Raptors sign center Jakob Poeltl to a 4-year contact extension
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 29-year-old from Austria averaged a career-best 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, along with 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in 57 regular-season games for Toronto (30-52) last season. He also shot 62.7% from the field, which ranked fifth in the league among qualified players.
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First Hydrogen Expands SMR Design Collaboration with Renewable Thermal Laboratory at the University of Alberta to Advance Nuclear SMR Technology
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2025) - First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) ("FIRST HYDROGEN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to the Company's news release of June 9, 2025, the addition of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) design in the collaboration with Professor Muhammad Taha Manzoor from the University of Alberta. The project will focus on fuel reactor materials, reactor design and reactor design optimization taking into consideration the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. SMRs offer some key benefits compared to traditional nuclear reactors: SMRs are compact and can be installed in remote locations, can be factory-fabricated and shipped to the site, scale incrementally with demand, are safer due to its simplified designs, potentially use fuels other than enriched uranium, longer periods between refueling and have lower upfront costs. Canada is globally recognized for its exceptional nuclear expertise, notably through its renowned CANDU (Canadian Deuterium-Uranium) reactors, widely considered among the safest and most reliable nuclear technologies in the world. Leveraging SMRs, First Hydrogen aims to deliver stable, cost-effective, and efficient process for producing green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions worldwide. By integrating advanced nuclear technology with green hydrogen production, the Company is positioned to meet rising global demand for clean energy. The Company is currently reviewing potential sites in Canada and Europe. First Hydrogen believes Canada's strong nuclear expertise and proven track record position its technologies as a leading choice for SMR development. Prime Minister Carney has endorsed SMR technology as crucial to ensuring energy independence and transforming the country into a leading energy superpower. As per the Government of Canada (January 8, 2025), there are currently five nuclear power plants situated in three provinces housing 22 nuclear power reactors. These power plants produce 15% of Canada's electricity. Notable Canadian SMR projects include Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Darlington SMR initiative aiming to build four reactors, New Brunswick's focus on fourth-generation SMRs including ARC Clean Energy's development at Point Lepreau, and Saskatchewan's active exploration into SMRs for grid-scale power generation. Goldman Sachs projects that artificial intelligence will drive a 160% increase in data center power demand by 2030, reshaping global energy consumption. Unlike previous years when efficiency improvements offset growing workloads, AI's heavy computational needs-like a ChatGPT query using nearly 10× the electricity of a Google search-are overwhelming those gains. Currently responsible for about 1-2% of global electricity, data centers could reach 3-4% by decade's end, with AI accounting for 19% of that demand by 2028. U.S. utilities needing $50 billion in new generation capacity and Europe facing over $1.7 trillion in grid and renewable investments. (AI is poised to drive 160% increase in data center power demand | Goldman Sachs) Dr. Manzoor commented, "We are pleased to see our collaboration with First Nuclear expanding, as they broaden their small modular reactor (SMR) approach by integrating design elements and committing additional support to this challenging yet exciting endeavor. SMR design is a complex, multidisciplinary problem that requires assembling a diverse team of experts. We look forward to deepening our partnerships across Canadian academia and industry in the years ahead." About First Nuclear Corp. ( First Hydrogen Corp. is committed to developing and commercializing advanced clean energy solutions, including green hydrogen produced by state-of-the-art Small Modular Reactors. The Company aims to provide scalable, sustainable, and economically viable alternatives to meet global climate goals and enhance energy security. About First Hydrogen Corp. ( First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver, Montreal, Germany and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution. The Company has designed and built two hydrogen- fuel-cell-powered light commercial vehicles ("FCEV"). The FCEV are road-legal in the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) with 6,000 km of testing completed and have achieved a range of 630+ kilometres on a single refueling. The vehicles have successfully been trialled in real-world conditions with fleet operators in the United Kingdom. On behalf of the Board of Directors of FIRST HYDROGEN CORP."Balraj Mann"Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Contact:Balraj MannFirst Hydrogen Corp.604-601-2018investors@ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains information or statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward looking information may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies and outlook of First Hydrogen, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments and the future operations, strengths and strategies of First Hydrogen. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on management's assumptions and analysis and other factors that may be drawn upon by management to form conclusions and make forecasts or projections, including management's experience and assessments of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Although management believes that these assumptions, analyses and assessments are reasonable at the time the statements contained in this news release are made, actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Examples of risks and factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements may include: the timing and unpredictability of regulatory actions; regulatory, legislative, legal or other developments with respect to its operations or business; limited marketing and sales capabilities; early stage of the industry and product development; limited products; reliance on third parties; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of increasing competition; the loss of key management personnel; capital requirements and liquidity; access to capital; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; the impact of COVID-19; shifts in the demand for First Hydrogen's products and the size of the market; patent law reform; patent litigation and intellectual property; conflicts of interest; and general market and economic conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of First Hydrogen as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. First Hydrogen undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
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Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades
Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Kings enter 2025-26 with a refreshed sense of purpose. After moving on from De'Aaron Fox and coach Mike Brown following a missed playoff finish (40-42, no postseason), Sacramento now anchors its core around Domantas Sabonis and newly acquired Zach LaVine, both of whom carry All-Star credentials and deliver high-level scoring and playmaking. Rising forward Keegan Murray has begun blossoming into a legitimate 3-and-D forward, rounding out a young nucleus with notable promise. Yet even that trio may only be the foundation. After it seems the Kings won't be able to land their key target, Jonathan Kuminga, they might be in the running for two immediate starters in this proposed trade idea. With two blockbuster additions, Nic Claxton, a top-tier rim protector and switchable center from Brooklyn, and Derrick White, a defensively elite, clutch-shooting guard from Boston, the Kings could suddenly unveil one of the NBA's most dynamic starting lineups. Let's dive into how the Kings could create an elite starting lineup with two trades. An Intriguing Trade To Acquire Athletic Big Man Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2027 first-round pick (CHO), 2027 second-round pick (CHO) Sacramento would be getting Nic Claxton, a modern two-way center whose elite rim presence and finishing ability instantly elevate their interior defense. In 2024-25, he averaged 10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, and swatted 1.4 blocks per game, all on a scorching 56.3% FG. His ability to alter shots and patrol the paint would transform the Kings' protection behind Sabonis, something they badly lacked last season. Claxton is more than just a defender: he can run the floor better than most traditional centers and is extremely athletic. Offense-wise, he brings downhill energy, smart passing, and finishing around the rim, traits that complement Sabonis's skill set rather than duplicate it. Pairing him with Murray and LaVine creates a versatile frontline that both scores and defends. The cost, DeMar DeRozan and two picks, is bold yet calculated. DeRozan continues to age, and while he's still a scoring threat, his fit next to the new core might be limited. In contrast, Claxton injects youth and long-term value at the 5, perfectly aligning with a rebuild-plus push. It's a win-now pivot without compromising future upside. An All-In Move For Derrick White Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Derrick White Boston Celtics Receive: Dennis Schroder, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick Landing Derrick White from Boston would give Sacramento a two-way glue guard with playoff mettle and championship experience. Last season, White averaged 16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, and an impressive 1.1 BPG. His on-ball defense, highlighted by two All-Defensive Second Team nods, adds toughness to the perimeter, vastly improving the Kings' defensive identity. Offensively, White is clutch. He nailed a franchise-record 265 threes for Boston in 2024-25, and routinely elevates his game in crunch time. With Fox gone, White becomes the primary half-court orchestrator, freeing LaVine to play off-ball and Sabonis to dominate the interior. Trading Dennis Schroder plus picks is steep, but Schroder doesn't bring the same two-way impact or defensive pedigree, and he's on a shorter, less team-friendly deal. White brings stability, playoff leadership, and a physical edge. For a Kings squad hustling to break through, this feels like the kind of historical, season-shifting move they need. Kings Could Form An Underrated But Elite Starting Lineup Starting Lineup: Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Nic Claxton The projected lineup of Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Nic Claxton gives the Kings a lethal blend of two-way versatility, defensive toughness, and athleticism. At the top, White brings elite perimeter defense and relational playmaking, and LaVine's scoring punch, 23.3 PPG on .511/.446/.825 splits last season, ensuring instant offense. Murray offers a dynamic 3-and-D combo from the wing, shooting 34.3% from deep on 12.4 PPG. Defensively, Murray keeps opposing wings honest, allowing Sabonis and Claxton to anchor the paint. Down low, Sabonis remains the engine. He delivered a monster 19.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG, and a historic 61 consecutive double-double streak in '24-25. Claxton complements that with modern rim protection and athleticism, and together, they form a switchy, drop-capable big man duo that stifles rolls, dominates rebounds, and allows Sacramento to control the tempo on both ends. Bench: Ben Simmons (Potentially), Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, Isaac Jones The Kings' bench depth blends promising youth with seasoned role players, ready to swing momentum in a game. The Kings are reportedly interested in former All-Star Ben Simmons, and he could be a perfect fit to lead the bench as a 6'10" playmaker and defender. Devin Carter and Nique Clifford, both recent draftees, have already flashed high-impact potential in Summer League: Carter dropped 30 points, 8 boards, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in one outing, while Clifford flirted with a triple-double (19 pts, 9 ast, 7 reb) and impressed scouts with his two-way prowess. That youthful energy and versatility, especially on defense, provide Sacramento with a spark off the pine. Meanwhile, experienced bench pieces like Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, and Isaac Jones bring complementary skills. Monk had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG, despite suffering a late-season calf injury. Together with the rest of the depth chart, this bench allows the Kings to maintain defensive intensity and give the starters rest without sacrificing offensive story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
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an hour ago
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Sacramento Kings Could Form A Powerful Backcourt With Russell Westbrook And Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Could Form A Powerful Backcourt With Russell Westbrook And Zach LaVine originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The NBA offseason has only just begun, and the Sacramento Kings have some big improvement plans. In the aftermath of some major trades, the Kings are in need of a point guard, and recent reports from within the organization claim that they could look to Russell Westbrook to fill the void. 'Fellow free agents Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also known to be options that the Kings are considering," wrote Sam Amick of The Athletic. "Free agency formally begins at 6 p.m. Eastern on Monday. Beyond the point guard vacancy, though, league sources say the Kings are open for business when it comes to discussing the various possibilities with their roster.' The Kings are still trying to find their way after a series of disappointing seasons. Despite their initial success with De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, they failed to make a long playoff run, and the team decided to wipe the slate clean by trading Fox and parting ways with their longtime coach, Mike Brown. Going into next season, the Kings are hoping to be competitive with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, but they'll need a proper point guard to keep up with the steep competition. In a somewhat weak free agency, options are limited for the Kings, but Russell Westbrook is not only an affordable option, but he has the potential to raise their ceiling. The 9x All-Star is a future Hall of Famer with career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 443.9% shooting. As a 2x scoring leader, 9x All-NBA player, and former MVP, Westbrook has proven himself as one of the elite superstars, but his decline over the years has been swift. Ever since leaving the Thunder in 2019, Westbrook has been on a downward spiral that includes failed stints with the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, and Clippers. In his latest stop, the Nuggets, the entire front office split over his role in Michael Malone's rotation. Now, Russ is set to decline his $3.5 million player option and join the 2025 free agency class at 36 years old. At this stage of his career, Westbrook's future is still uncertain, but the Kings believe he can help them win games next season. After averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game in the 2024-25 campaign, Russ has something left in the tank, and his impact on the floor is still felt after 17 years in the NBA. While he may not be what he once was, Westbrook's skills as a scorer, ball handler, and playmaker should make him a fine addition to the Kings. At the very least, he'll make them relevant in the West in a lineup with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. After finishing ninth in the standings this past season, Sacramento needs a spark, and Westbrook can bring that and more with his status as a leader, veteran, and ultimate competitor. While he's expected to have multiple suitors this summer, Westbrook will have direct control over this next landing spot, and there's a lot to be gained from joining the Kings, where he could potentially start on a competitive story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
