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The Red Sox go for their sixth straight win tonight against the Washington Nationals

Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Red Sox have a couple of streaks on the line tonight as they’ve won five games in a row and are also riding a string of 12 consecutive quality starts from their starters. Extending each will be tricky business though because the Nationals lead all of baseball in both runs scored and RBI. Even worse for Connelly Early is they’ve hit lefties particularly hard, posting a record of five games above .500 (16-11) when facing southpaws and five games below .500 (27-32) when facing a righty.

Another thing working against the Red Sox tonight is the heavy bullpen usage of the high leverage relievers during the last handful of games. At one point last night, it looked like they might give all those guys a full rest and reset day when they jumped out to an early 6-1 lead, but because they failed to score any additional runs the rest of the way and allowed Miles Mikolas to worm his way through seven innings, they had to use both Tyron Guerrero and Garrett Whitlock to finish the job, creating a stickier situation 24 hours later.

So to summarize, the Sox have a pitcher on the mound who has at times struggled to go deep into games, an opposing lineup that’s been excellent all year, a bullpen that might be light on bullets, and a much better opposing starting pitcher on the mound than last night in Cade Cavalli. If Boston manages to pull this one out and extend the winning streak to six, this team might really be onto something.

Let’s see how it turns out!

Today’s Lineups

NATIONALSRED SOX
James Wood – DHAnthony Seigler – 2B
Andres Chaparro – 1BCeddanne Rafaela – CF
Curtis Mead – 3BWilyer Abreu – RF
CJ Abrams – SSWillson Contreras – 1B
Dylan Crews – RFJarren Duran – LF
Jacob Young – CFRomy Gonzalez – DH
Daylen Lile – LFCaleb Durbin – 3B
Nasim Nunez – 2BCarlos Narvaez – C
Keibert Ruiz – CTsung-Che Cheng – SS
Cade Cavalli – RHPConnelly Early – LHP

⚾️ First Pitch: 7:10pm — Fenway Park, Boston, MA

📺 TV: NESN

📻 Radio: WEEI

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Dusty May addresses role of NIL era in Michigan departure, how it can be ‘segue’ to NBA

© Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

When Dusty May left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks just months removed from a national title, speculation grew about how the NIL and transfer portal era in college basketball impacted his decision. He previously made his concerns clear about the landscape.

Speaking with reporters Monday during his introductory press conference, May said the landscape was not a “big reason” for his move to the pros. But he admitted how much things have changed during his coaching career and that he can focus on Xs and Os in the NBA.

May spoke highly of the people in the Mavericks’ facility and said they helped seal his decision as he gets ready to take over the franchise. As he looks ahead to his next chapter, he made it clear his desire to keep his focus on the court rather than issues away from the hardwood.

“I wouldn’t say a big reason,” May said. “The big reason are the people in this facility, first and foremost. It’s much more complicated than it used to be. I love teaching, I love coaching, I love being a part of a team. In college basketball, you don’t get to do near as much of that as you used to. So there are some things that I’m not going to miss about college basketball. But I wouldn’t be here without our players, without our staff. Had an unbelievable 25 [or] 27 years, whatever it’s been, in college athletics.

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“But excited for this opportunity and to do the things – I think we all know, as people, the things you love to do, you typically do them well. So I’m just excited to dive in, spending more time on the things that I enjoy doing every day, and work with passion on.”

Dusty May: ‘NIL era is a segue into the NBA’

By taking the Mavericks’ job, Dusty May became the first active college coach to leave for the NBA since John Beilein left Michigan for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. As a result, he’s the first to do so in the NIL era.

But May argued the modern college landscape with NIL and the transfer portal can make for an easier transition. He also noted the similarities in playing style between the two and how that can set him up for success.

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“When I left FAU to go to Michigan, I felt like that changing landscape and the magnitude of our FAU program was a segue to Michigan,” May said. “And I feel like the last five years of the NIL era is a segue into the NBA where we weren’t coaching professional players, per se, where they’re under contract. But they were getting paid. The same problems – not at the same scale – but similar problems, similar issues, similar challenges. The game is closer than ever. College, NBA, the G-League. Stylistically, they all look very, very similar, if you’re playing modern basketball.

“And as far as all the other things, you’re never ready. It’s like being a parent. You’re never prepared, you’re never ready. But hopefully, you’ve prepared and done everything in your power to tackle all the challenges. The last five years, it’s been a very similar game on and off the court.”

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Game Thread: White Sox (44-39) at Orioles (39-47)

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 19: A rear view of Miguel Vargas #20 of the Chicago White Sox against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 19, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Miguel Vargas has been on an absolute heater, giving the White Sox offense a spark nearly every night. | (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

For a team that has struggled on the road, the White Sox managed a commanding victory in Monday’s opener in Baltimore, and they will look to snag the series with a win tonight. At present, the Good Guys have a one-game lead in the AL Central, and picking up any games in the race would be ideal before heading to Cleveland for four division games.

After using an opener last time out, the South Siders will turn the ball over to Erick Fedde, who will be making his ninth official start and 17th appearance of the season. The righty has been much better over the last month (five games), holding a 1.69 ERA in June while allowing just six runs (four earned) with seven walks and 16 strikeouts. Fedde has gotten into quite a few jams with his WHIP sitting around 1.27, but he’s still been able to work through them, and he has only given up one homer this month (knock on wood).

Over the past week, the South Siders have been hot at the plate, which could end up being a problem for Baltimore righthander Trey Gibson. The White Sox lead MLB over the last seven days in batting average (.326) and on-base percentage (.399), while ranking third in OPS (.915). They also rank fifth in baseball in season OPS. Gibson has posted a 5.64 ERA in 30 1/3 innings (six starts), holding just a 17.9% K rate while also having one of the highest walk rates in MLB (13.6%). Gibson is Baltimore’s No. 4 prospect in the system, and the 24-year-old still has plenty of time to work through any improvements, just after this game, of course.

The Sox have shuffled the lineup a bit tonight as Sam Antonacci gets the night off. Junior Perez takes over in left field and will bat ninth, while Kyle Teel moves into the leadoff spot after hitting third or fourth in recent games. Miguel Vargas remains in the second position as he has been on an absolute tear this last week: ranking first in the American League in OPS (1.530) with two home runs, seven RBIs, five walks, and just one strikeout. Andrew Benintendi is also back in as the DH in the three-hole, and both Montgomerys follow him up with Colson batting cleanup while Braden moves up to the five-spot. Gibson could have some trouble with this lineup, especially as seven of nine starters currently hold a .725-or-above OPS, with Jacob Gonzalez and Kyle Teel not too far behind.

Chicago White Sox Lineup

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As someone who gives up quite a few home runs, Fedde will need to be careful with Pete Alonso, who has posted a .965 OPS in the past week – ranking seventh in the AL – and is tied for sixth in the league with 19 home runs on the season. And not far behind him is Gunnar Henderson, who went 2-for-3 with a double yesterday and also has mashed 16 bombs this season. Perhaps the deep fences at Camden Yards will be enough to keep some balls in play, and Fedde will keep cruising through the month as he has been.

Baltimore Orioles Lineup

View Link

As the first MLB game of the day, first pitch will take place at 5:35 p.m. CT in Baltimore, and it’s set to be a hot one with the temperature right around 90º at game time. Tune in to CHSN for the TV broadcast, or listen in on the radio at ESPN Chicago AM 1000. Let’s get a road series W!

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Cavaliers Reacts Survey: Has Evan Mobley reached his ceiling?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 23: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around center Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings at Rocket Arena on January 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 123-118. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been stuck between two timelines since the Donovan Mitchell trade back in 2022. They were a young team when that deal was made, but quickly grew into having expectations after acquiring a perennial All-Star talent.

That timeline was bumped up even more when they swapped out Darius Garland for a decade older James Harden. That move allowed the Cavs to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2018, but also significantly impacted their runway for sustained success.

Even Mobley’s ascendance as a rookie is one of the contributing factors that led to the Cavs parting with their draft capital to land Mitchell. That said, he hasn’t grown into the player Cleveland has needed him to be to get through the Eastern Conference. There were many at the time who hoped Mobley would take the reins and become the best player on a contender.

Mobley has proven to be a great player at 25 years old. You don’t accidentally become a Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA Player without being great. However, it’s fair to wonder if Mobley is going to keep progressing into the superstar big that many hoped he would become as recently as a year ago. And if he doesn’t, can the Cavs become a championship-level team?

This week’s question is simple. Has Evan Mobley reached his ceiling as a player? Or can his game still reach another level?

Let us know in the survey below, and tell us why you voted how you did in the comments.

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Mets at Blue Jays: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 6/30/26

May 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks back to the dugout after against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Mets lineup

Carson Benge – RF
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Francisco Lindor – SS
Jared Young – 1B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Francisco Alvarez – DH
Brett Baty – 2B
Luis Torrens – C

SP: Nolan McLean – RHP

Blue Jays lineup

George Springer – DH
Nathan Lukes – RF
Alejandro Kirk – C
Sean Keys – 1B
Ernie Clement – 3B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Luis Urias – 2B
Yohendrick Pinango – LF
Andres Gimenez – SS

SP: Kevin Gausman – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 7:07 PM ET
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

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Tuesday night Orioles game thread: vs. White Sox, 6:35pm ET

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 19: Trey Gibson #43 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Probable pitchers: RHP Trey Gibson (1-2, 5.64 ERA, 25 Ks) vs. RHP Erick Fedde (2-6, 4.34 ERA, 50 Ks)

Where to watch: MASN/MASN+

Last night, the Orioles lost the series opener to the White Sox, dropping their third game in a row and falling eight games below .500. Baltimore’s current 39-47 record matches their season high for most games under .500, last achieved when they were 21-29 after losing to Tampa on May 20th.

It was after that game against the Rays that color commentator Ben McDonald gave his impassioned monologue, essentially saying analytics be damned, the O’s weren’t playing good baseball then and there. The quote that rang true through Birdland was “You either you do or you don’t, and right now the Orioles don’t.”

The former Oriole ended his criticism by saying, “I don’t know where the Orioles go from here other than they have to start playing more consistent baseball. That’s the bottom line.” And despite playing exactly .500 ball (18-18) since that loss to the Rays, this is by no means a more consistent baseball team. Last night’s loss—where the only two runs came via sac fly, the offense wasted a great start by Shane Baz and the bullpen imploded late—epitomized the inconsistent nature of this Baltimore team.

Should the Orioles lose tonight, they’d drop nine games below .500 for the first time all season. Trying to prevent that is rookie right-hander Trey Gibson. The 24-year-old has struggled in June, posting a 7.00 ERA over his last four outing while allowing 12 walks over 18 innings. Gibson has been at his best when he’s generating ground balls, and the White Sox come into the matchup 12th in baseball in ground-ball rate.

Opposing Gibson is longtime former National Erik Fedde, who is in his second stint with the White Sox. The O’s faced Fedde and only managed five hits and two runs across six innings. Baltimore stars Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson have had success against the Chicago right-hander, with Alonso posting a .969 OPS in 24 ABs and Gunnar putting up a 1.333 OPS in six ABs.

Orioles lineup

  1. Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
  2. Taylor Ward (R) DH
  3. Dylan Beavers (L) LF
  4. Pete Alonso (R) 1B
  5. Samuel Basallo (L) C
  6. Leody Taveras (S) RF
  7. Colton Cowser (L) CF
  8. Blaze Alexander (R) 3B
  9. Jackson Holliday (L) 2B

White Sox lineup

  1. Kyle Teel (L) C
  2. Miguel Vargas (R) 3B
  3. Andrew Benintendi (L) DH
  4. Colton Montgomery (L) SS
  5. Braden Montgomery (S) RF
  6. Chase Meidroth (R) 2B
  7. Tristan Peters (L) CF
  8. Jacob Gonzalez (L) 1B
  9. Junior Pérez (R) LF
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Updated Sixers 2026-27 roster as NBA free agency begins

CAMDEN, NJ - JUNE 25: President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey, Labaron Philon Jr. #00, and Head Coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for a photo during the Philadelphia 76ers press conference introducing Labaron Philon Jr. on June 25, 2026 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, NJ 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Draft is over, and free agency is underway. With all the comings and goings throughout the league overall, it can be hard to keep up with who is actually on the Philadelphia 76ers roster from day to day.

So, use our tracker below to help you stay up-to-date on the Sixers’ roster as free agency (and the offseason as a whole) continues!

Current Sixers’ standard roster (11 of 15 filled)

Updated 6/30/26 at beginning of free agency

Dominick Barlow, F

Adem Bona, C (fully non-guaranteed)

Johni Broome, C

VJ Edgecombe, G

Justin Edwards, G

Joel Embiid, C

Paul George, F

Tyrese Maxey, G

Labaron Philon Jr., G (No. 22 pick of 2026 NBA Draft)

Dalen Terry, G (fully non-guaranteed)

Jabari Walker, F

Current Sixers’ two-way contracts (0 of 3 filled)

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Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres preview, Tuesday 6/30, 7:05 CT

Tuesday notes…

  • COMING FROM BEHIND: Last night’s game was the 33rd of the Cubs’ 85 in which they have erased a deficit. They are 22-11 in those games and have won seven in a row and nine of 10. They have erased a total of 36 deficits, having done it twice in three games, all of which they won. They have done it in each of their last three games and in five of their last seven, beginning with both games of the doubleheader at New York vs. the Mets last Wednesday. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • KEEPING THE BALL IN THE YARD, PART 1: The Cubs did not surrender a home run last night, snapping a streak of 13 consecutive games with at least one. It was just their ninth streak that reached 13 games since 1901. Their longest was 17 games, in 2000. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • KEEPING THE BALL IN THE YARD, PART 2: The Cubs did not hit a homer, either. It was only the eighth game this season in which neither they nor their opponent homered. The Cubs are 3-5 in the games, all of which took place at home except a 1-0 win at Cleveland on April 5. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Geovany Soto’s three-run homer in the 13th inning gives the Cubs a 5-2 walk-off win over the Giants. It happened 15 years ago today, Thursday, June 30, 2011.

Cubs lineup:

Padres lineup:

Matthew Boyd, LHP vs. JP Sears, LHP

Matthew Boyd’s return to action after his freak knee injury was pretty good, 4.2 shutout innings against the Mets last Thursday. He did walk four and threw 76 pitches, so perhaps he can ramp up to 90+ tonight.

Boyd’s outing vs. the Padres April 27 in San Diego wasn’t good, so don’t click on that boxscore link. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Hoping for better tonight.

JP Sears spent all of this year at Triple-A El Paso, making 14 starts there, before being recalled to start June 24 against the Braves, where he allowed two runs in 5.2 innings.

This is his first career start against the Cubs. One current Cub, Alex Bregman, has faced him quite a bit, going 7-for-20 (.350) with two doubles and two home runs. Perhaps Bregman can get going this week.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Padres site Gaslamp Ball. If you do go there to interact with Padres fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Ben Rice, Aaron Judge trail in MLB All-Star voting

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his first inning three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates Cody Bellinger #35 (C) and Ben Rice #22 at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images

MLB All-Star voting has advanced to its second phase, with three Yankees, Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger, still in the running after moving on from Phase 1. All three are trailing in the polls with two days left in the voting.

Phase 1 of All-Star voting concluded last week, with the Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement leading the American League in voting and earning an automatic bid as the AL’s starting second baseman. The top two vote-getters at every other position (and the top six in the outfield) moved on to Phase 2, where the slate is wiped clean and the top vote-getter at each position (top three in the outfield) will earn a starting nod at the All-Star Game.

Rice is up against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, and trails 55 percent to 45 percent according to MLB’s latest update. The Yankee first baseman has lapped his Toronto counterpart in terms of on-field production this year, but Guerrero has had a leg up in voting the whole way.

Over in the outfield, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger are in third and fourth, with 19 percent and 16 percent of the vote, respectively. Mike Trout, who like Judge is on the shelf with an injury, leads with 23 percent, and Byron Buxton is in second at 20 percent. Jesús Sánchez and Daulton Varsho round out the outfield ballot in fifth and sixth.

Judge would likely lead the way save for injury (in fact, he may have simply won the Phase 1 voting), but his time on the IL has certainly dinged his chances. Bellinger has slumped lately, but his overall production on the year is still superb, his 3.7 rWAR leading AL outfielders.

As things stand, Judge would squeeze in as a starting outfielder, but he’d be the only Yankee to make it through to the All-Star Game by way of fan vote. The likes of Rice and Bellinger would still look like good bets to make the team via the player/coach ballots, as would Cam Schlittler on the pitching side. For now, it’s Judge, Rice and Bellinger on the ballots, which will remain open until noon ET on Thursday.

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Winnipeg's Kevin Cheveldayoff Becomes NHL's Longest-Tenured GM After Doug Armstrong Steps Down

With Doug Armstrong officially stepping down as general manager of the St. Louis Blues, the NHL's longest-tenured general manager title now belongs to Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, the only man who has ever held that role in the Jets' modern era.

Armstrong's time as Blues GM came to an end as of July 1, with former Blues forward Alexander Steen taking over as the club's new general manager. Armstrong will remain with the organization as president of hockey operations through 2029. 

His tenure in St. Louis was one of the most decorated in recent NHL history, highlighted by the Blues' first Stanley Cup championship in 2019, but his departure clears the way for a new era in St. Louis and reshuffles the hierarchy of the league's longest-serving front office executives in the process.

Cheveldayoff has led the Jets since June 8, 2011, when he was hired to build the hockey club that was relocating from Atlanta to Winnipeg ahead of the 2011-12 season. Fifteen years later, he remains the only general manager the Jets 2.0 era has ever known, a run of organizational continuity that is virtually unheard of in professional hockey.

The numbers over that stretch paint a picture of a franchise that has built itself into a consistent contender. Since taking over in the 2011-12 season, the Jets have compiled a 610-438-111 regular season record, good for the 11th-best mark in the NHL over that span and tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for tenth-best team defence with a 2.80 goals-against average per game. 

Offensively, the Jets have ranked 13th in the league during that stretch with a 2.96 goals per game average, figures that reflect a franchise that has prioritized defensive structure while gradually building out its offensive depth.

Much of that success traces back to Cheveldayoff's ability to identify and develop elite talent through the draft. He drafted Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry, Jacob Trouba, Connor Hellebuyck, Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Dylan Samberg, and oversaw their development into key pieces of the franchise's core.

What separates Cheveldayoff's tenure from many of his contemporaries, however, is not just the ability to find that talent but the capacity to build a culture and an environment that convinced those players to stay. Scheifele, Hellebuyck, Morrissey and Connor have all committed to long-term futures in Winnipeg, a feat that is particularly notable given the market challenges that come with playing in a smaller Canadian city.

The Jets advanced to the Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history in 2018 and won the Presidents trophy in the 2024-25 season with a 56-win campaign. That sustained competitiveness has allowed the Jets to make the playoffs in seven of the last nine seasons, cementing their standing as one of the league's perennial contenders rather than a boom-and-bust franchise.

With Armstrong's departure, Cheveldayoff is now the NHL's longest-tenured general manager, a milestone that speaks to both his track record and the trust True North Sports and Entertainment has placed in him over a decade and a half of building the franchise from the ground up. 

Whether his next chapter brings the one prize that has so far eluded him and the Jets, a Stanley Cup, will be the defining question of an already remarkable run at the helm of one of the NHL's most loyally supported franchises.

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Grading Clippers, Raptors Kawhi Leonard swap: Which team won the trade?

Breaking news just keeps coming out of Los Angeles. On the day where the topic of conversation has been LeBron James and his decision to not return to the Lakers, the other LA team got busy in the headlines.

The Los Angeles Clippers executed a deal with the Toronto Raptors to send them Kawhi Leonard in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks, according to multiple reports.

Leonard is coming off a career year where he averaged 27.4 points per game in his 14th NBA season. He returns to the Raptors, a familiar scene for Leonard, who won the 2019 championship and Finals MVP in Toronto.

As for LA, they lose a bonafide superstar but also bring back a player familiar with the area. Ingram was drafted by the Lakers as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft and now returns to southern California a decade later. Additionally, they bring in Dick, who has high basketball IQ, moves without the ball and can knock down 3-pointers at an elite level.

The cherry on top is all of the picks that Clippers accumulated: two firsts, two seconds and an added pick swap.

The Clippers lose star power, but Ingram and Dick will prove to be good fits around Darius Garland and Benedict Mathurin, who arrived midseason last year following trades. Appearing in 77 games during the 2025-26 season, Ingram averaged 21.5 points on 47.7% shooting, including 38% from 3-point distance.

It's rare that trades actually benefit both team and address areas of need. This is one those rare cases. USA TODAY Sports grades the blockbuster swap.

More: Clippers roster and starting lineup after Kawhi Leonard trade

Kawhi Leonard trade details

  • Raptors receive: Kawhi Leonard
  • Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033 and a 2027 first-round swap

USA TODAY Sports grades Raptors-Clippers trade

Toronto Raptors: A-

This move couldn't have come at a better time. Somehow the Raptors have done it again. They built their team and developed their players to the point where they were one piece away from winning the NBA title, or at least being in contention.

I'm talking about 2019. But seven years later, it's like Toronto ran the same exact play. They built through the draft and trades. Leonard will join a team that includes a supporting cast of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

The team is coming off a 46-36 season that was good enough for the No. 5-seed in the Eastern Conference. It was the Raptors' first playoff appearance since 2022, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

Adding a player like Leonard only adds to their ceiling. I'm not buying that the team is an immediate title contender, but they will startle some teams. If Leonard, 35, remains healthy, we could see another championship run in T-Dot.

It's definitely a "win-now" move as the Raptors take on an aging superstar to maximize their current championship window.

Los Angeles Clippers: B

Never a fan of shipping a superstar, but if you get ideal pieces in return, it's a good move. The Clippers didn't shop with the Raptors to leave empty handed. In return, they managed to pry Ingram, Dick and additional picks from the Raptors.

It may not appear to move the needle considering the loss of a franchise player, but the Clippers remain interesting as a team that could scare opponents through late April once they put it all together.

Last year, LA's season ended in the NBA Play-In Tournament, losing to the Golden State Warriors courtesy of late-game heroics from Steph Curry. They finished 42-40 after starting the season 5-21.

There are a lot of questions that need answers such as team fit and chemistry, but at their best, this team will find themselves just outside of the top-6 playoff spots and competing in the Play-in Tournament for a second consecutive season.

The Clippers' mix of young players and veterans is a recipe for success.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Grading Clippers, Raptors Kawhi Leonard swap: Which team won the trade?

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LeBron Sweepstakes: Which Landing Spots Offer Best Title Odds?

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As the basketball world awaits LeBron James' free-agency decision, NBA championship odds show which of his potential suitors have the best chance to win next season's title.

Key Takeaways

  • The Golden State Warriors are the betting favorites to land James.

  • Of all teams linked to the superstar, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers have the best title odds.

  • The Lakers fell to +4,500 in odds after it was announced James would be departing.

James and the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed the end of their eight-year tenure Tuesday, when free-agent negotiations are allowed to begin. This marks the fourth time that James is leaving his team, following stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10 and 2014-18), Miami Heat (2010-14), and the Lakers (2018-26).

News of James’ departure sent the Lakers plummeting to +4,500 in FanDuel's odds to win the NBA Finals - good for just 14th in the league.

Reports suggest the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cavaliers, and Heat could be interested in his services.

The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski also noted that James has been a long-time supporter of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards, with whom he won a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.

The betting favorite in LeBron James’ next team odds, the Warriors, supposedly have the strongest interest in acquiring the 41-year-old. James also reportedly has an interest in playing with former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. 

Even if verbal agreements made over the next week, nothing can become contractually binding until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET.

Finals odds for potential suitors

The general assumption is that James will play for a team that has a real chance of securing him a fifth championship of his soon-to-be-24-year career. 

Among the teams linked to James, the Timberwolves and Cavs have the shortest title odds at +2,200. Those odds still only carry a 4.4% implied chance, albeit without James being counted on their rosters.

One of James’ former teams, the Heat, is close behind at +2,700 odds (3.6% chance) following their trade acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. James won back-to-back titles with the Heat in 2012 and 2013.

The Warriors are immediately behind the Heat at +3,000 (3.2% chance). They were crowned NBA champs as recently as 2022.

The Wizards, a largely unexpected team that could be in the mix, have the longest odds among James' apparent suitors at +25,000 (0.4% chance). They just selected AJ Dybantsa with the first pick in the NBA draft, but they also have Anthony Davis on their roster as a means of possibly enticing James to sign on.

Tough road to title No. 5

Among NBA champions since 2015-16, the 2018-19 Raptors had the longest preseason odds, opening at +1,850, according to Sports Odds History. There are only four teams with odds shorter than that at the time of writing: the Oklahoma City Thunder (+270), San Antonio Spurs (+270), Boston Celtics (+700), and New York Knicks (+850), none of which have been linked to James.

James’ worst opening title odds in the last decade were assigned before the 2024-25 season, when his Lakers were only +2,500 (3.9% chance).

The Lakers’ +1,400 odds at this time one year ago would rank fifth among all teams presently.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Clay Holmes to throw bullpen session this week, Mets encouraged by RHP's progress

The Mets delivered a positive update on Clay Holmes as the right-hander looks to return to the team. 

Interim manager Andy Green told the media prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays in Toronto that Holmes is set to throw a bullpen session this week. 

"He’s progressing well. Love to say he’s ahead of schedule, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself and actually make that kind of declaration," Green said. "It’s going well and we’re encouraged by that. He should get on a mound in the next couple of days and then we’ll figure out what the next step is after that." 

Holmes suffered a fractured fibula after taking a line drive to his leg against the Yankees back in May. While still weeks away, the latest update on Holmes, as Green said, is encouraging for a few reasons. If Holmes can return to the team sooner than expected, it boosts a starting rotation that has struggled to find consistency.

It also provides the Mets a potential trade piece ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. In nine starts, Holmes pitched to a 2.39 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP while consistently going deep into games. He was arguably the Mets' best starter this season and could help a team looking to bolster their rotation for the second half and a potential playoff run.

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Did Lakers nail the Austin Reaves contract?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during warm ups before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Austin Reaves has improved every year and is a wonderful success story not just for the Lakers, but for every undrafted player.

Thanks to his improved play each season, he was set for a big payday. While it was reported that the Lakers negotiated hard with Reaves, in the end, he agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal.

This makes Reaves a max player and the clear No. 2 for the franchise. Retaining him was always the best-case scenario, but did they nail the contract?

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask fans if the Lakers got the signing right when you look beyond the sticker price.

With reports indicating the Pistons were interested in offering Reaves a deal, perhaps all that matters is re-signing him and whatever that number ended up at is fine. After all, he is a max-level player and even if the ideal contract would be more team-friendly, players at Reaves’ level usually get paid what they want.

So, if that’s how fans are feeling, grading this as an A or a B is fair.

However, if you are skeptical that Reaves can truly be the No.2 without LeBron James on the Lakers to carry him when he falls, then maybe the deal isn’t one you like.

Not only did Reaves get a max contract, but he also has a player option for the final year. So, if it turns out he’s on a bad deal, he’ll likely opt in that summer, and LA will be stuck with the estimated $51.1 million bill. If he outplays that contract, he can opt out and get an even larger raise with the Lakers or another team.

It’s an interesting conversation, and we won’t actually know if it was a good contract for a couple of years. But what are your initial thoughts? Let us know by answering the poll above and leaving a comment below.

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

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Gamethread 6/30: Pirates at Phillies

Jun 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) enters the field before the game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Pirates:

Let’s talk about it.