The New York Knicks want to trade Kevin Looney, a three-time NBA champion, to strengthen their team. This move could provide the Knicks with the experienced center they need.

Knicks Eye Looney in Strategic Trade Move

SNY.TV’s David Vertsberger listed five possible trades that could help the Knicks get a new center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.

One interesting trade idea is that the Knicks are sending forward Precious Achiuwa and future draft picks to the Golden State Warriors for center Kevin Looney.

Since Achiuwa is a free agent, the deal would have to be a sign-and-trade or happen midseason. Even though the trade details need some work, Looney would fit well with the Knicks.

“The Warriors aren’t likely to be sellers in this market, but trading with the Knicks could net them extra ammo for pursuing one of their larger targets,” Vertsberger wrote on July 24, 2024.

“Looney is a cleaner fit at the five for New York than Achiuwa, and Golden State can utilize both him and the picks going into next season.”

Kevin Looney’s Winning History

Kevin Looney has been a key player for the Warriors, helping them win three NBA championships.

The Warriors kept Looney for the last season of a three-year, $22.5 million contract, with an $8 million cap hit in 2024-25. He would bring much-needed veteran experience to the Knicks, having spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Warriors.

Looney averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in 74 games for Golden State last season, including 36 starts. His rebounding and defense would be helpful for New York’s second unit.

While Looney may not have a high ceiling, the Knicks know what they can expect from him, making this trade a good idea.

Knicks Strategize on Center Depth as Robinson Battles Injuries

New York still has Mitchell Robinson, but he often gets injured. He only played 31 games this year and missed the last six games of the Knicks’ Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers, who won the series 4-3.

Precious Achiuwa just finished a four-year, $12.5 million rookie deal. SNY.TV’s Ian Begley said the Knicks are still talking with Achiuwa about coming back. Last December, the Knicks got Achiuwa and OG Anunoby in a trade with the Toronto Raptors.

“Mitchell Robinson, he’s on the roster. He’s here now, but you know he has a history of getting hurt,” Begley said on the July 13 episode of “SportsNite.”

“So, you need a backup center who can start 30 games next season, and I know they’ve continued to be in touch with Precious Achiuwa, their own free agent. I think they’ve also had casual trade talks about some high-salaried veteran centers on the trade market.”

Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game in 49 games for the Knicks.

He has also started 18 games since coming to New York. Achiuwa was a top prospect who played for Montverde Academy in Florida and played one season in Memphis.

He was the 20th pick by the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Knicks Eye Looney in Potential Achiuwa Trade

In this possible trade, Achiuwa could sign a deal with the Knicks and then be traded to the Warriors for Looney.

Maybe some overseas draft rights or late future picks could be included, but Achiuwa for Looney is the main part of the trade.

Looney, 28, has played his whole career with the Warriors after being the 30th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft from UCLA.

He was part of the Warriors’ championship teams in 2017, 2018, and 2022 and also made the NBA Finals in 2016 and 2019, which means Looney has more playoff experience than most NBA players.

Ultimately, the Knicks would get a reliable center and only need to spend about $8 million on his salary, similar to what they paid Hartenstein last year. This deal sounds almost too good to be true.

By getting Looney, the Knicks would solve their problem of needing a dependable center, while the Warriors would gain valuable assets to pursue other targets.

The Olympic Games are the world’s foremost sports competition, bringing together athletes from across the globe to compete in various sports.

Over the years, the Olympics have seen remarkable achievements and memorable moments, including the breaking of numerous records and the participation of professional athletes.

Best Olympians of All Time: Complete List

There have been hundreds of amazing athletes at the Olympics who have made their mark on various sports. Here are some of the most iconic athletes of all time:

1. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is an American swimmer and the most successful Olympian ever. He has won 28 medals, with 23 of them being gold.

He first competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning 6 golds and 2 bronzes.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he won 8 golds, breaking the record for the most golds in one Olympics.

He also won medals in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, making him the top medal winner in Olympic history.

His achievements include multiple world records in events like the 100m and 200m butterfly and the 200m and 400m individual medley.

2. Usain Bolt

Jamaican Usain Bolt is known for his amazing speed in track and field. He won 8 gold medals in the 100m and 200m sprints at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics.

Bolt still holds the world record for the fastest times in both the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19 seconds), making him the fastest runner ever.

3. Larisa Latynina

Larisa Latynina, a gymnast from the Soviet Union, held the record for the most Olympic medals (18) for many years until Michael Phelps broke it.

She competed in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics, winning 9 golds, 5 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Her success helped make the Soviet Union a top country in gymnastics.

4. Carl Lewis

Carl Lewis is an American track and field athlete who competed in four Olympics (1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996).

He won 9 gold medals and one silver in events like the long jump and the 100m sprint.

He was a dominant figure in his sport, and his rivalry with Ben Johnson was a major story in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

5. Paavo Nurmi

Paavo Nurmi, known as the “Flying Finn,” was a great long-distance runner. He competed in the 1920, 1924, and 1928 Olympics, winning nine gold medals and three silvers.

One of his most impressive feats was winning both the 1500m and 5000m races within an hour at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Fan of soccer? Check out our list of the greatest soccer players.

6. Mark Spitz

Mark Spitz is an American swimmer who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics, each in world-record time.

He also competed in the 1968 Olympics, winning a total of nine golds, one silver, and one bronze throughout his career.

His record for the most golds in one Olympics stood until Michael Phelps broke it in 2008.

7. Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens, an American track and field athlete, won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay.

His victories in Nazi Germany challenged Hitler’s ideas about race and made Owens a symbol of courage and equality​.

8. Nadia Comaneci

Nadia Comaneci, a Romanian gymnast, became famous at the 1976 Montreal Olympics by scoring the first perfect 10 in gymnastics.

She won three gold medals in 1976 and two more in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Her performances set new standards for the sport.

We also have prepared a list of the best basketball players of all time.

9. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest female athletes in Olympic history.

She competed in four Olympics (1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996), winning three golds, one silver, and two bronzes in the heptathlon and long jump.

Despite having severe asthma, she achieved great success and remains an inspiration.

10. Teofilo Stevenson

Teofilo Stevenson, a Cuban boxer, won three consecutive gold medals in the heavyweight division at the 1972, 1976, and 1980 Olympics.

He was known for his loyalty to Cuba and turned down offers to become a professional boxer, valuing the love of his countrymen over money.

Check out our list of the best NFL players.

Our Top Olympic Athletes & Their Impact

The achievements of these ten Olympians have set benchmarks in their respective sports and inspired countless others to pursue excellence. These athletes have not only won medals but have also embodied the Olympic spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and unity.

Their stories remind us that greatness is achieved through dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As we celebrate their legacies, we are inspired to strive for our best, both in sports and in life.

The impact of these Olympians goes beyond their medal counts; they have become symbols of human potential and the enduring power of the Olympic Games.

Canelo Alvarez will defend his super middleweight title against Edgar Berlanga on September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which coincides with UFC 306.

Canelo Defends Title Amid UFC 306 Clash

Canelo Alvarez is set to defend his super middleweight title against Edgar Berlanga on September 14, 2024.

The fight will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This event is part of the Mexican Independence Day celebrations, a date known for big boxing matches.

It’s also the same day as UFC 306 at The Sphere, giving fans a tough choice between two major sports events.

Canelo’s Dominant Streak Continues Across Weight Classes

Canelo Alvarez, with a record of 61-2-2 and 39 knockouts, is a seasoned fighter ranked as one of the best boxers in the world.

The 34-year-old champion has titles across multiple weight classes, including 154, 160, and 175 pounds.

His most recent fight saw him secure a decision victory against Jaime Munguia in May, marking his fourth consecutive win since his 2022 defeat to Dmitry Bivol.

Despite not scoring a knockout since 2021, Alvarez has delivered knockdowns in each of his last three fights, maintaining his reputation as a powerful and strategic boxer.

Berlanga Eyes Title in High-Stakes Clash with Canelo

On the other side of the ring is Edgar Berlanga, a 27-year-old fighter from Brooklyn, New York, boasting a perfect record of 22-0 with 17 knockouts.

Berlanga, of Puerto Rican descent, is known for his early career streak of 16 first-round knockouts.

While his competition has stiffened, leading to more prolonged fights, Berlanga’s recent sixth-round knockout victory over Padraig McCrory in February has positioned him as a formidable contender.

His confidence is evident, as he proclaimed on Twitter, “I’m the best fighter in the history of boxing coming out the east coast.”

This fight against Alvarez marks the biggest opportunity of his career, giving him a chance to claim his first world title.

Canelo Fight and UFC 306 Ignite Las Vegas

The Canelo vs. Berlanga fight isn’t the only big event in Las Vegas on September 14. UFC 306, featuring a major bantamweight title fight, will also take place at The Sphere.

Fans will have to choose between these two exciting events, but it shows how popular and exciting combat sports are in Las Vegas.

Fighting on Mexican Independence Day

For Canelo, fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend is a tradition. He has headlined this weekend six times, following legends like Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya.

After missing this date last year, Canelo is excited to return to this special weekend and bring pride to Mexico.

Canelo vs. Berlanga: Historic Independence Day Bout

Adding to the excitement, the co-main event will feature Erislandy Lara, the WBA middleweight champion, against former two-division champion Danny Garcia.

Canelo Alvarez’s partnership with PBC and the event’s broadcast on Prime Video PPV, along with DAZN through Matchroom Boxing, ensures widespread availability for fans.

This fight will be Canelo’s third consecutive bout with PBC, reinforcing his strong presence in boxing.

In conclusion, the showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on Mexican Independence Day promises to be a historic night for boxing and combat sports fans.

The clash of these two fighters, alongside the UFC 306 event, makes September 14, 2024, a date to remember.

The New York Mets have decided not to trade Pete Alonso before the July 30 deadline despite interest from other teams. Alonso remains a key player for the Mets as they aim for a playoff spot, leading the team in home runs and RBIs.

Mets Unlikely To Trade Pete Alonso Before Deadline

With the July 30 trade deadline coming up, the New York Mets have made it clear they won’t be trading their first baseman, Pete Alonso.

Already, many teams have shown interest, but the Mets believe Alonso is too important to let go. He’s a key player, leading the team with 19 home runs and 51 RBIs this season.

Alonso is a big part of the Mets’ lineup and is crucial for their playoff hopes. They hold a small lead for the last National League wild-card spot.

Mets’ Strategy at Trade Deadline to Boost Playoff Aspirations

With a record of 51-48, the Mets are just half a game ahead in the race for the final NL Wild Card spot and are keen on enhancing their playoff chances.

The team had a shaky start to the season but has since rebounded, putting themselves in a competitive position.

This resurgence has prompted the Mets to seek improvements at the trade deadline without sacrificing future prospects.

The general consensus is that the Mets are looking to bolster their bullpen and add depth to their bench through low-risk trades.

Pete Alonso’s Performance and Future with the Mets

Pete Alonso isn’t having his best season, hitting .239 with a .771 OPS, but he’s still a key player.

His 19 home runs and .322 on-base percentage are valuable to the team. However, he’s been struggling with runners in scoring position, which is something he needs to improve.

Despite these challenges, Alonso and the Mets want to stay together until at least the end of the 2024 season, when Alonso becomes a free agent.

Mets’ Strategic Approach to Trades and Future Planning

The Mets plan to make smart, low-risk trades to improve their team without hurting their future chances.

The team aims to enhance its bullpen and add the necessary depth to make a strong playoff push while being cautious about trading away significant future assets.

This balanced approach reflects the Mets’ intent to compete in the present while building a sustainable future.

In summary, the Mets’ decision to keep Pete Alonso and their careful approach to the trade deadline show their commitment to winning and staying strong in the future.

Fans will watch how these choices affect the team’s playoff push.

Haason Reddick, a standout pass rusher, is holding out for a new contract with the New York Jets, seeking $25-28 million per year.

The Jets are hesitant to meet his demands, leading to a tense standoff as Reddick skips training camp.

Details of Haason Reddick’s Contract Standoff with the Jets

Haason Reddick, a Pro Bowl edge-rusher, is in a contract dispute with the New York Jets.

Reddick, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles, is holding out for a new contract with an annual value of $25-28 million.

The Jets offered an extension that would raise his pay but fell short of his demands, prompting Reddick to decline the offer.

According to reports, Reddick’s current contract, which pays him $14.25 million in base salary plus incentives, is not guaranteed. The Jets wanted to see how Reddick performed this season before committing to a large extension.

This situation led to Reddick missing training camp, which, per the collective bargaining agreement, cost him $50,000 per day in fines.

The Jets were surprised by his absence, especially after expecting him to participate in the offseason program.

Comparing Reddick’s Salary Demands to Market Trends

Reddick’s request for a higher salary is based on recent market trends and his consistent performance.

Over the past four seasons, he has registered 11 or more sacks each year. However, comparisons with other elite edge-rushers like Nick Bosa, T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby show why the Jets might be hesitant.

Bosa and Watt, both younger and more decorated, boast higher sack counts and accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Garrett, another top rusher, also outperforms Reddick in sacks and overall impact, including against the run. Even Maxx Crosby, who has fewer sacks, is considered a strong all-around player.

Reddick’s camp argues that the market has shifted, pointing to recent deals like Montez Sweat’s $98 million contract with the Chicago Bears and Rashan Gary’s $96 million deal with the Green Bay Packers.

Despite these comparisons, Reddick’s age and the Jets’ cautious approach to veteran contracts complicate the negotiations.

Impact of Reddick’s Holdout on the Jets’ Season Plans

The Jets’ decision regarding Reddick’s contract will significantly impact their upcoming season and long-term plans. The team, aiming for a deep playoff run, now faces uncertainty on the defensive line.

Reddick’s holdout could allow younger players like Will McDonald IV and Micheal Clemons to step up, but the absence of a proven performer like Reddick could hurt the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

The Jets have a history of avoiding long-term deals with older players, and their general manager, Joe Douglas, appears to be following this trend.

While the Jets have shown a willingness to improve Reddick’s current deal, the lack of communication and Reddick’s firm stance suggests that a resolution is not imminent.

As the season progresses, both sides must weigh their options carefully to avoid a prolonged standoff that could affect their 2024 season goals.

The New York Rangers faced many ups and downs during the 2023-2024 season. Injuries, key games, and decisions about players have shaped their journey.

How Injuries Affected the Season

Injuries played a big role in the Rangers’ season. Blake Wheeler, after a leg injury, saw limited game time, which raised concerns about his availability for critical matches.

Wheeler logged only 9:18 of ice time in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers before sitting out Game 5. Anton Blidh, who is stepping in during practice, likely won’t play even if Wheeler remains unavailable.

Adam Fox’s knee injury got worse after a collision in the first round, and his partner Ryan Lindgren played with a cracked rib.

Captain Jacob Trouba also played with a broken ankle. These injuries show the season’s toughness and the players’ determination to keep going.

Filip Chytil, recovering from a head injury, is determined to come back stronger and is committed to hard training during the off-season.

Evaluating the Rangers’ 2023-2024 Season

Despite the challenges, the Rangers showed resilience and potential. Chris Kreider confidently stated that the team could bring the Stanley Cup back to New York, a view shared by his teammates.

Mika Zibanejad reflected on the season, emphasizing the team’s strong foundation and belief in its abilities, even though it didn’t achieve its goal.

Vincent Trocheck highlighted the team’s growing identity and the need for consistency. Adam Fox pointed to the strong team culture that led the Rangers to two Eastern Conference finals in three years. The team needs to find another level to go beyond their current achievements.

Artemi Panarin, who scored 120 points in the regular season, acknowledged the Panthers’ tough defense, which limited him to four points in six games.

The Rangers’ power play struggled, scoring only once in 15 tries against Florida, showing the need for improvement in this area.

Free-Agent Considerations and Future Prospects

As the season ended, attention turned to the future. Key players like Ryan Lindgren and Kaapo Kakko, both restricted free agents, face important contract talks.

Lindgren expressed his love for the Rangers and confidence in staying, while Kakko, despite an inconsistent season, is committed to improving and staying in New York.

Unrestricted free agents like Erik Gustafsson and Blake Wheeler, as well as new additions Alex Wennberg, Jack Roslovic, and Chad Ruhwedel, face uncertain futures due to salary cap limits.

Wennberg, who scored an overtime goal against the Panthers, wants to return, as does Gustafsson, who enjoyed his time with the team.

Blake Wheeler is considering whether to continue playing, weighing his love for the game against the desire to be with his family.

Rangers Reflect on Season’s Lessons to Forge Ahead

Reflecting on the Panthers’ loss, players like Trocheck and Panarin acknowledged the team’s ups and downs. Panarin said the team’s decreased confidence against Florida, while Zibanejad highlighted the need to avoid mistakes and make the most of opportunities.

On the other hand, coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the importance of scoring timely goals, which the Rangers struggled with against the Panthers.

Looking ahead, Kreider and others are committed to improving, building on the season’s experiences to come back stronger.

In summary, the New York Rangers’ 2023-2024 season was a mix of challenges, perseverance, and learning.

As the team prepares for the next season, the focus remains on building a stronger identity, making key player decisions, and striving to bring the Stanley Cup back to New York.

Mikal Bridges has joined the New York Knicks and changed his jersey number from No. 1 to 25.

This move reunites him with his former Villanova teammates, strengthening the Knicks’ defense and adding excitement for the upcoming season.

Mikal Bridges Announces New Knicks Jersey Number

Mikal Bridges, who just joined the New York Knicks, has decided to switch his jersey number to 25 after first choosing No. 1.

Bridges himself announced the change, joking about the inconvenience for fans who had already bought his No. 1 jersey. He reassured them there was still time to get the new jersey before the season started.

Bridges is reuniting with his old Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo on the Knicks.

This reunion excites fans, as the group played well in college and now has a chance to compete in the NBA.

Mikal Bridges Strengthens Knicks’ Wing Position

Bridges wore No. 1 with the Brooklyn Nets but is returning to his old number 25, which he wore in high school, college, and with the Phoenix Suns.

When he joins the Knicks, he will form a strong defensive duo with OG Anunoby. Both players are known for their defense and can guard different positions, which will help key players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle perform better.

Bridges’ move to the Knicks was long anticipated, with teammates like Josh Hart joking about it. Despite rumors, Bridges clarified he did not ask to be traded from the Nets. The Nets decided to rebuild, which made the trade possible.

The Knicks are now seen as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, along with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Adding Bridges is a big reason why.

Mikal Bridges to Wear No. 25 for Knicks After Big Trade

The Knicks traded multiple first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets to get Mikal Bridges.

They traded Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, Mamadi Diakite, four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a protected first-round pick in 2025 (via the Milwaukee Bucks), an unprotected first-round pick swap in 2028, and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

In return, they received Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, Juan Pablo Vaulet’s draft rights, and a 2026 second-round pick.

Bridges had a standout 2022-23 season with the Nets, averaging 26.1 points per game over 27 games. This was a high point in his career, as his usual scoring average is around 20 points per game.

With Bridges and Anunoby starting, the Knicks have a strong wing lineup supported by Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.

However, there are questions about whether Jalen Brunson can be the main scorer on a championship team and if the pairing of Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle will cause spacing problems on the court.

Knicks’ Offensive Power: Will It Match Their Defensive Strength?

The big question is whether the Knicks have enough offense to compete with top Eastern Conference teams like the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks.

While their defense is expected to be very strong, the success of their offense, led by Brunson and supported by Bridges and Randle, will be crucial for their chances in the playoffs.

Fans are eager to see how this new Knicks team performs and whether they can meet the high expectations set by these big moves in the offseason.