July 1 may have passed, but there are still some interesting players who remain unrestricted free agents. Interestingly, a handful of the top remaining UFAs played are former Blackhawks.
This is because Patrick Kane, Matt Grzelcyk, Philipp Kurashev, and David Kampf all remain unsigned.
Out of these four former Blackhawks, Kane is, of course, the most notable player. The Blackhawks legend is still an impactful top-six winger at this stage of his career, posting 57 points in 67 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings. The idea of him returning to Chicago is a fun thought but also very unlikely. He will likely head to a contender if he does not re-sign with Detroit.
After posting 12 assists in 69 games last season with the Blackhawks, Grzelcyk is still unsigned. The 5-foot-10 defenseman had to earn a contract through a PTO from Chicago last year after posting 40 points in 82 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024-25. Will he get a contract from another NHL club more quickly this summer?
After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Blackhawks last summer, Kurashev signed with the San Jose Sharks and had a decent 2025-26 campaign. In 43 games, the 6-foot forward had seven goals and 20 points. Teams looking for more secondary offensive production could consider signing the 26-year-old.
As for Kampf, the 31-year-old center posted two goals and six points in 40 games last season split between the Vancouver Canucsks and Washington Capitals. He doesn't offer a lot of offense, but he works well in a bottom-six role because of his strong defensive play and thrives at the faceoff dot.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two former Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball stars are heading east.
The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Ayton recently opted in to the second year of his contract with the Lakers, which will now transfer over to Washington. Ayton will be paid $8 million next season.
Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bAEtSFpTNi
Ayton averaged a career-low 12.5 points and 8 rebounds with the Lakers last season. He started 72 regular season games, his most games played in a season.
Ayton joins a Wizards front court that includes Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. Washington drafted BYU’s AJ Dybantsa with the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Also on Friday, Caleb Love signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, as first reported by Charania.
Love was a free agent after playing his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. In 49 games with Portland, Love averaged 10.4 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
Love will join former Arizona forward Dalen Terry in Philadelphia. Terry, who was traded to the 76ers last season, appeared in 14 games with Philadelphia, playing mostly mop up minutes.
The Ducks have seven days to decide whether to match the offer. If they don't, they will receive four first-round draft picks from the Flyers.
Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, had 29 goals, 38 assists for 67 points in 70 regular season games last season with the Ducks. He added 11 points in 12 playoff games to help lead Anaheim to the second round.
According to puckpedia.com, the Ducks will have $17 million left in cap space if they match the offer sheet. They still have to re-sign restricted free agents Cutter Gauthier and Pavel Mintyukov and beef up their defense after the departures of Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas. Plus, rookie of the year finalist Beckett Sennecke needs to be re-signed next summer.
The Flyers' offer sheet is the NHL's second since the July 1 signing period opened. The New Jersey Devils gave a one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet to the Utah Mammoth's Barrett Hayton.
Follow along for live updates on Day 3 of NHL free agency:
Rittiich gets a one-year, $1 million contract and join Jake Allen in the Devils' netminding tandem after spending last season as Ilya Samsonov's backup on the New York Islanders. The Devils traded goalie Jacob Markstrom to the Panthers on June 30.
The Stars are bringing Benn back for an 18th season. The captain gets a one-year contract for $850,000, plus an additional $1,150,000 in potential performance bonuses. He had 36 points last season and needs eight more to reach 1,000 career points.
The Philadelphia Flyers have just put the entire NHL notice, signing Leo Carlsson to the boldest offer sheet we have seen in a long time.
Carlsson, 21, signed the Flyers' offer sheet Friday, a five-year pact that carries a monstrous $18 million AAV, which would make him the highest-paid center in the NHL on a $90 million deal.
Within the rules of the NHL's compensation bracket, the Flyers would be required to give up their next four first-round picks to the Anaheim Ducks if they choose not to match.
The Ducks will have seven days to match.
Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, erupted for 29 goals, 38 assists, and 67 points in 70 games with the Ducks this season, then added another four goals and 11 assists in 12 playoff games.
This move is the Flyers calling the Ducks' bluff, as the Ducks have made it clear they intent to match any and every offer sheet Carlsson receives.
Now, general manager Danny Briere and the Flyers have asked the Ducks to prove it.
It is worth noting that, at the time of this writing, the Ducks have $35 million in cap space, but they still need to re-sign ex-Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier, who is also a restricted free agent, as well as defensemen Tyson Hinds and Pavel Mintyukov.
Additionally, the entirety of the right side of the Ducks' defense has departed in free agency, with Jacob Trouba (San Jose), Radko Gudas (Florida), and John Carlson (Tampa Bay) all moving on to new teams.
If the Flyers are successful in their offer sheet and the Ducks do not match, they will be left with $11 million in cap space, still needing to re-sign Trevor Zegras, Nikita Grebenkin, and Jamie Drysdale.
If Samuel Montembeault being cast aside during the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run wasn’t a clear enough sign that he had become surplus to requirements, the three-year contract extension Kent Hughes signed with Jakub Dobes on Thursday certainly is. The netminder had a spectacular fall from grace last season after making Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off, leaving little doubt that the Habs would like to move him, but not at any cost.
A lot of masked men have changed allegiances over the last few days; Jacob Markstrom has been traded to the Florida Panthers, just like Akira Schmid, leading to Sergei Bobrovsky signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Detroit Red Wings traded Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth during the draft. The Edmonton Oilers’ never-ending search for a goaltender worthy of Connor McDavid continued with the signing of veteran Frederik Andersen. Samuel Errsson became a frequent flyer (no pun intended), going from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Leafs in a deal involving Joseph Woll before the Swede was flipped again to the Ottawa Senators. Eric Comrie signed with the San Jose Sharks, Daniil Tarasov signed with the Red Wings, Calvin Pickard signed with the Minnesota Wild, Pheonix Copley signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Vitek Vanecek signed with the New York Islanders, and Stuart Skinner signed with the Winnipeg Jets.
Speaking of the Jets, Connor Hellebuyck is reportedly on the market as well; he’s perhaps the biggest name, and once Winnipeg manages to move him, Montembeault may draw more interest from those who lost out on the Jets’ three-time Vezina Trophy winner, or even from the Jets themselves. Despite failing to perform in the playoffs, Hellebuyck is still generating a lot of interest, and it makes sense. Jordan Binnington is entering the last year of his contract with the St. Louis Blues, and his play in the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Olympic gold medal game makes him an intriguing option, even if his NHL stats haven’t been great of late. Furthermore, he did lead the Missouri outfit to a Stanley Cup in 2018-19.
When Hughes spoke to the media after inking Ivan Demidov to an 8-year contract extension, he was asked whether there was a market for Montembeault, and he replied: "Yes." It’s a fair assessment, but it feels like some more dominoes need to fall before Montembeault becomes another team's backup plan. He had a horrendous season last year, but he didn’t forget how to be a goalie out of the blue, and someone’s bound to want to take a chance on him. Unlike Brendan Gallagher, though, Hughes won’t trade him just to trade him; he’ll want something in return, and if all else fails, all three goalies could still be in Montreal at the start of camp. There’s a long way to go before it gets to that, and as the Canadiens’ GM has shown over the years, he doesn’t mind waiting for the right deal to come along.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on December 30, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 108-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James is leaving us all hanging in suspense while his agent, Rich Paul, adds fuel to the fire. Paul (via his podcast Game Over) recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at their process in finding a new home for James. This includes a whiteboard with the Cleveland Cavaliers listed as one of the strongest landing spots.
Rich Paul’s white board for LeBron’s next team with realistic destinations 👀
First, we can see that the Cavs are not alone on this list. Other teams in the inner circle include the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets. The Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks are either directly listed or referenced on the outer edges of the board.
Paul says that the board wouldn’t even exist if New York hadn’t won the title this summer. James would be a member of the Knicks. Looks like we dodged a bullet in that regard.
Let’s go over the main takeaways for Cleveland.
Rich Paul on LeBron’s interest in the Cavs:
Brandon Weems (current assistant GM) is a ‘brother’ to James
Dan Gilbert, Grant Gilbert and Koby Altman listed as positives
James ‘loves’ Darius Garland; Paul considers the James Harden trade a negative
Paul says Evan Mobley was never going to be traded to Boston
Notably, the Cavs are the only team that has multiple pros and cons written on the board.
“Big, big x-factor, Brandon Weems is basically LeBron’s brother,” said Paul. “That is a big feather in the cap [for Cleveland].”
The connection to Weems is one of the strongest aspects of this. Weems is reportedly seen as the favorite to replace former Cleveland GM Mike Gansey (now the 76ers GM) as the Cavs’ newest general manager. That’s something that sweetens the deal for James to return to Cleveland.
James apparently having a positive relationship with Gilbert and Altman is also a good sign.
The final two bullet points are where things get interesting.
“The negative is, no knock to James Harden, but no Darius Garland,” said Paul. “LeBron loves Darius Garland so much just like LeBron loves Tyrese Maxey.”
Paul famously told Garland, whom he represents, that last year would be his final season with the Cavaliers. However, this can be interpreted as Paul reading the writing on the wall rather than pioneering a trade for Garland on his own. You can decide that for yourself.
I’d also keep in mind that Paul is a professional salesman who will take every opportunity to praise one of his clients. Rightfully so.
It’s possible that Paul informed Garland to make a decision that would be in his best interest — even if that negatively impacted the view that James would have of Cleveland’s roster. Those things are not mutually exclusive, and Paul ultimately has a responsibility to represent all of his clients equally.
Finally, Paul strongly denies that Cleveland had any intention of trading Mobley to the Celtics in exchange for Jaylen Brown.
“They weren’t giving up Evan Mobley, you don’t have to worry about that,” said Paul.
This is as firm a stance as you can take, and it implies that Mobley is safe from the trading block this summer.
That tracks with common sense. Mobley is one of the best defenders in the NBA and a vital part of a Cavalier defense that is hanging on by a thread. I can’t see why James or Paul would advocate for taking that building block off the roster. Trading Mobley feels like the type of risk that could knock down the house of cards before James even arrives.
As always, the more smoke, the better. James has taken the first step towards returning by announcing that he won’t be back with the Los Angeles Lakers. Everything since then has felt like a gradual pull back home. Only time will tell, but Paul’s comments on Cleveland are encouraging to me.
For the first time in seven years, Sergei Bobrovsky will suit up for a team that is not the Florida Panthers.
On July 1, the 37-year-old netminder inked a three-year, $7 million contract with a division rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bobrovsky will be the No. 1 netminder in the hockey mecca, reuniting with Anthony Stolarz and looking to help deliver a Stanley Cup to Toronto for the first time since 1967.
Earlier today, Bobrovsky spoke to the media for the first time as a member of the Maple Leafs, expressing excitement about joining the organization. But what may have caught more attention were his comments about his exit from the Panthers.
Bobrovsky was very appreciative of his time and understands the business of hockey.
“Well, it’s a business. The organization decided to move a different direction, and that’s pretty much it,” Bobrovsky explained when asked why things fell through. “I respect that. I got nothing against it, so that’s hockey... In my position, again, as I said, I just want to keep only the appreciation and thank for everything what they have done for me.”
Bobrovsky also talked about when he knew he wouldn’t be returning to the Panthers organization.
“To be honest, I thought I’m gonna stay in Florida,” Bobrovsky admitted. “But things work out like how they work out and the Leafs put their trust in me, they put out their belief and they gave me good opportunity to join the historical legendary team and be part of this organization.”
“Oh, it’s pretty much when that last day, when the trade happened with Jacob Markstrom. So that was pretty much the year.”
There were plenty of reports circulating around Bobrovsky and the Panthers’ goaltending situation leading up to the Markstrom trade. Some reports indicated the Panthers were targeting Connor Hellebuyck, but those odds decreased significantly when the Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk.
Regarding Bobrovsky, some insiders believed he was seeking a max-term contract, while others indicated he wanted a contract of similar value to his previous deal.
In the end, Bobrovsky was given a very reasonable three-year, $21-million contract, one of similar value to Markstrom’s two-year, $6 million AAV.
In the end, no animosity is apparent from either side. The Maple Leafs and Panthers should be back as playoff contenders and could very well meet at some point in the playoffs.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have made multiple moves so far this off-season. Yet, when looking at their roster, it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet.
The Penguins could use another left-shot defenseman after trading Parker Wotherspoon to the Vegas Golden Knights. When looking at the remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs), Logan Stanley stands out as a prime potential option for them to consider.
If the Penguins signed Stanley, he would provide them with a 6-foot-7 tough defenseman who could play on either their second or third pairing. He would also work well on their penalty kill because of his shutdown ability.
Stanley's age also adds to his appeal, as he is 28 years old and right in his prime. Because of this, the Penguins could comfortably sign him to a multi-year contract.
In 76 games last season split between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres, Stanley posted nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points, 110 hits, and 128 penalty minutes. With numbers like these, he would provide the Penguins' blueline with a bit more offense and plenty more grit. With this, he could be a player worth taking a chance on.
Life moves fast in the NBA, and after the much-hyped draft and a flurry of offseason moves, Summer League is already here.
Attention turns to the California Classic today, with the San Antonio Spurs battling the Miami Heat before the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors Blue squad, and it’s a first opportunity to see some of the late first-round rookies in action.
Let's dive into my NBA Summer League predictions and free NBA picks for Friday, July 3.
NBA Summer League predictions for July 3
Pick
Spurs moneyline
-127
Lakers moneyline
-108
Today's Summer League Picks
Spurs moneyline (-127 at Kalshi)
Although none of the San Antonio Spurs’ young core will be in action at Chase Center tonight, that clears the way for Tarris Reed Jr. and other members of the San Antonio rookie class to ball out.
Reed Jr., the No. 26 pick, averaged 14.7 ppg and 9.0 rpg last season at UConn, and I expect him to seize this opportunity to make a case for bench minutes next season behind Victor Wembanyama.
Though Jayden Quaintance will miss out for the Spurs, second-round picks Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Mailq Brown should get minutes here, and San Antonio’s serious approach to summer action could be seen in its 5-3 record last year.
While the Miami Heat can turn to Myron Gardner — who appeared in 45 NBA contests last season — the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves Miami with fewer young pieces for a Summer League run.
Of course, the Heat specialize in discovering undrafted gems, but they face an uphill battle in this California Classic opener, and I’m taking the Spurs up to -140.
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Lakers moneyline (-108 at Kalshi)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy undergoing roster reconstruction over the past few weeks, and now attention turns to the end of the bench, where spots are up for grabs. L.A. enters as a major underdog against the Golden State Warriors, but I’m expecting an upset in California.
Golden State can unleash rookies Yaxel Lendeborg and Alex Toohey alongside sophomore Will Richard, but don’t sleep on this Lakers squad, with Cameron Carr — the No. 24 selection in last month’s draft — running the offense and Adou Thiero looking to boost his stock.
Thiero had some promising flashes during last season’s injury crisis in Lakerland, and there’s a 3-and-D role within reach if he catches the eye in Summer League.
Meanwhile, a rookie-heavy roster will get a jolt of experience from Zhaire Smith, with the 27-year-old former first-round pick auditioning for L.A. this summer.
Friday’s NBA Summer League parlay
Spurs moneyline
Lakers moneyline
+244 at Kalshi
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Philadelphia Flyers have added to their forward depth by signing a former first-round pick.
According to PuckPedia, the Flyers have signed forward Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract. At the NHL level, Foote will have an $850,000 cap hit.
Foote appeared in 12 games last season for the Florida Panthers, where he recorded one goal, six penalty minutes, and 27 hits. He spent the majority of the season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, though, posting 14 goals, 18 assists, and 32 points in 54 games.
Foote was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, 27th overall. In 42 career NHL games over six seasons split between the New Jersey Devils and Panthers, the 6-foot-3 forward has recorded seven goals, three assists, 10 points, and 59 hits.
Foote will now likely serve as a veteran forward for the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. However, he also could be a call-up candidate for Philadelphia when injuries arise during the season.
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 23: Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Round 1, Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2021 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LA dealt Ayton to the Wizards for cap relief and draft picks, opening up the backup big spot. Immediately, the team was linked to multiple players, including Andre Drummond and Kevon Looney.
The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler's backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney among those being considered, sources said.
The Wizards took a patient approach to the start of free agency and now land a… https://t.co/3GEA9Wx7gY
A name that's come up when talking to rival teams about a player who would fit the Lakers' current roster has been Andre Drummond. Interesting to see how the Lakers navigate the back-up center spot.
Drummond is an elite rebounder who could come in and make the most of the opportunity. This would be Drummond’s return to LA as he was with the team during the 2020-21 season. Last year, as a backup with the Sixers, he averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Kevon Looney or Jonas Valančiūnas are also viable bigs the Lakers could pursue.
Looney is an 11-year vet who spent his first decade with the Warriors. Last season, he joined the Pelicans but played limited minutes, averaging just 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
He played in 65 games for the Nuggets last season, averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. As a backup in LA, he would make a ton of sense, providing size and strength, along with rebounding and scoring ability.
Nick Richards is another name that’s being reported as a player that could end up with the Lakers.
Some other centers that are unsigned – Nick Richards and Kevon Looney https://t.co/bUj0GWF1MC
Richards has bounced around the NBA playing on three different teams in his six-year career. Last season, he averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
The reported trade involving Ayton is a surprise, but it all but guarantees that other moves are coming. The Lakers can’t enter the season with so few bigs, so whether it’s Drummond, Looney, Richards, or someone else, more frontcourt help will have to be arriving.
Stay tuned Lakers fans, the front office is cooking. Hopefully, it’s something everyone will want to eat.
Center Deandre Ayton, attempting to score over Rockets guard Amen Thompson, has been traded to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers have traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks, in 2031 and 2032, people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed to The Times on Friday.
Ayton picked up his player option for $8.1 million on Sunday.
But it became obvious that he was expendable as the starting center once the Lakers acquired 24-year-old center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal worth four years and $130 million.
The Lakers now will be in the market for a backup center.
Centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney are still available. Drummond played 21 games for the Lakers during the 2020-21 season, when he was picked up on the buyout market.
The Lakers acquired Ayton last season after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract, and then signed him to a two-year, $16-million deal.
He averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 games last season with the Lakers while shooting 67.1% from the field.
The Wizards believe the 7-foot Ayton will be a good fit alongside centers Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.
The 6-3 Hardy, who spent three-plus seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded in February to Washington, averaged 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 42.4% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range last season.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In total, the Lakers shelled out more than a quarter-billion dollars. After entering free agency with the ability to create more than $50 million in salary-cap space, they now appear to be almost out of money.
There may be another shoe still to drop, though. On Friday, the Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. Flipping Ayton’s $8.1 million salary for Hardy’s $6.0 million salary gives the Lakers a bit of remaining cap space, but not enough to do anything meaingful with… yet.
As things currently stand, the Lakers would have to renounce the rights to all of their remaining free agents, including Rui Hachimura, before they can sign all three of Kessler, Grimes and Mamukelashvili. After they spend their cap space on that trio, they’d sign Sexton with the room mid-level exception and can officially sign Austin Reaves to his new four-year, $184.8 million max contract.
The Lakers have no remaining salary-cap exceptions after spending the room MLE, so they’ll only be able to offer minimum contracts from here on out. They’re also now hard-capped at the first apron after acquiring Kessler via sign-and-trade.
Here’s a look at where the Lakers stand financially in the wake of their free-agent flurry and the Ayton trade.
Player
2026-27 (pre-Reaves/Sexton)
2026-27 (after Reaves/Sexton)
Luka Dončić
$49,488,300
$49,488,300
Austin Reaves
$20,906,361
$41,240,250
Walker Kessler
$30,232,558
$30,232,558
Quentin Grimes
$13,953,488
$13,953,488
Jarred Vanderbilt
$12,428,571
$12,428,571
Sandro Mamukelashvili
$12,093,023
$12,093,023
Collin Sexton
$9,366,000
Jaden Hardy
$6,000,000
$6,000,000
Jake LaRavia
$6,000,000
$6,000,000
Dalton Knecht
$4,201,080
$4,201,080
Cameron Carr
$3,316,200
$3,316,200
Bronny James
$2,296,271
$2,296,271
Adou Thiero
$2,150,917
$2,150,917
TOTAL
$163,066,769
$192,766,658
SALARY CAP
$164,961,000
$164,961,000
CAP ROOM
$1,894,231
-$27,805,658
LUXURY TAX
$200,428,000
$200,428,000
TAX ROOM
$37,361,231
$7,661,342
1ST APRON
$209,015,000
$209,015,000
1ST APRON ROOM
$45,948,231
$16,248,342
2ND APRON
$221,686,000
$221,686,000
2ND APRON ROOM
$58,619,231
$28,919,342
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates for Kessler, Grimes and Mamukelashvili based on the terms reported for their respective contracts, although agent inflation is common at this time of year. There’s a chance that any of those deals could come in slightly lower than reported.
Once the Lakers sign Reaves and Sexton to their new deals, they’re projected to be less than $8 million below the $200.4 million luxury-tax line and roughly $16 million below their first-apron hard cap.
Since the Lakers can’t cross the first apron this season, they will have considerable in-season trade flexibility. Teams above the first apron can’t take back more salary than they send out in trades, but teams below it can take back significantly more.
Kessler, Grimes, Mamukelashvili and Sexton won’t be trade-eligible until Dec. 15 at the earliest, but that’s something to file away for ahead of the trade deadline.
Can the Lakers create more cap space?
Between Reaves, Sexton, Grimes, Luka Dončić and rookie Cameron Carr, the Lakers now appear to be set in the backcourt. Their frontcourt is also in fairly good shape between Kessler, Mamukelashvili, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt, although they’re now on the hunt for a backup big man after trading Ayton.
However, their situation at the three leaves much to be desired, barring a massive leap from either Adou Thiero or an immediate impact from Carr.
Even if Reaves, Dončić and Grimes all start together in a three-guard lineup, the Lakers could use some additional wing help. They have a few pathways to continue adding to their roster this offseason despite being capped out.
The Lakers could always look to salary-dump Vanderbilt ($12.4 million), but they don’t have much left to sweeten any trade offers. They now have zero tradable first-round picks, only one remaining first-round swap (2032), but do have three second round picks now after the Ayton trade.
They could also pull a 2025 Milwaukee Bucks and waive-and-stretch Vanderbilt. Doing so would leave them with a $5.1 million dead cap hit in each of the next five seasons, but that would equip them with an additional $7.3 million of spending power this summer. They’d have to spend that newfound cap space before they officially signed Sexton or Reaves to their new contracts.
Once the game of free-agency musical chairs runs out, the Lakers might be able to snag a wing for cheap — perhaps even on a minimum contract — since they can offer a legitimate role. Playing alongside an elite playmaker like Dončić could help players improve their market value moving forward, too. But if the Lakers hang on to Vanderbilt, they’re likely done with their big moves in free agency.
Do the additions of Kessler, Mamukelashvili, Grimes and Sexton outweigh the departures of LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Ayton and perhaps Hachimura? Do the Lakers have something else up their sleeves? We’ll find out soon enough.
Detroit Red Wings prospect goaltender Sebastian Cossa had reached a crossroads with the organization that selected him in the opening round (15th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
He was no longer waivers-except, and was in need of a new contract with restricted free agency looming on July 1. Rather than extend him, the Red Wings traded him to the Utah Mammoth in return for the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 Draft.
Since then, Cossa has signed a two-year contract with a $2 million salary cap hit, while the Mammoth traded backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the New York Islanders. Right now, it appears as though the road is paved for Cossa to begin his NHL career.
He only has one game of NHL experience under his belt, having come in to relieve Ville Husso against the Buffalo Sabres in December 2024; he helped the Red Wings earn a 6-5 shootout victory.
While speaking on the final day of Development Camp, Red Wings Director of Player Development Dan Cleary attested to Cossa's character.
"Sebastian is a good man," Cleary said. "I really liked working with Sebastian. He's on the goalie side, and I like to tell him, 'I don't really know a lot about goalies, but I certainly know a lot about character and trying to help you and move along.'"
Cossa finished what would be his last season with the Griffins going 26-8-4, recording a 2.33 goals-against average along with a .915 save percentage.
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Last season, Lakers Nation was the latest fan base to talk itself into the potential of Deandre Ayton before the season, only to watch reality unfold. He was inconsistent but generally fine, although clearly not the guy they needed as a two-way center next to Luka Doncic.
The Lakers are now trading Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
This trade doesn't make immediate sense for Washington, where Ayton will come off the bench, backing up Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis as the starting bigs. With those two bigs on the books, did the Wizards need to put in two picks to take on more money for a backup center?
Last season, Ayton was up and down — as he has been throughout his career — and averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds per game. Ayton, the 27-year-old former No. 1 pick, picked up his player option for $8.1 million for the coming season.
The Lakers traded for Walker Kessler and are paying him big money (four years, $130 million) to be the center of the future next to Doncic. With Jaxson Hayes now in Utah, the Lakers will look to the market for a backup for Kessler, with Charania mentioning Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney. The Lakers need to get the backup big right, as Kessler played just five games last season due to shoulder surgery and 58 the season before that.
The Lakers also get Hardy, 24, who played a limited role in Dallas to start last season but was sent to Washington as part of the Anthony Davis trade. With the Wizards, he played about 20 minutes a night off the bench in 23 games and averaged 12.6 points a game, shooting 42% from 3-point range. He will get a chance for backcourt minutes off the bench for the Lakers.
He's also making just $6 million this season, saving the Lakers a little money. Hardy has a team option for $6 million for the 2027-28 season.
The Lakers, nearly devoid of draft picks after the Kessler trade, add a couple of second-rounders to help fill out their stockpile. They may need those picks if they want to trade someone like Dalton Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt for a player they think helps more now.
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