Packers trade Aaron Rodgers

 The Green Bay Packers have traded star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 15th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and a 2023 fifth-round pick (No.170) to the New York Jets for the 13th pick in the 2023 draft, a 2023 2nd-round pick (No. 42) and sixth-round pick (207), along with a conditional 2024 2nd-round pick that could become a 1st-round pick if Rodgers plays 65% of the snaps. Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he expected to be traded to New York during his four-day darkness retreat. The Jets and Packers had talked a bit during the weeks leading up to the deal, but they reactivated and then it wasn't long before the trade happened. 

This may sound crazy,  but I think the Packers won this trade by a mile. Yes, Rodgers is a 4-time MVP and a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, but he'll be 40 in December. Also, the Jets gave up three picks this year and one next year. This trade reminds me of the Russell Wilson trade last year between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, where Seattle sent Wilson to Denver along with their first-round pick in 2023. The Seahawks went to the playoffs with Geno Smith under center while Wilson and the Broncos went 5-12. Will this become the same, with Jordan Love now starting for the Packers? We'll see.

76ers win Game 1 over Nets, 121-101

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 121-101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The Sixers made 21 3-point field goals, which is a playoff franchise record. James Harden made 7 of those 3's, which is his most as a Sixer. Although the Sixers rolled to a huge victory, they couldn't stop Mikal Bridges, who scored 30 points. Bridges was acquired at the trade deadline in February in a trade that sent star Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns. The only player for both sides that was inactive was former Sixer Ben Simmons. Simmons is dealing with a back injury that will keep him out for the rest of the year. 

This was a huge win for the Sixers. James Harden played great, Joel Embiid played outstandingly. Tobias Harris came in clutch, and Paul Reed played well off the bench. If the Sixers are going to win the Eastern Conference, these are the kinds of performances they'll need from these players.  

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said pregame that the Nets couldn't let Philly play their game at half-court. However, Philly coach Doc Rivers emphasized transition defense and the possession game. The Sixers had plenty of offensive rebounds, and PJ Tucker certainly helped with that. This was a great all-around performance by the 76ers, and they will look to build on this performance in Game 2.

UConn beats San Diego State for first National Championship since 2014

UConn beats San Diego State for first National Championship since 2014

The UConn Huskies defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 76-59 Monday night to win their 5th national championship since 1999, and first since 2014. It was a domination by the Huskies, as they held the Aztecs to 11 minutes without a field goal in the first half. Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. UConn dominated every game in the tournament, winning each game by an average of 21 points, and their biggest win was a 28-point explosion in the Elite Eight over Gonzaga. 

I'll admit that I despise UConn as a Villanova fan, but I can't deny how dominant of a team they are. They destroyed each team they played in the tournament, and Sanogo was amazing. They held SD State to 29% shooting in the first half, and Dan Hurley called great games.I'd say this solidifies them as a "blue blood" school. Congratulations to UConn!