LaMelo Ball is being linked to 2 teams amid bombshell trade news
LaMelo Ball may stunningly be in his final hours as a member of the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets are now engaged in trade talks on their star point guard Ball, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday. Charania adds that multiple teams are strongly pursuing Ball and that Ball could potentially end up being traded within “the next 24-to-48 hours.”
In the wake of the news, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported that two teams in particular have trade interest in Ball. Those two teams are the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors.
Ball, still only 24, just completed his sixth season as a member of the Hornets. While his numbers did take a hit in 2025-26 (20.1 points and 7.1 assists per game), the oft-injured Ball managed to play in a fairly impressive 72 games and also helped lead Charlotte to a play-in tournament berth for the first time since 2022.
That said, we have been hearing for close to a year now that the Hornets might be considering moving on from Ball. An unflattering report emerged last fall about Ball’s allegedly poor work ethic, and another one surfaced months later claming that Ball was having issues with Charlotte head coach Charles Lee.
The Timberwolves’ dire need for a point guard has been well-documented, and Ball (a fellow 2020 draftee just like Minnesota star Anthony Edwards) might be the best trade option left with Kyrie Irving and Ja Morant already having been crossed off their list. The Raptors could also be looking for an upgrade at PG Immanuel Quickley, so it looks like the engines are getting revved up for the former All-Star Ball (who is still owed roughly $43.5 million per year through 2029).
Report: Lakers are very open to 1 LeBron James sign-and-trade scenario
The Los Angeles Lakers may have found a viable LeBron James exit strategy.
The Lakers are “very open” to the possibility of one sign-and-trade scenario that would involve sending James to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported Wednesday during a radio appearance. Windhorst says that the Lakers are eyeing the possibility of acquiring Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen in such a move, even adding that the Lakers would “kill” to get Allen.
James, 41, is an unrestricted free agent this NBA offseason. While that makes him free to sign with any team that he chooses, James would greatly benefit from a sign-and-trade since it could get him the most amount of money from a team that otherwise might not have the financial flexibility to give him a large contract outright.
The Cavaliers, James’ beloved former team, certainly fit that billing as a team that already has the NBA’s highest overall payroll on their books for 2026-27 (an estimated at $218.1 million). The Lakers obviously have a major incentive for such an arrangement too since they would be getting a quality piece back in exchange for James leaving (as opposed to just losing him for nothing).
Allen, the 28-year-old former All-Star, is indeed that quality piece as well. As a fearsome shot-blocker who is also known for his athleticism and pristine touch around the rim, Allen would be an ideal pick-and-roll fit alongside Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Cleveland lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the New York Knicks this past season and may need to do something far more dramatic than simply running it back in order to realistically compete for an NBA title. The possibility of a third stint by James with the Cavaliers has been rumored for several months now, and it may all depend on whether or not Cleveland actually wants him back at this point.
Isaiah Stewart gets traded by the Pistons to a Western Conference team
The Beef Stew era in Detroit is officially over.
The Detroit Pistons have traded controversial big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday. Charania adds that the Pistons will be getting three second-round picks back from the Grizzlies in exchange for Stewart.
Originally a Detroit first-round pick in 2020 (No. 16 overall), Stewart slowly made a name for himself with his physicality and his rambunctiousness on the court. Stewart, 25, became widely known as perhaps the single most confrontational player in the NBA and did everything from trying to fight LeBron James to getting arrested for punching an opponent in the arena tunnels before a game.
This past season for the No. 1 seed Pistons, Stewart played a meaningful role off the bench, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in only 22.7 minutes per game. But Stewart’s tendencies still managed to get the best of him at times, most notably when he was suspended for punching an opponent from a headlock position during a wild February melee.
Undersized for a big man at 6-foot-8, Stewart is making $15 million next season and has a $15 million team option for 2027-28 as well. Thus, this looks like a pure salary dump move by the Pistons and could also signal a strong commitment to bringing back restricted free agent center Jalen Duren later this summer.
As for the Grizzlies, they are looking for a new identity down low, especially after trading away former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. a few months ago. While he may be a little bit rough around the edges, Stewart will now be getting a chance to bring Memphis back to their “Grit N Grind” culture of old.
Update emerges on Rafael Devers’ future amid drama with the Giants
Rafael Devers appears to have fully worn out his welcome with a second MLB team.
The San Francisco Giants would like to trade away the three-time All-Star infielder Devers ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Wednesday during an appearance on “SportsCenter.” Passan adds though that the Giants will be out of luck because there are “no takers at this point” for Devers.
San Francisco originally acquired the lefty-hitting Devers, 29, in a trade with the Boston Red Sox just over a year ago. But Devers has proven to be an abject nightmare for the Giants ever since then.
Despite making $27 million this season, Devers is batting .238 with an underwhelming .732 OPS. While he does have 11 home runs and 37 RBIs through 78 games, that is far from the value that the Giants envisioned getting when they first traded for Devers.
To make matters worse, Devers is also causing some internal drama right now for San Francisco. Over the weekend, Devers caused a major headache when the team attempted to pinch-run for him in the ninth inning of a close game. Devers then compounded the mistake days later by lashing out at the media upon being asked about the incident.
The bad news for the Giants is that they are now 32-46 on the season, which is tied for the second-worst in Major League Baseball. The even worse news is that Devers is still signed for the next seven seasons (through 2033) and will be making $28.5 million a year over that span. Between his poor production, his diva behavior, and his bloated long-term contract, Devers has become the albatross that the Giants likely won’t be able to get rid of (no matter how hard they try).
Report: 1 All-Star trade target would block a move to the Yankees
One All-Star pitcher apparently does not want a second tour of duty in The Bronx.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray is a hot trade candidate ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB deadline. However, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported on Wednesday that there is one particular team that Gray will not be going to — the New York Yankees.
Heyman says that Gray, who has a full no-trade clause in his contract, would block any potential move to the Yankees. The righty pitcher “did not have a great experience in New York,” Heyman adds.
Gray, 36, pitched for the Yankees for two seasons from 2017-18. Those marked two of the worst seasons of his big-league career as Gray went 15-16 with a 4.51 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in New York. Gray also spoke out late last year on how he never wanted to be a Yankee (having initially arrived in a trade from the then-Oakland Athletics).
A three-time career All-Star selection otherwise, Gray is now enjoying a standout season with the rival Red Sox. He has gone 9-1 with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP with 66 strikeouts over 14 total starts. On top of that, Gray is under contract for next season as well under a mutual option.
The Red Sox as a whole continue to toil though, and they are the worst team in their division this season at 32-46. If the team does decide to cash out on Gray at the trade deadline, he will not be going to the Yankees and may instead end up on this other club that pursued him in the past.
J.B. Bickerstaff rips Trail Blazers over controversial coaching decision
The Portland Trail Blazers ended their head coaching search on Tuesday when they hired Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.
However, the Blazers’ decision isn’t going over well, and not because Nori isn’t a good candidate. Rather, Portland gave Nori a one-year deal with options for the second and third seasons. After the news surfaced, Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who is also the National Basketball Coaches Association president, called it a “slap in the face.”
“Coaching salaries have been increasing because the league understands and owners understand the value of quality coaching,” Bickerstaff said, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “So for a new guy to come in who doesn’t have that understanding and to go out and chop at the knees of coaches is a slap in the face to our value.”
Bickerstaff also said it is “extremely disappointing,” while adding that “it’s like someone’s taking advantage of your dream and devaluing what we feel like coaches have earned over the years.”
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch had a different thought from Bickerstaff, and he was excited for Nori to get an opportunity.
“There’s 30 of these jobs. They’re hard to get. They’re incredibly rewarding in a lot of different ways. I know he wasn’t focused on certainly money, but he was first focused on opportunity,” Finch said, via Tim MacMahon.
New Trail Blazers owner, Tom Dundon, has also caught heat for some cost-cutting moves, including mass layoffs recently. Now, they are giving Nori a one-year deal in an odd move.
The Los Angeles Angels gave new manager Kurt Suzuki a one-year deal prior to the season, although owner Arte Moreno insisted on doing so due to a potential work stoppage in 2027.
Nonetheless, Nori gets a chance to be a head coach, but it could be a short stint in Oregon if things don’t go well.
Brandon Aiyuk pumps up Commanders rumors with new video
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is not hiding his feelings about the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders have been linked to Aiyuk for some time, and he played at Arizona State with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Over the weekend, Aiyuk posted a video on Instagram, saying, “Go Commanders! GO Commanders! Go Commanders!” On Wednesday, Aiyuk pumped up the rumors again with another video. This one showed the Commanders logo on a football with a caption that read, “The best team in the world.”
The latest IG video from Brandon Aiyuk shows him holding a football with a #Commanders logo on it.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 24, 2026
The caption at the bottom includes: “The best team in the world.”
Reminder: Aiyuk is still on the #49ers. https://t.co/xW2dKK6598 pic.twitter.com/EqduuObN64
Aiyuk’s situation has been never-ending. He hasn’t played since halfway through the 2024 season. In June, an arrest warrant was issued for a misdemeanor charge due to “exhibition of speed” with the WR.
Now, he once again publicly expresses what appears to be a desire to play with the Commanders. Earlier in June, Aiyuk posted a photo on his Instagram account wearing a Commanders hat, so he has left no secrets whatsoever about where he wants to end up.
Right now, Aiyuk’s future in the NFL is unclear, and only time will tell where he ends up.
Underrated tight end cashes in on $48 million contract
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts inked a new contract extension on Tuesday. Now, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange is cashing in with a new deal.
On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Jaguars and Strange agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $48 million, and $25 million is guaranteed for the underrated tight end.
The #Jaguars and standout TE Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a three-year extension worth up to $48 million, with $25 million guaranteed, per his agents Jim Ivler, JR Roggio, and Jon Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC. pic.twitter.com/SdU0ud7KR1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 24, 2026
The Jaguars selected Strange in the second round at No. 61 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State.
As a rookie, Strange had just five receptions in 14 games, and he had 40 catches in 17 regular-season games in his second season.
This past season, Strange became a more popular target as he had 46 receptions for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns, all of which were career-highs.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Strange’s impact goes “well beyond the box score,” which helped the Jaguars feel comfortable about paying him big money.
I’ve spoken to people with the #Jaguars about Brenton Strange’s impact, and I’ve heard plenty about how much they missed him in the offense during the 5 games he was out last year, 3 of which they lost.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 24, 2026
Still just 25 years old, his impact on the offense goes well beyond the box… https://t.co/wZEywgJOjz
That was also evident in Week 1 of the 2025 season as Strange had a massive block against the Carolina Panthers.
Pitts’ extension with the Falcons was for three years and $54 million. Strange is now the fourth-highest-paid tight end by average annual value in the NFL, with George Kittle, Trey McBride and Pitts holding the top three spots.
Christian Pulisic gives injury update ahead of USA’s match vs. Turkiye
Team USA has gotten off to a 2-0 start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And, the Americans defeated Australia in the second match, even without star Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic has been dealing with a lingering calf issue. He subbed out early in the first game against Paraguay before missing the Australia showdown.
On Wednesday, Pulisic dropped a positive update, saying he feels good and he should be out there on Thursday to face Turkiye at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
Christian Pulisic on his availability for selection vs Türkiye on Thursday 🇺🇸@JennyTaft spoke with @pulisic a day out from the final @USMNT group stage match pic.twitter.com/l7E6kaWQl6
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 24, 2026
Pulisic added, “Hopefully I’ll be able to play a part tomorrow,” but he did say it isn’t realistic to play all 90 minutes of the game.
Team USA has gotten off to a dominant 2-0 start with a 4-0 win over Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia as the Americans punched their ticket early to the Round of 32.
The start by Team USA has everybody buzzing, especially with them being the host nation. Even soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hopped on the bandwagon, saying he believes Team USA can make a run for the title.
Team USA finishes Group D play against Turkiye on Thursday before the first Knockout stage match on Wednesday, July 1, although the opponent has not yet been determined.
Brian Kelly lands new job ahead of college football season
College football head coach Brian Kelly has reportedly landed a new job not even a year after being fired by the LSU Tigers.
However, Kelly’s new job isn’t as a coach, but instead, as a television analyst for the college football season.
According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, Kelly will call games on CBS for the Mountain West Conference.
“CBS Sports has one Big Ten football game a week, as well as Mountain West rights. This season, Charles Davis is replacing Gary Danielson alongside Brad Nessler on Big Ten games at the network. Kelly is expected to be part of a three-man booth on Mountain West games on the broadcast network, one source said,” Glasspiegel wrote.
LSU fired Kelly in October after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M in Baton Rouge. Kelly had a whopping $53 million buyout.
However, Kelly filed a lawsuit as LSU was trying to find a way to fire him for cause in an effort to erase some of the buyout money.
Since then, LSU hired Lane Kiffin as the new head coach and brought back Ed Orgeron in an assistant role, but Kelly has been left without a head coaching job at this moment.
Kelly has 22 years of head coaching experience with stops at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame before going to LSU. Kelly has a combined 200-76 record, and he should at least bring a lot of insight into the television booth.
Pistons linked to another guard after Austin Reaves’ $185 million deal with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers decided not to take any chances with Austin Reaves ahead of free agency. On Wednesday, Reaves and LA agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal. The Detroit Pistons were reportedly “maneuvering to make a real run” at signing Reaves, but the Lakers beat them to the punch.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, despite the Pistons’ pursuit of Reaves, Detroit is now shifting its focus elsewhere and attempting to land Tyler Herro.
Herro, the former Miami Heat sharpshooter, was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Heat.
With Reaves now sure to stay in LA, as was long believed to be his clear preference, league sources say Detroit continues to express trade interest in Milwaukee's soon-to-be acquired Tyler Herro.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2026
The Bucks are expected to listen to offers but could also elect to keep Herro. https://t.co/KQ5oMhIe9M
The Pistons were linked to Herro before, although it was in the form of a potential three-team deal involving Antetokounmpo.
On Tuesday, however, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said that the plan “right now” is for the Bucks to keep Herro, although things can certainly change if Milwaukee is presented with a strong offer from another team such as Detroit.
Herro was born in Milwaukee, so the chance to play for his hometown team might be enticing. Still, the Pistons are set to make an attempt to change the Bucks’ minds and try to bring Herro to Detroit, especially with Reaves off the board.
Sparks announce unfortunate Kelsey Plum injury update
The Los Angeles Sparks are coming off a thrilling win. On Sunday, Nneka Ogwumike hit a buzzer-beater to give LA the 98-97 win over the New York Liberty at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
On Wednesday, however, the Sparks got a crushing injury update regarding star Kelsey Plum. She is now out for at least four weeks due to a leg injury.
Sparks guard Kelsey Plum is out with a lower left leg injury. The four-time WNBA All-Star will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) June 24, 2026
Plum played 35 minutes in the win over the Liberty, scoring 12 points with 7 assists in a snother strong outing.
However, she is now out for at least a month, and it could be longer depending on how the recovery process goes.
The Las Vegas Aces traded Plum to the Sparks in January 2025 as part of a three-team deal with the Seattle Storm.
Since then, Plum has been a massive part of LA’s success. In her first season with the Sparks, Plum played and started in 43 regular-season games, averaging 19.5 points with 5.7 assists per game.
This season, Plum was averaging 23.9 points per game, which is on pace for a career-high, with 6.4 assists before suffering the injury.
LA is now 8-8 on the season, and they will try and survive without Plum for the foreseeable future, beginning on Thursday on the road against the Toronto Tempo.
48-year-old man charged after stalking Fever star Sophie Cunningham
A 48-year-old man has been charged after reportedly stalking and sending harassing messages to Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham.
According to a report from WTHR.com, Kevin Singh faces multiple charges after sending “multiple threatening and explicit messages.”
Here are the charges, according to the report.
- Stalking (Level 6 felony)
- Intimidation (Level 6 felony)
- Harassment (Class B misdemeanor)
Prosecutors said that Singh is currently on probation in Hendricks County after pleading guilty to two counts of invasion of privacy. Such charges are considered a Level 6, which can carry jail time and/or a fine in the state of Indiana.
Singh sent the messages to Cunningham on social media, and they date back to September 2025.
In September, security cameras saw the man giving a package to a security guard at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and inside was a letter addressed to Cunningham as well as a Guns N’ Roses shirt.
“Your Metallica shirt gave me the idea to add GN’R to your collection; and I’ve tried everything else to get your attention (smile emoji). I hope you hit me up! Your Friend & Fan,” part of the letter read, according to a report from The Indy Star.
Cunningham has been in plenty of headlines since joining the Fever. Recently, she tied her career high with six three-pointers in the Fever’s win at home over the Toronto Tempo.
Dianna Russini’s salary at The Athletic has been revealed in light of Mike Vrabel scandal
Former NFL reporter Dianna Russini has been in plenty of headlines since the photos with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel came to light.
Since then, Vrabel has remained as the coach, but Russini resigned from The Athletic and has not been seen publicly.
On Wednesday, a lengthy feature was released by Katherine Rosman and Ken Belson of The New York Times. A lot of information was revealed, but one of the most surprising was Russini’s salary at The Athletic, which is now owned by The New York Times.
“The Athletic paid her an annual salary of close to $800,000, according to a former manager who had knowledge of her salary negotiation,” the report stated.
“This would have made her one of the highest-paid journalists at the Times Company. She had been promoted as a face of the sports publication, which the company bought in 2022 for $550 million as part of an effort to expand the Times’s reach to sports fans around the world. At the time the story broke, The Athletic was in discussions with Ms. Russini about renewing her contract, which was set to expire at the end of June.”
It’s quite the development, and it shows how highly-regarded Russini was for her work as a journalist.
Russini insisted the photos of her and Vrabel holding hands were taken while at the hotel with other friends. In May, it was reported that Vrabel and Russini rented a private boat together in 2021 while Russini was pregnant.
Russini’s contract with the company was set to expire on June 30, although the latest report stated that the two sides were working on an extension.
However, Russini resigned due to the scandal with Vrabel, and she even went on to delete her X account.
NBA insider gives notable update on Kawhi Leonard’s future
With NBA free agency right around the corner, one player whose future is up in the air is Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard is entering the final season of a 3-year, $149.5 million contract, and NBA insider Chris Haynes believes he could be moved if the two sides don’t agree to an extension.
“If an extension is not worked out…I expect the Clippers to look to move Kawhi,” Haynes said on Tuesday night. “I don’t expect that he will stay and play on an expiring deal.”
Chris Haynes:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 24, 2026
"If an extension is not worked out…I expect the Clippers look to move Kawhi. I don't expect that he will stay and play on an expiring deal" pic.twitter.com/4KkcwmAhYf
Questions have been swirling about Leonard due to an ongoing NBA investigation regarding the Aspiration scandal.
At the same time, the Clippers traded away James Harden at last year’s deadline, and if Leonard doesn’t ink an extension, it would make sense to move him for assets as they try to get younger.
The Golden State Warriors are one team that has been linked to Leonard recently, so there should be interest if the Clippers open up the phone lines and explore deals for the former San Diego State star.
The NBA free agency negotiation period begins on June 30, and the Clippers might want an answer before then so they can figure out how to allocate their resources.
Austin Reaves set to make NBA history with new Lakers contract
Austin Reaves does not appear to be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.
With Reaves set to be a free agent, the Lakers have been prioritizing a new deal. On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Lakers and Reaves intend to sign a four-year deal worth $185 million.
Moreover, Reaves’ new deal will be the largest ever for an undrafted player in the history of the NBA.
The Lakers and Reaves' agents, Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, worked through discussions over the last 10 days after teams were able to negotiate with their own free agents. Reaves lands the richest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history. https://t.co/AZ5pKkRI5u
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2026
Reaves reportedly was hoping to cash in on a max deal, and teams such as the Brooklyn Nets were named as one potential bidder for the Lakers star ahead of free agency.
The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks were two other teams that had been linked to Reaves, but it seems that the Lakers are not taking any chances and are bringing back Reaves.
Reaves played at Oklahoma in college and went undrafted, but he has blossomed into a star with the Lakers. He has started 216 games in five seasons in LA, and he has emerged as a solid running mate alongside Luka Doncic.
With the Reaves question now out of the way, the focus turns to whether or not LeBron James plays one more season in LA or not.
Major twist could emerge in the aftermath of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
The dust has yet to settle from the fallout of the trade that went down on Monday, when the Milwaukee Bucks pulled the trigger on a deal that sent two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
But that hasn’t stopped people from speculating about what’s next for the Bucks.
On Tuesday, NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN talked to ESPN Milwaukee and sounded off on the potential of the Bucks moving on right away from Tyler Herro, who is part of the package the Heat sent to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
Asked whether the Bucks would ultimately trade Herro before he even played a game for Milwaukee, Windhorst said that, at the moment, he doesn’t believe such a move is likely, though he didn’t rule out the possibility entirely.
“From what I understand, right now, and there’s a long way to go between now and then, but from what I understand right now, the plan is for the Bucks to keep Tyler Herro,” Windhorst said.
"From what I understand right now, the plan is for the #Bucks to KEEP Tyler Herro" @WindhorstESPN does not think the Bucks will try to trade Tyler Herro. pic.twitter.com/QrJVI33sLb
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) June 23, 2026
Herro is an interesting piece in the Antetokounmpo trade, mostly because he’s from Wisconsin. He has clear ties to Milwaukee, having attended Whitnall High School in Milwaukee County, Wis., before going to the Kentucky Wildcats to play college basketball.
For now, it will be a wait-and-see approach for Herro, who just finished his seventh season in the league.
Herro entered the NBA in 2019 as Miami’s first-round pick that year. in 394 games with the Heat, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Carlos Mendoza had strong words after Kodai Senga’s ugly start
Kodai Senga has to figure it out before the New York Mets completely lose patience with him.
The 33-year-old right-hander had another horrid start on Monday, when he was smacked around by the Chicago Cubs in a 9-6 Mets loss at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t seem to mince his words when he spoke after Senga’s latest mound nightmare.
“Performing matters here and having outings like these are not gonna cut it,” Mendoza said, via Tyler Kepner of The Athletic.
“I’m pretty sure we’re gonna have a decision, but that ain’t gonna do it. We need better. They know that, and we’re to a point where you gotta go out there and earn it. So that’s the bottom line.”
In Senga’s second start since returning from the injured list due to lumbar spine inflammation, he allowed 7 earned runs on 3 hits (2 home runs). He had 6 strikeouts, but location was a clear problem for him still, as he walked five Cubs hitters across just 3 2/3 innings of work.
Over his last two starts, he has surrendered 11 runs on 5 hits. In the same span, he gave up 4 home runs and walked 9 to go with 11 strikeouts through just 7 2/3 innings.
Overall in the 2026 season, Senga carries around a 0-6 record, 10.08 ERA, 1.916 WHIP and 7.48 FIP after 6 starts.
It hasn’t been much better for the Mets as a team, as they dropped to 34-44, which is 14 games off the top of the National League East standings.
Bucks are facing a sobering reality after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo
With Giannis Antetokounmpo off to South Beach, it is truly the end of an era for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Widely regarded as the best player in franchise history, Antetokounmpo’s departure greatly affects Milwaukee’s outlook. While not as impactful as the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Bobby Portis, who is the other player headed to the Miami Heat as part of the trade, will also be missed by Bucks fans.
To some extent, the same can be said about Antetokounmpo’s brother, Thanasis.
About to become a free agent in the summer and not expected to be re-signed by the Bucks, Thanasis is nothing more than a cap hold for Milwaukee.
With the Antetokounmpo brothers and Portis gone, the last remnants of the Bucks’ unforgettable 2021 championship team are now gone, which was pointed out by Shams Charania of ESPN.
“With Portis included in the deal and Thanasis Antetokounmpo a free agent, no players from the Bucks’ 2021 title team remain in Milwaukee,” wrote Charania.
At the same time, Antetokounmpo’s exit gives the Bucks closure on a drama that dragged on for far too long.
The challenge now for the Bucks is to find a new identity and work their way up to become a legitimate NBA title contender again.
Fans had all sorts of jokes about Mac Jones’ Tight End University cameo
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was a vibe during his appearance at the sixth edition of Tight End University.
Jones was among the quarterbacks who showed up to support the annual event, and the former Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller looked like he had an absolute time on the field.
In a video shared by Dana Beers, Jones looked like he was having the time of his life, casually throwing darts downfield while grooving to the music playing in the background.
If he hadn’t been throwing the ball with such velocity, it would have been easy to mistake Jones for someone’s uncle who had boldly wandered onto the field to show the young guns he could still throw a football over them mountains.
Mac Jones is slingin it. I love him pic.twitter.com/g8cnC5eYMV
— Dana Beers (@danabeers) June 23, 2026
Meanwhile, folks on the internet have come up with all sorts of jokes as reactions to Jones’ demeanor.
He’s moving like Randall from Recess back there
— Michael Grier (@OleGriersy) June 23, 2026
my dad after drinking all day thinking he still got it
— Rasslin Rob (@rob_bohanan) June 24, 2026
Thought that was the slap
— Hack City (@HackCityPod) June 24, 2026
Chop guy pic.twitter.com/swNCd5CAWy
Gotta be the most non-athlete lookin professional athlete of all time
— MAC (@chowmac_) June 23, 2026
How does he already have the aura of a 60 year old
— Primetime Carolina (@primetimecar) June 23, 2026
Tight End University was founded by his 49ers teammate George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and former Carolina Panthers star tight end Greg Olsen in 2021. The event has since become such a hit that many look forward to it every year, though few likely expected to see an ultra-chill Mac Jones casually slinging the football around.
Jones is coming off a notable season with the 49ers, appearing in 11 games with eight starts, and passing for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. In the offseason, he signed a 2-year, $8.41 million contract with the 49ers.
