Jun 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) throws to first base but cannot turn a double play after forcing out Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Orioles appeared to be cruising toward a series win before a missed call and some shoddy defense resulted in a five-run sixth inning. The Blue Jays rode a bizarre stretch to a come from behind 6-4 victory, leaving the O’s to return to the United States with a bad taste in their mouths.
The disaster inning started with an absolute moon shot from Yohendrick Piñango. Baz entered the inning with five zeros and less than 65 pitches, but he left a changeup up to the Blue Jays number two hitter. Piñango sent the ball 423 feet from home plate, but the Orioles still held a three-run advantage.
Baz retired Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but Jesús Sánchez lined a ball out of Tyler O’Neill’s reach in right field. Baz generated a ground ball from Ernie Clement, but Gunnar Henderson committed a fielding error to place runners on the corners with one out.
Baz, in need of a double play, induced a grounder from Brandon Valenzuela. The bouncer took Henderson to the right side of second base, and the shortstop set his sights on a tag and throw double play. Clement made a clear and obvious attempt to run away from the tag toward the outfield grass, which prompted Henderson to throw the ball to first. However, second base umpire Nic Lentz ruled that the runner did not stray from the baseline, so Clement reached safely and the second run scored.
Alonso and Baz immediately expressed their objection to the call, and Craig Albernaz left the dugout for an explanation. After a discussion, the call stood. The Blue Jays had cut the lead in half, and Clement remained at second base.
Baz, potentially still bothered by the error and controversial call, allowed a base hit to Kazuma Okamoto. Clement raced home to score the third run, and Okamoto avoided being caught straying too far from first base. Andrés Giménez followed with a double down the right field line, and suddenly the game was tied.
Despite entering the inning with a low pitch count and a four-run advantage, Baz failed to complete the sixth. Albernaz summoned Yennier Cano from the bullpen, and Baz voiced his displeasure toward the second base umpire before he entered the dugout.
Cano entered and got Nathan Lukes to put the ball on the ground, but the ball deflected off the mound and to the right side of the infield. Holliday, with no time to transfer the ball to his throwing hand, flipped the ball directly from his glove to first base. Unfortunately for Holliday, he never stood a chance with either type of play. Instead of eating the throw, his lollipop attempt allowed Giménez to break for home. Alonso bounced the ball to the plate, and Samuel Basallo aggravated his wrist on a late tag attempt. The Blue Jays stole a 5-4 advantage as Baz continued to steam in the dugout.
The Orioles should have escaped the inning with only one run allowed, but Baltimore was done in by more than just one blown call. Henderson should have made the play on Clement’s grounder, and he could have made a more aggressive effort to tag Clement to prevent a runner from reaching scoring position with a multi-run lead. Jackson Holliday never should have flipped the ball to Alonso, and a better throw home may have nailed the go-ahead runner.
The Orioles squandered a golden attempt to bounce back in the top of the seventh. Tyler O’Neill and Holliday reached on a single and walk, but the hot-hitting Blaze Alexander decided to lay down a bunt. Alexander failed to push the bunt far enough beyond home plate, and the Blue Jays got the lead runner at third base. Taylor Ward stepped in with the tying run in scoring position, but Ward bounced into a tailor-made double play to end the inning.
The Blue Jays added an insurance run when Valenzuela tagged a solo shot off of Rico Garcia.
The Orioles attempted to start a rally in the ninth when Colton Cowser reached on an infield single. Holliday bounced a ball to the right side and attempt to dodge the tag when running to first base. Holliday was called out for running outside of the basepaths, which added insult to injury to Albernaz and his squad. Blaze Alexander struck out looking to end the game.
The Orioles jumped out to their early advantage with a four-run fifth inning. Colton Cowser got the party started with a solo shot, and the Birds used some two-out lightning to extend their advantage. Holliday tripled off the wall, and Alexander drove him in with a double to right-center. Kevin Gausman left a splitter up to Taylor Ward, and Ward cleared the fence for his third homer of the season.
The Orioles will return home with a 31-35 record. The team has officially listed tomorrow’s starter as TBA. Chris Bassitt would be on turn, but he left his last start early with back tightness. Trey Gibson remains an option at Triple-A.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a fly ball against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at loanDepot park on June 07, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today, the Marlins played a sort of game that felt familiar. Their pitching, from starter to bullpen, was outstanding. Their defense possibly robbed Cedric Mullins of a home run and was sharp across the board.
They ran the bases well, making just one mistake (Heriberto Hernandez was thrown out at second trying to stretch a single to a double) but otherwise stole four bases, including a double steal that led to two runs.
I realized, this style of play felt familiar for a reason: this had been the way the Rays were playing until about a month ago.
But now that is gone. They have lost their good luck but also lost some of their basic ability to play clean baseball.
Griffin Jax started and pitched five shutout innings, bouncing back after his last (four inning, six run) start. And the Rays got on the board early as well, piecing together a hit, a stolen base, and an RBI single for a 1-0 lead. Things were looking up!
But their offense, after that, was AWOL. They scored just one run on six singles, and managed to lose two runners who were caught stealing.
And their relievers struggled to avoid walking people (Rays pitchers gave up six walks altogether), with several of the batters they walked ultimately scoring.
Catcher Hunter Feduccia had an especially terrible day. He blew the Rays two ball/strike challenges early on. Now, I have been frustrated in the past when the Rays DON’T use their challenges — you can’t save them up for a rainy day! But if you have lost your first challenge and it’s not even the fifth inning I would be very very cautious about using another.
But his biggest error? Following that double steal, with Miami runners on second and third base, Joe Mack hit a weak grounder that was fielded by Taylor Walls. Walls fired to Feduccia and the throw was in time to get the runner out….but Feduccia muffed the catch, the ball bounced away, and not just run but two runners scored. Was it a difficult throw to corral? Sure. Should he have held on to it? Yes! Here’s the video, what do y’all think?
The Rays continue to disappoint on both sides of the ball, although at least in this series we got some decent starting pitching. Now it’s up to Boston, and it would be really nice to win that series and NOT give the Red Sox any glimmer of hope.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 10: The sneakers worn by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 10, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
That, of course, makes life a little different for the club’s amateur scouting staff leading up to the 2026 NHL draft. Barring a trade, the Flyers will pick at 21st overall. It’s their lowest first-round spot since 2020.
So the Flyers know the draft is still critical to what they want to do, even when they’re lower in the order.
“We’ve said it for a long time, we wanted to build a team that was going to be here for a long time; not just to go for it for a year or two,” general manager Danny Briere said last month. “That’s still the same approach on my end.”
The Flyers have only five picks in this draft, which will be held June 26-27. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at 11 a.m. ET.
“I’ll tell you how I feel about drafts and I’ll be totally blunt with you,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said Tuesday in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I think it’s f—ing bulls–t when I hear about, ‘Oh, this draft isn’t as good.’ Here are the numbers. Approximately 45 players from any draft will play 350 games or more in the NHL. It might be 47 one year, 42 another year. That’s the number — you get 45 players that’ll play 350 games or more with varying degrees of success.
“And I know this about the draft. The teams that get good players from the draft say it was a good draft. The teams that don’t get good players from the draft say it wasn’t a good draft. So when people start telling me about a draft ahead of time, I call bulls–t.”
“What you’re trying to do is find a player that you feel has the potential to be an NHL player,” Button said. “That might be a third-line center, that might be a second-line scoring winger. Hey, listen, maybe you get David Pastrnak, who’s a superstar (drafted 25th overall in 2014).
“But the focus has to be on, ‘OK, what type of player do we like, what type of player do we think the guy can be?’ And then get after it and understand what the development path is, and then try to help that player be the best he can be. Put a stake in the ground and celebrate who you’re drafting.”
Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.
Next up:
J.P. Hurlbert
Position: Winger Height: 6-foot Weight: 183 Shoots: Right Team: Kamloops
Scouting report
The Michigan-bound forward can put the puck in the net.
He has a goal-scoring prowess predicated on guile and confidence. He doesn’t own elite speed or size, but he can beat a goalie without help. He finds the right areas and finishes.
“He knows how to score in and around the net,” Button, a former NHL GM and scout, said. “He’s not going to carry the puck end to end, he’s not going to flash and dash you, but he’s real good at understanding how to get open in the offensive zone, how to take advantage in the offensive zone and he’s going to pay a price in the offensive zone.”
Hurlbert had a prolific one-and-done WHL season with Kamloops. Over 68 games, he led all rookies in goals with 42 and points with 97. He delivered a hat trick in his debut and finished with three on the year. And he didn’t turn 18 years old until after the season.
Button has Hurlbert slotted at No. 22 on his May 20 draft list. He sees a Kyle Palmieri “type of player” in Hurlbert. The 35-year-old Palmieri has played in 925 career NHL games, putting up 30 goals twice and 50 or more points four times.
“A player of his physical stature, he’s not a guy that goes and gets engaged physically and tries to overpower guys,” Button said. “You do it with your brain, your smarts, you anticipate, you get to the right spots — he does all of those things. And he pays the price. That’s why I say Kyle Palmieri.”
(Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)
Fit with Flyers
Sure, the Flyers have a ton of young wingers, but Hurlbert would be a really nice addition to their prospect pool.
The Flyers could use more shoot-first, goal-scoring potential in their system. Maybe the high-end upside isn’t quite there because Hurlbert doesn’t overwhelm you with speed or power. Still, though, there’s a lot to like.
His type of point production at No. 21 seems like pretty good value. He’d further add to the Flyers’ promising outlook on the wing along with Martone, Foerster, Matvei Michkov, Alex Bump, Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Zach Neto #9 of the Los Angeles Angels talk at second base during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 05, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Emmet Sheehan faces José Soriano as the Dodgers look to win every contest against the Angels this year.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There are two popular songs titled “Reason to Believe”.
The first was written in 1968 by a very underrated songwriter named Tim Hardin. His version of Reason to Believe has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart, The Carpenters and Johnny Cash. The most famous is the Rod Stewart version:
As Wikipedia describes it: “The lyrics to ‘Reason to Believe’ center on the painful paradox of maintaining hope, affection, and trust even when faced with overwhelming evidence that you are being deceived or that hope is in vain.”
Tim Hardin’s version is one of those songs where the melody seems upbeat, but the lyrics tell a different story. The most famous example of those songs is Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”.
The key lyric in Tim Hardin’s of the song, about the lies he has been told, encapsulates this dichotomy:
“If I listened long enough to you I’d find a way to believe that it’s all true Knowing that you lied Straight-faced while I cried Still I look to find a reason to believe.”
Springsteen wrote the other version of “Reason to Believe”, on his dark and brooding Nebraska album. In his version, Springsteen sings about people with absolutely no basis to believe that things will get better — but they believe anyway.
The song has been described as “a profound comment on the resilience of our species”. Wow, the first time the words “resilience of our species” have appeared in my decade plus of writing at Pounding the Rock. This is the key lyric of the Springsteen version:
“Struck me kinda funny, funny, yeah, to me How at the end of every hard-earned day people find some reason to believe.”
For Spurs fans like me, I will go with Bruce. At the end of the hard-earned day, including the day that ended with the painful Game Two against the Knicks, I can find some reason to believe.
We were told that these Spurs were just too young and inexperienced in the Way of the Playoffs to expect to win this season. We were told that the Spurs could not go down 2-0 before heading the basketball’s Mecca — Madison Square Garden. The Spurs are down 2-0 heading back to MSG.
It strikes me kinda funny, funny, yeah to me, that Spurs fans were told the same thing when they went down 3–2 to OKC in the Western Conference Finals. Even after winning Game Six, the Spurs had to go “on the road” to one of the roughest toughest places to play Game Seven against the defending champs. OKC was 34–7 at home this season, 35-6 last. Checking my notes… Spurs won Game Seven in OKC. They also won Game One in OKC in a classic, one of the best games I have ever seen. Checking my notes again… that is two road wins in Oklahoma City — the same number of times the Spurs will need to win in New York City.
OK, that was my pregame speech. Let’s step back and look at the facts.
The Spurs led most of Game One against the Knicks, and even led by two with two minutes left. In Game Two, the Spurs trailed most of the second half, but mounted a furious comeback and actually led by two with less than a minute left – and had the ball with the score tied with ten second left. (We don’t need to discuss the last ten seconds in this post.) The point is – THE POINT IS – the Knicks have not established that they are the better team. The Knicks have won two games, but could have easily lost two games. Put another way, the Spurs lost two games, but could have easily won two games. One of buddies asked me this morning what the Spurs needed to do differently to turn it around. My answer: “Win.”
The Finals began with two talented teams who could win or lose any game. That has not changed. Even with the truly heartbreaking loss in Game Two, the last ten seconds of that game would not have mattered if the Spurs had done better than 19 for 27 from on their free throws. Or if the Spurs had not bailed out two Knick shooters who were shooting desperation threes from the corner with the shot clock about the expire. Those two fouls cost the Spurs six free throws and five points.
My super-wife says I am an optimist, and she is right. I recognize that the Spurs are down 2-0, and we can’t change that. I also recognize that the Spurs are going on the road, but that does not concern me at all. The Spurs are fine playing on the road.
We have all seen the record of teams who are down 2-0 in a playoff series. But we have also seen the number of teams with three of the key players aged 22, 21 and 20 — zero. This is a unique team, in many ways. Each game this young team plays, they learn more about the Way of the Playoffs.
Throughout this remarkable season, the Spurs have given me Reason to Believe.
A planned watch party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals outside Madison Square Garden has been canceled.
More than two dozen people were arrested at a similar party last Friday during Game 2 of the series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. But now, with President Donald Trump and NYC mayor Zohran Mandami planning to be in attendance as the series moves to New York, security is on heightened alert.
The Knicks are making their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999, and fans have enthusiastically embraced the team's title run. After nearly 7,000 fans showed up at Madison Square Garden to watch New York's 105-104 victory in San Antonio, authorities said 26 people were detained, with 17 arrested and charged.
The New York Police Department said it had more than 1,000 officers on patrol at the MSG watch party. And police commissioner Jessica Tisch has expressed concern about the force being stretched thin with the World Cup also coming to the area.
The Knicks have told fans with tickets to Game 3 on Monday night to arrive two hours early to account for security wait times with Trump and Mamdani planning to attend.
An NYPD spokeswoman told The Athletic the decision to cancel Monday’s watch party was made in coordination with the Secret Service, which will provide security for President Trump during his visit.
Last week the Cubs were the Sunday Night game of the week on NBC against the Cardinals. It did not go well for the North Siders with the Cardinals winning 5-1. But the broadcast was pretty good, albeit a little crowded sometimes. And it turns out that Bingo is good on any network for a weekly showcase, so with that in mind, here’s another edition of Cubs Sunday Night Baseball Bingo!
Jason Benetti is always on point and NBC is fortunate to have one of the best in the business anchor this Sunday Night showcase. The Cubs’ own Jim Deshaies gets a chance to shine on national TV. JD has been a gem on the Cubs broadcasts for years with his deadpan humor, well-timed one-liners and knack for spotting an egregious strike call or quality baby from the press box. Add in a loved player from both teams and you’ve got yourself an excellent combination of commentary. Last week we heard from Albert Pujols on the Cardinals side plus Cubs World Series Champion Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo will join again tonight and pair his always great vibes with the eccentric musings of Giants World Series Champion Hunter Pence.
All in all, it should be a fun night at the Friendly Confines. As always, if you really want to challenge yourself make it a blackout game. I don’t recommend making it a drinking game unless you are personally trying to black out.
DETROIT, MI - MAY 28: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on May 28, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers 7-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
There was a Tarik Skubal party in Comstock Park on Sunday. The Detroit Tigers’ ace took the mound for a rehab outing against the Dayton Dragons, the Cincinnati Reds’ High-A affiliate. Huge crowds turned out on a beautiful, sunny day, and Skubal did not disappoint. He appeared fully on track to rejoin the Tigers’ rotation for his next start, which should be on Friday or Saturday at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Guardians. All that’s left is to recover normally from the outing, throw a bulllpen this week, and make sure all systems are go.
A rehab start from a major leaguer is generally a good day for the team. Skubal took care of the boys, getting a mobile coffee bar for the clubhouse, and planning to treat them all to a nice dinner after the game. Meanwhile, Dan Hasty and the Whitecaps’ staff got a break from a brutal six-week stretch of baseball with the Tigers’ High-A affiliate to call a Skubal game and see the park packed to the gills.
Good morning from @LMCUBallpark, where mysteriously, someone has hired a local coffee shop to hand out drinks to players and staffers as they enter the building.
This whole recovery story has been pretty incredible. Skubal felt some discomfort in late April, and during a start against the Atlanta Braves in early May, his elbow was locking up on him. The diagnosis was bone chips in the elbow, which typically requires arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose bodies from the joint. Instead, Dr. Neal ElAttrache offered Skubal the option to try a new nanoscope procedure that could cut the recovered time in half. Everything went well in the May 6 surgery, and almost exactly a month later, Skubal took the mound for his first game action.
He looked 100 percent. Skubal punched out two in the first inning, sitting 96-97 mph with his fastball. He needed just nine pitches. A flyout and another pair of strikeouts followed in the second, and by then Skubal was reportedly up to 99 mph per Jason Beck. A two-run shot from Tigers’ center field prospect Jackson Strong, Strong’s third homer in as many days, gave him an early lead to work with, but he wouldn’t need much assistance.
Victor Acosta got a single off of Skubal in the third, earning bragging rights among his Dragons teammates. Otherwise, Skubal cruised through the third and fourth innings, needing just 46 pitches and punching out six to that point. The goal was to get him through five innings to show he’s 100 percent ready to rejoin the Tigers’ rotation, and Skubal managed that without breaking a sweat.
He collected the first two outs of the fifth and was still only at 50 pitches. Jacob Friend reached on an infield single for the second hit against Skubal. Third baseman Alfredo Alcantara hit the hardest ball of the day as the next hitter up, but Jackson Strong hauled it in to end Skubal’s fifth inning of work.
That was all that Skubal needed to accomplish. He threw 44 of 54 pitches for strikes, and there was really just one hard hit ball. He struck out six without a walk, and appears set to return on schedule. The Tigers will see how Skubal recovers, and have him throw his usual bullpen mid-week, and as long as nothing goes wrong, we should see him back on the mound next weekend in Cleveland.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Petco Park on June 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York Mets (28-36) at San Diego Padres (33-30), June 7, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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San Diego, California - June 06: Fans watch the third inning between the San Diego Padres and New York Mets at Petco Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF
Bo Bichette – SS
Juan Soto – DH
Jared Young – 1B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Marcus Semien – 2B
Brett Baty – 3B
MJ Melendez – LF
Luis Torrens – C
Huascar Brazobán – RHP
Padres lineup
Fernando Tatís Jr. – 2B
Jackson Merrill – CF
Ty France – 1B
Manny Machado – 3B
Xander Bogaerts – SS
Miguel Andújar – DH
Jase Bowen – RF
Samad Taylor – LF
Freddy Fermin – C
Randy Vásquez – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 4:10pm EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
Leadership — one of the biggest qualities the Vancouver Canucks will be targeting when it comes to bringing new players into the organization.
Vancouver will enter their rebuild with General Manager Ryan Johnson, co-Presidents of Hockey Operations Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and head coach Manny Malhotra at the helm. All four of these important franchise figures have stressed the importance of developing their culture, habits, and environment before focusing on the wins and losses.
Hence the emphasis on bringing in more leadership.
“You’re nothing if you don’t have leadership,” Johnson said on the 100% Canucks podcast on Thursday.
“It’s no secret that a lot of guys that I brought in, whether AHL contracts or NHL two-way contracts, if you look at it, I bet you 80% of them were captains somewhere. I always check — have they worn a letter on their jersey?”
Bringing players into a locker room that is expecting to go through some difficult seasons may be tough. One draw that may call to some players is the allure of returning to a familiar setting. These two league veterans have all taken on leadership roles with their respective teams — and both have ties to BC.
Brendan Gallagher’s Name Has Been Tied To The Canucks As Of Late
During this availability, the forward explained that he may be moving on from the Canadiens organization after being scratched for all but three of Montréal’s 19 post-season games this year. On Saturday, Steve Ewen of The Provincereported that Gallagher’s agent, Gerry Johannson, had been given the green-light by the Canadiens to look at potential trade scenarios.
Gallagher has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Canadiens, having been drafted by the team in 2010. He has worn a letter in all but three of these seasons.
The longtime Canadiens forward has had ties to BC from the beginning. Though initially from Edmonton, Gallagher played out the entirety of his junior hockey career with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, including serving as captain in 2011–12. Even now, he still spends time in BC during the off-season.
A deal for Gallagher is something Vancouver would covet heading into a rebuild. If Montréal is willing to part with an asset in order for a team to take on Gallagher’s $6.5M AAV cap hit, the Canucks would not only be gaining a character veteran, but also acquiring something else in return.
Is Third Time The Charm For Luke Schenn And The Canucks?
Two-time Stanley Cup winner and two-time Canuck Schenn looks primed to be hitting free-agency come July 1. The 36-year-old defenceman has hopped around the league throughout the past few seasons, joining teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Nashville Predators during playoff runs as of late.
A near 20-year NHL veteran, Schenn has joined the Canucks twice throughout his career, being acquired via trade in 2019 and then later signing with the team in free-agency in 2021. In conversations about his time in Vancouver, Schenn has talked at-length about how the organization gave him a “second opportunity” in the NHL and how he’s grateful to the team for doing so.
“Love everything about what it means to be a Vancouver Canuck. It’s a special organization and I had a great time there, they gave me my second opportunity there when I was down and out a little bit,” he told Donnie & Dhali in an interview at the end of May.
Schenn’s ties to BC run deeper than just his time with the Canucks. Like Gallagher, the defenceman played out his junior career in BC, as a member of the Kelowna Rockets, and still spends his off-seasons in the interior.
“When anyone asks me what my favourite spots to play [are], Vancouver’s right at the top of the list for me,” he added. “Kind of consider myself a bit of a BC guy now, playing junior here in Kelowna and spending my off-seasons in Kelowna.”
Schenn is a steady depth defenceman that would act well as a mentor for a Canucks blueline that currently only has two players above the age of 25 under contract. What would make things easier in bringing him in is his added familiarity with some of Vancouver’s veterans, as well as his experience playing under Johnson with the Utica Comets.
Mar 14, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Luke Schenn (5) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Dakota Joshua (81) fight during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Pending UFA coming off a seven-year deal worth a little less than $3M per. Good depth add who is from North Vancouver. 15-goal, 35-point player in 2023–24 with Nashville. Formerly the captain of the Milwaukee Admirals.
Pending UFA. Checks both the BC connection and former Canucks box. Heart-and-soul player who went undrafted and worked his way up to Vancouver. Fills a good depth role and is familiar with both the remaining pieces of the ‘old core’ and new management.
Pending UFA. Former 50-point player (2021–22) and current assistant captain for Utah. From Vancouver and played for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express from 2010–11 to 2012–13. Doesn’t quite fit with the rebuild timeline.
Pending UFA, signed for $775k through 2025–26. From Salmon Arm and signed with Vancouver in free-agency in 2022 but was soon traded. Previous captain for Team Canada (U20 WJC in 2014–15) and assistant with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Entering the final season of a three-year deal worth $4M per. From Surrey and has expressed interest in playing for Vancouver in the past. Former captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds during juniors.
Entering the final season of a three-year deal worth $3M per. Longtime Canuck who also played juniors in Kelowna and made BC his home during off-seasons as well. Will likely want to pursue a Stanley Cup.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 30: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA has largely accomplished what it set out to do. With the implementation of the tax aprons, building long-term, sustainable success has become increasingly difficult. If the league’s goal was to reduce dynasties, mission accomplished. Once the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks finish the 2026 NBA Finals, the league will crown its eighth different champion in eight seasons.
Teams across the NBA are feeling the effects. Front offices are constantly searching for ways to shed salary and navigate the increasingly restrictive rules attached to the tax aprons. Business decisions are being analyzed more than ever, as the wiggle room has tightened.
The Denver Nuggets, despite winning a championship in 2023, are no exception.
A quick glance at Denver’s 2026-27 cap sheet tells the story. They’re top-heavy, as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray alone account for $109.1 million in salary. Add another $32 million for Aaron Gordon, and it’s easy to see why Denver is rumored to be looking for financial flexibility. The Nuggets currently sit $4.8 million over the 2026-27 first apron and only $2.6 million below the second apron.
For a franchise trying to maximize its championship window while a three-time MVP is still in his prime, difficult decisions are unavoidable. And those decisions aren’t going to involve the stars. They’re going to involve the middle class of the roster. One player who stands out is Christian Braun, who enters the first season of a five-year, $125 million extension next year. Yikes. My guess is that if Denver could revisit that negotiation today, it might look a little different.
The other contract that jumps off the page belongs to former Phoenix Suns wing Cameron Johnson. Johnson is set to make $23.1 million next season, accounting for roughly 14% of Denver’s cap sheet. And when a team is searching for ways to create breathing room, those are the kinds of contracts that inevitably enter the conversation.
We know Cameron Johnson well here in the Valley. He was the unexpected 11th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, a selection that caught plenty of people off guard at the time. But he was the best shooter in that draft, and he has continued to prove it throughout his seven years in the NBA, shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc.
He helped the Phoenix Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals. The following season, when the Suns won a franchise record 64 games, Johnson finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 12.5 points off the bench while shooting 42.5% from three.
So yes, there is familiarity here. There is history here. And rumors are that the Nuggets are expected to shop Johnson this offseason as they look to reduce their tax bill and do what they can to get below the first apron.
The Nuggets are widely expected to shop Cam Johnson on the trade market to alleviate the tax bill this offseason.
Johnson will be sitting on a $23M expiring contract and should draw interest from multiple teams after shooting 43% from beyond the arc this past season.
That’s where the question and thought exercise begins. Should the Suns pursue him? Is bringing Cameron Johnson back to Phoenix something the Suns should explore?
Because if they do, they are adding payroll rather than subtracting it. Denver’s goal in moving Johnson would be to save money. It isn’t to bring back another expensive rotation player or replace him with a comparable shooting threat at the same price. Why would they? Johnson makes $23.1 million this season, and he’s on an expiring contract. If Denver is trying to create financial breathing room, taking back the same amount of money defeats the purpose.
So there’s plenty to consider with this potential roster decision. Let’s look at it holistically, weighing the pros and the cons. Let’s discuss whether a Cameron Johnson reunion actually makes sense for Phoenix.
The Trade
The mock trade I’ve seen circulating would send Grayson Allen to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Cameron Johnson. The Nuggets would also include the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft, while the Phoenix Suns would send back the 47th overall selection.
There is one wrinkle, however. Because Denver has already traded away its 2027 first-round pick, the Stepien Rule comes into play. That means the Nuggets cannot simply trade the 26th pick outright before the draft. Instead, Denver would make the selection at No. 26 and then complete the transaction afterward, effectively making this a draft-night trade.
That’s an important distinction, but it doesn’t change the framework of the deal. The Suns would still be acquiring Johnson and moving up 21 spots in the draft, while Denver would gain financial relief ($4.9 million) and add Allen’s shooting to its roster.
The Case for Acquiring Cam Johnson
Where do you start when contemplating a Cameron Johnson reunion? I think you start by removing nostalgia from the equation. This isn’t about bringing back a familiar face because he was part of a memorable run. This is about evaluating a player through the lens of productivity and roster construction.
Adding Cameron Johnson would immediately give the Phoenix Suns a better option at the power forward spot and provide a legitimate floor spacer. One of Phoenix’s biggest challenges last season was size at the four. While Johnson isn’t the ideal solution at 6’8”, he’s still an improvement over what the Suns rolled out for much of last season. Phoenix started Royce O’Neale, who stands 6’6”, in 67 games. What you are doing is getting bigger and longer. And you’re adding one of the league’s better shooters to the rotation.
Now, I wouldn’t sit here and tell you Johnson is some massive defensive upgrade. He’s not. But the gap isn’t nearly as significant as some might assume. Last season, O’Neale posted a 115.1 defensive rating while Johnson came in at 114.7. So you’re not suddenly transforming the defense by making this move.
The other factor you have to consider is the viability of the trade itself. Because Denver’s motivation is an important factor in the equation. The Nuggets are trying to get off money, and they’re motivated to do so. That means any realistic trade discussion has to begin with that understanding.
They’re not looking to take back comparable salary if they can avoid it: they’re looking for relief. So before deciding whether Johnson is worth pursuing, we have to look at what the actual cost would be.
And that’s where things get interesting. When a team wants to get off a contract, it usually has to attach some kind of asset. That’s an important part of this conversation from the Suns’ perspective. If Phoenix could swap its second-round pick and receive Cameron Johnson along with Denver’s 26th overall pick, that becomes one of the strongest arguments in favor of making the deal.
Because it’s not only about Johnson. It’s about opportunity. Adding the 26th pick gives Phoenix another chance to bring in a young player and continue building through development.
No, the 26th pick isn’t likely to produce a future Hall of Famer. But there’s a very real chance you find a quality rotational player. History tells us as much. Bones Hyland was selected 26th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2021, Payton Pritchard went 26th overall to the Boston Celtics in 2020, and our old buddy Landry Shamet was the 26th pick in 2018 by the Philadelphia 76ers. If you’re looking for the gold standard, it’s probably Vlade Divac, who was selected 26th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989.
Again, nobody is saying the Suns would be drafting the next Hall of Famer. That’s not the point. The point is that acquiring Johnson and a first-round pick creates value. You get a proven NBA rotation player who addresses a current need, and you get another developmental asset at a time when draft capital remains one of the most valuable commodities in the league. From Phoenix’s perspective, that’s a win.
And Denver could view it as a win as well. The Nuggets would save roughly $4.9 million in payroll, easing some of the pressure on their cap sheet and moving them just under the first apron. That’s what makes the framework interesting. It’s one of those rare trades where both sides can make a legitimate argument that they improved their position.
The final reason this trade makes sense is the contract itself. Cameron Johnson is on an expiring deal. Meanwhile, Grayson Allen has two years remaining on his contract, with the final season carrying a $19.4 million player option.
From a business perspective, there’s logic here. You acquire a first-round pick and inject another young player into your development pipeline. You add a player who can realistically replicate much of the shooting you’re sending out the door. You gain additional size on the wing. And perhaps most importantly, you create future financial flexibility. That’s valuable, especially for a team trying to balance competitiveness with long-term roster construction.
Johnson is a proven shooter. He’s familiar with Phoenix. He fits the style of basketball the Suns are trying to play. And because his contract expires after next season, you’re not making a long-term commitment that could limit future options. That’s a meaningful distinction. If things work, you can always explore bringing him back. If they don’t, the contract comes off the books, and you regain flexibility.
When you combine that with the potential addition of Denver’s 26th overall pick, the framework starts making a lot of sense from Phoenix’s perspective. You’re getting younger, you’re getting bigger, and you’re maintaining shooting. And you’re improving your long-term financial outlook.
That’s why, if Denver is willing to entertain a deal built around that framework, it’s one that the Suns should seriously consider.
The Case for Not Acquiring Cam Johnson
When you look at the Phoenix Suns’ offseason goals, the first question is simple. What are they prioritizing?
Are they trying to get below the luxury tax and reset their repeater tax status? Are they comfortable paying the tax but determined to stay below the first apron? Or are they willing to cross the first apron as long as they avoid the second? Those are important questions when evaluating a potential trade for Cameron Johnson.
Because in this scenario, Phoenix is taking on more money than it’s sending out. For a team that still has to navigate new deals for Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams, that has merit. Every move has to be viewed within the context of the larger plan.
That’s why I keep coming back to the hierarchy of decisions. Where does Cameron Johnson rank on that list? You could easily argue that of those four players, Johnson is the least essential to what Phoenix is trying to accomplish.
He’s also the most expensive. Yes, the contract expires after next season, which certainly helps. But an expiring contract doesn’t magically erase the financial implications of carrying a $23.1 million salary. Especially for a team already carrying $23.2 million in dead cap. That’s the reality Phoenix is dealing with. You can’t simply start adding $20+ million contracts because the player fits a need. Every dollar has to be accounted for and every decision has to fit into a broader strategy.
That’s what makes the Cameron Johnson conversation so interesting. You can argue that the basketball fit makes sense. The financial fit is where things become much more complicated. And until the Suns decide exactly where they stand on the luxury tax, the first apron, and the second apron, it’s difficult to know whether a move like this is realistic or simply an intriguing idea on paper.
And speaking of strategy, where exactly does Cameron Johnson fit? Grayson Allen, the player you’d be sending out in this deal, is a bench player. An expensive bench player, sure, but a bench player nonetheless. Acquiring Cameron Johnson would likely mean inserting him directly into the starting lineup at power forward. Is that the right move?
Once again, the answer comes back to philosophy. What is the guiding principle for the Phoenix Suns entering next season? If development is truly at the core of what they’re trying to accomplish, then you have to consider what this move means for Rasheer Fleming. Fleming is sitting there with an opportunity to earn a starting role. If you bring in Johnson, are you once again limiting that opportunity? Are you reducing his exposure and slowing the learning process? Or is the plan to continue developing him in a reserve role while Johnson handles the bulk of the minutes?
That’s the question. And for me, the answer is pretty straightforward. I’d rather see Fleming out there. I’d rather see him making mistakes, learning on the fly, and gaining valuable experience than watching the Suns invest significant resources into a one-year rental of Cameron Johnson.
That’s not a knock on Johnson. He’s a good player. He fits. He helps. But if Phoenix is serious about development, then development has to win these tiebreakers. At some point, you have to give young players the runway to prove what they are. If the Suns truly believe Fleming is part of their future, I’d rather spend next season finding out exactly what they have in him.
You could make the argument that swapping Cameron Johnson for Grayson Allen makes the Suns younger. Technically, you’d be right. But only by 146 days. That’s it. Johnson is 30 years old. Allen is 30 years old. The age difference is practically nonexistent. Honestly, I was surprised when I looked it up.
The other piece of this conversation is the draft pick. If Denver includes the 26th overall selection, that player is coming in on a guaranteed contract. Compare that to the Suns staying at No. 47, where the most likely outcome is selecting a player, signing him to a two-way deal, and allowing him to develop in the G League.
There’s a financial difference there. Based on the current rookie scale, the 26th pick would sign a four-year deal worth roughly $16.3 million, with approximately $3.2 million hitting the books next season. So when you run the numbers, the equation starts to look very different. Phoenix would be sending out roughly $18.1 million in salary and taking back $26.3 million. That’s an increase of $8.2 million before we even explore Gillespie, Goodwin, or Williams.
For a team carrying $23.2 million in dead cap while trying to navigate the luxury tax and apron restrictions, every dollar matters. That’s why, despite the appeal of adding Johnson and a first-round pick, I keep coming back to the same conclusion. It’s not a basketball decision. It’s a math decision. And right now, the math doesn’t work. Not for a franchise in the Suns’ current position.
Maybe if the cap sheet looked different. Maybe if the dead money wasn’t sitting there. Maybe if the organization had more financial flexibility to absorb additional salary. But that’s not where Phoenix is today. At this point in the organization’s timeline, taking on an additional $8.2 million in payroll simply isn’t the smartest use of resources. No matter how intriguing the trade may look on paper.
I find this trade fascinating. There’s a legitimate case to be made on both sides. If you’re focused on improving the roster today, adding Cameron Johnson and moving up to the 26th pick feels like a smart piece of business. You get bigger, maintain shooting, add a first-round prospect, and create some future flexibility with Johnson’s expiring contract. There’s real value there.
At the same time, if your focus is continuity, development, and the preservation of financial flexibility, the argument against the trade is just as compelling. The added salary complicates an already delicate cap situation, potentially impacts opportunities for younger players like Rasheer Fleming, and forces Phoenix to make even tougher decisions elsewhere on the roster.
That’s what makes this such a great offseason thought exercise. There isn’t an obvious right answer. There’s simply a choice between two different paths, each with its own benefits and consequences. I can see the appeal of both. The question is which direction you would take. Would you make the move and bring Cameron Johnson back to the Valley, or would you stay the course and continue investing in the group already in place?
The courtside seats in Cleveland will soon have a blank space.
The chair Taylor Swift sat in during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks has been listed for auction.
According to the listing on The Realist, the opening bid was $100 and, after 38 bids as of Sunday, was listed at $6,000. The auction is set to end June 14, per the listing.
“As one of the most recognized and influential artists of her generation, the occupant of this chair has earned worldwide acclaim through a career defined by commercial success, critical recognition, and multiple Grammy Award victories,” the bidding description reads. “Her attendance reflects the cultural reach of the NBA Playoffs and the significance of the Eastern Conference Finals as one of the most visible events in sports.”
These courtside chairs were used during the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena by some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, music, and film as they watched one of the most talked-about playoff series of the year unfold. pic.twitter.com/MH1oSiXcKz
Swift attended the game on May 23 at Rocket Arena with her fiancée, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs star and an Ohio native. The chair Kelce sat in is also up for auction at, as of Sunday, $525 after 30 bids.
But it was a cruel summer for the Cavaliers, who lost the game the couple attended 121-108 en route to getting swept in the series – meaning those courtside seats won’t be needed any time soon.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kielce attend the game between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 3 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)
The chair features a Cavaliers logo, arm rests and a cup holder. The listing says an authenticator was on site to witness Swift’s use of the chair during the game, and the item features a Gold OVD.
“This chair serves as a tangible artifact from a nationally celebrated postseason event,” the listing reads.” “Its connection to one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers adds a distinctive layer of provenance to an item tied directly to the atmosphere and excitement of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals, further reflecting the Cavaliers’ position at the intersection of sports and pop culture.”
Other seats used by celebrities in the series are also being auctioned. The chair that actor and Knicks fan Ben Stiller sat in during the Knicks’ Game 4 series clincher is listed, as of Sunday, at $385 after 17 bids. Timothée Chalamet’s seat for that game is listed for $106 after 16 bids — and bidders can make it a set by also adding the chair used by Chalamet’s girlfriend Kylie Jenner, which is up to $280 after 21 bids.
“Throughout the 2026 postseason, Chalamet emerged as one of the most visible celebrity supporters of New York basketball,” the listing reads. “Whether attending games at Madison Square Garden or traveling to road playoff matchups, his presence became closely associated with the team’s deepest playoff run in nearly three decades. Television broadcasts, social media coverage, and national headlines regularly featured Chalamet among the faces of a fan base experiencing a long-awaited return to championship contention.”
The Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Monday for the team’s first NBA Finals home game in 27 years. Holding a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, the team is two wins away from its first championship since 1973. Tickets to the games are at record highs, with the lowest asking prices on the secondary market at five figures.
Celebrity row at the Garden will be full of A-listers. Regulars like Spike Lee, Stiller, Chalamet, Jenner and Tracy Morgan are expected to attend. President Donald Trump will be in the building. Maybe Swift, a New York resident, will even show up.
He has Knicks fans believing they can go all the way — to heaven.
A Long Island bishop who used to play college hoops is using his beloved Knicks and their biblical 13-game postseason winning streak to get New Yorkers closer to God.
“Like Peter, James, and John were called from fishing nets, I was called from basketball nets,” Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre told The Post near the altar of St. Agnes Cathedral.
Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre is using his beloved Knicks and their biblical 13-game postseason winning streak to get New Yorkers closer to God. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
“New York Knicks, 2026, we’re so grateful to you,” he said, “For the wonderful way you’ve turned Madison Square Garden again to just a magical place, and brought so many New Yorkers together.”
The former point guard for Princeton University’s JV team in the late 1970s had his spiritual outlook shaped by both his play and the two-time title-winning Knicks of the era — especially “unselfishness” from fellow Tiger forward Bill Bradley.
“They formed me in so many ways,” Barres said of watching the 1970 and 1973 NBA champs as a boy.
The former point guard for Princeton University’s JV team in the late 1970s had his spiritual outlook shaped by both his play and the two-time title-winning Knicks of the era. Lone Pine Press for NY PostWestchester-born Barres, who, like Brunson, wore No. 11, has remained deeply rooted in Catholicism’s connection to sports — especially at the youth level on LI — ever since his playing days. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
Barres is exemplifying their long-awaited title run by teaching Long Island’s 1,000 newly confirmed Catholics and others to “step up” their starting roles as “humble, compassionate” lights of Christ.
“I use the example of Jalen Brunson stepping up with his three pointers — his management of the floor, the wonderful way he passes, the wonderful way he drives to the basket, the wonderful way he reads the other team,” he said.
“I’m mesmerized by Jalen — just watching him, his unselfishness, and just how he does what he does.”
“I use the example of Jalen Brunson stepping up with his three pointers — his management of the floor, the wonderful way he passes, the wonderful way he drives to the basket, the wonderful way he reads the other team,” he said. Lone Pine Press for NY Post“Like Peter, James, and John were called from fishing nets, I was called from basketball nets,” Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre told The Post near the altar of St. Agnes Cathedral. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
Westchester-born Barres, who, like Brunson, wore No. 11, has remained deeply rooted in Catholicism’s connection to sports — especially at the youth level on LI — ever since his playing days.
He even hands out priest cards showing him making a layup at the Ivy League school’s Jadwin Gym.
“I think the Holy Spirit prepared me humanly through the basketball experience,” the Bishop said.
The cards also show a dunk-on-the-devil message, “holiness and mission GO FOR IT!” which takes inspiration from a motto by Pope John Paul II, a talented athletic skier himself.
Barres too has been a major advocate for athletics being connector to faith — he even wrote a “ya gotta believe!” letter about the 1969 Mets — and once helped a young man land a role with Hofstra-turned-Villanova’s legendary coach, Jay Wright.
His Excellency is particularly fond of Wright’s excellent “Nova Knicks” in former NCAA champion Wildcats Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, a trio Barres has also exemplified.
“The way they have such a wonderful team chemistry is a great metaphor for the Holy Spirit’s chemistry in the mission of the church in every continent,” Barres said.
He added that it’s no mystery of faith why Pope Leo XIV, a 1977 grad of the same Catholic school, wrote a letter on sports having tremendous value for the human spirit ahead of the Winter Olympics.
“I think the Holy Spirit prepared me humanly through the basketball experience,” the Bishop said. Lone Pine Press for NY Post
Now the Knicks are even coming up in conversation on diocesan work calls, Barres admitted.
He is mulling over new ways to homilize Mike Brown’s Eastern Conference champs after seeing the energy they’ve created in NY.
“It’s on people’s minds…All the things they model to us about true leadership — unselfish leadership for the common good,” he said.
“I’m mesmerized by Jalen — just watching him, his unselfishness, and just how he does what he does,” Barres said. NBAE via Getty ImagesBarres has one message to the squad ahead of their return to New York for Game 3 Monday night: “God bless you all…Go Knicks.”
Lone Pine Press for NY Post
“In some beautiful and mysterious way, this was meant to be, and it’s giving a lift to New Yorkers and Knicks fans…I wouldn’t be surprised this weekend if we see [jerseys and t-shirts at mass].”
Barres has one message to the squad ahead of their return to New York for Game 3 Monday night.
