Ja Morant headed to Portland in blockbuster NBA trade
Two-time All-Star Ja Morant is on his way to Portland after the Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies reached a trade agreement Monday, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity since the trade has yet to receive the required league approvals. The Grizzlies are looking to rebuild, while Morant gets a fresh start to revive his career. Portland will send Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis as part of the agreement. ESPN was first to report the deal.
Paraguay stuns Germany in World Cup penalty shootout
In one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay eliminated four-time champion Germany in a penalty shootout Monday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. José Canale converted the decisive sudden-death kick, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two critical saves as Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties. The Round of 32 contest ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead with a header late in the first half, but Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 52nd minute. Paraguay will now face the winner of Tuesday’s match between France and Sweden in the round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia.
U.S. team riding high heading into knockout rounds
From Irvine, California, U.S. captain Tim Ream says his squad is fully aware of the historic opportunity in front of them as the Americans enter the World Cup knockout rounds at home. Rather than buckling under heightened expectations following a strong group stage, the team appears to be drawing energy from the moment. The U.S. is a heavy favorite against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 — notable in itself, given the team has won just a single knockout-round match in its entire World Cup history.
Dangerous heat dome to impact World Cup host cities this week
A powerful heat dome is set to blanket much of the central and eastern United States this week, raising safety concerns for World Cup players and fans alike. Heat index readings could soar to as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some locations. Host cities including Boston, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, Missouri, will all see above-average temperatures. Players will have access to medical personnel, three-minute cooling breaks during each half, and other protective measures. Fans are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in the shade or air-conditioned areas, and limit sun exposure.
LeBron James the center of attention as NBA free agency opens
Once again, LeBron James is the biggest name in NBA free agency. Sixteen years after his headline-grabbing move to Miami, his next decision is drawing enormous attention as free agency officially opens Tuesday evening. Retirement appears unlikely, meaning James could return for a record 24th NBA season. Possible destinations include staying with the Lakers, returning to Miami or Cleveland, or even joining Golden State. Draymond Green has already declined his player option with the Warriors, a move that could be aimed at clearing a path for James. Meanwhile, other trades and signings are already reshaping rosters around the league.
Detroit Lions release cornerback Terrion Arnold following kidnapping charges
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 assault of three men whom prosecutors believe he incorrectly suspected of stealing luxury items and $100,000 in cash from him. The team posted the announcement on the X social media platform without providing a specific reason. The announcement coincided with a Florida judge setting 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 Malik Beasley and Ed Davis charged in gambling scandal
Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis are the latest individuals to face charges in a federal gambling investigation. A grand jury in Brooklyn returned an indictment naming six people, including Beasley and Davis. Authorities allege that Beasley deliberately altered his performance while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 based on wagers placed on his statistics, with Davis among those who benefited. The alleged scheme involved hundreds of thousands of dollars. Attorneys for Beasley and Davis had not yet issued a public response.
Serena Williams’ Wimbledon return is the hottest ticket in tennis
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 Maya Joint of Australia on Tuesday in the third match on Centre Court. All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton captured the mood surrounding the comeback, saying, “I think everyone’s feeling the same way: Cannot wait to be watching Serena back on Centre Court again.” Bolton added that “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 declares himself cancer-free a year after bladder surgery
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. Sanders says he considers himself cancer-free after undergoing a robotic procedure that rebuilt his bladder using a portion of his intestine. He recently spoke about his experience, praising the less-invasive nature of robotic surgery and its faster recovery time. Sanders had to miss football camps last year due to cancer treatments but is now back on the field overseeing offseason workouts and appears to be in strong physical condition.
Viktor Hovland claims Travelers Championship in Monday playoff
Viktor Hovland captured the Travelers Championship title Monday after defeating Scottie Scheffler in a one-hole playoff in Cromwell, Connecticut. The two had been tied Sunday evening when darkness halted play after Scheffler drained an 8-foot par putt to force extra holes. When play resumed Monday on the 18th hole, Hovland hit his approach to within 6 feet and converted the birdie putt. Scheffler, whose approach had left him just 4 feet away, missed on the high side of the cup. The win is Hovland’s first since March 2025. Scheffler now has four runner-up finishes since his victory to open the current season.
