Athletics pitcher Jeffrey Springs takes the mound tonight against tteh Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. | Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
After a 3-3 six-game road trip, the Athletics return home tonight to take on the National League Central’s St. Louis Cardinals.After a less than stellar 2025 season, the Cardinals have looked much better this season, currently sitting in 3rd place, 3.5 games behind the league-leading Cubs. The Athletics are still leading the American League West by two games over the Seattle Mariners.
Jeffrey Springs will take them mound tonight for the A’s. Springs is 3-2 this season with a 3.89 ERA in eight starts. He’s tallied 39 strikeouts in 44 innings. He’ll face off against 27-year old righty Andre Pallante for St. Louis. He is 3-3 with a 4.34 ERA over the course of seven starts. He’ll go up against a lineup missing Jacob Wilson who was placed today on the Injured List with a left shoulder subluxation, but will look like this:
After six years in charge, Daryl Morey has been fired as the president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers, the team has announced (Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the news).
The firing comes days after the 76ers were swept out of the playoffs by the New York Knicks, losing the four games in the series by an average of 22.5 points. It was a reminder of how far this team is away from contending for a title (despite Philly upsetting the Boston Celtics in the first round).
Nick Nurse will remain as the team's head coach, the team confirmed. Former Warriors general manager and the architect of their championship teams, Bob Myers — who works for team owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer as the president of sports of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment — will lead the search to replace Morey and serve as the head of basketball operations in the interim.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and I'm grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons," Harris said in a statement announcing the firing. "After speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start. Bob Myers will lead the process of identifying a new leader and I believe his experience in constructing four NBA championship teams will be a valuable resource to our organization.
"To our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted. We have fallen well short of our own expectations and failed to deliver in the way this city deserves. That bothers me deeply and I have confidence in Bob to establish a path forward for our franchise."
Morey had a 270-212 record in his six years in charge of the 76ers, with the team making the playoffs in five of those years. However, the 76ers never advanced past the second round in his tenure. He inherited a team with Joel Embiid and a rookie point guard named Tyrese Maxey, and his big moves were to get James Harden and — when he forced his way out — signing Paul George. He also drafted breakout rookie VJ Edgecombe No. 3 last year.
There had reportedly been tension between Embiid and Morey, something exacerbated by the trade of Jared McCain to Oklahoma City to get under the luxury tax line (a move likely ordered by ownership) while no additions were made to boost the team for a playoff run.
Whoever takes over as the head of the 76ers' basketball operations faces some serious challenges.
The Maxey and Edgecombe backcourt is clearly the future, but the playoffs showed that this team is better with a rested, healthy Embiid on the court. The problem is Embiid, 32, has a lengthy history of injuries and started to wear down in the playoffs when the games became every other day — Embiid has not played in six straight games since December of 2023. More than that, Embiid is guaranteed $188.3 million over the next three seasons, making him virtually untradable without attaching young players and picks. Paul George is guaranteed $54.1 million next season and has a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28. It's going to be very difficult for any person in charge of the 76ers to change the core of this team for at least a year.
Someone is going to be tasked with turning the 76ers around, and the search for that new head of basketball operations is underway in Philadelphia.
Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jack Wenninger has been outstanding thus far for Syracuse this season, and he was able to continue that against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night.
Wenninger cruised his way through five terrific scoreless innings of work.
His night didn’t start on the smoothest note, though, as he walked the first two batters he faced before settling into a groove with a strikeout and double play.
He then went on a stretch retiring the next nine hitters in order, including a string of five consecutive strikeouts, before allowing his first hit in the bottom of the fourth.
Wenninger quickly retired the next two, and then was able to end his night on a high note, picking up another strikeout and double play around to erase a leadoff walk in the fifth.
He allowed just the one hit while walking three, striking out seven, and generating 10 swing-and-misses.
The 24-year-old sixth-round pick extended his scoreless streak to 16.2 consecutive innings, helping lower his ERA to a league-best mark of 1.08 for the season.
Wenninger also finished with a stellar 2.92 mark across 26 Double-A outings last year.
If he can continue dominating at the new level, he might work his way into the big league mix before long.
Just when you think it's going out the ballpark and into the stands for baseball fans to leave the stadium with a souvenir, Adell is there for the stab.
Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez was up to bat in the bottom fifth inning and sent a ball deep to right field. It seemed a homer was brewing, but the "home run robbery king" was back there in time to leap and catch Martinez's ball for an out.
Adell saved the Angels from a two-run deficit, as they trailed 1-0 at the time of the play. It was his fifth robbery of the season. Despite the home run robbery, the Angels lost, 3-2, for a second straight defeat in Cleveland.
Adell, 27, made his debut with the Angels in 2020. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound outfielder has played all seven of his MLB seasons in Anaheim.
The 76ers fired former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, the 76ers announced Tuesday, May 12.
Morey spent six seasons with the franchise.
This comes after Philadelphia was overmatched in the second round of the NBA playoffs, losing its four games against the New York Knicks by an average of 22.3 points per game.
Coach Nick Nurse will remain in his role. Bob Myers, the former general manager of the Golden State Warriors who oversaw four NBA championship teams, will lead the search for Morey’s replacement and will oversee basketball operations for Philadelphia in the interim.
“The process will start immediately, and we will be thorough and deliberate in our evaluations,” Myers said Tuesday in a statement. “I believe this is a destination for top talent across the league and look forward to solidifying our infrastructure moving forward.”
Myers is the president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE).
Here are some potential candidates to replace Morey as the president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers:
Given that Myers will evaluate the incumbent staff on the 76ers, Brand, Philadelphia’s current general manager, should be the first person under consideration should Myers and the Sixers prefer an internal candidate.
Brand’s future in Philadelphia, however, may end up being tenuous. Often, when major changes are made atop the basketball ops department, a larger overhaul takes place. That could prompt the desire for new perspectives on the franchise, even though Brand was merely executing Morey’s vision. To that point, in the announcement the Sixers made, team owner Josh Harris cited the need for a “fresh start.”
Yet, if Myers and the Sixers conclude that some continuity would be beneficial, Brand, who played five seasons for the 76ers (2008-12; 2016) is the obvious choice.
In theory, Myers’ ties to Golden State should instantly make their top front office execs potential targets for the Sixers search. Harris is the most seamless fit. He has been with the Warriors since 2008 and is one of the franchise’s top player evaluators and has a wealth of institutional knowledge about the culture the Warriors have established. Harris also spent 20 seasons with the Bucks and has filled just about every role in basketball operations.
Aside from that wealth of experience, his relationship with Myers could make him one of the top candidates. In fact, consider this quote from Myers on Harris from the time both worked together.
“If you look at our track record, he’s been involved in all of it,” Myers said of Harris in 2018, according to Bay Area News Group. “He’s been a great reason why we’ve had some success. He’s been a huge part of it. For me, I know without him, we wouldn’t be where we are.”
If Myers and the 76ers want to tap into the success Oklahoma City has had, Gould could be an appealing option. He has spent 16 seasons with the Thunder and has served a variety of roles, including a director of pro evaluation role in which he oversaw the roster construction and management of the Thunder’s G League affiliate squad. Gould is also a Philadelphia native.
Should the Sixers favor someone with more general manager experience, the Thunder also have another VP of basketball ops in Rob Hennigan, who was the GM of the Magic for five seasons before he joined Oklahoma City in 2017. Hennigan has also spent time with the Spurs and was a part of their 2005 and 2007 championship teams.
This is a case where it might be difficult to pry him away from Boston, where has been with the team for 21 seasons. Not only that, but Zarren grew up a Celtics fan and was a long-time season ticket holder. Yet, Zarren was actually a candidate for the 76ers general manager job in 2013 that went to Sam Hinkie, he of “trust the process” fame. Zarren is a key figure in talent evaluation and strategy for Boston under Brad Stevens, so he’s widely respected around the league.
Could Sixers owner Josh Harris convince Myers to simply take the job? Since his departure from Golden State, Myers has long been one of the most desirable candidates for teams looking to fill a president of basketball operations role. He has the track record of building champions and managing large personalities.
With big questions facing Philadelphia concerning the contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George, Myers would certainly be well equipped to guide the Sixers forward. The question is whether Myers, who has also worked as an ESPN analyst after his Warriors days, wants the full-time gig. But, given that Harris currently employs him as the president of HBSE, and given that Myers will serve as the acting president of basketball operations, the two sides are practically there.
CHICAGO — A.J. Dybantsa loaded up for another jumping attempt, and Cameron Boozer glanced over for a brief moment to watch as one of the players he's competing with to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft soared more than 42 inches into the air. Boozer flashed a quick grin at the result, then got ready at the starting line for a shuttle run.
The best prospects in the highly-anticipated 2026 NBA draft class were on the same court together on Tuesday, May 12, running, jumping and shooting together in front of the biggest league decision-makers during the annual NBA Scouting Combine taking place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago this week.
Though the film from actual games will do the heavy lifting for NBA teams evaluating players ahead of the draft on June 23-24, measurements, medical exams and agility drills conducted as part of the combine help differentiate similar prospects. Some players see their stock soar from a strong showing in Chicago. For others, the combine will be a humbling experience that leads to a return to school. The decision trees are more complicated now in the NIL era of college basketball.
Here's a breakdown of some winners and losers from the first two days of the NBA Scouting Combine, when the nearly 120 prospects in attendance went through anthrometric measurements, agility testing and shooting drills:
Note: All times and agility drill testing figures are unofficial, according to the NBA.
A.J. Dybantsa, BYU
Well, sort of. Compared to the projected top-three prospects in this draft class – Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Duke's Cameron Boozer – Dybantsa did the best, particularly when it came to athletic testing. His 42-inch max vertical jump and 33.5-inch no step vertical jump were among the best at the combine and cemented his status as something of a physical freak after measuring taller than 6-foot-8 without shoes. He also made 23 of 30 off-dribble 3-pointers, better than Peterson and Boozer.
But the difference between the three remains slim based on Tuesday's testing results. Boozer, for instance, also measured well at more than 6-foot-8 without shoes and a 9-foot wingspan. He also shot the best of the three by hitting 59% of his 3-pointers overall during shooting drills. Peterson did the best in the shuttle run (2.95 seconds) and shot 58.8% on his 3-pointers overall.
Aday Mara and Morez Johnson, Michigan
Though Mara and Johnson can still technically return to Michigan, their measurables and agility testing might cement their decision to stay in the draft.
Mara checked in at 7-foot-3 without shoes and had a 9-foot-9 standing reach when tested by NBA Scouting Combine officials. That's tied for the second-longest standing reach in combine history, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. Combined with his encouraging performance during Michigan's national championship run, Mara has likely worked his way into the lottery.
Johnson checked in at 6-foot-9 without shoes and a 7-foot-3 wingspan, which compare favorably with NBA power forwards. He then performed well during agility testing on Monday at Wintrust Arena, logging the best pro lane drill time among big men in attendance.
Brayden Burries, Arizona
Burries might have locked himself in as a top-10 pick after checking in at nearly 6-foot-4 without shoes, while weighing a sturdy 215 pounds. He then stood out during agility and shooting drills on Tuesday, hitting nearly 61% of his 3-pointers, while ranking among the best at the combine in the pro lane drill and no step vertical jump testing (35-inch). His combination of shooting and athleticism will be hard for lottery teams to pass up.
Kingston Flemings, Houston
One of the elite point guards in this class had one of the smallest wing spans in the class during measurements but did a nice job making NBA folks forget that with a great performance in testing on Tuesday. At one point, he ranked among the top five prospects in nearly every agility drill at the combine and helped his cause more by shooting the ball well.
Losers
Koa Peat, Arizona
Peat's outside shooting issues have contributed to questions about his draft stock, and he did nothing to ease those concerns in Chicago. He shot just 36.2% in all 3-point shooting drills, measured at just 6-foot-7 without shoes and also had a slow shuttle run. On the bright side, he did have an impressive 38.5-inch no step vertical jump. This nonetheless could push Peat to improve his stock and go back to Arizona, where it might be more lucrative than what he would make as a late first-round draft pick.
Amari Allen, Alabama
Allen had impressive numbers in athletic and agility testing, including a max vertical jump of 42.5 inches. But the potential first-round pick makes this list because he measured at just over 6-foot-5 without shoes, well below his listed height of 6-8 with the Crimson Tide this past season. That could affect his stock.
Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Graves was an unheralded recruit who broke out as a potential first-round pick during his redshirt freshman season at Santa Clara this past year, but he had a poor showing in testing on Tuesday. He finished outside the top 50 in every agility drill and didn't do well in 3-point shooting drills. Graves would be one of the most coveted players in college basketball's transfer portal if he returns to school.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 28: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws a pitch during the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 28, 2026 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES —Game three of the four-game series between the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants comes Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with a left-handed starting pitcher on the mound for the first (and only scheduled) time in this set.
That’s Robbie Ray for San Francisco, with a 2.76 ERA and 4.15 xERA in his eight starts. The Giants have lost all three of his starts on the road, though not necessarily of his doing, with a 4.15 ERA in 17 1/3 innings, not allowing more than three runs in any of those starts.
Wednesday figures to be a planned non-start for Mookie Betts, who was activated off the injured list on Monday after missing 32 games with a strained right oblique. Look for Miguel Rojas to start at shortstop against Ray.
Shohei Ohtani starts for the Dodgers on the mound. He won’t hit on Thursday, and might also not hit on Wednesday while he’s pitching.
“It might be a good thing to take a little bit of a load off his plate offensively,” manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday afternoon.
Jason Collings, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died May 12 after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. He was 47.
Collins made history in April 2013 when he came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. The 13-year NBA veteran played for six franchises and later became an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, his twin brother Jarron, tributes to Collins poured in from basketball and beyond.
That included the Human Rights Campaign.
"To call Jason Collins a groundbreaking figure for our community is simply inadequate. We truly lost a giant today," said HRC president Kelley Robinson. "He came out as gay -- while still playing -- at a time when men's athletes simply did not do that. But as he powerfully demonstrated in his final years in the league and his pot-NBA career, stepping forward as he did boldly changed th conversation. He was and will always be a legend for the LGBTQ+ community, and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing at the young age of 47. Out hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will keep fighting on in his honor until the day everyone can be who they are on their terms."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver was among the first to pay tribute, praising Collins for his impact both on and off the court.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of NBA Cares Ambassador and former NBA player Jason Collins:
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community… pic.twitter.com/7mygdEsDCs
Collins was drafted 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, but immediate traded to the Nets, who remembered him on May 12.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker… pic.twitter.com/mN9KUyJ8oK
Jason Kidd was teammates and then coached Collins.
This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my… pic.twitter.com/gG2jWoGRIF
Collins played just part of the 2012-13 season with the Boston Celtics, but they were the first team to pay tribute to him.
Jason Collins was a beloved member of the Celtics family. He was a pioneer in the NBA and professional sports, and we are grateful to have felt his impact in Boston.
Collins played college basketball at Stanford, earning third-team All-American honors in 2001, and finished his career ranked first in school history in field goal percentage and third in blocked shots.
The Stanford Basketball community mourns the loss of Jason Collins.
Our love and support are with his husband, Brunson, brother, Jarron, and all of his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/GX2Ogdcjpc
— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) May 12, 2026
ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne, who had known Collins since high school, was the reporter he trusted to help tell his story when he went public with his cancer diagnosis in December.
No one could have fought this cancer with more grace and courage than my friend, Jason Collins. Devastated for him, his family and this world to lose such a bright light. But what a legacy he’s left us. https://t.co/3Hg5MOU82G
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 12, 2026
Billie Jean King, who had texted Collins when he made history in 2014, joined him as a fellow honoree of the LBGTQ Sports Hall of Fame's Glenn Burke Award.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, a founding advisory board member for the @BJK_Foundation, and our dear friend.
Jason changed lives through his courage, authenticity, and commitment to helping others feel seen.… pic.twitter.com/fXZrusQPPz
Jason Collins’ impact on the Atlanta Hawks organization reached far beyond basketball. During his time in Atlanta, he was a consummate professional, leader and winner. As a teammate, he earned respect through his humility, quiet strength and integrity. His courage and… pic.twitter.com/WgDySl1Qhy
Collins was drafted with the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, and played in 13 seasons with the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards.
Collins' bravery in coming out in the middle of his career made him one of the most influential players in the league. He was largely praised for the decision and helped move the league in a more progressive direction.
Jason Collins cause of death
Collins died after a battle with brain cancer.
In December 2025, Collins revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, and that the cancer had "spread rapidly."
Collins also said that the average prognosis for his treatment was around 11-14 months, but he did not shy away from his potential lack of time left on Earth.
"If that's all the time I have left," he said, "I'd rather spend it trying a course of treatment that might one day be a new standard of care for everyone."
Social media reacts to Jason Collins' death
Many of Collins' former teams took to social media to offer their condolences after hearing word of Collins' passing.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker… pic.twitter.com/mN9KUyJ8oK
Jason Collins was a beloved member of the Celtics family. He was a pioneer in the NBA and professional sports, and we are grateful to have felt his impact in Boston.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Wizard Jason Collins following his battle with glioblastoma, and are sending our condolences to his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/9pWNLxIapw
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: The Seattle Mariners infield and Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson (6) wait for Seattle Mariners pitcher Gabe Speier (55) coming in from the bullpen during Game 4 of the ALDS series between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday October 8, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As we wait with bated breath for this very talented Seattle Mariners team to play up to their true talent level, I will continue to pose questions and prompts regarding anxiety levels surround various facts of the team. This week we’re discussing the most naturally anxiety-producing part of the team: the bullpen! I asked y’all in the FEED to rank your top three Mariners relievers you are most worried about and the results did not make me feel less worried, that’s for sure. But, it’s good to air it all out. Let’s get into it and rate some TAKES.
First off, once again here’s my Trademarked Mariners Hot Take Ranking System:
All right, let’s see what y’all’s top three picks are.
Your third most worrisome Mariners reliever is….
Luis Castillo?!?!
Famously a starting pitcher, Castillo’s recent decline in performance has apparently has many fans ready to ship him to the bullpen. This is a scorching take, honestly Cliff Lee level, because if it happens, it means a lot of things have gone very wrong. What makes Castillo still effective even with diminished velocity is his command and his consistency. I can see the argument that maybe he’ll be able to reach back for more velocity given the shorter appearances out of the bullpen, but with no real data to back that up, it’s entirely hearsay.
Moving along, your second most worrisome Mariners reliever is….
Matt Brash
An obviously popular answer, Brash hitting the IL with a bad oblique is a big blow to the Mariners cadre of high-leverage arms. This injury, plus Gabe Speier’s injury, has pushed Jose Ferrer into that role and put further pressure on Bazardo. No need to rush Brash’s returen at this point in the season, but the day Brash returns full-strength will be a good one.
And finally, the obvious winner for most worrisome Mariners reliever is…
The Memphis Grizzlies forward died Monday at the age of 29 and Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, died at 47 after a battle with glioblastoma, his family announced Tuesday.
The Spurs held a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
Clarke, who played his entire seven-year NBA career in Memphis, was remembered across the league Tuesday after the team and his agency announced his death. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him “a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.” Patrick Beverley posted “NBA is a brotherhood.” Bradley Beal wrote “RIP B Clarke.” Teams from Philadelphia to Cleveland to Washington offered condolences on social media.
Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, NBC4 Los Angeles reports, after drug paraphernalia was found at the Los Angeles home where he was staying.
Clarke was drafted 21st overall in 2019 and made the All-Rookie Team in his first season. He signed a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022 before injuries derailed the final years of his career. He appeared in just two games this season.
He had recently established his own foundation in Memphis, where those who knew him said he was deeply committed to giving back to the community.
Daryl Morey has been removed from his post with the 76ers.
The 76ers are making a significant change at the top.
President of basketball operations Daryl Morey is now out of the organization, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday night. Morey met with owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and the decision was made to go in another direction.
ESPN added that Nick Nurse will remain as the team’s head coach.
The move comes two days after Philadelphia’s season ended with a whimper in a four-game sweep at the hands of the Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Daryl Morey has been removed from his post with the 76ers. Getty Images
Morey took over as Philadelphia’s president in November 2020 after a 13-year run as general manager of the Rockets.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,” Josh Harris said in a statement after the change. “After speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start.”
With the shakeup, the 76ers will now be on the hunt —which will be led by former Warriors exec and current president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Bob Myers — for someone to lead their front office as free agency and the NBA draft approach.
Philadelphia held a 270-212 overall regular season record over six seasons reached the postseason five times under Morey’s stewardship, but it could never get past the Eastern Conference semifinals.
There were plenty of highs, including Joel Embiid winning MVP for 2022-23 and 2025 No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe finishing this season third in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey (L) pose for a photo after speaking with the media at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. USA TODAY Sports
But Embiid and Paul George, important parts to Philadelphia’s core, played in just 38 and 37 games, respectively, this season as the team finished seventh in the East. The 76ers overcame a 3-1 deficit to get past the Celtics in the first round but mostly looked overmatched by the Knicks in round 2.
Morey’s tenure wasn’t controversy-free, and things got tense in the summer of 2023 when then-76ers star James Harden, who had also played under Morey in Houston and came to Philly from the Nets in the Ben Simmons swap, called the president a “liar” and requested a trade out of Philadelphia.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said in a video.“Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, with multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players who hold value on the trade market. The following chapter in this series will examine those decisions, as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each one.
Mark Williams is fresh off an impressive season in Phoenix. I don’t want this piece to be confused with me taking that for granted. In a vacuum, he exceeded expectations in terms of on-court production and, more importantly, in games played. That said, the way it ended was a reminder of the risk involved in extending this relationship.
We all saw it during the stretch run: the same injury worries that plagued Mark Williams in Charlotte haven’t disappeared. While the talent is undeniable, being available is a skill. If the deal is right, I’m not entirely opposed to a reunion at a discounted price, but even then, the best course of action may be to move on.
John Voita put together a great piece highlighting the case to bring him back, linked below.
The Depth Chart
The acquisition of Mark Williams came moments after the Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, a move that initially left many confused in the moment. A team that had almost no depth at center suddenly had plenty, creating a built-in succession plan.
Based on how things unfolded, it was probably for the best to slow-play Maluach. The potential is there, but Phoenix understood he was a multi-year project. They may not get the ROI on a top-10 pick for Khaman until his rookie deal is up, but the upside is so tantalizing it’s worth it. Also, keep in mind that in addition to Maluach, you have Ironman Oso Ighodaro, who played in all 82 games for the Suns last season.
82/82
Oso Ighodaro is the first Suns player since 2021-2022 to play in all 82 games! pic.twitter.com/NwiXrtDQ9U
Oso Ighodaro: Ighodaro played all 82 games this season, providing twitchy athleticism and secondary playmaking that keep the offense from becoming stagnant. He certainly had some struggles early in the year, but his development into an eventual staple in the Suns’ rotation was a sight to behold.
Khaman Maluach: At just 20 years old next season, Maluach has already shown high-intensity flashes in limited minutes, including a dominant 5-block and 18-point performance against the Thunder. He is 7’2″ and possesses perimeter-switching ability upside, along with elite rim protection. He still has plenty to figure out, but there is a strong chance he becomes a defensive force in the next couple of seasons.
Between Oso and Khaman, life after Mark may not be as rough as one may think on the surface. Finding capable backup centers is not difficult, whether via FA, the draft, or trade. With two capable young bigs on cheap, rookie-scale contracts, paying a premium for a third center is a luxury a “fragile” contender can no longer afford in today’s NBA.
It all simply comes down to what Phoenix’s goal is this offseason.
The “Availability” Tax
The question with Williams has always been the same: can he stay healthy?
While he appeared in a career-high 60 games this year, the back half of the season was a stark reminder of the risks. Williams missed the entire postseason with foot issues, leaving a gaping hole when the games mattered most. Is that constant worry something you want to live with on a long-term basis?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 14: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In an era where the salary cap strategy is tightening, the Suns cannot afford to anchor a large chunk of their cap to a player who has yet to prove he can survive a full NBA calendar. If a team like Brooklyn or Toronto is willing to offer upwards of $18 million to $20 million annually, the Suns should leverage that interest into a sign-and-trade rather than matching.
Extract whatever value you can out of a sign-and-trade (assuming there are multiple suitors) and move on. Now, if Phoenix can get him at a more reasonable rate, then the discussion shifts. His market dictates how this entire process goes down, and it’s too early to tell what that looks like entirely.
As mentioned previously, capable backup bigs are among the easiest assets to find through free agency, trade, or even the draft. It’s all about asset allocation, his value, and risk management.
Resource Allocation: Matching a high offer for Williams could limit the team’s ability to fix other exposed areas of the roster.
Trade Value: Currently, Williams’ value is still high based on his per-game efficient production of 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds, along with him still being just 24 years old.
Risk Management: Selling high now avoids the risk of his value cratering if the injuries persist next season.
Closing Thought
The Suns need to prioritize availability and cap flexibility this summer. We have the youthful bigs in Maluach and Ighodaro to bridge the gap and provide the athleticism this roster desperately needs. It’s time to move on from the Mark Williams experiment before the next breakdown turns a tradable asset into an immovable contract if the price isn’t right. Williams had a strong season overall, but the risk may be just too much for him to return.
As Gambo notes, there is still a strong chance he returns, so his contract negotiation will be a storyline to follow closely in the early summer.
I do believe retaining Mark Williams is something the Suns would like to do so not having him in my top two priorities is NOT me saying he won't be back since so many of you are commenting on this. I do think he will be back. Just believe Collin and Jordan are the 2 most… https://t.co/Ha893NcwiQ
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Daryl Morey talks to the media during Paul George's Philadelphia 76ers introductory press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Daryl Morey’s tenure in Philadelphia has come to an end.
After six seasons as the Sixers’ president of basketball operations, Morey will no longer have that post after meeting with owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer on Tuesday. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report the news.
BREAKING: Daryl Morey is out as president of basketball operations with the Philadelphia 76ers after six seasons, sources tell ESPN. Morey and 76ers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer met on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia and the decision was made to part ways. pic.twitter.com/Hh892i6Cw5
Head coach Nick Nurse will be back for his fourth season and Bob Myers, the former Golden State Warriors’ executive who is the president of sports for HBSE, will lead the team’s search for a new president of basketball operations.
Harris and Myers, who will both speak at a press conference Thursday at 4 p.m., released statements on Morey:
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,” Harris said. “After speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start. Bob Myers will lead the process of identifying a new leader and I believe his experience in constructing four NBA championship teams will be a valuable resource to our organization.
“To our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted. We have fallen well short of our own expectations and failed to deliver in the way this city deserves. That bothers me deeply and I have confidence in Bob to establish a path forward for our franchise.”
“I know how much the 76ers mean to the City of Philadelphia, and it’s important we find the right leader to shape the future of this team,” Myers said. “The process will start immediately, and we will be thorough and deliberate in our evaluations. I believe this is a destination for top talent across the league and look forward to solidifying our infrastructure moving forward.”
Morey’s time with the Sixers started on a terrific note. He was hired ahead of the 2020-21 season, inheriting a very flawed roster which featured Al Horford and Josh Richardson. During the 2020 NBA Draft, Morey flipped both players and turned them into Danny Green and Seth Curry. He also drafted Tyrese Maxey at pick No. 21 and made two sold selections in the second round in Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed.
The regular season was a resounding success, with Doc Rivers leading the group to the East’s top seed. We unfortunately know how that ended with the team losing to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games. Ben Simmons, who was in trade rumors for James Harden earlier in the season, struggled mightily during the playoffs. Both Rivers and Joel Embiid made postgame comments that didn’t sit well with Simmons, ultimately leading to a holdout.
While many in Philadelphia grew antsy as Morey held on to Simmons to begin the 2021-22 campaign, it worked out well with the team finally acquiring Harden from the Brooklyn Nets. Harden showed some lingering effects from a previous hamstring issue and Embiid suffered yet another orbital bone fracture in the first round. The Sixers lost to the Miami Heat in six games in the second round.
Arguably the best team Morey assembled here and the one that came the closest to finally getting over the second-round hump was in 2022-23. With Harden here the entire season and Maxey coming into his own, the team was one of the hottest in the NBA entering postseason play. After sweeping the Brooklyn Nets, they went up against the rival Boston Celtics. Again, it was another series that ended in disappointment as the team blew a 3-2 series lead, getting crushed in Game 7 in Boston.
Morey made the decision to move on from Rivers and hire Nurse. In that offseason, we got another holdout as Harden and Morey’s relationship soured to an irredeemable degree. To start the 2023-24 season, the Sixers looked almost unstoppable with Embiid somehow outplaying his MVP pace and Maxey well on his way to earning the league’s Most Improved Player award. The team was beset by another Embiid meniscus tear and beaten by the New York Knicks in six games in the first round.
In trading Harden, Morey began his boldest strategy while running the Sixers. All the players he took back in the trade with the LA Clippers were on expiring contracts. Morey’s plan was to keep his books clean for the offseason so the team could offer a big-time free agent a max contract. That player wound up being Paul George. Morey also signed Embiid to a three-year max extension and gave Maxey a new max deal.
We don’t need to rehash the 2024-25 season — living through it was enough. The only good to come out of it was the emergence of rookie Jared McCain and the team tanking to close the season, which allowed them to select VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Sixers bounced back this season, with both Embiid and George playing more and at a much higher level. Maxey took an All-NBA leap and Edgecombe finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. Despite pulling off an improbable comeback from a 3-1 deficit and finally knocking off the hated Celtics in the playoffs, the Sixers were totally out of gas in the second round and were swept by the Knicks.
What might’ve been the last straw for Morey was the trade deadline. He traded McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft compensation and made no corresponding moves to help the current roster. His comments about “selling high” on McCain have become a bit of national punchline as McCain has thrived in OKC. This was also after Embiid called out ownership and the front office about ducking below the luxury tax at previous deadlines. It was clear Nurse didn’t have the necessary depth to compete with the Knicks and the team’s stars were exhausted and banged up.
Now, we await the list of candidates that will trickle out as the team searches for a new leader.
Star guards are providing the central narratives for this Eastern Conference clash. The Detroit Pistons will go as far as Cade Cunningham takes them, while Clevland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is pushing with all his might to avoid the postseason reputation that plagues his bearded backcourt partner.
This Cavaliers vs. Pistons same-game parlay and NBA picks put faith in Mitchell in Game 5 on Wednesday, May 13.
SGP leg #1: Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points (-105)
Donovan Mitchell is not shooting well from distance, a woeful 30.8% from beyond the arc in this series despite taking nearly 10 3-pointers per game. But he knows the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense depends on him.
So he has cleared this points prop in each of the last three games, taking 23.3 shots per game compared to just 20.0 field-goal attempts per game in the regular season.
Mitchell may not be scoring efficiently, but he is shooting with such volume that this prop should come home for a fourth straight game. I dove further on this pick in my Cavaliers vs. Pistons prediction for Game 5.
SGP leg #2: Donovan Mitchell Under 3.5 assists (-105)
No one on the Cavaliers’ roster is exactly excelling. Credit the Detroit Pistons. They have one of the best defenses in the NBA, perhaps behind only the Thunders’ and the Spurs’. That is, very obviously, rather elite company.
So Donovan Mitchell is not moving the ball much. He has cleared this modest prop just once this series, averaging 2.75 assists per game. As long as Mitchell is shooting as often as he currently is, do not expect his assists to begin piling up.
SGP leg #3: Over 212.5 (-110)
Detroit’s defense is very good. It is not perfect. And given enough time, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden were always going to crack that defense.
They did in Games 3 and 4.
This series may continue to yo-yo, but expect the offenses to begin finding more of a groove as more time passes.
Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs Pistons predictions for Game 5.
More Covers NBA Playoff content
NBA Championship odds
Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals MVP odds
See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.
Live NBA Playoff bracket
Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round.
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.
