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Chicago Cubs update: Dansby Swanson, Bryse Wilson, David Peterson

The Cubs went 6-1 on their road trip to New York and Milwaukee, so this weekly review winds up heavy on the “Three up” side.

Hopefully, that continues on the upcoming homestand against the Padres and Cardinals.

Here’s who was hot and not for the Cubs on the road trip.

Three up

Dansby Swanson was a hitting machine in New York

Swanson hit .438/.412/1.188 (7-for-16) in the four-game series against the Mets. (The OBP is lower than the BA because he had a sacrifice fly and no walks.)

Among the seven hits were three home runs, including a grand slam, and he had 15 RBI in the series, which is a record for any team in a four-game set vs. the Mets – and he did it all in the first three games!

That accomplished this:

Here’s the grand slam, hit in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader [VIDEO].

Bryse Wilson stepped up

Here’s a guy who had an absolutely awful year for a 102-loss team last year (the White Sox). The Phillies used him in one game this year and put him on waivers. The Cubs picked him up and used him as the “bulk guy” Sunday basically because they didn’t have anyone else.

He came through with 4.1 shutout innings. Which matched a Hall of Famer’s performance for the Cubs:

Amazing. Well done, Bryse. Hopefully he can continue to contribute to the Cubs this year.

David Peterson’s Cubs debut was a success

… although his first Cubs pitch wasn’t. It was hit for a home run by Jackson Chourio.

After that, though, Peterson was lock-down. 5.2 innings, only four other hits and one more run, no walks. He’ll definitely benefit from the Cubs infield defense. I’d expect him to go Friday or Saturday against the Cardinals.

Three down

Dansby Swanson was an out machine in Milwaukee

It looked like Swanson was finally coming out of his slump with the big series in New York.

Then he went 0-for-12 with four strikeouts against the Brewers. Granted, he was facing much better pitching in Milwaukee. Still, I hope he can recover his NY form at Wrigley this week.

This is the first time anyone has made both “Three up” and “Three down” in the time I’ve been doing this series.

Alex Bregman: Still cold as ice

While his teammates were having an excellent trip, Bregman batted .091/.250/.136 (2-for-22) in the seven games, with six strikeouts. This month he’s hitting .181/.324/.253 (15-for-83) with four extra-base hits (three doubles and a home run) and 15 strikeouts. The walks at least make the OBP somewhat useful, and he’s still playing excellent defense.

One of his doubles drove in an important run on Thursday [VIDEO].

Ethan Roberts needs a reset

Roberts was very good for most of this season, but on the trip: two innings, four hits, five runs (four earned), three walks, no strikeouts. He nearly blew Sunday’s game before Jordan Wicks (!) locked it down.

Roberts might benefit from a trip to Iowa. For now, at least.

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Milwaukee Bucks free agency primer: Roster outlook, needs, and targets

May 6, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst (left) introduces new head coach Taylor Jenkins at a press conference at Milwaukee Art Museum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

You can smell it; it’s so close you can nearly taste it. NBA free agency. Yes, it’s that time of year again, where teams convince themselves that their new recruits will put them over the top in the coming campaign. And despite all the lamenting that free agency is “dead,” you know you’re just as excited about it as I am (shout out to joebucks2014onward for getting the discussion started!). 

NBA free agency officially opens on June 30 at 5:00 p.m. CT and, following the annual moratorium period, players can sign new contracts starting on July 6—which also just so happens to be when the Milwaukee Bucks’ trade with the Miami Heat can officially be completed. 

Roster outlook

Currently, the Bucks project to have the following depth chart: 

CKel’el WareMyles TurnerJericho Sims
PFKyle Kuzma Pete Nance
SFJaime Jaquez Jr.Nate Ament Ousmane Dieng (RFA)Malique Lewis  
SGTyler HerroBrayden Burries AJ Green Gary Harris
PGRyan RollinsKevin Porter Jr. Kasparas Jakučionis

That’s 16 players already, not counting Cormac Ryan and undrafted rookie centre, Rafael Castro, who are on two-way contracts.  

Of course, with player options still on the table for Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. (though he’s expected to opt out), a team option on Andre Jackson Jr., and the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade still to be finalised, the roster certainly remains in a state of flux. It likely will for an extended time too—teams can carry up to 21 players in the offseason, but have to reduce that to 15 standard contracts and up to three two-way contracts by opening night.  

Needs

As it stands, the Bucks are loaded in the backcourt—at least with potential—with too many talented players and not enough minutes to go around, so you’d have to think there’s an expansion of the Giannis trade or a separate trade coming, most likely involving Herro or Porter. There’s always the option to waive and pay out a contract if needed as well, not that that’s likely to happen with any of Milwaukee’s guard prospects.

In the frontcourt, however, the same dilemma doesn’t present itself. Milwaukee looks set at centre, with Ware and Turner likely to split minutes (if Turner isn’t also traded) and Sims providing depth. On the wing, Jaquez, Ament, and Dieng, should he be retained, seem to have the minutes covered. However, the power forward position looks more like the pantry at the end of the week—there’s some options, but they’re not quite what you feel like, and certainly not enough to nourish you moving forward.  

Having said these thing, Taylor Jenkins could opt to go with two wings and one big. Ament and Dieng certainly have the height to play the four, even if they don’t yet have the bulk. Jaquez does have the bulk and actually played an estimated 50% of his minutes at the four for the Heat last season (per Basketball Reference). Alternatively, Jenkins could opt to use any of the three centres at the power forward position, with Sims seeming the better option due to his ability to defend on the perimeter.

All things considered, though, the power forward position looms as the Bucks’ biggest area of need and something they may look to address in free agency. To do this, they have access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE), just over $15m, and the biannual exception (BAE), $5.5m—they just can’t cross the first apron if they use either. They also have a $25.5m trade exception created in the Giannis trade.    

Free agents  

A complete list of free agents can be found through the NBA’s 2026 free agent tracker. At the four, notable names include: 

  • LeBron James 
  • Peyton Watson 
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.  
  • John Collins 
  • Tobias Harris 
  • GG Jackson (RFA) 
  • Jonathon Kuminga  
  • Rui Hachimura 
  • Julian Champagnie  
  • Tari Eason (RFA) 

Of these, you can rule out LeBron, Watson, Harris, and Champagnie, who are likely back with their current teams or eying an alternative contender if they do move. Collins, coming off a $27m contract, is likely too expensive, as are Hachimura and Kuminga, though they could conceivably be options. Jackson is unlikely for the opposite reason—he’s on a super-friendly team option at just $2.4m (i.e., likely to be picked up). That leaves Tari Eason, a restricted free agent coming off his rookie contract. A long, defensive type with three point range, he’d seemingly fit in well with Jenkins, and he’s only just 25 years old so is on a similar timeline to many of the young Bucks. But it wouldn’t be surprising—it’s perhaps even likely—that he returns to Houston.  

How do you see the Bucks’ free agency panning out? Should they target a power forward, or does someone else at another position tickle your fancy? Trades, signings, targets, let us know your thoughts.

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LeBron James to the Warriors suddenly doesn’t sound so crazy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James speaks with Stephen Curry following a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly trying to build the oldest super team in the history of the NBA. The Warriors are after both LeBron James and Anthony Davis this summer, and their grand plan is already in motion.

Draymond Green opted out of his $27.7 million player option on Monday, but he’s not going anywhere. Green will end up back in Golden State on a multi-year deal, but the opt out gives Golden State more flexibility to chase James and Davis, as ESPN insider Shams Charania reported. Here’s how it could all work out.

  • The Warriors could trade Jimmy Butler and a future first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Davis. Davis has two years, $121 million left on his contract, but his salary lines up nicely with Butler’s for the 1-for-1 swap.
  • LeBron is an unrestricted free agent. The Warriors could offer him the mid-level exception of around $15 million if the team can dump Moses Moody and convince Draymond Green to take a pay cut.

Cap expert Yossi Gozlan laid it out here:

The Warriors’ plans were first reported by Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports.

Butler is recovering from a torn ACL, and is expected to be out until February or March. This would be incredible work by the Wizards to leverage Golden State for a future first-round pick for Davis, a player who doesn’t fit their timeline. If it happens, Washington’s buy-low deal for Davis at last year’s trade deadline will suddenly look brilliant.

A large part of this comes down to what LeBron wants. James has been comfortable playing for the Lakers, and could easily spend his final season with the team before riding off into the sunset. I’ve been pushing the idea of LeBron returning to Cleveland, which feels like the perfect setting for his retirement tour. I see the appeal of going to the Warriors, too. LeBron had a great experience playing with Steph Curry at the Paris Olympics, he’s spent most of his career trying to team up with other great players, and Golden State would probably give him the best chance of actually competing for a championship in his final season.

I actually think it’s going to happen. The Wizards will get a premium future draft pick for a player they don’t want, Davis will be freed from a hopeless situation in DC, and Butler eventually gets to choose his next team after getting bought out. LeBron and Steph together would be absolute cinema even at this stage of their career. If the Warriors could somehow find a way to bring back Kristaps Porzingis, I like it even more.

Green and LeBron would have to agree to pay cuts to make this happen, and that’s where things could fall apart. There’s also a chance James simply prefers to spend his final season in LA or Cleveland. It really feels like the Warriors’ plan is starting to take shape, though. I think it’s going to happen.

Would Golden State actually be a contender if they pull this off? They just seem way too old and too injury prone to make it through an 82-game regular season and then four playoff series. Doing so would require Davis to actually stay durable, which he’s never really done in his career. It would require James and Curry to avoid age-related decline or a freak injury that could end the Warriors’ chances immediately.

I’d still take the Thunder, Spurs, and Timberwolves over this Warriors team in the West, but if they could somehow make it to May healthy, you never know what could happen.

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Lakers set to have conversation with LeBron James amid Warriors interest

Los Angeles, CA - April 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets in the second half of a Western Conference first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

However real the Warriors’ attempts to form the NBA’s Expendables are, it is at least having the ripple effect of reigniting conversations between LeBron James and the Lakers.

As Golden State begins maneuvering to attempt to pair LeBron and Anthony Davis in San Francisco, the Lakers and LeBron are set to have a conversation.

After it largely being an idea or theory, the Warriors saw Draymond Green opt out of his contract on Monday to help facilitate their plans. Golden State’s hope is to trade for AD using Jimmy Butler’s salary and draft picks, then lure LeBron in free agency to play with Steph, AD and Draymond.

Recently, it was reported that the discussions between the Lakers and LeBron had been minimal and that the team had not yet offered a contract. However, with the Warriors appearing to make a serious run at LeBron, it sounds like the two sides are going to touch base once more.

The Lakers are down to about the final 36 hours of their exclusive negotiating window with LeBron before other teams can, at least formally, begin holding talks with free agents. Taking advantage of those remaining hours is a wise move as it could give the team a sense of what to expect from him this summer.

It’s unlikely this discussion ends with any sort of contract, though that is possible. The Lakers still have quite a bit to do in free agency and lots of moving parts, so it’s unlikely they’ll tie up money on LeBron right now.

But, clearly, there’s something there with the Warriors that is making them change course.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers back on top, no one can slow Junior Caminero and the Rays

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, Mookie Betts blasts his 300th career home run, Jacob Misiorowski touching 105.5 MPH and insane power barrages from Junior Caminero and Luis Garcia Jr.

As a reminder, this article is a combination of current performance and long-term outlook.

Greetings Power Rankings fans from around the globe, I am not D.J. Short. As our venerable leader mentioned in this space last week, I’ll be doing my best to fill in with my insight and analysis here while D.J. enjoys a well deserved vacation.

Let’s get started!

▶Check out Matthew Pouliot’s latest Top 300 ROS update for fantasy baseball!

Rankings are from the morning of Monday, June 29

1) Los Angeles Dodgers ⬆️

Last week: 2

After going 5-1 on the road against the Twins and Padres this past week, the two-time defending champions now hold the best record in all of baseball. Mookie Betts has been leading the charge on offense, hitting .350 (21-for-60) with five homers and 10 RBI over his last 15 games. That includes Wednesday’s milestone blast against the Twins where he became the 17th active player to join the 300-homer club.

2) Milwaukee Brewers ⬆️

Last week: 3

The Brewers started the week off hot with four straight victories before dropping a pair of games against the Cubs to finish out the weekend. They’ve moved to a six-man rotation for the time being to accommodate the return of Brandon Woodruff and have built up a 5.5 game lead over the Cubs atop the National League Central. Oh, and Jacob Misiorowski threw a baseball 105.5 MPH – the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher and the third fastest pitch ever recorded (behind only Aroldis Chapman).

3) Atlanta Braves ⬇️

Last week: 1

A tough week for the Braves where they were swept by the Padres and dropped two of three to the Giants has them falling out of the top spot in the rankings. The real concern is that they scored just 13 runs over the six games on the week – including six in an extra-inning loss on Tuesday. The offense desperately misses Ronald Acuña Jr. right now and he’s still nowhere close to a return.

4) Philadelphia Phillies ⬆️

Last week: 5

The Phillies continue to rise up the rankings with a strong 5-2 week on the road against the Nationals and Mets. Derek Hill has proven to be a valuable addition to the squad, with a pair of home runs on the week and this absolutely sick catch stealing a home run away from Juan Soto.

5) Tampa Bay Rays ⬆️

Last week: 6

The Rays just won’t go away. After dropping their first two games on the week against the Royals, they rallied to win the next two to split the four-game set, then carried the momentum through the weekend as they swept the Diamondbacks. They’ve pulled a game ahead of the Yankees for the lead in the American League East and are starting to look like a team that no one is going to want to face in the postseason.

Junior Caminero is on a ridiculous heater at the moment, hitting .423 (11-for-26) with seven homers and 15 RBI over his last seven games. On Sunday he became the ninth player in Rays’ franchise history to homer in four consecutive games and his six home runs during a four-game stretch are the most by any player in team history. His last one on Sunday was a majestic blast that traveled 463 feet.

6) New York Yankees ⬇️

Last week: 4

The Yankees took two out of three from the Tigers to start the week before getting swept in a four-game series against the Red Sox for the first time since August of 2018. Oof. The vaunted Bombers’ offense scratched out just nine runs in total over that four-game set. Over the last seven games, just three Yankees’ regulars are hitting above .190 – Paul Goldschmidt (.292), Amed Rosario (.263) and Anthony Volpe (.227). Get well soon Aaron Judge.

7) Chicago Cubs ⬆️

Last week: 10

The Cubs continued their rise up the rankings with a brilliant week that included a four-game sweep of the Mets in New York before taking two of three from the division-leading Brewers in Milwaukee over the weekend. Not too shabby. Dansby Swanson drove in nine runs over the course of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Mets, with a pair of homers and seven RBI (including a grand slam) in the first game.

8) Miami Marlins ⬆️

Last week: 12

Can anyone stop the red-hot Marlins right now? Another week in which the Marlins win four out of six games, taking series from the Rangers at home and the Cardinals in St. Louis. The pitching has been the main story here, as the Marlins have allowed just 24 runs in total over their last 10 games. Sandy Alcantara, Max Meyer and Eury Perez could make the Marlins a real problem for opposing clubs in a playoff series.

9) Chicago White Sox

Last week: 9

Taking on a pair of divisional opponents at home on the week, the White Sox got right back to work and took two out of three from both the Guardians and Royals to climb into first place in the American League Central. Miguel Vargas led the charge on offense with a monster week, hitting .435 with three homers and eight RBI. Kyle Teel rejoined the offense as well and provided a boost with a homer and five RBI on the week. His blast came during a staggering 22-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night.

10) St. Louis Cardinals ⬇️

Last week: 7

The Cardinals lose a bit of ground this week despite having a six-game homestand after dropping two out of three games to both the Diamondbacks and Marlins. JJ Wetherholt has been a force atop the Cardinals’ lineup throughout the season, but he had a rough week this week, hitting just .231 (6-for-26) with zero RBI and a 6/0 K/BB ratio. The Cardinals have been a great story in the first half of the season, but we’re starting to doubt their staying power in a crowded playoff picture in the National League.

11) Cleveland Guardians ⬇️

Last week: 8

The Guardians continue to tread water without José Ramírez, going 3-3 on the week against the White Sox and Mariners. The team’s offense has been really lacking in the power department, with just one home run in total over six games on the week. That one blast came from Kahlil Watson, who has provided a major boost to the Guardians’ attack, hitting .474 (9-for-19) with a homer and eight RBI on the week.

12) Seattle Mariners ⬇️

Last week: 11

The Mariners had a rough road trip this past week, losing two out of three to the Pirates in Pittsburgh before dropping two of three against the Guardians over the weekend. Hopefully the home cooking this week against the Angels and Blue Jays allows them to make that ground back up. The M’s powerful six-man rotation showed some cracks this week, as Bryan Woo and Logan Gilbert were both hit hard in losing efforts.

13) San Diego Padres

Last week: 13

The Padres stormed out of the gate this past week, sweeping a three-game set from the Braves and taking it to the Dodgers with a 7-1 victory on Friday night. Then they were clobbered for 15 runs on Saturday and dropped Sunday’s series finale to finish the week 4-2. As long as the Padres stay in the thick of the playoff race, you know that AJ Preller is going to make things interesting at the trade deadline. Walker Buehler has been a stabilizing force in the Padres’ rotation, posting a 1.71 ERA and a 27/8 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings. That includes a brilliant start on Friday where he beat the Dodgers for the first time by spinning 5 1/3 innings of one-run baseball against his long-time former ballclub.

14) Washington Nationals

Last week: 14

The Nationals only went 3-4 on the week, but let’s just take a second to admire what a monstrous performance they got from Luis Garcia Jr. In six games, the 26-year-old infielder hit .526 (10-for-19) with six homers and nine RBI, including a two-homer game in Sunday’s victory over the Orioles. His unexpected power barrage has now seen him crush 13 home runs over his last 29 games.

15) Texas Rangers ⬆️

Last week: 21

The Rangers surge up the rankings on the heels of a 5-2 week that included a four-game sweep over the Blue Jays in Toronto over the weekend. Joc Pederson helped carry the load on offense this week, hitting .346 (9-for-26) with four solo homers. Unfortunately, the Rangers lost the red-hot Wyatt Langford to the injured list on Sunday with a left hamstring strain.

16) Houston Astros ⬆️

Last week: 23

The Astros thrust themselves right back into the mix for the division title in the American League West with a 5-2 road trip against the Blue Jays and Tigers that included a valiant comeback at Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon. Hunter Brown delivered another strong start in that one and looks like he’s fully back, while the Astros’ rotation should get additional reinforcements this week with the return of Cristian Javier.

17) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬇️

Last week: 15

It’s getting really hard to think the Diamondbacks are going to hang around in the playoff picture with the current state of their starting rotation. They went 2-4 on the week and Zac Gallen was clobbered yet again in Friday’s loss to the Rays, seeing his ERA rise to a cringe-inducing 6.15 in the process. The offense hasn’t been good either, scoring a total of four runs during their weekend series against the Rays.

18) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬇️

Last week: 16

The Pirates had a chance to make up ground during their six-game homestand, but wound up going 3-3 against the Mariners and Reds. The schedule is going to get a lot tougher this week, taking on the Phillies for four in Philadelphia before heading to Washington for three over the weekend. On the bright side, Esmerlyn Valdez had a monster week, hitting .533 (8-for-15) with three homers and five RBI.

19) Toronto Blue Jays ⬇️

Last week: 17

In a week in which the Blue Jays were expected to rise up the rankings, they instead dropped six consecutive games to finish the week 1-6. That includes a four-game sweep at home at the hand of the Rangers that included three one-run losses. Absolutely brutal. To add injury to insult, the Jays also lost Jesús Sánchez to the injured list on Saturday with a right ankle sprain.

20) Athletics ⬇️

Last week: 18

A tough week for the A’s as they toured around California, losing two out of three to the Giants in San Francisco and the the Angels in Los Angeles. They also lost hot-hitting infielder Zack Gelof to the injured list with a hand laceration and contusion when he was stepped on by Matt Chapman during Tuesday’s contest. Gage Jump looks like the real deal though and struck out nine over five scoreless innings against the Giants on Wednesday.

21) Minnesota Twins ⬇️

Last week: 20

The Twins were swept at home by the Dodgers to open the week before rallying to take two out of three from the hapless Rockies. Yoendrys Gómez has been an absolute revelation since joining the Twins’ bullpen, posting a 1.25 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and a 22/8 K/BB ratio over 21 2/3 innings in 24 appearances while converting each of his first seven save chances with the ballclub — including a four-pitch frame against the Rockies on Sunday to preserve a one-run advantage.

22) Cincinnati Reds ⬇️

Last week: 19

The Reds’ offense was boosted by the return of Elly De La Cruz this week, but they still dropped four of six games against the Brewers and Pirates. Hunter Greene looked extremely impressive during his latest minor league rehab start and should be cleared to rejoin the team’s rotation this week. If he keeps pitching like that, the Reds could thrust themselves right back into the mix for a Wild Card berth in the National League.

23) Baltimore Orioles ⬇️

Last week: 22

After another rough week in which the Orioles lost four out of six games, they appear to be in a freefall. The offense got a boost with the return of Adley Rutschman and Dylan Beavers from the injured list on Sunday and the rotation should follow suit as Dean Kremer could be ready to return before the week is through. Will it be enough to propel them back into the race? Only time will tell.

24) Los Angeles Angels ⬆️

Last week: 28

Those pesky Angels did what they had to do at home this week, taking two out of three from both the Orioles and Athletics. They also saw Kirby Yates record his 100th career save on Saturday evening against the A’s. Grayson Rodriguez has started his minor league rehab assignment and should rejoin the rotation soon. With the wide-open American League West, the Halos’ playoff hopes aren’t completely dashed just yet.

25) Boston Red Sox ⬆️

Last week: 26

Just when you think the Red Sox are completely out of the race and starting to consider becoming sellers at the trade deadline, they sweep the Yankees in a four-game series over the weekend to show that they do still have signs of life. With winnable series on tap against the Nationals and Angels on tap, this week will be a good measuring stick to see where the Red Sox are actually at as we head into July.

26) Detroit Tigers ⬇️

Last week: 24

The Tigers continue to flounder in a putrid American League, dropping two out of three to the Yankees in New York before losing three out of four over the weekend at home against the Astros – including blowing a 3-0 lead late in Sunday’s game. The bullpen is in shambles, the offense lacks any sort of consistency and their playoff hopes fall further into the oblivion as each day passes. Let’s just hope that Scott Harris does the right thing and moves all tradeable assets at the deadline. That means Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Kenley Jansen, Gleyber Torres, and Jack Flaherty should all be donning new uniforms in August.

27) New York Mets ⬇️

Last week: 25

An already bad season got even worse for the Mets this week as they were swept in a four-game series at home against the Cubs before losing two out of three against the Phillies over the weekend. Even the return of Francisco Lindor couldn’t inject the necessary life into the Mets’ struggling offense. The Mets now own the second worst record in the National League and sit 9.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot.

28) Kansas City Royals

Last week: 28

The Royals had a decent enough week going 3-4 against the Rays and White Sox. The offense has continued to be a real struggle though, with just 12 runs scored over their last five games. That includes an embarrassing 22-1 loss to the White Sox on Friday night. They were bit by the injury bug as well as Maikel Garcia (hand) landed on the injured list, Jac Caglianone (groin) was scratched from Sunday’s lineup and Nick Loftin was taken out by a crazy throw from teammate Daniel Lynch IV on Saturday.

29) San Francisco Giants

Last week: 29

The Giants actually played pretty good baseball this past week, winning four out of six games against the Athletics and Braves. Their offense also got a boost with the return of Heliot Ramos from the injured list on Sunday. They still have a leg up over the Rockies in the battle for fourth place in the National League West.

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

The Rockies took two out of three from the Red Sox to start the week before dropping two out of three against the Twins in Minneapolis to finish it out. Hunter Goodman did some serious work on Saturday though, with the first three-homer game of his career. The 26-year-old backstop now has 25 homers on the season and should soar past the career-high mark of 31 that he set last season.

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Colorado Avalanche Re-Sign Taylor Makar To Two-Year Extension

The Colorado Avalanche have announced they have re-signed Taylor Makar to a two-year extension worth $1.75 million. The first year of the contract is two-way, making him waiver-exempt. 

Makar played his first full professional season last year, splitting time between the AHL Colorado Eagles and the Colorado Avalanche as a call-up. In 56 games with the Eagles, he finished with 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points, while with the Avalanche, he scored 12 goals but didn’t record a point.

With the Eagles, he finished sixth on the team in goals and was tied for 10th in scoring. In the Calder Cup playoffs, he had two goals and four assists for six points in 17 games.

A younger brother of Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Taylor played all 12 games with the Avalanche alongside his brother and became the first siblings in Avalanche history to both appear in the same game since Colorado relocated from Quebec. Joining Anton, Peter, and Marian Stastny as the only brothers in franchise history to do so.

The 6-foot-4, 109-pound winger turns 26 this upcoming season on March 13 and will look to be another top candidate for the Avalanche as a call-up if any injury occurs.

Avalanche Unveil 2026 Development Camp Roster Featuring 26 PlayersAvalanche Unveil 2026 Development Camp Roster Featuring 26 PlayersThe Colorado Avalanche have announced a 26-player roster for their 2026 development camp in Centennial, featuring 15 draft picks, on-ice sessions from June 30 to July 2 at Family Sports Center, and a community visit to the Avs Clubhouse at the William E. Cope Boys & Girls Club.
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Kawhi Leonard trade rumors: Toronto, Dallas frontrunners for potential Leonard trade

It's more than just smoke, there is a real fire — things are ramping up toward a Leonard trade.

As always, it comes down to money. While the Clippers signaled they were pivoting to a new era — trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline — the plan was to keep Kawhi Leonard around. Owner Steve Ballmer reportedly didn't want to trade him... and then the sides started talking contract extension. Leonard, 35 (as of Monday, happy birthday!), will make $50.2 million this season, and the sides are far apart on what his next contract should look like. The Clippers want him to take a much larger pay cut than he is ready to coming off an All-NBA season.

All of which pivoted to the Clippers talking about trading Leonard, with Toronto and Dallas as the frontrunners. Either way, it's a reunion: A return to Toronto, where he led the team to a title in 2019, or Leonard reunites with the architect of that Toronto title team, Masai Ujiri, in Dallas.

Here are the latest reports on Leonard.

Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard fits in perfectly with the Toronto front office's apparent effort to have everyone on the roster be between 6'6" and 6'9".

Toronto and the Clippers are "seriously engaged in trade talks surrounding Kawhi Leonard," reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. Leonard is reportedly willing to sign an extension with the Raptors (something he did not do after winning the title in 2019). Undoubtedly, parallel to the trade talks, the Raptors and Leonard's camp are working on the extension numbers, and nothing gets done until a handshake deal is in place.

Brandon Ingram is reportedly a key player coming back to Los Angeles (although there are reports LA prefers RJ Barrett), but the Clippers will want draft assets as well. With the looming investigation into Aspiration and alleged salary cap circumvention between the Clippers and Leonard nearing its end, Los Angeles could see many of its own draft picks taken away as punishment and will need the ones it trades for.

Ingram, alongside Darius Garland, would be the kind of floor raiser Los Angeles would want as they work to retool the roster (because nobody wants to be one of the three worst teams and end up with worse lottery odds). Ingram was an All-Star last season, averaging 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Toronto would be an interesting team in the East if Leonard can stay healthy (he played 65 games last season).

Leonard is coming off an All-NBA season in which he averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc and playing high-level defense. Leonard and Scottie Barnes would be a pairing of All-NBA-level forwards, combined with Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett (or Ingram), and a center, making for a solid to impressive first five, with Collin Murray-Boyles, the just-drafted Allen Graves, and others coming off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks

Kawhi Leonard with Cooper Flagg would be a dynamic pairing.

Uriri, the new head of basketball operations in Dallas, is looking to make that happen, report Christian Clark, Dan Woike and Sam Amick at The Athletic.

The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, said league sources granted anonymity to describe deliberations still in progress.

The real question with that description is what draft picks are involved. That would be the most important part of the deal for the Clippers.

However, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer later reported that Dallas was not a "plausible" landing spot for the Clippers star and that talks had slowed.

That may make Toronto the clear frontrunner.

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Rival Report: Lakers’ draft pick Carr is just what they wanted

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: (L-R) President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers speak to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on May 12, 2026 in El Segundo, 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Nobody asked us to care about what the Los Angeles Lakers are doing this offseason. But as a seasoned scribe here in Dub Nation, I believe in knowing your enemies. Not in a weird, paranoid way, but like in a “the Lakers were the best team in the Pacific Division last season, what are they up to now” kind of fashion.

So consider this your official Lakers draft debrief. You’re welcome!

Then they traded up for Cameron Carr out of Baylor with the 24th pick. A 6’5″ wing with a 7’0.75″ wingspan, a 42.5-inch vertical, and 37% three-point shooting in his breakout college season. Carr is the athletic, switchable, sky-above-the-rim threat that next to Luka Doncic could be a real scary proposition.

Here’s what should make Dub Nation raise an eyebrow; this is apparently exactly what the Lakers were looking for. But don’t take my word for, just ask our blog buddy Silver Screen and Roll who wrote an article about Carr entitled “The Lakers drafted the exact archetype they need in Cameron Carr”:

They seem to now have a type. Similar to Adou Thiero, the 36th overall selection last year, Carr is a freakish athlete with a standout highlight reel dunk package. He showed that athletic pop off at the combine, posting a max vertical leap of 42.5”, tied for second overall. Carr measured out at 6’4.5 and 184 pounds, with a long 7’0.75” wingspan and an 8’8” standing reach. Offensively, he’s the prototypical modern NBA-level wing teams are looking for, living with baskets at the rim or behind the 3-point line with tantalizing fluidity.

He leverages his physical traits in a multitude of ways. One is as a monster finisher in transition, showcasing as one of the best vertical threat wings in the draft, a tailor-made athletic fit next to the playmaking savant Luka, who’s had success with similar players like the high flyer Derick Jones Jr.

A 6-foot-5 high flyer running the wing in transition or cutting backdoor in the dunker spot? With Luka and Austin Reaves drawing the eyes of the defense, Carr flying around and slamming thunderous dunks could be massive momentum shifts.

The Dubs missed the playoffs last year and are trying to sharpen their identity; meanwhile the Lakers went to the second round last year even with Luka and Reaves down. They beat Houston in the first round before OKC sent them home with a flurry of brooms, and now they’re coming back looking to build on those championship aspirations.

Now let’s be balanced about this, because Dub Nation doesn’t do blind panic. Carr fell to the 24th spot for a reason; I don’t think he’s coming in to win rookie of the year and terrorize the league immediately. The Lakers still have more King-sized roster questions to answer this summer. But the direction is set and they know who they want to be: more athletic, more dynamic, more in your face. Golden State needs to have an answer ready because the Lake Show isn’t waiting for the stumbling dynasty from the Bay to figure it out.

Keep your friends close, Dub Nation. Keep your Pacific Division rivals in your group chat, your timeline, and your scouting report. They’re absolutely coming for this division and Golden State will be right in their way.

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Today In Canadiens History: The Trade That Rocked The Summer

June 29, 2016, will forever remain a big day in NHL history. On that day, two blockbuster trades took place, and one NHL star announced he would be remaining with the only team he ever played for. At 3:34 PM, the New Jersey Devils announced that they had acquired Taylor Hall from the Edmonton Oilers in return for Adam Larsson, and just 20 minutes later, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they had acquired blueliner Shea Weber from the Nashville Predators in exchange for P.K. Subban. Just three minutes later, news came that Steven Stamkos had signed a new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In Montreal, the second announcement took the spotlight. While Subban will always remain a polarizing figure with Canadiens’ fans, there is no denying that when he played for the Habs, he was an extremely entertaining player. Not only because of his persona, but because of his playing style. He was one of the few players of the Carey Price era who were first and foremost about offense. When he took flight in his own zone and carried the puck to the other end of the ice, the Bell Centre would buzz with excitement. When Lane Hutson started his career with the Habs, he was the first defenseman since Subban to generate that kind of buzz with his exciting manoeuvres all over the ice.

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When Marc Bergevin traded the blueliner to the Preds, Subban had spent seven seasons in Montreal, skating in 434 games, putting up 278 points, and winning the James Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman after the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. In 42 games that season, he put up 38 points. In his final season in Montreal, the flashy rearguard put up 51 points in 68 games as his season ended early because of an injury suffered in what would turn out to be his final game as a Hab on March 10, 2016, against the Buffalo Sabres. He had spent 29:55 on the ice before being taken off the ice on a stretcher following a collision with Alexei Emelin. Needless to say, that wasn’t how he had pictured his time with the Canadiens ending.

Subban would play only six more seasons in the NHL, three with the Predators and three with the New Jersey Devils, before retiring. As for Shea Weber, he played just five seasons with the Canadiens before being forced to retire by injuries. In his five years in Montreal, Weber only skated in 275 games out of a possible 373 games and put up 146 points, including 58 goals.

Weber had a rugged style of play and could land some game-altering hits on opponents all over the ice, providing a much more physical presence than Subban ever did, a style better suited to the Bergevin brand of hockey. The big defenseman also had a booming shot from the blueline, which became the Canadiens’ default play on the power play. While Weber could never lead the Canadiens to their 25th Stanley Cup conquest, he did captain them to the Stanley Cup final in his final season, in 2020-21. Although no one knew back then, when the Lightning beat the Canadiens in five games, the curtain fell on Weber’s career. He played with a torn meniscus, a broken ankle, torn thumb tendons, and a torn groin. It was when Weber was left unprotected for the expansion draft that doubts about his future surfaced, before the GM announced in October 2021 that he would sit out the season and may never play again. Which unfortunately turned out to be true.

In the end, the trade that promised to alter both franchises for years to come saw both players retire earlier than anyone thought, but both athletes will forever hold a special place in Canadiens’ fans hearts; one for being a rare offensive bright spot and giving so much to the city and the other for getting the Habs nearer to the Cup than they had been since 1993, when they won their 24th.

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SIGNED: Nets keeping Day’Ron Sharpe, Josh Minott

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 07: Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets plays against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets are bringing back both Day’Ron Sharpe and Josh Minott on two-year deals, according to reports Monday morning by Shams Charania and Mike Scotto. The team also exercised its team option on Malachi Smith, but the deal was totally non-guaranteed.

Sharpe will sign a two-year, $20 million deal, apparently without options, while Minott will sign a two-year, $9 million deal with the second year a team option. The two, aged 24 and 23, respectively, are seen as building blocks in the Nets continuing rebuild. At the moment, Sharpe, who is one of the league leaders in rebound percentage, seems likely to replace the departed Nic Claxton as the Nets starting center while Minott will join the rotation upfront.

Scotto was first with the Sharpe signing, while Shams had Minott first…

The Nets had a deadline of Monday to exercise team options on both — Sharpe for $6.3 million and Minott for $2.6 million — but chose instead to sign the two players to multi-year deals with significant raises. Sharpe was drafted by the Nets in 2021 while Minott was acquired from the Celtics in a salary dump at the trade deadline last February in return for $110,000 in cash considerations, the minimum permitted under the CBA.

The actual signings won’t come until after July 6.

There had been some speculation that the two, along with Ziaire Williams and Malachi Smith, would have their team options declined so that Sean Marks & co. could have more salary cap space to pursue other, bigger free agents starting Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Instead, the Nets took care of their own first while still retaining significant space. Williams had his team option, also for $6.3 million, declined and his future with the organization remains murky. The Nets could sign him later in free agency, but Dan Woike of The Athletic reported Sunday night that is hometown team, the L.A. Lakers may have interest.

Later, Scotto also reported that Smith, 26, will have his team option of $2.1 million exercised, all of which is non-guaranteed…

As Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron tweeted not long after the Shams and Scotto reports, the Nets are likely to use the MLE or cap space to sign Minott, rather than Bird Rights. He also put the Nets workable cap space at about $36 million, the third highest in the NBA this summer. (The Nets also have $3.9 million available from last season that could be used by Tuesday.)

Others, including Bobby Marks put the number somewhat higher…

In either event, the Nets should be a big player in free agency.

The Nets are introducing their three rookies — Mikel Brown Jr., Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau — this afternoon at a media availability in Brooklyn. Sean Marks is likely to get questions on the signings as well.

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Draymond Green's contract opt-out opens LeBron James path for Warriors

Draymond Green is suddenly an unrestricted free agent, and it could lead to LeBron James joining the Golden State Warriors.

The 36-year-old forward opted out of the final year of his contract with Golden State, according to ESPN, and declined a player option worth nearly $27.7 million for the 2026-27 season. It means Green is free to sign with another NBA team when free agency begins with the league's legal negotiating period on Tuesday, June 30.

Green's decision, however, is seen as a positive development for the Warriors' offseason plans. The team is reportedly seeking James and his former Lakers' teammate, Anthony Davis of the Washington Wizards, and would use the contract for injured forward Jimmy Butler and the $15 million midlevel exception to pull it off.

NBA FREE AGENCY LIVE UPDATES: Latest rumors, signings, news on top players

"If Draymond Green opts out of that contract, I will just point out he's represented by the same agency as LeBron James – Klutch Sports," NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said on ESPN's "Get Up" on Monday, June 29. "... If Draymond opts out of that contract, it opens the window for the Warriors to maneuver and offer a free agent. Maybe it's LeBron, maybe it's someone else."

The anticipation is that Golden State and Green will begin negotiating terms for a new contract extension based on how the team's pursuit of James goes. Though Green and James had a memorable encounter during the 2016 NBA Finals, in which a flagrant foul by Green led to a one-game suspension, the two have since developed a friendship off the court and share the same representation.

Green will be entering his 15th NBA season in 2026-27 and averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebound and 5.5 assists per game for the Warriors this past season. The team failed to make it out of the Western Conference play-in tournament this past season, with injuries to Butler and Stephen Curry contributing to the struggles.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr and Curry are returning and the franchise selected Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft last week. Who else joins them in the Bay Area next season is suddenly a topic of great intrigue for the entire league.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Draymond Green's contract opt-out opens LeBron James path for Warriors

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Key takeaways from Bruins' 2026 NHL draft class, JJ Peterka trade

Key takeaways from Bruins' 2026 NHL draft class, JJ Peterka trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins, for the first time since 2023, did not make a first-round pick.

They entered the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday with the No. 23 overall pick, but they traded it as part of a package to acquire left wing JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth.

The B’s ended up making seven picks by the end of Saturday.

Let’s look at a couple key takeaways from Boston’s 2026 draft class:

JJ Peterka gamble was worth taking

The odds of the Bruins drafting and developing a player as talented or better than JJ Peterka with the No. 23 overall pick was low. Therefore, trading for the speedy top-six left wing and giving up the No. 23 pick and the Panthers’ 2028 first-rounder (top-10 protected) was a risk worth taking.

Peterka is dangerous off the rush and should be a consistent 30-goal scorer in Boston, especially if he plays alongside David Pastrnak.

“He’s got an elite shot,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters Friday night. “Probably gives us another look on the elbows in a power-play situation. His power-play minutes dipped a little bit last year. His 5-on-5 production has been really good. Plays both wings. Could probably play with a couple different types of centers, help drive a line, but also complement the better guys in situations that we’re certainly trying to improve.”

Peterka is only 24 years old, too, so he can help the B’s win now and be part of the team’s next core. He’s also signed through 2029-30 with a reasonable salary cap hit of $7.7 million.

JJ PeterkaStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
JJ Peterka has scored 25-plus goals in three straight seasons.

Taking goalie in second round was bold

The Bruins need more forwards with speed and skill, and there’s a severe lack of high-end talent on the blue line in their prospect pool (more on that below). So it was surprising that Boston decided to take Russian goalie Yury Ivanov with the No. 56 overall pick in the second round.

Not only that, Ivanov wasn’t even one of the highest-rated goalies in this class. NHL Central Scouting had him ranked 10th among international goalies.

The B’s were well-aware of these rankings, but they like Ivanov’s potential.

“Certainly we’re cognizant of the public lists and what’s out there, but for us, we’ve got to look at the attributes and value the players the way we value them. We had the opportunity to watch him play live a number of times,” Bruins director of amateu scouting Ryan Nadeau told reporters Saturday. “We watched him on video, we tracked him. Certainly as the year went on, we got a little bit more excited about his game…We’re just really excited about where his game could get to.”

The Bruins have plenty of depth in net. Jeremy Swayman was a Vezina Trophy finalist this past season and is only 27 years old. His contract runs through the 2031-32 season. Michael DiPietro is coming off a fantastic campaign for the AHL’s Providence Bruins in which he went 34-8-1 with a .930 save percentage. He’s also just 27 and deserves a chance at the backup job in Boston at some point.

Even if the point of the Ivanov pick was to give Boston depth at the position well into the future, it felt odd to use the Bruins’ most valuable pick in this draft (after trading No. 23 overall on Friday) on a player who might not step onto the TD Garden ice for many more years.

In fairness, the Bruins develop goalies better than most teams, but they had much more glaring roster needs to address in Round 2.

Bruins waited too long to take a defenseman

The No. 1 weakness in the Bruins’ prospect pool is a lack of skilled defensemen. If you look at their top 10 prospects, Frederic Brunet is the only defenseman who would make the list, and he’s not a slam dunk to have a successful NHL career.

The Bruins didn’t take a defenseman in this draft until the fifth round. They selected Jacob Vandeven at No. 157 overall. It was another reach.

Vandeven does have an intriguing skill set and physical profile. He became a full-time defenseman this past season. He’s 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds, and he does bring some offensive ability to the ice. There’s definitely some potential there.

But when blue line depth is a major weakness in your prospect pool and you don’t take a defenseman until Round 5 (and then again in Round 7), that’s not a great outcome.

Zero centers drafted

The Bruins have made a strong effort in recent seasons to find a top-six center through the draft. They selected James Hagens at No. 7 overall in the first round last year, as well as his Boston College teammate Dean Letourneau in Round 1 in 2024. Both players had fantastic 2025-26 seasons for the Eagles.

In total, the Bruins drafted four centers in 2025, two in 2024, two in 2023 and three in 2022. So it wasn’t too surprising that the B’s focused on other positions this year.

Early grades are not promising

Here’s a roundup of Bruins draft class grades. They haven’t received high marks so far.

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: C

“After trading its first-round pick, Boston was limited in what it could walk away with. Nils Bartholdsson in the third round brings some interesting traits, and I liked Oscar Olsson where the Bruins got him. I could see one depth player emerging, or Yuri Ivanov getting some games as a backup goalie.”

Rachel Kryshak, ESPN: C+

“Acquiring a proven NHL player is almost always better than taking a chance with a draft pick. JJ Peterka is who the Bruins opted for, sending a first-round pick to Utah in the deal. Yuri Ivanov is a very young goaltender who is going to take time but has solid NHL potential. Oscar Olsson is a decent bet in the fourth round with potential.

“The Bruins might not get any NHL players from their draft class, but using their first pick as part of a package to acquire a proven talent is good business for where the team is in its competitive window.”

David St-Louis, Elite Prospects: C-

“Yuri Ivanov may have carried Spartak Moskva to the MHL finals, but our team didn’t believe much in his upside due to play-reading and postural issues, giving him late-round value. Boston is banking on athleticism with that selection.

“For our staff, their most exciting pick was Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, who we ranked at No. 71 and went 170th. The dynamic-skating goaltender became a high-end puck stopper in the USHL, and has the tools to be an undersized NHL tandem-level goalie.”

(Click the link above for St-Louis’ full analysis)

Bruins still in good shape for future drafts

The Bruins own all of their future first-round picks, and they’ll also get a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick from the Maple Leafs to complete the Brandon Carlo trade.

They also picked up an extra fourth-rounder in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The B’s sent the Penguins a 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 111 overall) for a 2026 sixth-rounder (No. 170 overall) and the Winnipeg Jets’ 2027 fourth-rounder.

Bruins draft picks
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Sandro Mamukelashvili declines player option, hits free agency

Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) celebrates his three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

Ahead of free agency beginning on Tuesday, the Raptors’ centre has elected to test the market after turning down his 2.8 million dollar option, as per Shams Charania. Mamukelashvili was a core part of Toronto’s frontcourt in the 2025-26 season, where the big man posted averages of 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 stocks, playing 80 games and earning Sixth Man of the Year votes.

The forward is entering his sixth season in the NBA, and could be a hot commodity for those looking to add a floor spacing backup big to their roster. With Toronto in active talks to acquire Kawhi Leonard, keeping Mamu could be a priority to ensure roster cohesion if the Clippers demand Collin Murray-Boyles as part of such a trade. As the Raptors have also been linked to Myles Turner, what exactly the Raptors will offer to keep Mamu is potentially dependent on other desired acquisitions in free agency.

Mamukelashvili is only 26 years old, and fits the timeline centred around Scottie Barnes’ development well. As an experienced journeyman, Mamu has found a high level of success in Toronto, and is a very important player in their roster considering the current state of their big man rotation. I am of the opinion that Mamu is very much worth bringing back, with a bump in pay to acknowledge the quality of his contribution, but that financial flexibility must be taken into consideration when attempting to put together a team that can go even deeper into the playoffs. As well, he is undersized for a centre, and for a team that is built around a point guard in a power forward’s body, the reality of the Raptors’ need to get bigger should also be taken into consideration.

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Sabres re-sign checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to 6-year, $17.5 million contract before free agency

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens

May 16, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Beck Malenstyn (29) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens in game six of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres re-signed checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract on Monday, retaining the player two days before he was eligible to hit the free agent market.

The average salary of $2.9 million more than doubles the $1.35 million Malenstyn made in each of his first two seasons in Buffalo. And it represents the value the 28-year-old brought to the team in a secondary role.

Last year, Malenstyn set a Sabres’ single-season record with 282 hits and finished second on the team with 75 blocked shots. He scored a career-high seven goals as part of a 14-point season.

The sixth-year NHL player spent his first four seasons in Washington and was acquired by Buffalo in a trade that sent a second-round pick to the Capitals at the 2024 draft.

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Deandre Ayton to pick up player option for 2026-27 season

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers have a new hurdle in their pursuit of a starting center for next year’s team.

Last year’s starter, Deandre Ayton, has reportedly picked up his player option, as first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.

This move is far from a shock. It was reported earlier that Ayton was expected to pick up his player option. Now the Lakers have the option to keep Ayton or move him to bring in another player.

As a starter last year, he had his fair share of ups and downs. In many clutch-time games, he was benched for Jaxson Hayes. However, the good moments certainly outweighed the bad.

He averaged 12.5 points and 8 rebounds and started in all 72 games he played. One of his best performances in the regular season came in a win over the Spurs. In that contest, Ayton had 22 points, 10 rebounds and outplayed Victor Wembanyama.

In the opening round of the playoffs, Ayton delivered. He shut down Alperen Şengün and helped the Lakers eliminate the Rockets despite playing the entire series without Luka Dončić.

His play declined in the second round against the Thunder. Ayton averaged just 7.3 points and his minutes dipped to 24.6 per game.

Considering how openly the Lakers have been looking for a top center, it seems unlikely that Ayton will remain around. Perhaps he could be a backup option on the team, but he almost certainly won’t be the starter next season and, given his contract, wouldn’t be too hard to move in a trade.

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