February 28, 2022

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We’re still a day away from March, but the madness has already begun. On Saturday, seven of nine AP Top 10 men’s teams lost — the most Top 10 defeats in a single day.

Kyler Murray Expects Massive Extension on Rookie Contract

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On Monday, Kyler Murray’s agent Erik Burkhardt issued a lengthy statement [[link removed]] pressuring the Cardinals to prioritize a long-term contract for the 24-year-old quarterback.

Burkhardt said he “sent a detailed contract proposal” that indicated Murray’s twin desires to be paid similarly to his QB peers — who received extensions after Year 3 — and still lower next season’s cap hit to provide financial flexibility.

Now, Arizona has to decide if it wants to invest that heavily in the former No. 1 pick.

Murray’s on a four-year, $37.5 million rookie contract ($5.4M in 2022); the Cardinals hold a fifth-year option worth up to $23 million.The Bills’ Josh Allen signed a six-year, $258 million extension in August.In July 2020, Patrick Mahomes inked a record-breaking 10-year deal with the Chiefs that could reach $503 million.Deshaun Watson ($156M), Carson Wentz (128M), Jared Goff ($134M), and Ryan Tannehill ($118M) all signed four-year deals after their third seasons.

The statement asks Arizona to consider Murray’s “results alongside relevant comps.”

He set career highs in passing yards per game (270.5) and passer rating (100.6) in the regular season. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is already a two-time Pro Bowler.

But he also faltered in his postseason debut against the Super Bowl champion Rams, with two interceptions and a 40.9 passer rating.

Will Kyrie Irving Get $235M Commitment from Nets?

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On Sunday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams said the city’s vaccine mandate could be lifted as soon as March 7.

But Kyrie Irving is technically employed by a private business, meaning he can practice with the team and sit on the bench at home games — but still can’t play.

Irving is immensely valuable when he’s actually on the floor. The question is not only whether he’ll ever play on a full-time basis this season — but whether Brooklyn should invest in him long-term.

From Brooklyn’s side, it’s justified to wonder if he’s earned the five-year, $235 million extension on the table this summer.

Irving (25.1 PPG) has played a total of 98 games, including playoffs, in three seasons with the Nets.He passed up a four-year, $181 million extension this past offseason.Irving ($35.1M) will lose roughly $16 million if he misses the rest of Brooklyn’s home [[link removed]] games.If he decides to take his player option, he’ll make $36.6 million in 2022-23.

The Nets are championship-caliber with the seven-time All-Star — who dropped 38 on the Bucks on Saturday — but he’ll finish the 2021-22 season with a total of 22 games if he remains part-time.

Irving hasn’t been there when the Nets need him most: They’re 5-14 since Kevin Durant injured his knee on Jan. 15, dropping from the second to the eighth seed in the East.

Given his friendship with Durant, he’ll want to stay in Brooklyn next season, but does either side want to be locked in for five years?

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The Nuggets’ Big Three Could Reunite for Playoff Run

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Sunday’s 124-92 dismantling of the Trail Blazers was the Nuggets’ sixth win in a row and eighth in their last nine, tying them on record with the 5-seed Mavericks.

Now, forward Michael Porter Jr. (back) and guard Jamal Murray (knee) could both return for the playoffs, per The Athletic [[link removed]], with the former potentially back in mid-to-late-March.

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has kept this team competitive more than halfway through the season in what could be their last chance for a title before their Big Three becomes more expensive.

The Nuggets are currently the 11th-favorite (+3500*) to win the Finals.Jokic, Porter, and Murray add a combined $66.3 million against the cap this season.Next season — when Jokic gets a pay bump and Porter’s rookie extension kicks in — that number rises to $95 million.

Jokic is leading the NBA in triple-doubles this season — he’s five away from tying Wilt Chamberlain for most all-time by a center.

Porter had a breakout sophomore campaign in 2020-21 (19.0 PTS, 44.5 3PT%), while Murray tied or set career highs before tearing his ACL last season (21.2 PTS, 4.8 AST, 1.3 STL, 47.7 FG%, 40.8 3PT%).

The Nuggets are sleeping giants in the West — and they could be a legit title contender with the return of their two stars.

Making Headlines

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

MLB: The Marlins and CEO Derek Jeter mutually agreed to part ways after four seasons; Jeter is reportedly planning to sell his 4% stake in the team, which is worth roughly $40 million.

Golf: Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill due to a left hand injury.

NFL: The league announced Monday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the first-ever game in Germany in 2022; the Packers, Saints, and Jaguars will also play games in England.

Today's Action

NHL

10:38 PM

Bruins (-125) at Kings (+105)

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NBA

07:40 PM

Raptors (-170) at Nets (+150)

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NHL

07:38 PM

Canucks (+105) at Devils (-125)

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*All times are EST unless otherwise noted.

*Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See [[link removed]] for details.

Written by Chris Kuc [[link removed]], Anthony Puccio [[link removed]], Doug Greenberg [[link removed]]

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