The Minnesota Vikings do not have their usual level of outside linebacker depth this summer, thanks to a trade that sent Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in April. The club has in-house options to promote depth and can even explore free agency for a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney or Leonard Floyd. But what about a trade? New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is believed to be on the trade block.

It’s worth wondering what he might cost in a trade and whether the Vikings should inquire.

Thibodeaux’s Upside Might Fit Brian Flores’s Defense

Thibodeaux on the Block?

ESPN’s Dan Graziano named Thibodeaux as a trade candidate earlier this month and explained, “Thibodeaux is making $14.751 million this year in the fifth-year option season of his rookie contract. Teams aren’t too keen on the idea of that kind of money for a player whose playing time and production have tailed off since his big 2023 season (11.5 sacks).”

“But if Thibodeaux starts strong and the Giants either aren’t contending or believe they should trade from a strength to fortify a weakness, other teams could take a look at the 25-year-old once there isn’t so much money left on his deal. Thibodeaux is making $14.751 million this year in the fifth-year option season of his rookie contract.”

Thibodeaux will hit free agency in eight months if the Giants don’t trade or extend him.

Graziano continued, “Teams aren’t too keen on the idea of that kind of money for a player whose playing time and production have tailed off since his big 2023 season (11.5 sacks).”

“But if Thibodeaux starts strong and the Giants either aren’t contending or believe they should trade from a strength to fortify a weakness, other teams could take a look at the 25-year-old once there isn’t so much money left on his deal.”

The Career Production

Thibodeaux’s NFL career has been a mixed bag, showing flashes of brilliance alongside inconsistencies, making him an intriguing prospect if the acquisition cost is reasonable. In his four seasons with the Giants, he started 53 games, accumulating 23.5 sacks, 152 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 55 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles.

He even finished fourth in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, showcasing his legitimate NFL talent.

However, his pass-rush performance hasn’t consistently reached superstar levels. While he had a strong 2023 season with 11.5 sacks and 35 pressures, his sack production declined significantly to 5.5 in 2024 and 2.5 in 2025. Pro Football Focus corroborates the assessment, noting his extensive playing time, occasional standout pass-rush plays, and improved run defense, but also highlighting his struggles with tackling. In 2025, his run-defense grade soared to 80.7, yet his tackling grade was a dismal 27.9, coupled with a 29% missed-tackle rate.

Overall, Thibodeaux is a young, experienced player with the physical tools to make an impact. The Vikings would be acquiring a player with sweet potential, rather than an established superstar. That sounds ideal for the 2026 OLB3 job — if the price is right.

NYG Rejecting a 4th-Rounder; Could a 3rd-Round Pick Do the Trick?

It seems Thibodeaux is legitimately on the trade block — but the Giants want to get something notable for his services.

NFL writer Sam Robinson wrote in May, “It is certainly possible more time for Reese as a traditional pass rusher opens up via a Kayvon Thibodeaux trade. Moving Thibodeaux has come up on a few occasions this offseason, including on draft weekend. The Giants rejected a Saints fourth-round offer for Thibodeaux, holding out for a second-rounder.“

“Big Blue is believed to value Thibodeaux ‘significantly higher’ than the rest of the league right now, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan, who adds the fifth-year edge defender has impressed the new Giants coaching staff.”

If New York turned down a 4th-Rounder, Thibodeaux’s eventual final price would have to be a 3rd-Rounder. No team will spend a 2nd-Rounder on him, especially a pick from the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft, which is on tap to be stuffed to the gills with talent.

Vikings fans, and maybe even new general manager Nolan Teasley, must ask whether Thibodeaux for a 3rd-Rounder is worth it. Interestingly, Minnesota has a “leftover” 3rd-Rounder next year from the fruit of the Greenard trade. The Vikings could basically trade for Thibodeaux, making the final deal Greenard for Thibodeaux and rookie safety Jakobe Thomas.

Otherwise: Golday, Ingram-Dawkins, Richter, Batty, or Free Agent

If Minnesota has no interest in Thibodeaux, it has in-house options for the OLB3 role behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. It could host a training camp battle between three unsung, backup pass rushers: Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Kam’Ron Stewart. Another EDGE, Chaz Chambliss, could even factor into this competition.

Or the Vikings could fully convert second-year defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to OLB. The club has hinted at that outcome this month.

The Vikings also drafted Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday in April. He may be prime for hybrid ILB-OLB duty like his new teammate, Van Ginkel.

Otherwise, the free-agent market offers the aforementioned Clowney and Floyd, among others.

Thibodeaux will turn 26 in December.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Gary Portelli’s racing team for Rosehill this Saturday faces a significant hurdle with the forecast of rain, which could lead to several horses being withdrawn if the track conditions turn heavy.

The trainer is scheduled to start six horses, including the promising three-year-old filly Performance. Her participation in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m) is dependent on the track staying at a soft 5 or improving. Mother Goose faces a similar situation in the Midway Handicap (1300m) from a wide barrier, with her start subject to scratchings.

“Performance, Miss Hades and Flying Trapeze could quite easily come out if the rain hits that they’re forecasting. And Mother Goose (due to the gate),” Portelli stated. “So I might be left with two runners. It’s all down to the weather.”

If Performance races on a suitable surface, Portelli is confident she will perform well. After a second-place finish behind Mareth at Canterbury and a subsequent win at Randwick, the filly has shown good form in recent trials. Portelli believes she has grown and strengthened since her initial racing campaign.

“If this weather doesn’t hit, she is a nice chance first-up,” he commented. “I’ve always had a lot of time for her. She had a few growing pains, so we’ve had to wait until she has been ready to handle some solid work. But she’s a big, strong, filly. Beautiful filly.”

Godolphin mare Thames could be a dark horse in the Midway Handicap. She had valid excuses for her last two runs, including a heavy track at Rosehill and an unsuitable pace in her most recent outing. Portelli explained, “Thames’ run last start on the Kenso was enormous. She got back, wide, took off around the whole field because the tempo slackened and got pulling. Back to 1200 at Rosehill, I think she will run well, particularly if the track isn’t as heavy as when she failed there. She is a nice mare.”

Portelli is hopeful his other runners will perform well, provided the track conditions are favourable. “Miss Hades always runs well first-up. She needs it dry as well. She’s not adept on soft to heavy ground,” he noted. “So Rebellious, he’s a nice 2000-metre three-year-old by Rebel Dane resuming, and Flying Trapeze is coming back from a rig operation. He ran really well first-up in a very strong benchmark race at Canterbury, a track that doesn’t suit him. He could sprint well but again, we need a dry track for him.”

Check out the Australian betting sites and their offers for Saturday’s racing.

India suffered a shocking 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland, marking the first time they have lost a bilateral T20I series against the Irish side. After dominating the IPL on batting-friendly surfaces, India’s young batting unit struggled to adapt to the seamer-friendly conditions in Ireland as the hosts outplayed them in both matches. The result also marked another series defeat for Gautam Gambhir in his tenure as head coach.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the defeat exposed a flaw in India’s team composition rather than just their execution. He argued that India have become overly reliant on batting all-rounders and now urgently need a specialist middle-order batter, also he cites why Shubman Gill should make a comeback in T20I setup.

Taking to X, Manjrekar wrote: “It was too little earlier… under Gambhir, it is too many. The ‘all-rounders’. India need a PURE middle-order batter, pronto!”

The 2026 NBA Draft cycle is officially in the books, so that means it’s time to look at the next cycle of talent that we will be talking about for the next 12 months. As a major disclaimer, next year’s class is expected to be similar to the 2024 cycle, in which there isn’t a true consensus top-ranked prospect and the talent gap between pick No. 5 and the middle of the first round was minimal.

If you’re expecting a class with talent similar to the 2025 and 2026 classes, you will be out of luck. Heading into the college basketball season, the most likely candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick next summer is Kansas wing Tyran Stokes. Other candidates from the college ranks who could go No. 1 include Arkansas guard Jordan Smith Jr., Arizona guard Caleb Holt and BYU wing Bruce Branch III.

Think of this mock draft as more of a watch list than anything. Around this time last year, no one expected Keaton Wagler to be a first-round pick, let alone a top-five pick in a loaded draft. The same can be said two years ago about Reed Sheppard, who went No. 3 overall after finishing as the No. 79-ranked player in the 2023 recruiting cycle by 247Sports.

Although this upcoming draft class isn’t projected to have a true blue-chip talent like last year (Cooper Flagg), or like this past draft year with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer, it could be deeper than most initially projected because of the number of players who returned to college basketball. Think players like Florida’s Thomas Haugh and Alabama’s Amari Allen, who returned for another year of college ball for a payday and to improve their draft stock.

Another thing to keep an eye on in the next 10 months: The new five-for-five ruling could entice players to stay in college longer than normal. The ripple effect of that is the second round will once again be loaded with players out of eligibility and others from the International ranks.

(Note: The 2027 draft order below is projected by CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn and is based on 2026-27 NBA season predictions and the new lottery rules. Of course, a lot can and will change. It’s important to note that we won’t know the order until lottery night in 2027)

1. Sacramento Kings – Tyran Stokes, 6-7, Wing, Kansas, Fr.

Stokes is the most talented player in the 2027 draft. If the NBA Draft were tomorrow, Stokes would be the pick. Stokes has the prototypical size to be a wing at the NBA level. He is strong, powerful and athletic. Shooting will be Stokes’ swing skill that can solidify himself as the 1.01 next summer.

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2. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks) – Jordan Smith Jr., 6-2, Guard, Arkansas, Fr.

Smith is one of my favorite players in this upcoming draft class. Smith can attack downhill with ease because of his strong frame and plus wingspan. He also causes havoc on the defensive end. Arkansas coach John Calipari is no stranger to developing one-and-done guards. Smith will be next.

3. Houston Rockets (via Nets) – Caleb Holt, 6-5, Guard/Wing, Arizona, Fr.

Holt could be Arizona’s highest-drafted player since Deandre Ayton went No. 1 overall in 2018. Holt has great positional size (6-foot-5) and projects to make an immediate impact as a two-way player for the Wildcats. If Holt can improve his 3-point shooting, he could go even higher.

4. Chicago Bulls – Bruce Branch III, 6-7, Wing, BYU, Fr.

The next BYU star will be arriving this fall. BYU coach Kevin Young has produced two top-10 picks (Egor Dёmin and AJ Dybantsa) since taking over the program in 2024. Branch will likely be next. One of his greatest strengths in high school was 3-point shooting. He should be able to get plenty of clean looks from beyond the arc in BYU’s system this season.

5. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Stefan Joksimović, 6-7, Guard, Baskonia

There is a strong chance that Joksimović will be the highest drafted player from the International ranks next summer after just two players from outside of college basketball were picked in the first round of the 2026 draft. What pops on tape when watching Joksimović is the number of NBA-range 3-pointers he attempts (and makes). The Southpaw has a high feel for the game with the ball in his hands.

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6. Memphis Grizzlies – Thomas Haugh, 6-9, Wing/Forward, Florida, Sr.

Haugh is the ultimate Swiss Army Knife. He would’ve been the highest drafted player of all the names in college basketball who returned to school. Haugh will be the favorite for the preseason National Player of the Year. He is a high-motor player who can do a little bit of everything. He is the perfect complementary rotation player for any franchise.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) – Luigi Suigo, 7-3, Center, Villanova, Fr.

Suigo went through the draft process this year but elected to go the college route instead. Suigo has a rare blend of size and mobility at 7-foot-3, which makes him one of the most unique prospects in the class. Suigo can also space the floor on offense while also making an impact as a rim protector on the defensive end.

8. Houston Rockets (via Suns) – Braylon Mullins, 6-5, Guard, Connecticut, So.

Mullins ended the season on a strong note, highlighted by hitting one of the most clutch shots in NCAA Tournament history against Duke. Mullins’ calling card out of high school was how good a shooter he was. If Mullins shows that he is one of the best shooters in the country while taking on an expanded role at UConn, he will be a top 10 pick and could be the highest-drafted returner.

9. Washington Wizards – Amari Allen, 6-8, Wing/Guard, Alabama, So.

Despite measuring in much shorter than 6-feet-8 (his listed height) at the NBA Draft Combine, Allen has an archetype that NBA teams covet. He is also going to get more of an opportunity to play with the ball this season. If he follows the Labaron Philon blueprint and takes a big Year 2 jump, this is where his draft range will be.

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10. Orlando Magic – Patrick Ngongba II, 6-11, Center, Duke, Jr.

Ngongba is one of the best returners in college basketball and would’ve likely been a Day 1 pick if he stayed in the 2026 draft. An injury late in the season slowed him down in March, but his development from Year 1 to 2 at Duke was notable. He is a polished interior finisher who also took a jump as a rim protector last season.

11. Philadelphia 76ers – David Mirković, 6-9, Forward, Illinois, So.

It wasn’t super surprising that Mirković returned to Illinois, but he projects as a potential preseason All-American. Mirković moves well for a player his size and has a smooth-looking jumper. He is one of the biggest sophomore leap candidates to ponder.

12. Charlotte Hornets (via Mavericks) – Anthony Thompson, Forward, 6-8, Ohio State, Fr.

Thompson is one of the highest-ranked recruits in Ohio State history. The Southpaw is a natural shotmaker with nearly a 7-foot-4 wingspan. Not only can Thompson score at will, but he is also very efficient.

13. Golden State Warriors – Tounde Yessoufou, 6-5, Wing, St. John’s, So.

Yessoufou had one of the most interesting stay-or-go decisions of the cycle. Simultaneously, Yessoufou announced a return to college and committed to play for St. John’s. Yessoufou is essentially a 6-foot-5 power forward at the college level. What could make-or-break his lottery case is improving the efficiency of his 3-point jumper. He shot 29% on 5.3 attempts per game. He should be the No. 1 option at St. John’s this season. It could do wonders for his stock after being projected as an early Day 2 pick.

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14. Toronto Raptors – Alijah Arenas, 6-6, Guard, USC, So.

Arenas played in just 14 games during his freshman season at USC due to a meniscus injury suffered last summer. When he was on the court, he showed why he was a top 10 prospect in this recruiting class. Although his efficiency will have to improve in Year 2, he is a skilled shotmaker capable of taking a big jump on the most talented roster on paper that Eric Musselman has had since arriving at USC.

15. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Cameron Williams, 6-11, Forward, Duke, Fr.

Duke is going to be one of the deepest rosters in the country. It’s unclear whether or not Williams will start in the frontcourt from Day 1, but he should have a role that makes him a potential lottery pick. He has the tools and athleticism to be one of the biggest upside swings in the draft.

16. Portland Trail Blazers – Motiejus Krivas, 7-2, Center, Arizona, Sr.

Krivas is the key returner from Arizona’s roster that just reached the Final Four for the first time in over two decades. Krivas is one of the best rim protectors in college basketball. He also took a positive step toward improving his offensive game. After attempting zero 3-pointers during his first two seasons, he attempted 13 (made four) last season. He’s not going to be a stretch big in the NBA, but increasing the volume of attempts and becoming at least a threat from beyond the arc would be another step in improving as an all-around player.

17. Charlotte Hornets – Jason Crowe Jr., 6-3, Guard, Missouri, Fr.

Crowe was the most prolific scorer in high school basketball. The Southern California native averaged over 43 points per game during his senior season at Inglewood High School. He’s a dynamic scorer and playmaker who is going to put up numbers in the SEC at Missouri. It wouldn’t be shocking if he led all freshmen in points by the end of the season.

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18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves) – Malachi Moreno, 7-0, Center, Kentucky, So.

Moreno was the best freshman on Kentucky’s roster last season. He was also the Wildcats’ most important retention of the offseason. Moreno is a skilled passer who also showed promise of being a really solid rim protector.

19. Utah Jazz – Tyler Tanner, 6-0, Guard, Vanderbilt, Jr.

Tanner is one of the best athletes in college basketball. His size (measured at under 5-11 at the draft combine) is the concern at the next level. Still, despite being an undersized point guard, he doesn’t play like it. Tanner threw down 17 dunks this season, which was the most by any player in Division I basketball under 6’1. He’s also a pest on the defensive side of the ball, with a knack for being able to force turnovers

20. Charlotte Hornets (via Heat) – Rueben Chinyelu, 6-10, Center, Florida, Sr.

Chinyelu was one of the best defenders and rebounders in college basketball last season. The Florida big man would’ve been a likely late first-round pick if he stayed in the 2026 draft.

21. Phoenix Suns (via Cavaliers) – Billy Richmond III, 6-6, Wing, Arkansas, Jr.

Richmond is one of the best athletes in college basketball, who offers plenty on the defensive end as a 6-foot-6 wing. After playing just 17.5 minutes per game during his freshman season, his role expanded in his second season. He started 19 games for the Razorbacks and averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. Finding a consistent jumper will be the difference between being picked on Day 1 or Day 2. 

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22. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets) – Matas Vokietaitis, 7-0, Center, Texas, Jr.

Vokietaitis was one of the stars of the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by going for 23 points and 16 rebounds in a first-round win over BYU. Vokietaitis is a traditional big man who is a good rebounder and interior defender.

23. Indiana Pacers – Matt Able, 6-5, Guard/Wing, North Carolina, So.

North Carolina has a trio of interesting NBA prospects in Able, Neoklis Avdalas and Sayon Keita. Able could end up being the best. After an up-and-down freshman season at NC State, I’m expecting him to have a big sophomore jump under first-year coach Michael Malone.

24. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers) – Trey McKenney, 6-4, Guard, Michigan, So.

McKenney is my top breakout candidate for the 2026-27 season. He would’ve been a top-scoring option for at least a dozen power conference teams last season as a freshman. Instead, he played a key role as a microwave scorer off the bench for Michigan. McKenney shot 39% from the 3-point line and is due for an expanded scoring role with the reigning national champions. He should be a shoo-in to start and be one of the best scorers in the Big Ten.

25. Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) – Ivan Kharchenkov, 6-7, Wing, Arizona, So.

The talk of Arizona’s roster last season often centered on Koa Peat, Jadne Bradley, Brayden Burries and Krivas. Still, Kharchenkov played as crucial a role as anyone during Arizona’s Final Four run. That’s because he was the connector that made everything work. Kharchenkov averaged 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals. He did the dirty work by guarding top-scoring options on the other team.

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26. Boston Celtics – Dame Sarr, 6-8, Wing, Duke, So.

Sarr came into last season with some serious first-round buzz. He has the tools to be an impactful 3-and-D wing at the NBA level. Sarr shot 32.3% from the 3-point line in 38 games. Even on a loaded Duke roster, Sarr should get plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

27. New York Knicks – Milan Momcilovic, 6-8, Forward, Kentucky, Sr.

Momcilovic is the best shooter in college basketball. He knocked down 48.7% of his 7.5 3-point attempts per game at Iowa State last season and is joining a system where he should be able to get plenty of looks from beyond the arc. Kentucky paid up to get one of the top available players in the transfer portal. He would’ve been a Day 2 pick if he stayed in the draft, but his combination of size and shooting makes him a candidate to go in the first round in 2027.

28. Detroit Pistons – Baba Oladotun, 6-10, Wing, Maryland, Fr.

Oladotun is a prospect I’m keeping an eye on as a riser throughout the season. He certainly has the size (6-foot-10, 7-1 wingspan) to be a wing at the NBA level. Adding strength to his frame over the next calendar year will do wonders for his overall game. It will also help him handle Big Ten physicality. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Spurs) – Shelton Henderson, 6-6, Wing, Miami, So.

The former five-star recruit and one-time Duke commit followed Miami coach Jai Lucas to Coral Gables and emerged as the third-leading scorer as a freshman. Henderson has all the physical tools to be a wing at the NBA level.

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30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Thunder) – Flory Bidunga, 6-9, Center, Louisville, Jr.

Bidunga was our top-ranked transfer in the 247Sports rankings and was part of a loaded Louisville transfer portal class. The former Kansas star is a high-motor, rim-running big man who can anchor a defense. With a good season at Louisville, he will get first-round consideration.

Netherlands and Morocco meet in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. ET from Monterrey Stadium.

Netherlands won Group F, finishing with a 2-1-0 record through three matches and scoring 10 goals against four conceded. Forward Brian Brobbey scored three times across the group stage, while Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville each scored twice. 

Morocco advanced from Group C with an identical 2-1-0 record and seven points, drawing 1-1 with Brazil in their opener, then beating Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2. Midfielder Ismael Saibari scored three times for Morocco through the group stage.

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch Netherlands vs. Morocco

Netherlands vs. Morocco Odds

Learn more about Netherlands vs. Morocco and check the full FIFA World Cup schedule on FOX Sports!

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🐝 Five things to know Monday

1. The Hornets traded Miles Bridges to the Suns in a lopsided transaction. Charlotte is busy on the trade market early this offseason, as the Bridges trade came a matter of days after it shipped LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves. Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick are headed to Phoenix in return for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 unprotected first-round pick. That’s quite the haul for a player in Bridges who is on an expiring contract, and our trade grades suggest the Hornets won the deal by a landslide. Our Sam Quinn even called it “a genuine home run, one of the best trades any team will make this offseason.”
2. Leadership overhauls are underway for the Mets and Angels. Something flipped for New York last summer, as it has been nothing but disappointment since the hot start to the 2025 season. Thus, Carlos Mendoza is out as manager as of last Friday. The question for this expensive roster is what it will take to compete in 2027. Perhaps the Mets will spend even more money on talent, but what is clearly more important is finding the right man to lead those stars. Albert Pujols is among the six names to monitor in this managerial search. Meanwhile, in the AL West, the Angels cut ties with general manager Perry Minasian, who never produced a winning season in his five-plus seasons as the club’s top executive. The interim staff has some big decisions to make at the trade deadline.
3. Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland will duel in the Travelers Championship playoff. The final signature event of the PGA Tour season will feature a Monday playoff. A weather delay late in Round 4 threw a wrench into a back-and-forth battle between Scheffler and Hovland (tied at 21 under) and forced them to wait one more day to determine a winner. One of the largest prizes on tour is at stake when the two return to TPC River Highlands this morning and play the par-4 18th until one of them comes out on top.
4. Wimbledon is underway. It is not until Tuesday that Serena Williams will make her return to the grand slam stage, but numerous stars will be out on the grass courts in today’s opening round action nonetheless. Our tournament picks and predictions are in, so let Brent Brookhouse explain why Ben Shelton is one to watch on the men’s side and why he’s taking the women’s field over Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
5. The Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with NHL Draft’s No. 1 pick. It was a long time coming for McKenna, who had been a big-name prospect since well before his spectacular lone season at Penn State. His track record in the WHL and CHL and as the reigning Big Ten scoring champion gives him a chance to develop over time into one of the greatest No. 1 picks of the century. The Maple Leafs are not the only team that should feel excited about their first-round picks, though. The Sharks grabbed two prospects in the top nine picks, while the Kraken found tremendous value at No. 7.

⚽ Do not miss this: World Cup Round of 32 Power Rankings

What a weekend it was at the World Cup, where France‘s Ousmane Dembélé recorded the tournament’s fastest hat trick in 72 years, Argentina legend Lionel Messi scored off the bench to remain the Golden Boot frontrunner, Japan keeper Zion Suzuki put on a show to clinch a knockout stage berth and Luka Modrić put on a vintage performance with his first assist of the summer in a key win for Croatia.

The stars have not disappointed. Neither have the African countries. A whopping nine teams from that continent punched tickets to the Round of 32 as the latest form of proof that soccer is alive and well in Africa. Look at Ivory Coast, for instance, which is through to the knockout stage for the first time thanks to performances that would make legends like Yaya Touré and Didier Drogba proud.

Now that the historic 48-team group stage is complete (here’s what we thought of the new format, by the way), it’s time to make another kind of history with the World Cup’s first Round of 32 knockout stage. It’s also time to update our World Cup Power Rankings with three matches worth of data on every remaining squad.

There is one significant shift inside the top 10. England is up one spot to No. 4, replacing Portugal, whose two draws in group play have us wondering whether they will reach their full potential in time to win a trophy for Cristiano Ronaldo. Here’s what our Francesco Porzio had to say about England:

• Porzio: “Harry Kane is on another level this season. He surpassed Gary Lineker to become England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer, reaching 11 tournament goals, and this season he has scored 70 goals for club and national team, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous single-season European scoring record. Not too bad.”

Check out the full World Cup Power Rankings to see where the United States stands. I’ll give you a hint, though, and tell you they are inside the top 15. That places the Americans ahead of these squads:

15. Switzerland (↑2)
16. Sweden (↓1)
17. Ivory Coast (↑1)
18. Egypt (↑1)

🏀 Every NBA team’s biggest offseason question

NBA rumors are whirring, most notably with the Warriors reportedly interested in teaming Stephen Curry up with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Plus, the Celtics‘ asking price for Jaylen Brown in a potential trade is four first-round picks. And in other trade buzz, these teams have shown interest in acquiring Kawhi Leonard.

The league’s landscape could look entirely different in a matter of weeks, if not days. Also, every other team not mentioned in those rumors has decisions of its own to make. So in addition to whether those franchises will make splashes with offseason-defining trades and free agent signings, we identified the biggest question for every team this summer.

Starting in the Eastern Conference, the reigning NBA champions might have to bite the salary cap bullet and enter the second apron if they want to fully run things back for their title defense. Are the Knicks really as dead set on ducking that threshold as they seem? Sam Quinn ponders:

• Quinn: “There’s no immediately apparent way they can bring back key reserves Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet without crossing that line. Perhaps they could keep one of them, and even that might involve some creative maneuvering at the deadline. But if the Knicks refuse to be a second-apron team, their bench is going to look different next season. That’s just unavoidable.”

In the West, these 2026 playoff teams face uncertainty as they seek to take the next step:

• Thunder: What are their final cost-cutting maneuvers?
• Spurs: Is there a De’Aaron Fox trade market?
• Nuggets: How can they keep Peyton Watson?

⚾ Phillies leapfrog Braves in top five of MLB Power Rankings

The two best teams in the NL East are on opposite trajectories. Over their last 12 games, the division-leading Braves are a paltry 3-9 while their greatest challengers, the Phillies, are a much more inspiring 8-4. The result? Atlanta’s lead on the division — which was as massive as 10.5 games earlier this month — is down to a slim three games.

Our Matt Snyder did something that earlier this year seemed unthinkable; he moved the Phillies into the top five of his MLB Power Rankings, ahead of the Braves.

• Snyder: “It’ll be a party in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, in July. Will there be another party once the regular season ends with an unlikely NL East title? Time will tell, but the Phillies sure look the part right now.”

Here are the teams hovering around that top-five threshold, including the Cubs, who are the streakiest club in baseball and are right back on another heater.

4. Phillies (↑2)
5. Braves (↓3)
6. Yankees (↓2)
7. Cubs (↑7)

👍👎 The best (and not-so-best) of the rest

📺 What we’re watching Monday

🎾 Wimbledon, first round, 6 a.m. on ESPN
⛳ Travelers Championship playoff, 9 a.m. on Golf Channel/Peacock
⚽ World Cup: Brazil vs. Japan, 1 p.m. on Fox
⚽ World Cup: Germany vs. Paraguay, 4:30 p.m. on Fox
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David Finlay and Clark Connors believed they had the momentum on their side going into their AEW World Tag Team Championship match against Adam Copeland and Christian Cage at Forbidden Door on Sunday night.

However, the duo known as The Dogs didn’t plan for the triumphant return of Jay White.

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Jay White competes in the ring during AEW Dynamite at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 2, 2024. (Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

White had been away for 15 months recovering from an injury. As Finlay and Connors tried every dirty trick in the book to gain the tag team titles, including Finlay hitting Cage with a shillelagh with the referee down, the lights went out in the arena.

Juice Robinson, Ace Austin, Colten Gunn and Austin Gunn appeared at the top of the entrance ramp appearing to get ready to attack The Dogs. As the lights turned on, White was in the ring. He hit the Blade Runner on Finlay as the crowd erupted.

Dax Harwood begs Adam Copeland for mercy at AEW Double or Nothing in Queens, N.Y., on May 24, 2026. (Lee South/AEW)

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Whtie stepped back and gave Copeland the opportunity to hit Finlay with a spear. The referee came back into the ring and counted the fall. Copeland and Cage retained the AEW World Tag Team Championship.

It appeared White and the Bang Bang Gang’s rivalry with Finlay and Connors was just getting started. Their issues stem from Finlay taking over the Bullet Club in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, casting White out from the group.

Jay White enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, Japan, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

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At least for now, Copeland and Cage made their first successful title defense and the rivalry between White and his former Bullet Club compatriots its heating up once again.

For most professional golfers, a five-month gap between PGA Tour victories barely qualifies as a drought.

For world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, it’s long enough to make people wonder if something is wrong.

That conversation is going to last at least another week, especially with the way it happened.

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Viktor Hovland defeated Scheffler on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff Monday morning at TPC River Highlands, winning the Travelers Championship after both players finished regulation tied at 21-under Sunday.

And he did it in stunning fashion.

Viktor Hovland reacts after making birdie on the 18th green in a playoff during the final round continuation of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands. (Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

Both players found the fairway on the first playoff hole. Both players hit their approaches inside 10 feet. Then Hovland poured in his birdie putt, putting all the pressure on the best golfer in the world.

Scheffler had a short birdie putt to extend the playoff.

He missed.

Yes, really.

That’s the shocking part. Scheffler forced the playoff Sunday evening by draining an 8 1/2-foot par putt on the 72nd hole, then came back Monday morning and missed from about half that distance with the tournament on the line again.

Golf is weird. Golf is cruel. Even for the world’s best player.

The Travelers Championship needed a rare Monday finish after weather and darkness prevented the tournament from being decided Sunday. The playoff began on the par-4 18th hole, and Hovland wasted no time finishing it.

For the Norwegian, it meant a massive win after refusing to let Scheffler pull away during a tense, rain-delayed final round.

For Scheffler, it meant another close call.

Scottie Scheffler reacts after missing a putt on the 18th green in a playoff during the final round continuation of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Scheffler entered the Travelers with just one victory in 2026, which came all the way back in January at The American Express. Of course, “just one victory” is doing a lot of work in that sentence.

It’s not like Scheffler has played poorly this season. Quite the opposite, in fact. The world’s top player had eight top-five finishes in his first 13 starts this season, including his win at The American Express and runner-up finishes at the Masters, RBC Heritage and Cadillac Championship. He finished third at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and tied for fourth at the U.S. Open last week.

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But Hovland kept him from turning another close call into a trophy.

Scheffler started the final round one shot behind Hovland after a wild first three days in Connecticut. He opened with a 64, nearly shot a historic 59 on Friday before settling for a 60, then posted a 67 on Saturday that left him in solo second place, one back of Hovland.

Scheffler had a ho-hum front nine in the final round, making one birdie and one bogey for an even-par 35. Hovland dropped a shot on the front with a 36, which allowed a number of players back into the tournament.

Collin Morikawa shot a 61 in the final round, posting the clubhouse lead at 20-under several hours before Scheffler and Hovland finished.

For a while, it looked like Morikawa might be the player Scheffler had to beat.

Then Hovland made his move.

Scheffler made birdies at Nos. 10 and 13 to move to 21-under and take a one-shot lead over Morikawa’s clubhouse number. Hovland, who also made birdie on No. 13, was still lurking two back. But that’s when heavy rain started hammering TPC River Highlands and forced an 83-minute weather delay.

After the delay, Hovland completely flipped the tournament.

Viktor Hovland of Norway reacts after winning the Travelers Championship in a playoff at TPC River Highlands. (Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

He birdied No. 14 to pull within one, then added another birdie at No. 15 to grab a share of the lead. Suddenly, Scheffler was no longer cruising toward another PGA Tour victory. He was trying to survive Hovland’s late charge.

Scheffler had his own chance to regain control, but his birdie putt on No. 17 lipped out, leaving the two players tied heading to the 72nd hole.

Both players hit solid approach shots on No. 18, but Scheffler found himself slightly farther away than Hovland. The American gave it too much pace, sending it well past the hole and leaving himself 8 1/2 feet coming back for par.

It wouldn’t have mattered if Hovland drained his 25-foot birdie putt, but Hovland’s potential tournament-winning putt just leaked wide of the hole at the end. He tapped in for par, meaning Scheffler would need to make his putt to send the pair to a playoff.

Scheffler drained the putt, gave an enthusiastic fist pump and shook Hovland’s hand before the two players returned Monday morning to decide it.

In front of a pretty large crowd, especially for a Monday morning finish in Connecticut, Hovland finished the job to secure his eighth career PGA Tour victory and first since the 2025 Valspar Championship last March.

What made the win so impressive is how he did it. Hovland looked like he was out of it when he made bogey on No. 10 and Scheffler made birdie. That turned a tie at the top of the leaderboard into a two-shot deficit to the world’s best player with eight holes remaining.

But he never gave up. He made three consecutive birdies on Nos. 13, 14 and 15 with the latter two coming immediately after a nearly hour-and-a-half weather delay.

Then he came back Monday and beat Scheffler head-to-head. He watched Scheffler hit his approach inside six feet and followed by hitting a dart of his own. He buried a clutch putt, thinking he needed to make it or the tournament was over.

That’s some serious mental fortitude, especially for a player who has had a roller-coaster season.

Hovland has had some good results this season, including top-20 finishes at multiple signature events (WM Phoenix Open, Arnold Palmer Invitational, PLAYERS Championship) and a top-20 at the Masters. But he failed to make the cut at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open.

For Scheffler, it was another high finish that didn’t result in a victory. Technically, he’s in the midst of a lengthy drought, at least to his lofty standards. He hasn’t gone 13 consecutive tournaments without winning since 2023.

Of course, Scheffler’s dry spells would be career-best stretches for just about everyone else. He keeps putting himself near the top of leaderboards, keeps piling up top-five finishes and keeps making deep Sunday runs at the biggest events in golf.

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But when the bar is this high, close is not enough.

Scheffler came to TPC River Highlands looking like he was ready to end any talk of a dry spell before it got too loud. Instead, Hovland dragged him all the way into Monday and forced him to make one more putt.

This time, Scheffler missed.

There is still nothing wrong with Scottie Scheffler.

But Hovland was better when it mattered most.