April 19, 2022
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OTD 56 years ago, Bill Russell became the first Black head coach in NBA history. Russell served as a player-coach with the Celtics for three seasons and won two titles, bringing his final tally to 11 rings — a record that has yet to be matched.
Cleveland Browns Have Spent NFL-High $340M In Guaranteed Money
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns have officially joined the ranks of the NFL’s big spenders.
On Monday, Cleveland signed Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5 million extension, per multiple reports — making him the highest-paid cornerback in league history by total value [[link removed]], AAV ($20.1M), and guaranteed money ($71.3M).
The Browns’ have now spent $340.5 million in guaranteed money this offseason [[link removed]], almost $100 million more than any other team — and with Ward’s deal, Cleveland’s top four contracts account for a staggering $461.3 million in guarantees.
QB Deshaun Watson: $230MDE Myles Garrett: $100MWard: $71.3MWR Amari Cooper: $60M
After the trade for Watson, incumbent quarterback Baker Mayfield requested a trade — meaning the team will likely get his guaranteed $18.9 million off the books.
The Browns will hope the lavish spending and new signal-caller will finally lift them out of eternal mediocrity and into serious playoff contention, though bookmakers remain a bit skeptical — they’re tied for the ninth-best odds (+1700) to lift the Lombardi Trophy.
Is Jordan Poole Playing His Way Into a $100M Offseason?
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
After blowing out the Nuggets in Game 2, Golden State’s Draymond Green vowed [[link removed]] to start a petition if Jordan Poole doesn’t win Most Improved Player of the Year.
Three years into his rookie contract, Poole is angling for a contract extension this summer.
The 22-year-old is rumored to be seeking $80 million over four years, but one pundit noted [[link removed]] earlier this season that his price tag could increase well above $100 million “if he explodes in the playoffs.”
He’s been one of Golden State’s most consistent offensive forces all season (18.5 PPG), but Poole is now breaking out in his first postseason — and essentially turning the Splash Brothers into triplets.
He’s averaging 29.5 points on 65.5% shooting and 58.8% from three.Poole’s 59 points through his first two playoff games trail only Wilt Chamberlain (63 points) in Warriors history.Through two games, the trio of Poole, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson has [[link removed]] a 154.5 offensive rating.Their 57.7 net rating is the second-highest among Golden State’s three-man rotations.
Poole, the 11th-highest-paid Warrior ($2.2M) is owed $3.9 million next year.
If the Warriors pass on an extension offer this offseason, he’ll become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2023.
But Poole could make that a moot point with a prolific rest of the postseason — and maybe become a $100 million man.
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Mavericks Might Have to Give a $20M Raise to Jalen Brunson
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
After rejecting the Mavericks’ four-year, $56 million extension offer, Jalen Brunson decided to bet on himself for the final season of his rookie deal.
On Monday, with Luka Doncic sidelined and Dallas in danger of dropping its first two at home to the Jazz in their first-round series, Brunson dropped a career-high 41 points with eight rebounds and five assists in a 110-104 victory.
That’s the type of calling card the former second-rounder will need when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer.
Brunson is earning $1.8M in the final year of a four-year, $6.1M contract signed after he won two national championships at Villanova.He is reportedly [[link removed]] seeking a four-year, $80 million deal.Brunson averaged career highs in points (16.3), rebounds (3.9), and assists (4.8) in the regular season.He’s averaging 32.5, 7.5, and 5.0 in two postseason games.
While the Knicks have reportedly [[link removed]] been interested in acquiring the guard, Mavs owner Mark Cuban told DallasBasketball.com [[link removed]] that “we will do all we can to keep (Brunson)…”
The first player in Mavericks history with 40-plus points and no turnovers in a postseason game will try to back it up Thursday in Game 3.
With 61 starts this season, heavy minutes — with or without Luka — aren’t new for Brunson. But his importance is amplified in the superstar’s continued absence.
Making Headlines
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Marcus Smart became the first guard since 1995-96 to win Defensive Player of the Year; the Celtics finished with the best defensive rating in the NBA (106.2). Also: Ben Simmons participated in his first contact practice this year; he’s expected to return in the first round.
NFL: QB Baker Mayfield didn’t report to Cleveland’s voluntary offseason program; the Browns haven’t traded Mayfield despite his demand [[link removed]] for a trade over a month back.
MLB: Former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta announced his retirement on Monday; Arrieta was an integral piece on the 2016 Cubs team that ended a 108-year championship drought. Also: Mets SP Jacob deGrom will have a follow-up MRI on Monday for his ailing shoulder [[link removed]].
Written by Doug Greenberg [[link removed]], Anthony Puccio [[link removed]], Chris Kuc [[link removed]]
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