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Kevin Durant's ugly spat with DeMarcus Cousins a bad look for Suns star
The Suns were a dysfunctional mess on the court this past season, but their woes apparently extended into the locker room.
On Friday, former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins claimed that several Suns players got into "fistfights" in the locker room.
"There was a lot of things that happened," Cousins told FanDuel TV. "There was a lot of things that haven't been reported. I don't wanna be the guy to report it, but I've definitely heard of some negative things in the locker room. There was a couple of fistfights. There was a lot going on that obviously carries over to the court."
Suns star Kevin Durant vehemently denied Cousins' claim.
In response, Cousins disclosed that he had negative stories about the Suns locker room from one of Durant's teammates, but did not reveal his source.
The two former Warriors teammates would go back and forth, with Durant asserting that Cousins' source was "lying" and the latter suggesting that he had nothing to gain from fabricating a story.
The spat comes at a time when Durant, widely expected to be traded before next season, has been accused of being a poor leader.
It perhaps explains why the Knicks reportedly have no interest in acquiring Durant via trade, and teams such as the Spurs have refused to part with significant assets in pursuit of the 15-time All-Star. Many insiders around the league believe that Durant, while still an elite player, may not be worth the trouble anymore.
To that end, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Durant's trade value has "depressed" since the Suns star is unwilling to play for a team outside his short list of preferred destinations. The Suns, though, are reportedly done trying to acquiesce to Durant's wishes. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Suns are no longer "playing nice" and will trade Durant to the team that offers the best assets.
It's a shame to see Durant suffer a hit to his legacy in the final leg of his storied career. The veteran forward turns 37 in September.
More must-reads:
- CBS Sports analyst proposes bold new plan for 76ers' future
- Why Rockets shouldn't give too much away for Kevin Durant
- The 'Team USA Men's Basketball gold medalists' quiz
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Cavs’ Darius Garland Softball Game Lineup Includes Evan Mobley, Rich Paul, Kenny Atkinson
The celebrity softball game being hosted by Cavaliers guard Darius Garland reads like a who’s who of Cleveland sports personalities and NBA types. Probably because it is. The game is a way to raise funds for the Darius Garland Foundation, designed to “empower the next generation to chase their dreams,” per the official press release. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, Ohio. Given that Garland has a surgically repaired big toe, he’s likely to only manage while raising money for a good cause. But hey, many others will be there and taking the field. The roster, which is subject to change, features Cavaliers Evan Mobley, Jaylon Tyson, and Tristan Thompson (though he’s a free agent), as well as Cleveland-born agent Rich Paul — whose extensive list of clients includes Garland, Thompson, and oh yeah, LeBron James. NBA free agent guard Talen Horton-Tucker is also expected to be there, as is Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson and president of basketball operations Koby Altman will also take part in the day’s events. Below is a complete list of the “initial roster,” per the release: Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO President, The AKA Team Mavuno Brandon Cavanaugh, NBA Agent, Klutch Sports Group Camryn Justice, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland Danita Harris, Anchor, WKYC 3News Des Nunnan, Entrepreneur Community Leader DJ E-V, Award-Winning Artist, DJ, Entrepreneur DJ Steph Floss, Official DJ, Cleveland Cavaliers Evan Mobley, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers Freddie Gibbs, Grammy-Nominated Rapper G Herbo, Rapper Grant Gilbert, VP, Basketball and Business Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers Jaylon Tyson, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers Joe Haden, Former Cornerback, Cleveland Browns Josh Cribbs, Former Return Specialist and Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers Koby Altman, President of Basketball Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers Michael Sirpilla, CEO, Society Brands Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets Remy Murrey, Reporter, News 5 Cleveland Rich Paul, CEO, Klutch Sports Group Ricky Smith (aka Rickonia), Cleveland Personality Rumor Rell, Influencer Entertainer Shontel Brown, Member of U.S. House of Representatives Talen Horton-Tucker, Guard, NBA Free Agent Tristan Thompson, Center, NBA Free Agent The stadium is the home of the Lake County Captains, the Cleveland Guardians’ High-A minor league affiliate. For the record, early weather projections for Eastlake on August 2? Sunny and 75 degrees. Tickets are available for purchase here. For more information, visit milb.com/lake-county. More NBA News Rumors
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Aaron Boone Makes Feelings Clear After Yankees’ Big Trade
The New York Yankees didn't come into the season with the strongest third base situation, and it only got worse over time. They converted traditional second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the hot corner after getting him at the Trade Deadline last season and installed a timeshare with him, DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Oswaldo Cabrera there in 2025. However, the latter player broke his ankle on May 12, and the Yankees released the now 37-year-old LeMahieu on July 10. Chisholm was primarily back at second at that point, so this left Peraza and Jorbit Vivas as their only true remaining third basemen. With Peraza hitting .147 and Vivas hitting .164, it was clear what the team's biggest need was. That's why it acquired veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone gave his thoughts about the 30-year-old before Friday's bout with the Philadelphia Phillies, via SNY. "I know there's real offensive potential there. I know he's had real offensive success, as well as some struggles there over the last calendar year or two," he said. "It seems like over the last month he's really started swinging the bat like he's capable of. He can impact the ball, he can control the strike zone, he's had some swing-and-misses that have probably hurt him a little bit." "But then he can really defend over there," he continued. "The handful of times that we've played against them that I watch him, you're like, 'That's what it should look like over there.' He moves really well and has that prototypical good third base thing." McMahon is slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 homers and 35 RBI over 100 games this season. He also has a .978 fielding percentage and six errors. Right-handed pitcher Will Warren (6-5, 4.91 ERA) will start for the Yankees against Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.75 ERA) on Friday.
Nick Saban responds to speculation about coaching return amid NFL rumors
Shortly after former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback and current college football analyst Greg McElroy shared that someone "in the know" believes there's a possibility Nick Saban — who retired in January 2024 — might return to coaching, NFL insider Albert Breer suggested that the Dallas Cowboys could be a potential destination for the seven-time national champion. According to Mike Rodak of 247Sports, Saban was asked during a Friday appearance on Fox News if he intends to come out of retirement. "No, I'm really happy with what I'm doing right now," Saban responded. "It's exciting to still be involved in the game. It's exciting for me to work with athletic directors, conference commissioners, people in Congress to preserve the integrity of our game and continue to be able to create opportunities to help young people create value for their future that will help them be successful in their life, which is what we always try to do as a coach." Saban, now working as an ESPN analyst, will be 74 in October. Per Christian Datoc of the Washington Examiner, President Donald Trump could consider having Saban "lead a new commission examining problems arising with the growth of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and coinciding changes to the NCAA transfer process." Meanwhile, it's thought that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones could look to hire a big-name candidate if first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer fails to impress during the 2025 campaign. Additionally, Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd recently hinted that Saban could be interested in becoming the head coach of the Cleveland Browns if the team selects Texas quarterback Arch Manning as the first pick in the 2026 draft. "There is no opportunity that I know of right now that would enhance me to go back to coaching," Saban added during Friday's segment. "I enjoy what I'm doing. I did it for 50 years. I loved it. I loved the relationships with the players. I loved the competition. But it's another station of life now. I enjoy what I'm doing right now and want to continue to do it — spend more time with my family, my grandchildren, my children. It's been really, really good." The "right now" portion of Saban's comments attracted the attention of Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, who was quick to point out he did not say "no for good" regarding a return to coaching. In short, it seems that rumors about Saban's future could hover over the college and pro football communities through at least the rest of the year.
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