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St. Louis Cardinals Bats Erupt to Take the Series from the Atlanta Braves

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 02: Jordan Walker #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals entered Thursday nights game versus the Atlanta Braves hoping to win the series. By the time it was done, the hope was to keep Dustin May from leaving in an ambulance. They would ultimately succeed, though, as their bats would erupt for one of the Cardinals best rallies of the season late in the game to make manager Oli Marmol’s birthday extra special.

The good news is the St. Louis Cardinals bats woke up and started Thursday night’s game with a bang early. In the top of the 1st inning, JJ Wetherholt led off with a single followed by Iván Herrera (you guessed it) being hit by yet another pitch. Two batters later, Jordan Walker launched an 83 mph splitter 396 feet over the left field wall for a 3-run blast giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead with many family and friends in the stands at Truist Park watching.

Whatever joy the St. Louis Cardinals and the fanbase felt after the top of the 1st inning would be short-lived. The bottom of the 1st inning was nothing short of disastrous for the Cardinals on so many levels. The trouble started when Dustin May gave up a leadoff single to Drake Baldwin followed by back-to-back walks to Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson. May was able to get Michael Harris II to strike out looking, but then the wheels would come off. Mauricio Dubon singled which scored Baldwin reducing the Cardinals lead to 3-1. Dominic Smith then rifled a line drive off of Dustin May’s ankle as the ball ricocheted off of him into right field. By the time JJ Wetherholt tracked it down, 3 runs had scored as the Braves took the lead 4-3. Dustin May was down on his knees on the field for several minutes. After being examined by the trainer, manager Oli Marmol decided to let May continue. Austin Riley followed that decision up with an infield single to third that Blaze Jordan was unable to handle as Smith advanced to third. He scored on the next play when Mike Yastremski hit a deep sacrifice fly to center field giving Atlanta a 5-3 lead. After Jarvis singled to right, Dustin May limped off of the field and Justin Bruihl came into the game to finish out the depressing 1st inning. The official word after being examined in the clubhouse is that Dustin May suffered a right ankle contusion.

Justin Bruihl did a solid job of keeping St. Louis in the game as he finished the 1st inning that Dustin May couldn’t and continued into the bottom of the 4th inning before running out of gas after throwing 40 pitches. He surrendered the game to Ryan Fernandez who entered with runners on 1st and 2nd with just 1 out. He fortunately was able to get out of the inning without allowing Atlanta to increase their lead. He would carry St. Louis through the 5th inning while Gordon Graceffo would take care of the bottom of the 6th. The St. Louis bullpen’s unplanned start would hold the Braves scoreless into the 7th which would be vital.

Every potential Cardinals rally through the middle innings could be summed up with a single and then a double play to kill the momentum. But, that narrative changed in the top of the 7th inning when the Cardinals bullpen keeping the Braves close would pay off big time. The phrase “all you need is a bloop and a blast” would prove true again. Masyn Winn would provide the bloop single (he had 3 hits in the game) followed by Nathan Church unloading the blast – a two-run homer off an 86 mph slider over the right field wall tying the game at 5-5.

The Cardinals did not take their foot off the gas after Church tied the game. Jordan Walker drew a walk and then pinch-hitter Jose Fermin singled. JJ Wetherholt went up to the plate with directions to bunt both runners over. After two very insufficient bunt attempts, JJ swung away and it’s a good thing he did as he slapped a single into short right-center scoring Walker and giving St. Louis a 6-5 lead.

Iván Herrera kept the train rolling with a single of his own driving in Fermin upping the Cardinals lead to 7-5 with Wetherholt smartly going first to third. After Alec Burleson grounded into a fielder’s choice where JJ Wetherholt made a smart play on the base paths forcing the Braves into a rundown where they would eventually only get one out leaving runners at 2nd and 3rd with one out. Jordan Walker would strike fear into the Braves infield who were forced to play in by crushing a 95 mph sinker into left field giving St. Louis an 8-5 lead and they still weren’t done.

Lars Nootbaar ripped a double into right field scoring Alec Burleson adding yet another tally for St. Louis giving the Cardinals an amazing 9-5 lead. But wait, there’s more. Masyn Winn grounded out to first, but the throw by Baldwin which beat Jordan Walker to home, but he pulled off the slide of the year as he pulled back his left arm and did a swim move with his right to duck around the tag and score the Cardinals 10th run of the game. Incredible.

After the Cardinals more than batted around and the Braves went through 3 relief pitchers, it was 10-5 Cardinals. Hello momentum. It’s nice to see you in our corner again. After that inspiring offensive eruption, there were still 3 innings to survive and Oli Marmol chose JoJo Romero to handle the bottom of the 7th inning. He kept the Braves in check. JoJo would start, but not finish the 8th inning as George Soriano carried the baton for the rest of the bottom of the 8th inning. He inherited a runner from JoJo and walked the first batter he faced, but was able to get Smith to fly out for the first out on a brave 3-2 changeup. He then got Austin Riley to ground out to third for what could have been a double play, but Fermin’s throw to first was awful and pulled Burleson off the bag. It wouldn’t matter, though, as Mike Yastremski grounded out to Masyn Winn for the final out of the Brave’s 8th.

Alec Burleson would add an exclamation point to the Cardinals offensive volcano Thursday night as he launched one of the highest home runs I’ve seen in a long time as it’s horizontal distance was 395 feet and the vertical distance had to be similar. That gave the Cardinals their final 11-5 lead they would end the game with.

Matt Svanson was the Cardinals 9th inning answer to close out the Atlanta Braves to make the series win official. He did the job fine, thank you very much. If the St. Louis Cardinals season becomes one that eventually results in a playoff appearance, remember this game. The Cardinals could easily have rolled over after Dustin May’s early exit. The bullpen locking down the Braves for 8 innings and the Cardinals bats waking up could be a turnaround moment. We can only hope.

The St. Louis Cardinals will travel to Wrigley Field for an All-American 4th of July weekend as they’ll challenge their arch-rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Andre Pallante will try to give the Cardinals another strong start. He’ll be facing LHP David Peterson. First pitch is scheduled for 3:15pm central time and the game TV broadcast will be handled by Cardinals.tv. A heads up that Saturday’s game will be on Fox while the Sunday Cards/Cubs game will be on Peacock.

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Cavalli and Contreras get 7-game bans after Nationals-Red Sox fight; Mikolas and Eaton punished too

NEW YORK — Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli and Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras were each issued a seven-game suspension by Major League Baseball on Thursday for their role in a benches-clearing fight between the teams.

Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas (five games) and Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton (three games) were also suspended by MLB for their actions during the dustup that took place at Fenway Park in the fourth inning of Tuesday night’s game.

The four players were also fined an undisclosed amount in the discipline announced by senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill. The suspensions were scheduled to begin on Friday when the Red Sox play at the Los Angeles Angels and the Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If any of the players elect to appeal the penalty, the ban will be delayed until that process is completed.

Cavalli shouted at Contreras after striking him out looking on a full-count pitch. Contreras then threw his helmet at Cavalli and approached him on the mound. They began jawing at each other and both dugouts emptied.

Contreras, Eaton, Mikolas and Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy were ejected. Cavalli was not.

Contreras was tossed for a second straight game, having mimicked an appeal call after striking out on a checked swing during Monday’s game. He also celebrated a three-run homer off Mikolas in that game with a massive bat flip he later apologized for. The native of Venezuela acknowledged he’s been stressed since his native country was damaged by a pair of devastating earthquakes last week.

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Goalie prospect Danai Shaiikov was in bathroom while Rangers drafted him

Baie-Comeau Drakkar goalie in a black uniform defending the net against a Gatineau Olympiques player in a red and white uniform.
Danai Shaiikov #90 of the of the Gatineau Olympiques skates against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar at Centre Slush Puppie on September 26, 2025 in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Danai Shaiikov didn’t know what had happened. 

While watching the NHL draft Saturday at a hotel in Miami — the city where he’d been for a predraft showcase conducted by his agents, he said — he stepped away to the bathroom during the third round. When he returned, everyone started clapping and looking at him.

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The 19-year-old goaltender from Kazakhstan, who played for the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL last season, was surprised that the Rangers grabbed him with the No. 67 overall pick. Shaiikov knew he’d get drafted, but he thought it’d be later. It validated his decision to jump from Russia to Quebec last season. Shaiikov said he wanted to play in North America to help achieve his goal of reaching the NHL after not getting drafted during his first year of eligibility.

“It’s a good moment for me and for my family, for like all my former coaches,” Shaiikov, the Rangers’ first goaltender drafted since Talyn Boyko in 2021, said Thursday after the final day of development camp in Tarrytown. “But real work starts now for me. It’s like a lot of work ahead of me, so yeah, nothing changed. It’s good, but it’s just one day of good like memories and everything.”

Danai Shaiikov tends the net against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar at Centre Slush Puppie on Sept. 26, 2025 in Gatineau, Quebec. Getty Images

In predraft interviews, Shaiikov said new Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is his idol but that he compares himself more to Rangers star Igor Shesterkin.

The season in Quebec — when he logged 50 games and finished with a .903 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average — forced him to adjust to a quicker pace on a smaller rink, with more dangerous chances unfolding each game. Shaiikov’s goalie coach helped him change some “structure things,” he said, and it helped him adapt.

Danai Shaiikov tends net during the third period against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on Nov/ 29, 2025 in Boisbriand, Canada. Getty Images

“Small details,” Shaiikov said, “but it’s important details.”

Rangers director of player personnel and director of amateur scouting John Lilley said that goalie scout Scott Clemmensen pushed to draft Shaiikov. He’ll play again for Gatineau in 2026-27, but down the road, once his juniors career is over, Shaiikov could factor into the organizational depth — with goaltenders Hugo Ollas (ECHL last season) and Boyko (Liiga in Finland and AHL Hartford) both not receiving qualifying offers last week.

Still entrenched atop the depth chart is Shesterkin, with whom Shaiikov hasn’t yet spoken but would “of course” consider a cool moment if he does. The Rangers backup situation became complicated with the acquisition of Joonas Korpisalo and the presence of Dylan Garand. But Shaiikov could carve out a role somewhere in the organization once he eventually turns pro.

“I’m just happy to be here,” Shaiikov said. “It’s an honor to be in such a legendary organization.”

The Rangers signed defenseman Dennis Cholowski and forward Glenn Gawdin to two-year contracts Thursday. Cholowski, 28, has skated in 173 games, including 17 with the Devils last season. Gawdin, 29, finished with 51 points in 71 games for AHL Ontario during the 2025-26 campaign.

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MLBPA makes third CBA proposal

On Wednesday, during their regularly scheduled bargaining session, the union representing the players (MLBPA) made its third proposal to the MLB negotiating team. The proposal doesn’t include any financial adjustments other than those that come with roster use and manipulation.

Following are the major points of the new proposal:

  • Increasing the roster from 26 to 28 players for the first 15 days of the season with a maximum of 14 pitchers. Allows more time for roster decisions as well as allowing the veteran players the option of less playing time to start the season.
  • Allows teams to place players on the 60-day injured list as early as the November (the tender deadline) before the season. This gives greater 40-man roster flexibility for the upcoming season and would be three months sooner than it is currently.
  • Reducing the number of times a player can be optioned to the minor leagues in a season from five to three.
  • Provide service time and salary to pitchers who are optioned to the minors over the All-Star break. If the pitcher records nine outs or throws 50 pitches in a game within seven days before the All-Star break, and is optioned, that player will receive major league pay and service time leading up to the fourth game after the break.
  • Change the Rule 5 draft to November from December in the year that the CBA expires. This ensures players get eligibility before any possible lockout occurs.
  • Allow players access to the same data the team has regarding player performance.  All teams have data that is organization based and the players currently do not have legal right to the access of that data.
  • Move the trade deadline to July 21-27 from July 28-Aug. 3, and assure the deadline is two full days before any signing deadline for drafted players. Players outrighted to the minor leagues should be eligible for trades after being optioned. 
  • Any players optioned in September or October will be eligible for major league pay and service time.
  • An accommodation for religious observances for players who receive approval to be away from the team between one to three days.
  • Playoff eligibility for players who are part of an organization, and not just on the 40-man roster, by Sept. 1.
  • Teams must have a bullpen catcher with prior professional experience as their emergency third catcher, and not just an active player on the team.
  • Free agents that sign within the first 10 days of the season can agree to go to the minor leagues, provided they are called up within 10 days of being optioned. An additional nine-day extension can be granted.
An ongoing process

This is the third proposal from the MLBPA to the MLB negotiating team. Their principal economic proposal, submitted May 27, was for increases in minimum salaries, an expansion of the pre-arbitration bonus pool, earlier free agency for players, and an increase to the luxury-tax threshold. 

In their second proposal, submitted last week, the union asked for a ban on prop betting for individual players to fight the harassment players endure due to gambling. It was suggested that there should be a joint effort with MLB to prohibit prop bets at sports books and with fantasy betting.

The MLB initially proposed a salary cap and floor, as well as an international draft to be held along with the domestic draft currently in place. They also want all high school players to be removed from draft eligibility and the domestic draft limited in slot money and bonuses.

In their proposal last week, MLB agreed to earlier free agency, minimum salary increases for players, and to end the qualifying offer system. They proposed restricting the salary and length of all free agency contracts.

There continues to be minimal agreement as the MLB accepted some of the initial MLBPA proposals contingent on the salary cap and salary floor system being accepted. The union, and the players they represent, continually stress that they will not accept a salary cap.

The current contract expires Dec. 1 and the owners have already stated that a lockout will come if the current contract expires without a new agreement.

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Purple Row After Dark: June Rockie(s) of the Month

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 30: The umpiring crew of umpire Quinn Wolcott #81, Dexter Kelley #56, Ramon de Jesus #18, and Paul Clemons #57 meet at home plate before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on June 30, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Despite it feeling as though May just ended, the calendar has already flipped to July. The Rockies were able to rebound from an all around poor 8-20 May with an 11-15 record in June.

This improvement was fueled by an incredible spike in their team wide offensive output. They went from 21st in the league in runs scored for May up to 5th in June. The pitching side of the equation still leaves some room for improvement but the lineup has provided a ton of potential candidates for Rockie of the month!

  • Cole Carrigg (No. 4 PuRP) made his Major League debut and immediately cemented himself as regular in the lineup with his incredible arm and 122 wRC+.
  • Edouard Julien bounced back after a poor May to post an 18.8% walk rate while batting .288.
  • Ryan Feltner, back from early-season injury, had a 4.00 ERA while pitching the second-most innings on the team in June.
  • Hunter Goodman hit 13 home runs, good for the second-most any Rockie has ever had in a single month.
  • Jake McCarthy led the team in stolen bases (3) while batting .326 over 97 plate appearances.
  • Kyle Freeland set the franchise record for innings pitched and passed the one thousand career strikeouts mark while leading the team in pitching fWAR (0.7) for the month.
  • Kyle Karros had the best stretch of his MLB career so far with a slash line of .357/.444/.586 while playing his usual stellar third base defense.
  • TJ Rumfield continued his attempt to earn National League Rookie of the Year with five home runs and a .400 On-Base Percentage.
  • Troy Johnston walked more than he stuck out and batted .319.
  • Willi Castro did a little bit of everything with four home runs, two steals, a .292 average while playing six(!) different defensive positions.

From that crowded field of potential candidates, who gets your vote for the Rockies player of June?

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Report: Devils Sign G David Rittich to 1-Year, $1M Contract

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 14: David Rittich #33 of the New York Islanders tends net against the Calgary Flames during the first period at UBS Arena on March 14, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Following the trade of Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, it would appear that the Devils are slated to enter the 2026-27 season with Jake Allen and Nico Daws.

Earlier on Thursday when Devils GM Sunny Mehta met the media, he commented on the Devils goaltending tandem.

Per Amanda Stein:

“Nico Daws has been a pretty big prospect for us for years now, and hasn’t really had the path to develop. For me, we’re pretty excited about the potential opportunity in front of him.”

Mehta would later add that this wasn’t necessarily going to be the goaltending tandem heading into the season, but if it is, he is comfortable with that.

Allen and Daws might indeed wind up being the NHL tandem for the Devils for this upcoming season, but that doesn’t mean Mehta’s work is done or that he’s not going to add more competition in training camp.

PuckPedia reported on Thursday night that the Devils would be signing UFA goaltender David Rittich to a one-year, $1M contract. The deal is reportedly a one-way contract and does not include any trade protection.

Rittich is a 10-year veteran goaltender with previous stops in Calgary, Toronto, Nashville, Winnipeg, Los Angeles, and with the New York Islanders. Rittich has a .903 save percentage over 260 career games at the NHL level.

Last year was a tale of two seasons for the veteran. Rittich had a strong start this past season, with a .918 save percentage prior to January 1st while backing up Ilya Sorokin. From January 1st on, he had an .856 save percentage.

Still, a deeper look into the numbers would suggest there are things to like about Rittich’s game.

Rittich saved 4.2 goals above expected this past season. Among all goaltenders with 25 appearances, than ranks right between Connor Hellebuyck and newly minted Stanley Cup champion Brandon Bussi, and not too far behind Jake Allen. His save percentage on low danger unblocked shots is .968, which is well ahead of what Jacob Markstrom did last season at .949. Meanwhile, his high danger save percentage was .818, 6th in the league and again, well ahead of Markstrom at .734.

I don’t write that to pick on Markstrom now that he’s no longer in New Jersey, but one of the main critiques of Markstrom was that not only was he not making the easy saves…..he was also not making the tough saves. Last season, Rittich did that over the course of the season. He might’ve outkicked his coverage in the first half of the season, but overall, the body of work was solid.

Rittich struggled in 2024-25 with an .886 save percentage and -11.4 goals saved above expected. But he played brilliantly in 2023-24 with a .921 and 13.8 GSAX. His performance has fluctuated between being good, bad, and perfectly cromulent throughout the course of his career. In many ways, he is the epitome of the modern-day goaltender where you don’t quite know what you’re going to get from year-to-year. Or in the case of this past season, from month to month.

With that out of the way, I think the Devils bringing him in makes sense.

If the idea going into the season is that the Devils want to give Nico Daws a legitimate chance to compete for, and earn, a roster spot, bringing in an experienced veteran like Rittich for him to beat out is the right move.

If one of Allen or Daws were to suffer an injury, I don’t blame the Devils if they don’t want to throw Jakub Malek directly into the fire. Having someone with NHL experience who could potentially play well for a stretch to serve as the #3 goaltender makes sense.

Rittich’s $1M one-way salary is below the buryable amount, so it really doesn’t have any significant impact on the Devils books as far as salary cap space is concerned. Obviously, Rittich would need to clear waivers at the end of camp (unless the Devils are planning on carrying three goaltenders), but the Devils shouldn’t have much trouble doing so unless there’s a rash of injuries at the goaltending position across the NHL come September.

Perhaps most importantly, the pathway is there for Nico Daws to earn an NHL roster spot.

I would consider Rittich to be legitimate competition, but not an actual roadblock that is blocking him from an NHL job. Not like how Markstrom and Allen have been for the previous two seasons where no matter what Daws did in camp, he was not making the NHL roster outside of an injury.

If Daws, who is entering his age 26 season and his sixth season in North America, isn’t ready or capable of beating out a journeyman like Rittich for a roster spot, it’s probably never going to happen for him at this level.

Obviously, I’m rooting for Daws to succeed. His limited appearances over the past two seasons have been encouraging. And if we’re asking the goaltenders to clear the comically low bar of what we got from Markstrom last season, the Devils should be better if they’re capable of doing that. But I’m also rooting for Rittich to succeed. How can you not root for a player with the nickname “Big Save Dave”?

Perhaps most importantly, the Devils don’t currently have any major commitments to the goaltending position beyond this season, unless you want to consider the four years remaining on Allen’s deal a major commitment.

If Daws doesn’t work out, he doesn’t work out and the Devils can let him play out his contract at the AHL level. If Rittich doesn’t work out, he doesn’t work out and the Devils can either terminate the deal or let it expire. If Allen doesn’t work out, he doesn’t work out and the Devils can explore a trade or try to convince him to retire.

These might not be great options at the end of the day, but at least they’re cheap options with a relatively clean long-term slate. If they don’t work out, Sunny Mehta can pivot at any point, whether it’s in season at the trade deadline or next summer. And while its unlikely the Devils bring in yet another veteran goaltender this summer after signing Rittich, I don’t think there’s anything in place that is blocking the Devils from doing so if an opportunity presents itself.

At the end of the day, goaltending is voodoo. Rather than commit a bunch of money to one goaltender who was objectively bad last season, the Devils are opting to go for the strategy of throwing a bunch of options at the wall and seeing what sticks. It worked for an organization like Carolina last season with Brandon Bussi playing well and ultimately helping them win a Stanley Cup. It worked for an organization like Colorado where Scott Wedgewood outplayed Mackenzie Blackwood for the majority of the season.

We’ll see if this ultimately works for the Devils.

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"Really Excited": Keegan Kolesar Ready To Bring Physical Presence To Red Wings

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The Detroit Red Wings needed to add some toughness and grit to their bottom six, and they found a player who has proven himself to be a valuable presence on a championship team they can now call theirs.

Forward Keegan Kolesar, who won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and helped them reach the Cup Final this spring, was acquired by the Red Wings on Wednesday in return for a 2029 third-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.

Kolesar is not only excited to join a group of players that he views as up and coming, but to add an element of physicality that had been missing. 

"Really excited to join a group that I've played against for years now. They have a tremendous amount of skill and talent in their lineup," he said on Thursday during an introductory Zoom call. "Just talking to guys now, they felt as though there was a missing piece and maybe identity of having that - not the fighting aspect, but more the toughness and being hard to play against, being a veteran presence on the front end, bringing guys into the fight."

"That's something I can provide," he continued. "I think with the skill that they have, that part of the game is fine for them. I think they're going in a great direction with a lot of young studs that I felt have been good for a number of years and are tough to play against.

I just want to bring whatever I can to (be) more of an identity for the team."

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Kolesar has spent the last several seasons with Vegas, a place where he established roots and gained several close friends over the years. Naturally, it wasn't an easy thing to get the message that he was going to be leaving. 

"Crim (GM Kelly McCrimmon) gave me a text and just said, 'Hey Keegan, I have bad news, give me a call,'" Kolesar said of finding out he was being dealt. "You see that text and you know right away, I'm getting out of here."

"It's a whirlwind - you play your entire career in one spot, it's very rare," he continued. "It'll take some time to get over it because I've made so many great relationships in that city. It'll take some time to turn the page but that's just the human side of it.

"But there's a lot of excitement too."

While being traded often overlooks the human element, Kolesar knows that at the end of the day, playing in the NHL is a business. 

"Idon't know if I was expecting it, but it's always in the back of your mind because it's hockey, it's how the game works, and people can be in and out," Kolesar said. "I didn't expect it, but you're always prepared for it. It's the business of it."

Kolesar has skated in 439 career NHL games, and has scored 44 goals to go with 76 assists. 

His 270 hits last season were good for seventh most among all NHL players. 

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Warriors bringing draft picks, G Lague standouts to California Classic

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: LJ Cryer #18 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center on April 02, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Fans heading to the Chase Center this weekend for the California Classic will see a number of familiar faces on the Golden State Warriors’ “Team Gold.” Fans seeing the Warriors’ “Team Blue” at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento may need to buy a program.

The team announced two rosters for the California Classic, an offseason kickoff event that the Warriors and Sacramento Kings are holding at both their arenas over eight games Friday-Sunday. The Warriors are fielding two teams, probably because the tournament needed an equal number of teams after the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks all accepted invitations to play.

Warriors Gold seems to be closer to what the likely roster for Las Vegas Summer League will look like. The Gold team plays two games at the Chase Center, facing the Lakers on Friday and the Spurs on Sunday. Warriors Blue will be in Sacramento exclusively, facing the Bucks on Saturday and the Kings on Sunday. The Heat, Spurs, and Lakers are staying in San Francisco, while the Nets and Bucks stay in the state capital, and you can assume the relative status of those NBA teams from that placement.

Let’s look at Team Gold, which — no disrespect to the fine athletes on Team Blue — features the players who are likely to play in the NBA next season.

Yaxel Lendeborg: He’s an NCAA champion from Michigan who was the No. 11 pick in the draft. He plays great on-ball defense, is insanely competitive, and his dad played with Al Horford’s dad in the Dominican League.

Will Richard: Another national champion, this time in 2025 for Florida, Richard was the 56th pick in the 2025 draft who ended up playing 69 games (nice) for the Warriors last season. His outside shot needs some work but Richard was a very solid defensive player who was thrown into the fire due to injuries and deserves a role on next year’s team.

LJ Cryer: Cryer played 18 games for the Warriors last season and he was not shy about pulling the trigger on outside shots. He shot 39.4% on 5.2 three-point attempts in 16.2 minutes per game. Cryer is pretty small and wasn’t able to guard anyone, but his three-point shooting is excellent.

Lajae Jones: Jones was the No. 54 pick in the 2026 draft who has, well, Will Richard vibes. He went to Florida State, is a high-motor defensive player, and doesn’t hit threes reliably. There’s talk that Jones’ Israeli passport makes him a viable candidate to play overseas and become a “draft-and-stash” candidate, if the Warriors don’t need a cheap rookie deal, and that’s all we will say about Israel in this piece!

Malevy Leons: There are two Dutch players in the NBA and the Warriors had both of them last season, baby! Leons was on a two-way deal last season and played 25 games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds, plus 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks in 11 minutes. He might get a two-way this year, too.

Jack Clark: Clark is a forward from VCU who played 35 games for the Santa Cruz Warriors last season, starting 25 of them. He’s 26 years old.

Chase Hunter: Chase Hunter played six years at Clemson and spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans’ G League team, the Birmingham Squadron. He’s big for a point guard at 6-foot-4 and plays good defense, plus his name makes him sound like a soap opera star.

Graham Ike: The Warriors signed Graham Ike to an Exhibit 10 deal, which is essentially a training camp invitation. He’s a 6-foot-9 center who you probably saw anchoring the middle at Gonzaga, where he was the WCC Player of the Year last season. Ike put up 19.9 points and 8.0 rebounds and dominated the glass and it wouldn’t be shocking if he ended up with a two-way deal.

Chance McMillian: Another Exhibit 10 guy, McMillian helped lead Texas Tech to the Elite Eight while scoring 14.2 points and shooting 43.3% on threes, best in the Big 12. He’s small for a shooting guard a 6-foot-3 but he can really shoot.

Lachlan Olbrich: An Australian center who went one pick ahead of Will Richard last year, Olbrich played 37 games last year while on a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls. He’s 6-foot-8 and won a title in Australia before going to the NBA. Olbrich is somewhat small and slow for a center but is apparently very tough — we’ll get an update from Andrew Bogut later.

Max Shulga: The Warriors love the end of the second round of the draft. Shulga was the 57th pick in the 2026 draft and spent last year with the Boston Celtics’ G League team and got into 11 NBA games. As far as we can tell, he’s still under contract with Boston but is getting some reps with Team Gold.

Deivon Smith: The Santa Cruz Warriors traded a first- and second-round pick to get Smith, who absolutely tore it up in nine games for the team, averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, with two triple-doubles. Then he broke his wrist and his season ended. He should be quite exciting to watch.

Alex Toohey: Toohey was the No. 52 pick in last year’s draft. He originally had a two-way contract, but when he needed season-ending knee surgery, the Warriors gave his spot to Leons. It’s extremely hard to judge Toohey, who looked bad in Summer League and training camp last year but was hurt the entire time. He should be in the organization this year, though maybe just in Santa Cruz.

We’ll see which of these guys end up on the Las Vegas roster, where the Warriors will try to recapture the glory of the 2013 Summer League title, which everyone knows led directly to the four subsequent championships. We’re pretty sure they would have won the California Classic, too, if that’s a thing you can do!

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First-round pick Cameron Carr signs Lakers rookie contract

Cameron Carr holds up a Lakers jersey during a news conference on June 26.
Cameron Carr holds up his Lakers jersey during a news conference on June 26. Carr signed his rookie contract with the team Thursday. (Arwen Clemans / Los Angeles Times)

On the eve of his unofficial NBA debut, first-round draft pick Cameron Carr signed his Lakers rookie contract, the team announced Thursday.

The Lakers acquired Carr, a 6-foot-5 guard, in a swap of picks with the New York Knicks. Carr will play for the Lakers in summer league games beginning Friday in San Francisco.

Terms were not announced, but the standard rookie contract for the 24th pick this season is about $16.9 million over four seasons with team options in the third and fourth seasons, according to Spotrac.

Read more:Lakers announce summer league schedule, roster

Carr does not play the position most thought the Lakers would target in the draft. Desperate for a big man, the Lakers instead traded to get the shooting guard out of Baylor.

But Carr fits the bill with his athleticism and length. He recorded a 7-foot wingspan and 8-8 standing reach at the NBA combine, where he also impressed scouts during the five-on-five scrimmage with 30 points and seven rebounds on six-for-12 shooting from three-point range. At Baylor, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season.

Carr’s father, Chris, played six seasons in the NBA, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 1997 NBA dunk contest.

The winner was Kobe Bryant.

With a chance to make his own NBA legacy, the 21-year-old Carr has found inspiration from his father.

“He was a good outlet for me because he’s been where I want to go, and he’s been down the road I want to go,” Carr told reporters at his introductory news conference. “He’s been a heck of a person to stand next to. Especially in tough times where sometimes I don’t know where I want to go. Man, I can lean on him and ask him. He’s been a lot of help for me.”

Read more:Lakers get their new center. How Walker Kessler, three free agents fit with Luka Doncic

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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2026 NBA Free Agency grades: Lakers, 76ers earn an "A", Celtics may need to retake class

We're only a couple of days into free agency, but we've already been shocked by a couple of big trades — Kawhi Leonard headed to Toronto, Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia — and a rash of signings. Go back to the NBA Draft and the moves then, including Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to Miami, and we have another roller coaster of an NBA offseason.

It's never too early to assign grades on how teams have done so far, so let's do it. (Note: These grades are based on what teams have done as of the early evening of July 2).

Philadelphia 76ers: A+

Major offseason moves: Traded for Jaylen Brown, sending out Paul George to Boston in that deal. The 76ers lost Quentin Grimes (Lakers) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (Pacers) in free agency. Signed Dean Wade (four years, $39 million), Anfernee Simons (two years, $12.3 million) and Ariel Hukporti (one year, $3.4 million), and drafted Labaron Philon (No. 22).

Mike Gansey might win executive of the year for this summer's work. Philadelphia launched itself into contender status by trading for an All-NBA player in his prime in Brown and giving up Paul George, who is a rotation player at this point in his career and on an expensive contract. Adding Dean Wade fills a need for perimeter defense, and Philon could be the steal of the draft, falling that far.

Boston Celtics: D

Major offseason moves: Traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George (and picks), signed Mitchell Robinson (three years, $47 million), Mike Conley Jr. (one year, $3.8 million), Ron Harper Jr. (three years, $9 million), drafted Chris Cenac (No. 27), Dillon Mitchell (No. 40)

Boston did some good things this offseason, like signing Mitchell Robinson at center. I like selecting Chris Cenac at that point in the draft, he's a project, but 27th is a good spot to roll the dice. But the Jaylen Brown trade... Why did they feel they needed to do that? The logic is baffling. Making your team actively worse while your best player (Jayson Tatum) is in his prime, all while taking on George's contract — considered one of the worst in the league — drops this grade way down.

Los Angeles Lakers: A

Major offseason moves: LeBron James exits (along with Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes), traded for center Walker Kessler (from Jazz), re-signed Austin Reaves (four years, $184.8 million), as free agents signed Sandro Mamukelashvili (four year, $52 million), Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million), drafted Cameron Carr (No. 24).

The Lakers artfully completed a massive retooling of the roster, getting players who better fit around Luka Doncic, highlighted by convincing Utah to trade Walker Kessler when nobody thought the Jazz would let their big center go. They had to re-sign Austin Reaves and did (at a higher price than they would have preferred but that is the free market). It was best to part ways with LeBron, and they did. Also, Cameron Carr could be one of the steals of this draft. This was about as good a summer as the Lakers could have hoped for.

Miami Heat: B+

Major offseason moves: Traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo (and Bobby Portis) but had to give up a fair amount of depth to do it, including Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis (all traded to the Bucks). The Bucks signed Tim Hardaway Jr. (one year, $6.5 million), and re-signed Andrew Wiggins (two years, $34 million) and Simone Fontecchio (one year, 2.6 million). Norman Powell left in free agency. Drafted Ryan Conwell (No. 37)

Miami got the biggest prize in NBA free agency, the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but had to give up a lot of depth to get there. Miami becomes relevant with this move and moves closer to contention, but they have work to do to fully round out the roster, and they are not done on that front.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B

Major offseason move: Traded for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green (from Hornets), as well as Mouhamadou Gueye (from Bulls), but they sent out Naz Reid (to Hornets) and Julius Randle (to Nets), plus they let Mike Conley walk. They re-signed Ayo Dosunmu (five years, $112 million), Bones Hyland (one year, $2.9 million), and Jaylen Clark (three years, $10 million). They also drafted Isaiah Evans (No. 33), and Trey Kaufman-Renn (No. 59)

Minnesota looked at the Thunder and Spurs and realized it needed to take a big swing — LaMelo Ball is a monster swing. So much potential, but injury and defensive questions. He and Anthony Edwards instantly become must-watch every night. This team will be entertaining, but losing Randle and Reid leaves a hole at the four (there is time to fill that). Still, better to take the big swing rather than just keep doing the same thing and hoping the outcome changes.

Charlotte Hornets: B

Major offseason moves: Traded away LaMelo Ball/Josh Green for Naz Reid (from Timberwolves), plus traded away Miles Bridges for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale (from Suns). Signed Coby White (three years, $74 million), drafted Hannes Steinbach (No. 14), Christian Anderson (No. 18)

Hornet fans may not love their team selling high on LaMelo Ball, but building something more stable around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller is a smart move, and signing Coby White makes sure the drop-off this season isn't that steep. That said, this team likely isn't as good, which is disappointing because it was so much fun to watch last season.

Memphis Grizzlies: A-

Major offseason moves: Drafted Cameron Boozer (No. 3), Karim López (No. 21), Richie Saunders (No. 32). Traded away Ja Morant (to Portland) and Santi Aldama (to Dallas), but traded for Isaiah Stewart (from Detroit), Jerami Grant and Kris Murray (from Portland in the Morant deal), and AJ Johnson (from Mavericks).

Memphis completed its pivot away from the Ja Morant/Jaren Jackson Jr. era beautifully. They drafted well, not just the more obvious pick of Boozer, but also getting Lopez and Saunders. Landing Isaiah Stewart in a trade boosts an already strong front line (and gives them a backup to Zach Edey). I hate to see Aldama go, but you can't fault this Grizzlies offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks: B

Major offseason moves: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis are out, in their place are Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis (all from Heat). Drafted Brayden Burries (No. 10) and Nate Ament (No. 13), and they re-signed Ousmane Dieng (three years, $17.5 million).

It was time to part ways with Antetokounmpo, and while we can argue that they should have done this a year earlier and gotten more, this was a respectable haul. There are more moves to come, and it's just the start of a rebuild, but Burries can help with that.

LA Clippers: B

Major offseason moves: Traded away Kawhi Leonard for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick (from Toronto), drafted Keaton Wagler (No. 5) and Baba Miller (No. 36), re-signed Kobe Sanders (four years, $11.3 million).

The Clippers completed their pivot away from the Kawhi Leonard/Paul George era, which is a win in and of itself. They have enough talent on the roster that they will be respectable next season, with Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler as the backcourt of the future. Ingram raises the floor and helps win games.

Toronto Raptors: A-

Major offseason moves: Traded for Kawhi Leonard, at the price of Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. They re-signed Alijah Martin (two years, $4.5 million) but lost Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency (Lakers). Drafted Allen Graves (No. 19), Jaden Bradley (No. 50).

Toronto took a big swing, trading for Kawhi Leonard, who forms one of the best forward combos in the league with Scottie Barnes. This is going to be a good defensive team with those two on the perimeter. It's a roll of the dice on Leonard staying healthy, but Toronto was just kind of stuck and this is the kind of bold move they needed. The only reason they get a slight knock on their grade is that they will miss Mamukelashvili and what he brings.

Portland Trail Blazers: B+

Major offseason moves: Traded for Ja Morant, sending out Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Grizzlies. Re-signed Robert Williams III (three years, $44 million), signed Branden Carlson (one year, $2.4 million).

I like the roll of the dice on Morant. It's not cheap (two years, $87 million still on his contract), and scouts speaking to NBC Sports say he has lost a step, but put him next to Damian Lillard with Jrue Holiday behind them (or start three guards), and it's worth the roll of the dice. I love the hiring of Micah Nori as coach, but I hate the owner-friendly contract he was forced to sign.

Utah Jazz: B

Major offseason moves: Traded Walker Kessler to the Lakers, drafted Darryn Peterson (No. 2), re-signed Jusuf Nurkic (two years, $22 million), and signed Jaxson Hayes (two years, $12 million).

The Jazz nailed the Peterson draft pick, and he, along with Keyonte George, is poised to form a dominating backcourt for years to come. Jazz fans (and I) understand intellectually why the front office made the Kessler trade, that was too big a haul to pass up for a player who has to prove himself (he has the potential, but health is a concern). Still, trading away Kessler stings. That said, Utah has a team its fans can get behind next season.

Chicago Bulls: A-

Major offseason moves: Signed Norman Powell (two years, $45 million), traded for Nic Claxton (from Brooklyn), drafted Caleb Wilson (No. 4), Dailyn Swain (No. 15)

How high you grade the Bulls' offseason really comes down to whether you believe Caleb Wilson can reach his ceiling in a few years. Hiring Tiago Splitter away from Portland is a strong move that can help Wilson get there (Splitter did well developing guys like Deni Avdija and Scoot Henderson last year). I want to believe. In the short term, Porter and Claxton raise the floor for this team around Josh Giddey.

New York Knicks: B

Major offseason moves: Re-signed Landry Shamet (four years, $24 million), Jose Alvarado (three years, $14.5 million), and Mo Diawara (three years, $10 million), but lost Mitchell Robinson (Boston) and Ariel Hukporti (76ers) in free agency. Drafted Jack Kayil (No. 39), Tyler Nickel (No. 47).

The defending champions understandably just want to run it back, but with owner James Dolan saying the team could not cross into the second apron, it was going to be impossible, and Mitchell Robinson ended up being the guy without a chair when the music stopped. New York is working to fill that hole, but they got Alvarado and Shamet back, and this team still looks like the class of the East.

Atlanta Hawks: B

Major offseason moves: Re-signed CJ McCollum (one year, $21 million) and Jock Landale (one year, $14 million), drafted Kingston Flemings (No. 8), Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23), Henri Veesaar (No. 52), traded for Aaron Wiggins (from Thunder), Devin Carter (from Kings).

Atlanta liked what it saw after the Trae Young trade last February, so they are largely running it back, including re-signing McCollum to a good one-year deal. What you think of Atlanta's offseason really comes down to what you think of drafting Kingston Flemmings, who could be a steal at No. 8, but I need to be convinced. Bonus points, though, for working with Henri Veesaar's agent to get a first-round talent to fall to them at 52, then signing him to a four-year deal.

Washington Wizards: B-

Major offseason moves: Drafted AJ Dybantsa (No. 1), Felix Okpara (No. 46), and signed Trae Young (four years, $212 million).

Love the Dybantsa pick, and he fits perfectly between Trae Young and the front line of Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis. They also had to extend Young, but the knock on this grade is because of that price — Washington dramatically overpaid. Young had no trade market at the deadline, and they gave him $50+ million a year? Did Washington miss when it had the Bradley Beal contract as an anchor?

Detroit Pistons: C- (so far)

Major offseason moves: Detroit lost Tobias Harris in free agency and traded away Isaiah Stewart, then signed veteran John Collins (three years, $51 million) to replace Isaiah Stewart. They traded for sharpshooter Isaiah Joe (from Thunder) and re-signed another Kevin Huerter (three years, $27 million). They drafted Ebuka Okorie (No. 17), Ugonna Onyenso (No. 53)

We could (and maybe should) give the Pistons an incomplete so far because Jalen Duren's restricted free agency looms, and despite all the saber-rattling, the sides will find a deal. Eventually. That said, the real need this offseason was to find a secondary playmaker and scorer to put next to Cade Cunningham and that hasn't happened. Right now, this team is a little worse than it was at the start of the offseason (and re-signing Duren doesn't really change that).

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Major offseason moves: Re-signed Isaiah Hartenstein (three years, $75.5 million), Kenrich Williams (one year, $5 million), not returning are Isaiah Joe (traded to Pistons) and Aaron Wiggins (traded to Hawks). Drafted Aday Mara (No. 12), Bennett Stirtz (No. 16).

Oklahoma City realized in the playoffs, particularly the Western Conference Finals, that they need size to deal with Victor Wembanyama. So, they re-signed Hartenstein and Williams and drafted Mara. The tax aprons are coming for them as the max deals for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in, but only losing Joe and Wiggins so far is not too steep a price to pay.

Denver Nuggets: INC

Major offseason moves: Lost Tim Hardaway in free agency, signed Marvin Bagley III (one year, $3.5 million), re-signed Tyus Jones (one year, minimum), drafted Trevon Brazile (No. 35), Bryce Hopkins (No. 49)

This remains incomplete until the Peyton Watson situation is resolved (and they potentially make other trades to clear out cap space for him. Losing Tim Hardaway Jr. sucks, and Bagley becomes the latest guy trying to change the dynamic when Nikola Jokic is off the court.

Dallas Mavericks: B-

Major offseason moves: Hired coach Dusty May, traded for Santi Aldama (from Grizzlies), drafted Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9), Sergio De Larrea (No. 25).

Whether Dusty May can transition to coaching in the NBA remains TBD, but adding Morez Johnson Jr. to play forward opposite Cooper Flagg is a nice pickup, as is the trade for Aldama. Nothing dramatic, but solid moves.

Golden State Warriors: B

Major offseason moves: They brought back Kristaps Porzingis (two years, $40 million), Al Horford (two years, $14 million) and De'Anthony Melton (two years, $11 million), and they drafted Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11), Lajae Jones (No. 54)

Lendeborg was a perfect draft pick for this team, he fills a need and he will bring some youth and athleticism to the table. Aside from that, the Warriors look like they are running it back and waiting for Jimmy Butler to get healthy (and hoping Stephen Curry stays healthy).

Phoenix Suns: B

Major offseason moves: Re-signed Collin Gillespie (four years, $48 million), Jordan Goodwin (three years, $19 million) and Mark Williams (three years, $38 million), signed free agent Luke Kennard (two years, $13 million), traded for Miles Bridges but gave up Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to Charlotte to get him. Drafted Koa Peat (No. 30).

Keeping Gillespie was a must, and Phoenix did a good job both keeping and loading up on shooting, plus Bridges adds some needed athleticism. I like the upside of drafting Koa Peat at 30, but he's a project at this point. This was a solid offseason for Phoenix.

Brooklyn Nets: B

Major offseason moves: Traded for Julius Randle (from Minnesota), drafted Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6), Joshua Jefferson (No. 28), signed Moe Wagner (two years, $19 million), Keon Ellis (two years, $18 million), Day'Ron Sharpe (two years, $20 million), Josh Minott (two years, $9 million).

They may miss Nic Claxton at center, but they picked up a floor raiser in Julius Randle, and I love the pick of Mikel Brown, who should thrive with the space and pace of the NBA. It's going to be a process rebuilding in Brooklyn, but Brown is a good start.

Sacramento Kings: B-

Major offseason moves: Drafted Darius Acuff (No. 7), as well as Alex Karaban (No. 29) and Emanuel Sharp (No. 45, signed for three years, $6.5 million), re-signed Precious Achiuwa (two years, $11.5 million), traded away Devin Carter (Hawks).

Sacramento got its guy in the draft in Acuff, someone who should both put up points and be a guy the fan base can rally around. That's a good pick. This grade would have been much lower without it, because DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine are still on the roster for some reason. It's time to find trades, even if they're not perfect. It's time to move on.

San Antonio Spurs: A-

Major offseason moves: Re-signed Julian Champagnie (three years, $45 million) and Harrison Barnes (one year, $8 million), then signed Tobias Harris (two years, $31 million). They drafted Jayden Quaintance (No. 20), Tarris Reed (No. 26), Ja'Kobi Gillespie (No. 42), and Maliq Brown (No. 44).

I like San Antonio's offseason. Part of that is I like the signing of Tobias Harris to take over at the four — he is a good role player who can catch-and-shoot corner 3s and put the ball on the floor when needed, he's a good veteran fit for them at a position of need. They had to re-sign Champagnie and did, and they went and drafted a bunch of big men to see if one of them could be the regular Wembanyama backup long term.

Cleveland Cavaliers: C-

Major offseason moves: Lost Dean Wade in free agency, re-signed Thomas Bryant (one year, $3.5 million), drafted Meleek Thomas (No. 34).

The grade here probably should be "incomplete" as there is more to do. That said, the loss of Wade is not ideal.

New Orleans Pelicans: D

Major offseason move: Signed DeAndre Jordan (one year, $3.9 million), drafted Jaron Pierre Jr. (No. 58)

Joe Dumars, you do realize this team won just 26 games last season, right? Dumars has treated this roster like subbing in Jamahl Mosley at coach is going to change everything and turn this into a playoff team. Sure. Other teams are calling about Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, but the asking price is so high that those teams are walking away. It looks like a 26-win team is going to run it back.

Indiana Pacers: C+

Major offseason moves: Signed free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. (two years, $17 million), drafted Braden Smith (No. 38)

The Pacers have largely been quiet this offseason, although adding the athletic Oubre Jr. is a fantastic fit. The Pacers made their move at the trade deadline, getting Ivica Zubac at the five, and with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton, they should be back battling at the top of the East.

Houston Rockets: C+

Major offseason moves: Signed Marcus Smart (two years, $13 million) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (one year, 3.9 million), re-signed Tari Eason (five years, $81.5 million), drafted Bruce Thornton (No. 31).

The Marcus Smart signing was a good one and a perfect fit, and re-signing Eason was a must but they did it at a good price. Still, basically, the Rockets have shown they are just going to run it back and expect better with Fred VanVleet healthy and at the point.

Orlando Magic: B

Major offseason moves: Lost Moe Wagner in free agency, signed Nikola Vucevic (one year, $3.9 million). Re-signed Jevon Carter (one year, $3.5 million).

The big move of the offseason was hiring Sean Sweeney as their new head coach. The front office had said from the start the plan was to bring in a new coach, let guys like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero get healthy, then run it back and give this core one more shot. With that, they have been quiet this offseason, but they get a good grade because I love the Sweeney hire.

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LeBron James to Sixers? Rumors heat up after sudden Jaylen Brown trade

LeBron James could be headed back to the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly the latest team to express interest in the four-time MVP, according to ESPN. 

The 76ers made one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason by acquiring Jaylen Brown in a trade with their division rival Boston Celtics on Wednesday, July 1.

Brown is coming off one of his best individual seasons, finishing sixth in the regular-season MVP voting, but he apparently fell out of favor with the Celtics, following various comments after their ouster from the playoffs – ironically at the hands of Philadelphia.

The Brown trade made Philly’s roster younger after unloading Paul George and four draft picks to Boston as part of the trade.

Now, a potential agreement with James would help create a dramatic shift in the Eastern Conference, just two years after the Celtics won their league-leading 18th NBA championship in 2024.

If the 4-time NBA MVP were to choose the Sixers as his next destination, James would join a roster that includes former MVP Joel Embiid, five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.

James future had been uncertain since the Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended in the playoffs, but provided some clarity earlier this week when he told the Lakers he was not going to be returning for a ninth consecutive season with the franchise.

The 41-year-old, 22-time All-Star averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games played this past season for the Lakers.

JAYLEN BROWN TRADE GRADES: Clear winner in seismic deal between Celtics and 76ers

Would LeBron James fit in Philadelphia 76ers lineup?

With the Jaylen Brown trade, the 76ers projected starting lineup would feature center Joel Embiid, power forward Dean Wade, and guards Brown, Maxey and Edgecombe. The Sixers signed the 6-foot-9 Wade to a four-year, $39 million deal earlier this week following his seven-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Philadelphia also inked veteran guard Anfernee Simons as a free agent and selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Where could LeBron James play?

James is expected to take his time and see how the free agency period unfolds. James is no stranger to the conference. Two of his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, are among the teams expected to be interested in James. 

There’s still a possibility for James to remain in the state of California, taking a trip up North to Oakland to play for coach Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors, joining a roster that includes Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors received some indication from James and his representatives that they remain on the four-time champion’s short list, but they may not necessarily be at the top of that short list.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James to Sixers? Rumors heat up after sudden Jaylen Brown trade

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Mets' Jorge Polanco goes deep, Jonah Tong goes five innings for Triple-A Syracuse

Jorge Polanco was in the starting lineup for the Syracuse Mets on Thursday night as he continues his rehab and went yard for the first time.

With the Mets down 1-0 in the first, Polanco launched a 91 mph fastball from Devin Sweet of the Worcester Red Sox, up in the zone over the right-center field wall. The homer went 342 feet and had an exit velocity of 103 mph as Polanco tied the game. 

The Mets' 1B/DH went 1-for-2 with a walk on Thursday. The towering blast was his first hit since he started his rehab with Syracuse back on June 2 (six games). 

Before he landed on the IL, Polanco played 14 games with the Mets, going 10-for-56 (.179) with a home run and two RBI. However, his first season in Flushing has been marred by injuries. He was first set back by an Achilles strain, which took away his ability to play first base, and the veteran had to play through the pain. But once he suffered a right wrist strain, Polanco was sent to the IL. 

Last week, Polanco said he was feeling "stronger" as he continued his rehab and is able to tolerate the pain he continues to feel in his Achilles. 

On the mound for Syracuse on Thursday was Jonah Tong.

The young right-hander wasn't his sharpest as Worcester put up a run in each of the first three innings. The last two runs came off solo shots. 

Overall, Tong pitched five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters. This season has been a struggle for Tong. Although Thursday's performance lowered his ERA to 5.90, he's still having trouble putting up zeroes. Thursday marked the fourth time in Tong's last five games that he allowed at least three runs. 

Elsewhere on the diamond 

-Luis Robert Jr. continued his rehab, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while playing center field for all nine innings. Thursday was Robert's second rehab start and is now a combined 1-for-6 with a walk and a double. 

-MJ Melendez, who was optioned when Tyrone Taylor returned from the IL, went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two strikeouts.

-Ryan Clifford, who will represent the Mets in the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. He's now hitting .190 with 14 home runs this season.

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San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 1: Samad Taylor #0 of the San Diego Padres celebrates hitting a triple during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres (43-42) at Los Angeles Dodgers (56-31), July 2, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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Mariners Game #88 Preview and Discussion, 7/2/26: SEA vs LAA

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 30: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners runs toward home plate to score during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on June 30, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mariners go for a sweep against the Angels to kickoff a holiday weekend at home.

It’s been exactly one month since the Mariners won three straight games. They beat the Mets 8-3 on June 2 in what would be the final win of an eight-game streak. Since then, the Mariners have gone 11-14, never winning or losing more than two in a row. With commanding wins Monday and Tuesday — before a rare, mid-series off day Wednesday due to the World Cup in Seattle — the Mariners now have a chance to make it three straight with a sweep of the Angels.

On the mound Thursday will be Bryce Miller. Now free of the piggyback, he struck out 11 over 5 2/3 in his last outing, although a pair of homers (and lack of run support) sunk his day. Miller has a 3.07 FIP and 30.1% K-BB rate, which is second best in the majors to Jacob Misiorowski.

The Mariners will face Walbert Ureña for the first time in his rookie season. Just 22, Ureña has slick stuff, with a fantastic sinker-slider combination that helps him stay on the ground. He does struggle with walks and has difficulty going deep into games, so ideally the Mariners lineup will exhibit some patience. This could be a tough one otherwise.

That said, the Mariners will send their best possible lineup at the moment. Both Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone are playing tonight, with Raley in right field and Canzone at DH. The only batter they’re missing at this point is Brendan Donovan, who’s working his way back from the injured list.

News

  • Brendan Donovan was out Thursday afternoon doing base running drills. He’s expected to begin a rehab assignment next week when the Mariners go on their final road trip before the All-Star Break.
  • Luke Raley is in the lineup Thursday. He’ll be wearing a special compression sleeve on his sore elbow.
  • The Mariners announced the next piggyback will be Saturday, featuring Logan Gilbert and Emerson Hancock.

Lineups

Game Info:

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.

TV: Mariners.TV

Radio: Ol’ Reliable