Klay Thompson’s recent Instagram activity has fueled speculation about his future with the Golden State Warriors. While his decision to unfollow the team might not hold significant weight, recent reports about his summer plans clarify his uncertain future.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Thompson is set to explore the free agent market, potentially stepping away from the Bay Area despite the Warriors’ interest in retaining him.

The mutual interest between Thompson and the Orlando Magic indicates that Thompson is considering all his options. The Warriors have expressed their desire to re-sign Thompson, but only at the right price and role.

The Philadelphia 76ers have also emerged as potential suitors. With cap space and a need for experienced shooters, the 76ers present an attractive option for Thompson. Their interest highlights his value as a seasoned veteran capable of contributing to a team ready to compete at the highest level.

Thompson’s potential departure from the Warriors is more than just about money. It’s also about his role on the team. The Warriors extended Draymond Green last summer, and aligning Thompson’s contract with Green’s is a priority.

However, this would likely require Thompson to accept a bench role and a salary cut. On the other hand, Orlando could offer him a starting position and a more lucrative contract, catering to his desire for financial security and on-court responsibility.

As Thompson heads to Houston for the Bahamian national basketball team’s Olympic training camp, his immediate focus shifts to personal development. Though he won’t be playing in the Olympic qualifying matches due to clearance issues, his participation underscores his dedication to the sport and his roots.

Thompson’s decision will impact the Warriors’ strategy and the broader NBA landscape. Whether he stays in the Bay Area or finds a new home in Orlando or Philadelphia, Thompson’s future is a critical storyline as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

Safety Juan Thornhill signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. Thornhill won two Super Bowls with the Kansas Chiefs in four seasons with the team.

Thornhill, a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, played four seasons at the University of Virginia, where he twice earned All-ACC honors. As a member of the Chiefs, he immediately earned the role as starting free safety and played in 74 games for the team between 2019 and 2022.

Immediately after signing with Cleveland, Thornhill seemed to begin recruiting others around the league. The new Browns defender took to Twitter, reaching out to former teammate Mecole Hardman and reminding him they were in the same draft class. Hardman, a longtime wide receiver for Kansas City, entered free agency and has received interest from a number of teams.

Thornhill should provide a slight upgrade to Cleveland’s secondary in 2023, even if that aspect of the team’s game plan wasn’t especially troubling for most of last season. The Browns’ struggles primarily came on the other side of the ball, as quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun Watson both failed to successfully pilot the offense.

The team has done very little to bolster the depth chart on the offensive side this offseason, but there are still several receivers available, namely Odell Beckham Jr., D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen, to work alongside Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Cleveland’s running game is already secure with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt under contract.

Thornhill isn’t necessarily a splashy move, especially for a team that went 7-10 and missed the playoffs last season. But at most positions, it’s difficult to improve significantly over what the Browns currently have. Their success in seasons to come will essentially come down to how well Watson can work with coaches while the front office makes subtle changes to the depth chart to better suit the quarterback’s skill set.

The struggling pass rush of the Atlanta Falcons (4-4) snagged a new weapon on Wednesday, adding former Oakland Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin, who signed a one-year deal for $3.8 million.

Falcons Win Bruce Irvin Sweepstakes, Revamp Defense

The move comes just a few days after the Raiders cut Irving, 31. He shared his elation with Twitter after inking the new deal with the Falcons. “Man it’s time!” tweeted Irving, a native of Atlanta. “You can’t put a price on the chance for me to play for my people and city! It’s bigger than money!”

Head coach Dan Quinn is eager to incorporate Irvin into the scheme, as he was Irvin’s defensive coordinator for the Seahawks during his tenure in Seattle from 2012 to 2015. He welcomed his former player back in his hometown on the East Coast with words of encouragement and praise. “It’s pretty rare you get to play in your home city,” Quinn said. “He recognized that might be a special moment for him and he really is challenged.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Irvin’s 40 career sacks and 15 forced fumbles should help bolster a Falcons defense that has lost several crucial pieces over the course of the season, including safeties Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal. Irvin has forced 11 fumbles since 2016, the most in the NFL in that span.

The Falcons play the Browns Sunday, and Irvin is expected to make his debut with the team after practicing on Thursday.

Free-agent pitcher Jason Hammel and the Kansas City Royals agreed on a $16 million, two-year deal on Sunday, and the contract comes with an option for a third year.

The $16M Deal For the Free Agent Pitcher Includes An Option For A Third Year

The option is a mutual one, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported the deal, pending a physical would pay the 34-year-old Hammel $8 million per year.

All offseason, Royals officials have said the team’s payroll would not exceed the franchise-record of more than $140 million in 2016.

Hammel went 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA and recorded 144 strikeouts in 30 starts with the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs last season. The right-hander did not pitch in the postseason. The Cubs declined Hammel’s $12 million option for 2017, which made him one of the best starters on the free-agent market.

The Cubs acquired lefty Mike Montgomery in a trade with Seattle last July, and he could replace Hammel in the rotation.

In two seasons with Chicago, Hammel went 33-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 78 starts. The righty first signed with the Cubs in February 2014 and went 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts that season. He was then traded to Oakland in the deal that brought shortstop Addison Russell to Chicago. Hammel then re-signed with the Cubs the following December for $20 million for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Newly signed pitcher Brett Anderson, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs earlier this offseason, could also play a greater role in the team’s rotation.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 19: Jason Hammel #39 of the Chicago Cubs throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning on September 19, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

After reaching the World Series this year, the Cleveland Indians were regarded as one of the American League favorites for next season.

MLB Report: Indians, Edwin Encarnacion Agree To 3-Year Deal

On Thursday, the Tribe announced a huge move: their signing of free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion. 

A source told MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that the Indians have reached an agreement with Encarnacion on a three-year contract that includes a fourth-year option. The deal is worth $60 million guaranteed, which includes a $5 million buyout for the $25 million option for the 2020 season. The deal has not been confirmed because it is pending a physical.

The deal will likely not become official until after the holidays, as is usual for contracts agreed upon around this time of year.

Given that Mike Napoli is set to become a free agent this winter, the Tribe’s most evident need this offseason was power, particularly at first base and designated hitter. Thus, Encarnacion is the perfect fit for the Indians.

The Indians currently now they hold an advantage not only over their AL Central rivals– the other four teams are in various states of transition — but are returning as the AL champions for 2017. With one of the league’s top rotations, an elite bullpen anchored by Andrew Miller and Cody Allen, and a lineup that should have a healthy Michael Brantley back in the fold, it was a great opportunity to spend on a marquee bat.

Encarnacion, who will be 34 on Jan. 7, hit .263 with 42 home runs and 127 RBIs last season for the Toronto Blue Jays. Over the last five years, the Dominican first baseman has hit .272 with a .912 OPS and an average of 39 homers and 110 RBIs per season. During that five-year span, the three-time All-Star ranked second in the MLB in home runs (193) and RBIs (550), third in Isolated Power (.272), fifth in slugging percentage (.544) and sixth in OPS+ (146).

Encarnacion has also demonstrated that he can hit both lefties and righties.

Since 2012, his .909 OPS against right-handers was third best in the Majors among right-handed batters, trailing only Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera.

Encarnacion reportedly turned down a four-year, $80 million offer to return to the Blue Jays, who swiftly moved on with the signings of free agents Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce. With Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, Chris Carter and Napoli still on the market, Encarnacion’s potential landing spots diminished. The Tribe remained in touch, hoping his asking price would near their operating range.

The signing of Encarnacion will likely push Cleveland’s Opening Day payroll to around $120 million, barring any subtractions via trade. In July, the Indians traded four prospects to the New York Yankees in exchange for Miller.

Encarnacion remained a force in 2016, mashing 42 homers with an AL-best 127 RBIs.

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 9: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs the bases after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers during game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Roddy White, a former NFL star who played all of his 11 seasons as a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, used a series of tweets on Wednesday to describe a traffic stop incident in Georgia that made him fear for his life.

Ex-Falcons WR Roddy White Tweets About Fear

When a DeKalb County, Georgia police officer allegedly put his hand over his holstered gun as he approached White’s car, the now-free agent said he became upset and concerned.

White received two traffic tickets, but said he wanted to report the officer for his actions.

White claimed he didn’t realize he was speeding due to the busy traffic on Interstate 285. He said he followed advice his mother once gave him to get all his information ready and have the window rolled down by the time the officer approached.

Reactions to White’s tweets were mixed, with some people supporting the ex-wideout, and others– even white people– saying they had experienced the same thing. Some white people in the latter group criticized White for making this a race issue.

A report on Tuesday stated that the New York Yankees had at least talked to star free agent left fielder Yoenis Cespedes. 

Yankees GM Brian Cashman Details Discussion With Yoenis Cespedes

On Wednesday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman clarified the details of the encounter.

“I don’t know if ‘reached out’ would be accurate,” Cashman said at the General Managers Meetings at the Omni Resort & Spa. “I think I passed (one of Cespedes’ agents at Roc Nation) — I don’t even know if there’s a hallway out here. I’ve run into most of the agents walking to and from the hotel lobby. So I run into them, we have a brief chat and we exchange information and who to send the medical key codes on. Cespedes is one of those guys.”

Therefore, the Yankees’ interest in the former Mets slugger seems to be passive for the time being: they have not ruled him out just yet.

Cashman was actually asked directly how interested he is in the 31-year-old Cuban, who hit 31 homers with 86 RBIs and a .280 batting average for the Mets last season.

“I’m certainly just collecting information right now,” Cashman said. “He’s a nice bat in anybody’s lineup. Obviously a very impactful defender and a tremendous bat. Some things might make more sense than others, but we’re going to get access to all the medicals on all the players and as our trade discussions continue it might open up opportunities to explore other avenues.”

Cespedes’ bid price is expected to be over $100 million. He opted out of the final two years and $47.5 million remaining on his Mets contract following the World Series.

Nathan Eovaldi, set to miss all of next year after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, will not be tendered a contract, Cashman confirmed.

Infielder-outfielder Dustin Ackley, who missed most of 2016 with a right shoulder injury, is another non-tender candidate.

“You’ll have to wait and find out,” Cashman said.

Ryan Howard’s 15-year tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies officially ended Thursday when the team declined a $23 million option and the first baseman became a free agent.

Phillies Officially End Relationship With Ryan Howard

The Phillies will instead pay Howard, who will be 37 later this month, a $10 million sum to buy out the 2017 option.

The team also declined a $9.5 million option on Charlie Morton, a right-handed starter who pitched in just four games for the Phillies before tearing a hamstring in April. Morton received a $1 million payment for his buyout.

Five other Phillies (Jeremy Hellickson, David Hernandez, A.J. Ellis, Andres Blanco, and Peter Bourjos) became free agents Thursday and can sign with any team beginning Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. The removal of the seven free agents, in addition to the reinstatement of pitchers Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, and Matt Harrison from the 60-day disabled list, put the Phillies’ 40-man roster at 31 players.

Philadelphia is expected to extend Hellickson a $17.2 million qualifying offer by Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline. Hellickson will probably decline that offer in order to pursue a long-term deal. The Phillies would then receive a compensatory drat pick between the first and second rounds if Hellickson signs elsewhere.

Even at 31 players, the Phillies may need to make further room to protect minor-league players eligible for the Rule 5 draft and for potential additions through free agency. Protection decisions must be made by Nov. 18.

Howard said he intends to play again in 2017.

MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 22: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies grounds out against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 22, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Josh Hamilton on unconditional release waivers Tuesday, while leaving open the possibility of the former MVP returning to the team on a minor league deal in 2017.

Rangers Place Josh Hamilton On Waivers, But Leave Door Open For Return In 2017

Hamilton, 35, underwent season-ending surgery in June to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, and he stated in late July that he projects to be completely healthy and ready in time for spring training.

The veteran outfielder was activated off the 60-day disabled list and then placed on waivers. The move was expected, and Hamilton will now be a free agent in the offseason and be allowed to sign with any team. According to Major League Baseball’s contract rules, if the Rangers hadn’t placed him on waivers by the end of August, Hamilton would not have been able to play for the team until after May 15, 2017.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters in a conference call that he had talked to Hamilton about the move, most recently on Tuesday.

“I’m hopeful that if he’s healthy and our roster is in a spot where we’d still like to have him back, we can work it out,” Daniels said. “But that’s still a few steps down the line.

“We’ve talked about it for a period of time, and he understands why we did it.”

Hamilton has been out the entire season due to several knee surgeries. He is currently working out in Houston and is not expected to be cleared for baseball activities before December.

Hamilton is still owed $30 million for next season under the five-year contract he signed with the Angels on Dec. 13, 2012. The Rangers acquired him on April 27, and under the conditions of the trade, the Angels are still obligated to pay for the bulk of the salary.

Daniels said the Rangers will want to see Hamilton work out before making a commitment for 2017. But they also realize that other teams will be watching as well.

“There is a mutual desire if we want to continue the relationship,” Daniels said. “In the meantime, he has options.”

Texas also recalled right-hander Shawn Tolleson from the minors and placed him on the 60-day DL, thus creating a spot for lefty Derek Holland to return from the DL and start against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, a game which the Reds won 3-0. 

Hamilton was a five-time All-Star and the 2010 AL MVP in his five seasons with the Rangers from 2008 to 2012. He left in free agency and signed a $125 million, five-year contract with the Angels.

ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 03: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers makes a sliding catch in the seventh inning during a game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 3, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)

In a surprising move, the Carolina Panthers decided to rescind the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman on Wednesday.

Carolina Panthers Rescind Josh Norman’s Franchise Tag

As a result, Norman, 28, will now immediately become an unrestricted free agent.

“After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “We have decided to rescind the franchise tag freeing Josh to immediately become a UFA. We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well.”

The decision came as a total shock, even for Norman and his representatives. The cornerback was not in a talking mood shortly after the decision was announced. The move is also shocking considering Gettleman’s remarks during the offseason that he didn’t believe in drafting and developing players “for other teams.”

“Man, I just don’t feel like talking about it right now,” Norman told the Associated Press.

The Panthers likely won’t find Norman’s replacement in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place April 28-30. The top two corners — Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey and Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III — are almost guaranteed to be gone by the 30th pick.

However, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Media Insider’s Ian Rapoport that teams started contacting Norman within an hour of the Panthers’ announcement.

Norman had a great season in 2015, his first All-Pro season, compiling four interceptions and 19 passes defensed. Norman also allowed a 60.9 passer rating in coverage, the 15th-lowest rating allowed among qualifying cornerbacks last season.

Before the Norman decision, the top need for the Panthers was defensive end. The team is in need of a long-term replacement for Charles Johnson, who signed a one-year deal to return during free agency.

However, there has also been speculation that Carolina may select a defensive tackle, safety, offensive tackle, running back or even a tight end.

If the Panthers draft a tight end in the first round, it will be the first time in franchise history the team has done so.

The team held its pre-draft press conference Thursday at 11 am ET. It aired live on the NFL Network.

Of the 25 players Carolina has shown interest in, there are three cornerbacks, one defensive tackle, three defensive ends, three tight ends, five safety/linebackers, five wide receivers, four offensive tackles and one running back.

Here’s a list of the 25 players that reportedly have visited or will visit the Panthers heading into the draft to at least give you an idea of what Gettleman is considering:

Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

Moritz Boehringer, WR, German Football League

Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State

Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

Su’a Cravens, LB/S, Southern California

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

Miles Killebrew, S/LB, Southern Utah

Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana

Michael Miller, TE, Taylor University

Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma

Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State

Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina

Darian Thompson, S, Boise State

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Josh Norman #24 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)