Former England captains and the nation’s leading cricket journalists are concerned that Ben Stokes has left their men’s Test team in a deep hole a year out from a home Ashes series.
Report: Blues Qualify McMichael, Don't Issue QO's To Berggren, Kessel
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues issued a qualifying offer to newly-acquired forward Connor McMichael but are allowing two mainstays to get to unrestricted free agency on Wednesday.
They did not issue QO's to forward Jonatan Berggren and defenseman Matthew Kessel along with forward Thomas Bordeleau, while also qualifying forward Mikhail Abramov and defenseman Leo Loof, according to PuckPedia. The Blues have not officially released their QO list as of Monday evening.
The #StlBlues did not issue qualifying offers to:
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 30, 2026
Berggren
Bordeleau
Kessel
They will now be unrestricted free agents.
Full list of players that did not receive QO's:https://t.co/nv3PL7x8X5
The QO to McMichael comes as no surprise after acquiring the 25-year-old from the Washington Capitals last week in a package that also netted a 2025 second-round pick (Milton Gastrin) and a first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2026 NHL Draft that they used on center Maddox Dagenais.
It's somewhat of a surprise that the Blues would not issue a QO to Berggren, who was claimed off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings last season and put up 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 36 games.
Berggren, 25, who was playing on a one-year, $1.825 million contract, was projected to be in the mix and battle for a spot likely on the third line with the Blues pending his return to the team, and he can still get resigned, but he will hit unrestricted free agency on Wednesday at 11 a.m. (CT).
As does Kessel, 26, who was a fifth-round pick by the Blues in 2020 who was playing on a two-year, $1.6 million contract ($800,000 average annual value) and had two goals and an assist in 29 games last season. But with the addition of Brandon Carlo in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, Theo Lindstein getting more and more ice time as the year progressed last season and potential of Adam Jiricek, their first-round pick in 2024, knocking on the NHL door in St. Louis, Kessel was falling down the chain and apparently off the ladder.
McMichael is arbitration-eligible but with Alexander Steen taking the reigns of the general manager position on July 1, it has been accustomed by Doug Armstrong in years past to get these RFA contracts wrapped up as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Abramov, who the Blues also picked up from the Maple Leafs, has spent the past two seasons playing in the KHL, and Loof, a third-round pick in 2020, has returned to to play for Ilves in Finland's top league Liiga after spending the past three seasons with Springfield of the American Hockey League.
Blues Trade Away Two Third-Round Picks On Second Day of 2026 NHL DraftTeam had three selections, used two in trade to acquire Brandon Carlo from Toronto; focused more on defense, goaltending after picking two centers in first round on Friday
Blues Tried To Get Into Top 10Doug Armstrong said GM made multiple calls to no avail
Blues Go Center Heavy With Their First-Round Picks In 2026 NHL Draft St. Louis grabs Tynan Lawrence at No. 11, Dagenais at No. 16 after trading No. 15, 29 To Ducks For McTavish
BREAKING NEWS: Blues Acquire Mason McTavish From DucksSt. Louis gives up pair of first-round picks, No. 15 and 29 for the young center iceman, who has five years remaining at a $7 million cap hit
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Flyers Explain Jett Luchanko's Early Absence from Development Camp
While the Philadelphia Flyers have the bulk of their top prospects participating in development camp this week, there is one absence that is quite noticeable.
When the Flyers released their development camp roster over the weekend, they denoted that 2024 draft picks Jett Luchanko and Jack Berglund would not be participating in on-ice activities.
After Monday's first session, we have an explanation for both Berglund and Luchanko, though Luchanko's is one to monitor going forward.
"Jack isn't skating. He's played a lot of hockey in the last season, played on four different teams and he put a lot of miles on, but he wanted to come, he wanted to be a leader," Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong said Monday.
As for Luchanko, the 2024 first-round pick is also resting, though doing so to manage an injury.
"Yeah, he had a little lower-body thing going on," said Armstrong. "Should be back skating next week, and he'll be ready for training camp."
Flyers Issue 4 Qualifying Offers; AHL All-Star Let GoThe Philadelphia Flyers retain two stars and two top prospects, but let an AHL All-Star walk right to free agency.Notably, Luchanko was held out of development camp for the same reason last year, and having the same issue again this year makes it a bit of a trend.
The Flyers are wisely playing it safe and holding Luchanko out again entirely this year, and that is especially important with the young speedster officially turning pro ahead of his first full pro season.
As of now, the expectation is for Luchanko to play at least one year with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, though injuries can always throw a wrinkle in things, be it for Luchanko or someone else.
Because Luchanko only played 38 regular season games in the OHL last year, it is critical that the Flyers ensure their top center prospect does not lose any more development time to injuries or subsequent setbacks from those injuries.
Both he and Berglund will be given the opportunity to make the NHL roster out of training camp this fall.
Could Anthony Davis head to Golden State with LeBron James?
NBA Free Agency opens up on Tuesday as teams across the league are looking to find their missing pieces to make a run in the league next season.
With plenty of former Kentucky Wildcats scattered across the NBA, it is one former No. 1 overall pick that could make some noise in free agency this season. That would be none other than Anthony Davis.
Shams Charania brought the scoop on Monday as the first piece of a very intricate puzzle fell into place. That was none other than Draymond Green declining his player option for this coming season.
What did it open up? A potential trade for Anthony Davis and a potential free agent signing of LeBron James.
This would already add to a wild offseason that has seen star players like LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant get traded, but it is definitely one that I would wait until it actually gets some more legs.
After adding AJ Dybantsa and re-signing Trae Young, it feels like the Wizards are ready to make a playoff push now. Could the Warriors sweeten the pot for a deal that would send AD to the Bay Area? It sounds like they could trade Jimmy Butler, who may miss the entire 2026-27 season due to ACL surgery, to Washington for AD, as the two players have nearly identical cap hits.
A lot has to happen for this potential dream team to come to fruition, but if it does, a Steph Curry, LeBron, and AD team sounds like a lot of fun.
Sharks Sign Ethan Cardwell to One-Year Extension
Earlier this week, the San Jose Sharks re-signed forward Ethan Cardwell to a one-year, two-way contract extension. Cardwell was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 if he hadn't reached an agreement with the Sharks.
Cardwell missed a substantial portion of the 2025-26 season due to injury, but was producing at a high level for the San Jose Barracuda prior to his injury. In 24 games with the Barracuda, Cardwell scored seven goals and tallied a total of 15 points. He also played seven games in the NHL for the Sharks, scoring a single goal.
Cardwell has become a reliable fringe player for the Sharks over the last few seasons and could potentially compete for a bottom-six role in the NHL in the relatively near future. With that being said, that opportunity likely won't come this season, due to a massive logjam of forwards, specifically bottom-six wingers, at the NHL level.
Kraken Announce Development Camp Roster
The Seattle Kraken announced their full 2026 development camp roster on Monday, June 29th.
The camp began on Monday, with 28 players on the roster.
The full roster can be found below.
Forwards:
Clarke Caswell
Ryden Evers
Viktor Fedorov
Zeb Forsfjall
Brody Gillespie
Ollie Josephson
Loke Krantz
Ben MacDonald
Casey Mutryn
Jake O'Brien
William Tomko
Nathan Villeneuve
Zaccharya Wisdom
Defenseman:
Maxim Agafonov
Karl Annborn
Alexis Bernier
Jakub Fibigr
Blake Fiddler
Hawke Huff
Finn Kearns
Ola Palme
Chase Reid
Will Reynolds
Rylan Singh
Goaltenders:
Maks Corovic
Kim Saarinen
Visa Vedenpaa
Lawton Zacher
Check out the full dev camp roster in action this week ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RWk6ShzfnO
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) June 29, 2026
From the 2025 NHL Draft, four defensemen will join the development camp roster: second-rounder Blake Fiddler, third-rounder Will Reynolds, fifth-rounder Maxim Agafonov and seventh-rounder Karl Annborn.
Those defensemen will be mentored by former Kraken player Justin Schultz, who signed on as a player development consultant.
When speaking to NHL.com about his new role, Schultz shared his excitement about helping players reach the next level.
“I've always wanted to help players try to get to the next level,” Schultz said. 'I’m really excited to help these players. They're all obviously great players. They've been drafted or signed [as free agents]. I am just trying to help in whatever way I can. I've played a lot of games and won some Stanley Cups. Hopefully, I can relay some positive things to them.”
After the first three days of drills, the players will take part in the 3-on-3 "Stucky Cup" on Thursday.
Visit The Hockey News Seattle Kraken team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.
Series Preview: St. Louis Cardinals on the Road Against the Atlanta Braves
The St. Louis Cardinals begin a challenging road trip starting Tuesday night in Atlanta as they’ll do battle against the NL East division-leading Braves. Timing may be on the side of St. Louis, though, as there are some numbers that might work in their favor.
If you look at their records on paper, you would think that the St. Louis Cardinals would have their work cut out for them as the Atlanta Braves lead the National League East with a record of 49-32. That might still be the case, but the Cardinals are catching the Braves at the best possible time for two reasons. First, the Braves have lost 7 of their last 10 games. Second, St. Louis will miss Atlanta’s best starting pitcher this season, Chris Sale. Here are the projected starters for the series this week. Note that the Braves have not yet announced a starter for Thursday as of now.
Tuesday, June 30: Martín Pérez (LHP) vs. Matthew Liberatore (LHP, Cardinals)
Wednesday, July 1: Reynaldo López (RHP) vs. Michael McGreevy (RHP, Cardinals)
Thursday, July 2: Bryce Elder (RHP) vs. Dustin May (RHP, Cardinals)
Over his last 6 games, Tuesday night’s starter Martín Pérez is 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA striking out 32 while walking 16. His most recent start was on June 24 against the Padres which he lost after lasting 4 innings giving up 3 earned runs while walking 4 and striking out 4.
The starter for Wednesday night’s game, Reynaldo López, is 3-1 on the season with a 3.47 ERA. His last 3 appearances have been no decisions. If the rotation for Atlanta sets up like it appears it might, this will probably be the Cardinals toughest starter they face in this series.
Thursday night’s likely starter, Bryce Elder, is 1-4 over his last 5 starts. He’s lost his last 3 starts and was hit hard in all of them. He gave up 6 earned runs on June 14 vs the Mets allowing 10 hits. On June 21 vs the Brewers, he surrendered 12 hits and 8 earned runs over 6 innings.
The Atlanta Braves have some key players on the injured list including outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (hamstring strain), starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow inflammation), and reliever Robert Suarez (forearm inflammation). Still, their lineup remains dangerous with Michael Harris II who is batting .300 and has 14 home runs. Matt Olson is still Matt Olson as he currently leads the Braves with 20 home runs and 52 RBI’s. Catcher Drake Baldwin has 14 home runs with 39 RBI’s and a .260 batting average. Ozzie Albies has a dozen home runs, 44 RBI’s and a .277 average.
There’s no good time to play the Atlanta Braves this season, but this might be the best timing the St. Louis Cardinals could hope for. The Braves have been sliding lately and injuries have hit them hard, but they’re also starting to feel the heat from the Phillies who are now only 4 games back in the NL East, so they might be inspired to get back to their winning ways sooner rather than later. The St. Louis Cardinals aren’t on fire either after finishing a disappointing homestand. Which team will return to winning first? We’ll find out starting Tuesday night in Atlanta.
Panthers Extend Qualifying Offers To Tobias Bjornfot, Ben Steeves, Mikulas Hovorka
With the first of July quickly approaching, the Florida Panthers are taking care of some needed business.
On Monday, the Panthers announced which of their restricted free agents received qualifying offers.
They were forward Ben Steeves and defenseman Toby Bjornfot and Mikulas Hovorka, all of whom were regulars with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers last season.
Players who did not receive qualifying offers from the Panthers were Cole Schwindt, Donovan Sebrango, Mike Benning, Evan Nause and Wilmer Skoog.
THN Florida previously reported that Florida would not be qualifying Schwindt or Sebrango.
Steeves had a strong season, logging 23 goals and 55 points in 72 games with the Checkers.
For the second straight season, Bjornfot split his time between the Panthers and Checkers.
He played 19 games with Florida, contributing two goals, two assists and two penalty minutes with the Cats, while adding another four goals and 12 points in his 33 games with Charlotte.
Hovorka also spent time in both the AHL and NHL last season.
He made his NHL debut with Florida in February and ultimately skated in four games with the Panthers, picking up his first NHL point, an assist, during an 8-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on the final day of the regular season.
With Charlotte, Hovorka skated in 57 games and accumulated five goals, 18 points and 46 penalty minutes while skating to an impressive plus-23 on-ice rating.
The Panthers are expected to remain busy as the new league year approaches on July 1, as the team still needs a pair of NHL goaltenders and is looking to potentially add another depth piece or two.
Keep an eye on Florida in the trade market with regard to goaltenders.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Florida Panthers Local Over-The-Air TV Partner Re-Branding To 'The Spot - South Florida'
Size, Two-Way Ability And Energy: What Simas Ignatavicius Brings To The Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers Acquire Rights To Radko Gudas From Anaheim Ducks In Exchange For Rights To AJ Greer
Donovan Sebrango, Cole Schwindt Not Expected To Receive Qualifying Offers From Panthers
Florida Panthers Announce Roster, Dates For 2026 Development Camp
Size Matters: Panthers Make Six Selections At NHL Draft, Picking Group Of Large Young Hockey Players
Strong Forward Ryder Cali Says He Fits 'Panthers Play Style As Much As Possible'
Photo caption: Feb 2, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (22) shoots the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Game #85: Dodgers at Athletics Game Thread
The A’s are back home and set to take on the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers this evening for the first of three contests. The Dodgers continue to be a juggernaut in the National League as their 54-30 record is tops in the entire sport. It’s going to be a tough challenge for the Green & Gold tonight but they’ll have one of their top young arms going for them in this one. Hopefully he’ll be able to help the A’s snap this two-game skid and get win #41.
That arm is lefty Gage Jump. The 22-year-old has been everything and then more for the squad as he’s sporting a pristine 2.064 ERA through his first six career starts. The lefty has been on a roll but has really stepped his game up over his past two starts. He’s pitched 12 innings without allowing a run so he’ll try to extended that, but he’s got his plate full with the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup.
Here’s how the A’s lineup for tonight’s contest:
The A’s are missing several of their best players right now. Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom were placed on the IL earlier today, joining Brent Rooker and Zack Gelof. That’ll put more pressure on younger players to step up. Outfielder Colby Thomas will likely be getting an extended look in left field with Sodey on the IL. That means the club will also be asking more of the top of their lineup, especially Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz.
We have a big league debut set for tonight as second base will be covered by Athletics’ #9 prospect Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. The young infield prospect has been tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A and with Jacob Wilson and Zack Gelof’s injures, he’ll now have a chance to put himself on the radar of the coaching staff. He’s batting .352/.405/.461 with three triples, a home run, and four stolen bases for the Aviators.
The Dodgers meanwhile will have veteran Eric Lauer going for them tonight. After beginning the year in Toronto Lauer was traded to Los Angeles after a rough start to his season. Since arriving in LA Lauer has completely turned his season around, pitching to a 2.54 ERA in 5 games (4 starts). That’s help the Dodgers weather some early injuries to their starting staff. He’s also coming off his best start of the season when he fired six shutout innings against the Twins.
And the Dodgers’ lineup this evening:
Muncy-on-Muncy tonight. Huge challenge on tap for the A’s but they got Jump. Can the A’s beat the Dodgers and get back to winning? Let’s find out. Let’s go A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
Listen:
Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast
Trio of Former Sharks Defensemen Not Tendered Qualifying Offers
While the San Jose Sharks opted not to tender three players themselves, a trio of former Sharks defensemen were also not tendered a qualifying offer.
Among those three were former fan favorite Henry Thrun, who was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a part of the trade that brought Ryan Reaves to the Bay Area, Calen Addison of the New Jersey Devils and injured prospect Gannon Laroque of the Montreal Canadiens.
Thrun spent the most time with the Sharks, playing parts of three seasons for the team in teal. After being traded to the Maple Leafs, he spent the majority of his time with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies and helped them win a Calder Cup.
Addison spent part of just one season with the Sharks, which remains his most recent stint in the NHL to date. In 60 games, he scored a single goal and added 11 assists, while failing to make a positive impact.
Laroque, on the other hand, has been bit by the injury bug since turning professional and that are doubts that he'll ever be able to play again. The 22-year-old defenseman last played during the 2023-24 season after having double hip surgery the prior year. Laroque's future at any level of hockey is in doubt at this stage, however it's best to never say never, as shown by Markus Nutivaara who is currently in the middle of a comeback overseas.
Astros vs. Twins Game Discussion: 6/29/2026
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (42-44) will wear their City Connect uniforms tonight as they open a week-long, six-game homestand with the first of three games against the visiting Minnesota Twins (40-45).
RHP Peter Lambert (6-4, 3.28 ERA), who’s won four straight decisions, will open the homestand for Houston opposite RHP Zebby Matthews (3-5, 4.56 ERA) and the Twins.
RIDING THE LAMBO: Tonight’s Astros starter RHP Peter Lambert has posted a 4-0 record in his last six starts with a 2.97 ERA (11ER/33.1IP). Lambert’s four wins since May 24 are tied for tops in the AL in that span, along with six other pitchers, including teammate RHP Tatsuya Imai.
Lambert pitched last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 appearances in Japan. He began this season at Triple A Sugar Land (1.84 ERA in three appearances) before being called up April 17.
THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 22-13 since May 21, which
is the best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have reinstated IF Nick Allen from the 10-day IL and have optioned IF Raynel Delgado to Triple A Sugar Land.
Allen is returning from a left hamstring strain, which sidelined him since June 8.
FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM: The Astros have nine players on the Injured List…updates on a few:
- RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) has made two rehab starts this month, last pitching on Thursday for Double A Corpus Christi (0ER/3.1IP). He tossed 50 pitches (31 strikes) in the outing.
- RHP Cristian Javier (rt. shoulder strain) made his fifth rehab start on Saturday for Triple A Sugar Land,
working 6.0 shutout innings on 85 pitches. - RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) began his rehab assignment on Thursday at Triple A, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings and 42 pitches.
- LHP Bennett Sousa (lt. elbow inflammation) continues his bullpen progression.
- LHP Brandon Walter (lt. elbow surgery) continues his throwing progression in West Palm Beach.
- RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with the FCL Astros later this week.
- OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple A this week.
- IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) has played in two games for the FCL Astros on his rehab
assignment, including a start at third base earlier today (2×3, 2B, BB).
MINOR LEAGUE HONORS: LHP Colton Gordon has been named the Triple A Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week (June 22-28).
Gordon made one start last week for Sugar Land, which came yesterday vs. El Paso, in which he tossed 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2005 – Craig Biggio is hit by a pitch for the 268th time to set a modern Major
League record, surpassing Don Baylor. Biggio homers his next time up in what ends up as a 7-1 win vs. Colorado.
Biggio would end his career with 285 hit by pitches, a record that will likely never be surpassed. The active leader in HBP is Starling Marte, who’s been hit by a pitch 168 times in his career.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, June 29, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Lakers to have call with Jalen Duren when free agency opens
The Lakers have inserted themselves into one of the biggest developing stories in the hours leading up to free agency.
After setting themselves up to try to steal Austin Reaves in free agency, the Pistons appear to have lowballed their own free agent, Jalen Duren, leading to him meeting with other teams. Among the teams he’s set to talk to? The Lakers.
Earlier in the day on Monday, Sam Amick of The Athleticalso reported that Duren and the Pistons were not close on a contract and that the big man would explore sign-and-trade scenarios, including meeting with the Kings.
All-NBA forward Jalen Duren was underwhelmed by the Detroit Pistons’ initial offer in restricted free agency and is planning to explore sign-and-trade scenarios when they are permitted on Tuesday, league sources told The Athletic.
It’s not hard to see why the two sides would be far apart in negotiations. During the regular season, Duren was one of the best big men in the league, earning Third Team All-NBA honors while averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 65% from the field.
But once the playoffs rolled around, Duren became a shell of himself, averaging 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and shooting 51.4% from the field. He was a huge reason for an underwhelming postseason performance from the Pistons, as they needed seven games to beat the Magic before losing in seven games to Cleveland.
Detroit is likely negotiationg from a standpoint of his postseason performance while Duren and his agent are negotiating from the standpoint of his regular season performance. For now, that gap is big enough for Duren to look elsewhere.
Still, this is restricted free agency and Detroit still holds the power. Even in a sign-and-trade scenario, the Pistons are going to have to get value back as they can simply just match Duren’s offer sheet and bring him back.
But that things have gotten to this point is notable.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
Atlanta Hawks pass on pricey Jonathan Kuminga option
The debates about Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors will never end. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west, oceans will rise and fall, empires will crumble, the sand will inexorably pour down the hourglass of life, and someone will still be arguing about whether Kuminga earned more minutes than Steve Kerr gave him.
Now, Kuminga’s final contract with the Warriors is officially over, as the Atlanta Hawks declined to pick up the 23-year-old’s $24.3M team option for 2026-27. The move doesn’t necessarily close the door on Kuminga to return to the club at a lower salary, but the Hawks did give Kuminga what the Warriors refused to: The chance to pick his next team.
There’s conflicting reports about the league-wide interest in Kuminga. Marc J. Spears says the Sacramento Kings are still interested in Kuminga, though they can only offer him $2.6M. Yes, much like when they proposed a trade of Dario Saric and Devin Carter for Kuminga last summer, the Kings have very little to offer for Kuminga. Sam Amick reports that the Kings are out on Kuminga, perhaps out of a wildly optimistic hope they can trade for Jalen Duren.
Kuminga had some big moments for the Hawks after heading to Atlanta alongside Buddy Hield in a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors. He put up 19 and 21 points in the Hawks two wins over the New York Knicks, helping to deal the eventual champions two of the three losses they’d suffer in the entire playoffs. Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds, upping his three-point shooting to 34.6 percent, and eventually moved ahead of 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in the Hawks rotation.
At the same time, Kuminga was limited by injuries, something that plagued him during his 2024-25 season with the Warriors as well. He played in 16 of 29 possible regular-season games for the Hawks. After missing 35 games the season before, Atlanta may have been understandably hesitant to pay Kuminga such a large sum, especially at $10M more than Nickeil Alexander-Walker and $16M more than newly-acquired three-and-D wing Aaron Wiggins.
This could be beneficial for Kuminga in the long term. He may not be getting the payday he wanted or expected — Kuminga reportedly turned down an offer for more than $100M when he became extension-eligible in 2024 — but at least he can choose a team that truly wants him.
It can’t have been easy for Kuminga last season, with the Warriors clearly only viewing him as a trade chip. The nature of restricted free agency meant that Kuminga remained in limbo all summer, hoping some team would make him an offer despite his old team threatening to match any offer. In the second-apron era, there are fewer teams than ever with salary cap space, further chilling the market. That also means Kuminga’s best hope this summer might be convincing a team to offer him the mid-level exception, which is $15M for non-taxpaying teams this summer.
In other Hawks news, the team guaranteed Buddy Hield’s full $9.66M salary for next season, rather than buy him out for $3M. It probably means they want to use his contract in a future trade, but good for Hield for getting the remainder of the proverbial bag.
All in all, the Kuminga trade has to be considered a solid win for Mike Dunleavy, Jr, & Co., after Porzingis agreed to a two-year, $40M contract Monday. Of course, waiting until February 2026 to trade Kuminga still goes down as a solid loss.
We would like to wish Kuminga luck in his next endeavors. He’s an exciting player, a world-class dunker, and a guy who contributed to an NBA title despite being in a less-than-ideal situation for five seasons. Kuminga is at a career crossroads, but wherever he ends up, we’d love to see him prove the Warriors wrong.
SB Nation Reacts: Will Anthony Davis be traded?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wizards fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
So, you saw the news. Anthony Davis could go to the Golden State Warriors. Could he be traded there or to any of the other 28 teams not named the Warriors or Wizards? Vote below!
Hopefully Shams Charania won’t make this a NULL AND VOID SURVEY BY THE TIME THIS PUBLISHES OR SOMETIME TUESDAY!
Colorado Rockies vs. Miami Marlins game discussion: Sandy Alcantara vs. Sean Sullivan
Just about three months ago, the Rockies opened up the 2026 season in Miami against the Marlins.
It didn’t go very well.
Colorado got swept 3-0, but the good news is that the Rockies lost each game by one run, including a walk-off 4-3 loss in game three. Now, the 1993 expansion teams will face each other again, but this time for a four-game series at Coors Field.
The Rockies (33-50) have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and are 18-22 at home this season. The Marlins (44-40) have been on a hot streak, going 8-2 in the last 10 games. Miami’s success is largely due to its successful employment of small ball and MLB-leading 92 stolen bases.
Making his fourth MLB start, Sean Sullivan (0-2, 8.25 ERA) will try to help the Rockies earn their first win over the Marlins this season. After throwing three scoreless innings against the A’s in his debut, the 23-year-old lefty struggled in start No. 2 when he gave up eight runs on nine hits, including two homers, in four innings against the Chicago Cubs. He was better in his last outing, when he surrendered three runs on five hits with five walks and three strikeouts in five innings against the Boston Red Sox.
The 2022 NL Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcantara (8-4, 4.01), will be on the mound for Miami. Alcantara, 30, has also been on a hot streak in June, posting a 2.60 ERA and a 5-0 record with 29 strikeouts and only six walks in 34.2 innings.
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)
Lineups:
For the Marlins:
For the Rockies:
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!