Training camp is just right around the corner, and Team USA seems destined for an epic gold-medal game against a dominant Serbia at the FIBA World Cup.

But on Saturday, much of the attention of the NBA world was on superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown, who was embroiled in a fluid dispute with the Oakland Raiders on the eve the season-opener. It wasn't just basketball fans who were attuned to the drama, either; even the league's players were shocked by the twists and turns of sports' latest crossover story.

Brown began the day as a member of the Raiders, ostensibly having overcome controversy of the last week with an apology to his teammates and heartfelt conversation with coach Jon Gruden. But the tide quickly turned yet again, as the six-time Pro Bowler demanded his release on social media after being subject to another fine by management.

Brown got his wish a few hours later, subsequently providing video of him learning the news on social media – drawing this reaction from the Los Angeles Lakers' Jared Dudley.

But even before Brown gave the public another lens into his wild NFL ride, news broke that he was signing with the New England Patriots, a broadly expected move that drew the ire, admiration, and awe of NBA players.

Kendrick Perkins chimed in on the matter, insightfully noting what it means to him that a volatile presence like Brown could be so swiftly picked up after being waived, while Colin Kaepernick remains unsigned.

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It was Markieff Morris, probably, who shared the most common sentiment among the millions keeping track of the latest developments in Brown's NFL saga.

Will Brown remain in the limelight with New England? If so, everyone will be watching – including his NBA counterparts.