Ja Morant Traded to Portland Trail Blazers
Ja Morant is on his way to Portland after the Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies finalized a trade on Monday. The deal gives the two-time All-Star a fresh start and allows Memphis to begin rebuilding. Portland is sending Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies as part of the agreement. The move is considered a bold gamble by Portland and could signal more roster changes ahead. Morant joins a crowded point guard situation that already includes Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Scoot Henderson.
Paraguay Stuns Germany at 2026 World Cup
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw through extra time. José Canale converted the decisive sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill came up with two crucial saves during the shootout. Paraguay grabbed the lead when Julio Enciso headed in a goal late in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute for four-time champion Germany. Paraguay will now face the winner of Tuesday’s contest between France and Sweden in the round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Morocco Eliminates Netherlands in Shootout
GUADALUPE, Mexico — Morocco advanced past the Netherlands with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw, sending the Dutch to their earliest World Cup exit ever. Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a critical save — batting away Crysencio Summerville’s attempt with his left hand — when the shootout was knotted at 2-2. The Netherlands had reached at least the round of 16 in each of their previous 11 World Cup appearances, including a semifinal run four years ago when Morocco also made a deep run. Morocco will take on Canada in the round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.
U.S. Team Riding High Heading Into Knockout Rounds
IRVINE, Calif. — The United States men’s national team is brimming with confidence as it heads into the World Cup knockout stage. U.S. captain Tim Ream acknowledged that his teammates are well aware of the historic opportunity before them on home soil. Rather than feeling weighed down by the heightened expectations, the Americans appear to be drawing energy from the moment. The U.S. enters as a heavy favorite against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 — notable in itself, given that the team has won just one knockout-round match in its entire World Cup history.
Dangerous Heat Dome to Impact World Cup Host Cities
LOS ANGELES — As the World Cup moves into its knockout rounds, a hazardous heat dome is expected to blanket much of the central and eastern United States this week. Temperatures could feel as hot as 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some locations. Host cities including Boston, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, Missouri are all expected to see well above-average heat. Concerns are growing about the safety of both players and fans. Players will have access to medical personnel, three-minute cooling breaks during each half, and other protective measures. Fans are urged to stay hydrated, seek shade or air conditioning, and limit time in direct sunlight.
LeBron James Steals Spotlight as NBA Free Agency Opens
LeBron James is once again dominating the conversation as NBA free agency gets underway Tuesday evening. Sixteen years after his high-profile move to Miami, James’ next decision is drawing enormous attention. Retirement appears unlikely, meaning he could return for a record 24th NBA season. Possible destinations include staying with the Lakers, returning to Miami or Cleveland, or potentially joining Golden State. Draymond Green has already declined his player option with the Warriors, a move that some believe could be aimed at attracting James. Meanwhile, trades and signings are already reshaping rosters around the league with more moves expected in the days ahead.
Detroit Lions Release Cornerback Terrion Arnold After Arrest
The Detroit Lions announced Monday that they have cut cornerback Terrion Arnold from the roster. The move came just days after Arnold was arrested on allegations that he arranged the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he suspected of stealing luxury items and $100,000 in cash from him. The team made the announcement via the X social media platform without providing a specific reason. The release came on the same day a Florida judge set Arnold’s bail at $1 million. Prosecutors allege the three victims were held at gunpoint and robbed inside a Tampa apartment back in February.
Former NBA Players Beasley and Davis Indicted in Gambling Probe
Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been formally charged as part of the federal government’s ongoing gambling investigation. Authorities allege that Beasley deliberately altered his performance while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 in order to benefit bets placed on his statistics, with Davis among those who profited. A total of six individuals were named in the indictment, which was filed in Brooklyn. Prosecutors say the scheme involved hundreds of thousands of dollars. Attorneys for Beasley and Davis had not yet issued any public response.
Serena Williams Returns to Wimbledon Centre Court
LONDON — Excitement is building at Wimbledon ahead of Serena Williams’ first singles appearance in nearly four years. The 44-year-old Williams is scheduled to face 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint on Tuesday in the third match on Centre Court. All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton expressed the widespread enthusiasm, saying, “I think everyone’s feeling the same way: Cannot wait to be watching Serena back on Centre Court again.” Bolton added, “She is such an icon of the sport and particularly here at the championship she’s one of our most special champions. So it really will be the ticket to have tomorrow when she walks back on Centre Court.”
Deion Sanders Says He Considers Himself Cancer-Free
BOULDER, Colo. — University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders says he feels like a younger version of himself following surgery last year to remove his cancerous bladder. He credits robotic surgery — a less invasive procedure that rebuilt his bladder using a portion of his intestine — with his recovery. Sanders recently opened up about the experience, emphasizing the advantages of the surgical approach and how it accelerated his healing. He had missed football camps the previous year while undergoing cancer treatment. Now back on the field overseeing offseason workouts, Sanders says, “I consider myself cancer-free.”
