ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers smiles during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2025-26 Emirates Cup game on November 28, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are officially sprinting to complete their offseason checklist now that LeBron James is off the board. A few things on their to-do list include signing Mario Hezonja, restructuring James Harden’s deal, and trading for Jonathan Kuminga.
The latter will require multiple moves to make possible.
Cleveland isn’t in a position to add Kuminga in a vacuum. They’re strapped for cash and would have to complete a sign-and-trade to acquire him from the Atlanta Hawks — who, according to Marc Stein, are showing interest in Jarrett Allen.
The Cavs, to this point, have refused to play ball in that regard.
“Sources say that the Hawks have indeed made their interest in Jarrett Allen known to Cleveland for some time, but I’m told that Cleveland still has not entertained moving its starting center,” said Stein on his Substack.
It’s unlikely the Cavs would deal Allen in exchange for Kuminga. This doesn’t align with how they’ve valued Allen, whose performances in consecutive Game 7s helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Cavs aren’t moving him for a player who hasn’t proven he can play winning basketball at the NBA level.
Kuminga has promise. His raw potential as an athletic, bruising forward is what is drawing interest from Cleveland. But there’s a reason why the market for Kuminga isn’t scorching hot. The Cavs have enough leverage here to keep Allen out of negotiations.
Instead, the Cavs are looking to trade Max Strus or Dennis Schroder. Either in a deal with Atlanta, or to another team in a salary dump that would clear enough space for them to sign Kuminga themselves. Both Schroder and Strus are helpful rotational players — but Cleveland has needed to tweak the roster and consolidate some of their talent in the backcourt for years. This could be their best chance to do so without a major shakeup of the roster.
Most fans would prefer to move Schroder over Strus. Though it’s unclear if either player will garner enough interest to make this possible. Cleveland does not have draft capital to use as a sweetener. Whoever takes the salary dump will have to like their coffee bitter.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 28: Catcher Austin Hedges #27 listens to pitching coach Carl Willis and starting pitcher Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Progressive Field on July 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians have been good at starting pitching in 2026. They should do something to get even better.
In today’s start against the Reds, Slade Cecconi fell apart in the fourth inning, which comes as no surprise to anyone who has been following Cecconi’s travails as a starter for the Guardians. Since he arrived in Cleveland, Cecconi has a 2.62 ERA first-time-through-the-order and a 3.28 FIP. He has a 3.96 ERA/4.52 FIP second-time-through and an 8.39 ERA/7.26 FIP third-time through. These numbers don’t include today’s game against the Reds, which would further inflate these stats. It’s not unusual to see a back-end-of-the-rotation guy struggle second and third time through orders, and Cecconi has improved his numbers from 2025 to 2026 slightly in turn number two (third time is still awful). But, I think it’s time for the Guardians to recalibrate and move Cecconi to the bullpen.
There should be a fair few starting pitchers available at this deadline, somewhat of an unusual occurrence. From the Angels’ Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano, to the Royals’ Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha, the Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez or Merrill Kelly, the Mets’ Freddy Peralta or Clay Holmes, the Reds’ Brady Singer, the Giants’ Tyler Mahle or Robbie Ray, the Orioles’ Trevor Rogers, or the Mariners’ Emerson Hancock, the options who should be potentially available are plentiful. Unlike the pursuit of a proven hitter (especially a right-handed one) for the lineup, the saturated market for pitchers can provide the Guardians a reasonable bargain option. Unlike the pursuit of a reliever – everyone wants two and paying for their volatile value is always a huge risk – going after a starter looks to be a realistic quest this deadline.
As usual, I’d like the Guardians to take a big swing and go for Reid Detmers or Jose Soriano. If the Angels are serious about a rebuild for once in their lives, I’d gladly give up a top five prospect to see what the Guardians’ pitch coaching can do with the meat left on the bone in both of those cases by an Angels’ pitching group notorious for not getting the most out of their arms. Detmers has a 4.05 ERA and a 3.28 FIP with a 10.2/3.3 K/BB/9 and Soriano has a 3.29 ERA and a 3.80 FIP with a 9.3/4.2 K/BB/9, with both players under arbitration team control through 2028. I have long been salivating to see either one of them in a Guardians’ uniform, convinced the team could maximize their talent. But, even if Cleveland finds those prices prohibitive, getting a rental option like Clay Holmes or Robbie Ray would make a huge difference in enabling them to add a real weapon to their pen in Cecconi while offering much improved production in his current rotation spot.
Cleveland does one thing especially well and it’s get the most out of pitchers. I think it makes sense given the current situation with Cecconi to leverage their greatest skill to provide Carl Willis the opportunity to make the most out of this trade deadline in terms of improving the major league team. Use the depth of your farm system in hitters to improve the unit that will obviously have to carry you in any playoff run. Make it so!
MIAMI – All over baseball Tuesday night, pitchers who could be on the move before next week’s trade deadline were on the mound, showing their wares for potential suitors.
Shane Bieber pitched for Toronto, Seth Lugo for Kansas City, Luis Castillo for Seattle, Michael King for San Diego and Reid Detmers for the Los Angeles Angels.
And, right there in front of the Phillies’ eyes, Sandy Alcantara got the assignment for the Miami Marlins.
The 2022 National League Cy Young award winner proved to be a handful for the Phils. He pitched seven shutout innings as the Marlins beat the Phillies, 1-0, under the Big Top in Little Havana. It was the Marlins’ second win in as many nights over the Phillies. Miami entered the series having lost 12 in a row.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have lost eight of 11 since coming back from the All-Star break. They have been shut out twice in that span and held to one run four times. They have played four series since the break and now have lost ’em all. They had just four hits Tuesday night.
Pete Fairbanks, another Miami trade candidate, got the save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, is looking to make a deal before the trade deadline. The offense’s recent struggles suggest strongly that he needs to acquire a hitter. But the Phils need pitching, as well, as they are just 5-21 in the fifth spot in their rotation. Someone like Alcantara would provide the Phils with a huge lift, but the price will be high for the right-hander, who is eligible for free agency after the season. Whether it’s a top arm like Alcantara or a lesser available talent, the Phils are expected to add a pitcher before the deadline.
Pitching was not the issue Tuesday night as Aaron Nola held the Marlins to just one run over 5 2/3 innings. He allowed a solo homer to Kyle Stowers in the first inning for the game’s only run.
The Phillies’ lineup was not full force. Kyle Schwarber, the NL’s home run leader with 33, was supposed to start at first base with Bryce Harper getting the DH assignment. But Schwarber came down with the stomach bug that has recently plagued the clubhouse and did not play. Catcher J.T. Realmuto, hitting .387 (12 for 31) since the All-Star break, got a night off as Garrett Stubbs came off the IL.
Without Schwarber, Alec Bohm started at first base and Edmundo Sosa at third. Right-handed hitting Bryan De La Cruz got the start in right field over lefty-hitting Gabriel Rincones Jr.
The Phils had a couple of good scoring chances against Alcantara, but both times were thwarted by the veteran pitcher. They had runners at second and third with no outs in the second, but came away empty when Edmundo Sosa struck out, Justin Crawford grounded out and De La Cruz popped out.
In the sixth, Harper and Bohm both singled with two outs before Alcantara struck out Brandon Marsh looking. Marsh was leading the majors in hitting at .338 on June 8. He’s down to .280.
The Phils did hit some balls hard against Alcantara. Harper lined out to the wall in center in the fourth and Sosa hit a scorching liner to third in the seventh.
"To the extent we can add to it, we've shown in the past that we'll be aggressive on that front as well, but it's good going into this last week feeling as good as we do about this group," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said about his team. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
The Dodgers do not have to do anything. They’re in on everything, including Tarik Skubal.
With one week left before baseball’s trade deadline, the Dodgers are doing what the Dodgers always do. When you are flush with money and prospects, you can invite yourself into just about every conversation, from checking in on a star player to sniffing around for a three-way deal in which you trade away major league depth to acquire even more prospects.
“Not having an acute need at this time of year is very helpful,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Tuesday.
It ain’t bragging if you can back it up. The Dodgers boast baseball’s best record, with seven key players expected to return from significant injuries over the next two months. Then comes the quest for a three-peat: the chance to become the first team in National League history to win three consecutive World Series championships.
To me, that should be the most compelling element of the Dodgers’ trade deadline strategy.
Friedman repeatedly has said he would like this era to be remembered as “the golden age of Dodger baseball,” and nothing says legacy like doing something that never has been done.
And, if major league owners get their way, something that might never be done again.
We’re not just talking about the owners of teams tired of getting beaten by the Dodgers. We’re talking about Friedman’s boss, Mark Walter.
The owners are prepared to shut down the sport until they get a salary cap, but even a compromise with the players’ union would almost certainly involve some kind of spending restraints intended to make Friedman’s job tougher.
Act now, even in a way that might make you feel uncomfortable, because this chance might never come again.
“We feel this current team is as talented and tight-knit of a group as we’ve had,” Friedman said, “and we’ve been extremely aggressive over the past offseasons to try to put that group together.
“To the extent we can add to it, we’ve shown in the past that we’ll be aggressive on that front as well, but it’s good going into this last week feeling as good as we do about this group.”
Walter: “All I have to say to you is, we’ll be back next year.”
Friedman: “How about we do it again?”
Betts: “Three-peat ain’t never sounded so sweet.”
On the other hand, well, the Dodgers won the World Series last year without trading for the outfielder and closer the world said they needed, then committed $309 million to outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz in the winter.
“We don’t really think of the 2026 World Series as a three-peat,” Friedman said Tuesday. “ ‘24 and ‘25 are in the bank. As soon as you get into the offseason and into spring training, it’s all about winning in ‘26.
“That is somewhat semantics, but the context is that it’s no different than in any other year, in the sense of doing everything we can to win the last game of the year. I would think the aggressiveness last offseason would fully demonstrate that.”
On Tuesday, Fangraphs projected the Dodgers had a 25% chance to win the World Series, more than twice as high as any other team. A third catcher would help, and a reliever might too, but neither would lift that percentage in any meaningful way so much as provide insurance should Will Smith’s recovery from his neck injury stall or the bullpen implode.
Skubal might not lift that percentage much, either, in place of Ohtani or Blake Snell or Tyler Glasnow in the starting rotation. The Dodgers project all three to be healthy in October and, if not, they have All-Star Justin Wrobleski.
But Wrobleski already has set a professional high for innings pitched, and Skubal would provide a big lift to the teams most likely to keep the Dodgers from returning to the World Series: the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
And, although the Dodgers pride themselves on running a team whose championship window never closes, they already field the oldest lineup in the majors. In the NHL, owners shut down an entire season to get a salary cap.
Let’s say the 2027 baseball season starts late. By the end of the season, the Dodgers could field a lineup in which every position player besides Andy Pages was at least 30 years old, including Freddie Freeman at 38, Max Muncy at 37, Betts at 34 and Ohtani at 33.
Friedman called it “a fool’s errand” to try to predict the outcome of collective bargaining negotiations and disputed the thought that the Dodgers might miss a window by not maximizing whatever chance they have this year.
“I just think this is a really, really talented team,” he said. “If we had an acute need and it was like, ‘Oh, you didn’t address that,’ then, yeah, we missed an opportunity.
“In this game, there’s just no guarantees of anything. You just make the smartest decisions you can and hope it plays out in a way where you have some good fortune and you win the last game of the year.”
Perhaps “three-peat” should not be the word of the week. Perhaps we should substitute “three-peat-maxxing.”
Earlier today, Rogers Communications and Prime Video announced a 12-year agreement that will see the latter gain rights to Wednesday Night Hockey broadcasts and three playoff series per season in Canada, with the deal beginning in 2026–27. Prime Video was previously home to Monday Night Hockey in Canada since the 2024–25 season, with this deal replacing their previous position.
“Over the past two years, Prime Video has been a valuable addition to the NHL’s media lineup in Canada, joining Rogers in bringing marquee NHL games to Canadian fans,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said of the deal in a press release. “We’re excited that Prime Video and Rogers are deepening their relationship through this long-term agreement, reflecting our shared commitment to serving English and French-language hockey fans across Canada with premium NHL content for years to come.”
While no official schedule has been released, as it stands, the Vancouver Canucks are set to play in eight Wednesday games during the 2026–27 season. Vancouver’s first Wednesday game of the upcoming season takes place on November 25 in Detroit against the Detroit Red Wings, while their first home Wednesday game is on December 30 against the Seattle Kraken.
Here are the eight Canucks games that could potentially be broadcasted on Prime Video in 2026–27.
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Victor Mancini (90) handles the puck in warm up prior to a game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Isaac Okoro #35 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Is it too soon to start talking about preseason basketball? Maybe. We’re still a little more than two months away from training camp and the preseason that follows. But it is out there on the horizon, just past the second start to the right and straight on ‘til morning.
We have a pretty good idea of who the Phoenix Suns will be. This isn’t a roster that’s still trying to fill out the fringes or waiting to make a decision on a free agent. The team is complete. So the conversation has shifted from what they’re going to be to who they’re going to be. The remaining question is when we’ll see them.
Today, we received another piece of that answer. The Chicago Bulls announced their preseason schedule, and first up is the Phoenix Suns.
Previously, Phoenix had announced a pair of preseason contests against the San Antonio Spurs on October 10 and October 14. Now the schedule includes a trip to the Windy City, and that comes with its own level of excitement.
The Bulls selected Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick out of North Carolina, making this one of our first opportunities to see the rookie in an NBA setting. Preseason minutes aren’t the same as regular-season minutes, but it’s still a chance to get an early look at one of the league’s newest young talents.
Of course, we still have more than two months before any of this actually happens. Or, as I like to say, a summer away. The games themselves are still a ways off, but every schedule release makes the season feel a little more tangible. The Suns have their roster, their direction, and now the beginnings of a roadmap to opening night. It may only be preseason, but after a long summer of transactions and speculation, seeing this group finally take the floor will be the next meaningful step.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 10: Johni Broome #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 10, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the Sixers will be trading Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the LA Clippers for cash considerations. The team has since confirmed the trade.
The Philadelphia 76ers are trading C/F Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN. The deal allows the 76ers to stay under both first and second aprons while signing LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Philadelphia is sending Los Angeles its second most favorable of the Sixers' three seconds in 2027, for the Clippers to absorb Johni Broome, per source.
This was one of two moves the Sixers needed to make in order to sign LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope while staying under the first apron. After waiving Dalen Terry a couple of days ago, the Sixers, roster appears to be now set at 14 players on standard deals.
Broome, the No. 35 overall pick back in 2026, wasn’t able to show much in limited opportunities during his rookie season. He played just 11 games in the NBA and tore his meniscus. In those few games he averaged 0.9 points and 1.5 rebounds in five minutes a game. He played three games in Summer League and averaged 14.6 points along with nine rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Instead of cutting Jabari Walker, whose contract is only partially guaranteed ($250k) until Jan. 10, the team opted to find a way to dump Broome before his second season in the league.
That should just about conclude the offseason for the Sixers. With 14 players reportedly signed to standard deals and two two-way slots filled, they have just one more available two-way spot.
NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Elieser Hernandez of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves have had their game with the New York Mets rained out. Does that mean they’re standing pat today? No, sir or madam. Do you think they’re out there actively trying to improve the team? In theory.
The #Braves today selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.
The Atlanta Braves, who hold a five and a half game lead in the NL East and hold a 97.5 percent chance at making the playoff per Fangraphs, have selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game. The last time we all saw Elieser was way back on Friday. He pitched three innings of one-hit ball and grabbed the win against the Baltimore Orioles. The .125 BABIP wasn’t fully lucky, as he picked up at least three pop-ups in that game. The Braves might have to cover two games on Wednesday depending on the weather, and Elieser will likely be a part of that.
Returning to Gwinnett after three games in The Show is Connor Thomas. He picked up eight outs in last night’s game versus the Mets. Connor will return to Triple-A and continue what he does well, getting dudes out in Gwinnett at a 1.98/3.64/4.17 clip. That’s good for a 41 ERA-, 76 FIP-, and a 85 xFIP-. He’ll be back, probably.
With the general manager's chair now open in Hockeytown, speculation continues to swirl around who will take over the coveted role for the Original Six franchise.
While several names from around the league's upper management ranks have surfaced as possible in-house or external hires, one name that has generated buzz because of his deep roots in Detroit, Jim Rutherford, appears to be a non-starter, according to at least one prominent NHL insider.
Appearing on Tuesday's episode of Daily Faceoff's "The Sheet," Jeff Marek addressed the chatter surrounding Rutherford, the three-time Stanley Cup-winning executive and former Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations. Marek said that, to his knowledge, there has been no traction between the Red Wings and Rutherford regarding the GM opening, and that he had heard nothing to suggest Rutherford is part of Detroit's search.
The connection between Rutherford and the Red Wings runs deeper than most may think. Detroit selected Rutherford 10th overall in the 1969 NHL Draft, and he went on to play 457 career NHL games over 13 seasons, with 314 of those starts coming in a Red Wings sweater across 10 seasons.
He posted a 97-165-43 record with a 3.69 goals-against average and an .876 save percentage during an offensive-heavy era of the league.
Jeff Marek: Re Red Wings management search: To my knowledge there is nothing between the Red Wings and Jim Rutherford; to my knowledge not part of the process - The Sheet (7/28)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 28, 2026
Rutherford's front-office career also has ties to the Windsor-Detroit corridor as he landed his first job in hockey management as general manager of the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires from 1984 to 1988.
He would go on to then served as president and GM of the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors, later renamed the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, from 1990 to 1994. That role set up his biggest career leap, joining the ownership group of the Hartford Whalers as a minority owner, president and GM, his first NHL job since his playing days ended.
Rutherford held those three titles through the franchise's relocation to Carolina, remaining in charge of the Hurricanes through the 2014-15 season before departing to become general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He stayed on as a Hurricanes owner through the end of the 2015-16 season before fully stepping away. Rutherford remained with the Penguins until resigning in January 2021, after which he joined the Canucks' front office as president of hockey operations, briefly holding the interim general manager title as well before it passed to someone else.
Now 77, Rutherford appears to be entering a new phase of his hockey journey, shifting into a senior advisor role with Vancouver, stepping back from day-to-day decision-making after a career that has spanned 45 years in the sport.
Rutherford's career has been a decorated one, winning three Stanley Cups as an executive, one with Carolina in 2006 and back-to-back titles with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, and earned the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award in 2016.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder category, cementing his standing as one of the most respected hockey minds of his generation.
Given that résumé and his stated desire to scale back, Marek's report that the Red Wings and Rutherford have shown no real interest in each other for the vacancy is likely a mutual sentiment.
Rutherford appears poised to enjoy a lighter workload in Vancouver while remaining connected to a game and a league he has now been part of for nearly half a century, leaving Detroit's search for its next general manager to play out among a different field of candidates.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: The sneakers worn by Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Houston Rockets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The crown jewel of the 2026 MLB trade deadline is undoubtedly two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. The Tigers' lefty has missed some time due to injury this season, but still boasts a remarkable 2.70 ERA on the season while striking out 11 batters per nine innings pitched.
In a sense, this has been Skubal's best season. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is the highest it's ever been at 8.46. His FIP (2.68) is still elite and below where his ERA currently stands. All that to say that every team in position to contend for a World Series this year should be dialing the Tigers' number and trying to get their paws on Skubal.
Of course, not all trade destinations are built the same. Here are the five best landing spots for Skubal. Rankings are listed with consideration for which teams would most benefit from adding Skubal and which teams would have the best World Series opportunity with the addition of Skubal.
Tarik Skubal trade landing spots
5) Milwaukee Brewers
Between Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, and Shane Drohan, the Brewers already have a very solid top-three for their playoff rotation, and could turn to guys like Chad Patrick or Logan Henderson as a fourth starter if need be. While adding Skubal would give the Brewers the greatest 1-2 punch we've seen since Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on the Phillies in 2010.
Milwaukee should focus more on offensive depth or a legitimate shutdown closer. If they were to snag one of the league's top trade targets at this year's deadline, Mason Miller would be better suited for Brew City than Skubal.
4) Los Angeles Dodgers
While the Los Angeles Dodgers have the money and the prospects to do whatever they want, they don't NEED to add Tarik Skubal. Still, that might just happen.
After injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers are lacking in pitching depth. While both Snell and Glasnow are expected to be back well before the postseason, the Dodgers have a history of struggling with pitcher injuries and could just opt to grab someone like Skubal as insurance. Crazy to think that a two-time Cy Young Award winner could be an insurance policy for a team already at the top of World Series oddsboards.
While Skubal would certainly widen the gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league, the Dodgers would be better served going for a reliable innings eater who wouldn't cost as many prospects like Kevin Gausman or Robbie Ray.
3) Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves may already have an ace in Chris Sale, but the team could certainly use some more elite starting pitching. The Braves don't really have a No. 2. They have four No. 3's, so adding Skubal would make make their rotation much more fleshed out and sound for the postseason.
That said, the Braves will have some pitchers returning from injury soon. Guys like AJ Smith-Shawver, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider. Adding Skubal would give them more pitchers than they need, but would likely be enough to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East crown for the rest of the regular season. There are upsides and downsides, and there is potential that any of those three pitchers named earlier suffers setbacks in their recovery process.
2) Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays aren't normally a team that is willing to take a big swing at the trade deadline, but in recent years, they've sure tried to be that team. In the final year of Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Angels, the Rays made a play for him, offering two great prospects in Junior Caminero and Carson Williams for Ohtani. That didn't happen obviously, but it's evidence that the Rays are willing to offer.
While the Rays would probably be best served going after some consistency at the top of their lineup with a guy like Luis Arraez, the addition of Skubal would elevate an already solid pitching staff into elite status. With how weak the American League has been this year, adding Skubal would all but put the Rays in the ALCS as is.
1) Chicago Cubs
With how great the Cubs' lineup has been all year, the Cubbies should focus solely on adding starting pitching at the deadline. While every other team on this list has at least one pitcher you could consider an ace, the Cubs lack much at all from their rotation. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have been the best pitchers for the team and neither boasts an ERA under 3.70.
Skubal elevates the Cubs more than any other team in the league, and if the Cubs have been able to get to 14 games over .500 with mediocre starting pitching, adding someone like Skubal who could pretty much guarantee them three wins every four starts would be a huge addition, brining the Cubs up to the level of the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves in the National League. It might even be enough to lift the team into NL Central title contention.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts alongside De'Aaron Fox #5 during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 16, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 119-117. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, folks. We’ve reached that part of the offseason.
Aside from looking for a third center and figuring out the two-ways, there’s basically nothing for the defending champions to do aside from polish their trophy until they head to training camp in September.
How do we fill this void? Personally, I like watching baseball over the summer, but I’d imagine a lot of you are Mets fans, and that might not be a positive experience. But on this site? Let’s get creative.
Welcome to Knicks Domino Effects, where we look at divergence points in the past that could’ve changed everything for the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks.
Some of these will be extremely small moments you might not be familiar with. Others will be quite obvious, which you’ll see down the road.
Today, I’m starting this series niche. This video by well-known ex-SB Nation contributor Kofie Yeboah talks about a random 2024 game between the Kings and the Pistons that set off a pretty crazy domino effect in the NBA landscape. It’s a good watch, so I’ll link it below, but we’ll go into what it actually would’ve meant if it didn’t happen:
For those who want a TLDR, here’s what we’re going off of.
It’s December 26, 2024. The struggling Sacramento Kings lead the Pistons by three with 10 seconds left. Detroit has the ball and calls timeout.
Kings head coach Mike Brown, in the huddle, emphasizes one thing in particular: guard the perimeter. There shouldn’t be an opportunity for a hard closeout. The only thing that can beat you is a three. Get up on the three-point line and defend. If they’re gonna make a three, make them drain it in your face.
De’Aaron Fox apparently didn’t listen. He sagged off Jaden Ivey, realized too late, and fouled him. He made the shot. The Kings lost the game, falling to 13-18, on a play they entered up by three points on.
Mike Brown ribbed him after the game. It was deserved ribbing, and even though Fox has never had real issues with Brown, somehow this got blown out of proportion. The losing, coupled with some colorful press conferences, led to Brown’s dismissal the following day. The best coach that the Kings had in two decades was canned, a move that exemplifies why bad organizations stay bad.
Two years later, Brown is on top of the world as an NBA champion. The Kings are directionless.
Obviously, it’s a lot more complicated than saying one moment caused everything, but let’s have fun.
What if Fox listened to Brown in the huddle and this didn’t happen? Hell, let’s say that he just misses his assignment and allows the three, sending it to overtime, where the Kings would still have a chance to win.
How would things have changed?
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 26: Head Coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings coaches during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 26, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We start at this exact play. Malik Beasley swings it to Ivey, who takes advantage of a sagging Fox and buries a game-tying three. Instead of hitting Ivey, Fox flies by. Game tied, overtime.
The Kings were the better team for three quarters in this game, only getting blitzed in the fourth. It was a perfect duel between Fox and Cade Cunningham, but let’s say, for the purpose of this exercise, that Fox wins this duel in overtime, hitting a go-ahead 15-footer with 4.5 seconds left to get a much-needed win for the Kings. He and Brown embrace after the game. Monte McNair and company hold off on a coaching change.
The Kings aren’t good, so the seat never fully cools down, but they did play better over the course of the season under Doug Christie in real life. Let’s assume the front office backs off the nuclear option and instead decides to change personnel. They were reportedly interested in guys like Zach LaVine and Kyle Kuzma, but they won’t get either of those here.
Fox getting traded was an organizational shift by the Kings. He demanded a trade after extension talks fell apart and hitched a ride to San Antonio at the 2025 trade deadline. The timing of Brown’s firing makes you think that Fox didn’t like him, so keeping Coach Brown wouldn’t have changed things… right?
Wrong.
Every media report says that Fox had nothing to do with Brown’s firing. In fact, if Fox had been consulted about his coach during this rough stretch, he probably would’ve saved his job, but the delusions in Sacramento made both of them expendable.
If Brown stays, Fox likely does too. The Kings finish the 2024-25 season with a 37-45 record (slightly worse than IRL, to account for a potential post-firing jolt). They lose to the Mavericks in the 9-10 play-in game, but exit meetings go well, and they give Brown a short leash going into next season.
A month after the Kings decide to keep Brown for the 2025-26 season, the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau. They begin a five-week hunt for their next head coach, sifting through candidates. In real life, they decided on Mike Brown.
In our scenario, Brown isn’t available. The Knicks call the Kings to request an interview and are denied. They are now deciding on a reduced field of candidates.
Your next head coach is either Wolves assistant Micah Nori, former Grizzlies’ head coach Taylor Jenkins, former Hornets’ head coach James Borrego, or… Dawn Staley?
Anyway, we have no idea who gets this job. No candidate reached a second interview except for Brown, who’s now unavailable, so let’s make an educated guess.
Welcome to the New York Knicks, Taylor Jenkins.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 143-106. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jenkins has playoff head coaching experience, something that the Knicks valued in Brown, and a defensive attitude that would help a team that struggled on that end against the Indiana Pacers. It’s a different stylistic coach than Brown, sure, but there’s no Brown Lite we can go off of.
So let’s head to the 2025-26 season. Pretty much everything stays the same.
The Knicks are good, but underwhelming. The Kings are bad. Brown’s seat is red-hot.
In mid-January, with the Kings sitting at 17-24 after a home loss to the Knicks, they fired Brown and installed Christie as interim head coach. They finished the season 10-31 and missed the play-in with just 27 wins.
The Knicks finish 52-30 and are the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. It is truly impossible to tell what would’ve changed with Jenkins instead of Brown, but I believe there was too much talent for things to get bad. The 2-9 stretch probably still happens, but who cares. Jenkins was dismissed in Memphis because he and Ja Morant had major issues. I doubt that happens in this locker room.
Does Jenkins make the necessary adjustments to truly turn this team into a juggernaut midway through that Hawks series? Tough to say, but I’m still projecting this team in the NBA Finals. Why? After scraping by the Hawks in seven games, they’re facing two teams that just aren’t as good as them. Philly pushes it to five, and the Cavs push it to six, but both of these series are relatively stress-free.
Meanwhile, in the West, the Spurs emerge after a tricky path. The Blazers give them real trouble in the first round, and they struggle to shake off an injured T-Wolves team. They still barely eke out the Thunder, although this is maybe the least confident I’ve been in this entire experiment.
So it’s Knicks-Spurs again. Boring, right?
Here’s the change.
Jenkins isn’t an offensive guru like Brown is, so this is a reality where the Knicks never changed their offensive philosophy mid-playoff run. The Spurs are even more focused on denying Jalen Brunson and forcing a less confident version of both Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to make plays.
The Spurs don’t let go of the rope and win Game 1. After the Knicks turned around and won Game 2, they lost Game 3 as regularly scheduled, to go into that big Game 4, even more crucial this time.
It’s hard to tell if the Knicks ever go down by 30 as they did in Game 4, but let’s say they do. They trail by one with 20 seconds left when Brunson badly misses a floater, and the ball ricochets out to center court. We know what happened here; play the footage:
But instead of Fox grabbing that ball and allowing Anunoby to be the hero with the greatest two-way sequence in NBA history, it’s Dylan Harper, who allows himself to be fouled. Brunson misses the three on the other end, and with a three-point deficit instead of a one-point deficit, the focus is on a rebound and kickout, which doesn’t happen in time.
Why is Harper there instead of Fox? Quite simple.
Despite being on the court at the exact same time as Fox, he would be running point guard in our alternate scenario and be in his spot, while Keldon Johnson or Julian Champagnie spawn elsewhere on the court.
That’s because Fox is still in Sacramento.
If you remember from earlier, Fox wanted a trade because Mike Brown was fired. In this scenario, Brown keeps his job a year later, and Fox stays put, only throwing a fit and demanding a trade in January 2026 in the final year of his contract, but wherever he ended up, it wouldn’t have been the resurgent Spurs, who are more than happy to give the keys to Harper and Stephon Castle. Maybe he ends up in Chicago in a more direct version of the Zach LaVine trade.
With no Fox, the Spurs close out Game 4. His veteran presence stabilized them enough during the regular season, but he was an active detriment towards the end of their playoff run. Taking him away from San Antonio allows Harper to explode into stardom.
The Knicks barely won in real life in Game 5 with a Herculean Brunson effort, smelling blood in the water, and a stinker from Fox. Remove the last two? Knicks in 5 becomes Spurs in 5.
No Fox, no Brown, an entire series is flipped on its head.
And it all dates back to this one niche moment back in December 2024. What happens from here?
The Spurs are NBA champions and a dynasty in the making. The coronation of Victor Wembanyama is underway, so that NBA2k cover actually makes sense now.
For the Knicks? Everything changes. They retain Jenkins after a Finals run, but Leon Rose feels the pressure knowing there are two Western Conference juggernauts that are heads and shoulders above the rest of the NBA.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are shipped to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo in a desperation move. We’re so close, and these two haven’t fit in their two years here; let’s make a Big 3 for the ages. Remember, there were reports that the Bucks were hoping that the Knicks lost the Finals so that they’d get more aggressive in pursuing him.
REPORT: There’s “increasing belief” the Bucks could hold off on a Giannis trade until after the NBA Finals to see if the Knicks blow 2-0 lead.
“Might [New York] re-enter the sweepstakes in response to the disappointment?”
But it doesn’t end there. Remember the beginning of the LeBron saga when Rich Paul met with Max Kellerman to discuss the future of his client?
Rich Paul on LeBron James to the Knicks 😳
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say ‘hey man, there’s no issue with me.’ They (Knicks) have checked in.”
That’s right. After a three-week process, LeBron James signs with the New York Knicks, not the Philadelphia 76ers, teaming up with Brunson and Antetokounmpo to try and end a 54-year drought. It’s as all-in as a team has ever been in NBA history.
So that’s the landscape. The Spurs are champions. Fox is a Chicago Bull. Mike Brown might be working at ESPN or maybe take the head coaching job in Orlando to give life to that utterly horrid offense. The Knicks have a starting lineup of Brunson-LeBron-Anunoby-Giannis-Mitch, as James Dolan goes over the second apron for one year to pursue a championship. Maybe Jaden Ivey is still in the NBA somehow.
Crazy how something so little can lead to something so big.
Local fans may recall that Danny Rockett organized a night with the support of John Baker where local bloggers would come together for an evening of Cubs content, raffles and a fundraiser to benefit a local charity. Great news for 2026, John Baker Day is back! This Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT, former Cubs catcher, mental skills coach, and Cubs folk hero John Baker will join fans live for John Baker Day, streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and X.
Since the first John Baker Day a decade ago, the event hosted by Danny Rockett and the Son Ranto Ranter community, has raised thousands of dollars for causes ranging from women’s shelters to youth baseball organizations like Lost Boyz Inc.
This year, Cubs fans have the opportunity to help launch something entirely new: Trap Door Theatre’s world premiere production of The Game, an original baseball backdropped musical farce written by Danny Rockett and scheduled for Summer 2027.
The live show will feature stories from John’s playing career, memories from that legendary July night at Wrigley, updates on his new mental performance company Intentional Performance, Cubs guests, live music, trivia, giveaways, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening.
Cubs fans can join in the fun by:
Watching the live broadcast on July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Bidding in the John Baker Day Auction, with winners announced live during the show.
Purchasing raffle tickets for chances to win Cubs memorabilia and experiences
Donating to the tax-deductible John Baker Day – The Game GoFundMe, where every dollar donated will be matched up to $5,000 thanks to a generous matching gift.
Auction Highlights Include:
12 weeks of mental performance coaching from John Baker’s Intentional Performance.
An Anthony Rizzo autographed bat.
Original Cubs artwork and memorabilia from Danny Rockett’s personal collection, including pieces by beloved Cubs artist Matt Kammerer.
The chance to sit with Cubs superfan Bleacher Jeff in his legendary Section 504 seats, complete with lunch at the historic site of the Battle of Wrigleyville Dogs.
Raffle Prizes Include:
An unopened bottle of 2016 World Series Championship Champagne.
A signed Patrick Wisdom baseball and artwork by Matt Kammerer.
Gift certificates from Penguin Imprints and In The Clutch Shirts.
Whether you’ve celebrated every John Baker Day or are just discovering one of the Cubs community’s most beloved traditions, this year’s event promises laughs, stories, incredible memorabilia, and another opportunity for Cubs fans to rally around a great cause. After all, John Baker Day has never really been about one baseball game. It’s about the friendships, generosity, and community that make being a Cubs fan unlike anything else in sports.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 25: Joc Pederson #3 of the Texas Rangers runs to first base during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field on July 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for July 28, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Griffin Jax for the Rays.
The first place Texas Rangers take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, this afternoon/evening. It is the start of a six game road trip leading us up to the trade deadline, two series against playoff contenders that could significantly impact which direction the Rangers will go.
No pressure.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Langford — LF
Duran — SS
Nimmo — RF
Carter — CF
Burger — 1B
Lopez — 2B
Smith — 3B
Wynns — C
5:40 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +150 underdogs.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 01: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have held “some conversations” with DeMar DeRozan, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
REPORT: The Wizards have held conversations with free agent DeMar DeRozan.
“You think about a team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa.”
ESPN reported that DeRozan, who turns 37 in August, has drawn interest from the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency.
The six-time NBA All-Star forward averaged 18.4 points per game across 77 games with the Sacramento Kings last season. He spent his previous years with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan is a savvy veteran known for his mid-range scoring prowess. His 26,711 career points rank 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Wizards have one remaining roster spot and roughly $11.5 million in luxury tax space. They also own the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is valued at roughly $15 million, to offer a free agent.
If Washington signs DeRozan, its already crowded rotation would welcome another proven veteran alongside Khris Middleton on the wing. Depth is a good problem to have, but it’s unclear whether DeRozan’s would immediately be part of the Wizards’ rotation.
