Accepting Our Fate: Walker Kessler

The NBA off-season has officially started and we’ve already seen some pretty big moves just today: The Atlanta Hawks declined their option on Jonathan Kuminga’s contract making him a free agent, Andrew Wiggins signed a 3-year, $64 million deal to return to the Miami Heat, and the biggest of them all (so far) is that Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

While all of that is very exciting, and there will surely be more on the way (probably as I’m writing this article), we have to address our biggest elephant in the room: Walker Kessler. We’ve known for a while now that the Jazz front office and Kessler’s management team are not aligned in contract extension talks. Reportedly, Kessler and his camp want around $30 million a year and the Jazz are more comfortable offering around $22 million a year.

There is always the chance that Kessler signs the $7 million qualifying offer, which would allow us to have him on the roster next year but it would make him an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-2027 season. There’s a lot of salary cap science that goes into these kinds of decisions, but I think I can speak for most Jazz fans when I say that having Kessler on this team is better than not having him on this team.

It should be noted that, in theory, the Jazz could go over the $165 million salary cap and into the luxury tax/aprons by re-signing Kessler to the contract that he wants. When you have a player’s Bird rights you are 100% within your right to do that as an organization, the question then becomes “would the Jazz do it?”

I would love to live in a world where the answer is “yes” and we can see what a healthy squad can do now that we landed our big fish in Jaren Jackson Jr. and drafted Darryn Peterson with the #2 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, but someone has to keep their feet on the ground, and today that’s going to be me.


I want to brace for impact as much as possible, so if we can’t come to some sort of agreement with Kessler and his camp, I think we should be looking for some replacement options. Full disclosure – I don’t think that any of these would be able to be the same kind of player that Kessler is, but with the opportunity in front of us to win games and potentially make the playoffs, we have to do what we can to capitalize. Without further ado, here are some of the best (realistic) fits we could add to this team during the off-season, in my opinion.

Kevon Looney

It was recently announced that the Pelicans would not be bringing Looney back to New Orleans, so that means that his rebounding talents are up for grabs. He isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but he’s on the right side of 30 for now.

In very limited minutes last year (14 per game) he was able to pull down 5.6 rebounds a night, and considering that we now employ Jaren Jackson Jr., having someone who can do that specific thing is vital. If he’s given any sort of real minutes on this team he would be liable to grab 8+ rebounds a night. He would also bring a certain level of grit that this young team would benefit from.

Sandro Mamukelashvili

After declining his player option, Sandro is going to have plenty of suitors calling his line. He had a bit of a renaissance year averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds a night while shooting 38% from 3 in 80 games for the Raptors last year. He was also in contention for 6th Man of the Year for most of the season, and with an expanded role here I think that he could deliver even more.

With the league trending the way that it has for the past decade, providing elite spacing for your ultra gifted offensive players is paramount. If we could offer a lineup with spacing that includes Markkanen, JJJ, and Mamu, then guys like Ace Bailey, Keyonte George, and Darryn Peterson would have a field day. I’m not saying that I need it, but I kind of need it.

Jock Landale

Landale is in a very similar spot to Mamu; he had a great outing in Memphis and Atlanta last year, showed his scoring ability (10 PPG), his rebounding effort (5.7), and shot well from 3 (38% on 2.8 attempts a game). I think it would be a lot to ask Landale to be as good of a backup as Nurkic was last year, but he just might have to.

In an ideal world, Landale would be a compliment to our Center room including Kessler and Nurkic, but he may just have to step up if we call his name.

Neemias Queta

This one will need some outside interference to accomplish, but it isn’t outside the world of possibility. At the time of writing, the Boston Celtics just picked up the team option on his contract, but there has been a lot of smoke to the idea of Rudy Gobert making his way to Boston in exchange for Derrick White.

IF that were to happen, Queta becomes a bit redundant in their offense. I’ve written about Queta on my personal blog, and my feelings about him have only gotten stronger since publishing that piece. Queta became a full-time starter for the Celtics last year and averaged 10/8/1.3 blocks a night. He displayed much more rim presence than before, he’s an incredible lob threat, and he would be able to step into Kessler’s role effortlessly.

It would require trading someone like Brice Sensabaugh or Isaiah Collier to make the salaries match (not to mention the draft capital that Brad Stevens would extort), but again, desperate times.

Robert Williams III

For this last potential selection there are plenty of reasons to be worried, but if things worked out for us, we could be in a very good position.

In a bench role for the Trail Blazers last year (17 minutes per game), Time Lord averaged 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per night. He also managed to add to his game this deep into his career by shooting 39% from 3 (don’t get your hopes up too much, it was about 0.5 attempts a game).

The biggest, and most glaring, issue here is that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy for his career. He did play 59 games last year for Portland, but he’s only managed to play 50+ games in a season 3 times in 8 years, and the last time he did that prior to this year was the 2021-2022 season. I’m sure that Boston Celtics fans could tell you what I’m going to tell you now: the juice is worth the squeeze. Adding Time Lord to this team would only add dimensions to our offense and give another weapon to Keyonte George. It also gives our Center depth different looks and allows us to play different schemes with him and Nurkic. Time Lord’s ability to still be this effective of a defender despite all of his injury history is remarkable and I think that we could be the ones to benefit from the rest of the league’s skepticism. I mean, you watch the tape and tell me that you wouldn’t want to see him in Utah.


The off-season is just as fun as the regular and post-season for me, but how are you feeling about it? What trades do you expect to happen? Do you think that the Jazz can get active in the trade market? Sound off in the comments!

Be kind. Tell somebody you love them.

Mets recall Joey Gerber, option Tobias Myers to Triple-A

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 03: Joey Gerber #56 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

With the Mets in need of some fresh arms in the bullpen, the club recalled right-hander Joey Gerber from Syracuse. To make room on the roster, the team options Tobias Myers to Triple-A.

This move was necessary because the club used Cionel Perez, Tobias Myers, and Kodai Senga yesterday, and it was unlikely that any of the three would be available for today’s game. With Senga not an option to be, well, optioned, Myers made sense to get a ticket back to Syracuse. The right-hander had gotten off to a strong start this season, posting a 2.33 ERA and a 3.25 FIP through 19 1/3 innings by the end of April.

However, May was far less kind to Myers, as he pitched to a 6.43 ERA and a 6.24 FIP in 13 innings in the month before he was eventually demoted the first time with the team in need fresh arms and the club hoping to stretch him out a bit. His return from the minors has been an unmitigated disaster, however. He’s appeared in four games, including one start, and has allowed multiple runs in each outing. He finished June with a 14.54 ERA and a 6.44 FIP in 8 2/3 innings across those four appearances. It remains to be seen what the club plans to do with Myers now that he’s returning to Syracuse.

Joey Gerber returns to the Mets to lend a helping hand to the bullpen. He’s made three relief outings so far across two stints. To date, he has allowed one earned run on five hits, with one walk and six strikeouts in five innings.

Pirates expected to be without Spencer Horwitz for extended stretch

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 24: Spencer Horwitz (2) of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats during a MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on June 24, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Pirates are going to be without their first baseman for a while.

Spencer Horwitz tweaked his hamstring running out a ground ball in the Pirates’ 11-1 win against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. 

Appearing on his weekly radio show on Sunday on flagship 93.7 The Fan, general manager Ben Cherington gave a bleak assessment of Horwitz’s injury.

Horwitz is expected to be out “weeks, not days” and will likely not be back until after the All-Star break. 

The Pirates return from the All-Star break against the Cleveland Guardians on July 17, which would sideline Horwitz for nearly a month.

One of the most underrated players in baseball this season, Horwitz is fifth in the NL with a .386 on-base percentage. He is two spots below Bryan Reynolds (.402), who is third behind Shohei Ohtani (.412) and Juan Soto (.406). Ivan Herrera (.387) is in between the two teammates.

In 246 at-bats over 74 games, Horwitz is slashing .280/.386/.455 with an .841 OPS. His 10 home runs before July are the most in his career and are two away from tying his career high (12) in 2024.

An improving defender whom the Pirates relied on in the leadoff spot, Horwitz provided timely hits and drove in 33 runs through the first three months. He also owns an even strikeout-to-walk total (40).

The Pirates will play a gauntlet of NL contenders over the next two weeks, beginning with four against the cross-state Philadelphia Phillies. 

In a cool scheduling move, the Pirates play in the nation’s capital against the Washington Nationals on Fourth of July weekend.

Pittsburgh will face the Phillies, Nationals, Braves, and Brewers before the All-Star Game, all of whom are either in a playoff spot or ahead of the Pirates in the race to the playoffs. This stretch could define the season. 

Mets' Luis Robert Jr. to begin rehab assignment for Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday

Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday as he works his way back from a lumbar spine disc herniation, the team announced.

Robert has been sidelined for more than two months with the injury and last played on April 26.

New York acquired Robert in the offseason, trading Luisangel Acuña to the Chicago White Sox for the outfielder and took on the remaining $20 million in the final year of his contract to be the Mets' every day center fielder. However, Robert was not off to a great start for his new team, slashing .224/.327/.329 with two home runs, two steals and a .656 OPS in 24 games.

Throughout his career, Robert has been injury-prone and played just 210 games over the past two seasons with the White Sox with middling results. A year earlier, though, the 28-year-old slashed .264/.315/.562 with a career-high 38 home runs, 36 doubles and an .857 OPS in 145 games.

The Mets took a gamble and were hoping to get that version of Robert, suspecting a change of scenery could help the slugger. Even if he didn't hit to his full capability, New York believed his defense in center would be worth it.

Yet, a month into the season Robert went down with an injury which resulted in the Mets promoting top prospect A.J. Ewing. Since then, the rookie has been the every day center fielder and has been quite impressive in the field and in the batter's box, slashing .279/.359/.422 in 44 games.

Once Robert is ready to return to the team, New York will have an interesting decision to make in the outfield with Ewing as well as rookie Carson Benge playing well.

Addison Barger Will Be Out Longer

Mar 8, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (47) hits a two-rbi single against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The start of another series, and all I’m thinking is ‘don’t be swept’.

That stuff about Addison Barger being back soon? Not so much. He has a ‘stress reaction in his back’. I guess that means stress fracture, but he’ll be shut down for two more weeks. So let’s hope that he might be back at the end of July.

Beyond that Yimi Garcia is ‘feeling a little better’ and playing catch. And Max Scherzer is playing catch, too.


This is nice. I want to say something snarky about any Met player would be sad if they thought they could be playing for Toronto.


There was also this:

Today’s lineups:

Today’s Lineups

METSBLUE JAYS
Carson Benge – RFGeorge Springer – DH
Juan Soto – LFNathan Lukes – RF
Bo Bichette – 3BVladimir Guerrero – 1B
Francisco Lindor – SSKazuma Okamoto – 3B
Jared Young – 1BErnie Clement – SS
A.J. Ewing – CFBrandon Valenzuela – C
Mark Vientos – DHLuis Urias – 2B
Brett Baty – 2BYohendrick Pinango – LF
Francisco Alvarez – CMyles Straw – CF
Sean Manaea – LHPTrey Yesavage – RHP

Ja Morant trade grades: Blazers stuff backcourt as Grizzlies reset franchise

After months on the trading block, Ja Morant is finally on the move.

The Memphis Grizzlies are shipping two-time All-Star guard to the Portland Trail Blazers for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

That ends a seven-year run for Morant in Memphis, a tenure that was marked by stark inconsistencies. After winning the Rookie of the Year award following his debut campaign in 2019-20, Morant flashed moments of basketball brilliance. But repeated off-court issues and injury concerns derailed his final seasons with the Grizzlies.

Here are grades for all parties in the Ja Morant trade to the Portland Trail Blazers:

Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant trade grade

For the most part, Morant’s market had dried up to the point that simply moving him is a measure of success. This is tough for any team: when it is forced to accept pennies on the dollar for a player who previously had plenty of promise and potential, it's going to be a difficult sell to fans.

But it became clear that Morant was no longer a long-term fit with the franchise. So moving off of the $87.1 million he was due over the next two seasons should be considered a win. Recouping any assets rather than letting him languish for two seasons and walk without anything in return is also a win.

Grant brings a veteran presence to an extremely young Grizzlies team that will need some help with ball handling and offensive creation. Grant averaged 18.6 points and 3.5 rebounds mostly off the bench in 2025-26. He’s under contract this season and has a $36.4 million player option for 2027-28. Murray is a reserve off the bench and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Honestly, neither player necessarily feels like a long-term piece for Memphis, which is fully rebuilding, and that’s fine. Considering that the objective was to reset the culture and move Morant, this deal got the job done.

Grade: C+

Portland Trail Blazers' Ja Morant trade grade

Jan 21, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

This is where the deal becomes more interesting. And, frankly, given Morant’s issues with availability, it makes it a little trickier to project.

Morant played just 20 games last season – though much of that appeared to be Memphis keeping him sidelined to preserve whatever shards of value Morant still had. In fact, he has played just 79 of a possible 246 games over the last three seasons, or a total of just 32.1% of possible games.

The most games Morant has ever played in a single season has been 67, during his rookie year.

Yet, Morant is still only 26 years old. In theory, he should have plenty of basketball left. If Portland can get Morant to mature and if he's able to find good luck with his health, this could be a solid low-cost move – at least in terms of assets shipped out.

Grant clearly was not a long-term fixture with the Trail Blazers and Murray is easily expendable.

The interesting thing is that now the Trail Blazers suddenly have an abundance of guards – and ones with talent. Morant’s weakness is his shooting. He’s best at getting to the rim, and his perimeter jumpers are shaky, at best. But if Portland starts him alongside sharpshooting point guard Damian Lillard, it could provide a compelling duo of shot creation. Lillard also masks Morant’s spotty jumper.

Morant, however, is a liability on defense, as is Lillard. This only puts even more pressure on centers Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams as rim protectors.

The other part about this is that with Lillard, Morant, Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, who improved significantly last season as the year wore on, Portland now has players that it could potentially move in a complementary deal – say, one for Jaylen Brown?

If that’s the eventual end game, and the Morant deal facilitates that, then it’s a big win.

But if Morant doesn’t mature and is constantly sidelined, this could be another frustrating chapter for teams employing him.

Grade: B

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ja Morant trade grades: Blazers stuff backcourt as Grizzlies reset franchise

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Braxton Ashcraft vs. Aaron Nola

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at PNC Park on June 24, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies, June 29, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are back out on the road as they travel to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Philadelphia Phillies.

Ashcroft is looking for his third straight victory after wins in back-to-back starts. In his last appearance on June 24 against the Seattle Mariners, Ashcroft pitched six innings, giving up five hits and one earned run while striking out 10 Mariners in an 11-1 rout over Seattle. This is the second time Ashcroft has pitched against the Phillies this season. He also started on May 15 against the Phillies at PNC Park. He pitched 6.2 innings, giving up seven hits and four earned runs. The Pirates lost 11-9 in 10 innings.

The Phillies are countering with former ace Aaron Nola, who is in his 12th season with the franchise. So far this season, Nola is 3-4 with a 5.58 ERA. He has not been part of a decision in the month of June, but in his last start against the Washington Nationals on June 24, he pitched five innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs as Philly won 5-4 in D.C. Nola also pitched on May 15 against Ashcraft at PNC Park. The Pirates got the better of Nola as he pitched 3.2 innings, giving up six hits and six earned runs.

Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Braxton Ashcraft (7-3, 3.07 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.58 ERA)

BD community, chime off in the comments section below.

Report: Jusuf Nurkic to re-sign with the Utah Jazz

The first official deal of free agency is reportedly in agreement for the Utah Jazz.

On Monday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that center Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million dollar contract to stay in Utah.

According to Charania, “Utah officials worked through the deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul on Monday.”

Nurkic is coming off a surprising stellar season in his first year playing for the Jazz.

In 2025-26, Nurkic averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He recorded three straight triple doubles in January, becoming the first Jazz player ever to accomplish the feat.

In February, Nurkic underwent a nose surgery that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Reports show that there are no long-term health concerns associated with the surgery.

The next move in the Jazz’s free agency saga will have to deal with Nurkic’s big man partner, Walker Kessler. According to Sam Amick, Kessler was “frustrated” with how his restricted free agency has been handled.

The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be the main team interested in Kessler, however, they cannot offer him a contract until July 6, leaving time to potentially sign a different center before then.

Gamethread 6/29: Pirates at Phillies

Jun 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Pirates:

Let’s talk about it.

Jimmy Butler’s agent pushes back on Warriors trade rumors amid Anthony Davis buzz

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Jimmy Butler’s agent pushed back on Warriors trade rumors linking him to an Anthony Davis deal as LeBron James speculation grows, Image 2 shows New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden: Forward Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards sits on the bench in plain clothes during the second half, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, greets Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry after the Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis

Jimmy Butler trade speculation has gotten loud enough that his agent decided it was time to step in.

Over the past 24 hours, the Golden State Warriors have been tied to a complicated offseason scenario involving Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Butler’s contract. The rumored framework centers on Golden State pursuing Davis from the Washington Wizards, with Butler potentially being used as the necessary salary-matching piece in a blockbuster deal.

Jimmy Butler’s agent pushed back on Warriors trade rumors linking him to an Anthony Davis deal as LeBron James speculation grows. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The reported endgame would be even bigger: acquire Davis, then use his presence to help convince James to join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay Area.

Butler’s camp, however, is pushing back on the idea that the six-time All-Star is already being quietly moved toward the exit.

NBA star Jimmy Butler before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan ZUMAPRESS.com

Bernie Lee, Butler’s agent, responded to the rumors in a statement to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, stressing that the Warriors have told Butler their plan remains centered on helping him recover from his ACL injury and return to the court with Golden State.

“I don’t want to get into a constant cycle of responding to this stuff,” Lee said, before adding that the Warriors have been “resolute” in their plan to support Butler through rehab and continue with him in pursuit of a championship.

That was the key part of the message.

Lee was not just dismissing a random trade machine idea. He was addressing a rumor that has gained momentum because of how easily Butler’s salary fits into a potential Davis pursuit. If Golden State wants to land another star making major money, Butler becomes the obvious name people attach to the deal.

New York Knicks vs Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden: Forward Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards sits on the bench in plain clothes during the second half. Jason Szenes / New York Post

That does not mean the Warriors are actually ready to move him.

Lee also framed Butler’s injury recovery as part of the reason patience is required from the organization and fan base. Butler, he said, remains focused on “getting back between the four lines” and doing his part — with the Warriors.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, greets Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry after the Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors AP

Butler himself recently acknowledged the reality of the NBA business. Asked about trade speculation, he told Slater that being moved would not be new to him, but added that it was good to know he was wanted in Golden State.

“If I get traded, I get traded,” Butler said. “Their job is to win. Can I help them do that? Yes.”

That is what makes this situation so tricky.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) holds his right knee as he goes down with an injury during the third quarter against the Miami Heat IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Warriors may genuinely want Butler back. Butler may genuinely want to stay. But Golden State is also trying to maximize the final years of Curry’s championship window, and rumors involving Davis and James are not going away quietly.

For now, Lee’s statement draws a clear line from Butler’s side: the focus is rehab, return and competing with the Warriors.

Whether Golden State’s front office stays on that same line is the question that will define the rest of its offseason.

Report: Julian Champagnie will sign a new 3-year/$45 million deal with Spurs

May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) holds the NBA Western Conference Finals trophy after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The first domino has fallen for the Spurs in free agency, and it’s a move we all saw coming. Today (June 29) is the deadline for the early termination of contracts, and as predicted, the Spurs have used it to decline the team option on Julian Champagnie’s contract to re-sign him to a longer deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Champagnie will sign a new three-year, $45 million deal with the Spurs, which lasts through the 2028-29 season.

This is quite the steal for a starting-caliber forward who can defend and consistently shot around 40% from deep in both the regular season and playoffs for a Finals team. Champagnie appeared in all 82 games for the Spurs for the second straight season, starting in 68 of them and eventually becoming a full-time starter, superceding Harrison Barnes in the rotation. He averaged 11.1 points on 38% from three, 5.8 rebouds and 1.5 assists in the regular season. He shot even better in the playoffs, scoring 11.2 points per game on 40% from three.

The new deal is not just well deserved, but it’s also a continuation of his very Spursian story. Originally undrafted out of St. John’s University, he signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer of 2022. He hardly played for them at all before he was waived in February to make room for Philly to sign Mac McClung entirely so he could represent them in the Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend, just to then waive him too.

This deal puts Champagnie in Spurs lore as one of their classic cases of players being cast off by their prior teams, just for the Spurs to pick them up off the scrap heaps and make others regret missing out. He arguably could have demanded more from the Spurs or on the open market, so the fact that he accept such a team-friendly deal suggests he values winning and feels a sense of loyalty to the Spurs for believing in him.

Free agency officially begins tomorrow at 5:00 PM, when teams can begin talking to other teams’ free agents. The moratorium period lasts until July 6. Other news to watch for, beyond the Spurs signing any new free agents, will be Victor Wembanyama’s rookie contract extension and the Spurs picking up the rookie options on Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant (although they technically have until October 31 to get that done).

In the meantime, welcome back, Julian! It’s as if you never left. Enjoy your best birthday present yet!

Canadiens Announce Development Camp Roster

It’s been a busy day for the Montreal Canadiens; on top of trading Joshua Roy and Brendan Gallagher, the Habs announced which RFAs they qualified and their development camp roster. As previously announced, the event will take place from Tuesday, June 30 to Thursday, July 2 at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard, and the on-ice sessions will be open to the public.

On Tuesday, players will undergo physical testing and won’t be made available to the media. Then, on Wednesday, the goaltenders will take to the ice at 9:15 AM, the defensemen at 10:15 AM, and the forwards at 11:00 AM, before holding media availabilities from 13:00 onward. On Wednesday, the goaltenders will take to the ice at 10:00, and at 11:00 AM there will be a scrimmage.

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There will be six goaltenders at camp: Alexis Cournoyer, Emmett Croteau, Max Lacroix (on a tryout – son of former NHL Eric Lacroix and grandson of Hall of Famer builder Pierre Lacroix), Quentin Miller, Arseni Radkox and Mikus Vecvanags. They will be joined by 12 defensemen: Rasmus Bergqvist, Cooper Cleaves, Jean-Samuel Daigneault, Aiden Dubinsky, Carlos Handel, Brayden Klimpke, Andrew MacNiel, Bryce Pickford, Owen Protz, Timofei Runtso, Nolan Stevenson (on a tryout – Was the captain of the Penticton Vees before making the jump to the NCAA last season) and Maxon Vig.

As for the forwards, it will be a fairly big contingent with 19 players coming: Dillan Bentley, TylerDeakos, Donovan Frias (on a tryout), Remi Gelinas (on a tryout), Michael Hage, Aleksandr Legkov (on a tryout), Giacomo Martino (on a tryout), Ben Merrill, L.J. Mooney, Reid Morich (on a tryout), Nikita Ovcharov (on a tryout), Hayden Paupanekis, Gleb Pugachyov (who's visa application apparently went smoothly), Thomas Rousseau (on a tryout), Wesley Royston, Logan Sawyer, Parker Trottier, Braidy Wassilyn (on a tryout), and Alexander Zharovsky.

Fans will definitely want to keep an eye on first-time attendees Paupanekis (who missed out last year because of mononucleosis), Zharovsky, and Pugachyov, as well as a few returning players. Last time around, Mooney impressed on the ice despite his diminutive size, and Owen Protz did so well at both development and rookie camps that he was invited to the main camp.

There will be no shortage of coaches on the ice as the organization has invited nine coaches: Kori Cheverie, Caroline Ouellette, Noemie Marin, and Alex-Andre Perron from the Montreal Victoire, former Hab Mike Condon who’s now a performance consultant, Olivia Cook (Potsdam Division III coach), Bruno Pierre Guillemette (goalie coach from the Montreal Victoire), Yanick Jean (QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguneens’ coach), and Olivier Latendresse (M18 AAA Charles-Lemoyne Riverains’ coach).

If you have time to kill on Canada Day or fancy taking a day off on Thursday, a day trip to Brossard seems in order.


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Ex-Arizona center Deandre Ayton exercises player option to remain with Lakers

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 5: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball while being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Deandre Ayton is opting to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, though it’s to be seen whether the Lakers will opt to keep with the former Arizona big man.

Ayton has exercised his player option to return to the Lakers for a second year, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday. Ayton will make $8.1 million in 2026-27.

In his first season with the Lakers, the 28-year-old Ayton averaged 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game over 72 regular season games. Ayton’s scoring and rebounding averages were the lowest of his career.

Ayton played well in the Lakers’ NBA playoffs first round win over the Houston Rockets, posting three double-doubles but struggled in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While it was expected that Ayton would opt in to his player option, the Lakers may decide they’re better off trading him and finding a new starting center. Ayton’s salary puts him at good value for teams in need of a reliable big man.

Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, played his first five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, followed by two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In his one season at Arizona (2017-18), Ayton earned Pac-12 Player of the Year and Consensus First Team All-American honors.

Jets Extend Qualifying Offers to Cole Perfetti and Tyrel Bauer, Part Ways With Former High Draft Pick

On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets extended qualifying offers to forward Cole Perfetti and defenseman Tyrel Bauer while declining to qualify forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The most significant decision of the three surrounds Perfetti, whose next contract will be one of the more closely watched negotiations in Winnipeg this summer. The 24-year-old winger is coming off a lackluster season, finishing with 12 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 68 games, a step back from the year prior when he appeared in all 82 regular-season games and recorded 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points.

The qualifying offer keeps Perfetti under Jets control as a restricted free agent and signals that Winnipeg still believes in the offensive upside that made him a top ten pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. His current cap hit sits at $3.25 million and any new deal will likely push that number slightly higher with the rising NHL salary cap.

Perfetti has already etched his name into Jets history, most memorably for his game-tying goal with 2.2 seconds left in regulation of Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues in the 2025 playoffs, the latest game-tying or winning goal in regulation in NHL playoff history.

Bauer also received a qualifying offer, retaining the Jets' rights to the physical blueliner. The Cochrane, Alberta product had a goal and four assists for five points while racking up 110 penalty minutes in 52 games this past season with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL. 

Bauer is not a player who will ever be counted on for offense but brings the kind of physicality and toughness that organizations value in their depth pool, and the Jets have seen enough to bring him back for another season.

As for Anderson-Dolan, the decision not to qualify him means he will hit the open market as a free agent. The Calgary native was selected 41st overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017 NHL Draft but never developed into the player that pedigree suggested.

He spent this past season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, recording 36 points in 72 games, and will now look to carve out a role elsewhere as he enters the next chapter of his career.

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VOTE: Which Yankees starting pitcher is most concerning?

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 20: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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

Through the first couple months of the 2026 MLB season, New York Yankees starting pitching was elite. Cam Schlittler breaking through to become perhaps the best pitcher in the American League thus far is already established, but it was more than just him.

As a unit, their starters led MLB in FanGraphs WAR, with both Will Warren and Ryan Weathers looking sharp and competitive in their bid to remain in the rotation once it’s back to full health (Max Fried has been on the IL since mid-May). And on the subject of health, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón had each pitched well in May since making their long-awaited 2026 debuts.

June, however, has been a bumpier story. Warren and Weathers have regressed, Cole has proved that Tommy John surgery recovery is not an instantaneous process, and though his numbers have been better, Rodón remains a bit of a wild card, prone to innings occasionally spiraling on him.

So just based on your gut feeling, who are you most concerned about? We’ve left Schlttler out since even a regression to modest pitching will mean he’s very good, but there are more reasonable flags on each of the other four arms. Vote in the poll below and we’ll check out the results later in the week.