Latest news with #FadeawayWorld
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zion Williamson Accused Of Rape And Abuse In Horrific Claims By His Ex-Girlfriend
Zion Williamson Accused Of Rape And Abuse In Horrific Claims By His Ex-Girlfriend originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Pelicans star Zion Williamson finds himself at the center of the spotlight after a damaging new lawsuit threatens to dismantle his legacy forever. According to Los Angeles court documents, Williamson is now facing allegations of rape and domestic violence against a woman claiming to be ex-girlfriend. "Plaintiff and Defendant began a dating relationship in or around 2018 while the Defendant was a Freshman at Duke University. Plaintiff remained in a dating relationship with Defendant from 2018 through June 2023," the statement says, via ESPN. "During the course of the relationship, Defendant engaged in a continuing pattern of abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff. The abuse was sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature." The rape, which reportedly occurred in the "fall of 2020," in Beverley Hills, California. Besides abuse in the physical and emotional form, Zion also allegedly raped the victim and grabbed her phone away after she tried to call for help. "On or about September 23, Defendant raped and assaulted Plaintiff. The plaintiff was picked up by the Defendant's agent from a hotel where the Plaintiff's brothers were staying. When Defendant got home, Plaintiff told Defendant that she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. Defendant called her a 'stuck up' and a b*tch' and told her she could not go to sleep without having sex with him." The details are truly shocking and quite disturbing to read, but the full details have yet to be released. Since it happened in 2020, no legal charges will be pursued, and they are seeking justice in the civil court instead. Zion has yet to comment on the developing story, but it's not a good look for the young NBA superstar, and his team will be working to beat the accusations and restore his legacy. "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them," Williamson's attorneys at Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver LLC said in a statement. "The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless. ... This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance." Sadly, this isn't the first time that Zion has had relationship issues. According to one of his previous partners, Moriah Mills, Williamson used to beat her and then offer her large sums of cash to stay quiet about it. She exposed him on social media, for the whole world, but it didn't stop him from making another poor woman his victim. The Pelicans star, who turns 25 in July, has had a rocky career ever since leaving Duke. With averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, he's been in and out of the lineup for the Pelicans with injuries and conditioning issues that have stunted his development. After one of his worst seasons yet as a Pelican (14th in the West at 21-61) his career sits at a major crossroads, and it'll be up to him how it ends. But until Zion gets sorted through all of his off-court drama, it'll be impossible for him to focus on the game and helping his team win at all story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two mock trades give Lakers a viable center and a 3-and-D wing
The Los Angeles Lakers not only need a viable starting center this offseason — they also need better guard and wing depth. An athletic 3-and-D player who can start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic and scale up to the 3 spot at times would be ideal for them. They have limited trade assets, so they will have to be prudent and creative with how they go about filling both needs. Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World proposed two separate trades that would address both deficiencies. In one trade, Los Angeles gives up forward Rui Hachimura, guard Gabe Vincent and their 2031 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Nic Claxton, a big man they have been linked to. Via Fadeaway World: "Claxton appears to fit the profile with regard to what the Lakers want from a big man as well," Gupta wrote. "At 6'11", the Nets center has shown a lot of upside on the defensive end of the floor. Although he isn't a physically imposing player, the 26-year-old is very capable of making use of his length on the rebounding glass while simultaneously showcasing his tremendous athleticism at his size. "Claxton notched an average of 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in the 2024-25 season with the Nets. As their primary defensive coordinator in the paint, he also notched an average of 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. "As a young and mobile center, he poses an inherent lob threat. This makes him an ideal partner for Luka Doncic, who is known to exploit mismatches in the pick-and-roll with his big men. "Additionally, Claxton is quite capable of holding his own in the paint. The Lakers' lack of paint presence and rim protection was shown to be a glaring flaw in their playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Nets center can't transform their defensive rotation, he certainly shows enough upside to be able to plug the gap." Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle In another trade, the Lakers would surrender forward Jarred Vanderbilt and their second-round pick this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker. "The 26-year-old is a young and reliable wing who could fit right into the Lakers' system," Gupta continued. "Alexander-Walker has shown tremendous upside as a perimeter threat. Having started his career in New Orleans, the guard has gradually shown improvement in his ability while embracing his role on the wings. "... The addition of the Wolves guard could help reinstate some semblance of balance in the roster. As a player who primarily moves without the ball, Alexander-Walker makes for a solid outlet passing option for Doncic or James on the perimeter. "The guard notched an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on shooting splits of 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point territory. The stat lines don't necessarily reflect the kind of impact the Wolves guard has had on the game. "At 6'5", his length could be of great value to the Lakers' defensive lineups as well. While additionally making considerations for other intangibles, he would prove to be a solid pick-up. "Alexander-Walker is going to be a free agent in the offseason. Considering the quality of his performance in the postseason, it is clear that he will demand a higher value going forward. "In such a case, the Lakers may be able to sign the 26-year-old off a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves." The Lakers got a taste of Alexander-Walker's ability during the first round of this year's playoffs against Minnesota. His 6-foot-9.5 wingspan allows him to cover lots of ground defensively, and he can play up to three positions, which would make him very valuable. The downside to these two proposals — and it's a sizable one — is that it would leave L.A. thin in the frontcourt. It would then have to make good use of its mid-level exception and veteran's minimum signings in free agency to fill out the rest of the roster. Today's NBA is all about depth, and not about having top-heavy rosters, and the team would have to avoid the latter.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant And The Spurs Have "Mutual Interest" In Creating A Brand New Superteam In The West
Kevin Durant And The Spurs Have "Mutual Interest" In Creating A Brand New Superteam In The West originally appeared on Fadeaway World. It's been eerily quiet in San Antonio as the Spurs prepare for their next season with Victor Wembanyama, but the silence is not expected to last. As one of many teams looking to get better, the Spurs are expected to be active in the trade market and free agency this offseason, and one insider says they have ambitions of adding another star. Advertisement "They have a ton of assets. They have tradeable contracts, they have the No. 2 pick, they have No. 14 pick in this year's draft, they have a bunch of tradeable picks as well moving forward, they have all their picks," said Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show. "Whether it's a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo, or I think Kevin Durant is another guy. They had mutual interest at the deadline. I think they're gonna be looking very actively to see, is there a wing player we can bring in that could take us over the top?" Following a miserable season with the Suns, Kevin Durant is rumored to be on the way out of Phoenix. Despite averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, Kevin failed to achieve any success in Phoenix, and his days there appear to be numbered as one of their only remaining trade assets (besides Devin Booker). At 36 years old, Durant isn't in the prime of his career, but his skills as a scorer, shooter, and playmaker can still elevate any team to contender status in the league. Even at this stage of his career, many teams are expected to consider a trade for Durant, and the San Antonio Spurs are at the top of the list. The Spurs have not won a championship since 2014, the last run for Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. After that core aged out, and they were forced to trade Kawhi Leonard, and the Spurs began a harsh rebuild that kept them at the bottom of the standings for years. Advertisement It wasn't until they drafted Victor Wembanyama in 2023 that their fortunes began to change. The French superstar has emerged as one of the best players in the world with averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this past season before being benched due to blood clots. Wemby is expected to be back to full strength by the start of the 2025-26 campaign, but it's only put more pressure on the Spurs to build a proper team around him that can compete for a title. With De'Aaron Fox from the trade with the Kings, San Antonio has already taken steps to improve. With Durant, however, the Spurs could become favorites in the West, potentially on par with teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Rockets. Between Durant's perimeter shooting and Victor's dominance at center, the Spurs could challenge any team in the league on any given night. Of course, the Spurs will have to secure Durant before they can complete their dream of a new "big three," and that task will prove much easier said than done. As an established superstar and a multiple-time champion who is still playing elite basketball, it's not every day that a player like him is available, and the Spurs will do everything they can to seize the opportunity. Related: Steve Kerr Admits Warriors Tried To Acquire Kevin Durant During 2025 Season This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Warriors Player Banishes Kevin Durant-Thunder Reunion With Strong Arguments
Former Warriors Player Banishes Kevin Durant-Thunder Reunion With Strong Arguments originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Kevin Durant's potential exit from the Phoenix Suns has sparked widespread speculation about where the 36-year-old superstar might land next. But one place that can be scratched off the list, at least according to former Golden State Warriors forward Matt Barnes, is Oklahoma City. Advertisement Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Barnes dismissed the idea of a Durant-Thunder reunion, citing the rise of OKC's youth and the dangers of disrupting what they've built. "Too young. Too young. Who would you give up to get a KD? Would you give up a young Jalen Williams? Would you give up a Chet, someone who has been huge for them offensively and defensively?" "Dort has shown in these motherf***ers, he's already shown, but in these, with help, he's given Edwards hell. So, I mean, they have a lot of pieces, but I just don't think this team's too young to do any kind of adjustments." It's a fair point. The Thunder, who are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, are led by a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort all under 26. Advertisement Durant, while still elite, represents a short-term boost at best. OKC is playing the long game, and Barnes believes they're far too close to something special to mortgage the future. That sentiment mirrors what many league insiders believe. Durant is still producing at a high level, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, but he's no longer the player a franchise should gut its youth movement for. The Thunder have meticulously developed a versatile, defensively disciplined roster under head coach Mark Daigneault. Bringing Durant into that mix would require sacrificing at least one of their blue-chip prospects and possibly their cap flexibility going forward. It's not that Durant lacks suitors. The San Antonio Spurs reportedly have mutual interest in acquiring him and pairing him with Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. The Spurs own several valuable draft assets and have cap room, making them a realistic trade partner. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are also in the mix. The Sixers are monitoring Durant's status while also eyeing Lauri Markkanen. The Heat have long been linked with Durant and could see him as the missing piece alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. The Houston Rockets remain another potential landing spot. They've been rebuilding aggressively and have assets galore. They're also rumored to be hunting for a big-name star to accelerate their timeline, and Durant fits the bill. Still, all these teams must confront the same dilemma: What's the cost? Durant remains one of the game's most talented offensive players, but at 36, acquiring him is more of a win-now gamble than a future-proof strategy. For OKC, which is already contending without him, the fit just doesn't make sense. As the Thunder continue their ascent, they don't need nostalgia or headlines. They need patience, health, and cohesiveness, and they already have all three. Related: "How Much You Pay The Refs" - Timberwolves Fan Wildly Heckles Shai Gilgeous-Alexander This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wild 3-Team Trade Proposal: Kevin Durant, Center, And Guard To Lakers; Suns Get 7 Players And 4 Picks
Wild 3-Team Trade Proposal: Kevin Durant, Center, And Guard To Lakers; Suns Get 7 Players And 4 Picks originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Kevin Durant's time with the Phoenix Suns seems to be coming to an end. After a pathetic season, seeing the Suns placed 11th with a 36-46 record, it is abundantly clear that their super team project was a disaster. Advertisement Durant himself requested a trade out of the Suns organization. The notion of drafting one of the most talented scorers in the league's history has certainly been viewed as a tantalizing opportunity for some. Teams such as the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs have shown a lot of interest in acquiring the superstar. At 36 years old, the forward remains a formidable offensive player. Notching averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting makes him borderline lethal. However, his $54.7 million expiring contract also makes him a liability for any team looking to acquire him. Durant is currently in the process of looking to win a ring. The aspirations to join a title-contending team will certainly limit the number of potential landing spots. While the Rockets and the Spurs do hold a lot of promise, their timeline may not necessarily align with Durant's. Hence, a potential move to a team like the Los Angeles Lakers may not be completely off the cards. Advertisement While the notion of Durant joining the Lakers is exciting, the logistics are challenging. However, Sports Illustrated's Jackson Caudell presented a wild trade package to ensure the Suns forward joins LeBron James and Luka Doncic to form one of the most ridiculous "Big Three" pairings in league history. Proposed Trade Details: Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kevin Durant, Terance Mann, Nick Richards Atlanta Hawks Receive: Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, Jarred Vanderbilt Phoenix Suns Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Kobe Bufkin, unprotected 2031 first-round pick (via LAL), 2027 2nd round pick (From ATL, via CLE), 2029 2nd round pick (From ATL, via CLE), 2031 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE) Sports Illustrated's trade package sees an incredible number of moving parts between the three teams, with 13 players and four picks in total. But does this move benefit each team? The Lakers Form Their Big Three And Solve Their Big Man Issue This trade package has its pros and cons for the Lakers. While the acquisition of Kevin Durant is a win, the Purple and Gold will see a lot of their key rotation players on the way out. Advertisement Durant's arrival is a clear indication of one thing: offense. The team's offensive integrity will go through the roof, on paper. By pairing a flat-out scorer like Durant with two gifted playmakers in Doncic and LeBron James, the Purple and Gold effectively ensure that they will score at a high clip in every game. Alongside Durant, the Lakers would also receive Nick Richards and Terance Mann from the Phoenix Suns and the Atlanta Hawks, respectively. The Lakers' need for a big man in the upcoming season has been listed as a priority for the franchise. Richards' acquisition could be the answer this team is looking for. The Suns' center is a bona fide seven-footer. At his size, he is considered to be particularly mobile, fitting the profile set out by the Lakers for their ideal big man. He also happens to be a reliable defensive presence, which proves to be a bonus in light of the Lakers' lack of rim protection. Advertisement The big man notched an average of 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds on 59.1% shooting from the field. While his numbers don't necessarily jump off the page, it is important to note that he only averaged 22.7 minutes per game. Mann appears to be a solid acquisition for improving the Lakers' wing depth. Considering the piece moving out of the rotation, the 28-year-old presents himself as a solid two-way player and perimeter threat off the bench. He averaged 7.7 points and 3.0 rebounds on 49.6% shooting from the field and 36.8% from beyond three-point territory. The trade could be potentially fruitful for the Lakers. However, the downsides stem from Durant's acquisition. Doncic is a ball-dominant player. This means that he tends to score off shots he creates for himself. The presence of the 15x All-Star may not necessarily yield fruitful ball movement and open looks. Advertisement While Durant's arrival also gives the Purple and Gold a lot of length on the wings, he isn't necessarily as spry as he used to be. This could make him a defensive liability. Additionally, considering his injury history, the Lakers may end up vulnerable if the star is sidelined at any point in the season. The Hawks Acquire Defensive Presence and Bench Depth The Atlanta Hawks may walk away from this deal with a very balanced win. Acquiring the likes of Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, and Jarred Vanderbilt could be immensely beneficial for the team, given their current state. The Hawks saw a tough end to their season after being eliminated in the Play-In tournament. While they feature some talented players in their midst, it is clear that they need more roster depth. This trade fulfills exactly that. Advertisement Allen has displayed a lot of ability as a perimeter threat and a defensive player. Although extremely physical, statistically, he isn't the most foul-prone player. His presence on the perimeter alongside Dyson Daniels could make for a lethal wing defensive unit. He also recorded an average of 10.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting at a highly efficient 42.6% from beyond the arc. As an off-the-ball player willing enough to relocate to find better looks, the guard would stand to benefit from playing alongside a playmaker like Trae Young. Cody Martin and Jarred Vanderbilt also offer a tenacious defensive presence. Although Vanderbilt is a limited offensive player, his averages of 5.1 rebounds per game and his long wingspan make him a valuable player off the bench. Meanwhile, Martin wasn't the most noteworthy player during his time in Phoenix. When given more minutes, the forward has showcased an ability to score the ball with efficiency, averaging 6.8 points on 41.8% FG in the 2024-25 season. The Phoenix Suns Get It All The Phoenix Suns win this deal in its totality. Considering their efforts to offload Durant to build around Devin Booker, the Suns also managed to bring in some immensely talented players along with an incredible wealth of draft capital. Advertisement The biggest acquisition for the Suns in this trade is Austin Reaves. Given his upcoming contract extension next summer, the Lakers may be forced to trade the guard in case he opts out of his contract. This has caused him to be mentioned in several trade packages this season. Viewed as the Lakers' third star on any given day, Reaves' averages of 20.2 points and 5.8 assists on 46% FG would see him beautifully next to Booker in the Suns' backcourt. Although this pairing could be a challenging fit, considering how similar they are, Reaves' ability to adapt to the team's requirements would ensure that the combination works. Along with Reaves, the Suns also receive a lot of perimeter depth from the Lakers. Hachimura, Kleber, and Knecht offer solid shooting presence. The Lakers' forwards, in particular, would also give Phoenix some flexibility with their rotations, offering their talents as floor spacing options while also being solid on the defensive end. Advertisement Hachimura notched an average of 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds on a highly efficient 41.3% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Knecht showed real signs of being a great shooter, notching 9.1 points on 37.6% shooting from three-point range. The numbers don't align for Kleber since he only played a handful of games this season. But his career average of 35.4% from behind the three-point line makes for a very reliable perimeter presence. The Suns would also receive a lot of guard depth on behalf of the Lakers in the form of Shake Milton and Gabe Vincent. While neither pushes the needle, Vincent showed immense upside as an on-ball defender and perimeter shooter. He averaged 6.4 points per game on 35.4% shooting from three-point territory. From the Hawks' side, Phoenix would acquire Kobe Bufkin, a sophomore guard who missed a majority of the season due to a shoulder injury. He has shown some capacity to score, with an average of 5.3 points per game on 38.3% shooting. But the sample size is too small to discern what kind of impact he would have on the team. Advertisement The other major benefit for the Suns is the four draft picks they receive as part of this trade. The 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers certainly has immense value. Meanwhile, the 2027, 2029, and 2031 second-round picks only add to build the team's reserves. Given the timeline the team would be on after the trade, they would have enough flexibility to build through the draft and compete, or even package the picks to acquire another major star via trade. Needless to say, this trade is extremely beneficial for Phoenix. Moving Durant certainly poses a challenge, and this trade package showcases an interesting but convoluted solution for it. In retrospect, our proposal showcases a much simpler way in which the Suns can offload Durant, allowing the Lakers to step in to build a super team for the ages. Related: Former Warriors Player Banishes Kevin Durant-Thunder Reunion With Strong Arguments This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
