Ja Morant
Now that the Finals are over, the NBA has handed down its suspension of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. It will be 25 games to start the 2023-2024 due to conduct detrimental to the league. Morant was suspended from all team activities in May after a social media video of him holding a gun.
In March, Morant faced disciplinary action and was suspended eight games by the Grizzlies, after being on an Instagram Live holding a gun while under the influence at a club. The league said that his return next season will come with conditions.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have found their new general manager, and they didn’t have to look far. The team announced that it is promoting Mike Dunleavy, Jr. from vice president of basketball operations to replace former president and GM, Bob Myers.
Dunleavy played 15 seasons in the NBA – over four with the Warriors – and was hired by Golden State as a scout in 2018.
The Oakland – Soon to be Vegas – A’s
It looks as if the Oakland A’s are indeed moving to Las Vegas, as Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill on Thursday pledging $380 million in taxpayer money toward a new, $1.5 billion stadium. Though fans and local politicians have been vocal in their disappointment over the move, A’s owner John Fisher wants out of the city that’s been home to the A’s since 1968.
The A’s will need support around the league, but the expectation is that they will get it, while Commissioner Rob Manfred said he will waive the standard $1 billion relocation fee, since the team will receive public funding to help with the stadium.
It’s a sad situation for the city of Oakland and A’s fans.
Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets
It’s Michael Jordan’s last dance, but this time, it’s with the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN is reporting that Jordan has agreed to sell his majority stake in the team to a group led by Gabe Plotkin – a minority owner with the Hornets and Rick Schnall – a minority owner with the Atlanta Hawks. The stake is valued at about $3 billion.
With the NBA draft taking place next Thursday, Jordan will oversee operations through the beginning of free agency on July 1.
Tampa Bay Rays
And just like that, the Tampa Bay Rays are the first MLB team to 50 wins. Luke Raley’s go-ahead home run sealed the deal on Thursday, as the Rays beat the Oakland A’s, 4-3. At 50-22, the Rays have a five-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles and a 9.5-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East.
This weekend, the Rays head to Southern California to take on the struggling San Diego Padres from Petco Park.