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New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers: Will Warren vs. Troy Melton

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 20: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I’m going to take one small moment to complain about something. Because MLB has insisted on divvying up games between some one thousand different broadcasters, I was unable to watch and recap Sunday’s loss to the Red Sox. Me being in Canada, I was also tapped to recap the Fourth of July game to give my beloved fellow staff members some time off, and I almost always have a regular recap on Sundays. All that is to say that while the Yankees are playing their worst baseball possible, I have four games in six days that I am contractually obligated to give analysis on.

Ergo, Yankees, for me, please give me more to discuss than yesterday. All that mattered in Tuesday’s loss was Cam Schlittler giving up four home runs. I am hopeful that Will Warren does not do that himself, and while getting four hits for the first time in a week was a step forward, I hope the lineup manages to triple that.

Warren has hit a bit of a rough patch. His outing last weekend against the Red Sox was bad on its face, five earned runs allowed and not a single strikeout in 5.2 innings pitched. In his last four starts though, he’s managed a 5.49 ERA and while he’s done a good job of keeping the ball in the yard, a 4.2 percent K-BB%—for my money the single best pitching stat—terrifies me. With so many injuries, the Yankee lineup was bound to take a step back, and the rotation needs to be better in games the team is going to have to scratch and claw to score in. Warren did miss the Tigers series last week so it’ll be his first time seeing this squad in 2026.

Troy Melton goes for Detroit, having a very good season from a pure run prevention standpoint, but would merit plenty of articles in 2013 exposing the difference between ERA and FIP. The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent, to be sure, but he does not strike many men out and gives up a lot of fly balls. It’s Yankee Stadium, where 92-mph exit velo flyouts can turn into home runs, so hopefully that spells good news for the Yankees.

I guess you’d call this the B- lineup, due in part to a spat of food poisoning going around the clubhouse (no joke). Cody Bellinger is back in left field and batting third, but Austin Wells is batting seventh and even with the illnesses afoot, that seems far too high. We’re also trying an experiment with José Caballero in center field. Whatever happens today, it should at least be interesting.

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

First pitch: 1:35 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES, Detroit SportsNet

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WXYT 97.1 FM (DET)

Streaming: Gotham Sports App, MLB.TV (out-of-market only)

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RANGERS AT GUARDIANS: Cantillo vs. Gore, discussion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 28: Cooper Ingle #30, Steven Kwan #38 and David Fry #6 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrate the team's 6-5 win over the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Yay, another baseball game

Here’s the Guardians lineup:

Here’s the Rangers lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

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Warriors re-sign De’Anthony Melton for 2 years, $11 million

De’Anthony Melton dribbling with his left hand
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: De'anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball up court against the Sacramento Kings in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors are looking to make a splash in free agency or through trades this offseason, but first things first: they have to make sure to keep some of their own key players. And so, two days after agreeing to an extension with Kristaps Porziņģis, the Warriors have reportedly re-signed guard De’Anthony Melton.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Melton’s new deal is for two years and $11 million, with a player option in the second year. It’s a pay bump of a few million for Melton, who had just declined a player option that would pay him $3.3 million in the upcoming season.

Melton has been open about enjoying his time with the Warriors and hoping to stay long term. He first signed with the team ahead of the 2024-25 season, but suffered a season-ending ACL injury early in the year, and was later traded. Despite that, he returned to the Warriors a year ago, and fit right in, averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, in 23.0 minutes. Melton’s three-point stroke fell off dramatically last year (he shot 29.4% from deep, after entering the year with a career 36.9% mark), but he did a wonderful job of running the team when Steph Curry was on the bunch (or sidelined with an injury).

During a hot stretch late in the year, it looked like Melton had played himself well out of the Warriors price range. But a cold stretch to end the season, mixed with his injury concerns, kept him at a price that the Warriors could afford. Given his skills, veteran reliability, and respect within the locker room, Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy Jr. have to be thrilled that Melton is returning.

Of course, the Warriors bringing back two of their older, oft-injured players, does nothing to change the biggest issue facing the team: age and injuries. But there’s plenty of time left in the offseason to address that.

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In LeBron James free agency, these teams have the most, and least, money to spend

Editor's note: Find July 1 live updates from NBA free agency here.

As LeBron James enters the free agent market as the most accomplished 41-year-old in NBA history, teams with championship aspirations are no doubt inquiring about his availability as he and agent Rich Paul scope out the lay of the land as teams chase and sign players in order to dethrone the champion New York Knicks.

With James, this decision isn't about money; if it were, he would have immediately re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, who were told to plan to play their 2026-27 season without the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Loads of money for LeBron: Lakers, Nets, Bulls and Pistons

James is a Bird Rights free agent, meaning Los Angeles could have given him the value of his cap hold, which is $57.75 million for the upcoming season. A two-year deal with a player option could have been an option as well, in case he wants to retire after one more season.

There are few teams with the cap space to sign James, including the Brooklyn Nets, who are in total rebuild mode, putting them at a distinct disadvantage.

The 2026-27 NBA salary cap was set at $164.961 million, so the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons can easily create cap space by waiving or trading players to get those salaries off the books.

Mid-level exception contenders: Warriors, Celtics, Heat and more

Golden State, which has been rumored to covet James' services, will need to jump through some hurdles to acquire him. The Warriors are among nearly half the league that can offer a full mid-level exception. That list of teams also includes the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks.

This year's mid-level exception is set at $15.044 million, and, of course, James must decide if an opportunity justifies getting maximum value for his services, but ESPN.com reported that he is willing to accept a minimum contract to play for a contender.

Veteran minimum or bust: Cavaliers, Nuggets, Thunder

Speaking of the minimum, there are three teams that can offer James exactly that: The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Cavaliers, of course, would be a homecoming for James, as he spent 11 of his 23 seasons with the team and led them to their only championship in 2016. Cleveland is coming off a thumping in the East finals by the Knicks, and a third act of James would immediately put them as the conference favorite.

But for those teams to make room for James, they would not only have to offer him the minimum but also decide whether going further into another tier of salary cap space hell, known as the apron, is worth it. The Thunder seem content with where they are after signing their stars, including NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to long-term extensions last year.

Wherever James ends up playing will be a fascinating case study in how he fits with a new roster and whether he immediately puts a team over the hump to get his elusive fifth championship ring.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In LeBron James free agency, these teams have the most, and least, money to spend

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Lakers trade for center Walker Kessler from Utah, make their big swing with rush of signings

The Lakers kept pointing to the summer of 2026 as when they would make their big move. It's when they would have the cap space to radically reshape the roster around Luka Doncic and better fit his style of play.

They have done exactly that — starting with trading for the center they desperately needed.

The Utah Jazz are trading 24-year-old center Walker Kessler to the Lakers for two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030), a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The Lakers are signing Kessler, a restricted free agent, to a four-year, $130 million contract (averaging $32.5 million per season).

This is a huge win for the Lakers. Luka Doncic has said getting a center who can set picks and roll hard to the rim was key to his success, and Kessler may be the best one he has ever played with. Kessler has been at the top of the Lakers' wish list for a while, but he was a restricted free agent, and the expectation in league circles was that Utah would pay up to keep him.

However, the price the Lakers agreed to pay — essentially four first-round picks — was just too good for Utah to pass up. Utah still has Jaren Jackson Jr., who can play center, which slides Lauri Markkanen over to the four, with Keyonte George, No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey likely rounding out the starting five. That's still a very good team, and the Jazz now have picks they can use or trade to add around that core. Danny and Austin Ainge — the Utah brain trust — did very well in this deal, setting the Jazz up for the future.

The Lakers' gamble here is health — Kessler played in just five games last season due to shoulder surgery and just 58 games the season before that. When healthy, he has shown his potential on both ends, and last season averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game when he did play. For his career, he averaged 2.4 blocked shots per game and is one of the few centers in the league equally capable of blocking shots with either hand.

Utah wanted to keep Kessler and reportedly offered four years, $140 million ($28 million a year on average). Kessler and his agent went looking for a larger deal and secured it with the Lakers (their offer is $32.5 million per season on average).

Kessler was the big splash, but it wasn't the only move the Lakers made. Soon after that trade was reported, a series of other Lakers deals were announced:

• Guard Quentin Grimes is leaving Philadelphia to come to the Lakers on a four-year, $60 million deal.

• Floor spacing big man Sandro Mamukelashvili agreed to come to Los Angeles on a four-year, $52 million deal. He will serve as a backup big but provides the shooting the Lakers need to space the floor around Doncic and Austin Reaves.

• Point guard Collin Sexton to join the Lakers on a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option on the second year.

• All of that on top of previously having re-signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $184.8 million deal that locks him in as the secondary guard and shot creator next to Doncic.

The Lakers have gone all-in. The only draft capital they have left to trade is a 2032 pick swap and a 2033 second-rounder. That's it. This is their core.

But like another professional sports team in Los Angeles, the Lakers essentially said "f*** those picks" and leaned into win-now players. It worked out when the Los Angeles Rams did it, winning a championship, and the Lakers are hoping for that same level of success.

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Blackhawks Sign Cole Smith To 3 Year Free-Agent Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to add depth to their roster with their latest free-agent signing, Cole Smith. Smith is getting a three-year deal with a $3 million cap hit. 

Smith is 30 years old, and he spent the first 6 years of his NHL career with the Nashville Predators before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2025-26 season. 

Of course, the Golden Knights went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in the spring, and Smith was a part of it as a member of their 4th line. In 22 playoff games, he had 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points. 

During the regular season, Smith had 8 goals and 4 assists for 12 points in 63 games played. There isn't much offense there, but it is his physical presence and defensive play that will make the Blackhawks a bit harder to play against. 

On the penalty kill, Smith will be one of the forwards who replace Ilya Mikheyev. At even strength, he won't produce nearly as much offense; the Hawks will have to find that elsewhere.  

With Jordan Greenway also coming in via the Bowen Byram trade, the Hawks have a couple of guys who bring a different style of game to their bottom six than their opponents have had to deal with in recent years. 

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Walker Kessler trade grades: Did Lakers give up too much in Jazz deal?

The Los Angeles Lakers moved on from LeBron James by making the first big splash of NBA free agency. The team filled a void in its starting lineup by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade with the Utah Jazz that also includes a massive new contract extension for the 24-year-old center.

Kessler will join the Lakers through a sign-and-trade agreement, according to multiple reports, in which the Lakers will give the Jazz two future unprotected first-round picks and two first-round picks swaps and sign Kessler to a new 4-year, $130-million contract.

Since Kessler was a restricted free agent, the Jazz had the right to match any contract offer he received from another team. The two sides had been in protracted negotiations on a new extension, with Utah hoping to keep Kessler. But the Lakers' offer proved too good to pass up with talks stalled.

Did Los Angeles give up too much to acquire the center they've needed since trading Anthony Davis? Or did the Jazz give up on Kessler too soon coming off a major injury?

USA TODAY Sports breaks down the Lakers' big move, with trade grades for both teams now that Kessler is going from the Jazz to Los Angeles:

NBA FREE AGENCY LIVE UPDATES: Latest LeBron rumors, signings, trades

Walker Kessler trade details

  • Lakers receive: Restricted free agent Walker Kessler (will sign new 4-year, $130-million contract as part of sign-and-trade)
  • Jazz receive: Unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030

Los Angeles Lakers Walker Kessler trade grade: B-

The Lakers coveted a new starting center to team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and they're making a huge bet Kessler is the two-way piece that can best complement them inside.

General Manager Rob Pelinka gave up a lot to acquire Kessler, who played in just five games last season due to a shoulder injury. But the 24-year-old averaged a double-double (11.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks) over 54 games during the 2024-25 campaign. If Kessler quickly returns to form, he can be a dynamic lob threat for Doncic and a premier offensive rebounder, while also providing elite rim protection and defensive cover for the Lakers' backcourt.

But the Lakers are spending most of their salary cap space for the foreseeable future on the trio of Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, and they won't have much draft capital moving forward to build around them. They are making more moves along the periphery of the roster, but questions will likely linger into the regular season about whether this new Los Angeles nucleus can compete with the Spurs and Thunder long-term.

Utah Jazz Walker Kessler trade grade: B

The Jazz lost one of the successful first-round draft picks that have come to the team through its extended rebuild, but they acquired a significant haul of new draft capital in the process.

There is an argument, given Kessler's recent injury history and limited offensive game, that the Jazz just acquired two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps for the right not to overpay Kessler. Utah reportedly had a 5-year, $140-million offer on the table, according to ESPN. The Lakers bested that, and the Jazz did well to get assets in return.

Though Utah seems ready to make a playoff push this coming season after re-signing Lauri Markkanen and trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent years, tying up so much money in three frontcourt players could have been problematic in the future. Losing Kessler will hurt Utah's short-term outlook, and finding a replacement won't be easy. Just ask the Lakers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walker Kessler trade grades: Did Lakers give up too much in Jazz deal?

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Tigers vs Yankees Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The New York Yankees are in rare territory when they finish up a series against the Detroit Tigers today, and that's looking to avoid back-to-back sweeps.

I can't buy that they do, especially with them being -137 home favorites; I'm taking the underdog Tigers instead. Troy Melton gives Detroit the cleaner contact-suppression profile, while Will Warren has not been sharp enough to justify this number. I’m also on the Under with both starters carrying paths to limit damage.

Here are my Tigers vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks for July 1.

Who will win Tigers vs Yankees today: Tigers moneyline (+124)

I’m backing the Detroit Tigers because Troy Melton gives them the cleaner starter profile.

Melton has a 3.36 expected ERA, .223 expected BA, 6.4% barrel rate, and 33.0% hard-hit rate. That hard-hit rate in particular stands out. It's in the Top 15th percentile of the sport, and a New York Yankees lineup that has been reliant on the longball has only become more reliant on it lately.

Will Warren is not a bad starter, but his reputation supersedes his reality. His 4.11 xERA and .398 xSLG allowed more room for Detroit to create offense. Play to +100.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Troy Melton has posted just a 6.2% walk rate this season, a hidden separator in this matchup. 

Tigers vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-105)

I’m playing the Under because Melton’s profile is built to suppress the kind of loud contact New York needs to break out. His 88.7 mph average exit velocity allowed, 6.4% barrel rate, and .287 xwOBA allowed are all strong enough to keep the Yankees from breaking from this offensive slump.

Warren is the concern, but he has cut his barrel rate to 7.2% this season and faces a Detroit offense averaging only 4.19 runs per game. I make this closer to 8.4 runs and would play this to -120.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 32-29 +5.86 units
  • Over/Under bets: 37-26, +15.62 units

Tigers vs Yankees weather

Tigers vs Yankees odds

  • Moneyline: Tigers +124 | Yankees -130
  • Run line: Tigers +1.5 | Yankees -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5

Tigers vs Yankees trend

The Tigers have cashed the first moneyline in nine of their last 15 games for +7.90 units and a 42% ROI.

How to watch Tigers vs Yankees and game info

LocationYankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
DateWednesday, July 1, 2026
First pitch1:35 p.m. ET
TVDSN, YES
Tigers starting pitcherTroy Melton
(4-1, 2.39 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcherWill Warren
(7-3, 3.75 ERA)

Tigers vs Yankees latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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Diamondback News: Pfaadt Keeps Snakes Perfect Against Giants

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt #32 of the Arizona Diamondbacks prepares to pitch during the first inning of the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on June 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Diamondbacks News

Brandon Pfaadt Makes Successful Return
It was late in being announced, but the utterly foreseeable recall of Brandon Pfaadt put the beleaguered righty back onto the mound to start against the Giants. He gave Arizona all they could have asked for.

Pfaadt’s Terrific Return as Good as Could Be Asked by Snakes
Despite a limited pitch count, Brandon Pfaadt managed to complete more than five innings, allowing only one run. The righty’s return came as Arizona tries to juggle the rotation amidst an injury crisis. Pfaadt’s ability to pitch a full start did wonders to help save what could have quickly become a taxed bullpen.

Ex-Diamondback Confirms Story of Ex-Diamondback Naylor Knifing Him
Straight from the “What the Hell Files”, apparently Josh Naylor is a bit of a psycho.

Other Baseball News

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day
And the Mets cut Bobby Bonilla another $1.19 million check.

Benches Clear After Cavalli-Contreras Face-Off
When dirtbags collide.

Connelly Early Placed on IL
When it rains, it pours for Boston.

Rangers Place Corey Seager on IL
It seems that Seager’s return to the Rangers’ lineup will be a very short one.

Grass Is Green-er on Other Side
Hunter Greene’s return to Cincinnati is coming.

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Berggren Re-Signs With Blues

ST. LOUIS -- Jonatan Berggren is staying put.

The St. Louis Blues winger re-signed with the club on Wednesday, getting a one-year contract for $2 million after the team and player did not come to terms in time to receive a qualifying offer on Monday at 4 p.m. (CT).

Blues general manager Alexander Steen sounded line someone who was confident that the forward, despite getting unrestricted free agency status as of Wednesday despite missing the QO deadline, would be retained.

The Blues came through with the forward, who was claimed off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings on December 16, 2025.

The 25-year-old played in 36 games for the Blues last season and had 16 points (six goals, 10 assists). He also played in 15 games for the Red Wings and posted six points (two goals, four assists).

"Berggren was more about the deadline," Steen said Tuesday. "We didn’t feel like we were going to get it done before then, but we’ve been in communication with both him and his agent. We’re hopeful that we can get something done and he can continue to grow as a player with the Bluenote on.

"He’s got high offensive vision. I enjoy watching him play. He has a unique ability. You can almost see when he sees the pass when it’s about to open up and then he presents it at the right time with the right weight with minimum amount of complication to it. And it goes fast. He picks it up fast. If he finds the offensive play to be a little bit on the risky side, he knows the time to score and he’ll revert to something else. He’s not a big risk guy, but he does have that offensive creativity. I think towards the end of the season last season it wasn’t easy because of the amount of bodies we had and what we were looking to accomplish with the last part of the season, but I thought that he really stepped up his all-around game. Defensively, he was very sound. We like him as a player. I know Monty and his coaching staff like him as a player."

Blues Buy Out Final Year Of Drouin's ContractBlues Buy Out Final Year Of Drouin's ContractForward had one year remaining on a two-year, $8 million contract signed with Islanders; was acquired on March 6 in Brayden Schenn trade; Blues owe $1.33 million against cap in each of next two seasonsBlues Promote Tkachuk, Thorburn; Hire Bortuzzo Among Front Office ChangesBlues Promote Tkachuk, Thorburn; Hire Bortuzzo Among Front Office ChangesTkachuk, recently named to Hockey Hall of Fame, was previously director of recruitment; Thorburn was development coach; Bortuzzo hired to be pro scoutSteen Introduced As 12th GM In Blues History, Ready to Hit Ground RunningSteen Introduced As 12th GM In Blues History, Ready to Hit Ground RunningFormer NHLer of 15 years, including last 12 seasons in St. Louis, takes over for Doug Armstrong, who keeps role as president of hockey operations after taking over as GM in 2010Robert Thomas: 'I've loved my time in St. Louis. I love it here, I love the organization, the city.'Robert Thomas: 'I've loved my time in St. Louis. I love it here, I love the organization, the city.'Blues top line center excited by recent acquisitions, affirms his commitment to St. Louis with no desire to be moved
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Senators Officially Sign Goalie Samuel Ersson To Two Year Contract

A week ago Friday, in the lead-up to the NHL Draft, the Senators acquired goalie Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a fifth-round selection in next year's NHL Draft. Five days later, after not being qualified by the Senators, Ersson was allowed to walk into free agency as a UFA.

But it wasn't a very long walk.

Minutes after free agency opened on Wednesday, first reported by Elliotte Friedman, Ersson reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Sens worth $2.2 million a season.

Steve Staios spoke last week about why his goalie gurus were big on Samuel Ersson.

The 26-year-old is coming off a two-year deal with he Philadelphia Flyers at $1.45 million a year

Ersson spent each of the past four seasons with the Flyers and played a career-high 51 games in 2023-24. In 2025-26, he appeared in 33 games for the Flyers, posting a 14-11-5 record with a 3.12 GAA.

The 6-foot-3 is regarded as one of Sweden's finest goaltenders, just like the man he'll be backing up. With Wednesday's $2.2 million investment, there's no doubt that he is officially Ottawa's number two. Given Linus Ullmark's history of never playing more than 50 games, Ersson will carry a heavy load in 2026-27.

“Samuel is a goaltender we identified as a good fit with our system,” Staios said Wednesday in a club statement. “He has a combination of NHL and international experience and has an upside that our staff is excited to work with.”

Ersson represented his country at the 4 Nations Face-Off in a third-place finish. He also represented Sweden twice at the World Hockey Championship, winning bronze in 2024 and 2025. He played for Sweden at last year's worlds, even though Linus Ullmark expressed a desire to play at season's end.

The Sens goaltending was all-Swedish two seasons ago when Ullmark was backed up by Anton Forsberg, who has since moved on to Los Angeles in free agency. Last year, the backup duties were split between Leevi Merilainen and James Reimer.

The Ersson acquisition speaks volumes about how mightily Merilainen's stock has fallen. He was anointed as the undisputed backup last season, and the Sens clearly aren't ready yet to give him that opportunity again.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

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Lakers sign Quentin Grimes to four-year, $60 million deal

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 04: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives around Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In need of bench scoring and depth in the backcourt behind their starting backcourt, one of the Lakers’ first signings this offseason will be a backup guard.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers have agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with Quentin Grimes.

The Lakers had been linked to Grimes during free agency, so this move does not come as a total surprise. With both Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard leaving in free agency, the Lakers had a need for guard depth. Along with Grimes, the team signed Collin Sexton, getting two young, athletic players to fill that void.

Now Grimes will reunite with his former teammate Luka Dončić. They played together briefly in Dallas during the 2024-25 season. Ironically, both were traded in pretty terrible deals for the Mavs with Grimes dealt for Caleb Martin days after Luka joined the Lakers.

Grimes had some big scoring nights last season in Philadelphia. He had 20-plus points in 15 games with his best performance coming against the Blazers where he scored 31 points in a win. Across the season, Grimes averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season. He also shot 33.4% from beyond the arc.

Overall, Grimes had an up-and-down postseason with the Sixers, but he had some great scoring games. He scored 18 points in a pivotal Game 5 win over the Celtics. In that matchup, he was red-hot from deep, knocking down four 3-pointers.

Over his career, Grimes has averaged 11.1 points per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 36.6% from the 3-point line.

Grimes reached unrestricted free agency this summer by signing a qualifying offer of $8.7 million last season after failing to reach a deal with the Sixers last summer.

With Grimes on the Lakers, they have added another guard with some youth and athleticism. These are two things they have desperately been lacking over the past few seasons. The Lakers are betting on those two aspects helping the team improve over Smart and Kennard from last season.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Steve Cohen says perceived Juan Soto-Francisco Lindor feud is in the past

Mets owner Steve Cohen has weighed in on the perception that there is a cold relationship between stars Juan Sotoand Francisco Lindor.

"I don't see them going anywhere, and frankly I think that's a story that was last year's story, and that actually am told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better," Cohen said on The Show podcast. "And so I just don't see that as an issue anymore. I'm lucky enough to have two high-quality players like that, and with the elimination of whatever issues there were last year, I'm thrilled that they're on the team."

In saying that he doesn't expect either player to get traded, Cohen seems to be shutting down whispers about Lindor's future.

During the Winter Meetings this past offseason, Lindor didn't seem to be entirely off-limits in trade discussions.

Things also took a turn this February, when Cohen said the team would never have a captain during his ownership -- following speculation that Lindor could be named captain in the near future.

"It’s not where they want to go. I respect it, I understand it and I’m on board," Lindor said at the time. "It’s just one of those where it’s like, I’m going to focus on baseball. I feel like we’ve got leaders [without] captains and all that stuff. The clubhouse is the clubhouse. Let’s just play baseball, and let’s focus on winning."

Soto is having a phenomenal season, leading the National League with a .971 OPS and playing improved defense after shifting from right field to left field. 

Lindor, who recently returned after missing roughly two months due to a calf injury, has finished in the top 10 in National League MVP voting each of the last four seasons.  

The 32-year-old Lindor is in the fifth season of a 10-year, $341 million extension he signed after being acquired from Cleveland ahead of the 2021 season.

Soto, 27, is in the second year of a 15-year, $765 million deal he signed before the 2025 season. He has an opt-out after the 2029 season that the Mets can void if they add $4 million per year to his salary for 2030 through 2039.

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Jalen Duren’s market has disappeared

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons waits during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. 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

Jalen Duren might have been eager to test the free agent market in a search to maximize his earnings on a new long-term deal, but that market has all but disappeared two days into free agency. There were few teams with salary cap space to spend, but there were plenty of teams interested in landing a difference-making center.

When it was reported that Duren was interested in meeting with the Sacramento Kings, it made sense because, well, they’re the Kings. When LeBron James made it clear he was moving on from the center-needy Los Angeles Lakers, the fit didn’t seem like it could get better. It was clear throughout the season that the Boston Celtics viewed center as the weakest spot on their roster, and the organization telegraphed that they would work to land a permanent solution in the offseason. You can toss some teams with money to spend and the ability to create more in the mix — the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets chief among them.

In the two days since free agency began, all those teams (save the Kings) have found their answer at center, and it wasn’t Jalen Duren.

The Lakers swung a huge trade to land defensive powerhouse Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. The Boston Celtics landed New York Knicks champion Mitchell Robinson on a new three-year deal. The Bulls and Nets went bargain shopping and signed Zach Collins and Moe Wagner, respectively.

Restricted free agency is a nasty piece of business from the player’s perspective. Your team holds all the leverage and you have few avenues to dictate your own market. Jalen Duren is coming off an All-NBA season and technically qualified for a supermax contract. The Pistons are reportedly not even offering him the standard max. They telegraphed that even if Duren found a team willing to offer him a deal, they would match it. They made clear that any sign-and-trade would have to blow them away to even entertain the possibility.

I’m not surprised Duren is unhappy with the contract Detroit has put in front of him, and I understand he was trying to create leverage by exploring the market for a team that would pay him more. But it appears the league either values Duren differently or fully understands the strong position Detroit found itself in.

Duren now finds himself as the lone starting-level center still on the market. And there is one team he will likely be starting for — the Detroit Pistons.

What that contract arrangement looks like remains to be seen. Will a livid Duren do something as drastic as signing his qualifying offer, playing out one more year in Detroit and getting out at the earliest convenience? Probably not. That would be leaving more than $150 million dollars on the table.

He could sign for the full five years at between $32-38 million, have generational wealth and still be in his prime when he is up for his next monster deal. Or it could fall somewhere in between, fewer years, quicker pathways to a big payday, player options, etc.

But it appears that for all his agent’s posturing and trying to work the media to their fullest advantage, this is going to end up where it was always most likely to land — with Jalen Duren catching lobs from Cade Cunningham and Duren looking at another year in the playoffs where he can really show what he can do.


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Former Red Wings Blue Chip Prospect Signs New Deal With St. Louis Blues

On Wednesday, the St. Louis Blues reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with forward Jonatan Berggren, bringing back the Swedish forward who rediscovered his game after being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings midway through the season.

The signing closes what has been a pivotal chapter in Berggren's career, one that began with the promise of a high-end prospect and nearly faded before St. Louis stepped in and gave him the opportunity Detroit never quite extended.

The Red Wings selected Berggren 33rd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, a pick that carried genuine expectations. The Uppsala, Sweden native arrived in North America with the pedigree of a player who could contribute offensively at the NHL level, and he flashed that potential during a promising debut season in 2022-23 that saw him put up nearly 30 points and turn heads as a legitimate top-six option in the making. That momentum, however, never fully carried forward in Detroit. 

Berggren spent the bulk of his Red Wings tenure operating in a limited role, averaging somewhere between ten and thirteen minutes of ice time per game, a number that made it difficult for any offensive player to find consistent rhythm and production.

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By mid-December, the writing was on the wall as Detroit placed Berggren on waivers, and the Blues immediately jumped at the chance to claim him, recognizing what the organization believed was a player whose situation rather than his talent had been the limiting factor. 

The results in St. Louis backed that theory up in a hurry. Given an average of 14:35 of ice time per night, roughly two full minutes more than he had typically seen in Detroit, Berggren responded with 16 points in 36 games with his new club, a pace that would have translated to nearly 37 points over a full 82-game season.

At 25 years old, Berggren is at precisely the age where most skilled European forwards hit their developmental stride, and St. Louis is betting that the second half of this past season was a preview rather than a peak. 

The one-year, $2 million deal keeps him affordable while giving him a full training camp, a full season of meaningful minutes and a genuine chance to prove that his time with the Red Wings was a story of circumstance rather than ceiling.

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