NFL

Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell out for four-to-six weeks with fractured thumb

The season is all but over for the 2-5 Raiders, but the next few weeks would’ve presented a favorable opportunity for Las Vegas to evaluate O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick. Now, the Raiders will likely turn back to Gardner Minshew. In the grand scheme of things, however, this injury doesn’t shake the Earth; Las Vegas will be in the market for a new signal-caller next spring.

NBA

Rockets sign C Alperen Sengun to five-year, $185 million contract extension

Sengun is getting better — and fast — so much so that this extension could look laughable by year three or so. After posting 14.8 points per game in 2023, the 22-year-old elevated to his output to 21.1 last season, thriving as a hub in the middle of Houston’s offense. The Rockets have loads of uncertainty — and young talent — but Sengun has become a known commodity as an offensive force.

Grade: A-

Magic sign PG Jalen Suggs to five-year, $150.5 million contract extension

This could be viewed as a significant overpay if one just factored in Suggs’ statistics, which don’t fully account for the 23-year-old being an ace on-ball defender. Suggs is disruptive versus opposing guards, using his strength and tenacity to bully would-be drivers away from the paint — a key component of Orlando’s stout defense. The guard will need to prove his 39.7% shooting from long range last season was somewhat legitimate for this deal to work, but Suggs is nevertheless a key piece of a burgeoning Magic young core.

Grade: C+

Hawks sign PF Jalen Johnson to five-year, $150 million contract extension

Following the 2023 season, I wouldn’t have guessed Johnson would be due $150 million at any point in his career, but last year changed the calculus for the 22-year-old forward. Granted 33.7 minutes per game, Johnson flashed his ability that had been lurking, posting 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. The Hawks’ progress has stalled, and for the team to reestablish itself as a factor in the East, Johnson’s ascent alongside Trae Young will need to continue.

Grade: B+

Rockets sign SG Jalen Green to three-year, $106 million contract extension

This pact includes a player option for Green, affording the guard increased flexibility should he finally reach his potential. Potential is the key word for the 22-year-old, but unfortunately, that part of the evaluation of Green is fading more and more as the swingman ages and flatlines as a scorer. Houston would greatly benefit if Green upped his efficiency or defense — or both — as his 54.1 TS% in 2024 won’t cut it. A massive year awaits the 2021 No. 2 overall pick.

Grade: C

Pelicans sign SF Trey Murphy to four-year, $112 million contract extension

Shooters with size ooze value in the NBA, and Murphy exemplifies that description. Standing 6-foot-8 with elite range — not to mention serviceable defense — Murphy is an integral piece of a budding Pelicans team. The 24-year-old dipped slightly as a shooter last season, but his true shooting clip was still 61.2% — a strong figure. If Murphy’s improved playmaking last year was real, expect him to outperform this extension. 15 points per game should be an easy goal for the swingman this season.

Grade: B

Wizards sign SF Corey Kispert to four-year, $54 million contract extension

The only argument against this extension is the state of the Wizards franchise. Will Washington compete for a playoff spot in the duration of Kispert’s prime — or this deal? That remains to be seen, but early returns on the prize of the Wizards’ rebuild, Alex Sarr, haven’t been glowing. Kispert, a weapon as a shooter, recorded 13.4 points per game last season.

Grade: B-

Mavericks sign SG Jaden Hardy to three-year, $18 million contract extension

Hardy needs to take a leap for this contract to generate value for Dallas, but there’s little evidence that won’t happen. The 22-year-old guard is a microwave scorer off the bench — albeit in limited action — and will continue to improve as he gets increased game reps. There’s a meaningful role waiting for Hardy with the Mavericks should the oft-injured Kyrie Irving miss time.

Grade: B+

Pelicans sign SF Brandon Boston to two-way contract

Boston is still raw — the 22-year-old will probably never crack a good playoff rotation — but he’s still worth a swing, and New Orleans has wisely stepped to the plate. In 32 contests last season, Boston averaged 5.2 points per game. Can the swingman make threes consistently? That could be the pivot skill for him.

Grade: B-