PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 07: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers hugs Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Los Angeles Lakers won 112-108. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have a whole lot of smoke, friends.
After a couple days of LeBron James speculation and reports, his agent and longtime friend Rich Paul confirmed The King’s interest in potentially joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Paul, the head of Klutch Sports, has a podcast he does with longtime sports media personality Max Kellerman called Game Over. On Friday morning’s edition, Paul went through all the realistic destinations for each team chasing LeBron and what those franchises bring to the table.
Here’s a condensed version with all the mentions of the Sixers transcribed. For the full context, watch the video.
Rich Paul: Philadelphia, everything changed.
Max Kellerman: So, they have his attention?
RP: How could you not have his attention when you have [Tyrese] Maxey, [VJ] Edgecombe, [Jaylen] Brown, [Joel] Embiid.
MK: All they really need here is a power forward who can think the game and shoot.
RP: He loves Maxey, so we don’t even have to talk about that. I think [LeBron] helps VJ really understand how to play the game. … Super talented, plays both ends of the floor, plays hard every night. The benefit [VJ] would get, would be ridiculous. Obviously, Jaylen Brown. Embiid is health and habits. If the health and habits of Embiid are there, it’s a really good team.
MK: That by itself doesn’t necessarily work. But if you add the right guy — LeBron James is the one guy who might be able to unlock that and get that to be a team.
RP: He enhances everything. He unlocks everything.
…
RP: Let me give you an X-Factor about the Sixers, though. We forgot something. Jameer Nelson is a part of the front office, ex-player. Mike Gansey … you know Mike Gansey is an Ohio guy? Played against us in high school. There’s a picture floating around that Mike Gansey’s brother put out of Mike Gansey and LeBron that were a part of the high school Ohio All-Americans for the season.
MK: Does LeBron remember guys like Gansey?
RP: Absolutey.
…
RP: Josh Harris and [David Blitzer]. Love those guys.
For what it’s worth, Paul and Kellerman easily spent the most time talking about the Sixers. Paul even went back and referenced them multiple times while talking about other teams. Now, that could just be because they’ve sort of thrown their hat into the ring late and are one of the more talked about teams around the league right now … but it could mean something.
After multiple reports of the Sixers attempting to make a pitch to LeBron, it sure sounds like they’re firmly in the mix.
During an episode of the Netflix podcast "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul," Paul displayed a whiteboard with a list of options and teams that the NBA's all-time leading scorer could play for after he informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not be returning there for a ninth season.
Another one of the teams discussed was the Knicks, whose dominant playoff run led to their first championship in 53 years and has spurred NBA teams to rethink their rosters this offseason.
Then the topic of James joining the Knicks became clearer.
"It's difficult," Paul said. "The last thing you want to do is mess up something like that. The Knicks has a good thing. … If the Knicks hadn't have won, there'd be no board. He'd be going to the Knicks."
Paul added that Knicks star Jalen Brunson "would literally have to pick up the phone and say, 'Hey man, it's no issue with me'" for James to consider taking his talents to New York.
Kellerman asked Paul if the Knicks had contacted him and James.
"Yeah," Paul said. "They checked in. You want to respect what those guys have built. It's Jalen Brunson's show. He's earned that right. You want to respect that."
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Perhaps the most pressing question heading into the Houston Rockets’ offseason has been settled.
OK, fine. The question of whether they’d acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo was settled some time ago. In the realm of realism, fans had Tari Eason’s contract at the top of their minds.
Now, they can rest.
Eason will be back with the Rockets on a five-year, $81.5 million contract. This should be a tremendously team-friendly contract:
To disagree, you’d have to be out on Eason entirely.
Rockets retain Eason on a steal of a contract
Granted, this season was not Eason’s finest.
His True Shooting % (TS%) dropped from 56.7% to 51.4%. Eason’s efficiency was disappointing. He spent a solid portion of the season as one of the best shooters in the league, only to morph into one of the worst. The net result was underwhelming at best.
His Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of -1.6 was a free fall from the 3.6 he posted in 2024-25. So, it requires some optimism to invest in this contract.
Consider me an optimist.
Anyone can have a down year. Eason’s production was mostly on an upward trajectory since his rookie year. Last season was likely a mere blip.
Here’s the point: $16.3 million is below market value for the player Eason has been for the sum of his NBA career. A market never seemed to take shape for him in Restricted Free Agency (RFA), likely because the number of teams with cap space was limited.
It would be fair to note that Eason’s durability has been a concern. That said, he’s been dealing with a pre-existing benign bone growth (exostosis) on his lower left tibia (per Google). The growth has been removed, so hopefully it won’t be problematic anymore.
After all, it seems like Eason is a big part of the Rockets’ plans.
Rockets need Eason to maximize potential
Eason is the closest thing to Ime Udoka that Ime Udoka has in his rotation.*
*Yes, he’s better than Udoka ever was.
Wings that rack up steals and offensive rebounds are a rarity. Eason embodies the Rockets’ broader basketball philosophy. The hallmark of this team’s approach is to maximize possessions by virtue of pure, unadulterated hustle.
The 3-and-D wing is a near-mythological creature. Eason has the D part down to a science. If he can get his three-ball more consistent (and stay healthy), this will be one of the best contracts in the NBA.
Thank God we won’t be watching him do it on another team.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Ceddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates on second base during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa Howell/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The 2026 season has become all about finding a few reasons to crack a smile during arguably the worst Red Sox campaign of the 21st century.
Those would include the remarkable work of the starting rotation as well as the unexpected yet rather pleasant four-game sweep of the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Boston reminded everyone that these rare positives are just that when they immediately lost that momentum as the Washington Nationals took two of three from the Red Sox to end the homestand.
The next expected small victory on the schedule would be the rare chance the team gets solid returns across the board for the pieces they should still be selling at the trade deadline. But if you need a small shot of better Red Sox vibes to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, recent history says you should be in luck.
The Red Sox are 10-1 on Independence Day since 2013, trailing only the Athletics for the most wins on the holiday in that span. Boston’s only loss in that 13-year run (excluding the game’s absence in 2020) came in 2023 with a 6-2 loss to the Texas Rangers at Fenway. Other than that, Boston is a wagon with the stars and stripes in full swing with a +40 run differential (72-32) and a 6-0 road record.
That will come up again as Boston visits Anaheim for a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, who sit 15 games under .500 in last place in the American League West. What a matchup for baseball!
Boston will not be at full strength beyond the widely-discussed injuries after Willson Contreras earned a seven-game suspension for his role in Tuesday’s scuffle with the Nationals. Nonetheless, the Red Sox are in position to keep this patriotic streak in rhythm.
Sonny Gray takes the ball Saturday night in Anaheim in the midst of sensational starting pitching from the veteran. He took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Yankees on Sunday night baseball and struck out 11 against the Colorado Rockies before that. Entering with a 2.69 ERA and 24 strikeouts in his last three starts, Gray should pick up where he left off and have the Red Sox in position for another Independence Day victory.
Even if Boston does slip up in another frustrating loss, the 9:38 p.m. first pitch pushes that well out of the way of enjoying hot dogs, fireworks and nationwide celebrations for a historic day for the United States.
He played in many high-profile games over five college seasons — three at North Carolina, two at Arizona. The 6-foot-3 Love is a confident scorer who posted at least 20 points on eight occasions last year. Love certainly has room to improve in the efficiency department; he shot 38.8 percent from the floor, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 73.5 percent at the foul line.
The Sixers’ list of guards is now Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Simons, rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and Love. The 27-year-old Simons is the oldest of the group.
The New York Knicks keep looking for centers and big men in the free-agent and trade markets with no success to date.
New York’s pursuit of backups at both the center and power forward positions is starting to get concerning, and it only intensified after losing both sixth-man Mitchell Robinson and end-of-bench Ariel Hukporti in free agency.
Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to start at center with the Boston Celtics, while Hukporti inked a one-year, $3.4 million deal to become Joel Embiid’s backup in Philly. Both moves, obviously, were influenced by the Knicks’ need to remain below the second apron, as irrationally mandated by James Dolan.
Those financial constraints will continue to shape the Knicks’ options this offseason, with the franchise having roughly $8.5 million remaining to fill at least three roster spots.
That restriction has narrowed the market significantly, if not entirely, to a bunch of lesser, mostly aging bodies still available in the wild out there: Andre Drummond, Kevon Looney, Dwight Powell, Bismack Biyombo, Mason Plumlee, and the likes…
And on Thursday, we learned that the Knicks have been repeatedly denied in the pursuit of one of the few young, high-upside bigs considered to be both cheap (in terms of his salary) and available (if only for the right price) in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable. pic.twitter.com/EZYlzAEy1o
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, New York has “tried feverishly” to acquire Missi from the Pelicans, but multiple offers have been rejected of late. Haynes reported that New Orleans considers the third-year center a “core figure” and has made it clear he is not available.
“Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable.”
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, who for some reason decided to wait more than a week to reveal the information he shared after Haynes’ report, perhaps to give us some false hope, New Orleans expressed a desire to keep Missi and allow him to develop under new head coach Jamahl Mosley all the way back to the NBA Draft, when the Knicks first asked about him.
“Around the NBA Draft, Pelicans signaled that Yves Missi would not be available via trade and will in New Orleans under new head coach Jamahl Mosely.”
Those two reports point to two rejections, but the Knicks’ interest in Missi predates the offseason, and that makes it three times the Pelicans have stiff-armed New York in its collective face.
The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported back in February that New York explored a deal for the center at last season’s trade deadline, when the Pelicans were seeking a first-round pick in return. The Knicks did not have that draft capital, and the Pels rejected all other packages offered by New York.
With Missi seemingly out of reach, what are the Knicks going to do to have some depth in the paint?
Well, for starters, it looks like New York was interested in signing Marvin Bagley III before he went to the Denver Nuggets, per HoopsHype. The same report points toward an interest in the aforementioned Drummond and Looney, as well as Chicago Bulls UFA Nick Richards
That said, Drummond himself opened up on free agency at the start of July and made it clear he is “not willing to play for less than my worth,” hinting at wanting more than a vet min deal.
“I did that once and then I got labeled as one of those guys, and I think it really killed my value in the NBA, because I’m still moving like I’m in my mid-20s. I still have a lot left in the tank. I think by taking that paycut—I feel like I’ve been climbing out of a hole for the last 4-5 years. It’s been hard.“
And regarding the widely-reported Looney pursuit, Bondy refuted the reports of the three-time champion being on the verge of signing with the Knicks.
For now, the Knicks’ preferred target (and that of most fans, too) is off the table, and the path to filling the frontcourt gap remains very, very unresolved.
Missi, meanwhile, reacted to all the whispers with a Druski meme. Trust him over sources.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 2: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres rounds second base after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ross Turteltaub/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres staked starter Randy Vasquez to a 6-0 lead after the first two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he quickly allowed four runs and was followed by Wandy Peralta who also allowed four runs as the Padres suffered their sixth consecutive loss with a 12-7 defeat at the hands of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night.
The San Diego rotation has been atrocious recently and that appears to now be affecting the bullpen. Vasquez had another poor outing, lasting just three innings while allowing four runs on seven hits with a walk and no strikeouts. He allowed one home run, which started the scoring for Los Angeles when Dalton Rushing hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning. Vasquez allowed two more runs in the bottom of the third inning before he gave way to Wandy Peralta in the fourth.
Peralta had a terrible night on the mound, allowing four runs on six hits with two strikeouts in just one inning. The Padres watched what was a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning become an 8-6 Dodgers lead by the end of the fourth inning. The following San Diego pitchers were not spared by Los Angeles hitters. Yuki Matsui allowed two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout in one inning and German Marquez allowed two runs on two hits with three walks in his three innings of work.
Throughout the six-game losing streak, Padres pitchers have allowed 66 runs. The San Diego offense has scored 24 runs over that same span for an average of 4.0 runs per game. Three to four runs a game will not ensure wins, but it should mean they are in most games. That is not the case when the pitchers are allowing an average of 11 runs per game.
The Padres jumped all over Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki. Manny Machado hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning and was followed by a Jackson Merrill solo home run and a Jake Cronenworth three-run home run in the top of the second inning, which gave them their six-run lead.
San Diego will have a tall task trying to rebound against Los Angeles and starter Shohei Ohtani, but will need to do so if the Padres want to end their current losing streak today at 7:10 p.m.
Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals and Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox were each suspended seven games for their parts in a benches clearing brawl last week.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: Max Kranick #32 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Monday, April 21, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It is easy to forget with all that is going on, but the Nats have a potentially impactful arm who is rehabbing right now. The Nats signed Max Kranick in May, and have helped him out in the final steps of his recovery from flexor tendon surgery. Now, the righty is rehabbing in Harrisburg and showing strong stuff.
After his first rehab outing, the media actually got to talk with Kranick. It was very clear that he was excited to be back on a competitive mound. He told us that his live BP sessions in West Palm Beach were beginning to get “stale”. With the competitive juices flowing, he said his stuff looked better than he thought it would. In that outing, Kranick got up to 97, and was sitting about 95.
DJ Herz is shut down with his flexor strain. On a more positive note, Blake Butera said Max Kranick was up to 97 in his rehab outing and should make another appearance on Wednesday. Could be a nice bullpen arm when he is back
Kranick said that the velocity and shapes were not at that level when he was throwing his live BP’s. However, with the adrenaline flowing, he thought his stuff was nearly identical to where it was last season.
Back in 2025, Kranick was impressive for the Mets, combining stuff and command. His fastball averaged 95.6 MPH. He combined that with a 90 MPH slider, a 79 MPH downer curve and an 82 MPH sweeper he would mix in occasionally. In 37 innings, Kranick had a 3.65 ERA for the Mets in a multi-inning relief role. If the Nats can get that version of Kranick, it would be a big boost for them.
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) June 21, 2026
With the quality of his stuff, I think there could be some room for improvement from a strikeout standpoint. Last year, he only struck out 16.7% of hitters, which is low for a guy with quality stuff. He was clearly focusing on pounding the zone in 2025, with a 4.7% walk rate.
During his rehab assignment, Kranick has shown that he has not lost his strike-throwing ways. Kranick has not walked anybody in 5.2 innings across 4 outings. Having that kind of command after missing a year due to elbow surgery is very impressive. It shows a level of sharpness that proves that Kranick can be big league ready soon.
Kranick has also shown some swing and miss, with 6 strikeouts in those outings. However, most of the K’s came against A ball hitters. Once he got up to AA, Kranick has only K’d one hitter in 3 innings. Overall, the effectiveness has been there, with the righty posting a 3.18 ERA across his four outings.
After his first rehab appearance with the Fred Nats, Kranick had an interview, where he went into how he felt and what was next. He mapped out a process that has since been followed. The next step for him should be to start throwing on back to back days.
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) June 21, 2026
Once he does that, and makes some outings in AAA, he should be ready to roll in the big leagues. Kranick has not been talked about much, but he could be a really nice addition to this bullpen. He has the ability to be a multi-inning guy or a higher leverage arm, which is nice.
With the Nats having a shot to make a playoff push, they need all hands on deck. The bullpen has been an obvious weakness for this team. Max Kranick is obviously not going to fix this all by himself, but he can be part of the solution. Hopefully the Nats are in position to make some additions to this bullpen at the trade deadline as well.
This is going to be the most exciting second half of Nats baseball we have had in a long time. However, to truly make a push, this bullpen has to be better. Max Kranick can be a part of that fix.
BATON ROUGE, LA - MAY 30: Anthony Eyanson #24 and Kade Anderson #32 of the LSU Tigers in action against the Little Rock Trojans during the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional on May 30, 2025 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Mitchell Scaglione/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)
Following their success at college-level baseball, two former LSU Tigers continue to carve out names for themselves in the upper ranks of professional baseball. Pitchers Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson have both been named to the American League roster for the 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game.
Anderson, now a member of the Seattle Mariners’ Double-A affiliate, Arkansas Travelers, was dominant on the mound for LSU during his two seasons in 2024-25. Anderson led LSU to its second National Championship in three years in his stellar ’25 campaign. The lefty delivered a 12-1 record and would go on to win the Most Outstanding Player award for the 2025 College World Series.
Kade was selected third overall by the Mariners in last year’s draft and has transitioned flawlessly to the next level. Anderson is 8-0 with just a 1.22 ERA through 13 starts with the Travelers. He has earned nearly 100 strikeouts and has walked just ten batters.
Anthony Eyanson, also playing at the AA level, is a member of the Portland Sea Dogs, part of the Boston Red Sox organization. Anthony was a third-round pick from LSU, in the same class as Anderson. Eyanson, a right-handed pitcher, is currently 2-0 with the Sea Dogs and owns a 1.07 ERA.
Eyanson played just one season with the Tigers, but he was an impactful transfer from UC San Diego for Jay Johnson and crew. Anthony pitched to a 12-2 overall record, amassing 150 strikeouts and walking just 36. The righty reached a career high 15 strikeouts versus North Alabama in March of 2025.
Although neither prospect has yet to be called up to “The Show,” their inclusion as some of the top young players in the league bodes well for their elevation to come soon. Eyanson and Anderson are just a couple of former Tigers making noise around the diamond, and there will be plenty more to follow in their footsteps.
A new era has arrived for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. — and it begins with the Rangers.
MSG executive chairman and CEO James Dolan is handing over the day-to-day ownership responsibilities for the Blueshirts to his son Quentin, The Post has learned.
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This begins the process of passing the torch to his children, which Dolan has said he’s always hoped to execute.
Indeed, for the first time since assuming control of both the Knicks and the Rangers 27 years ago, Jim Dolan is scaling back his involvement with one of his teams.
It begins with the 32-year-old Quentin Dolan assuming the titles of Rangers president, chief operating officer and alternate governor. Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury will now report to him instead of James Dolan.
The hierarchical change does not impact Drury’s responsibilities in hockey operations. Drury will continue to lead all decision-making for the Rangers and work collaboratively with the fourth-oldest of the six Dolan sons.
“I think it’s something I’ve been building towards, and I’ll be working my hardest and probably proving to myself for a while that I’m ready,” Quentin Dolan told The Post from inside his office at 2 Penn Plaza in his first-ever interview.
“For me, the ultimate goal is winning a championship. It’s been a goal of mine to really continue my father’s and grandfather’s legacy, and that’s something that I understood about myself and wanted early on. This is a continuation of that and it feels right.”
Quentin Dolan, son of Knicks owner James Dolan, is set to take over the Rangers.
A source said Quentin Dolan’s promotion with the Rangers does not change anything for the Knicks. All is status quo for MSG’s NBA championship team, with Jim Dolan remaining in his executive chairman role.
Quentin Dolan’s most notable position was SVP of player performance and science for both the Rangers and Knicks, following various roles at MSG Sports and service on the MSG Sports board of directors since 2021.
His background as an adviser on several sports performance and biotech research and product development projects helped him build the infrastructure and lead the organization’s performance science and player development.
Part of his responsibilities included overseeing medical, strength and conditioning, nutrition, mental performance and performance data operations for both teams.
Prior to becoming SVP, Dolan also served as vice president, strategic adviser to the executive chairman and as investment director. He’s worked progressively closer with his dad over the years.
The elder Dolan’s passion for the job and insatiable work ethic are traits his son says he plans to carry with him into this new opportunity.
Knicks owner James Dolan celebrates after defeating the Spurs to win the NBA Championship. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“There’s a quote that I’m not sure if he knows that I even know, that the art of management is being able to control an outcome without being present,” Quentin said. “Of course, I will be far more present and operationally involved, but this role is much broader. I continue to work on my management skills and keep that in mind, that ultimately that’s the standard I have to strive for.”
Knicks head coach Mike Brown even gave him a shoutout during a press conference in March for his efforts in piecing together the plan that kept the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson healthy.
James Dolan and son Quentin watch the Rangers take on the Devils during a 2023 playoff game with Yankees’ Aaron Judge and his wife Samantha Bracksieck, Harrison Bader and Anthony Volpe. Paul J. Bereswill
And less than 12 hours after landing from a memorable night inside Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, where he was drenched in champagne while holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Dolan was already in a meeting to discuss Rangers strategy.
“That was the thought, you know, how do we get here with this franchise?” he said.
Dolan was at MSG Training Center in Tarrytown with Drury and the rest of the front office for what was a busy first day of free agency for the Rangers on Wednesday. Also peeking in at development camp, Dolan said he enjoyed being around while everything unfolded.
An NYU alum — who got his bachelor’s degree in sports and events management — Dolan already has a working relationship with Drury and Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, which should help ease him into his new responsibilities.
Quentin Dolan celebrates with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Knicks won the NBA championship. MSG Sports
Building relationships has been a priority for Dolan, who recognizes the importance of collaboration while instilling a winning culture.
Asked what he thinks will make him successful in this job, Dolan pointed to how much he cares.
“And I hope that comes through in time,” he said.
Coming off two down seasons with no playoffs, the Rangers are at a pivotal point in team history as their Stanley Cup drought has reached 32 years. Drury has operated under his retooling proclamation, making considerable changes and additions to the team since sending out a formal letter to fans Jan. 16.
It was the second message from the organization since 2018 informing the Blueshirts faithful of a new direction. Unlike the first, which came under Jeff Gorton’s regime, this one assured the plan was not to rebuild but to expect a restructuring “built around our core players and prospects.”
Quentin Dolan celebrates with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Knicks won the NBA championship. MSG Sports
Dolan recognizes his increase in authority and reach over the franchise, but he knows exactly how he’ll approach the position.
“Same way I’ve been approaching it from the moment I got in the company, which is honestly keeping my head down, working the hardest, and for me, I have an extremely high bar for when I am working the hardest, and I’m tough on myself,” he said. “So I trust that I will continue to be hard on myself because that’s all I know how to do.”
In some ways, Dolan said he thinks he will be different from his father as he steps into this next chapter of his career.
The Rangers will be the first team to see how.
“The bigger the challenge, the better I get out of myself,” Dolan said. “I run toward those things. This is what I’m looking for.”
The Celtics have agreed to sign Neemias Queta to a 4-year, $56 million extension that begins in the 2027-2028 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported. Queta, who started 75 games for the Celtics last season, is coming off of a career year in which he established himself as Boston’s starting center.
Queta is already under contract for $2.7 million next season and will make an average of $14 million per year for the four seasons after.
Boston Celtics 7-footer Neemias Queta will sign a new four-year, $56 million extension with the franchise, his agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Queta has established himself as a critical Celtics piece – from two-way contracts to averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds… pic.twitter.com/9cCvY5Lo2E
The extension announcement comes just a few days after the Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson to a 3-year, $47 million deal. Robinson is on the heels of a championship with the Knicks, and is known as the NBA’s best offensive rebounder.
It was a long journey from Neemias Queta to get here
Neemias Queta, who is 26, has had a circuitous journey to this point; he was the 39th overall pick in 2021 but was waived by the Sacramento Kings two years later. He joined the Celtics on a two-way contract shortly after and began his tenure with the organization in Maine in the 2023-2024 season. After the championship, he signed a 3-year, $7.2 million contract with the Celtics.
Queta was fourth in the team’s frontcourt depth chart during his first two seasons in Boston. But he became the starting center after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis and saw Al Horford and Luke Kornet walk away in free agency last offseason.
Last season, Queta averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, all career highs, while shooting 65.3% from the field. He averaged 25.3 minutes across 76 games, also both career highs.
But, playing postseason minutes for the first time, Queta struggled a bit. Due to foul trouble, he was limited to just 21.7 minutes per game. He put together his best performance in Game 7, tallying 17 points (on 7-8 FG) and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes, all playoff career highs.
Queta could be the team’s starting center next season, though Mitchell Robinson might also make a case for the role. Robinson averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per game last season. The two seven-footers provide the Celtics more certainty in the frontcourt.
Several other Celtics extensions are looming
The Celtics are also eligible to sign Jordan Walsh to a long-term deal; Walsh has one year left on his contract after the team picked up his option on Monday. And, starting in October, they’ll be eligible to extend Payton Pritchard, who currently has two years on his deal.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 02: Members of the Texas Rangers celebrate a win after the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kelcee Skoug/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Rangers 10, Tigers 4
Really?
This lineup was the one to score doubt digit runs for the first time since June 7?
This lineup being one that featured just two regulars from your Opening Day roster, two bench players, three guys who were in the minors to start the season, two guys who were not in the organization on Opening Day and were signed off the street, with one of the two street guys being your backup catcher who got the start at DH.
June 7 — a 10-0 win against Cleveland — was also the last time the Rangers won a game by more than three runs.
Prior to this, the Rangers last 12 wins all were by three runs or less, and all had someone earning a save.
Its nice to have a game where the late innings don’t involve stress and drama.
Nathan Eovaldi got the start and pitched really great until he stopped pitching really great.
After four innings, Eovaldi had allowed no hits, had walked just one batter, had struck out seven, and you were thinking to yourself, hey, there’s a no hitter going, maybe Texas can notch one of those for the first time this century…
Then Detroit started hammering the ball in the fifth. A leadoff homer by Colt Keith, a two run, two out homer by Hao-Yu Lee, and a couple of singles after that before Kerry Carpenter grounded out to end the inning.
A Riley Greene double to start the sixth ended Eovaldi’s night, though it took two relievers — Tyler Alexander and Peyton Gray — to finish the sixth, as well as two relievers — Gray and Robby Ahlstrom — to wrap up the seventh.
Cole Winn was given the eighth in a blowout and allowed a run, as has been the case too often of late with him. Winn is now rocking a 7.07 ERA, and as we have discussed before, you never want your ERA to be a plane.
A Gavin Collyer ninth inning finished things off. I know we were all hoping new addition Ben Peoples would pitch the ninth, but it was not to be.
Eovaldi ended the day with nine Ks, which moved him past Ron Darling, Steve Trachsel, Rube Marquard, Doug Drabek and Jose DeLeon on the all time strikeout list. With 1597 for his career, Eovaldi is now 199th all time, with Ken Holtzman (1601), Jim Maloney (1605) and Jose Rijo (1606) next in his sights.
The patchwork lineup, meanwhile, put up 17 hits in the game. 17!
I wasn’t counting on 17 hits from this group either. I figured more like 7.
Alejandro Osuna and Nicky Lopez had three hits apiece. Josh Jung, Elias Diaz and Ezequiel Duran each had two hits. Evan Carter and Josh Smith each came off the bench once Framber Valdez was out of the game and put up a single and a homer apiece.
I’m thinking about how, if you’re a Tigers fan, sending your high priced free agent pitching acquisition out there against the spring training looking lineup the Rangers had and seeing him give up five runs must sting. It would be one of those instances where, if it happened to the Rangers, we’d be asking, “Why can’t we do this to other teams?”
Sadly, the Mariners also won, so the Rangers are still tied with Seattle for the American League West and Wild Card 3. They are 2.5 games up on Houston, though, with the Astros being the next closest team for both the division lead and WC3.
Nathan Eovaldi reached 96.3 mph with his fastball, averaging 95.0 mph. Tyler Alexander’s fastball reached 92.0 mph. Peyton Gray hit 94.4 mph with his fastball. Robby Ahlstrom touched 95.4 mph with his fastball. Cole Winn’s fastball maxed out at 95.6 mph. Gavin Collyer touched 97.7 mph with his fastball.
Elias Diaz had a 112.0 mph line out and a 102.3 mph home run. Ezequiel Duran had 109.0 mph single and a 103.6 mph single. Evan Carter had a 104.4 mph home run. Josh Smith had a 104.1 mph home run. Kyle Higashioka had a 104.0 mph fly out and a 102.2 mph fly out. Cam Cauley had a 101.7 mph fly out. Alejandro Osuna had a 100.1 mph single.
No game on Friday because of the World Cup. I know, it feels weird to me, too.
After talk of shelving the concept 80,000 are set to descend on Merseyside this weekend to watch a round of fixtures inside 48 hours
Super League’s big summer roadshow returns for its 20th edition when Magic Weekend breaks both new ground in Liverpool and a whole host of records at Hill Dickinson Stadium likely bringing a sigh of relief that the concept was given a stay of execution.
Some clubs wanted Magic gone from the calendar and replaced with events such as a Nines festival or even replacing it with an on-the-road event for the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. But those critics will be silenced this weekend when more than 80,000 supporters head to Merseyside: 10,000 more than the previous best crowd for Magic a decade ago in Newcastle.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 2: Alan Rangel #57 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on July 2, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Alan Rangel has been the first one tasked with filling Andrew Painter’s spot in the Phillies rotation. So far, Rangel has appeared in three games, and Tim Mayza was utilized as an opener in two of them. Rangel has fared relatively well in his limited action, although the Phillies are 0-3 in those games.
He pitched five innings of one run ball in his first game with five hits and four strikeouts, but the Phillies lost 4-1 to the Nats due to a quiet offense and Seth Johnson allowing a late two-run homer to Curtis Mead. Rangel was charged with the loss in his second appearance against the Mets, but he was pitching quite well through his four innings of work heading into the sixth but hit a wall after allowing back-to-back singles and then a two-run triple. His day was done after allowing another baserunner and Jonathan Bowlan couldn’t clean up the mess, as he allowed both inherited runners to score, bringing the runs charged to Rangel total up to 4. His third appearance yesterday was his first MLB start, and although he lasted only four innings, Rangel did not allow a run despite allowing three hits and four walks.
Rangel is not being asked to do much, as the Phillies just need him to be a competent fifth starter. So far, he’s looked the part but perhaps requires a faster hook as evidenced by his second appearance. Regardless, Rangel has largely given the team a chance to win which is all you can ask of a fifth starter. So, what do you think of Alan Rangel so far?
Head to NBC and Peacock this Sunday, July 5, for an action-packed day of MLB coverage. NBC Sports presents a special "Star-Spangled Sunday" featuring all 30 MLB teams in action throughout the day on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.
This week's coverage is headlined by the NY Mets vs Atlanta Braves Sunday Leadoff matchup on NBC and Peacock at 12:00 PM ET, and the San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday NightBaseball showdown at 7:00 PM ET. See below for additional information on how to watch every game.
This weekend's series marks the second meeting of the season between the Mets and Braves. New York won two of three at home on June 12-14. The Mets look to earn their first season series against the Braves since 2017.
Play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian will call the Mets vs Braves MLB Sunday Leadoff game alongside Hall of Famer Andruw Jones and former Mets infielder Todd Zeile.
Ashley ShahAhmadi will host the pregame show alongside Anthony Rizzo, who will also provide “Inside the Pitch” commentary from the batter’s perspective during the game.
4:30 p.m. — Miami Marlins at Athletics — Peacock, NBCSN^
5:00 p.m. — Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners — Peacock, NBCSN
**7 p.m. — San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers — NBC/Peacock
9:30 p.m. — Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels — Peacock, NBCSN
* MLB Sunday Leadoff; first pitch at 12:30 p.m. ET
** Sunday Night Baseball
^ Available to select NBCSN subscribers
Spanish-Language Coverage for all NBCU-Produced Games: Universo will televise all games broadcast on NBC, and SAP will be provided for all games on Peacock.
Finish off the Fourth of July weekend in style with Star-Spangled Sunday on July 5, with all 15 of the day’s MLB games exclusively on NBC, Peacock and NBCSN.
MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly Major League Baseball showcase featuring live Sunday daytime games. It highlights marquee matchups throughout the regular season and streams primarily on Peacock, with some games also airing across NBC Sports and NBC.
MLB Sunday Night Baseball is a weekly primetime Major League Baseball showcase, featuring marquee matchups each Sunday night during the regular season. The games air on NBC and Peacock and anchor NBC Sports’ Sunday night programming lineup.
On Sunday, July 5, all 15 MLB games will be presented nationally across Peacock and NBC as part of a special all-day “Star-Spangled Sunday” showcase.
NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood.
Why are some MLB games unavailable to stream on Peacock?
Due to territorial blackout restrictions, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games may be unavailable on Peacock. Television territory blackout restrictions apply regardless of whether a Club is home or away and regardless of whether a game is televised in that Club's home television territory. For more information, visit Peacock’s Help Center.
D.J. Short
