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Kyle Davidson Talks Bowen Byram Trade, Connor Bedard's Contract, Ilya Mikheyev Update, & More

The Chicago Blackhawks made a big trade on Tuesday that involved sending the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Buffalo Sabres, with defenseman Bowen Byram coming the other way.

On Wednesday, the Blackhawks made Kyle Davidson available to the media, and he went over a variety of topics. Of course, he started by addressing the trade that had taken place the day prior. 

"This was a value that we put on a really, really good young player in Bo," Davidson said. "He fits the style of play we want to play."

There is a lot of value to adding a defenseman like Byram to this group. For one, he's a great offensive defenseman who continues to work on his game in his own end. He is also a Stanley Cup champion with a pedigree of winning in the NHL with two different organizations. It will be helpful for the younger guys to have him around. 

"Our young players like Sam Rinzel and Arty Levshunov are going to sit behind Bo and learn from him," Davidson said. "It's immediate help. [He] makes us a better team." 

The Blackhawks have already drafted several defensemen over Kyle Davidson's tenure. They are all working their way to being good in the NHL, but it takes time, especially with that position. Byram was no exception to that rule earlier in his career. Now, he's at a point where he is ready to be a number one ahead of their youth. 

There was some backlash against this move for Chicago. They gave up a lot to get Bowen Byram, including their number one trade chip in the number four overall pick. Davidson said that Byram doesn't have to do anything specific to make it a positive return on investment because his natural progression is going to be the value.

"I think we look at a young defenseman who's not only accomplished, but one that is not done getting better or growing his own game and own profile," Davidson said. "We feel that over the next couple of weeks, we can find [a contract] where we can make sure he's here for a long time. He's already one of the top 5-on-5 play drivers in the league before he even gets on the first power play unit. We're going to provide the opportunity to become one of the top defenseman around the league."

The draft picks weren't the only pieces given up for Byram. Chicago also sent Louis Crevier, who had a great year going from the team's 7th defenseman to the top pair in 2025-26, to Buffalo. 

"You've got to give to get. [Crevier] was part of the give," Davidson said on sending Crevier away. "In our estimation, we had to provide something of value, and obviously Buffalo felt that too." 

Kyle Davidson was asked about Connor Bedard as well. He made it clear that they are going to keep any conversations about his pending contract situation private. He won't reveal anything until a deal is complete.

When it comes to finding a legit NHL linemate for Bedard, it sounds like Davidson is confident in what they have currently, while also acknowledging that they are always looking. 

Davidson highlighted Roman Kantserov during this discussion, who is coming over after leading the KHL in goals last year. He said that if they signed him as a free agent rather than drafting and signing him, people would be more confident in him as Bedard's potential winger. 

It is curious to assume that a rookie coming from overseas is going to step into the NHL and be a capable winger for one of the game's best young centers, but that is the direction that they are choosing to go. 

Speaking of free agency, Davidson was asked about Ilya Mikheyev's situation, and he confirmed that it is likely that he tests the open market on July 1st. Davidson didn't completely rule out Mikheyev's return, but the player is going to go shopping. 

Going back to Bowen Byram later in the presser, Davidson didn't hesitate to use the word elite. Byram being elite, according to Davidson, will go into their commitment to paying him good money for a long time. 

"We believe in this guy," said Davidson. "We believe he's a very good player, and one that can be elite. We need to respect that and honor that. That's something we have to reckon with in the negotiations. We're ok paying great players."

It wouldn't be very surprising if Byram extends right away on July 1st. With the way he spoke about Chicago and the way Davidson spoke about him, it seems like a mutual interest. 

"We all want to improve. We all want to take meaningful steps. That's the motivation." 

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Three things Pirates should do before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline

May 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice before the Pirates play the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates had struggled in the month of June but despite the 40-40 record the Bucs are still three games out of a Wild Card spot. 

What’s clear is the team has to improve before this year’s MLB Trade Deadline, and that marker is quickly approaching. With limited time, the Pirates have to accomplish these three things before the deadline passes.

Add to the bullpen

The biggest issue right now with the bullpen is that there isn’t a single pitcher that you can rely on in the late innings. Guys like Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto, Yohan Ramirez and Denis Santana have been too inconsistent. Since there has been that inconsistency that has put a lot of pressure on the starting rotation which of late has been shaky as well. Going six innings isn’t enough anymore, as turning the ball over to the pen is a gamble manager Don Kelly seems hesitant to play.

The Bullpen right now ranks 18th in the league with a 4.38 ERA. That needs to improve if Pittsburgh wants to stay in the National league Wild Card race. 

The Pirates adding Hunter Stratton is fine but its not a piece that will completely change the bullpen and make them better. A reunion with Aroldis Chapman is something that could work. Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies is another pitcher that could come in and change the bullpen for the better.

Finding a consistent DH

Consistency can go a long way for this team, especially offensively. The Bucs made a big move in the offseason to bring in 35 year old veteran Marcell Ozuna as the designated hitter. However, Ozuna has struggled with a .201 batting average and six home runs with 25 RBIs. 

Those stats don’t warrant him starting on an everyday status. The Buccos have been putting different guys like Bryan Reynolds, Henry Davis and Spencer Horwitz. The lack of consistency in this lineup is caused by injuries to Konor Griffin and Oneil Cruz. It’s clear to me that the Pirates need to move on from Ozuna, and it starts by finding someone they can put at the DH spot everyday that can produce. 

Add another outfielder

With Oneil Cruz expected to miss more time, the Pirates really need to find another outfielder. Jake Mangum hasn’t been horrible but Billy Cook and Tyler Callihan aren’t reliable options. 

Even when Cruz comes back he could be the reliable designated hotter that the pirates need. His defense is still not great and there is nowhere else on the field to put him. I don’t think Bryon Buxton is realistic but someone like Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles could be someone to target and be that reliable piece with Ryan O’Hearn and Bryon Reynolds. 

Adding another strong right handed bat like Ward would help the lineup as well with the injury of Konnor Griffin.  

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Royals Reacts Results: Put Jac in the Derby!

Jac Caglianone celebrates with his teammates in the dugout
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 23: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 23, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Kansas City Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Earlier this week, we asked if y’all wanted to watch Jac Caglianone play in the home run derby

I have to admit, I’m surprised by these results. Almost all of the comments I saw on the poll were quite negative in one way or another toward Jac Caglianone participating, but perhaps I should take that as a sign that the comments aren’t actually representative of much.

In the end, not just a plurality, but a full majority of voters think Jac belongs in the Home Run Derby, hitting his hammers, jacks, and whatever other word play we can come up with to signify his home runs. A full 53%! And yeah, after this poll question went up, Jac had a two bomb night in Tampa Bay, including a mammoth shot that absolutely went further than the 444-foot estimate and line drive hit so hard that it cleared the centerfield fence before it could drop enough to stay in the park.

31% of voters felt that while Jac might “deserve” a trip to the derby, they hoped he wouldn’t go. Most of you who voted that way fear that it would wreck his swing, I imagine. If he does get to participate, you can take solace in the fact that every study on the subject has debunked this myth.

16% of fans just don’t think Jac would be one of the best possible contestants. And to those people, I submit the above highlight video. Watch those two bombs again and tell me the guy who can hit those doesn’t have a place in the derby. At the very worst, Jac Caglianone deserves to go on the same merits that saw Oneil Cruz selected last year. He hits the absolute tar out of the ball on a regular basis, and there simply can’t be eight more people in MLB who would be more fun to watch strut their stuff like that.

Last year, MLB The Show developer Sony San Diego studios brought back an in-game prediction game that had been part of the series previous for the Home Run Derby. Players were encouraged to guess who would win the derby, who would hit the longest home run, who would hit the most home runs in a round, and which league would win the All-Star Game itself. Once I knew who was in the field, guessing who would hit the longest dinger was a no-brainer for me; it was always going to be Oneil Cruz. Cruz indeed hit the longest blast at an estimated 513 feet. Outside of maybe Giancarlo Stanton or Cruz again, Jac has the best chance among current MLB players to outdo that.

These survey results are sponsored by FanDuel.


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How a golf simulator play a role in the downfall of an NBA powerhouse

Earlier this week, news rocked the NBA world that the Milwaukee Bucks had traded star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Antetokounmpo played 12 seasons in Milwaukee, winning two MVPs and one NBA title. He helped to turn the Bucks from a bottom feeder into must-see TV, but nothing lasts forever, and in the end even an innocent golf simulator played a role in the Bucks' dismantling.

In a fantastic look at the decline of the Bucks by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski this week, Owczarski wrote about how the arrival of veteran NBA coach Doc Rivers in January 2024 upended the team's chemistry. This included misspelled banners in the locker room, favoritism for star players and the piece de resistance: A $90,000 golf simulator Rivers had installed for himself in what was formerly a communal space for the Bucks players and staff.

RELATED: Philadelphia golf simulator allows angry Eagles fans to blow off steam by hitting golf balls at offensive coordinator’s face

Obviously, a golf simulator on its own does not tear apart a stable dynasty, but Rivers reportedly reassigned or fired many staff members after his arrival, brought in lightning-rod Patrick Beverly, who already had standing feud with star Damian Lillard, and told the team's veterans that everything they had been doing up to that point had been wrong. A personal golf simulator was just the tipping point.

Here at Golf Digest, we're obviously pro-simulator. If there's any way to squeeze in more golf, especially at the office, it's fine with us. But this is story is proof, however small, that sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.

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Timberwolves NBA Championship Odds Move to 8% Following LaMelo Ball Trade

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The NBA championship odds saw yet another massive shakeup this morning, when the Minnesota Timberwolves dealt Naz Reid and a plethora of NBA draft picks for LaMelo Ball, who will play alongside Anthony Edwards.

This move has increased the Timberwolves' NBA championship odds to 8% (+1150), but where does that slot them among other contenders?

Let's take a look.

NBA Championship odds 2026-27

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of Covers' most trusted prediction market apps.

Timberwolves NBA title odds at a glance

KalshiWin Probability
Timberwolves Timberwolves+11508%

The LaMelo Ball trade moves the Timberwolves into a top 6 spot on the odds board, and their 8% win probability matches that of the Miami Heat, who just traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Minnesota needed to make a move after trading Julius Randle, as reports came out that Anthony Edwards was frustrated with how things were going since the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns.

This move shows Edwards the Timberwolves are serious about building around him, and it gives them a true ball handler who can ease the brunt of the scoring off Ant much better than Randle could over the last two years.

Minnesota was spinning its tires, and our NBA expert Joe Osborne said it best: why not?

Only time will tell if that risk pays off...

Timberwolves projected starting lineup

PositionPlayer
Point guardLaMelo Ball
Shooting guardAnthony Edwards
Small forwardAyo Dosunmu
Power forwardJaden McDaniels
CenterRudy Gobert

The headline of this starting lineup is clearly the backcourt. Ant and Melo instantly become one of the toughest duos to handle for opposing guards.

Their length and shooting ability give them a variety of ways to burn you. The only thing that may hold them back is Melo's inefficiency, but at some point, he has to mature. This is the best team Melo has played on at the pro level, and it may be what he needs to start taking this shit more seriously.

Outside of those two, Minnesota looks like a nightmare to play against defensively. McDaniels and Gobert will be key pieces defensively, and they won't be needed as much on offense with two killers on the team.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Cubs vs Mets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs won the first three games of this series while scoring 9+ runs in each.

My Cubs vs. Mets predictions and MLB picks are banking on more of the same as they look to complete the sweep on Thursday night.

Who will win Cubs vs Mets today: Cubs moneyline (-110)

The Chicago Cubs have feasted on right-handed pitching over the past two weeks, ranking seventh in wOBA, eighth in OPS, and first in walk rate.

They should get to Freddy Peralta, who has allowed four runs or more in four of his past six starts — and has simply not lived up to expectations with the New York Mets.

Matthew Boyd is unlikely to provide much length in his return, but the Cubs should be able to patch things together against an offense sitting 22nd in runs and 29th in OBP. 

Back Chicago to -120.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Freddy Peralta ranks in the 31st percentile in pitcher run value.

Cubs vs Mets Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)

At least 13 runs were scored in each of the first three games, and I’m expecting more fireworks in tonight's finale.

Chicago has plated 6+ runs in six consecutive games and scored five or more in eight of the past 10. The Cubs are firing on all cylinders at the plate and can be relied upon to do heavy lifting.

Boyd has given up multiple runs in four of five starts and will be making his first MLB appearance since May 3. Behind him is a taxed bullpen; New York should score.

Play the Over to -130.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 40-31, +0.20 units
  • Over/Under bets: 37-30-4, +3.39 units

Cubs vs Mets weather

Temperatures are expected to approach 80 with 15-mile-per-hour winds blowing out. Clear boost to the offenses.

Cubs vs Mets odds

  • Moneyline: Cubs -110 | Mets -110
  • Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+155) | Mets +1.5 (-180)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)

Cubs vs Mets trend

The Mets have cashed the Over in 13 of their last 23 games for +6.3 units and a 25% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mets.

How to watch Cubs vs Mets and game info

LocationCiti Field, Flushing, Queens
DateThursday, June 25, 2026
First pitch7:10 p.m. ET
TVMARQ, SNY
Cubs starting pitcherMatthew Boyd
(2-1, 6.00 ERA)
Mets starting pitcherFreddy Peralta
(5-6, 4.83 ERA)

Cubs vs Mets latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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MLB Strikeout Props & Pitcher Best Bets for Today, June 25

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Welcome in to Friday Junior's MLB player props & best bets for June 25.

One pitcher is entirely unhittable right now, while the other is a prime target for a blowout. Tonight’s card centers around two massive pitching angles: backing the sheer dominance of Cristopher Sánchez and aggressively fading a fading Zac Gallen. Here is how we are exploiting the mismatch.

Let's dig in to my top MLB picks for Thursday.

Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today

Player PickOdds
Phillies Cristopher SánchezOver 6.5 Strikeouts+107
Diamondbacks Zac GallenUnder 3.5 Strikeouts-103
Diamondbacks Zac GallenOver 2.5 Earned Runs-141

Strikeout prop: Cristopher Sanchez Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+107)

Sure, the Washington Nationals have been one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball this season, but they have yet to face a pitcher of Cristopher Sánchez's caliber. On the year, Washington owns a 38.1% strikeout rate against left-handed pitching at home. Over their last 12 games against southpaws, that number still sits at 25%.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies' ace has been on an absolute tear, posting a 28.54% strikeout rate and 31.09% whiff rate this season. He draws a Nationals lineup that features five hitters striking out above the league average. Sánchez also enters with an elite rating on Batters-Box. In 47 elite-rated starts, he has recorded 6+ strikeouts 57.45% of the time and 7+ strikeouts 42.55% of the time.

Take this down to even money, but do not pay any juice.

  • Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NATS, NBCSP

Strikeout prop: Zac Gallen Under 3.5 Strikeouts (-103)

If you enjoy my write-ups, first off, thank you. Secondly, you are going to hear me mention Zac Gallen's name a lot today.

The Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander draws an offense that is not only on fire, but simply does not strike out. According to Batters-Box's current season dataset, the St. Louis Cardinals have zero hitters above the league-average strikeout rate.

They also have five hitters in their projected lineup with a strikeout rate of 15% or lower over their last 60 at-bats against right-handed pitching. As a team, St. Louis owns just a 15.9% strikeout rate over its last 12 games.

On the other side, Gallen owns the lowest matchup strikeout rate on the board today, per Batters-Box. Over his last five starts, his strikeout rate has dipped below 10%.

I find it hard to envision him shoving here. He has struggled for much of the season, the Cardinals' bats have been scorching hot, and I expect that to continue.

Go for the Under.

  • Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: CARD, ARID

Earned Runs Prop: Zac Gallen Over 2.5 Earned Runs (-141)

One of the worst-rated pitchers on today's slate happens to be Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen, who brings a poorly rated matchup ISO, hard contact rate, and ground ball rate to the table.

Away from home this season, Gallen owns a 7.68 ERA and 6.00 xERA while allowing 48% hard contact and an 11.5% barrel rate.

To make matters worse, he draws seven, yes, SEVEN elite-rated St. Louis Cardinals hitters, according to Batters-Box's current season ratings.

Over their last 12 games, the Cardinals have been squaring the ball up all over the yard, posting a 122 wRC+, .782 OPS, .345 wOBA, and .151 ISO. With that many bats in a premium spot tonight, how could I not back the Cardinals against Gallen's noodle arm?

If you are not in the juice-paying business, the Cardinals First Five Team Total Over 2.5 is another great way to attack this matchup.

  • Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: CARD, ARID
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 239-440, -6.7 units

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Most surprising thing at the midpoint? Brandon Marsh

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 21: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The other day, we posted a poll about which thing has been most surprising this season for the Phillies. The results:

Brandon Marsh’s tenure with the Phillies have been something of a roller coaster. His acquisition in 2022 was met with a bit consternation as the Phillies had to send Logan O’Hoppe back to the Angels in return. At that time, O’Hoppe was seen as the heir apparent to J.T. Realmuto and his inclusion for what some called a platoon player was seen as an overpay by Dave Dombrowski.

I think it’s safe to say that that trade can be deemed a success.

However, in the years since then, the allure of the platoon was too strong for Rob Thomson. Marsh was summarily chained to the bench whenever a southpaw has been on the mound opposing the team, though the numbers behind the decision were sound (.202/.276/.309 in 393 PA against LHP from 2022-25). This year, those numbers have perked up quite a bit (.273/.305/.429 in 82 PA against LHP), leading to his getting more time against southpaws. It doesn’t hurt that the team didn’t have a right handed option better than Marsh to take on that platoon with him, but it reminds me a bit of Chase Utley when he first came to the majors. One of his bugaboos was that he also struggled with left handed pitching, but it was plainly obvious he just needed to be exposed to them more often, his natural hitting talent great enough that he should have been able to be successful.

Marsh’s success against left handed pitching has carried over and led to greater overall numbers, his ability to mash right handed hitting remaining the same. In fact, since the beginning of last season, Marsh’s 121 OPS+ is eighth among all outfielders in the game. He’s been good for a while, so his success this year shouldn’t be too, too surprising. But in a season in which some things have been good, some things have been bad, you voted Marsh’s year as the most surprising thing about them.

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2026 MLB Draft Preview: Peyton Bonds

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 10, 2026: Peyton Bonds #25 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights bats during the third inning against the UCLA Bruins at Bainton Field on April 10, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

2026 MLB Draft Preview: Peyton Bonds scouting report.

The 2026 is about a month away — the first round kicks off on July 11, 2026 — so its time to start offering capsule looks at players the Texas Rangers could select with their top picks. The Rangers’ first round pick is at #16, their second round pick is at #54, and their third round pick is at #89.

Leading up to draft day, we will be doing writeups of some of the players who could end up getting selected by the Rangers with one of their first three picks. Today we are looking at Rutgers outfielder Peyton Bonds.

Peyton Bonds is a 6’5″, 230 lb. righthanded hitting centerfielder who just wrapped up his junior season at Rutgers. Bonds is the son of Bobby Bonds, Jr., and the nephew of Barry Bonds. Undrafted coming out of high school in New Jersey in 2023, he spent his freshman season at Campbell, then transferred to Rutgers, where he has played the past two seasons. Bonds turns 21 next month.

Bonds has a good hit tool and an ability to make contact that belies his bloodlines, at least as far as his grandfather goes. MLB Pipeline praises his bat-to-ball skills and his bat speed. He also puts up impressive exit velocities. However, his present in-game power is lacking — he has just 16 homers in three years of college ball. Given his size and bat speed, it would seem that he should be able to hit for power, but he has had a high groundball rate in college. A team that drafts him is going to be looking to work with him on getting the ball in the air consistently.

There appear to be differing opinions on his speed, with BA putting it at plus and MLB Pipeline at average. However, it appears he’s seen as good enough defensively to stick in center field. MLB Pipeline says he earns praise for his instincts, makeup and “passion for the game.”

Bonds put up a .267/.341/.427 slash line in 170 plate appearances at Campbell as a freshman while going 14 for 14 on stolen base attempts. Upon transferring to Rutgers as a sophomore, he slashed .300/.384/.430, with 45 Ks against 21 walks in 258 plate appearances while stealing 16 bases in 18 attempts. He took a step forward in 2026, though he missed time due to a hamstring injury suffered in April. He slashed .352/.436/.535 in 166 plate appearances, walked 16 times against 21 Ks, and was 13 for 15 on the basepaths.

Baseball America has Bonds at #109 on their board. MLB Pipeline has Bonds at #74 on their board. Kiley McDaniel puts Bonds at #93 on his top 150 list. Keith Law does not include Bonds on his board. Fangraphs has does not have Bonds on their board. Baseball Prospectus does not have Bonds on their top 30 draft board.

Bonds is a guy who has shown significant improvement year-over-year, going from an underwhelming performing in the Colonial League as a freshman to being one of the best position players for Rutgers as a sophomore, and then the best player on the team this year. That sort of improvement would show an ability to adapt and show significant growth which, along with the high makeup grades, could indicate greater potential upside, as well as a greater likelihood of Bonds getting the most out of his abilities.

Despite his size and pedigree, he’s not a toolshed like his grandfather and uncle. His father was a grinder who was an 18th round pick in 1992 who barely played above A-ball, who spent seven years playing in the Padres and Giants systems, then five more in the Indy Leagues. Bonds should go well before the 18th round.

Bonds is someone who would seem to profile as a second to fourth round pick. If the reports on the defense are correct and he’ll be able to handle center field going forward, it gives him a decent floor. His ability to succeed long-term in the majors, though, likely will be dependent on his ability to elevate the ball, and convert the impressive exit velocities into extra base hits instead of 6-3s.

Previously:

Liam Peterson

Tyler Bell

Aiden Robbins

Jared Grindlinger

Logan Reddemann

Cooper Harris

Justin Lebron

Cameron Flukey

Derek Curiel

Hunter Dietz

Logan Hughes

Carson Wiggins

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2026 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Dansby Swanson and Pedro Ramirez are the doubleheader Superheroes!

I want everyone to be honest with themselves. Ignoring the sequencing, did you think the Cubs would be on a pace for more than 87 wins? I did. So yeah, I’m a little disappointed where this half of baseball ended up. I don’t have to convince any of you that this team left wins on the table. Though if we are being honest, this team stole a ton of games in the first half too. It absolutely won more than a handful of games that should probably have been lost while losing more than a handful that probably should have been won. It has been that kind of an odd season.

But the team approaches today’s halfway point of the season at 43-37 and going 9-3 over their last 12 after having dropped to 34-34. Certainly, if you’d listed all of the injuries this team would face over the first 80 games, I wouldn’t have thought they’d win even 43. And yet, we’re left feeling a bit like they’ve underachieved. The only reason that ends up mattering is that the road ahead looks really bumpy and problematic.

I’ve always said that the whole thing about too many teams being in front of you is fairly overrated. The only question that matters when you fall behind the pace is if you are capable of stringing together the type of 10-game winning streak or 15 wins in 20 games type of stretch that really makes up ground. If you are that type of team, you can work your way through a crowd.

The problem for this team is that the projection going forward just can’t be very optimistic. Maybe the lineup and some let up in new injuries in the second half allows the team to play .500 or a little better ball the rest of the way. Playing .500 the rest of the way nets 84 wins. I’ll eat my hat if that is even within a few games of a playoff spot in this year’s NL.

I don’t see how this team can get on any kind of sustained streak and I don’t know how you’d convince this front office and ownership group that you can give up the kind of talent necessary to swing a needle moving trade. Without a needle moving trade, you are relying on healthy productive returns and development from within. I can allow myself to think of Matthew Boyd making strong contributions down the stretch. Do I think Jameson Taillon can? What would I be basing that on? He hasn’t had real sustained success in quite some time.

This team has been excellent against NL East teams struggling at the time the teams meet. This team has otherwise been extremely ordinary. The Cubs are 12-1 against the Phillies and Mets and 31-36 against the rest of the league. After this series, the Cubs will be done with both. The Cubs presently have more wins against the NL East (14 in 19 games) than the Central (8 in 17 games). There are a heck of a lot more games left against the Central than the East.

This series has been a lot of fun. Just prepare for a rough road ahead.

Game 79 Positives:

  • The Dansby Swanson game, the Dansby Swanson series. Holy cow. Two homers, seven runs driven in.
  • Michael Busch, a solo homer, a walk, a hit by pitch. Two runs driven in and one scored.
  • Ian Happ, a double, a walk and a hit by pitch. He scored a run.

Game 80 Positives:

  • The Mets defense isn’t ours and their pitching may be in further disarray as a result.
  • Nico Hoerner with a three-double game and three runs scored.
  • Dansby Swanson, three more hits, one a triple and four runs driven in and one scored. Stole a base. First Cub ever to have three straight four+ RBI games. 15 runs driven in already in the series. Already a record vs. the Mets.
  • Pedro Ramirez with a three-hit, four-run, two RBI, two stolen base game.

Game 79, June 24: Cubs 10, Mets 3 (42-37)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.

THREE HEROES:

  • Superhero: Dansby Swanson (.347). 2-4, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R
  • Hero: Michael Busch (.274). 1-3, HR, BB, HBP, 2 RBI, R
  • Sidekick: Ian Happ (.082). 1-3, 2B, BB, HBP, R

THREE GOATS:

  • Billy Goat: Pedro Ramirez (-.184). 0-3, SH
  • Goat: Seiya Suzuki (-.081) . 0-5
  • Kid: Javier Assad (-.061). 5 IP, 21 BF, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 5 K (W 6-1)

WPA Play of the Game: Dansby Swanson’s sixth inning three-run homer gave the Cubs a three run lead. (.356)

Mets Play of the Game: Jared Young’s two-run homer with no outs in the fourth opened the scoring in the game. (.194)

Cubs Player of the Game:

Game 80, June 24: Cubs 10, Mets 5 (43-37)

THREE HEROES:

  • Superhero: Pedro Ramirez (.261). 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 4 R, 2 SB
  • Hero: Dansby Swanson (.200). 3-5, 3B, 4 RBI, R, SB
  • Sidekick: Nico Hoerner (.156). 3-5, 3 2 B, 3 R

THREE GOATS:

  • Billy Goat: Shōta Imanaga (-.167). 5.1 IP, 20 BF, 4 H, BB, 4 ER, 4 K (W 5-6)
  • Goat: Michael Busch (-.137). 0-5
  • Kid: Seiya Suzuki (-.103). 0-5, DP

WPA Play of the Game: A.J. Ewing’s two-run homer with two outs in the second gave the Mets a two run lead.(.207)

Cubs Play of the Game: Dansby Swanson’s RBI-triple with a runner at second and no outs in the sixth inning gave the Cubs a 5-4 lead (.182).

Cubs Player of the Game:

Game 78 Winner: Pete Crow-Armstrong over Dansby Swanson 59-50 (113 total votes).

Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)

The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.

  • Michael Busch +20
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong +19
  • Ben Brown +13.5
  • Carson Kelly +12.5
  • Michael Conforto +9
  • Jacob Webb/Jameson Taillon -8
  • Edward Cabrera -9.5
  • Phil Maton -10
  • Caleb Thielbar -13
  • Seiya Suzuki -22.5

Dansby Swanson is +7 over the Cubs last six games to leave the bottom of the leaderboard.

Up Next: The fourth and final game of this series and seventh and last game of the season series. The Cubs are a perfect 3-0 in the series and 6-0 on the season against the Mets. Matthew Boyd (2-1, 6.00) returns. He’ll face Freddy Peralta (5-6, 4.83).

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Labaron Philon Jr. can help the Sixers redeem the Jared McCain trade

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Labaron Philon Jr. after he is drafted twenty-second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In February, the Sixers traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for what wound up being the No. 22 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft and three future second-rounders. The deal was… not well received.

To defend the controversial trade, then-team president Daryl Morey told reporters that McCain’s path in Philadelphia was “a little bit muted relative to where his path could be on another team” due to the presence of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe blocking him in the starting lineup. Morey conveniently left out that McCain’s new team, the then-reigning-champion Thunder, had an even more crowded backcourt.

Despite that, McCain carved out a significant role in OKC’s rotation, especially in the playoffs. He averaged 12.5 points in only 21.5 minutes per game between the conference semifinals and conference finals.

The Sixers thus entered this year’s draft under enormous pressure to hit on the No. 22 pick to help justify the McCain trade. They spent that pick on another small guard in Labaron Philon Jr.

Some Sixers fans are questioning the wisdom of replacing an undersized guard with another undersized guard. The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie is not one of them.

“Essentially, Morey traded McCain to the Thunder for Labaron Philon Jr. and three second-round picks, a value proposition that I think is strong, even as a fan of McCain’s game. Philon is a terrific playmaker out of ball screens who had an elite season at Alabama. I had him as a top-20 player in the class, and I was on the lower end of his evaluations. He improved drastically as a shooter, can pass and also displayed much improved finishing ability around the rim while averaging 22 points and five assists.”

Philon did routinely go before No. 22 in mock drafts, for whatever that’s worth. In a year where the draft was relatively chalky, that seems notable.

During his introductory press conference, new team president Mike Gansey said that he’d pursue a combination of best player available and fit at No. 22. After the draft, he told reporters that the Sixers had needs at all five spots around their Big 4, and Philon was the highest-ranked player on their board when they were on the clock.

“He’s got some toughness,” Gansey added. “I think he’s gonna fit Philly. He plays with an edge, plays with a swag. He’s not afraid.”

Gansey made clear that Philon’s talent was the top reason why the Sixers drafted him. But he also stressed that he envisions Philon fitting into the culture that he’s hoping to build.

“I just love his competitiveness. Especially in Philly, you want guys who wanna compete, and guys that aren’t afraid. He’s gonna be with Maxey and VJ, and I think that’s another thing, that he can learn from those guys. Because VJ and Tyrese are some of the best people, but they’re also really good players. So, learning from them will be really good for him.”

“… His mentality fits the way I want guys, and especially with Coach Nurse. Because Nick wants some guys that will fly up and down and play the right way and play with some edge and toughness, and I think he fits that.”

Vecenie seems bullish on Philon’s chances of at least playing McCain to a standstill in the coming years.

“I’d rather have Philadelphia’s end of this deal than Oklahoma City’s. Philon has four years left on a rookie scale deal versus McCain’s two, and while we haven’t seen Philon play in the NBA yet, I think he’s a good bet to provide at least a strong presence as a backup lead guard behind Tyrese Maxey on a 76ers team in desperate need of ballhandling.

“There is also some upside beyond that. McCain will be a terrific player for Oklahoma City, and he provided positive moments in the playoffs. This isn’t a shot at McCain or the Thunder, who were in the middle of a title chase and clearly needed another shooter and ballhandler, as we saw in the playoffs. But he and Philon are pretty equivalent in terms of value, and the three second-rounders tip this over the line into Philadelphia’s favor.”

Now, it’s fair to wonder what the reaction would have been if had Philon gone earlier and the Sixers took Jayden Quaintance—who said he’s expecting to get another knee procedure and miss at least part of next season—or Karim López instead. Both would be seen as fair-value picks, albeit far riskier than Philon.

There is undeniable irony in replacing McCain with a similarly sized guard, but the Sixers can’t help how the board fell. Philon was 16th in the consensus mock draft across five major outlets. Granted, Cameron Carr, who was also still on the board, was 14th.

Carr is a bit larger than Philon, although both need to fill out their frames to become above-average defensively. Gansey noted that Philon took a step back on that end of the floor this past season, but he was far better on defense as a freshman since he had a smaller offensive role. Philon isn’t likely to supplant Maxey or Edgecombe anytime soon, so he could become a sparkplug off the bench a la Lou Williams.

Even if Carr winds up being the better shooter between the two, Philon is a far better ball-handler and playmaker. These days, NBA teams can’t have enough ball-handlers and playmakers, particularly ones who can score at all three levels.

Heading into the offseason, the Sixers had exactly two guards under contract: Maxey and Edgecombe. One would hope the Sixers aren’t planning on playing them all 48 minutes per game next year. Ergo, they needed to add guards at some point this offseason, whether via the draft, trades or free agency.

Philon should have plenty of opportunity right away behind Maxey and Edgecombe even if the Sixers do re-sign Quentin Grimes. He might top out as a high-end bench guard, but the same could still be said about McCain for now.

From a best-player-available perspective, the Sixers got lucky that Philon fell right into their laps. He might not be the cleanest fit with Maxey in particular, but the same went for McCain as well.

If Philon and McCain wind up being relatively breakeven players, the three-second round picks that the Sixers acquired in the McCain trade will tip the scales in their favor. That outcome was hard to imagine a few months ago, but Philon’s unexpected drop could help the Sixers save face on one of their most controversial moves in recent years.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac and salary-cap information via RealGM.

Follow Bryan on Bluesky.

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LaMelo Ball traded to Timberwolves: Fantasy basketball fallout of deal for Hornets, Anthony Edwards, more

This NBA offseason has had no shortage of excitement. The latest came on Thursday morning when the Charlotte Hornets struck a deal to send PG LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving Anthony Edwards a running mate going into the 2026-27 season.

The T-Wolves also acquired G Josh Green in the trade while sending C Naz Reid over to Charlotte along with four future picks and three pick swaps. Ball has struggled to stay healthy throughout his six NBA seasons but when he's on the court, he's been very productive. Ball has averaged at least 20 points and 7.0 assists per game in each of the past five seasons.

With Ball teaming up with a fellow 2020 draft classmate in Ant-Man, how will the trade impact fantasy basketball for 2026-27?

Fantasy impact from Dan Titus:

By now, we expected to see Ja Morant in another uniform, but after the draft, Shams Charania reported that the Charlotte Hornets were exploring trades for LaMelo Ball. By morning, a deal was done, sending the one-time All-Star to the Minnesota Timberwolves — a team starved for a point guard to pair with their superstar, Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves made room to acquire Ball by trading away Julius Randle last week, which gave them space to absorb the three years remaining on Ball's contract. This duo will surely be one of the more entertaining backcourts in the league.

Now to the fantasy impact.

LaMelo Ball: Leaving the Hornets will have a positive impact on his fantasy value because he'll be joining a team desperately needing a point guard who can also score. The supporting cast isn't as strong in Minnesota, but I'd be comfortable selecting Melo in the third round since he'll have to see an uptick in minutes leading to more production. His health concerns will always be in the background, but this is a good move for his fantasy outlook after finishing 42nd in 9-cat and 31st in High Score this past season.

Naz Reid: Reid's been a winner of the offseason because no matter where he goes, someone is seemingly out the door. I thought he was going to ball out in Minnesota without Julius Randle, but now that he's traded to Charlotte, expect the Hornets to move on from Miles Bridges and his expiring contract at some point. Assuming Naz starts for Charlotte, he'll be one of the biggest risers in fantasy because, with no Bridges, a path to 30+ minutes a night is what fantasy managers want to see. Reid finished 82nd in 9-cat last season and barely made the top-120 in High Score. With an ADP of 95th overall last year, expect that to jump at least two rounds, maybe more.

Anthony Edwards: Remains a first-round talent in most leagues. He was the 14th overall player in 9-cat, and 17th in High Score, a career-best for him after averaging 29-5-4 with over 3 3s and 2 stocks per game. He's going to put up 30 a night this season, and having a dynamic point guard like Ball will only give him easier looks off-ball and in transition, where he excels. He'll still have playmaking duties whenever Melo is off the floor, so with all the change around him this offseason, he's primed for another step forward.

Coby White: I have to imagine the Hornets will try to retain him even more now that the newly selected rookie, Christian Anderson, and Tre Mann are the only point guards on the roster. Until we know more, I'm going to assume this will be the case, and Coby White's value will be much higher than it would have been in a sixth-man capacity.

Christian Anderson: Dynasty value is up and redraft consideration could be in play now that the Hornets are thin at point guard. There's a reason the Hornets selected him 18th overall in the 2026 Draft after averaging 18 points per game with over 7 assists at Texas Tech.

Miles Bridges: Expect him to be traded now that Naz Reid came over. By trading Ball, Charlotte is signaling that they're ready to build around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.

Kon Knueppel: He'll go into his second NBA season with more pressure to deliver but that won't be an issue after he was squarely in the running for Rookie of the Year and put together the most prolific 3-point shooting display for a rookie, ever. He's a threat to shoot 50/40/90 and could be a more fantasy-friendly version of Klay Thompson in his Warriors days. Less emphasis on the defense, and more counting stats in rebounding and assists, with a ton of 3s.

Brandon Miller: Similarly to Kon, more pressure is going his way, but he can handle it. He'll provide Paul George-like stats and should be gone by the fifth or sixth rounds in fantasy drafts. Now we have to see if there's another gear as a playmaker he can tap into to further his fantasy output on top of the 3s, steals and rebounding.

Joan Beringer: The rookie didn't play much for the Wolves, but with no big man returning in the deal for Minnesota, he's getting a promotion. He should back up Rudy Gobert now, and he'll be the better lob threat for LaMelo than Gobert. I'd be buying some stock.

Other players whose values I'm still sorting out post-trade are Jaden McDaniels, Terrance Shannon Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu. With the exception of Shannon, I think they'll be top-100 players by preseason draft time, but this roster is much different from last season.

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Ex-Arizona guard Josh Green dealt to Timberwolves in trade involving LaMelo Ball

arizona-wildcats-basketball-nba-josh-green-charlotte-hornets-trade-minnesota-timberwolves-naz-reid-lamelo-ball
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets plays against the Phoenix Suns during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Draft finished up on Wednesday night, with three Arizona Wildcats getting picked and another signing a 2-way deal immediately afterward. But that’s just the start of the NBA’s typically insane offseason, with free agency just around the corner and several blockbuster trades likely to occur.

One of those big trades dropped Thursday morning, and it included a former UA standout.

Ex-Arizona guard Josh Green has been traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Green and all-star point guard LaMelo Ball were dealt from Charlotte in exchange for forward Naz Reid while a bunch of draft picks were also swapped.

The 6-foot-6 Green is headed to his third NBA team ahead of his 7th season in the league. A 1st-round pick of the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, Green spent four seasons with Dallas before getting traded to Charlotte in 2024 as part of a massive 6-team trade.

Green, who is going into the final year of a 3-year, $41 million contract, appeared in 58 games last season for the Hornets and averaged 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes per game. He shot 42 percent from 3 and 89.3 percent from the line, coming off the bench exclusively after starting 67 games his first year with Charlotte.

With Dallas he 62 games, including 33 during the regular season in 2023-24 and scored 14 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Green played one season at Arizona, the COVID-shortened 2019-20 campaign when he averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He was one of three Wildcats taken in the 2020 NBA Draft along with Nico Mannion and Zeke Nnaji.

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How The Bowen Byram Blockbuster Trade Impacts Rangers At No. 5 Draft Pick

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

A blockbuster trade completed between the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks could have major ramifications on the New York Rangers’ fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday night. 

The Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Sabres in a trade that included the fourth overall pick. 

With Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Caleb Malhotra projected to be selected with the first three picks in the draft, it was widely speculated that the Blackhawks were looking to draft Chase Reid. 

That would have left the Rangers with their pick of the other top defensemen, including Alberts Šmits, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff. 

However, the Sabres, unlike the Blackhawks, are loaded with top-end defensemen, but could certainly use reinforcements at the forward position. 

That’s why, instead of selecting Reid, the Sabres may look to target the projected second-best center, Viggo Björck. 

According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, Björck could find his way into the top five of the draft now that the Sabres hold the No. 4 pick. 

This would clear the pathway for the Rangers to go ahead and pick Reid, as there’s now more of a possibility he’s available at their pick with this Byram trade in place.

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Timberwolves acquire LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from Hornets for Naz Reid and picks

The NBA Draft may be over, but that doesn't mean the intrigue has to end with it. Just hours after the draft concluded and undrafted free agents began signing with teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves made another shocking trade, completing a deal with the Charlotte Hornets to land LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.

So now that we know all the details of the trade, why would each team have made this move?

Minnesota Timberwolves

Get: LaMelo Ball and Josh Green

As we mentioned in our Rotoworld blurb, Anthony Edwards has expressed frustration with how he’s been double-teamed since the team traded Karl Anthony-Towns. With Donte DiVincenzo likely out all of next season with an Achilles injury, the Wolves could have really used a floor spacing guard who could hurt defenses if they sent extra men at Edwards. Ball can be that piece. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc.

Additionally, LaMelo does two other things well that the Timberwolves could have used this season: he is a good passer, and he plays with exceptional pace. Oftentimes this season, the Wolves used Edwards as a point forward, and while he was good in that role, having him as the primary ballhandler allows the defense to more easily double him. Moving him off the ball, as the Knicks did with Jalen Brunson, will create easier scoring opportunities for him, and Ball can be a good facilitator. With the plethora of young teams in the West, the Wolves also needed to be able to play with a more aggressive pace. Ball brings that style of play, which can put pressure on defenses, force them to collapse into the paint, and then set up easy opportunities for other players on his team.

The Timberwolves also have the defense to compensate for Ball's question marks on that side of the ball. Edwards is a capable defender himself, when he wants to be, and the other three starters (Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert) are all strong defenders, with Gobert's presence also likely to deter many guards who get by Ball from attacking the rim.

There are risks, though. Ball has dealt with plenty of injuries over the last few years, and even though he played 72 regular-season games last season, that was the most he's played since he played 75 games in his second season in 2021-22. Ball can also be a volatile personality at times, and was fined multiple times by the league last season for reckless contact and profane language, etc. His personality fit alongside Edwards and his new teammates will be crucial; however, he did make sacrifices in minutes and shots per game this season, which shows that he can be amenable in order to win games.

Josh Green averaged just 16 minutes per game with the Hornets last year, but is another capable shooter, knocking down 38.7% of his three-point shots during his NBA career, so he will give the Wolves another capable shooter off the bench.

Charlotte Hornets

Get: Naz Reid, a2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033)

At first blush, this seems like the Hornets gambling that Ball will not continue to remain healthy or play at the level he did in 2026. If you don't believe in his long-term health, then it makes sense to capitalize on his value right now. However, this seemed to be a team that was surging and had a young core. After starting the year 11-23, the Hornets went 32-13 down the stretch and made the play-in tournament. Over that stretch, the Hornets had the top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense, so it's a gamble to break up a team that played that well.

However, this appears to be part of a larger move to build for a more sustainable future. Ball has three years left on his contract and is eligible to sign a two-year, $119.2 million extension in July, but the Hornets would have to commit big money to keep him around for the team's long-term build. They also have Kon Knueppel (20 years old), Brandon Miller (23 years old), Moussa Diabate (24 years old), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (24 years old) playing big roles on the team. With the team hoping to re-sign Coby White (26 years old), who averaged 15.6 points in 21 games after the trade deadline, Charlotte seemed to feel good about their foundation.

Miles Bridges, who is 28 years old, has just one more year on his deal, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him dealt as well. The Hornets seem to be looking two to three years down the road as their chance to build a true contender, which makes sense given that the Knicks' core is a little on the older side and players like James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo are aging. Picking up all of these draft picks gives them assets to trade to continue to build for that window.

There were also financial motivations for this deal

That trade exception is the largest one in NBA history, and creates huge cap space for the Hornets to replace Ball with somebody that they believe fits the style of play of the rest of their core. Perhaps they want to focus on a more pure point guard?

For now, the Hornets have reshaped their frontcourt in a drastic way in order to fit into the modern style of play in the NBA. With Naz Reid, Diabate, Kalkbrenner, and rookie Hannes Steinbach, the Hornets have a large frontcourt but one that is also maleable against whatever style of offense they have to defend. Reid and Diabate are very switchable and athletic, Kalkbrenner is a mountain of a man and an imposing shot blocker, and Steinbach is another large human who could be a high-post hub on offense.

Reid himself is not somebody to be overlooked. The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year averaged 13.6 and 6.2 rebounds per game last season and is a career 37% shooter from beyond the arc. He is a physical defender, but the Wolves were 0.6 points worse with him on the floor, and he did rank 154th in defensive plus/minus. He might fit best with the Hornets as a bench big man, and the salary cap match of his contract may have been the biggest motivation for him being included in the deal.