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The NBA offseason waits for none, not even the NBA Finals it seems. The trades have already started, and the NBA world is abuzz with rumors. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies opened the floodgates with the Desmond Bane trade. As a result, trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant have reached their peak. However, two of the final teams remaining in the Durant sweepstakes don’t swoon the experts in the title contention conversation.
The teams that have a close connection to Durant as a possible new home are the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. The two Texas teams are interesting since Durant would come in and immediately be their go-to scorer.
Houston is fresh off the heels of an impressive 2024-25 regular season. But they failed to make it out of the first round as the second seed. On the other hand, the Spurs didn’t even make the Play-In Tournament. They do have a high upside with the star pairing of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama.
Durant would undoubtedly make both teams insurmountably better. But Paul Pierce has some doubts about the extent to which the two-time NBA champion could elevate these teams.
“If KD goes to the Rockets, I look at them as a pretender,” Pierce said on Fox Sports’ SPEAK. His reasoning is largely due to Durant’s age.
“At this stage of KD’s career, he can’t be the best player night in and night out on a championship team. He needs to play on a team where at least the main guy is better than him. I feel the same way about [LeBron James],” Pierce said.
Houston doesn’t have a superstar to pair with Durant. Their best player is Alperen Sengun, but the 36-year-old Durant would take that title immediately.
San Antonio presents a unique situation because of Victor Wembanyama’s greatness. At least the Spurs have multiple elite All-Star-level talents. Aside from Sengun, the Rockets don’t have another All-Star. Their best bet is Amen Thompson having a breakout season and flourishing into the star the team expects him to become.
Based on this way of thinking, Pierce isn’t a fan of either trade destination to the Rockets or the Spurs. A team that would be of interest would be the Timberwolves since they have Anthony Edwards, who is better than Durant. It would allow the 15-time All-Star to thrive at a level similar to his Golden State Warriors days.
Reports suggest that the Phoenix Suns will trade Durant sooner rather than later. Regardless of where he goes, KD hopes to turn that franchise into a legitimate championship contender.
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West Notes: Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Ty Jerome, Clippers, Bradley Beal
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly had the ability to opt out of his contract this summer but chose not to, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. When Connelly was hired in 2022, his five-year deal included an opt-out after the second season. He and the Wolves pushed that clause back by a year in 2024 with the ownership situation unsettled. Now that Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have assumed majority control, Connelly has decided to stay the course. He remains under contract for two more years and, assuming ownership is pleased with the job he’s done, could be an extension candidate in 2026. Memphis banking on Jerome: The Grizzlies devoted their full room exception to Ty Jerome, and the expectation is that he’ll bring more than just shooting. Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes that Memphis needs Jerome’s two-way play-making, composure, and a dose of swagger to help steady a young roster. Lue says Beal overshadowed: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast and said Bradley Beal’s production with the Suns was overlooked. “He put up unbelievable stats, but was overshadowed as the third option behind Kevin Durant and Devin Booker,” Lue said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “I think by coming here, I think it’s a fresh start and I think he’s going to be great for us.” MORE NBA | Available free agents by position
New Dallas Cowboys DT Kenny Clark Excitedly Posts About Joining ‘America’s Team’
The Dallas Cowboys’ stunning trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers sent shockwaves through the NFL, but the silver lining arrived Thursday afternoon in the form of three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The veteran immediately took to social media to share his excitement about joining America’s Team, posting a video of himself smiling widely on his private jet bound for Dallas. Clark’s enthusiasm was infectious as he documented his journey to Big D, clearly thrilled about the opportunity to anchor the Cowboys’ defensive line. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with the regular season opener against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles just days away. This trade represents more than just a player swap—it’s a strategic move that could redefine Dallas’ defensive identity for years to come. Kenny Clark Lands in Dallas: A New Chapter The social media post that captured Cowboys fans’ attention showed Clark beaming with excitement as his plane approached Dallas. His genuine enthusiasm reflects a player who understands the magnitude of joining one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. The timing of his arrival creates immediate pressure, but Clark’s veteran experience suggests he’s ready for the challenge. Clark’s journey to Dallas represents a fresh start for both player and team. After eight seasons in Green Bay, he brings championship pedigree and playoff experience that the Cowboys desperately need. His presence immediately fills a void that has plagued Dallas for years—reliable interior pass rush and run defense from the nose tackle position. The defensive tackle market has been historically thin, making Clark’s acquisition even more valuable. Teams rarely trade established defensive linemen of Clark’s caliber, especially during their prime years. The fact that Dallas secured his services as part of the Parsons package deal represents exceptional value in an era where quality interior defensive linemen command premium compensation. What Kenny Clark Brings to the Dallas Cowboys Clark’s resume speaks volumes about his capabilities and potential impact in Dallas. His three Pro Bowl selections demonstrate consistent excellence at one of football’s most demanding positions. Last season alone, he recorded 37 tackles, nine run stuffs, two forced fumbles, and a sack while anchoring Green Bay’s defensive front. The 2023 campaign showcased Clark’s pass-rushing prowess with a career-high 7.5 sacks, proving his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks from the interior. This dual-threat capability—stopping the run and rushing the passer—makes him invaluable in today’s NFL where defensive tackles must excel in multiple areas. Clark’s physical attributes perfectly suit the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to command double teams while maintaining the athleticism to pursue ball carriers sideline to sideline. His quick first step and powerful hands allow him to shed blocks and make plays in both run and pass situations. Beyond statistics, Clark brings intangible qualities that often go unnoticed. His leadership experience from Green Bay’s playoff runs provides valuable mentorship for younger Cowboys defenders. His work ethic and professionalism set standards that elevate entire position groups, qualities particularly important for a franchise seeking to establish a winning culture. How Clark Fits into Dallas’ Defensive Plans The Cowboys’ defensive transformation begins with Clark’s presence in the middle of their defensive line. His ability to anchor against powerful running attacks addresses a glaring weakness that opponents have exploited for seasons. Interior defensive line play directly impacts every other defensive position, from linebacker mobility to secondary coverage effectiveness. Clark’s pass-rushing skills complement the Cowboys’ existing edge rushers perfectly. By demanding attention from interior offensive linemen, he creates favorable one-on-one matchups for Dallas’ outside pass rushers. This symbiotic relationship could unlock production from other defensive players who previously faced constant double teams. The defensive tackle’s versatility allows coordinator Mike Zimmer flexibility in game planning. Clark can line up anywhere across the defensive front, from nose tackle in base defenses to three-technique in passing situations. This positional flexibility enables Dallas to deploy varied looks that keep offensive coordinators guessing. Run defense improvement represents Clark’s most immediate impact. His ability to occupy multiple blockers frees linebackers to make plays at the second level. This improved run stopping capability forces opponents into obvious passing situations, allowing the Cowboys’ pass rushers to pin their ears back and attack. The Timing Factor Clark’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time for Dallas. With the regular season beginning in less than a week, his veteran presence provides immediate stability to a defense facing questions about its identity post-Parsons. His experience in high-pressure situations, including playoff games and divisional matchups, brings calm leadership to a potentially tumultuous transition. The Eagles matchup in Week 1 will test Clark immediately against one of the NFL’s most physical offensive lines. Philadelphia’s commitment to running the football makes Clark’s presence even more crucial, as his ability to neutralize interior running lanes could dictate the game’s outcome. Kenny Clark’s arrival in Dallas represents more than just a roster addition—it’s a statement about the Cowboys’ commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. His social media excitement reflects a player ready to embrace the challenge of playing for America’s Team, and Cowboys fans have every reason to share that enthusiasm.
Jelena Ostapenko responds to racism allegations after post-match confrontation with Taylor Townsend
A heated post-match exchange between former World No. 5 Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend marred an otherwise action-filled fourth day of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. After Townsend defeated the 2017 French Open champion in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, Ostapenko accused her opponent of unsportsmanlike conduct, pointing out that the American didn't apologize when a net cord helped her win a crucial point earlier in the match. The Latvian wrote on social media that Townsend "was very disrespectful" and didn't show the proper etiquette expected of a pro tennis player. "If she plays in her homeland, it doesn’t mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants," she wrote in a scathing address of Townsend. Townsend offered more details on their post-match confrontation, which led to some suggesting she was racially targeted. "She told me I have no class and no education, and to see what happens if we play each other outside the U.S.," Townsend revealed. Townsend refused to call Ostapenko a racist. "I didn't take it in that way," she said, via BBC. "But also that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated, and all of the things, when it's the furthest thing from the truth. Whether it had racial undertones or not, that's something she can speak on." Ostapenko was widely lambasted on social media, with even World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka asking her to control her emotions. The under-attack Latvian responded to allegations of her being a racist, while reaffirming her stance on Townsend disrespecting her during the match. "I was never racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world, for me it doesn't matter where you come from," she wrote on social media. Townsend will next face Russian teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva in the third round. The World No. 46 American is trying to reach the fourth round of her home major for the first time since 2019.
The 'College football color teams' quiz
With Labor Day and the calendar turning to September, college football is finally back! Which brings us to today's quiz. How many of the FBS college football teams with a color in their name can you name in five minutes? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
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