Larkin has been captain of the Red Wings since 2021. He's a six-time 30-goal scorer, including the last five seasons.
He also was a standout for the USA at the Olympics and the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Red Wings' 10-season playoff drought is now the longest in the NHL after the Buffalo Sabres clinched a postseason spot. Larkin hasn't been in the postseason since his rookie year in 2015-16.
The Red Wings were quiet at the 2025 trade deadline, which Larkin had noted, and were more aggressive in 2026, bringing in Justin Faulk and David Perron. But they faded down the stretch again to miss the playoffs.
Dylan Larkin contract status
Larkin, 29, has five years left on his contract (through 2031) at a $8.7 million cap hit. He has a full no-trade clause the next two seasons and a modified no-trade clause afterward.
It might be difficult for Larkin to be moved quickly because general manager Steve Yzerman won't trade him without getting top value. And Larkin can dictate where he goes.
England’s Ollie Robinson marked his first Test for more than two years with four wickets, including three in a sensational opening over, as New Zealand collapsed to 61-6 at stumps at Lord’s on Thursday.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is underway, with the Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights challenging the Eastern Conference champion Carolina Hurricanes.
On top of the plethora of homegrown and drafted talent in their respective lineups, neither team would be where it is today without acquiring veterans from other clubs, such as the Calgary Flames.
This season's Final features three prominent former Flames players, including Golden Knights defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Noah Hanifin, and Hurricanes center Mark Jankowski.
Rasmus Andersson
Out of the three former Calgary players in this year's Final, Andersson had arguably the best career in Southern Alberta. He skated with the Flames for 10 seasons and 617 games, scoring 64 goals and 278 points, while serving as an alternate captain before a January 2026 trade to Vegas.
Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Originally drafted in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2015 Entry Draft, Andersson was one of only three players, with captain Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, left from the franchise's last playoff game, a Game 5 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on May 26, 2022.
When the Flames began to retool their roster over the past year, Andersson's name was among the top trade chips General Manager Craig Conroy held. After months of speculation, Conroy used his veteran defenseman's experience to acquire two draft picks (First and Second Round in 2027), plus Zach Whitecloud and Abram Wiebe from the Golden Knights on Jan. 18, 2026.
As Andersson chases his first Stanley Cup ring, his career with the Flames ranks in the top seven all-time amongst defensemen in team history, with the seventh most games played and goals, and the sixth most assists and points.
2026 Playoff Stats (Ahead of the Final) 16 GP - 0 G - 5 A - 6 Pts - 14 PIM - Plus-4
Noah Hanifin
Hanifin came to Calgary via a trade from the Hurricanes on June 23, 2018, the team that selected him as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft. In one of the more famous trades in team history, the Flames dealt away future Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, a prospect at the time, with Dougie Hamilton in exchange for Elias Lindholm and Hanifin.
Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Lindholm became a 40-goal scorer with the Flames, while Hanifin became a leader on the blueline, averaging 21:39 a game throughout his five and a half seasons with the team. Although Hanifin has averaged 35 points per season throughout his career, his best campaign came in Calgary during the 2021-22 season, when he tallied 10 goals and 38 assists for 48 points in 81 games, with a plus-27 rating.
Viewed as another intriguing trade option during the 2023-24 season, Conroy dealt Hanifin to Vegas as part of a three-way deal that also included the Philadelphia Flyers. Although there were many moving parts in the transition, the Flames ended up with a conditional first-round pick in 2026, which turned into Daniil Miromanov, and a third-round pick in 2024, which they used to select Kirill Zarubin.
2026 Playoff Stats (Ahead of the Final) 16 GP - 0 G - 6 A - 6 Pts - 2 PIM - Plus-3
Mark Jankowski
Jankowski was a Flames first-round selection, 21st overall, at the 2012 Entry Draft, who eventually made his NHL debut during the 2016-17 season. During the following campaign, 2017-18, he became a regular in the lineup, scoring a career-high 17 goals in 72 games.
Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
He would skate in 208 games with the Flames, tallying a total of 36 goals and 64 points with 59 penalty minutes before signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9, 2020.
Despite the shortest tenure of the three former Flames in this year's Final, Jankowski is the only one who can claim that the legendary Jaromir Jagr set up his first NHL goal.
2026 Playoff Stats (Ahead of the Final) 14 GP - 0 G - 4 A - 4 Pts - 12 PIM - Plus-3
Which former Flames player are you cheering for to win their first Stanley Cup? Let us know in the comments.
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 28: Donnell Harvey #4 of the Phoenix Suns runs up court during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at America West Arena on December 28, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns won 100-92. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When you find yourself in a relationship, you quickly learn there’s a lot of give and take. Plenty of moments where both people have to meet in the middle. Balance is what makes a relationship work, and one of the places that balance gets tested most often is the television remote.
Sometimes you win, and you get to spend a Tuesday night watching a random baseball game. Sometimes you lose, and suddenly you find yourself far more emotionally invested in The Valley or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills than you ever thought possible.
I’m fortunate because when Phoenix Suns basketball is on, I usually win the battle for the remote. I can always claim I’m watching for work. In reality, I’m usually “banished” to my office, where I can watch the game in peace, focus on what’s happening, and take notes without distractions.
That being said, I’ve had my fair share of watching shows I would never voluntarily choose. That’s part of the deal. You pick your battles, and sometimes those battles lead you to watch some concoction called Love Island. Love Island Season 8 premiered on June 2, and thankfully I’ve avoided it entirely so far. With my wife and daughter at home, they can spend their time watching that while I’m in my office watching the NBA Finals.
What is it, exactly? From what I can gather, a bunch of single contestants live together on an island. The guys make breakfast every morning. There’s a lot of kissing, a few cold sores, and apparently a lot of drama.
I did get summoned into the living room last night, however, because Love Island Season 8 has a Phoenix Suns connection. One of the contestants, Aniya Harvey, is the daughter of a former Phoenix Suns player.
Once upon a time, he spent half a season in Phoenix, appearing in 36 games and making seven starts during the 2003-04 campaign alongside Stephon Marbury. The 22nd overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft played five seasons in the NBA and arrived in Phoenix via a trade that sent out a 2004 second-round pick.
Truthfully, I don’t remember much about Harvey. The highlights are pretty nice, though.
So, of course, I thought I’d do a little digging on Donnell, trying to find a little trivia nugget for you. He played 147 games alongside Juwan Howard, the most of any teammate. He is one of 27 players to wear jersey number 4, the most used number in franchise history, doing so between Alton Ford and Jackson Vroman. He averaged 3.9 points per game as a Sun, tying him with 3 other players in franchise history to do so: Greg Howard, Jerrod Mustaf, and Bo Outlaw.
So if you find yourself sitting around with your wife, or maybe a teenage daughter, you can casually mention that one of the contestants on Love Island has a connection to the Phoenix Suns. Now you know. I’ve done my due diligence. I’ve helped bring a little balance to your relationship and given you a conversation starter for the next family viewing session.
You’re welcome. And welcome to offseason storytelling.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 02: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes is defended by Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a thrilling Game 1 which saw the Vegas Golden Knight earn the first victory of the series in a 5-4 final over the Carolina Hurricanes. There were multiple lead changes and rallies. Will Vegas take a commanding hold of the series on the way to their second Stanley Cup or will Carolina punch back?
WILL THE HURRICANES TIE THE SERIES, OR WILL THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TAKE A 2-0 LEAD BACK TO VEGAS? 🎬
Game 1 saw five different goal scorers for Vegas. Brett Howden netted his 11th goal for this post season’s lead. Tomas Hertl eventually scored the game winner late in the third period.
Projected Lineup
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Pavel Dorofeyev
Brett Howden — William Karlsson — Mitch Marner
Tomas Hertl — Colton Sissons — Mark Stone
Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Keegan Kolesar
Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Kaedan Korczak — Jeremy Lauzon
Carter Hart
Adin Hill
Carolina Hurricanes
It was a storybook start for Carolina which saw Nikolai Ehlers score the first two goals in Game 1 but Carolina just came up short in enough contributions on the scoreboard to take that first game. Will tonight be any different?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 03: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Not only are the days of Shohei Ohtani struggling with the bat in 2026 gone, but his overall production makes you question if that was ever an actual period of this season in the first place. Ohtani has particularly enjoyed this series against the Diamondbacks—recording multi-hit performances in each of the first three games, dominating in the leadoff spot, and on the mound on Wednesday—and why wouldn’t he? It’s hard to tell what is more impressive: that Ohtani has a slugging percentage above .700 in 21 games at Chase Field or that it is one of six ballparks in which he has a slugging percentage that high with at least 13 games. Now, the Dodgers will have to wrap up this series without their star hitter as Will Smith gets a day off from catching and moves to the DH spot with Dalton Rushing behind the plate.
Interestingly, Ohtani hasn’t had the best of luck against today’s Diamondbacks starter, Ryne Nelson, but a different Dodger has: Mookie Betts. In fact, out of all five Dodgers with at least a dozen at-bats against Nelson, Betts is the only one with worthwhile numbers, batting .357 with a home run. Struggling massively in 2026, Mookie will accept any advantage he can get against a pitcher who has a 2.72 ERA in 39.2 innings against the Dodgers.
More importantly, though, is the opportunity to give Dalton Rushing any plate appearances this team can. Rushing has done all that it could be asked of him and then some, but playing time is scarce even if Smith hasn’t matched his usual standards this year.
Seth Jarvis scored on the power play in overtime after Carolina erased a deficit in regulation only to gave up a late tying goal, and the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night to the series.
Jarvis’ OT heroics came after a thrilling third period that included four goals being scored and another getting called off because of goaltender interference.
The Hurricanes had almost nothing going for the first 45 minutes, falling behind by two goals as the Golden Knights took advantage of a couple of scoring chances and locked down defensively. A couple of strong shifts in the offensive zone just before the midway point of the third brought the crowd back to life because the Hurricanes were buzzing.
Logan Stankoven made a terrific individual effort to get them on the board, taking the puck away from Rasmus Andersson, going to the net and banking a shot off Jeremy Lauzon and in with 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski fired a shot past Carter Hart to tie it, flipping the script from Game 1, when Vegas erased a multigoal deficit and won.
The Hurricanes took the lead with 4:35 left when their captain, Jordan Staal, redirected Shayne Gostisbehere’s point shot in on the power play. It was just their eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
That was 25 seconds after the Golden Knights thought they scored at the other end.
Frederik Andersen initially went full extension to deny Ivan Barbashev with the paddle of his stick, and a scrum ensued in the crease that ended with the puck eventually in the net. Referee Jean Hebert waved it off immediately, saying Andersen was pushed into the net and ruling it was goaltender interference.
Tortorella after some deliberation opted to challenge, and the on-ice officials in consultation with the NHL’s situation room confirmed the call on the ice stood. That put the Hurricanes on the power play, and Staal — the captain who has been around longer than anyone else on his team — cashed in.
After Mark Stone tied it for Vegas with 1:21 left in regulation to send the game to OT, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal to put Carolina back on the power play. That allowed Jarvis to score just Carolina’s eighth power play goal of the playoffs.
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: The sneakers worn by Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Red Sox have made their decision with struggling starter Brayan Bello.
Bello, whose woes continued in Thursday’s 8-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, was sent down to Triple-A Worcester after his start, per WBZ’s Dan Roche. He allowed eight earned runs, six of them in the first inning.
After the game, Bello didn’t respond well when asked about a potential demotion.
“I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about making my adjustments in the big leagues,” he said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez. “I have a big league contract. That doesn’t mean that the bosses will not take that into consideration, but I’m a big leaguer. I’m a big league starting pitcher, and I’ll make my adjustments here.”
Bello has a 10.35 ERA as a starter this season (16.88 in the first inning). Oddly enough, entering the game in the second inning after an opener seemed to solve his issues. The 27-year-old has a 0.71 ERA in four games out of the bullpen (two earned runs in 25.1 innings).
Despite that trend, Bello defiantly shut down talks about shifting to a relief role.
“Just stop talking about bullpen and starting games,” Bello said. “I’ve always been a starter. And when I’ve been successful as a starter, nobody has questioned whether I have to be in the bullpen or starting games.
“Just stop that talk because I’m just having a bad season. That’s it. It’s not whether I’m a starter or I’m a reliever. I’m just having a bad season. But I know I can turn it around. I always have. And I think I will.”
Bello will have to make his adjustments in Worcester, and there’s no guarantee he’ll have a spot in the starting rotation when he returns to the majors. If and when Garrett Crochet returns from his shoulder and lat injuries, the projected rotation will consist of him, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, and Connelly Early.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 1: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 1, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said something very simple, but profound during his exit interview.
“Luke [Kennard] is a great example. He’s a guy that can dribble, pass, and shoot,” Redick said. “I think because of injuries, there were times that we didn’t have enough of that. We’ve got to be better being able to dribble, pass and shoot.”
Now that the offseason is here, the Lakers can address these detriments with an injection of new talent. One position in particular that needs players who can dribble, pass and shoot at the highest level is the wings.
Since every team in the NBA desires this as well, wings are in high demand and hard to find, even when roster spots and money are available. Still, the Lakers have a bit of both open, so they need to find some new wings to become a true Western Conference contender.
Here’s a look at five wings the Lakers could target this summer, either in free agency or via trade.
Now, the Lakers currently have three first round picks they can offer, and perhaps the market has changed, making Jones a tradeable player.
His value is clear. Jones is a great defender, and while his scoring dipped to just 8.9 points per game this season, he has been a double-digit scorer over the last two years.
Considering all the open space he’ll have to operate under with Luka Dončić on the ball, he’d likely have an offensive uptick playing with the Lakers. Still just 27 years old, Jones still has room to grow, and LA would be a great place for that to happen.
Trey Murphy III
While the Pelicans didn’t win many games, they have another quality player that teams like the Lakers want in Murphy. LA has had ties to Murphy since before he was an NBA player, having him come in for a pre-draft workout back in 2021 when he stated he wanted to be an All-Star.
He hasn’t quite reached that level, but this year he averaged a career-high 21.5 points per game. Murphy is also a career 38.2% 3-point shooter, making him an ideal wing for the Lakers. Similar to Jones, Murphy is under contract through the 2028-29 season, making $27 million-plus each year, and the team has a club option for the following season. So, a trade is the only way the Lakers can acquire him, but that’s a great option to go with if the Pelicans are serious about making a deal.
Peyton Watson
Watson is a restricted free agent, but considering that the Nuggets flamed out of the playoffs and could be in the second apron with a hefty luxury tax bill if they don’t shed salary, so it’s very possible Denver will have to move on from him.
This past season, Watson scored 14.1 points per game and shot 41.1% from beyond the arc. That level of shooting is hard to find, and if the Lakers are smart, they’ll aggressively pursue him.
Luguentz Dort
Okay, some Lakers fans will detest the idea of Dort, mainly because he is a tough defender with a reputation for being dirty.
However, he is exactly the kind of player you hate to play, but love to have. He is a defensive irritant and while his offensive numbers are modest, averaging just 8.3 points per game this season, Dort has had seasons where he’s been a sniper from deep.
If he can get back to being a 40% shooter from 3-point range like he was back in 2024-25 when the Thunder won it all, then he can have a bounce-back year with the Lakers, similar to what Marcus Smart had with LA this season.
OKC has a team option for Dort, but their cap situation is looking pretty tough. So, perhaps they’ll have to let him go to avoid some restrictions, making this their loss and LA’s gain.
Khris Middleton
Middleton isn’t the most alluring option, but he’s a good option for the Lakers. He is an unrestricted free agent, and with the Mavericks rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, his staying in Dallas doesn’t make much sense.
Middleton has been on a steady decline and barely cracked 10 points per game this season. Still, he’s a great vet and an elite 3-point shooter who made 39% of his shots from beyond the arc.
He won’t be the top priority, but Middleton in LA would certainly give the franchise some additional wing depth.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of assets that could allow them to make a big trade for a player who helps them win in the present.
They are not competing for the Stanley Cup next season, but they are going to attempt to be better than 31st place once again.
It is a weak free agent class, which is becoming the new normal, but a lot of great players are on the trade market. On Thursday, however, the NHL world was hit with massive news.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is available because he has requested a trade. This could stem from a messy contract issue a few years ago or their current playoff drought, and that has made him want out.
Larkin is a world-class player, and guys like him don't get moved very often, which is why Chicago must have him at the top of their trade target list as we advance. He would make them a significantly better team all by himself.
Whether he plays center or wing in Chicago doesn't matter; they'd get a boost either way. He also has experience with head coach Jeff Blashill from Blashill's time in Detroit.
In 808 games played in his NHL career, Larkin has 276 goals, 367 assists, and 643 points. At 29 years old, he is consistently a top player, averaging around a point per game annually.
Larkin made the playoffs with the Red Wings in his rookie season and hasn't been back since, so the big game NHL experience isn't there necessarily, but he played a big role in Team USA winning the Gold Medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
This is also an incredibly fast player, so much so that he's won the fastest skater competition at the NHL Skills Competition. With stars like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondel, and Frank Nazar at even strength and on the power play, the Hawks would all of a sudden have a dangerous-looking attack if they added Larkin.
What would it cost to get Larkin? Well, now that this report is out, the Red Wings don't have much leverage, especially considering that Larkin currently has a no-move clause and can influence where he goes. Chicago has draft capital and prospects that can be moved in a deal like this.
If he decided that he likes Chicago's direction, enjoys the city, and wants to reunite with Blashill, the Hawks should be all over it.
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PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: LaMonte Wade Jr. #30 of the Chicago White Sox bats during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Wade will wear number 31 and is active for tonight’s game.
The Houston Astros announced that they have signed OF LaMonte Wade Jr. to a Major League contract. Wade will be active for tonight’s series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Wade, 32, was most recently in the Chicago White Sox system, playing at their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. In Charlotte, Wade was batting .250 with a .420 OBP and .861 OPS. The left-handed hitter has experience playing both corner outfield spots as well as 1B.
Across 7 major league seasons, Wade Jr. is a lifetime .236 hitter, with a .341 OBP and .731 OPS across 1,617 AB. He last played in the majors in 2025, splitting time between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels.
Wade exercised an opt-out clause on Monday to secure his release with the White Sox in hopes of catching on with another team with a better path to the majors.
Astros Add Price, DFA Salazar
The team announced it was recalling C Collin Price from Triple-A Sugar Land. Price, 26, is a righthanded hitting C/1B. Price was hitting .235 with a .360 OBP and an .836 OPS for the Space Cowboys this season, with 10 HR and 26 RBI over 166 AB.
Last season, Price batted .235 with a .323 OBP and .757 OPS, with 18 HR and 60 RBI over 392 AB.
Price will replace Cesar Salazar on the active roster. Salazar was designated for assignment.
Astros Make OF Moves
Houston announced it was reinstating OF Joey Loperfido from the IL and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land.
The Astros also optioned OF Zach Cole to Triple-A Sugar Land.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 24: Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at Truist Park on May 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is back out of the lineup for Thursday night’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays after a one-hit, one-RBI performance in Wednesday’s 7-3 win.
It’ll be the fifth time in the last seven games Kim has been out of the lineup. While Atlanta has largely ridden Jorge Mateo’s heat wave as Kim continues to struggle to generate momentum after his delayed start to the season, it’ll be Mauricio Dubon this time, starting at short and hitting second in the lineup.
While Toronto is using a left-handed opener in Mason Fluharty (3-0, 3.97 ERA), it’s expected that righty Chad Dallas (4.50 ERA over 36 innings at Triple-A Buffalo this season), called up ahead of Thursday’s game, will be the bulk pitcher for his major league debut.
Due to this expectation, the Braves aren’t taking the opener bait and will start Dominic Smith as designated hitter (sixth in lineup) and Mike Yastrzemski in left (eighth).
Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in right after a DH day and Sandy León is catching and will hit ninth, preventing new addition Austin Wynns from starting after he was acquired via trade and selected to the major league roster earlier in the day.
Chris Sale, who spent time in the same division as Toronto when with the Red Sox, is 8-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 18 career games (15 starts) against the Blue Jays. He’s faced them just twice since 2019, though, meaning a number of current Toronto players haven’t faced him.
George Springer (.267 with one double, one homer and four RBIs) accounts for 30 of the current Blue Jays’ 48 career at-bats against him. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2-for-11, one homer, three RBIs) is the only other Blue Jay who has faced him more than three times.
Speaking of Springer, he’s back atop the lineup after getting an off day against a righty starter Wednesday night. Nathan Lukes and Yohendrick Piñango, who were in the top two spots of the lineup against Grant Holmes, fall into the sixth and ninth spots respectively against Sale.
Myles Straw also gets his first start of the series in Toronto (seventh) while Tyler Heineman gets his first start behind the dish (eighth).
Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan starred in Pakistan’s four-wicket win in their decisive third and final ODI against Australia in Lahore on Thursday.
Teams are welcoming draft prospects to their facilities for individual and group workouts as they scout for a player to add to their roster. For the Golden State Warriors in particular, they could use a player who can come into the league ready to fit in to whatever role is handed to them.
Best player available is the best method to go for Golden State, but they need a versatile swingman, someone who can play multiple positions from forward, and even guard. Ultimately, the player needs to be able to defend at a high level, but also compliment veteran stars such as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler on the offensive end as well.
They also need more bigs, specifically a center.
Questions loom around which players will be back next year and who will be packaged in a major deal. One of those players are Kristaps Porzingis, who they acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent. And so is Al Horford (player option), who is also 40-years-old.
With that, it's obvious the Warriors will be buyers during the free agency period. Their draftee will be someone who understands they will bring value by doing the little things that make a lasting impact on the game. It's likely someone who's not a big name right now, but could be one day.
In USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft 15.0, Bryan Kalbrosky has the Warriors selecting Karim López, a 19-year-old from Mexico, to fill that role. López would be the ideal fit for the Warriors given his 6-foot-8 frame. He has the prototypical size to be a Swiss Army knife for Golden State.
"Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical," Kalbrosky wrote.
Here's who sports experts predict the Golden State Warriors will draft with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft:
"Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical." – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY
"The Warriors need a true center. There is no better option in this range than Mara, who stepped on UCLA's campus as a lottery-projected center from Spain. Then he fell off draft boards during two forgettable seasons there before transferring to Michigan and becoming one of the best true 5s in the country on his way to winning the national championship. He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing. The complication is he doesn't shoot from outside, makes below 60% of his free throws, and opponents are going to attack him on the perimeter." – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports
"Steve Kerr's decision to return to the Warriors is a fair indicator that Golden State doesn't plan to rebuild in the near future, but this pick gives it a chance to get younger and deeper. Long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody mean the Warriors will be extremely light on the perimeter to open next season, which could be a consideration here. GM Mike Dunleavy also told reporters this week that Golden State would consider moving around in the draft.
"Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10 but could also end up being the guard who falls. He would be a solid fit for the Warriors in this scenario. His dimensions will play up better on the ball than at the two, but his sturdy build should also help him defend wings. The fact he's a year older than some of the other freshmen and somewhat caught between positions based on tools makes him more of a back-half lottery option." – Jeremy Woo, ESPN
"While it might be tempting for Golden State to maximize its fading competitive window with Stephen Curry by taking an older player like Yaxel Lendeborg, that would be short-sighted. Burries is a top-10 caliber talent whose effective field goal percentage of 57.2% surpassed that of every other guard ahead of him in this mock." – David Cobb, CBS Sports
