logo
Cowboys' George Pickens power move ends Diggs brothers NFL dream—for now

Cowboys' George Pickens power move ends Diggs brothers NFL dream—for now

Time of Indiaa day ago
No room for reunion: Cowboys ride with George Pickens (Image credits: IG/X)
The Dallas Cowboys made a definitive statement this offseason by trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, effectively reshaping their offense and closing any realistic window for a reunion with veteran wideout Stefon Diggs.
With Pickens now pairing up with $34 million-per-year receiver CeeDee Lamb, Dallas is banking on one of the league's most electric pass-catching duos. While fans speculated about adding Diggs for a family reunion with his brother Trevon, team priorities and cap realities tell a different story.
George Pickens' arrival creates no room for more stars
George Pickens, just 24, comes with elite playmaking skills and a physical presence that complements Lamb's route-running finesse.
However, he also brings a reputation for being emotionally volatile—a factor the Cowboys were aware of before making the deal. CeeDee Lamb, who's admitted to sideline frustration himself, is already entrenched in the slot, the very role some suggest Stefon Diggs could fill.
That speculation hit a peak when Last Word On Sports suggested: 'The Dallas Cowboys could trade for Diggs to not only depend on CeeDee Lamb and Pickens in the deep threat route, while Dak Prescott slings it to the slot in a potential reliable receiver like Diggs.'
But in reality, Diggs isn't needed—and likely not wanted. Lamb thrives in the slot, and Dallas didn't just acquire Pickens to demote him in a crowded wide receiver room.
Sentimental hype vs. salary cap reality
Stefon Diggs, 31, recently signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the New England Patriots after a rocky exit from Buffalo and a forgettable injury-shortened stint in Houston. Despite his veteran appeal, New England has already guaranteed $16.6 million of that contract, with a $9 million cap hit this year—making any trade both costly and complicated.
The only appealing subplot? A possible Diggs family reunion in Dallas. Trevon and Stefon have openly discussed the fun of teaming up. But timing hasn't cooperated. Trevon is focused on rehabbing his ACL, while Stefon finds himself explaining off-field headlines, including a viral yacht incident involving a mystery bag of pink pills.
Also read:
Retired NFL star Kurt Warner's family advocacy intensifies amid 2025 Medicaid cuts
For now, Dallas has its receiver duo: Lamb and Pickens. Stefon Diggs may still command attention—but not a roster spot in Arlington.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

"I'm the Achilles guy": Kevin Durant shares his insight on injury with NBA superstars like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard
"I'm the Achilles guy": Kevin Durant shares his insight on injury with NBA superstars like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

"I'm the Achilles guy": Kevin Durant shares his insight on injury with NBA superstars like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard

Kevin Durant (Image via Jerome Miron/Imagn Images) If anyone knows how to make a comeback after a potentially career-altering injury, it's the newest acquisition of the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant. The power forward suffered from a ruptured right Achilles tendon while he was with the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Finals. His injury led to a lot of speculation, and many believed that it was the end of KD in the NBA. But he proved everyone wrong, and returned to full strength in the next season, and has since proved that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. And that is exactly what he shared with players like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard, both of whom are suffering from similar injuries currently. Kevin Durant was approached by Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard after injury Jayson Tatum sustained a ruptured Achilles during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. Thankfully, the Boston Celtics star was able to undergo surgery the very next day and is currently in rehab, getting back to playing condition. Damian Lillard also suffered from a similar injury after tearing his Achilles tendon during the Milwaukee Bucks' postseason run this year. He, too, is in rehab currently and is most likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-2026 season. And at such trying times, both these players have turned to someone who has already gone through a similar phase in their career - Kevin Durant. Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard (Image via X) KD recently appeared on the Mind the Game podcast alongside LeBron James and host Steve Nash, where he revealed that both Tatum and Lillard had been in contact with him since their injuries. He joked that he had become the 'Achilles guy' since his injury, and now a lot of players turn to him for advice. He said: 'Of course, you know JT and Dame hit me up — I feel like I'm the Achilles guy. I feel like a lot of guys have bounced back and become themselves again. Mine is the most popular, but I feel like a lot of guys have bounced back that I took inspiration from when I was going through my journey.' "I feel like I'm the Achilles guy." 😅 #kevindurant #injury #nba #shorts Back then, Kevin Durant's injury grabbed a lot of attention, and many believed that his injury would lead to the end of his career. But it's been 5 years since he came back, and he has made 5 consecutive All-Star appearances, and is not looking to stop anytime soon. Lillard is also currently in a similar position, with him being waived by the Bucks, and now he is in free agency. With him being absent for most of the upcoming season, the chances of him making a comeback are slim. But the veteran player is not ready to give up yet, and fans will be rooting for him to come back to court once he is fully recovered. Also Read: Kevin Durant gives heartfelt credit to his mom Wanda Durant for his stunning basketball career Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Chris Paul could take on key bench role if Milwaukee Bucks sign future Hall of Famer
Chris Paul could take on key bench role if Milwaukee Bucks sign future Hall of Famer

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Chris Paul could take on key bench role if Milwaukee Bucks sign future Hall of Famer

Chris Paul is in San Antonio Spurs (Image via Getty Images) According to recent rumours, San Antonio Spurs ' Chris Paul could soon be signed by the Milwaukee Bucks. When assessing the circumstances, the Milwaukee Journal claimed that it believes that if the NBA player were to join the team, it'd be practically guaranteed that he'd be a starter. Over the previous few years, the team from Milwaukee has occasionally appeared to be among the NBA's less attractive teams, according to Sporting News. Chris Paul would at least be able to help them change the status. Chris Paul could start for the Milwaukee Bucks if signed, as the team eyes veteran leadership Chris Paul is one of the most respected point guards in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks took the risky decision to stretch and waive Damian Lillard at the start of free agency. It allocated the more than $100 million remaining on his deal over five years instead of the two that he had originally been contracted to get. — BucksShowYo (@BucksShowYo) On the other hand, Bleacher Report's Rik Beaston thinks Chris Paul would be a good fit for the squad because of their positional need. In a piece published on BR, he wrote: "If Paul decides to return to the court, and he signs with Milwaukee, he has the potential to be a playoff difference-maker for a team that has championship aspirations.' He continued: "He no longer has to be the guy but, rather, a complement to that player, and in a wide-open Eastern Conference rocked by a rash of torn Achilles during the playoffs that will keep stars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton out for the entirety of next season, a Paul-assisted Bucks team would have a real opportunity to climb back into the title hunt.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo He further added: 'Considering the frustrations its star player has experienced over the last year, and questions about the organization's championship window closing, it is a move that must be made in order to preserve the possibility that Giannis and Co. can secure a second Larry O'Brien Trophy." Chris Paul might join Milwaukee Bucks (Image via Getty Images) Meanwhile, stating the news, the Milwaukee Journal wrote: 'If he were to sign, I'm sure we'd have to get some clarity on the relationship between Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo, particularly about their heated verbal on-court altercation during and after the Bucks' loss to San Antonio on Jan. 31.' In the end, if the Milwaukee Bucks signs Chris Paul, it could be a smart move. He may not be a star anymore, but his experience, leadership, and skills could help the team take another step toward an NBA championship. Also read: Kevin Durant and Steve Nash revealed big issues with small guards in modern NBA games Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season
NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season

NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season (Image Source: Getty Images) The wait is over for NBA fans and gamers. On July 8, the 2K NBA officially revealed the cover athlete for its next video game, NBA 2K26. The news was shared first by Shams Charania of ESPN through a post on X just before midnight. This year's cover choice follows a historic NBA season and celebrates one of the league's most talked-about stars - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was picked and how 2025 changed his career forever Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often called "SGA" by fans, had an unforgettable 2024-2025 season. In June 2025, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship in over a decade. Just weeks later, he was named NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the very first time. The 26-year-old guard averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game throughout the season. He shot 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. His performance helped the Thunder dominate both the regular season and playoffs. On top of the MVP honor, Shai was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third year in a row. Right after his championship and MVP win, Shai signed a four-year, $285 million supermax extension, which now holds the record for the highest annual salary in NBA history. This moment, both on and off the court, has made him one of the league's most respected young stars. NBA 2K26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly named cover star after historic MVP season (Image Source: X) With all these achievements, it was no surprise that 2K Sports and the team behind NBA 2K26 picked him as the new face of the franchise. The news has excited both gamers and basketball fans who have watched Shai's steady rise to stardom over the last few years. NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted the reveal at 11:35 PM CEST on July 8. You can view his official post here: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now on a list of NBA size that has appeared on the front of the video game, such as Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Stephen Curry. Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers might re-sign Kevin Love as LeBron James rumors More updates on the game, including features and release dates, are expected from 2K Sports later this month. Currently, the fans are already celebrating Shai's moments in the spotlight- both in real life and on the front. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store