LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: (Editors Note: Tonal effects have been applied to this image) Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
In both the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, Lakers fans had plenty to be excited about.
The team won two out of their three games in San Francisco. In Las Vegas, they went undefeated during their first four games, advancing to the elimination round.
The Lakers lost to the Warriors and failed to advance to the title game, but in Summer League, the most important thing is seeing potential in young prospects.
From that perspective, LA got everything they wanted from Summer League. Cameron Carr averaged 18 points per game and had a plus-minus of +9 in Las Vegas. Adou Thiero looked like a second-year player ready to put Summer League play in his rearview mirror. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
With Carr and Thiero playing so well, the Lakers appear to have two young players on their roster that can impact winning this fall.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked fans which player they are most excited about after this Summer League between Carr and Thiero, and the Lakers rookie won the poll by a wide margin.
Carr did it all in Summer League. He was a great scorer for the Lakers and also a vocal leader. He was talking trash on the court and letting all the opponents know he was here to play. His game backed up that chatter, and he kept that energy during his postgame interviews.
While Carr was great, Thiero was equally impressive.
He had some monster dunks, displayed his ability as an on-ball creator and showed that he could be a good athletic wing option for the Lakers this upcoming season.
They did a ton of winning and gave Lakers fans optimism that these young players will be an important part of the future.
The next time we see Carr and Thiero play will be during preseason action. Hopefully they look just as promising this fall as they did in Las Vegas and San Francisco this summer.
KANSAS CITY, MO - JULY 18: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Xander Bogaerts #2 after hitting a solo home run in the third inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tanner Gatlin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
San Diego Padres (48-50) at Kansas City Royals (40-59), July 19, 2026, 11:10 a.m. PST
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 30: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded one of the foundational players from their 2025 NBA championship run in an effort to trim payroll and stay out of the dreaded second apron. The Thunder traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that also sends former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Here’s the full breakdown of the trade:
Thunder acquire: Three future second-round picks
Hawks acquire: Lu Dort, Ryan Nembhard
Mavericks acquire: Zaccharie Risacher
The Thunder have reportedly saved $224 million in luxury tax and payroll this season by trading Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. OKC is now under the second apron, and they are acquiring a 2027 second rounder from the Chicago Bulls (via Dallas), a 2031 most favorable second rounder from the Hawks, and a 2032 most favorable from the Hawks in the deal, according to Jake Fischer. Atlanta has added another bulldog defender on the perimeter, and the Mavs are taking a flier on a failed No. 1 overall pick.
Let’s grade this trade from every side.
Hawks trade grade for Lu Dort deal
Atlanta found some magic after trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in January of last season. The Hawks finished 28-15 after the trade with the league’s No. 8 net-rating at +4.9, then proceeded to take two games off the New York Knicks in the first-round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
In landing Dort, Atlanta adds another bulldog perimeter defender to pair with fDyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Dort is on an expiring $18.2 million deal for the 2026-27 season, which means the Hawks maintain a lot of cap flexibility ahead of the next summer. The Hawks are positioned to have $40+ million in cap space next season according to Charania, and they’re going to be very annoying to play against this year with arguably the league’s toughest defensive trio on the perimeter.
It feels like Atlanta has quietly become one of the best-run teams in the league since promoting Onsi Saleh to lead executive. The Hawks added Kingston Flemings via the brilliant Derik Queen trade, re-signed C.J. McCollum to a smart one-year deal, and added Devin Carter and Aaron Wiggins in trades. Risacher was drafted by the old front office, and he clearly wasn’t part of the Hawks’ long-term plans. Moving off him now seems fine to me given that he was set to make $31.2 million over the next two years. Atlanta is clearly loading up on defense around star forward Jalen Johnson, and they have the assets to make a bigger splash a year from now.
Dort is so physical defensively that he’s a borderline dirty player, and that might be putting it charitably. The East has gotten much stronger this summer, but no one will want to play the Hawks this year.
Grade: A-
Thunder trade grades for Lu Dort deal
Sam Presti always has a long-term vision in mind. He moved off Josh Giddey before he was due for an extension, and added a critical piece to a championship team in Alex Caruso in the process. Now he’s dealing Dort to significantly trim OKC’s tax bill, and potentially open up an extension for Cason Wallace.
Again: doing all of this on the fly (literally!) but Oklahoma City should see their luxury tax bill drop from ~$102.2M to ~$19.6M.
That’s the difference in the tax bands by shedding roughly $15.5M in one trade.
And of course, under the second apron now too. Cason Wallace…
The Thunder were always going to be very expensive once the extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all kicked in. Presti has done well to navigate the second apron as a small market team by moving off role players, replacing them with cost-controlled draft picks, and adding more future assets to potentially make more moves in the future.
The Thunder were the No. 1 team in our way-too-early power rankings. To get back to being a championship team, OKC will need Williams and Holmgren to regain the form they showed on the 2025 title run. In many ways, this team has outgrown Dort. Wallace feels like a more dynamic two-way player, and this also potentially opens up more opportunities for Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Nikola Topic, and rookie Bennett Stirtz.
Presti isn’t perfect, it just feels that way sometimes. This is pretty good business to move off Dort, add some second-round picks, and maintain flexibility going forward.
Grade: A-
Mavericks trade grades for Zaccharie Risacher deal
Risacher was always a bet on a 3-and-D wing. So far, he hasn’t been too impressive in either area. Risacher’s defense graded out in the 26th percentile on EPM last season, and he’s a 36 percent three-point shooter on 8.5 attempts per 100 possessions for his career. Risacher offers very little shot-creation or playmaking. He’s not a plus rebounder for his position, either, and his scoring efficiency has been below league-average both years of his career.
Still, he’s only 21 years old, and could benefit from a change of scenery. He could be a good fit next to Cooper Flagg long-term if he actually becomes effective in the 3-and-D areas he’s supposed to be good at, and he’s already a pretty solid transition player who should run the floor well. I’ve never been a big fan of Risacher, but there’s an outline of a good player there, and the Mavs certainly bought very low on him in this deal. Schmitz knows what he’s doing, and if he believes in Risacher’s long-term future, then this is a fine flier to take at minimal cost.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 12: A general view of the home plate entrance of Citizens Bank Park prior to the 2026 All-Star Futures Game Presented by Nike at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dodgers eastern time zone road trip continues to Philadelphia, a return trip for several who were at last Tuesday’s All-Star Game. But on Monday it’s the series opener against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Emmet Sheehan starts for the Dodgers on Monday, while Phillies ace and All-Star starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez goes for the home team.
This is an exclusive ESPN telecast, with Karl Ravech on play-by-play alongside analysts Eduardo Pérez and David Ross, plus reporter Buster Olney.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 30: Raynel Delgado #29 of the Houston Astros hits a double in the third inning during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Daikin Park on June 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today, the Astros announced they have recalled IF Raynel Delgado from Triple A Sugar Land and have designated RHP Nate Pearson for assignment.
This comes on the heels of both SS Jeremy Pena and 1B Christian Walker coming out of yesterday’s games with injuries.
Delgado’s calling card is his defensive versatility, though he represented himself fairly well at the plate in limited time as well. In 30 AB across 16 games, he batted .267 with a .313 OBP and .713 OPS. He’s hit 1 2B, 1 HR and driven in 4.
Pearson is one of the hardest throwers in the Astros bullpen, but his propensity for walks has been his biggest issue. in 20 IP across 16 appearances, Pearson has a 3.60 ERA and 1.40 WHIP while walking 12 and striking out 16.
Pearson could find himself back in the organization should he pass through waivers.
Of note: Neither Pena nor Walker are in the lineup today. Delgado is starting at 2B.
Connor Bedard has become one of the NHL's highest-paid players. The Chicago Blackhawks signed the 21-year-old to a five-year deal on Saturday, which carries an AAV of $15 million. As of writing, Bedard will have the third-highest cap hit for the 2026-27 season while his $17 million total salary ranks fourth.
Ever since Bedard was first drafted into the WHL, Vancouver Canucks fans have hoped he would one day play for the franchise. Born in North Vancouver, the rising NHL star grew up a fan of the Canucks and at one point, listed former Vancouver forward Tyler Motte as his favourite NHL player. With Bedard set to become an unrestricted free agent once his new extension is complete, Canucks fans are already dreaming that a John Taveres-type situation could unfold in five years.
"HE'S COMING HOME TO VANCOUVER!!!! WALKING HIM TO UFA!!!! GREATEST MOMENT IN CANUCKS HISTORY SINCE 2011!! HE'S FOLLOWING THE GAMEPLAN PERFECTLY!!!!" wrote @taj1944 on "X".
As noted in the post, there has been a big push on social media to get as many BC-born players to Vancouver. The other player constantly mentioned in this social media campaign is San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, who will be a restricted free agent next year. The Canucks already have Macklin's brother, Aiden, in their system, as he was drafted in 2023.
Another comment on "X" came from @TrevBeggs, who wrote. "This is the best birthday present I could ask for."
Finally, @LaheyHNIC on "X" wrote, "420 games until Connor Bedard is a Canuck. Official countdown"
The next few years will be intriguing, especially as Bedard inches closer to becoming an unrestricted free agent. With a passionate fan base in Vancouver, there are going to be constant posts, whether on social media or Canucks Reddit, about a potential homecoming. This season, Bedard and the Blackhawks play twice at Rogers Arena, with games scheduled for November 22, 2026 and March 3, 2027.
Nov 5, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) collides with Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 07: A.J. Minter #33 of the New York Mets in action against the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field on July 07, 2026 in New York City. The Royals defeated the Mets 16-12. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 season is down the drain, and the Mets are sellers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun coming up with trades ahead of the deadline. Let’s consider some of the more obvious pieces that are likely to be moved here in Part 1, before moving on to to the bigger names in Part 2.
A.J. Minter to the Twins
Twins receive: LHP A.J. Minter Mets receive: OF Jhomnardo Reyes, RHP Matt Barr
The Twins surprisingly find themselves one game out of a playoff spot at the time of this writing in the very weak AL, and have already begun begun adding to their bullpen when they traded for Tommy Nance. A.J. Minter would be a legitimate late-inning option in Minnesota who helps against left handed batters—Twins southpaw relievers have a 4.66 ERA and a 10.6% K-BB%.
As we discussed in the trade primer, we’re looking for something like a reduced version of the Ryan Helsley return from last season. Jhomnardo Reyes is the Jesus Baez stand-in, a recent Twins IFA ($300K in 2025) who had a nice DSL debut and is bashing to the tune of .291/.406/.547 in the complex as an 18-year-old this season. He’s the good version of the stereotypical Dominican right field prospect, with all the positives and negatives that entails.
As for Barr, he was a very interesting 2025 draft pick out of Junior College (SUNY Niagara) who hasn’t put it together yet in his debut season. He’s got a big, lanky frame with interesting fastball traits and feel for spin. In other words, a ball of clay to throw in the dev system and see what happens.
Similar to the Twins, the Mariners could really use some left-handed relief help, and the Mets can push for a similar return to the Minter deal above. Mason Peters is one of the more interesting breakout arms this season, dominating Single-A (1.41 ERA, 32.4% K-BB%) in his debut season out of Dallas Baptist. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and works well up in the zone. His best offspeed pitch is a curveball in the high 70s, a pitch that doesn’t always work as guys move up the ladder but perhaps a potential starting point for further shape refinement going forward.
Contreras is a less heralded IFA out of Colombia who posted a good triple slash in the DSL in 2025 with an overly passive approach and has shown a bit more in the complex this season. Consider him a stand in for the sort of low-minors flier piece that would round out this deal which the Mets (who have orders of magnitude information and aptitude) could more effectively pick out.
Tyrone Taylor to the Pirates
Pirates receive: OF Tyrone Taylor Mets receive: RHP Carlos Mateo
The Pirates should be adding more than this but do you really expect them to? Yeah, me neither. Adding some marginal OF depth to push Billy Cook back to Triple-A is a very Pirates move. The Mets can take a flier on Mateo, a 20-year-old with very interesting fastball traits but highly questionable command while clearing the way for Nick Morabito to get some run down the stretch. The Pirates can say they added at the deadline and move an arm they’ll likely never notice is gone. Everyone wins.
For some reason, Brazobán just feels like a guy the Rays would appreciate. He gets it done in any role—opener, fireman, late-inning guy—and does it with an arsenal and shape of production that isn’t exactly typical. You can just see Tampa, who sit atop the AL East currently but could probably use some reinforcement in their pitching staff, valuing that unconventional piece more than some other teams. They also probably value Brazobán’s cheap control after this season.
Trading with the Rays is always dangerous, but it also presents a distinct opportunity. Because the Rays always have a crowded 40-man situation, they might be more willing to move talent that, on paper, is a bit rich, but who they’d be forced to leave exposed to Rule 5 in the offseason anyway. There’s a number of names you could pick out for this, but let’s go with right hander TJ Nichols, who will need to be added to the 40-man this offseason.
Nichols has not been particularly good this season in Double-A, with an undisclosed early season injury seemingly derailing his 2026. His 2025 season, however, was electric, and he at one point seemed ticketed for top-100 prospect status. He could be a #3 starter, more of a back-end guy, a reliever, or nothing at all, but this is the sort of higher upside dice roll you’d like to see the Mets take if it’s available to them.
Luis Robert to the Astros
Astros receive: OF Luis Robert Jr. (remainder of 2026 salary covered by New York) Mets receive: RHP Bryce Mayer
The Luis Robert gamble has not worked out for the Mets (though they gave up basically nothing to roll the dice here). Lumbar spine inflammation has kept Robert out since late April, and he’s now been effectively supplanted by A.J. Ewing in center.
But the Astros may very well channel their inner Tobias Fünke and convince themselves that Robert might work for them. After all, he was quite good in the second half of 2025 for Chicago; who’s to say he doesn’t have another second half run in him? Houston desperately needs outfield help and is still very much in the playoff hunt on the back of Yordan Alvarez’s MVP-caliber season.
The return is Bryce Mayer, a 24-year-old righty with big extension, high spin, and a low release height, all the key fastball ingredients…except the most important one, velocity. Even though he sits in the low 90s, the pitch plays up. He’s still working on refining his secondaries and improving his command (more than 5 walks per 9 in Double-A this season) but there are a lot of appealing modern ingredients here worth taking a shot on. The cost may seem high based on ordinal team lists, but when you account for how weak the Astros’ farm is it’s much more reasonable, particularly with the Mets kicking in some money for the cash-strapped Astros.
Here we are once again preparing for another Braves rubber match.
Friday’s dominant showing was followed up by an unlucky 7-6 Saturday loss, leaving the Braves’ first series of the second half of the season against the Texas Rangers level at a win apiece.
Surely that means the Braves will have some form of luck on their side for Sunday’s 1:35 p.m. ET finale at Truist Park, right? If only baseball worked that way.
Follow along and share your thoughts below as the Braves look to keep the Phillies (who will be in a simultaneous rubber match with the Mets Sunday afternoon) at arm’s length.
Some trades are a win-win for the key teams involved, and that is the case with Oklahoma City and Atlanta.
The Thunder have agreed to trade All-Defensive wing Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City gets three second-round picks, and, as part of the deal, Atlanta will send Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas while Ryan Nembhard heads to Atlanta, a trade broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. One of the three second-round picks is Chicago's in 2027 (which Dallas controlled), while the second-round picks going from Atlanta to OKC (2031 and 2032) are reportedly top 55 protected.
For Oklahoma City, this was all about saving money and getting below the second apron of the luxury tax. With the max contract extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kicking in next season, plus the team having reached a new deal with Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder have been looking to shed salary all summer (Isaiah Joe going out the door to Detroit, Aaron Wiggins going to Atlanta). This is more of the same, with Dort set to make $17.7 million this season, getting him off the books moves OKC below the dreaded second apron.
For Oklahoma City, Dort was the most expendable wing because, at the highest levels of the game, deep in the playoffs, he became much harder to play because of his lack of offense (38.5% shooting last season). Now, the Thunder will hand Cason Wallace the starting job, with Alex Caruso behind him off the bench. They don't lose much on defense and get improved offense.
Atlanta is now a fearsome defensive team on the perimeter with Dort joining Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Last season, Dort averaged 8.3 points per game and shot 34.4% from 3-point range, while playing elite defense. He started in Oklahoma City but may come off the bench for the Hawks. Coach Quin Snyder now has a lot of options to play between Jalen Johnson at the four and rookie Kingston Flemmings at the point.
Look for Dort to sign an extension with the Hawks, something that financially was not going to happen with the Thunder.
Also, Atlanta picks up a quality backup point guard (who can start as needed) in Ryan Nembhard, who impressed last season with the Mavericks. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game for Dallas last season. He will be in a backup role behind just-drafted Kingston Flemmings (who impressed at Summer League) and CJ McCollum.
Dallas takes a shot on former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, who can play on the wing behind Cooper Flagg. While Risacher has not panned out as hoped, he has shown flashes and last season in Atlanta, he averaged 9.6 points per game and shot 36.8% from 3-point range. It's a low-risk move as Risacher makes just $13.8 million this season and $17.4 million next season, and the Mavericks could extend him after that if they wish.
On Saturday, one day after his 21st birthday, Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks came to terms on an extension. It’s a five-year deal with a cap hit of $15 million per year.
There was a lot of drama surrounding this contract, but it didn’t have much to do with negotiations. Bedard injured his shoulder during a summer skate, which complicated things, and there has been offer-sheet drama around the NHL.
It is worth noting that Bedard signed for $3 million less than Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson, who signed a 5-year, $18 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers before Anaheim matched it. Bedard could have commanded that, or more, but he gave Chicago a break.
On the flip side, this is the start of a competitive clock for the Chicago Blackhawks. When Connor Bedard’s new 5-year deal is up, he will be a 25-year-old unrestricted free agent. You’d think he is going to walk if the Blackhawks are still consistently a lottery team by that point.
At that time, Bedard will likely have established himself as one of the best players in the NHL. The current wave of players in their prime will be starting to slow down, and this new generation will be entering their greatest years.
The Blackhawks, specifically Kyle Davidson, believe in what they’ve seen from Bedard. There is internal confidence that he has the tools to lead the team for a long time.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” Davidson said. “He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice. Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”
If Kyle and his staff don’t have this team in a good spot by the fourth year of this deal, however, things will get ugly.
A no-move clause kicks in for the fifth year of this contract, so Bedard will then control the situation even more. If they start making the playoffs and showing the potential to make deep runs, then Bedard will be more likely to extend again on another long-term deal.
Connor Bedard’s contract takes up 14.4 percent of the salary cap, which is about right for an NHL team’s top star. The fact that an offer sheet never entered the equation and he took less money than he could have gotten shows his commitment to the team that selected him first overall.
That loyalty would wear off if the team doesn’t do right by him now when it comes to the talent surrounding him, and they have the next five years to make their case.
Next up for the Blackhawks when it comes to Bedard? For one, naming him the captain would go a long way. Bedard has already mentioned that as a challenge he welcomes in the next chapter of his career.
They also need to, over the next year or so, find him his true running mate when it comes to his wing. The plan is for Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell to play center, so getting Bedard a sniper on his line is a must. Is that player already in the organization, or will external options come into play?
The first order of business is done with his newest contract following his entry-level deal. Now, the focus can go back to being the roster around Connor Bedard. Superstars are a must, but depth around them is as big a factor.
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CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 10: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after closing out the seventh inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on July 10, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Chicago 4-0. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds got spanked by the Colorado Rockies on Saturday afternoon on a toasty day in Coors Field. Rhett Lowder simply couldn’t find a way to throw a ball past a single Rocky, eventually exiting after just 2.1 IP having allowed 11 hits and 8 earned runs.
As a result, the Cincinnati bullpen got an early taxing right out of the gate in the second half. So, they’ll be hoping that the Hunter Greene they get on Sunday is the same guy who fired 7.0 IP of scoreless, 12 strikeout ball in his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs.
The bullpen needs it. The team itself needs it, as they sit just 44-53 and in obvious seller mode with the MLB trade deadline just two weeks away. If they can’t get things rallied immediately, well, we’re going to see this team torn apart and rebuilt in what’s become a fine tradition with this front office.
Ryan Feltner will start for the Rockies in Sunday’s series finale, with first pitch set for 3:10 PM ET. That’s just about the exact same time as the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, but certainly you’ll be watching a Reds/Rockies game in July instead.
Here’s how both clubs will line up to begin this one:
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The first overall number one pick in the draft lottery era for the Hawks will be calling another city home. Shams Charania of ESPN broke the news about Zaccharie Risacher:
BREAKING: The Oklahoma City Thunder trading All-Defensive wing Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that sends three second-round picks to OKC, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks and Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4ewUxhRQA5
Risacher was drafted first overall after the Hawks unexpectedly won the draft lottery in 2024. After finishing second in rookie of the year voting in 2024-25, last season was a different tale. Risacher averaged just 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
The Hawks also sent out two second-round picks and received NBA champion forward Luguentz “Lu” Dort and young defensive-minded guard Ryan Nembhard from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks respectively.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
According to a blockbuster report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks have traded for Zaccharie Risacher, former number one overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Atlanta Hawks. The Mavericks are trading Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks.
BREAKING: The Oklahoma City Thunder trading All-Defensive wing Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that sends three second-round picks to OKC, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks and Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4ewUxhRQA5
While the bigger news for NBA fans at large is probably the Lu Dort of it all, but Dallas taking a shot on a disappointing pick in Risacher is interesting. The Mavericks will accept Risacher into their salary cap using the trade exception created by the Anthony Davis trade to the Washington Wizards earlier this year.
According to Jake Fischer, the Mavericks are sending a 2027 pick that they received from the Chicago Bulls at some point.
Risacher joins the Mavericks after two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks where he made a marginal impact. Through 142 career games he’s averaging 11 points, just under four rebounds, and an assist per game in 24 minutes of action. His shooting splits are solid, a career 35% from three-point range, but he also doesn’t get to the line much while also shooting a subpar 69% from the charity stripe. His role decreased last season as he played fewer minutes and games, and it became clear prior to the trade deadline that Risacher’s days in Atlanta had an expiration date.
Where he fits in Dallas is anyone’s guess. The French forward WAS picked number one overall, but even at the time it didn’t entirely make sense as to why Atlanta picked him.
Considering what it took to trade for Risacher, this trade has to go down as a pretty spectacular, low-stakes gamble. The Mavericks essentially sent a second-rounder in next year’s draft away for a shot at a former number one overall pick. If he doesn’t work out, then next year you decline his team option. This is good business.
I’ve often whined about past team’s and the lack of pedigree, well the Mavericks enter the year with three number one overall players on their roster for the second straight season. That’s nothing to scoff at. With a few veterans still likely available to be traded, the Dallas offseason is likely not done yet.
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 18: Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) dumps the Gatorade bucket on Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) after Bazzana hit a walk-off 2-run home run during the ninth inning of game 2 of the Major League Baseball interleague doubleheader between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians on July 18, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 12: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are finishing off their first series of the season’s second half as they take on the Cleveland Guardians in a Sunday afternoon game.
The Battle of the Aces in today’s matchup, as Paul Skenes takes the mound for the Pirates. He is struggling this season with an 8-8 record, but his 3.57 ERA is still relatively sound. Skenes has won his last two starts, including his most recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 12. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three hits and two runs in Pittsburgh’s 14-5 victory over Milwaukee. A 10-run fourth inning gave the Pirates everything they needed to coast. He only logged 82 pitches, so he could have gone further if he needed to.
The Guardians are going with their opening-day starter, Tanner Bibee, who has also struggled this season. Bibee is 3-9 with a 3.90 ERA, but he grabbed a win in his last start against the Miami Marlins on July 11. He pitched 6.2 innings, gave up five hits and one earned run in a 4-1 victory. The Guardians are 6-14 in games where Bibee pitches, which is not what you want from your best pitcher. The Pirates will try to continue that trend against the Guardians this afternoon.
Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Paul Skenes (8-8, 3.57 ERA) vs. Tanner Bibee (3-9, 3.90 ERA)
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