Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

WNBA Preview: All-Star starters and snubs; Liberty look to get back on track

There is a running joke on the internet that Mondays during the WNBA season often yield the most drama and news coming out of the league and its players. There's a reason for this: often there aren’t games on Mondays, although there are some weeks this season where there are. But for the most part, Monday is typically a day when the league is dark.

Well, yesterday was an example of that trend in practice. Not only did the league announce that it will be adding three more expansion teams in addition to the two more expansion teams in Toronto and Portland that will debut next season, but there was a trade, a surprise cut from the Golden State Valkyries, and the All-Star starters for the July 19 All-Star Game in Indianapolis were announced.

The league announced that Cleveland would be awarded the WNBA’s 16th team which will begin play in 2028, Detroit would earn the 17th, officially joining in 2029 and then Philadelphia would become the 18th franchise and would begin play in 2030. All ownership groups of these three new franchises paid a $250 million expansion fee, close to five times what Joe Lacob and Peter Guber paid for the Valkyries back in 2023.

Moments after all of that pomp and circumstance at the league office, the Las Vegas Aces traded for NaLyssa Smith which sent a Las Vegas 2027 first round draft pick back to the Wings. And as a result, the Aces had to waive rookie Elizabeth Kitley and veteran Tiffany Mitchell in order to make roster and salary room for Smith.

And then the Valkyries waivedJulie Vanloo, who was away from the team competing in EuroBasket. Vanloo missed her Belgian National team’s gold medal celebration after winning EuroBasket to make sure she was back in the Bay Area as soon as possible. She got news of being released merely moments after landing back in California. While Vanloo struggled at times during her minutes on court with Golden State, there are questions about the timing of the franchise letting her know of their decision before hopping on a long 14-15 hour flight back to San Francisco.

This all happened on a Monday and that’s in addition to the day before where Angel Reese put on another career performance scoring while shooting over 52 percent from the field in addition to 16 rebounds and seven assists, nearly her second triple double. She did all of this while her former childhood idolCandace Parker was in attendance and got her jersey retired by the Sparks prior to tipoff.

Who are the 2025 WNBA All-Star starters?

Before I preview the week ahead, let’s discuss the All-Star starters which were announced on Monday evening. The two highest fan vote getters, Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, were named captains and automatic starters on Sunday. And then a day later, the final eight starters were announced by two different ESPN sponsored shows.

The final eight starters were determined by the weighted combination of fan votes, media votes and player votes. Fan votes were weighed at 50 percent with the media and peer votes counting for 25 percent each.

What jumped out immediately in the league’s weighted voting results was how Clark was ranked by her peers. The players ranked Atlanta’s Allisha Gray first, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu second and then Clark ninth.

This shouldn’t be a huge surprise especially considering that Clark has only played in nine of the Fever’s total 16 games so far this season, and she’s shot the ball very inefficiently (39% overall and 29.5% from three) in addition to averaging 5.9 turnovers. But this also isn’t the first time a very popular player was ranked lower by her peers as Ionescu got similar treatment two years ago and was ranked 19th by the players.

It’s incredibly hard to argue with the eight other starters that were selected. A’ja Wilson is still putting up All-WNBA numbers even if they aren’t as impressive as they were during her otherworldly 2024 MVP season. Gray has put together close to if not the best statistical season she’s had since entering the league in 2017. Nneka Ogwumike earned her 10th All-Star selection on another incredibly efficient start to the season shooting 53.1% on 13.4 attempts per game. She’s been even more efficient than MVP front-runner Collier.

Prior to Ionescu’s recent shooting slump, she and Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart were both putting up over 20 points a game and led their team in the Liberty to a 9-0 start prior to losing Jonquel Jones to an ankle sprain and Leonie Fiebich to EuroBasket.

The Mercury’s Satou Sabally has also put up a career season so far and took the brunt of the scoring load when Alyssa Thomas was out for two weeks with a calf injury. Aliyah Boston has the highest field goal percentage (59.7) among players who play over 25 minutes a game.

And last and certainly not least, Paige Bueckers leads all rookies in points and assists per game and is third amongst rookies in field goal percentage for first-year players who play over 25 minutes a game. She is scoring the eleventh-most in the league and seventh most among guards sitting right below Ionescu and right above Clark.

Who Are The WNBA All-Star Starter Snubs?

The point is, it’s incredibly hard to make an argument against any of these players starting in the All-Star game. The one that maybe there’s an argument against might actually be Clark. Who could have replaced her just based on statistical output alone?

Skylar Diggins comes to mind immediately just based on the fact that she’s the 7th best in scoring and third in scoring among guards. Also, she’s averaging the fourth most assists and is fifth in win shares (2.5) via Her Hoop Stats. She’s fourth in field goal percentage among guards that average over 30 minutes a game (46.3).

Another guard that could have been an All-Star starter is Kelsey Plum who has put up an impressive statistical season so far even as her Los Angeles Sparks continue to struggle in their journey to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Plum leads all guards scoring 20.6 points a game and is sixth among guards in average assists with 5.6.

In a league dominated by versatile forwards, it’s not a surprise that there wasn’t enough room for maybe one of the most versatile in Alyssa Thomas. Thomas has put up some of the best numbers of her career, leading the league in assists (9.3) and averaging more points than she did during her 2023 season, the one where Stewart beat her out in the MVP voting. The reason Thomas missed the boat is probably because of the two weeks she missed.

The final player who I think there’s an argument for to be an All-Star starter is Brionna Jones who while she doesn’t score in the 20s like her peers, she’s accumulated 2.3 win shares, the same amount that A’ja Wilson has and a bit more than Thomas and Sabally. She and Diggins are the only players within the top seven in win shares who didn’t become All-Star starters.

It would be shocking if any of these players who weren’t named starters don’t make the final All-Star team. Right now reserves are being voted on by the WNBA’s head coaches and those results will be revealed this Sunday July 6 at 12 pm et. Just a disclaimer, head coaches cannot vote for their own players.

The Week Ahead

Since this week features the Commissioner's Cup Championship game on Tuesday night, there are fewer games to choose from. The league goes on a mini hiatus on Wednesday before picking up again on Thursday. After the Commissioner’s Cup Final takes place in Minneapolis, the majority of the games to watch out for are rematches of recent matchups. Can the Fever get revenge on the Aces and can the Liberty redeem themselves against the Storm with Fiebich back from EuroBasket?

Commissioner’s Cup Final: Indiana Fever @ Minnesota Lynx

(Tuesday July 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video)

Now that Clark has been ruled out officially, do the Fever have a shot at winning? It’s going to be a tough hill to climb for a team that almost fell to the Dallas Wings on Friday without Clark. This is the right move for Indiana looking at Clark’s long term health, but what makes this matchup worth watching is the very fact that these two teams haven’t played each other yet. The Lynx’s two losses this season came in games where they were outworked by their opponent and allowed at least 20 opponent points off their own turnovers. If the Fever play hard, they have a shot. But if the Lynx value their possessions, this should be a very winnable game and Minnesota would become the first back-to-back Commissioner’s Cup Champions in league history.

Las Vegas Aces @ Indiana Fever

(Thursday July 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video)

Even if Clark misses this game as well, it will be fascinating to see how much run newly acquired Aces forward NaLyssa Smith gets. The Aces won this matchup the first time around on June 22 with Clark on the floor for the Fever. But this will be the first test the Aces have to see if by adding Smith defenses actually guard her, which could open up more space on the floor. Las Vegas has often struggled when opposing defenses don’t even guard Kiah Stokes and load up on their other players.

Washington Mystics @ Minnesota Lynx

(Thursday July 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET on League Pass )

The Mystics will be looking for a win after dropping their latest 79-71 against the incredibly shorthanded Dallas Wings. But also the Lynx’s second loss of the season came to the Mystics on June 24. While both teams were without their best players in Napheesa Collier and Brittney Sykes, the Mystics still defended aggressively and earned that win by forcing 19 turnovers and scoring 26 points off those turnovers. Can the two-way play of versatile center Shakira Austin stifle Collier at all? If Collier struggles and the Mystics’ defense stays aggressive, I’d say this has the potential to be a really competitive game to pay attention to.

Golden State Valkyries @ Minnesota Lynx

(Saturday July 5 at 8 p.m. ET on League Pass)

The Lynx have a ton of fascinating matchups this week including one against the Valkyries. While Minnesota beat Golden State convincingly around a month ago, the Valkyries have somehow gotten better since they lost players to EuroBasket. (Presumably another reason why they waived guard Vanloo.) Following some New York Liberty struggles, the Valkyries now have the second best defense in the league which has powered them to a 2.7 net rating. Compare that to the -10.7 net rating that Golden State had when the Lynx last played the Valkyries.

Seattle Storm @ New York Liberty

(Sunday July 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS)

The New York Liberty have been going through it lately, losing four of their last five games as they continued to adjust to playing without 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones and German wing Fiebich. One of those losses came to the Storm on June 22 when they only lost by 10 points 89-79. While Fiebich will most likely be available for this game and should provide more shooting and defense, it will be interesting to see how the Liberty continue to wade through their schedule before Jones returns presumably after the All-Star break. Can defeating a streaky Storm team get the defending champions back on track?

Posted on

Canadiens: Hughes’ Free Agency Signings

After trading Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues for Zack Bolduc, Montreal Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes wasn’t ready to call it a day and went right back to work to add some free agents to the organization.

He signed forward Samuel Blais and goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to one-year, one-way deals. Both spent the last season in the AHL and made it to the Calder Cup final. Blais won it with the Abbotsford Canucks while Kahkonen beat the Laval Rocket in the Conference Final with the Carlotte Checkers but lost in the final to Blais’ team.

Canadiens: Logan Mailloux Traded To St. Louis
Canadiens: What’s Next for Alexander Zharovsky?
Canadiens Did Not Submit A Qualifying Offer To A Few RFAs

In 51 regular-season games in the AHL, Blais put up 40 points and picked up 44 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he played a significant role in the Canucks’ championship, scoring 19 points in 23 games and accumulating 77 penalty minutes. Blais has played 257 games in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup with the Blues in the 2018-19 season.

He was drafted in the sixth round by the Blues at the 2014 draft but was traded to New York along with a second-round pick for Pavel Buchnevich after four seasons with the Missouri outfit. After parts of two seasons, the Blues reacquired him with Hunter Skinner in return for Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola. Last offseason, he signed a professional tryout contract with the Vancouver Canucks and eventually landed in Abbottsford.

As for Kahkonen, he bounced around the AHL in the regular season, seeing action with the Colorado Eagles and the Manitoba Moose before landing in Charlotte. He kept an 8-4-0 record with his new team in the regular season with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. In the playoffs, he was 12-6-0 with a 2.18 GAA and a .906 SV.

Both players fully intend to win a roster spot with the Canadiens this upcoming season rather than spending the year with the Rocket, so the table is set for some internal competition come training camp.

Hughes also signed a pair of one-year, two-way contracts with Alex Belzile and Nate Clurman. For Belzile, it’s a homecoming of sorts since he spent five seasons in the Canadiens organization from the 2018-19 campaign to the 2022-23 season. That offseason, he was able to sign a one-way contract with the Rangers and left, but he ultimately spent the next two seasons in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He played 127 games with the Wolf Pack and gathered 106 points.

He will bring some much-needed veteran leadership to the Rocket, who saw 27-year-old veteran Brandon Gignac head to Europe to play in the Swiss league. As for Nate Clurman, he is a 27-year-old right-shot defenseman who will fill the void left by Gustav Lindstrom, who departed the organization to sign a five-year deal in the Swedish league.

Clurman was drafted in the sixth round by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2016 draft and has only played one NHL game since then, this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He spent the season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he picked up 11 points in 31 games.

Those who expected the Canadiens to go out and make a splash on the free agency market to find a second-line center will be disappointed. Still, as Kent Hughes said, speaking to the media, that need was never going to be addressed through free-agent signings. These might not have been spectacular signings, but they were necessary signings for the Canadiens.

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

Posted on

Panthers Lose Nate Schmidt To Western Conference Club

Nate Schmidt's time with the Florida Panthers has officially come to an end. The veteran defenseman has signed a three-year contract with the Utah Mammoth. Starting next season, he will have a $3.5 million average annual value. 

Schmidt undoubtedly earned this nice deal from Utah. The 33-year-old defenseman completely bounced back with the Panthers after being bought out by the Winnipeg Jets during the off-season before. In 80 games this regular-season with Florida, he had five goals, 19 points, and a plus-4 rating. He also recorded three goals, 12 points, and a plus-9 rating in 23 playoff games for Florida. 

With Utah looking to take that next step and get into the playoffs, it makes a lot of sense that they are bringing Schmidt in. He will give them another veteran to help mentor their young players, and it also does not hurt that he has plenty of playoff experience. Thus, he has the potential to be a good addition to Utah's roster. 

In 741 career NHL games, Schmidt has recorded 52 goals, 187 assists, 239 points, and a plus-106 rating. 

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Panthers sign veteran defenseman Jeff Petry to 1-year deal, per report

Panthers Sign Recently Acquired Goalie To New Contract

Panthers re-sign forward Tomas Nosek to one-year deal, per report

Report: Panthers Working To Re-Sign Veteran Forward

Panthers Key Defenseman Hitting Free-Agent Market

Photo Credit:  © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Posted on

Jack Pridham Confirms He Won't Go To Boston University

The Chicago Blackhawks are through two days of 2025 Development Camp. After their off-ice event was complete on Tuesday, members of the 2024 NHL Draft class spoke to the media. 

That includes Jack Pridham, who was selected by Chicago in the third round (92nd overall). He spoke about a variety of topics, including his rumored plans for the 2025-26 NHL season. 

Ryan Sikes of Puck Preps reported on Monday night that Pridham would no longer be going to college and that staying in the OHL would be his course of action. 

Ryan Sikes (@rms_hockey) on XRyan Sikes (@rms_hockey) on XNEWS: I am told that 4.5⭐️ forward Jack Pridham is no longer committed to BU. Pridham had 27 goals and 54 points for Kitchener (OHL) last season. 2024 third round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. 📸: Kitchener Rangers

Pridham confirmed this report. He is no longer going to attend Boston University. Instead, he will sign with the Chicago Blackhawks and go back to the Kitchener Rangers if he doesn't make it to the NHL right out of camp. 

Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) on XVinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) on XJack Pridham confirms that he is no longer going to Boston University. He will go back to the Kitchener Rangers if he doesn’t make the Chicago Blackhawks.

In 2024-25, Pridham had a strong rookie year in the OHL. In 48 games played, he scored 27 goals and had 27 assists for 54 points. He wants to go back to where he had success to develop his game further. Kitchener is a high-end program that has developed a lot of prospects throughout the years. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Posted on

Why Matthew Knies 'Wanted To Go Long-Term' On Six-Year Extension With The Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was never interested in signing an offer sheet.

The 22-year-old forward officially inked a six-year extension with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday morning. The annual average value of the contract, $7.75 million, will turn out to be a great deal for both sides in the long term.

"I love the staff there. I love the players. We get treated phenomenally, and I think it's just a great spot for me," Knies told TSN's James Duthie on Tuesday. "I think we really have a winning culture and I think I really trust (Brad) Treliving and (Craig) Berube and the rest of the staff to create a great team and give us the best chance to win."

Year over year, Knies has grown into the powerhouse of a player that many predicted him to be. He first inserted himself into the conversation in 2023, helping the Maple Leafs get past the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.

Following that year, the forward scored 15 goals and 20 assists in his rookie season. In the playoffs last year, Knies added two goals and one assist in seven games against the Boston Bruins.

'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner Deal'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner DealNic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This past season, though, is where Knies took the biggest step. He finished the regular season with a career-high 29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games, plus five goals and two assists in 13 playoff games against the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.

"I just wanted to be here as long as possible, really," Knies said on Tuesday when asked if he preferred a long or short-term deal.

"I wanted longer term, and I think this deal just kind of fit best for me with my trajectory as a player, I think that this was kind of the sweet spot for both of us. I was just excited to get it done and get it done before free agency, and try to help them out as much as possible.

"I don't think the bridge deal was really in my head. I think I really wanted to go long term, and the six years felt the best."

Report: Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million ContractReport: Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million ContractThe Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly made their first free-agent signing.

Knies was on his way back from a Morgan Wallen concert in Madison, Wisconsin, when he found out he'd be with the Maple Leafs for six more years.

"I called my parents, and I'm going to see him here shortly. I think that they were really excited," he smiled. All my buddies were excited too, so it was a fun time for sure. I think going into holiday weekend, we can choose to celebrate a little bit more. But yeah, I'm excited that it all got all done and you know that both sides are happy."

Any big purchases after the massive extension?

"Honestly, I haven't thought about it too much. It's only been a few days, but hopefully, I think Morgan Rielly said he'll text me a few ideas and hopefully he'll bounce it back and forth and we'll see," Knies said.

"I think just enjoying my summer, and I think I have one weekend to celebrate it here on the Fourth of July and then it kind of gets back to the summer grind and getting ready for the season."

'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden Knights'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden KnightsMitch Marner has officially departed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The young forward said he wants to work on all facets of his game, most importantly his skating.

"I think that there's still a lot of room in the skating aspect. I think I can become a much better skater, a faster skater," he added.

"I don't necessarily think I have to get any heavier than I am right now. I think staying where I am and just turning a little bit of that weight more into muscle and becoming quicker and faster on the ice, I think is going to be is going to be huge for me. So I think that's the main focus."

Knies was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, and now he'll be with Toronto for eight more years until 2031.

'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple Leafs'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple LeafsToronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz is staying at home.

"I think that everyone's so invested. The whole city's constantly wanting the best for us, wanting us to win," he said about his love for playing in Toronto.

"I think that's what every guy on our team wants to do, is just to deliver that to them. And yeah, it's a special place to play. I don't think anyone feels that it's too much or it's not the right spot. I think everyone loves it and enjoys it. Yeah, so I'm pretty fortunate to be playing for them."

(Top photo of Knies: Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images)

Posted on

Royals at Mariners Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for July 1

It's Tuesday, July 1 and the Royals (39-46) are in Seattle to take on the Mariners (44-40). Michael Lorenzen is slated to take the mound for Kansas City against Emerson Hancock for Seattle.

The Mariners took game one of the series 6-2. George Kirby picked up the win. He struck out five batters in 6.0 innings pitched, while only giving up one earned run on three hits.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Royals at Mariners

  • Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Time: 9:40PM EST
  • Site: T-Mobile Park
  • City: Seattle, WA
  • Network/Streaming: ROOTNW, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Royals at the Mariners

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Royals (+113), Mariners (-135)
  • Spread:  Mariners -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Royals at Mariners

  • Pitching matchup for July 1, 2025: Michael Lorenzen vs. Emerson Hancock
    • Royals: Michael Lorenzen, (4-8, 4.91 ERA)
      Last outing (Tampa Bay Rays, 6/26): 5.2 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 8 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Mariners: Emerson Hancock, (3-4, 5.30 ERA)
      Last outing (Minnesota Twins, 6/26): 5.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Royals at Mariners

  • The Royals have lost 8 of their last 10 games
  • Each of the last 4 matchups between the Royals and the Mariners have gone over the Total

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Royals and the Mariners

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Royals and the Mariners:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Seattle Mariners on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Kansas City Royals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Posted on

Warriors have contacted soon-to-be free agent Damian Lillard, per Marc Spears

Warriors have contacted soon-to-be free agent Damian Lillard, per Marc Spears originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Damian Lillard has been tied to the Bay his entire life, and he now could have a real shot at playing for the Warriors.

The Oakland native reportedly is being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks for the purposes of having his contract stretched, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported on Tuesday, and that could open the door for the Warriors to add the nine-time NBA All-Star.

The Warriors are one of many teams that already have reached out to Lillard, who soon will be a free agent, Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported Tuesday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.”

“Of the many teams that reached out to Damian Lillard, the Warriors were one of those teams,” Spears reported Tuesday.

Lillard, who just completed his 13th NBA campaign, averaged 24.9 PPG last season in 58 games played. The veteran point guard, who tore his Achilles during the Bucks’ playoff run, would be an exciting new addition for Dub Nation, assuming he can recover from his injury quickly.

“There’s some speculation that he (Lillard) could be back by the All-Star break,” Spears also reported Tuesday.

The former Trail Blazer spent 11 seasons in Portland, so he’s well acquainted with the Warriors.

Golden State has Steph Curry as its starting point guard for the next two seasons, but Lillard’s homecoming could bring them one step closer to another championship.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Posted on

Forsberg: Minott brings ‘relentless' energy, ‘elite nickname' to Celtics

Forsberg: Minott brings ‘relentless' energy, ‘elite nickname' to Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics made another minor addition on Tuesday, but one that could prove to be another shrewd move by president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.

Josh Minott reportedly will sign a two-year, $5 million contract with the Celtics in free agency. The 22-year-old forward played sparingly over three seasons on the Minnesota Timberwolves bench, averaging 2.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 5.0 minutes over 93 career games. But according to NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics insider Chris Forsberg, those numbers don’t tell the full story about the Memphis product.

Forsberg shared his take on the Minott signing during Tuesday’s Early Edition.

“First off, dude has an elite nickname. He’s the ‘lawn mower,’ because he is relentless with his energy, and I think we’re seeing a theme here with the guys that the Celtics are bringing in, whether it’s draft or through free agency. Cutters, energy, younger guys that just bring some tenacity to the floor. They also have some versatility. Minott’s got a great leap, he’s got a decent 3-point shot.

“Look, I’m not telling you that he’s going to step in and all of a sudden blossom, but these are the chances you have to take as you’re starting to develop. You only have so many draft picks you were willing to bring in. At least there’s a little bit of established-ness with this guy in terms of what he’s been able to show at the pro level. So let’s just start rolling some dice and figuring it out.”

Minott’s “lawn mower” nickname comes from his energetic playing style and appears to stem from an interview he gave during the NBA Summer League in 2022.

Minott and big man Luka Garza have been Boston’s only reported free-agent signings so far this summer. The Celtics selected Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez, Kentucky big man Amari Williams, and VCU guard Max Shulga during the 2025 NBA Draft. They’ve traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as part of their efforts to get under the second apron of the luxury tax and lost center Luke Kornet in free agency to the San Antonio Spurs.

More moves are coming for the C’s, as the Minott signing will put them back over the second apron. Boston will continue to navigate its complicated financial situation while looking for frontcourt help, with Garza and Neemias Queta currently the only centers on the roster.

Veteran big man Al Horford remains on the free-agent market.

!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var t in a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[“datawrapper-height”][t]+”px”;r.style.height=d}}}))}();
Posted on

Islanders Sign Forward Jonathan Drouin To Two-Year Deal

On Tuesday, the New York Islanders announced that they signed winger Johnathan Drouin to a two-year, $4M AAV contract.

Drouin, 30, tallied 11 goals with 26 assists for 37 points in 43 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season.

Drouin dealt with multiple injuries last year, which limited him to half a season. The left winger remade himself into a top-six piece with Colorado over the last two years after inconsistency with the Montreal Canadiens.

Drouin fills a hole within the Islanders’ left wing corps, as the team lacked consistent production from Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov in the middle six. General manager Mathieu Darche targeted the positional need after signing depth options in goaltender David Rittich and defenseman Ethan Bear.

The move leaves the Islanders with around $7M in cap space, which will likely be used to sign restricted free agents Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman, Marc Gatcomb, and Tsyplakov. Barring other moves, the Islanders’ free agency additions look to be done.

PHOTO:  Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Kail Russell contributed to this story. 

Posted on

Mets battered by Bucs, now brace for Brewers and Bronx Bombers | The Mets Pod

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo recap another tough week for the Mets, while looking ahead to the Brewers at Citi Field and the second round of this season’s Subway Series.

First things first, the guys go through the team’s struggles hitting with runners in scoring position, how much the hitting coaches should or should not be to blame, as well as the multiple issues with the starting rotation.

Later, Connor and Joe go 'Down on the Farm' to check in on Francisco Alvarez, Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, and Jonah Tong – while also addressing which prospects they would be willing to include in potential trades.

The show then wraps up by announcing the winners of the Mets Pod hat giveaway, and then answering Mailbag questions about the return of injured Mets, the potential of trading for Byron Buxton, and if the Mets offense can flip the switch back to “on.”

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Posted on

Jets Sign Pair Of Depth Forwards To One-Year Deals

 Boston Bruins left wing Cole Koepke (45) during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Winnipeg Jets have signed forwards Cole Koepke and Tanner Pearson to one-year, $1-million contracts. 

Koepke spent the 2024-25 season with the Boston Bruins, scoring 10 goals and 17 points in 73 games. The 27-year-old has played just 99 career NHL games but will serve as a safe depth forward for the Jets.

Unlike Koepke, Pearson comes with a bundle of experience. The 32-year-old has played in 722 games, winning a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings. In the 2024-25 season, Pearson scored 12 goals and 27 points in 78 games playing on the Vegas Golden Knights' fourth line.

The signings of Pearson and Koepke are safe moves that will help them combat the loss of Brandon Tanev, Rasmus Kupari and likely Mason Appleton. The low cap hits also benefit the Jets, leaving them ample space to re-sign their restricted free agents and possibly chase unrestricted free agents. 

The Jets now have just over $21-million to fill out their forward group and improve on their record-setting season, which resulted in a second-round loss in the playoffs. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Former Jets Tanev, Schmidt and Coghlan Sign Deals on Tuesday Former Jets Tanev, Schmidt and Coghlan Sign Deals on Tuesday Former two-time Winnipeg Jets forward Brandon Tanev has found a new home in Utah.
Posted on

Clayton Kershaw and 3,000 strikeouts: A partnership built on a consistent three-pitch mix

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 14, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) walks off the field with Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) after pitching seven scoreless innings in the Dodgers 11-5 win over the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Clayton Kershaw, above walking off the field with Will Smith after pitching seven scoreless innings on June 14 against the San Francisco Giants, is 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA this season and sits three strikeouts away from 3,000 for his career. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The transformation happened quickly in May 2009.

Early into his second year in the majors, a young Clayton Kershaw was enduring a sophomore slump with the Dodgers. Looking for a way to complement his predominantly fastball/curveball mix, he began toying around with a slider in his between-starts bullpen sessions.

When Brad Ausmus, the well-traveled 40-year-old backup catcher on that year’s Dodgers team, heard about the experiment, he didn’t initially think much of it. That a raw 21-year-old talent would be tinkering with a new pitch didn’t come as much of a surprise.

But when Ausmus asked the club’s bullpen catcher, Mike Borzello, how Kershaw’s new pitch looked, he got his first inkling it might be special.

Read more:'A lot of gratitude and gratefulness to get back.' Clayton Kershaw reflects on 2025 return

“He was like, ‘It’s really good,’” Ausmus recalled recently. “I said, ‘Oh, so maybe he’ll throw it in a couple more bullpens before taking it into the game.’ And he’s like, ‘Ehh, I think he might take it into the game his next start.’”

A few weeks later, Ausmus got his first chance to see it up close, calling it sporadically in a Freeway Series game at Angel Stadium. That day, Kershaw spun a gem, throwing seven scoreless innings in a Dodgers victory. 

But it was afterward, as Kershaw, Ausmus and longtime Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt reviewed the outing, that the longtime catcher started to understand that Kershaw wasn’t just any young pitcher. That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude. That his precocious battery mate was both a physical force and pitching prodigy.

Clayton Kershaw, left, talks with Angels manager Brad Ausmus, right, and coach Matt Martin before a 2019 game in Anaheim.
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, talks with former teammate Brad Ausmus, right, and coach Matt Martin before a game in 2019, when Ausmus was the manager of the Angels. (Alex Gallardo/AP)

“Keep in mind, this is a rookie, basically, talking to a guy who’s been in the big leagues 17, 18 years,” Ausmus said. “And he goes, ‘Brad, I wish you would call more sliders.’”

Initially surprised, Ausmus thought to himself: “Really? This is a brand new pitch. We probably threw 10 or 15 of them.”

But Kershaw could already see the bigger picture. He immediately sensed how the new pitch might profoundly impact his game.

“If you think about it, the fastball was 95, the curveball was probably in the low-to-mid 80s, so there was a lot of separation in terms of velocity. It almost gave the hitter time to reload before swinging,” Ausmus said. “The slider did not allow the hitters to do that.”

Read more:More than the glasses: How a lightbulb moment made Max Muncy a 'complete hitter' again

Seventeen years, three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles, and — very nearly — 3,000 strikeouts later, the rest has been singularly impressive history.

“It speaks to not only his knowledge, but his ability and his confidence,” said Ausmus, now bench coach for the New York Yankees. “He has an aptitude for the game. He adjusts. And he continues to perform at a high level. It really is remarkable … I miss having that guy as a teammate.”

When Clayton Kershaw takes the mound on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, he will need just three strikeouts to become the 20th member of Major League Baseball’s 3,000 strikeout club.

And, just as it was almost two decades ago, it will be the same primary three-pitch mix that is all but certain to lift him into such rarified air.

For better or (very rarely) worse, at full strength or in ailing health, the now 37-year-old future Hall of Famer has managed to perfect one of the sport’s all-time signature plans of attack on the mound:

Establish the fastball on the edge of the plate for a strike. Tunnel the slider on the same trajectory to get awkward swings when it tails off late. Mix in a curveball when a change of pace is needed. And never be afraid to change the sequence and tendencies of that infallible trio of pitches, using instinct and feel to amplify his physical talent.

“It’s what's upstairs [that makes him special],” current Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said. “He’s always a step ahead.”

Countless big-league pitchers have used a similar fastball-slider-curveball repertoire. Even in Kershaw’s prime years, there were always others who could throw harder, or produce more break, or manipulate the ball with more gravity-defying spin.

What separates Kershaw are more foundational skills. His unwavering execution, in seasons he threw 200-plus innings or those in which he battled increasingly persistent injuries to his back, shoulder and even a bothersome left big toe. His unflappable persistence to move from one pitch, one start, one year to the next; never satisfied with his best moments nor shaken by his rare failures.

“He just knows the ins and outs of baseball, and has such good feel,” longtime teammate and backstop Austin Barnes
said. “He’s like a train that comes at you consistently.”

That’s why, when Kershaw does inevitably cross the 3,000-strikeout threshold, it will be equal parts a testament to his talent and durability — an accomplishment that required him to continually reinvent his game without ever changing his fundamental nature as a pitcher.

“Clayton has everything the right way, on the field, off the field, over a long period of time,” manager Dave Roberts said last week.

“It’s hard to wrap your head around what it takes,” he added, “as far as longevity, and greatness.”

Clayton Kershaw, left, watches from the dugout during Game 4 of the NLDS against the Padres in San Diego.
"He's like a train that comes at you consistently," former Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, center, said of pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Few players have produced the kind of prolonged period of greatness Kershaw did during the peak of his career. Starting in that 2009 season, he went on a run of sub-3.00 ERA campaigns in 11 of his next 12 years. In seven of them, he had 200 or more strikeouts, including a career-high 301 punchouts in 2015. Eight of his 10 All-Star selections came in that stretch, as did his three Cy Young Awards and a 2014 National League MVP (still the last time a pitcher won the game’s highest individual honor).

His only blemishes in that time were repeated disappointments in the playoffs. But even in most of those, he was tasked with trying to save the team’s season while pitching on short rest or desperately-needed outings out of the bullpen.

“Even with all the pressure he’s had as the Dodgers’ ace … he’s always out there, he’s always willing to take the ball,” Barnes said. “I think that goes underappreciated. He’s willing to put himself out there, even when he doesn’t feel his best.”

To Barnes, who has caught more Kershaw starts than anyone other than A.J. Ellis, the way Kershaw strives to always be better is what has made it all possible. It was a trait he noticed in one of his first games catching him in 2017 against the San Diego Padres.

“I kind of went against the scouting report, and I called a fastball that froze the guy,” Barnes, who signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants this week after being released by the Dodgers earlier this year, recalled recently. “I remember him coming up to me after, kind of sizing me up and down, like, ‘Why’d you call that?’ I just said, ‘I just kind of felt it.’”

Read more:Justin Wrobleski gives Dodgers a surprising boost during win over Royals

It was a small example of how Kershaw’s pitch mix — unchanged over the years, outside of an occasional flirtation with a variety of changeup grips — could be weaponized in ways opposing batters have long struggled to expect.

“Not everybody gets to his caliber of pitching and stuff,” Barnes said. “But the work he puts in, in the weight room, in the video room, for him to go out there and have clarity and conviction in what he needs to do, I think that’s what helps most. And the level of competitor he is. He can do it all.”

Even, in recent years, as his stuff has gradually diminished.

At the start of this season, Kershaw was just 32 strikeouts away from the 3K club — an exclusive fraternity that includes only three other left-handed pitchers, and two who spent their entire career with one team.

In past seasons, that would’ve been a total he could clear in less than a month.

But now, he joked early in his return from offseason foot and knee surgeries: “Maybe by September I’ll get there. We’ll see.”

After all, Kershaw barely touches 90 mph with his fastball even on a good day now. His slider and curveball don’t always have as much bite as they once did. Such has been the case for much of the last three seasons, as the miles on Kershaw’s arm and body have steadily caught up to him.

At the end of 2020, when Kershaw finally won his first World Series and began more seriously starting to contemplate when he might retire, he was less than 500 strikeouts away from 3,000. He seemed like a virtual lock to get there, perhaps as the last new entrant for the foreseeable future.

Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, left, talks with pitcher Clayton Kershaw during a spring training workout in March 2022.
"He's always a step ahead," Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, left, said recently about pitcher Clayton Kershaw when discussing the key to his success. (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Since then, however, he had a season-ending elbow injury in 2021 that nearly required Tommy John surgery; back and shoulder problems that limited him in what were nonetheless All-Star seasons in 2022 and 2023; consecutive offseasons of surgical rehabs each of the past two winters, first on his shoulder and then his lower-body ailments; all on top of the normal aches and pains that come with pitching into someone’s late 30s.

His three-pitch arsenal remains unchanged, but figuring out ways to maximize it has been an ongoing challenge.

“He’s doing it the same way, but he’s having to figure out different ways to do it, if that makes sense,” Prior said.

Just like when he first broke into the majors, it has required him to trust what’s working best and adjust on the fly to his ever-weakening capabilities.

And yet, entering Wednesday’s potential milestone outing, Kershaw is 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA in his eight starts this season (the second-best ERA among Dodgers starters behind only Yoshinobu Yamamoto). He is coming off a particularly productive June, giving up just seven earned runs in 27 ⅔ innings over the entire month. And, while they don’t come as frequently as they once did, the strikeouts are still present, with Kershaw averaging 7 ½ per nine innings over his last five starts.

To Prior, it’s a testament to Kershaw’s enduring ability to still pitch his way through a start.

“He knows when guys are looking hard and he can get them with the slider. The fastball and slider still do look the same, when he’s on, so he can pull the trigger on one or the other … And he has the equalizer with the curveball, to be able to use that to change speeds like he has his whole career.”

“Again, it’s the same pitch mix,” Prior added, “but he’s still finding ways to do it at this stage.”

To Roberts, it’s made Kershaw an example for the rest of the team to follow.

“It’s a lesson in life,” the manager said. “You don’t always have to feel perfect to be productive. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Read more:Shohei Ohtani hits 102 mph in another sharp pitching start, but Dodgers fall to Royals

The great irony, once Kershaw does eclipse the 3,000-strikeout mark, is that punchouts have never been his primary objective.

“No, no,” Barnes said with a laugh. “He cares about winning the game and throwing up zeroes. That’s the biggest thing for him. The strikeouts are just a byproduct of him getting ahead of hitters, and being able to have [the pitches in] his mix playing off each other.”

But once that moment does arrive — fittingly, as things have lined up, likely on the Dodger Stadium mound he has dominated for almost two decades — the total will be indicative of all he has accomplished in a career of unmatched excellence, and the way he has elevated himself as one of the best pitchers in the history of the sport.

“He’s teaching me that so much of this game is still about mindset,” Prior said. “There’s so much object data, which is helpful in all aspects of our game. But part of it is still so unquantifiable. He’s just someone who has willed himself to be better than everybody else.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Posted on

Nashville Predators sign Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix to 2-year deal

The Nashville Predators' defense continues to get deeper as they sign Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. 

This past season, Perbix scored 19 points in 74 games and logged 20 penalty minutes. He has primarily played on the second and third pairings during his three seasons in Tampa. 

Perbix will also join former Lightning teammate Steven Stamkos in Nashville. 

He will likely slide into the same spot in the Predators' lineup, possibly playing with newly acquired defenseman Nicolas Hague. 

Perbix was drafted 169th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Lightning. The past two seasons he played the entirety in Tampa. 

Taking on Perbix, the Predators now have about $9.3 million in the salary cap to work with. 

On Sunday, Nashville traded defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and center Colton Sissons to the Vegas Golden Knights and a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 draft. The Predators also maintain 50% of Sissons' salary. 

Hauge signed a four-year, $22 million contract, with a annual hit of $5.5 million. 

Monday, forward Luke Evangelista was extended a qualifying offer.  

Posted on

REPORT: Golden Knights Interested In Trading For A Pair Of Defensemen

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly interested in trading for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Bowen Byram.

Andersson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and the Calgary Flames are looking to offload him both to open space for younger defenseman like Zayne Parekh, but also to avoid losing Andersson for free in free agency.

The Flames have been engaged in discussions, and despite their efforts, nothing has formulated. Part of the reason is that Andersson has a modified six-team no-trade clause, but also because Andersson has been very picky about which teams he'd be open to signing an extension with. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Golden Knights are one of those teams. 

LeBrun stated that the Golden Knights and the Flames have had numerous discussions over the past week, but the Flames haven't been impressed by the Golden Knights' offers. Unfortunately for the Flames, it sounds like it's just Vegas for him, despite interest from the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings.

Byram is in a different situation from the 28-year-old right-handed defenseman. Byram is a restricted free agent at the moment, who is destined to be moved from the Buffalo Sabres either via offer sheet or trade. The Golden Knights likely don't have the assets to make an offer sheet, but can put together a package for the 24-year-old smooth-skating left-handed defenseman. 

Darren Dreger said things are "percolating" around Byram, with the Golden Knights, Kings, Flames and the St. Louis Blues looking to work out a deal. 

Byram scored seven goals and 38 points in 82 games this season, playing his first complete 82-game season in his career. The former fourth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft has dealt with several injury issues throughout his young career. 

Byram's fit with the Golden Knights isn't as clear as Andersson's. Andersson would be used as a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo, but Byram is very similar in play style to Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Confirmed: Golden Knights Complete Sign-and-Trade For Mitch MarnerConfirmed: Golden Knights Complete Sign-and-Trade For Mitch MarnerAfter a long saga with several curveballs and rumors, the Vegas Golden Knights have finally got their man, completing a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which will see Mitch Marner sign with the Golden Knights on an eight-year, $12-million AAV deal, and Nicolas Roy join the Maple Leafs.