Mitchell Robinson throws shade at Knicks
Mitchell Robinson was a casualty of the New York Knicks’ salary cap limitations, and he does not appear to be happy about it.
Robinson posted a farewell message to Knicks fans on Instagram on Wednesday after agreeing to sign with the Boston Celtics. Many of his former teammates popped up in the comments to wish him well. One such teammate was OG Anunoby, who posted a sad emoji in response to Robinson’s exit.
Robinson replied by making it clear that he had not wanted to leave the Knicks, and hinted at some sort of behind-the-scenes drama.
“I tried brother I didn’t want this to happen,” Robinson wrote. “Hopefully the truth comes out at some point.”
Mitchell Robinson on Instagram:
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) July 2, 2026
“I tried brother I didn’t want this to happen hopefully the truth comes out at some point.” pic.twitter.com/O8op1vVSwv
It is unclear what sort of truth Robinson might be referring to, but the circumstances of his departure seem to be pretty clear. Owner James Dolan openly said the team would not go into the second apron to retain their free agents, which essentially confirmed that someone would have to leave. The team was able to retain Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet for just shy of $11 million per year, and while that still leaves them with a bit of wiggle room to stay below that $222 million payroll, they had no real way of fitting Robinson in unless he took an enormous discount.
Robinson ultimately joined the Celtics for over $15 million annually, far more than the Knicks would have been able to pay him without sacrificing one or both of Alvarado and Shamet.
The Knicks and Robinson seemingly wanted to run it back. The reality of the salary cap, however, prevented them from doing that.
6-time NBA All-Star set to announce his retirement
A six-time NBA All-Star has decided to call it a career.
Kyle Lowry plans to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors to retire as a member of the team, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet. The team has a press conference planned for next Tuesday to honor Lowry and allow him to announce his retirement.
The Raptors also expect to honor Lowry in other ways, including a jersey retirement that will take place at some point next season.
Lowry concludes a 20-year NBA career with a whole host of achievements. He was a six-time All-Star and was also an All-NBA selection in 2016. Perhaps most importantly, he won an NBA title with the Raptors in 2019. For his career, he averaged 13.8 points and 6.0 assists per game.
Lowry is most identified with the Raptors, where he spent nine NBA seasons. He also played for Memphis, Houston, Miami, and Philadelphia. He spent last season with the 76ers, where he played in just 14 games and was more of a player-coach than anything else.
While Lowry’s next move is unclear, there has been talk of a potential television career for him.
Terrion Arnold shares surprising news about his NFL future in court documents
New court documents suggest that Terrion Arnold’s NFL career might not be on hold after all.
In a new court document, Arnold’s attorney Harvey Steinberg claimed that three NFL teams had reached out to inquire about Arnold’s services after the cornerback’s release from the Detroit Lions. Steinberg further said that Arnold expects to sign with a new team within the next month.
“He is confined to his home by both court conditions and media scrutiny and anticipates that he will have employment with another NFL team within 30 days,” Steinberg wrote of Arnold, via Mark Inabinett of al.com. “Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services.
The Lions released Arnold earlier this week in the wake of his arrest for armed robbery. Arnold is facing multiple felonies with the potential of life in prison if convicted. The logical expectation was that no team would risk touching Arnold while those charges are hanging over him, but perhaps that will not be the case after all.
Arnold is alleged to have planned out a robbery in an effort to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods that purportedly been stolen from an Airbnb that he was renting (full details here). He has denied the allegations and pled not guilty.
New team emerges as serious suitor for LeBron James
LeBron James’ free agent recruitment may still be more open than previously thought.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested Thursday that the Philadelphia 76ers could be a serious player for James. Windhorst noted that Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey is a longtime Klutch Sports client, and that the team’s trade for Jaylen Brown may catch James’ attention and help convince him that Philadelphia could be a winning situation.
“He’s basically part of LeBron’s extended family. You would not only have Jaylen Brown as the addition, you would have Tyrese Maxey as your drawing card,” Windhorst said of Maxey. “There’s a longstanding relationship between Tyrese Maxey and LeBron because of Klutch. They recruited Tyrese Maxey out of college. They’ve been to many events together.”
The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to emerge as a strong suitor for LeBron James due to the Tyrese Maxey connection, per @WindhorstESPN
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) July 2, 2026
Maxey, who shares the same Klutch Sports agency as LeBron, is viewed as a major recruiting tool for Philly. pic.twitter.com/6GCoUHgl9y
One roadblock for the Sixers is that they simply would not be able to offer James much money. If he is prioritizing happiness and a chance to contend, however, he could fit into the team’s payroll.
Other reports have suggested that James is likely to land with one of two teams, and that may still be the case. The door may not be completely closed on others to get involved, though, if they can present a compelling situation to the free agent superstar.
Bill Simmons claims Celtics backed out of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
Giannis Antetokounmpo was ready to go to the Boston Celtics instead of the Miami Heat until the Celtics balked, according to Bill Simmons.
In a new episode of his podcast, Simmons claimed that Antetokounmpo was ready to go to the Celtics if the team gave him a three-year contract extension worth 35 percent of the salary cap. The Celtics were only willing to offer two years, prompting Antetokounmpo to sanction a trade to Miami instead.
“He didn’t sign off on the Miami trade for a couple of days, and they were talking about extensions with the Celtics,” Simmons said. “It came down to two years and 30 percent of the cap or three years and 35 percent, and the Celtics were pretty entrenched at two for 30. Giannis wanted the three for 35. They couldn’t agree on it, and that was when he greenlit the Miami trade.”
Wow.
— Savage (@Savageboston) July 2, 2026
Per: @BillSimmons
Giannis was about to sign off on the Celtics trade, but he wanted a 3 year extension at 35% of the cap but Boston was set on 2 years at 30%.
Brad Stevens would budge on the extension and that’s when he approved the trade to Miami.
Unreal. pic.twitter.com/yKZqqlUnnK
If true, this is just salt in the wound for Celtics fans. After failing to land Antetokounmpo, they turned around and traded Jaylen Brown to the division rival Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George in a widely-panned deal. Brown would have been the centerpiece of any Antetokounmpo trade.
It is very strange that the Celtics would aggressively pursue Antetokounmpo only to balk at one extra year on his contract. One must wonder if there are some edicts from ownership about just how much the team can spend in the years to come.
In a certain sense, this also underlines just how determined the Celtics were to trade Brown, even though they were underwhelmed by his market. Antetokounmpo was likely the best chance they had to get something for Brown that would have been perceived as reasonable value, but they may only have themselves to blame for failing to get that done.
76ers have signed a former 1st-round pick
The Philadelphia 76ers continue to load up on talent after acquiring Jaylen Brown.
The Sixers agreed to a two-year deal with free agent guard Anfernee Simons, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Simons had other potential landing spots, but was drawn to Philadelphia by the team’s revamped roster.
Just in: Free agent guard Anfernee Simons has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, with a player option in second season, sources tell ESPN. Simons chose the 76ers over other suitors believing his fit is perfect with the revamped 76ers roster. pic.twitter.com/RUbhPzxxxp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
The 76ers are suddenly a big free agent destination after Wednesday’s acquisition of Brown from the Boston Celtics. Simons has demonstrated the ability to be a quality secondary scorer, and he averaged 14.3 points per game for the Celtics and Chicago Bulls last year. He is also a 38.1 percent career three-point shooter.
Simons’ best statistical season came in 2023-24 with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game in 46 appearances.
In addition to Brown and Simons, Philadelphia has added a solid 3-and-D piece in free agency. They suddenly look like a very real threat in the East, especially if Joel Embiid can stay healthy.
Alexander Ovechkin makes major decision about his future
Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin has decided to play at least one more NHL season.
The Capitals announced Thursday that Ovechkin is signing a new one-year contract with the team. Owner Ted Leonsis said on X that he and the organization are eager to chase another Stanley Cup with the legendary player in the fold.
Alex is back.
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) July 2, 2026
From the day we drafted him, Ovi has played with unmatched passion, relentless drive, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates, our fans, and our city.
The greatest goal scorer in NHL history isn’t done writing his @Capitals story. Neither are we.
Let’s… pic.twitter.com/1BdPcB8WZu
Ovechkin’s return is something of a surprise, as there were major questions about whether he would play one more season. His last game was even treated as something of a farewell, but that turned out to be premature. The Capitals accidentally hinted last season that 2026-27 could be his final season, and there will certainly be questions now about whether this will serve as a retirement tour for Ovechkin.
Ovechkin, 40, remains a productive player. He played in all 82 games last season and scored 32 goals along with 32 assists.
Donovan Mitchell calls out 1 narrative about Jaylen Brown
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell thinks some people are going too far in discussing Jaylen Brown after the Boston Celtics shockingly traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Mitchell reacted to FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd, who cited a pair of sources who said Brown has a “disease” in which he views himself as “the smartest guy in every room he’s in.” The Cavaliers guard took offense to that statement and found Cowherd’s use of the word “disease” was too much.
“Critique basketball all you want… but disease is insane… we gotta stop letting people just say whatever… cmon man!” Mitchell wrote on X.
Critique basketball all you want… but disease is insane… we gotta stop letting people just say whatever… cmon man! https://t.co/kZvqMGBYib
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 2, 2026
Cowherd is a sports talk host, so it is his job to deliver takes like these and elicit a reaction. He has done it a lot during his career, fairly or not.
As for Cowherd’s assertion, it may be that there is a huge disparity between how Brown is viewed within the league and how he is viewed outside of it. Fans universally condemned the Celtics’ decision to trade him for Paul George, and if Brown’s attitude is a problem, it is clearly not seen as too much of one. This is, after all, a former Finals MVP who averaged 28.7 points per game last year.
Brown has tried to defend himself from some of the claims that could be regarded as unfair. His best retort, however, will be to star for the 76ers this season.
Report: LeBron James sweepstakes are down to 2 teams
LeBron James appears to be narrowing down his list in short order.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star James is now down to two teams in free agency, Nick Friedell of The Athletic reported Wednesday in an appearance on 95.7 The Game. Those two teams are the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I’d say it’s about 50/50 right now,” said Friedell.
“It’s between Cleveland and Golden State,” Friedell added.
Now 41 years old, the four-time NBA MVP James informed the Lakers earlier this week that he intends to continue his playing career elsewhere. The Cavaliers are obviously James’ beloved hometown team whom he has already played two separate stints with, and a recent report also claimed that the Cavaliers were eyeing the potential of a reunion as well.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (who can offer James an opportunity to play with his friends Steph Curry and Draymond Green) have been hot on The King’s trail for well over a year now. We even learned last week that Golden State was attempting a semisic trade in an effort to lure in James as a free agent.
James is opening up his recruitment for the time being, and some other teams besides those two have also been mentioned in connection with the 22-time All-Star. But at this point, it is looking like a two-horse race between a pair of star-studded teams in the Warriors and the Cavaliers.
Stephen A. Smith makes racist comments about the Lakers’ free agent signings
Stephen A. Smith is sparking yet another unsightly controversy this week.
The ESPN personality Smith received backlash on Wednesday with his comments about the Los Angeles Lakers’ free agent signings. Earlier in the day, the Lakers signed center Walker Kessler and forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili among some other notable names as well.
In response to the moves, Smith went on his self-titled podcast and made some racist remarks. Smith questioned whether the Lakers would succeed with so many “white dudes” on the roster.
“Where the hell the Los Angeles Lakers think they’re going with a bunch of white dudes?” said Smith. “Your three top players are white dudes? Really? This ain’t golf. This ain’t baseball. Hell, it ain’t even soccer.
“This is basketball,” Smith added. “In NBA history, when have you seen your three most prominent players on a basketball player be white? And that takes you to the promised land?”
Here is the full clip of Smith’s remarks (which he even posted prominently onto his X page).
3 WHITE DUDES?! The Lakers Really Think THIS Can Win a Championship?
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 1, 2026
👇 Watch the full episode. Link in the comments. pic.twitter.com/jTQ2vrDV7C
Prior to Wednesday’s signings, the Lakers were already being led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as their two top stars. Meanwhile, Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht are among the other players on the Lakers’ roster who are of white or European descent.
Still, Smith is judging the Lakers’ players based on the color of their skin rather than their ability to play basketball. That is an inherently racist opinion but one that has unfortunately been expressed before in other corners of sports media as well.
Folarin Balogun gets the softest red card of the World Cup
Folarin Balogun experienced every high and low that there was to offer during Wednesday’s World Cup match.
Balogun and the United States played Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Round of 32 knockout game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. In the 61st minute, the star striker Balogun went in for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović and ended up coming down on Muharemović’s foot.
Muharemović twisted his ankle awkwardly as a result and was down on the pitch in total agony. Upon a VAR (video assistant referee) review, Balogun was given a red card and sent off, bringing the U.S. down to just 10 men.
Here is the video.
Was this worthy of a red card? pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
While the contact with Muharemović’s foot was undeniable, that looked like an unbelievably soft red card given that Balogun was going for the ball and that the contact was neither intentional nor reckless. Fans felt that Balogun should have been given a yellow card at worst there as red cards are usually reserved for the most serious foul plays.
Balogun was the hero for the U.S. in the early going of Wednesday’s match as he scored in the 45th minute and proceeded to hit a popular basketball celebration. Though the U.S. was unfazed by the controversial red card and scored again in the 82nd minute via a Malik Tillman free kick to effectively seal the win, Balogun will now be suspended for his team’s Round of 16 matchup against Belgium, barring an unlikely successful appeal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could reunite with 1 former All-Star teammate in Miami
Giannis Antetokounmpo could be having a reunion (that does not involve any of his brothers).
The Miami Heat are eyeing former All-Star forward Khris Middleton as a free agent target, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported to Substack this week. Stein adds that Middleton is one of several veterans whom Miami has on their radar (along with Bradley Beal and Gabe Vincent).
A three-time career All-Star, Middleton is of course the most interesting of those three names. That is all because of his history with the new Heat superstar Antetokounmpo.
Middleton and Antetokounmpo played together in Milwaukee from 2013-25. They formed a fearsome 1-2 punch that changed the game on both ends of the floor and eventually helped the Bucks win the NBA title in 2021.
These days though, Middleton, who turns 35 next month, does not have as much to offer. He has struggled with injuries and a shrinking role in recent years and averaged a modest 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last season combined between the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks.
The Heat are trying hard right now to fill out the rest of their roster after the blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo, 31, and managed to land another veteran sharpshooter to kick off free agency. Now Antetokounmpo himself will probably be hoping that his longtime Milwaukee co-star Middleton is the next one to land in Miami.
LeBron James reacts to Folarin Balogun doing his celebration after scoring for US in World Cup
Folarin Balogun has The King’s seal of approval.
The USMNT star striker Balogun found the back of the net in the 45th minute of his team’s World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun opened the scoring in the Round of 32 knockout game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. with a left-footed strike after a lucky deflection off a Malik Tillman pass.
After scoring, Balogun ran past the edge of the penalty area and proceeded to hit LeBron James’ “silencer” celebration. Here is the video.
THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD 🇺🇸
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
NOW BALOGUN CAN REALLY HIT THE @KingJames SILENCER! pic.twitter.com/4t9LzMjUUG
That led to a response from James himself over X. “LFG!!!!!! THE [silencer emoji] HAS [landed emoji] at the World Cup!” James wrote. “Helluva goal there Young [king emoji].”
Now 41 years old, James popularized the “silencer” celebration over a decade ago when he was still a member of the Miami Heat. James would usually save the celebration for times when he would hit a particularly clutch shot at the end of a game.
As for Balogun, who had an earlier goal in the 31st minute disallowed for offside, he continues to show out at this year’s World Cup. The 24-year-old New York native has now scored three times in the competition and also had one crucial assist of a referee during the group stage.
Everyone made the same joke about Paul George getting traded to Celtics
Paul George has still got it (when it comes to being the butt of jokes).
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown in a shocking trade on Wednesday. In return, the Celtics are getting back the nine-time All-Star forward George and some additional draft capital.
In response to the news, everybody made the same joke over social media. They joked that George on the Celtics would be like the meme of Shaquille O’Neal on the Celtics.
Paul George on the Celtics pic.twitter.com/kYbvkQ1uq8
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) July 1, 2026
Celtics Shaq, rest easy brother, we got Celtics Paul George now
— Le5-6 (@deepyy_) July 1, 2026
Paul George bringing that Shaq energy to Boston in 2026 pic.twitter.com/oSBOiFU1is
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 2, 2026
Celtics Shaq you can now rest, Celtics Paul George is here pic.twitter.com/5RYctl3iGl
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) July 1, 2026
O’Neal played for the Celtics during the final season of his NBA career in 2010-11. But he was little more than a ghost of his former self at that point, averaging 9.2 points per contest over 37 appearances before announcing his retirement at the end of the year. Now “Celtics Shaq” has become a popular Internet meme used to denote a player who is way past his prime.
George might not be quite that miserable for the Celtics after averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the 76ers last season. But he is now 36 years old, has played in just 78 total games over the last two seasons combined, and is owed a brutal $54.1 million for next season with an additional $56.6 million player option for 2027-28.
Fans universally agreed that the Celtics got fleeced in the trade for Brown, an All-NBA selection last year who averaged a monstrous 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game (all career highs). The underwhelming reality of a washed-up George headlining the return for the Celtics is a big reason why that is the case.
Fans had the same reaction to the Jaylen Brown trade
Jaylen Brown on Wednesday was traded by the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, and many fans had the same reaction to the deal.
Brown was traded to Philly for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Fans all thought that the Celtics got fleeced by Philly in the trade.
If this is true we got absolutely fleeced. Trading Jaylen to a division rival for a washed star and lottery picks makes no sense. Feels like a panic move but I fail to see how it makes us better. Honestly can’t think of a worst possible outcome for this offseason. https://t.co/YVGHkKbct9
— Andrew Markowitz (@amarkowitzWX) July 1, 2026
Celtics gave Jaylen Brown to the Sixers and instead of getting back VJ Edgecombe, they got Paul George. Who is on one of the worst contracts in the NBA.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) July 1, 2026
Even with the picks, Brad Stevens got fleeced.
They tried saying Jaylen Brown would fetch Giannis
— Matthew S. (@MatthewMKE98) July 1, 2026
Meanwhile all it got em was a washed 36 year old Paul George
Celtics got fleeced 😭😭😭 https://t.co/Ro1WOkcfay
Brad Stevens is widely recognized as an excellent executive, so the thought of him getting the short end of a trade is a surprise. Many people feel that the perception of Brown around the league was down, which is why they got back an aging George and four draft picks in return for him. There was one report saying that analytically-oriented teams do not regard Brown so highly, which helps explain the market for him. Additionally, once the Celtics’ trade efforts for Giannis Antetokounmpo fell through, the Celtics may have felt pressed to move Brown, which led them to lose leverage.
Jaylen Brown traded to Eastern Conference team
Jaylen Brown is on the move.
The Boston Celtics on Wednesday agreed to trade Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston is receiving Paul George plus two first-round picks and two second-round picks as part of the deal, according to a report.
Here are the terms of the draft picks that are included in the trade:
Pick compensation to Boston, from
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 1, 2026
Philadelphia, sending Paul George to the Celtics and Jaylen Brown to the Sixers, per source:
2028 first-round pick that could convert from a first to a swap that is more favorable to Boston
2031 unprotected PHI first
2028 second round, most…
Brown being shipped out to Philly ends an offseason that was full of speculation he would soon be leaving the team. His name was included in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, even though the Greek Freak ended up dealt to Miami. From that point on, it seemed like Brown would eventually be traded. He was sent to Philly a week and a half later.
Brown played 10 seasons for the Celtics after they drafted him No. 3 overall in 2016. He was a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player, and he helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA championship.
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game last season, all of which were career-best marks. The 29-year-old has three years left on his current $285 million contract.
2-time NBA All-Star makes public recruiting pitch amid free agency
With the NBA free agency negotiation period underway, some major moves have already been agreed to. However, former NBA player Victor Oladipo is reportedly trying to make a comeback.
Oladipo, who last played for the Miami Heat in the 2022-23 season, posted a message on social media expressing his desire to return to the league.
“I’m a free agent. I don’t have an agent right now just me and my family. I know I have a lot left, and I genuinely love this game. I’d rather show you I’m ready than spend my time trying to explain why or flood you with analytics to prove it,” Oladipo wrote.
I’m a free agent. I don’t have an agent right now just me and my family.
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) July 1, 2026
I know I have a lot left, and I genuinely love this game. I’d rather show you I’m ready than spend my time trying to explain why or flood you with analytics to prove it.
If you’re about winning, value…
The Orlando Magic selected Oladipo at No. 2 overall in 2013 after he starred for the Indiana Hoosiers. Oladipo also had stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets and Heat, where he played the final three seasons before missing all of 2023-24 due to an injury.
Oladipo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 postseason.
Oladipo made the All-Star team in back-to-back seasons towards the end of his Pacers run. In 2024, Oladipo joined ESPN as an analyst, but he attempted a comeback last season.
The former Pacers All-Star had a short stint with the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate for the Bucks.
VICTOR OLADIPO WITH THE FLUSH! 💪
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) November 23, 2025
The former NBA All-Star has 7 PTS and 7 AST in the first half on https://t.co/fLGfbO13fw. @WisconsinHerd pic.twitter.com/Wjoa0it9Yd
Oladipo averaged 13.5 points per game across 15 appearances for the Herd, but he is hoping an NBA team takes a flier on him. He just turned 34 years old in May.
Jazz agree to deal with Lakers player after Walker Kessler trade
The Utah Jazz traded away center Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers, and not even six hours later, Utah has agreed to a deal with a former LA big man.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Jazz and center Jaxson Hayes agreed to terms of a two-year deal worth $12 million, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Source: The Jazz are signing former Lakers center Jaxson Hayes to a two-year, $12 million deal. The second season is a team option.
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) July 1, 2026
With the Lakers acquiring Kessler, Hayes’ time in LA felt like it was coming to an end. This also adds to the long list of Lakers players to leave in free agency.
Marcus Smart agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets, Luke Kennard went to the Phoenix Suns, and LeBron James informed LA that he would play elsewhere in 2026-27.
Rui Hachimura is likely headed out of LA after the Lakers agreed to deals with three other players shortly after the Kessler trade.
Hayes was the eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft, although he began his career with the New Orleans Pelicans due to a draft night trade. He then came to LA in 2023-24. Despite a limited role, he signed a one-year deal last offseason, and Hayes played in 66 regular-season games.
Now, Hayes goes to Utah in what will likely be another reserve role.
Spurs agree to $31 million deal with former first-round pick
The San Antonio Spurs fell short of an NBA Finals win with a loss to the New York Knicks in five games.
However, the Spurs aren’t sitting around, but they agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal with Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris on Wednesday.
Just in: Free agent forward Tobias Harris has agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN. Harris exits the Pistons after helping lead a franchise turnaround and now joins a young contending team in the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com/4YnmbrBuTd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Harris was selected in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. He spent time in his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. He had two separate stints with the Pistons, including the past two seasons, as he was a key part of their earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With the Pistons set to match any offer sheet for center Jalen Duren, and a $51 million deal for John Collins, that ultimately meant the end of the road for Harris.
The Spurs have a lot of their core intact, and they agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with forward Julian Champagnie. Now, Harris comes to San Antonio in a big splash for the reigning Western Conference champions.
Aaron Judge has a blunt assessment amid the Yankees’ struggles
The New York Yankees entered July having lost six straight games, and nine of their last 11 games of June. This included a four-game sweep against the Boston Red Sox, and two losses against the Detroit Tigers entering Wednesday’s series finale.
Ahead of the game on Wednesday, Yankees star Aaron Judge did not hold back on the team’s effort, although the reigning American League MVP has missed time due to injury.
“Well, it’s not great,” Judge said, via Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News. “Just a little lack of focus. We just gotta dial it in.
“Our ultimate goal is to win a World Series. I think guys gotta remember that every single day they show up here. We’re here to win a World Series. So that’s your motivation every single day you step on that field,” Judge added.
Despite the recent skid, the Yankees still have the second-best record in the American League, but they are 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays.
Judge has been out since the last day of May due to a stress fracture on his first right rib. The Yankees star revealed the injury occurred in late April.
Still, Judge is letting it be known that the effort from the Yankees is not encouraging, especially with World Series hopes in the Bronx.
