The Yankees have signed RHP Peter Strzelecki to a minor league and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
Strzelecki, 31, has pitched in 77 big league games over his career with the Brewers, Diamondbacks and Guardians, but has not thrown a pitch in the majors since 2024.
In 11 appearances with the Guardians that season, Strzelecki pitched to a 2.31 ERA while striking out nine batters across 11.2 innings. For his career, Strzelecki pitched to a 3.44 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and 86 strikeouts across 83.2 innings with one career save.
This year, Strzelecki was pitching in the Brewers' system before he was designated for assignment on May 17, and once he cleared waivers, he elected free agency.
With Triple-A Nashville, Strzelecki appeared in 16 games, pitching to a 4.12 ERA after allowing 10 runs (nine earned) across 19.2 innings.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Four...
And Reaves’ latest comments make it appear he wants the same.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports at LAX, Reaves was asked a variety of questions, including whether he wanted to “run it back” with the Lakers.
Austin Reaves told TMZ Sports he wants to “run it back” with the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
He quickly responded, “run it back” — suggesting he wants to return to the Lakers during an offseason in which Reaves could be an unrestricted free agent for the first time.
Reaves will become a free agent this summer once he declines his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27.
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He alluded to already having made that decision when asked whom the Lakers should go after during the offseason.
“I don’t know, I don’t get into all that,” Reaves said. “I’ve got to sign first … free agent.”
Reaves is expected to get a significant pay raise with his next contract — whether it’s with the Lakers or another team.
He’ll be eligible to sign a maximum five-year contract worth $241 million with the Lakers or a four-year, $178 million deal with another team.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager, made it clear during a postseason media availability the franchise wants Reaves back.
“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold. There’s rules and timing to all of that, but I think both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here.”
Austin Reaves returned from an oblique injury and averaged 20 points for the Lakers in the postseason. NBAE via Getty Images
The 27-year-old Reaves is coming off averaging a career-high 23.2 points (49% shooting, 36% on 3-pointers), 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals during the 2025-26 regular season.
He averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists and four rebounds in six of the Lakers’ 10 playoff games after returning from a strained left oblique that sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season and first four playoff games.
Which lines up with comments Reaves made after the Lakers’ 2025-26 season ended with the four-game sweep by the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
“Man, it would mean the world to me,” Reaves said. “I don’t know anything different. My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on, and he basically took me under his wing and [gave] me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me. But further than the court, like building a real friendship — he obviously is into golf now, so we’re a lot closer. It’s been super fun, and I hope to continue to do that. He’s taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career. He’s given me confidence every single day.”
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 3: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the New York Knicks moved within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby had 21 points as New York led the entire game. The Knicks were 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 on 3-pointers. They were also 24 of 27 from the foul line.
The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals and sweep their second straight series with a win on Monday night. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. The last team to do it was the Boston Celtics, who also went on a 10-game run on their way to the 2024 title.
All but one of the Knicks’ wins have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 21 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 12 of 41 on 3-pointers and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
New York led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter but put it out reach in the fourth when Landry Shamet made three 3-pointers in a 99-second span to make it 105-94.
The Knicks made their first four shots en route to a 9-1 lead less than two minutes into the game. New York was 12 of 17 from the field in the quarter and was up 37-27 after 12 minutes.
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run. They went into halftime with a 60-54 advantage.
Brunson had six of his 12 points during an 8-1 run midway through the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead to 83-70 with 3:41 remaining.
Verdugo Hills, the fourth-place finisher in the Valley Mission League with a 10-18 record entering the City Section Division I playoffs, completed a remarkable turnaround on Saturday, winning its fourth consecutive playoff game to take home the Division I title with a 3-1 victory over Taft at Dodger Stadium.
No one was picking the Dons in this one. They had used their two best pitchers in a 10-inning semifinal win over top-seeded Sylmar. But coach Angel Espindola had a plan.
Anthony Velasquez threw a complete-game one-hitter while relying on his defense to make the routine plays and deal with six walks and only one strikeout. At the plate, the hero was first baseman Cutlor Fannon. He had an RBI double in the first inning and an RBI single in the seventh.
But there was drama in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Toreadors’ Victor Jara represented the tying run at the plate with two outs. He hit probably the hardest ball of the day to deep left field.
Moises Rodriguez of Verdugo Hills caught the final out in left for 3-1 win at Dodger Stadium to win Di City title. pic.twitter.com/2UNU6Xrxs1
“The last one scared me,” Velasquez said as he watched left fielder Moises Rodriguez stick out his glove running to catch it and start a victory celebration.
The catch by Moises Rodriguez that saved Verdugo Hills. Courtesy Interscholastic Films. pic.twitter.com/8KsqsPy5Mo
Rodriguez said he “felt all my emotions running through me” as he chased down the fly ball.
“It was surreal,” he said.
Espindola’s best coaching moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Taft drew consecutive walks from Velasquez with one out. Espindola went to the mound for a pitcher conference.
“Relax,” is what he told Velasquez.
Then Taft hit into an inning-ending double play.
Verdugo Hills’ fielders more than handled the Dodger Stadium environment. Catcher Miguel Wong threw out a runner trying to steal second. Outfielders Rodriguez, Jack Iafrate and Jessie Olmos combined to catch seven fly balls. And third baseman D’Angelo Duran and shortstop Ethan Sanchez were flawless on ground balls.
As for what happened in the playoffs, Rodriguez said, “We changed our perspective to playing baseball instead of doing baseball. It was let’s have fun.”
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Jon Metler's expert pick: OG Anunoby Over 14.5 points
Price: -130 at bet365
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to force the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands; they can’t let him work in isolation against their perimeter defenders.
When that happens, OG Anunoby finds himself catching passes against a rotating Cavaliers defense that he can attack for easy buckets. This is all about working off Brunson’s gravity and defensive coverage while attacking the space Brunson creates for him.
I also love that this is Anunoby’s third game back for the New York Knicks, and there’s an opportunity for his minutes to ramp up in Game 3.
That’s significant because he’s being priced like a player who will only play low-30s minutes. I price Anunoby at -175 to clear this number, which is why I’m hitting the button.
Jason Logan's expert pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes
Price: +125 at bet365
The Knicks offense is a well-oiled machine at this point in the playoffs. With the Cavs blitzing Jalen Brunson, he’s finding open teammates for a ton of assists
Karl-Anthony Towns is taking plenty of 3-point attempts as he continues working out of the high post in the playoffs, dragging Cleveland’s size away from the paint with his outside shooting. That resulted in three made triples in Game 2.
Projection models call for a pair of treys from KAT in another win for New York.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks moneyline
Price: +115 at bet365
The Knicks are in the midst of a dominant playoff run, winning nine straight games, with eight of those victories coming by double digits. They have clearly been the sharper offensive team in this series, shooting the ball better than Cleveland while consistently controlling points in the paint.
New York has also been excellent away from home, posting a stronger playoff net rating on the road than at MSG. Meanwhile, the Cavs might be running out of gas after playing high-intensity games every other night since April 29 — a stretch of 12 games.
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The New York Knicks extended their Eastern Conference Finals lead to two games in front of a rapturous home crowd (and an equally invested star-studded celebrity row). Now, the series moves to Cleveland for two games in the Cavaliers’ home court beginning with tonight’s Game 3.
Unlike the dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in the series opener, the Knicks took control of a tight game just after halftime in Game 2, using a devastating 18–0 third-quarter run to break open a 53–53 tie and coast to their ninth consecutive postseason win, 109-93.
Josh Hart put in a playoff career-high 26 points with five 3-pointers. He was supported by Jalen Brunson, who shifted into playmaker mode, dishing out a playoff career-high 14 assists to go along with 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the interior with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals: what to know
What: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, Game 3
When: May 23, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Rocket Arena (Cleveland, Ohio)
Channel: ABC
Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
Game 4, which will happen no matter the result of tonight’s game, is a Memorial Day matchup set for Monday night.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks start time:
Tonight’s (May 23) Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ABC (plus every other channel you’ll need for the rest of the NBA postseason). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
TRY DIRECTV FOR FREE
Sling TV is another affordable way to watch TV live and stream NBA games; its Select plan includes ABC and starts at $19.99/month.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
The New York Knicks are a runaway subway car in the Eastern Conference finals. The next stop is Rocket Arena for Game 3 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York tries to put Cleveland in a 3-0 chokehold on Saturday, and my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions aren't standing on the tracks, taking the road team to win with an energetic performance from OG Anunoby.
Here are my latest NBA picks for Saturday, May 23.
Our best Knicks vs Cavaliers SGP for Game 3
SGP leg #1: Knicks moneyline
Homecourt may be the only edge left for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re outgunned on offense, outmatched in coaching, and running on fumes compared to a well-rested New York Knicks squad.
That difference is showing in the fourth quarters of both the previous two games. New York has been great on the road in the postseason, going 4-1 SU and ATS as a playoff visitor.
SGP leg #2: Evan Mobley Over 15.5 points
Evan Mobley should be miffed with his teammates. After exploding for 10 points in the first quarter and posting 14 points at the half, Mobley didn’t get a single shot off in the second half of Game 2.
Cleveland’s offense is at its best when it gets the bigs involved, and Mobley must be a priority in Game 3. Projections sit as high as 18 points on Saturday.
SGP leg #3: OG Anunoby Over 14.5 points
OG Anunoby has been taking it easy in the first two games of the ECF, as he's coming off a hamstring injury in Round 2.
When the going gets tough on the road for the Knicks, OG brings the energy to enemy territory. He’s been huge away from MSG in the playoffs and averages two points more on the road than at home for the year.
Anunoby is forecasted for as many as 17.5 points in Game 3.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions for Game 3.
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May 23, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Bryan Torres (39) draws a walk against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
There were several feel good moments for the St. Louis Cardinals in game 1 of a day/night doubleheader Saturday. Bryan Torres made his Major League debut and collected his first hit and home run while Andre Pallante was sharp and Jordan Walker hit his first Great American Ball Park home run as the Cardinals beat the Reds 8-1. There was even a “tarps off” Cardinals group that grew as the game progressed.
The dastardly Cincinnati Reds were the first to score as Nathaniel Lowe crushed a 398 foot home run into the right field seats in the bottom of the 2nd inning giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. Fortunately for Andre Pallante and the St. Louis Cardinals, that was one of only two hits they would get off of him. Pallante was a little shaky in the first couple of innings, but overall it ended up being one of Andre’s best starts of the year. He was stellar. He gave the Cardinals six strong innings allowing just 2 hits and that lone earned run.
The St. Louis Cardinals bats would not let that lead stand for long as they took advantage of Reds pitcher Chris Paddack suddenly being unable to find the strike zone as JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera both drew 1-out walks. Alec Burleson made sure that the phrase “walks come back to haunt you” came true as he ripped a single to right field tying the game 1-1. Jordan Walker hit into a fielder’s choice avoiding the double play after Alec’s single giving St. Louis a 2-1 lead.
The Cardinals would add to their lead in the top of the 4th inning, but it could have been so much better. Masyn Winn led off with a single followed by Bryan Torres who made his MLB debut today after 10 years in the minor leagues. He was rewarded for all those years of hard work and perseverance with his first Major League hit.
After Prieto struck out, JJ Wetherholt ripped a ball down the right field line glancing off of the first baseman’s glove and trickling into short right field giving the Cardinals a 3-1 lead.
Bryan Torres was held at third base on JJ Wetherholt’s hit which would come back to bite the Cardinals as Ivan Herrera grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the top of the 4th inning with St. Louis only getting 1 run out of a bases loaded with one out opportunity.
Jordan Walker would not miss his opportunity in the top of the 7th inning, though. After Ivan Herrera walked, Jordan would unload on a 1-1 pitch off of reliever Connor Phillips and send it 389 feet into the right field seats for his 14th home run of the year padding the Cardinals lead to 5-1. It was Jordan’s first home run in Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park meaning he has homered in all NL Central opponent parks now.
Ryne Stanek was brought in for some late innings relief and he had a drama-free 7th inning with the exception of a two-out walk to Suarez, but it led to nothing for the Reds which is the way we like it. George Soriano followed Stanek’s lead and tossed a relaxing bottom of the 8th inning for St. Louis, too.
The Cardinals would continue to pile on the Reds in the late innings as Victor Scott II ripped another hit (3 for 4 today just like I predicted) and then Ivan Herrera hit a triple into deep right center which the Reds could not handle scoring Victor making it 6-1 Cardinals in the top of the 8th inning. It would get even better in the top of the 9th as Masyn Winn walked and then Bryan Torres put a pretty swing on a 2-1 pitch and planted it in the right field stands for a no-doubt home run giving the Cardinals their final score lead of 8-1.
Matt Svanson finished off the Reds in the bottom of the 9th inning giving Riley O’Brien rest so he’s ready for duty in game 2 Saturday night if needed.
St. Louis will try for a doubleheader sweep in Game 2 as they’ll start Kyle Leahy. He’ll go up against Chase Petty who will be the Reds game 2 starter. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15pm central time and will be a national TV broadcast on Fox.
The New York Mets, last in the NL East with a 22-29 record, face the Miami Marlins, who are fourth in the division at 23-29. The game is essentially a pick'em, with the Marlins at -115 and the Mets at -104. Scheduled starting pitchers are Freddy Peralta for the Mets, with a 3.31 ERA, and Max Meyer for the Marlins, with a 2.85 ERA.
How to watch New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: loanDepot park, Miami, FL
TV Channels: Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, SNY
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 17: George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners prepares to deliver a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park on May 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners will look to make it back-to-back series wins Saturday.
George Kirby takes the mound for the Mariners. He’s looking to bounce back after a shelling against the Padres last week. Kirby has been good overall this year with a 3.54 FIP, but he’s done it in a weird way, with a career-low strikeout rate and a career-high groundball rate. The Padres were able to elevate against him last week, with a pair of homers. Kirby will try to keep the Royals on the ground today.
J.P. Crawford is leading off and still playing shortstop. He and the Mariners have been doing all sorts of press about their plans to move him to third base, but I guess he isn’t ready yet. Colt Emerson plays third and bats ninth.
Jhonny Pereda will start behind the plate. The last time we saw him he hit his first big league homer in what was a great game for him all around. He has five caught stealings already this year on defense.
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 22: Washington third baseman Curtis Mead (45) is congratulated by third base coach Victor Estevez (7) after hitting a solo home run during the MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves on May 22nd, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
These last two losses have been agonizingly close to being wins for the Nats. They will have to get back on the horse in Atlanta and look to overcome last night’s draining defeat. The offense has been a little quiet these past couple of games, so hopefully the boys can start raking again.
Blake Butera is making a few changes to the lineup. Jorbit Vivas and Jose Tena will both be back in the lineup today. Dylan Crews will move to center and James Wood will play right field. Keibert Ruiz will be back behind the plate, as he looks to keep up his hot hitting. With a taxed bullpen, Jake Irvin needs to give the Nats length this afternoon.
The Braves are making a couple changes as well. Michael Harris II will move up to the 2 spot. Mike Yastrzemski and walk off hero Chadwick Tromp will both make their first starts of the series. Mauricio Dubon will move from the outfield to shortstop. Grant Holmes will get the nod on the mound for the Braves.
Last night was a tough game to drop, but the Nats showed they could compete with the big boys. This afternoon they will look to get that one extra clutch hit to get them over the top. Let’s find a way to get a curly W! Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 22: Vinnie Pasquantino #9 of the Kansas City Royals hits a single against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, the Royals won’t be getting a series sweep against the Mariners this time. But perhaps they could still win the series and begin to right the ship that is their rapidly sinking season. If they can do it, a lot will depend on the offense finally getting going again. But it will also depend on Stephen Kolek pitching to his highest Royals potential for the eighth time in nine starts.
In his last start out against the Cardinals, he once again became the guy the Royals had seen in six straight starts before the disastrous White Sox series. He didn’t generate swing and miss, but he just kept getting outs. What would be even better is if he could take a page out of last year’s efforts and pitch deep into the game, allowing an inconsistent bullpen that has suffered injuries to some of its best to cover as little of the game as possible. Kolek made a start against the Mariners last year and went 7.1 innings of 2-run ball with 8 strikeouts and only 1 walk. Outside the complete game shutout against the Rockies in his second career start, it was the best he’s ever pitched. The Royals might need him to be even better.
The Mariners will counter with George Kirby. Kirby’s strikeouts are down considerably this year, and his walks are at the highest they’ve ever been, though still not high. Still, none of that has prevented him from pitching quite effectively for the Mariners in his fifth big league season. Kirby throws seven different pitches, none more than 31% of the time, so he can be difficult to pigeonhole. He doesn’t get a lot of swing and miss, but he also doesn’t give up much hard contact. A lot of his success comes on convincing hitters to chase outside the zone to generate that weaker contact. The Royals hitters will need to be disciplined and identify pitches quickly if they want to succeed against him today.
Kirby didn’t pitch in the earlier series this season, but he did face them last June 30. He picked up the win that day with six shutout innings on five strikeouts.
Lineups
Same lineup, different day. They can’t lose EVERY game like this, though, can they?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 27: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns guards Nicolas Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 27, 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 Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the biggest pressure points facing the Phoenix Suns this offseason is what to do with Mark Williams. He gave Phoenix 60 games this past season and showed exactly why the organization targeted him in the first place. The rim running, the rim deterrence defensively, the athleticism, and the motor. All of those traits were clear positives for a franchise that historically has spent years trying to stabilize the center position.
Restricted free agency is at the doorstep, and with the Suns also trying to retain key pieces from an unexpectedly successful team, Williams becomes one of the more important leverage points of the offseason. His qualifying offer sits at $9.6 million, which on the surface doesn’t feel overwhelming. Once you begin stacking on the other financial realities though (dead money, luxury tax concerns, apron implications), the conversation becomes a lot more complicated.
At $17 million below the luxury tax and $25 million below the first apron, the Suns are walking a financial tightrope with free agents Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Williams.
Williams’ durability issues plagued the first three seasons of his career, in which he sat out 116 games because of back, foot and thumb injuries.
In his first season with Phoenix, Williams sat out 10 games because of a stress reaction in his left foot but still played a career-high 60 games. (Because of the foot injury, Williams did not appear in the Suns’ first-round playoff loss.)
Williams ranked in the top 20 in offensive rebounds per game and played a significant role in Phoenix’s jump from 26th to sixth in second-chance points this season. The Suns were plus-8.5 points per 100 possessions when Williams was on the court with Gillespie, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale.
Marks projected Williams at three years and $42 million, stating, “The contract would start at $13 million and increase to $15 million in the third season. The first year is $2 million less than the non-tax midlevel exception.”
I’ll start with this. If he’s viewed nationally as the fifth-best restricted free agent available regardless of position, there’s real value attached to that. Marks also identified the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls as logical fits, which naturally creates the possibility that another team helps drive up his market. That matters for Phoenix.
If the number climbs too high, the Suns could ultimately decide to walk away. Or they could work with another team on a sign-and-trade. A deal in the neighborhood of three years, $42 million honestly feels pretty close to what I expected Williams to land based on last season. The injury concerns will always be part of the equation, and they’re likely the biggest reason he won’t command something even larger. At the same time, for a team trying to balance winning now with eventually increasing Khaman Maluach’s role, this kind of contract makes sense as a bridge.
If Maluach needs more time, you’ve bought yourself a clean three-year runway. If he develops faster than expected, then Williams either becomes valuable depth on a fair contract or a tradable asset you can use to strengthen another area of the roster. From a pure basketball standpoint, I think it’s a very reasonable price. The complication, as always, is financial.
If Phoenix is comfortable paying into the luxury tax, bringing him back at that number feels pretty straightforward. If ownership is serious about avoiding the tax line, then this conversation becomes far more interesting and potentially a lot harder.
That’s really what makes Mark Williams one of the defining offseason decisions for Phoenix. On the floor, the fit makes sense. The timeline makes sense. Even the contract projection feels reasonable when viewed through a basketball lens.
The challenge is that the Suns rarely get to make decisions in a vacuum anymore. Every move connects to three others. Retaining Williams impacts what you can do with Collin Gillespie. It impacts overall roster flexibility. It impacts how aggressively you navigate the margins of the tax and how much patience you can afford with younger players.
That’s why this feels bigger than simply deciding whether Williams is worth $14 million a year. He probably is. The harder question is whether Phoenix can make that commitment and still maintain the roster balance and flexibility needed to keep building on what they started last season.
Anunoby o14.5 points
