Guardians rookie commits the worst outfield blunder of the season
Cooper Ingle pulled a Larry Walker during Tuesday’s game.
Ingle and the Cleveland Guardians faced off Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. In the seventh inning at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rangers had a runner on second with one out and the score tied 2-2.
Texas batter Alejandro Osuna lifted an easy pop fly to the Cleveland rookie outfielder Ingle in left. Ingle made the catch and then … tossed the ball into the stands (having forgotten how many outs there were).
Rangers runner Ezequiel Duran took full advantage and scampered home to score the go-ahead run for his team. Here is the unbelievable video.
The Rangers are gifted a run after Cooper Ingle forgot how many outs there were and threw the ball in the stands. pic.twitter.com/lZCqIQ6jvk
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 1, 2026
The blunder was a costly one for Ingle, who was charged with an error on the play. Texas took the lead on that sequence and never surrendered it from there, holding on to beat Cleveland by a final score of 4-2.
Ingle, 24, was a fourth-round pick by the Guardians in 2023 and is getting his first taste of big-league action this season. But he entered play on Tuesday batting .143 through his first three games and can now add that humiliating goof to the long list of woes this year for the 44-42 Guardians.
Willson Contreras challenges a Red Sox fan to a fight online after getting ejected
Willson Contreras continued to crash out after getting ejected from Tuesday’s game.
The Boston Red Sox first baseman Contreras was tossed in the fourth inning of his team’s matchup against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. Contreras struck out looking against Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli and took exception to some trash talk from Cavalli after the fact.
After exchanging some heated words with Cavalli, Contreras ended up charging at Cavalli and throwing his helmet in Cavalli’s direction. You can see the video of the benches-clearing incident here.
Not long after getting ejected, Contreras hopped straight onto Instagram. Upon encountering a video of the incident on the platform, Contreras responded to a fan who wrote, “Wilson [sic] Contreras is a p—y. And im a die hard Sox fan” (profanity edited by LBS).
That led to a fiery response from Contreras. He challenged the fan to a fight by writing, “come meet me at Fenway.”
The Nationals would go on to beat the Red Sox by a final score of 8-1. Because he was ejected in the fourth inning and posted that comment so soon afterwards, it appears that Contreras was beefing with fans on Instagram while the game was still going on.
Contreras, the 34-year-old former All-Star, is very much known for his volatile temperament. Throwing his helmet at Cavalli in Tuesday’s game was not even the craziest item Contreras has thrown during an on-field meltdown.
Cavaliers losing key roster piece to East rival
The Cleveland Cavaliers are losing a fan favorite to free agency.
Veteran sharpshooter Dean Wade has reportedly agreed to a 4-year, $39 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Sixers were one of “several contenders” who pursued Wade once deals could be struck on Tuesday night.
Free agent forward Dean Wade has agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Several contenders pursued the former Cavaliers forward, who has become an indispensable defending and shooting frontcourt piece. pic.twitter.com/VSw15tkITO
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Wade cashed in after seven productive seasons off the Cavaliers’ bench. The 29-year-old averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 36.2 percent from beyond the arc in his final season in Cleveland.
While his numbers look modest at best, Wade’s skill set as a 6’9″ two-way forward would be useful on any contending team’s rotation. His defense is also an overlooked facet of his game.
The Cavaliers often used Wade to defend Cade Cunningham in their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons. Wade was arguably Cleveland’s best option to contain Cunningham, holding him to a 29.4 percent shooting clip when matched up with the All-NBA guard.
Dean Wade needs his flowers for his defense on Cade Cunningham.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 14, 2026
New data shows in 107 possessions:
Cade only shot 5-for-17 FGs,
only 17 points allowed,
only 9 assists allowed,
forced 6 turnovers.
Respect. (via WalkingOnSunshine_/Reddit) pic.twitter.com/0zBUSZLiaG
The Wade signing may also be insurance in case the 76ers lose Kelly Oubre in free agency. The veteran swingman is reportedly set to meet with Philly and at least other teams to decide where he ends up next season.
Report reveals LeBron James’ instructions to Rich Paul for free agency
LeBron James and his team are taking a strategic approach to deciding on his potentially final NBA landing spot.
James confirmed on Tuesday that he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. The news immediately sparked widespread speculation on which teams could make a play for his services.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James “has instructed” his agent, Rich Paul, to speak with every NBA team that has a legitimate interest in LeBron playing for them. Once James has an understanding of all his options, he can then decide on where he’ll go next. McMenamin added that James “has not made any decision” on whether his 24th season in the NBA would be his last.
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have been pegged as logical destinations for James.
The Warriors have been linked to an Anthony Davis trade to lure James to the Bay Area. However, the latest rumblings on that front make such a deal for the Washington Wizards big man seem unlikely.
Another homecoming to the Cavaliers has also been rumored, with Cleveland reportedly having some shared interest should James want to close out his career where it began.
While those two options make a lot of sense for James, the 41-year-old wants to take a patient approach on deciding where he’d likely be ending his storied career.
Lakers are expected to sign 2 notable role players in free agency
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be prioritizing depth over big swings at this point.
The Lakers are expected to secure commitments from two noteworthy role players in free agency, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported on Tuesday. Those two players are big man Sandro Mamukelashvili and guard Quentin Grimes.
NBA free agency 2026 officially opened on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a bit of extra room to work with now that LeBron James has formally decided to take his talents elsewhere.
Mamukelashvili, 27, is a 6-foot-9 power forward and center who averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.9 minutes per game for the Toronto Raptors last season. He figures to be a potential replacement in L.A. for forward Rui Hachimura, who is being linked to a couple of interesting teams in free agency.
Meanwhile, Grimes, 26, is a 6-foot-5 combo wing who averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 45/33/84 shooting splits for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. A former teammate of Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, Grimes could stand to replace guard Marcus Smart on the Lakers (with Smart now expected to sign with one notable outside suitor).
Stein further notes that the Lakers are also still pursuing Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler, who remains their top summer target. But in the meantime, the Lakers appear to be stocking up on second-tier signings as they officially move into the post-LeBron era.
Wizards’ plan for Anthony Davis revealed amid trade rumors
Anthony Davis appeared in trade rumors over the past week, which was apparently news to the team that pays his salary.
The 10-time All-Star was rumored to be headed to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that would supposedly entice former teammate LeBron James to make his way to the Bay Area as well. But according to ESPN’s Marc Spears, talk of such a trade has so far been nothing but speculation.
Per Spears, the Wizards “have no interest in trading” Davis, whom the team acquired for a relatively meager trade package in February. The team is supposedly “not listening to offers for him” at all, with the intention of keeping him on the roster by the start of next season.
Washington has built its most competitive roster in years, with Davis set to anchor the defense of a potential playoff contender. But the Wizards’ reported hard stance against trading AD could all be a negotiating ploy to extract even more value out of any team desperate enough to overpay for the two-way juggernaut on the wrong side of 30.
Given what the Toronto Raptors gave up for a similarly injury-prone Kawhi Leonard, the Wizards may be looking to resuscitate Davis’ value before putting him on the trade block.
Davis played in just 20 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in those contests.
Alyssa Thomas says she has gotten death threats, slurs over Caitlin Clark incident
Alyssa Thomas is speaking out this week on the aftermath of her incident with Caitlin Clark.
The Phoenix Mercury forward Thomas revealed in an interview with ESPN on Tuesday that she has been getting death threats and racial slurs in the wake of her ugly in-game incident with the Indiana Fever star Clark earlier this month. Thomas also called out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for failing to speak out about the treatment that she had been getting.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said. “A lot of us — myself included — didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. Now we’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it.
“People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff,” added Thomas. “There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident, no one even knew it happened. It’s just unfortunate. The league has to do better in this instance. We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise. You could see what’s being said on social media. Yeah, it’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives our being threatened.”
Engelbert did ultimately issue a public statement openly condeming the “hate” towards Thomas later in the day on Tuesday. You can read Engelbert’s statement here.
A statement from Cathy Engelbert:
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) June 30, 2026
“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority. We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is…
Thomas, a six-time WNBA All-Star who has played in the league since 2014, sparked backlash during her team’s June 24 matchup against Clark and the Fever. In the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., Clark lost possession of the ball, and Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat while Clark was down on the ground in a prone position (see the video here).
While no foul was called on the spot, the WNBA retroactively upgraded the play to a flagrant 2 foul on Thomas, resulting in Thomas being given a one-game suspension. Thomas served the suspension over the weekend and is now back in action for the Mercury, who face off against Clark and the Fever again on July 9 in Phoenix.
Willson Contreras throws his helmet in benches-clearing brawl vs. Nationals
Willson Contreras once again went Willson Contreras during Tuesday’s game.
Contreras and the Boston Red Sox played Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. In the fourth inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. the Red Sox first baseman Contreras struck out looking against Nationals starter Cade Cavalli.
After striking out Contreras, Cavalli appeared to talk some trash by loudly saying, “Sit down, boy.” That led to Contreras staring down Cavalli and asking him, “You talking to me?”
The incident ended up getting progressively more heated, and Contreras eventually charged at Cavalli. Contreras did not make it very far as the benches were already emptying, but he succeeded in firing his helmet at Cavalli from a small distance.
Here is the full video of the incident.
Willson Contreras throws his helmet during a benches clearing incident after Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli told him to “sit down boy” pic.twitter.com/IBEyYXKReN
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 1, 2026
Contreras ended up being ejected from the game along with Red Sox teammate Nate Eaton and Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy. Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas was also ejected, but Cavalli was notably allowed to stay in the game.
The three-time All-Star Contreras is known as a hothead who has sparked multiple benches-clearing incidents over the last several years. But you might be able to cut him a little bit of slack this time around after he was provoked by Cavalli while in a heightened emotional state amid the recent tragic earthquakes in his native Venezuela.
Some things are bigger than baseball. When Willson Contreras hit this home run, he did it for himself, his family, and for the people of Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/0XoCwrsu2G
— MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2026
Luka Doncic reacts to LeBron James’ departure from the Lakers
Luka Doncic is speaking out this week on the exit of his (short-lived) co-star.
Longtime Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James officially decided on Tuesday to depart the franchise after spending the last eight seasons with them. James has reportedly informed the team to move on as he is opting to continue his NBA career elsewhere as a free agent.
In response to the news, the current Lakers franchise player Doncic posted a reaction to his Instagram Story. Doncic posted a photo of himself embracing with James in their Lakers uniforms.
“An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames,” Doncic wrote.
Luka on LeBron
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2026
(h/t @LawMurrayTheNU ) pic.twitter.com/p2SljxrMWp
James and Doncic were only able to play together for one-and-a-half total seasons in Los Angeles. They also won just one total playoff series over that span (a first-round victory this year over the Houston Rockets, which Doncic missed in its entirety due to a severe hamstring injury).
With the two superstars now officially going their separate ways, the focus for Doncic will be for the Lakers to deliver on some of his notable roster demands in free agency. As for James, he is opening up his recruitment and was just linked to one interesting new team earlier in the day on Tuesday.
France makes World Cup history with dominant win over Sweden
Kylian Mbappé and France continue to look like one of the most dominant teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Tuesday, France beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Mbappe had two more goals, giving him a total of six through four games.
And, France made World Cup history by becoming the first team to win three straight games by three or more goals, according to Greg Harvey of OptaStats.
Here is what France has done thus far in the World Cup:
- 3-1 win over Senegal
- 3-0 win over Iraq
- 4-1 win over Norway
- 3-0 win over Sweden
The 3-0 victory is the largest knockout-stage win since 1998, the year France won the World Cup final as the host country.
Mbappé’s second goal of the match, which was the third for his team, puts the star Frenchman one goal behind the record held by Argentina star Lionel Messi.
MBAPPÉ BRACE FOR HIS 6TH GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🔥
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026
18 goals in the tournament all-time for the French superstar! pic.twitter.com/2oc0S4Yc19
France now moves on to the Round of 16 with a huge win and will face Paraguay on Saturday, July 4, in Philadelphia, Pa. The winner of that match will face the winner of Canada-Maracco in the quarterfinals.
Heat agree to deal with sharpshooter to kick off NBA free agency
The NBA free agency negotiation period began on Tuesday, and the Miami Heat wasted no time agreeing to terms with a much-needed shooter.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat have agreed to terms with Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million deal.
Hardaway agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Heat, sources said. Miami officials finalized the deal with Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tonight. https://t.co/c47Tx4D1KX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
The Heat acquired superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a major blockbuster trade that included Tyler Herro, so adding a legitimate three-point threat was a priority for Miami.
Hardaway’s father, Tim Hardaway Sr., also spent six seasons with Miami and has his No. 10 jersey hanging in the rafters while also being named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hardaway Jr. began his career with the New York Knicks after being selected at No. 20 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. He has spent time with each of the Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets.
Hardaway’s latest stint came with the Nuggets, where he played 80 games with six starts and shot a career-high 40.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley were named as two players who make sense to pair with Antetokounmpo, and the Heat wasted no time getting things done.
Pistons make their stance on Jalen Duren crystal clear
Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren was all set to take meetings with the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers when free agency began on Tuesday night.
However, that might not be the case after all. The Pistons reportedly are not interested in a sign-and-trade and instead have offered Duren the “most lucrative contract possible,” according to NBA insider Marc Spears.
The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn @andscape.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 30, 2026
Duren was reportedly seeking $40 million a year. On Monday, reports stated that the Pistons were far apart from Duren’s desired number, and he was set to explore sign-and-trade possibilities with the Kings and Lakers.
But, the Pistons are now set to match any offer sheet Duren signs, and all expectations have now flipped with him certainly staying in Detroit, barring a last-minute turn of events.
The Pistons recently traded center Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies, so Duren also leaving would’ve left a massive hole at the position for a team that just clinched the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference this past season.
That will likely change the direction for teams such as the Kings and Lakers.
Report: Timberwolves have interest in LeBron James
LeBron James will be officially moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers, although his next destination is completely up in the air.
With NBA free agency beginning on Tuesday, some teams linked to James include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.
However, the Minnesota Timberwolves are another team that is showing interest in James, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
“What’s more, the Warriors do not appear to have clarity yet regarding James’ plans. Cleveland and Miami are often cited as realistic landing spots as well, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are known to have interest if he felt like shocking the basketball world with that sort of move,” Amick wrote.
James announced on Tuesday that he would be moving on from the Lakers after eight seasons. While the Heat, Warriors and Cavaliers are not new to the James rumors, the Timberwolves certainly are a wild card.
Minnesota just acquired star guard LaMelo Ball in a stunning blockbuster trade with the Charlotte Hornets, and they are trying to find a way to make an NBA Finals run with a Ball-Anthony Edwards duo.
James choosing Minnesota over a return to either Miami or Cleveland would be a big surprise, but the Timberwolves have enough pieces on the roster to be viewed as a contender entering the 2026-27 season.
Only time will tell, but that would certainly be a stunning turn of events in what has been a wacky and wild NBA offseason.
NFL makes final decision on Brendan Sorsby
In what has been an ongoing process with former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, the NFL has come to a decision regarding any disciplinary action.
The NFL will not discipline Sorsby. Instead, the quarterback will prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft, as the NFL wrote in a memo to all 32 teams.
“We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further litigation regarding his entry into the NFL—and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his preparation for entry into the League via the 2027 NFL Draft,” the memo read.
Memo just sent to clubs, related to Brendan Sorsby:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2026
“We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further
litigation regarding his entry into the NFL—and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his
preparation for entry into the League via the 2027… pic.twitter.com/jMAfAUa7DD
Sorsby received an injunction to play for Texas Tech, but plenty of backlash surfaced following that. Then, Texas Tech and Sorsby parted ways, and all signs pointed to him declaring for the NFL Supplemental Draft.
However, the league decided not to hold that draft this year, meaning Sorsby is not eligible to play this season.
After the news broke on Tuesday, Sorsby also released a statement, saying that he accepts responsibility for his actions involving the gambling incidents that led him to go to rehab.
A statement from Brendan Sorsby, who won’t pursue further legal action or opportunities to play this season, focusing instead on his recovery and preparations for the 2027 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/6o90aqhu7P
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2026
Now, Sorsby will train and prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft, which will also likely include Dante Moor, Drew Mestemaker and Arch Manning.
Archie Manning complains about ‘unfair’ expectations for Arch
Archie Manning had a bit of an odd complaint about how his grandson Arch was treated ahead of his first season as Texas’ starter in 2025.
The elder manning said it was unfair that Arch Manning was given such high expectations before he ever started a game for the Longhorns. He added that he was “proud” of how his grandson handled it all, but he was “disappointed” in those expectations to begin with.
“I was kind of disappointed. A lot of people kind of crowned Arch before he ever played. I didn’t think that was fair,” Archie said of the Texas quarterback.
"They crowned Arch before he ever played," Archie Manning on the unfair expectations around his grandson last year.
— Noah Gross (@noah_gross27) June 26, 2026
High praise for the way Arch battled through the 2025 season.
"I've never been more proud of anybody in my life." pic.twitter.com/WgFR1jhaTb
On one hand, expectations for Manning were very high. He was being named as a potential Heisman winner and No. 1 NFL Draft pick before the season even started. That is a lot to ask of a quarterback who had not even been a college starter up to that point. Archie even said at the time that such expectations were “crazy.”
On the other hand, expectations are always going to be higher for someone carrying the Manning family name. That may not be fair, but it was always going to be something that he would have to cope with.
Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns last season and seemed to settle into the role as the season went on. While expectations are not quite as high ahead of 2026, he is still being touted as a Heisman favorite, so the pressure is still on.
Brendan Sorsby issues statement about his NFL settlement
Brendan Sorsby has reached an agreement with the NFL that puts to rest any doubt about his status for 2026 and beyond.
The former Texas Tech quarterback reached a settlement with the NFL and NFLPA that ensures that he will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. Sorsby will not pursue any litigation over the league’s decision not to hold a supplemental draft this year, while the league will not discipline Sorsby for any prior conduct once he is drafted.
Sorsby issued a statement taking responsibility for his gambling issues and saying he would dedicate himself to preparing for the 2027 draft.
“I accept 100% responsibility for my actions,” Sorsby wrote. “I did not have control of my gambling problem and it took getting caught for me to realize that, but it was truly the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Because of this, I have been able to get the help I need and fully focus on my recovery.”
A statement from Brendan Sorsby, who won’t pursue further legal action or opportunities to play this season, focusing instead on his recovery and preparations for the 2027 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/6o90aqhu7P
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2026
Sorsby essentially confirms that he will not play football this year. The NCAA has fought to keep him ineligible, and the NFL will not let him in. Other leagues have also said they will not take him at this point.
Sorsby essentially gets the best possible outcome here. He will not have to worry about retroactive punishment for his gambling, and will be in next year’s NFL Draft without any restrictions.
Report: Celtics disappointed with Jaylen Brown’s trade market
The Boston Celtics may have backed themselves into a bit of a corner with forward Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics have found that the trade market for Brown is not as robust as they had hoped, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The team has asked for up to four first-round picks and players in a package for Brown, but that asking price is viewed as far too high, and the Celtics will have to lower it if they really want to deal him.
Teams have interest in Brown, but not at the quoted price. The Portland Trail Blazers are said to have modest interest, and the Denver Nuggets cannot meet the Celtics’ asking price and are not terribly motivated to try.
If the Celtics do not change their approach, they may have some real issues on their hands. There have been reports that Brown has somewhat distanced himself from the team, and constant public trade rumors are not going to help in that regard. The team might have to either lower its asking price or brace for the reality of having to repair relations with Brown ahead of next season.
Brown finished 6th in MVP voting and was the first name off the All-NBA First-Team after averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 47.7 percent field goal shooting. Still, analytics might actually be hurting his value somewhat. He certainly thinks that is the case, anyway.
Kawhi Leonard has been traded by the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are moving on from Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers are trading Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a package headlined by Brandon Ingram, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The deal would also include two first-round picks and Gradey Dick.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/VovqGw5qS6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
Charania added that Leonard views the trade as “an opportunity to retire in Toronto.”
Shams:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 30, 2026
"I'm told Kawhi Leonard views this as an opportunity to retire in Toronto" pic.twitter.com/rHu8SkaWlH
Trade rumors surrounding Leonard had ramped up over the past few days as the forward heads into the final year of his contract. The Clippers were going to have to make a decision on whether to trade him or get him to commit long-term, and the former appears to have won out. The Raptors emerged as a likely landing spot very quickly.
It is no coincidence that Leonard is heading to Toronto, one of his two former teams and one of the few places he would accept an extension with. He won an NBA title there in 2019 and did consider re-signing there before ultimately moving to the Clippers.
Leonard turned 35 on Monday. When he plays, he remains a force, as he averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Clippers in 65 games last season.
LeBron James thanks Lakers on social media
LeBron James has spoken for the first time regarding his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
James took to X on Tuesday to respond to the Lakers’ statement thanking him for his time with Los Angeles. The messages from each side were cordial, with James expressing his hope that he “made a few proud” during his time with the organization.
“No, THANK YOU!” James wrote. “Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026
James and the Lakers appear to be parting on the best possible terms. James has simply decided it is time to move on, and while the Lakers wanted him back, they are accepting his decision and wishing him well.
The Lakers likely will not be quite as kind to James if he winds up playing for a Western Conference rival, as has been rumored. That said, it appears highly unlikely that any grudge matches are coming here, and his legacy with the Lakers is secure.
Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis hits serious roadblock
The Golden State Warriors’ hopes of pairing Anthony Davis with LeBron James appear to be fading.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Tuesday that the Warriors’ efforts to trade for Davis do not appear to be gaining traction, in large part because the Washington Wizards have not shown any real interest in discussing a deal.
“I’m taking the Anthony Davis thing off the frontburner,” Windhorst said. “I do not have data that says that’s likely to happen. My information can change, but I do not see traction from the Wizards to want to do that, and the Warriors told Jimmy Butler they’re not trading him.”
REPORT: The Wizards DON'T want to trade Anthony Davis to the Warriors
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) June 30, 2026
(Via @WindhorstESPN)
"I don't have data that says the AD trade is likely… I don't see the Wizards to want to do that, the Warriors told Jimmy they aren't trading him"
AD to the Warriors is DEAD 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/YjNdFygauC
Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting that the Warriors were trying to trade for Davis and pair him up with James again. While Golden State’s pursuit of James appears to be continuing, their efforts to pry Davis away from Washington have gone nowhere.
The Wizards’ stance makes sense. They traded for Davis and Trae Young last season with the long-term intention of trying to pair them together this season. They would need a very compelling reason to split them up before even getting the chance to put their plan into action.
Still, there have been persistent trade rumors regarding Davis this offseason. It may simply be that the Warriors do not really have anything that the Wizards would find enticing in a trade package.
