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Thunder claim first NBA championship with 103-91 Game 7 win vs. Pacers

Thunder claim first NBA championship with 103-91 Game 7 win vs. Pacers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The NBA championship is headed to Oklahoma City for the first time ever.

In Game 7 of the NBA Finals Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious at home with a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home the Finals MVP honors in the same season he won his first league MVP.

The excitement was palpable, given it was the first Game 7 in a final series since 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame the Golden State Warriors.

But the good vibes were sucked out of the air at Paycom Center and behind TV screens at the five-minute mark of the first quarter.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who entered the game with a calf strain suffered earlier in the series, went down with an Achilles injury and was later ruled out. He was visibly in tears and overcome with emotion after a blazing-hot start. His season ended with a lead on the biggest stage in basketball.

Without their franchise cornerstone, the Pacers needed to do the improbable. Indiana looked shaken after Haliburton left the court, but remained composed and actually went into overtime with a 48-47 advantage.

But the Thunder turned it around in the third quarter, showing much more determination and less nervy hands than the opening half. They opened to a nine-point lead before T.J. McConnell, Haliburton’s backup, singlehandedly took matters into his own hands.

McConnell’s run didn’t last long enough, however, as Oklahoma City then pushed to a double-digit cushion and led by 13 going into the fourth. The 33-year-old guard was responsible for his team’s last 12 points, with Pascal Siakam questionably on the bench.

The lead ballooned in favor of Oklahoma City in the early stages of the fourth to as much as 22. Indiana, which had a miraculous run of stunning comebacks victories in its journey to this stage, did not have one last complete turnaround in the tank despite trimming the gap.

Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 29 points. He struggled on 8 of 27 shooting, but went 11 of 12 from the foul line. Jalen Williams, who had a major 40-burger earlier in the series, added 20 points on 7 of 20 shooting.

Chet Holmgren turned in a smoother performance, going 6 of 8 from the floor for 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace each chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Indiana was led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 24 bench points and 13 rebounds, while McConnell had 16. The starters didn’t have the momentum, as Siakam finished with just 16 points on 5 of 13 shooting in 37 minutes. Andrew Nembhard was the only other player in double figures with 15 points on 4 of 10 shooting.

Defense wins championships, and the key difference boiled down to the turnover differential. The Thunder had eight turnovers and conceded 10 points off them. Indiana coughed up the rock 23 points, allowing 32 Thunder points to come to fruition.

It’s a whopping tilt, especially given the 3-point numbers that have become ever so important in the modern game. The Thunder went 11 of 40 for a 27.5% rate, while Indiana shot 11 of 28 from deep for a 39.3% clip. Should Indiana have let it fly more in a do-or-die scenario?

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, 40, also won his first league title, exhibiting a steady five-year climb from being at the bottom of the Western Conference to the top of the NBA summit.

Both teams entered the series seeking their first ever NBA championships. Oklahoma City started the season with contending aspirations given its upward trajectory the last few years, with the last Finals appearance coming in 2012 — a loss to LeBron James and the Miami Heat with a core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

The Thunder do have a championship under their name from 1979, but that was when they were the Seattle Supersonics.

For Indiana, it also has just one other Finals appearance in its current history. That came in 2000 when the Pacers fell to a Los Angeles Lakers side anchored by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Indiana’s core featured Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose, Chris Mullin and Mark Jackson.

Pacers fans and the entire organization and will now forever ponder the “What if?” of Haliburton staying healthy after how the game began.

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Kevin Durant Trade Solidifies Phoenix Suns’ Spending Failure

The Phoenix Suns are trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
 
Suns owner Mat Ishbia made a splash by trading for Durant, a two-time Finals MVP, on Feb. 9, 2023, just two days after he officially assumed control of the team he’d purchased for $4 billion. The Suns gave up four unprotected first round picks in the trade, and took on Durant’s four-year, $194 million contract that ends after the 2025-26 season.
 
Later that summer, Phoenix acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards, who had four more years remaining on a massive five-year $251 million deal.
 
The trio of Devin Booker, Durant and Beal had middling results on the court. They were swept in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and then missed the 2025 playoffs. Although some injury issues contributed to those results, the “big three” went just 45-33 in games in which they all played—not exactly a superteam.
 
Ishbia paid a hefty price for those unsuccessful teams. The Suns had the third highest payroll in the league in 2023-24 at $191 million, which took them well over the luxury tax threshold for an additional bill of $68 million, per Spotrac. In 2024-25, their combined payroll plus tax penalty totaled $367 million, while no other team exceeded $300 million.

The Suns, however, barely shed any salary by offloading Durant, as they took back Green and Brooks, who are set to earn $33 million and $21 million next season, respectively. At present, Phoenix still has more salary commitments for 2025-26 than any team other than the Boston Celtics. (Not to mention that the franchise is paying the last three head coaches it has fired as well as their new bench boss, Jordan Ott.)
 
The franchise is also in a predicament with regard to its draft picks. The Suns don’t control any of their own first round picks between 2026 and 2031, with some of those picks owed to other teams and others vulnerable to swaps.
 
Phoenix is a cautionary tale for overspenders during this new era of the NBA following the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, which increased penalties for repeat offenders and teams greatly exceeding the tax threshold. It also placed significant roster-building restrictions on teams that go over a “second apron,” which was $188.9 million for the 2024-25 season and rises in future seasons. Next year, the tax line is projected to be around $188 million and the second apron will be roughly $208 million.
 
Meanwhile, depth is perhaps more important than ever, as the pace and space of the game has increased, and stars are more regularly injured. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, who will duel in a winner-takes-all for the NBA championship tonight, are each playing nine or ten players in every Finals game. On the flip side, the Suns have not managed to fill out their roster with adequate supporting role players.
 
Notably, the Pacers and Thunder were each in the bottom half of the NBA in payroll this season.
 
“Ask the other 29 GMs [in the NBA], 26 of them would trade their whole team for our whole team and our draft picks as is,” Ishbia said in May 2024. “We’re in a great position.”
 
A year and a month later, the Suns have given up their prized asset and currently have 460-to-1 odds to win the 2026 NBA title, according to FanDuel.

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Reds set to call up top pitching prospect Chase Burns from minors to start against Yankees

ST. LOUIS — The Cincinnati Reds are preparing to call up top pitching prospect Chase Burns to start during their series against the New York Yankees this week.

Burns, a 22-year-old right-hander, has rapidly moved through the minor leagues after Cincinnati drafted him with the No. 2 pick last year from Wake Forest. Burns is 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA in 13 starts at three minor-league levels this year, including two with Triple-A Louisville.

“It’s kind of hard to come up with a reason why we shouldn’t,” Reds manager Terry Francona said Sunday. “They tried to throw a lot at him. He just kind of handled everything.

The Reds’ rotation is short-handed after starters Hunter Greene and Wade Miley went on the injured list earlier this month.

Nick Lodolo is scheduled to start Monday’s series opener against New York, and the 6-foot-3 Burns is in line to make his debut Tuesday.

“It’s another game, but it is a major league team, He’s going to have a lot of firsts, but he’s handled everything so far,” said Francona, whose team entered Sunday with a 39-38 record and in fourth place in the NL Central.

“And I think there’s an excitement, and, you know, I think the front office, they’re trying to help us win, and I think we appreciate that.”

Cincinnati also made a series of roster moves before Sunday’s game at St. Louis, recalling right-hander Yosver Zulueta from Triple-A Louisville and bringing back third baseman Jeimer Candelario (lumbar spine strain) from a three-week rehab assignment.

Right-hander Chase Petty was optioned to Louisville, and second baseman Garrett Hampson was designated for assignment.

The Cardinals recalled right-hander Gordon Graceffo from Triple-A Memphis and optioned right-hander Andre Granillo to Memphis.

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Sabres 2025 Draft Projection – Jake O’Brien

Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles later this month, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.  

The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.  

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Jake O’Brien is among a large cluster of top center prospects expected to go in the top 10 in Los Angeles later this week, and depending on how things fall, could be there for the Sabres at #9. The 18-year-old Toronto native came out of the GTHL and averaged over a point-per-game as a 16-year-old for the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs. This season, the 6’2”, 170 lb. pivot had 98 points (32 goals, 66 assists) in 66 games and 11 points in the OHL playoffs.

According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, O’Brien earned Team East MVP honors at the OHL Top Prospects Game and is considered a cerebral player with excellent playmaking skills and is very good defensively. One scout compared him to Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston. The one critique is that he is not overly physical.    

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Former Member Of Canadiens’ Organization Wins Third Stanley Cup

Sylvain Lefebvre didn’t get to the NHL through the big door; he was signed by the Montreal Canadiens as an undrafted free agent, yet still managed to have a successful 14-year career in the NHL, skating in 945 games and scoring 674 points in the process.

After three years in the Habs organization, the blueliner was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in return for a third-round pick at the 1994 draft. His stay in Toronto was short-lived, and he was involved in the transaction that sent Wendell Clark to the Quebec Nordiques in return for Leafs legend Mats Sundin. In his five years with the Quebec/Colorado Avalanche franchise, Lefebvre played 351 games, scored 72 points, and won a Stanley Cup.

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He concluded his playing career with a four-year stint with the New York Rangers, signing a four-year, $10 million contract in the Summer of 1999. He retired at 35 after playing the 2002-03 season.

A few years later, he accepted an assistant coach role with the Avalanche’s AHL team, the Lake Erie Monsters. After two seasons, he was promoted to the same role in the NHL with the Avs. He remained in post until the end of the 2011-12 season, and he was then allowed to become the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate’s coach.

In the six years he spent at the helm of Montreal’s AHL affiliate in Hamilton, St. John’s, and Laval, the team only made the playoffs once and didn’t get past the first round in the one year it qualified. He bounced right back, landing an assistant coach role with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, where he stayed for three years before accepting an offer to join the Florida Panthers as an assistant coach in 2022-23, right on time for the Cats’ first journey to the Stanley Cup Final.

After losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 Cup final, Lefebvre and the Panthers went on to win two consecutive Cups, taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Chances are, Lefebvre barely remembers his struggle with the Canadiens’ farm team now that he has one Cup ring as a player and two as an assistant coach.

Photo credit: ÂŠ Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Canucks Interested In Both Buffalo Restricted Free Agents

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is reportedly burning up the phone lines in advance of the NHL Draft later this week and the beginning of free agency on July 1. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Adams has been talking to several teams, looking to make trades to improve his club, with the names of restricted free agents Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka first and foremost on inquiring GM’s wish lists. 

Byram has been frequently mentioned in the rumor mill since the end of the season, as the 23-year-old is looking for a significant pay increase and a destination where he can play top-pairing minutes, both of which are unlikely with the Sabres already paying Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power hefty salaries on the blueline. 

Peterka was second on the Sabres in scoring with 68 points, and could be the target of an offer sheet, after youngsters Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg were snatched away from Edmonton by the St. Louis Blues was last summer.   

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Pagnotta indicates that the club interested in both players is the Vancouver Canucks, while the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning are interested in Peterka. The Canucks have long been interested in Byram, a native of Cranbrook, BC, and were connected to the Sabres defenseman during the season when the chatter regarding the Sabres interest in Canucks center Elias Pettersson was at it’s peak. 

Pettersson slumped badly last season, dropping from 89 points to 45 (15 goals, 30 assists) in the first year of an eight-year, $92.8 million contract. The 26-year-old does not have trade protection until July 1, when a no-movement clause kicks in. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Vancouver was also interested in Sabres center Josh Norris before he was acquired from Ottawa for Dylan Cozens last March, which might factor into a potential Pettersson deal if the Canucks are open to moving him in the next 10 days. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s late-game heroics lift Yankees to 4-2 win over Orioles

The Yankees took the lead in the eighth inning and held on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 4-2 in Sunday's rubber match in the Bronx.

Here are the takeaways...

-Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s fingerprints were all over this win. First, he doubled and came around to scored the Yanks' first run of the day in the bottom of the second, the only run the team scored through the first seven frames. On the play, Chisholm collided with Orioles catcher Maverick Handley on a scary play at the plate. Handley came up the line to field the throw, and Chisholm collided with his forearm area, sending the ball and Handley’s glove flying.

Chisholm appeared to be fine and stayed in the game, but Handley was forced to exit after a lengthy talk with the training staff.

Later, in the eighth inning, after the Yankees had struggled all day with runners in scoring position (1-for-7 with RISP to that point), Chisholm got a 3-0 green light and demolished a ball off the wall in the right-center, with two runners coming in to score, including the pinch-runner Paul Goldschmidt, who slid in just ahead of the tag.

Chisholm would then come in to score the Yankees’ fourth run on a high-chopper with the infield drawn in, as Gary Sanchez couldn’t hold on to the throw home.

-Will Warren was in trouble right out of the starting gates, putting the first two batters he saw on base. A mix of poor command and timely hitting by Baltimore saw the Orioles put two runs on the board on RBI knocks by Ryan O’Hearn and Colton Cowser.

Baltimore led 2-0 after the first inning, but it could have been a lot worse if not for Jackson Holiday getting picked off at second base and Cedric Mullins grounding out to end the inning with two runners in scoring position.

Warren would eventually settle into a groove, though, pitching into the seventh inning. His final line: 6.1 innings, two earned runs on six hits, six strikeouts, and two walks.

-On the other side, Dean Kremer turned in a good start for the O’s, holding the Yankees’ lineup at bay for most of the afternoon. The only run he allowed came on an RBI single by DJ LeMahieu in the bottom of the second inning, when Chisholm collided with Handley, but it was a good afternoon overall for the righty.

Kremer's afternoon came to an end after 5.2 innings, as he allowed one earned run on five hits while striking out seven and walking one.

-Give Fernando Cruz creditfor keeping it a one-run game in the eighth. After Tim Hill allowed a pair of runners to reach, the righty Cruz came in and struck out the side to keep things exactly where they were. Once the Yanks took the lead, Devin Williams was able to lock things down in the ninth to earn the save.

Who was the Game MVP?

Chisholm, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Highlights

Upcoming schedule

The Yankees hit the road for a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, beginning on Monday night at 7:10 p.m.

Allan Winans will get the start for the Yankees against Reds lefty Nick Lodolo.

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Rockets reportedly acquire Kevin Durant: fantasy impact

Hours before the final game of the 2024-25 season, the Houston Rockets reportedly made a move that will significantly impact the NBA landscape. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the tenth overall pick in the 2025 draft and five future second-round picks.

Due to Green's contract, the deal will not become official until July 6, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

Along with Miami and San Antonio, Houston was on Durant's reported list of preferred destinations. According to Charania, the Suns were engaged in talks with the Rockets and Heat before taking the package offered by the former. The Rockets add one of the NBA's all-time scoring greats after finishing second in the Western Conference during the regular season, while the Suns add draft capital but have a logjam to address on the perimeter. Let's look at the potential fantasy impact of this deal.

Houston receives:

Kevin Durant

Durant is ranked eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, so there should be little to no doubt of what he'll provide Houston on that end of the floor. In 62 appearances this season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks and 2.6 three-pointers, shooting 52.7 percent from the field, 43.0 percent from three and 83.9 percent from the foul line. For a team with offensive efficiency issues in Houston, Durant has the potential to be just what the doctor ordered.

However, his two full seasons in Phoenix were the last in which he played at least 60 games since playing in 78 games for the Warriors during the 2018-19 campaign. And with Durant set to turn 37 in late September, durability could be a concern. That said, Durant's rĂŠsumĂŠ makes him worth the risk for a team that was middle of the pack in points per game and offensive rating during the regular season. The Rockets' efficiency was boosted by the team's ability to hit the offensive glass; Houston ranked 27th in two-point field goal percentage and 21st in three-point and overall field goal percentage.

While he and Green did not play the same position, Houston's decision to move two perimeter players in this trade likely makes it more vital that they re-sign Fred VanVleet. The Rockets hold a team option worth $44.9 million on VanVleet for 2025-26, and they have until June 29 to make a decision. It has been reported that both sides are interested in maintaining the partnership; the question is what the financial terms will look like, especially if Houston declines the option in hopes of negotiating a deal for a lower annual salary.

The departures of Green and Brooks should free up additional opportunities for Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, which would be music to the ears of fantasy managers. Thompson was excellent as a starter last season, eventually pushing Jabari Smith Jr. to the bench, while Eason has been valuable when healthy enough to play. Hopefully, the left leg injury that has limited him during his first two seasons will not be an issue for Eason in 2025-26. If fully healthy, he can be a solid contributor in standard fantasy leagues.

Phoenix receives:

Jalen Green

Dillon Brooks

2025 first-round pick (10th overall)

Five future second-round picks

After hiring Jordan Ott to be the team's head coach, new Suns general manager Brian Gregory has made his first major decision regarding the roster. Once the Suns attempted to move Durant ahead of the February trade deadline, it was clear that his long-term future was not in Phoenix. Some may wonder if they could have gotten more in return for Durant, especially considering what Phoenix gave up to acquire him from the Nets a few years ago.

Phoenix did add two starters in Green and Brooks, but this causes a logjam on the perimeter. Bradley Beal, who holds a no-trade clause, remains on the roster, as does assumed cornerstone Devin Booker. A positive regarding Green is his durability, which has been an issue for Beal and Booker in recent years. Green has not missed a game since the 2022-23 season, and he played 76 during that campaign. In 2024-25, he accounted for 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.9 three-pointers per game, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 81.3 percent from the foul line.

Green also shot a career-best 35.4 percent from three, but that percentage is not particularly impressive, especially when considering what the Suns lost in Durant. He should be a key cog for the Suns in 2025-26, but being part of a rotation that includes Beal and Booker may not be the best for Green's fantasy value, which has been low in category leagues. He should remain a superior option in points leagues, especially since he's been able to stay healthy.

As for Brooks, the veteran wing shot a career-best 39.7 percent from three in his lone season with the Rockets. Appearing in 75 games, he averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.5 three-pointers per game, shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 81.8 percent from the foul line. Brooks was a player who proved more valuable to his team than to fantasy managers, which is unsurprising since that was also the case for him in Memphis. That should not change in Phoenix, which was among the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season.

Just as crucial for the Suns as the players was the draft capital acquired in Sunday's deal, most notably the tenth overall pick in next week's draft. In the trades made to acquire Durant and Beal, Phoenix gave up a lot of draft capital. While Sunday's total haul does not close the gap completely, regaining the 2025 first-round pick they surrendered in the Durant deal was a positive step. Of course, Phoenix will not have total control of its first-round pick again until 2032, so Gregory has his work cut out for himself.

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NHL Free Agency: Top Eight Pending UFA Goalies

The NHL’s free-agency kickoff date is less than 10 days away, and THN.com has been posting an ongoing series in which we analyze the key free agents who will be UFAs on July 1. We began the series with a breakdown of the top eight UFA defensemen. Then, we focused on the top seven available wingers. And most recently, we looked at the top six centers. 

Finally, in this file, we’re examining the NHL’s top eight UFA goaltenders. This is the thinnest class of players by position in this summer’s free-agent group, but the need for solid netminding has never been greater, so at least a couple of netminders are bound to be paid decently. 

Let’s break down the best goalies that are going to be playing for the highest bidder:

1. Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils

It is a measure of the dearth of quality goalies that Allen, who went 13-16-1 as a backup for Devils starter Jacob Markstrom last season, is considered the best UFA goalie option this summer. The 34-year-old Allen’s individual numbers (including a .908 save percentage and 2.66 goals-against average) indicate that he can still have a positive impact on a playoff-bound team, and Allen is sure to have multiple options for where he’ll play in 2025-26. But is Allen seen as a truly elite goalie and Grade-A difference-maker? No, he isn’t, and that will be reflected in his new deal.

Allen earned $3.85 million this past year, and while there will be teams that want goaltending help as a priority, we don’t see a bidding war breaking out for Allen or any other goalie. In a market where veteran netminder Anthony Stolarz had to settle for $2.5 million last summer, we don’t see Allen getting much more than that this year. Allen can certainly help a team, but nobody will be breaking the bank to get his signature on a contract.

Jake Allen (John Jones-Imagn Images)

2. Ilya Samsonov, Vegas Golden Knights

Samsonov’s inconsistent play is the chief reason he’s bounced between three teams in his six-year NHL career. The 28-year-old posted a 16-9-4 record with the Golden Knights this past season, as well as a 2.82 GAA and .891 SP. Those numbers weren’t bad for a guy making $1.8 million, but the fact Vegas hasn’t signed him to an extension is rather telling.

The lack of high-end goalies means Samsonov might be able to make slightly more than he earned last year, but anything more than $2 million per year will be seen as an overpayment – and anything more than a two-year contract will also be seen as overly-generous. Samsonov hasn’t shown he can be a consistently solid No. 1 option between the pipes, so he’ll likely be Plan B in a tandem on a team challenging for a playoff berth.

3. Alex Lyon, Detroit Red Wings

The 32-year-old Lyon has evolved into a journeyman goaltender, playing on four teams in his eight-year NHL career. He was an acceptable 14-9-1 with the Red Wings in 2024-25, earning a very reasonable $900,000 while putting up a 2.81 GAA and .896 SP.

That said, Lyon isn’t likely to be a starter wherever he decides to sign. But if a playoff team can bring him aboard at a contract with an average annual salary of less than $2 million to be part of a tandem where he plays 30-35 games, the team should be pleased with the investment they make in him.

4. Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames

At 27 years old, Vladar is one of the younger options available to teams seeking goalie depth. Given that he set a new career-high in appearances last year with 30 for the Flames, Vladar hasn’t shown the ability to be a workhorse at the NHL level. But in the right situation, he could be a solid backup option.

Vladar generated a .898 SP and 2.80 GAA and a 12-11-6 record in Calgary last season, and his salary of $2.2 million will likely be matched by one team or another. But if his next deal comes in under the $2 million threshold, it’ll be because he took less to play on a playoff-caliber group. The Flames weren’t that team in 2024-25, so a change of employer is probable for Vladar.

5. Vitek Vanecek, Florida Panthers

Vanecek won a Cup with the Panthers this year, but it wasn’t as if he played any kind of meaningful role with Florida. He didn’t play a single minute in the playoffs, and after coming over from San Jose in a trade, Vanecek had a 2-4-1 record, an .890 SP and 3.00 GAA as a Panther in the regular season. 

Consequently, nobody believes the 29-year-old can be a starter on an elite team, and he’s going to take a sizeable pay cut on the $3.4 million he earned last season. If Vanecek gets even half that amount, it’ll probably be on a team that isn’t considered a playoff lock. And Vanecek will have to prove his worth on what likely will be a one-year deal.

6. David Rittich, Los Angeles Kings

Rittich is the dictionary definition of a journeyman, playing on five teams in his nine-year NHL career. The 32-year-old had a 16-14-2 mark in 34 appearances for the Kings in 2025-26, posting a .887 SP and 2.84 GAA in that span. Nothing too tantalizing, but not a poor showing, either.

Rittich made an even $1 million last year, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll make much more than that on his next contract. He’s going to be a backup netminder, and the only question will be which team brings him on in a supporting role.

7. Anton Forsberg, Ottawa Senators

Fosrberg was the understudy of Linus Ullmark in Ottawa last season, and his individual numbers have been fairly consistent from year to year. He appeared in 30 games in 2024-25 – and he’s played no more than 30 games in each of the past three seasons. Meanwhile, Forsberg put up a .901 SP and 2.72 GAA last season. However, the 32-year-old had a record of 11-12-3 with the Senators, and that means his salary last season of $2.75 million is likely to be cut in half, and that could be generous. 

Forsberg is still an NHL-caliber netminder, but he’ll almost assuredly be playing for $1 million or so as a backup option. And it probably won’t be with the Sens, who’ll be moving in a different direction to find Ullmark’s backup.

8. James Reimer, Buffalo Sabres

Father Time has been kind to the 37-year-old Reimer, who posted a 10-8-2 record, a .901 SP and a 2.90 GAA on a sub-par Sabres team last season. Reimer’s salary of $1 million may be cut by a quarter on his next contract, which will likely be his final contract. And that’s if Reimer gets a contract at all.

Reimer hasn’t yet announced his retirement, but he battled his way to 525 career games-played, and he should be proud of his longevity. But teams aren’t giving out contracts based on past glory, so Reimer will have to take whatever he can get if he wants to extend his career. Still, as a league-minimum-salary player, he could be worth taking a gamble on to improve a team’s net depth.

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Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton suffers Achilles injury in NBA Finals Game 7

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton suffers Achilles injury in NBA Finals Game 7 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appeared to suffer a serious Achilles injury in the first quarter of NBA Finals Game 7.

Indiana ruled it a “right lower leg injury” and said Haliburton would not return to the game. His father, who was also seen emotional after it transpired, told ABC it was an Achilles injury.

Attempting to drive to the rim on a hesi with just about 5 minutes to go in the period, Haliburton fell to the floor and turned the ball over.

As the Thunder took the ball the other way, Haliburton could be seen pounding the floor as the camera panned to the opposite half of the court.

As Indiana called timeout after Oklahoma City’s bucket, Haliburton was visibly in tears and frustrated, needing to be helped off the court with no weight put on his right leg.

The 25-year-old started the game on a hot note, scoring nine points in five minutes on 3 of 4 3-point shooting.

Haliburton entered the game playing on a calf strain he suffered earlier in the series. However, he didn’t sit out any game and kept playing through it.

It marks a devastating end to one of the most memorable playoff runs of all time, from both an individual and team perspective. The Pacers were the No. 4 seed entering the playoffs and took down Giannis Antetokounmpo and the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks, Donovan Mitchell and the No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers and Jalen Brunson and the No. 3 New York Knicks.

Haliburton made crucial game-winners in every single series, including in the NBA Finals when he stunned the Oklahoma City crowd with a pull-up jumper in Game 1.

Reactions from the NBA world came in almost immediately, ranging from Brunson, Josh Hart and De’Aaron Fox to Mitchell, Vince Carter and Grant Williams, among several more.

Bucks star Damian Lillard and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum also suffered Achilles tears earlier in the postseason.

This is a developing story and will be updated…

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Kevin Durant reportedly traded to Houston, Phoenix gets Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, No. 10 pick, more

On the day of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Houston Rockets have thrust themselves into the center of the 2026 title discussion.

The Phoenix Suns are trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for a package of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft (which is the Suns getting back their own pick), and five future second-round picks, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN.

Houston was one of Durant's preferred landing spots and he is expected to sign a two-year, $100+ million extension with them when eligible. The risk with that is Durant turns 37 before the start of next season and comes with an injury history.

For the Rockets, that is a risk worth taking — Durant is the guy they need. While Houston won 52 games this season and was the No. 2 seed in the West thanks to an impressive, athletic young core led by coach Ime Udoka, its loss in the first round to Golden State highlighted the lack of a finisher in the half court. The Rockets needed a go-to scorer who could go get a bucket in the clutch. They now have one of the greatest bucket-getters in NBA history, a guy who averaged 26.6 points a game last season while shooting 43% from beyond the arc, not just a four-time league scoring champion but also a two-time Finals MVP who knows how to perform on the biggest of stages and continues to do so.

The Rockets now have Durant starting alongside veteran Fred VanVleet at the point (likely to extend or re-sign with the team this summer), Amen Thompson on the wing, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun at center. The Rockets also still have Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Reed Shepard and others off the bench — plus a lot of future picks, meaning they may not be done trading.

The Rockets and Suns had been negotiating since their seasons ended, but the sides had been far apart on terms for a Durant trade, with the Rockets trying to center the trade around Jabari Parker Jr., while the Suns were hoping for core Rockets players such as Amen Thompson or Alperen Sengun. The sides ultimately made the trade about Green — the explosive but inefficient scorer who averaged 21 points per game last season, but with a .544 true shooting percentage that was below the league average. Green, 24 and entering his fifth NBA season, has plenty of possibilities for improvement.

For Phoenix, this was about as well as they were going to do in this trade market. They acquire a scorer who can play alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in Green. More importantly, a team that lacked defense and grit has just gained a lot of both with Brooks. Then there is the No. 10 pick, which can go a number of different directions (or be traded again).

The most stunning part of this trade: That it happened the day of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, taking the spotlight off the court and putting it on the NBA's transaction cycle. That is not going to sit well in the league office.

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Orioles' Rutschman out until after All-Star break, Westburg has a sprained left index finger

NEW YORK — Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman likely will be sidelined until after the All-Star break because of a strained left oblique, and infielder Jordan Westburg will be out for at least a few days because of a sprained left index finger sustained even though he wore a sliding mitt.

Rutschman felt pain during batting practice on Friday and was scratched. He had an MRI on Saturday.

“He feels something small right there. We all know abdominal and oblique injuries, if you push those things, you can get really ugly. Instead of being three, four weeks, it could be three months,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said Sunday.

“He’s kind of going stir crazy. I think the fact that it is mild in nature probably makes it a little harder for him,” Mansolino added. “They went and got an MRI. They checked it out, which validated that. In his mind, he probably thinks he can possibly go out there, but obviously we know medically that’s not the smart thing to do for him right now.”

On the injured list for the first time in his big league career, Rutschman is hitting .227 with eight homers and 20 RBIs in 68 games.

Westburg injured the finger while stealing second base in Saturday’s 9-0 loss to the New York Yankees.

“Actually the sliding mitt that’s supposed to protect his hand, that’s the one that he did it,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said Sunday. “Doesn’t know how he did it. It’s been the same mitt that he’s used for a couple years, talking about it this morning. Kind of crazy that he hurt his finger. That’s what those things are for.”

Westburg missed more than a month with a left hamstring strain before returning on June 10. The 26-year-old is hitting .229 with seven homers and 17 RBIs in 34 games this season. He had 10 hits in his first 25 at-bats before going hitless in his next 14.

“It’s sore this morning. We’re hoping it’s two to three days. If it gets to be longer, then it’ll be another conversation at that point,” Mansolino said. “The X-rays were negative, so it’s not fractured. That’s the positive. So nothing catastrophic by any means.”

Westburg hit .264 with 18 homers and 63 RBIs last year, becoming a first-time All-Star.

First baseman Ryan Mountcastle (strained right hamstring) also is on the injured list along with outfielders Tyler O’Neill (left shoulder impingement) and Jorge Mateo (left shoulder inflammation).

Right-hander Yannier Cano was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after striking out the side in the seventh inning Saturday, and right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo was recalled from the Tides on Sunday.

“It starts ultimately with the amount of innings that we’ve had covered here recently with the bullpen,” Mansolino said. “We need a fresh arm. You have limited amount of bullpen guys that have options.”

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Report: Detroit Red Wings' Offer For Islanders Noah Dobson

The Detroit Red Wings have inquired about New York Islanders pending restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson.

Reporter Bob Duff cites that Elliotte Friedman stated that Detroit's offer includes forwards J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren, with draft picks also likely being part of the discussion. 

Compher, 30, recorded 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 76 games this past season. He primarily centered the Red Wings' third line and has three years left on his deal at $5.1 million annually. 

Berggren, 23, recorded 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 76 games. He is a restricted free agent and played as Compher's right winger, but he is also capable of playing on both sides. 

The Red Wings own the 13th pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. 

There's no question the Islanders could use some shoring up of their bottom six, and with Jean-Gabriel Pageau garnering interest, getting a centerman so that Cal Ritchie doesn't have to be rushed into a second-line center role -- will see if Mathew Barzal stays on the wing or not -- Compfer is a solid addition. 

The Islanders need wingers, and getting a young one wouldn't hurt. 

But given Dobson's potential output -- he already has a 70-point season under his belt -- the Islanders can likely get much stronger pieces or draft assets from other teams. 

Dobson, a 25-year-old who will be a restricted free agent on July 1, was rumored to be asking for $11 million annually on his next deal. While that may not be accurate — the number is likely closer to $10 million — Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche has to make a decision.

Dobson is arbirtationg eligible and is one season away from being an unrestricted free agent. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Kevin Durant reportedly traded from Suns to Rockets in blockbuster deal

Kevin Durant is a two-time NBA finals MVP.Photograph: Julio Cortez/AP

Kevin Durant is set to swap Arizona for Texas, with ESPN reporting on Sunday that the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets have agreed a trade for the 36-year-old.

According to ESPN, the Suns will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No 10 pick in this year’s draft and five second-round picks in return for Durant. If the trade goes ahead it will be formally completed when the new league year starts on 6 July.

Related: The $10bn LA Lakers sale proves sports have outgrown even most billionaires

Durant’s best years are behind him but he still averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns in 62 games in 2024-25. He is a 15-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion and was NBA MVP in 2014.

The Rockets would be Durant’s fifth team after the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns. He won two titles with the Warriors and was also NBA finals MVP twice during his time in California.

Last season was a disappointing one for the Suns, who finished with a 36-46 record, despite having the highest payroll in the NBA. The Rockets, meanwhile, finished second in the Western Conference but were eliminated by the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Despite that setback they are seen as a rising force in the Western Conference under the leadership of coach Ime Udoka and young stars such as Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, who was an All-Star for the first time this season. According to ESPN, the Rockets were Durant’s favored destination along with the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

Durant, who will turn 37 in September, has one year left on his current contract and is due to earn $54.7m next season. He can sign a two-year extension worth up to $122m when the new league year starts in July.

Durant has played in Texas before: he was a member of the Texas Longhorns in college before he was taken as the No 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft.

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D-man who ‘could end up being a trophy winner' has compelling combo for Flyers

D-man who ‘could end up being a trophy winner' has compelling combo for Flyers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 NHL draft is a huge one for the Flyers’ rebuild.

Not only does Danny Briere have a lot of high-round picks at his disposal, but he also could be creative in how he uses them.

“There are all kinds of possibilities here,” the Flyers’ general manager said in April. “I think it’s really exciting going into it. It’s powerful to have so many picks like that. I think a lot of teams will be wanting to have discussions with us to make some things happen — teams that don’t have picks or teams that want to tweak things.”

So it’s a busy time for the Flyers leading up to the draft, which will be held June 27-28. The first round is Friday at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 are Saturday starting at noon ET.

“There are really good players in this draft,” TSN director of scouting Craig Button said May 27 in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Maybe people say it’s not a good draft; I’m not buying it. I think this draft has got lots of good players.”

The Flyers are slotted to make 11 picks, including three first-rounders and four second-rounders. Their first-round selections will come at No. 6 (own pick), No. 22 (Sean Walker trade) and No. 31 (Oilers trade).

Before the draft arrives, we’re breaking down first-round targets for the Flyers.

Next up:

Kashawn Aitcheson

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 199
Shoots: Left
Team: Barrie

Scouting report

NHL teams are going to love Aitcheson because he plays with a serious swagger. He defends his teammates, he’ll flatten opponents with heavy hits and, oh, he can score a little, too.

After a big goal or fight, he likes to play to the crowd.

“He’s one of my favorite players in this draft class,” Dan Marr, the vice president of NHL Central Scouting, said June 11 in a phone interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We moved him up to make a statement on our final list. This guy could end up being a trophy winner down the road.”

Aitcheson is the ninth-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, climbing six spots from his No. 15 midterm mark.

“This is a guy that you want to have on your team,” Marr, who worked in scouting and player development for over 20 years, said. “I think he’s a consummate team player. He has got the game, the punch skills, the hockey sense and just the intuition. Because he knows when it’s time to up his physical game, he knows when the game’s on the line and you need a goal or you’re protecting a lead, how to make those plays or generate those chances. I just like the way he reads the game.”

This season, the 18-year-old was third among OHL defensemen with 26 goals, behind only 2024 ninth overall pick Zayne Parekh (33) and 2024 11th overall pick Sam Dickinson (29). Aitcheson finished with 59 points, 88 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in 64 regular-season games for the 2024-25 Colts. He added 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 16 playoff games.

It’s fair to wonder if Aitcheson’s offensive production will translate to the NHL level, but his intangibles and style of defense definitely should. Button has Aitcheson as the 15th-best player in the draft, while EliteProspects.com has him at No. 18.

“I don’t know that he’s mean, but he plays with a purpose, there’s a lot of conviction to his game,” Marr said. “Everyone likes that physical element because the forwards know coming against him, you need to keep your head up. And in a 1-on-1 battle, he’s likely going to come out on top, so it really makes the opposing team adjust their game when they’re coming up against him.”

Kashawn Aitcheson
(Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

Fit with Flyers

There’s a lot to like about Aitcheson’s makeup and how he could fit in Philadelphia.

Cam York and Emil Andrae, two of the Flyers’ young lefty shots, are not big defensemen, so Aitcheson would add some size on that side. He’d have the chance to possibly play alongside 2023 first-rounder Oliver Bonk in the future.

If the Flyers were to draft Aitcheson, he’d be the second Colt they’ve taken in the first round over the last six years, joining Tyson Foerster (2020 — 23rd overall).

The problem is Aitcheson would be a reach for the Flyers at No. 6 and it doesn’t look like he’ll be around come the 22nd pick. If he’s available within that range, the Flyers could trade up to take him.

More targets

• Hagens is ‘Matt Duchene type of player’ who could be on Flyers’ radar at No. 6

• Flyers would probably love if Barkov-like prospect is available at No. 6

• ‘Fascinating,’ 6-foot-5 center has tons of intrigue for Flyers at No. 6

• Younger brother of Flyers prospect is ‘complete’ center and option at No. 6

• ‘David Krejci-like’ center with plenty of upside would give Flyers good decision

• Could a 6-foot-6, ‘just blossoming’ defenseman be a fit for Flyers at No. 6?

• Will Flyers grab prospect with ‘really, really unique’ combination at No. 6?

• Reschny’s performance vs. 2024 top prospect should have Flyers’ eye in first round

• Flyers could have three shots at ‘dynamic, explosive skater’ on the wing

• Finding another Foerster? Flyers may have one if they draft Bear in first round

• Martone would offer Flyers ‘pretty complete package’ if he’s there at No. 6

• Flyers’ future power play QB? 6-foot-4 defenseman has ‘offensive punch’

• ‘That’s how tight it is’ — Eklund could interest Flyers among international prospects

• A center with ‘really, really strong’ upside could be first-round sleeper for Flyers

• Big winger with ‘really good top-end speed’ might be around Flyers at No. 22