NBA Rumors: ‘Increasing’ Belief Thunder Should Trade Russell Westbrook

NBA Rumors: ‘Increasing’ Belief Thunder Should Trade Russell Westbrook

Has Russell Westbrook taken the Oklahoma City Thunder as far as he can? An “increasing number” of people around the NBA believe the Thunder should consider trading the superstar guard, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported Monday on “The Lowe Post Podcast,” citing NBA sources. Lowe’s information in the aftermath of the Thunder’s loss to the Utah Jazz in the NBA playoffs, which marked the second consecutive season OKC has exited the NBA playoffs in the first round. “There’s an increasing number of people around the league who think the Thunder should look at trading Westbrook,” Lowe says. “To be clear, not a report. Not Thunder sources thin... NESN.com

NFL Rumors: ‘Highly Unlikely’ Giants Trade Odell Beckham Jr.

NFL Rumors: ‘Highly Unlikely’ Giants Trade Odell Beckham Jr.

Despite all of the chatter, it looks like Odell Beckham Jr. might be staying put after all. Rumors of a Beckham Jr. trade have been swirling the past two weeks, but the New York Giants made it clear that they weren’t actively shopping their star wide receiver. Why most didn’t take the team’s comment very seriously, it’s starting to sound like OBJ will enter the 2018 campaign as a member of the Giants. “It’s hard to imagine they would,” SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano says of a potential Beckham Jr. trade. “And it remains ‘highly unlikely,’ according to a highly placed team source. No one can rule out the possibility that they’d be blow... NESN.com

Todd Bowles’ Explanation For Jets Acquiring No. 3 Pick Is A Bit Puzzling

Todd Bowles’ Explanation For Jets Acquiring No. 3 Pick Is A Bit Puzzling

If what Todd Bowles said Tuesday was true, then the New York Jets have some explaining to do. On March 17, the Jets traded up for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, sending the Indianapolis Colts the No. 6 overall pick and three second-rounders. Many assumed the Jets had a specific target in mind, likely a quarterback, if they were willing to give up that much to move up three spots. But Bowles provided a different explanation Tuesday morning. Considering the Jets already had the No. 6 pick, this logic seems a little puzzling. Why trade up to the No. 3 pick if you still had a shot at

Deven Marrero Given Fresh Start After Red Sox Trade Infielder To Diamondbacks

Deven Marrero Given Fresh Start After Red Sox Trade Infielder To Diamondbacks

Deven Marrero’s time as a member of the Boston Red Sox has ended. The utility man was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a player to be named later or cash considerations Saturday. Marrero struggled early in his career, especially at the plate batting .208 in 236 at-bats. Now a Diamondback, Marrero should see more opportunity with Arizona than he would have in Boston where he was battling for the final bench spot. For Jerry Remy and Dave O’Brien’s breakdown of the trade, check out the “NESN Sports Today” video above, presented by People’s United Bank. ... NESN.com

Bruins Acquire Rick Nash From Rangers In Multi-Player Trade

Bruins Acquire Rick Nash From Rangers In Multi-Player Trade

UPDATE (9:53 a.m.): The Bruins officially have acquired Rick Nash. Here are the details: UPDATE (9:15 a.m.): The Bruins and Rangers have a “deal in place” to send Rick Nash to Boston, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The deal is not official, but here are the details: ORIGINAL STORY: The Boston Bruins reportedly are close to making a major addition to their roster. Late in the Bruins’ controversial 4-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Boston was having “ongoing discussions” with the New York Rangers about trading for star winger Rick N... NESN.com

Why Stephen A. Smith Believes Kyrie Irving Is ‘A Clone of Kobe Bryant’

Why Stephen A. Smith Believes Kyrie Irving Is ‘A Clone of Kobe Bryant’

Kyrie Irving looks like a smart, smart man right now. Since requesting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, his former team has been reeling, forced to trade away half the assets they received to get the 25-year-old out of Cleveland at the NBA trade deadline. Meanwhile, he has taken Boston by storm, leading the Celtics to the best record in the Eastern Conference. He’s drawn the admiration of plenty for having the foresight to get out of LeBron James’ shadow and pave his own way, and it’s for that reason Stephen A. Smith thinks he is like a “clone of Kobe Bryant.” The First Take co-host discussed Irving’s genius, and he... NESN.com

NBA Rumors: Pistons Put Avery Bradley On Trade Block, Eye ‘Significant’ Return

NBA Rumors: Pistons Put Avery Bradley On Trade Block, Eye ‘Significant’ Return

A former Boston Celtic could have a new home before the end of the season. The Detroit Pistons have made guard Avery Bradley available in trade talks ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday, citing sources. Detroit’s asking price for Bradley is “significant,” per Wojnarowski, who added the Pistons have been one of the league’s most “aggressive” teams leading up to the deadline. Bradley played a key role in the Pistons’ early-season success, averaging 18.3 points per game over the month of November. Detroit has struggled mightily of late, though, losing 11 of its last 13 games to dr... NESN.com