Category: Uncategorized

NFL

Packers sign DT Devonte Wyatt to three-year, $57 million contract extension

In most cases, securing starting-caliber players for the remainder of their prime is good business. Franchises normally get a hometown discount when doing so, thus incentivizing them to proactively offer contract extensions.

The Packers may have gone too far here. Wyatt, 28, is a fine starter with some upside still in the tank, but his on-field performance hasn’t been worth this kind of money.

He’s best used as a twitched-up interior disruptor, backed up by his 16 career sacks. Wyatt’s explosiveness is his calling card, and he uses it masterfully on passing downs. Against the run, however, the 2022 first-round pick still struggles. Wyatt is a bit undersized for Green Bay’s 3-4 front, and it shows when opponents run at him.

Wyatt hasn’t exactly had a clean bill of health, either. He played in an impressive 33 games over his first two seasons, but the defensive tackle hasn’t been on the field nearly as often since. Wyatt played just 379 snaps last year, as he battled an ankle injury.

Extensions obviously prioritize future performance, and there’s a chance Wyatt’s arrow is still pointing up. He’ll need to prove that he’s fully healthy first, but a rise to Pro-Bowl level can’t be ruled out. After all, he possesses the rarest trait a defensive tackle can hold: pass-rushing ability. Further refinement as an early-down defender would do wonders in unlocking Wyatt’s potential. Stay tuned.

NBA

Lakers sign SF Matisse Thybulle to one-year, $3.3 million contract

This agreement is for the veteran’s minimum, landing Thybulle with his third NBA team.

Aside from keeping Austin Reaves on a new four-year pact, the Lakers’ offseason has been about adding defense. The big ticket addition was acquiring Walker Kessler, a stabilizing force around the rim. Los Angeles rightfully didn’t stop there, as Thybulle is the latest — and probably final — addition.

The book on Thybulle for years was that of an elite perimeter defender but poor shooter. In reality, the swingman still can’t shoot, though his three-point percentage has reached an acceptable level — albeit on the easiest of difficulties. Consistently left open from deep, Thybulle made 43.8 percent of his attempts in 2025 and 39.8 percent last season. Those marks, at least to a point, will cause defenses to possibly think twice before leaving the 29-year-old wide open.

Thybulle’s shooting does matter, though it’s obviously not what the Lakers are paying him for. On certain nights, there’ll be 15-20 minutes available for Thybulle to do what he does best: harass ball handlers and deflect passes. On a per-minute basis, there might not be a better wing defender in the sport, though again, Thybulle’s offense precludes him from keeping a major role.

Los Angeles now has 16 players with guaranteed contracts, so Rob Pelinka & Co. still have business to attend to. In the meantime, we’ll see if Thybulle can force his way into the team’s rotation, either through strong play or by necessity for a perimeter stopper.

Thybulle averaged 5.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game last season with the Trail Blazers.

MLB

Orioles sign SP Kyle Bradish to five-year, $90 million contract extension

The Orioles continue to spend. Since David Rubenstein took over as majority owner in 2024, Baltimore’s payroll has spiked. The club’s annual player tab ran around $65 million earlier this decade, which ranked toward the bottom of MLB. Now, the Orioles’ payroll is regularly over $150 million, a much more competitive amount.

Keeping Bradish in tow will allow Baltimore to remain competitive. The 29-year-old faced elbow concerns in 2024, limiting him to eight starts that year and six last season. He’s healthy now, however, and pitching like it.

Bradish is just 6-9 this season, but boasts a 3.61 ERA. His advanced metrics have been less friendly, though the right-hander’s health is the most important factor. If Bradish continues making starts, it’s fair to consider him a mid-level starter, at worst.

Baltimore is doing the right things. It now needs its highly-paid and highly-touted players to perform. Bradish has done his part.

NFL

Ravens sign C Ethan Pocic to one-year, $4.5 million contract

This agreement is worth up to $4.5 million. The base value is almost certainly worth a bit less than that amount.

Nobody ever said replacing Tyler Linderbaum was going to be easy. Baltimore inked fellow interior offensive lineman Danny Pinter to a slightly smaller deal earlier this offseason, providing immediate competition for Pocic. The two veterans should battle it out in training camp, but Pocic will likely prevail. Regardless, the Ravens will see a drastic decrease in quality of play at center this season.

Pocic, 30, has made 97 career starts at guard and center.

MLB

Reds sign SP Chase Burns to seven-year, $105 million contract extension

In a season lacking much joy, yesterday was a day to celebrate for the Reds. Burns, 23, is one of MLB’s best young starters, and he’s now tied to Cincinnati through 2033. The right-hander was previously controlled through 2031, so this extension buys out two years of free agency.

Assuming he stays healthy — a difficult thing to do regarding pitchers in the modern era — Burns will be exorbitantly expensive once he hits the free market. As such, the Reds are receiving a sizeable bargain in securing him early. Of course, Burns is gaining security in exchange for the discount.

Burns showed promise last year as a rookie, pitching to a 4.57 ERA across 43.1 innings. His biggest strength was striking out opposing batters, as he fanned 67 of them against just 16 walks. Those indicators advanced his performance this season, with Burns starting 11-1. His ERA (2.54) has progressed, too, giving Cincinnati another true ace behind — or even ahead of — Hunter Greene.

Cincinnati has numerous short- and long-term questions to answer, but its rotation is stacked for years to come. This is a seismic victory for the club.

Mets 4, Phillies 1

With air quality concerns sweeping many northern states, the start time for this game was pushed up by one hour. I fear that several contests today will be postponed. Fortunately, these issues should subside by the end of the weekend, at the latest.

It’s been a horrific campaign for the 41-57 Mets. A highly-priced roster has failed to deliver in the biggest way possible, prompting the firing of manager Carlos Mendoza and questions surrounding countless others in the organization.

One bright spot, however, has been right-hander Christian Scott. The 27-year-old debuted for New York in 2024, though it was mostly a cup of coffee that produced mediocre results. This season, though, Scott is establishing himself as a future rotation linchpin for the Mets. We’ll see if he can deliver results for the next two months, keeping his ERA near his current mark of 2.87.

Scott pitched 5.2 scoreless innings yesterday, earning his third win.

The Phillies simply couldn’t get their bats going against Scott & Co., needing an eight-inning home run by Trea Turner to get on the board. Turner himself had an error, his 13th of the year.

MLB’s Home Run Derby was last night. It’s fairly standard for me not to watch, though it appears I missed an entertaining event.

For as long as I can remember, it’s aired on ESPN. This year it moved to Netflix, and that didn’t exactly elevate my interest. I’m not looking forward to several big regular-season NFL games being on the streaming service later this year.

Anyway, I bet on Kyle Schwarber and Junior Caminero to win the Derby. Both made it to the semifinals, but Jordan Walker’s dark horse run culminated in the Cardinals slugger winning. The new format seemed to reenergize the event and fans at large, so I’ll probably tune in next year — if the looming lockout doesn’t advance to that point.

NBA

Spurs sign PG Jordan McLaughlin to one-year, $3.3 million contract

The Spurs are rounding out their roster, inking McLaughlin to what amounts to veteran’s minimum.

After a five-year run with the Timberwolves from 2020-2024, the 30-year-old looked finished as backup point guard with San Antonio and Sacramento in 2025. Nothing altered that notion last season with the Spurs, as McLaughlin averaged just 6.4 minutes per game and shot 41.0 percent on two-pointers. His days of providing consistent rotational minutes, especially on a good team, are likely over.

Rosters need filled out, however, and McLaughlin isn’t a bad guy to serve an end-of-bench role. He’s a wily veteran, capable of handling the ball and making open three-pointers. The USC product made 42.5 percent of his attempts from deep last year.

McLaughlin averaged 2.0 points and 0.9 assists per game last season.

Lakers sign SF Ziaire Williams to one-year, $2.85 million contract

The Nets declined a $6.25 million team option on Williams last month, making the 24-year-old a free agent. The Lakers are adding him for less than half that amount, which equates to the veteran’s minimum.

Across his two-year stint with Brooklyn, Williams displayed tangible growth. The 2021 No. 10 overall selection was often overwhelmed in his first three seasons with Memphis, but he elevated his game as a scorer and defender with the Nets.

A rangy 6-foot-9 athlete, Williams has no issues staying with smaller wings. On a team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, that skillset should prove useful. Williams’ improved shooting can offer value, too. He shot just 34.3 percent from deep last year, but that was a career-best, perhaps providing evidence that further development is possible.

There are worse options than signing a decent 24-year-old with upside to the league minimum. Williams will face more pressure than ever to contribute immediately, but he may be up to the task. This signing was a no-brainer for the Lakers, who beat out the Pelicans for the forward’s services.

Williams posted 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game last season with Brooklyn.

Happy MLB draft day!

Baseball’s draft is the least interesting of the three main ones (football and basketball) to me. That’s likely because it’s more of a crapshoot. I’m a fairly patient person, but waiting three-plus years for the typical first-round pick to make his major-league debut takes at least some allure away from the draft. Of course, I don’t mind the process working in that manner. It’s just the way it has to be.

Also, MLB and its media partners do a remarkably poor job of marketing the draft. MLB Network aired the scouting combine, which isn’t surprising given the station’s consistently good coverage. Aside from that, most wouldn’t know the (first part of) draft is today. To make matters worse, the event changes networks after just 10 selections.

So, get settled in, watch the first 10 picks on NBC and then change the channel. MLB has plenty to figure out, with the draft chief among them — and behind the looming lockout. We’ll find out if Rob Manfred is the right man for the job.

NBA

Spurs sign C Victor Wembanyama to five-year, $252 million contract extension

Let’s just get this out of the way: This deal was a no-brainer.

Well, for the Spurs, that is. Whispers emerged yesterday that Wembanyama would accept less than a max contract from San Antonio to assist the franchise with its building efforts. Presumably, that meant helping the Spurs pay Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper down the line. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement is awfully restrictive for high-payroll teams, and San Antonio is a sure bet to become one after inking its other promising young players to lucrative extensions.

In the end, Wembanyama did sign a max deal, though it’s not a supermax. Crucially, the superstar’s decision will likely save the Spurs around $50 million over the duration of the pact.

There’s actually precedent for this within the Spurs organization. Past franchise stalwarts Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili all regularly left money on the table to help the organization pay their supporting cast. That unselfishness aided the club in winning multiple championships, and the hope is obviously that Wembanyama’s generosity, if you will, leads to similar results.

You don’t need me to tell you that Wembanyama is one of the best players in the sport. A titan of a two-way force, it’s only a matter of time until he becomes the best player in the league. In fact, it’s plausible that jump happens this year.

San Antonio is lucky to have a superstar of Wembanyama’s ilk.

Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game last season.

MLB

Cardinals sign 2B JJ Wetherholt to eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension

Pre-arbitration extensions in MLB are seemingly becoming more and more common. It’s easy to understand why. Clubs benefit from locking up talented young players on the long-term deals, normally at a significantly cheaper rate than they would cost several years down the line. Players benefit from securing generational wealth earlier than they otherwise would have.

There is a major caveat, however. Most players that sign these sort of contracts leave future earnings on the table. Again, that’s a major victory for the franchises that hand out the extensions, but a loss for the players. It’s understandably difficult — impossible, even — to reject over $100 million, so it’s hard to blame Wetherholt here.

Franchises should race to sign as many of their promising rookies and prospects to long-term agreements as possible. Kudos to the Cardinals for controlling one of the best in Wetherholt for the next eight seasons.

The second baseman entered this season with much fanfare, but he’s even exceeded those lofty expectations. Already arguably the best player at his position, Wetherholt has been an all-around gem for St. Louis.

He’s batting .265 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs. While those numbers may seem modest, his defensive impact hasn’t been. Wetherholt has quickly become a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman, while also possessing the tools to play shortstop. He’s also swiped nine bases and has been caught zero times.

The Cardinals now control Wetherholt through his 32nd birthday — a huge boon for a franchise back on the upswing. It’s somewhat difficult to imagine the rookie blossoming into a superstar, but he’s perfectly good enough as is. Unlocking further power would give him limitless upside, and at 23, that’s within the realm of possibility.

Congratulations, St. Louis, on securing Wetherholt. I expect four or so All-Star appearances for him over the course of this agreement. Heck, there’s a case to be made that the rookie should be in Philadelphia next week.

NBA

Pacers sign PF Larry Nance Jr. to one-year, $4 million contract

Nance, 33, signed with the Cavaliers last offseason to mild fanfare. The veteran’s second stint with Cleveland didn’t go completely according to plan, however. Playing in just 35 games, Nance posted career lows in points, rebounds and true shooting percentage. It was fair to assume the big man’s career was over.

Not so fast. Nance has a solid track record, so it’s reasonable to assume he has a bit left in the tank. If so, he’ll have the opportunity to prove it with the Pacers. Indiana’s center rotation is mostly inexperienced behind Ivica Zubac, consisting of Jay Huff and Micah Potter. Both players are 28, but aren’t battle-tested like Nance.

The most likely scenario for Indiana is Nance proving washed and settling in a benchwarmer role. His athleticism has waned, and he offered minimal impact as a shooter last season for Cleveland. There’s still miniscule value in Nance, but the Pacers shouldn’t expect much except rally towels and high fives.

Nance posted 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last year.

NBA

Cavaliers sign SG Donovan Mitchell to four-year, $273 million contract extension

Mitchell’s contract was originally set to expire following this season, when he would’ve been eligible for a five-year, $353 million extension. That scenario would’ve created some uneasiness for both the Cavaliers and Mitchell. The comforting situation for all parties was to agree to terms now.

These terms marry team and player through the 2030 season (Mitchell has a player option for 2031 worth $75.5 million). If the guard waited until next year to sign, he could’ve added another season and more money, but it’s no guarantee Cleveland would’ve offered him that package.

Mitchell is already entering his fifth season with the Cavaliers, and to this point, his tenure with the team has been a mixed bag. His play has been better than ever, as the 29-year-old quickly elevated his game following being traded by the Jazz. Last season, Mitchell poured in 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and and 5.7 assists per game. He’s consistently been an All-NBA player for Cleveland.

The win-loss totals for the Cavs have been outstanding with Mitchell, too. Cleveland has earned first-round home-court all four years with him on the roster, peaking with 64 wins in 2025. The mixed bag, of course, stems from the franchise’s constant postseason flameouts. The Cavaliers and Mitchell finally advanced to conference finals last year, only to get swept by the Knicks. The bar has been raised each year for Cleveland, but it’ll only get more difficult as the Eastern Conference strengthens and Mitchell ages.

It’s easy to justify this agreement in the present term. Mitchell is one of the 10 best players on the planet, and integral to Cleveland’s consistent success. However, he’s soon to be on the wrong side of 30 and an undersized — by some terms — guard. It’s not totally clear how gracefully the 2017 No. 13 overall pick will age.

Regardless, the Cavaliers had no choice but to happily offer this contract. Cleveland still needs to refine its roster this summer, but it’s well positioned to be competitive — yet again. Only time will tell if Mitchell can lead the organization back to the mountaintop.

Happy Fourth of July!

NBA

Celtics sign C Neemias Queta to four-year, $56 million contract extension

The Celtics are picking up Queta’s team option for this season. This extension will kick in beginning next year, and run through the 2031 campaign.

Queta earning a four-year extension would’ve been unfathomable this time last year. Over his first four seasons, the 2021 second-round pick was simply a bit piece. A third-string center, Queta was mainly a raw rim protector used sporadically, offering essentially nothing else aside from rebounding.

The calculus changed last year, as the 26-year-old was thrust into a starting role in Boston. With increased opportunity — and organizational belief — Queta thrived, averaging 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the 56-win Celtics.

Boston just inked Mitchell Robinson to a three-year pact, making Queta’s exact role uncertain. I’m not sure that matters, though. It’s a near certainty that Robinson and Queta will eat up nearly every minute at center for the Celtics, so it’s mostly immaterial as to which big starts.

$14 million per season is real money in NBA terms. If Queta continues his ascension, this will be a bargain for Boston. That’s the most likely outcome for an organization that needs a win after trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers.

Hornets receive:
PF Dorian Finney-Smith
2027 second-round pick (via Grizzlies)
2028 second-round pick
2033 second-round pick

Rockets receive:
Cash considerations

Finney-Smith was an important free-agent addition by the Rockets last summer. Signing a four-year contract worth nearly $53 million, the forward was expected to be yet another rangy wing Houston could throw at opponents. Nothing materialized on that end, however, as Finney Smith’s play fell off a cliff.

Finney-Smith, 33, played in 37 games for Houston, and shot just 33 percent from the floor. He’s still a long, versatile defender, but his impact on that side of the ball has dwindled, too. At this point, he’s a ninth or 10th man at best.

As such, the Rockets are salary dumping Finney-Smith to the Hornets to make way for a few recent additions. Charlotte is adding three second-round picks for its pain, which isn’t much considering Finney-Smith’s deal is non-guaranteed after this season.

In the meantime, the Hornets can take a look at Finney-Smith, hoping that he rediscovers at least some of his previous form. After all, the veteran was a vital piece for the Lakers as recently as 2025.

If — as expected — Finney-Smith can’t contribute for Charlotte, the Hornets will be more than fine. The team already has Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Naz Reid and Royce O’Neale, among others, that can eat minutes at the forward spots.

This is a worthwhile move for Charlotte, as the Hornets now have 20 second-round selections over the next seven seasons. If desired, the franchise is well-positioned to make a move for a star in the coming years.

Finney-Smith averaged 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game last season.

Pistons sign SF Javonte Green to one-year, $3.95 million contract

Green, a Radford product, finally made the NBA as a 26-year-old in 2019. He bounced around after that, settling in with the Pistons last season. Green appeared in all 82 games for Detroit, serving as a reliable rotation piece for the Eastern Conference’s top seed.

Green turns 33 this month, so it’s fair to predict a slight decline for the forward. At the veteran’s minimum, that’s a practical risk for the Pistons to take on. At worst, Green will still be worth a roster spot. At best, Green will serve in the role he did last year. Either way, Detroit should be okay with the outcome.

Green averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season.

I’m not one for the heat.

Sure, there are absolutely people that won’t — or can’t — tolerate it more than me, but high temperatures aren’t for me. The first day or two of 90-plus degree weather can actually feel refreshing. After all, early July in a way still feels like we’re recovering from the cold of winter.

Then a stretch of hot days hits. We’re in that period right now, and boy, I’m already ready for fall weather. Of course, I’m not wishing time away, but I’m also not looking forward to being outside during the dog days of August (or July). I suppose it’s time to bear down and (slightly) crank up the air conditioning.

NBA

Pistons sign PF John Collins to three-year, $51 million contract

The Pistons have a new starting power forward.

Tobias Harris was a stalwart in the role the past two seasons for Detroit, but he’s a free agent. His shooting and leadership will be missed by the still-young Pistons, though Collins, 28, offers more upside.

It’ll take some digging, however, to uncover any remaining potential in Collins. The forward peaked in an abbreviated 2020 campaign with the Hawks in which he posted 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. From there, it was reasonable to expect further improvement, but it never materialized. Eventually, Collins and his salary were dumped on the Jazz.

Following that trade, Collins was a solid rotation player — starter, even — for Utah and the Clippers, though he’s clearly lost some of his luster (and talent). For $51 million the contending Pistons are hoping to usher in a new Collins — an efficient and, hopefully, winning player.

Opportunities should be abundant for Collins in Detroit. Cade Cunningham is the obvious lead dog, but the team’s newest acquisition should match or even exceed his career average of 11.2 shot attempts per game. Defense is a question mark with Collins, though he’ll be surrounded by a strong infrastructure on that end with the Pistons. We could see the most valuable version of Collins to date over the course of this deal.

Or his muted decline could continue. If so, Collins’ new salary can be used as matching money in a trade. The outcomes here are extensive.

Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year with the Clippers.

Bulls sign SG Norman Powell to two-year, $45 million contract

Why?

Earlier this year, Chicago seemed to opt for a new path, a new direction. It was supposed to pivot the Bulls to a younger, less competitive roster. That started with a series of moves and hirings. Then, Chicago selected the promising Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. The Bulls made sense.

Now, it feels like Chicago is going backwards while thinking it’s moving forward. In a vacuum, this deal is good value for the franchise. Powell has become one of the better scorers in the NBA, while shooting at a highly-efficient mark, at least outside the paint. He would truly move the needle on most teams in the league.

The Bulls aren’t one of those teams. The new NBA lottery odds will impact team building, but Chicago should nonetheless be aiming to bottom out. The organization had been in a rut for years, focused on staying competitive despite a limited ceiling. Where did that get Chicago?

Are we headed down that path again? Probably not, though it’s hard to tell at this point.

Chicago had cap space it needed to spend, but why not spend it on younger players? At the very least, the Bulls could’ve served as a bad-contract landing spot, taking in bloated deals alongside draft capital. Instead, the Bulls are adding Powell, 33 — a good player that doesn’t really accomplish anything for his new team.

Maybe Chicago will trade Powell this winter or next, but I doubt it obtains anything close to an unprotected first-round selection. Maybe the Bulls get lucky, win 35 games and earn another top-five pick next spring. Maybe this works out in the end.

That’s a lot of maybes. What’s more likely, however, is the Bulls not being rewarded for bad process in this case. What’s more likely, is Chicago continuing to toil away as an NBA wasteland.

Nets sign C Moe Wagner to two-year, $19 million contract

I would’ve supported and perhaps even loved this deal a year or two ago.

In 2024, Wagner was coming off a season in which he played 80 games and shot 60.1 percent from the field. His 2025 performance, particularly as scorer, was even better, though he appeared in just 30 contests. Last season, the center played in 36 games, seeing his output dip across the board.

Wagner is on the downside of his career now. He’s not a terribly impactful player on both ends at this point, either, making this a curious pact by Brooklyn. At 29, it’s unlikely Wagner rediscovers his magic, if you will, from a few years ago. The Nets would’ve been better served handing Wagner’s incoming minutes to young prospects or a different, better free agent.

Wagner recorded 6.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last year with Orlando.

Rockets sign SG Marcus Smart to two-year, $13 million contract

Smart declined his $5.4 million player option with the Lakers before accepting this deal, which also includes a player option.

The guard was crowned Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, an honor that was undeservedly bestowed to him. Since, then public opinion has gone the other way on Smart, to the point he’s become underrated.

The 32-year-old lacks juice on offense, but he’ll join what’s sure to again be a strong Houston defense. Smart again averaged over a steal per game (1.4) last year, a feat he’s achieved every season as a pro. It doesn’t stop there, either, as he’s a capable secondary ball handler — a task many Rockets weren’t up to a season ago.

Minutes could be hard to come by on a suddenly deep Houston team, though that shouldn’t be an issue for Smart. He’s capable of cracking the rotation and also likely prioritizes winning above all else. Reuniting with head coach Ime Udoka should also be a bonus.

Smart averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season with Los Angeles.

Magic sign C Nikola Vucevic to one-year, $3.9 million contract

It doesn’t feel like Vucevic spent nearly nine seasons with the Magic. From 2012-2021, the center suited up and started in every game he played for Orlando, offering premium scoring and strong rebounding at center.

This time around, the 35-year-old won’t be walking into a starting role, but he adds needed shooting and scoring at the position. Vucevic is also a tough-minded player, so he’ll fit into strengths already held by Orlando. In essence, the Magic can play a similar style with either Wendell Carter or Vucevic on the floor at the pivot.

With Vucevic in the lineup, the Magic will hope that his tenure with the Celtics last season was a mirage. The veteran struggled to fit in with Boston, though he was a reliable stalwart for the Bulls prior to that disappointment. At this price and stage of his career, anything is fair game, however.

Vucevic averaged 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds across 64 games last year.

Rockets sign SG Bogdan Bogdanovic to one-year, veteran’s minimum contract

The Rockets, after losing Fred Van Vleet to a preseason ACL tear, didn’t have enough quality play in the backcourt last year. Too much was placed on Reed Sheppard’s plate, and other rotation regulars were upsized into guards they weren’t meant to be.

Van Vleet will be back this season, and now Houston has Bogdanovic to further augment its perimeter unit.

The 33-year-old took a nosedive with the Clippers last year, shooting just 38.8 percent from the field with a career-worst assist-to-turnover ratio. He surely can no longer be counted on as a starter or even premium bench piece, but over the course of an 82-game slate, Bogdanovic still has a few bits to offer.

Despite his recent shooting regression, he’ll still serve as a needed spacer alongside Van Vleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. Defense is and always has been an issue for Bogdanovic, but he’ll be surrounded by waves of big, skilled defenders in Houston. The issue to avoid for the Rockets is another fall off the cliff from the veteran.

If that does occur, it won’t come at a sizeable cost. The veteran’s minimum is perfect for a player like Bogdanovic at this stage of his career. In actuality, this is the rare partnership of that kind that has a better chance of producing a rotation member than a complete flameout.

Bogdanovic averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season.

Magic sign PG Jevon Carter to one-year, $3.5 million contract

It’s no surprise why Carter continues to stick around in the NBA. The 30-year-old isn’t an elite scorer or athlete, nor is he imposing in size. The veteran is, however, one of the hardest-playing guards in the league.

A pest at worst and a thorn in an opponent’s entire operation at best, Carter is a devastating defender over the entire 94 feet. His defense has shown no signs of slippage with age, as he averaged 0.8 steals per game last year in just 16.4 minutes. Takeaways don’t tell the whole story with the undersized guard, either.

Carter has developed into a passable shooter, too. Orlando surely appreciated his intense defense in the 30 games it had the veteran for last season, but it arguably needs his shooting more. A career 37.7 percent shooter from three, Carter offers reasonable but unspectacular spacing next to Anthony Black in the Magic’s second unit.

This season, Carter’s rotation spot could be in jeopardy, potentially depending on how Jase Richardson progresses. Regardless, he’ll fill a vital energy role when on the court. Carter is certainly worth a roster spot for another season.

The 2018 second-round pick posted 6.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game last year.

76ers sign C Ariel Hukporti to one-year, $3.4 million contract

Hukporti is the first casualty of the Knicks’ efforts to stay under the second apron.

New York had the ability to tender the center $2.65 million qualifying offer, but that would’ve significantly increased the franchise’s luxury-tax bill, not to mention hinder its roster-building tools. As such, Hukporti became a free agent, allowing him to land in a similar role he held with the Knicks.

Joel Embiid is the obvious lynchpin in Phialdelphia’s frontcourt, but his on-court availability had been sporadic at best. Hukporti, along with Adem Bona, should see ample opportunities behind Embiid. Still 24, Hukporti possesses stout physical traits, and could see further improvement on offense. Last year, he improved his free throw percentage from 46.2 to 78.8, albeit in limited opportunities.

Hukporti posted 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game last year with the Knicks.

NBA

Heat sign SF Andrew Wiggins to three-year, $64 million contract

The configuring around Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami begins.

Wiggins had a $30.2 million player option for next season, which he opted into as part of this contract. He’ll also now have the same option in 2028, after two years of this new pact.

Wiggins, 31, isn’t the volume scorer he was with the Timberwolves or even the Warriors, but he’s still a solid starter. The swingman should form a solid frontcourt trio with Antetokoumpo and Bam Adebayo, especially on the defensive end. Wiggins isn’t the high-end stopper he was expected to be entering the NBA, but he can still hold his own on the perimeter.

Miami is now tasked with adding low-cost role players around its core. In particular, the Heat need shooting to offset the team’s cramped spacing. Miami would be best served adding spacers in the backcourt, as it already has Bobby Portis to serve the role of stretch big.

I called the Heat a contender when I wrote about the Antetokounmpo trade. I retract that statement, but Miami should still be very competitive in the Eastern Conference. It’s still one or two impactful moves away from realistically battling the Thunder, Spurs and Knicks, however.

Nets sign C Day’Ron Sharpe to two-year, $20 million contract

The Nets declined Sharpe’s team option before inking him to this new deal. Previously, Brooklyn and the center agreed to push back the decision date on the option.

The 24-year-old has evolved into a decent backup center. Sharpe is one of the best rebounders in the sport, though his offensive game has been slow to come along. This season, he shot a career-best 60.1 percent from the floor, so there’ve been small signs of improvement.

He’ll need more than just slight improvement to be worth this contract, however. The Nets entered this summer with significant salary cap space, and they wouldn’t be using some of it on Sharpe if they didn’t believe he can continue to get better. The center becoming a top-30 or so player at his position would certainly match what Brooklyn is hoping for.

Nets sign PF Josh Minott to two-year, $9 million contract

The second season of this two-year pact is a team option.

Minott’s career has already been a bit of winding road. Drafted with the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 draft, the Memphis product started his career with the Timberwolves. Minott never really found his footing in Minnesota, as the most minutes he averaged per game across three seasons was just 6.4.

Last year, however, represented a leap for the 23-year-old. He played meaningful minutes for a good Celtics team before being dealt to the Nets. Minott then played even better for Brooklyn, averaging 10.8 points and shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range. His defense has always been high-effort based, though his length and versatility offer further upside on that end.

The Nets, thanks to the second-year team option, are in full control of Minott’s development. If he continues to get better, picking up the option for 2028 will be a no-brainer. If not, Brooklyn can cut the forward loose. In reality, the only opportunity cost lost is a small amount of salary cap space, which the Nets still have a fair bit remaining.

Cavaliers sign C Thomas Bryant to one-year, $3.52 million contract

Bryant is returning to Cleveland for the veteran’s minimum.

The center adequately served in a backup role for the Cavaliers this season, averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. There’s almost certainly no upside remaining for Bryant, 28, but he’s a decent 13th or 14th man.

The problem, however, is that Cleveland needs someone better than that to play as the a third big behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Bryant can capably eat regular-season minutes, but the Cavaliers can’t trust him in the playoffs, where he averaged just 4.6 minutes per game this year. Bryant isn’t a complete waste of a roster spot, but this is an uninspiring signing.

The round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup started yesterday. Do-or-die stakes are exactly what the tournament needed to keep my (high) interest. There are three games today, which should be chock-full of action.

I figured Canada would prevail over South Africa yesterday, though I profit boosted South Africa to win to +364. Alas, Canada scored in the final minutes, but it was a closely-contested match. It wasn’t extremely high-level action, however.

NBA

Hornets receive:
SG Grayson Allen
SF Royce O’Neale
2033 unprotected first-round pick

Suns receive:
PF Miles Bridges
2029 first-round pick
2027 second-round pick

The Hornets already shuffled the deck by trading LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, and this trade only shocks the system further. It’s been a series of interesting decisions for this season’s young darlings, coming off a 44-win campaign.

In adding Allen and O’Neale, Charlotte boosts its perimeter rotation with two proven veteran shooters.

Allen, in particular, has shown continued improvement across the board. He increased his scoring average from 10.6 to 16.5 points per game this year, while only seeing 4.7 more minutes per night. The 30-year-old is an absolute sharpshooter, too, as he’s made 40.3 percent of his career three pointers. It’s unclear whether Allen will start for the Hornets, but he’ll certainly see meaningful action for a team with obvious playoff aspirations.

O’Neale quietly scored a career-best 9.8 points per game for the Suns this season, mostly starting for Phoenix. His rock-solid perimeter defense isn’t what it was with the Jazz, but he should still be a strong contributor for the Hornets. He could offer exactly what the young, rising franchise needs.

The Suns, in essence, are partaking in a two-for-one deal here. Phoenix is hoping the impact of Bridges offsets the depth lost by dealing Allen and O’Neale.

It’s a risky bet. Bridges broke out in 2022, averaging 20.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest, but he hasn’t taken the next step. This year, his production shrunk to 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, though it was for a better team. In Phoenix, expect the 28-year-old to start alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams.

What’s even riskier for the Suns, is sending away an unprotected 2033 first-round pick. Under the NBA’s new lottery format, future draft selections have arguably even more value — due to the uncertainty and newness of the recently-implemented system. Phoenix, a non-contender now and likely in the future, could be handing over a top-five selection next decade to Charlotte.

And for what? Bridges is a solid starter, but it’s unlikely he carries or even lifts Phoenix into the second round of the postseason. Sure, the Suns are getting a future first rounder back, but it’s the least favorable from Charlotte, Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah in 2029. It’s unclear whether the Suns are getting better from this transaction, and they’re clearly getting worse from a draft-capital standpoint.

I was fine with the Hornets trading away Ball, and I’m even more in favor of Charlotte doing this deal. Shaking up a good thing is risky, but fortune favors the bold.

As for the Suns, this is yet another indictment on owner Mat Ishbia. Since buying the franchise, Ishbia has behaved like a child on a sugar rush, completely impulsive and out of control. Phoenix’s unprotected 2033 first-round pick for him was just another dollar, given to the cashier for another giant lollipop. Phoenix fans should hope that their owner gets tired and takes a nap soon. Otherwise, the Suns will continue digging themselves into a hole.

NBA

Celtics sign SF Ron Harper Jr. to three-year, $9 million contract

The Celtics declined Harper’s $2.6 million team option to make way for this new agreement.

I don’t see the vision here. Harper, 26, is good enough to be on an NBA roster but isn’t a player I’d invest in over the medium term. It was an admittedly miniscule sample size, but the swingman looked completely out of element starting Game 7 of the first round against the 76ers. He was better in 29 regular season games, though obviously less was at stake in those contests.

There’s a slim chance of meaningful further development for Harper but I wouldn’t bank on it. The most likely outcome is Boston looking to move him in a small transaction in a year or two.

Harper averaged 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds this season.

NBA

Thunder sign C Isaiah Hartenstein to three-year, $75 million contract

Hartenstein had a $28.5 million team option for next season, which the Thunder declined in favor of this new pact. It’s a prudent financial decision for Oklahoma City, as it secures its starting center for a few more years at a slightly reduced annual cost. The luxury tax and apron savings alone make this deal more than worth it.

Hartenstein, too, is great value on this new contract. The 28-year-old has blossomed into a solid starter with a Thunder. A stout defender and reliable offensive hub, Hartenstein fits well with the rest of Oklahoma City’s core. He surely took at least a minor discount to ensure security but more importantly winning.

This deal includes a unique mutual option for the third season. Mutual options are rarely if ever exercised. Instead, it should serve as another opportunity in 2028 for team and player to renegotiate a contract. Hartenstein should be in Oklahoma City for a long time.

The center averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this year.

Pistons receive:
SG Isaiah Joe

Thunder receive:
2030 second-round pick (via Timberwolves)
2031 second-round pick

The Pistons, despite winning 60 games this season, entered the summer with a few pressing needs. Most notably, Detroit was missing shooting.

Cade Cunningham has blossomed into a star. A creator both for himself and others, the first-team All-NBA guard still needed more shot making around him.

Enter Joe. The 26-year-old is among the best spot-up shooters in the NBA, and is a 40.6% career marksman from three-point range. He received plenty of open looks playing with talented distributors in Oklahoma City, and those opportunities shouldn’t dissipate too much with the Pistons.

As for the Thunder, this is another salary-trimming move. Oklahoma City traded Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks several days ago for a similar package, so this transaction further weakens the Thunder’s deep roster.

Knicks sign PG Jose Alvarado to three-year, $14 million contract

Alvarado declined a $4.5 million player option prior to signing this contract.

The Knicks entered this summer with financial constraints, mostly thanks to the NBA’s restrictive second apron. Even with limited wiggle room, the expectation was that New York would retain Alvarado. A key reserve acquired from the Pelicans in February, Alvarado’s energy and defense boosted the Knicks throughout the team’s championship run.

Alvarado, 28, is squarely in his prime, so he should continue as a rotation regular for the duration of this pact. New York likely received a discount in exchange for long-term security and winning with this agreement, which will lessen the franchise’s luxury-tax bill. More importantly, it could help keep it out of the aforementioned second apron.

Alvarado averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.

NCAAB

Fairfield to leave the MAAC and join the CAA

This move will go into effect on July 1, 2027. By then, the MAAC will have officially rebranded as the Metro Conference — and have one less member.

Fairfield had been targeting a move to a better conference — ideally the CAA — in recent years with an increased budget and improved facilities. The Stags boast solid on-court results to back their investment, too, as they’ve won 20-plus games in two of the last three seasons. The CAA is a small jump up in competition from the MAAC, but Fairfield is trending toward being prepared for it.

MLB

Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza

Everyone should’ve seen this coming.

Mendoza’s tenure with New York got off to a strong start in 2024, as the Mets finished 89-73 and made the NLCS in his first season. However, since then it’s been all downhill for the franchise. New York suffered a massive collapse to end last year, resulting in the club missing the postseason.

2026 hasn’t been any better. At 34-47, the Mets are a distant fifth in the NL East — a far cry of what’s expected from the team with MLB’s second-highest payroll. New York needed a shakeup of some sort, and in baseball that usually results in the manager getting canned.

To be clear, it’s hard to argue that Mendoza has done a good job with the Mets. New York’s high-priced players aren’t as good as their salaries would suggest, but the roster isn’t exactly bereft of talent. At a minimum, this should be a yearly postseason member. That consistent standard, however, hasn’t been met in Queens in quite some time.

Andy Green will take over as New York’s interim manager. The former Padres skipper has experience in the dugout’s top role, so perhaps he’ll be able to navigate the Mets’ challenging situation. The most likely outcome, though, is that Green finishes the season and then Steve Cohen and David Stearns conduct a wide-ranging search for the organization’s next full-time manager.

Reds 6, Pirates 4

What better way to get off the schneid than … facing Paul Skenes?!

Lately, that’s been true for numerous clubs. The Reds, losers of five of seven, weren’t expected to follow suit, however. But thanks to an eight-inning Noelvi Marte home run, the Pirates have lost eight consecutive starts made by last season’s NL Cy Young winner.

It’s a curious streak. Skenes sported an ERA under 2.00 in both of his first two years, but his 2026 mark is 3.10. That’s by no means a bad figure, though it’s a far cry from what’s become expected of the 24-year-old.

Skenes was decent in this tilt, offering five innings of four-run ball. That won’t cut it, but the big right-hander did strike out seven Reds.

Skenes will take the mound in Philadelphia on July 1 in his next outing. He’ll need all the luck he can get in facing Philadelphia’s parade of left-handed bats.

I’ve been locked in for the FIFA World Cup over the past two-plus weeks. Soccer isn’t normally a sport I follow — again, bandwidth. There are far too many clubs and players that I would need to familiarize myself with, and it simply wouldn’t be worth my time.

This World Cup, however, has been exciting to watch. Group play will finish up today and tomorrow, leading to the Round of 32. I expect to enjoy the bracketed matches even more than the group games.

It’s cool finding new ways to entertain ourselves. Just don’t expect me to start following soccer year-round.

Happy NBA draft day!

The first of two rounds is tonight, and it’s one of the better drafts in quite some time. ESPN’s poor coverage and presentation of the event dampens my enjoyment, but I’m still greatly looking forward to it.

I no longer do extensive draft preparation and a big board. Time constraints are an unfortunate part of life, and doing so would’ve taken away my attention from other sports, news and stories.

With that said, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are in a tier of their own for this class. Cameron Boozer is receiving his fair share of acclaim, but I don’t see the Duke big having the same upside as Dybantsa and Peterson. The consensus has Caleb Wilson as the obvious fourth-best prospect, and I can’t argue with that.

This evening should be thrilling.

NBA

Bucks receive:
SG Tyler Herro
C Kel’el Ware
SF Jaime Jaquez
PG Kasparas Jakucionis
No. 13 overall pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick
2033 unprotected first-round pick
2030 first-round pick swap
2033 second-round pick

Heat receive:
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF Bobby Portis

Finally!

The Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed headed for a divorce for over a year, leading to endless speculation and friction. Outside of extreme loyalty, there was no reason for the franchise and player to continue their partnership.

Enter the Heat.

Miami was considered the favorite all along to land the nine-time All-NBA forward, though the competition picked up in recent days. In fact, many expected Antetokounmpo to get traded to the Celtics over the past 24 hours or so in a package headlined by Jaylen Brown. Alas, the 31-year-old is going to South Beach.

The Heat have toiling in mediocrity since making the Finals in 2023 — a state that Pat Riley & Co. could no longer accept. Understandably, Miami entered this summer big-game hunting. Antetokounmpo, one of the five best players in the sport, certainly qualifies as a significant catch.

The price? Herro, a few interesting young pieces and a large amount of draft capital. For the Heat, it’s a massive victory, especially once Miami extends the 10-time All-Star. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo should make the Heat a force defensively.

The Bucks are opting for an interesting path. Acquiring Herro is more of a win-now motive, while adding Ware, Jaquez, Jakucionis and the draft capital signals a longer-term approach. Of course, Milwaukee can flip Herro for even more youth and picks down the line, but it’s current path is curious.

This is a massive, seismic even, trade for the greater NBA landscape. The Luka Doncic shocker altered our expectations when it comes to league-wide transactions. In short, we hoped for more big-time moves, and organizations became more willing to execute such home run-esque deals.

To be clear, this exchange between Milwaukee and Miami certainly would’ve happened regardless of what went down between the Lakers and Mavericks last year, but we’ve become more conditioned to trades of this magnitude. However, that doesn’t take away from the impact this deal will have. The Heat are now contenders. The Bucks, if their next steps aren’t well calculated, will toil away. Stay tuned.

Pretty much all of my bandwidth for sports consumption goes to the NFL, college football, NBA, college basketball and MLB. As such, I don’t normally follow other leagues and tournaments. The slower summer months tend to offer an opportunity for that to change, and I’ve seized it this year.

The U.S. Open is this weekend. I watched maybe a minute of coverage yesterday, but I’ll be following the leaderboard today through Sunday. I wagered on Ludvig Aberg and David Puig to win. The Puig bet — a long shot — is already a lost cause, but Aberg is hanging in there, tied for ninth place after a suspended Round 1.

MLB

Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 3

Life isn’t too difficult in the AL wild-card race this season. The Blue Jays opened the year with a post-World Series hangover, but it didn’t knock Toronto out of the postseason chase by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, after this victory — the Blue Jays’ third straight — the defending American League champions (37-38) rest in the league’s third and final wild-card position.

Toronto built a small 2-0 lead yesterday. A Trey Yesavage-Sonny Gray pitcher’s duel then left the affair tied at three after eight innings, placing the contest in the hand’s of the bullpens. Normally, that would favor Boston and the electric Aroldis Chapman, but the flamethrowing closer allowed a go-ahead double to Brandon Valenzuela in the top of the ninth.

Chapman’s ERA is still a sparkling 0.83. Expect the 38-year-old to command significant interest leading up to next month’s trade deadline.

Guardians 4, Brewers 2

What a gritty win for the Guardians.

Cleveland will be without franchise icon Jose Ramirez for the next six or so weeks due to a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, a malady that could’ve sent the Guardians spiraling. To be clear, Ramirez’s absence still can, but victories like this should keep Cleveland afloat in a weak AL Central.

The club also has closer Cade Smith to lean on. The right-hander tallied his 24th save yesterday, putting him on pace to earn over 50 this year. The last pitcher to save 50 or more games in a season was Edwin Diaz in 2018, when he closed out 57 contests for the Mariners.

This game first turned for the Brewers on a tying David Fry home run in the third inning. It would’ve been a fantastic play, but Jackson Chourio mistimed his jump in attempting to rob the long ball. The young outfielder has struggled making that type of catch — again, a challenging one — all season.

NBA

Spurs 118, Thunder 91

Briefly in the first half, the NBC broadcast pondered if this was the best Western Conference Finals since 2018, when the Warriors defeated the Rockets in seven games. Jamal Crawford thought so, and I agree. Despite last night’s blowout, this has been a thrilling series. Game 7 should be cinema.

There were 35 fouls in this game, but the officials allowed for ample contact. Of course, that benefited the Spurs. San Antonio wasn’t called for many touch fouls, which aided it in defending Oklahoma City’s attack. Expect the Thunder to receive more calls at home in Game 7, but yesterday’s trend is worth following tomorrow night.

Per usual, Victor Wembanyama was the driving force for San Antonio. The superstar came out firing early, and ended with 21 field goal attempts in just 28 minutes. He was efficient, too, scoring 28 points with four made three pointers.

De’Aaron Fox hobbled his way to a 1-of-9 night, but Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper picked up the slack. It’s incredible — and scary for the rest of the NBA — how much young perimeter talent the Spurs have. Castle and Harper combined for 35 points and 13 assists.

This was not the Thunder’s night, though I expect a championship response from Oklahoma City in Game 7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was flustered to the tune of 15 points on 18 shots. I fear that if Jalen Williams doesn’t make sizeable progress in his recovery before tomorrow night, the Thunder could be in trouble.

Chet Holmgren is capable of shifting that trouble to comfort, though his series performance has left plenty to be desired. The 24-year-old can’t come close to going toe-to-toe with Wembanyama, but Oklahoma City needs him to perform like the third-team All-NBA player he was voted as. Holmgren recorded a double-double yesterday, but it was with just 10 points.

I’ll be locked in for Game 7 tomorrow night. Both teams would be favored over the Knicks in the Finals, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see these high of stakes again this season. The Thunder will have the pregame edge — and rightfully so — but don’t be surprised if Wembanyama is the best player on the court. If so, San Antonio should advance to its first Finals since 2014.

The NBA announced yesterday that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP. It’s rare for a player to earn the honor in consecutive years, as it’s only happened 14 times in league history.

Last season, I thought Nikola Jokic deserved MVP. This time around, I have no qualms with Gilgeous-Alexander winning the award, even though he played in just 68 teams. The 27-year-old is the face and key cog on the Thunder — by far the NBA’s best team. If Oklahoma City repeats as champion next month, it’ll hard to argue against its best player also being the best player in the world.

In fact, Gilgeous-Alexander may already hold that belt. Jokic’s Nuggets bowed out in the first round, amid an unspectacular performance from the three-time MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander, however, continues to excel, no matter the circumstances. He’s the most consistent bet in the NBA.

One of my weaknesses is a big, juicy steak. I’m on a fitness journey, but that will never stop me from ordering one at a high-end steakhouse.

I ate dinner at Hyde Park last night. The restaurant falls short of the likes of Mastro’s and Smith & Wollesnky. The service was mediocre, and the overall experience left some to be desired. Regardless, the steak was tasty, and dining out is normally good fun. I can’t say for certain that I’ll be back at Hyde Park, however.

NFL

Steelers sign QB Aaron Rodgers to one-year, $22.5 million contract

This agreement is worth between $22 million and $23 million, with available incentives that can increase it to $25 million.

The Steelers and Rodgers are running it back.

How could we blame them? Both parties need each other. Pittsburgh was set to trot out Mason Rudolph or (less likely) Will Howard for Week 1. Rodgers had no other serious suitors. This is a match made in purgatory.

All pessimism aside, this is a good deal for the Steelers. In a different market, Rodgers would fetch somewhere around $35 million on a one-year pact. For the second year in a row, the 42-year-old is giving Pittsburgh a discount.

It goes without saying that Rodgers’ play is nowhere near his MVP level from 2011-2021, but he’s still serviceable. At around $22.5 million for another one-season arrangement, the Steelers are making a smart commitment. After all, the future Hall of Famer posted 24 passing touchdowns to just seven interceptions in 2025. We all know about Rodgers’ lack of mobility, but his level of competence under center isn’t easy to find.

Pittsburgh is possibly staring down another nine- or 10-win season. The Steelers have been mocked for their lack of ceiling the past decade, but franchises can do a lot worse.

They can do a lot worse than Rodgers, too.