SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors chats with Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the handful of teams that are waiting for LeBron James to officially announce where he’s playing basketball next season. For the last two weeks, interested teams have been pitching James’s agent, Rich Paul, on why he should play for them. Now, it seems like that period is over.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported during the Cavs Summer League game on Monday evening that he spoke with Paul about James’s free agent plans. Paul relayed to him that James has all the information he needs. It’ll now be up to LeBron to make the final call, saying James is now in the “deliberation phase.”
"I've talked to LeBron James' agent Rich Paul and he said [LeBron] has all the information needed. So now it's all up to LeBron James to make a decision."@ChrisBHaynes with an update on LeBron James' free agency. pic.twitter.com/y0N042t5zv
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While we know that James is getting closer to making a decision, which team he will actually sign with is anyone’s guess. Based on reports coming out of Las Vegas during Summer League, nobody definitively knows what LeBron is going to do.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints says that the “overarching consensus among rival team personnel at NBA Summer League is that James will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.” However, Siegel also noted that the Golden State Warriors are a “stronger consideration” for James after he spent time with Draymond Green this past weekend.
Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports has backed up that the Warriors are still in the race. The consensus of those polled by Schiffer was that James would pick between either Golden State or Cleveland. “Some executives are skeptical of the growing narrative that a third Cleveland stint is a certainty,” Schiffer wrote.
We’ll see what direction James ends up taking this. He is reportedly looking for “happiness” from his next destination while also having a chance to compete for a championship. The Cavaliers should check both of those boxes quite well. Whether or not LeBron chooses a final chapter in Cleveland remains to be seen.
As part of his offseason roster overhaul, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman added some scoring punch by signing unrestricted free-agent forward Viktor Arvidsson.
He also bolstered the team's physical presence in the bottom six by acquiring forward Keegan Kolesar and added goaltending depth by signing Daniil Tarasov.
Now, Yzerman has added another new face to the organization with ties to the Mitten State.
Defenseman Ronnie Attard, who spent last season with the American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles while under contract with the Avalanche, has been signed to a one-year, two-way contract.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 14, 2026
The 6'4", 210 lb. Attard is the latest depth addition to agree to a one-year contract with the Red Wings. Detroit has also added forwards Chase Stillman, Cameron Butler, and Wilmer Skoog this offseason, along with defenseman Jacob Bryson.
A native of White Lake Township, Michigan, Attard played youth hockey with the Honeybaked AAA program before moving on to the USHL's Tri-City Storm.
The Philadelphia Flyers selected Attard in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, though he returned to Michigan to attend Western Michigan University; he spent the next three seasons skating with the Broncos before turning pro.
Attard would make his NHL debut with the Flyers in the 2022-23 season, skating in two games while also appearing in 68 games with the AHL affiliate Leigh Valley Phantoms.
His time with the Flyers organization came to a close in late 2024 when he was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Ben Gleason. He'd play the remainder of the campaign with the AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors, scoring seven goals with 10 assists in 59 games.
Last July, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Avalanche, and appeared in 44 games with the AHL's Colorado Eagles, scoring three goals with 14 assists. He also added two goals in four Calder Cup Playoff games.
Overall, Attard has skated in 29 career NHL contests, and has two goals with four assists.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Sergio De Larrea #55 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 13, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Summer Mavericks (1-2) got knocked around by Cam Boozer and the Summer Grizzlies (1-1) early on, but turned it around for a 96-88 win in their third NBA Summer League game on Monday at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Arena.
Morez Johnson Jr. missed the game with calf soreness and is likely done after two games, just like Cooper Flagg last year. Ryan Nembhard also missed the game against the Grizzlies with an illness.
Cam Boozer led the Grizzlies with 21 points and eight rebounds, and former Maverick Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 18 for Grizzlies in the loss. Mavericks’ rookie guard Sergio de Larrea came alive late to complete a double-double with 16 points and 12 assists for Dallas in the win.
Here are three key stats from the third of four Summer League games for the Mavs.
4: Alley-oop finishes for Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu
After Boozer bullied the Mavericks starters for six quick points, Mavericks coach Joe Boylan inserted the former Memphis Tiger Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu into the game. Akobundu-Ehiogu immediately ignited a Mavs run by filling running lanes in transition, scoring his first three buckets on the fast break in rapid succession. He also blocked a Cedric Coward driving attempt midway through the first with the game tied at 10-10.
His ability to finish on the run ignited a 20-4 run that lasted most of the rest of the frame, as Dallas finished the first up 24-19. Akobundu-Ehiogu finished the game with 16 points and four rebounds. He will likely get a lot of run in the Mavs’ final Summer League game on Thursday.
He guided home his third alley-oop finish of the first half early in the second quarter, displaying a surprising hit of athleticism to go along with his 6’10” frame. He was born in Nigeria and now plays in Spain’s La Liga for Manresa. His fourth came in the fourth quarter to extend the Dallas lead to 72-77.
5-of-5: First-half 3-point shooting for Jaden Springer and Darin Green Jr.
Darin Green Jr. connected on his first four shots of the game for the Summer Mavs, including his first three from 3-point range. His third came on a drive-and-dish find from Jaden Springer with 3:43 left in the second quarter and put the Mavericks ahead 43-31.
Springer, a Tennessee product and an unrestricted free agent after playing last season for the G-League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, the Birmingham Squadron, hit his first two long balls in the first half as well.
Neither of these guys appears poised to crack the conversation for making the Mavericks’ roster (even on a two-way deal) any time soon, mind you.
The Mavs took a 50-46 lead into the halftime break. Green hit his first 3-ball of the second half as well, after stealing the ball from Boozer near the top of the key, then running straight for the 3-point line on a transition sprint-out. He knows what he’s there to do, and he was feeling it on Monday. His fourth of the game gave the Mavs a 58-55 advantage midway through the third.
Green led the Mavs with 18 points and five boards in the win.
The Mavericks’ second first-round draft pick, Sergio de Larrea, flashed his playmaking ability all night long in his third Summer League game, then he finally found the shooting touch late. He can certainly pass the basketball. See the second embedded tweet above for his connection to Akobundu-Ehiogu on his third alley-oop finish of the first half on Monday.
De Larrea dished 12 assists against the Grizzlies on Monday and turned the ball over just three times. That’s a hell of a number, especially in light of his four turnovers (to just four assists) in Saturday’s game against the Lakers, and especially in light of how inefficient the shooters are around him in this setting.
If you’re a de Larrea truther, this was your game. He was 0-for-3 from 3-point range and just 2-for-13 for Summer League before he nailed his first of the game with 3:05 left to play. He crossed over and stepped back over Boozer on that make, which gave the Mavs an 82-77 lead late. Those are the plays we want to see to go along with his creativity in finding the open man.
He rattled in a second from the left wing with just a minute to play to make it an 87-80 and give him 12 points and 12 assists for the game.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Yankees infielder Ben Rice (22) bats during the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The 2026 Home Run Derby looks to be a thrilling competition with a revamped set of rules, but the Yankees won’t have much to root for outside of rooting against their division rival representatives after a disappointing first round. Their candidate to go the distance, Ben Rice, was eliminated in the first round after a showing that saw him collect the fewest home runs of the bunch with just seven bombs.
Boston’s Willson Contreras set the tone for the night, blasting several home runs over 450 feet and setting the benchmark for both the total that everyone would chase and the longest bomb at 13 home runs and 490 feet, respectively. St. Louis’ Jordan Walker managed to match his pace, getting hot out the gate for another 13 home runs while maxing out around 470 feet. Kansas City’s Jac Caglianone and Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami stepped up and proved that the first two were highwater marks to chase: both had stretches to start where they couldn’t get the ball to lift before cranking some moonshots to start a run, but neither came close to the heaters that Contreras and Walker had. Murakami ended with nine home runs and briefly held one of the spots to advance, while Caglianone was just below him with eight.
Ben Rice was the first up of the second batch of hitters and had perhaps the roughest opening of the group by the time he went, getting eaten up on several swings out of the gate. Two home runs in his first seven swings put him on a poor pace, but he hit a couple back-to-back to give the hope that he could find his groove. It still didn’t come though, and by the time he had five swings left he had just five homers tallied. One more managed to sneak its way out, but his final hack ended up being a popup straight back as he chased a pitch up near his hands. All in all, the opening round unfortunately ended with a Yankee in last place for the second straight year as Rice’s seven fell one short of tying Caglianone. Still, Rice’s performance was a lot closer to the pack than Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s last year and it looked like the Yankee All-Star had a blast participating with his father on the mound, so it wasn’t all bad for the Bombers’ latest star.
The rest of the contestants behind Rice gave it their best shot at advancing, and a couple of them succeeded. Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero had a strong start to his night, collecting several homers in his first five swings before ending with the third-most of the round with 12. Then came the home crowd’s favorites, Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who both stumbled out of the gate before coming on strong. Schwarber secured the final spot with his 10th homer coming on his last swing to push him past Murakami (who held the tiebreaking distance-shot had he not), and Harper fell just short with nine.
Schwarber eventually made it through to the finals, topping Contreras in the semis while the hometown fans furiously booed the latter as he came up short. They tried to do the same in the finals, but Walker—who had dispatched Caminero—was impressively unflappable. Down to his last swing, the Cards’ post-hype breakout star belted six consecutive homers to snatch the trophy out of Schwarber’s hands. Walker is the first St. Louis player to ever win the Derby. Congrats to him!
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to media during the game against the Miami Heat on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 90-73 in their first win of the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. They were led by rookie Meleek Thomas, who was on fire from start to finish and ended the game with 35 points.
Thomas set the tone early by scoring 11 points in the first seven minutes. His on-ball shot-creation is a standout. Thomas has looked comfortable navigating the floor and dribbling into some supremely confident jumpers. This pull-up from near the logo is an example:
Thomas continued to dig deeper into his bag as the game went on. He nailed a flurry of floaters and mid-range jumpers in the second half. These shot attempts offer a valuable counter for when defenses are packing the paint.
You never want to rely entirely on the mid-range, but a skilled shooter can punish teams that make it too easy for them.
Thomas tied the franchise record for points in a summer league game and fell just seven points shy of matching the overall record of 42 points in a single game. He didn’t seem to care, however.
“Just get a win, that’s all,” said Thomas, who had 21 points at halftime. “Not really worried about the accolades, if it happens it happens, I wanna win this game.”
This has been a strong summer for Thomas. The 34th pick has shown elite scoring touch and a level of playmaking that I didn’t know he had. Of course, we take all of this with a grain of salt. But you have my permission to get carried away and start buying as much Thomas stock as you can.
Other standouts from tonight include Ernest Udeh Jr, who played his best game of the summer. Udeh was highly active, scoring 8 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and blocking 4 shots.
Jaxson Robinson and Malaki Branham also contributed double-digit scoring figures. Robinson had 13 points and 6 rebounds while Branham scored 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
The Cavs closed the door early in the fourth quarter and earned their first win of the tournament. They’ll play again on Wednesday, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans at 5:30 PM. This is their last game before the knockout round begins.
The derbies that took place in their backyard in Cohasset, Mass., were teleported into a different decade and venue, still a father pitching to his son.
The Rices won.
Just not the Derby.
Ben was eliminated in Monday’s first round at Citizens Bank Park, finishing with seven home runs — better than Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s three last year, but still last in this field — when he needed at least 10 for a shot at the second round.
Most participants leave shortly after falling short. Rice — in his first experience at the Midsummer Classic and breathing in every moment — stuck around for a long while, taking a seat in the infield and chatting at length with his father and Juan Soto while watching what turned out to be a thrilling finish.
Ben Rice swings during the Home Run Derby on July 13. UPI/Shutterstock
In a finals matchup between hometown hero Kyle Schwarber and new Philly villain Jordan Walker, the breakout Cardinals star stole the competition and homered with his final five swings, upsetting Schwarber 12-11 and upsetting a stunned crowd for his first Derby crown.
Each home run from Walker — just like from Willson Contreras a round earlier, the Red Sox big bat suddenly hated by Phillies fans — was met with near silence by a sold-out crowd that wanted Schwarber to win his first Derby.
It was not to be, Walker outslugging the Phillies slugger on enemy territory in a star turn for the first-year All-Star.
Rice watched most of it after a competition in which the Yankees revelation, taking swings against the former Brown University pitcher, came in eighth of eight.
Ben Rice and his father, Dan, are pictured July 13. UPI/Shutterstock
Which does not mean the pair lost.
“I think it’s a can’t-lose mentality for us,” Ben said earlier in the day. “Going to go out there and enjoy ourselves, hopefully hit a bunch of homers, hopefully we win it.
“But if not, it was a success because my dad and I got to do it.”
By that measure, it was successful. An entertaining, if brief, night for Rice began with his introduction, during which he was showered with boos by a crowd that jeered every non-Phillie but reserved its loudest jeers for the Yankee.
“The boos were crazy,” said Rice, who broke into a smile as they rained down. “It was so cool. I always like the saying, ‘They don’t boo nobodies.’ ”
After strong early performances from Contreras and Walker especially, Rice stepped up needing eight home runs on 20 swings to at least have a shot.
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He never got going, was jumpy and ahead of many of his father’s pitches.
One would-be home run down the right field line hooked foul.
He did not account for the adrenaline rush.
“I didn’t realize how out front my first swings were going to be,” Rice said with a smile. “I was in the cage, and I was like, ‘I’m going to hit 20 home runs. I’m on fire now.’
“And then I took my first one. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going so fast right now.’ ”
After a final swing that did not clear the fence, Ben walked to his father and gave him a hug.
A slugger became a son again.
The duo had a great time. Would they do it again?
“We’ll see,” Rice said. “We’ll think about it. If I ever got the chance, I definitely would consider it.”
Yankees slugger Ben Rice was eliminated in the first round of the 2026 Home Run Derby on Monday night.
Rice was the fifth competitor to take his hacks at Citizens Bank Park, and he never quite found his groove.
The lefty went homerless over his first four swings before leaving the yard 386 feet to right for his first long ball.
He homered again two pitches later, but still couldn't find his power swing.
Rice's total sat at just four with seven swings remaining, and he only added three more to his total before popping up the gold ball on his final swing to bring his round to an end.
The slugger finished with the lowest home run total in the first round (7).
Jac Caglianone (8), Bryce Harper (8), and Munetaka Murakami (9) also received the boot.
Willson Contreras (13), Jordan Walker (13), Junior Caminero (12), and Kyle Schwarber (10) advanced.
Walker (6) knocked out Caminero (5) in the first semi-final meeting then Schwarber (9) hung on against Contreras (8).
The hometown guy appeared to have done enough with an 11 homer final round, however, Walker went deep on his final six swings to become the first Cardinal ever to win the Home Run Derby.
CORAL GABLES, FL - APRIL 11: Miami catcher Alex Sosa (13) attempts to apply the tag while Wake Forest outfielder Javar Williams (14) dives into home in the fourth inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on April 11, 2026, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This past weekend, the Athletics added 21 players to the organization through the 20-round MLB Draft, which kicked off this week’s All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. Of the A’s 21 selections, 11 were pitchers, and all but two played college baseball.
The majority of MLB teams drafted high school players in the first few rounds and will now attempt to lure these touted prospects away from their college commitments with overslot signing bonuses. In years past, the A’s draft classes often included at least one high-risk prep selection in the first few rounds.
This year, however, the A’s largely avoided that demographic. Instead, the team invested nearly its entire signing bonus pool of $13,840,300 in a class of collegiate prospects who will likely require less time to reach the majors than their high school counterparts. That figure represents the maximum amount MLB gives teams to spend on signing bonuses for players selected in the first 10 rounds of the draft.
Day 1 Rundown
The A’s kicked their draft off by selecting Georgia Tech’s 5-foot-9 outfielder Drew Burress with the No. 8 pick. Burress, arguably the best collegiate outfielder in this draft class, used his all-around skillset to break multiple program records. He finished his collegiate career with a .357 batting average, 60 home runs and a 1.204 OPS in three seasons.
The small but stout hitter is no slouch defensively. He plays a quality center field and would be comfortable moving to an outfield corner if needed. Burress looks to be another fast mover who could find himself in the A’s outfield as the franchise begins a new chapter in Las Vegas.
He could be joined by the Athletics’ second-round selection, USC left-handed pitcher Mason Edwards. Baseball America’s collegiate pitcher of the year and the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year led the NCAA with 169 strikeouts, climbing up draft boards after each dominant outing this spring. Between Edwards, Gage Jump, Jamie Arnold and Wei-En Lin, the A’s have an abundance of talented young left-handed pitching prospects, a good sign for a club that needs a talent infusion on the mound.
Edwards led a run of three straight college pitchers, although the next two bring more question marks. Right-hander Gabe Gaeckle has electric stuff but command questions. If the A’s can harness his ability, Gaeckle could pitch in the front half of the team’s rotation. If not, he may be better suited for a late-game relief role.
In the third round, the “Green and Gold” selected Jacob Dudan, whose dynamic fastball/slider combination led to a breakout as NC State’s ace before he blew out his elbow. The A’s will have to wait until Dudan returns from Tommy John surgery to get a sense of what he brings to the table.
The Athletics ended the first day of the draft by selecting UCLA infielder Roman Martin, who performed well with the Bruins, although he was overshadowed by No. 1 pick Roch Cholowsky.
Day Two Names to Watch
The A’s did not draft a high school player until the 14th round, when they broke the seal, drafting right-handed pitcher Caden Sivrich out of Norwin HS (PA). Five rounds later, the team chose left-handed pitcher Jake Escalante out of Soquel HS (CA). The team will have to contend with their respective commitments to Pitt and Cal State Fullerton. If they are able to get at least one to sign, that would ensure this draft class comprises not just college players.
Speaking of college players, the following guys are sleepers to watch.
Right-handed pitcher Nathan Aceves, the A’s 12th round draft pick, followed San Francisco Giants’ first round pick Jackson Flora in UCSB’s rotation this season. His mid-90’s fastball and plus changeup give him a good foundation to have success as a starter in the A’s farm system.
In the seventh round, the club selected Campbell University’s David Rossow,. The CAA pitcher of the year will look to continue his success against tougher hitters in professional baseball.
Alex Sosa, the A’s sixth round pick out of Miami (FL), gives the team another young catching prospect to develop. Sosa could be a name to watch as the team’s farm system lacks catching prospects and its starting catcher Shea Langeliers is only a couple of years away from free agency.
Wake Forest outfielder Javar Williams and Liberty infielder Tanner Marsh are two additional athletic players the A’s nabbed in later rounds who could outplay their draft slot.
Given the team’s desire to contend and how quickly previous draft picks Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz and Gage Jump reached the majors, it made sense that the A’s focused primarily on college players this draft class. On the other hand, it would have been nice for them to land a highly ranked high school pitcher or position player to balance out this group.
It is too early to think ahead, but unless the Athletics can resurrect their season in the second half, the team may find itself in the draft lottery once again next year. If that is the case, they will have another opportunity to extend or break this recent streak of selecting college players in the first round.
How do you think the A’s fared during the draft? Is there a prospect who you hoped they would take, but ended up being selected by another team? Will Burress reach the majors first out of these new A’s players? If not, who will beat him and why?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 13: Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu #42 of the Dallas Mavericks converts an alley-oop dunk over Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Summer League game on Monday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 96-88. Sergio De Larrea led a very balanced effort from Dallas with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Darin Green Jr. was the Dallas high scorer with 18 points. Third overall pick Cameron Boozer ground his way to a 21-point, eight-rebound effort for Memphis in defeat.
With the Mavericks electing not to play both Ryan Nembhard and Morez Johnson Jr (illness and calf soreness, respectively), Dallas went with an all-overseas-born lineup. Memphis forced the ball to Boozer early and, with Vsevolod Ishchenko drawing that defensive assignment, it looked like it might be a rough game for Dallas. However, the Mavericks played strong team defense and pushed after missed Memphis shots to tie the game at 10 halfway through the period. Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu had a surprising impact early, scoring six points via dunks as he flew toward the rim with authority. Dallas grew the lead to double digits before a flurry of Taylor Hendricks threes closed the gap. Dallas led 24-19 after one period.
The Mavericks blitzed the Grizzlies in the second, pushing off of misses and Memphis turnovers, leading to repeated three-point looks on the break. Dallas knocked down shot after shot and rebuilt their double-digit lead from the first period. Back-to-back threes from former Maverick Olivier Maxence-Prosper cut the lead to single digits with two minutes remaining in the half. Memphis cut the lead down to four and entered halftime down 50-46.
The Memphis rally continued to start the second, tying the game a few minutes into the third quarter. The two teams then exchanged baskets, ties, and leads. Strong shooting from Dallas helped them hold off Memphis and the Mavericks entered the fourth quarter up 68-65.
De Larrea’s flashy passing paired with Maverick shotmaking helped Dallas hold off the Grizzlies for much of the period. Memphis closed the gap to tie the game at 77 with five minutes remaining. Dallas exploded out of the next timeout, scoring seven straight, including another rim-rocking dunk from Akobundu-Ehiogu on a putback. Boozer connected on a corner three to give Memphis a chance, but a De Larrea and Darin Green Jr. hit threes in the ensuing possessions to effectively end the game. Dallas walked away with their first win in Vegas, defeating the Grizzlies, 96-88.
Sergio De Larrea, Vsevolod Ishchenko make for a fun backcourt
Some may quibble with this subheading, noting that Ishchenko is kind of omni-positional at the moment, but bear with me. These two, dribbling and initiating the Dallas offense, were a delight against a Memphis team that looked ready to be done with Summer League basketball.
De Larrea’s playmaking chops and vision are obvious. The question becomes how he deals with NBA physicality and I think that he’ll be just fine over the long haul. It helps when teammates make shots, of course, and the Mavericks fulfilled my summer league wish of putting the ball in the basket.
Ishchenko’s more of a mixed bag, but the fearlessness was on full display as he guarded Boozer and put regular pressure on the rim. He really loves a right-handed over-the-head pass when a simpler one will do, but his downhill mindset is more enjoyable than Nembhard’s mechanical implementation of the Dallas offense. He’s got to get much, much better about finishing, but getting there is hard enough, so I suspect the strength will come where he’s able to lay the ball in through contact.
We know De Larrea is on the Mavericks next season; Ishchenko is still up in the air. I suspect this might be the last time we see Sergio for a while, so I encourage people to seek out this game if they missed it.
Last off-season, the Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux. This was one of the NHL's most intriguing trades of last summer, as it involved two first-round picks from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Bolduc had an up-and-down first season with the Canadiens, but it was still a solid year overall for the 23-year-old forward. In 78 games with the Atlantic Division club, he posted 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, and a career-high 170 hits. With numbers like these, the young forward provided some secondary offensive production and plenty of grit. He also had three goals and seven points in 19 playoff games for Montreal.
Yet, Bolduc did see a slight decrease in offense during his first season with the Habs. This is because he posted career highs with 19 goals, 17 assists, and 36 points in 72 games with the Blues during the 2024-25 season. Due to this, it will be interesting to see if the 6-foot forward could increase his offensive production next season for the Canadiens.
With Bolduc still being in his early 20s and in the early stages of his NHL career, it is very possible that he has not hit his ceiling yet. Because of this, the possibility of him hitting at least the 20-goal and 40-point marks next season should not be ruled out. If he does, it would be big for a Canadiens club that is looking to be top contenders in 2026-27.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Kobe Bufkin #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays defense during the game against the Phoenix Suns on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Trout has continued to shut down all trade speculation, including to his hometown Phillies.
PHILADELPHIA –– As Mike Trout sat down before reporters at MLB’s All-Star Game Media Day event on Monday afternoon, it only took two minutes for an inevitable query to be raised.
Would the South Jersey native and childhood Phillies fan, who is expected to receive a raucous ovation as the American League’s leadoff hitter for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, ever want to one day leave the Angels to play for his hometown team?
“I didn’t think I was gonna hear this question today,” he quipped. “I hear this a lot.”
Speaking ahead of Monday’s home run derby, Mike Trout acknowledged the trade talk surrounding him. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Alas, even against such a personally sentimental backdrop, the three-time MVP didn’t drop his guard.
“I’m an Angel,” he said. “I got a no-trade clause.”
“It’s obviously my decision,” he added when the topic came up again later in his scrum. “But I’m with the Angels. That’s where it’s at.”
Despite a midseason injury, Trout still 18 home runs before the All-Star break. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Of course, if Trout ever were to consider leaving the rudderless Angels –– with whom he remains under contract through 2030 –– the Phillies would figure to be near the top of his desired wishlist.
His love for the city was evident Monday, as he relished the opportunity to play an All-Star Game in the same stadium he grew up coming to as a kid from nearby Millville, N.J.
“It’s always special coming back here,” he said. “A lot of family, a lot of friends, being so close. It’s where I grew up. I was cheering these guys on when I was a kid. So it’s cool to be able to play in the stadium.”
He even made a pitch for LeBron James to join the 76ers, joking the NBA star would be free to play golf at Trout’s nearby course in New Jersey whenever he wants.
“It means a lot,” Trout said of his connection to the city. “I grew up a Phillies fan, Eagles fan, Sixers fan. I know how passionate they are about their sports teams. I go to Eagles games, I cheer for the Eagles. I know. So it means a lot. I appreciate them.”
Trout has continued to shut down all trade speculation, including to his hometown Phillies. MLB Photos via Getty Images
That’s why simply getting here was a meaningful accomplishment for the soon-to-be 35-year-old three-time MVP, who missed the past two All-Star Games amid injury-plagued campaigns before bouncing back this year with 18 home runs and an .863 OPS.
“I circled that Philadelphia All-Star Game on my list, for sure,” he said. “The last couple years have been tough for me, battling injuries. But to be able to come back and feel good and be able to start in center and lead off, it’s gonna be a cool moment for me and my family.”
Still, when the idea of actually playing for the Phillies (who, this year, do have a need in the outfield) arose, Trout declined to engage in the speculation, instead citing another of his childhood icons.
“I was a big Jeter fan growing up,” he said. “He was with one team his whole career.”
For now, despite his love for Philadelphia and the Angels’ ongoing incompetence, Trout hasn’t given up on doing the same.
A UConn Husky heard his name called on the second day of the 2026 MLB Draft. Left-handed pitcher Charlie West was selected in the seventh round with the No. 223 overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The South Setauket, New York, native pitched the past three seasons in Storrs.
West had a great spring for the Huskies, receiving All-Big East First Team honors after he led the conference in strikeouts with 111. He made 16 starts and had a 4.12 ERA in 87.1 innings, accumulating a 6-6 record on the mound. His best performance of the season came on April 12 when he struck out a career-high 14 batters against Butler.
The selection marks 21-straight MLB Drafts in which UConn has had at least one player drafted or signed by an MLB club. West is the 80th player selected under head coach Jim Penders, who has had a player drafted or signed in all but one of his 23 years leading the dugout in Storrs.
West will try and join the group of 10 other players who have made the big leagues in Penders’ tenure, most recently Kyler Fedko with the Minnesota Twins earlier this year. West is the 18th Husky to be picked in the first 10 rounds since 2009.
So far this summer, West has a 2.16 ERA in four starts for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League, striking out 26 batters in 16.2 innings entering Monday.
Former Husky pitcher Ben Casparius is currently in the Dodgers organization as well and is currently on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder injury.
Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman, a Dearborn Heights, Michigan native who played college hockey with the Western Michigan Broncos, has officially decided to hang up his skates.
Oesterle, 34, announced his retirement from the NHL after having skated in 409 career games, 97 of which were spent with the Red Wings between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
Jordan, you showed the hockey world that hard work pays off. From going undrafted as a college free agent to creating a 12 year pro hockey career, there's no doubt you left your impact on the game and serve as an inspiration to others looking to follow in your footsteps.… pic.twitter.com/4Vd4Z0ixlf
Never drafted into the NHL, Oesterle signed an entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers in 2014, and would skate in 25 total games with the organization while mostly playing in the American Hockey League before joining the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017.
Eventually, the Blackhawks traded him along with the contract of former Red Wings forward Marian Hossa to the Arizona Coyotes in July 2018.
Oesterle then took the opportunity to play for his hometown team, inking a two-year, $2.7 million contract with the Red Wings in the summer of 2021. During his time with Detroit, he tallied a total of four goals with 15 assists.
Following his time with the Red Wings, Oesterle would suit up for the Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Nashville Predators.
Ultimately, he registered 23 goals and 73 assists in 409 career regular season games, while adding a goal with three assists in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games.
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Two of their unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), which were the last two first-rounders they had full control over to trade.
It’s no secret how badly the Lakers wanted – and needed – Walker Kessler. AP Photo/Anna Fuder
Two first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
In addition to the four-year, $130 million contract Kessler signed with the franchise that starts with a salary of $30.1 million for 2026-27, which makes him the 10th-highest paid center in the league (restricted free agent big man Jalen Duren’s 2026-27 salary from his contract will likely surpass Kessler’s).
A significant investment for a player who hasn’t made an All-Star, All-NBA or All-Defense team, and is coming off of playing five games after having left shoulder surgery in November.
Kessler is honored by the investment. And ready to prove the Lakers right.
“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said on Monday during his first media availability since joining the Lakers. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”
It’s reflected in not just what various Lakers have said about Kessler since acquiring him from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade. Getty Images
Doncic made it clear entering the offseason he wanted the Lakers to acquire a high-level center who fits into the archetype he usually thrives alongside: A lob-catcher, rim-runner and rim-protector.
And the Lakers got the job done by adding Kessler, whose jobs will be made easier because of Doncic.
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Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes across 201 regular season games since the Jazz drafted him with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 draft.
“Passing the ball, he’s pretty good,” Kessler quipped. “He has such a big presence on the court, it makes every guy, all four guys around him, it just makes it a lot easier for them to do what they need to do.”
Kessler added: “I’ve never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he’s just a matchup nightmare.”
And Kessler will look to make Doncic, as well as the rest of his Lakers’ teammates, life jobs easier on the court, too.
He’s been one of the NBA’s best rim protectors since entering the league out of Auburn
“What I can do for [Doncic] is obviously play defense for him, set great screens,” Kessler said. “Get him some assists. It’s gonna be gonna be a lot of fun.”
Even on a Lakers roster that has already added eight players, Kessler still has familiar faces around him.
A significant advocate for Kessler in the Lakers’ pursuit of the 24-year-old center was franchise superstar guard Luka Doncic. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“I would say his mindset and being able to come in and give it his all each and every night,” Sexton said of why Kessler will be a good fit for the Lakers. “And he’s one of those people that’s very competitive, and I feel like the culture here is trying to bring good guys in who are ready to compete each and every night and give it their all.”
“He’s a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun,” Reaves said of Kessler. “Obviously you see what he does basketball wise and how he impacts the game. He’s good defensively, good in the pocket. Just a smart player. So I’m happy to have him on the team and get to play with him.”
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds (4.6 offensive rebounds), 3 assists and 1.8 blocks across five games (30.8 minutes per game) during 2025-26 before suffering a season-ending torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery.
He said his shoulder “feels better than it’s ever felt in my life” and that he’s “100% cleared” after sitting most of last season. Kessler shared that he originally suffered the injury in college but played through it before it got worse over the previous year.
“I’m just excited to play again,” Kessler said. “Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective. The heart grows fond in absence. I think falling in love with this game again and just realizing I just want to go win. I just want to play to win. And obviously still being able to do the stuff that I kind of showed in the first five games, it’s just going to be fun to play.”
Before his injury, Kessler further experimented with expanding his shooting range with a higher frequency, attempting 1.6 3-pointers per game compared to 0.3 3s per game in his first three seasons. He made 6 of those 8 attempted 3s last season after making 6 of 34 in 2024-25, 4 of 19 in 2023-24 and 1 of 3 in 2022-23.
“Coach JJ [Redick] is obviously hyper intelligent,” Kessler said. “Obviously, being a shooter himself, we’ve talked about it and he wants me to be able to do that. Because I think for a big to be able to stretch the floor like that or even have the threat of it, I think it makes other teams’ scouts really difficult. [Because] whether I can do that on the pop or catch on the pop, go second side or be able to roll. Both those things are gonna be really important.”
