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President Donald Trump announced during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” that he is planning to send military troops to Memphis, Tennessee.

During his appearance on September 12, Trump said his administration would deploy the National Guard “and anybody else we need” to the Tennessee city. Trump did not provide a timeline for the deployment.

“By the way, we’ll bring in the military too if we need it,” he added.

Trump said Memphis is “deeply troubled.”

“We’re going to fix that, just like we did in Washington,” he said.

The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission shows that crime in Memphis, including violent crime, has decreased since last year. Violent crime from January to June is down more than 17 percent this year compared with the same period in 2024.

Earlier this month, Trump flooded Washington, D.C. with federal agents and National Guard troops under the pretense of cracking down on crime, despite record-low crime rates. In June, he sent National Guard troops, as well as the Marines, to Los Angeles to suppress protests against his immigration policies.

A federal judge recently ruled that Trump’s deployment of troops to LA was illegal. Earlier this month, D.C.’s attorney general sued the Trump administration, alleging that its deployment of troops in the city was unconstitutional and violated federal law.

For weeks Trump has threatened to send troops to Chicago, but a conversation with a businessman, who he did not name, changed his mind, Trump said on “Fox & Friends.”

“I said, ‘So what do you think? Where should we go next as a city?’” Trump said in his retelling of the story. “‘Because we’re going to 1, 2, 3, and then we’ll do a few at a time. We’re going to straighten out the crime in the city.’”

The man replied, “Sir, Memphis would be good.”

Trump did not disclose the man’s name, but said he was on the Board of FedEx, which has its headquarters in Memphis, and was the head of the railroad company Union Pacific. The Guardian reported that Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena was on the board of FedEx until 2023, and that none of the railroad company’s leaders currently sit on the FedEx board.

Memphis is one of the largest majority-Black cities in the country. Like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., Memphis is run by a Democratic Black mayor.

The governors of Illinois and California, both Democrats, pushed back against Trump’s incursions, but Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee has welcomed the news.

“For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources,” Lee said in a statement released on September 12.

“The next phase will include a comprehensive mission with the Tennessee National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies, and we are working closely with the Trump Administration to determine the most effective role for each of these agencies to best serve Memphians,” he continued.

Lee said he has authorized an “additional Tennessee Highway Patrol surge in Shelby County, and THP continues to work closely with the Memphis Police Department through the Bluff City Task Force.”

Local leaders, however, were not as enthusiastic about Trump’s plans.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young (D) said in a statement that he had been informed earlier in the week that the president and governor were “considering deploying the National Guard and other resources to Memphis.”

“What we need most are financial resources for intervention and prevention, additional patrol officers, and case support to strengthen MPD’s investigations,” he continued, adding that Memphis is “making measurable progress in bringing down crime.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris (D), who is Black, said that Trump’s plan to send troops into Memphis is “anti-democratic.” The county mayor is the chief elected official in Shelby County; Memphis is the county seat.

“The President’s announcement that troops will occupy Tennessee communities is disappointing, anti-democratic, and violates American norms and possibly US laws,” he posted on Facebook on September 12. “In the short term, the President’s incursion will likely cause confusion and fear in many of our communities, particularly the most vulnerable ones.”

He continued: “Let’s be clear: the President sending troops to Tennessee will interfere and have a chilling effect on Tennesseans’ ability to exercise critical freedoms, such as the freedom to protest and the liberty to travel. We will do everything in our power to prevent this incursion into Tennessee and to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of every resident in our communities.”

With training camps inching closer and a few big-name situations still unsettled, the rumor mill is running hot. Below are the 10 storylines that dominated NBA chatter this week, what they could mean on the court and at the negotiating table, and the key questions teams are trying to answer before the schedule drops. Each blurb includes one source link you can click for the latest reporting.

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1) Cam Thomas vs. the Nets: Slow-rolling RFA chess match

There’s real brinkmanship between Cam Thomas and Brooklyn. The scoring guard is coming off a breakout year as a starter-level bucket-getter, but negotiations haven’t produced a long-term deal. The chatter this week centered on two related threads: that Brooklyn isn’t pushing aggressive, multi-year offers and that Thomas may be willing to play the long game by keeping the one-year qualifying offer on the table through early fall. From the team’s side, that tactic preserves cap flexibility and match rights; from the player’s side, it preserves leverage to reach unrestricted free agency next summer if he bets on himself. The basketball fit in Brooklyn remains clean—high-octane shot creation is still a premium skill—but dollar figures, structure (years, options, guarantees), and trade flexibility are doing the real negotiating. If talks don’t thaw soon, pencil this in as a top storyline through September as both sides weigh risk vs. certainty. Source

2) Warriors–Kuminga stalemate: Standstill and a possible qualifying-offer path

Golden State’s standoff with Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t melted in the August heat. Multiple reports this week reinforced that there hasn’t been “substantial” movement: the Warriors like their two-year framework (with flexibility built in), while Kuminga is seeking stronger commitment and protection. That friction inevitably sparks talk of the qualifying-offer route—less upfront money now, more agency later, and a clearer runway to unrestricted free agency. For the Warriors, the calculation is tricky: they covet Kuminga’s athletic two-way upside, especially as they reshape around Stephen Curry’s timeline, but must manage future tax/apron constraints and keep midseason trade optionality. For Kuminga, it’s about betting on role and minutes translating to market value. The on-court stakes are big too: Golden State needs rim pressure and wing defense. If he plays on a one-year deal, he’ll have both the chance and the urgency to prove he’s a pillar. Source

3) Kuminga–Giddey smoke: Would a Warriors–Bulls swap ever take shape?

Even as the Warriors signal they expect Kuminga to be in the building when the season starts, league-watchers can’t help but connect dots with another unresolved RFA: Josh Giddey in Chicago. The idea of a Kuminga–Giddey framework has floated around the gossip columns for weeks because it addresses theoretical needs on both sides—ballhandling and size in Golden State’s backcourt; athletic, switchable forward play for Chicago. Is there anything imminent? Not from what’s been reported. But the chatter persists because both situations remain unsettled and both teams have reason to keep phones open. If and when the market blinks—say, if one player signs a shorter deal or accepts a qualifying offer—the leverage picture changes overnight. Until then, it’s mostly a thought exercise… but one with enough league-wide interest to keep bubbling. Source

4) Bulls–Giddey: The $80M offer and a slow grind toward middle ground

We got a concrete benchmark on Giddey: reporting this week said the Bulls opened free agency with a four-year, $80 million offer and have remained anchored near $20 million annually. That’s below prior chatter of Giddey targeting something closer to $30 million per year. Chicago likes his jumbo-initiator size, rebounding, and late-season surge, but is clearly negotiating from a value perspective—especially given restricted free agency dynamics and the scarcity of rival offers that actually clear the sign-and-trade logistics. For Giddey’s camp, there’s a delicate balance: press for a number that reflects upside, while not dragging it out so long that roles and rotations crystallize without him. This one feels like it could end with a compromise (years with partials, performance bonuses, team options) unless someone blinks first. Source

5) Trae Young extension vibes: Quiet summer talks, louder trade whispers

Another recurring theme: uncertainty around Trae Young’s long-term deal in Atlanta. The latest reporting suggests the Hawks aren’t expected to hash out an extension during the offseason. When star-extension momentum stalls, speculation inevitably fills the gap—especially given an evolving roster and the organization’s need to define its direction under a new core. That’s why you’re seeing more think pieces pairing Young with teams that can insulate his defense and amplify his pick-and-roll wizardry. One buzzy column this week floated how Phoenix could theoretically weaponize Young’s playmaking next to Devin Booker and a defensive frontcourt. Is that a live trade? Not at this stage. But the broader point stands: a non-extension summer keeps trade-machine screens lighting up as teams map scenarios for midseason or 2026 flexibility. Source

6) Houston and Kevin Durant: Max extension hesitancy after the blockbuster

After the Rockets stunned the league by landing Kevin Durant earlier in the offseason, attention shifted to the “what’s next” question: do you immediately lock him into a top-of-market extension, or buy time to evaluate health, fit, and the new cap calculus? This week’s buzz suggested Houston is reluctant to slam down a full max today. That’s not an indictment of Durant’s current level—he remains an elite scorer and late-clock creator—it’s more a nod to risk management and the team’s desire to preserve flexibility around a young nucleus that just added a generational wing scorer. Extensions are about numbers and timing: if the Rockets start hot and Durant’s availability is strong, the calculus could change quickly. Until then, expect “talks ongoing” while both sides weigh term length, guarantees and options. Source

7) Lakers’ approach: Patience over splash, even with offers on the table

Despite the constant gravitational pull toward a blockbuster in Los Angeles, the theme this week was restraint. Multiple roundups pointed back to reporting that the Lakers have not been aggressive shoppers, even turning down proposals involving rotation pieces as they enter a wait-and-see phase. That strategy—hold assets, evaluate fit around the stars in camp and early games, then reassess—mirrors how several contenders have chosen to navigate the tighter apron environment and a shallower summer trade market. The downside, of course, is passing on upgrades that could’ve been had before prices rise. The upside: you keep your bullets for clearer needs and buy-low windows later. Patience isn’t sexy, but it can be smart—particularly if internal development and health pop in October. Source

8) Westbrook-to-Kings chatter: A veteran spark for Sacramento’s second unit?

File this in the “connecting dots” category that won’t die: Sacramento as a logical landing spot for Russell Westbrook. The latest notes this week again linked the former MVP to the Kings, a team that could use downhill juice and second-unit creation, particularly in minutes without De’Aaron Fox. The basketball logic is straightforward: pace, paint touches, and a veteran voice who’s embraced bench roles before. The cap logic is trickier and could require other moves depending on finalized roster math. Still, as third-guard ideas go, this one keeps surfacing because the Kings value rim pressure and have shooters who benefit from the collapse-and-kick game Westbrook still generates. It’s not a done deal—there are fit and rotation questions—but the rumor refuses to fade. Source

9) Quentin Grimes and the Sixers: Optimism for a resolution

Another RFA with a path to closure: buzz out of Philadelphia is that there’s optimism the Sixers and Quentin Grimes will work toward a multi-year agreement. The Sixers like the 3-and-D profile, the ability to toggle between on-ball point-of-attack defense and off-ball relocation shooting, and the age/contract curve that fits a win-now roster without hamstringing future flexibility. For Grimes, securing role clarity and guarantees is key. The rumor here isn’t that a deal is done; it’s that momentum exists toward terms that beat the qualifying offer and make sense for both sides. If it lands where league folks expect—fair AAV with upside escalators—this could age as one of those quietly important mid-tier signings that helps define a team’s perimeter identity. Source

10) Heat kick the tires on frontcourt depth: Kai Jones gets a look

Miami doing Miami things: canvassing undervalued athletes to see who can stick in their development pipeline. This week, free-agent big Kai Jones worked out for the Heat, a classic low-risk look that aligns with how they’ve filled out camp rosters in recent years. For Jones, it’s a chance to showcase rim-running, vertical spacing, and switch potential; for Miami, it’s an inexpensive audition for an archetype they’ve maximized before. The Heat have roster spots to play with and a track record of converting auditions into useful depth. Even if nothing happens immediately, these late-summer workouts often seed 10-day deals, Exhibit 10s, or in-season call-ups. In a conference where frontcourt versatility can swing matchups, it’s a rumor worth monitoring. Source

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Bonus ripple to watch: Are the Warriors really holding the line?

One additional nugget that colored this week’s rumor talk: reporting that the Warriors won’t amend their offer structure to Kuminga despite the noise. That stance communicates a few things—confidence in their evaluation, a willingness to ride it out, and an eye on preserving trade optionality. In practice, it also means the door remains open for outside suitors to test Golden State’s resolve later if circumstances change. How this resolves will shape not only the Warriors’ rotation, but also the broader restricted-free-agent market’s expectations in a tighter CBA world. Source

The post Top 10 NBA Rumors – Week of August 12, 2025 appeared first on The Hoop Doctors.

The NBA offseason is heating up, and the buzz is undeniable: LeBron James might be on the move. At nearly 41 and entering the final year of his massive contract, rumblings suggest tension with the Lakers organization—setting the stage for a potential blockbuster trade. Among the teams showing interest, one stands out: the Dallas Mavericks. Here’s why Dallas is currently viewed as the frontrunner to acquire the four?time MVP. Here we are, Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors…

1. The Odds Favor Dallas

Sportsbooks have been swift to react. According to Sports Illustrated, Bovada lists Dallas as the top bet (+125) to land James via trade, ahead of other suitors like Miami, Cleveland, Golden State, and New York.

This betting market signal isn’t just speculation—it reflects real confidence in Dallas’s ability to execute a deal. Bookmakers don’t favor a team lightly.

2. Genuine Interest from Mavericks’ Front Office

Behind the scenes, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has already fielded inquiries from four teams—one of which is Dallas.

“The 4 teams who contacted Rich Paul with interest in trading for LeBron James… Dallas Mavericks …”

That’s a major development. LeBron’s camp isn’t just listening—they’re choosing who gets a seat at the table. Dallas made the cut.

3. A Natural Fit: Reuniting a Core

Dallas’s appeal isn’t arbitrary. The proposed trade scenarios circulating across sports media often depict LeBron joining forces with two familiar allies: Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

• Anthony Davis: Originally swapped in the February deal involving Luka Don?i?, Davis already calls Dallas home.
• Kyrie Irving: A current Maverick and former Finals teammate of James.
• Cooper Flagg: A promising rookie who adds long-term upside to a potential title contender.

On paper, the lineup could look like this: Irving at point guard, LeBron at forward, Davis in the paint, flanked by Lively and Flagg. It’s a battle-tested core that could realistically chase a championship—one LeBron clearly still wants.

4. Dallas Has Trade Experience with L.A.

This wouldn’t be Dallas’s first major transaction with Los Angeles. They previously completed one of the most seismic midseason trades—swapping Doncic for Davis —and have shown willingness to engage in high-stakes deals.

This franchise, under GM Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd, has repeatedly shown boldness. They’ve fronted two Conference Finals and even reached the NBA Finals in 2024.

5. Salary Cap and Asset Alignment

One reason Dallas is ahead in the odds is financial maneuverability. With Kyrie Irving taking slightly less than max, Dallas is under the second apron, allowing them to absorb LeBron’s $52.6 million salary more easily.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have expressed disinterest in extending LeBron past this season and are pivoting around Luka Doncic. Dallas is well-positioned to offer a package that includes players, draft picks, and flexibility—exactly what L.A. needs.

6. Cultural and Emotional Fit

Dallas isn’t just a money play. LeBron reportedly values basketball culture and winning. Under Harrison and Kidd, the Mavs have fostered a player-friendly but disciplined environment—with postseason credibility.

The locker room dynamic would be enhanced. Not only would LeBron rejoin familiar faces, but he’d also lead a team hungry for glory. The narrative practically sells itself: LeBron goes from being overshadowed in L.A. to the heartbeat of a franchise.

7. Compelling Trade Concepts

Several three-team trade proposals have emerged in the past week, and most scenarios give Dallas the simplest path to LeBron while allowing the Lakers to walk away with assets.

A representative proposal might involve:

• Dallas receives LeBron.
• Lakers get Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Kyle Anderson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and a 2029 first-round pick.
• Utah (as the third team) facilitates the transaction in exchange for picks and a role player.

That would set Dallas up with a championship core while giving L.A. both veterans and future assets. LeBron’s buy-in is essential—but given his desire to chase a fifth ring, the story is coherent.

8. Lakers’ Internal Friction

Tension in L.A. reignited after LeBron opted into his player option without an accompanying extension. The ascendancy of Luka Don?i? and the Lakers’ apparent pivot to a Doncic-centered rebuild has left LeBron somewhat sidelined.

“LeBron James… is looking to surpass Vince Carter’s record for most seasons played… with no extension agreements in sight… rumors have emerged about a possible departure from the team.”

That’s a loaded statement. With LeBron feeling undervalued and devoid of future commitment, the window has cracked for a blockbuster swap.

9. Mavericks Have Momentum & Fan Support

Despite the backlash over the Doncic deal—complete with billboards reading “Fire Nico”—Dallas has doubled down. They drafted Cooper Flagg, secured Kidd through an extension, and made key moves in free agency.

The franchise is poised to continue climbing. Adding LeBron would be the crown jewel—but the foundation is already there.

10. Timing & LeBron’s Intentions

LeBron hasn’t officially requested a trade, and the headlines remain speculation rather than fact. But insiders acknowledge his discomfort with Lakers management, and multiple teams have definitively reached out.

If LeBron signals willingness to waive his no-trade clause—always requiring his approval—Dallas is in the perfect position. Dallas’s existing relationships, roster, cap structure, and narrative align more tightly than any other contender.

What Could Go Wrong?

• LeBron never waives the clause: He could hold firm and stay in Los Angeles (and sportsbooks still favor that outcome).
• Lakers hesitate: L.A. could believe they still have a shot with Doncic and decline Dallas’s offer.
• Other suitors emerge: Teams like the Cavaliers or Warriors might sweeten offers, though Dallas currently tops the odds.

Still, given all variables in play, Dallas is in pole position.

Conclusion

In today’s NBA landscape, the Mavericks appear uniquely configured to acquire LeBron James—if he decides to depart. They offer:

• Top odds in trade markets.
• Confirmed interest from his agent.
• A natural fit with familiar stars.
• Financial flexibility.
• A player-friendly culture with a championship mindset.

For LeBron—still chasing that 5th championship at age 40—the equation is clear: stay in L.A. and potentially fade into a secondary role, or move to Dallas and reclaim center stage alongside trusted teammates. If the rumors materialize, don’t be surprised to see him donning royal blue in Dallas next season.

Of course, nothing is official until the ink is dry. But as odds-makers and insiders increasingly point to Dallas, the chatter is growing louder. Whether LeBron ultimately stays in purple-and-gold or heads north to Texas, one thing is certain: we’re witnessing one of the most compelling offseasons in NBA history.

The post Why the Dallas Mavericks Are the Frontrunner to Land LeBron James appeared first on The Hoop Doctors.

In August 1791, slaves in the French colony of Saint-Domingue revolted, rising up by the thousands. Within ten days they’ve taken over the whole northern province. By the following year, they controlled a third of the colony. It was the spark that would ignite the Haitian revolution — a 13-year-long endeavour. Independence would finally come on January 1, 1804. But they would have to defeat three European countries to get there.

This is episode 64 of Stories of Resistance—a podcast produced by The Real News. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

Please consider supporting this podcast and Michael Fox’s reporting on his Patreon account: patreon.com/mfox. There you can also see exclusive pictures, video, and interviews. 

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. And please consider signing up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed, either in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or wherever you listen.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Transcript

Michael Fox, narrator:

This is a story they don’t want you to hear about a slave revolt that sparked a revolution and a new nation. About a people rising up and freeing themselves. And then fighting off not one, but three of the most powerful militaries in the world. A story about the first independent country in the Americas after the United States, and a people who would not stop fighting until they were free.

A story about the freedom and Independence of Haiti.

The year is 1791. The place, Saint-Domingue. It’s a French colony in the Caribbean on the western half of the island of Hispaniola. Saint-Domingue is known as the “Pearl of the Antilles” for its beauty and riches. The colony produces roughly 60% of the world’s coffee and 40% of the sugar imported by France and Britain. It is the most profitable colony in all of the Caribbean.

But it is also one of the most disastrous. That’s because the wealth is generated by a system of slavery that is brutal, severe and massive. Almost half of the one million slaves in the Caribbean at the time are laboring in Saint-Domingue. Black slaves make up almost 90% of the colony’s population. Most are African born. They’re ruled over by a small group of white landowners. They’re forced to work to the bone. Literally to the death. And yellow fever outbreaks wreak havoc on their communities.

When people die, more are kidnapped from Africa to be sent across the ocean to labor to the death to make ever more profit for the rich and the powerful.

In August 1791, however, they had had enough. They revolt on August 21. They rise up by the thousands, killing their oppressors. Within 10 days they’ve taken over the whole northern province. But white landowners respond, creating militias and killing thousands of former slaves.

The slave revolt spreads. 100,000 former African slaves join. By the next year, they control a third of Saint-Domingue.

They’re inspired by France’s 1789 Constitutional ”Declaration of the Rights of Man,” which declared all men free and equal, though it did not free slaves across the French colonies. It was only the beginning of the slave revolt that sparked a revolution that would take 13 years to be fulfilled.

Former slaves Georges Biassou, Jean-François Papillon, and Toussaint Louverture would become important freedom fighters, first against the white landowners and the system of slavery and then against foreign occupiers and then against the French. 

Both the British and the Spanish would invade and occupy the colony. The Spanish promised freedom to those who fought on their side, and many joined, including most of the rebellion’s leaders. The French, however, proclaimed the abolition of slavery in 1794, and Toussaint Louverture switched sides — again fighting for the French.

In the subsequent years, Louverture would rid Saint-Domingue of the Spanish and then the British, establishing control over most of the colony. In 1801, Louverture and others wrote their own Constitution explicitly outlawing slavery, and declaring Louverture governor-general for life. 

But it did not declare Saint-Domingue’s independence. Louverture tried to convince French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of his loyalty. It did not go well.

Bonaparte sent in tens of thousands of troops to occupy the colony in 1802. They arrested and deported Louverture to France alongside a hundred of his closest allies. He would die there in prison the next year. 

Saint-Domingue independence fighter Jean-Jacques Dessalines would defeat the French in 1803, after their forces were decimated by yellow fever. He declared the country’s independence on January 1, 1804. 

They called it  Haiti, the original name for the island for the native Taíno people. 

A slave revolt that became a revolution and founded a new nation, 13 years in the making. The first country in Latin America to gain its freedom. The only country to win independence from a slave revolt. Hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children freed.

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Hi folks, thanks for listening. I’m your host Michael Fox.

Last Saturday, August 23, was the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. The date is a commemoration of Haiti’s 1791 uprising that sparked the revolution that abolished slavery in Haiti and would lead to the country’s independence. 

As always, if you like what you hear and enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a subscriber on my Patreon. It’s only a few dollars a month. I have a ton of exclusive content there, only available to my supporters. And every supporter really makes a difference.

This is the latest episode of Stories of Resistance, a podcast series produced by The Real News. Each week, I bring you stories of resistance and hope like this. Inspiration for dark times. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review.

Thanks for listening. See you next time.

KHARTOUM, Sudan — As the world watches Gaza with outrage and concern, similar tactics are being used by both sides of Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year. In order to subdue residents and gain control of new territory, both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are deliberately shutting down markets, blocking supply routes and looting aid in broad daylight. Across the regions of El Fasher, Khartoum and Kordofan, evidence of the slow violence of famine by design can be seen. 

“We are feeding our children animal feed, and even that is running out,” said Niama Al-Haj, a displaced doctor in El Fasher, North Darfur. “There’s no food, no medicine and no escape. They are starving us deliberately, one day at a time.”

Since the war began in April 2023, more than 13 million people have been displaced. The only institutions able to provide some relief amid the deepening humanitarian crisis have been community grassroots organizations known as Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), which distribute food, offer shelter and deliver medical services to families around the country facing hunger, disease, and water and electricity shortages. But lately, even these lifelines of food and hope have been strangled by bureaucracy and targeted with repression and violence.

The roots of the conflict go back to at least 2019, when the Sudanese people, after months of protests, ended the three-decade rule of then-president Omar al-Bashir. The people demanded civilian governance, accountability for past atrocities, and state action to address endemic poverty and inequality. A tenuous civil-military power sharing agreement was established to guide the country’s path forward, but in October 2021, the Sudanese military, under the leadership of Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, orchestrated a coup d’état that dismantled the civilian-led government and overturned much of the progress. The SAF and RSF, allies during that coup, turned on each other in a contest for power.

Systematic starvation

The conflict is a battle for control over different parts of Sudan, with both sides using violence, air strikes and armed incursions, rape and blockage of food and aid as strategies. Within months of the start of the civil war, aid workers were being attacked — 19 were killed between April and August of 2023 — and aid warehouses were being looted, with the U.N. reporting large-scale looting of most of their warehouses by May.

Al-Haj, the doctor, said that the situation has become so dire that even those people with money are unable to buy food.

“We are feeding our children animal feed, and even that is running out.”

“Malnutrition is widespread, especially among children, and most health services have collapsed. The childhoods of El Fasher have been lost before they even began. We are watching children’s bodies waste away in front of us,” she said.

El Fasher is the only major city in Darfur that is still under SAF control, so the RSF has laid siege to it, surrounding the city and cutting off main roads that are key food and aid supply routes. 

“The situation is catastrophic, and even basic medications are forbidden. We’ve faced arrests and gunfire while trying to deliver supplies. This is a deliberate strangulation of the city, a systematic campaign that endangers every life here,” Al-Haj said.

Since January, the RSF has escalated its use of artillery against the city, where daily life has come to a standstill. Last month, the Foreign Ministry accused the RSF of looting a U.N. World Food Program aid convoy in North Darfur just days after it was shelled near the town of Al-Kuma, on its way to El Fasher. At least five WFP staff members were killed in the attack.

Khalid Abdallah, a humanitarian volunteer, told Truthdig that volunteers and activist groups around the country have launched a national campaign called Save El Fasher, Aid El Fasher, in order to draw attention to the deepening humanitarian crisis and the prolonged military siege that has lasted for over two years. On social media, activists are using the hashtag الفاشر_تموت_جوعا# (El Fasher is dying of hunger) and #AlFashir_is_starving, and locals talk about the “worst” wave of “systematic starvation” Sudan has experienced in decades. “We’re dying of hunger … death is besieging us,” they say. 

Blockades and attacks on food and aid are also taking place in the rest of the country. “Aid convoys have been attacked, looted and blocked across multiple states, including Khartoum, Kordofan and Darfur, and these deliberate assaults on humanitarian access have pushed Sudan into one of the world’s worst hunger crises,” Abdallah said.

The Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan state are controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North. As a result, both the SAF and RSF have attacked the region and have blocked relief operations. Last year, the IPC Famine Review Committee formally declared a famine in the region.

According to the World Food Program, 24.6 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger, and 2 million people are facing famine or at risk of famine.

“Tens of thousands more will die in Sudan during a third year of war unless we have the access and resources to reach those in need,” Shaun Hugues, the U.N. WFP regional emergency coordinator, said at a press conference in April. He stressed the need for immediate action to prevent widespread starvation. Months later, that action hasn’t materialized, and the international community remains largely silent.

Attacks on grassroots aid efforts

Sudanese humanitarian volunteers that have played a crucial role during the conflict are now facing violent attacks and bureaucratic obstacles for their efforts. ERR volunteers are now being targeted, detained and killed while offering aid. 

In May, a few months after the SAF drove the RSF out of Khartoum and announced victory in the capital, the city government issued a decree placing the ERRs under the authority of the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), an organization closely connected to Sudan’s Islamist networks. The measure effectively criminalized ERRs that remained independent. 

“Aid convoys have been attacked, looted and blocked across multiple states.”

“Usually, Emergency Response Rooms focus on the core principles of humanitarian aid and the needs of local communities rather than political agendas,” Muzan Ali, an ERR volunteer in Khartoum, told Truthdig. However, such a focus risks highlighting governmental shortcomings or neglect, so the ERRs can be perceived as challenging the government’s authority and as spaces that foster community empowerment beyond state influence, Ali explains.

“The government under military control and the [HAC] resist the existence of ERRs and any possible connections they may have with foreign supporters — a position that has deep roots in Omar al-Bashir’s long-standing dictatorship,” she said.

Now, many of the communal kitchens have stopped offering daily meals because donations aren’t reaching the HAC, Ali said, and the registration procedures for the ERRs and volunteers are overly bureaucratic. She said her ERR has sent three volunteers to start the registration process, but the HAC “is procrastinating and asking us to wait longer. However, hungry people cannot afford to wait.”

The ERRs could also be seen as a threat because of their roots in the uprising against al-Bashir. They then brought together youth from resistance committees, civil society organizations, skilled professionals, doctors, and water and electricity engineers. 

“We started mobilizing large youth networks that had been built after the December Revolution (2018) and during the COVID-19 response,” Mohamed Satti, a member of the Khartoum State Emergency Room, told Truthdig. While these networks began with limited goals, “after the outbreak of war, we expanded their scope to meet the growing needs of this crisis.” 

“We designed a simple, functional structure to avoid bureaucracy and get things done,” Satti said, lamenting how the current government is now obstructing that.

Women in particular have played a crucial role in the ERRs, in both mixed and women-led groups. Nour Mahadi, a member of a women’s ERR, said their main motivation was finding a way to survive amid the devastation of war.

“From the first month of the conflict, the East Nile Khartoum Women’s Emergency Room was established under extremely difficult conditions in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces. Women’s ​​ERRs provide various services, such as supporting soup kitchens, safe spaces for women and children, and basic health care for the sick and wounded,” she said.

These women-led spaces also aim to document and respond to gender-based violence in conflict zones, thereby raising awareness of sexual violence during war, for civilians as well as women volunteers operating in besieged areas. The movement represents hope, driven by Sudanese women who are actively defending themselves, even as their own rights are under attack. 

Many volunteers have been killed, arrested or are facing starvation inflicted by the RSF, Satti said. Since the conflict began, the ERRs have been repeatedly attacked by the government’s SAF as well. “In 2023, authorities forcibly shut down an ERR in East Sudan, and it has never been reopened,” said Ali.

“Hungry people cannot afford to wait.”

“In other areas, like Kordofan state, several ERR volunteers were arrested by military intelligence and faced intimidation simply for trying to deliver aid and coordinate relief efforts,” she said. 

Most recently, an East Nile ERR volunteer (name withheld due to safety concerns) told Truthdig they were detained in Khartoum while traveling to Al-Jazirah to support humanitarian work, marking yet another attempt to stifle grassroots aid initiatives.

Even in Omdurman, the second-biggest city in Sudan and located in Khartoum state, people are facing extreme food shortages. “Our community kitchens are a lifeline for most people here, but we lack the resources to meet the needs of every family. Food prices are extremely high, and constant threats from indiscriminate shelling make it even harder to operate safely,” Alaa, an ERR volunteer in Omdurman, told Truthdig. Only her first name has been used due to fear of reprisal.

“It’s almost impossible to carry out any humanitarian activity in Khartoum (state) without going through security procedures. Even simple tasks like supplying drinking water or handing out food kits need official permission [from local government authorities],” she said.

Other ways food and aid access is being deliberately limited

The attacks on food access go beyond the road blocks and repression of volunteers. Ongoing strikes and shelling during the years of conflict have destroyed a lot of infrastructure, including bridges, roads, transport, hospitals and water stations. Agriculture is also facing significant challenges to recover after the RSF has looted crops, livestock and equipment, and burned farmland. With markets and agriculture affected, food access has been crippled at both distribution and supply levels. 

In Khartoum, the RSF are also systematically looting humanitarian supplies. Just one example of this occurred in March at Al Bashair Hospital, one of the last operational medical centers in the capital. RSF fighters reportedly raided the facility and stole large quantities of supplies. UNICEF condemned the attack, warning that it put thousands of children and mothers in immediate danger. Among the looted items were 2,200 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food that is critical for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The RSF also seized iron and folic acid supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as midwife kits and basic health care supplies intended for maternal and child care.

“These supplies were not merely stolen; they were violently removed from a population already facing extreme deprivation,” said Abdallah, stressing that aid convoys and humanitarian operations are regularly attacked.

“By targeting health care infrastructure and obstructing humanitarian aid, the RSF is not just violating international law; it is waging a calculated campaign of deprivation against the Sudanese people,” he said.

With training camps inching closer and a few big-name situations still unsettled, the rumor mill is running hot. Below are the 10 storylines that dominated NBA chatter this week, what they could mean on the court and at the negotiating table, and the key questions teams are trying to answer before the schedule drops. Each blurb includes one source link you can click for the latest reporting.

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1) Cam Thomas vs. the Nets: Slow-rolling RFA chess match

There’s real brinkmanship between Cam Thomas and Brooklyn. The scoring guard is coming off a breakout year as a starter-level bucket-getter, but negotiations haven’t produced a long-term deal. The chatter this week centered on two related threads: that Brooklyn isn’t pushing aggressive, multi-year offers and that Thomas may be willing to play the long game by keeping the one-year qualifying offer on the table through early fall. From the team’s side, that tactic preserves cap flexibility and match rights; from the player’s side, it preserves leverage to reach unrestricted free agency next summer if he bets on himself. The basketball fit in Brooklyn remains clean—high-octane shot creation is still a premium skill—but dollar figures, structure (years, options, guarantees), and trade flexibility are doing the real negotiating. If talks don’t thaw soon, pencil this in as a top storyline through September as both sides weigh risk vs. certainty. Source

2) Warriors–Kuminga stalemate: Standstill and a possible qualifying-offer path

Golden State’s standoff with Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t melted in the August heat. Multiple reports this week reinforced that there hasn’t been “substantial” movement: the Warriors like their two-year framework (with flexibility built in), while Kuminga is seeking stronger commitment and protection. That friction inevitably sparks talk of the qualifying-offer route—less upfront money now, more agency later, and a clearer runway to unrestricted free agency. For the Warriors, the calculation is tricky: they covet Kuminga’s athletic two-way upside, especially as they reshape around Stephen Curry’s timeline, but must manage future tax/apron constraints and keep midseason trade optionality. For Kuminga, it’s about betting on role and minutes translating to market value. The on-court stakes are big too: Golden State needs rim pressure and wing defense. If he plays on a one-year deal, he’ll have both the chance and the urgency to prove he’s a pillar. Source

3) Kuminga–Giddey smoke: Would a Warriors–Bulls swap ever take shape?

Even as the Warriors signal they expect Kuminga to be in the building when the season starts, league-watchers can’t help but connect dots with another unresolved RFA: Josh Giddey in Chicago. The idea of a Kuminga–Giddey framework has floated around the gossip columns for weeks because it addresses theoretical needs on both sides—ballhandling and size in Golden State’s backcourt; athletic, switchable forward play for Chicago. Is there anything imminent? Not from what’s been reported. But the chatter persists because both situations remain unsettled and both teams have reason to keep phones open. If and when the market blinks—say, if one player signs a shorter deal or accepts a qualifying offer—the leverage picture changes overnight. Until then, it’s mostly a thought exercise… but one with enough league-wide interest to keep bubbling. Source

4) Bulls–Giddey: The $80M offer and a slow grind toward middle ground

We got a concrete benchmark on Giddey: reporting this week said the Bulls opened free agency with a four-year, $80 million offer and have remained anchored near $20 million annually. That’s below prior chatter of Giddey targeting something closer to $30 million per year. Chicago likes his jumbo-initiator size, rebounding, and late-season surge, but is clearly negotiating from a value perspective—especially given restricted free agency dynamics and the scarcity of rival offers that actually clear the sign-and-trade logistics. For Giddey’s camp, there’s a delicate balance: press for a number that reflects upside, while not dragging it out so long that roles and rotations crystallize without him. This one feels like it could end with a compromise (years with partials, performance bonuses, team options) unless someone blinks first. Source

5) Trae Young extension vibes: Quiet summer talks, louder trade whispers

Another recurring theme: uncertainty around Trae Young’s long-term deal in Atlanta. The latest reporting suggests the Hawks aren’t expected to hash out an extension during the offseason. When star-extension momentum stalls, speculation inevitably fills the gap—especially given an evolving roster and the organization’s need to define its direction under a new core. That’s why you’re seeing more think pieces pairing Young with teams that can insulate his defense and amplify his pick-and-roll wizardry. One buzzy column this week floated how Phoenix could theoretically weaponize Young’s playmaking next to Devin Booker and a defensive frontcourt. Is that a live trade? Not at this stage. But the broader point stands: a non-extension summer keeps trade-machine screens lighting up as teams map scenarios for midseason or 2026 flexibility. Source

6) Houston and Kevin Durant: Max extension hesitancy after the blockbuster

After the Rockets stunned the league by landing Kevin Durant earlier in the offseason, attention shifted to the “what’s next” question: do you immediately lock him into a top-of-market extension, or buy time to evaluate health, fit, and the new cap calculus? This week’s buzz suggested Houston is reluctant to slam down a full max today. That’s not an indictment of Durant’s current level—he remains an elite scorer and late-clock creator—it’s more a nod to risk management and the team’s desire to preserve flexibility around a young nucleus that just added a generational wing scorer. Extensions are about numbers and timing: if the Rockets start hot and Durant’s availability is strong, the calculus could change quickly. Until then, expect “talks ongoing” while both sides weigh term length, guarantees and options. Source

7) Lakers’ approach: Patience over splash, even with offers on the table

Despite the constant gravitational pull toward a blockbuster in Los Angeles, the theme this week was restraint. Multiple roundups pointed back to reporting that the Lakers have not been aggressive shoppers, even turning down proposals involving rotation pieces as they enter a wait-and-see phase. That strategy—hold assets, evaluate fit around the stars in camp and early games, then reassess—mirrors how several contenders have chosen to navigate the tighter apron environment and a shallower summer trade market. The downside, of course, is passing on upgrades that could’ve been had before prices rise. The upside: you keep your bullets for clearer needs and buy-low windows later. Patience isn’t sexy, but it can be smart—particularly if internal development and health pop in October. Source

8) Westbrook-to-Kings chatter: A veteran spark for Sacramento’s second unit?

File this in the “connecting dots” category that won’t die: Sacramento as a logical landing spot for Russell Westbrook. The latest notes this week again linked the former MVP to the Kings, a team that could use downhill juice and second-unit creation, particularly in minutes without De’Aaron Fox. The basketball logic is straightforward: pace, paint touches, and a veteran voice who’s embraced bench roles before. The cap logic is trickier and could require other moves depending on finalized roster math. Still, as third-guard ideas go, this one keeps surfacing because the Kings value rim pressure and have shooters who benefit from the collapse-and-kick game Westbrook still generates. It’s not a done deal—there are fit and rotation questions—but the rumor refuses to fade. Source

9) Quentin Grimes and the Sixers: Optimism for a resolution

Another RFA with a path to closure: buzz out of Philadelphia is that there’s optimism the Sixers and Quentin Grimes will work toward a multi-year agreement. The Sixers like the 3-and-D profile, the ability to toggle between on-ball point-of-attack defense and off-ball relocation shooting, and the age/contract curve that fits a win-now roster without hamstringing future flexibility. For Grimes, securing role clarity and guarantees is key. The rumor here isn’t that a deal is done; it’s that momentum exists toward terms that beat the qualifying offer and make sense for both sides. If it lands where league folks expect—fair AAV with upside escalators—this could age as one of those quietly important mid-tier signings that helps define a team’s perimeter identity. Source

10) Heat kick the tires on frontcourt depth: Kai Jones gets a look

Miami doing Miami things: canvassing undervalued athletes to see who can stick in their development pipeline. This week, free-agent big Kai Jones worked out for the Heat, a classic low-risk look that aligns with how they’ve filled out camp rosters in recent years. For Jones, it’s a chance to showcase rim-running, vertical spacing, and switch potential; for Miami, it’s an inexpensive audition for an archetype they’ve maximized before. The Heat have roster spots to play with and a track record of converting auditions into useful depth. Even if nothing happens immediately, these late-summer workouts often seed 10-day deals, Exhibit 10s, or in-season call-ups. In a conference where frontcourt versatility can swing matchups, it’s a rumor worth monitoring. Source

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Bonus ripple to watch: Are the Warriors really holding the line?

One additional nugget that colored this week’s rumor talk: reporting that the Warriors won’t amend their offer structure to Kuminga despite the noise. That stance communicates a few things—confidence in their evaluation, a willingness to ride it out, and an eye on preserving trade optionality. In practice, it also means the door remains open for outside suitors to test Golden State’s resolve later if circumstances change. How this resolves will shape not only the Warriors’ rotation, but also the broader restricted-free-agent market’s expectations in a tighter CBA world. Source

The post Top 10 NBA Rumors – Week of August 12, 2025 appeared first on The Hoop Doctors.

The NBA offseason is heating up, and the buzz is undeniable: LeBron James might be on the move. At nearly 41 and entering the final year of his massive contract, rumblings suggest tension with the Lakers organization—setting the stage for a potential blockbuster trade. Among the teams showing interest, one stands out: the Dallas Mavericks. Here’s why Dallas is currently viewed as the frontrunner to acquire the four?time MVP. Here we are, Dallas Mavericks LeBron James trade rumors…

1. The Odds Favor Dallas

Sportsbooks have been swift to react. According to Sports Illustrated, Bovada lists Dallas as the top bet (+125) to land James via trade, ahead of other suitors like Miami, Cleveland, Golden State, and New York.

This betting market signal isn’t just speculation—it reflects real confidence in Dallas’s ability to execute a deal. Bookmakers don’t favor a team lightly.

2. Genuine Interest from Mavericks’ Front Office

Behind the scenes, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has already fielded inquiries from four teams—one of which is Dallas.

“The 4 teams who contacted Rich Paul with interest in trading for LeBron James… Dallas Mavericks …”

That’s a major development. LeBron’s camp isn’t just listening—they’re choosing who gets a seat at the table. Dallas made the cut.

3. A Natural Fit: Reuniting a Core

Dallas’s appeal isn’t arbitrary. The proposed trade scenarios circulating across sports media often depict LeBron joining forces with two familiar allies: Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

• Anthony Davis: Originally swapped in the February deal involving Luka Don?i?, Davis already calls Dallas home.
• Kyrie Irving: A current Maverick and former Finals teammate of James.
• Cooper Flagg: A promising rookie who adds long-term upside to a potential title contender.

On paper, the lineup could look like this: Irving at point guard, LeBron at forward, Davis in the paint, flanked by Lively and Flagg. It’s a battle-tested core that could realistically chase a championship—one LeBron clearly still wants.

4. Dallas Has Trade Experience with L.A.

This wouldn’t be Dallas’s first major transaction with Los Angeles. They previously completed one of the most seismic midseason trades—swapping Doncic for Davis —and have shown willingness to engage in high-stakes deals.

This franchise, under GM Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd, has repeatedly shown boldness. They’ve fronted two Conference Finals and even reached the NBA Finals in 2024.

5. Salary Cap and Asset Alignment

One reason Dallas is ahead in the odds is financial maneuverability. With Kyrie Irving taking slightly less than max, Dallas is under the second apron, allowing them to absorb LeBron’s $52.6 million salary more easily.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have expressed disinterest in extending LeBron past this season and are pivoting around Luka Doncic. Dallas is well-positioned to offer a package that includes players, draft picks, and flexibility—exactly what L.A. needs.

6. Cultural and Emotional Fit

Dallas isn’t just a money play. LeBron reportedly values basketball culture and winning. Under Harrison and Kidd, the Mavs have fostered a player-friendly but disciplined environment—with postseason credibility.

The locker room dynamic would be enhanced. Not only would LeBron rejoin familiar faces, but he’d also lead a team hungry for glory. The narrative practically sells itself: LeBron goes from being overshadowed in L.A. to the heartbeat of a franchise.

7. Compelling Trade Concepts

Several three-team trade proposals have emerged in the past week, and most scenarios give Dallas the simplest path to LeBron while allowing the Lakers to walk away with assets.

A representative proposal might involve:

• Dallas receives LeBron.
• Lakers get Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Kyle Anderson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and a 2029 first-round pick.
• Utah (as the third team) facilitates the transaction in exchange for picks and a role player.

That would set Dallas up with a championship core while giving L.A. both veterans and future assets. LeBron’s buy-in is essential—but given his desire to chase a fifth ring, the story is coherent.

8. Lakers’ Internal Friction

Tension in L.A. reignited after LeBron opted into his player option without an accompanying extension. The ascendancy of Luka Don?i? and the Lakers’ apparent pivot to a Doncic-centered rebuild has left LeBron somewhat sidelined.

“LeBron James… is looking to surpass Vince Carter’s record for most seasons played… with no extension agreements in sight… rumors have emerged about a possible departure from the team.”

That’s a loaded statement. With LeBron feeling undervalued and devoid of future commitment, the window has cracked for a blockbuster swap.

9. Mavericks Have Momentum & Fan Support

Despite the backlash over the Doncic deal—complete with billboards reading “Fire Nico”—Dallas has doubled down. They drafted Cooper Flagg, secured Kidd through an extension, and made key moves in free agency.

The franchise is poised to continue climbing. Adding LeBron would be the crown jewel—but the foundation is already there.

10. Timing & LeBron’s Intentions

LeBron hasn’t officially requested a trade, and the headlines remain speculation rather than fact. But insiders acknowledge his discomfort with Lakers management, and multiple teams have definitively reached out.

If LeBron signals willingness to waive his no-trade clause—always requiring his approval—Dallas is in the perfect position. Dallas’s existing relationships, roster, cap structure, and narrative align more tightly than any other contender.

What Could Go Wrong?

• LeBron never waives the clause: He could hold firm and stay in Los Angeles (and sportsbooks still favor that outcome).
• Lakers hesitate: L.A. could believe they still have a shot with Doncic and decline Dallas’s offer.
• Other suitors emerge: Teams like the Cavaliers or Warriors might sweeten offers, though Dallas currently tops the odds.

Still, given all variables in play, Dallas is in pole position.

Conclusion

In today’s NBA landscape, the Mavericks appear uniquely configured to acquire LeBron James—if he decides to depart. They offer:

• Top odds in trade markets.
• Confirmed interest from his agent.
• A natural fit with familiar stars.
• Financial flexibility.
• A player-friendly culture with a championship mindset.

For LeBron—still chasing that 5th championship at age 40—the equation is clear: stay in L.A. and potentially fade into a secondary role, or move to Dallas and reclaim center stage alongside trusted teammates. If the rumors materialize, don’t be surprised to see him donning royal blue in Dallas next season.

Of course, nothing is official until the ink is dry. But as odds-makers and insiders increasingly point to Dallas, the chatter is growing louder. Whether LeBron ultimately stays in purple-and-gold or heads north to Texas, one thing is certain: we’re witnessing one of the most compelling offseasons in NBA history.

The post Why the Dallas Mavericks Are the Frontrunner to Land LeBron James appeared first on The Hoop Doctors.