Latest news with #MVP
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Dončić 2.0: shredded, motivated… and finally an MVP?
Subscribe to The Big Number Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into Men's Health Luka — the shock heard 'round the NBA. Is this the season Luka Doncic finally cashes in on all that MVP hype? We break down the jaw-dropping 1.4 expected MVPs stat, why his shredded transformation could change everything and whether the Lakers' roster chaos might hold him back. Plus: RFA contract predictions, why 40-point games don't always equal big paydays, and the very real possibility that Cam Thomas is better than Tim Duncan (kidding). (1:20) - Is Luka 2.0 ready for an MVP run? (15:55) - Can Lakers win enough games for Luka to win MVP? (19:30) - Lakers' defensive concerns (23:30) - Can Lakers offense be good enough to support Luka MVP bid? (27:20) - Can Luka stay healthy enough to win MVP? (33:05) - Deep dive on the current available RFAs 🖥️
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers Reportedly Pursuing Steven Kwan From Guardians, Per Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers are ready to make moves at the trade deadline, and they have their eyes on one of the biggest bats on the market. MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting the Dodgers are keeping their eyes on Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, and he lists one of the players who could go back to Cleveland in a trade. CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 29: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds second base on a hit by Daniel Schneemann #10 during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Progressive Field on July... CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 29: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds second base on a hit by Daniel Schneemann #10 during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Progressive Field on July 29, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. More"Dodgers are one of many teams in on Guardians All-Star LF Steven Kwan," Heyman wrote in a post on X. "Dodgers could form a nice package starting with top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, who is blocked for years by MVP candidate Will Smith." In addition to adding relievers, it's unsurprising Los Angeles wants to add an outfielder to its team. Left fielder Michael Conforto has been a major disappointment for the Dodgers so far this year, and he's running out of time to keep his starting spot. As Heyman mentions, Rushing could be one of the main pieces going back to the Guardians in exchange for Kwan. Rushing has no path to the majors right now, and the Dodgers wouldn't want to keep him in Triple-A. Given that Kwan has 2 1/2 years of team control remaining, it will take a lot more than Rushing to get the Guardians to accept a deal. The Dodgers would likely have to part with Rushing plus two of their top five prospects for Cleveland to even consider a deal. The Dodgers know adding a bat like Kwan would help them with their ultimate goal: winning the World Series again. Whether they want to be this aggressive remains to be seen. More MLB: Astros Trade Rumors: Team Increases Interest In Padres' Dylan Cease
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Steph Curry Explained Why He And Other NBA Players "Deserve" To Be Paid More, And I Need To Know Your Thoughts On This
Whether you're into basketball or not, you'll almost definitely know Stephen Curry. Steph has been a point guard for the Golden State Warriors since 2009, and in that time, he's won four NBA championships, been named MVP twice, and holds the record for the most 3-pointers in the sport's history. Related: He's one of the greatest to ever do it, and with such a successful career has come a whole lot of wealth. With his estimated net worth of $240 million, Steph's cumulative career earnings are reportedly around $410 million, making him the NBA's third-highest career earner behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant. However, while discussing money in a new interview with Complex, Steph shared his honest thoughts as to why he still feels he and some other star NBA players are 'underpaid' by the league. Related: Sitting down with Speedy Morman, Steph was first asked straight-up whether reports of his $240 million net worth are 'accurate.' Interestingly, he was reluctant to go into specifics, telling the host: 'I don't know. I don't really care.' 'To be honest, that's not something I really worry about too much. I got somebody that takes care of that for me. What I have going on is about creating a portfolio of stuff that is aspirational in terms of your wealth,' he said, before discussing the view he shares with his wife, Ayesha Curry. 'You wanna have something that you look back and are proud of,' he added. 'We've been blessed with so many opportunities and so many resources and so many relationships. We wanna be good stewards of it.' The 37-year-old was then asked about the opinion that some NBA players — despite having hugely lucrative contracts — are still underpaid, considering the broader 'value' that certain stars are bringing to the league and the organizations they play for. Choosing his words carefully, Steph replied: 'I think, because the way the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] is structured right now, we can't participate in equity. And that's a big deal because it is a partnership with ownership. It's a partnership with the league, and we're on the short term of that revenue.' Related: On average, NBA players in the 2024–2025 season reportedly earned nearly $12 million, while top players can earn over $50 million per season. However, Steph said that while these numbers might sound wild, stars like him are being prevented from getting the compensation they deserve due to rules that prohibit active players from earning an ownership stake in their team. 'Those numbers sound crazy, but what the league is doing, from whatever era you want to compare it to, to now, is probably 10x that,' he explained. 'The idea that we can't participate in equity while we're playing is part of why I would say yes, we are underpaid, because we want to be able to participate in that rise.' To put what he's saying into perspective, Steph had the highest salary of any NBA player in the 2024–2025 season, earning over $55 million, and next season, he looks set to make close to $60 million. Meanwhile, in October 2024, Forbes valued the Warriors at $8.8 billion, making them the most valuable team in the NBA. Steph emphasized that he feels very 'blessed' to be in a position where he's playing basketball for a living and earning that kind of money. Still, he said he hopes the rules change 'sooner [rather] than later,' so that 'players can participate more in the upside of team equity, the league, valuations, and all that type of stuff…just 'cause I think we deserve it.' Related: Steph's comments come amid similar discussions in the WNBA, with many players in the women's league publicly campaigning to be paid in a way that better reflects "the entertainment [they] provide." "We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that's made through the WNBA," Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier explained earlier this month. "So we want a fair and reasonable percentage of that." You can read more about the WNBA pay dispute here. And here's where you can watch Steph's full interview with Complex. Let me know your thoughts on this whole situation in the comments! More on this Parents And Non-Parents Are Sharing Their Two Cents After Ayesha Curry Said That Her And Steph Curry's Marriage Always Comes Before Their KidsLeyla Mohammed · Feb. 24, 2025 Parents And Non-Parents Are Sharing Their Two Cents After Ayesha Curry Said That Her And Steph Curry's Marriage Always Comes Before Their KidsLeyla Mohammed · Feb. 24, 2025 Ayesha Curry Slammed The 'Ridiculous' Rumors She And Steph Curry Have An Open Marriage And Told Fans Not To 'Disrespect' Their Relationship After A Theory Went Viral On A Gossip Instagram AccountLeyla Mohammed · Jan. 11, 2022 Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity:
New York Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
Alex Rodriguez sees Napheesa Collier following his path as he takes control of Timberwolves, Lynx
Alex Rodriguez appreciates a business-minded athlete. The Yankees great — who made the jump from MLB superstar to CEO of A-Rod Corp., and now co-owner of the NBA's Timberwolves and the WNBA's Lynx — heaped praise on Lynx veteran Napheesa Collier for building a business empire while in the prime of her career. 'Napheesa is an incredible example and role model for other athletes, both men and women, that you can take something in sports and not take your eye off the ball, but yet build something really equally as special on the business side,' Rodgriguez told The Post while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Lysol. 'So, hats off to her.' Advertisement 7 The Timberwolves introduce Marc Lore (L) and Alex Rodriguez as the new owners during a Press Conference at the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 10, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images Collier, a five-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 Euroleague Champion, and the Liberty's Breanna Stewart founded Unrivaled, which is a 3v3 professional women's basketball league that plays in Miami during the WNBA offseason — offering the highest average salaries in women's sports history, equity in the league, top-tier amenities, housing and childcare. Collier, who is averaging 23.5 points and 7.7 assists, is in the conversation for MVP after being a runner-up last season to Aces star A'ja Wilson, who won her third career MVP award. Advertisement The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the controlling interest in the Timberwolves and Lynx to Rodriguez and Marc Lore last month following four years as limited partners. The 2009 World Series champion said he's using knowledge passed down to him by former Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, who died in 2010. 7 Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates a basket against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter at Target Center on July 25, 2025. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images 'I gotta tell you, I played for almost 25 years in the major leagues and to be able to take some of my practices that I've learned from the life of George Steinbrenner, who was a great boss and an incredible role model,' Rodriguez said. 'He expected only the best, so I was able to learn from the best in the business, that was great. Advertisement 'Over the last four years [as a limited partner], I've done an incredible amount of listening and learning and studying … and we have so many incredible governors in our game. We have an amazing commissioner Adam Silver, who said, 'I want you to do a lot of listening, not a lot of talking and just be a student and learn from some of the great partners.'' 7 Timberwolves owners Marc Lore (L) and Alex Rodriguez pose with Minnesota star Anthony Edwards at a press conference at NBA Summer League on July 10, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images The Timberwolves' season ended in a Game 5 loss to the Thunder in the Western Conference finals — the second straight year Minnesota fell one round short of its first trip to the NBA Finals. With the second half of the WNBA season underway, the league-leading Lynx (22-5) are poised for a second consecutive trip to the Finals after falling to the Liberty last season. Advertisement 'I'm really proud,' said Rodriguez, a 14-time MLB All-Star. 'The last two years for the Timberwolves, we've been in the final four of 30 teams. And the Lynx, last year were the final two, came down to the wire, we lost to the Liberty. 'And this year, we were off to a hot start with the Lynx. It's an exciting time. Folks in Minnesota have been very supportive and it's an incredible sports town.' 7 Alex Rodriguez and girlfriend Jaclyn Cordiero attend Game 4 between the Lakers-Timberwolves during the 2025 playoffs. NBAE via Getty Images Rodriguez was also complimentary of Nets owners Clara and Joe Tsai, who bought the Liberty from James Dolan for a reported $10 to $14 million in 2019. The Liberty's valuation is on track to increase to $450 million after the installation of the team's new $80 million practice facility in Greenpoint. 'She's a powerhouse,' Rodriguez said of Clara. 'I really have a lot of respect and admiration for Claire Tsai and Joe, of course.' 7 Alex Rodriguez (middle) praises Lynx star Napheesa Collier for her efforts in creating the Unrivaled league while on a panel with Candace Parker (L) and Scott Galloway (R) at Sport Beach by Stagwell during Cannes Lions in June 2025. Ella Pellegrini Advertisement The Lynx face the Liberty (17-8) in Minnesota on Wednesday. Rodriguez understands that he can impact the local community, including youth sports. 7 Alex Rodriguez celebrates his 50th birthday with his girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro in Italy on July 27, 2025. Instagram/ Jaclyn Cordeiro The father of two recently celebrated his 50th birthday during a European vacation with his two daughters, Natasha, 20, and Ella, 17, and his girlfriend, fitness entrepreneur Jaclyn Cordeiro. Advertisement The CEO of A-Rod Corp — an investment firm that backs companies across real estate, sports and entertainment — went public with their relationship in December 2022. 7 Alex Rodriguez for Lysol. Lysol Rodriguez, who has worked as an MLB analyst for Fox Sports since 2017, signed a multi-year contract with the network in 2023.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Cover-Up Alleged in Aaron Judge Injury Reports
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' generational hitter and leading candidate to add a third to to his two previous MVP awards, was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, manager Aaron Boone sought to reassure the Yankees fan base, saying that Judge's flexor strain would likely require no more than the mandatory 10 days. Judge may not play the outfield immediately on his return, but could nonetheless bring his prodigious bat back into the lineup as the Yankees' designated hitter, Boone said. The 33-year-old seven-time All-Star was on his way to an all-time great season when the elbow injury struck, leading the league in batting average (.342), on-base percentage (.449), slugging (.711), OPS (1.160) as well as walks (73), runs scored (90) and WAR (6.6). NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Injured Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees stands in the dugout during their game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 28, 2025... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Injured Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees stands in the dugout during their game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on July 28, 2025 in New York City. MoreBut will Judge really be back in the lineup, even limited to a DH role, as soon as the Yankees say? The team is now being accused of "hiding" the full extent of Judge's injury, according to Esteban Quiñones, a Yankees analyst writing for Pinstripes Nation. The Yankees' public approach to Judge's elbow injury "mirrors a documented pattern of Yankees injury mismanagement spanning nearly a decade, where initial optimism consistently gives way to extended absences for star players," Quiñones wrote on Wednesday. Sports injury expert Will Carroll, author of the Under The Knife newsletter, said that Yankee fans should expect a more discouraging scenario for Judge than the team has led them to believe. "This is worse than a UCL tear," Carroll said on the popular Foul Territory podcast. "For a hitter, a flexor tendon — which is what you need to rotate the bat, maintain grip — this is everything. This doesn't heal quickly and often takes a month or even more." MVP favorite Aaron Judge is out of the lineup and getting imaging on his elbow. This video from @FuzzyFromYT shows him in pain after throwing the ball recently. — Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) July 26, 2025 In his newsletter, Carroll explained further, saying that even if his ulnar collateral ligament had been ruptured, Judge could have continued to play, even though that injury often requires Tommy John surgery. "Even with a UCL sprain or rupture, Judge could play," Carroll wrote on Monday. "Where a UCL isn't involved in the swing, the flexor really is," he continued. "A flexor strain changes everything for a power hitter like Judge. These are the muscles that let a hitter squeeze the bat, hold it steady, and then drive it through the zone." More MLB: Yankees Manager Called 'Brainwashed' Over Anthony Volpe, 'Weird' Relationship The Yankees appear to be aware that Judge's injury may be more severe than they have revealed, according to Yanks Go Yard writer Adam Weinrib. As evidence, he cites the team's reported trade deadline interest in several hitters including "utility man Willi Castro of the Twins, old friend Harrison Bader (also on Minnesota's roster), and Austin Slater, a lefty-mashing outfielder currently with the White Sox." The Yankees' chase after more position players, rather than pitchers, indicates they realize "Judge won't be back quite so soon," according to Weinrib. But Weinrib was not quite as worried as Carroll, whom he accused of at least some degree of "hyperbole" in his dire assessment of Judge's strained flexor muscles. More MLB: Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Blamed For Aaron Judge IL Stint
