After Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested and federally indicted last October for allegedly participating in an illegal "insider trading" gambling scheme tied to organized crime, he was placed on leave from the Heat, and the money from his $26.6 million salary was placed in an escrow account until his case was resolved.
On Monday, an arbitrator ruled that the NBA could not withhold Rozier's money under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and to pay the man, the National Basketball Players Association confirmed Monday in a statement to media outlets.
"We are pleased with the arbitrator's ruling and remain committed to ensuring Terry's due process rights are protected and that he is afforded the presumption of innocence throughout this process," the NBPA said in a statement first given to ESPN (and then other outlets).
Under the terms of the CBA, players can only be put on unpaid leave in cases of domestic abuse or child abuse, sources told ESPN.
Rozier remains away from the Heat, but he and his salary remain on their books. His name has come up in trade rumors for Giannis Antetokounmpo and others, simply as salary ballast to make the trade work under the NBA's CBA.
Federal prosecutors alleged Rozier conspired with professional gamblers to help them win "prop bets" based on his statistical performance in a game. Prosecutors specifically pointed to a game on March 23, 2023, when Rozier, then playing for the Hornets, allegedly told his conspirators he planned to exit the game early with a supposed injury and that they should bet the under on his prop bets. Rozier allegedly was given a portion of the winnings by the conspirators, who are tied to organized crime.
Rozier has vehemently denied any involvement in such a plot. "Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight," Rozier's attorney, Jim Trusty, had previously told NBC Sports.
Rozier remains away from the Heat while his case works its way through the courts.
The Florida Panthers were once again on the losing end of another key Atlantic Division matchup, falling 5-3 to the Buffalo Sabres.
The urgency was apparent, with 43 shots on goal, but in the end, they allowed timely goals and paid the price.
While the performances haven't given the organization much to be happy about as of late, one bright spot is the play of rookie Sandis Vilmanis.
He's now played 12 games in his first NHL stint, and he’s given the Panthers every reason to keep him in the NHL for the rest of his career. While averaging 10:44 of ice time, Vilmanis has notched two goals and four points. As the games have gone along, he’s begun to garner more trust from coach Paul Maurice, now recording seven games with more than 10:00 of ice time.
Last night against the Sabres, Vilmanis got the scoring started, firing the puck into the top corner. It’s been known for quite some time that Vilmanis has a dangerous wrist shot. It’s heavy, accurate and his release is quick, which makes it challenging for goaltenders to track and prepare themselves for.
While the Panthers have been impressed with his shot, he’s shown so much more during these 12 games. His playmaking flies a bit under the radar, but he is more than capable of creating plays for himself and his teammates. But he’s also shown an attentiveness to the defensive side of the puck, and the willingness to mix it up physically.
“He’s not a single-style player where he has to play with a certain kind of player,” said Maurice about his rookie winger. “He looks like he could play with some guys and be a good player. He’s a good one.”
Sandis Vilmanis will represent Latvia in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. (Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images)
The 22-year-old has thrown 22 hits, blocked three shots, and has fired 10 shots on goal. If the Panthers had a complaint, it would be that they’d like to see Vilmanis shoot more. With age and experience, Vilmanis will feel more comfortable shooting the puck more frequently.
There’s a lot to like about the Vilmanis’ game, and the stats back it up. According to naturalstattrick.com, at 5-on-5, the Panthers own a 53.40 Corsi For percentage, 54.71 percent of the expected goals, and 60.61 percent of the high danger chances, when Vilmanis is on the ice. Additionally, the Panthers have outscored opponents 6-5 at 5-on-5 while Vilmanis is on the ice.
Although injuries may end up being the downfall of the Panthers’ season, it has created an opening for Vimanis, and he’s taken advantage of it. The next step for Vilmanis is to force his way up the lineup, but that will come in time; his goal should continue to leave a positive impact on games.
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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 2: Malachi Smith #18 of the Long Island Nets and Nate Williams #19 of the Long Island Nets high five during the game against the Grand Rapids Gold on February 2, 2026 at The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. 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 Marcus Stevens/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was eight years ago that E,J. Liddell and Malachi Smith combined to win an Illinois state championship for Belleville West High School. Liddell was also Illinois Mr. Basketball and the two went on to sterling college careers, ending up at Ohio State (Liddell) and Gonzaga (Smith.) Now, the two have been reunited in Long Island, both of them big contributors to the Nets G League affiliate’s success.
Last night was just another reason for the Nets to thank Belleville West as the two combined for 39 points in a 115-107 win over the Grand Rapids Gold at Nassau Coliseum which included a 25-0 run, the biggest in franchise history. Liddell, the Nets two-way, scored 14 and Smith 25 in starting roles, Liddell at power forward and Smith in a combo guard role. It was yet another big game for Smith who’s on a G League only deal.
The 6’4” 26-year-old hit 12 of his 18 shot attempts. Since getting the starting role, Smith has reached new heights in his G League career, his development took a right turn when he began starting with Long Island. He started putting up numbers that he always had potential to and has averaged 17.1 points over the past 10.
Smith came close to a triple-double, as he picked up seven rebounds and eight assists. Smith even had a block to his credit. Smith could become Long Island’s next big development project, similar to Tyson Etienne from last season.
Liddell, his fellow Maroon, made his return to Long Island in this one, after spending a week in Brooklyn and playing in Brooklyn’s big loss against the Detroit Pistons, putting up five points in 10 minutes. After the game, Liddell spoke to ND about his time in Brooklyn again, and playing against the East’s top team.
Brooklyn Nets two-way player, EJ Liddell, on the Brooklyn Nets tough loss against Detroit, learning under Jordi, his performance on Monday for Long Island, his play style, and his goal of a standard NBA deal.@NetsDaily#StrongIsland#NetsWorldpic.twitter.com/5Q4AAZo3MI
“We took a couple of tough losses,” Liddell tells ND of his time in Brooklyn. “But, just what Jordi (Fernandez) has been teaching all along, resilience. We have to play with grit and how we’re going to handle adversity as a team. You have to respond a certain way, and we responded when we went to Utah. We took a tough one, so hopefully they’ll respond tomorrow.”
When Liddell asked ND about playing in such a brutal loss, he said, “It’s basketball, I love playing basketball no matter where I’m at.”
After getting back to Long Island late Sunday night, he scored 14 points while shooting 40% for Long Island. Liddell also had three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Despite his 6’7” height Liddell is one of the G League’s top shotblockers, averaging better than two a game. He also spoke to ND after the game about his performance and mindset coming out of a win like this.
“Coming into today, it’s honestly all about winning,” Liddell tells ND. “I got in late last night, so I tried to get as much sleep in as possible. But you know, come in and compete with these guys that have been here for it, so it’s good to always be back with the guys that welcome me back.”
Liddell proved once again to be one of the court’s most physical players on Monday in his 28 minutes. This is a part of his game that has grown exponentially this season. Whether he blocks the ball or makes tough shots in traffic, the physical part of his game is growing.
“Physicality,” Liddell says. “That’s what they preach. They said that it would be a big part of my game. I’ve even shedded a lot of weight, and I’m still just a broader guy. My dad’s a bigger guy, so that’s just my build. So, I got to use it to my advantage.”
Asked about possibly being elevated to a standard NBA contract, Liddell said he believes he’s an NBA player, adding that it’s not up to him.
“I’ll let the cards fall where they may,” Liddell said. “Obviously, I want to play in the NBA one day. I believe I’m an NBA player, true to heart. But, whatever happens, happens. I have to worry about where my feet are at now; I can’t really worry about what goes on with the politics and everything. I’m just a basketball player. I’m just EJ. If they want me around, I’m going to be around.”
The trade deadline is often a time when NBA teams make decisions on standard deals as well as two-ways with roster moves opening up spots. A few days ago, Grant Nelson, the 23-year-old 7-footer who’s started the last seven games for Long Island, discussed how his goal is a two-way deal, as it has been since he joined the Nets on an Exhibit 10 last summer. With Brooklyn’s Haywood Highsmith’s situation unsettled – he has yet this season and is on an expiring deal, it’s possible both could get their wish.
Nelson, however, remains on a minutes restriction. He broke 20 minutes for the first time Monday night, his eighth start and ninth game since returning from a seven-week layoff that he said had gone a long way towards correcting a knee issue that’s bothered him since he 18, five years ago.
He finished with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including 1-of-2 from deep. It was his first three since his return. He also grabbed six boards. But his big contribution was what might be the dunk of the year for Long Island. The 7-foot Nelson took off down the lane and posterized 7’2” Moses Brown who’s had stints both with the Nets and Knicks.
Brown had started the game dominating the Nets bigs, but after Nelson’s jam, things turned around as coach Mfon Udofia assigned both Nelson and 6’11” David Muoka to him…
“Honestly, he’s a great player. For his size, he can move really well,” Muoka said of Brown. “I’ve had a couple of games against him in my previous two years in the league. For me, with guys like that, it’s just be as physical as I can be and do my work early. There was one or two times I didn’t, and he got the left hook over me. That kind of stuff is what I take pride in, being the guy that guys can’t really score on, whether that’s off-ball or on-ball, just being that defender that I know I can be.”
The game was big as well for Tyson Etienne who could also be in line for a standard deal, although the Nets are at the moment not in need for another guard. The Nets two-way had a game-leading 26 points. The 6’0” 26-year-old point guard entered this game as the all-time Long Island Nets scoring leader. He connected on nine of his 15 shots, including seven of 12 from 3-point range. Etienne also picked up four rebounds and six assists while turning the ball over only one time
Finally, Nate Williams finished with yet another double-double. He tallied 16 points and had 12 rebounds to his credit. The 6’6” wings who turns 27 next week has the most NBA experience on Long Island.
His is another name to watch, for a potential two-way deal, whether with Brooklyn,another NBA team or even overseas. Long Island has already lost two top players to international teams, Yuri Collins to the Israeli league and Jay Scrubb to the Mongolian league where he scored 43 points last week.
Morgan Tucker talks about her two hats
The game also marked Long Island’s big New York Liberty affiliation night which included Long Island playing in Liberty themed uniforms and fan giveaways. The new Liberty’s new head coach, Chris DeMarco, and Libs center Nyara Sabally were in attendance.
Before the game, NetsDaily got the chance to speak with the Vice President of Business Operations for both the Long Island Nets and the New York Liberty, Morgan Taylor. Taylor spoke on the partnership between Long Island and the Liberty and the importance of it all.
“It’s really important,” Taylor tells ND. “It started before I got my role with the Long Island Nets. It’s important to our whole company to celebrate what the Liberty means to Brooklyn, to Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. Once this partnership started, once the Liberty came over to Brooklyn and started their full season in 2021. It’s great because the players get to wear a jersey that’s similar to what the Liberty wear on court. It’s great to know that the players understand their relationship too. Now it’s even more fun because I work for both teams, so I’m happy that we’re able to cross-promote the night and the two teams.”
Nelson also picked up six rebounds and three assists. He also had one steal to round out his pretty complete game. While he wasn’t a scoring machine in this one, Nelson still showed a ton of progress in different aspects of the game, mainly his physicality and play in the paint. Nelson also hit his first three of the season, trying to expand his shooting out to three-point land. He connected on just one of his two tries.
The third and final Brooklyn two-way on hand in this one was Chaney Johnson. Johnson entered the game from the bench, tallying eight points for 100% day shooting the ball. He went three-for-three, including hitting both of his shots from deep. Johnson also had two rebounds and two steals. However, he had three turnovers, which were tied for the team lead.
David Muoka continued his impressive play as of late. After starting the season off slowly, Muoka has seemingly gotten back on track. He has looked like a force out on the court, and his physical play has seemingly helped him to turn the page. After the game, Muoka spoke to ND about his turnaround this season.
Long Island got off to a strong start from beyond the arc, shooting 55.6 percent (5-for-9) from deep in the opening quarter while limiting Grand Rapids to just one made triple, but the Gold held a 30-25 lead after the first frame. Grand Rapids went on a 27-9 run from 3:34 in the first quarter to 8:10 in the second. Long Island battled back to end the quarter on a 10-2 run and cut the deficit to 66-55 entering the break. Etienne led the Nets with 19 points on 77.8 percent (7-for-9) shooting from the field and 71.4 percent (5-for-7) shooting from downtown in the first half.
Long Island went on a 25-0 run marking the longest run of consecutive points in franchise history. The Nets erupted for 40 points in the third while holding Grand Rapids to just 12 points in the frame. The Gold fought back with an 11-0 run. Long Island held on for a 115-107 win. Long Island finished the game shooting 50 percent (43-for-86) from the field and 42.4 percent (14-for-33) from deep in the win.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (10-7) return to the court on Friday, February 5th, as they travel to Chicago to take on Mac McClung and the Windy City Bulls. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League and Long Island Nets respective websites.
RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 01: Goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) of the Carolina Hurricanes congratulates teammates after the NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Carolina Hurricanes on February 1, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes (34-15-6) are back in action as they take on the Ottawa Senators (27-21-8) tonight at the Lenovo Center.
This will be the last home game before the Olympic break for Carolina, so come and see your team or wait until their next home game which will be on February 26th against the Lightning.
The Canes are riding an eight game point streak. They are 6-1-3 in their last 10 games.
The Sens have won four games in a row since their 4-1 loss to Carolina on January 24th. They are 6-2-2 in their last 10.
Brandon Bussi was in the starter’s crease at the morning skate and will get the start tonight. Bussi has a 21-3-1 record and he sets a new NHL record for fewest number of games needed for every win he gets.
The lines for the Hurricanes at the skate were the same as in recent games.
Svechnikov – Ah0 – Jarvis
Hall- Stankoven – Blake
Ehlers – Staal – Martinook
Kotkaniemi – Jankowski – Carrier
Slavin – Chatfield
Walker – Miller
Nikishin – Gostisbehere
For more information about the game, check out the game preview put out by the team.
The charity event came during the Lightning’s game with the Bruins.Photograph: Josh Lavallee/NHLI/Getty Images
The NHL has received backlash after slashing a donation to cancer research by $800,000 after a missed shot during a charity promotion.
The incident came during Sunday’s game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins. Rob Higgins, the athletics CEO of the University of South Florida, was brought on to the ice to attempt a shot through a very small opening in an empty goal. If Higgins, who is a cancer survivor, made the shot the NHL said it would donate $500,000 to cancer charities; if he missed the donation would be $100,000. The event was broadcast live on Sportsnet in Canada and ESPN in the US. Higgins missed what was a very tough shot. He was then given another chance, with a guaranteed donation of $200,000 if he missed, which would increase to $1m if he scored. Higgins missed again.
Higgins thanked the Lightning and the NHL for an “amazing honor” but many on social media attacked the league for leaving $800,000 on the table that could have gone to charity.
One account said the move was “classless”, adding that “the NHL should’ve built the widest net and asked dozens of survivors to score symbolically”. Another user called the event “dystopian”.
Higgins was a little more upbeat. “And with that, my hockey career (which thankfully only lasted two shots) is now officially over,” he wrote on X.
Jul 16, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jeremy Jeffress (32) pets his dog during Bark At The Park event prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Another season of Milwaukee Brewers baseball is nearly upon us, and with it, the team has announced their list of theme nights, community nights, and an on-sale date for single-game tickets.
For those of you looking for single-game tickets, all games will go on sale on Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m. CT. That includes tickets for opening day and the team’s community nights.
Milwaukee’s theme nights for 2026 are as follows. Please note that in order to get the giveaway, you must purchase a special ticket from this page. Theme night tickets are already available for purchase.
Friday, April 24 — Star Wars™ Night with postgame laser show (Grogu™ bobble giveaway), presented by ESPN Milwaukee
Tuesday, May 12 — Bark at the Park (rope chew toy giveaway), presented by Tavo Pets
Friday, May 22 — Boy Band Night with postgame fireworks show (BrewCrew Boyz t-shirt giveaway), presented by Wintrust
Sunday, July 19 — Paw Patrol™ Day (lunch box giveaway)
Wednesday, August 5 — NARUTO™ Night with postgame laser show (NARUTO™ Brewers jersey giveaway)
Wednesday, August 19 — Hello Kitty® Night (Brewers Hello Kitty® bobble giveaway)
Friday, September 25 — Peanuts® Night (Brewers Lucy bobble giveaway)
March Madness is so ingrained as a national spectacle at this point the controversial selections and snubs are an inevitability, and even an expected part of the show when college basketball fans gather on Selection Sunday for the reveal of the bracket.
Bracketology sprouted from our collective thirst to know what teams must do to hear their name on Selection Sunday, and where those teams might be ranked. So too did a collection of rankings based on computer models and formulas and, like last year, seven of those metrics will be listed on the team sheets used by the selection committee as it meets heading into Selection Sunday to determine the field for the 2026 NCAA tournament.
Each ranking or rating is separated into two distinct categories — predictive metrics and results-based metrics. The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), KenPom, ESPN's BPI and the Torvik rankings are considered predictive rankings that measure how good a team is based on its offensive and defensive efficiency, adjusted for opponent strength and location. The KPI, ESPN's Strength of Record (SOR) and Wins Above Bubble (WAB) are results-based rankings that judge how hard it was for a team to attain its résumé.
For many teams, the two types of ratings largely converge by the end of the season. For others, however, there can be a wide swath of outcomes based on how a game was played and whether it was won or lost. These are the schools from major and mid-major conferences that could inspire the most robust conversation and debate among committee members, either over their selection into the 2026 NCAA tournament as an at-large and/or their potential seeding in the field, due to the differences between their ranking in predictive metrics and results-based metrics.
Here's an early look at 10 teams with polarizing profiles ahead of Selection Sunday based on the metrics used for the men's NCAA tournament:
How the NCAA tournament selection committee seeds the defending national champions is developing into a fascinating subplot for Selection Sunday after Florida didn't get wins in high-profile nonconference games against Arizona, Duke and UConn. But the Gators remain in the SEC driver's seat with a huge matchup against Texas A&M looming on Feb. 7. Predictive rankings have them already in contention for a top-two seed, but results-based metrics have Florida hovering just inside the top-20. Will committee members give the Gators the benefit of the doubt over teams with fewer losses?
The Cardinals are 11-2 when freshman Mikel Brown is in the lineup, with losses to only Duke and Arkansas, and look poised to return to the NCAA tournament in coach Pat Kelsey's second season. But Louisville is 4-4 without Brown, including three losses in four games last month as ACC play got underway. So the Cardinals are positioned as high as No. 11 in predictive metrics as a result of their ceiling with Brown, but their results-based rankings are as low as No. 32. If those dynamics remain the same over the next month, there will be lingering questions about how Louisville will be seeded by the selection committee.
The Hoosiers are as high as No. 23 and as low as No. 49 among the seven metrics used by the NCAA tournament selection committee, with a weak schedule and lack of significant wins until recent triumphs over Purdue and UCLA leaving them in an interesting spot to start February. Indiana hasn't slipped up against inferior competition and had several metric-boosting blowouts to help juice its predictive metrics. The Hoosiers would likely make the NCAA tournament field as an at-large team if Selection Sunday were this week, but they're only a loss or two away from being on the wrong side of the bubble again.
The Knights' résumé won't be straightforward for selection committee members if UCF continues on its current trajectory, with the predictive metrics of a bubble team and results more in line with a top-six seed. The Knights didn't test themselves much in the nonconference schedule, but got a key road win over Texas A&M, already beat Kansas and Texas Tech in Big 12 play and have no bad losses. Coach Johnny Dawkins is having his best season since he last made the NCAA tournament in 2019.
The Longhorns could present challenges for the committee if they linger along the NCAA tournament bubble around Selection Sunday. Their predictive metrics rank among the top-40 after some impressive SEC wins over Vanderbilt and Alabama last month, but they've also got a Quad 3 loss at home to Mississippi State and only one nonconference win of note on their résumé. Texas still has chances to boost its profile with games looming against Florida, Texas A&M and Arkansas at the end of SEC play, but its profile can't withstand too many more setbacks.
The Huskies would be a fascinating test case if Selection Sunday were this week instead of next month as no Big Ten team has a wider gap between its metrics. The predictive rankings are all mostly the same, ranging from No. 43-47, and put Washington on the bubble. The results-based rankings are similar as well, only those range from No. 60-64 because of the team's 10 losses. That would put the Huskies in danger of missing the NCAA tournament. None of those defeats, however, are outside of the first two quadrants.
The predictive metrics haven't caught up to the results-based metrics after Cal knocked off UNC, Stanford and Miami to emerge from a three-game losing skid. The Golden Bears have played their way onto the NCAA tournament bubble and have no bad losses on their ledger. A few closer-than-expected results facing a weak nonconference schedule leaves them limited margin for error the next month.
The Cowboys look like they could provide a window into how the NCAA tournament selection committee judges a team that does well in nonconference play only to then stumble in conference action. Oklahoma State is considered the 12th-best team in the Big 12 by predictive metrics after it started league play with five losses in eight games. But it's nearly 22 spots higher nationally, on average, in results-based metrics thanks to early wins over Texas A&M, USF, Northwestern and Grand Canyon that have aged better than expected. The Cowboys still have a shot based on the strength of the Big 12.
This one-time Final Four phenomenon could be poised for another mid-major NCAA tournament run involving a borderline Selection Sunday résumé. The Patriots have won 20 of their first 22 games, but both losses came in rare Quad 1 or 2 opportunities. Their predictive metrics continue to lag significantly when compared to their results-based rankings. It doesn't help that George Mason won't face Atlantic-10 Conference favorite Saint Louis until its regular-season finale. The Patriots need more quality win opportunities.
The undefeated darlings of the MAC could present the NCAA tournament selection committee with a real issue to sort through if they were to get upset before claiming the league's automatic berth into March Madness. KenPom and ESPN's BPI have Miami rated outside the top 75 with no Quad 1 wins, but the RedHawks rank among the top 35 in ESPN's strength of record and the NCAA's wins above bubble metrics thanks to their unblemished record. Would Miami with one or two losses merit an at-large berth on Selection Sunday?
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 26: Daniel Robert #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Friends, fear not. The bottom of the bullpen churn will continue in some fashion.
Daniel Robert agrees to return to Phillies. Minors deal for the RHP. MLB camp invite.
Listen, Robert wasn’t deserving of a major league deal. He works well as minor league depth, someone who has had at least a modicum of success at the major league level. Having those kinds of players at Lehigh Valley has value, so why not bring him back.
It’ll add more players in case the team wants to do different things later on in the season. Maybe an injury, maybe a trade, maybe a release. At least they’ll have players to help in those case.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 29: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome on November 29, 2025 in Inglewood, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers are in the final stages of agreeing to a deal that would swap 11-time All-Star James Harden and 26-year-old Darius Garland. Reports of the trade originally broke last night with Chris Haynes stating this morning that both sides are motivated to get a deal completed “relatively soon.”
Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have ramped up conversations on a James Harden, Darius Garland package with both sides motivated to executing a deal relatively soon, league sources tell me.
It’s unclear what else would be included in this trade. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported last night that the Cavs were asking for at least one draft pick to be included in the deal. That, at the time, was too much for the Clippers. Perhaps things have changed.
For as banged up as Garland has been this season, he’s still 10 years younger than his counterpart. He might not be having a better season than Harden up to this point, but the future is far brighter with DG than it is with Harden. It makes sense that the Cavs would want an additional sweetener added to the deal.
More so, the Cavs could very well be lining themselves up for another move after this. Blowing up the core four won’t be a half measure. If Garland is gone, the next step could be trading Jarrett Allen or even Evan Mobley in a swing for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Cavs have reportedly discussed trading for any star player who is available, including Anthony Davis.
Of course, this is part of the chaos that happens during the trade deadline. Rumors swirl and madness ensues. It’s still possible that this deal with the Clippers falls through, and the subsequent moves stay locked in the chamber for the offseason.
All that being said, today is a bad day to be away from your phone if you’re a Cavs fan. The future of the franchise could be permanently altered within the next 60 hours. It certainly seems to be trending towards chaos. I’d get your takes ready.
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: A detail shot of the main entrance to Dodger Stadium prior to Game One of the National League Wild Card Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Star players are exciting to watch, no doubt, but baseball seasons are long, and there is plenty of time to build up an affection for just about every type of player.
Miguel Rojas is entering his 13th and final major league season, before he transitions into a front office role with the Dodgers. He’s never made an All-Star team, but was a dependable regular at shortstop for five years with the Miami Marlins before returning to Los Angeles in more of a reserve role over the last three seasons.
“It’s coming on your feed every single day. You’re seeing the homer, you’re seeing the plays, you’re seeing the whole series,” Rojas said on SportsNet LA during Dodgers Fest on Saturday. “And then the feedback from the people on the streets. When they come to you and say, ‘That was the most memorable World Series,’ ‘That was the best game I’ve ever seen,’ it’s really impactful, because you were part of something really cool in baseball. That’s a moment you will never forget.”
Rojas has 57 regular season home runs in his 12 years to date. Scioscia made two All-Star teams with the Dodgers so perhaps he doesn’t fall into the underrated or unheralded category.
Eric Karros never made an All-Star team, but is generally well-regarded as the Dodgers’ home run leader since moving to Los Angeles, and is still broadcasting games for the team on television from time to time. I’m not sure he is underrated, but maybe he is. To each their own.
There can be many reasons for having an affinity for a non-star player. Maybe it was a specific moment from a game you watched as a kid. Maybe they have a penchant for earning three-inning saves. Who knows?
Today’s question is who is your favorite underrated or unheralded Dodgers player, past or present, and why?
MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 15, 2025: Angel Cepeda #15 of the Chicago Cubs in the field during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park on March 15, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Welcome back our countdown of the top 25 prospects in the Cubs system. For an introduction and an explanation of the rankings, check out yesterday’s introduction. Also a reminder. Clicking on the player’s name will take you to their milb dot com page.
Coppola is a true mystery box prospect because it’s hard to know what the Cubs are going to get out of him. He was one of the top high school left-handers in 2021, but he had a firm commitment to Florida. With the Gators, he managed just 49.1 innings over four years as back and shoulder injuries kept him on the shelf more than on the mound. He managed seven starts in his redshirt junior season in 2025 and struck out 43 batters in just 21.1 innings. That was enough for the Cubs to take him in the seventh round.
Unlike most pitchers the Cubs draft, Coppola’s low inning total at Florida meant that he made his professional start in Myrtle Beach last year. He only threw eight innings over three games, but Coppola struck out 14 batters and allowed just two runs for a 2.25 ERA. On the downside, he did walk nine batters in those eight innings.
Coppola is a huge left-hander whose fastball sits 91-to-93 miles per hour with good movement and an odd release angle. His best pitch is his low-80s slider that has a lot of movement on it. Maybe too much, as he can struggle to throw it for a strike sometimes. A sinker gives Coppola a third pitch for right-handers.
It’s easy to dream on what a fully-healthy Coppola could do in a major league rotation. At 6’7”, it’s also not hard to see him adding a little velocity when he doesn’t have to deal with injuries. There’s certainly some mid-starter potential here.
Of course, Coppola staying healthy might not be something he’s capable of. He does have a kind of odd three-quarters delivery and his size works against him there. The good movement he gets on his pitches also works against him because he’s currently not capable of throwing strikes consistently. It’s easy to say there’s a lot of relief risk here and honestly, a profile like this is much more likely to be a reliever. Maybe there’s a chance he can be a starter, but it wouldn’t be terrible if he ended up a a left-handed weapon out of the bullpen.
Coppola is a work in progress. If he can stay healthy and if he can throw strikes, he’s got some tremendous upside. Whether he starts the season in Myrtle Beach or South Bend, innings pitched and strikeout-to-walk ratio are the two things to look for in Coppola this year. If he takes a step forward, he’s likely a top ten prospect next year.
Here’s Coppola’s highlights with the Florida Gators last year.
Last year at this time we were looking at Birdsell making his major league debut some time in 2025. Instead, Birdsell missed the first two months of the season with elbow soreness. He came back in June and made eight starts—four rehab appearances and four with Iowa—before his elbow acted up again and he underwent elbow surgery. The Cubs were unclear on whether it was Tommy John surgery for Birdsell or something less invasive, but in either case, Birdsell is going to miss all of 2026 recovering.
At least Birdsell pitched quite well in his four starts for Iowa. He went 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA over 18.2 innings. Birdsell struck out 18 and walked eight.
This year’s report on Birdsell is the same as last year’s. He has a four-seam fastball in the 93-to-95 mph. He compliments that with an upper-80s cutter. He also features a curve and a changeup. He’s going to have to improve that change if he wants to retire left-handed batters in the majors.
But Birdsell’s biggest strength is is command and control. He generally can paint the corners with that cutter and knows how to locate the fastball well. Birdsell generally doesn’t walk many batters. His strikeout totals aren’t bad, but he doesn’t really miss enough bats to be a top starter.
The outlook for Birdsell this year is the mostly same as last year. He’s a potential number 4/5 starter. But beyond moving his timeline back, the surgery complicates things because Birdsell was expected to be a durable innings eater. He was a top ten prospect in the system last spring and he would be again this year if he were healthy. We just have to wait and see what 2027 brings for Brandon Birdsell.
Rodriguez took a big step forward this past year with a solid season at High-A South Bend. In 12 starts, Rodriguez pitched 64 innings and went 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA. He struck out 58 and walked 22. That earned him a short, four start promotion to Double-A Knoxville where he held his own with a 3.54 ERA, although the walk totals went up and the strikeout totals went down.
Despite a high leg kick, Rodriguez has a quick, compact delivery that gives the hitter a different look. He’s mostly a three-pitch pitcher, with a 93-to-95 mph fastball that can touch higher at times. It’s also “heavy” and can induce a lot of ground balls. He combines that with a mid-80s slider that’s his put-away pitch. He has a decent changeup to use against left-handers. Rodriguez is more of a ground ball pitcher than a strikeout pitcher and he does walk a few too many hitters.
Rodriguez has a chance to be a number-five starter, but he’s more likely destined for the bullpen. There, he might be able to add a little velocity and get a few more swings and misses on his four-seamer.
In any case, Rodriguez should return to Knoxville to start the season. If the Cubs decide to move him to the bullpen, he could move up to Iowa fast and be in line for a major league debut later this year. If they leave him as a starter, he’s a longer-term project.
Here are highlights from a seven-inning complete game shutout that Rodriguez threw in June.
Although Cepeda was born in the Dominican Republic and moved back there to avoid the draft and sign as a free agent, he’s actually spent the majority of his life in New Jersey and played for Team USA’s under-14 team. The Cubs gave him a $1 million bonus as an international free agent in 2023.
Cepeda is toolsy young player with a fair amount of projection left in him. He has average power right now, having hit eight home runs in 100 games for Low-A Myrtle Beach last year, but there does seem to be room for him to add power as he ages and become and above-average power hitter. Even eight home runs in a challenging hitting environment like the Carolina League and Myrtle Beach is pretty impressive for a 19-year-old.
Last year he spent the entire season with the Pelicans, going .249/.339/.375 with eight home runs and 27 steals. He could afford to pull the ball more as a lot of his hits (and home runs) are going to right field. He’s not a burner on the base paths, but he is an intelligent base runner who plays faster than his raw foot speed.
Defensively, Cepeda is losing a step as he adds weight. He can probably still play a decent shortstop, but third base seems to be his long-term position. He does have a strong enough arm to handle the hot corner. He would also do well as a second baseman.
The biggest issue with Cepeda right now is his contact skills as he struggles with breaking pitches from right-handed pitching. A 31 percent strikeout rate in Low-A simply isn’t going to cut it as he moves up the ladder. He also has a pretty wide platoon split, as he destroyed left-handers last year and struggled against righties. Were it not for these red flags, Cepeda would rank a lot higher.
Cepeda will take on South Bend as a 20-year-old in 2026. If he can learn to make more contact, he very well could be a top ten prospect this time next year.
Here’s Cepeda muscling out an opposite field home run last April.
I still feel that Bateman was born 40 years too late. In the mid-eighties, Bateman would have been a strong center field and leadoff hitter prospect with strong contact skills and the ability to steal 50 bases a year. But in the Year of our Lord 2026, Bateman’s complete lack of power likely dooms him to a reserve outfielder role.
Bateman’s game is making contact, mostly on the ground, and drawing walks. In his first season in Double-A last year, Bateman played 94 games ands hit .261/.376/.307 with two home runs and just nine doubles. While Bateman makes a lot of contact when he swings (and he rarely swings at bad pitches), he doesn’t make a lot of hard contact, even on the ground. That’s become more of a problem as he moves up the system and he can no longer take advantage of poor infield defenders.
But Bateman’s strike zone judgment means his on-base percentage stays high, even when the hits aren’t falling in. He’s also a plus defender in center field, even if his arm is below average. Maybe he doesn’t cover as much ground as Pete Crow-Armstrong (who does?), but he certainly gets to a lot of fly balls that other center fielder don’t.
Bateman has 70 speed (on the 20-to-80 scale), but he needs more experience stealing bases, He was caught six times in 25 attempts last year. With his raw speed, Bateman should be stealing a lot more than that and at a much higher success rate. I’m confident he will, assuming he gets on base enough to get a chance.
Bateman will likely start 2025 back in Knoxville. He needs to make more hard contact and improve his stolen base percentage to get promoted to Triple-A Iowa. He projects out as a fourth outfielder with a lot of value as a defensive replacement and a pinch runner. If he can make a little harder contact, he could be a valuable pinch hitter as well.
CORAL GABLES, FL - MARCH 03: Miami left-handed pitcher Herick Hernandez (9) pitches in the first inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Florida Gators on March 3, 2024, 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
We are starting to hit the stretch of the campaign as we enter the top 20. With a couple of the safer picks rounding out the top 30, we have begun to enter the part of the list that caters to some high upside prospects. Compared to recent years there is a lot more upside, and a lot more tools that are definitely louder than years prior. There is also considerable capital associated with this particular section of the system with high international signing bonuses, as well as a pair of players drafted within the first six rounds. A lot has been talked about how the system has a serious lack of depth and high upside talent but with progression from this group of players, the back end looks significantly stronger with a pair of potential top 100 players should everything work out.
How he got to the Braves: 2024 20th round pick (611th overall)
It’s not very often you get value out of a final round draft pick in any sport – much less baseball. While he still has a ways to go, it appears as though the Braves may have gotten a steal when they selected Hartman out of Holy Trinity Academy out of Alberta, Canada in the 20th round of the 2024 draft. A toolsy but very raw outfielder, the Braves sent Hartman to the FCL to begin his professional career, where he struggled to an OPS of .396 in a very limited sample size of six games. He then got the promotion to low-A Augusta where he turned things around in a significant way. Across 83 games with the GreenJackets, the 19-year-old posted an OPS of .718 to go along with five homers and 41 RBI in the process – ultimately leading to a wRC+ of 109 for the season. Hartman has also show solid plate discipline for someone of his age and lower draft pedigree. In those 83 games, he posted a strikeout rate of 23.2% while walking in 10.6% of his at-bats. The biggest issue for Hartman – like any prep position player early in their career – is his ability to handle breaking balls. However, as the season progressed, he showed an ability to adjust late in the count and choke up on the bat to at least attempt to handle breaking balls a bit better. Augusta is likely to be Hartman’s home for the first portion of the season, but it wouldn’t take much to get the bump to Rome, as there really isn’t much talent standing in his way there. If he can figure out how to work counts deeper and handle the breaking stuff, the sky is the limit for Hartman.
The Braves got a steal in the 20th Round last year, grabbing Eric Hartman from Canada. The 18-year-old has split time at 2B/OF and has hits in 9 of his last 10. Clocked him 4.1 sec H-1(plus). Showed a good approach and the ability to hit velocity in my looks last week. pic.twitter.com/4x1MtCdKex
How he got to the Braves: 2025 international free agent
Raudy was a late add, relative to the normal international cycle, for the Braves during last year’s signing period. Coming in at 6’4” with a fastball that reaches 100 MPH at the age of 16 – it’s easy to see why he was signed for a massive $1.8M signing bonus. Raudy, who is new to pitching, is a complete project so he comes in cautiously at 23 overall despite the high end potential. On the season Raudy ended up making 9 appearances in the Dominican Summer League pitching 27 innings and registering a 11.67 K/9, and 9.67 BB/9 with a 3.67 ERA. Overall, really strong numbers for someone his age and his experience. But diving beyond the numbers, the reports out of the Dominican were great. Raudy was comfortably sitting in the 96-99 MPH range through three to four innings. His slider, while wild, showed promise with its shape and movement. It’s safe to imagine that Raudy stays in the Dominican Summer League next year as he will be 17 for a majority of the season, with his eyes on a stateside debut in 2027. At this time he is a complete wildcard, making him wildly difficult to evaluate but the upside is more than enough to make him comfortably within the top 30.
How he got to the Braves: 2023 international free agent
One of the biggest surprises in the Braves system in 2025 was the emergence of Rayven Antonio. Antonio came into the year as an arm most hadn’t had any expectations for, but it was known that he initially signed for just a $10k signing bonus out of Colombia and despite a decent stat line in his first two years, he really struggled to miss bats. Antonio posted a 1.16 ERA in 31 innings in the DSL in 2023, but only had 22 strikeouts. In 2024 he posted a 4.05 ERA between the FCL and a few games in Augusta, but he struck out only 31 in 46.2 innings. Coming into the year the expectation was that he was going to be a ground ball machine who didn’t miss many bats, and might post solid numbers in the lowest level of full season ball. Fast forward and Antonio was actually the ace of the Augusta rotation, continuing to rack up grounders, but also striking out 95 batters over 93.1 innings with his 4.15 ERA and 1.25 WHIP – numbers that would have looked even better if not for seeming to tire out at the tail end of the year thanks to blowing past his career high in innings. Antonio is still just 19 until March and expected to join Rome this year, and is now considered to be a legitimate prospect after his velocity increased last year. He now gets up to 98 MPH with his four seam fastball and also has a strong sinker, to go with a slider that has a chance to be a plus pitch, and a splitter that should be an average off speed pitch for him. Antonio is mostly a strike thrower, though he will need to continue to refine his command and continue to progress with his slider. He’s still a teenager, but one with the package to be a big league starter, and has had success at every stop so far. He is a potential middle of the rotation starter if everything comes together, but is more likely a potential quality #4 type of starter.
21. Jose Perdomo – SS
How he got to the Braves: 2024 international free agent
The big bonus signing out of Venezuela in 2024 has had a….rough….start to his professional career so far with the Braves. After having insane comps to Miguel Cabrera leading to fans everywhere to eagerly await his professional debut, Jose picked up an early knock as he suffered from a lingering hamstring injury that hampered him for nearly the entire year. He would play in just 8 games and hit a paltry .250/.318/.250 and leave fans and scouts wanting more. 2025 was supposed to be the year for Jose as he appeared to be fully healthy and the Braves brought him over stateside to compete in the FCL and work with coaches over here. Unfortunately, the results simply were not there as Jose would appear in 54 games and would hit just .223/.275/.270 with a walk rate sitting at just 6%. These are not exactly numbers that instill confidence in people, especially when you add in the fact that he had a soft tissue injury at the age of 17 that kept him out. In talking with scouts that were able to see him more readily, Jose had issues with his lower half and posture that would creep up during at bats. These issues would lead to some of the inconsistencies that plagued him throughout the season. The good is that these things are fixable, and there’s still no denying the talent that he has but it is imperative that his attitude and ethic continue to improve as he enters his second full season of professional baseball. The batted ball data is still there, as he had multiple hits over 100 MPH, including a 103 MPH single back on the 19th of July when he went 5-for-6 so there is still plenty of hope. Add in the fact that he will be just 19 for the entire season and there’s really no reason to give up any kind of hope for Jose. But one thing for certain is that he must show improvement in every facet. There is hope that he makes his Augusta debut this year but it wouldn’t be surprising if he started the season back in Florida, either.
Jose Perdomo is the highest ranked international prospect to land with Atlanta since Kevin Maitan. Perdomo has strong bat-to-ball skills, advanced plate discipline, and is a solid runner. Has potential to add power if he fills out his frame. 🎥: @MLBpic.twitter.com/9sOzbOuTaM
How he got to the Braves: 2024 4th round pick (129th overall)
Herick had one of the most puzzling seasons amongst all Braves prospects. Herick mystified hitters, giving up more than five hits in just one game last year. He struck out batters to the tune of an 11.06 K/9 rate, but then his command could implode, highlighted by his 5.92 BB/9 rate. He attacked batters with his slider to get ahead of counts and to generate whiffs. He would combo that with a fastball that ranged from 91-97, that he located often in the upper third. Herick also featured a solid curveball, and a splitter that would also look good at times. We often talked about Cam Caminiti’s ability to generate whiffs seen by his 13.6% SwStr% (% of strikes that were swung on and missed), but Herick eclipsed him with an even stronger 14.1%. With a good four pitch mix there’s every reason for Herick to stay a starter, especially since he’s capable of handling the workload of a full season already. However, with the command struggles there could also be a future where he focuses on his fastball/slider combo and excels as a reliever. Whichever route he ends up taking, there will be a lot of eyes on Herick Hernandez after he showed us all what he’s capable of last year.
19. Lucas Braun – RHP
How he got to the Braves: 2023 6th round draft pick (189th overall)
Lucas Braun quietly had a strong year – registering a 3.67 ERA across two levels (24 games in AA, 3 games in AAA). In his 24 starts for the Columbus Clingstones he had 3.99 ERA, 9.23 K/9, and 2.41 BB/9 rate. The anemic Clingstones offense did not help him much so he went just 5-5 despite those numbers. Lucas would then get promoted to Gwinnett to finish out the season and while the strikeout rate dropped to 5.21, the walk rate stayed strong, dropping on its own to 1.89 per 9. He did this by utilizing six pitches – a four seam fastball (90-93 MPH), two seam fastball (89-91 MPH), cutter (85-87 MPH), slider (81-84 MH), curveball (76-79 MPH), and a changeup. He showed the mental fortitude you want to see with starting pitchers by comfortably leaning on whatever pitches worked best for him that day – often his 4S, 2S, and slider. He had success both against righties (.229/.278/.375), and lefties (.205/.270/.343) and limited hard contact quite well.
Lucas will be 24 for most of the 2026 season and has already ticked a lot of the boxes you want to see starting pitching prospects do. Whether he’s called up to Atlanta, or is used in a trade, if he replicates the kind of year he had in 2025 he should find himself in Major League Baseball sooner than later.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 07: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on during Game Three of the American League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Following two seasons with the Chicago Cubs and eight in the National League, Bellinger found himself in a very different (but also familiar) environment after he was dealt to the New York Yankees in December of 2024. Bellinger’s dad, Clay, was a Yankee from 1999-2001, winning two World Series championships with the team before playing his final year of major-league ball with the Anaheim Angels in 2002. Aside from the familial connection though, Bellinger had played just three career games in the Bronx out of 1,077 in his career.
Despite the new environment for him in 2025, Bellinger was arguably the Yankees’ best player outside of Aaron Judge. He came onto the scene and made an immediate impact in front of the fans at Yankee Stadium on Opening Day. Against the Milwaukee Brewers, he went 1-for-2 with a hit, an RBI, and a walk in four plate appearances.
Bellinger not only had a strong offensive output for the Yankees throughout the 2025 season, but his defense was the shining part of his game. He finished with some of the best defensive numbers in his entire career, rounding out his game more in his age-29 season, and Yankees fans hope he will continue his strong offensive output while also being a vacuum in the outfield in the 2026 season.
Bellinger’s excellent season with the Yankees gave the team’s front office almost no other choice but to re-sign him moving forward. And, after there was initially a gap between the Yankees and Bellinger’s representation (Scott Boras), the two sides did agree on a five-year deal worth $162.5 million and no deferrals. Bellinger received a $20 million signing bonus, and he has the option to opt out after the second or third season. Lastly, he has a full no-trade clause in this contract.
There were some concerning aspects about the raw numbers that Bellinger put out over the course of last season. His average exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and bat speed were all below league average. He also chased his fair share of pitches. However, the good news is that despite those numbers not living up to what fans probably want to see from the second-best-performing player on the team, there are other signals that should offer optimism heading into 2026.
First, Bellinger did an excellent job of seeing pitches and knowing which ones he wanted. His strikeout rate was the lowest of his career and sat in the 91st percentile among all major leaguers according to Baseball Savant. In that same vein, while Bellinger may have chased a fair share of pitches through 2025, his whiff rate was one of the lowest in MLB as well. He finished the year with a total in the 81st percentile. Additionally, while the Yankees might be a lefty-heavy lineup, Bellinger actually thrived against same-handed pitching last year with a 1.016 OPS in 176 PA.
Bellinger’s defense was out-of-this-world good for the Yankees in 2025, and that’s a bright spot that needs to continue in the outfield if the Yankees want to remain in contention for the World Series. His Range (OAA) and Arm Value were both above the 90th percentile across MLB, and his overall fielding run value was in the 91st percentile. Among all outfielders, Bellinger finished 19th in OAA and was the second-highest finisher among all left fielders. He’s a huge boost over what Jasson Domínguez would’ve offered with the glove, and he has the flexibility to play center and first in a pinch as well, spelling Trent Grisham and Ben Rice.
So, despite some bumps along the way in his contract negotiations this offseason, the Yankees and Bellinger were finally able to make a deal that ensures the player is paid what he believes he’s worth and that the club gets a player who was invaluable to the team last season under manager Aaron Boone. Bellinger’s defense alone was worth spending the money, but combining that with the fact that he produced well on offense, is a former MVP and a World Series winner, there should be high hopes for him to stay in form heading into 2026.
Jan 31, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey (41) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Even before the Sixers learned they’d be without the services of Paul George for 25 games, depth on the wing was an issue.
Other than George, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Justin Edwards were the only true wing options on standard deals. Nick Nurse has experimented with three-guard and bigger lineups, but having a true wing was a need with this week’s trade deadline looming. George’s absence only makes it a greater need.
Well, Saddiq Bey made a strong case Saturday to be the wing the Sixers should acquire.
The Villanova product dropped 34 points in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 124-114 loss to the Sixers. He added six rebounds and three assists while looking like the Pelicans’ best player for most of the night.
Bey had a productive freshman season for the Wildcats, but really took off for Jay Wright and company as a sophomore, receiving the Julius Erving Award given to the nation’s best small forward. Bey, now 26, was selected 19th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He struggled with efficiency early on in his pro career, shooting below 40% from the field in his first two seasons. Playing for a then-tanking Pistons team didn’t help.
After a midseason trade to Atlanta in 2022-23, Bey finished the campaign strong, averaging 11.6 points and shooting over 40% from three in a mostly reserve role with the Hawks. He struggled with efficiency again in 2023-24 before tearing his ACL late in the season, causing him to miss all of 2024-25.
Despite the injury, Bey signed a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards. Before playing a single game with the Wizards, he was traded to the Pelicans in the Jordan Poole deal. Though the Maryland native was surely disappointed to not suit up in D.C., the Sixers can now offer him another homecoming of sorts.
So, how can he help the Sixers?
Bey is listed at 6-foot-8 (with a near 7-foot wingspan) and 215 pounds. He has a strong and sturdy frame, and has the ability to play both the three and the four. The best thing about Bey is he can do a little bit of everything. He can start or come off the bench.
His shooting has been inconsistent at the NBA level, but he also hasn’t been in many good offensive ecosystems. This season, he’s hit 34.8% from deep on 5.2 attempts per game. In his last 10 games since coming back from an injury, he’s hitting 44.4% from three. He’s averaging 16.5 points in 30.2 minutes per game, with the ability to create his own shot, as he displayed against the Sixers. He can make things happen with the ball in his hands while also having success as an off-ball cutter. He typically makes good decisions, averaging 2.4 assists to 0.7 turnovers per game.
While he isn’t a lockdown defender by any means, he can be solid within a team structure. He’s also a strong rebounder off the wing, averaging 5.9 per game. His athleticism would also be a big help, as we’ve seen with the youth movement the Sixers have gone to this season.
His current head coach James Borrego gave a glowing endorsement ahead of Saturday’s game:
“He’s just a pro on both sides of the ball. The physicality defensively — we’re bigger, stronger, we’ve got more presence defensively. But offensively, he’s so versatile for us right now. He’s a catch-and-shoot guy, he’s a drive guy downhill, we post him some, he’s on the offensive boards, he’s closed out games for us, he’s made big shots for us. So, he covers a number of things for us offensively … He’s been a real settler for us offensively. When we’ve gone dry offensively, he’s someone we throw the ball to and we know something good is going to happen — either get a good shot [for himself] or find somebody open on the perimeter.”
What would it cost?
It’s hard to say. Matching his 2025-26 salary ($6.1 million) would be the easy part.
He’s signed through next season at a very reasonable number. Combine that with his production and you’re talking about more than just a couple of second-rounders. It could cost the Sixers a first — obviously, not the LA Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first, but one of the team’s own. New Orleans could potentially ask for someone like Jared McCain, though it’s fair to wonder if McCain is a fit with rookie Jeremiah Fears moving forward.
Bey would be an intriguing addition, the kind Joel Embiid seemed to hope the team would make. We’ll see what Daryl Morey and company have in store soon enough.
