NBA

Knicks sign PG Jalen Brunson to four-year, $156.5 million contract extension

Brunson is doing the Knicks a massive favor. If New York’s star point guard signed next summer instead of now, he would receive $113 million more, but Brunson clearly values flexibility for the Knicks over making as much money possible. And hey, that’s perfectly fine, but other contenders ought to be furious about this development — one that allows New York to keep Brunson at a discount rate for even longer.

Grade: A+

76ers sign PF KJ Martin to two-year, $16 million contract

Philadelphia’s offseason has gone to plan — almost perfectly — but this is a weird deal. Martin is a decent young forward — a high-flyer that’s still developing an all-around game — but is overpaid on this deal.

Grade: D+

Rockets pick up $8 million team option on PF Jeff Green

It could prove difficult for the soon-to-be 38-year-old Green to find minutes on a roster full of interesting young prospects, but Houston clearly values the forward’s experience and veteran leadership. Green averaged a career-low 6.5 points per game last season, but still has some bounce and all-around chops to stay on the court.

Grade: C

Jazz sign SG Johnny Juzang to four-year, $12 million contract

What are we doing here? The Jazz are flush with salary cap room and can’t seem to decide on a direction, and when you add it all up, I guess you end up with Johnny Juzang getting a four-year contract. The 23-year-old can somewhat hold his own offensively, but this isn’t a wise commitment for Utah. The guard was better last season, but posted just a 41.1 true shooting percentage in 2023.

Grade: D-

MLB

Athletics 6, Phillies 2

The Athletics control Brent Rooker for three more seasons after this one, but if Oakland opts to move him, it would surely fetch a pretty penny. After going 2-for-5 in this game, Rooker’s slash line is up to .281/.361/.536. Move him, Oakland. Contention is too far away.

Yesterday, the Phillies released Whit Merrifield — an occurrence that would’ve been unfathomable entering this season — as the union between Philadelphia and the 2023 All-Star just didn’t work out. I doubt the Phillies want to roll with Weston Wilson to replace Merrifield the rest of the way, so Dave Dombrowski will be in the market for outfield help this month.

Rays 2, Guardians 0

Taj Bradley often is forgotten when discussing MLB’s top young pitchers; he shouldn’t be. Bradley easily navigated the Guardians’ lineup last night, striking out eight over seven scoreless innings. Bradley’s ERA is down to 2.90.

Cleveland keeps trotting out Angel Martinez as its everyday No. 2 hitter. That’s fine if the Guardians want to finish in second place, but we all know Stephen Vogt’s club has bigger aspirations than that. The Guardians have scored a lot of runs thus far (450), but the team will rue not adding offensive help if it stands pat at the deadline.

Royals 6, Red Sox 1

This is a massive series for the Royals in the AL wild-card chase, so it’s fitting the team’s best player and one of its best pitchers delivered strong performances. Bobby Witt Jr. finished 2-for-4 with a home run, and in many other seasons would be a strong MVP candidate. Unfortunately, Aaron Judge and Gunnar Henderson exist, so Witt Jr. might have to settle for third place. Sorry, Bobby. In addition to Witt Jr., Cole Ragans, as he has for most of this season, delivered on the mound. Seven innings of one-run ball for Ragans.