Sports
James Harden turns down $36M to stay with Clippers for $81.5M—what’s behind the shocking move
In a surprising twist, James Harden declines his player option only to re-sign with the LA Clippers on a 2-year, $81.5 million deal that reshapes the team’s future.

In what many are calling a strategic financial gamble with championship implications, James Harden has declined his $36.4 million player option with the LA Clippers—only to re-sign with the team on a new 2-year deal worth $81.5 million, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Sunday.
The agreement reportedly includes a partially guaranteed player option for the 2026–27 season, and marks a significant moment in Harden’s storied, often dramatic career. It also signals his renewed commitment to winning alongside Kawhi Leonard, who remains under contract through 2027.
The decision to turn down his option and re-up on a fresh deal comes just before the league’s free agency window opens on Monday evening, and well ahead of official signing on July 6. It gives the Clippers the flexibility they’ve been seeking, as they aim to build a championship-caliber roster around a seasoned core.
This is about alignment,” one league insider told Daily Global Diary. “Harden wants to win. The Clippers want flexibility. This deal gives them both.
This will be Harden’s second straight offseason entering unrestricted free agency—although this time, he’s not going anywhere.
The 2018 NBA MVP, a 10-time NBA All-Star and former scoring champion, Harden joined the Clippers in 2023 via a blockbuster trade. Despite initial chemistry struggles, he eventually found a rhythm alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George—until George opted to explore other destinations this summer.
Harden’s decision now becomes a clear signal: he’s buying into the Clippers’ vision for the next two years and beyond.
The move also keeps the Clippers competitive in a stacked Western Conference, with their new home—the Intuit Dome—set to open its doors next season. With Harden and Leonard locked in, the front office can now focus on reinforcing the roster without long-term financial handcuffs.
Still, questions remain: Can a 35-year-old Harden continue producing at an elite level? Can the Clippers stay healthy and finally break their curse of falling short in key postseason moments?
Time will tell. But for now, James Harden has made his decision—and it’s a loud one.
Sports
“She’s too easy to beat”—Claressa Shields defends undisputed crown and dares Laila Ali to accept $15M mega-fight offer
In a dominant 10-round display against Lani Daniels, boxing icon Claressa Shields remains undefeated, mocks the lack of worthy challengers, and throws down a $15 million gauntlet to retired legend Laila Ali.

Claressa Shields the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), continues to build a case that few in boxing history—man or woman—can match her legacy. On Saturday night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, she reminded the world why she’s still the queen of the ring.
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In front of a roaring crowd of 15,369 fans, the Flint, Michigan native defended her undisputed heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Lani Daniels The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91—all in favor of Shields, who barely broke a sweat in yet another masterclass performance.She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots,” Shields said. “I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head… but she’s tough.
Shields, now 17-0 (3 KOs), dictated the fight from the center of the ring, showing off her exceptional footwork, sharp jab, and brutal body shots—especially in Rounds 5 through 7. Daniels, who entered the bout as the IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, had won seven straight prior to Saturday but quickly discovered why Shields is in a league of her own.

Rapper Rick Ross accompanied her ring walk, setting the tone for a night that was all about greatness. From the opening bell, Shields controlled the pace, teasing Daniels and even urging her to “stand and fight” during an early-round taunt. When Daniels finally mounted a minor rally in the eighth and ninth rounds, Shields simply laughed it off.
These girls are just too easy to beat,” Shields declared post-fight. “They talk so much crap, but I clear every division I touch.
Indeed, she has. In February, she made history as the first boxer—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions, after defeating Danielle Perkins in her hometown of Flint.
Now, Shields is looking for something bigger. She’s eyeing legacy fights—ones that would define eras. That includes a long-teased showdown against Laila Ali daughter of Muhammad Ali and a legend in her own right.
We put up the $15 million for the fight and we haven’t heard anything back,” Shields revealed. “Hopefully she saw the fight tonight and says, ‘You know what? I think I can take her.
Shields also mentioned possible matchups with Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Che Kenneally, and even a potential bout at 154 lbs against Mikaela Mayer if serious negotiations happen.
In the co-main event, Tony Harrison made a triumphant return with a unanimous decision win over Edward Diaz. Harrison, sporting full Detroit Lions gear, bounced back from a 2023 TKO loss to Tim Tszyu, overcoming a scare in the ninth round when Diaz clipped him with a right hand.
It wasn’t even like a punch that hurt me,” Harrison said. “It was kind of a flash. I owed that for not being disciplined.
But the night undoubtedly belonged to Shields. Her ability to neutralize elite opponents, control the fight tempo, and entertain fans has positioned her as not just the face of women’s boxing—but its gold standard.
With no signs of slowing down, Claressa Shields has made it clear: she’s waiting for someone—anyone—who can bring the fight to her level.
Until then, she remains undisputed, undefeated, and unmatched.
Sports
Who is this masked man Arsenal fans erupt as €63M star Gyökeres unveiled before late Ødegaard penalty stuns Newcastle
Viktor Gyökeres receives hero’s welcome in Singapore as Arsenal edge Newcastle United 3-2 thanks to a dramatic 85th-minute penalty from Martin Ødegaard, with 15-year-old Max Dowman stealing hearts again.

The humid Singapore air couldn’t cool down the electric atmosphere inside the National Stadium as Arsenal fans got more than just a preseason friendly—they got a blockbuster show. Just before kick-off, the Gunners unveiled their €63 million ($74M) marquee signing Viktor Gyökeres and the crowd roared in unison, many mimicking the striker’s now-iconic mask celebration as he waved to all four corners.
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Having just flown in from London after completing his medical, Gyökeres didn’t take the field, but his presence alone lit a spark under Mikel Arteta’s side. That spark soon turned into fire, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United that showcased everything from world-class talent to youthful brilliance.
Newcastle struck first, and early. Sandro Tonali made a blistering run down the right and found Anthony Elanga—a £55M summer arrival from Nottingham Forest—who scuffed his finish but beat David Raya regardless.
But Arsenal, never a side to be silenced, responded in style just after the half-hour mark. Mikel Merino dispossessed Joe Willock, passed it to Leandro Trossard, who quickly linked up with Kai Havertz. A cheeky flick from Havertz set up Merino for a clinical finish—an equalizer that oozed class and control.
Within two minutes, the Gunners were in front. Trossard fired a low cross from the left, and in a twist of misfortune, Alex Murphy of Newcastle bundled the ball into his own net. Arsenal were ahead 2-1, and Singapore’s 38,720 fans were roaring.
However, concern briefly hit the red half when new signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off before halftime with what appeared to be a muscle issue.

Coming into the second half, Martin Ødegaard replaced youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Newcastle rolled out nine changes, with only Nick Pope and William Osula staying on.
Though Bukayo Saka almost stole the show with a bicycle kick that Pope acrobatically saved, it was Jacob Murphy who drew Newcastle level at 2-2 with a long-range strike that stunned Raya.
Then came Max Dowman—Arsenal’s 15-year-old prodigy who had already made waves earlier in the tour. His curling shot forced another smart save from Pope. But he wasn’t done.
In the 85th minute, Dowman made a surging run into the box and was brought down, earning the penalty that Ødegaard coolly converted to seal a thrilling 3-2 win.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had come on for Raya, had to make one final stop from Harrison Ashby in stoppage time, preserving the victory.
What’s even more exciting for Gunners fans? This team isn’t just talented—it’s deep. With stars like Gyökeres, Saka, Ødegaard, and emerging names like Dowman, Calafiori, and Nwaneri, the future looks both packed and promising.
Next stop for Arsenal? Hong Kong, where they’ll face fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. As for Newcastle, they’re heading to South Korea for a showdown against the K League All-Stars.
This wasn’t just a preseason game. It was a statement: Arsenal are ready for the new season—and they’ve got a new masked striker waiting in the wings.
Sports
Lamine Yamal wears No. 10 as Barcelona crush Vissel Kobe 3-1 in preseason thriller—Here’s what stole the show…
With goals from Eric Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and academy sensation Dro, Barcelona’s preseason opener under Hansi Flick hints at a squad deeper, hungrier, and more dynamic than ever.

The new era at FC Barcelona kicked off in style as the Catalan giants swept aside Vissel Kobe 3-1 in their preseason opener. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that made headlines. From Lamine Yamal donning the iconic number 10 jersey to the seamless debut of Joan García, this match may go down as the moment Barcelona’s depth and future ambition were laid bare for the world.
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Led by newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick the Spanish champions fielded a near full-strength XI to honor the 30th anniversary of Vissel Kobe’s foundation. And the message was clear: Barcelona isn’t here to experiment—they’re here to dominate.
The game’s opening goal came from an unlikely source: Eric Garcia The defender pounced on a messy clearance in the box after a corner kick, showing poise more often associated with strikers than center-backs.
Soon after, Joan García—Barcelona’s new number one goalkeeper—stole the spotlight with a string of critical saves. Flick has put full faith in the young Spaniard, and García proved why, commanding his box with maturity and confidence that belied his age.
But it wasn’t just the established names making noise.
Enter Roony Bardghji the Swedish teen sensation. Making his debut in Blaugrana colors, Bardghji slotted home a calm finish that showcased both his composure and potential. Not to be outdone, La Masia graduate Dro added a third, capping off an encouraging night for Barcelona’s youth development program.

Yet the moment that truly sent chills down the spines of the Culers was seeing Lamine Yamal with the sacred No. 10 on his back. In the post-Messi era, that jersey carries immense weight. And while Yamal showed moments of brilliance with his dribbles, flicks, and one-touch passes, it’s clear the club believes he’s ready for more.
The only sour note? A defensive lapse by Pau Cubarsí allowed Miyashiro to equalize briefly for the Japanese side. But with Joan García between the posts, Barcelona quickly regained control, and the match was never truly in doubt.
What’s perhaps most impressive is Flick’s tactical clarity this early into his tenure. He fielded Gavi in a double pivot, explored Ferran Torres as a Lewandowski alternative, and trusted Eric Garcia at right-back—each decision hinting at long-term strategy, not just preseason tinkering.
With other regulars like Pedri, Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, and Iñigo Martínez also getting valuable minutes, the Blaugrana looked not just sharp—but unified.
While it’s still early days, fans and analysts alike are starting to believe: this might be the most balanced Barcelona squad in years.
From fresh blood to familiar brilliance, from youth dreams to championship ambition, this 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe was more than just a preseason match—it was a statement.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is here. And they’re hungry.
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