ESPN reports that negotiations between the Saints and their star wide receiver Michael Thomas are progressing so well that a new deal could be in place before the start of training camp and when it’s said and done, the former first round pick will be the highest paid pass catcher in the NFL. Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches last season.

The NBA draft is tomorrow night and speculation is increasing on whether the Pelicans will trade the fourth overall pick, which they got from the Lakers. ESPN reports the Hawks are looking to package their 8th and 10th overall picks for New Orleans fourth overall selection.

Also, the Timberwolves, Celtkicsand Bulls are looking to trade up as they’ve expressed interest in Vanderbilt guard Darius Garland. Meanwhile, New Orleans has reportedly looked at acquiring Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal, but Washington is apparently not interested in trading Beal.
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The state’s top high school basketball player has committed to LSU. Walker’s Jalen Cook is gearing for his senior season at Walker High School, but the four-star prospect says he plans to attend LSU after his prep days are done. He’s the reinging Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year.

And LSU football received a verbal commitment from Alabama defensive lineman Eric Taylor. The six-foot-five, 280-pounder is the 19th pledge of the 2020 class.

LSU Hall of Famer Ebert Van Buren has passed away at the age of 94 at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans hom. Van Buren helped LSU land a berth in the 1949 Sugar bowl and he was the team captain of the 1950 squad. He played for three seasons with the Eagles after Philadelphia made him a first round draft pick. Before coming to LSU, Van Buren served in the US Army 96th Infantry Division in the Pacific during the World War Two, receiving a Purple Heart and two bronze stars. His brother is the late Steve Van Buren, who is a member of both the LSU and NFL Halls of Fame.