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June 29, 2026

Report: Penguins Had 'Some Momentum' In Robertson Talks

After Pittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas spoke with the media on Friday after round one of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, it became apparent that he and his front office have been poking around at some bigger names in the trade market.

And it appears they have engaged with one of the market's biggest names.

On his 32 Thoughts podcast Monday, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that he heard there were talks between Pittsburgh and the Dallas Stars regarding a potential trade to bring superstar winger Jason Robertson to Pittsburgh. Robertson, a pending-restricted free agent, is reportedly seeking a long-term deal with an average annual value of $14 million or higher, a price that Dallas can't pay without shedding some cap elsewhere.

32 Thoughts: The PodcastHockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.

Friedman on Jason Robertson/Pens (32TP): "I heard that there were talks with Pittsburgh on Friday or Saturday...and there were a couple of teams who thought there was some momentum there but obviously it didn't happen"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 29, 2026

"I heard that there were talks with Pittsburgh on Friday or Saturday," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. "And there were a couple of teams who thought that there was some momentum there, but obviously, it didn't happen.

"Pittsburgh, by the way, is another team that people are saying is trying to do something with some heft to it. So, I wasn't so surprised to hear that. But, I think teams are trying to figure out, 'Ok what's he looking for, and would he be interested in coming to us?'."

Robertson, 26, is coming off a 45-goal, 96-point campaign, and he is one of the league's very best wingers. He already turned down an eight-year, $96 million deal from the Stars, and he reportedly rejected extension offers from the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues.

Jason Robertson And The Pittsburgh Penguins Might Make More Sense Than You ThinkThe Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson appear to be on the verge of a potential breakup - and the Pittsburgh Penguins may actually make a great deal of sense as trade partners.

It has not been reported that Robertson or his camp would turn down an offer from the Penguins, should a deal be in the works or should an offer sheet happen.

On Friday, Dubas expressed that he'd still like to land a difference-maker in their 20s and that some of the players already traded have fit that mold. Robertson figures to fit that mold as well, but the asking prices prior to the draft were something that Dubas couldn't meet, which may be why the alleged talks between Pittsburgh and Dallas stalled during the draft.

"I think we continue to work away at it," Dubas said. "As it's happened, you go in, and what I wanted to have was - maybe not so much late-20s - but in the range of some of the guys that have been moved. And, in past years, they haven't gone for that level of asset. There was multiple top-10 picks moved, which isn't overly common."

But acquiring a bigger-name player - perhaps, such as Robertson - is still something Dubas and the Penguins will continue to work through.

"I don't know that we'll pivot," Dubas said. "We'll continue to stay involved in all those discussions and see where it lands."

'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing MarketPittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas is still trying to land a difference-maker in the trade market, but he may have to adjust to a changing landscape with the rising salary cap.

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June 29, 2026

Ducks Acquire A.J. Greer from Panthers

The Ducks have erased another pending UFA off of their list. On Monday, they traded defenseman Radko Gudas’ signing rights to the Florida Panthers in exchange for A.J. Greer’s signing rights.

Greer, 29, spent the last two seasons playing for the Panthers, putting up 49 points in 159 games. He is a big, bruising winger who will add plenty of toughness to the Ducks’ bottom-6.

A second-round pick in 2015, Greer began his pro career with the Colorado Avalanche before stops in New Jersey, Boston, Calgary and Florida.

Gudas was the Ducks’ captain for the past two seasons. He joined the organization in the summer of 2023, signing a three-year deal on the same day as longtime teammate Alex Killorn. Gudas’ first season with the Ducks helped Jackson LaCombe settle into the NHL as a rookie, as the former used his physicality and defensive mentality to complement the young defenseman.

Jan 25, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

However, after being named captain 2024, Gudas was unable to replicate his stellar performance from the season prior. Whether it was due to age or lingering injuries, he frequently found himself out of position, needing to take a penalty to prevent an opposing scoring opportunity.

Gudas’ Ducks tenure ended unceremoniously due to a sprained ankle that he suffered during the regular season. He returned for Game 1 of their Round 1 series against the Edmonton Oilers, but did not play for the rest of the playoffs after re-aggravating the injury.

With this trade, it’s a return to familiarity for Gudas, who played for the Panthers for three seasons—and helped them get to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 prior to signing with the Ducks. He’ll likely be on their bottom pair alongside Dmitry Kulikov.

Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, both Greer and Gudas are likely to sign with their new teams.

June 29, 2026

Former Flyers Prospect Qualified by Maple Leafs

After the surprise Joseph Woll trade earlier this month, at least one former Philadelphia Flyers is going to be kept by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Monday, with the dawn of free agency fast approaching, the Maple Leafs began extending pending free agents, and issuing qualifying offers to restricted free agents.

The Maple Leafs have already begun doing extensive work to reshape their defense, signing Darren Raddysh, trading Brandon Carlo, and extending Troy Stecher.

Their next step, for all intents and purposes, is going to be signing former Flyers prospect Emil Andrae, who was acquired in that Woll trade package.

Andrae, 24, is a restricted free agent whose qualifying offer is an extremely modest $874k; if and when he signs a new contract, it is highly likely his cap hit will far exceed that number.

NHL Insider Reveals Flyers Big Dan Vladar Contract ExtensionDan Vladar is about to sign a five-year extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Andrae scored two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points in 61 games with the Flyers at the NHL level this season, playing limited minutes despite being arguably the Flyers' best defenseman at breaking pucks out and starting plays with his passing.

As for former Flyers goalie Sam Ersson, who was traded alongside Andrae and a third-round pick for Woll, the Maple Leafs already traded him away to the Atlantic Division rival Ottawa Senators for a fifth-round pick.

While the deadline for qualifying offers is 5 p.m. on Monday, the Senators are expected to sign Ersson is all things go well.

The Flyers have not yet released their list of qualified free agents at the time of this writing.

June 29, 2026

Reports: Maple Leafs And Troy Stecher Agree To Two-Year Deal Worth $2.7 Million

The Toronto Maple Leafs' most valuable waiver pickup in recent memory is sticking around.

According to CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal, the Maple Leafs and Stetcher have agreed on a two-year extension.

Stecher has re-signed with Leafs, it is a 2 year deal. https://t.co/IlWAXxm4iv
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 29, 2026

According to PuckPedia.com, the deal is worth $1.35 million per season.

The Leafs plucked Stecher off the waiver wire from the Edmonton Oilers on November 15, as they looked for a right-shot defenseman in the wake of some injuries. One of those was injuries was to Brandon Carlo.

Stecher logged 16:44 of 5-on-5 ice time in 58 games with the Leafs, where he scored three goals and added 11 assists. Despite the Leafs missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, the veteran defenseman enjoyed his time in Toronto and was not shy about expressing his desire to stay beyond the season.

Ironically enough, it was the departure of Carlo's services that opened the door for Stecher again. The Leafs moved Carlo to the St. Louis Blues over the weekend for a pair of third-round picks at the 2026 NHL Draft.

Stecther's deal is one-way, but is just $125,000 above the NHL's burial amount from a salary-cap calculation perspective. Meaning, if he doesn't start on the main roster, the cap charge is negligible.

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June 29, 2026

Report: Maple Leafs Decline To Offer Matias Maccelli Qualifying Offer, Making Him A UFA

After making qualifying offers to RFAs Nick Robertson, Jacob Quillan and Emil Andrae, the Toronto Maple Leafs did not give one to left winger Matias Maccelli, according to TSN's Chris Johnston. That means his time in Toronto is up, and he'll be a UFA as of July 1.

Maccelli is coming off a three-year contract that was signed in July 2023 with the Arizona Coyotes. He earned $3.425 million against the salary cap on that deal, and if the Maple Leafs wanted to qualify him, it would cost $4.11 million.

This past season was Maccelli's first in Toronto. He was acquired from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick. He scored 14 goals and 39 points for the Leafs with 14:34 of average ice time. He recorded 10 goals and 30 points in the final 50 games of the campaign.

Maccelli's best season in the NHL came in 2023-24 in the Coyotes' final year of existence. Featuring in all 82 games, Maccelli scored 17 goals and 57 points for Arizona, while averaging 16:14 of ice time. He hasn't come close to those numbers since.

Report: Nick Robertson, Emil Andrae Among Maple Leafs Receiving Qualifying OffersThe NHL has a deadline of 5 p.m. ET to extend qualifying offers to impending free agents.

Plenty of other RFAs around the NHL could also not be given a qualifying offer ahead of Monday's 5 p.m. ET deadline. But at the time of the report that Maccelli won't be receiving a qualifying offer, he becomes the youngest free agent available on the market at 25 years old.

For the Maple Leafs' roster, this clears up some more room in terms of the team's depth on the wing. With Robertson coming back, as well as youngsters Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna expected to have roles in the NHL next year, on top of Matthew Knies, William Nylander and others, there wasn't much room.

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June 29, 2026

Rebuilding Canucks acquire veteran forward Brendan Gallagher in trade with Canadiens

NHL: New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens — Mar 21, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) waits for a face-off against the New York Islanders during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Canucks added veteran depth by acquiring Brendan Gallagher in a trade with Montreal on Monday, with NHL teams busy revamping their rosters two days before the free-agency period opens.

As part of the deal, Montreal acquired future considerations and agreed to retain 50% of the $6.5 million the 34-year-old is scheduled to make in the final season of his contract.

Gallagher is a respected leader and valuable role player in spending 14 seasons in Montreal. He topped 20 goals five times, including a career-best 33 in 2018-19.

His playing time, however, began diminishing, with Gallagher appearing in just three playoff games in Montreal’s run to the Eastern Conference final before losing to eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina.

“We love the way he completes and leads by example,” Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson said of Gallagher, who is from Edmonton and played junior hockey in Vancouver. “Bringing in veterans like Brendan will help us set the standard for our younger guys to follow.”

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, meantime, thanked Gallagher for his contributions in Montreal.

“Brendan will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans. He represented the team with such tremendous determination, passion and inspiring courage,” Hughes said. “He is the very definition of a warrior, always putting the team’s success ahead of his own individual accolades.”

Canucks deal Hoglander to Nashville

It was the second trade of the day for the rebuilding Canucks after finishing last in the standings. Vancouver acquired a 2029 third-round pick in a deal that sent winger Nils Hoglander to Nashville.

The Predators continued revamping under new general manager Chris MacFarland. Hoglander has six years of NHL experience and missed a majority of last season after having ankle surgery, and finished with two goals and three assists in 38 games.

“He is a 25-year-old experienced winger who is known for his relentless, high-energy style of play, bringing a consistent motor to the lineup night after night,” MacFarland said. “We believe the player can come in and have a key role.”

Sabres re-sign Malenstyn to 6-year deal

The Buffalo Sabres re-signed checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract, retaining the player two days before he was eligible to hit the free agent market.

The average salary of $2.9 million more than doubles the $1.35 million Malenstyn made in each of his first two seasons in Buffalo. And it represents the value the 28-year-old brought to the team in a secondary role.

Last season, Malenstyn set a Sabres’ single-season record with 282 hits and finished second on the team with 75 blocked shots. He scored a career-high seven goals as part of a 14-point season.

The sixth-year NHL player spent his first four seasons in Washington and was acquired by Buffalo in a trade that sent a second-round pick to the Capitals at the 2024 draft.

Sharks re-sign Kesselring to 3-year deal

The San Jose Sharks signed newly acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million contract.

The 26-year-old was a pending restricted free agent, and was acquired by San Jose in a trade with Buffalo two weeks ago.

As part of the deal, the teams swapped first-round draft picks with the Sabres moving up seven spots in the order to No. 20 on Friday night.

The 6-foot-5 defenseman completed his fourth NHL season, and first in Buffalo. After topping 20 points with Arizona and Utah in each of his previous two seasons, Kesselring was limited by a nagging lower body injury and finished with two assists in 34 games last season.

In other moves

— Utah acquired forward Joshua Roy in a trade that sent defenseman Maksymilian Szuber to Montreal, in an exchange of minor leaguers.

— Colorado re-signed forward Taylor Makar to a two-year deal. He made his NHL debut by appearing in 12 games last season, and the 25-year-old is the younger brother of Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar.

June 29, 2026

Florida Panthers Acquire Rights To Radko Gudas From Anaheim Ducks In Exchange For Rights To AJ Greer

The Florida Panthers are bringing a familiar, beard-covered face back to the franchise.

On Monday, the Panthers acquired the rights to unrestricted free agent Radko Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the rights to A.J. Greer, also a UFA.

We have acquired the rights to Radko Gudas from Anaheim in exchange for the rights to A.J. Greer.

Details » https://t.co/DtNvipn1qe pic.twitter.com/Dg4cyXpWhX
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 29, 2026

Both players will become free agents on July 1, but the trade allows the Panthers and Ducks to negotiate extensions with their new players for the next two days.

THN Florida reported on the Panthers' interest in a Gudas reunion last week.

Gudas, 36, previously played for the Panthers from 2020-2023 before signing a three-year deal with the Ducks, who also named the veteran blueliner their captain.

Now he and his family will return to South Florida, a place they were very happy during his time with the Panthers.

It’s believed that Gudas and Florida will come to an agreement on a deal that is lower than the $4 million average annual value he earned while in Anaheim.

We’ll see how things play out between now and Wednesday.

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Photo caption: Jun 2, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Radko Gudas (7) takes questions during media day in advance of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

June 29, 2026

NBA free agency: Ranking 8 teams poised to make biggest moves

The NBA rumors are flying and speculation is swirling with the start to the league's free agency period. There's just one catch.

At the moment, only a few teams actually have an abundance of salary cap space to spend on free agents this year. Instead, blockbuster trade discussions and contract extension negotiations (and the subsequent fallout from them) are dominating the lead up to NBA free agency in 2026.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was already traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat and LaMelo Ball went to the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to the first of two major trades by the Charlotte Hornets. The ripple effects from those moves have started.

Draymond Green could be positioning the Golden State Warriors to get LeBron James and moves involving stars like Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Ja Morant are among those anticipated in the coming days. The NBA's negotiating window for free agents officially opens on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET and a wave of transactions are expected to follow.

Here's a ranking of the eight NBA teams most likely to shape free agency this year:

Ranking NBA teams to watch during free agency

1. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors' interest in LeBron James, and a report that they could also be eyeing reuniting James with former Lakers' teammate Anthony Davis, have quickly turned Golden State into the team that can make the biggest splash this offseason. The potential of teaming Steph Curry and Draymond Green with James is there if James is willing to accept less money than he's used to making.

2. Boston Celtics

The future of Jaylen Brown now hovers over the Celtics offseason after he was so publicly dangled in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks. The team is still reportedly exploring moving him. Can he and the franchise reconcile at this point? Many front offices around the league are watching closely to see if they can pounce on a potential ending. GM Brad Stevens previously said Boston is also in the market for reinforcements inside this offseason.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will either convince LeBron James to stay or be one of the few teams in the league with a significant amount of cap space to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Either way, their next move will be fascinating. Los Angeles is likely in the market for a center, despite DeAndre Ayton's decision to opt in to his contract for the 2026-27 season.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are reportedly interested in trading Kawhi Leonard as part of a pivot to get younger, though his desire for a new contract could limit potential suitors. They also could have cap space to operate with this offseason. The franchise is still awaiting the results of an NBA investigation into its agreement with Leonard and possible collective bargaining agreement violations related to Leonard's endorsement deal with Aspiration.

5. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons followed a tremendous regular season with a playoff run that highlighted how limited they are offensively outside of star Cade Cunningham. Surrounding him with a better supporting cast appears to be a priority after Detroit offloaded Isaiah Stewart's contract and traded for Isaiah Joe. The Pistons reportedly covet Tyler Herro, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

6. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are one of the teams in the running for Leonard after winning a title with him in 2019 and they've been mentioned in speculation related to several possible trades this offseason. Toronto has a collection of players, draft picks and contracts, most notably, RJ Barrett, to put together a package for any stars that come available. The Raptors' motivation to compete with the Knicks and Cavaliers in the East could prompt a major move.

7. Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have a new owner who is used to winning with his NHL team and has money available to spend under the NBA salary cap. They've been mentioned as a team interested in making a major deal after the franchise's first playoff appearance in five years. Portland can use the contracts of Jerami Grant, draft picks and several players from their young nucleus, and it seems to be in the mix for Brown.

8. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets could be one of the few teams with actual cap space to spend after already acquiring Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves via trade. Michael Porter Jr. is on an expiring contract worth $40.8 million this season and could be an attractive trade option in exchange for Jaylen Brown, or up until the trade deadline. The Nets could also sign him to a contract extension after he had a career year in Brooklyn last season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA free agency: Ranking 8 teams poised to make biggest moves

June 29, 2026

Basketball stars Malik Beasley and Ed Davis among suspects charged in plot to bet on NBA games

Former NBA stars Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in connection with an alleged illegal sports betting and bribery scheme.

Beasley and Davis are facing charges alongside four alleged co-conspirators, identified as William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia and current NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced Monday.

Prosecutors claimed Beasley agreed to alter his performance during multiple games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2023 to 2024 and accepted bribes from his co-defendants, who used that “non-public information” to place bets based on his performance “with the intention of profiting off the scheme.”

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, bribing then-NBA player Malik Beasley to fix his performance in multiple games in order to place fraudulent wagers, enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement.

Malik Beasley, 29, is accused of accepting bribes and agreeing to alter his performance during games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, prosecutors said (Getty)

The group is accused of attempting to “unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars” through this “illegal betting ring,” according to James Barnacle Jr., the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.

“As alleged, Malik Beasley allowed himself to be bought and altered his gametime performance to line pockets of Ed Davis and his other co-conspirators,” he said.

Prosecutors said “several” defendants were arrested Monday and will be arraigned at an unspecified later date.

“Bribery and insider betting schemes like this one involving former NBA players and a current NBA player agent who exploited inside NBA information for profit erode the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public,” Nocella added.

The indictment listed multiple examples of Milwaukee Bucks games that were influenced by this alleged scheme, including a match against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2024.

Ed Davis, 37, was charged alongside Beasley and four other co-conspirators, according to prosecutors (Getty)

Prosecutors alleged Beasley told Davis he planned to underperform during that game in exchange for a bribe payment, and that this information was passed along to the other co-defendants, allowing them to place “fraudulent wagers,” many of which were “successful.”

Other impacted Bucks games included a match against the Charlotte Hornets on February 27, 2024, and another against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024, according to the indictment.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said the organization is “in the process of reviewing the federal indictment unsealed today involving Malik Beasley and Ed Davis.”

“Beasley last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season and Davis last played in the league during the 2021-22 season. We will continue to investigate this matter and cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” Bass told The Independent.

The Independent has contacted Beasley’s attorney for comment. The Independent was unable to immediately identify attorneys for Davis, Brown, Gorodetsky, Plascencia and Zamorano.

“We’ll review the indictment and vigorously the charges and maintain Malik’s innocence,” Beasley’s attorney Steve Haney told The Athletic.

Beasley joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 following stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The 29-year-old moved to the Detroit Pistons for the 2024-2025 season, and earlier this year, he signed with the Santurce Crabbers, a Puerto Rican team co-owned by music star Bad Bunny.

Davis, 37, most recently played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2021-2022 season. He and Bealsey were teammates on the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020 and 2021.

June 29, 2026

Jaylen Brown trade rumors: Portland now frontrunner, what other teams in mix?

Momentum continues to build toward a trade that sends Jaylen Brown — the team's 2024 NBA Finals MVP — out of town. This became a thing when Brown was publicly dangled as part of the Celtics' efforts to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo (even if Boston didn't want that to leak), then the Heat won the bidding war, leaving Boston in an awkward position.

Here is all the latest on the Jaylen Brown rumors flying around the league.

Portland frontrunner

The Trail Blazers wanted to get in on the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, but that was always a long shot at best because the two-time MVP was entering the final year of his contract, and him saying he would or would not sign an extension with a team allowed him to help pick a destination.

Jaylen Brown has three fully guaranteed seasons left on his contract, and with that, the Trail Blazers are going all in and are the frontrunners to land him, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic.

What would a Portland offer look like? Multiple reports have said All-Star Deni Avdija is not available or part of any deal. Also, Jerami Grant and his $34.2 million salary basically have to be part of the deal for it to work. The real question is what and who are the other players and draft picks in the mix? Boston likely will ask for center Donovan Clingan and/or defensive wing Toumani Camara to be in the deal. Portland is more likely to counter and offer Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson.

Is that enough to get a deal done? We'll see.

Other interested teams

The Toronto Raptors (if they don't land Kawhi Leonard) are in the mix, as are the Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks, according to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.

While it would be going home to Georgia, don't expect a return to Atlanta to happen, league sources have told NBC Sports. While Houston and Orlando were tied to Brown trades in the past, they are also out, according to Scotto.

One team to watch in Cleveland, reports Chris Mannix, speaking to NBC Sports Boston. The catch would be that the Cavaliers would have to include former Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley — a guy they would not throw into an Antetokounmpo trade. Plus, having James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Jaylen Brown together seems an awkward fit on first glance.

Celtics want a deal “soon”

Whatever is going to happen, wherever Brown might get traded, the Celtics want this to get done quickly, ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reports.

There's a small pocket of execs and agents who believe the Celtics are bluffing with Brown, but the prevailing thought is they want to move on this -- soon.

That's the way the momentum is building, although "soon" is a vague term. It's hard to blame Brown for wanting out, you don't want to be the person in the relationship where your partner is always looking to upgrade.

June 29, 2026

Alberts Šmits Noncommittal About Whether Or Not He'll Attend Rangers' Training Camp

On Monday, Alberts Šmits took the ice for the first time at the New York Rangers’ practice facility for Development Camp.

Šmits, who was selected by the Rangers with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, expressed his relief to be done with the draft process and is now ready to shift his focus to the development camp.

“It's a big relief that you end up in such a good organization, and now just you have the time and good place to work on your little things that you have to improve to take the next step,” Šmits said.

The big question surrounding Šmits is whether or not he’ll be attending training camp starting in September to compete for an opening-night roster spot.

Šmits is considered to be one of the more NHL-ready defensemen in the 2026 draft class, but he neglected to specify whether he would be at training camp in a couple of months.

“We'll see how it goes,” Šmits said, trying not to reveal his plans for this upcoming season.

The 19-year-old’s draft stock rose after he was able to hold his own playing for Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics against some of the best players the NHL has to offer.

In addition to his time at both the Olympics and the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship, Šmits has experience competing against pro-level talent, playing for Mikkelin Jukurit of Liiga, the top-tier Finnish ice hockey league.

“A lot of experience how to handle situations when you go against much bigger and stronger guys,” Šmits said of his time in Liiga. “I think they are more improved than playing against the junior guys, so it gave me a lot of experience (how to) handle different situations.”

As for Šmits’ summer plan in terms of his training, he chose not to reveal it to the media, keeping it between himself and the organization.

June 29, 2026

Kawhi Leonard trade talks heat up as Clippers salary-cap circumvention findings loom

Kawhi Leonard in a Clippers uniform — Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard warms up before an NBA game in Portland, Ore., in April. (Jenny Kane / Associated Press)

Reasons for the Clippers to trade Kawhi Leonard are apparent. So are reasons to keep the seven-time All-Pro forward who turned 35 on Monday.

For now, the team is engaged in discussions and entertaining offers for Leonard, who is highly regarded despite being central to a league investigation into allegations of salary-cap intervention.

Representatives for Leonard, who has one year remaining on a three-year, $152.4 million contract, have informed other teams he prefers to remain with the Clippers and would only sign an extension with the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs if the Clippers trade him, ESPN reported. Leonard helped both of those teams to NBA titles, the Raptors in 2019 and the Spurs in 2014. He was Finals MVP both years.

However, the Athletic reported that the Dallas Mavericks offered to trade power forward P.J. Washington, shooting guard Klay Thompson and draft picks for Leonard. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri held the same position with the Raptors when they won the 2019 championship.

If Leonard doesn’t agree to a contract extension with Dallas, he essentially would be a one-year rental and not worth as much in trade capital. Ujiri engineered the trade in 2018 that brought Leonard to the Raptors without the player agreeing to an extension, and the result was a championship followed by Leonard bolting to the Clippers.

Another factor in assessing Leonard’s trade value and the Clippers’ motivation to move him is the ongoing NBA investigation involving team owner Steve Ballmer, Leonard and the now-bankrupt sustainable financial technology firm Aspiration.

Triggered in October when the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast detailed a $28 million endorsement contract Leonard received from Aspiration, the NBA hired a prominent law firm to conduct the probe. Findings could be announced soon because NBA commissioner Adam Silver said June 2 that it was time to “wrap it up.”

Aspiration had a $300 million, 23-year endorsement deal with the Clippers and Ballmer personally invested $60 million into the company, whose co-founder Joseph Sanberg was convicted of two counts of wire fraud and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Ballmer admits introducing Leonard to Aspiration executives but has denied that he knew details of the endorsement deal that Leonard never fulfilled.

Silver has not stated that the NBA would hold up any trade involving Leonard because of the investigation. Still, the Clippers expressed at the end of the regular season that keeping the 14-year veteran was a priority.

“Our plan is to win with Kawhi,” Clippers president Lawrence Frank said.

Leonard is coming off his best season of six with the Clippers, averaging a career-high 27.9 points over 65 games. He has averaged 20.7 points a game during his career.

The Raptors are rumored to be dangling former Lakers forward Brandon Ingram and first-round draft picks

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

June 29, 2026

Canucks Acquire Brendan Gallagher From The Montréal Canadiens

The Vancouver Canucks are bringing Brendan Gallagher home. On Monday, the Canucks acquired the former Vancouver Giants forward from the Montréal Canadiens for future considerations. As part of the deal, Montréal will also be retaining 50% of Gallagher's $6.5 million cap hit.

In the press release, Ryan Johnson wrote, "Brendan is a quality individual and a very good hockey player. We love the way he competes and leads by example. Bringing in veterans like Brendan will help us set the standard for our younger guys to follow. We are excited to add someone who has ties to the Lower Mainland, wants to be here with the Canucks, and knows firsthand how passionate and knowledgeable our hockey market is in Vancouver. This is an important acquisition for our hockey club."

Gallagher has spent his entire 14-year career with the Canadiens. The 34-year-old played 911 regular-season games, where he scored 246 goals and recorded 487 points. As for the playoffs, Gallagher recorded 34 points in 79 games and was part of Montréal's run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021

Before making the NHL, Gallagher was a star in the WHL with the Giants. He is still the franchise leader in both goals (136) and points (280). Gallagher was drafted 147th by Montréal in the 2010 draft and made his NHL debut on January 22, 2013.

Gallagher brings grit and leadership to Vancouver's lineup. He has worn an "A" for the Canadiens since 2015 and is known as one of the hardest working players on the ice. Gallagher has one more year left on his current deal and will be a free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.

Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) waits for a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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June 29, 2026

Lakers center Deandre Ayton picks up his player option amid LeBron James speculation

Lakers center Deandre Ayton stands alone on the court during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. — Center Deandre Ayton is picking up his player option for $8.1 million and returning to the Lakers. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

As LeBron James dominated the news cycle regarding his future on the eve of NBA free agency, the Lakers retained a different piece of their lineup.

Deandre Ayton is picking up his player option for $8.1 million and returning to the Lakers, according to people not authorized to publicly discuss on decision.

The 7-foot Ayton averaged career low in points (12.5), rebounds (8.2), minutes per game (27.2), but played a career-high 72 games and shot a career-best 67.1% from the field. He averaged 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in the playoffs.

As for James, he’s an unrestricted free agent who earned $52.6 million last season.

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said during his season-ending press conference with the media in May that they would give James time away with his family to decide his future.

But there has been so much speculation about James’ future, with the most persistent reports the Golden State Warriors are interested in signing James.

Several NBA executives told The Times they can see James staying with the Lakers on a one-year deal for $30 million if L.A. is willing to pay him that amount. Another executive said he could see James playing two more seasons. The executives could not discuss potential free agency moves publicly because of NBA rule restrictions.

“LeBron, we probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game. He’s given so much to his teammates, to this organization,” Pelinka said back in May. “And the thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back. And I think the first order of business there is allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next steps are.”

The NBA free-agency period opens Tuesday at 3 p.m. PDT, allowing teams to officially begin negotiating. But contracts can’t be officially signed until the moratorium is lifted on July 6.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

June 29, 2026

Winnipeg Makes History in Seventh Round, Selecting First Ever NHL Draftee of Samoan Descent

This past weekend, the Winnipeg Jets closed out their 2026 NHL Draft with a pick that transcended hockey, selecting Edmonton Oil Kings defenseman Noa Ta'amu in the seventh round in what became one of the most historic moments of the entire weekend.

Ta'amu made history as the first player of Samoan descent ever drafted into the NHL, a milestone that speaks to the growing diversity and reach of the sport on a global level.

The pick adds another meaningful chapter to a draft weekend that saw hockey continue to broaden its cultural footprint. Earlier in the draft, Jaxon Cover became one of the sport's most compelling stories when the Cayman Islands native was selected 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators to close out the first round, having taken up ice hockey after years as an inline skater and emerging as a naturally gifted player.

Ta'amu's selection carries a similar significance, representing a community that has not previously seen one of its own drafted into the NHL. The son of former NFL player Ed Ta'amu, Noa brings an imposing physical profile to the Jets organization.

The six-foot-two, 227-pound defenseman is built like a prototypical defensive blueliner, using his size and strength to disrupt plays, separate pucks from opponents and make life difficult for forwards in his own zone. While his offensive production of 18 points in 105 games over the last two seasons is modest, the underlying numbers tell a more compelling story.

Ta'amu posted a plus-33 rating during that span, a strong indicator of his impact on the defensive side of the puck even at this early stage of his development. Some scouting outlets have also noted that Ta'amu is surprisingly quick for a player his size, adding another dimension to an already intriguing defensive profile.

At just 18 years old, Ta'amu has plenty of runway ahead of him before the Jets will look to bring him into the fold at the professional level. The path forward will be about continuing to develop his game in the WHL, adding offensive instincts to complement the defensive foundation he has already built and growing into the kind of player that can some day make a case for a roster spot in Winnipeg.