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Former Panthers Assistant GM Revealed Plans To Offer Sheet Nikita Kucherov In 2016

Nikita Kucherov is a critical figure in the Florida rivalry between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But what if he was on the opposite side?

Former Panthers assistant GM Steve Werier appeared on The Overdrive, a TSN radio show, to answer questions about Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet and how the process works.

To better explain his point, he reflected on real-life experiences, noting how the Panthers approached offer sheets in 2016. 

Werier mentioned that the Panthers made sure to lock up key RFAs before they became offer-sheet eligible, including Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, and Reilly Smith. With their own business handled, the Panthers planned to offer sheet Kucherov.

Werier spent just one season with the Panthers as the assistant GM, during the 2016-17 season, when Kucherov’s entry-level contract expired. 

In the 2016 off-season, Kucherov wasn’t the player he is now, but he was beginning to show signs of it. He was coming off consecutive 60-point seasons and scored 29 and 30 goals. In the playoffs, Kucherov notched 10 goals and 22 points in 26 games during the Lightning’s run to the Stanley Cup final in 2015.

Werier on Carlsson: 'I think they're going to match, I think it's an easy decision'Werier on Carlsson: 'I think they're going to match, I think it's an easy decision'Aaron Korolnek and Dave Feschuk are joined by former Florida Panthers Assistant GM Steve Werier to discuss why he believes the Anaheim Ducks should match Leo...

He may not have been the two-time Hart Trophy winner and three-time Art Ross Trophy winner, just yet, but the Panthers clearly noticed something in his development, and they were right to think that way.

In the end, the Panthers did not offer sheet Kucherov and he signed a three-year bridge deal with the Lightning. Kucherov is now considered the best winger in the NHL, and when he calls it a career, he’ll go straight to the Hockey Hall of Fame, owning all the records in Tampa Bay. 

It’s fun to take a second to imagine how differently the NHL would have looked if the Panthers had successfully offer-sheeted Kucherov. 

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For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.  

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Jordan Clarkson re-signs with Knicks after championship run as roster takes shape

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson #00 reacts after scoring in the 2nd quarter of Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Image 2 shows Jordan Clarkson in a white New York Knicks jersey with his arms bent, surrounded by teammates on the court
Jordan Clarkson resigns

The Knicks roster is nearly complete.

Another important contributor to the Knicks’ championship run is back. Jordan Clarkson is re-signing with the team, The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported Thursday, on a one-year deal worth $3.9 million.  

Since it is a veteran minimum deal, Clarkson gets the full negotiated salary but it only counts for roughly $2.5 million against the cap for second apron purposes. The move now leaves them $3.3 million under the second apron, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, with just one spot left to fill. Owner James Dolan, at the start of the offseason, stated that he intends to stay under that second apron, and the Knicks have acted accordingly. 

Jordan Clarkson was a spark plug off the bench for the Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Knicks now have 13 players on the roster, one short of the mandated 14 standard contracts. Teams can temporarily dip down to 13, though it is complicated.

The move means just one main rotation player — Mitchell Robinson — from last year’s team is gone. Ariel Hukporti also departed, though he hardly played. The Knicks managed to bring back Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Mohamed Diawara and Clarkson and replace Robinson with Andre Drummond for a total cost of just $17.5 million against the cap. 

Clarkson joined the Knicks last year and, after an up-and-down regular season, emerged as a valuable bench piece by the postseason — he averaged 10.8 minutes per game in the playoffs. A shot-happy scorer and offensive-minded player most of his career, he reinvented himself last year with the Knicks after falling out of the rotation midseason. He became a strong on-ball defender and rebounder, qualities that helped him make an impact off the bench and regain a place in coach Mike Brown’s rotation. 

Jordan Clarkson played some critical minutes in the playoffs. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

And at 34 years old and having played 12 years in the league, he was an important leader and voice in the locker room. 

“You can have leadership in a lot of different ways,” Brown said at the end of the year. “As of late, the reality of it is, a guy like Jordan Clarkson is starting to separate himself and showing that he’s one of the leaders of the team. Just because you start, just because you score a ton or shoot a ton, or you’re one of the best defenders, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a leader. Because one of the things is, leaders aren’t afraid to tell the truth. They do what they say. Being a leader means you gotta be on point all the time. You can’t be worried about whether your teammate likes you at the time because you’re saying something that’s truthful or you’re holding people accountable or not. 

“So when you look at a guy like Jordan, who’s been through a lot, who’s still stayed ready, even when he was out, for him and listening to him speak up in front of the group now, that’s starting to show real leadership.”

For that 14th roster spot, the only remaining hole is a third center to replace Hukporti behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Drummond. The Knicks will have to continue to shop for free agents who would sign a veteran minimum in order to fully complete their goal of staying under the second apron. 

Second-round pick Jack Kayil was added to the team’s Summer League roster. He was not originally included on the roster, but will in fact join the team in Las Vegas. A 20-year-old guard from Germany, the Knicks drafted him with the No. 39 pick last month. 

The Knicks are set to open their Summer League slate on Friday against the Nets.

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Avalanche's Reclamation Prospect Signs In Russia

Former Avalanche "prospect" Danil Gushchin is leaving North America and the NHL to head back to the KHL. He was one of the few who did not receive a qualifying offer from the Colorado Avalanche and has signed a two-year deal with the Avtomoblist Yekaterinburg, his hometown team, in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Gushchin spent time bouncing between the Sharks and the AHL San Jose Barracuda.

In the summer of 2025, the Colorado Avalanche made a deal with the Sharks that saw them flip Gushchin, a prospect who just couldn't break through, for Oskar Olausson, the Avalanche's own prospect who dealt with injuries and couldn't break through in the AHL and find a roster spot.

Avalanche Swap Prospects with the San Jose Sharks, Acquire Forward Danil GushchinAvalanche Swap Prospects with the San Jose Sharks, Acquire Forward Danil GushchinThe Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday that they have acquired forward Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Sharks in return for forward Oskar Olausson.

With the Colorado Eagles, Gushchin finished with 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points in 49 games, lower totals than what he was used to putting up with the Barracuda. Given how deep the Eagles were, he often wasn't in the lineup, so he only played in three Calder Cup Playoff games and didn't record a point.

Cale Makar Is Worth A Record Contract. The Avalanche Have To Get The Number RightCale Makar Is Worth A Record Contract. The Avalanche Have To Get The Number RightCale Makar has earned a historic contract, but the Colorado Avalanche must balance paying their franchise defenseman with maintaining the championship-caliber roster needed to keep chasing Stanley Cups.
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Knicks re-sign Jordan Clarkson, bolster bench depth

Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) controls the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks are bringing back one of their champions, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported on Thursday morning.

According to Charnia, Clarkson has signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return New York, per Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Brandon Cavanaugh.

In his first season with the Knicks, Clarkson averaged 8.6 points per game, which was a career low for the 12-year veteran out of Missouri. He was still a key part of the team’s postseason run and part of the reason why the team ended up winning it all.

“He’s a guy we can lean on. He can put the ball in the hole,” Brown said back in March. “We were struggling to do that. So I threw him out there to see if we could mix it up. He definitely helped us. But it was too big a deficit if you’re talking about 20 points to try to come back from versus a good team on their home court.”

With Clarkson back in the mix, the Knicks have 13 spots on their roster already filled. This doesn’t include Jack Kayil or Tyler Nickel, the team’s second-round draft picks. The Knicks could use their 14th and 15th spots on them, but they are also candidates for a two-way spot. Their status will likely be determined based on how they perform in the Las Vegas Summer League.

After this deal, the Knicks are around $3.2 million below the second apron, with New York still needing to fill at least one roster spot. Veteran minimum deals start at $2.18 million and only count $2.4 million max against the cap, even if they are signed for more money, depending on the years of experience (similar to what Andre Drummond did), leaving ample room for another veteran to fill that spot if the Knicks decide to do so.

Posting & Toasting community, how do you feel about Clarkson coming back to the Knicks? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Devils May Have Found Gem In Forward Amadeus Lombardi

The New Jersey Devils made a handful of small moves that come off as AHL transactions when you look at them from a bird’s-eye view. However, one of those moves could be a hidden gem for Sunny Mehta and his staff in year one of their operation. 

Before the 2026 NHL Draft, New Jersey sent a 4th-round pick (108th overall) to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Amadeus Lombardi. This is a player who could turn out to be an AHL-lifer, or he could make Mehta look like a genius right away. 

At 23 years old, Lombardi is only scratching the surface of his potential in pro hockey. His first year with the Grand Rapids Griffins saw him learn how to play at the AHL level. He wasn’t an outstanding rookie point producer as he had 26 points in 70 games to open his career, but there were developing tools at work. 

Over the next two seasons, Lombardi took a big step. He had 82 points in 91 games during that stretch. A little bit of bad injury luck plagued him at times, but he is ready for a fresh start in a new organization. 

Scouts love Lombardi's game, and they always have. He's a bit undersized, but there is no denying the offensive output he is capable of displaying if he is on the ice healthy. 

The Utica Comets need to have a competitive AHL team. Sunny Mehta proved his belief in that with all of the transactions that have been made for them so far this summer.

Utica Comets Offseason Tracker: Every Move in a Massive Roster OverhaulUtica Comets Offseason Tracker: Every Move in a Massive Roster OverhaulThe Utica Comets have undergone a massive overhaul this offseason.

At worst, Lombardi can be a contributor there, but the expectation is that his chance at the NHL level will come too. It's up to him to take advantage of it. 

Lombardi is a versatile forward when it comes to his position, but he likely won't ever play center at the NHL level with the New Jersey Devils. They are too deep to ever think of giving him a spot there, but eight wing spots could be had with the right progression in his game. 

Is it possible that Lombardi sticks to being a top-of-the-line AHL player? It sure is. The Devils didn't give up much to get him, so the risk is outweighed by the potential reward. 

Image

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Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold until Clippers investigation is done

Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold until Clippers investigation is done originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Kawhi Leonard’s second stint with the Toronto Raptors is officially on hold.

The Raptors announced Thursday that the trade will not be finalized until the NBA’s probe into Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers is finished.

The NBA has been investigating Leonard and the Clippers for the past 10 months after reports that he received a multi-million endorsement deal with sustainability services company Aspiration in an alleged effort to circumvent league salary cap rules.

Toronto and Los Angeles agreed to a deal involving Leonard last month, with the Raptors receiving Leonard and the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks.

“On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors,” the Clippers said in a statement. “We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.

“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

“We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues. We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.”

Despite the holdup, Toronto said it is still committed to completing the trade after the investigation is over.

“The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization and our fans,” the team said in a statement.

Leonard, 35, spent the last seven seasons with the Clippers after signing as a free agent in 2019. He played the 2018-19 season with the Raptors before joining the Clippers, leading the team to 58 wins and a championship.

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Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold until Clippers investigation is done

Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold until Clippers investigation is done originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Kawhi Leonard’s second stint with the Toronto Raptors is officially on hold.

The Raptors announced Thursday that the trade will not be finalized until the NBA’s probe into Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers is finished.

The NBA has been investigating Leonard and the Clippers for the past 10 months after reports that he received a multi-million endorsement deal with sustainability services company Aspiration in an alleged effort to circumvent league salary cap rules.

Toronto and Los Angeles agreed to a deal involving Leonard last month, with the Raptors receiving Leonard and the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks.

“On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors,” the Clippers said in a statement. “We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.

“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

“We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues. We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.”

Despite the holdup, Toronto said it is still committed to completing the trade after the investigation is over.

“The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization and our fans,” the team said in a statement.

Leonard, 35, spent the last seven seasons with the Clippers after signing as a free agent in 2019. He played the 2018-19 season with the Raptors before joining the Clippers, leading the team to 58 wins and a championship.

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Former Sharks Prospect Signs in Russia

Former San Jose Sharks prospect Danil Gushchin is heading back to his native Russia. After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Colorado Avalanche, he has signed a two-year deal with his hometown team, Avtomoblist Yekaterinburg, in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Gushchin moved to North America nearly a decade ago, joining the United States Hockey League’s Muskegon Lumberjacks ahead of the 2018-19 season. While with Muskegon, he was drafted by the Sharks with the 76th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. 

Gushchin made his professional debut at the end of the 2021-22 season, appearing in a few games for the San Jose Barracuda after his junior season ended. The following season, he finished his first fully professional campaign and even made his NHL debut, playing a pair of games for the Sharks.

From there, Gushchin was a regular for the Barracuda and occasionally earned NHL opportunities until he departed the Sharks organization following the 2024-25 season.

While a member of the Colorado Avalanche organization, Gushchin played exclusively at the AHL level before being allowed to hit the free agent market this summer.

During his time in San Jose, Gushchin scored 70 goals and a total of 150 points in 182 games at the AHL level. During his limited opportunities with the Sharks, he scored two goals and five points in 18 career NHL games.

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Muchova into Wimbledon final after nailbiting tie-break defeat of Coco Gauff

  • Czech 10th seed clinched a 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (10) victory

  • Faces compatriot Noskova or Ukraine’s Kostyuk next

Coco Gauff blew a golden chance to reach a first Wimbledon final as she lost a dramatic deciding set tie-break against Karolina Muchova.

The 22-year-old came from a set down to take a tense semi-final the distance on Centre Court. But, on match point, Gauff dumped a simple winner into the net, a shot that will surely keep her awake at night for some time.

Continue reading...
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The IOC Decision Could Have A Big Effect On The Canadiens

Once upon a time, the Montreal Canadiens had a tendency to select many players from the USHL or the NCAA, but in recent years, we’ve seen a new trend emerge: drafting Russian players. The Habs made Ivan Demidov the fifth overall pick at the 2024 draft; they opted for Alexander Zharovsky with their first pick of the 2025 draft in the second round, and just last month they moved up to grab Gleb Pugachyov with the 26th overall selection.

Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board announced that it had provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. They also added that recommendations to International Federations regarding Russian athletes’ participation are no longer applicable.

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While this might not have any immediate repercussions for the Canadiens, it will more than likely have some down the line. Following Russia’s suspension from international events after it invaded Ukraine in 2023, Russian hockey players missed the Olympic Games, the IIHF World Championships, and the World Junior Championships; the NHL also decided to exclude Russia from its own international competition, which explains how the 4 Nations Face-Off came to be.

This decision from the IOC could very well result in Team Russia being reintegrated in all international hockey events. Since the NHL normally follows the IOC and the IIHF’s lead, this could also mean that the Russians are allowed to take part in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, scheduled for February 2028 in both Canada and Czechia.

If it were the case, it would likely mean that Canadiens’ playmaker Demidov would finally be able to participate in a best-on-best competition, which is a great experience for any player. Nick Suzuki has raved about his participation in the 4 Nations and the Olympics, and it has definitely helped other markets to become aware of just how complete a player the Canadiens’ captain is.

Assuming no changes, by February 2028, Zharovsky should have joined the Canadiens, but it’s much too early to say whether he would be under consideration for Team Russia. After all, there are many talented Russian players in the NHL and beyond. Last season, Nikita Kucherov put up 130 points, Kirill Kaprizov racked up 89 points and pocketed a contract with a $17M cap hit, while Artemi Panarin took his production to the Los Angeles Kings. And that’s just up front; Team Russia could also have some of the top goalies in the league, including Andrei Vasilevskiy, Igor Shesterkin, Ilya Sorokin, and Sergei Bobrovsky, to name a few. On the blueline, the names of Mikhail Sergachev, Dimitry Orlov, Alexander Nikishin, and Pavel Mintyukov come to mind.

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Bucks reveal 2026 Vegas Summer League roster

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles up court during the second half of the California Classic against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on July 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks are heading to Sin City for the Las Vegas Summer League.

This year, Summer League should be much more intriguing than in years’ past with a pair of lottery picks on the roster in Nate Ament and Brayden Burries. In addition, Kasparas Jakucionis is joining the Bucks in Vegas, giving him a chance to showcase some of his stuff before the second half of the offseason.

Here’s a look at the full roster:

  • Nate Ament (PF, Tennessee)
  • Zack Austin (SF, Pittsburgh)
  • BJ Boston (SG, Kentucky)
  • Brayden Burries (PG, Arizona)
  • John Butler (C, Florida St)
  • Rafael Castro (C, George Washington)
  • Jesse Edwards (C, West Virginia)
  • Kasparas Jakucionis (PG, Illinois)
  • Kam Jones (PG, Marquette)
  • Kuany Kuany (PF, VCU)
  • Malique Lewis (SF, SE Melbourne Phoenix)
  • Kira Lewis (PG, Alabama)
  • Bogoljub Markovic (PF, Mega Basket)
  • Boopie Miller (PG, SMU)
  • Pete Nance (PF, North Carolina)
  • Cormac Ryan (SG, North Carolina)
  • Kobe Stewart (SG, Presbyterian)
  • Earl Timberlake (SG, Bryant)
  • Luke Travers (SF, Perth Wildcats)
  • Aaron Williams (SG, Chicago St)

Other notable players include Brandon Boston Jr., who has 147 games of NBA experience with the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans. He spent last season with Fenerbahce in Turkey. Boston led the Bucks in scoring in two of the three games at the California Classic.

Two-way players Kam Jones, Rafael Castro and Cormac Ryan are also players to keep an eye on. Pete Nance could also be a standout after appearing in 47 games with the Bucks this past season.

For more on the schedule and how to watch, read Jack’s Summer League primer.

Brew Hoop community, who are you most excited about seeing suit up for the Bucks in Las Vegas? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Bo Horvat Training With Islanders Prospect Kashawn Aitcheson

New York Islanders veteran center Bo Horvat was seen training with one of the team's top prospects, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, as the two prepare for the coming 2026-27 season:

Aitcheson, who recently attended the team's development camp from June 29 through July 2, was selected by the Islanders with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 19-year-old earned placement on the CHL and OHL First All-Star Teams after leading the OHL in goals (28) and points (70) as captain of the Barrie Colts last season.

Seeing NHL ice in the coming season is not necessarily out of the question, but the extensive depth on the left side of the organization’s blue line and Aitcheson's lack of professional experience make 2027-28 a more realistic timeline for him to push for an NHL roster spot.

Instead, he is expected to start 2026-27 with the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League.

Horvat, who led the Islanders with 31 goals in 2025-26, is once again reflecting his leadership as he remains a candidate to replace Anders Lee as the 16th captain in franchise history.

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Jacob Tobey out as Spurs announcer after Instagram post alleges affair with player’s sister

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows A man in a blue patterned shirt and an earpiece holds a microphone with an American flag logo, smiling during the Oklahoma City Thunder v San Antonio Spurs game, Image 2 shows Jacob Tobey and Sean Elliott smiles during the game between the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on October 9, 2024, Image 3 shows An Instagram story post from @jacobrtobey that reads:

A change is coming to the Spurs broadcast booth after shocking allegations exploded on social media.

Jacob Tobey is out as the team’s play-by-play announcer after his girlfriend accused him on social media of cheating with a relative of a Spurs player, per Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports.

Earlier this week an Instagram Story was posted on Tobey’s account alleging his cheating with Loren Waters, who is the sister of Spurs guard Lindy Waters III.

Jacob Tobey and Sean Elliott smiles during the game between the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on October 9, 2024. NBAE via Getty Images

“This is my girlfriend of six years,” the post read. “But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not. :)”

The post was soon followed by another that featured what appeared to be photo booth prints of Tobey and Loren Waters kissing.

“Me and the new girl,” was written over the photo.

Fans suggested the posts were uploaded by Tobey’s girlfriend, who may have access to the account.

Jacob Tobey performs the national anthem before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

Tobey’s social accounts have since been turned to private.

Tobey, who has also sang the national anthem before Spurs games, previously announced in June he signed a multi-year extension to remain in the role.

Prior to arriving in San Antonio, Tobey called play-by-play for various outlets including Fox Sports and the Pac-12 Network.

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5 Sixers to watch in Summer League

The Summer Sixers tip off in Vegas starting Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Here are five players to watch.

Labaron Philon, G

Just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it can’t be true. It’s time to see if the Sixers truly struck gold again outside of the lottery. Not that Summer League is a huge barometer for that measurement, but it’s at least a start if Philon can go out and dominate, particularly against teams who had a first-round pick selected higher than he was.

Johni Broome, PF/C

Broome is probably the most intriguing name of the bunch here, and not necessarily in a good way. Having been selected at the top of last year’s second round, Broome barely saw any NBA action as a rookie and also missed time with an injury towards the end of the season. Is he simply not an NBA player or did his rookie season just go sideways and he can turn things around? If he can’t perform at a high level in summer league, Broome’s stock will continue to trend down.

Duke Miles, G

Now it’s on to the lottery tickets, which is really what Summer League is all about. Miles signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Philadelphia after not getting drafted. He was a bouncy guard at Vanderbilt who averaged 16.1 points per game last season with 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.6 steals. Age isn’t working in Miles’ favor though as he’s 24 and turning 25 in February. Nevertheless, he seems like someone that could have a few moments off the dribble and some nice finishes around the rim for a 6-foot-2 guard.

Drew Cisse, C

Cisse’s another player in his mid 20s but he has spent the last couple years living the nomadic G League life. For what it’s worth, he does seem like a rebounding machine and had a very impressive 20 offensive rebounds in a game for Delaware last season. For a team that’s been as bad at rebounding as the Sixers have been, maybe Cisse can open some eyes.

Nick Townsend, PF

A high-level college achiever who is still just 21 years old gets a look with Philly for the next couple weeks. Townsend was the Ivy League Player of the Year at Yale last season and also a first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2024-25. He shot a very impressive 46.3% from three-point range last season so if he can get close to that in Summer League, he would certainly garner some attention.

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NBA Summer League Predictions & Parlay for Today, July 9: Dybantsa, Peterson Clash

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The crown jewel of the NBA's Summer League is set to see several top rookies grace the court in Sin City tonight, including No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson.

Their matchup leads off our NBA Summer League picks for Thursday, July 9.

NBA Summer League predictions for July 9

PickKalshi
@ UTA logo Jazz moneyline-133
Kings Kings moneyline-150

Today's Summer League Picks

Jazz moneyline (-133 at Kalshi)

The Utah Jazz are among the teams that have already begun play this summer, and they got off to a hot start in the Salt Lake City Summer League. After going 3-0 in their home state, the Jazz's young corps will take advantage of a Washington Wizards squad playing its first game together.

Darryn Peterson has been dynamite for Utah thus far, racking up 53 points in 55 minutes on 52.7% shooting. He's not alone, with the Jazz also seeing eye-raising performances from Cody Williams (35 points on 57.8% shooting) and Max Abmas (40 points and 16 assists).

The Jazz have a lot of young talent in Vegas, including Ace Bailey and Jaxon Kohler, and should push this Wizards team.

While AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 pick, he's making his debut and doesn't have a ton around him beyond last year's No. 6 pick, Tre Johnson.

Kings moneyline (-150 at Kalshi)

Led by No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr., the Sacramento Kings put up a 3-0 record in the California Classic. Acuff's scoring prowess has been on full display for Sacramento and should be the difference against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Arkansas product has scored 47 points in 52 minutes of Summer League play, and the attention he draws against Los Angeles should help open things up for fellow rookie Emanuel Sharp (31 points in 61 minutes).

Although the Clippers will be deploying fifth overall pick Keaton Wagler, Acuff already has experience beating guards selected in the lottery after defeating Brayden Burries and the Milwaukee Bucks last week.

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Thursday’s NBA Summer League parlay

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Jazz moneyline

Kings moneyline

+192 at Kalshi

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