The round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup started yesterday. Do-or-die stakes are exactly what the tournament needed to keep my (high) interest. There are three games today, which should be chock-full of action.

I figured Canada would prevail over South Africa yesterday, though I profit boosted South Africa to win to +364. Alas, Canada scored in the final minutes, but it was a closely-contested match. It wasn’t extremely high-level action, however.

NBA

Hornets receive:
SG Grayson Allen
SF Royce O’Neale
2033 unprotected first-round pick

Suns receive:
PF Miles Bridges
2029 first-round pick
2027 second-round pick

The Hornets already shuffled the deck by trading LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, and this trade only shocks the system further. It’s been a series of interesting decisions for this season’s young darlings, coming off a 44-win campaign.

In adding Allen and O’Neale, Charlotte boosts its perimeter rotation with two proven veteran shooters.

Allen, in particular, has shown continued improvement across the board. He increased his scoring average from 10.6 to 16.5 points per game this year, while only seeing 4.7 more minutes per night. The 30-year-old is an absolute sharpshooter, too, as he’s made 40.3 percent of his career three pointers. It’s unclear whether Allen will start for the Hornets, but he’ll certainly see meaningful action for a team with obvious playoff aspirations.

O’Neale quietly scored a career-best 9.8 points per game for the Suns this season, mostly starting for Phoenix. His rock-solid perimeter defense isn’t what it was with the Jazz, but he should still be a strong contributor for the Hornets. He could offer exactly what the young, rising franchise needs.

The Suns, in essence, are partaking in a two-for-one deal here. Phoenix is hoping the impact of Bridges offsets the depth lost by dealing Allen and O’Neale.

It’s a risky bet. Bridges broke out in 2022, averaging 20.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest, but he hasn’t taken the next step. This year, his production shrunk to 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, though it was for a better team. In Phoenix, expect the 28-year-old to start alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams.

What’s even riskier for the Suns, is sending away an unprotected 2033 first-round pick. Under the NBA’s new lottery format, future draft selections have arguably even more value — due to the uncertainty and newness of the recently-implemented system. Phoenix, a non-contender now and likely in the future, could be handing over a top-five selection next decade to Charlotte.

And for what? Bridges is a solid starter, but it’s unlikely he carries or even lifts Phoenix into the second round of the postseason. Sure, the Suns are getting a future first rounder back, but it’s the least favorable from Charlotte, Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah in 2029. It’s unclear whether the Suns are getting better from this transaction, and they’re clearly getting worse from a draft-capital standpoint.

I was fine with the Hornets trading away Ball, and I’m even more in favor of Charlotte doing this deal. Shaking up a good thing is risky, but fortune favors the bold.

As for the Suns, this is yet another indictment on owner Mat Ishbia. Since buying the franchise, Ishbia has behaved like a child on a sugar rush, completely impulsive and out of control. Phoenix’s unprotected 2033 first-round pick for him was just another dollar, given to the cashier for another giant lollipop. Phoenix fans should hope that their owner gets tired and takes a nap soon. Otherwise, the Suns will continue digging themselves into a hole.