from jail and arrest.
Yahoo Sports reported that Poirier’s contract was terminated immediately.
Poirier acknowledges the deal was lucrative, but he is not upset about the fact that he will no longer be representing this company. This, even though he has been fighting to remain sober after such a humiliating arrest.
It’s good. Poirier declared, “I don’t want that poison to be in my life.” It’s a shame that my family will lose out on the few hundred thousands of dollars I left over from the agreement with the company.
It’s what it is.
Poirier, since his arrest has been working tirelessly to correct the problems that caused him to drink too much on that particular day. He was also kicked off of a flight and then detained by the police in Atlanta for continuing his bad behavior.
Poirier apologized profusely for the events of that day. He even thanked the officers, who defused the situation in spite of a former UFC fighter literally fighting them at the airport.
Poirier has stopped drinking since then. Representing a light Bud Light company sends out the wrong message in his attempt to change.
There are many people who drink responsibly. Poirier replied, “I’m not.” If you’re able to drink responsibly and have fun, then drink Bud Light or whatever you like. Have fun, but be responsible. “I’m not like that.”

Sports

The Heat’s Championship Dream Still Depends on More Than Giannis Antetokounmpo

Pat Riley, the two-time MVP of the Miami Heat basketball team, opened his news conference last week with a smile that had not been seen since they introduced their new superstar. The Heat’s hoops eljefe, Riley, walked into a news conference flanked by Giannis Antietokounmpo. Riley, a two-time NBA MVP, paid Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr., as well as whatever the Bucks wanted to pay for the Heat. Riley declared the beginning of a new Miami basketball era. Riley said, “We don’t guarantee anything but we do want to win.”
The Heat’s landing of “the plane”, as Riley called his 6’11”, 244-pound star, was a landmark moment. Riley has recruited LeBron and Chris Bosh as free agents, combining the All-NBA players with Dwyane to create a mini-dynasty which earned four NBA Finals berths and two championships. Since then, the team has had a mix of success: regular appearances in playoffs and early exits. There have also been some improbable runs to the Finals. Miami missed the playoffs last season despite winning 43 games.
Riley is confident that Antetokounmpo’s arrival will bring about a change. Riley recalled a conversation he had early this month with Antetokounmpo. Riley said, “I heard and felt the conviction of his voice in regards to the things I want, Spo wants, the Arison Family wants.” Riley said, “He only talked about winning.” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra later recalled the conversation they had. Spoelstra stated, “He asked me: ‘Doesn’t it make sense for you to be the coach of Giannis’?” Spoelstra paused and recounted the reaction he had: “Yes.”
How? The addition of Antetokounmpo is a great boost to Miami’s team. When healthy–we will get into that in a minute–Antetokounmpo is a force. He averages 28 to 30 ppg and 10-12 rebounds per game. In each of the past three seasons, he has made more than 60% of shots and led the NBA with free-throw attempts three times.
He’s still far from a plug-and-play. Miami’s fast-paced quick-shot offensive from last year will be tweaked. This team was lacking a half-court offensive weapon and masked it by relying on high volume attempts, pace and speed. At Summer League, rival coaches speculated the Heat will incorporate Giannis-friendly sets–pick-and-rolls, post-ups, half-court isolations–into Spoelstra’s system.
The Heat have a bigger problem that could be looming: shooting. The Heat are optimistic that they have enough shooting. Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchel, and other players in the Heat’s starting lineup were better than 39% at three-point shooting last year. Simone Fontecchio, who was a bench player, shot 37.5%. Both recently added Bobby Portis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. shot higher than 41%. Riley stated that playmaking was Miami’s greatest need in an interview with Dan Le Batard.
Even so, the Heat will be challenged to prove that they are capable of beating them on the outside. Mitchell’s accuracy (39,5%) came from limited attempts (3 per game). Hardaway had his best three-point year in his career when he played off Nikola Jokic. Miami’s frontcourt will be dominated by two non-shooters, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
A veteran assistant says, “I’m sure we will pack the paint.”
Heat’s new target will not help either. James has not yet decided where he’ll play in the next season. Miami has been mentioned, and Riley is not being subtle in his wish for James to reunite with his team, using his metaphor of a plane. Riley said, “There is another plane we need to land.” James could solve all of the Heat’s problems with playmaking. At 41, he’s still a top-25 shot-creator. James’ 31.7% three-point shooting rate last year was the lowest in seven years.
Antetokounmpo doesn’t seem to be concerned about it for the time being. Antetokounmpo bragged about Adebayo at his press conference. The two have been involved in numerous battles throughout the years. Antetokounmpo usually gets 8 hours of sleep the night before a game. He slept 12 hours before playing Adebayo. Spoelstra’s hard-working coaching style was something he wanted.
Antetokounmpo stated, “I would rather have you tell the truth. The moment that I am coached, everyone else will follow. No sugarcoating for me. There are a number of people in my life who try to be friendly and make me happy. “I don’t want that.”
Antetokounmpo is a player of elite caliber. It’s his health that is the real story. Antetokounmpo battled multiple calf injury last season. He played 36 games. After suffering a calf strain late in the season, he missed the postseason of 2024. Antetokounmpo, at 31, has many years left of playing good basketball – if his body allows him to.
Antetokounmpo stated, “I needed pressure in this stage of my career.” In order to reach the next level I need to step out of my comfort zones. I felt that Miami would be the perfect place to do this.
Antetokounmpo, at his press conference, was asked about Lionel Messi. The Argentinean football star. Messi signed a deal with Miami Major League Soccer in 2023 when he was mid-30s. The thought was that Messi’s career was nearing its end. Messi has instead won two MLS MVP awards and a title. Antetokounmpo is on a similar journey.
Antetokounmpo stated, “That is the blueprint.” LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo set the template, you’ve just got to copy it, right? It’s hard. It’s hard. It’s not easy, you have to dedicate yourself to it. If you’re willing to follow you must. “If you do not want to follow then go home.”
Sports Illustrated: More NBA from Sports Illustrated

Sports

MLB Trade Rumors and 2026 Trade Deadline News July 21

It’s less than two months until the Aug. 3, 2013 deadline for trade, but it might not take long before dominos begin to fall.
Check out some of the most recent topics in baseball rumors, such as the Red Sox’s continued success, the Orioles’ willingness to trade Adley Rutschman and the Blue Jays’ ongoing struggles.
Not long ago the Red Sox were considered to be certain sellers. But a winning streak of 14 games and a record of 19-2 in 21 consecutive matches has changed their status into that they are likely buyers. It’s unclear how aggressive they will be, but there is a good argument that the Red Sox should buy.
The American League this year is weak. However, the Red Sox look to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league, thanks to their stellar pitching staff, as well as an offensive that has recovered from the first half’s doldrums.
The Red Sox may be able to get Garrett Crochet or Roman Anthony for the stretch, but that is not guaranteed. Even if they recover from their injuries, that’s not likely to be until the end of the season. The Red Sox need to look elsewhere for replacements.
Boston’s team roster shows that second base and the catcher position are areas where they could improve. This season, the Red Sox are ranked 28th at second base (67 wRC+) and 21st at catcher (79 wRC+).
There may not be many options for the Red Sox to improve their catcher. There has been much speculation on the catching market (see below), however, among the impact bats at the plate only Ryan Jeffers of the Twins (a free agent pending) seems to be a candidate for a trade.
There are other options if the Red Sox want to pay up. For example, the Rockies have Hunter Goodman, who is under control until 2029. How much could Goodman be worth? Jim Bowden, The Athletic (subscription needed), offered a hypothetical deal that included left-hander Connelly Early (Boston No. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden (subscription required) offered up a hypothetical package of left-hander Connelly Early, right-hander Kyson Witherspoon (Boston’s No.
The trade market this year is full of intrigue. There are a number of teams that need help catching — the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox, among others — while several of baseball’s top catchers have attracted interest.
Rutschman will also be eligible to leave the team after 2027. Samuel Basallo, another O’s backstop who has a contract that is long term with the club, also fuels speculation regarding Rutschman’s potential future.
ESPN reports that the O’s don’t have any immediate plans to move the No. The O’s aren’t in a rush to trade the 2019 No. Baltimore’s recent success would appear to reduce Rutschman’s chances of being traded. His latest stint in the IL is also not helping. As ESPN points out, they wouldn’t be looking to move Rutschman in exchange for prospects. He could be used as trade bait for MLB-ready pitchers that the team can control past 2026.
Rutschman’s chances of getting traded are higher than those of fellow All-Star Shea Langeliers. ESPN reported that while MLB Network’s Jon Heyman said that the A’s are “open to everything” and may trade Langeliers if extension talks failed, the team has told other teams that it does not want to deal him. Langeliers is under club control until 2028. This is the first season of A’s in Las Vegas.
It is highly unlikely that Goodman, who has a contract with the Rockies until 2029 (ESPN places the chance at 15%) will be traded. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Colorado has set a goal this year of identifying players that can make up its next 90-win squad. Goodman fits that bill. They’d move him only if they could get multiple players back who would accelerate their timeline.
Rosenthal writes, “The Rockies would not want to take three lottery Class A picks for Goodman.” They would prefer multiple top-end prospects that could accelerate their 90 win pace faster than Goodman alone. They would be reluctant to pay such a high price, as they also have to deal with their bullpen, and need more than one offensive player. “Other clubs would too.”
The Blue Jays haven’t played like they did last year when they almost won the World Series. Toronto is 7-15 in its last 22 games and has dropped three out of four games since the All Star break.
According to FanGraphs, the Blue Jays were 5 1/2 out of the AL Wild Card race on Tuesday. Only the Angels Athletics and Royals had worse odds for playoffs among AL teams.
Blue Jays front offices are faced with tough choices at the Trade Deadline due to the continued struggle of the team. Toronto’s front office is unlikely to buy short-term assets at this time, and it also does not have many tradeable pieces given how its free agents performed during the season. Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber could be the best trade chips if they decide to sell.
Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith outlined a middle path for Toronto on Monday — one that could involve adding controllable pitching for 2026 and beyond, making a strength-for-strength trade with another playoff hopeful or absorbing a bad contract to land a player they genuinely want.
What the Phillies need at trade deadline depends on what you ask. The Phillies’ World Series aspirations are largely reliant on bullpen support and a bat with a right handed swing. Overtaking the Braves may depend on something less exciting: a fifth starter who is reliable.
In 2026 the Phillies had a 7.33 ERA when they started someone else than Cristopher Sánchez, Zster Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, or Aaron Nola. They were also 5-20 whenever anyone other than these four players took over. While they will not need a number one starter, it is still advisable to have one in case the situation arises. The No. 5 spot in the playoffs is an important concern.
Jim Salisbury, of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports that they “are actively looking for a trade to acquire a backup starting pitcher.” The Phillies have not revealed which pitchers they’re targeting but are looking to make a deal before Saturday, when the Yankees will be competing for the fifth position in their rotation.
The Yankees will be active buyers at the Trade Deadline, as they need to improve their bullpen and behind the plate. Which young assets will the Yanks be willing to trade to reach those goals?
Mark Feinsand, of MLB.com notes in a piece analyzing the Yankees trade chips that George Lombard Jr. is their No. Mark Feinsand, of MLB.com’s Trade Chips section notes that infielder George Lombard Jr. (the Yankees No. The Yankees’ No. 4, No. The 80 countries in the Top 100 list “appear non-starters” when it comes to trade negotiations.
If those two prospects are not on the table then two more Top 100 prospects could be used as trade baits: Dax Kilby, shortstop (No. Elmer Rodriguez, a right-handed pitcher (No. Along with Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, former top-tier prospects.

Sports

Latest rumors, news on next team

12:00 pm ET
Rich Paul updates LeBron James on “The Pat McAfee show”
Mark Giannotto
Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent, appeared briefly on “The Pat McAfee show” on Tuesday, 21st July. He gave another update about his client’s NBA Free Agency decision, following comments Paul had made in his podcast the day before. Paul asked McAfee and everyone else who is following James’ decision to be “a little patient with him” while admitting that “I wish I knew” which team James would join.
Paul stated, “It’s up to him to make the decision. I have to prepare for it.” In my discussions with Adam Silver…we understand the current state of the league and other things, in relation to the schedule. But it is very contradictory because it is an important decision for him. It is not something you can rush.
Paul continued, “I don’t think this man should be rushed. He has important decisions to make in business, family and basketball.”
10:31 am ET
Pat Riley reveals a ‘thawed relationship’ with LeBron.
Mark Giannotto
LeBron James’ return to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers in a third season has received a lot of attention. He’s considering another reunion, with a team from his past. Miami Heat President Pat Riley admitted he was still upset when James went to the Cavaliers back in 2014. However, he said during an appearance on the “The Dan Le Beard Show” that his feelings had “just thawed out” over the last 12 years.
Riley stated, “LeBron, I haven’t spoken to you much but, you just let it go.” Riley said, “I was disappointed, because I thought that we were building a dynasty or something similar, but you let go of it.”
He added, “We all celebrated together.” I see photos of us in Championship Valley, embracing and pouring Champagne on one another’s heads. I believe that those are the moments you will always remember. Someone leaves because they want to return to Cleveland. It’s also his home. He moved away. It was quite a controversy, and I believe that he made the right decision if he wanted to move on. Maybe I would have been more angry if he had gone somewhere else. He went back home, and got rid of that scarlet-letter because many people had been angry.
Riley noted that he had met James at different sporting events, including NBA All-Star Game festivities. Riley also said James hugged him last season after the Lakers presented Riley with a monument outside Crypto.com Center. Riley said that the Heat, like all other teams, are chasing James and waiting for him to arrive.
6:44 am ET
Rich Paul: LeBron will not be rushed
Marcus D. Smith
The NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s request that LeBron make a decision to allow the league to finish the schedule of the regular season was not heeded.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James’ agent. Max Kellerman, during the Game Over podcast, said that James will not “be rushed,” into a decision about free agency.
Paul stated, “I met Adam in New York. We discussed the matter.” If (LeBron), doesn’t already know, you cannot rush the process. We won’t be. He can make his own decision.
There have been a few people calling and asking if there was anything else we could be doing. And I told them no. You don’t have to do anything extra.