If there’s one player to watch in the NBA right now, it’s Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old forward for the Golden State Warriors.

Despite a promising start to his career, Kuminga’s demand for a big extension worth “well beyond” $30 million was left on the table.

According to Monte Poole from NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors decided that the price was too high, and now, Kuminga will become a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.

But will he make it to free agency, or could he be traded before then?

NBA reporter Jake Fischer hinted that the Brooklyn Nets already have a trade plan ready for Kuminga.

And considering the Nets are rebuilding, Kuminga could be the youthful spark they need.

So, what’s next for Kuminga?

Potential Trade or Free Agency: Brooklyn Nets’ Interest in Kuminga

The Brooklyn Nets had a rough start to the season with a record of 0-2, and the team is a mix of veterans and young players.

They have some promising players like Nic Claxton, but they lack that one rising star who could potentially turn things around—and they think Kuminga could be their guy.

After showing flashes of serious talent, Kuminga’s time in Golden State has been a bit inconsistent, partly because of limited playing time.

He averaged 16.1 points per game last season and shot an impressive 57.8% from the paint.

However, his three-point shooting remains a bit of a sore spot at just 32.1%.

For a team like the Warriors that leans heavily on perimeter shooting, it’s clear why there might be hesitation about a long-term investment.

Coach Steve Kerr has publicly praised Kuminga’s progress but also points out his youth and the ups and downs he’s faced.

“He’s still so young. Twenty years ago, he’d just be finishing college or a rookie year in the NBA,” Kerr told Tim Kawakami on The TK Show podcast.

While Kerr remains optimistic, he acknowledges that Kuminga’s growth curve is far from over.

That said, Brooklyn could be the team that offers Kuminga a fresh start, and it’ll allow him to get more minutes and develop his game in a less crowded rotation.

And with the Nets’ open cap space, there’s room to offer him a pretty tempting deal when the time comes.

Warriors’ Internal Decisions and Philadelphia’s Interest

The Warriors are facing a tough choice: to invest in the next generation with Kuminga or focus on maximizing the talents of stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who won’t be around forever.

The Warriors have said they’re open to paying top dollar for Kuminga if he can deliver more consistent performances this season.

For now, it seems that Kuminga is on a trial run to determine whether he’s worth a long-term deal.

The Philadelphia 76ers have also expressed interest as potential suitors, though a trade would be more complex due to cap limitations.

Philadelphia could potentially sweeten the deal with draft picks or players like K.J. Martin to entice the Warriors.

Rumor has it the Sixers have shown they’re ready to spend big if it means adding another key piece to their roster, and Kuminga could fit that bill.

There’s no denying that Kuminga’s story has had plenty of highs—like winning a championship in his rookie season with the Warriors—but it’s been an uneven road since then.

Warriors coach Kerr has openly talked about his up-and-down performance, saying, “If you look at his three years here, it’s like the stock market… moments where I sat him, didn’t play him, took him out of the rotation. But from when he walked in three years ago until now, he’s dramatically better.”

Even so, his limited minutes in the 2024-25 season show trust hasn’t fully formed yet.

In two games, he has played less than 20 minutes per game and scored only six points per game.

Will the Warriors Commit, or Are We Looking at a Trade?

Kuminga’s future is really in his own hands this season.

If he can show up and deliver the consistency the Warriors want, they may offer him a big deal to stick around.

However, if his performance wavers or the team’s trust remains lukewarm, the Warriors might decide it’s time to move on.

The Nets seem ready to pounce, and with their rebuilding stage, a player like Kuminga could be a perfect fit.

With their eye on strengthening their roster, Philadelphia could also swoop in if the Warriors hesitate.

Brooklyn, in particular, has been watching this situation closely, with Fischer stating that the Nets’ general manager, Sean Marks, has a history of making big offer sheets for restricted free agents during rebuilds.

With Kuminga potentially up for grabs, Marks might just play that card again.

Ultimately, Kuminga’s next moves will decide whether he remains a Warrior or finds a new home.

The Warriors are willing to pay if he becomes a steady performer, while the Nets and 76ers seem ready to give him a fresh start.

One thing’s for sure—this season will be the turning point for Kuminga, whether he’s lacing up for Golden State, Brooklyn, or Philly.

After a wild season with Mets fans on the edge of their seats, the 2024 campaign wrapped up in the National League Championship Series with a tough loss to the Dodgers.

But as Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, said, it’s time to look forward.

“We have great memories from this run. It’s also time for us to begin to move forward and see what we can do to build on this to ensure we have the type of sustainable competitiveness… that’s eluded this organization for a long time.”

So, with all eyes on the offseason, let’s break down what’s hot and who could be on the move.

Pete Alonso’s Future – A Star’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

Let’s start with the big one: Pete Alonso.

Alonso has been the Mets’ reliable slugger, cranking out home runs and providing the kind of power every team dreams of.

But now, the Mets have a tough choice to make.

They can either sign Alonso to a long-term deal to keep his bat in the lineup. Alternatively, they might consider trading him for valuable players or prospects who could address other needs.

Trading Alonso might seem drastic, but it could bring back some serious talent that gives the Mets options for other parts of their lineup.

Conversely, locking him in with a big contract would mean keeping one of the league’s top sluggers.

It’s, for sure, a high-stakes decision, and fans are on the edge of their seats, wondering which way it’ll go.

Alonso isn’t the only player on the chopping block, though.

With multiple other players becoming free agents, the Mets must balance keeping what works while exploring fresh talent for their roster.

Rotation Rumors – Rebuilding the Mets’ Starting Pitching

The Mets’ starting rotation, which held up surprisingly well last season, faces a major shakeup as several key starters become free agents.

Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and José Quintana are free agents this offseason, leaving some serious gaps in the Mets’ pitching lineup.

While the team could pursue top free agents like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, David Stearns’ track record suggests he might instead seek smart, value-added deals.

Last season, Stearns brought in Manaea and Severino without breaking the bank, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him look for a similar approach this year.

Throughout his career with the Brewers and now with the Mets, Stearns has kept things short and sweet with pitchers in free agency, sticking to contracts that run two years or less.

But the Mets don’t have to stick with free agency.

They could get creative in the trade market, and one interesting rumor is that they may acquire Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez.

Valdez is one of the league’s best lefties and had an impressive 3.12 ERA last season.

With his ability to induce ground balls, thanks to his killer sinker, he’d fit well in the Mets rotation.

According to reports, the Astros might consider moving Valdez to free up cash for other moves, so this could be the Mets’ chance to add a top-tier arm without a long-term contract.

Trading for Valdez wouldn’t come cheap—the Mets would likely have to send a top prospect (or two) to Houston.

But the Mets’ farm system is deep, and they have the resources to make a deal like this happen without crippling their future.

Plus, with owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend big, they can take on Valdez’s $17.8 million salary without worrying too much about budget constraints.

Could deGrom Make a Comeback? The Case for a Reunion

Now, here’s a rumor that a lot of fans are excited (and maybe a little nervous): a possible reunion with former Mets ace Jacob deGrom.

deGrom was the Mets’ star for years before heading to the Texas Rangers on a five-year, $185 million deal.

Unfortunately, his time in Texas hasn’t gone smoothly, as injuries have limited him to just nine games since he left New York.

However, when he returned late last season, he showed flashes of his old dominance, and there’s speculation the Rangers might consider trading him to free up some cash.

A deGrom comeback would be huge for the Mets, and it could give them the kind of elite ace they were missing in the playoffs this year.

Of course, given his recent injury history, there’s some risk, but the potential reward of having a fully healthy deGrom back in Queens could be worth it.

With several big contracts coming off the books, the Mets might have room in their budget to bring him back.

Was the Phil Maton Trade Worth It?

It’s not all about big-name trades and free agents.

Sometimes, the smaller deals can make a big difference, too, like last year’s trade for reliever Phil Maton.

The Mets picked up Maton midseason to strengthen their bullpen, and while he shined in the regular season with a 2.51 ERA over 28.2 innings, his performance during the playoffs was a bit of a mixed bag.

He struggled briefly, but his contribution was crucial to the Mets’ regular-season success.

The good news?

The Mets have a $7.75 million team option for Maton in 2025, so they can decide whether to keep him or move on.

If they believe Maton can keep up his regular-season form for a full season, it could be smart to retain him and keep that bullpen solid.

The fact that this trade only cost the Mets some cash—without giving up any prospects—makes it even sweeter.

Important Decisions for the Mets’ 2025 Season

This offseason is shaping up to be a big one for the Mets, with plenty of decisions that could make or break their 2025 season.

The Mets have plenty to consider, from deciding Alonso’s future and revamping the starting rotation to pursuing big trades, like Framber Valdez, or even a possible reunion with Jacob deGrom.

Stearns and the Mets’ front office are clearly focused on building a team that’s competitive and built to last.

With the right balance of smart spending, targeted trades, and maybe even a bit of risk-taking, they could put together a roster ready for another playoff push and, hopefully, a shot at a World Series run.

On Sunday night, during the game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jets player Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury that worried everyone.

After a brutal collision, Newman had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and sent to the hospital for more tests.

Of course, it was a scary moment for fans, teammates, and everyone watching.

So, what exactly happened, and how is Newman doing now? Let’s find out.

What Happened on the Field?

It was a tough night for the New York Jets during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the biggest scare came in the third quarter when offensive lineman Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury.

Newman had stepped in as a fill-in for starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who left with an ankle injury earlier in the game.

And disaster struck just when the Jets thought they couldn’t take another hit to their lineup.

With a little over seven minutes left in the third quarter, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an interception that Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. picked up and ran with.

During the return, Newman collided with Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, fell backward, and hit the ground hard.

It was the kind of moment where the entire stadium seemed to go silent.

To everyone’s horror, Newman stayed down on the field, not moving, as the Jets’ medical team rushed over.

Fans, teammates, and even the opposition held their breath for what felt like an eternity.

Thankfully, the NBC broadcast reported that he was conscious, had movement in his limbs, and could squeeze the hands of the athletic trainers—always a positive sign in a situation like this.

Medical Response and Hospitalization

After stabilizing his neck, the medical team put Newman on a spine board and carefully loaded him onto a stretcher.

He was carted off the field and taken straight to a nearby hospital in Pittsburgh.

It’s never a good sight when a player has to leave the field this way, but the initial signs gave hope.

Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich also offered some much-needed relief in a post-game update.

He confirmed that Newman’s initial tests came back negative—meaning no major injuries—and that he would be able to travel back with the team.

It was a huge relief for everyone holding their breath during that tense scene on the field.

How the Jets Managed the Offensive Line After the Injury

Before his injury, Newman was filling in for Vera-Tucker, and it was his 18th NFL game appearance.

It’s been a long road, and Newman’s NFL journey hasn’t been smooth. He entered the league undrafted out of Baylor in 2022, initially joining the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.

After a year in Tennessee, he signed with the Jets practice squad in 2023 and has been grinding ever since.

He’s mostly played on special teams this season but got his chance to help on the offensive line due to the Jets’ recent injury struggles.

But when Newman had to leave the game, the Jets had to turn to Jake Hanson, their third-string right guard.

Hanson suddenly found himself thrown into the fire, tasked with holding down the line for the rest of the game.

With Vera-Tucker and Newman out, the Jets were in a tight spot, with only rookie tackle Olu Fashanu left as a backup.

If the line had sustained more injuries, the Jets would have been scrambling even more to protect their quarterback and keep their offense moving.

Focus on Recovery and the Jets’ Plan

So, what happens now?

For Xavier Newman, the focus is squarely on recovery.

Neck injuries are always taken seriously in the NFL, and the Jets will be careful not to rush him back before he’s truly ready.

It’s unclear when he’ll be able to return to the field, but the fact that he could travel back with the team is a promising sign.

The Jets, meanwhile, have to figure out how to keep their offensive line intact.

With Vera-Tucker already out and Newman recovering, the pressure falls on the remaining linemen, such as Jake Hanson and Olu Fashanu.

It’s a tough spot to be in, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.

Newman’s injury caused a real scare, but the team will hope that the worst is behind them and that they can focus on regrouping and getting their key players back on the field.

A Frightening Moment with a Hopeful Outcome

Injuries like the one Xavier Newman suffered can be a reminder of just how dangerous football can be.

Seeing a player go down and not move is every fan’s and teammate’s worst nightmare.

But thankfully, Newman seems to be on the road to recovery.

While he may need some time to heal up, his condition turned out better than expected, and he’s already back with his team.

The Jets have much to sort out on the field, but at least they can breathe a little easier knowing that Newman is okay.

And for fans, it’s a reminder to appreciate those tough moments on the field and hope for the best when things go sideways.

Here’s hoping we’ll see Xavier Newman back on the field sooner rather than later.

Let’s get one thing straight: yoga is much more than mastering the impressive poses you see on Instagram.

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to join” or “to unite”. In fact, yoga symbolizes the connection of body, mind, and soul.

Yoga brings you back to that perfect balance, a state of self-discovery where you feel one with the world.

From the ancient mystics of India to the global wellness studios of today, the main goals of Yoga are to find inner peace, gain strength, and bring clarity to our often chaotic lives.

So, why did ancient mystics choose yoga, and how did it become popular across continents?

Well, grab a comfy seat, maybe even do a little stretching, and let’s explore yoga’s journey from sacred roots to modern phenomenon.

The Origins of Yoga: Ancient Mystics and the Birth of an Art

Interestingly, yoga has roots that go way back; we talked about it thousands of years ago.

It all began in Ancient India.

In the misty, early days of civilization, before religions even existed, yogis in the Indus-Saraswati River Valley (around modern-day India and Pakistan) meditated, moved, and breathed in ways that helped them feel closer to the universe.

Shiva and the Saptarishis: The First Yogi and His Disciples

In yogic lore, the tale starts with Shiva, considered the first-ever yogi, or Adiyogi.

According to legend, Shiva sat in meditation by a Himalayan lake, emanating a peaceful yet intense energy that the seven sages, or Saptarishis, couldn’t ignore.

Eventually, these sages begged Shiva to teach them his secrets.

He finally agreed, and they became the first students of this ancient art.

They traveled across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, carrying Shiva’s teachings.

India, however, became the heart of yoga, where it would grow, change, and eventually thrive.

The Vedas and Upanishads: Early Scriptures

Some of the earliest mentions of yoga come from the Rig Veda, the oldest Vedas (ancient Indian texts), dating back over 5,000 years.

The Vedas are a collection of hymns and mantras used by Vedic priests, and they touch on early yoga concepts.

Later, the Upanishads (about 200 sacred scriptures) expanded on these ideas, describing more inward journeys of self-realization and meditation.

Yoga began shifting from rituals and mantras to a more internal, reflective practice to connect the individual spirit with the universal spirit.

Development Through the Ages: From Philosophies to Physical Practices

From 500 BCE to 800 CE, yoga began to take on recognizable forms and practices.

Two key figures of this era, Buddha and Mahavira, introduced new philosophical layers to yoga, focusing on peace and self-control.

Around this time, yogis started identifying three main paths to inner growth:

• Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge)
• Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion)
• Karma Yoga (the path of action)

The famous Bhagavad Gita, one of India’s treasured epics, was written around 500 BCE and further developed these paths.

In it, Krishna shares yoga wisdom with Arjuna, a warrior facing an internal struggle, explaining how these three paths can lead to inner peace.

Patanjali and the Eightfold Path

Fast forward to the 2nd century BCE, and we meet Patanjali, a revered sage often called the “father of yoga.”

Patanjali didn’t invent yoga, but he did organize and document it.

In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali outlined an eightfold path called “Ashtanga” that guides one toward enlightenment:

1. Yama – Moral discipline
2. Niyama – Positive observances
3. Asana – Physical postures
4. Pranayama – Breath control
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
6. Dharana – Focused concentration
7. Dhyana – Meditation
8. Samadhi – Enlightenment

While physical postures (asanas) are a big part of yoga today, Patanjali only mentioned them briefly.

Instead, his main focus was self-discipline and controlling the mind, with physical poses acting as a small part of the bigger picture.

Yoga’s Evolution: The Hatha Era and the Spread to the West

Between 800 CE and 1700 CE, yoga saw massive transformations.

This period often called the post-classical era, brought Hatha yoga, which emphasizes physical practices and breathwork to prepare the body for deeper states of meditation.

This was a turning point because people began focusing on the physical side of yoga, developing postures and breathing techniques that we recognize today.

Hatha Yoga: Embracing the Body’s Potential

Hatha yoga became popular among yogis who saw the body as a temple and a tool for achieving inner peace.

Teachers like Gorakshanath and Swatmaram Suri from the Nath tradition helped shape these practices, stressing the importance of physical health in accessing spiritual states.

It was also during this time that more practical yoga techniques emerged aimed at purifying the body and mind.

With these methods, yoga became more accessible and appealing, and soon, India was teeming with different yoga schools.

However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that yoga spread beyond India’s borders and caught the attention of the Western world.

Swami Vivekananda: The First Yoga Ambassador to the West

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, an Indian monk with a fierce intellect and peaceful presence, attended the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

There, he introduced Western audiences to yoga and Hindu philosophy, which ignited curiosity and admiration.

Vivekananda’s message of yoga as a “science of the mind” introduced a new perspective and resonated with intellectuals and spiritual seekers alike.

So, as you can imagine, his lectures and teachings were the first big steps in bringing yoga to the West.

The Modern Yoga Boom: From Ashrams to Mainstream Wellness

The early 20th century saw more yoga masters traveling to the West, teaching yoga’s mental and spiritual benefits.

Key figures included Paramahansa Yogananda, who wrote the popular Autobiography of a Yogi, and B.K.S. Iyengar, who developed Iyengar Yoga, a style that focuses on precise alignment and uses props to make yoga accessible for everyone.

Yoga Hits Hollywood and Beyond

In 1947, Indra Devi, one of the first Western women to train in India, opened a yoga studio in Hollywood.

Devi’s studio, with clients like Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson, helped spark interest in yoga as a spiritual and physical discipline.

As Hollywood embraced yoga, it began to spread nationwide, moving from niche to mainstream.

During the 1960s and ‘70s, yoga gained even more momentum in the West.

Spiritual seekers, counterculture icons, and wellness enthusiasts began adopting yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Today, yoga has grown into a global phenomenon practiced in countless forms, from the traditional to the modern, adapting ancient philosophies with today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

Yoga’s Core Practices: Not Just Physical, but Mental and Spiritual

At its core, yoga is about much more than postures.

Here’s a breakdown of some essential practices that create a holistic experience:

1. Asanas: Physical Poses that Ground You

Yes, the poses are a big part of yoga, but not for the reasons we might think. In ancient yoga, asanas were meant to prepare the body for meditation.

When you hold a pose, you focus not only on your physical body but also on your breath and mind, which, in turn, fosters awareness and stability.

2. Pranayama: The Power of Breath

Pranayama, or breath control, helps clear the mind and energize the body.

One of the most common forms is ujjayi breathing, which involves a steady inhalation and exhalation through the nose while slightly constricting the throat.

This creates a sound similar to ocean waves and helps calm the mind.

Pranayama teaches you to control your breath, which helps you manage stress and anxiety.

3. Meditation: The Heart of the Practice

Meditation, or dhyana, is where yoga truly shines.

It’s about focusing inward, silencing the mind, and finding that calm center within.

Whether you’re practicing mindfulness for a few minutes or aiming for deeper meditation, this practice cultivates a mental state of peace, clarity, and connection to yourself.

4. Mantras: The Sounds That Ground Us

Have you ever heard “Om” chanted in a yoga class?

Well, that’s a mantra, and it’s a repetitive sound used to help focus the mind.

It’s incredible how chanting can help clear mental clutter and bring a feeling of peace.

Other mantras include sounds and phrases like “So Hum” or “Om Shanti,” which yogis believe connect them with universal energies.

Yoga in Today’s World: Diverse Practices and Global Influence

Yoga has come a long way from its mystical roots in ancient India.

Today, there are over a dozen popular styles, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Here’s a glimpse into some popular forms of yoga you might encounter:

• Hatha Yoga: The classic, gentle style focusing on basic poses and slow movements. And it’s perfect for beginners.
• Vinyasa Yoga: A flowing style that connects breath with movement, often more fast-paced.
• Iyengar Yoga: Known for precision and alignment, it uses props like blocks and straps.
• Ashtanga Yoga: A rigorous practice involving a set sequence of poses; it’s challenging but great for building strength and endurance.
• Bikram/Hot Yoga: This style combines sweat, strength, and flexibility and is practiced in a heated room.

These styles show just how flexible yoga has become.

Whether you’re after a workout, mental clarity, or a way to unwind, there’s a form of yoga for everyone.

How Social Media Has Changed Yoga

In recent years, yoga has exploded on social media, where yogis post their journey, tips, and practices.

As you can expect, this exposure has made yoga more accessible than ever, but it’s also brought some unique challenges.

The focus on picture-perfect poses sometimes creates pressure to achieve advanced postures rather than embracing yoga’s true goal of inner peace.

But at its best, social media has created a supportive, global yoga community that inspires millions to try yoga.

Women and Yoga: Reclaiming the Practice

While the ancient roots of yoga saw men and women practicing, history largely documented the journey of male yogis.

In recent decades, however, women have become the majority in yoga communities worldwide, adapting and transforming yoga to fit different lifestyles, bodies, and needs.

Teachers like Indra Devi and, later, modern influencers have helped create an inclusive space for all.

Plus, women’s voices have helped yoga shift from rigid, prescriptive practices to more intuitive, personalized approaches.

This evolution reflects a balance between the masculine and feminine energies that yoga has always honored.

Now, yoga welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, background, or ability.

Why Yoga is Here to Stay

Yoga’s journey from ancient India to a worldwide wellness phenomenon is a story of resilience, adaptability, and timeless wisdom.

While yoga offers incredible physical benefits, its true value lies in its ability to bring peace, clarity, and connection to our lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, yoga provides a sanctuary in today’s fast-paced world—a moment to breathe, reflect, and remember who you truly are.

And the best part is that yoga meets you where you are.

So whether you’re looking to stretch, meditate, or just find a bit more calm in your day, yoga’s always there.

It’s more than a workout—it’s a path to wellness, unity, and self-discovery.

Yoga, after all, is a way of being.