ESPN reports the Saints are ready to make wide receiver Michael Thomas the highest paid receiver in the NFL and a deal could be done before the start of training camp. The 26-year-old out of Ohio State has become one of the best receivers in the league and last year led the NFL with 125 catches for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Pelicans have committed to Alvin Gentry as their head coach for the next two seasons by picking up his option for the 2020-21 season. New Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffen has been a big supporter of Gentry’s and the two worked together previously in Phoenix.

A big question heading into Thursday night’s NBA draft is whether the Pels will trade the number four pick that they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN’s Jonahtan Givony says the Celtics, Bulls and Timberwolves have expressed interest in the number four pick so they can select Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland.

Play has been halted at the College World Series in Omaha, because of heavy thunderstorms. Today’s elimination game between Louisville and Auburn was halted in the fifth inning with the Cardinals leading four to one. There’s a possibility the two teams will not be able to complete the game today. It’s already been determined that tonight’s winner bracket contest between Vanderbilt and Mississippi State will not be played until tomorrow.

LSU Hall of Famer Ebert Van Buren has passed away at the age of 94 at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans home in Monroe. Van Buren never played high school football, but former coach Bernie Moore saw him play on the Metairie playgrounds and made him a fullback and linebacker. Van Buren helped LSU land a berth in the 1949 Sugar bowl. His brother is the late Steve Van Buren, who is a member of both the LSU and NFL Halls of Fame.