PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 18: Jaromir Jagr poses for a photo with Evgeni Malkin #71 and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins after having his number retired and banner raised to the rafters before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 18, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Patrick Kane is returning to Chicago, signing a two-year deal to go back to the Blackhawks. It’s a nice way for him and the team to presumably put the final chapter on his career and go full circle for a Hall of Fame run.
It also made me think of how that was denied for the Penguins with Jaromir Jagr.
This summer are some round anniversary figures for Jagr and the Pens. It was 25 years ago this month that his stint in Pittsburgh came to an end in 2011 via a trade to Washington that ended up being a real lose-lose situation for both sides.
Then, 15 years ago, Jagr and the Pens flirted with the idea of a reunion in the summer of 2011. The star forward, then 39, was looking to return to the NHL after playing three years in a self-imposed exile to the KHL. The Pens had prime Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and were looking to win more Stanley Cups.
Everything looked perfect, but the pieces didn’t fit. Jagr, ever peculiar, had desires the Pens couldn’t match – Jagr always preferred playing with a right-handed center, both Crosby and Malkin are lefties. It is also out there that while some within the higher-ups in Pittsburgh were eager for Jagr’s return, then GM Ray Shero (in the midst of a cap crunch) was not one of them. Shero made an offer to Jagr that was significantly lower than what he received from at least two other NHL teams that further soured feelings.
At this point, the whole thing feels like a fever dream. The Pens even went so far as to publicly retract their contract offer to Jagr when through the negotiation it became apparent the two sides weren’t going to reach an agreement. The rumors and anticipation had grown so highly that this kind of statement was deemed necessary to break the news themselves that a reunion wasn’t going to happen.
Could you even imagine something like that these days? Obviously the internet and social media existed 15 years ago, but not to the same extent of how that news would rattle around cyberspace today.
In the end, Jagr went with the highest offer (and a right handed center) to resume his NHL career. It turned out to be a $3.3 million contract with, of all teams, the Philadelphia Flyers and Claude Giroux. Jagr would go onto score 54 points in 79 games with the Pens’ biggest rivals and be on the team that eliminated Pittsburgh in the playoffs in 2012.
From there, Jagr became even more nomadic in his 40’s, playing in small bursts for all of Dallas, Boston, New Jersey and Florida before finally wrapping up his storied NHL career in Calgary for the 2017-18 season. The idea of Jagr wanting to return to Pittsburgh, or the Pens wanting him back as a player, were closed off permanently after 2011 without much real consideration of either side.
Fortunately, there was a happy ending to the whole thing. Jagr has stayed busy with the Czech league team in Kladno that he had an ownership stake in, still remaining an occasional part-time player through 2025-26 (six games at the age of 53). That distance made a formal reconciliation take time, which finally happened in February 2024 when Jagr’s famous No. 68 was taken up to the rafters in Pittsburgh and the organization and fans could give him the proper send off.
That reunion had to happen after the fact in Pittsburgh, which has to feel a little bit of jealously and envy that Chicago fans will get a second chapter on the ice with one of their franchise’s best ever players when Patrick Kane returns to play.
Mar 29, 1961; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Hawks forward Bob Pettit (9) in action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1961 playoffs at the L.A. Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-Imagn Images Network
There are at least three Hall of Famers in this game: Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond for the Warriors, and Bob Pettit for the Hawks.
San Francisco started both Chamberlain, who was 7-1 and 27, and Thurmond, who was 6-11 and 22, and that was unusual in that era. However, both were supremely athletic, and that allowed the Warriors to play both at the same time.
Pettit at that point was 31 and nearing the end of his career. He was an early prototype of what we now tend to call a stretch-four. At 6-9, he was a gifted outside shooter. He was also a talented rebounder, and like contemporary Bill Russell, played with a burning intensity.
Of these three Hall of Famers, Chamberlain passed away in 1999, and Thurmond in 2016.
Pettit lives. Along with Richie Guerin and Cliff Hagan, he is one of the oldest former NBA players. Hagan and Guerin are both 94, while Pettit is 93.
However, none of them are the oldest former NBA player. That would be Bob Cousy, who will turn 98 in a couple of weeks.
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 and Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the departure of Jaylen Brown, there’s an opportunity for Boston’s plethora of wings to take his place in the rotation.
Yes, the veteran Paul George will get a lot of that playing time…when he’s available. For one reason or another, the 16-year pro played just 37 and 41 games in his two seasons with the 76ers. Thankfully, there’s a plethora of wings to backup the 36-year-old.
Over the summer, the Celtics decided to sign Ron Harper Jr. and extend Jordan Walsh to multi-year contracts. They also still have two seasons of Baylor Scheierman on his rookie deal and head coach Joe Mazzulla visited him in Nebraska to catch a Creighton workout. They’re all votes of confidence from the franchise, but if you ask the fanbase, all eyes are on last year’s rookie phenom.
After promising turns with the Spanish national team in their FIBA qualifier and the Summer Cs in Sin City, Hugo Gonzalez could be up for a big promotion in his sophomore season.
Maye The Force Be With You: Walsh. I think the other guys improve to some degree as well. But with Walsh the timing is right on a combo of factors:
Saw increased opportunity last year and performed with great D and noticeably improved shooting
Role/Opportunity: with Jaylen gone and George destined for streets cloths maybe half the year, the need for a 3 & D wing like Walsh is big.
Improved shooting: he took more shots and saw bests in FG and 3pt shooting (got over 38% I believe)
Age: he’s 22, which surprised me when I was thinking about this exact question a few weeks ago. Given how much NBA action he’s already seen, he has shown he can hang and provide a useful, playable NbA skill, namely elite D. For Joe and Brad, that’s what gets you on the court. And 22 is a prime age for NBA level players to take a major leap.
Ability, timing and opportunity all point to Walsh.
Tenacious D: Gonzlez, as a rookie, performed nearly as well as Walsh in his 3rd year.
He flashed improved shooting and playmaking in Euro league and summer league. My money’s on Hugo.
Maye The Force Be With You: Hugo is exciting too and played well. Last year they gave Walsh more minutes and he had a higher EPM, so I just expect they continue to give him a bit more opportunity than Hugo this coming year. If Hugo skyrockets this year, I can see it and I won’t be upset about it either!
The biggest NBA news yesterday was LeBron James joining Brown in the City of Brotherly Love, but our band of brothers on the wing could give them a run for their money in the East. Our friends at FanDuel have the Celtics just behind the 76ers (+390) to win take home the conference crown (+500).
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 12: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park on July 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MLB Trade Rumors | Charlie Wright: The Yankees rearranged their planned starters for this weekend’s series in Philadelphia. Cam Schlittler was bumped up to start Friday on normal rest, with Will Warren pushed back to Sunday. Warren appeared in relief Wednesday to help provide some coverage during a doubleheader. With Max Fried back in the rotation and Carlos Rodón on the comeback trail, Warren’s recent usage suggests his spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy.
MLB.com | Thomas Harrigan: The Yankees have gotten virtually no offensive production from the catcher position this season. With the trade deadline looming, expect them to pursue an upgrade. The most likely candidate is Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers, a righty bat who’s a free agent after the season. The Athletics’ Shea Langeliers and Colorado’s Hunter Goodman are higher-upside plays with more years of club control, but there’s no guarantee either will be moved. The Mets’ Francisco Alvarez and Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman loom as longshots, with Cincinnati’s Tyler Stephenson and Minnesota’s Victor Caratini less exciting backup plans should the rest fall through.
NJ.com | James Mertz: Paul Blackburn has broken out with the Yankees this year after moving to the bullpen full-time, posting a 2.00 ERA in 35 outings. He attributes the career renaissance in part with the consistency the Yankees have provided. The veteran contrasts that with his tenure with the Mets, who constantly shuttled him between the rotation and the bullpen. “I felt like we were just playing a video game,” he said of his time across town, during which he posted a 6.00 ERA in 12 games.
CBS Sports | Rotowire Staff: Luis Gil faced live batters on Friday for the first time since early May, throwing BP. He’s been on the minor-league IL, working back from right shoulder inflammation. The former Rookie of the Year was disastrous in four starts early this year and has no guaranteed role upon his return.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 18: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Eastern Conference and LeBron James #23 of the Western Conference embrace before the NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The nice thing about being the team everyone’s chasing is that the desperation you once had is no longer there, while everyone else scrambles to match you.
As the defending champions, you typically get all the works. You’re the first team to tip off the following season, at home, while you raise a banner in front of the NBA world on national television. You get featured on Christmas Day. You’ll be tired of how many times you have to watch them on ESPN, ABC, or NBC.
Usually, it’s pretty cut and dry who gets the two marquee matchups. Old playoff rivals, regional adversaries, the works. But with how chaotic the Eastern Conference is this offseason, there are a half dozen plausible opponents for these marquee events.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that he was waiting on LeBron James’ Decision Part IV to announce the schedule, so as we wait to find out the path for the Knicks’ title defense, let’s think about who makes the most sense as marquee opponents on Opening Night and Christmas.
Here are your candidates:
Atlanta Hawks
Allure: Toughest playoff opponent, ran back same team with upgrades Cons: Falling behind in the pecking order
This isn’t happening, but in a world where there were fewer interesting narratives, this would be considered. Maybe they’ll host the Knicks on MLK Day.
Boston Celtics
Allure: 18-time champions, division rivals, playoff history Cons: Not the flavor of the month, steep competition
The Knicks and Celtics are two of the oldest and biggest brands in basketball. They’re also two of the last three NBA champions and will be seen in primetime a lot this season.
The allure of the Celtics, the 2025 second-round series that began the demolition of a dynasty-bound Celtics team, and the regional implications make this incredibly intriguing. Remember, the new-look Knicks made their debut on Celtics ring night in October 2024.
There’s regional hatred here. The Patriots and Giants. The Yankees and Red Sox. Even if Boston seems weaker after the bizarre Jaylen Brown trade, Joe Mazzulla and his boys will make this a war.
So why not? Well, competition is fierce, and the Celtics aren’t the talk of the town right now. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if they fell into the play-in, even if Mazzulla’s style of coaching always squeezes as many regular-season wins as possible.
They’re firmly in the inner circle, but they might not be the frontrunner. I think, if anything, it would be Opening Night. Expect the Knicks and Celtics to both host on Christmas.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Allure: ECF rematch, playoff history Cons: Does anyone really care?
Another quick one that would work in different circumstances, but nobody really cares about right now.
If LeBron went to Cleveland, there’s a good chance we get this in some big slot. Now? The Cavs are running back a team that got absolutely pulverized in the Eastern Conference Finals. Would it surprise anyone if they fell to the play-in? They’re not even close to culturally relevant right now.
Detroit Pistons
Allure: No. 1 seed, 2025 postseason Cons: Bad timing
The Pistons are legally the reigning Eastern Conference Regular Season Champions.
If that sounds ridiculous, that’s basically what a bunch of college basketball teams do, especially mid-majors who get upset in the conference tournament and don’t get to go dancing. While Detroit did get to go dancing, they were humiliated in how their regular-season success didn’t translate a lick.
If you forced Adam Silver to make a decision on next year’s schedule in April, there’s a good chance the Knicks and Pistons play on some sort of occasion. The Knicks, always culturally relevant, against the best team in the East. There’s also recent bad blood from the 2025 first-round slugfest and how personal the city of Detroit took all of the regular season matchups this year.
Only problem is that the Pistons kinda just feel regular now?
A team that’s mostly the same as a 60-win team should never be treated that way, but they took advantage of a weakened and uneven East. With the depth of the conference looking ridiculously strong, the Pistons feel like old news, which is ridiculous to say with how young their core is.
Indiana Pacers
Allure: Heated playoff history Cons: Did the gap year cool them off?
It was the biggest lock in the world not too long ago that the Pacers and Knicks would be a primetime staple as soon as Tyrese Haliburton was healthy, but man, some of these other storylines are equally juicy.
It still feels like they’ll find a way to fit Indiana in here. Even if you might be worried about the injury and the gap year cooling off the intensity, the fact remains that the Pacers are the only team to have beaten the Knicks in the playoffs in the last three seasons. There was even a WWE segment surrounding Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins’ SummerSlam bout that included Haliburton “returning” to confront Jalen Brunson with the whole premise of “You never beat me”, which is also a theme in the actual WWE feud they briefly entered.
Wait a minute! 😱
With a distraction from TYRESE HALIBURTON, SETH ROLLINS has just attacked ROMAN REIGNS! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VRpjbO2cau
Knicks fans might not have as much resentment over Indiana because they beat them to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, but these two teams make music together. I’d love to see this on Opening Night.
Miami Heat
Allure: Giannis, historic rivalry Cons: What’s there outside of it?
When Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, many wondered if his longstanding trade saga, especially with the initial connection to the Knicks, would result in his new team visiting the World’s Most Famous Arena on Ring Night.
Now that more time has passed, that just doesn’t feel right. Sure, there’s bad blood between these teams from a decades-long rivalry and a semi-recent playoff series, but there’s not enough here over some of the better candidates. These matchups will be box office, but not enough.
Philadelphia 76ers
Allure: LeBron, regional rivalry, playoff history Cons: Is Player vs. Team enough of a reason?
Before LeBron made a relatively surprising decision to head to the City of Brotherly Love, the Sixers wouldn’t have even been considered. After all, even with the two teams being regional rivals with recent playoff history, the Knicks eviscerated them so much in the playoffs last year that many forgot the series even happened.
The King changes things.
He’s the one who held all this up, so expect the NBA to shoehorn him into some very big moments. Despite having a player option for 2027-28, I don’t think we can rule out this being his final year, so Adam Silver will need to make decisions based on maximizing a potential retirement tour.
He has two guaranteed trips to the Mecca this year. I think there’s a pretty good chance one of them is either Ring Night or Christmas. The last time LeBron at Madison Square Garden wasn’t on national television was January 2020, so this is guaranteed to be something good.
I truthfully believe that Opening Night every year should have a Finals rematch. That’s how you build up a start to an NBA season. Especially after such a contentious 2026 edition, imagine making the Spurs watch a banner being raised in front of them. That’s textbook bulletin board material.
These two teams also just don’t seem to like each other. That was a very ferocious series with the Victor Wembanyama narrative, and these teams have produced some absolute classics in recent years. Brunson’s 61-point gem losing to Wemby’s 40/20. The 2025 NBA Cup Final. Christmas 2024. The New Year’s Eve Spurs comeback. These two teams create magic together and should get an opportunity to do so.
What Does History Say?
Here’s how the last 10 champions have spent Ring Night and Christmas:
Ring Night:
2025 Thunder: Hosted team legend and snake Kevin Durant in his Rockets debut
2024 Celtics: Hosted new-look division rival Knicks, who emerged as their top competitor in the offseason
2023 Nuggets: Hosted LeBron and the Lakers, 2023 WCF rematch
2020 Lakers: Hosted Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers
2019 Raptors: Hosted the Pelicans in Zion Williamson’s planned NBA debut (he was injured)
2018 Warriors: Hosted Russell Westbrook and OKC
2017 Warriors: Hosted James Harden and the Rockets, multi-series rematch
2016 Cavaliers: Hosted Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks
Christmas:
2025 Thunder: Hosted Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs
2024 Celtics: Hosted division rival Sixers after adding Paul George
2023 Nuggets: Hosted Steph Curry and the Warriors
2022 Warriors: Hosted the Grizzlies, 2022 WCSF rematch
2021 Bucks: Hosted Jayson Tatum and the Celtics
2020 Lakers: Hosted Luka Doncic and the Mavericks*
2019 Raptors: Hosted division rival Celtics
2018 Warriors: Hosted LeBron and the Lakers in his first season in the West
2017 Warriors: Hosted LeBron and the Cavs, 2017 NBA Finals rematch
2016 Cavaliers: Hosted Steph and the Warriors, 2016 NBA Finals rematch
(2020 asterisk, the season began on December 22, so the Christmas matchups were less special)
With very limited exceptions (what the hell was going on with the Raptors?), these matchups are intra-division, against a superstar player in the conference, or a playoff rematch. The league has not done an inter-conference Ring Night since Raptors/Pelicans in 2019 and has not done an inter-conference Christmas game (or Finals rematch) since Cavs/Warriors.
Final Predictions
Ring Night: Pacers (Runner-Up: Sixers) Christmas: Sixers (Runner-Up: Spurs)
Both of these have narratives out the wazoo.
The Pacers beat the Knicks in consecutive seasons. Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Their chance at a Larry O’Brien Trophy vanished before their eyes.
As they retooled and took a gap year that ultimately proved extremely useless, the Knicks took advantage of their absence to run roughshod on the Eastern Conference en route to a championship. There’s absolutely a feeling of resentment in that locker room. They didn’t beat us and still surpassed us.
–
For Christmas, this could be LeBron’s final Christmas game. He holds the NBA record with 20 of them played, and on the league’s main showcase day, they’ll want him in the biggest matchup.
At noon. In the World’s Most Famous Arena.
They love Knicks/Sixers on Christmas. It’s the most common matchup by far. It’s been done twice in the last decade and 13 times ever. It’s easy money, but I wouldn’t oppose seeing Wemby and the Spurs again
New Zealander has returned home with the Claret Jug in tow after stepping out of his father’s shadow
The curse of the iconic sporting parent. Accidental, yet real. Decades of evidence show how difficult it is for the offspring of those who have scaled the greatest heights in sport to replicate those achievements. Until Sunday and a stunning finale at Royal Birkdale, Ryan Fox would always be known in New Zealand as the son of Grant. Fox smiles when asked whether the claiming of the 154th Open Championship means he has finally forged his own reputation for greatness. “I can plead a pretty good case for that,” he replies.
“I have two Claret Jugs [one real, one replica] sitting at home so it is real but it certainly doesn’t feel that way yet. I can’t quite believe it. My wife and I have looked at each other quite a lot over the last few days and buzzed out a little bit saying: ‘What the hell just happened?’ It is crazy.”
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope won his first ring next to LeBron James, now he is headed to Philadelphia to try and do it again.
Caldwell-Pope and the Grizzlies are working out a buyout, and once the veteran wing clears waivers, he intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.
KCP moving on from Memphis is not a surprise. He was brought in while the team still had Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and was looking to win. With the Grizzlies pivoting to a youth movement — plus they are dealing with a roster crunch — it makes sense to buy out KCP, who is set to make $ 21.6 million this season. (KCP likely gives the Grizzlies a discount of exactly how much he can sign with the 76ers for.)
Caldwell-Pope was a key part of the Lakers' title run in the bubble, and three years later became a starter for the Denver team that won a title behind Nikola Jokic.
However, the past couple of seasons his game has slipped. Last season in Memphis, he averaged just 8.4 points a game and shot 31.6% from 3-point range. He was out from February on after having surgery to adjust a misaligned pinky finger on his right hand.
Philadelphia has a little roster work to do to bring in LeBron and KCP, including clearing a roster spot or two. The 76ers are not far enough under their first-apron hard cap to sign the two veterans, even at the minimum, which means more roster moves are coming. Dalen Terry and his non-guaranteed contract are almost certain to be let go. Jabari Walker also has a non-guaranteed contract, but there are other moves the team could make to bring in the two veterans.
This is another loss for Miami, which had its eyes on KCP as well.
When asked about the move in a White House news conference later, Trump explained why he believed Michael Jordan was the better player.
Jordan, 63, won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) five times.
When asked whether Jordan or James was the "best ever", Trump said: "Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy.
"I think LeBron is, maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
James, who has not responded to Trump's comment, has been a regular critic of Trump during his terms as president and endorsed Democrat candidates Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris when they ran against him.
In 2017 he referred to Trump as "a bum" following a row over invitations to the White House for NBA-winning teams.
James has won four NBA titles with the Miami Heat (twice), the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has been named the league's MVP four times and is the NBA's all-time leader in points and games played.
James will be looking to secure a fifth title with the 76ers following his announcement on Friday that he is heading to Philadelphia.
They now boast the talents of James and All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team," James said in a lengthy post on social media.
The sessions could be viewed as a step forward, but he isn’t expected to pitch next week.
"That's too early,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “I feel very good that it won't be next week.”
The two-way star was pulled from his scheduled start before the MLB All-Star break due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee.
"Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it's not about July, it's about October," Roberts said. "So, we've already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we're not going to start earlier than we need to."
Ohtani had initially been scheduled to start on Wednesday but the organization then decided against it, with the expectation that they’ll be cautious with the superstar’s workload in the second half of the season.
Ohtani is not expected to throw 100 pitches whenever he does make his return to the mound.
Roberts had recently informed reporters that Ohtani had lubricant injected into his knee but did not have it drained. The injection was intended to provide the All-Star with relief in his knee.
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 12: Cole Sillinger #4 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Nationwide Arena on April 12, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NHLI via Getty Images
The Columbus Blue Jackets avoided arbitration by reaching an agreement to sign forward Cole Sillinger to a three-year, $13.875 million contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced. The signing was first reported by Sportsnet.ca.
The 23-year-old Sillinger opted for arbitration earlier this month, with the agreement reached before his scheduled hearing on Monday. Sillinger, the team’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft, is from Columbus and has five years of NHL experience.
Sillinger was a fixture on the team’s third line in making the switch from center to left wing last season, and finished with a career best-matching 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists). Overall, he has 51 goals and 140 points in 367 career games.
Also on Friday, the Florida Panthers avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to sign newly acquired goalie Akira Schmid to a two-year, $4 million contract.
Florida acquired the 26-year-old Schmid by trading a 2028 third-round pick to Vegas on June 29 as part of an offseason goalie shakeup.
The team acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom in a trade with New Jersey a day later. The additions were made in anticipation of Florida losing long-time starter Sergei Bobrovsky, who has since signed with Toronto in free agency.
Schmid is from Switzerland and posted career-highs with 29 starts and 16 wins in his fifth NHL season last year.
Brent Headrick of the New York Yankees pitches to the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park on July 11, 2026 in Washington, DC.
PHILADELPHIA — Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice have been the most valuable Yankees this season.
But Brent Headrick might not be far behind.
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Despite not being quite as sharp as he usually has been this season, the lefty reliever came through in the clutch again Friday night to escape a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning and preserve a 1-0 win over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
All it took was retiring one of the most fearsome hitters in the game, Kyle Schwarber, on a 3-2 count with two outs and the tying run on third base.
“He’s electric,” said Schlittler, who pitched into the eighth inning. “He’s saved me plenty of times this season. … Doesn’t sometimes get the credit he deserves, but he’s been amazing.”
Headrick, who has not allowed a run in a major league-best 44 of his 52 appearances this season, entered with runners on first and second with one out. He got some help from right fielder Jasson Domínguez and left fielder Cody Bellinger on strong throws home — Domínguez’s on a single that loaded the bases and Bellinger’s on Trea Turner’s line out — forcing the Phillies to hold J.T. Realmuto at third.
Headrick then entered a full count against Schwarber — with some key blocks on balls in the dirt from catcher Ali Sánchez — before throwing a 95 mph fastball at the bottom of the zone that generated a chopper to second base for the third out.
“Just throw my best stuff and trust it,” Headrick said. “That’s what you prep for. You love to be in those situations. Any time my name’s called, I’m going to pitch and give everything I have.”
It made for a tense moment with zero margin for error, but in the process, Headrick lowered his ERA to 1.38, continuing to be a godsend for a bullpen that needed more trustworthy arms.
“I think he’s been on the short list of guys that have been the best in the game, that aren’t the full-time closer or whatever,” Boone said.
Brent Headrick, pitching here earlier in July, came through for the Yankees against the Phillies on July 24, 2026. Getty Images
Boone, a longtime 76ers fan, was among those excited Friday about LeBron James announcing he was signing in Philadelphia.
“Looks like they got a pretty good starting five in the mix,” Boone said with a big grin. “The East is getting interesting.”
Boone’s 76ers fandom stems from spending part of his childhood growing up here while his dad, Bob, was playing for the Phillies. But he manages in New York and has also gotten to know some of the Knicks’ personnel during his tenure, so naturally he was asked whether he favored the Knicks or 76ers heading into next season.
“The Knicks are the champs,” he said diplomatically. “But you bring Jaylen Brown in and LeBron, it’s two pretty good pieces I’d say.
“I’ll be watching with interest, I’m sure, this winter.”
Carlos Rodón (left elbow inflammation) is set to throw a “two-up” bullpen session Saturday — throwing a handful of pitches, sitting down and then getting back up for the equivalent of another inning — with about 35 pitches in total. If he gets through that session without issue, he should advance to facing hitters by next week.
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Boone said he still has “no idea” when Rodón might be ready to return to the rotation, though at this rate he will almost certainly need to go on a rehab assignment.
Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) is scheduled to face hitters for a second time Sunday, throwing another simulated inning as he works towards a potential return later this season.
Luis Gil (right shoulder inflammation) has advanced to facing hitters at the club’s player development complex, according to a video he posted on social media. … Dax Kilby, the Yankees’ first-round pick last summer, was activated off the injured list Friday for the first time this season at Single-A Tampa. The shortstop prospect, battling a hamstring injury, played in a rehab game in late May but then was out of action again until last week, when he played three rehab games without issue, clearing him to join Tampa’s roster.
The Post breaks down the top 10 players on the Knicks and the 76ers — set to be two of the Eastern Conference’s contenders next season — after LeBron James’ decision to sign with Philadelphia on Friday:
76ers
Projected starting five (name, age, 2025-26 points per game)
LeBron James, 41, 20.9
One of the greatest players of all time called this his last decision. Will it lead to the final title of his historic career too?
LeBron James and Jalen Brunson during the 2025-26 season. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Jaylen Brown, 29, 28.7
The former Celtics star, acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this month, served as Boston’s primary scorer when Jayson Tatum was out, but now he’ll be more of a secondary option again.
Joel Embiid, 32, 26.9
The oft-injured 7-footer has been limited to just 59 combined regular-season games the last two seasons. If healthy, Embiid, a former MVP, can still dominate, but that’s a major caveat at this point.
Tyrese Maxey, 25, 28.3
He’s still a major piece of the future in Philadelphia, but with the 76ers surrounding him with other stars in the present, Maxey, on a $204 million deal, might not need to average 21.4 attempts per game.
VJ Edgecombe, 20, 16.0
Edgecombe finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last year and will complete the starting lineup of this new-look group. His ability to create off the dribble could help create space for the stars.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) blocks a shot by 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Bench
Anfernee Simons, 27, 14.3
Simons, a guard, inked a two-year deal with the 76ers in free agency and will provide depth behind Maxey and Edgecombe.
Dean Wade, 29, 5.8
Philadelphia, at least in term, committed to Wade this offseason, handing the former Cavaliers forward a four-year, $39 million contract.
Labaron Philon, 20, 22.0 (Alabama)
Philon joined the 76ers as their first-round pick in June, and the rookie guard averaged 18.5 points and 5.8 assists during summer league games.
Dominick Barlow, 23, 7.7
Unless something goes awry, the 76ers won’t need Barlow to start 59 games again. He’ll instead provide a spark off the bench.
Ariel Hukporti, 24, 2.2
This spot could’ve gone to Justin Edwards (12 starts last year, 37.2 percent on 3-pointers) or Aden Bona, too. Hukporti, the Knicks’ third center last year, signed a one-year deal and will compete with Bona for the backup job behind Embiid.
Knicks
Projected starting five (name, age, 2025-26 points per game)
Jalen Brunson, 29, 26.0
The Knicks’ quest to repeat will run through their captain, with Brunson helping the Knicks snap their 53-year championship drought and becoming one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, 20.1
Towns endured plenty of ebbs and flows during his first season in coach Mike Brown’s system, but he made all of those growing pains an afterthought with his playoff performance.
OG Anunoby, 29, 16.7
Anunoby, who possesses the biggest contract in Knicks history ($212.5 million), produced his forever moment with the tip-in to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals — and has continued to improve his game offensively.
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby celebrate during the NBA Finals. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Mikal Bridges, 29, 14.4
Bridges silenced any lingering doubts about whether he was worth five first-round picks during the Knicks’ championship run, but now he’ll be tasked with stretching that consistency across a full season.
Josh Hart, 31, 12.0
Always a double-double threat who’s willing to fill just about any role, Hart, who enters his fourth full year with the Knicks, has become an integral piece of their success.
Bench
Miles McBride, 25, 12.0
He won’t be a bargain for long, but McBride, a strong option off the bench capable of starting when needed, will spend 2026-27 on the final year of his three-year, $13 million deal.
Landry Shamet, 29, 9.3
After fighting through injuries and surviving a nonguaranteed deal, Shamet etched his place in Knicks lore with playoff contributions off the bench — and then was rewarded with a four-year, $24 million deal.
Andre Drummond, 32, 6.4
Drummond became the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson replacement at center behind Towns, leaving the 76ers in free agency for a one-year deal worth $3.9 million.
Jordan Clarkson, 34, 8.6
The former Sixth Man of the Year winner proved he’s still capable of contributing, even if his role — and his stats — looks a little bit different than earlier in his career.
Jose Alvarado, 28, 6.6
A feisty backup point guard capable of providing a jolt off the bench, Alvarado extended his homecoming with a three-year deal last month.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 16: LeBron James speaks onstage during the TIME100 Sports Gala at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers on July 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME) | Getty Images for TIME
LeBron James shocked the basketball world Friday by choosing the Philadelphia 76ers rather than the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers or Minnesota Timberwolves. As late at Thursday night, CBS Sports had put Philly at No. 5 among the five suitors but James saw them as the team best prepared for a championship run with holdovers Joel Emhiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as well as newcomers Jaylen Brown and Dean Wade.
For the Nets, there doesn’t seem to be any direct effect. They still rebuilding and the decision seems little more than a reshuffling of those above them in now increasingly top heavy East. In addition to James and Brown joining Philly, Giannis Antetokounmpo moved from Milwaukee to Miami and Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors. Not to mention, the New York Knicks are the defending NBA champions. ESPN ranks the Nets at 29th in their post-LeBron power ranking, putting only the Bucks behind them.
It does seems likely that the 76ers pick in 2028, protected 1-through-8, will be transferred to Brooklyn, but it’s also likely to be very low. James contract is two years at the vets minimum with the second year, 2027-28, a player option.
Where things might be get interesting is what the spurned suitors do going forward. Do they try to fill in the blanks left open by James and try to acquire another big scorer like Michael Porter Jr., who’s looking for a big extension in Brooklyn. The question is whether Sean Marks and MPJ’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, can reach an agreement and if not, will Bartlelstein push to move Porter Jr. elsewhere.
Brooklyn also has all those draft assets should any of the suitors decide that without James, it’s time to rebuild. But the most likely repercussion revolves around Porter Jr. as Brian Lewis summarized.
Michael Porter Jr. believes in Brooklyn’s future.
The question is whether he’ll be a part of it.
Will the Nets extend him?
Or trade him?
MPJ has fully insinuated himself into the Nets rebuild. Averaging 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists last year, he also established himself as a premier shotmaker. More than that, though, he assumed the role of leader of the team, not just taking the Flatbush 5 under his wing, even hosting them at the Lake of the Ozarks in his native Missouri and at the very least acting like he’s recruiting Denver Nuggets free agent Peyton Watson to Brooklyn. Moreover, he’s said all the right things about the Nets’ future.
“We had five rookies, the youngest team in the NBA. It was a completely different role that I had. But it was something that I cherished,” Porter told ESPN at last weekend’s FanFest in New York. “I think we’re building something special over there.”
Last Wednesday in Las Vegas,Marks was clear in saying that the organization wants Porter around.
“I’m sure we’ll have those discussions. We’ve got time; there’s no immediate hurry right now with Mike. We value him a lot. He had a terrific year last year, arguably his best year as a pro,” Marks said. “It’s been great to see what Mike’s done for us, so I look forward to having those discussions…
“That would certainly be something we’re going to have that optionality,” said Marks. “Any time you’re in a hurry, that’s when people make mistakes. I don’t think we want to do anything hastily or in a rush … We’re just going to have those discussions between the two of us and our representatives and go from there.”
Bartelstein seemed more skeptical.
“Sean and I have talked. Michael loves it in Brooklyn. Jordi [Fernández] has been great for him. I think Jordi has been so innovative in how he’s used Michael. I think it’s a great fit,” Bartelstein said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“But that’s something that Sean and I have to sit down and talk about. The Nets have to ultimately chart out their course for the way they want to go forward. Obviously, we got to do the same thing for Michael. If we can make it work where there’s a long-term fit, that would be awesome. But that’s something we’re going to be talking about here in the days ahead.”
The 6’10” forward has been eligible since June 19 for a four-year, $234 million extension although most pundits think that a more reasonable deal could be at the same length but about $60 million less for the 28-year-old. Another possibility being bandied about is for the Nets to give Porter an immediate $9 million raise on his $40.8 million expiring salary then extend him at lower numbers, as they did with Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson. A deal like that would make him even more valuable at the trade deadline, as Lewis noted.
Suppose the two sides don’t reach an agreement and he goes on the trade market? What could the Nets get for MPJ? More draft picks? Better ones? And from who? Steve Kerr, Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor wrote Thursday, wasn’t interested in Porter last year and is unlikely to want to change his mind now. The Pistons were also rumored as a suitor last season, but they’re all tied up with Jalen Duren’s free agency.
Also, it should be clear by now that the Nets are unlikely to make any big moves that will deprive them of future assets. They know they aren’t contenders. The plan is not the sixth or seventh seed. Win instead of tank, sure, but the LeBron move just reemphasizes where they sit. So they’d rather save assets, perhaps till the February deadline if not later. The rebuild is long. There’s no urgency.
There are other possibilities as well. The Nets still have around $12 million in cap space which they can use to give MPJ that raise or pay the yet unsigned Moe Wagner or sign him to the room exception. in extending MPJ. He’s eligible for it through next July when his current contract runs out. And there’s always surprises like LeBron James choosing Philly over South Beach.
Fijian Drua 17-34 NSW Waratahs as grand final held in Fiji for first time
Tahs forward Faliki Pohiva named player of match
NSW Waratahs have produced a scintillating performance to complete a hat-trick of Super W rugby titles with a 34-17 win over minor premiers Fijian Drua in Ba, Fiji.
The Tahs also secured a record-extending seventh Super W title, with their tighthead prop Faliki Pohiva named player of the final.
