BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica will reach its maximum height on Friday, though the magnum opus of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí remains years away from completion.
A crane was placing the upper arm of a cross atop the “Tower of Jesus Christ,” the church’s soaring central piece, which will stand 172.5 meters (566 feet) above the city, the church said.
While the unfinished monument is already the world’s tallest church, with Friday’s addition the Sagrada Familia — still surrounded by building cranes and scaffolding — will inch closer to being done.
The first stone of the Sagrada Familia was placed in 1882, but Gaudí never expected it to be completed in his lifetime. Only one of its multiple towers was finished when he died at the age of 73 in 1926 after being hit by a tram.
In recent decades, work has sped up as the basilica became a major international tourist attraction with people around the world visiting Barcelona to see the monument, enthralled by Gaudí’s radical aesthetic that combines Catholic symbolism and organic forms.
The inside of the “Tower of Jesus Christ” is still being worked on. But topping the central tower, which soars above the transept, has been a priority ahead of celebrations this June that will mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
The scaffolding surrounding the central tower is expected to be removed by June, in time for the inauguration of the “Tower of Jesus Christ.”
As Gaudí had planned, the cross has four arms so its shape can be recognized from any direction, said Sagrada Familia’s rector, Rev. Josep Turull. If Barcelona’s city government will allow it, the original plan also includes a light beam shining from each of the cross’s arms, symbolizing the church’s role as a spiritual lighthouse, he added.
Millions of tourists visit the Sagrada Familia every year, and entrance fees largely fund the ongoing construction.
This year, the Sagrada Familia will hold several events to celebrate the Catalan Modernist’s legacy, which includes other stunning buildings in Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain.
The Sagrada Familia became the world’s largest church last October, when it rose above the spire of Germany’s Ulmer Münster, a Gothic Lutheran church built over 347 years starting in 1543. That church tops out at 161.53 meters (530 feet).
At the base of the cross to be installed Friday afternoon at Sagrada Familia, a prayer verse is inscribed from the Gloria that Catholics recite at Mass, said Turull, the church’s rector.
It reads: “You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High.”
Heart-stopping video taken by a witness captures the moment a man in a Jaguar rams into the back of a Florida school bus.Crews responded to the accident at around 8:52 a.m. Wednesday.A reporter from sister station WBBH captured the scene on video, which appears to show a vehicle lodged under a Lee County school bus.”Just drinking my coffee and I heard a loud boom,” Dave Johns said. “We saw children walking to the bus stop 15 minutes prior to this happening.” According to Lee County Schools, the bus was rear-ended, but no students were on board at the time of the crash. The bus driver was transported to the hospital as a precaution after reportedly feeling dizzy following the crash.”I am super grateful that no kids were on the bus,” Tait Dunford said. “I’m super grateful that he’s okay.”According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, only minor injuries have been reported, and one person was treated on the scene.”You would’ve thought the driver’s head cut off because his car literally went under the bus,” Johns said.The sheriff’s office said that the driver of the car that rear-ended the bus was cited for following too close.
LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
Heart-stopping video taken by a witness captures the moment a man in a Jaguar rams into the back of a Florida school bus.
Crews responded to the accident at around 8:52 a.m. Wednesday.
A reporter from sister station WBBH captured the scene on video, which appears to show a vehicle lodged under a Lee County school bus.
“Just drinking my coffee and I heard a loud boom,” Dave Johns said. “We saw children walking to the bus stop 15 minutes prior to this happening.”
According to Lee County Schools, the bus was rear-ended, but no students were on board at the time of the crash. The bus driver was transported to the hospital as a precaution after reportedly feeling dizzy following the crash.
“I am super grateful that no kids were on the bus,” Tait Dunford said. “I’m super grateful that he’s okay.”
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, only minor injuries have been reported, and one person was treated on the scene.
“You would’ve thought the driver’s head cut off because his car literally went under the bus,” Johns said.
The sheriff’s office said that the driver of the car that rear-ended the bus was cited for following too close.
Converge has slightly expanded their upcoming schedule of shows with two more dates in Dayton, OH on April 5 and Montreal, QC on April 8.
The shows will feature Blackspot, No Grave, and Spy; and are around Converge‘s upcoming tour with Poison The Well, Spy & Balmora. Get your tickets here and get the full list of dates below.
4/2 Cleveland, OH House of Blues 4/3 Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall 4/4 Pontiac, MI The Crofoot 4/5 Dayton, OH Hidden Gem (w/ Blackspot & No Grave) 4/6 Pittsburgh, PA Preserving Underground 4/7 Toronto, ON HISTORY 4/8 Montreal, QC Theatre Fairmount (w/ Spy) 4/9 Worcester, MA The Palladium 4/10 Queens, NY Knockdown Center 4/11 Philadelphia, PA Fillmore 4/12 Baltimore, MD Nevermore Hall 4/25 Las Vegas, NV Sick New World
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Canadians looked to have braved severe winter conditions in parts of the country to hit the stores last month, driving a strong rebound in retail sales to start the new year.
When NFL free agency begins, hundreds of millions of dollars will come flying off the shelves in short order. When it’s all said and done, roughly $4 billion will be spent, league-wide, on free agency this offseason.
But it also included crucial, under-the-radar signings like K’Lavon Chaisson (one year, $3 million), Khyiris Tonga (one year, $2.1 million) and Jaylinn Hawkins (one year, $1.8 million). The more expensive acquisitions got the headlines for New England’s historic turnaround from 4-13 to AFC champions, but Chaisson had 7.5 sacks in the regular season (and three more in the playoffs), Tonga was a crucial part of the defensive line rotation, and Hawkins had the best season of his career, reeling in four interceptions.
Hitting on these signings was immense, and that wasn’t just true for the Patriots. Kenneth Gainwell was a key part of the Steelers‘ offense. Tony Jefferson and Benjamin St.-Juste played important roles in the Chargers‘ excellent secondary. Nahshon Wright had five interceptions as part of the Bears‘ magical season. Nate Landman was excellent for the Rams.
Pete Prisco released his top 100 free agents this week, and those are the players who will command most of the attention and money this free agency cycle.
Prisco’s Top 100 NFL free agents for 2026: Market light on big-name talent, but some stars to be had
Pete Prisco
Just don’t sleep on these 10 players outside Pete’s top 100 who could still be contributors, too.
Christian Kirk, WR, Texans
After a quiet regular season, Christian Kirk had 10 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns in two postseason games, showing he still provides some downfield juice from the slot, a valuable commodity especially for his likely price point. Kirk will turn 30 midway through the 2026 season, and health has been an issue. Still, he was a 1,108-yard receiver in 2022, and he had 787 yards in just 12 games in 2023. A team in search of a slot receiver with some giddy up could do much worse, especially on what will likely be a short, cheap deal.
Kevin Zeitler, G, Titans
For his entire career, no matter where he’s been, Kevin Zeitler has come in and provided high-level guard play. That was true even in 2025, when the Titans were a mess and Zeitler was 35. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 11th-best guard in the NFL. He has played at least 15 games every season since 2015, he is sturdy in pass protection, and he has yet to show any signs of a large drop-off. Perhaps a reunion with the Lions or the Ravens — both of whom need guards — could be in order.
Braxton Jones, T, Bears
Braxton Jones‘ once-promising time with the Bears came to a tough end. He had ankle surgery in the 2025 offseason, slowly but surely worked his way back to being a Week 1 starter, struggled, got removed from the lineup and then suffered a knee injury. That’s one unfortunate development after another, especially considering he had shown real progress in 2023 and 2024 after a tough rookie year. Jones is still just 26, he has significant starting experience at left tackle, and he was on an upward trajectory before multiple injuries derailed his 2025.
Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Raiders
Like Jones, Malcolm Koonce was a small-school product who started to emerge before injuries stunted his progress. Koonce registered eight sacks and an impressive 15.7% pressure rate in 2023 before missing the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL. He was a part-time player for the Raiders last year but started to get back into form with 3.5 sacks and a solid 14% pressure rate from Week 11 on. He has a strong motor and a good skill set, and he’s only 27. Don’t be surprised if he receives more attention from NFL teams than his relative lack of name recognition suggests.
Dennis Gardeck, EDGE, Jaguars
Here were the top four pressure rate leaders among edge defenders in 2025 (min. 100 pass rush snaps):
One of those things is not like the other. Yes, Gardeck is very much a part-time player, but when that time comes, he is a relentless pass rusher with a fun mix of speed and spin moves. He had three sacks in just seven games in 2024 and six sacks in 2023 (when he had an 18.3% pressure rate). He’s 31, but there’s not a ton of tread on the tires, and in his role, he brings a ton of value. Some team is going to be very happy it added this high-effort player.
Imagn Images
Alex Singleton, LB, Broncos
Alex Singleton, 32, shined in Denver after starting his career with the Eagles, and now he enters free agency once again. PFF graded him very highly as a run defender and not as highly as a pass defender. Still, he can provide solid play in the middle, especially when behind an impactful defensive line.
Eric Wilson, LB, Vikings
Another veteran linebacker, Eric Wilson returned to Minnesota after spending his first four seasons there and excelled, registering 115 tackles, 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. When things are in front of him, he plays quickly and arrives violently. When it comes to coverage, it gets a little hairy. He’s 31 and has a major hole in his game, but he brings the thump in the run game and when rushing the passer. His 21.9% pressure rate was second in the NFL (min. 100 pass rush snaps) last season.
Roger McCreary, CB, Rams
Roger McCreary split his season between the Titans and the Rams, and the former second-round pick was PFF’s No. 25 cornerback. He has always been a willing tackler. While the coverage metrics have been up and down, he’s just 26 years old and he has allowed just four passing touchdowns as the primary defender over the past three seasons combined.
Greg Newsome II, CB, Jaguars
Greg Newsome II also split the 2025 season between two teams, going from the Browns to the Jaguars. The 2021 first-round pick hasn’t been able to recapture the form he had early in his career, but he is just 25 years old, and he was one of the NFL’s better corners from 2021-23. He has good length and can play in the slot. He’s a prime bounce-back candidate in the right landing spot.
Andre Cisco, S, Jets
Andre Cisco had seven receptions across 2022 and 2023 before just one in 2024 and, after leaving the Jaguars, zero in 2025 for the Jets, who infamously had zero as a team. He appeared in just eight games in 2025 due to a pectoral injury and is now back on the market at just 25 years old. Cisco’s numbers as a tackler and in coverage were down this season, but he had been solid in both areas earlier in his career. Plus, it’s not as if Cisco had a ton of talent around him in what was a rough year for the Jets. If the ball production returns, he’ll be a valuable contributor again in 2026.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico is home to many different paranormal sightings and stories, from La Llorona to Bigfoot; the Land of Enchantment features all types of the macabre. In this episode of New Mexico Strange, award-winning author Ben Radford joins KRQE News 13 host and anchors Chad Brummett and Stephanie Chavez to talk about […]
Carrie Underwood returns to American Idol this season, and if you think she’s too tough on contestants — she has a message for you.
With Season 24 underway, Underwood’s back behind the judges’ table alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
As the show heads towards Hollywood Week, the “Blown Away” singer shared an ominous message on social media.
“Spoiler alert…I get booed A LOT from our Hollywood Week audience @AmericanIdol,” Underwood, 42, wrote via X on Monday, February 16, alongside an embarrassed emoji.
The Idol judge didn’t elaborate on what she meant, but we will soon find out.
As the spotlight turns to this year’s hopefuls, we’re revisiting what Underwood had to say about her role on the panel — and why honesty, not sugarcoating, is her style.
The country superstar addressed past criticism about her judging style during an interview on SiriusXM’s The Highway.
“Sometimes I get in trouble from people like, ‘How dare she say that it wasn’t perfect?’” Underwood admitted.
And I’m like, I just want everybody to learn and that’s part of it. And nobody wants to just hear that they’re amazing all the time.
Still, Underwood admitted that becoming a judge hasn’t been the easiest transition — especially when it comes to letting her guard down on camera.
“I’m not great at that, am I?” she joked. “In general, I feel like I’m such a private person. I’ve just never been great at putting down the walls and feeling like I could be myself. I’m slightly better than I used to be.”
That same year, she released her debut album Some Hearts, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart — and launched one of country’s biggest careers.
What to Know About Season 24 of ‘American Idol’
Season 24 of American Idol premiered Monday (Jan. 26) at 8 PM ET on ABC. New episodes will air live each Monday and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are all back as judges, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host.
20 Things Carrie Underwood Has Done Since Winning ‘American Idol’
Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She’s also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.
Over the years she’s become one of the biggest success stories to come out of the show, winning countless awards and amassing a staggering net worth of over $100 million.
Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on the reality singing competition.
Which players, teams and storylines will dominate the NBA offseason?
The next step in the saga between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks is high on the list. So is the future of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster, which features major free agent decisions for LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Leaguewide, plenty of franchises will face decisions that could alter the NBA’s hierarchy.
We’re breaking down the 10 most important questions of the summer, including superstars at a crossroads, top free agent and trade targets, and why June’s draft is so important for a handful of lottery-bound teams.
The answer could depend on which direction the Bucks take this summer.
“I want to win a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks,” Antetokounmpo told ESPN’s Malika Andrews during All-Star Weekend. “And if that is not on the table, maybe I have to pivot because I really want to win.”
Headed to the lottery for the first time since 2016, the Bucks will add a valuable 2026 draft pick to their list of tradable resources. Milwaukee can also trade first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 and can swap picks in 2031, 2032 and 2033. Persuading Antetokounmpo to sign an extension in the fall could depend on where June’s pick lands and whether the franchise plans to use those picks in a deal.
Improving via free agency could prove more difficult. Milwaukee has nine free agents this summer, five with player options (Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims). The Bucks are also projected to be over the cap this offseason, thanks in part to signing center Myles Turner last offseason and owing Damian Lillard $20.2 million per season through 2029-30 after waiving and stretching his contract.
Outside of using Turner’s, Kyle Kuzma‘s or Bobby Portis‘ contracts in a trade, Milwaukee will have the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel, $5.5 million biannual and veteran minimum exceptions available to sign players.
The Bucks explored trades for Antetokounmpo before the deadline and will likely do so again if there is an indication he is not committed long term. The market for Antetokounmpo should expand this summer for several reasons.
Teams that were limited in tradable draft picks at the deadline will have more selections available starting the night of the draft. The Lakers, for example, will see their tradable first-rounders increase from one to three. The Miami Heat will have up to four firsts to trade instead of two at the deadline. The New York Knicks will go from zero to two.
More importantly, there is always a sense of urgency from the front office when a team loses early in the playoffs. The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic were eliminated in the first round last season, then traded for Kevin Durant and Desmond Bane, respectively. Would the Knicks or the Cleveland Cavaliers choose to go all-in for Antetokounmpo if they suffer similar playoff fates?
Other reasons we could see a Giannis trade this summer:
Players who signed rookie extensions, such as the Magic’s Paolo Banchero and the Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr., will no longer have a position restriction in their contract. A total of nine players will see the restriction removed starting July 1.
Teams will be allowed to send out or receive more contracts than during the regular season. Offseason roster sizes will expand from 15 to 21.
Teams will have more financial flexibility, as the first and second apron levels are projected to increase by 7.3%.
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LeBron James: ‘I have no idea’ if I’ll play a 24th season
LeBron James says he just wants to live and doesn’t know if he’ll play for a 24th season.
Where will LeBron James be next season?
Last week, after he became the oldest player to record a triple-double, 41-year-old James discussed one major factor that could determine how long the NBA’s leading career scorer stays in the league.
“My game is not going anywhere. It’s just my body,” James told reporters after the Lakers’ win over the Dallas Mavericks before the All-Star break. “[But] how long can I stay in love with the process?
“Because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if [my mental commitment] goes, then my body’s going to go. And once my body goes, then it’s a wrap.”
Remarkably, James, who has averaged at least 33 minutes and 20 points in every season of his career, is on pace to add a 23rd consecutive year to the list.
James’ options for a 24th season? This offseason, the pending free agent can:
Return to the Lakers
Sign with a contender
Retire
Re-signing with Los Angeles would come with a significant pay cut from his current $52.6 million. But, few contenders are projected to have cap space this summer. For example, it’s likely that the Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Knicks could offer LeBron only the veteran’s minimum exception.
How will the Lakers continue building around Luka Doncic?
Since trading for Doncic in February 2025, the Lakers have been operating under two timelines: LeBron’s and Luka’s.
“Having optionality now is really a positive thing for us this coming offseason,” president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said after this season’s Feb. 5 trade deadline.
This offseason, the franchise’s top priority is re-signing Austin Reaves, who will likely decline his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 to pursue a long-term extension.
Before injuring his left calf on Christmas, Reaves was averaging a career-high 26.6 points and shooting better than 50% from the field. (In five games since returning, Reaves has averaged 20.0 points on just 25.4 minutes.) “I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it,”https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47969549/Reaves told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in November.
“Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a f—ing gigantic number that doesn’t make sense. I want to be here; I want to win.”
The Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets are among the teams with enough spending power to sign Reaves to a lucrative contract. But as the Bucks showed when they waived and stretched Lillard’s contract last season, teams without cap space have methods to manufacture cap space.
Because of Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, the Lakers could have up to $50 million in cap space this summer, the most of any team. To create that room, however, Los Angeles would need to renounce every free agent on the roster — including LeBron.
Besides James and Reaves, which other free agents should we watch?
In Watson’s case, Denver failing to reach an extension before the season could be costly.
“With the new CBA and the second apron, things of that nature, [the Nuggets] wanted to stay out of that,”https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47969549/Watson told The Denver Post in October. “As a business, you’ve gotta operate [based on] what’s best for your business. And when it comes time for me to make my decision next summer, I’ve gotta operate as a business myself.”
Watson is a restricted free agent this offseason, allowing Denver to match any offer sheet. The Nuggets are projected to be $3.6 million below the second apron next season.
Watson, named a Western Conference Player of the Week in January, is averaging career highs in points and shooting efficiency this season. And in 39 starts, he is averaging 17.5 points with a 50.4 field goal percentage and 41.7% shooting from 3.
Gillespie, meanwhile, has outplayed the one-year, $2.3 million contract he signed with the Suns.
He scored a career-high 30 points in a Feb. 3 win against the Portland Trail Blazers and has at least six assists in 16 games this season. The Suns are plus-4.8 points per 100 possessions when Gillespie is on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Gillespie is eligible to sign a four-year, $66.6 million contract with Phoenix. Because he has early Bird rights, the contract must be a minimum of two seasons (not including an option).
As for the rest of the free agent class, here are the top names to watch:
The trade deadline amplified the stakes for teams such as the Jazz, Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers, who might flirt with fate on lottery night due to the protections on their first-round selections. The reason for those teams to lose games is obvious: maximize their chances of keeping their picks.
The subtext behind this exciting draft is that NBA teams haven’t been as bullish on the 2027 and 2028 draft classes, as they continue to scour for talent domestically and internationally. It’s far too early to treat that as conclusive, but those drafts appear short on archetypal star power. It’s no coincidence that long-mired teams such as Washington and Utah are positioned to take a step forward next season. There is simply less incentive to lose games in 2026-27.
That perception places even more weight on the 2026 lottery, where this top group of players represents many teams’ clearest chance at a franchise-altering talent. — Jeremy Woo
Will veteran extensions impact the 2027 free agent class?
Analyzing what happens next for Antetokounmpo and James gives us the obvious storylines to watch this offseason. But players eligible to sign veteran extensions will play a larger role, not just this summer but in the 2026-27 trade landscape.
Starting the day after the Finals, a who’s who of All-Stars will become eligible to sign extensions:
In addition to Jokic, Donovan Mitchell (July 7), Anthony Edwards (July 8), Jaylen Brown (July 26), Anthony Davis (Aug. 6) and Stephen Curry (Aug. 29) become extension-eligible at some point in the offseason. (Because of the over-38 rule, Curry and Leonard can extend for two additional seasons.)
Victor Wembanyama will be the next $250 million player. Which rookie extension candidates could join him?
There will be little negotiating on Wembanyama’s next contract.
On or after July 6, San Antonio and its franchise star will agree to a projected five-year, $252 million maximum extension. The contract will include All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year and MVP language, which could increase the deal to $303.3 million if he reaches the criteria in 2026-27. Because Wembanyama was ineligible for league honors in 2024-25, he is not eligible for 30% of the salary cap in Year 1 of the extension — even if the criteria are reached this season.
Close to 200 miles from San Antonio, the Rockets’ Amen Thompson could join Wembanyama as the second player to sign a rookie max extension this summer. Thompson is averaging a career high in points, assists and field goal percentage, and the Rockets are five points better per 100 possessions when Thompson is on the court.
Shams: Warriors’ pursuit of Giannis is over after Porzingis acquisition
Shams Charania breaks the news that the Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.
What will happen with Golden State this offseason?
Two days after the trade deadline, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made it clear Golden State had the resources to improve in the summer. “We’ve got the goods to make deals,” he said.
“I think the only way we wouldn’t be in the mix is if we gave out assets, young players, all the things you need to get a great player. We still have all that. I think that’s one of the reasons the [Kristaps Porzingis] trade is really good for us, similar to Jimmy [Butler III] last year. We don’t feel like we gave up a ton. We still have the kind of firepower to move forward and do more deals.”
Dunleavy is referring to the Warriors’ four first-round picks and the right to swap picks in the next seven years. (They owe Dallas their 2030 first-rounder, but only if it falls outside of the top 20.)
What could hinder the Warriors in any trade talks are the contracts available to use in deals. While Golden State is well below the apron to absorb salary, its three highest-paid players are either untouchable (Curry), injured (Butler) or potentially a free agent — Green has a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27.
The Warriors do have $18 million in salary of former first-round picks Moses Moody and Podziemski. Porzingis could also be flipped in a sign-and-trade if he approves.
Besides Antetokounmpo, which players under contract should we watch?
We could see a domino effect of extension-eligible players in trade discussions this summer.
For example, will the Clippers continue their youth movement and explore trades for All-Star Kawhi Leonard? In two separate trades before the deadline, LA acquired former lottery picks Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and two first-round picks.
“We were just trying to get younger,” Leonard said after the trade deadline. We came in the year with the oldest team. It makes sense for them to try to get some assets and try to build for the future. It’s a big class coming in 2027, hopefully. They gotta do what’s best for them.”
Leonard, 34, will earn $50.3 million next season, his last year under contract with the Clippers.
Whether the Knicks find postseason success could play a role in roster decisions this summer. The Knicks will enter the offseason as a potential second apron team if they re-sign center Mitchell Robinson and have four players under contract earning more than $33.5 million next season, including Karl-Anthony Towns. The All-Star big man is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $275 million extension and has a $61 million player option for 2027-28.
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are worth watching. As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in early January, the Grizzlies were gauging the market for a new home for their once franchise player. Morant has two years remaining on his contract ($42.2 million and $44.9 million).
Since June, Memphis has traded Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., deals that have netted the franchise seven future first-round picks.
Will the second apron break up Oklahoma City?
Extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren project the Thunder to be $24 million over the second apron next season. But unlike other high-spending teams that dismantled their rosters because of the stringent restrictions, OKC can keep its core intact.
The Thunder will not pay a luxury tax penalty for a sixth consecutive season despite having the highest winning percentage of teams since 2023-24.
The apron restrictions work to take away the tools a front office has to improve the roster in free agency and trades. The Thunder have all 15 players under contract in 2026-27.
Unlike other high-spending teams, Oklahoma City has a surplus of 13 first-round picks and 15 second-rounders over the next seven years. The Thunder could have up to three first-rounders in June from the Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers (if Nos. 5-30) and the Utah Jazz (if 9-30). In addition, they have the right to swap first-rounders with the Clippers in 2027 and with the Mavericks in 2028.
The Thunder can also offset the cost of the roster with players on rookie contracts. Three examples are Jared McCain, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber, first-round picks over the past two seasons.
Most importantly, the Thunder have staggered their contracts for the next five seasons. While the Williams and Holmgren extensions start next season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s new deal does not begin until 2027-28. Over the past two seasons, the Thunder have signed Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell to contracts that either decline, have a team option or are partially guaranteed.
OKC does face a few decisions on its supporting cast. Hartenstein, Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams have team options next season, while Dort, Williams and Cason Wallace are extension-eligible this summer.
