Guerschon Yabusele on amending Knicks contract to facilitate Bulls trade: 'The passion is more than just the money'

The texts from NBA agents came in almost immediately.

“Did he really do that?”

“ What??!?”

“Wooow”

They were reacting to the news that ex-Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele removed the 2026-27 player option from his contract. Yabusele was slated to earn $5.8 million in guaranteed money next season. He essentially removed that money from his deal to facilitate last week’s trade to Chicago.

It’s rare for a player in Yabusele’s situation to forgo guaranteed money. But if you ask Yabusele about it, he’ll tell you it was an easy decision.

“We can always see the side of the money and talk about it, but at the end of the day the passion is more than just the money. It’s being out there, missing the feeling of being out there, offense, defense. Just competing at a high level because I’m a competitor first,” Yabusele said in an interview with SNY. “… The situation with New York was a little bit different for me because I wasn’t really playing, so being able to be on another team and try to bring value on the court was really important. I was just missing being out there on the court, making mistakes, learning from it and trying to get better.”

Yabusele signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks in the offseason – New York’s biggest signing of the summer. Once the season started, Yabusele was rarely on the floor. His strengths as a player did not seem to fit under new head coach Mike Brown (who was hired after Yabusele signed).

As the trade deadline approached, the Knicks were trying to find a new home for Yabusele. But it became clear that no team wanted to take on his $5.8 million player option for next season. The lack of interest was not a reflection of Yabusele’s ability; it’s mostly due to the ‘second apron’ era of the collective bargaining agreement, where every dollar in player salary is crucial for contending teams.

As such, the Knicks would have had to send draft capital to the team that traded for Yabusele.

But that all changed when Yabusele decided to change his contract. He and his agent, Richie Felder of CAA, worked with the Knicks to amend the deal and remove the player option.

Soon after, Chicago pounced and sent Dalen Terry to New York in a trade for Yabusele.

Sure, the amended contract was part of Chicago’s attraction to The Dancing Bear. But the Bulls also know Yabusele can help them on the court, something he wasn’t able to do in New York.

Yabusele so far has proven the Bulls right, averaging 12.5 points in 30 minutes over his first two games.

“I love it out there with the team, the guys. The coaches, they did a great job of welcoming me the best way they can,” Yabusele said. “Everybody’s telling me how happy they are for me to be out there on the team with them. It just makes it easy for me to have confidence and just feel good on the court.”

The trade also made it easy for New York to obtain Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado.

The Knicks didn’t have to use any of their *seven second-round picks in the Yabusele trade. In Terry, they acquired a player with no guaranteed money in 2026-27 (Terry is a restricted free agent this offseason).

New York flipped Terry and two second-round picks to New Orleans for Alvarado. The former Christ The King star made an immediate impact in his Knick debut, scoring 12 points while adding two steals on Sunday against Boston.

He will be greeted with a hero’s welcome at the Garden on Tuesday, his first home game as a Knick.

But he doesn’t make it to the Garden without Yabusele’s contract amendment.

“I mean the decision was, I wanna say pretty quick and easy,” Yabusele, a former first round pick of the Celtics who spent a few seasons overseas before returning to the NBA, said. “For me to be able to have that second chance at the NBA and come back here, I had to take [a] risk. So I would say it was nothing new to me… I was thinking about [amending my contract] and I thought that this was the best thing to do.”

With no player option for 2026-27, Yabusele will now be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He received interest from some overseas teams ahead of the trade deadline. He will probably get plenty of overseas interest this summer. A cynic would wonder if Yabusele already has a deal in place for next season.

Yabusele’s agent, Felder of CAA, declined comment when asked about an overseas deal for 2026-27.

Regardless of how things play out for Yabusele, his decision earlier this month opened the door for the Knicks to get Alvarado.

At some point on Tuesday night, Alvarado will stand up and walk to the scorer’s table. The Garden crowd will erupt. Alvarado, raised in Brooklyn, should get a long, loud ovation when he steps on the floor.

If you are one of the people screaming for Alvarado on Tuesday, don’t forget to thank Yabusele.

*The Knicks have two additional second-round picks if you include the 2026 first-round pick from Washington. That pick is top-8 protected and will almost surely turn into two second-round picks (2026, 2027). If you count the Washington picks, they have seven second-round picks left after the Alvarado trade.

Pakistan ends boycott and will face India at T20 World Cup

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan reversed its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup game against India and was directed to “take the field” in Colombo next Sunday.

A weeklong impasse ended on Monday, a day after International Cricket Council director Imran Khawaja and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam arrived in Lahore to talk with the Pakistan Cricket Board about reinstating the biggest and richest game in cricket.

Back-channel talks reached the highest level, and the Pakistan government announced on X, “In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.”

The ICC said: “It was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”

After Bangladesh was booted from the World Cup two weeks ago when the ICC dismissed its security concerns about playing in India, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi decried the ICC's “double standards” and “injustice.” The Pakistan government told its cricket board to boycott the India group game in solidarity with Bangladesh.

But the consequences of no Pakistan-India game threatened current and future TV rights deals and ICC funding of the global game.

The Pakistan government noted in its statement that the PCB was formally asked by ICC members including Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates to end the boycott. On Monday, Bangladesh's Islam requested the match go ahead “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem."

“We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period,” Islam said. “Long may our brotherhood flourish.”

The ICC eased its stance on Monday when it said it would not penalize Bangladesh for missing the T20 World Cup for the first time. The ICC added Bangladesh had the right to approach the dispute resolution committee “should it choose to do so.”

Naqvi then announced a decision by Pakistan within 48 hours, but the final clincher appeared to come from a phone call on Monday evening between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

World Cup co-host Sri Lanka is hosting Pakistan for all of its matches.

The Pakistan government said Dissanayake asked Sharif “to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.”

Sharif green-lit the India matchup again and gave his best wishes to the “Men in Green,” who have already started the World Cup with a win over the Netherlands.

Bangladesh will be awarded a global tournament before the men's World Cup in 2031, the ICC said.

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said in a statement that Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup “is regrettable but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.”

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Julia Taubitz is 1st and Merle Fraebel is 2nd at midway point of Olympic women's luge race

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — German teammates Julia Taubitz and Merle Fraebel have pulled away after the first two runs of the women’s singles luge event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, opening up a sizable lead over the rest of the field going into Tuesday’s medal-deciding heats.

Taubitz is the leader, finishing her two runs Monday in 1 minute, 45.188 seconds. Fraebel is in second with a time of 1:45.249, and it’s a sizable gap from there to Latvia’s Elina Bota — third in 1:45.683.

There are five sliders within two-tenths of a second of Bota’s time, meaning the race for the bronze medal could get wild on Tuesday. Verena Hofer of Italy is fourth in 1:45.743, followed by Ashley Farquharson of the U.S. (1:45.796), Sandra Robatscher of Italy (1:45.801), Lisa Schulte of Austria (1:45.866) and Emily Fischnaller of the U.S. (1.45.872).

Anna Berreiter of Germany, the lone Olympic medalist in this field — she won silver at the 2022 Beijing Games — is ninth going into Tuesday. And Summer Britcher of the U.S., a two-time World Cup winner this season, is 12th after the opening two runs.

Taubitz is the reigning world champion. She's a six-time medalist in women's singles at the worlds — twice a winner, four times the runner-up.

___

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

2026 DRaysBay Community Prospect List: Vote for No. 16

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 13: Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred announces Slater de Brun as the thirty-seventh overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles during the 2025 MLB Draft presented by Nike at Coca-Cola Roxy on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Previous Winner

Slater de Brun, OF
18 | L/L | 5’10” | 187

Drafted 37th overall in 2025, through a draft pick traded by the Rays, de Brun was essentially re-acquired in the Shane Baz trade. Like many Rays outfield prospects he’s not expected to develop much power, but compensates with an ability to hit to all fields, and has the benefit of years to develop. His hit tool rates plus thanks to a quick, compact swing, and his double-plus speed elevates both his baserunning and range in center; he has a solid arm and can stick long term. The key to his development will be improving pitch selection to maximize his power potential. Despite not yet playing in a pro game, he’s a good bet to skip the complex league and debut in Charleston this season.

RankPlayerPositionVotesTotalPercentageLast Season
1Carson WilliamsSS142556%1
2Brody HopkinsRHP192576%8
3Jacob MeltonOF142850%NA
4Theo GillenOF142654%13
5Ty JohnsonRHP122548%15
6Daniel PierceSS132357%NA
7Jadher AreinamoINF152854%NA
8TJ NicholsRHP132846%NR
9Michael ForretRHP83324%NA
10Santiago SuarezRHP113037%16
11Anderson BritoRHP72825%NA
12Xavier Isaac1B92832%3
13Caden BodineC102540%NA
14Brendan SummerhillOF112741%NA
15Slater de BrunOF102540%NA

de Brun has been receiving votes since No. 5, a charge led by DRB writer Ben, so I’m thrilled to free him up to vote elsewhere now. In my mind, the three 2025 draftees from the last first round rated similarly, so it’s nice to see them clustered 13-14-15 on the list, even if it’s not necessarily draft order (30-42-37). Up next we’ll add a profile for recent acquisition Victor Mesa Jr.

Candidates

Jackson Baumeister, RHP
23 | 6’4” | 224
AA | 4.62 ERA, 4.15 FIP (15 GS) 62.1 IP, 19.5% K, 9.6% BB
AFL | 6 ER (1 HR), 9.0 IP (4 G, 3 GS), 10 K, 9 BB

A shoulder injury derailed what should have been Baumeister’s coming out party, as his previously plus breaking ball was expected to carve up Double-A. After a tough start to the year and two months on the sidelines, Baumeister returned in August and salvaged the season with a brilliant finish. The tough luck continued, however, in the Arizona Fall League, where a line drive struck him in the head, but he escaped without significant injury. Currently, Baumeister has taken on a fastball/slutter profile, with a slow curve in his back pocket, and has shown teachability and pitchability over the years. The former Seminole currently thrives on his frequently used major league fastball that may be better challenged by a promotion to Triple-A.

Homer Bush Jr.
24 | R/R | 6’3” | 215
AA | .301/.375/.360 (122 wRC+) 546 PA, 0 HR, 57 SB, 8.8% BB, 17.9% K

Acquired in the 2024 Jason Adam trade, the starting center fielder at Double-A passed the test of advanced pitching, but just barely. He lacks in-game power due to a lack of use of his lower half in his swing, and he whiffed more often than you can for long term success with a low-power approach. His calling cards are Rays-grade defense and plus-speed, having notably swiped 57 bags in back-to-back seasons.

Nathan Flewelling, C
19 | L/R | 6’2” | 200
A | .229/.393/.336 (126 wRC+) 439 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 20.3% BB, 27.6% K
A+ | 22 PA, 4 H, 5 BB, 6 K

The 94th overall pick from 2024, Flewelling made his debut at 18 years young and caught a full season (75 C, 26 DH), plus a five game cup of coffee (3 C, 2 DH). Taking the longview, he could grow into 50-60 grade power with 50 grade defense, which makes him one to follow. His plus zone awareness at the plate offsets his lagging contact, and most importantly for the position his ability to call games and frame pitches are already plus. A strong season with the bat at High-A could vault him into Top-100 consideration.

Brailer Guerrero, OF
20 | L/R | 6’1” | 215
A | 249.338/.399 (119 wRC+) 222 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 11.3% BB, 29.3% K
AFL | 2 H, 0 HR, 2 SB, 3 BB, 16 K, 29 PA

Good news: the $3.7 million 2023 signee made the leap out of the complex league in his final teenage season. Bad News: He was injured yet again, with hamstring and knee injuries limiting him to 51 games for Charleston. The Rays tried to make up for lost time with an aggressive assignment to the AFL that resulted in only two hits in 29 plate appearances. He makes loud contact from a quick, quiet swing which he pre-loads by reaching back for even more power. He appears to make early decisions to swing, leading to a bit extra whiffs against anything off-speed, but that could easily clear up with some consistent playing time.

Trevor Harrison, RHP
20 | 6’4” | 225
A | 2.61 ERA, 3.26 FIP, 82.2 IP (17 GS), 22.4% K, 10.7% BB
A+ | 3.33 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 24.1 IP (5 GS), 23.8% K, 12.4% BB

Harrison entered the season as Baseball America’s top pitcher in the system thanks to a cleaned up delivery and high heat. He ran into some bumps in the road by running up his pitch count against batters, but he still made it over 100 innings in 22 starts. A power pitcher through and through, his hard slider flirts with cutter classification and could evolve into two distinct pitches down the road. It will be interesting to see how his change up plays as he’s challenged at higher levels, but for now he has premium stuff and the upside of a rotation anchor. (video)

OF Victor Mesa Jr.
24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195
AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K
MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA

This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.

Tre’ Morgan, 1B/LF
23 | L/L | 6’0” | 215
AAA | .274/.398/.412 (119 wRC+) 402 PA, 8 HR, 8 SB, 15.9% BB, 19.2% K

Morgan continued to hit without power in 2025, a great discouragement for some evaluators, but his present 50-grade hit tool and feel for the zone allow a major league projection. He continued his improved, quieter two-strike approach in 2025 that built on his success retooling his swing in the AFL last year. The Rays gave Morgan 14 starts in Left Field last season, and Baseball America called the defense “playable,” but his value is tied to his plus-plus defense at First.

Aidan Smith, OF
21 | R/R | 6’2” | 190
A+ | .237/.331/.388 (114 wRC+) 459 PA, 14 HR, 41 SB, 11.5% BB, 31.2% K

Acquired in the Arozarena trade, Smith became the prince who was promised, a five tool athlete with a strong bat, good face, and a preternatural glove in center field. That promise unraveled a bit in 2025, with his strikeout rate rocketing nine percent and his power stroke faltering after facing harder velocities in High-A, causing both his hit and power grades to drop into the 40’s. It was a full transformation into a “center field” profile, but with his ceiling that’s not a compliment. He plays with a fire, but the dip in contact rate left some evaluators feeling burned.

Brayden Taylor, 2B/3B
24 | L/R | 6’0” | 180
AA | .173/.289/.286 (77 wRC+) 437 PA, 8 HR, 17 SB, 14% BB, 27.7% K
AFL | .264/.400/.472 (.384 wOBA) 65 PA, 1 HR, 5 SB, 12 BB, 19 K

Taylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League “Fall Star” in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.

Jose Urbina, RHP
20 | 6’3” | 180
A | 2.05 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 92.1 IP (19 GS), 26.4% K, 8.2% BB
A+ | 2 ER (2 HR), 4.0 IP (1 GS), 5 K, 0 BB

Good pitchers grow and adjust, and Urbina has done that consistently at an age young for his level. Physically he has grown in strength, sitting at 96 with the fastball after flashing high octane in 2024, and technically he has grown, refining his dialed up slider and his two-plane curveball into complementary pitches — which lack plus command but are thrown with feel. He shouldered a starter’s workload at 19, and was awarded one additional start at High-A, where he allowed two solo shots and struck out five. Overall, the age, body, and body of work have him on the trajectory of top prospect lists in the near future.

Fantasy baseball early top 100 overall rankings for 2026

The end of football season marks the traditional beginning of baseball season. So fantasy baseball managers can look to emulate the Seattle Seahawks as they set their sights on bringing home a championship of their own in 2026.

The first step in preparing for this season's fantasy baseball drafts is getting to know the player pool, and figuring out which stars could potentially serve as franchise cornerstones on our rosters.

Similar to last season, there seems to be a pretty clear top three leading the way with Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. at the forefront of USA TODAY Sports' first pass of 2026 fantasy baseball rankings.

Let's dig in!

2026 top 100 overall fantasy baseball rankings

  1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers, DH/SP
  2. Aaron Judge, Yankees, OF
  3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals, SS
  4. Jose Ramirez, Guardians, 3B
  5. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves, OF
  6. Juan Soto, Mets, OF
  7. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks, OF
  8. Tarik Skubal, Tigers, SP
  9. Paul Skenes, Pirates, SP
  10. Kyle Tucker, Cubs, OF
  11. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres, OF
  12. Elly De La Cruz, Reds, SS
  13. Julio Rodriguez, Mariners, OF
  14. Garrett Crochet, Red Sox, SP
  15. Yordan Alvarez, Astros, OF
  16. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles, SS
  17. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers, SP
  18. Jackson Chourio, Brewers, OF
  19. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays, 1B
  20. Francisco Lindor, Mets, SS
  21. Nick Kurtz, Athletics, 1B
  22. Cal Raleigh, Mariners, C
  23. Junior Caminero, Rays, 3B
  24. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks, 2B
  25. Jazz Chisholm, Yankees, 2B/3B
  26. Trea Turner, Phillies, SS
  27. Bryce Harper, Phillies, 1B
  28. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies, DH
  29. James Wood, Nationals, OF
  30. Logan Gilbert, Mariners, SP
  31. Pete Alonso, Orioles, 1B
  32. Hunter Brown, Astros, SP
  33. Manny Machado, Padres, 3B
  34. Edwin Diaz, Dodgers, RP
  35. Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies, SP
  36. Chris Sale, Braves, SP
  37. Matt Olson, Braves, 1B
  38. Mookie Betts, Dodgers, SS
  39. Hunter Greene, Reds, SP
  40. Bryan Woo, Mariners, SP
  41. Zach Neto, Angels, SS
  42. Brice Turang, Brewers, 2B
  43. Logan Webb, Giants. SP
  44. Jacob deGrom, Rangers. SP
  45. Max Fried, Yankees, SP
  46. William Contreras, Brewers, C
  47. CJ Abrams, Nationals, SS
  48. Rafael Devers, Giants, 1B
  49. Andres Muñoz, Mariners, RP
  50. Josh Naylor, Mariners, 1B
  51. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs, OF
  52. Brent Rooker, Athletics, OF
  53. Nico Hoerner, Cubs. 2B
  54. Mason Miller, Padres, RP
  55. Wyatt Langford, Rangers, OF
  56. Austin Riley, Braves, 3B
  57. Cole Ragans, Royals, SP
  58. Joe Ryan, Twins, SP
  59. Shea Langeliers, Athletics, C
  60. Freddy Peralta, Mets. SP
  61. Jhoan Duran, Phillies, RP
  62. Blake Snell, Dodgers, SP
  63. Roman Anthony, Red Sox, OF
  64. Jarren Duran, Red Sox, OF
  65. Devin Williams, Mets, RP
  66. Ben Rice, Yankees, C/1B
  67. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers, 1B
  68. Maikel Garcia, Royals 3B
  69. Jackson Merrill, Padres, OF
  70. Dylan Cease, Blue Jays, SP
  71. Hunter Goodman, Rockies, C
  72. Riley Greene, Tigers, OF
  73. Spencer Strider, Braves, SP
  74. Framber Valdez, Tigers, SP
  75. Cody Bellinger, Yankees, OF
  76. Jesus Luzardo, Phillies, SP
  77. Byron Buxton, Twins, OF
  78. Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics, 1B/OF
  79. Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks, SS
  80. Cade Smith, Guardians, RP
  81. George Kirby, Mariners, SP
  82. Michael Harris II, Braves, OF
  83. Drake Baldwin, Braves, C
  84. Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves, SP
  85. Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals, 1B
  86. Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox, RP
  87. Randy Arozarena, Mariners, OF
  88. Corey Seager, Rangers, SS
  89. Bo Bichette, Mets, SS
  90. Kyle Bradish, Orioles, SP
  91. David Bednar, Yankees, RP
  92. Oneil Cruz, Pirates, OF
  93. Eugenio Suarez, Reds, 3B
  94. Jeremy Peña, Astros, SS
  95. George Springer, Blue Jays, OF
  96. Josh Hader, Astros, RP
  97. Nick Pivetta, Padres, SP
  98. Alex Bregman, Cubs. 3B
  99. Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays, SP
  100. Brandon Woodruff, Brewers, SP

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings 2026: Top 100 overall players

How should the NBA address the tanking problem? (daily topic)

Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during press conference at the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

One topic that has been the talk of the NBA recently has been the persistent (and perhaps increasing) efforts that “rebuilding” teams are making to actively fall down the standings. Commonly known as “tanking.”

The idea behind determining draft order starting with the worst teams getting the best picks is common among sports leagues. It promotes parity and at least attempts to give the impression that any team can get better over time if they are managed properly.

The draft lottery was put into place in order to stop teams from blatantly losing on purpose. A few pretty good teams won the lottery when the odds were flat across all non-playoff teams, so they tweaked the odds. The NBA has continued to tinker with rules changes, incentives, and penalties over the years and they are threatening to do so again.

Based on this season and what everyone expects to see down the stretch, I don’t think their efforts have done much to fix things.

So we get to my daily topic discussion: Is there anything the NBA can do to adjust the rules to at least make this tanking problem, …less of a problem?

Here are some of the suggestions the league is considering.

From ESPN:

In recent years, multiple teams have either shut down players early or sat players for games to try to improve their draft positioning, often tied to a protected pick. Sources said multiple ideas were proposed as a brainstorming measure to combat tanking, including:

Limiting pick protections to either top four or 14 and higher, which would eliminate the problematic mid-lottery protections

No longer allowing a team to draft in the top four two years in a row

Locking lottery positions after March 1

Which of these options do you like the best? Are there other ideas not mentioned above that the league should consider? Or will each of these cures end up being worse than the disease in the long run?

What do you think? Leave your suggestions and reactions in the comments below.

Emma Raducanu retires in Qatar opener after on-court blood pressure test

  • Briton forced to pull out when 2-0 down in deciding set

  • Qualifier Camila Osorio into Qatar Open second round

Emma Raducanu retired during the third set of her first-round match with the qualifier Camila Osorio at the Qatar Open, having tried to play on after taking a medical timeout.

The British No 1 was looking to move swiftly on from the disappointment of losing in straight sets on Saturday against the home ­favourite Sorana Cirstea in the ­Transylvania Open final, a match she described as “very difficult emotionally and physically”.

Continue reading...

Red Sox acquire Caleb Durbin in trade with Brewers to address third base

MILWAUKEE — Third baseman Caleb Durbin was traded to the Boston Red Sox in a six-player deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday after finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year balloting last year.

Milwaukee acquired left-handers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan and infielder David Hamilton from Boston for Durbin and infielders Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler. The Red Sox also are receiving a competitive balance round B pick in July’s amateur draft, about 67th overall.

Durbin, who turns 26 on Feb. 22, could fill Boston’s opening at third base created when Alex Bregman left as a free agent to sign a $175 million, five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.

The 5-foot-7 Durbin, who plays third base and second, batted .256 with a .334 on-base percentage, 11 homers and 18 steals in 136 games while helping the Brewers win a third straight NL Central title and reach the NL Championship Series last season.

Milwaukee acquired Durbin and left-hander Nestor Cortes from the New York Yankees for closer Devin Williams.

The Brewers had the third- and fourth-place finishers in the voting for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award that went to Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, but neither player remains with the organization. Outfielder Isaac Collins, who finished fourth in the balloting, went to Kansas City along with pitcher Nick Mears in a December trade that brought left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa to Milwaukee.

Durbin’s exit from Milwaukee leaves the Brewers with an apparent opening at third. Joey Ortiz was the Brewers’ starting third baseman in 2024 but shifted to shortstop last season. Hamilton, among the players coming over from Boston, played one game at third base last year but primarily has worked at second base and shortstop.

Boston also gained some infield depth.

After losing Bregman, the Red Sox picked up Willson Contreras to play first base and now Durbin can play second or third.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow said the team hadn’t decided where Durbin would play but said he expects him to be a regular starter.

“We’re just excited about getting a really good player into the organization, and we’ll figure out where he fits best,” Breslow said. “It just doesn’t feel like it makes sense to commit to anything right now.”

Monasterio, a 28-year-old with experience at every infield position, hit .270 with a .319 on-base percentage, four homers and 16 RBIs in 68 games last season. Seigler, 26, batted .194 with a .292 on-base percentage, no homers and five RBIs in 34 games.

Harrison, 24, was a combined 1-1 with a 4.56 ERA in eight appearances for the Red Sox and San Francisco last year. He came to Boston as part of the 2025 trade that sent Rafael Devers to San Francisco.

Hamilton, 28, hit .198 with a .257 on-base percentage, six homers, 19 RBIs and 22 steals for Boston last year. That followed a 2024 season in which he batted .248 with a .303 on-base percentage, eight homers, 28 RBIs and 33 steals in 98 games.

Milwaukee selected Hamilton out of Texas in the eighth round of the 2019 draft, then sent him to the Red Sox in a 2021 trade that brought outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to Milwaukee.

Drohan, 27, has never pitched in the majors. He went 5-2 with a 3.17 ERA and 77 strikeouts over 54 innings in 15 combined appearances with Triple-A Worcester and High-A Greenville last season.

Which Offseason Move/Non-Move are You Most Excited About?

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 6: Kazuma Okamoto #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays is introduced during a press conference alongside Ross Atkins, General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on January 6, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This is a thing SB Nation is trying for February (or at least the three weeks that are left, oops…). Each weekday, I’m going to ask our readers a question to see how everyone’s feeling about the team, and to get to know each other a little bit better. I’m even more excited tha our boy Kazuma Okamoto in the header picture.

Our staring out the window and waiting for spring comes to an end this week. With the Tigers’ signing of Framber Valdez on Wednesday, the major part of the offseason is basically over, and pitchers and catchers begin to report tomorrow. With all that, I figured it was a good time to ask some questions about the offseason. First up, which move are you most excited about? Dylan Cease is of course the big one, but personally I can’t wait to see Tyler Rogers in a Jays uniform. I love me a weird reliever, and Rogers has quietly been a top 10 or so reliever the past five seasons. The Jays bullpen was awfully thin at times last year, so adding the most durable reliever in the game who happens to boast a career ERA starting with a 2 is a very welcome security blanket. And as one of the sport’s premier ground ball merchants, he’ll enjoy playing in front of an infield that features Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement. It feels like a perfect fit of team and player.


How about you? Which move has you the most excited for the season?

Should the Red Sox have traded Marcelo Mayer for Ketel Marte?

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 3: Marcelo Mayer #39 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on August 3, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Never say never, but with the Caleb Durbin deal, it looks like the Red Sox are done tinkering in the infield. The timing of the deal is interesting because, just this morning, Alex Speier gave us this report about the Red Sox efforts to acquire All-Star Ketel Marte:

According to multiple league sources, the Sox were open to dealing a package headlined by Franklin Arias and either Payton Tolle or Connelly Early in exchange for Marte. However, when Arizona sought a package led by Marcelo Mayer and one of the pitchers, the Sox declined.

Tolle/Early and Mayer is a big haul… but Marte is a hell of a player and he’s locked up until 2031. Should Craig Breslow have pulled the trigger?

Which Washington Nationals offseason decision makes you nervous?

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 16: Foster Griffin #29 of the Yomiuri Giants pitches in the top of the first inning during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Paul Toboni’s first offseason as Nationals President of Baseball Operations has been an intriguing one. He made plenty of moves, but most of them have been with the future in mind. That is a smart strategy, but part of me wonders about the state of this team in 2026. They are not going to be good, but I worry about the possibility of bottoming out.

There are plenty of holes on this roster, and Toboni has not provided solutions, at least for 2026. We wrote about how the Nats need to make a couple more additions before the season starts. Leaving such glaring holes feels risky to me. However, Paul Toboni has been unafraid to accept risk this offseason.

The one free agent signing he has made is a good example of that. Instead of going for a proven MLB innings eater to fill the back of the rotation, Toboni took an interesting flier. He signed Foster Griffin to a one-year $5.5 million deal. Griffin had a dominant three year run in Japan, but he is 30 years old and only has 8 MLB innings under his belt. 

There is some reason to believe that this could be a strong signing though. Griffin added a few new pitches in Japan and became one of the better arms in the NPB. His last few seasons in Japan compare favorably to Shota Imanaga, who has been a front of the rotation arm for the Cubs. The projection systems actually think Griffin will be solid, with Fangraphs projecting a 4.11 ERA season.

If Griffin can give you an ERA of around 4 for 150 innings, that would be a good contract. However, he is an unproven soft-tosser and the Nats are relying on him to be a solid starter in the heart of their rotation. This is a major risk, even for a rebuilding team.

Toboni’s handling of the bullpen this offseason has also been risky. Last season, the Nats had the worst bullpen ERA in all of baseball at 5.59. Despite that, Toboni traded away the Nats best reliever and has not signed a bullpen arm in free agency. He has been active on the waiver wire and is hoping for internal development.

This plan could work, and is something worth trying. A lot of the best bullpens are not the ones that have the biggest names. Relievers are very volatile assets. You can create a solid bullpen out of thin air, and that is exactly what Toboni plans to do. The Nats have some promising arms that Toboni and the coaching staff will look to develop.

The bullpen battle in Spring Training is something I will be monitoring closely. I am curious to see which pitchers emerge. There are likely to be a couple arms who have added velocity or tweaked their pitch mix. The question is which ones.

Finally, the biggest move Paul Toboni made this offseason was also a risky one. Trading MacKenzie Gore was not a risky move, but the return is high variance. I actually think holding on to Gore would have been the risky option. However, the Nats decided to take a high risk package from the Texas Rangers.

Instead of taking a deal with a true headliner, Toboni went for a quantity over quality package. Most of the players in the deal are multiple years away from the big leagues. The three main pieces in the deal are a 19 year old, a 20 year old and a pitcher who will miss two straight seasons due to injury. 

If these guys hit, Toboni will look like a genius and the Nats farm will be one of the best in baseball. However, there is also a chance that he will regret not taking a deal with more proven commodities. Even for prospects, these guys are high risk.

Overall, Toboni has made a few moves he might regret. However, he also could look very smart. Either way, these deals are also not shots in the dark. They are part of a real strategy and long term vision. He trusts himself and the coaches to develop these players and get the best out of them. 

Plenty of these moves make me nervous, but they also make me excited. Let me know which move makes you the most nervous in the comments. What is one move that you really like and what is a move you think Toboni could regret? It has been an interesting offseason, and I am excited to see it play out. 

Thunder vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game

Shorthanded Western Conference heavyweights go head-to-head tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Luka Doncic out, LeBron James should operate as LA’s primary facilitator, and my Thunder vs. Lakers predictions expect him to get teammates involved early and often.

Here are my best free NBA picks for Monday, February 9.

Thunder vs Lakers prediction

Thunder vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists (-130)

LeBron James is averaging 6.8 dimes per game this season, including 7.4 at home. He's dished 8+ dimes in 13 of 34 appearances overall, including seven of 16 at home. 

In four games with Luka Doncic sidelined, James has averaged 8.8 assists and handed out 8+ three times

James has handed out 10 assists in back-to-back games, and he’ll operate as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary facilitator tonight in what could be a high-scoring matchup at home. I’ll take the Over on a modest assists line.

Thunder vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Los Angeles Lakers have covered in seven of their last 10 games, including three straight. The Oklahoma City Thunder are just 4-5-1 ATS across their last 10 appearances. Both teams will be without their star point guards, but the Lakers have played too well to be spotted seven points at home.

Both teams have hit the Over in 28 games, and despite the absences of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they each have enough firepower to hit the Over on this modest line. The Lakers are 5-1 to the Over as the home underdog, and the Thunder are 13-11 as the road favorite.

Thunder vs Lakers SGP

  • LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
  • Lakers +7
  • Over 223

Our "from downtown" SGP: Welcome to La-La land

Chet Holmgren is pulling down 8.7 rebounds per game this season, but he's corralled 9.8 across his last 14 appearances and reached the Over on this line 10 times. Even with Isaiah Hartenstein back in the fold, Holmgren has grabbed 10+ rebounds in two straight with Hartenstein available. 

Thunder vs Lakers SGP

  • LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
  • Lakers +7
  • Over 223
  • Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds

Thunder vs Lakers odds

  • Spread: Thunder -7 | Lakers +7
  • Moneyline: Thunder -260 | Lakers +210
  • Over/Under: Over 233 | Under 233

Thunder vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Los Angeles Lakers have covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 50 games (+10.60 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Lakers.

How to watch Thunder vs Lakers

LocationCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
DateMonday, February 9, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

Thunder vs Lakers latest injuries

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Jon Scheyer says Duke staff member injured during UNC court storm 'doing better'

Duke men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer said that a member of the Blue Devils’ staff who was injured during a court storming at the end of the team’s 71-68 loss to archrival North Carolina is “fine” and “doing better.”

Scheyer said the unnamed staff member had a bloody lip and was “disheveled and didn’t know what happened” when the team reconvened in the locker room last Saturday after the game in the Dean E. Smith Center.

“He got trampled on the floor,” Scheyer said. “That was my main concern after the game. That's why I said what I said. It was not a good situation. But he's doing better, he's fine, ready to move on. I don't have anything more to say other than that was a very unsafe situation for him, our staff, our families, our players.”

The alleged incident occurred during a chaotic final sequence at the end of Duke’s loss to the Tar Heels. North Carolina’s Seth Trimble hit what initially appeared to be a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, prompting students and fans to rush the court. After a review, though, officials added 0.4 seconds back on the clock. Duke was unable to get a shot off and the Tar Heels sealed the come-from-behind victory, leading to another court storm.

Scheyer had initially said in the moments after the game that he had staff members who were punched in the face, rather than a single staffer who was trampled.

North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said he apologized to Scheyer before he went into his post-game news conference and said it’s “just very disappointing” someone was injured.

The Tar Heels were fined $50,000 on Sunday by the ACC for violating the league’s court-storming policy.

“We accept the ACC’s fine for having unauthorized people on the court before Duke and the officials could completely clear the floor on Saturday,” North Carolina said in a statement. “The video we have reviewed confirms we followed our protocols to get Duke’s players and bench personnel and the game officials off the floor safely. We will continue to review our protocols to provide the highest measures of safety in the event fans rush the court. We consider this matter closed and look forward to the rest of the season.”

The loss was only Duke’s second of the season, dropping it two spots to No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Blue Devils led for 37:39 of a possible 40 minutes and were ahead of the Tar Heels by as many as 13 points. Trimble’s shot with 0.4 seconds left gave North Carolina its first and only lead of the game.

“I'm a big boy, can take losing,” Scheyer said on the teleconference Monday. “Great college game. Carolina played great.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jon Scheyer says Duke staff member injured during UNC court storm is 'doing better'

Clayton Kershaw added as pregame analyst for NBC Sports

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 21: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is seen on a headset during Game 2 of the 2020 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

NBC’s interest in adding Clayton Kershaw to its television team, which was first reported by The Athletic in January, officially came to fruition on Sunday, with NBC Sports announcing more of its plans for 2026 baseball coverage.

Kershaw, who retired at the end of the 2025 season after pitching 18 years for the Dodgers, joins other recently retired stars Joey Votto and Anthony Rizzo as part of the NBC Sports team in 2026, in the first season of a three-year deal with Major League Baseball.

NBC Sports has rights to Sunday Night Baseball — the Dodgers have three such games on NBC and streaming on Peacock this season — as well as Sunday leadoff games during the regular season, plus the entire wild card round.

The plan is for Kershaw, Votto, and Rizzo to be pregame analysts for the up to three days of the wild card round. Their schedule of games for the regular season hasn’t been revealed, but in a press release NBC Sports said, “Based upon schedules and availability, the three will appear on select pregame shows leading into regular-season Sunday Night Baseball games on NBC and Peacock, alongside hosts Bob Costas and Ahmed Fareed.”

The first game for NBC Sports will be at Dodger Stadium on March 26, televising the Dodgers’ opening day game against the Diamondbacks on NBC, with streaming on Peacock. 

Mets news: Mets announce 29 non-roster invitees to spring training

Houston Astros v New York Mets

The Mets announced their full slate of invitees not on the 40-man roster ahead of this Wednesday’s pitchers and catchers reporting date.

Mets’ 2026 spring training NRIS

Among the more interesting names are top prospects Carson Benge, Ryan Clifford, A.J. Ewing and Jack Wenninger. Veterans Craig Kimbrel, Austin Barnes, and Carl Edwards Jr. are among the players hoping to extend their careers on the backend.

With the M.J. Melendez signing not yet official, the 40-Man Roster is still in a state of flux, but we can presume that the Mets will have 37 of the 40 on their roster in big league camp, with Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill, and Dedniel Núñez all out for the season after arm surgeries.

That means that the Mets will have 66 (give or take once the Melendez signing becomes official) players in camp. While the 26-man roster is fairly predictable at this point, there area few spots at the fringes that will be interesting stories this spring. Plus, this will be many fans’ first looks at some prospects who may wind up being key players for the club this year and beyond. Spring training, same as it ever was.

All of that is to say…baseball’s (nearly) back, baby.

The full list of both NRIs and members of the 40-Man Roster is below:

[Names in italics are non-roster invitees, underlined expected to miss the full 2026 season]

Pitchers:

Huascar Brazobán

Alex Carillo

Luis García

Reed Garrett

Joey Gerber

Justin Hagenman

Clay Holmes

Sean Manaea

Nolan McLean

Tylor Megill

A.J. Minter

Tobias Myers

Dedniel Núñez

Freddy Peralta

David Peterson

Jonathan Pintaro

Brooks Raley

Dylan Ross

Christian Scott

Kodai Senga

Jonah Tong

Austin Warren

Luke Weaver

Devin Williams

Adbert Alzolay

Mike Baumann

Nick Bundi

Daniel Duarte

Carl Edwards Jr.

Kevin Herget

Joe Jacques

Craig Kimbrel

Ryan Lambert

Nate Lavender

Anderson Severino

Robert Stock

Matt Turner

Brandon Waddell

Jack Wenninger

Catchers:

Francisco Alvarez

Hayden Senger

Luis Torrens

Austin Barnes

Kevin Parada

Chris Suero

Infielders:

Brett Baty

Bo Bichette

Vidal Bruján

Francisco Lindor

Ronny Mauricio

Jorge Polanco

Marcus Semien

Mark Vientos

Christian Arroyo

Ryan Clifford

Jackson Cluff

Grae Kessinger

Jacob Reimer

Jose Rojas

Outfielders:

Nick Morabito

Luis Robert Jr.

Juan Soto

Tyrone Taylor

Jared Young

M.J. Melendez (not yet official)

Ji Hwan Bae

Carson Benge

A.J. Ewing

Cristian Pache

Jose Ramos