Latest news with #Suns
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
WATCH: Superman Serong takes brilliant flying mark
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Caleb Serong. The Fremantle star has taken a brilliant flying mark, challenging Superman as he got completely horizontal in the air during the club's clash with Gold Coast. The gun midfielder took a slips-like catch inside 50 for the Dockers, but missed the following set shot, on the eve of the first quarter at People First Stadium on Saturday. WATCH THE MARK IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE As young teammate Matthew Johnson danced onto his right foot and put the ball into space, Serong soared to take a potential Mark of the Year contender. The grab was even more impressive given the conditions on the Gold Coast, with heavy rainfall making the ball extremely slippery and the terrain just as tricky for the Dockers and Suns. Despite Serong's kick missing to the left, the Dockers took a strong 20-point lead into the first break.
West Australian
9 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers Caleb Serong takes Mark of the Year contender with horizontal grab against Gold Coast
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Caleb Serong. The Fremantle star has taken a brilliant flying mark, challenging Superman as he got completely horizontal in the air during the club's clash with Gold Coast. The gun midfielder took a slips-like catch inside 50 for the Dockers, but missed the following set shot, on the eve of the first quarter at People First Stadium on Saturday. WATCH THE MARK IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE As young teammate Matthew Johnson danced onto his right foot and put the ball into space, Serong soared to take a potential Mark of the Year contender. The grab was even more impressive given the conditions on the Gold Coast, with heavy rainfall making the ball extremely slippery and the terrain just as tricky for the Dockers and Suns. Despite Serong's kick missing to the left, the Dockers took a strong 20-point lead into the first break.
Perth Now
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
How a suburban high-flyer soared onto the Suns' radar
Caleb Lewis thought he was the victim of a classic prank. When Gold Coast rang the key forward from Melbourne suburban club Dingley and expressed its interest ahead of the mid-season draft, he was initially wary, thinking it was a mate on the line. But he soon realised there was no punchline coming and an AFL career suddenly 'got real'. 'They touched base around Round 1, just a brief phone call with a bit of a chat and it just went from there,' Lewis said. 'I thought someone was having me on, to be honest, I thought someone was taking the mickey out of me a bit and pretending to be someone else. 'Then it just got real after that, I knew it was real and I guess I put my best foot forward every step of the way and, yeah, here we are.' Caleb Lewis during this year's Young Guns match. (Photo by Rob Lawson/AFL Photos) Credit: AFL Photos The 'here we are' for Lewis is sitting at a Gold Coast cafe after completing his first captain's run as a Sun. Plucked by the Suns in Wednesday night's mid-season draft, he will play VFL on Saturday morning. Lewis was on Casey Demons' books last year and Footscray's the year before – but he leapt onto an AFL list after a 66-goal campaign for Dingley in local football. In the space of 19 games, Lewis evolved from a raw kid with potential to a turnstile-ticking forward capable of taking a spectacular mark. Lewis credits to Dingley for allowing him to showcase his strengths. 'I think Dingley facilitated that massively for me, especially, the culture there is insane, it's unreal,' he said. 'I love to be a part of it, everyone really brings me up and allows me to be myself and everyone just backs me in, no matter what. 'Dingley has really facilitated me to back myself in, fly for everything and play to my strengths. 'It's pretty crazy obviously not playing too much VFL, playing four games over two years at Casey and then the four games at the Dogs as 23rd man. 'You can kind of catch yourself in the mindset of 'why aren't I playing?' and getting a bit down on yourself but I think that's where Dingley and the boys, the coaches, just the support from them to continue to play my game. 'Continue to fly, continue to do everything that makes me a footballer led me to this, since then it's been pretty overwhelming but it's been unreal.' Caleb Lewis soars for a mark earlier this year. Andrew Keech Credit: Supplied Lewis soared over, on and through packs in last year's Southern league finals. Andrew Batsch Credit: News Corp Australia While his ascension appears out of the blue, the Suns have tracked Lewis for some time. Gold Coast recruiter Kall Burns first saw Lewis in under-16s but said his strong finals and pre-season prompted the Suns to take the punt on the high-flyer from the 'burbs. 'There was obviously a lot of fanfare about his finals series for Dingley, in particular his grand final against Cheltenham was really strong,' Burns said. 'He just hit pre-season running, we thought his pre-season form at Casey was really strong and then when we started to really hone in on him again. 'We were there (Round 1) absolutely, what we like about Caleb is his attributes, he's got massive hands so he's a great overhead mark. 'He's really clean at ground level for someone of his size, he's 198cm so for a player like him to be good at ground level is quite appealing. 'He's got excellent movement, covers the ground really nicely, really good footy IQ – there's a lot of attributes about Caleb we like. 'He's still quite raw in terms of his AFL development but we see a lot of potential there.' Lewis played four games for Footscray and four games for Casey in the VFL. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos) Credit: Supplied Lewis has won his spot on the Suns' list as a key forward. But Burns said Lewis had the potential to play a variety of roles under three-time premiership mentor Damien Hardwick. 'He's quite a competitive kid and we particularly saw that through his finals series with Dingley,' he said. 'He was thrown into the ruck at times, he was able to crash packs forward too – but we go right back to his 18th year where he showed his traits as a key back too. 'We're really open-minded with Caleb, we feel like he can play bookends of the ground, back and forward. 'And as a forward he can pinch hit in the ruck as well if that's what Damien needs in the system – he ticks a lot of boxes.' The Suns VFL side plays Coburg at People First Stadium on Saturday morning.
Yahoo
21 hours 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
21 hours 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.
