A great driver of the ball, a good playmaker and scorer from the midrange and near the bucket. Also, a solid three-point shooter who can even hit some triples off the dribble. He was a clunky fit in his first campaign in Minnesota and is a better player than he’s been able to show in 2024-25.
Good scorer for a big man thanks to post-game, spot-up shooting and face-up game. Solid rebounder, too, but not the most impactful defender. One of the better off-the-bench big men in the league.
Explosive 4-man who can shoot from the outside with his feet set. Maybe not the most impactful towards winning, though. Bouncy around the basket and can really throw down big dunks. Pretty much a nil on defense. Even so, his numbers look much better this year and that could make teams more interested in him this summer.
How he does in the biggest market in the NBA will determine a lot about his free agency. Solid 3-and-D wing who can defend multiple positions, hit open threes and score off of off-ball cuts.
Has had an excellent return season as a role player in the NBA after years overseas. Versatile defender, quick feet, strong, stout and able to hit open threes and finish around the cup.
Makes up for mid-level athleticism with good basketball instincts and great decision-making. Can hit open threes and is an impressive playmaker for his position.
Bouncy power forward/center who is at his best around the basket finishing out of the pick-and-roll. Solid lob threat. Won’t provide much floor-spacing but underrated passer.
Vet whose career could be nearing its end. However, when he’s out there, he can still provide a positive impact with his floor-spacing and defensive versatility. Great locker room leader.
2025 NBA Free Agent Rankings: Top Power Forwards Available This Summer
As the 2025 NBA free agency period approaches, teams are already planning their strategies to target the best available talent. One position that will be highly coveted this summer is power forward, with a number of top players set to hit the open market. Here are the top power forwards who will be available in free agency this summer:
1. Zion Williamson – After a breakout season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson will be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2025. The athletic forward has shown tremendous potential and is poised to be a franchise player for any team willing to pay top dollar.
2. Julius Randle – The New York Knicks’ forward had a stellar season in 2024, earning All-Star honors and leading his team to the playoffs. Randle will be looking for a big payday this summer and could be a valuable addition to any team in need of a versatile power forward.
3. Lauri Markkanen – The Chicago Bulls’ sharpshooting big man will be a restricted free agent in 2025, meaning the Bulls will have the opportunity to match any offers he receives. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor and score from the perimeter will make him a valuable asset for any team.
4. Jaren Jackson Jr. – The Memphis Grizzlies’ young forward has shown flashes of brilliance in his short NBA career and will be looking to cash in on his potential this summer. Jackson Jr.’s ability to block shots and score from the outside will make him a hot commodity on the free agent market.
5. Aaron Gordon – The Denver Nuggets’ forward has been a solid contributor for his team and will be looking for a new opportunity in free agency. Gordon’s athleticism and defensive prowess make him an attractive option for teams in need of a versatile power forward.
These are just a few of the top power forwards who will be available in the 2025 NBA free agency period. Teams will be eager to make moves to improve their rosters and these players will be at the top of many teams’ wish lists. Stay tuned for more updates as free agency approaches.
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NBA free agent rankings 2025, top power forwards, summer free agency, NBA offseason, NBA free agent market, power forward rankings, 2025 free agent class, NBA free agency updates, basketball free agency, NBA player contracts
Fulham are interested in bringing former winger Willian back to the club.
The 36-year-old departed Marco Silva‘s side at the end of last season after two years with the club.
Willian joined Greek giants Olympiacos when he left Craven Cottage but made only 11 appearances in all competitions before prematurely ending his one-year deal in December.
Fulham are able to sign the Brazilian beyond Monday’s 11pm deadline as he is a free agent.
In total Willian has made 317 appearances in the Premier League and scored 47 goals, while providing 46 assists.
He won the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, while he also lifted the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League with the Blues.
Fulham are interested in bringing former winger Willian back to the club on a free transfer
The 36-year-old prematurely ended his one-year deal with Olympiacos in December
While he made a significant impact at Stamford Bridge, the same couldn’t be said of Willian’s time at Arsenal, for whom he struggled.
After returning to Brazil with Corinthians, Willian then headed back to the Premier League with Fulham, where he scored ten goals in 67 games.
He commenced his career with Corinthians and then played for Shakhtar Donetsk prior to joining Anzhi Makhachkala.
A move to Chelsea followed in 2013 despite interest from Tottenham.
His short time in Greece was marred by injuries. He failed to score in his few outings and recorded only one assist.
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Fulham are interested in re-signing Willian – with the Brazil star, 36, a free agent after terminating deal with Olympiacos inside just six months
Fulham are interested in re-signing Willian – with the Brazil star, 36, a free agent after terminating deal with Olympiacos inside just six months
Fulham are reportedly eyeing a move to bring back Brazilian winger Willian to the club after his short stint with Olympiacos. The 36-year-old terminated his contract with the Greek side just six months after joining them, making him a free agent.
Willian previously had a successful spell at Fulham, becoming a fan favorite during his time at the club. Now, with the opportunity to re-sign him on a free transfer, Fulham are keen to bring back the experienced winger to bolster their squad.
The former Chelsea player’s wealth of experience and quality on the pitch could prove to be a valuable asset for Fulham as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Willian’s creativity, pace, and skill on the ball could provide a much-needed spark to Fulham’s attacking play.
It remains to be seen whether a deal will be struck between Fulham and Willian, but the prospect of the Brazilian star returning to the club is certainly an exciting one for fans. Stay tuned for further updates on this potential transfer.
One of the stars is married to a huge British actress
With the second season of The Night Agent currently at the number-one spot on Netflix, let’s ditch their beloved characters and take a magnifying glass to their love lives, from long-term girlfriends to single life.
Though some names were missing, The Night Agent returned to Netflix screens last week with more fun centred around Gabriel Basso’s main character Peter Sutherland. This time, he and Rose set out to stop a disastrous chemical attack in New York City.
Though the characters obviously don’t have time for personal lives between dodging bullets and taking down corrupt government officials, the same can not be said of their actors. Here’s what we know about their relationships.
1. Is Gabriel Basso married?
Credit: Gabriel Basso
The Night Agent’s leading man Gabriel Basso has been in the public eye for a number of years, first making a name for himself in J.J. Abrams’ Super 8. There has been a lot of speculation about him being married or having a girlfriend, but unfortunately, they’re just rumours as Gabriel keeps very hush about his love life. He does however have a daughter, announcing the news in August 2020.
“There’s a new Basso on the planter,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.
It’s not immediately clear who the mother of his daughter is.
2. Luciane Buchanan is a single pringle
Though there has been speculation that she and Gabriel are into each other, according to WDW, Rose actress Luciane Buchanan is very much single in 2025.
3. Brittany Snow has dated some major stars
With projects ranging from Pitch Perfect to Hairspray, Brittany Snow is one of the more established names on this list. As such, she’s dated Josh Henderson, Ryan Rottman, William Tell, Tyler Hoechlin, and Andrew Jenks.
Most recently, Brittany was married to professional surfer Tyler Stanaland. They tied the knot in 2020 but sadly separated two years later.
4. Arienne Mandi enjoys her private life
Arienne Mandi has always kept tight-lipped about her dating life besides being an out and proud pansexual. She was connected to Iranian actress Sepideh Moafi, but neither party confirmed the relationship.
5. Michael Malarkey has been married the longest
Credit: Michael Malarkey
Vampire Diaries actor Michael Malarkey has been married to English actress Nadine Lewington since 2009 and they have two sons born in 2014 and 2019.
Celebrating their anniversary a few years back, he penned on Instagram: “11 years married this month to my ride or die @dinibee; thanks for keeping me around all these years even after all the shit I talk about you in my songs.”
Featured image credit: Gabriel Basso/Michael Malarkey/Brittany Snow
Gabriel Basso, known for his role in the hit show Night Agent, has been a heartthrob for many fans. However, the question on everyone’s mind is: does he have a girlfriend?
While Gabriel Basso has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, his social media presence and interviews suggest that he may be single. The actor tends to keep his personal life private, so it’s possible that he is dating someone out of the spotlight.
As for the rest of the Night Agent cast, their love lives are also a topic of interest among fans. From rumored relationships to confirmed romances, the cast members have been known to keep fans guessing.
Whether it’s on-screen chemistry or off-screen romance, the love lives of the Night Agent cast continue to be a source of intrigue for fans. As the show continues to captivate audiences, we can only hope to learn more about the personal lives of our favorite actors.
The assistant director at the FBI’s New York field office reportedly told staff in an email that they were in the “middle of a battle” and that it was time for him to “dig in” as the Trump administration targets bureau officials who investigated the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
“Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle of our own, as good people are being walked out of the FBI and others are being targeted because they did their jobs in accordance with the law and FBI policy,” wrote James E Dennehy, who has led the New York field office since last September, in an email viewed and reported by the New York Times.
The email came after the justice department’s recent directive to the FBI to compile the names of bureau personnel involved in investigating the 6 January 2021 attack on the Capitol. The justice department also informed FBI leadership last week that eight senior executives at the bureau faced termination.
Since Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, at least nine high-ranking officials at the FBI have been forced out, according to the New York Times.
In his email to staff, Dennehy reportedly said that those removals had spread “fear and angst within the FBI ranks”.
He referred to those who had departed the bureau as “extraordinary individuals” adding: “I mourn the forced retirements.”
Dennehy also reportedly stated his commitment to supporting his staff, and urged them to remain calm and to avoid making hasty decisions regarding their careers.
He also reportedly made it clear that he had no intention of stepping down.
“Time for me to dig in,” he wrote.
Dennehy, who served as an officer in the US Marine Corps for seven years before joining the FBI as a special agent in 2002, reportedly also praised the two top acting officials at the FBI, Brian Driscoll and Robert Kissane, in the email for “fighting” for the agency’s employees.
Dennehy compared the current situation to his experience as a marine in the early 1990s. He recalled digging a small 5ft-deep foxhole where he hunkered down for safety.
“It sucked,” he wrote. “But it worked.”
The uncertainty and turmoil at the FBI comes as the last week, the justice department fired over a dozen federal prosecutors involved in the two criminal cases against Trump, reportedly at the direction of the White House.
The ongoing battle between the FBI and President Trump has reached new heights as the administration continues to purge officials from the agency. In a recent warning to staff, a top agent has cautioned against the growing tensions between the FBI and the White House.
The Trump administration’s efforts to remove key officials from the FBI have raised concerns about the politicization of the agency and the potential impact on its independence. The recent firing of FBI Director James Comey and the removal of Deputy Director Andrew McCabe have only added fuel to the fire.
Despite the challenges facing the agency, the FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the American people. The warning from the top agent serves as a reminder to staff to stay focused on their mission and not be swayed by political pressures.
As the battle between the FBI and President Trump continues to unfold, it is clear that the agency is facing a difficult road ahead. However, with a dedicated staff and a commitment to justice, the FBI remains resolute in its fight to uphold the values of the Constitution and the law.
The top agent at the F.B.I.’s New York field office vowed in a defiant email to his staff to “dig in” after the Trump administration targeted officials involved in the investigations into the Jan. 6 attack — and praised the bureau’s interim leaders for defending its independence.
“Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle of our own, as good people are being walked out of the F.B.I. and others are being targeted because they did their jobs in accordance with the law and F.B.I. policy,” wrote James E. Dennehy, a veteran and highly respected agent who has run the largest and arguably the most important field office in the bureau since September.
Mr. Dennehy, through a representative in New York, declined to comment.
The email, viewed by The New York Times, came after the Justice Department ordered the F.B.I. on Friday to collect the names of bureau personnel who helped investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, raising the possibility that Mr. Trump’s political appointees plan to purge career bureau officials, including rank-and-file field agents. That number could reach 6,000 — or about a sixth of the bureau’s 38,000 employees, according to the F.B.I.
At least nine high-ranking officials have been forced out since Mr. Trump’s inauguration, plunging the bureau into confusion. Mr. Dennehy wrote that those removals had spread “fear and angst within the F.B.I. ranks.”
That sense of dread was stoked by a remarkable questionnaire sent to bureau employees, asking them to describe what, if any, role they had in investigating and prosecuting Jan. 6 rioters.
The form requires the employees to say if they collected evidence, provided support services, interviewed witnesses, executed search warrants or testified at trial — basic activities of F.B.I. employees during the normal and lawful course of their duties. They have until 3 p.m. Monday to complete the forms.
Robert C. Kissane, the acting deputy director, sought to allay concerns that F.B.I. employees would be punished for doing their jobs as he tried to answer questions about the list that the Justice Department was gathering.
“We do not view anyone’s identification on the list as an indicator of any misconduct,” he wrote in a lengthy message to staff members, adding that “we are still working with D.O.J. to better understand the purpose for which the list is being sought.”
Mr. Kissane said the F.B.I. had conducted about 2,400 investigations related to the attack on the Capitol and circulated the questionnaire based on the names of everyone connected to those cases. He said that those who received the questionnaire were not required to fill it out, but that management was obligated to do so.
Mr. Dennehy, in his email, urged his employees to remain calm and not to make any rushed decisions about their careers as he committed to providing assistance to them no matter what happened. He also suggested he had no intention of stepping down.
“Time for me to dig in,” he wrote.
In an extraordinary gesture, Mr. Dennehy, a former Marine, praised the two top acting officials at the F.B.I., Brian Driscoll and Mr. Kissane, for “fighting” for the bureau’s employees. Both resisted efforts to immediately oust career employees, and they pushed for a formal review process to delay or mitigate the disruption, according to people familiar with the situation.
“They are warriors,” he said of those who pushed back on broad dismissals of F.B.I. personnel across the bureau, according to people directly familiar with the matter.
Such is the uncertainty at the F.B.I. that some bureau leaders have felt compelled to email colleagues to say they have not been removed.
“I know a lot of you have seen or heard reports that F.B.I. executives have been asked to resign or be fired,” the top agent in Seattle wrote on Friday in a message viewed by The Times. “To clarify my own status, as of this writing I have not been fired or asked to resign, nor have I received any indication I might be.”
On Saturday, the F.B.I. issued an unusual statement reassuring the work force that Mr. Driscoll was still the acting director. And Mr. Dennehy, in his email, also pushed back on rumors that anyone had been removed outside the small group of officials already known to have been ousted.
Mr. Dennehy’s office has roughly 1,100 agents and about 500 task officers, who are police investigators and law enforcement officers from other federal agencies assigned to work with the F.B.I. The number of agents in New York at times makes up as much as 10 percent of the agent population nationwide. There are also about 1,000 civilian employees, including analysts, technicians and other support staff.
One executive whose job appeared to be in peril, Spencer Evans, the top agent in Las Vegas, informed his staff on Thursday that he would be dismissed “from the rolls of the F.B.I.” as soon as Monday morning.
“I was given no rationale for this decision, which, as you might imagine, has come as a shock,” he wrote in an email viewed by The Times.
Another was the head of the New Orleans field office, who was asked to return to headquarters after his name surfaced as someone the administration might want to remove, according to current and former F.B.I. officials.
That agent was on vacation when a terrorist drove through a crowd on New Year’s Day and drew criticism for being away during Mardi Gras. On Jan. 6, 2021, he was also a top supervisor in the Washington field office and helped to direct the bureau’s response to the attack on the Capitol.
The Society of Former Special Agents of the F.B.I., which represents thousands of retirees, called the forced resignations “illegal actions” that violated civil service laws and the due process rights of employees. The Justice Department has not accused any of those targeted with improper conduct, and has based most of the personnel actions on the president’s discretion under the Constitution.
In his message to employees, Mr. Dennehy described those who had left as “extraordinary individuals,” saying, “I mourn the forced retirements.”
Mr. Dennehy likened the current situation to his days as a Marine in the early 1990s, when he dug a small foxhole five feet deep and hunkered down for safety.
“It sucked,” he wrote. “But it worked.”
The recent removals at the F.B.I. have caused quite a stir, but the top agent in New York is not backing down. In a statement released today, the agent vowed to “dig in” and continue the fight against corruption and injustice.
Despite the setbacks, the agent remains steadfast in their dedication to upholding the law and protecting the American people. With a track record of successful investigations and a reputation for being a tough and relentless agent, there is no doubt that they will continue to do whatever it takes to bring criminals to justice.
In the face of adversity, the top F.B.I. agent in New York is ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. With their determination and unwavering commitment to serving the public, there is no doubt that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the fight against crime.
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F.B.I. Agent, New York, Removals, Agency, Investigation, Top Agent, Law Enforcement, Dig In, Vows, FBI, New York City, Leadership, Challenges, Resilience, Determination, Commitment
A former footballer and agent of two England internationals has been implicated after police raided his home and discovered cannabis.
A top football agent with ties to England stars Cole Palmer and Kyle Walker has found himself at the centre of a police investigation after officers raided his home and uncovered a £75,000 cannabis farm.
According to The Sun, Michael Rankine, 40, who played a key role in sealing Walker’s move to AC Milan, was targeted by law enforcement just 48 hours after returning to the UK from Italy.
The former footballer had been onboard Walker’s private jet as the ex-Manchester City captain jetted off to finalise his move to Serie A.
Michael Rankine at Kyle Walker’s AC Milan contract signing | Instagram
Rankine was even photographed with the England full-back as he held up his new No. 32 Milan shirt in front of fans.
However, just days after celebrating the deal, police reportedly discovered over 90 cannabis plants popularly known as ‘Indian Hemp’ inside Rankine’s Doncaster home.
Rankine, an ex-footballer saw his Doncaster home raided by police | Sky Sports
Officers also seized equipment used to cultivate the Class B drug, raising major questions about his off-the-field activities.
A source close to the situation told The Sun:
“It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a triumphant return from Italy.”
Another insider added:
“Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.
“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”
Rankine’s ties to the Premier League’s biggest stars
Rankine also represents Chelsea star Cole Plamer | Instagram
According to reports, Rankine has been a consultant for CAA Base, a prestigious London-based agency representing top footballers like Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison, as well as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.
Since joining the company in 2018, he has worked closely with emerging talents, helping to guide their careers.
Rankine is also a former professional footballer | Imago
His uncle, Mark Rankine, a former Wolves and Sheffield United player, also works for CAA Base and represents some of England’s most high-profile names, including Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the raid in an official statement, revealing that a warrant had been executed at Rankine’s address:
“Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”
The drug bust reportedly took place in full view of stunned neighbours on a busy residential street, adding further embarrassment to Rankine’s already troubled situation.
While authorities have not yet confirmed whether he has been formally charged, the scandal threatens to cast a shadow over his future in football.
Manchester City young star Cole Palmer and his teammate Kyle Walker’s agent are in hot water after police uncovered a £75,000 Indian hemp farm at a property linked to them. The two players are currently under investigation as authorities look into their involvement in the illegal operation.
The discovery of the hemp farm has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many questioning how two professional athletes could be linked to such criminal activity. Both Palmer and Walker’s agent have vehemently denied any involvement in the operation, but the evidence against them is mounting.
It remains to be seen what consequences Palmer and Walker will face if they are found to have any connection to the illegal hemp farm. In the meantime, their careers and reputations are at stake as the investigation continues to unfold. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
The Dallas Cowboys have a long list of unrestricted free agents who will officially hit the open market in a little less than two months. Of those, six or seven were significant contributors in 2024, meaning the Cowboys have some difficult decisions ahead of them in the coming weeks.
Today’s free agent profile series examines a player who wasn’t one of those significant contributors because he barely saw the field last season. That would be quarterback Trey Lance.
Year Review: Trey Lance’s 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys was characterized by limited opportunities and mixed performances. The 24-year-old quarterback, who the Cowboys acquired in August of 2023, spent nearly the entirety of the regular season as Dallas’ third-string quarterback.
Even when Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending injury in Week 9, Dallas refused to elevate Lance to the starting lineup, leaving him cemented behind Cooper Rush as their clear backup. Lance got some brief playing time during a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, but after that, he did not see the field for more than one snap until the final week of the regular season.
Dallas gave Lance a chance to start their regular-season finale against the Commanders, and the results were not pretty. The former first-round pick completed just 20 of his 34 passes for 244 yards and consistently struggled to hit open receivers. Lance’s performance made it clear that he currently does not possess the accuracy to become a stating-caliber quarterback at the NFL level.
The decision to trade for Lance has always been a head-scratching move, but not playing him in a lost season until the year’s final game may be even more confusing. Dallas had a golden opportunity to give Lance three or four starts down the stretch to see what he could do in an extended playing period. Instead, they waited until the final week of the year and threw Lance to the fire without their best offensive weapon in CeeDee Lamb.
Regardless, Lance did not take advantage of the opportunity and capped off a very tumultuous season with his poor showing against the Commanders.
Free Agency Outlook: The Cowboys declined Lance’s fifth-year option before the start of the regular season, so he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March.
Given Lance’s lack of playing time, it’s hard to project what the quarterback’s market will look like this spring. With so much inexperience and on-field struggles when he did get a chance to play, it’s not likely a team is willing to give Lance a multi-year contract. The 24-year-old will likely have to sign a one-year deal to hopefully serve as a team’s backup next season.
Even with all the negatives going against him, there could still be some teams that are infatuated with Lance’s potential. His mobility and athleticism could be an intriguing trait to an organization that believes they could fix his accuracy issues.
Last offseason, we saw 23 quarterbacks sign free-agent deals. Despite Lance’s struggles, there will always be a demand for good quarterback play, and teams will always be willing to give players a second chance. Last spring, Mason Rudolph and Carson Wentz signed one-year deals worth $2.8M and $3.2M, respectively. This is likely a good benchmark for where Lance could end up AAV-wise on a potential one-year deal.
Cowboys Verdict: When the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance back in August 2023, the move made little to no sense. Today, the same thing rings true, and his time in Dallas has almost certainly come to an end.
With all Dallas’ other needs to address this offseason, it’s hard to see them allocating even a small amount of cap space to bring back Lance and have him serve as their backup or third-string quarterback. To make a Lance return even more unlikely, Dallas’ long-time backup quarterback, Cooper Rush, is also a free agent this offseason.
Unless a team gives Rush a deal to let him compete for a starting spot, there’s virtually zero chance Dallas would choose to bring Lance back over the veteran. While Rush has not lit the world on fire when he filled in as the starter, he has won some games, and right or wrong, the organization has plenty of faith in his ability to steady the ship if Dak Prescott is to go down again.
Overall, Trey Lance’s tenure as a Dallas Cowboy will end with more questions than answers, as the former first-round pick will search for his next opportunity this March.
Prediction: Trey Lance signs a one-year, $2.5M deal with the New York Jets
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 offseason, one of the biggest decisions they will have to make is what to do with quarterback Trey Lance, who is set to become a free agent. Lance, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Dallas, but has also struggled with inconsistency.
At just 24 years old, Lance still has plenty of potential and could develop into a franchise quarterback for the Cowboys. However, with his contract set to expire, the team will have to decide whether or not to commit to him long-term.
Prediction:
It is likely that the Cowboys will look to re-sign Lance, as they have invested a lot in his development and see him as a key piece of their future. With a strong supporting cast of offensive weapons and a solid offensive line, Lance has the tools he needs to succeed in Dallas.
Ultimately, I predict that the Cowboys will offer Lance a lucrative contract extension, keeping him in Dallas for the foreseeable future. With the right coaching and support, Lance could develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the league and lead the Cowboys to success in the years to come.
Breaking: Three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard will sign with the Indiana Fever as a free agent, sources told ESPN
The former DPOY and 2x-time All-Star returns to the franchise that drafted her, bolstering the Fever’s frontcourt and bringing veteran experience pic.twitter.com/s6foW1MTKU
Howard was most recently with the Dallas Wings, but she brings an accomplished career resume to the Fever.
Not only is she a former WNBA champion and All-Star but Howard also won Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and has made two All-Defensive teams. That side of the ball was certainly an area that needed addressing in Indiana.
Howard is coming off a season that saw her average 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. So while she isn’t a strong shooter from the outside, Howard is capable of putting up points and helping the team in multiple ways on the floor. She also will slide naturally into a hole the Fever had at the forward position.
Of course the Fever already bolster tremendous firepower and the aforementioned foundation consisting of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Mitchell, and Lexie Hull. Adding Howard to the mix should only give new coach Stephanie White more options and dynamic possibilities when it comes to lineup construction.
The Fever continue to prove the franchise takes the opportunity in front of it seriously. Howard joining the fray not only addresses a weakness, but provides a proven winner to play alongside Clark and company.
The Indiana Fever have made a major splash in the WNBA free agency market by adding star forward Natasha Howard to their roster. Howard, who most recently played for the New York Liberty, brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Fever.
Howard is a two-time WNBA champion and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. She is known for her versatility on both ends of the court and her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
The addition of Howard is a huge boost for the Fever, who are looking to improve upon their 6-16 record from last season. With Howard joining a young and talented roster that includes players like Teaira McCowan and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever are poised to make some noise in the upcoming season.
Fans of the Fever are excited about the team’s prospects with Howard on board, and are looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the team. Howard’s signing is a sign that the Fever are serious about competing at a high level in the WNBA, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for their team.
Free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year, $15.5 million contract, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Thursday.
The future Hall of Famer, who turned 40 last July, is coming off an injury-plagued season with the Texas Rangers in which he made just nine starts and went 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA. He didn’t make his first start until June 23 following surgery in the offseason to repair a herniated disk in his back. He then missed all of August with shoulder fatigue, returning to make one start in September before a hamstring injury ended his season.
Once a durable workhorse who made 30-plus starts each season from 2009 through 2018, Scherzer has now missed significant time each of the past three seasons, making 23 starts in 2022 while missing time with an oblique strain and making 27 starts in 2023 due to a strained shoulder and back spasms.
When he did pitch, the stuff was diminished, even from the previous season. His fastball averaged 92.5 mph, the lowest of his career and down from 93.7 mph in 2023. His strikeout rate dropped to 22.6%, down from 28.0%, and well below his 2021-22 season, when he was over 30%. He allowed a .724 OPS, higher than the MLB average of .711.
Scherzer was a free agent for the third time in his career. Ahead of the 2015 season, he signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals that proved to be one of the best signings ever for a free-agent pitcher. Scherzer won the second and third Cy Young Awards of his career, finished in the top three in three other seasons and helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019, going 3-0 with a 2.40 ERA that postseason, and started Game 7 of the World Series while pitching through a neck injury.
He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 in the final year of that contract and then signed a three-year deal, $130 million deal with the New York Mets, the highest annual average value for a player at the time (matched a year later by Justin Verlander and then surpassed by Shohei Ohtani in 2024). The Mets made the playoffs that first year as Scherzer posted a 2.23 ERA, but he was traded to the Rangers in 2023 — and helped them to a World Series title, although injuries limited him to just 9.2 innings in three postseason starts (he did pitch three scoreless innings in his one World Series start).
The eight-time All-Star is 216-112 in his career with the three Cy Young Awards and 75.4 WAR. Among active pitchers, only Verlander has more wins and only Verlander and Clayton Kershaw have a higher WAR.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield contributed to this report.
Sources close to the Blue Jays organization have confirmed that the team has reached a deal with free agent pitcher Max Scherzer. This blockbuster signing is sure to bolster the Blue Jays’ starting rotation and make them a serious contender in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. #BlueJays #MaxScherzer #MLBFreeAgency
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Blue Jays, Max Scherzer, free agent, MLB, baseball, contract, signing, Toronto Blue Jays, pitching, deal, negotiations, sports news
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Credit: Netflix
Netflix has added season 2 of The Recruit, which again stars Noah Centineo as young CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks, who is thrown into a new daredevil mission in South Korea.
Yes, rather than doing the normal TV thing of placing an FBI agent at the heart of the action like the gigantic hit The Night Agent, the first series of The Recruit took the quirky decision to stick a lawyer into a conspiracy thriller.
That decision split audiences and critics, with viewers giving it an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score while it only managed a 68% critic score. The Roger Ebert review described watching Owen navigating Langley as being “about as much fun as paperwork”. However, many viewers liked its “tongue-in-cheek style” and became hooked by a “fantastic show”.
Credit: Netflix
Watching The Recruit we think if you like the central character then you’re likely to find yourself being quickly immersed in the first series and now the second season has dropped on Netflix, which will come just at the right time for loads of people who’ve crashed through The Night Agent season 2. OK, spoilers ahead if you’ve not seen season 1.
The spy drama’s new six-part run picks up up straight after season’s 1 finale, with Owen kidnapped by Nichka, aka Karolina (Maddie Hasson), the daughter of rogue Russian asset Max Meladze (Laura Haddock) whom he thought was dead. But after a last-minute rescue operation and orders to stay put in his office, the stakes continue to rise for the risk-loving lawyer when a cryptic note from Korea lands on his desk. Owen convinces his boss Walter Nyland (Vondie Curtis-Hall) to send him to Seoul, where he lived as a child when his father was stationed there.
“Owen’s headspace is in complete chaos after witnessing Max, the former CI asset who he almost died multiple times trying to protect, get shot by her daughter,” says Noah Centineo. “But while Korea carries a heavy weight for him. It also brings back sweet memories from his childhood. It’s fertile ground for the vicious and life-threatening fun Owen loves to find himself in the middle of.”
The plot sees Owen team up with South Korean National Intelligence Service agent Jang Kyun (Teo Yoo) and he begins to suspect there could be a threat within the CIA itself. A string of new characters are introduced in season 2 including intelligence officer Grace (Young-Ah Kim), senior US diplomat Tom Wallace (Felix Solis) and businessman Oliver Bonner-Jones (James Purefoy).
The Recruit seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix globally now.
If you haven’t heard of The Night Agent yet, now is the perfect time to start watching! This quirky thriller has just released its second season on Netflix, and it’s already receiving rave reviews with an impressive 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
I recently binged all of the episodes and I have to say, this show is a must-watch for any fan of suspenseful dramas. The cast is phenomenal, the plot twists are unexpected, and the writing is top-notch.
So if you’re looking for your next binge-worthy series, look no further than The Night Agent on Netflix. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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