In his farewell fight, Derek Chisora will take on Deontay Wilder in London, as he hopes to hang up the gloves off the back of a solid win, and American heavyweight rival Jarrell Miller has weighed in on whether he believes ‘Del Boy’ can defeat his countryman.

Wilder has lost four of his last six professional contests but appears poised to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the unified heavyweight world titles, providing he can trump Chisora in two months’ time.

Meanwhile, 42-year-old Chisora has strung together three consecutive victories since losing out to Tyson Fury for a third time, when facing ‘The Gypsy King’ for the WBC heavyweight crown back in 2022.

The form of both men means Wilder-Chisora is being perceived as a 50/50 affair, despite some fans fearing for Chisora’s wellbeing when he was linked with ‘The Bronze Bomber’ just a couple of years ago.

In an interview with All The Smoke Fight, fellow heavyweight contender Miller admitted that he believes the home fighter will ‘take Wilder’s head off’ because of his superior gas tank down the stretch.

“All I’m saying right now is that Chisora is going to knock that n***a’s head off.

“In my honest opinion, based off of recent performances, activity and punch output, I believe that Chisora has the better chance of winning this fight.

“He has shown that his chin is phenomenal, he’s been dropped a few times, knocked out and whatever but when it comes to Chisora, he is a warrior.

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“His heart, his mentality, he’ll be losing fights and he is still fighting. It’s a different kind of conditioning.”

Wilder-Chisora takes place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, April 4, with Viddal Riley expected to feature in the co-main event of the card.

Free bets are widely available on UK betting sites for new and existing customers.

At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers through our impartial, detailed analysis focusing on providing you with optimum value.

This in-depth research involves testing to assess odds requirements, free bet key terms and conditions and availability, ensuring our recommendations are reliable and up to date, including our daily offers section.

What Are Free Bets?

Free bets are promotions offered by betting sites that allow you to place a bet without risking your own money.

Free bets come with terms and conditions. Usually, you must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to receive a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.

UK betting sites may apply wagering requirements, meaning winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw, but this is more common on casino sites.

How Do Free Bets UK Work?

Free bets are simple to use. Betting sites attach either a box or toggle on the bet slip that users need only to tick or move to enable free bets on their wager.

If your bet wins, you keep the profit, but the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.

Some bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.

Today’s Free Bet Offers

Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.

Best Betting Offers

We’ve looked at all the best betting offers online and broken down our top picks by category.

Best Betting Sign Up Offers

We’ve looked at the betting sign up offers provided by many of the best betting sites to bring you our top offer on the market for new customers.

Bet £5 Get £30 Free Bets UK

Offer rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Promo Code: N/A

Ladbrokes is our top pick for the betting sign up offer that provides the best value for new customers online.

Customers on a smaller budget will love using Ladbrokes compared to other bookies given that new users only need to deposit £5 to claim the Ladbrokes sign up offer.

Ladbrokes is the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, allowing users to deposit and bet £5 to unlock £30 in free bets after signing up online.

The 1/2 odds threshold is one of the lowest available for welcome offers, while new users can bet on any sport on its vast sportsbook. So, there’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet, which must be made within 14 days of signing up.

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Once that qualifying bet settles, you’ll receive £30 in free bets paid out in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours. There’s also flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport on Ladbrokes, while 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.

New users get seven days to use their free bets, which is standard across the industry. Beyond that, existing customers have plenty of promotions at hand.

But in terms of betting sign up offers, you’ll struggle to find better value from such a low deposit and qualifying bet, which is why we rate it as the second best betting offer on the market.

Alternative Betting Sign Up Offer

Betfred

Betfred offer one of the best value betting offers on the market, where new customers that bet £10 on a market with odds of evens or greater can claim £50 in free bets after using the Betfred promo code BETFRED50.

We like the value and simplicity of the betting sign up offer, although the odds requirement of evens and the fact that portions of allocated free bets are not available to use on the entire sportsbook knock it down slightly.

It’s still a tremendous value bonus for new users.

Betting Offers: Top Free Bet Club

Free bet offers are widely available on the best betting sites for existing customers that place regular bets online. Depending on your chosen betting site, these can be called rewards, loyalty bonuses or free bet clubs.

Bet £20 Get £5 Free Bets

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Available to: New and existing customers

Virgin Bet rewards club is straightforward to use and is available on a weekly. Customers that place four qualifying acca bets worth £5 are rewarded with a £5 free bet to use on an acca bet.

Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday.

After the qualifying bets have settled, customers will receive a £5 free acca bet to use across the Virgin Bet sportsbook.

The minimum odds to use your free bet are 1/100, so you’re spoiled for choice and there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.

Better yet, bettors have seven day to use their free bets.

Alternative Free Bet Club

Betway

Customers that opt-in on Betway’s Free Bet Club can claim £10 in free bets after betting £25 or more on trebles, accumulators or bet builders with at least three selections.

The qualifying terms are straightforward and accessible for all users, with a reasonable minimum odds requirement of 2/1 for bets.

Once qualifying your bets are settled, £10 in free bets are paid in two £5 installments. Free bets are credited one at a time – one on Saturday and another on Monday.

Free Bet Offers: Best Moneyback Specials

Moneyback specials are one of the most intriguing betting offers available for existing customers. It protects customers’ stakes if their selection loses and are most commonly found on leading football betting sites and horse racing betting sites.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Available to: New and existing customers

Sports: Football, Horse Racing

Bet365 are relative newcomers to moneyback specials, but have expanded their free bet offers to include this feature for bets on a number of sports, including football and horse racing.

Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the game of the week will be covered with a moneyback special, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured with this betting offer.

To qualify, customers simply have to place a qualifying bet builder on the eligbile game.

What we love about the offer is the low odds threshold for qualifying bet builders, requiring odds of evens or greater. Bet365 also include their ‘Sub Play On’ promotion for bet builders giving your wager that extra chance to succeed.

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Bettors can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails, while you must tick the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on the bet slip to ensure you qualify for the betting offer.

Free bets are credited with 24 hours and bettors can use their credits anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business.

Horse racing has also been added to the repotoire recently, with customers being able to claim their moneyback as free bets if their horse loses on eligible races.

Alternative Moneyback Special

BoyleSports

BoyleSports provides moneyback specials for an extra safety net on bets on the horses.

This betting offer is available for selected horse races, where bettors will receive a refund on their stake up to £20 should their selection finishes runner-up to the Starting Price (SP) favourite.

These moneyback specials are available daily and applies to both win and each-way singles. Free bets are credited within 24 hours and are valid for seven days.

However, bettors must bear in mind there are restrictions with this promotion. Ante-post, in-play and void bets are not eligible, and there must be at least five runners in the race you bet on.

Free Bet Offers: Top Bet and Get Offers

Bet and get promos are extremely popular betting offers. These are regular promotions that are offered around major events, notably football matches.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Available to: New and existing customers

Qualifying odds: 2/1

NetBet provide this promo on a wide range of sports and betting markets, particularly for acca bets and bet builders.

Free bet offers are common around major events including football, horse racing and UFC events. The odds thresholds are extremely fair around 2/1 for qualifying wagers.

Waiting for a qualifying wager to settle is usually the standard practice before receiving free bets, but NetBet have been known to credit free bets after the confirmation of qualifying wagers.

Alternative Bet & Get

Midnite

Midnite are one of the newest betting sites on the market, but offer competitive bet and get offers for existing customers that match many established brands.

Users can find the Midnite bet and get offers in the ‘Rewards’ section, with betting offers including coverage of football, darts, NFL, cricket and more.

The qualifying bet is more often than not £10, with the free bet payout ranging from a 100 per cent match to a 50 per cent match with £10 and £5 free bets available.

The odds requirements are also fair at evens, which is an improvement on NetBet albeit not as frequent.

Types Of Free Bets

Free bets come in two main forms: betting sign up offers for new customers and ongoing betting offers for existing bettors.

There are certain types of free bet offers that are commonly available on betting sites including:

How The Independent Rate and Review Free Bets

Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.

1. Licensing

Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.

It is non-negotiable. The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, whose rigorous standards all our recommended bookies have met.

If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.

2. Security

Security is a top priority when evaluating betting sites. Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

3. Reputation

Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.

4. Mobile

With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.

Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.

5. Experience

The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.

Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers – how rewarding, flexible and accessible they are to the average punter.

We also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and what payment methods are available.

6. Value

Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings and we constantly review our top betting offers.

Free Bet Promo Codes

Please Gamble Responsibly

If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.

When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose.

The same applies if you’re using new casino sites, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

Free Bets FAQs

What is a free bet?

A free bet is a bonus that is credited to a customer by a betting site to bet on an event. The free bet will carry a numerical value that customers can either use in whole or use partial funds. Customers may be limited to certain sports or events with free bets.

How do you get free bets?

Free bets can be acquired by new customers by signing up for betting site. Bookmakers will also offer promotional free bets for existing customers though betting offers such as bet and get and loyalty.

Can you withdraw free bets?

No. Free bets are non-withdrawable. Customers must use the bonus on the sportsbook in their entirety within the timeframe specified by the bookmaker. Free bets that are not used in the timeframe will expire.

Which bookmaker offers the best betting sign up offer?

In our research we found that Ladbrokes offer the best betting sign up offer on the market, providing new customers with £30 in free bets after signing up online and betting £5. Betfred also offer an impressive betting sign up offer.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

The Washington Commanders hired Minnesota Vikings defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones to be their next defensive coordinator last week, and based on how the NFL usually works, a handful of purple free agents could follow Jones to the nation’s capital: Eric Wilson, Ivan Pace Jr., and Fabian Moreau.

Washington’s interest looks plausible with Jones in town, so Vikings fans should be prepared for some Commanders’ signings.

Adding those free agents certainly isn’t a foregone conclusion, but add Wilson, Pace Jr., and Moreau as possible Commanders’ free-agent signees in 4.5 weeks.

Washington Emeres as a Real FA Threat

Free agency is just around the corner, believe it or not.

Eric Wilson (LB)

Wilson will turn 32 during the 2026 regular season, and based on his 2025 performance, he may simply reunite in Minnesota. But what if the age scares away the Vikings’ brass? Wilson would need a new NFL home. Jones running the show in Washington makes sense in that example.

Minnesota signed him as depth, a rotational linebacker slotted behind Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. He entered 2025 as a backup and special teamer, barely part of the defensive conversation.

By December, Wilson was a bona fide starter. He turned into a true disruptor, collapsing offensive lines and appearing behind the line with startling consistency. He finished the season leading all off-ball linebackers in sacks and pressures, hovering near the top of the league in forced fumbles.

The impact reshaped how the defense felt when he wasn’t on the field. At 31, Wilson authored the best season of his career, even if it arrived later than expected.

Now, free agency brings the business side again. Wilson can sign with any NFL team when that process opens on March 9th, and league expectations point toward Minnesota prioritizing a return. Given the breakout and the age curve, a deal in the $5–7 million range makes sense.

If the Commanders pay more than the Vikings, it could be a no-brainer for Wilson.

CBS Sports‘ David Harrison on Wilson as a Commanders’ free-agent target: “Fans of the team are going to flinch at the idea of the oldest team in the NFL last year adding a 32-year-old linebacker this offseason, but not only should Eric Wilson be a priority target, but he might also be the most important addition of the year if general manager Adam Peters can bring him in.”

“Coming to Washington, Wilson would become an immediate translator between Jones and his new roster of players, and could also play a pivotal role on the defense itself were he thrust into increased action like he was in Minnesota. Even if he is in his 30s.”

Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)

Pace Jr. had a rough year. Let’s just get that out in the open.

He began the 2025 campaign as a starter, and within six weeks, Wilson snatched his job. As mentioned above, Wilson was too good to sit on the bench. Meanwhile, the timing was flat-out terrible for Pace Jr., as he’ll hit restricted free agency in March. He was supposed to spend all of 2025 as a starter and cash in big with the Vikings or a new team.

Now, Pace Jr. will basically start from scratch, hoping to prove he has the juice of an NFL starter. Missed tackles plagued his first six games, and Minnesota evidently soured on his snap count.

In Washington, the off-ball linebackers aren’t young: Frankie Luvu (29) and Bobby Wagner (35), if Wagner re-signs. Pace Jr., on the other hand, won’t turn 26 until December.

Fabian Moreau (CB)

Minnesota entered the 2025 season with concerns about cornerback depth. Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy Jr., and Jeff Okudah were the only viable starters, while Dwight McGlothern and rookie Zemaiah Vaughn remained on the practice squad. Depth appeared dangerously thin, leaving little room for error.

A bit of panic set in when Okudah suffered multiple concussions. The Vikings promoted Fabian Moreau from the practice squad, opting for him over McGlothern, and quietly filled a void that could have crippled the secondary. The results then exceeded expectations. Moreau earned a 70.9 PFF grade and allowed a 47.4 passer rating on 19 targets, providing consistent production in a role that was overlooked and deprioritized during Minnesota’s 2025 offseason.

Looking forward for the Vikings, Moreau would be a sensible CB3-CB4 option for 2026, assuming interim general manager Rob Brzezinski acquires a true CB1 through free agency or the draft. While he will turn 32 this offseason, his performance suggests he has another year or two left. In effect, he gave the Vikings what they had hoped to receive from Okudah. It worked out.

Or — Moreau could follow Jones to Washington. Moreau spent his entire rookie contract in Washington, drafted in 2017 as a 3rd-Round pick by Jay Gruden’s Commanders.

Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City would be writing to the EFL in a bid to ensure Marc Guehi could play for the club in their Carabao Cup final against Arsenal

EFL sources have firmly stated that Marc Guehi will not be permitted to participate in the Carabao Cup final, even if they receive a formal request for a rule change from Manchester City.

Following last night’s 3-1 (5-1 aggregate) semi-final second leg triumph over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola indicated that City were planning to write to the EFL to discuss Guehi’s ineligibility.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc can play in this competition [in] the final. It’s difficult to understand that the club makes a big investment to take one player, [he] belongs to us and I don’t understand why he cannot play in the final. Honestly.

“Hopefully we make a letter and hopefully the Carabao Cup can understand. Once you buy a player for a lot of money and he’s not able to play (because of) a rule that I don’t understand why. Hopefully they can change it and he can play.”

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Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the EFL actually revised their rules to allow players who have already participated in early rounds of the competition to play for their new clubs (following a January transfer), as long as they signed before the first leg of the semi-final.

For instance, in past seasons, Antoine Semenyo would have been ineligible to play due to the cup-tied rule, but this time he was able to take to the pitch for City against Newcastle, even scoring in the 2-0 first-leg triumph at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe voiced his disapproval of the rule change prior to the match, stating: “It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they had signed him,” he said during his pre-match press conference. “I have to say that’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment.”

While City have already reaped the benefits of the rule change, Guardiola still believes that Guehi should also be allowed to play against Arsenal at Wembley next month.

The first leg of the semi-final against Newcastle took place on January 13, but the England international didn’t finalise his move to the Etihad Stadium from Crystal Palace until January 19.

When approached by football.london, the EFL made it clear that they will stand their ground even if City make a request, meaning Guehi will have to watch his team-mates vie for the season’s first trophy from the stands in London.

The central defender is also unlikely to receive a medal if City clinch the competition, as he will not have played for his new club during the tournament.

The winners of the Carabao Cup are assured a play-off spot for next season’s UEFA Conference League – although Arsenal and City are still on course to qualify for the Champions League – in addition, they will also pocket £100,000 in tournament prize money.

SAN FRANCISCO – It does not sound like Puka Nacua and Sydney Sweeney will be getting together any time soon.

Sure, Sweeney has long been rumored to be dating music manager Scooter Braun, but that did not stop the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver from shooting his shot last week.

Sweeney talked about her type of man in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, saying he should be “athletic and outgoing and funny” and someone who needs to “go skydiving with me.”

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(Left) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) leaves the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Jan. 4, 2026. (Right) Sydney Sweeney attends the Variety and Golden Globes Pre-Golden Globes Party, presented by Morgan Stanley, at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images;Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

Nacua is obviously athletic, but he tried to make a play for Sweeney, saying on X that he “love[s] skydiving.”

Nacua was asked Wednesday if he believed he had a chance with Sweeney, but he actually let out the truth.

“I have an actual fear of heights, so it’ll be interesting,” Nacua said.

Another reporter asked Nacua who the last person to slide into his direct messages was. After pondering, he gave the answer.

Puka Nacua (12) of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Dec. 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.  (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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“The NFL is the last verified DM I had because they told me I didn’t get tickets to the Warriors game, and I was pretty sad,” he said.

Nacua and Hallie Aiono were in a long-term relationship before a highly public breakup. Aiono later became pregnant and underwent paternity testing to determine whether Nacua was the father of her son, Kingston.

She filed court documents in June to determine the parental relationship after testing confirmed Nacua was the father.

Actress Sydney Sweeney speaks onstage at the Gala Screening of “Christy” and Award Presentation to Sydney Sweeney for the Spotlight Award during the 28th SCAD Savannah Film Festival on Oct. 27, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

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Sweeney and ex-fiancé Jonathan Davino called off their engagement in March 2025. She has been seen with Braun since the breakup.

Fox News’ Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

It’s been five long years in Golden State, and the Jonathan Kuminga saga is officially over. The Golden State Warriors are reportedly trading Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis. 

This deal seemingly puts an end to Golden State’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Charania. Reports had indicated that the Warriors hoped not to include Jimmy Butler‘s max contract in a deal, which would have meant using contracts like Kuminga’s, Hield’s and Draymond Green‘s to make a deal. With this deal now made and the Bucks having turned down Golden State’s picks-based offer, the Warriors moved on to another target.

The Hawks, meanwhile, continue their retool by trading away their second former All-Star of the season. With Trae Young gone as well, the Hawks no longer have a single fully guaranteed contract on their books for next season belonging to a player above the age of 27. The youth movement is fully on, so let’s grade this deal for both sides.

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Golden State Warriors: B

After five years of inconsistent playing time in a system that he didn’t fit within, Kuminga no longer held meaningful trade value. There were reports over the summer that Sacramento was willing to give up a lottery-protected first-round pick for him, but any hope of a deal there seemingly passed when the Kings landed De’Andre Hunter. He had essentially become little more than matching salary, and with the odds of an Antetokounmpo deal seeming low, the Warriors moved on.

Now, if this were a healthy Porziņģis, Golden State would get an A+. The Warriors have spent years looking for this sort of player. Part of the motivation of signing Al Horford this offseason was the need to pair Draymond Green with a center who can shoot. Golden State has never really had a gigantic, stationary rim-protector before, and his size near the rim gives them a dimension they’ve largely lacked as well.

Of course, this is not a healthy Porziņģis. Even if this was the standard, “misses games due to injury, but is great when he plays” Porziņģis the Warriors would come away as clear winners, Instead, he’s struggled with POTS, an autoimmune disorder with a number of troubling symptoms including rapid heart rate, dizziness and lethargy. Porziņģis was spectacular in his first 11 games in October and November, averaging over 18 points and posting spectacular on-off splits. He’s played six times since, mostly ineffectively. It is not clear when or if he will ever be able to play at 100% again, and that doesn’t even factor in the other injuries he’s dealt with for most of his career.

The version of Porziņģis Golden State is getting, at least for now, is a compromised one. Yet it’s still a gamble worth taking for a number of reasons. The risk, for example, was minimal. Porziņģis is on an expiring contract. The Warriors gave up no draft picks to get him. If they have him in the building for three months and decide they don’t trust his health, they can wash their hands of this relatively easily. They even got off of the $3 million guaranteed to Hield for next season, so it’d be a minor win.

But more likely, they look to re-sign Porziņģis to a team-friendly deal. If he can be had for $10-15 million instead of the $30 million he’s making now, the risk-reward calculus shifts quite a bit. The stakes aren’t especially high here. Golden State isn’t betting a championship core on his health. They know they need to hit a home run if they’re going to win anything in the near future, so it made sense to take a high-reward swing. Generally speaking, low-risk, high-reward moves make sense.

And then there are the optics here. It’s no secret that the Warriors are near the end of a legendary run. Stephen Curry is about to turn 38. The only reason they ever seemingly had a chance at landing Antetokounmpo was that their post-Curry future is so bleak their draft picks held theoretical value. Given how little else they have in the cupboard, one could argue that an all-in push for Giannis represented far greater risk than reward. Yet the Warriors had to try. They owe it to Curry. A player of his stature deserves to end his career at least competing in the playoffs, if not for a championship.

The Porziņģis trade isn’t nearly as exciting as an Antetokounmpo deal, but it shows Curry and their fans that they’re trying. He’s a respectable name, someone who has a chance to be very helpful for them, but like Jimmy Butler, doesn’t come at an exorbitant cost. Truthfully, those are the sort of players they should be targeting right now. The goal should be to retain as much of their draft capital as possible to ensure they’re capable of rebuilding once Curry is gone, but still at least making some attempt to give Curry a competitive roster now. This deal straddles that line. It creates hope without a major cost looming down the line, and it relieves the locker room of all lingering Kuminga-related tension. So it makes sense even if this isn’t the best version of Porziņģis.

Atlanta Hawks: B

The Hawks and Warriors are operating one different timetables. They genuinely hoped Porziņģis could form a center tandem with Onyeka Okongwu that they could build around moving forward. That didn’t happen. They simply couldn’t justify paying Porziņģis on a long-term deal. They need certainty at the center position, and he couldn’t provide it. So moving on made sense.

Could they have gotten, say, a meager draft capital return? Sure, but it likely would have been attached to unsavory salary. Atlanta has very valuable first-round picks coming from the Pelicans or Bucks both this summer and next. Maintaining financial flexibility is far more important to them than accumulating draft capital. They need their money to both find a reliable center and look for a shot-creating guard to replace Trae Young.

So, like Golden State, the Hawks took a low-risk, high-reward flyer. Hield is only guaranteed $3 million next season, but because he has two years left on his deal, that can even be stretched across five years if he’s waived. That’s an easy enough contract to dispose of. And Kuminga has a $24.3 million team option for next season. If they need to use him as matching salary in a summer trade, they can. If they want to just get off of the contract for whatever reason, they can do so as well.

If we’re operating under the assumption that Atlanta did not plan to re-sign Porziņģis, turning him into a different potential expiring contract makes plenty of sense. Why not give Kuminga a two-month audition and see if he looks better away from the Warriors? Atlanta does run a system somewhat similar to Golden State’s. The Warriors lead the league in passes every year and in 3s this season. The Hawks are 10th in passes and 11th in 3-point attempt rate. Quin Snyder wants the ball zipping around the court and the 3-pointers flying. But nobody really plays the way Golden State does. 

The Hawks are closer to a normal NBA ecosystem, and it’s worth seeing how Kuminga might fit into one. He does still have stellar athletic traits, after all. We’re talking about someone who just faced Minnesota in a playoff series and averaged 24 points on 55-49-72 shooting in the four games in which he played significant minutes last year. There is clearly something here. The Hawks love their big wing ball-handlers. They already run plenty of offense through Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, though all three have pretty distinct offensive strengths and weaknesses.

Snyder is a creative offensive coach. You can never have enough wings. And the Hawks have made no real commitment here. Considering they’re only giving up a player they seemingly didn’t plan to keep, this is a solid lottery ticket. They were only a Play-In Tournament team anyway, so there’s no harm in devoting a few months to seeing if you can unlock a former high draft pick so that next year you might be something more.

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Macleod, Wainwright.

Replacements: Belcher, Carre, T Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady.

England: Steward; Feyi-Waboso, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith

Italy has foiled “Russian origin” cyber-attacks targeting the Winter Olympics, says Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

He said websites linked to the Games, hotels in host town Cortina d’Ampezzo and foreign ministry facilities, including an embassy in Washington, were targeted.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of five host clusters for the Olympics, will stage alpine skiing, biathlon, curling, and sliding events.

“We prevented a series of cyber-attacks against foreign ministry sites. These are actions of Russian origin,” said Tajani.

The Games officially begin on Friday, although the first action got under way on Wednesday.