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Karl-Anthony Towns ‘exposed’ Victor Wembanyama in Knicks’ NBA Finals win: Kendrick Perkins

The Spurs have a “serious problem” if Karl-Anthony Towns can build on his Game 1 dominance for the rest of the NBA Finals.

ESPN star and NBA champion Kendrick Perkins lauded the Knicks’ center for his outing on Wednesday night and declared that he “exposed” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

“Imma tell the Spurs fans this, y’all got a problem…y’all have a serious problem,” Perkins said Thursday on ESPN’s “First Take.”

Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance in Game 1, especially when matched up against Victor Wembanyama, powered the Knicks’ 105-95 win on June 3, 2026 in the NBA Finals opener. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Towns’ dominant performance saw the big man post 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in New York’s 105-95 win — but his contributions went far beyond the offensive side.

Wembanyama, who finished third in NBA MVP voting, was kept to a pedestrian 26 points on 6-of-21 shooting, including an abysmal 2-for-12 mark with Towns as the primary defender.

The 7-foot-4 phenom also committed four of his six turnovers with Towns covering him.

“The Defensive Player of the Year got exposed last night,” Perkins said. “‘Imma say this. Yes, Towns played the best defensive game of his life last night, but offensively, he showed the world that Wemby can’t guard him. He is a matchup problem for the Spurs.

Karl-Anthony Towns, driving on Victor Wembanyama, finished the Knicks’ Game 1 victory with 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“The way his ability to stretch the floor, and then he showed his versatility by his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He was going through Wemby’s chest. He wasn’t shying away from physicality. And when they decided to put a smaller player on him, guess what the Knicks did? They searched him out. Here we go, go to you. And when Wemby came to double, he was dropping no-looks, he was dropping passes, he was finding shooters.

Towns was instrumental in the Knicks’ 14-point comeback win, including a monster third quarter where he notched 10 points and four rebounds — while also hyping up his teammates.

Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Towns’ versatility after the thrilling victory.

“He’s a problem. You put a small guy on him, he’s got a chance to offensive rebound. You put a big guy on him, he’s got a chance to pick-and-pop and go around guys,” Brown said.

“We have to just keep trying to move him around based on who is guarding him throughout the course of the ballgame, but he was huge for us with his double-double.”

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Jose Alvarado fearless in big NBA Finals moment for Knicks bench

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A New York Knicks player dribbling the basketball past a San Antonio Spurs player during an NBA Finals game, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson went to the locker room at the end of the first quarter of NBA Finals Game 1

SAN ANTONIO — Jose Alvarado’s first thought when Jalen Brunson hobbled off the court and went to the locker room echoed what every Knicks fan was thinking. 

“He better come back,” Alvardo recalled of the development early in Wednesday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals. 

Then his instincts took over. 

Jalen Brunson went to the locker room at the end of the first quarter of the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals.

“My second thought is, this is what I do. I wasn’t scared of the moment,” the backup Knicks point guard said Thursday. “This is something I live for, and I just want to take advantage of it and do what the team needs.”

Alvarado was part of another strong effort from the Knicks bench, their reserves piling up 28 points on 11-of-25 shooting in a 105-95, come-from-behind win over the Spurs.

There were major contributions from Mitchell Robinson (six rebounds), Landry Shamet (13 points) and Miles McBride (six points, four assists, plus-11 rating). 

Alvarado was critical, tallying seven points and four rebounds in the first half while Brunson was getting his knee checked out. He was the first Knick to really challenge Victor Wembanyama, and he drew a goaltending call on the 7-foot-4 superstar. 

“I don’t fear nobody,” Alvarado said. “He’s a great player, he’s going to block shots regardless of what you do. That one went my way.” 

The quality of the second unit is the biggest difference between this year’s Knicks and the edition that lost in the Eastern Conference finals a year ago.

It has been evident throughout the postseason, but particularly in the conference semifinals against the 76ers, when OG Anunoby suffered a mild hamstring strain. McBride and Shamet emerged in his absence. The group has also enabled the starters to stay fresh. 

Jose Alvarado drives up court during the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks bench is seventh in points per game and eighth in minutes among the 16 teams to qualify for the playoffs.

A year ago, the unit was 15th in both categories. They aren’t nearly as reliant on the starters. 

“Opportunity was the main thing,” McBride said when asked what coach Mike Brown has done well with developing the second unit. “He’s putting a lot of guys in different spots and he’s just allowing us to be us. We can play at a high level. I feel like a lot of guys can be starters at different places. We’re all happy here, we’re happy to impact the game at such a high level.”

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"Bombshell": NHL Insider Reveals Further Details Behind Reported Trade Request Of Dylan Larkin

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Fans of the Detroit Red Wings were stunned on Thursday when an explosive report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, indicating that captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade, was released. 

Larkin is the longest-tenured current member of the club, and is the only player who remains from the roster of Detroit's most recent Stanley Cup appearance in 2016.

The Red Wings have failed to play beyond the regular season for 10 straight years, which is now the longest active drought in the NHL, and the longest in team history. 

While speaking on TSN's OverDrive late Thursday afternoon, NHL Insider Darren Dreger offered further details behind what could be an eventual and highly public split between Larkin and the Red Wings. 

“When you think of bombshells, that's as big a bombshell as we're probably going to get leading into the offseason post-Stanley Cup,” Dreger said. “I think there's a need for an explanation here — this has been in the works for a while, I think that's pretty obvious.

“You don't just wake up one morning as a top player and go, ‘Okay, I've been here 11 years, whatever it is, it hasn't worked out, time for a fresh start.’”

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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Larkin, who hails from Waterford and attended the University of Michigan, and the Red Wings seemed destined for each other. They selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, and he burst onto the scene by scoring in his first NHL game in October 2015 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

After a solid rookie campaign, Larkin and the Red Wings made their most recent postseason appearance against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a series in which Tampa won quickly in five games. 

From that point on, the Motor City has been bereft of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey and has endured several lean years on the ice, including the woeful 2019-20 campaign in which Detroit finished with the fewest points of any NHL team since the expansion Atlanta Thrashers two decades prior. 

Throughout this entire time, Larkin, who was named the 37th captain in team history in 2021, has been the face of the franchise and has largely borne the brunt of difficult questions from the media as the setbacks grew. 

Top NHL Insider Reports Dylan Larkin Has Requested Trade From Red WingsTop NHL Insider Reports Dylan Larkin Has Requested Trade From Red WingsAccording to an explosive report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Dylan Larkin has requested to be moved from the Red Wings.

His disappointment following losses in recent years that have eliminated the team from playoff contention was extremely obvious, both in his body language and spoken words. Following Detroit’s loss in Game 80 of this season, which sealed their fate, Larkin admitted he was “down as could be.”

As Dreger put it, Larkin's reported trade request wasn't a knee-jerk reaction, but rather a process that feels as though it has been slowly building over the last few years. 

“You think of Dylan Larkin, it feels like he was born and raised to play for the Detroit Red Wings, right?” Dreger continued. “I mean, that's where he's from. So for Dylan to get to the place where he's requested a trade, that tells you that there's been a lot of thought, there's layering to all of this.....I don't think it's as cut and dry as him wanting an opportunity to win, and he doesn't see that opportunity in Detroit. 

“But there are multiple layers that go beyond that. How did he get to this point? Did management do enough to insulate him? To augment what they have? All of those things. And those are questions that I suppose Dylan is going to have to face, if and when a trade happens.

But the information is legit.”

Larkin, who ranks 10th all time in Red Wings total scoring, still has five years left on the deal with an $8.7M cap hit, and holds a full no-trade clause over the next two seasons; that turns into a 10-team list afterward.

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San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee on fire, longest hit streak in MLB

Jung Hoo Lee has been someone the San Francisco Giants can look to when they need a base hit.

Despite San Francisco's season of dismay, Lee in the Giants' recent string of games, has been a ray of sunshine beaming through a dark cloud that's casted over the baseball club.

The Giants' 27-year-old right fielder extended Major League Baseball's longest active hitting streak to 12 games in San Francisco's 12-9 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, June 4. Lee's streak is also a career-best for the third-year major leaguer.

Lee had four hits on Thursday against the Brewers. He finished the game batting 4-of-5 with three runs scored and a RBI.

Lee now has 67 hits this season, tied for 10th in the MLB. His teammate Luis Arraez is second in the league with 76 hits. Lee also has a .322 average, .356 OBP and .803 OPS, all currently above his career averages.

"I know Ichiro (Suzuki) is a hero of his. The one thing I think Jung Hoo had going at times on video from the past and then seeing it in-person or in the season is that style of hitting I think that we're kind of familiar with from a lot of Asian players. It's got a little bit of rhythm, little bit of movement going forward," Giants skipper Tony Vitello told reporters after the game. "But Ichiro, (he) was always going forward and in line with the pitcher... I just think he's a really good hitter. Again, I boil it down to the mentality. But I do see him staying in line a lot better than he did earlier in the year."

MORE: Giants make coaching change after slow start to 2026 season

Jung Hoo Lee highlights: See hits from Lee's streak

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jung Hoo Lee extends hit streak to 12 games in Giants win vs. Brewers

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Calm Wembanyama feels he, Spurs just need to get back to 'normal' in Game 2

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama's raw counting stats from his NBA Finals debut were impressive: 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Only three players ever put up those three numbers in their first Finals game and all are Hall of Famers and legends: Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes.

Wemby's numbers were a mirage.

Anyone who watched the game knows the truth: Wembanyama did not have a sparkling NBA Finals debut.

• He was pressing when it was a clutch game late. He wanted so badly to make the big play — like his 3-pointer against Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the last round — that he took ill-advised hero-ball shots that not only were off the mark but also hurt the Spurs, who did not explore better matchups and opportunities.
• Wembanyama shot 6-of-21 from the floor (he did most of his damage at the free throw line).
• Wemby had six turnovers and kept trying to put the ball on the floor and dribble through and around Knicks defenders, too often getting stripped.
• New York scored 50 points in the paint, an area Wemby normally owns. New York had a plan where shooters took jump shots contested by Wembanyama, pulling him out of the paint, then Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart (among other Knicks) did a fantastic job of sliding into the space vacated by Wemby to get the offensive rebound and score. New York scored 23 points on offensive rebounds in Game 1.

"I was bad tonight. It's not more complicated than that," Wembanyama said after the loss.

Despite the Game 1 loss, Wembanyama was calm on Thursday. He appeared relaxed after having had time to watch and digest the firm from Game 1. His easy confidence was back.

Which is not how he played in crunch time of Game 1. Wembanyama, trying to force things, trying too hard to be the man and make the big play in the clutch, was one of the few signs we have seen from him that this is his first deep playoff run. It's a tough line to walk, to find that balance between imposing your will and taking what the defense and the game give you as an elite player.
"It comes with experience," Karl-Anthony Towns said of walking that line. "I've been in playoff series where I've done too much, and it was a detriment to the team; and I've been in playoff series where I've done too little, and it was a detriment to the team.

"It's a fine line. It comes with experience where you learn what truly is best for the team and being able to find that balance of being aggressive and impacting the game with your skill set, but also utilizing that skill set to make others better. Something that experience has taught me. I think right now, I'm doing the best I've done at it."

Spurs need to be “normal”

Less than 24 hours later, Wembanyama did not seem rattled by being outplayed for a night by Karl-Anthony Towns. For much of the season, Wemby has sounded (and played) more like a veteran than a third-year player, and that presence was back on the podium Thursday. He sounded like a guy who had the answers to the test.

"Really, I think the reason we lost that game isn't even technical. It's not even technical, tactical," Wembanyama said. "We need to approach the game with a better mental state. We just need to play our game. We just need to be normal."

What is being "normal" for these young Spurs?

"'Normal' means trusting each other, trusting the basketball gods, trusting the game plan, executing, and not relying on talent so much to make shots or to save the day," Wembanyama said. "We've been playing a certain way all season. We've been successful this way. There's no reason to change the day the Finals start."

Put in more traditional terms, Wembanyama and the Spurs think they just need to make the play-better adjustment: Don't be sped up by the Knicks' defense, move the ball better (just 16 assists), and shoot better than 25.6% from 3-point range.

All much easier said than done against a Knicks team that has won a dozen games in a row and is playing with supreme confidence. Whatever the adjustments, the Spurs need to play better in Game 2 because if they drop the first two at home, this quickly becomes too deep a hole to climb out of.

And that Game 2 turnaround has to start with Wembanyama playing better.

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3 moves the San Francisco Giants must make to salvage their season

The San Francisco Giants are turning the 2026 season into a rather forgetful one.

At this point in the season, as records are taking shape and we get a sense of the teams being fielded, the Giants' shortcomings have been surprising.

The season was headlined by the excitement and doubts of Tony Vitello, a first-year skipper with no major league experience. There was anticipation for the returning lineup that includes Casey Schmitt, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Heliot Ramos, among others.

There was excitement about the arrival of Tyler Mahle and Luis Arraez, and a full season with Rafael Devers. That was March. We're in June, and all that is out the window.

The Giants have one of the worst records in all of baseball. They are dead last, if not second-to-last, in their NL West division, at 25-38, and are currently trending towards the club's first 100-loss season since 1985.

San Francisco has lost seven of its previous 10 games. Prior to back-to-back wins on Wednesday and Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers to conclude their series, the Giants' previous win in that span came against the Colorado Rockies in a 19-6 rout on May 31. Outside of that, there have been mostly low points for the Giants who have, at times, struggled to score runs.

At this point in the schedule, the Giants should consider ways to give their fans something to cheer for and salvage an abysmal season, even if it means preparing for the future.

Here are options for San Francisco to consider:

How San Francisco Giants can salvage their 2026 season

At the beginning of the season, the Giants were predicted by many, including USA TODAY, to find their way into the playoffs by sneaking into the wild card.

And 63 games later, the Giants are likely going to be on the outskirts of the postseason in 2026. A turnaround is not impossible, just extremely rare at this point.

The 2005 Houston Astros had an identical record to this year's Giants at the same point in the season. The Astros, at one point in the season, held an 18-32 record. They turned it around and ultimately clinched the NL Wild Card and even appeared in the World Series.

So it's not a complete loss for San Francisco, yet.

The No. 1 pressing question is how the Giants can salvage their remaining 99 regular-season games and still have something to look forward to through September. Here are a few suggestions for the San Francisco baseball club.

Trade Rafael Devers

Devers, 29, hasn't been the explosive slugger that he was with the Boston Red Sox, which originally drew the Giants' attention. Devers is in the midst of a 10-year deal worth $313 million, and he'll turn 30 in October.

Devers has had a down year in 2026. And, although there's optimism that he'll pick up his play, it might be worth a shot to deal Devers to a team that could better utilize his services. Devers isn't the sole reason for the Giants' shortcomings this season, but he hasn't helped get them out of the funk either.

He struggled in March and April, batting .210, but improved his average to .253 in May. If he continues to get into a groove, Devers could make a fine designated hitter on a contending team, or a team that can afford his salary.

However, getting rid of a hefty contract like Devers' is going to be a hard task for the Giants to sell to other teams. And there are a few teams that could use an additional option at DH, including the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves. If Devers gets back to his usual play, either of these teams could use his services.

Dump expensive salaries

The Giants have a lot of money tied up. If they can shed some of those commitments, it would set up future transactions and allow them to competitively pursue the game's biggest stars and prospects in future years.

The first step would be to trade Devers, but to follow suit would mean clearing their payroll of all expensive contracts. Devers makes the most on the team this season at $29.5 million, according to Baseball Reference.

Chapman is the second-highest paid player on the Giants, making $25.17 million. Robbie Ray, who will be a free agent in 2027 makes $25 million. San Francisco's ace pitcher, Logan Webb, makes $23 million. Jung Hoo Lee has a $22.83 million contract. And although Adames is only getting paid $13.14 million in 2026, he's owed $31.1 million per year through 2031.

San Francisco would have to convince Chapman and Adames, both of whom have no-trade clauses in their contracts. In that scenario, Chapman and Adames would likely be dealt to a team of their choice.

During a radio appearance with "Willard & Dibs" on Bay Area sports radio station 95.7 "The Game", ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney mapped out a plan for the Giants to get out of their expensive payroll.

"It would be ugly," Olney said. "I mean, first off, you would definitely have to eat a lot of money. You might have to take a bad contract in return. You know, to get a team even interested in it, you might have to give up some prospect value."

Ridding the team's payroll would indicate that the season is a throwaway. However, it would give hope for what lies ahead and setup potential transactions to upgrade the team.

Embrace the young talent

The worst-case scenario is that the Giants can't move off those contracts and they have to rely on hope for progression in their core guys.

And if that's the case, they should embrace playing the young fellas. Otherwise, you're stuck fielding an expensive, under-achieving roster.

"I mean, at this point, and then I'm just going on feedback that I'm hearing from other teams, where they're like, 'man, that they're stuck with those guys,'" Olney said. "They feel like that, unless the Giants basically are willing to make a bad trade, that they're probably going to be stuck with these guys, and they just have to hope that they start playing better. It's not an easy roster to turn around, that's for sure."

With the Giants' season headed in the direction that it is, it's not absurd to want to see more of the young prospects and players in the early stages of their careers.

Naturally, fans want to see what else the team has to work with. Maybe there's a glimmer of hope that develops when seeing the potential talent grace the field.

With a 25-38 record, it's time we see what the young guys can do for the team. Enter guys like: Daniel Susac, Drew Gilbert and Bryce Eldridge. The only thing that could make the season less sufferable is seeing the Giants' potential future begin to make strides and get reps for future seasons.

Eldridge was the Giants' top prospect going into the 2026 season. Up to this point, he's batting .286, with two homers, six RBIs, and a .842 OPS.

Susac was a top-10 prospect for the Athletics just a few years ago. He's bounced around the minors and found a home in the Bay Area. Susac is a Northern California native, growing up in Roseville, just outside of Sacramento. In a sense, he's home.

Gilbert has become a fan favorite with his antics, whether in the dugout or on the field. Gilbert's personality is something that helps strengthen chemistry, and that's something that will be cherished in a season that has seen more downs than ups.

There are many gems to stumble upon once you get over the win-loss column. A commitment to the young cats signals to everyone else that it's time to re-strategize.

That gesture alone would give fans a dose of reality, salvaging those early wild-card predictions and expectations, and offering a glimpse into the franchise's future.

2026 is cooked, make it a development year for the guys and call it a season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Three moves SF Giants must do before it's too late

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Adam Silver ‘thrilled’ Trump will attend NBA finals at Madison Square Garden

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Donald Trump confirmed he will be attending the NBA finals next week at Madison Square Garden.Photograph: Samuel Corum/EPA

Donald Trump, a longtime New York Knicks fan, said he plans to attend an NBA finals game at Madison Square Garden next week at the invitation of the team’s owner.

Describing himself as a “big fan” of the team and owner James Dolan, Trump said Thursday that he will be in the arena for at least one game next week. The NBA believes it would make him the first sitting president to attend an NBA finals game.

Related: NBA finals: in a mud wrestle shaped by 53 years of dread, Jalen Brunson was the difference

“The answer is yes – he’s invited me, I’m going,” Trump said of Dolan’s invitation. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he was eyeing Game 3 on Monday but didn’t rule out Game 4 on Wednesday. “Maybe I’ll do both.”

Trump, who is simultaneously contending with a war in Iran, strife in Congress and looming midterm elections, said he made sure to catch some of Game 1 on Wednesday as the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

“I missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now, but I watched that end of the game and they were dominant,” Trump said. “Really amazing.”

Asked about his plans for next week, Trump went on to offer his own game recap, giving nothing but praise for the Knicks. Taking questions after an event on his administration’s efforts to promote the US coal industry, Trump said it “wasn’t looking good” for the Knicks early on but commended them for holding back Victor Wembanyama, the towering Spurs center.

“I say, how do you guard this guy? He’s 7ft 5in and he’s got a great shot, right? But they find a way to do it. They’re really great.”

The NBA said it believes no other sitting president has attended an NBA finals game. Earlier Thursday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said some former presidents had attended. He recalled Trump as a Knicks fan long before his political career.

“Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan,” Silver said. “I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden.”

Silver reiterated a message he conveyed Wednesday amid reports that Trump might attend – that sports can be unifying, even in deeply divided political times.

“We can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart,” Silver said. “We’re seeing that in New York and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team.”

The commissioner acknowledged that Trump’s presence will require extra security in and around Madison Square Garden. That would almost certainly mean longer transit times and logistical issues for fans.

“I think the fans are very understanding of that,” Silver said. “I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event.”

Trump is not expected to be the only prominent political figure at the Garden for the first NBA finals staged at the arena since 1999. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has also said he plans to attend Monday’s game, though he suggested there is little chance the two will cross paths.

“I will be in a very different section,” Mamdani said Thursday at an unrelated news conference.

The mayor’s office said he would be paying his own way for a ticket that was fetching upwards of $8,000 on the secondary market as of Thursday afternoon. Trump, meanwhile, said he would be attending as Dolan’s guest, setting up a finals scene that could feature two of New York’s most prominent political figures under one roof.

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Lonzo Ball makes bold Jalen Brunson declaration after NBA Finals Game 1 heroics

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 30 points in NBA Finals Game 1, Image 2 shows Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
Jalen Brunson

Consider Lonzo Ball a big Jalen Brunson fan.

After Brunson hit clutch shots down the stretch in the Knicks’ Game 1 win in the NBA Finals over the Spurs on Wednesday night, Ball, the NBA point guard, declared Brunson the best Knicks player ever in an X post.

“Late commentary here but Brunson the best Knick to do it… like ever,” Ball wrote.

Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 30 points in their NBA Finals Game 1 win over the Spurs on June 3, 2026. Jason Szenes for The New York Post

Brunson scored 30 points in New York’s 105-95 win as the Knicks rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.

With the Knicks trailing 95-94 with 1:50 to go in the fourth, the 29-year-old hit a corner 3 to put New York up by two points and give the team a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

Wednesday night’s heroics, however, were just a small snippet of how dominant Brunson has been during his four years with the Knicks.

After signing a four-year deal with New York in 2022, Brunson has turned the Knicks into a perennial playoff contender with his shot-making prowess and crafty finishing.

The former Mavericks guard has averaged over 24 points per game every year in a Knicks uniform, including a career-high 28.7 in 2023-24.

But even after Brunson helped lead the Knicks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, not all fans agree with Ball’s bold statement.

Lonzo Ball Getty Images

“Not yet. Clyde and Willis are ahead of him for now, but him and Ewing are debatable,” Knicks fan account @BrunsonIsMVP posted on X Thursday afternoon.

“There is a guy named Walt Frazier who won TWO TITLES for the @nyknicks,” X user @DGUNZ22 also posted.

Some fans think that Brunson can be deemed the best Knick of all time, but they believe he has to win three more games to earn that title.

After his big Game 1, Brunson and New York look to head home up 2-0 in the series.

Game 2 is set for Friday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

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4 Potential Free Agent Destinations For Blue Jackets' Mason Marchment

Mason Marchment is one of the Columbus Blue Jackets' top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Given how well he played for the Blue Jackets after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken, it would not be surprising if Columbus works hard to keep him around. 

Yet, with Marchment being one of the top pending UFA forwards in the NHL heading into the summer, it would also be understandable if he decided to test the market. 

Because of this, let's look at four teams that could sign Marchment if he does not end up re-signing with the Blue Jackets.

Pittsburgh Penguins 

Recently, The Hockey News' Jason Newland brought up the possibility of the Pittsburgh Penguins landing Mason Marchment due to his past with Pens GM Kyle Dubas. Marchment would have the potential to be a good pickup for Pittsburgh as they look to continue to head in the right direction. He would also offer them a strong replacement for pending UFA Anthony Mantha if he signs elsewhere this summer. 

Boston Bruins 

The Boston Bruins could be a team to keep an eye on if Marchment ends up testing free agency. It is no secret that the Bruins' top six could use a boost, and Marchment would provide them with just that if acquired. The Bruins also value players who play with a physical edge, so it would not be shocking if Boston had interest in the 6-foot-5 Marchment this summer. 

Washington Capitals 

The Washington Capitals could use another impactful winger as they look to bounce back after missing the playoffs this season. With Marchment being one of the top pending UFAs who can hit the market on July 1, it would make sense if the Capitals had him on their radar this summer. He would give them another option for their top six and power play if successfully signed. 

San Jose Sharks 

The San Jose Sharks should also be watched when it comes to Marchment. He would be a very good power forward for them to bring in. This is because he would not only provide them with more offense but also another veteran forward to help mentor their younger players as they look to take that next step. 

Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14. 

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Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Colorado Rockies

Jun 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (22) gets a base hit against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

After a quick four-game series split against the Giants in Milwaukee, the Brewers are headed out west for a three-game set in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. The Crew sits at 37-23 on the season, five games ahead of the Cardinals and Pirates atop the NL Central as of this writing. On the other side, the Rockies are coming off back-to-back series wins over the Giants and Angels, moving them to 24-39 on the season, still in last place in the NL West.

While several key players have returned for the Brewers in recent weeks, they had a string of injuries in Thursday’s series finale against the Giants, as both DL Hall and Grant Anderson exited. Hall has already been ruled out for the road trip, as he’ll remain in Milwaukee to undergo an MRI scan as he deals with left subscapular/pectoral discomfort. Anderson, who took a liner off his right arm, is reportedly day-to-day with a contusion after X-rays were negative. Lefty Rob Zastryzny, who returned from the IL last weekend, went right back on the shelf with a trap strain, and he’s out until at least late June. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff is close to returning, as is outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who is on the verge of a rehab assignment. Right-hander Quinn Priester is now rehabbing with the ACL Brewers as he continues to deal with the effects of thoracic outlet syndrome. Right-hander Logan Henderson and left-hander Jared Koenig are also expected to return in the coming weeks.

For Colorado, they also have a few day-to-day injuries, as TJ Rumfield is dealing with a nagging shoulder issue, and Tyler Freeman is dealing with shin soreness. Outfielders Jordan Beck, Mickey Moniak, and Brenton Doyle are also out, with Moniak the closest to returning, potentially as soon as this weekend. DH Kris Bryant continues to be plagued by injuries, as he hasn’t played a single game this season. On the pitching side, RJ Petit (2027), McCade Brown (TBD), Jose Quintana (second half), Chase Dollander (TBD), Victor Vodnik (TBD), Jimmy Herget (mid-June), and Welinton Herrera (TBD) are all out.

Jake Bauers is the first Brewer to hit double-digit homers this year, hitting his 10th of the season earlier this week. Brice Turang has seven homers, while Jackson Chourio’s two-homer game in Thursday’s series finale brings him to four for the year, tied with William Contreras and Christian Yelich. Beyond those guys, Milwaukee’s offense features Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, David Hamilton, Andrew Vaughn, Joey Ortiz, Gary Sánchez, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .247/.336/.369 (.705 OPS ranks tied for 16th), with 44 homers (last), 301 runs (sixth), and 63 steals (second).

Catcher Hunter Goodman leads Colorado’s offense with 15 homers this season, with Rumfield at eight homers and Jake McCarthy and Ezequiel Tovar the next best among active players at four homers apiece. Willi Castro, Kyle Karros, Freeman, Edouard Julien, and Troy Johnston round out healthy regulars, while Sterlin Thompson, Braxton Fulford, Chad Stevens, and Brett Sullivan serve as depth. As a team, the Rockies are hitting .247/.316/.391 (.707 OPS ranks tied for 14th), with 60 homers (tied for 20th), 272 runs (15th), and 50 steals (ninth).

The Brewers’ bullpen picture is a tad unclear after the injuries to Hall and Anderson, but the leaders of the current group include Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill. Jake Woodford’s ERA has ballooned to 6.94 after another blow-up outing on Thursday, with Chad Patrick, Robert Gasser, Shane Drohan, and Coleman Crow (all three of whom have started games at different points this season, including the latter three in the last week) rounding things out. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.26 team ERA (third), including a 3.23 starter ERA (third) and a 3.30 bullpen ERA (seventh). They’ve struck out 580 batters (third) over 535 1/3 innings.

Brennan Bernardino leads the Rockies with 28 appearances this season, pitching to a 3.70 ERA over 24 1/3 innings. Juan Mejia (5.79 ERA) and Jaden Hill (3.43 ERA) rank second and third in appearances, respectively, while former starter Antonio Senzatela has looked great in a bullpen role this year, with a 1.30 ERA and three saves over 34 2/3 innings (17 appearances). Seth Halvorsen (2.70 ERA over 13 1/3 innings) is the only other real standout for Colorado. Former Brewer farmhand TJ Shook (no runs allowed over two innings), Keegan Thompson (7.56 ERA over 8 1/3 IP), and Blas Castaño (no appearances) round out the bullpen. As a staff, the Rockies have a 5.46 team ERA (last), including a 6.03 starter ERA (last) and a 4.92 bullpen ERA (26th). They’ve struck out 451 batters (28th) over 552 innings.

Probable Pitchers

Friday, June 5 @ 7:40 p.m.: RHP Brandon Sproat (1-4, 6.24 ERA, 5.59 FIP) vs. RHP Ryan Feltner (2-1, 4.85 ERA, 5.06 FIP)

Sproat hasn’t been able to figure things out just yet, and patience seems to be wearing thin as he’s now 11 appearances (nine starts) deep into the season. He sits with a 6.24 ERA, 5.59 FIP, and 52 strikeouts across 49 innings, as he’s allowed a whopping 48 hits (10 homers) and 27 walks for a 1.531 WHIP. He got hit hard again in Houston his last time out, allowing five runs on six hits (but walking none!) with four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in a 9-2 loss. This marks Sproat’s first career appearance against the Rockies.

Feltner, 29, is a former fourth-round pick now in his sixth MLB season with the Rockies. He’s made six starts thus far, with a 4.85 ERA, 5.06 FIP, and 19 strikeouts across 26 innings. He’s coming off his best start of the season, as he went six scoreless innings with four hits and no walks allowed, striking out two in an 8-3 win over the Giants. Feltner has made five career starts against Milwaukee, totaling 27 2/3 innings with a 2.93 ERA and 26 strikeouts. That includes a six-inning, one-run outing last season that resulted in a no-decision.

Saturday, June 6 @ 8:10 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (6-2, 1.65 ERA, 1.85 FIP) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 6.37 ERA, 4.09 FIP)

Misiorowski is coming off one of the best months we’ve ever seen for a Brewer pitcher (despite not winning NL Pitcher of the Month). He went seven scoreless frames against the Astros on Sunday, allowing three hits, a hit batter, and no walks while striking out eight in his sixth win of the season. Across 12 starts this year, he has a sterling 1.65 ERA, 1.85 FIP, and league-leading 108 strikeouts over just 71 innings. This marks his first career appearance against the Rockies.

Gordon, 28, is a former sixth-round draft pick now in his third MLB season with the Rockies. After making all 15 of his appearances as a starter a year ago, he started 2026 as a reliever, making his first seven appearances from the bullpen before getting the start in his last two outings. For the year, he’s totaled 35 1/3 innings with a 6.37 ERA, 4.09 FIP, and 35 strikeouts. He got hit hard in a 19-6 loss to the Giants in his last outing, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two over three-plus innings. This marks his first career appearance against Milwaukee.

Sunday, June 7 @ 2:10 p.m.: LHP Shane Drohan (2-1, 2.87 ERA, 2.78 FIP) vs. LHP Kyle Freeland (1-6, 8.06 ERA, 6.08 FIP)

Drohan is set to make his third major league start and 13th appearance in Sunday’s series finale. After making his MLB debut as a starter, he made his next 10 appearances from the bullpen before returning to the rotation on Monday night against the Giants. He went four innings in that one, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five as the Brewers would go on to a 16-2 blowout victory. As is the case with Sproat and Miz, this is Drohan’s first career appearance against Colorado.

Freeland, a fourth-place finisher in the NL Cy Young race back in 2018, has never quite been able to replicate that success. After leading the majors with a whopping 17 losses last season, he has a dismal 8.06 ERA and 6.08 FIP across his first 10 starts this season, totaling 48 innings with 43 strikeouts. He’s allowed at least three runs in each of his last seven starts, including six runs (five earned) on seven hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings against the Angels in his last outing, taking a no-decision as the Rockies would go on to win 9-8. A familiar foe for the Brewers, Freeland is 5-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 51 strikeouts across 58 1/3 innings (10 starts) against Milwaukee, though he lost both appearances against them last year, allowing 11 runs over just 10 1/3 innings.

How to Watch & Listen

Friday, June 5: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Saturday, June 6: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Sunday, June 7: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Prediction

This could be one of the highest-scoring series we’ve seen this year, especially when you consider how dismal some of Colorado’s pitchers have been this year and the high-altitude environment of Denver. While the Brewers are just 7-13 in Colorado since beating them in the 2018 NLDS, they did manage to win the series a year ago. Give me a repeat of that performance as the Brewers win two of three.

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Cubs in unfamiliar territory after deflating extra-inning loss to Athletics

Baseball player Michael Busch in a white pinstripe Chicago Cubs uniform, holding a blue helmet, looks down while walking on the field.
Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after striking out in the 10th inning of a game between the Athletics and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Cubs are in some unfamiliar territory.

With their 5-4 10-inning loss to the visiting Athletics Wednesday night, Chicago became the first team in MLB history to win at least 15 straight home games and then lose their next eight straight at home.

Chicago started its season blazing hot at 27-12, didn’t lose a home game from April 11 to May 18 and was in the driver’s seat in the NL Central.

Pete Crow-Armstrong heads back to the dugout after striking out in the 10th inning of the Cubs’ loss to the Athletics at Wrigley Field on June 3, 2026 in Chicago. Getty Images

The team’s 15-game home win streak included sweeps over NL East teams in the Mets and Phillies as well as sweeps over the Reds and Diamondbacks.

With an offense producing at a high level and the team winning six one-run games at home during the stretch, it seemed Chicago was well on its way to its first NL Central title since 2020.

But since May 18, everything that could’ve gone wrong for the Cubs has gone wrong.

Chicago was first swept by its rival Brewers from May 18-20, scoring just five runs across three games.

Against the Astros from May 22-24, the Cubs were outscored 15-7 and were even shutout in Game 2 of the series, 3-0. Shota Imanaga struggled mightily in the series finale, surrendering seven runs on seven hits.

The Cubs finally seemed to be getting out of their home funk Wednesday when they were up 4-2 in the eighth inning against the Athletics, but their bullpen imploded, allowing two runs in the eighth and one in the 10th.

Ethan Roberts exits the game in the 10th inning of the Cubs’ loss to the Athletics on June 3, 2026. Getty Images

It’s not just one factor contributing to Chicago’s struggles, however.

The team’s lack of power hurt it throughout May, as Chicago hit just 27 home runs, the sixth-fewest in the majors. A year after blasting 31 home runs, Pete Crow-Armstrong has just eight in 2026 so far.

Chicago’s pitching staff also has dealt with injuries to Matthew Boyd and Edward Cabrera, and has a team ERA of 4.15, 18th in the majors.

Once in first place in the NL Central, the Cubs are now just 32-30 and have dropped to fourth, six-and-a-half games back of first-place Milwaukee. Chicago is a game out of the NL’s final wildcard spot.

The Cubs look to avoid a sweep as they conclude their series against the Athletics Thursday night.

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A Flyers Trade for Dylan Larkin Checks All the Boxes

Early in the 2026 offseason, one of the most surprising developments has been the number of legitimate potential trade targets the Philadelphia Flyers have at the center position.

On Thursday, that list got one big name longer, and it's perhaps the one the Flyers will covet the most.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, which immediately makes him the top name on the market for the other 31 NHL teams, and especially the Flyers.

The Flyers, like many aspiring contenders, need a No. 1 center. A team like Minnesota or Montreal need Larkin as a No. 2 center or 1A option, but the Flyers need his talents more than they do. They're starting from the bottom of this ladder.

Larkin will turn 30 this summer, but he's only made the Stanley Cup playoffs once in his career despite his six career 30-goal seasons.

The 2014 first-round pick isn't quite the superstar capable of dragging a team to the postseason by his lonesome, but in the right environment, Larkin can thrive and reach new heights, even at his current age.

And while he may not be a righty like someone such as Mat Barzal, Larkin checks literally every other box.

Larkin is a career 52.7% on faceoffs, plays both special teams (including bumper on the power play!), scores at will, and is capable of leading a team.

Where Did Flyers Head Coach Rick Tocchet Rank in Jack Adams Award Voting?Where Did Flyers Head Coach Rick Tocchet Rank in Jack Adams Award Voting?Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet earned a handful of first-place votes on this year's Jack Adams Award ballot.

And for any concerns about his lack of playoff experience, Larkin gregariously taps the front of his Gold Medal from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 29-year-old has consistently ranked in the top half of the NHL's fastest skaters over the years, peaking with a 95th percentile placement in max skating speed (23.32 MPH) in the 2021-22 season, according to NHL EDGE.

Financials at this point aren't a concern for the Flyers, with their cap space situation looking almost spotless compared to previous years.

Larkin has five more years remaining on his current contract at a modest $8.7 million cap hit, though his full no-trade clause gives him full control over where the Red Wings send him next.

Even after the Flyers re-sign the likes of Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, bringing in Larkin, with term on his deal, should be no issue at all.

The Flyers, under GM Danny Briere, have been opportunistic traders, rather than ambitious chasers or go-getters, so the trade cost could prove prohibitive past a certain point.

But, given Larkin is nearly 30, and with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider the standard bearers for the future of Red Wings hockey, Detroit is likely to pursue draft picks, prospects, and other assets who are 25 or younger.

The Flyers can offer the Red Wings a whole handful of wingers, excluding Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone, as well as any prospect or draft pick they might want.

You have to give in order to get in the NHL, and players of Larkin's caliber, even if not a traditional No. 1 center these days, don't grow on trees.

If the Flyers are truly committed to taking the next step and pushing their playoff runs even further, getting Larkin in a trade with virtually no downside is the first domino.

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Seth Jarvis scores in overtime, Carolina beats Vegas in Game 2 to tie Stanley Cup Final

Seth Jarvis scores in overtime, Carolina beats Vegas in Game 2 to tie Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Seth Jarvis scored on the power play in overtime after Carolina erased a deficit in regulation only to gave up a late tying goal, and the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night to the series.

Jarvis’ OT heroics came after a thrilling third period that included four goals being scored and another getting called off because of goaltender interference.

The Hurricanes had almost nothing going for the first 45 minutes, falling behind by two goals as the Golden Knights took advantage of a couple of scoring chances and locked down defensively. A couple of strong shifts in the offensive zone just before the midway point of the third brought the crowd back to life because the Hurricanes were buzzing.

Logan Stankoven made a terrific individual effort to get them on the board, taking the puck away from Rasmus Andersson, going to the net and banking a shot off Jeremy Lauzon and in with 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski fired a shot past Carter Hart to tie it, flipping the script from Game 1, when Vegas erased a multigoal deficit and won.

The Hurricanes took the lead with 4:35 left when their captain, Jordan Staal, redirected Shayne Gostisbehere’s point shot in on the power play. It was just their eighth power play goal of the playoffs.

That was 25 seconds after the Golden Knights thought they scored at the other end.

Frederik Andersen initially went full extension to deny Ivan Barbashev with the paddle of his stick, and a scrum ensued in the crease that ended with the puck eventually in the net. Referee Jean Hebert waved it off immediately, saying Andersen was pushed into the net and ruling it was goaltender interference.

Tortorella after some deliberation opted to challenge, and the on-ice officials in consultation with the NHL’s situation room confirmed the call on the ice stood. That put the Hurricanes on the power play, and Staal — the captain who has been around longer than anyone else on his team — cashed in.

After Mark Stone tied it for Vegas with 1:21 left in regulation to send the game to OT, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal to put Carolina back on the power play. That allowed Jarvis to score just Carolina’s eighth power play goal of the playoffs.

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Seth Jarvis scores in overtime, Carolina beats Vegas in Game 2 to tie Stanley Cup Final

Seth Jarvis scores in overtime, Carolina beats Vegas in Game 2 to tie Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Seth Jarvis scored on the power play in overtime after Carolina erased a deficit in regulation only to gave up a late tying goal, and the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night to the series.

Jarvis’ OT heroics came after a thrilling third period that included four goals being scored and another getting called off because of goaltender interference.

The Hurricanes had almost nothing going for the first 45 minutes, falling behind by two goals as the Golden Knights took advantage of a couple of scoring chances and locked down defensively. A couple of strong shifts in the offensive zone just before the midway point of the third brought the crowd back to life because the Hurricanes were buzzing.

Logan Stankoven made a terrific individual effort to get them on the board, taking the puck away from Rasmus Andersson, going to the net and banking a shot off Jeremy Lauzon and in with 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski fired a shot past Carter Hart to tie it, flipping the script from Game 1, when Vegas erased a multigoal deficit and won.

The Hurricanes took the lead with 4:35 left when their captain, Jordan Staal, redirected Shayne Gostisbehere’s point shot in on the power play. It was just their eighth power play goal of the playoffs.

That was 25 seconds after the Golden Knights thought they scored at the other end.

Frederik Andersen initially went full extension to deny Ivan Barbashev with the paddle of his stick, and a scrum ensued in the crease that ended with the puck eventually in the net. Referee Jean Hebert waved it off immediately, saying Andersen was pushed into the net and ruling it was goaltender interference.

Tortorella after some deliberation opted to challenge, and the on-ice officials in consultation with the NHL’s situation room confirmed the call on the ice stood. That put the Hurricanes on the power play, and Staal — the captain who has been around longer than anyone else on his team — cashed in.

After Mark Stone tied it for Vegas with 1:21 left in regulation to send the game to OT, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal to put Carolina back on the power play. That allowed Jarvis to score just Carolina’s eighth power play goal of the playoffs.

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Bucks ownership ready to make seismic Giannis Antetokounmpo move

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the Barclays Center.

The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly made a decision on their superstar.

Bucks ownership is expected to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft, according to insider Brett Siegel. 

“We have heard from multiple sources, one of which is from a team that was involved in Giannis trade chatter at the trade deadline, that have said the Bucks made up their decision and ownership will be moving on from Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft,” Siegel said on the ClutchPoints podcast.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the Barclays Center. Noah K. Murray-NY Post

Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Bucks after being drafted 15th overall in 2013.

But now it seems like his time in Wisconsin is coming to an end. 

Since winning a championship with the team in 2020, the Bucks have been unable to reach the Conference Finals.

This year, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. 

Antetokounmpo has just one more year plus a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Rather than lose him for nothing in free agency, the Bucks have reportedly been shopping him around since the trade deadline. 

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam may be ready to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo. AP

Milwaukee received many offers before the deadline, but decided to hang on to Antetokounmpo until at least the offseason.

Then last month, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslem stated that he preferred the team make a decision on Antetokounmpo before the draft, which kicks off on June 23.

Now that the team is seemingly ready to let Antetokounmpo go, one team from the trade deadline sweepstakes has emerged as a favorite to land the two-time NBA MVP.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 reacts on the court in a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Various reports have pegged the Miami Heat as the most likely destination for Antetokounmpo.

While the Heat remain in front, other teams, such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, have been rumored to have interest in Antetokounmpo.