Jun 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) celebrates win after striking out San Diego Padres left fielder Jase Bowen (4) (not pictured) to end the game in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sometimes, a team realizes that they need to keep a player around, thus engaging them in contract extension talks. The Phillies do have several candidates for such an offer if they so choose, even with the CBA negotiations looming over every piece of business the team has. The question becomes, who gets one first?
Brandon Marsh has had a breakout season for everyone to recognize, even if we have seen this before in last year’s hot hitting after his ice cold start. Marsh’s case for an extension is helped by the fact that they have almost nothing in the way of prospects pushing him out the door once he is first able to leave, thus their need for an outfielder that can actually produce.
Jhoan Duran has been as lockdown as a closer can get since his trade to the team, placing his importance right in the top tier of the team’s needs. Try to imagine the bullpen without him. It isn’t pretty.
Alec Bohm’s case for getting an extension is probably strengthened by the fact that we aren’t totally sure what to expect of Aidan Miller and his suddenly suspect health. An extension for him is probably something along the lines of a short term deal to make sure Miller actually has a chance to play healthy at first, productive second.
So, let’s pose the question: who would be the candidate to get an extension first among these mentioned? Or, is it someone else?
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Australia’s champion cricket team will be seeking a seventh T20 World Cup triumph from just ten editions on Sunday after producing another dominant performance in a drama-filled semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave an update on Tuesday on an episode of the "Talkin' Yanks" podcast regarding Aaron Judge's timetable from his fractured rib injury, saying it's "probably a couple weeks still from reimaging" while also mentioning that Judge is improving and feels better.
With Judge still a ways away from getting reimaging, that puts him towards the back-end of the four-to-six week timetable he was given after the diagnosis of his injury on June 4.
"They'll determine when they feel like he's doing stuff that [warrants] 'Alright, let's go reimage it now.' We're not at that point yet," Boone said.
Even though Judge isn't cleared to get a reimaging of the fractured rib just yet, his skipper noted that he's "feeling a lot better this week" and continues to work on the lower half of his body.
"He's doing some lower-body stuff now in the weight room and moving better," Boone said.
Once the reimaging is done, the Yankees will have a better sense of how to proceed with Judge's rehab. Still, there's no set schedule at the moment for when he might return and that date could even bleed into August.
Prior to the injury, Judge was slashing .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs and 38 RBI in 59 games. While he was still having a great season for most players, Judge's numbers were actually down from his career norms and it's fair to wonder if the fractured rib, which likely occurred earlier in the season, was having an affect on the three-time MVP.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their only NBA title in 2019. (Photo illustration by Tate Rudisill / Los Angeles Times; photos by Luke Hales / Getty Images, Jason Miller / Getty Images))
A deal to send the seven-time NBA All-Star forward back to Toronto, where he won his second NBA title, has been finalized, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
The trade — which will net the Clippers All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, shooting guard Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, a pick swap and two second-round picks — marks the end of another promising-but-empty chapter in the franchise’s ringless history.
Leonard, a Moreno Valley native who won his first title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, joined his hometown Clippers as a highly coveted free agent in 2019 after leading Toronto to its first championship in a classic one-and-done season.
“The front office was very transparent, they want to win,” Leonard said at his introductory Clippers news conference on July 24, 2019. “Just the opportunity for us to build our own, to make history — they haven’t been to a final, haven’t won a final — that was something big and exciting for me to make my decision.”
The Raptors were in the same championship-less boat before Leonard saved them. The Clippers, meanwhile, are still trying to get over the hump.
Leonard averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals over six seasons with the Clippers and was selected to four All-Star teams, four All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams. Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points while playing 65 games last season.
Yet most will only remember that Leonard’s tenure in the City of Angels netted zero Larry O’Brien trophies and instead plenty of load management and one ongoing salary cap circumvention investigation. The Clippers, of course, have been accused of paying Leonard $28 million through an endorsement deal with bankrupt sustainability company Aspiration.
Whether there was salary cap circumvention or not, L.A. truly went all-in on its latest bid to win a title to no avail, as encapsulated by the infamous Paul George-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deal that accompanied the launch of the Leonard era.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, Leonard, George and the era’s other big-name players were rarely healthy or at their peaks when the lights were brightest. And in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to its first title and developed into a two-time league MVP, all before his 28th birthday.
Hindsight is 20/20.
The Clippers, though, did come as close to a ring as ever before, reaching the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history in 2021. However, Leonard tore an anterior cruciate ligament during that run and left L.A. and the NBA wondering “What if?” — the everlasting theme of Steve Ballmer’s ownership of the Clippers.
Leonard played at least 65 games just twice over his seven seasons in L.A. and missed the 2021-22 season entirely because of the ACL tear. The Clippers won only three playoff series with Leonard, with no series victories to show for over his final five seasons in L.A.
And in arguably the Clippers’ most healthy playoff run with Leonard — during the 2020 NBA bubble — L.A. blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, spoiling a matchup against the Lakers, the ultimate victors of the COVID-shortened season, in the conference finals.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard tries to go up for a shot while defended by Warriors guard Stephen Curry during a play-in game in April. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The Clippers had their moments with Leonard, like when he posted a career-best and franchise-record 55 points against the Detroit Pistons in 2025.
If anything, the future Hall of Famer sure appeared to enjoy his time back home, which was a major reason why Leonard initially turned down a royal life in Canada to play for Southern California’s other team.
But it was ultimately time for the two parties to part ways. The Clippers’ window of contention closed a while ago, and Leonard — after turning 35 on Monday — is likely staring down his last shot at a third ring and a lengthy deal with the Raptors.
Besides free agency opening on Tuesday, the timing does add up for Leonard’s trade, as Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has steered the franchise through a refreshing youth movement over the past year.
“Yeah, plan’s still win with Kawhi,” Frank said last week. “But the bigger plan is — we understand we’re not a contender. We’re competitive. How are we going to get back to contention?”
During the 2025-26 season alone, L.A. sent a 40-year-old Chris Paul into retirement; traded 36-year-old guard James Harden to Cleveland for 26-year-old guard Darius Garland; traded 29-year-old center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for two first-round picks, a second-round pick, 24-year-old center Isaiah Jackson and 24-year-old guard Bennedict Mathurin; and liked what it saw from up-and-comers such as center Yanic Konan Niederhauser and guards Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.
And just last week, the Clippers selected 19-year-old Illinois guard Keaton Wagler fifth overall in the draft — via the Zubac trade — instead of packaging the pick for a veteran star.
“You can learn a lot. Like you said, he has a lot of experience,” Wagler said of possibly playing with Leonard. “He’s won championships and played in finals and won a lot of games and played a lot of seasons. Just being able to learn from him and see what it takes to become that caliber of a player.”
Presumably a bummer for Wagler, he and Leonard will not be teammates in L.A.
Leonard’s last game with the Clippers was symbolic of his tenure with the franchise. In a home play-in loss to the Warriors on April 15, L.A. led Golden State for most of that contest — and by as much as 13 — before Leonard and his running mates went cold late, ending their fun season early.
“Let me cry about this loss a little bit more,” Leonard said about his future with the Clippers after that blunder. “We’re going to have our discussions when that time comes.”
Staff writer Broderick Turner contributed to this report.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Tyson Etienne #10 of the Brooklyn Nets gestures after scoring a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on April 05, 2026 in New York City. 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the beginning of the NBA’s moratorium period less than 24 hours away, the Brooklyn Nets have officially made decisions on all of their club options.
Chaney Johnson will be back on a two-way contract, and Malachi Smith will be on the team’s training camp roster. Josh Minott and Day’Ron Sharpe, respectively, earned extensions, and Ziaire Williams, Jalen Wilson, and Ochai Agbagi are now unrestricted free agents, the likelhood of their return to Brooklyn at least in question.
According to one league source speaking with ND, the Nets have also declined to extend a QO — qualifying offer to Tyson Etienne, who spent the last two seasons with Brooklyn’s organization, played 24 NBA games last season, and became the Long Island Nets’ all-time leading scorer.
SOURCES: The #Nets did not extend a qualifying offer to Tyson Etienne, I’m told.
Etienne, 26, spent the past two seasons in Brooklyn's organization, appearing in 31 NBA games while becoming the Long Island Nets’ leading scorer.
Etienne, set to turn 27 in December, appeared in 24 NBA games for Brooklyn last season (two starts), while averaging 7.9 points, 1.7 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 15.8 minutes while shooting 40% from the field and knocking down 39.8% of his 3-point attempts.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Etienne won’t be returning to Brooklyn, but they will not have his restricted rights.
Currently, the Nets have two of their three two-way spots occupied with Chaney Johnson and second-round rookie Tyler Bilodeau, both of whom will play in both summer leagues, the California Classic in Sacramento and the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The California Classic begins Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET. It will air on YES and the Gotham Sports Net.
Johnson, 24, played in 17 NBA games for Brooklyn last season (one start) and averaged 8.2 points, 1.4 stocks and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 54.3% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc in 20.5 minutes.
Bilodeau, on the other hand, earned a two-way deal right after being selected at No. 43 overall. Sean Marks & co. have already gathered eight players on rookie contracts and as they have in the recent past, Brooklyn has inked their second round picks to two way deals to save on roster spots and cap space. Two-ways can be active on NBA rosters for up to 50 games before their teams have to either convert them to standard deals or waive them.
While it isn’t yet certain, the expectation is that Grant Nelson, still rehabbing from patellar tendinitis, which cut his season short, will earn the Nets’ final two-way spot.
Before the injury, he thrived on a minutes restriction with the Long Island Nets, averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes, prompting him to earn a 10-day contract with Brooklyn.
On a 10-day contract, he played 35 minutes, tallying 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. It was initially a surprise that he didn’t get a second 10-day before the news of his injury came out.
As he continues to rehab, he will not play in either Summer League; but he is on the Nets Summer League roster and will be with the team, unlike Nolan Traoré, who won’t after getting his knee scoped recently.
With one two-way still available, Nelson’s recovery process leading up to training camp will be something Nets fans should certainly monitor.
In addition to the three two-ways, the Nets had signed at least three undrafted players to Exhibit 10 deals which virtually assures they too will be spending time on Long Island after a stint in training camp come October. All three are also on the Summer League roster.
Brian Lewis reported that the Nets had signed Dion Brown a 6’3” guard who most recently played for St. Louis University and Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express reported Ben Humrichous, a 6’9” combo forward who came off the bench for Illinois last year. Finally, Dylan Johnson of TheVillanovan, the student newspaper, reported Wildcat center Duke Brennan will be joining the Nets.
New York Mets relief pitcher David Peterson delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Philadelphia.
David Peterson penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Mets.
The All-Star southpaw took to Instagram to thank the organization, his teammates and fans after his time in Queens came to an end.
“From draft day to my last pitch as a Met, I am grateful to have worn the Mets uniform,” Peterson wrote, adding that the organization gave him the chance to live out his “lifelong dream.”
Cubs’ David Peterson winds up to deliver during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, June 27, 2026. AP Photo/Aaron Gash
Peterson also thanked the front office, coaches, teammates, trainers, clubhouse staff and support staff, writing that the relationships he built with the Mets “will last a lifetime.”
“It was an honor and a privilege to be a New York Met!” he wrote.
Peterson was traded to the Cubs last week in exchange for minor-league infielder Cole Mathis, who was the No. 13 prospect in the franchise’s farm system.
He made his Chicago debut on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings after giving up a leadoff home run to the Brewers’ Jackson Chourio on his first pitch in a Cubs uniform.
New York Mets relief pitcher David Peterson delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Philadelphia. AP Photo/Chris Szagola
“Some shock in the moment…I feel good, healthy. I went through some things early in the year I needed to clean up,” Peterson said, per ESPN. “[Feel] better now. Feel like myself back in ’24 and ’25.”
Peterson lost his role in the Mets’ starting rotation earlier this season after posting a 6.09 ERA through 68 innings.
He was the longest-tenured Met before the deal, spending his entire big league career with the franchise since debuting in 2020.
The Cubs were in desperate need of starting pitching, having lost Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown, who joined three other starters on the injured list, in recent days.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras has had a handful of verbal altercations with opponents this season. Tuesday night at Fenway Park, things got physical.
Tempers flared in the fourth inning after Nationals starter Cade Cavalli struck Contreras out looking. Cavalli celebrated by yelling, “Sit down, boy!” and Contreras took exception.
The two exchanged more words before Contreras lost his cool. The 34-year-old slugger charged and threw his helmet at Cavalli as both benches and bullpens cleared.
Watch the sequence below:
Willson Contreras throws his helmet during a benches clearing incident after Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli told him to “sit down boy” pic.twitter.com/IBEyYXKReN
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 1, 2026
Contreras was ejected for the second straight game. On Monday, he was ejected by the first base umpire for arguing a check swing call and tapping his helmet.
Red Sox utility man Nate Eaton, interim manager Chad Tracy, and Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas also were ejected from Tuesday’s game.
This is the fourth time this season that the fiery Contreras has been involved in a benches-clearing incident. The other instances came against the Milwaukee Brewers in April, the Minnesota Twins in May, and the New York Yankees on Friday.
Losing Contreras to a suspension would be a major blow to a Red Sox club that entered Tuesday on a five-game win streak. Contreras leads Boston in homers (18), RBI (53), and OPS (.903).
DETROIT, MI - MAY 17: Marcus Sasser #25 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round Two Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Marcus Sasser has seemingly spent his entire career as the odd man out in the Detroit Pistons rotation. As a scoring guard with a good floater game and a reliable three-point shot, he’s always been useful and performed well. However, because he’s a 6-foot-1 off-guard without the ability to orchestrate an offense, it’s always been tough to find him minutes on the floor.
Now, it looks like he might get a fresh start within a context where he more naturally fits, and he could be sent closer to home to boot.
“The Mavericks have emerged a leading suitor to acquire Detroit’s Marcus Sasser via trade, league sources tell @TheSteinLine,” Marc Stein wrote on social media.
The Mavericks have emerged a leading suitor to acquire Detroit's Marcus Sasser via trade, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.
Sasser averaged 5.2 points and 12 minutes per game across 38 games for the Pistons last season. He was often a healthy scratch as Detroit relied primarily on Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins at point guard, and a mix of Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green, Jaden Ivey, and Caris LeVert at shooting guard last season.
When Sasser did get minutes, he shot reliably from three, hitting 41%. He also helped unstick a wobbly offense in the playoffs in the Cleveland Cavaliers series.
Any deal would be a pure financial play for the Pistons, freeing up his $5.2 million salary obligation. The Mavericks would be taking a low-cost flier on a player in the final season before restricted free agency with an eye toward having his rights in case he is worth investing in further.
Sasser is also a native of Red Oak, Texas, where he grew up and played high school ball. Red Oak is roughly 30 minutes south of Dallas. He also went on to be a four-year star player at the University of Houston.
Whether this deal remains small — you take my surplus player, you give me salary relief via a second-round pick — or a large deal — Dallas is thought to be willing to shop big men such as Daniel Gafford or PJ Washington, and Detroit is staring down big potential holes if one or both of Jalen Duren or Tobias Harris were to play elsewhere — remains to be seen.
Free agency begins today at 6 p.m., and I expect we’ll see some resolution on what the future of the Detroit Pistons looks like.
But it does look Sasser has likely played his final game for the team he’s play for his entire NBA career thus far.
In 2019, Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio, and Toronto stepped up and traded for him, knowing full well that he would not sign an extension to stay north of the border because he wanted to play in his native Southern California. Toronto got a ring out of taking that roll of the dice.
Now, Leonard is headed back to Toronto specifically because the Raptors are willing to offer him a massive extension.
The Clippers and Rockets are finalizing a trade that sends Leonard back to Toronto for a package centered around All-Star Brandon Ingram and picks, a story simultaneously broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania and basketball insider Chris Haynes.
The deal shakes out like this:
Toronto receives: Kawhi Leonard The LA Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, two second-rounder picks Note: The details of this trade are not finalized and things like the picks could change.
The Raptors and Leonard are reportedly talking about a two-year contract extension beyond this season. Leonard was available for a trade because he and the Clippers could not reach terms on an extension — Los Angeles would not give him the years or money he wanted. The Clippers were already pivoting to a new era and had traded away James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
This is a win-now move for Toronto — just like it was last time Toronto brought in Leonard (and it paid off then). Toronto now has a dominant forward lineup with All-Stars Scottie Barnes and Leonard, an elite combination if Leonard can stay healthy. Barnes is a big Leonard fan — when asked who he wanted most as a teammate, he said Leonard.
Let’s shoot the 3 with Scottie Barnes. Favorite pre-game music? Which NBA player would he pick as a teammate? Thoughts on Leonard Hamilton? Catch @ScottBarnes561 Thursday, 8pm ET on ESPNU. @tedemrichpic.twitter.com/0uRcYDxmAy
Toronto also has RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles and some depth. It's a roster that could do damage if they get the Leonard from last season, when he was largely healthy and averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals a night.
The Clippers get their books cleaned up and have some flexibility in the future to rebuild their roster around Darius Garland and the just-drafted Keaton Wagner.
Most important to the Clippers are the draft picks, they now control six future first-round picks, whether they ultimately use them or trade them. There also is the looming Aspiration investigation into the Clippers allegedly circumventing the salary cap to pay Leonard. If found guilty, the Clippers will likely face punishment that includes losing their own picks, but the league cannot take away the picks they traded for. (Do not expect Leonard to face much punishment from the league, outside of maybe fines.)
Garland and Ingram give the Clippers plenty of shot creation next season as well — this is not a team bottoming out and tanking. The Clippers have cleared about $23 million in cap space and can make other moves.
There were a number of former San Jose Sharks who didn’t receive a qualifying offer from their new teams ahead of Monday’s deadline. The last name to trickle through the pipeline was former Sharks prospect Daniil Gushchin who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche last summer.
Gushchin was unable to crack the Avalanche’s roster and spent another season at the American Hockey League level, this time with the Colorado Eagles. In 49 games with the Eagles, the Russian winger scored 18 goals, a career-low, and 32 points. He also failed to record a point in three playoff games.
As free agency approaches, the Avalanche opted not to retain his rights by not tendering Gushchin a qualifying offer. As a result, the 24-year-old forward will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
Despite being undersized and having a poor season in Colorado, Gushchin does have the potential to provide depth scoring at the NHL level if he can find a way to get back on track. With that being said, it’s far from a guarantee that he reaches that potential.
Heading into the summer, it’ll be interesting to see if Gushchin can find a new team to give him an opportunity in North America or if he opts to head back to his native Russia.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: The Golden State Warriors 2026 first and second round draft picks Yaxel Lendeborg (L) and Lajae Jones (R) cheer court side during the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream WNBA game at Chase Center on June 26, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Golden State Warriors fans appear to be fully on board with the team’s decision to select Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
In the latest SB Nation Reacts Survey, 61% of voters gave the selection an “A” grade, while another 29% handed out a “B.” Altogether, 90% of respondents gave the pick a positive grade, with just 10% rating the selection as a “C” or worse.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Lendeborg steadily emerged as one of the prospects most frequently connected to the Warriors. By the time Golden State was on the clock, many analysts viewed the versatile forward as the best player available and a perfect fit for the team’s roster.
Lendeborg was one of the most accomplished players in college basketball last season, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors while helping lead Michigan to a national championship. He averaged 15.1 points for the Wolverines along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, showcasing the all-around skill set that made him one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this year’s draft class.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have a clear need for young players who can contribute immediately. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody both expected to miss time next season while recovering from significant leg injuries, there is a clear pathway for the 6-foot-9 forward to earn meaningful minutes in head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation thanks to his versatility and NBA-ready size.
But the excitement surrounding Lendeborg extends beyond his on-court fit. The rookie has quickly become a fan and team favorite thanks to the personality he has shown since arriving in the Bay Area. Lendeborg has come across as someone who is authentic and open to saying whatever is on his mind. One minute he’s discussing his admiration for Stephen Curry; the next, he’s joking that he “used to hate” the Warriors superstar because he grew up rooting for Kyrie Irving. Not to mention, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry has already sparked some playful trash talk between Lendeborg and former Spartans star Draymond Green.
The rookie’s fit becomes even more intriguing when considering the Warriors are not done making moves this offseason. Should Golden State find a way to add another marquee player through free agency (Perhaps a former four-time NBA champion and rival to the Bay Area), Lendeborg’s willingness to embrace an energy role and impact games without needing the ball could make him one of the most important complementary pieces on the roster.
For the latest Warriors odds and NBA futures, check out FanDuel Sportsbook.
Former San Jose Sharks forward Carl Grundstrom will be staying with the Philadelphia Flyers organization for the 2026-27 season.
On Tuesday morning, insider Darren Dreger reported that Grundstrom had signed a one-year contract extension with the Flyers worth $1 million, just a single day before Grundstrom hit the open market.
Grundstrom, who spent just one season with the Sharks before being traded to the Flyers, spent the majority of the 2025-26 season in the NHL, but also had some stints in the American Hockey League as well.
The 28-year-old winger appeared in 47 games for the Flyers last season, scoring nine goals and tallying a total of 13 points. At the AHL level, he scored six goals and 15 points in 19 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
With the Flyers looking to establish themselves as a perennial playoff team in a very difficult Metropolitan Division, Grundstrom will be able to provide valuable depth as the season goes on.
Sergei Bobrovsky helped the Florida Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles before the team missed the playoffs last season. The goalie had one of the worst seasons of his career as the Panthers dealt with major injuries.
Now, he's heading to free agency. Bobrovsky, 37, reportedly had been seeking more years than the Panthers wanted to give him, so Florida traded for Jacob Markstrom on Tuesday, June 30, a day after acquiring goalie Akira Schmid.
The 2007 No. 1 pick became the top U.S.-born scorer in 2025-26. He has topped 50 points the last two seasons. Current cap hit: $3 million.
8. Anders Lee, New York Islanders
He had been the Islanders' captain since 2018 and is usually good for 20-plus goals, though he had 19 in 2025-26. Current cap hit: $7 million.
7. Mason Marchment, Columbus Blue Jackets
He struggled with the Seattle Kraken after an offseason trade, but his trade to Columbus revived his season with 32 points in 39 games. He's also an agitator. Current cap hit: $4.5 million.
6. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins
He's the third-highest-scoring player on the free agent list with 64 points after he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. Will a general manager be tempted to think he can do that again, or only look at his subpar production before that? Current cap hit: $2.5 million.
5. Viktor Arvidsson, Boston Bruins
The forward bounced back from a couple subpar seasons and had 25 goals and 54 points after being traded to Boston. Current cap hit: $4 million.
4. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is expected to either re-sign with the Capitals or retire. Otherwise, he would lead this list. He scored 32 goals at age 40. Current cap hit: $9.5 million.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
The goalie won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and owns two Vezina Trophies. He'll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
2. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this past season by the Flames. He can provide offense with one 50-point season and others topping 40 points, including 47 points in 2025-26. He had an average playoffs. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 19: Anfernee Simons #22 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball over Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half on February 19, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With free agency just 4 days away, the Dallas Mavericks still have plenty of work to do, chief among them is acquiring more guard help. But who are some realistic options that the Mavericks should target?
Anfernee Simons
The first name on the list is Bulls guard Anfernee Simons. Simons played for the Celtics and Bulls last season and notched 14.3 points per game while shooting 38.5% from three. Simons would immediately add a spark of shooting and shot creation off the bench for a Mavericks team that desperately needs it. After being traded to the Bulls, he was stuck in a log-jam of guards, with a new organization looking to move in a new direction.
Simons will have plenty of suitors in free-agency, but could pursue a larger role in Dallas if he wants to improve his long-term value.
Acquiring Simons would probably entail offering him the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is about $16 million annually
His fit in Dallas would be clean, as he would either start alongside Kyrie Irving or come off the bench as a supercharged 6th man. Simons best skill is his ability to take a large volume of three-pointers with good efficiency, as he attempted 13.9 threes per 100 possessions, which ranks in the 97th percentile.
Shaedon Sharpe
One interesting name the Mavericks could target is current Portland guard Shaedon Sharpe, who shares a deep connection with current Mavericks G.M. Mike Schmitz.
Schmitz is the one who helped to select Sharpe 7th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, and was a vocal proponent of the Kentucky guard before he was hired to the Trailblazers. Sharpe’s availability is a question-mark, but after the addition of Ja Morant, the Blazers could be interested in moving the uber-athletic guard.
The Mavericks could acquire Sharpe in 2 ways: Either absorbing him into their traded-player exception, or sending back P.J. Washington.
Sharpe’s game is one of potential, as his combination of elite athleticism and shot making ability provide tantalizing upside. The challenge for Sharpe is to figure out how to impact the game at a high-level, but if he can, watch out.
Reed Sheppard
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Everyone knows that the Mavericks desperately need more three-point shooting, so why not look to bring in one of the better shooters in the league.
Since being drafted 4th overall by the Rockets, Reed Sheppard has had a rocky 2-year career, with flashes of brilliant upside mixed with frustrating flaws.
Sheppard can shoot with the best of them, but struggles in almost every other aspect, specifically as an on-ball creator. Acquiring Sheppard would be very difficult, as the Rockets still have a need for his skill-set; but, there is one avenue to getting the young guard.
That avenue would be as a centerpiece in a Kyrie Irving trade. While the Mavericks have maintained a staunch stance on keeping Irving, it is not impossible that they receive an offer they simply cannot refuse.
Sheppard would immediately inject the Mavericks with a massive dose of spacing and shooting, as he’s capable of changing games with his shooting alone.
Jrue Holiday
Another Portland guard makes this list, this time being the uber-experienced Jrue Holiday.
Holiday is yet another player who could be a casualty of the Ja Morant trade. Unlike Sharpe, Holiday is on the decline as the enters next season at 36 years old.
Any Holiday trade would be an attempt for the Mavericks to win now, with a trade package being made up of P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson.
Holiday would be a perfect 2-guard next to Kyrie Irving, as while Holiday has slowed down, his defense still borders on elite. The issue is that he does not fit in the current timeline at all, as the Mavericks are rebuilding, not lookingto compete.
But there is a scenario where a Holiday trade makes sense; what if the Mavericks exceed expectations leading up to the trade-deadline. In this world it would make more sense to go “all-in” by adding a player who would fill a significant need as a point of attack defender.
Immanuel Quickley
TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 9: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the Miami Heat during the second half in their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 9, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Multiple players on this list have connections with Mike Schmitz, but what about Masai Ujiri. Ujiri acquired Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade, and proceeded to give him a lucrative extension.
But now the Raptors are moving in a different direction, and with a Kawhi Leonard trade looming, Quickley could be moved to balance the roster. Quickley has had an up-and-down career in Toronto, as while his volume and role have increased, his efficiency and defense has declined.
The other issue is his massive contract, as he will earn $32.5 million of the next 3 years. Due to this, his cost wouldn’t be very high, and a package of Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford may be enough to pull him from the Raptors.
Quickley’s fit in Dallas would be simple: run the offense next to Cooper Flagg, and while his salary may be too much for the Raptors, it wouldn’t be a large issue in Dallas.
It’d be an understatement to say Landry Shamet is excited to be back with the Knicks.
Shamet posted a Knicks-themed video on his Instagram story to celebrate agreeing to a four-year, $24 million deal to return to the Knicks after helping them to their first title in 53 years,
Taken from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”, Shamet posted himself saying Jordan Belfort’s famous line — spoken by Leonardo DiCaprio — of “I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving. I’m not f–king leaving.”
Several Knicks appeared on faces in the background, with Jose Alvarado and Karl-Anthony Towns celebrating with Shamet.
“The show goes on. This is my home,” Shamet also said, pretending to be the disgraced stockbroker Belfort.
Landry Shamet doing an impression of Leonardo DiCaprio while celebrating his return to the Knicks.
@landryshamet on Instagram
“They gonna need a f–king wrecking ball to take me.”
Shamet quickly became a fan favorite in New York during the Knicks title run and was set to become an unrestricted free agent before the team retained him.
The guard reportedly turned down more money from other teams to stay with the Knicks and help them on their quest to repeat as champions.
Faces of Jose Alvarado and Karl-Anthony Towns in Landry Shamet’s return video.
@landryshamet on Instagram
Shamet’s contract will also allow the Knicks to stay below the second apron after the roster is filled out, following owner James Dolan’s recent statement about not going into the punitive salary cap bracket.
The 2018 first-round pick started his career with the 76ers before bouncing around between the Clippers, Suns, Nets and Wizards.
He spent the past two seasons with the Knicks, playing in 101 regular-season games and averaging 7.1 points per game in 19.1 minutes.
Landry Shamet poses with a trophy after winning the NBA title. NBAE via Getty Images
The 29-year-old was most lethal in the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers in the Knicks sweep, where he shot 11-of-12 from 3 and hit a clutch shot in the team’s Game 1 comeback.
