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Warriors lottery pick Wiseman leaving NBA to play in Europe

James Wiseman, in happier times
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 21: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 21, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

James Wiseman didn’t have a lot of luck in the NBA. He got drafted in Dec. 2020 and missed most of his first preseason when he got COVID. He injured his wrist and missed a month, then tore his meniscus near the end of his rookie season, which led to his missing the entirety of his sophomore season. During his third season, the Warriors traded him to the Detroit Pistons, a team that had four other centers, three of them his age.

He looked like he’d get a fresh start with the Indiana Pacers, only to tear his Achilles five minutes into his first game of the season. Wiseman would watch his team go to the NBA Finals with him out injured for the second time in five NBA seasons. He came back and played four games for the Pacers last season, only to be waived in favor of Warriors Summer League sensation/three-time dunk champion Mac McClung.

Now, his agent Misko Raznatovic, has declared that Wiseman will be continuing his career in Europe.

The move closes another chapter in the Warriors’ infamous “two timelines” approach to building their roster around unexpected lottery picks in 2020 and 2021. That in itself was justifiable, even if the team’s selections could have been better.

Wiseman was an intriguing raw talent who barely played college basketball, who ended up in a situation where injuries, safety protocols, and the competitiveness of his own team all conspired to stunt his development. Jonathan Kuminga was traded midway through his fifth season to the Atlanta Hawks, who passed on his option for 2026-27. Moses Moody was a solid selection for a No. 14 pick who suffered a horrific knee injury last season.

There were more issues with the Warriors doubling down and adding three more rookies to the 2022-23 team, but in short, not trading the No. 28 pick that became Patrick Baldwin, Jr. was indefensible at the time and even more ridiculous in hindsight.

Where does Wiseman go? There’s a lot of teams in Europe, though the pronouncement from Wiseman’s agent almost feels like he’s posting a want ad for his client, who is still only 25 years old. Another high-potential, low-results Warriors draft pick, Anthony Randolph, went on to win a championship with Real Madrid alongside Luka Doncic, and a EuroBasket title with Doncic on the Slovenian national team.

Wiseman deserves a fresh start, free from expectations and bad memories of the NBA. He’s still seven feet tall! And if he does find a home across the pond, he should see if his new team also has a place for Jonathan Kuminga in a few years.

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Braves News: Tarik Skubal rumor, Cam Caminiti to the Futures Game, more

Jun 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) watches the action from the dugout against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

I think it’s time to chat again about Eric Hartman. The Braves’ now top prospect completed a 20 HR, 30 SB season on July 1st, through 71 games of his season. He was also ranked the 25th prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America and it’s getting easier every day to see him in the top 10 by the offseason. This is simply a hugely valuable prospect coming from a 20th round pick just two years ago and the back end of the organizational top 30 as recently as March. While he’s only at high-A (probably not for long) and still has work to do on his game, he has rapidly become a potential superstar on the position-player side for an organization that desperately needed talent on that hitting side and has got it this year from not only Hartman.

Braves News

Veteran national reporter Bob Nightengale reported that the Braves are favorites to trade for perhaps the best pitcher in the world, Tarik Skubal according to rival executives. This doesn’t mean a ton to me, but its fun to consider.

One of Atlanta’s top prospects, Cam Caminiti will represent Atlanta in the MLB Futures Game during All-Star weekend.

Reynaldo Lopez put together a really nice start and the offense did plenty to win a 5-1 game over St. Louis.

MLB News

Baseball America dropped their mid-season update to their top 100 prospects list.

MLBPA released a series of proposals for the new CBA, as negotiations continue to occur very rapidly and publicly.

The Orioles and Nationals made their first trade since Washington moved from Montreal.

The Giants are placing star Matt Chapman on the IL, but expect it to be a short stint.

A’s DH Brent Rooker will get knee surgery, ending his season.

Rangers’ star Corey Seager is hitting the IL with a back issue.

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Are 76ers now title contenders? Early odds to win 2027 NBA championship

The NBA is just two days into its 2026 free agency period and there’s already been plenty of movement.

Big trades and free agent agreements have already started to shift the direction of the league for the upcoming season.

LeBron James made it clear that he’s leaving the Lakers and exploring other options, while the Eastern Conference has already gotten stronger with the LA Clippers trading Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors.

The Lakers replenished their roster with a flurry of news on Wednesday, July 1, agreeing to deals with four players, including Walker Kessler following a trade for the big man with the Utah Jazz.

But the biggest news on Wednesday happened out East, as Jaylen Brown’s time with the Boston Celtics concluded when he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Here’s a look at the latest odds for each team to win the 2027 NBA championship:

More: LeBron James post-Lakers landing spots: Ranking destinations by fit

Odds to win 2027 NBA championship

Odds via BetMGM as of 10:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 1

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are 76ers now title contenders? Early odds to win 2027 NBA championship

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Tobias Harris raises the floor of a Spurs team that already had a high ceiling

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Spurs, which didn’t seem to be preparing to make any major moves in the offseason, made a solid if not necessarily exciting addition. San Antonio agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal with free agent forward Tobias Harris using their full non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception.

The signing raises some questions about the starting lineup and how the rotation will shake up, but it also brings something the 2025/26 Spurs lacked: a floor-raiser that should bring stability to some units without taking anything away from a team that already had a sky-high ceiling.

Harris, 33, is a known commodity. The veteran was never a star, even when he was compensated as one, but he has clear strengths and not many significant weaknesses. His career averages of 16 points and six rebounds on solid shooting splits paint an accurate picture of the type of production he offers. At this stage of his career, his scoring is not what it used to be in his prime, but he’s someone who can hit an open three, score against mismatches from midrange and at the bucket, and keep the ball moving. Defensively, he’s not a stopper but uses his size and remaining athleticism well against forwards and has enough mobility to not be a sieve in the perimeter. He’s also a good rebounder and a durable player, appearing in under 60 games just twice, in his first two seasons, while playing 70 or more in nine of his 15 years in the league. In other words, a solid all-around contributor.

If that doesn’t sound too exhilarating, it’s understandable. The offseason has featured big, shocking trades involving stars and, in general, offers the possibility to dream about underrated signings that change the fortune of teams lucky or smart enough to find hidden gems. In that context, adding a soon-to-be 34-year-old forward who disappointed when a franchise bet highly on him and can be accurately described as steady if you are a fan of his game and uninteresting if you aren’t, can be considered disappointing. The mystery box is always more alluraing that an adequate prize, and the offseason is a time of endless opportunities until a team actually makes its moves and reality sets in. It’s fine to look at Harris as the big addition the Spurs made and be simply content instead of thrilled. He’s just not that exciting.

The thing is, these Spurs didn’t really need more excitement. Victor Wembanyama and the guards provide plenty of that. What a team that, at its best, can beat anyone while being exhilarating to watch needed was to not go through so many surprisingly low moments in which they look too young, too nonchalant, too predictable, or too confused to stop opponent runs or avoid falling into holes. San Antonio had arguably the highest ceiling out of any group in the NBA last season, as their trip to the Finals and the sizable leads they held in each game proved. The star power was definitely there. The problem was their low floor; they lacked steadiness during stretches, and that often got them in trouble. And in that area, a player like Harris can absolutely help, as he has done for most of the teams he’s played for in his career.

One of San Antonio’s issues was defensive rebounding. Harris is well above average in that area, performing well individually both in the regular season and the playoffs. Untimely turnovers were also an issue at times for the Silver and Black, and Harris is not a mistake-prone player. Occasionally, the offense would stall out, with limited players ending up with the ball in their hands late in the clock. Harris is not by any measure an offensive engine, as evidenced by the Pistons’ struggles to create good looks when Cade Cunningham didn’t have the ball, but he can bail out the odd possession as a pick-and-roll ball handler or post scorer. He has the size and strength defensively to survive against most forwards, and he knows when to direct his man towards a help defender, both qualities that some of the Spurs’ power forwards lacked at times. He’s a more reliable version of what the Silver and Black had, essentially.

The only area in which his addition brings uncertainty is in the rotation. How big will his role be, and what will happen to the other players who share his position? There is a serious logjam now in the frontcourt that could prove challenging to solve. The 96 guard minutes should be split mostly between De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, with Devin Vassell getting the remaining scraps. But what happens with the small forward and power forward minutes? Do Vassell and Julian Champagnie continue to start, or does one of them sit to make room for Harris, who has started for practically his entire career? And how does the playing time get split? There are 96 minutes to spread around between Vassell, Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, Carter Bryant, and Harris. Someone is going to have a smaller role than they are used to, and it will be up to Mitch Johnson to figure out how to keep everyone happy.

What a great problem to have. With a couple of roster spots left to fill, the Spurs appear to have too many viable regular-season rotation players already and have added a proven playoff performer who averaged 18 and 7 for a second-round team last postseason. Whether he starts, which seems likely, or comes off the bench, Harris will be there when Mitch Johnson needs someone who will, more often than not, provide the production expected of him.

Normally, additions are judged by how much better a team is at its peak with them on the court. With Harris, that framework doesn’t really work because the best version of the Spurs didn’t have much room to grow beyond the internal development of their young superstars. What San Antonio needed was someone who was steady enough to help them avoid their worst version, and Harris seems like the perfect man for the job.

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McCrimmon Doubles Down on Golden Knights Goaltending: ‘We Have a Great Tandem’

The Vegas Golden Knights entered the offseason with a decision to make regarding their goaltending.

Akira Schmid, who led the team in starts, wins, save percentage, and shutouts, was a pending Restricted Free Agent. And to keep him, the Golden Knights wouldn’t just have to come to terms with him on a new contract— they’d also have to move out one of the other goaltenders on their roster. would have to move out one of the other goaltenders on their roster.

Because Schmid led the team in every statistic, questions arose about Adin Hill and his future in Las Vegas. Hill backstopped the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup just three years ago, but after a down year in which he posted a career-worst .871 save percentage, his value has never been lower.

Moving Hill would be complicated, as he has a 10-team no-trade list. But he’s set to make $6.25 million for the next five seasons, and the Golden Knights are always looking to shed salary.

It seemed like the Golden Knights answered all of the questions about the direction they’d take with their goaltending when they traded Schmid to the Florida Panthers on Monday. And if there were any remaining doubts, general manager Kelly McCrimmon left no room for interpretation when he spoke with the media following day one of Free Agency.

“My opinion is that you need two good goalies,” said McCrimmon on Wednesday. “You set out on September 1st, and if you’re hoping to play in the Stanley Cup Final, you’re going to play 104, 105 hockey games. You need two goaltenders to get through that. 

“I think we have a great tandem,” McCrimmon continued. “I think Adin is gonna bounce back; I think he’s a good goalie who had a tough season. We need him to revert to form, and we expect that he will. Carter made a great impression, getting us straight to the Stanley Cup Final. So, I think we’re in good shape at that position.”

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Jaylen Brown’s Joel Embiid flopping comments resurface after trade to 76ers

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid attempts to back down Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the second quarter at TD Garden on October 22, 2025, Image 2 shows A man with glasses and a beard in a dimly lit room with twinkling lights on the ceiling
Jaylen brown Joel Embiid

Jaylen Brown may have to say sorry to Joel Embiid for comments he made on a Twitch stream this offseason, now that the two will be teammates in Philadelphia. 

Following the news that Brown was being traded to the 76ers as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Paul George to the Celtics, a clip from earlier this year of Brown calling Embiid a flopper resurfaced on social media. 

The clip was from a livestream that took place just after the Sixers eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs in the first round. 

“This is my personal opinion on basketball, some of ya’ll might disagree, but argue with your grandma,” he said in the clip. “Flopping has ruined our game. Joel Embiid is a great player. One of the best bigs in f–king basketball history. Flops. He know it. This ain’t breaking news. It is what it is. Ya’ll can clip it up. Like I said, ya’ll can post it on these paid accounts…whatever.”

People seemed to take his words at face value and clipped the comments, and now they’ve come back to haunt Brown a bit as he heads to a new team. 

While the comments now look a bit foolhardy, it’s unlikely to create any real issues, and Embiid is sure to welcome the help as the 76ers try to bounce back after being knocked out of the postseason by the Knicks in a sweep that included Xfinity Mobile Arena being taken over by Knicks fans. 

Brown is coming off a regular season in which he had a career-best 28.7 points per game, while adding 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games for the Celtics. 

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid attempts to back down Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the second quarter at TD Garden on October 22, 2025. Boston Globe via Getty Images

The trade came after Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens spoke highly of Brown in the face of rumors the team was interested in moving him. 

“Jaylen Brown is a big part of us,” Stevens said in late June. “I’m never going to predict the future. Every indication, everything I think about, over the last few years, has been building around those guys.

“You never know. But at the same time, the one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he’s always been. He’s been amazing. He’s been an amazing teammate and a great person to be around.”

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Josh Hart’s five words say it all after Celtics stunningly trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Josh Hart, celebrating at the Knicks' championship parade, says the moves by East competitors have been

Josh Hart said what many were thinking as the NBA offseason shakes up the Eastern Conference.

On Wednesday, the Knicks star and NBA champion took to X to share his thoughts.

“This East offseason is crazy,” Hart posted to his X account.

Crazy indeed. On Wednesday, the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.

Josh Hart, celebrating at the Knicks’ championship parade, says the moves by East competitors have been “crazy” so far this offseason. UPI/Shutterstock

After much speculation surrounding his future in Boston, where he won an NBA title in 2024, Brown has a new home, and it’s with a rival team in the East.

Much of the chatter around Brown came after the Celtics missed out on Giannis Antentokoumpo, who was dealt to the Heat from the Bucks for a haul of players and picks.

Another story out of the East was Hart’s now ex-teammate Mitchell Robinson, who is heading to Boston in free agency.

Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He had been the longest-tenured Knick and spent eight years with the organization.

Robinson bid the Knicks farewell on his Instagram account on Wednesday.

“New York Knicks fans and the whole Knicks organization, the past 8 years have been the highlight of my life. I can’t thank you guys enough for the journey and opportunities. I know it’s a lot of emotions going around trust me I feel it myself but I will always have love for where it all started! I love you and will miss you. Once a Knick always a Knick,” Robinson said.

It’s only Day 2 of NBA free agency, so surely there is a lot more to come from around the league.

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Reports: Mavericks trade for Pistons guard Marcus Sasser to be completed next week

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 30: Marcus Sasser #25 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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

The Dallas Mavericks “emerged as the leading suitor” to trade for the services of Detroit Pistons backup guard Marcus Sasser on Tuesday, according to a report.

A day later, reports are that the deal to acquire Sasser is all but done and will be completed on Wednesday as soon as the offseason trade moratorium is lifted.

NBA insider Jake Fischer was the first to report the development, which only really bubbles to the surface of the conversation surrounding the team since the Mavericks desperately need help at guard as free agency kicks into gear. Marc Stein confirmed the deal with additional details on Wednesday.

Sasser grew up in the Dallas area and attended Red Oak High School, just south of Dallas, from 2015-2019. He starred at the University of Houston under defensive-minded head coach Kelvin Sampson after that. His homecoming will also give Sasser more of an opportunity to see consistent minutes than he got in his first three years in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons.

It wasn’t immediately made clear what the Pistons would get from the Mavericks for Sasser, but with Detroit reportedly in the market for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe, both the Sasser and the previously reported Santi Aldama trades could end up lumped into a multi-team deal to help the Pistons get there.

Sasser was limited to just 38 games during the 2025-26 season and played just 12 minutes per game, after playing more than 19 minutes per game during his rookie year in 2023-24. He has shot right at 40% from 3-point range the last two seasons, though.

He hustles and he defends, like all good Kelvin Sampson products do. His right hip started bothering him during training camp before the start of last year and kept him out about a third of the year, before the hip issue resurfaced in March.

Still, listening to Pistons fans talk about him, you get the sense that this guy is worth at least an extended look. There’s at least something there. He was, after all, drafted with the 25th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was initially thought of as a guy who would do a little more than average five points and two assists per game.

Dallas may be just the kind of landing spot a guy like Sasser needs. If he’s healthy, he should get minutes. He should get the opportunity to make an impression.

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A Golden Opportunity: Former Jets First Rounder Ville Heinola Signs in Vegas

When the Winnipeg Jets selected Ville Heinola with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, they believed they had landed one of the game's brightest young defencemen.

On Wednesday, that chapter officially came to an end as the unrestricted free agent officially locked in on a one-year, one-way contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. Thus ending a seven-year tenure in Winnipeg that never came anywhere near close to matching the promise of its beginning.

Photo by Kirby Lee/USA Today 
Photo by Kirby Lee/USA Today 

For the Golden Knights, it's a low-risk opportunity to uncover untapped potential. For the Jets, it's another reminder of a development story that never quite made sense.

The most puzzling part of Heinola's career in Winnipeg is that the organization initially appeared completely sold on him.

As an 18-year-old, Heinola not only cracked the Jets' opening-night roster in 2019, but immediately became a trusted contributor. He averaged nearly 20 minutes per game during his first eight NHL contests, saw power-play time and produced five points. Along the way, he became the first player born in the 21st century to record both an NHL point and an NHL goal.

At that point it was a diamond found in the rough, a needle in a haystack. Likely something that was looking to be a long-term NHL fit between the player and the Jets. 

But like Sami Niku and others before him, things just didn't seem to work out between the player and the Jets. 

Despite repeatedly demonstrating his offensive instincts and puck-moving ability, Heinola never received another extended opportunity in Winnipeg. He bounced between the Jets and Manitoba Moose, where he consistently produced at nearly a point every other game from the blueline, only to find himself back in the minors or watching from the press box whenever the NHL roster became healthy.

The Jets didn't simply prioritize established veterans over Heinola. They routinely found opportunities for others.

Whether it was Logan Stanley, Colin Miller, Haydn Fleury or a revolving cast of depth defencemen, Winnipeg continually leaned toward experience or size while Heinola waited for another chance that just didn't come his way.

To be fair, circumstances weren't always on the organization's side.

Just as Heinola appeared poised to finally secure a full-time role entering the 2023-24 season, disaster struck. A fractured ankle suffered during training camp required surgery and wiped out what many believed would be his breakthrough campaign. Complications during his recovery only delayed his return further.

Those injuries undoubtedly altered his trajectory, but they don't explain why a player who looked NHL-ready at 18 finished his Jets career with just 58 regular-season games.

Yes, read that again: 58 NHL games over his seven years in town.

When he was first called into action, the Jets trusted him enough to play nearly 20 minutes a night. Years later, after dominating stretches in the American Hockey League and gaining additional experience, those same opportunities never materialized again. It seemed as though Heinola's leash actually became shorter, not longer with experience/age.

Perhaps Heinola simply wasn't destined to become the top-four defenceman many projected on draft day.

That's entirely possible. But that's also what makes this story frustrating for the team, managerial staff, coaches, fans and the player himself. The Jets never truly found out.

Rather than giving their former first-round pick 40 or 50 consecutive NHL games to determine exactly what they had, Heinola spent years in hockey's version of limbo—too good for the American Hockey League, yet never trusted long enough in the National Hockey League to establish himself.

In all fairness, Heinola was a press box regular, despite his clear talents. Now it is Vegas' turn to figure out his place.

The Golden Knights have built a reputation for identifying overlooked talent and putting players in positions to succeed. At 25 years old, Heinola still possesses the skating, vision and puck-moving ability that made him a first-round selection. If he finds a regular role, few around the league will be surprised. He has always lacked size, but really hasn't made that an issue anywhere - except for its perceived issue in Winnipeg.

If Heinola carves out a meaningful NHL career in Vegas, the conversation won't simply be about a player who needed a change of scenery. It will instead be about a talented first-round pick whose greatest opportunity never came with the team that drafted him.

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Ozzie Albies, excellent pitching, and late offense power Braves win over Cardinals, 5-1

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 01: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates hitting a solo home run in the third inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hello, July. Hello, elusive win No. 50. Hello and safe travels to Mexico, English World Cup fan contingent. Braves Country, there was a lot to like about tonight’s 5-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals.

But first, the wink heard ‘round the world.

The offense would eventually come alive late after being pretty dormant (again), but for seven whole innings, the Braves’ lead was courtesy of Ozzie Albies. Ozzie is more than worthy of being this year’s starting second baseman for the NL at the All-Star game. Our petit sparkplug deserves the world. 

Ozzie was doing it all himself versus starter Michael McGreevy, starting with an RBI double in the first to drive in Drake Baldwin. We don’t talk about what else happened there because Ozzie then made up for it with a go-ahead solo homer in the third inning to make it 2-1 Braves. 

And thus the score would stay for the majority of the game.

This was a sorely needed outing for Reynaldo López. He was fired up as he left the mound for the final time tonight, and rightfully so. Giving us a sense of deja vu, he had yet another shaky first inning. He gave up a ground rule double to Iván Herrera, who would come home to score on a Jordan Walker single. But he held the Cardinals to those two hits in his five innings of work. The only other baserunner allowed was JJ Wetherholt, who worked a walk in the top of the third. The velocity returned, the locations were better, and he ended the night with six strikeouts. It was a beautiful glimpse of the Reynaldo we’ve been missing.

And thankfully, we can appreciate the outing all the more since they didn’t succumb to the temptation of having him go back out for the sixth after throwing 69 pitches. The call to the bullpen was to bring in the D’s: Didier Fuentes was sandwiched between our two lefty Dylans, and all three threw perfect innings to preserve the slim one-run lead. 

Michael McGreevy got Chris Sale’d by his offense: pitching a quality start, but being charged with the loss. He departed after six innings of two-run ball and was followed by Max Rajcic, who worked around two walks to keep the score 2-1. But reliever Justin Bruihl was not so lucky. Facing the top of the order, he walked Drake Baldwin and Ozzie reached on a fielding error by Blaze Jordan. Matt Olson’s flyout allowed Baldwin to advance to third. Michael Harris II then came through with an RBI single for a much-needed insurance run. 

Gordon Graceffo came in to get the remaining two outs and immediately allowed an inherited run to score as Mauricio Dubón hit a sacrifice bunt sans the sacrifice. Cue the Ozzie wink.

Dominic Smith wanted in on the action and singled to right, but Jordan Walker made an unbelievable throw to cut down Harris II at the plate. This allowed Dubie to get to third. 

Friends, rejoice. Your eyes do not deceive you – that’s is Austin Riley at the plate in the highlight below. And he does hit an RBI single to make it 5-1 Braves.

While it was no longer a save situation in the ninth, he was up, so Raisel Iglesias jogged out and promptly slammed the door. Braves, and I cannot emphasize this enough, win.

Maybe the problem really was June… only time will tell. In addition to a month-opening victory, López’s great start and the bullpen usage here means they were able to stay away from Hurston Waldrep, who could make the start in tomorrow’s rubber match / series finale. But that’s a tomorrow problem. For tonight, just enjoy this win. We really needed it.

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Lakers push all their chips into middle with Walker Kessler trade, Reaves, free agent moves

Sometimes, we build something up in our mind for weeks or months or years, and then the moment comes, and it's over in a flash. The Lakers' summer of 2026 felt like that.

Before Luka Doncic fell into their laps and gave a direction to a roster retooling, the Lakers were pointing to the summer of 2026. That was when their books would be clean, they would have some draft picks to trade and they could take a big swing. The summer of 2026 was when the Lakers would reshape the roster for the future.

Then everything happened in a span of an hour on Wednesday — a blockbuster trade, a rapid succession of free agent signings — and with that, the Lakers have pushed all their chips into the middle of the table, going all-in on what happened in that hour. This is their core.

The foundation for that magical hour was laid in two steps. First, the Lakers re-signed secondary shot creator, fan favorite and Doncic's friend Austin Reaves to a four-year, $184.8 million extension. That was more than the Lakers had hoped to spend, but Detroit was lurking with a max offer, so to keep Reaves that was the price.

The second step was finalized Tuesday when LeBron James made official something that had felt like it was coming since before Christmas — he would not be returning to the Lakers. The exit of someone who brought the Lakers back to relevance and earned them banner No. 17is underappreciated by too many of the team's fans, but it also was time — and the Lakers needed the cap space his exit created.

Then, in the span of 45 minutes, the Lakers changed everything.

Walker Kessler

First, the Lakers traded for Walker Kessler, the 24-year-old, 7'2" center that everyone around the league expected the Jazz would hold on to long-term. However, the lure of essentially four first-round picks — two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030) — was too much for Utah to pass up.

Kessler is exactly the kind of force at the rim that the Lakers need on both ends of the court. Most importantly, Kessler is a high-level shot blocker — and the Lakers are going to need that with Doncic and Reaves out on the perimeter. Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocked shots per game over his career, and he is one of the few centers who will block shots with either hand.

He is also a big body who sets a good pick, rolls hard to the rim, and knows how to finish. Consider how good Luka Doncic has made players like Daniel Gafford and Deandre Ayton look at points, and now imagine how that looks for a high-level finisher like Kessler.

Kessler is someone the Lakers fans can truly rally around after spending years trying to talk themselves into Deandre Ayton or Christian Wood or whoever the Lakers rolled out at the five.

Mamukelashvili, Grimes, Sexton

While the basketball world was still reeling from the Kessler trade, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka sprang into action and signed three free agents: Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.

• Mamukelashvili is a 6'9" power forward who shot 38.9% from 3-point range last season. He spaces the floor and is coming off a quality season in Toronto, where he earned Sixth Man of the Year votes. (It wouldn't be surprising if he ends up a starter.)

• Quentin Grimes brings the kind of two-way, defense on the perimeter play — and grit — the Lakers need. And he is ready to come to Los Angeles.

• Collin Sexton is a bucket getter, and that matters. The Lakers were 29th in the NBA in bench scoring last season, 29.3 points per game, and Sexton will step that up.

Lakers all in

This is the Lakers' core.

The Lakers emptied the treasure chest to buy this team — they have nothing left. The only draft picks they can trade are a 2032 first-round swap and a 2033 second-rounder. That's it.

They are about to get expensive, too. There won't be a ton of flexibility.

Doncic has proven he can lead a team to the NBA Finals. Reaves and Kessler are now part of the core but have yet to truly be tested in the playoffs. This is a nice group of role players, but can JJ Redick bring them all together?

There are a lot of questions, but the Lakers have done what they promised in 2026 — they have taken a home run swing. Now we'll see if they connect.

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LeBron James reacts to Folarin Balogun’s celebration in World Cup knockout game

LeBron James has been in the headlines all week, but he gave the spotlight to another athlete Wednesday.

The U.S. men’s national team squared off against Bosnia Herzegovina in the World Cup’s Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Folarin Balogun put the USMNT on the board with a goal in the 44th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

Balogun did James’ famous silencer celebration after scoring the goal, and the four-time NBA champion noticed.

Folarin Balogun did LeBron James’ iconic silencer celebration in the USMNT’s showdown versus Bosnia Herzegovina. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

James reacted to the celebration on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“LFG!!!!!! The (silencer) has (landed) at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young (king). Go (USA),” James wrote in a post with several emojis.

Balogun has emerged as a key star for the USMNT, and he likely will be elated to find James’ shoutout on social media.

Balogun has emerged as a key star for the U.S. men’s national team. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Though the World Cup knockout stage is in full swing, NBA free agency has also dominated the sports world this week. James is a central figure on the free agent market this summer after he informed the Lakers he would not return to the team.

Now, the basketball world is watching and waiting for James to make a decision on where he will play for what will likely be the final chapter of his incredible career.

LeBron James informed the Lakers he will not return to the team. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

James is looking to find true happiness in the twilight of his career, and he is willing to join a contender on a league minimum contract. What is clear is James’ tenure with the Lakers is over.

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The Rays Keep Rolling: Rays 4, Royals 0

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 01: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates his two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s the middle game of a three-game series in Kansas City, with the Rays looking to secure the series win after last night’s 10-4 win over the Royals. Shane McClanahan takes the mound tonight against Seth Lugo, who allowed seven runs to the Rays last week inside of Tropicana Field.

Jonathan Aranda singled with one out in the top of the first to put a runner on for the scorching hot Junior Caminero, who is on a five-game home run streak coming into tonight’s game. On the first pitch he saw, he extended that streak to six games, sending a ball 425 feet over the left field wall and giving the Rays an early 2-0 lead.

McClanahan took the mound in the bottom of the first and struck out leadoff hitter Lane Thomas to start the inning. He worked a scoreless first, and did so again in the second, allowing a leadoff single but striking out Carter Jensen and getting a double play to end the inning.

The game was fairly quiet through the middle frames, with McClanahan not allowing a run through five innings, and Lugo, despite allowing seven hits, recovering to keep the Rays off the board after the Caminero home run. In the top of the sixth however, Cedric Mullins got the eighth hit off Lugo, launching a solo home run over the right field wall to extend the lead to 3-0.

McClanahan worked a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the sixth, throwing only his 69th pitch of the game after six frames. Matt Strahm was brought in for the Royals to replace Lugo, who allowed three runs on nine hits over six innings of work.

Shane’s day was also done after six innings of work, with Cole Sulser being brought in to replace the lefty. McClanahan allowed only three hits and struck out four, bouncing back in a big way from a loss against the Royals last week. Sulser allowed a leadoff single, but kept the score at zero with a groundout and two strikeouts to end the seventh.

Garrett Cleavinger entered in the bottom of the eighth, and was a little shaky, allowing a walk and a single, so Kevin Kelly was brought in to get out of the inning and did just that.

In the bottom of the ninth, Kelly stayed in, and he allowed a leadoff single to Jac Caglianone, but worked a double play and flyout to end this one for the Rays.

Two home runs provided the four runs on the board, and the Rays take the series in Kansas City with a sweep opportunity tomorrow. Stephen Kolek will get the start for the Royals against a Rays pitcher to be determined, first pitch set for 7:40 pm.

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Peachy Skenes: Phillies 10, Pirates 6

What were you expecting? I was expecting a pitchers’ duel, and so were you, probably. Paul Skenes vs. Zack Wheeler, a heavyweight bout. I had a whole plan for this recap: take each inning like a round of a prize fight, load it up with boxing references. You can see the beginnings of that below. But I had to abandon the idea quickly because Skenes got TKO’d in the second. So it goes.

In round one, Wheeler and Skenes were evenly matched, each getting one strikeout, and each allowing one base runner via walk and no other damage. It almost wasn’t so: Brandon Marsh took a pitch deep to center, but Bucco centerfielder Jake Mangum, befitting his team’s nickname, robbed him.

Wheeler blinked first, with Nick Gonzalez sending a grounder through the right side of the infield for the game’s first hit. But he nimbly dealt with the rest of the Pittsburghs, and Gonzalez stayed where he was until it was time to trudge back to the dugout for his glove. Skenes plunked Alec Bohm, then allowed a single to Bryson Stott. Round two thus went to Wheeler, and before Skenes even recorded an out. Adding insult to injury, J.T. Realmuto proceeded to force Skenes to throw 10 pitches in his at bat before striking out on a low changeup. Skenes loaded the bases on a walk of Gabriel Rincones Jr. aided by a missed call in the upper outside corner that should’ve been strike three. Justin Crawford chopped one to third base, and Gonzalez tossed it home for what ought to have been an easy out. But his errant throw struck Bohm on the hand and scooted away, scoring two. Rattled, perhaps, Skenes tossed a sweeper that Trea Turner was able to get all of. It sailed into left field; fireworks before it even got dark. 5-0, a joy to Phillies fans, and a disappointment to anyone hoping for a proper pitchers’ duel .

Had that bottom of the second not happened, Wheeler’s surrendering of a solo shot to nine-hole hitter Henry Davis would’ve been a disappointment, and Turner’s bobbling of a grounder as he charged for it would’ve been heartburn-inducing, even more so after said bobbled grounder became Pittsburgh number two. But in light of that triumphant five-spot, they seemed less bothersome than usual.

And even less so after Brandon Marsh, on a heater that made the temperatures in Philadelphia look positively arctic, knocked a pitch into the right field seats in the bottom third. And it would get worse for young Skenes. In the fourth he allowed a pair of base hits to Rincones Jr. and Turner, and then with two outs induced an opposite-field line drive ball from Harper. A few inches more and it would’ve been the end of the inning. Instead, it slipped right under the glove of Tyler Callahan and scooted away as two more Phillies scooted home and scored.

The Pirates plated another with a a trio of consecutive two-out singles in the fifth; Wheeler’s night ended. It wasn’t his best night, but the fact that one can say that about a night where tossed 10 Ks says a great deal about him. Kyle Backhus came in to get the final out of the frame. Two consecutive HBP loaded the bases and scored one, respectively; the inning came to an end with a backwards K of the next batter.

Skenes’ day was over after the fifth, and thus both teams were into their bullpens. There was some traffic on the base paths for both clubs in the sixth, but no more runs.

The same was not true of the seventh. Seth Johnson walked two and allowed a double to Jared Triolo, bringing the Phillies’ once mighty lead down to two. Orion Kerkering was tasked with cleaning things up, and did. He was aided in that mission by Bohm, who got the final out of the inning on a beautiful diving catch.

But he was not content to merely assist in keeping the lead. Instead, he chose to expand it, sending a ball into the verdant batter’s eye in the eighth to give the Phillies their ninth and tenth runs. And it was thus that Jhoan Duran came in with a four-run lead to defend. He did. What were you expecting?

The Phillies are 49-38. They’ll conclude the series against the Pirates tomorrow at 12:35.

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Royals get blanked by Rays

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 01: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates his two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Junior Caminero is really good at hitting home runs. At the moment he does it every night. Seth Lugo got a strikeout to start the game before Jonathan Aranda singled in front of Caminero. Junior then smashed the first pitch deep to left and gone to get Tampa Bay an immediate two run lead. That is his sixth game in a row with a home run and he is the youngest to reach such a streak passing another Jr. of the Griffey variety. Caminero turns 23 on Sunday and already has 76 career homers.

Lugo settled in after that tough first inning and looked pretty sharp. That 2-0 lead for the Rays stayed for much of the game as Shane McClanahan was also dealing. He also got out of a couple of innings where the Royals got something started and then hit into double plays. The Rays did nearly score a run in the 4th when Chandler Simpson led off the inning with a single. He then tried to swipe second base with Taylor Walls up and one out. Carter Jensen was having none of that and gunned him down for his second caught stealing of the night. He has now thrown out more than 40% of runners at 15 for 36 and is only one caught stealing behind the MLB leaders at 16 William Contreras and Shea Langeliers. Walls hit a double that would have scored him if Jensen had not thrown him out.

Seth did get the quality start for the Royals but also gave up one more run in the 6th before he exited. Cedric Mullins came up with two outs in the sixth and hit a flyball to right that seemed to have a balloon-like ability to float forever. He got enough backspin on it and then let the hot air do the rest. It was 98 mph off the bat. So, Lugo out with a line of 6IP, 9H, 0BB, 6K, and 3ER. He was going to need the offense to get going to avoid taking the loss. McClanahan also went six with 3 hits and no walks. The Royals bats hit a couple of loud flyouts to the track, but he was mostly in control the whole game. They are limiting his throwing lately and pulled him after just 69 pitches.

One nice thing from this game was another good outing for Matt Strahm. That’s five outings in a row without giving up a run and he has only had one hit and two walks in those five innings. Newly arrived Jose Cuas took the 8th and did not have as clean an inning. He did look okay but gave up an RBI single to Mullins to push the lead to 4-0. Cuas did come back out for ninth and that inning went smoothly.

Kansas City finally got a threat going in the 8th against Lawrence, Kansas native Garrett Cleavinger. Nick Loftin walked to start things off. Then Tyler Tolbert popped out on a bunt to first base. Why is he bunting when the team is down 4? Michael Massey got a bloop to drop and move Loftin into scoring position. Now with two on and one out, Lane Thomas got frustrated getting rung up on what he thought was a check swing ball four. Instead, it was a strikeout and the end of the day for Cleavinger as the Rays brought in Kevin Kelly to face Bobby Witt Jr. It looked like the bases might be loaded again when Bobby hit a weak grounder to the left side. With his speed that is often an infield single. Kelly got to it quickly and threw a strike to barely beat him and end the inning.

The Royals final chance started well with Jac Caglianone getting a lead-off single. Kameron Misner pinch hit for Starling Marte and hit what looked like a nice easy fielder’s choice, however, Richie Palacios at second base made an error to make it first and second with no one out. Salvador Perez promptly grounded into a double play, the third of those on the night, and Jensen lined out to center to end the game and his hitting streak.

Now with the worst record in the American League, the Royals are starting to make a run at Colorado for the worst in all of baseball. The dog days of summer indeed.