The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to show their support for the larger immigrant community and have committed funds for those affected by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
The ball club reportedly denied federal ICE agents entry into Dodger Stadium parking lots in 2025, preventing them from creating a staging area for their deportation efforts. One year later, they are again illustrating their position to aid those affected by federal agents' raids in Los Angeles and throughout the United States.
The Dodgers, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, committed $1 million toward direct financial assistance for families of immigrants impacted by those recent events in the region.
The Dodgers' donation went towards local organizations, California Community Foundation and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, who directly support the LA community, aiding youth and families with food insecurity, basic essentials, and mental health services. The exact figure donated to the organizations is $1.1 million, according to the LA Times.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected,” Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said in a news release. “We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
LA mayor Karen Bass expressed in a news release how grateful she was for the Dodgers and their support.
"I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles,” Bass said. “These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy."
Her message to LA residents: "We will stick together during this time and we will not turn our backs on one another — that's what makes this the greatest city in the world.”
Jun 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pinch hitter Logan O'Hoppe (14) is congratulated by first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) after a walk-off single during the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The 2026 Orioles have played plenty of dumb, bad baseball. But the 10th inning of this 7-6 loss to the Angels on Wednesday afternoon in Anaheim may take the title for the absolute worst moment of the entire season. It also completely changed the tone of the now-concluded west coast road trip, which saw the Orioles lose five of nine and go home on a supremely sour note.
Let’s get right into that 10th inning because that ended up being the whole ballgame.
The two teams were knotted at five runs apiece after regulation. The Orioles began the 10th with Blaze Alexander as the Manfred runner at second base. Taylor Ward opened the frame with a single to put runners on a corners. A Gunnar Henderson swinging bunt sent Alexander towards home, but he would be tagged out, a call which was upheld after review. After Leody Taveras flew out for the second out of the inning it seemed like the Birds might not score at all. But Pete Alonso came through with a clutch single to score the one crucial run and give the bullpen a lead to work with in the bottom of the inning.
Keegan Akin was called on for the 10th in a game that saw the Orioles empty their bullpen. The only reliever that did not pitch in this loss was Albert Suárez. And while Akin would carry some blame for the loss, it wasn’t his pitching that was at fault.
Akin struck out Zach Neto to open the frame, and then got a fly out of Vaughn Grissom for the second out. Things were going well! All that stood between the Orioles and a winning road trip was Nolan Schanuel.
Kudos to Akin for getting Schanuel to hit a weak grounder to the right side for what should have been the final out of the game. But that is where everything fell apart. It seemed like both Akin and Alonso were unsure of who was covering first. Jeremiah Jackson tossed the ball over anyway and Akin did just beat the runner there, but he also fumbled the catch and then Schanuel accidentally kicked it into right field. Not only did that allow the Manfred runner to score and tie the game, but it pushed Schanuel all the way around to third base.
The Orioles still could get out of the jam with one final out. And again, Akin induced weak contact. In fact, the batter, Logan O’Hoppe, didn’t even fully swing the bat. But he made contact anyway, leaving a dribbler in front of home plate. Samuel Basallo sprung up to collect the ball, but Schanuel was off with contact, evaded Basallo in the base path to score. Basallo never even looked for the force out at first base, but it’s unclear if he really had a chance there either. After that comedically calamitous inning, the Orioles had lost 7-6.
This fate could have been avoided altogether if the Orioles bats hadn’t fallen asleep after the third inning. But that is exactly what happened. José Soriano was removed after the third, and the Orioles did next to nothing against the Angels bullpen. Four relievers combined to toss six shutout innings, allowing just one hit in the process, walking one, and striking out five.
Prior to that, the Orioles were tearing into Soriano. Basallo hit a pair of two-run homers; one in the second inning and one in the third inning. Both times it was Alonso on board. Alonso had the team’s two other RBI. His first came on a double in the third and the other was the aforementioned extra-inning ribby. The only other Oriole hitter that did much of anything was Taylor Ward. He had two singles and scored on the Alonso double. The rest of the order was missing all afternoon.
Trey Gibson did start this game, but lasted just four innings as Craig Albernaz figured he could mix and match with his entire bullpen considering they have the day off on Thursday. That strategy worked until the late innings when everyone melted down.
Gibson himself was pretty good. The two runs he allowed came on one Jorge Soler swing in the first inning. His final three innings were scoreless, and he struck out five in the process. The rookie has room to grow, but the improvements are noticeable each time to the mound.
Albernaz had his entire bullpen on a short leash. Grant Wolfram came on to work the fifth inning. He got two outs and then an error by Gunnar Henderson pushed the skipper to bring on the right-hander Tyler Wells to face Soler. Wells got out of that inning and stayed on for a clean sixth inning.
Yennier Cano was picked for the seventh inning. He walked two and struck out two before Albernaz opted for the currently scuffling Rico Garcia. Garcia was able to wrap up the seventh without issue, but his troubles would pop back up in the eighth inning.
Donovan Walton doubled to begin the inning. Garcia followed up with back-to-back outs. But he couldn’t quite get to the finish line. Grissom pinch hit and singled in the Angels’ third run of the day. Schanuel walked to put two runners on. That was end of the line for Garcia and start of the day for Andrew Kittredge. He was no better. Kittredge walked Denzer Guzman to load the bases and then coughed up a game-tying single to Wade Meckler.
And we already covered what happened from there. Ryan Helsley tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning, which is important. The team needs him to be good. But everything came crashing down in the 10th inning for Akin and the rest of the Orioles.
This is an all-too-common experience for this baseball team. The bats go quiet. The bullpen falls apart at the worst time. And in the highest of pressure situations it seems like they always lose their heads. The Orioles should have won this baseball game for several different reasons. The roster is more talented than what the Angels are trotting out there. This should have been a winning road trip. And yet, it wasn’t. And maybe that’s all you need to see to truly understand this team and their outlook.
Jackson Holliday also played, making a late pinch hitting appearance in which he struck out. So apparently he won’t be going on the IL. And if he does, the Orioles can’t back date it any longer. Just pure brilliance on display.
We will all be spared the Baltimore Orioles experience on Thursday. They have the day off. Then they open a weekend series with the Nationals on Friday night. Good luck, Birdland.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Darryn Peterson after he is drafted second overall by the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All in all, it’s just another brick in the wall All in all, you’re just another brick in the wall — Pink Floyd, Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2
Darryn Peterson is the defining piece of Utah’s rebuild
It would be inappropriate to open this article with anything besides a warm welcome to the newest member of the Utah Jazz, Darryn Peterson. A standout at Kansas, Peterson distinguished himself as the best guard prospect the NBA Draft has seen since Kyrie Irving, behind a symphonic combination of scoring, ball-handling, vicious perimeter defending, and a sugar-sweet jumper that has worked at every level.
Even as BYU’s AJ Dybantsa distanced himself in the race for the number-one pick, supporters of Peterson’s candidacy remain resolute that he is a number-one quality prospect. Utah feels the same way.
But he means much more than that for the Utah Jazz. In the context of his new home, Darryn Peterson is the final brick in Utah’s prolonged reconstruction efforts. In selecting Peterson second overall, the Jazz have sent out a telegram to the basketball universe, and it contains just two poignant words: we’re ready.
While Pink Floyd may have illustrated a lack of individuality and a mandate for conformity, I refer to the line “another brick in the wall” from a different perspective. Darryn Peterson is a member of the team now, and the defining addition of a team that has been years in the making.
Piece by piece and brick by brick, the Utah Jazz have spent the past three seasons constructing a contender. Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Walker Kessler were the first crucial additions in the fallout of the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell expulsions.
Last year’s acquisition of Ace Bailey was a massive step in the right direction. Despite slipping to the fifth pick in the draft order, Utah secured a player who could bloom into a high-level star in the NBA — even if he has a few imperfections to shave from his skill tree.
Now with Peterson, the Jazz have a player who is expected to develop into a superstar; he’s no project.
Are Darryn Peterson-Kobe Bryant comparisons blasphemous?
This fellow here has been compared to countless established NBA players, as is the customary rite from evaluators and engagement farmers.
Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, Bradley Beal, Brandon Roy, and even Kobe Bryant are the electron cloud orbiting Darryn Peterson’s nucleus. That’s a high-grade spread of all-time great shooting guards, and a tall bar to clear for a player who has yet to play a second of NBA basketball. But every player has their own distinct platter of tendencies. So what can be gleaned from what Darryn Peterson has displayed to this point?
Well, if Peterson’s perspective is significant, he models his game after Booker, one of basketball’s best jump-shooting guards in recent memory.
“Who’s one player you’ve modeled your game after?”
For all of Keyonte George’s strides from last season, Peterson will need to fill in for his backcourt mate on the defensive end this year. He’s the ideal complement for a player like George, who’s become adept at drawing fouls and creating his own shot — so much that his improvements as a playmaker have gone largely overlooked by the general public. Keyonte and Collier, Inc. is a proficient distribution center in Salt Lake City, and Peterson will gladly play the recipient for catch-and-shoot looks.
He’ll need to continue to grow off-ball and as a passer, because he did not share the rock especially well as a Freshman in Lawrence. Pushing just 1.6 assists per night in 20 minutes does not inspire hope that he could become a one-stop shop for all of Utah’s offensive needs — even if the team believes he, like George, holds untapped playmaking upside.
Fortunately, DP creates his own shot with all the grace of a first-chair cellist. He is beauty, grace, and Miss United States with the basketball in his hands, and he has no shortage of moves, athleticism, or shooting touch when elevating for a jumper. He’s got a killer’s mentality, and basketball flows from his fingertips like sweet, sweet music.
He soars to the basket upon eagles’ wings and is truly a revelation when he gets a glimpse of the rim.
This is his biggest selling point: his ability to put that darn ball through the darn basket. Utilizing a cling-wrap handle in conjunction with his liquid jump shot makes Darryn’s offensive game unstoppable — much like liquid held in a pocket of cling-wrap. Metaphorical abnormalities aside, Peterson’s jump shot is one smooth motion — practically as close to one motion as a player could realistically get — while maintaining control and precision. He hit 38% of his three-pointers as a freshman under Bill Self, and this despite appearances that he was a bit restricted by design while running with the Jayhawks.
He rounds out the backcourt in Utah and may be half of one of the NBA’s best scoring guard lines within the next few seasons.
Peterson’s addition gives the Jazz a remarkably complete starting lineup, with Markkanen, Jackson Jr, and Kessler (presumably) adding experience and complementary skills and one of the most air-tight frontcourts in the league, on paper at least.
If you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding!
Remember, Darryn, if you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding (that’s right, I’m not done with the Pink Floyd reference). The Jazz are fully constructed and ready to pursue their ultimate goal: a chance at bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Utah. But that goal will never be actualized without a commitment — a whole-hearted buy-in — from the player who was selected to become the organization’s foundational star.
Source on the Jazz picking Darryn Peterson: He's super excited to be a part of the program and the Jazz are thrilled to have him. Darryn can lift the group in the short and long term
Early reports about Darryn’s aversion to Utah appear to have been completely off-base — just like Ace Bailey last year, what are the odds? — and I have no reservations about his commitment to his teammates, to his team, and to the fanbase celebrating his selection back in the Beehive State.
I have no doubts that Peterson is sincere about his plans with the Jazz. He’ll put in the work, he’ll be a good teammate, and he’ll be the type of player that makes local fans clamor to snatch his jersey off the racks.
The Chicago Blackhawks made a bold move when they acquired Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. In the deal, they also acquired forward Jordan Greenway in exchange for Louis Crevier, along with picks 4 and 45 in the 2026 NHL Draft.
On Tuesday, he was introduced via a Zoom call with the media for the first time, where he answered a variety of questions. He led things off by talking about how happy he was to play for the Blackhawks.
“I’m super excited to end up in Chicago," Byram said. "It’s been one of my favorite teams growing up. My dad played in the organization. It's always the place I wanted to end up. I'm super excited to be a part of the team."
It is always good for an organization when they are able to acquire players who truly want to be there. Whether it's because they were a fan of the team growing up, they want the opportunity that the team is offering, or the money matches their demands, they always play better when they are happy.
For Byram, it seems like the Blackhawks will provide all three of those things for him, especially the opportunity to be the number one defenseman for the first time in his career.
"It's an attractive place for me," Byram said. "I feel like I'll get the opportunity to play, do what I can to help the team improve and win."
When Byram was selected by the Colorado Avalanche 4th overall in 2019, he went to a team that was deep on the back end. He was always, at a minimum, behind Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Sam Girard.
Then, when he was traded to Buffalo, he took off as a player, but he was still behind Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samelsson, and even Owen Power at times on the depth chart. Now, he will be given the top pair, first power-play minutes.
"I've been preparing for an opportunity like this for a long time," Byram said. "I feel like I'm a two-way defenseman, I transport the puck, I can move the puck, whether it's passing the puck up ice, moving my feet, using my skating to transport it. I think I can help the power play, but I also think I'm a good defender. I use my feet to defend, close quickly, and try to kill plays. I'm super excited to have this opportunity. I don't take it lightly."
Byram comes to Chicago with one year remaining on his current contract, which carries a cap hit of $6.25 million. On July 1st, he will be eligible for an extension, which he is extremely willing to accept with his new team.
"I'm hoping eventually we can get to that point [an extension]," Byram said when asked about his current situation in that regard. "Chicago is a place I've wanted to be for a long time. I plan on being in Chicago for a long time."
Bowen Byram took some time to get his game in the NHL to where it is today. Limited ice time, injuries, and inconsistencies were there early, but he battled through them. Byram believes he can bring some knowledge on how to deal with those struggles to some of the younger defenseman on the Blackhawks right now.
The Blackhawks have had a hard time scoring goals in recent seasons, and that was the case again in 2025-26. For Byram, both at even strength and on the power play, he has the tools to help them start to trend in the right direction when it comes to finding the back of the net.
"My job is to be myself," Byram said when asked about how he can help them score more. "I think I break the puck out well. I move the puck well. I think I'll get the puck to the hands of our forwards quickly and efficiently. You want your skilled forwards having the puck, creating, and attacking."
For being just 25 years old, Byram has a lot of great experience, and his perspective is one that most would describe as a winning mentality. He wants to be on the ice in the game's biggest moments. He wants to live up to being a fourth overall pick, number one defenseman, and highly paid player.
For being a player who had an early taste of what it's like to win a championship, it's clear that he has the desire to do it again. That type of hunger could be what turns this into a successful trade, despite the team giving up a lot to acquire him.
"My goal is to win the Stanley Cup every single year," Byram said. "I want to come to Chicago and help the team make the playoffs and win. That's my goal. Winning is a lot better than losing."
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BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Brown’s name has been coming up a lot in trade rumors beyond just Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name.
It sounds like he is available and the Celtics are listening “with intention” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
When asked if Jaylen Brown would be on the team next year, Brad Stevens said last night, “Jaylen Brown is a big part of us. I’m never gonna predict the future, but everything I think about has been building around (Brown and Jayson Tatum). Obviously, you never know, but the one thing I want to make clear is how valued he’s always been.”
Not exactly a resounding “yes, Brown will be in Boston next season,” so let the rumors continue.
Thus, here are five teams that could trade for Brown and what they could give up.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 12: Zion Williamson #1 and Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans defend Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at the TD Garden on January 12, 2025 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans
If any trade is going to happen with New Orleans, Trey Murphy is going to be involved in any deal.
A 6-foot-6 swing man, Murphy has averaged 21.2 and 21.5 points per game that last two seasons while playing solid defense. He is a really good player who has three years at $87 million on his current contract.
Zion Williamson is, of course, going to be mentioned, too. Health has always been a concern for Zion, but he played in 62 games last season, including missing only one game from December 12th to April 5th, when he was shut down for the final three games of the season.
The former #1 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft is a good player, scoring 21.0 points per game on 60% from the field last year and 60% from inside the arc. Stevens has said Boston wants more dunks and Zion would certainly provide that. However, his fitness and health probably keep him out of a deal.
Herb Jones is another valuable piece that the Pelicans could include in a deal. An elite defensive player, Jones would become Boston’s best wing defender, but his shot leaves something to be desired. A new 3-year, $68 million extension does kick in next season for Jones, but he is a good player who Boston should want in a deal.
A potential deal: Boston gets Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Jordan Poole and the better of Bucks or Pelicans 2027 first round pick, unprotected. New Orleans gets Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser.
That Bucks or Pelicans pick is likely going to be top-10 and a pick I am rather interested in, even if next year’s draft is considered bad by many. Murphy, as I stated, is a must and Jones is a guy Boston would likely want to grab, too.
I debated between Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole as the big salary matcher of this trade. Murray is a better player, but he has a $30.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season that I have limited interest in acquiring.
Adding Hauser to the deal hurts, but he helps the salaries and allows the Celtics to get more from the deal because New Orleans really values Murphy and Jones.
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 1: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game on November 1, 2025 at 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Houston Rockets
This is about Kevin Durant vs. Alpren Sengun. I’d rather get Durant — he is a better player and I just don’t think Sengun can survive well enough on defense to win a title. Yes, there is baggage involved with Durant. He could make a burner and say everyone on the team stinks, and his age is an issue, but I would rather him over Sengun.
I don’t like Sengun’s game, but I can understand why someone would want him over Durant. His passing and rebounding are both good traits; his defense is just too bad for me to want to grab him.
Meanwhile, Durant remains an excellent player. He played in 78 games last season, averaging 26.0 points, 5,5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He slides into the Celtics starting lineup very well and can give Boston 2 or 3 more years of high level play.
I also have no interest in Jabari Smith Jr. He is a fine player, but paying him $122 million over the next 5 years is not something I would love to do.
Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson are players the Celtics have to ask for and the Rockets will say no. They should also ask for the 2027 Brooklyn pick, another thing that Houston likely says no to, although they’re more likely to say yes to that than the players.
A potential deal: Boston gets Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, the Suns 2027 first round pick, unprotected and the best of Suns, Rockets, Mavericks 2029 first round pick, unprotected. Houston gets Jaylen Brown.
I do think there is a debate on if Brown or Durant is a better player right now. I’d lean Brown, but it’s really close. Age is what gets Boston more assets in this deal. Capela is a salary matcher, but he is a solid backup center, who doesn’t fill the Celtics need at center.
The picks are where the value is. The Suns proved to be better than expected this year, but that is still a mid-tier pick and with less tanking, could lead Phoenix into the lottery. The hope is that one of the three teams is in the lottery with the 2029 pick and you get two lottery picks from this deal.
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball as Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers plays defense during the game on January 26, 2026 at 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers
This is the move that would net the Celtics the least amount of player value and the most amount of draft value. Portland owns the Bucks swap rights in 2028 and 2030 while also owning the Celtics 2029 pick. Those are the prizes of this deal.
However, there are some good young players on the Blazers roster. Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson are the guys Boston would want to acquire in a deal. Brad Stevens said in his press conference on Tuesday night that the Celtics want to add speed on the perimeter this offseason. Those guys help that goal.
Sharpe averaged 20.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season while Henderson averaged 14.2 points and 3.7 assists. Henderson only played in 30 games due to a torn left hamstring.
You’d need to eat the last two years and $70.6 million left on Jerami Grant’s contract but that gets you more value in any deal. Grant isn’t a bad player, but he is overpaid and hurt a lot.
A potential deal: Boston gets Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, the best of Bucks, Blazers or Magic 2028 first round pick, unprotected, the best of the Bucks, Blazers or Celtics 2029 first round pick, unprotected and the better of the Bucks or Blazers 2030 first round pick, unprotected. Portland gets Jaylen Brown.
Milwaukee doesn’t project to be very good over the next few seasons, so betting against them would be the big chips in the deal for the Celtics. You could make those picks or you could trade those picks for an upgrade in your talent pool as they build around Jayson Tatum.
Sharper and Henderson are both at the end of their rookie contracts. Sharpe has a 4-year $90 million extension kicking in this season and Scoot is extension eligible as he gets set to be a restricted free agent next season. While those guys have value, I am unsure of how much.
Add that to Grant being a negative asset and that is how I landed on Boston getting three picks.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot past Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the first quarter at the TD Garden on January 27, 2024 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been long rumored as a Jaylen Brown team. However, a deal isn’t possible to make without Los Angeles including one of Darius Garland or Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard is the better player right now. He was All-NBA last season averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game and a duo of him and Tatum would rank among the top of the NBA.
However, his health and contract is a concern. He missed a large chunk of the 2024-25 season, but has been healthy ever since that point. He is also set to be a free agent and the last time he was a free agent, he did everything in his power to get to Los Angeles. Are we sure he’d extend in Boston?
Garland, meanwhile, is a worse player by a pretty significant margin, who also has health concerns. However, unlike Leonard, you know he’d be a Celtic long term, he is younger than Leonard and the Celtics could get more assets with Garland.
A potential deal: Boston gets Kawhi Leonard and the Pacers 2029 first round pick, unprotected. Los Angeles gets Jaylen Brown.
The gap between Leonard and Garland is too big for Boston to not ask for Leonard. Would the Clippers do it? I’m not sure but it would be funny after all these years for the Celtics to trade Jaylen Brown for Kawhi Leonard.
I also don’t think that the Clippers have the assets to bridge the gap to get a Brown for Garland deal done without putting newly drafted Keaton Wagler in the trade.
Leonard and Brown are so close as players, I think Leonard is probably better and that this deal would keep the Celtics in the hunt and get them another asset. However, no deal would be possible without an extension commitment from Leonard.
Cleveland Cavaliers
There was a Jaylen Brown for Evan Mobley trade framework floating around social media on Wednesday and I do think it has some merit. The Celtics need a big and while Mobley is a flawed player who hasn’t broken out in the ways many thought he would, he is a really good player.
Last season he averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game and was really great in the playoffs, though his numbers were down averaging 17.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, he was very impactful on both ends of the floor, lifting Cleveland’s defense in a number of ways.
While he isn’t the best player I have proposed today, I think his long term impact is the most valuable to the Celtics and think getting him would be a good idea while Cleveland shakes up their team in a major way.
It would be interesting to see what a Jayson Tatum-Evan Mobley pick-and-roll connection would look like because it hasn’t felt like Mobley has clicked with James Harden in that regard.
A potential deal: Boston gets Evan Mobley, Dennis Schroder, 2031 Cavaliers unprotected first round pick. Cleveland gets Jaylen Brown.
I think the gap between Mobley and Brown, combined the Celtics taking on Schroder in this trade, is enough for there to be an unprotected pick involved.
While Mobley is a great player, he is by no means a perfect player as there are still concerns on if he can play center in the NBA for an entire season.
Bringing Schroder back to Boston is something that I would not be the biggest fan of but if it means the Celtics get a pick out of this deal, I’d be willing to do it.
NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Steve Nash poses with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft on June 26, 1996 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 1996 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jun 23, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) can’t make the catch on a solo home run hit by San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) during the seventh inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
To sweep or not to sweep. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves are not in a favorable position to ask this question. But, they’ve shown they can turn things around under pressure at any given time… let’s see if tonight can be one of those times.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver poses with the 2026 NBA Draft prospects for a portrait before the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s time for the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft! The Golden State Warriors, who used their first-round pick on Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg on Tuesday, have the No. 54 pick on Wednesday. However, the Dubs have made a habit of making draft-day trades during the second round in recent years, so don’t be surprised if there’s some action from them today.
Join us in the comment section for all the action! It kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT on ESPN.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 09: Blaine Crim #13 of the Texas Rangers plays against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 09, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have released first baseman Blaine Crim, per the MLB transactions page. This drops the 40 man roster down to 39.
Crim, 29, was the Rangers’ 19th round pick in 2019. He was added to the 40 man roster in early 2025 so that he could come up to the majors when Jake Burger was sent to AAA for a reset. He was hitless in 11 at bats, with a .000/.154/.000 line due to a walk and an HBP, before being optioned to AAA Round Rock.
Crim was designated for assignment at the trade deadline in 2025 and was claimed by the Colorado Rockies. He got a little bit of playing time with Colorado late in 2025, putting up a .241/.295/.556 slash line in 61 plate appearances. Colorado sent him to AAA at the start of the 2026 season, and then designated him for assignment in mid-May. The Rangers claimed him and sent him to AAA Round Rock, where he has put up a .263/.345/.461 slash line in 87 plate appearances.
Usually when a player is released like this, it is because they have an offer to play overseas. Crim most likely is headed to Korea, or possibly Japan, where he will be able to make more money than he will playing in the minors here.
Forward pleaded guilty to judiciary for comment in reserve-grade game
Former Tigers and Panthers player yet to make NRL debut for third club
Newcastle forward Asu Kepaoa has been hit with a six-match ban for using a homophonic slur in a round-of-16 NSW Cup match.
The 26-year-old fronted the NSWRL judiciary on Wednesday when he pleaded guilty to making the slur in the Knights’ reserve-grade defeat of St George Illawarra last week.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 23: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres slides home to score a run ahead of the tag by Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Petco Park on June 23, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Atlanta Braves (48-30) at San Diego Padres (41-37), June 24, 2026, 5:40 p.m. PST
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: AJ Dybantsa is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft continues tonight with the opening round beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT), while the second round will take place tomorrow evening. Use this open thread to follow every pick, react to trades, and discuss everything happening as the league’s newest class finds its NBA homes.
You can watch the draft live on ESPN.
Second-Round Order
Houston Rockets (via New York): Bruce Thornton, G, OSU
Memphis Grizzlies: Richie Saunders, G, BYU
Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets): Isaiah Evans, G, DUKE
Sacramento Kings: Meleek Thomas, G, ARK
Denver Nuggets (via San Antonio Spurs): Trevon Brazile, F, ARK
Los Angeles Clippers: Baba Miller, F, CIN
Miami Heat (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Ryan Conwell, G, LOU
Indiana Pacers (via Chicago Bulls): Braden Smith, G, PUR
New York Knicks (via Houston Rockets): Jack Kayil, G, Germany
Boston Celtics: Dillon Mitchell, F, SJU
Miami Heat (via Oklahoma City Thunder, via . . . Miami Heat): Otega Oweh, G, UK
San Antonio Spurs: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, G, TENN
Brooklyn Nets: Tyler Bilodeau, F, UCLA
San Antonio Spurs: Maliq Brown, F, DUKE
Sacramento Kings: Emanuel Sharp, G, HOU
Orlando Magic: Felix Okpara, F, TENN
New York Knicks (via Phoenix Suns): Tyler Nickel, F, VAN
Dallas Mavericks: Tobi Lawal, F, VT
Denver Nuggets: Bryce Hopkins, F, SJU
Toronto Raptors: Jaden Bradley, G, ARIZ
Orlando Magic (via Washington Wizards): Izaiyah Nelson, F, USF
Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Clippers): Henri Veesaar, C, UNC
Detroit Pistons (via New York Knicks, via Houston Rockets): Ugonna Onyenso, C, UVA
Golden State Warriors: Lajae Jones, G, FSU
Los Angeles Clippers (via Houston Rockets, via New York Knicks): Nick Martinelli, F, NU
Dallas Mavericks (via Los Angeles Lakers, via Chicago Bulls): Vsevolod Ishchenko, G, Russia
Los Angeles Clippers (via Atlanta Hawks): Narcisse Ngoy, F, France
New Orleans Pelicans (via DET via NYK, BKN, PHX, ORL and LAC): Jaron Pierre Jr., G, SMU
Minnesota Timberwolves: Trey Kaufman-Renn, F, PUR
Milwaukee Bucks (via Orlando Magic, via Washington Wizards):
First-Round Order
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, G, KU
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, F, DUKE
Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, F, UNC
Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana): Keaton Wagler, G, ILL
Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., G, LOU
Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., G, ARK
Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Kingston Flemings, G, HOU
Dallas Mavericks: Morez Johnson Jr., F, MICH
Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, G, ARIZ
Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, F, MICH
Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Aday Mara, C, MICH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 22: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game at Target Field on June 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Shohei Ohtani faces Joe Ryan as the Dodgers look to sweep the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 6: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Busch Stadium on June 6, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Matthew Liberatore will try to turnaround his season Wednesday night as the St. Louis Cardinals play game 3 of their 4 game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Matthew will be opposed by Mitch Britt who gets the start for the Diamondbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm central time at Busch Stadium and the TV broadcast will be available on Cardinals.tv.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: A view of the stage after the conclusion of Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers will be involved in the second round of the draft on Wednesday after all.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers have traded for the No. 56 pick in the draft, sending the Bulls cash considerations in exchange.
Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring No. 56 from the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA draft tonight at 8 pm ET on ESPN. Lakers sent cash to the Bulls to get a pick tonight.
That latter trade could come up again this season. Getting a foot in the door with a second round pick is the first step and now the front office and ownership can start moving up the draft if a player they value is still on the board.
According to NBA beat writer Jake Fischer, it looks like the Lakers will try to repeat that sequence again this year.
We're expecting a ton of trade activity throughout tonight's second round.
Among that movement: I'm being told the Lakers are working to trade up even higher in the second round, after already acquiring the No. 56 pick tonight.
The Lakers are flexing their financial muscle this year, trading cash to the Knicks to move up one spot from the No. 25 pick to the No. 24 pick. There is a finite amount of money a team can trade in each league year, but the figures involved in LA’s trade with the Knicks on Tuesday, or in this trade, are not known, so it’s unclear how much money they have left to offer.
Still, this is the benefit of having an owner in Mark Walter who is willing to spend. If the team has money to spend, there’s no upside to not spending it. The Lakers are a team in need of athleticism and young talent and they’re using money to move up in the draft and acquire players.
The amount cash allowed to send or receive in a trade resets on July 1.
Teams are at their own discretion to use cash received in a trade as they please.
The maximum allotment this season was $7.96M.
A team is hard capped at the second apron if cash is sent.
The Lakers still have an obvious need at center. Teams also can never have too many wings and the Lakers still need some athleticism even after selecting Cameron Carr in the first round.
It’s always hard to project how things will play in the second round of the draft, so it’ll be hard to know who might be available with the No. 56 pick. But don’t be surprised if this is the first of a couple of deals for the Lakers on the night.
