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Amile Jefferson Update!

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 17: Assistant Coach Amile Jefferson of the Boston Celtics smiles after the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It was a bit surprising, at least to us, when Amile Jefferson left Duke for the Boston Celtics, but it’s clearly worked out well for him.

Currently, the Celtics have him coaching their Summer League team in Las Vegas, and that’s just a chance to learn more.

In this article, he talks about learning from former Duke coach and GOAT Mike Krzyzewski, and also what he’s learned from Joe Mazzulla and his other colleagues with the Celtics coaching staff.

Boston is playing in Las Vegas, and a nice side benefit of that this year is that there was a Brotherhood gathering in Sin City.

Among others, Jayson Tatum attended.

We don’t think this video is from the dinner, but it’s worth watching to see who former Duke stars think should take the last shot.

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Are you ready for a break?

FAWNSKIN, CA - JUNE 12, 2026: A paddle boarder goes bow fishing with his dog on board on a picturesque summer day on the North Shore at Big Bear Lake on June 12, 2026 in Fawnskin, CA. (This was photographed from a distance on a boat therefore I couldn't get the man's name) (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Braves have certainly put fans through the ringer after the hottest first two months ever. A June swoon has somewhat leveled off into a 5-6 July with JR Ritchie set to finish off the first half. The team is reeling after several injuries. We asked internally if the team could use the time off. I don’t know about the Braves, but I know I need a break.

I am ready for a break from the starting rotation, which consists of Chris Sale and the giant The Price is Right wheel. I am ready to be away from the ugly side of the bullpen. I am tired of Walt Weiss consistently placing games at the mercy of the ugly side of the bullpen. I am ready for a break from this offense and its fits and starts. And I’m definitely tired of this fanbase and their fits and drive-by not-so-very-hot takes.

So are you ready for a break? Will you be ready to jump back in and play starter roulette and the Tim Hyers Batting Approach of the Day on Friday? Well sure, if we must. What else are we gonna do? We want to keep up with college football and track all 105 perma-free-agents on your favorite team’s roster? Are we following the Falcons eternal drive to 8-9? Any CFL weirdos in here? Don’t mind me, I’ll be over here playing Mario Kart with my kiddo until we get back.

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Guardians News: More Wins, More Young Talent

HOOVER, AL - MAY 21: Pitcher Liam Peterson #12 of the Florida Gators celebrates closing out an inning during the SEC Baseball Tournament Quarterfinals game between Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide on May 21, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Guardians beat the Marlins and selected four players in the first four rounds of the 2026 major league draft.

Patrick Bailey doubled in some key insurance runs late yesterday. Since June 1st, Guardians catchers have had a 118 wRC+ which is crazy. Bailey has a 120 wRC+ in high leverage spots for his career (44 in mid-leverage, 75 in low leverage). That shouldn’t be sustainable but, hey, I won’t complain if it is. Steven Kwan is closing in on a month’s of 110 wRC+ play, so let’s hope that continues. However, his defense is just always good and Travis Bazzana and Kwan combined on an insanely high baseball IQ play yesterday:

The Guardians have drafted so far:

19. Liam Peterson, RHP, Florida

Baseball America said:

“6-foot-5, 225 pounds and throws from a steep vertical arm slot. He throws a high-carry four-seam fastball that averages around 96 mph and has been up to 100. His fastball has clear plus traits and power, but he needs to improve his command to avoid throwing middle-middle heaters that get hit hard. All three of his secondaries are standout swing-and-miss pitches. A high-spin slider in the upper-80s is his go-to secondary and a clear plus offering with sharp biting action that helped him generate a 51% miss rate. He throws the pitch nearly half the time against righties. Against lefties, Peterson will mix in a mid-80s changeup and a curveball around 80 mph. While Peterson has less confidence and feel for his changeup and curveball, they are also potential plus pitches that vex hitters when he can consistently put them over the plate. Peterson has tinkered with his arm slot over the years and is a below-average strike-thrower. He has obvious upside potential as a starter, but will need to make strides with his control and command to stick in that role.”

59. Logan Schmidt, LHP, Ganesha HS

Baseball America said:

“Schmidt has a 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and an easy, repeatable delivery that features a three-quarters slot and a consistently balanced finish. He has a starter’s operation and advanced feel to spot a three-pitch mix. After touching 97 mph on the 2025 circuit, Schmidt pushed his fastball up to 98 during his senior spring season and was consistently throwing the pitch in the mid 90s. He attacks the zone with his fastball and can locate it to both sides of the plate to get ahead in counts and set up his secondaries. Schmidt’s 78-82 mph breaking ball is his go-to secondary and a slurvy in-between offering that varies between a curveball and slider. He throws it with solid movement and shape to build on, and scouts believe he’ll be able to add a harder true slider in the future. Against righties, Schmidt is confident in a mid-to-upper-80s changeup that he sells with great arm speed and has above-average potential.”

95. Tre Broussard, LHH CF, Houston

Baseball America said;

“He’s a 6-foot, 190-pound outfielder with dynamic speed and one of the best center field gloves in the class. Broussard missed time early in 2026 with a hamstring injury but hit .344/.436/.472 in 44 games while stealing 25 bases. Broussard has an old-school leadoff skill set, with a hit-over-power profile and plenty of speed. He added a bit of strength and traded some contact for power in 2026 but still profiles as a 50-55 pure hitter with below-average game power. Broussard has an upright and open setup, with a leg kick to get his swing going. He makes solid swing decisions, keeps his strikeouts in check and has a downhill bat path that is more conducive to groundballs and low line drives. That approach and swing should work for his tool set, because Broussard is a 70-grade runner who creates pressure on infield defenses and opposing batteries. He’s a high-volume and efficient basestealer who went 56-for-64 (88%) in two years at Houston. Broussard is one of the better center field defenders in the class.”

131. Kade Lewis, LHH 1B/3B, Wake Forest

Baseball America said:

 “He’s a 6-foot-2, 220-pound lefthanded hitter with a buttery smooth lefthanded swing and sound approach. He has a quiet setup and a low-maintenance swing with a slight uphill path but an all-fields approach and a knack for the barrel. He can drive the ball with solid power to both gaps and has gotten to consistent pullside home run power with metal bats, but his wood bat track record is more limited, and his raw power could be more conducive to a hit-over-power profile. That could make his defensive profile a challenge, as Lewis is a below-average runner and more of a first base defender than a third baseman. He was Wake Forest’s primary first baseman in 2026, and might be able to handle an outfield corner, but his value will primarily come from the damage he’s able to do in the batter’s box.”

You can read Baseball America scouting reports here. You can also listen to their post draft podcast and at the very end of it, minute 56, they rave about the Guardians’ draft. So, that’s good!

Rounds 5-20 resume today at 1PM ET on MLB Network and the Guardians wrap up pre-All-Star Game play at 1:40 PM ET, looking for a sweep of the Marlins.

AROUND MLB:

The Twins and White Sox won and Tigers and Royals lost.

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Sunday Posted & Toasted Notes: Dead-set Kayil, Senior Jose, Wemby controversy!?

NAGQU, CHINA - JULY 04: A herd of Tibetan antelopes graze on the Luquetang grassland on July 4, 2026 in Nagqu, Xizang Autonomous Region of China. The Tibetan antelope is a national first-class protected animal in China, mainly inhabiting alpine grasslands, meadows, and cold deserts at altitudes between 3,700 and 5,500 meters. (Photo by Li Lin/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)

The first half of the SummerKnicks’ tenure in Las Vegas is over. That’s cause there is no way they make it to the knockout stage. And hey, not that we care! On to the links and notes.

  • The Knicks dropped to 0-2 in Summer League with a 70-49 loss to San Antonio, which brought them closer to the prospect of having an 82-0 season once real basketball starts next fall. No Scenes from Russell, so here are some notes from boxscore-watching G2.
    • Rookie flamethrower Tyler Nickel again led the SummerKnicks, scoring 16 points and making four more threes. He is now 10-of-21 from deep through two games, shooting 47.6 percent from distance, and one of only three players to hoist at least 10-plus threes per game in Las Vegas. Not counting Caleb Wilson (one-game sample), Nickel has the second-best 3P% among dudes launching more than 8 3PA per game.
    • Fellow neophyte Jack Kayil made his debut and finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 21 minutes. He started slowly, then hit consecutive threes and showed some burst. Most importantly, however, was what Kayil said after the game, with the rookie still dead-set on staying in the USA instead of getting back to Germany: “My goal is to play in the NBA. That’s why I went into the draft.”
    • Pacome Dadiet followed his 20-point opener with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting and another rough night from deep. He is now 2-of-13 from three through two games. There are flashes, but the efficiency is nowhere to be found, and I doubt anybody can predict, let alone know, what’s next for the Frenchmen.
    • Mohamed Diawara’s SL outings have been much worse, but our own Michael Zeno let everybody know Mo’s struggles are a “big nothingburger.”
    • Lots of folks asking about Liam Robbins this weekend in the comments. 0-for-2 yesterday, no freebies, two boards, one dime, five turnovers, and six personal fouls in 13 minutes. Overall, a minus-14 plus/minus.
    • I have no clue if it’s an SL rule to only use a maximum of 15 players in a single game, but I find it hilarious you don’t find time for two dudes in a 70-49 meaningless game and hand out a couple DNP-CDs to them at this stage. Condolences to Treysen Eaglestaff and Jaden Akins.
  • The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy said after Saturday’s game that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Kayil stays with the Knicks. We’ll see, but if you ask me, this little dude is for some reason starting to be a bit too much of a pain on the rear. Nothing to do with his game, don’t get me wrong, but he and his comments ever since he got drafted are not giving me good vibes at all—I might be dying alone on that front.
  • Staying with what might or might not happen next season, remember the Knicks still have a couple of roster spots open and to be filled before (or nearly) the regular season start. That’s why they may still explore a bigger center move during the season, which is the question CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn tried to answer on Friday. A possibility to get there:

“It wouldn’t be terribly surprising to see the Knicks dangle Deuce McBride in such a trade, either. They’re loaded with guard depth, and McBride is entering the final year of his team-friendly, three-year extension. If the Knicks are going to shop for a bigger name, it might make more sense to do so during the season, when filling out roster spots is cheaper and they’d therefore have a bit more flexibility to trade for someone making actual money.”

  • Jose Alvarado Sr. gave the New York Post a wonderful look at his son’s journey from the Roberto Clemente projects to becoming an NBA champion with his hometown team. Worth the damn full read. Here’s a little quotable I found extraordinary (yes, you can also find golden nuggets in the photo captions!).

Alvarado Sr. knew the Knicks would win Game 5 of the Finals due to the significance of the number. “He got traded on the fifth. His daughter’s birthday is on the fifth. He’s representing the five boroughs. We live on the fifth floor,” he said.

  • OAKAAK DaQuan Jeffries will play for EuroLeague newcomers Besiktas next season. As incredible as it sounds, and even if he only logged 2.7 MPG, DQJ appeared in 17 (!) games during the 2024 (!!) season. These are the final point differences in the games he played: 44, 25, 24, 22, 21, 21, 19, 18, 17, 14, 11, -1, -9, -14, -17, -22, and -23. He logged seven seconds in that one-point loss.
  • New Lakers franchise player Austin Reaves praised the Knicks’ chemistry as the key ingredient for their championship. Too bad for Austin, LA decided to literally start from scratch this summer.
  • ESPN gave San Antonio an A+ for Wembanyama’s five-year, $252 million extension. Meanwhile, the NBPA is mad and “not a fan” of Victor Wembanyama’s discount deal (he gave up possibly $50 million, including escalators, while Jalen Brunson left $113 million on the table).
  • NBPA executive director David Kelly admitted the union should have fought harder against the apron system during the last CBA negotiation, arguing the mechanism is decimating teams and forcing decisions that are based on cost control. At the end of the day, Kelly said that players should not have to “carry the burden” of keeping rosters together.
  • Ja Morant introduced himself to Portland as not a “bad guy,” hinting that guns are not in his pockets anymore, wanting a fresh start, and proclaiming his love for nature. I see those clips, and I want to love Ja. Can’t wait for this new chapter to start.
  • The Bucks re-signed Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract extension coming off a vet-min deal and his worst season ever. Yes, you read that right, and that’s why there are already calls for an investigation over potential cap circumvention.
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THN’s Adam Proteau Names Canadiens Top-5 NHL Team

Less than a week after being ranked in the top three in Bleacher Report’s NHL Power Rankings, the Montreal Canadiens are named the fifth-best team in the NHL (ex aequo with the Dallas Stars) in a recent Adam Proteau article.

THN’s writer grants that the Habs have not made any high-profile move this offseason; they also didn’t lose much, meaning they’ll still be as fast and as skilled as they were last season, when they put up 106 points. He also adds that, with $13.3 million in cap space, they're likely to improve through trades.

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Canadiens Are Getting Yet More Russian Reinforcement, Bringing On A Right-Shot Blueliner Prospect

While that’s most probably what would happen in an ideal world, it certainly feels like GM Kent Hughes has been trying to do it since the end of the playoffs but hasn’t been able to find a dance partner. However, it’s worth noting that the Canadiens still need to sign Kirby Dach, Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj. Once that’s done, there won’t be that much room left on the salary cap.

Thanks to Hughes’ ingenious two-way qualifying offer to Dach, the Albertan is likely to sign for less than the $4 million he was entitled to be offered. That number is on the table until the offer expires on July 15, even if Dach has filed for arbitration. After that date, both parties can continue negotiating, but once the arbitration hearing begins, it’s up to the arbitrator.

Here’s hoping it doesn’t actually get to that point, as the process is hardly good for the relationship between the parties. If it gets there, the Canadiens will essentially have to tell the arbitrator that Dach isn’t worth what he thinks he is, citing his lack of production, injuries, and lack of consistency as other arguments. Teams leave no stone unturned in those hearings; they hire lawyers to argue their case and are very thorough. Dach could end up with a $3,400,000 contract if the arbitrator awards him the bare minimum provided for in the CBA.

Bolduc’s contract negotiations should be the most interesting ones. It feels like the youngster has plenty of potential, but so did Dach when the Canadiens first acquired him. Last season was one of adaptation for the Trois-Rivieres native, and the Habs have yet to see his ceiling. Much like he did with Dach and Alex Newhook, I expect Hughes to take a prudent approach in this case. Back then, they had both been signed to 4-year deals after being acquired, but given how the salary cap is rising, it may make sense to ink Bolduc to a shorter deal and re-evaluate then, after seeing a bit more of what he can do but before the market has gone completely insane.

Last season, the winger put up 30 points in 78 games, which is less than the 36 points he had put up with the St. Louis Blues the year before, but that can be explained by the lack of premium power play ice time and the need to adapt to the Habs’ style of play. If Hughes manages to ink him for less than $4M per year, it will be a win. The Anaheim Ducks gave A.J. Greer a $4.25M cap-hit contract for four years, and he put up 32 points last season, the best of his career.

Xhekaj’s contract should land somewhere in the vicinity of what Jayden Struble got last season: a two-year deal with a $1,412,500 cap hit, signed at the tail end of July. Since the cap has gone up, the cap hit may be slightly higher, perhaps at $1.6 million or $1.7 million.

Those three signings should eat the best part of the $13.3 million in cap space the Canadiens still have, although a trade will likely involve players going the other way as well, which would make it possible for Montreal to acquire an impact player on the trade market. If they find a team that’s willing to move what they’re in the market for of course.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Penguins Exciting Forward Should Hit Brand New Level

The 2025-26 season was undoubtedly a success for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After entering the season with many doubters, the Penguins responded by making it into the playoffs. 

There were many reasons for the Penguins taking a big step in the right direction last season. Ben Kindel was certainly one of them, as the 2025 first-round pick had an excellent rookie season for Pittsburgh.

After making the Penguins' NHL roster, Kindel posted 17 goals, 18 assists, and 35 points. With numbers like these, the 19-year-old forward showed that he is already capable of making an impact at the NHL level. Yet, now that he has a year of NHL experience, don't be surprised if he takes his game to a new level next season. 

Kindel certainly has the tools to blossom into a high-impact player for the Penguins, and it would not be surprising if he takes another step toward that next season. If he can hit a new level offensively, it would be huge for a retooling Penguins club that is looking to continue to have success.

It will be interesting to see what kind of season Kindel can put together for the Penguins in 2026-27. He will undoubtedly be a young player to watch very closely. 

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Tigers look to take rubber match from Phillies heading into All-Star break

Tarik Skubal face

The Detroit Tigers’ six-game win streak came to an end on Saturday evening at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, inside Comerica Park. Casey Mize just did not have it this time around, and while Eduardo Valencia continued to prove that he belongs in the big leagues, the offense just could not get anything going against Cristopher Sánchez,

On Sunday afternoon, the Old English D looks to seize its fourth-straight series win heading into the All-Star break with perennial All-Star left-hander Tarik Skubal taking the mound. The 29-year-old has posted a 1.64 ERA and 3.02 FIP over his last two starts, including a five-inning, one-run effort last time out at home against the Athletics, which resulted in his fifth win of the season in a 6-2 final.

The Tigers will once again have their hands full as the Phillies send another tough pitcher, right-hander Zack Wheeler, to the bump seeking a series win of their own. The 36-year-old’s last outing at the Cincinnati Reds earned him his 10th quality start of 2026, throwing seven frames of one-run ball on four hits (one home run) while striking out a season-high 14 batters en route to his ninth win in a 4-1 final.

Here is how the two top-tier pitchers match up on Sunday.

Detroit Tigers (44-51) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (53-43)

Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:The Good Phight
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 96: LHP Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Skubal1270.230.43.646.23.131.7
Wheeler1487.029.46.046.03.122.4

SKUBAL

WHEELER

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Phillies news: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler

CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 09: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Thursday, July 9, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Colten Strauss/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Bryce Harper snapped his out of his funk last night, collecting two hits after looking rather disinterested in doing so the past few games. Good thing too as he has a busy week ahead of him.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

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Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Astros crush Rangers in the battle for Texas

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 11: LaMonte Wade Jr. #31 is congratulated by Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros after hitting a grand slam home run against the Texas Rangers in the third inning at Globe Life Field on July 11, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 MLB Draft has dominated headlines in what’s been a full day of action around the league. The Yankees have the four newest members of their organization pending their signings with the team, and even managed to grind out another comeback victory against the Nationals thanks to eighth-inning home runs from Ryan McMahon, Trent Grisham, and Paul Goldschmidt. It means they are riding a modest three-game winning streak, which comes at an important time given the results elsewhere around the AL.

Tampa Bay Rays (56-37) 6, Seattle Mariners (47-49) 1

The Rays somehow worked their magic to secure the second pick in this year’s draft and wasted no time in using it on consensus top-two draft prospect Grady Emerson. They had to feel pretty gleeful about how the day went for them as a whole as they rolled over the Mariners for the second straight day and achieved a coup in the Draft. They handed Logan Gilbert one of his heavier defeats of the year, scoring four runs on nine hits and two walks off the Seattle starter, while Griffin Jax gave them five innings of one-run ball, that lone run a Cole Emerson sack fly to open the scoring after Cole Young led off the second with a double.

A Ben Williamson RBI double in the bottom of the frame leveled the score, and back-to-back doubles by Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda to open the third gave them the lead. Gilbert managed to right the ship from there, but was left in a batter too long, an Aranda two-out double in the seventh knocking him from the game. An intentional walk of Junior Caminero put a pair on for pinch-hitter Ryan Vilade, who crushed the first pitch he saw for a three-run blast to put the game out of reach, a Nick Fortes RBI single an inning later wrapping up the scoring. The Rays maintained their four-game lead in the AL East.

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Other Games

Chicago White Sox (49-45) 1, The Athletics (41-54) 0

Despite speculation that they might throw a curveball, the White Sox used the first overall pick on the player many consider to be the top college prospect: shortstop Roch Cholowsky of UCLA. He joins an organization that ascending well ahead of schedule, their win over the Athletics allowing them to stay tied atop the AL Central. A bullpen day that included four scoreless innings from bulk reliever Erick Fedde limited the A’s to four-hits, two apiece for Jacob Wilson and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. The lone run of the contest came in the sixth, Colson Montgomery drawing a two-out walk and scoring all the way from first on a Chase Meidroth double. They remain in a virtual tie with Cleveland atop the AL Central.

Cleveland Guardians (50-46) 4, Miami Marlins (52-44) 1

With wins in the first two games, the Guardians have put themselves in pole position to sweep the hottest team in baseball since the start of June. It began with 6.2 innings of one-run ball from Tanner Bibee, a Liam Hicks RBI single in the seventh representing the lone damage. Cleveland did all of their scoring on a pair of two-run doubles from their eight and nine hitters. The first came from Steven Kwan with two outs in the fourth and the second was courtesy of Patrick Bailey with two outs in the eighth.

Houston Astros (47-50) 9, Texas Rangers (48-47) 3

Kumar Rocker was simply no match for the firepower in the Astros lineup, allowing seven runs on eight hits including three home runs. Peter Lambert meanwhile continues to be a revelation in the Astros rotation after joining on a minor league contract following a season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He allowed a run on just three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in six innings to lower his season ERA to 3.14 in 15 starts after having pitched to a 6.28 ERA in his previous four season stint with the Rockies.

A day after crushing the 200th home run of his career, Yordan Alvarez kicked things off with a two-run blast after Jeremy Peña led off the first with a single, extending his lead atop the MLB HR leaderboard to 31. The big blast of the game arrive in the third after Alvarez doubled, Isaac Paredes walked, and Jose Altuve singled to load the bases. LaMonte Wade Jr. demolished a hanging 1-1 slider from Rocker for a no-doubter grand slam to right, and just like that it was 6-0, Astros.

View Link

Christian Vásquez scored their seventh unanswered run with a solo shot in the fourth, though Ezequiel Duran responded in the bottom half with a solo homer of his own. Things settled down until the ninth inning, Houston scoring their eighth and ninth runs on a Christian Walker RBI double and Cam Smith sac fly while Duran chipped in his second home run of the afternoon, a two-run shot this time after Cam Cauley led off with a single.

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Open Thread: Raptors postpone Kawhi Leonard trade pending Aspiration investigation

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: A backview of Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors against the Orlando Magic during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a fate befitting Uncle Dennis, the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto has hit a road block. Per Shams Charania

“Developing: The Los Angeles Clippers-Toronto Raptors trade centered on Kawhi Leonard will not be complete until the NBA investigation into the Clippers is over. Statement from the Clippers to ESPN:

For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.

On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.

At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.

We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.“

The Raptors are going to await the results of the report before finalizing the trade, which means Kawhi could stay with the Clippers for the foreseeable future. Whether he will play or stay unavailable pending the trade remains to be seen. If the investigation concludes in the next few weeks, the transition could be smooth. But what sort of logjam is created in the event this report drags into the 2026-2027 season?

For one, the Clippers were set to pick up Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick as players on the squad. Additionally, there were unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks going into the Clippers’ coffers, which have otherwise been depleted over the past few years.

And then there is Leonard. If he is absolved of wrongdoing, will he still be all right going to Toronto knowing the organization postponed the deal because of his possible role in the Aspiration scandal? In other words, is holding off going to develop into resentment or bad blood between The Klaw and the only team he seemed comfortable joining?

This story is developing and will be updated as it unfolds.

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Which Lions player would you like to grab dinner with?

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown claps during the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Our relationship with professional athletes is always at a distance. But what if it wasn’t?

The Detroit Lions have a ton of charasmatic players throughout their locker room, and I’m sure on more than one occasion you’ve wondered (or dreamed) about hanging out with them outside of the realm of football. So for today’s Question of the Day, let’s explore that.

Which Lions player would you like to grab dinner with?

My answer: My first inclination is to cheat and say Dan Campbell, but since the question (that I wrote) explicitly says player, I’ll stick to a player.

There are a couple routes I could go with this. If I wanted to have dinner with someone who had awesome stories to tell, I’d probably go with rookie Skyler Gill-Howard (and his great origin story) or Ahmed Hassanein. We have all heard pieces of their origin stories. However, to hear their point of view through their eyes would be incredible. Plus, I’m sure they’d have even more stories to tell.

Or, I could simply just go with some excellent company. From my team experiences, guys like Colby Sorsdal, Sione Vaki, Derrick Barnes, Jack Fox, and Khalil Dorsey—among many others—are some of the nicest people in the locker room.

Finally, it would make sense to go with someone who would be extremely entertaining. If that’s the priority, I would likely go with someone like Kerby Joseph, Teddy Bridgewater, or Jameson Williams.

I’m a little more lowkey, so I think grabbing a beer and burger with a few of those people from the “nice” group would fit my vibes.

Which Lions player do you think would be the bet to grab a dinner with? Share your answer in the comment section below.

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Mets Daily Prospect Report, 7/12/26: Santucci stock up

Jonathan Santucci of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies delivers a pitch during a Minor League Baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Syracuse Mets (46 – 46)

NORFOLK 3, SYRACUSE 2 (BOX)

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (32 – 54)

BINGHAMTON 9, HARTFORD 2 (BOX)

Brooklyn Cyclones (35 – 49)

BROOKLYN 3, WILMINGTON 1 (BOX)

St. Lucie Mets (38 – 46)

ST. LUCIE 4, JUPITER 1 (BOX)

FCL Mets (20 – 27)

FCL CARDINALS 3, FCL METS 0 (BOX)

DSL Mets Orange (16 – 15)

DSL METS ORANGE 10, DSL GIANTS BLACK 6 (BOX)

DSL Mets Blue (12 – 18)

DSL MARLINS 5, DSL METS BLUE 0 (BOX)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Jonathan Santucci

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Ryan Lambert

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Deven Sheerin drafted in 4th round by Phillies

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - MARCH 21: Deven Sheerin of the LSU Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Alex Box Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Mac Brod/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

After two season in Baton Rouge, Deven Sheerin will head to professional baseball after being selected #128 overall in the 4th round of the MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was the first LSU pitcher to be selected and third player overall, following Derek Curiel and Jake Brown.

While Sheerin was a Tiger for multiple season, he only played for one of them. Soon after transferring to LSU in the summer of 2024, he tore his ACL and missed the entire 2025 National Championship season. This past year was his first on the field and he made up for lost time.

In 37.2 innings pitched, Sheerin held a 4.78 ERA. He struck out a whopping 58 batters, averaging over 1.5 Ks per inning. Pumping in fastballs up to 97-98 mph and following them with a wicked slider, the redshirt-sophomore’s most important quality during the 2026 season was his ability to throw strikes. LSU’s pitching staff led the SEC in walks allowed, so his command, along with his dominant stuff, led Sheerin to being LSU’s most consistent pitcher throughout the season.

With a 3/4 arm slot delivery, paired with a stretch in which he steps way across his body, he is a nightmare for right-handed hitters. He very well could become a dominant Major League bullpen arm, especially considering how fresh he is. With only 107.2 innings pitched across three seasons in college, Sheerin is delivering a massive amount of promise to the Phillies organization.

Slot value for the 128th pick is $597,400, so it will be interesting to see the final singing bonus that Philadelphia gives him.

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Yankees prospects: Lovich, McCann homer in Tampa doubleheader sweep

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:L, 2-5 (7) and L, 1-3 (7) vs. Norfolk Tides — yeah, they had a … less enjoyable doubleheader than the A-ball team

Game 1

C J.C. Escarra 0-3, BB, fielding error
DH Spencer Jones 3-4, HR, RBI, K, SB — .960 OPS at Triple-A after 14th homer in 48 games (109.1 mph off the bat on a hanging slider, 412 feet to the opposite field)
2B Marco Luciano 1-4, K
RF Yanquiel Fernández 0-4
3B Oswaldo Cabrera 2-3
1B Tyler Hardman 1-3, fielding error
SS Jonathan Ornelas 1-2, 2B, BB, K
CF Duke Ellis 0-3, K
LF Kenedy Corona 1-3, HR, RBI, 2 K — actually outdrove Jones on his homer, 421 feet

Kyle Carr 4 IP, 8 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, WP (loss)
Yerry De los Santos 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Eric Reyzelman 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

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Game 2

DH J.C. Escarra 0-4, K — hitless day in seven at-bats
CF Spencer Jones 0-2, 2 BB
2B Oswaldo Cabrera 0-2, 2 K
RF Yanquiel Fernández 1-3
3B Tyler Hardman 2-2, BB — only good game from the nightcap
1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 0-3, K, GIDP
SS Jonathan Ornelas 1-3, fielding error
LF Cole Gabrielson 0-3
C Abrahan Gutierrez 1-2
PH Marco Luciano 0-1

Adam Kloffenstein 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 5 K, HR, WP (loss)
Will Brian 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
Kervin Castro 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Double-A Somerset Patriots:L, 2-5 vs. Hartford Yard Goats

LF Jackson Castillo 1-4, K
CF Jace Avina 1-3, 3B, BB, RBI — triple in the first
RF DJ Gladney 0-4, 3 K
3B Coby Morales 1-4, RBI, 2 K
2B Connor McGinnis 0-4, 2 K
DH Miguel Palma 1-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan 1-4, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia 0-4, K
SS Owen Cobb 0-2, BB

Cade Smith 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 7 K, HR, WP (loss)
Kelly Austin 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Matt Keating 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Geoffrey Gilbert 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, HR

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:W, 7-1 vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks

3B Roderick Arias 1-4, 2B, BB, 3 K, 2 SB, throwing error
SS Core Jackson 1-3, BB, 2 K, SB
DH Eric Genther 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, K, SF — solo shot in the third
1B Kyle West 1-4, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, SB
2B Enmanuel Tejeda 1-3, RBI, K, SF, CS
C Josue Gonzalez 1-2, 2B, BB, RBI, SF, passed ball
CF Camden Troyer 1-4, RBI, 2 K
RF Luis Durango 1-4, 2B, RBI, 2 K — very egalitarian day for Tampa, everyone had at least one hit, no one had more than one

Rory Fox 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 9 K, 2 WP, HBP (win) — personal career-high with nine strikeouts
Thomas Balboni Jr. 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, HBP
Wilmy Sanchez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Kevin Stevens 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 8-6 (7) and W, 5-3 (7) at St. Lucie Mets

Game 1

SS Jackson Lovich 1-3, BB, SB, CS
2B Hans Montero 1-2, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 SB — 25-for-28 on steals
C Luis Puello 1-3, 2B, BB, RBI
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-2, 2 BB, fielding error
DH David McCann 2-4, HR, BB, 4 RBI — go-ahead three-run bomb in the fourth
LF Brando Mayea 1-4, GIDP
RF Willy Montero 1-4, K
1B Christofer Reyes 1-3, K
CF Isael Arias 0-3, K, SB

Sabier Marte 1.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, HR — first start above Rookie ball was tough, left in a 6-1 deficit
Parker Seay 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (win)
Brian Hendry 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K — rehab assignment
Austin Breedlove 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (save) — A-ball debut as well

Game 2

3B Jackson Lovich 3-4, 2B, HR, RBI — #atripleshy (homer went 417 feet at least, 107.8 mph off the bat)
2B Hans Montero 2-4, K, SB, throwing error
SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-2, BB, RBI, K, SF
1B David McCann 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, K, HBP — two-run double in the fifth to make it 3-0
RF Brando Mayea 0-2, BB
DH Engelth Urena 0-3, 2 K
LF Gabriel Lara 1-2, 2B, BB, K
C Ediel Rivera 1-3, RBI, K, throwing error
CF Isael Arias 1-2, 2B, BB, SB

Tyler Boudreau 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 4 K, HR (win)
Greysen Carter 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 1 K

Florida Complex League Yankees:W, 3-2 (7) vs. FCL Phillies

3B Richard Matic 0-2, BB
LF Wilberson De Pena 1-3
C Queni Pineda 1-3, 2B, RBI, K, SB
SS Leni Done 0-3, throwing error
CF Jose Castro 0-3, 2 K
DH Francisco Vilorio 0-2, K
2B Dexters Peralta 1-2, K
RF Estivenzon Montero 1-2, HR, 2 RBI — go-ahead two-run shot in the fifth was the decisive blow
1B Justin Capellan 0-2, K

Edinzo Marquez 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 7 K
Alexander Almonte 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, HBP (win)
Jorge Luna 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K (save)

Dominican Summer League Yankees:W, 8-6 at DSL Phillies

CF Isaias Castillo 0-4, 3 K, HBP
SS Stiven Marinez 2-4, BB, RBI, K, 2 SB
RF Yostin Pena 0-5, RBI
2B Juan Torres 2-5, K
C Juan Martinez 2-3, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 2 SB, 2 passed balls — go-ahead two-run double in the sixth
1B Jose Peralta 0-4, BB, 3 K, SB
DH Abrahan Pichardo 0-5, 3 K
LF Eliezer Adames 2-4, K, fielding error
3B Adrian Feliz 1-3, HBP — scored tying run on a wild pitch in the four-run sixth

Jhon Beltre 3 IP, 4 H, 6 R (6 ER), 3 BB, 0 K, 2 HBP, WP
Yunior Jerez 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K, WP (win) — pretty nice work
Emanuel Vargas 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 WP

Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 5-11 vs. DSL Colorado

2B Dariel Santana 1-5, 2B, 2 K, SB, picked off
SS Mani Cedeno 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 SB, fielding error
3B Alfred Ciriaco 0-1
C Alessandro Rodriguez 1-3, RBI, K, SF
DH Carlos Bello 1-2, 2 BB, picked off
CF David Carrera 1-4, RBI — tied game in the eighth on an RBI grounder
3B-SS Germayhoni Beltre 0-4
RF Sebastian Pinto 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, GIDP — second career homer
1B Jesus Guerrero 1-3, BB
LF Eddison Charles 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K

Argenis Veloz 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 3 K, HBP, WP — pro debut
Brandy Luis 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K
Ronald Tejada 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 2 K (loss)
Diego Carrillo 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, HBP — Tejada got the loss, but Carrillo got smoked in the go-ahead six-run ninth