Trouba lands on trade block

 

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba is shocked to see his name in trade rumors this offseason, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. 

Rangers general manager Chris Drury reportedly asked Trouba earlier this week to submit the 15 teams on his no-trade list. Trouba's full no-move clause turns into a modified clause Monday, but the rugged defenseman may not be inclined to help a trade materialize, sources told The Athletic's Peter Baugh.

Reports over draft weekend indicated the Detroit Red Wings are interested in acquiring Trouba, a Michigan native.

Nelly Korda suffers dog bite

 

World No. 1 Nelly Korda announced she's withdrawing from next week's Aramco Team Series event in London after being bitten by a dog.

Murray traded to Pelicans

 

The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, and two first-round picks, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday.

Atlanta will be receiving the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 first-round pick and the least favorable of the Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks' first-rounder in 2027.

Russell agrees to Lakers

 

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is activating his $18.7-million player option to return for the 2024-25 season, he confirmed to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Russell is coming off his first full season with the Lakers since a 2023 trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves restored him to the team that drafted him.

Orlando Cepeda passes away at 86

 

Orlando Cepeda, the slugging first baseman nicknamed “Baby Bull” who became a Hall of Famer among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues, has died. He was 86.

The San Francisco Giants and his family announced the death Friday night and a moment of silence was held as his photo showed on the scoreboard at Oracle Park midway through a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sharks select Celebrini First Overall

 

The San Jose Sharks took Boston University star forward Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.

Celebrini went wire to wire as the consensus top prospect in the class. He dominated the NCAA at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest to win the Hobey Baker Award as men's collegiate hockey's top player.

Though scouts don't consider the Vancouver native a generational prospect like Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard, Celebrini's success at every level and his complete game make him a future No. 1 center and star for the Sharks.

MacKinnon wins Hart Trophy

 

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon took home the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, beating out Edmonton Oilers dynamo Connor McDavid and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov.

MacKinnon claimed the Hart after previously finishing as a finalist three times.

Raptors select Ja’Kobe Walter 19th Overall

 

The Toronto Raptors selected Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter with the 19th overall pick in Wednesday's NBA draft.

Walter, 19, was a freshman with the Bears this past season, where he led the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game. He also averaged 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35 starts for the Bears.

Brandon Aiyuk meeting with 49ers

 

Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is meeting with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, ESPN's Ryan Clarkreports. 

The reported meeting comes amid a tense contract standoff between the sides as Aiyuk enters the final season of his rookie deal.

Recent reports indicated contract negotiations between Aiyuk and San Francisco had stalled.

Lakers to sign LeBron James

 

The Los Angeles Lakers are committed to re-signing star LeBron James and are willing to offer him a three-year max deal to take him through his 24th NBA season, sources told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

James' contract would be worth a total of around $160 million. He has until June 29 to accept or decline his $51.4-million player option for the 2024-25 season.

The 39-year-old can't re-sign for more than three years due to the NBA's over-38 rule, which prohibits players that age from inking longer contracts.

Panthers win Stanley Cup

 

The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7 on Monday to claim the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Sam Reinhart netted the eventual game-winner in the second period. Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves.

The Panthers took the first three contests of the Cup Final. Edmonton battled back to force Game 7, becoming the third team in NHL history to do so in the Cup Final after facing a 3-0 deficit.

McDavid wins Conn Smythe

 

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was voted the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as MVP of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night.

McDavid is just the second skater and sixth player to win the honor as a member of the losing side and the first since goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere in 2003.

The superstar was an undeniable force in these playoffs, ending the spring with 42 points in 25 games - just five points short of Wayne Gretzky's record for the most all time in a single postseason.

Mitch Marner TRADED to Utah

 

Toronto Maple Leafs RW Mitch Marner is being traded to the Utah Hockey Team, per source. Although the final terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it’s been confirmed that Marner’s time in Toronto is over. An official announcement is expected sometime this week.

Bruins trade Ullmark to Senators

 

The Boston Bruins traded goaltender and 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for netminder Joonas Korpisalo, forward Mark Kastelic, and the 25th overall pick in this year's NHL draft, the teams announced Monday.

Scottie Barnes looking for 5 Years

 

Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Scottie Barnes intends to sign a five-year maximum rookie extension that could be worth up to $270 million, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Barnes' reported deal would keep him in Toronto through the 2029-30 season and make him the highest-paid player in Raptors history. He'll sign the pact on July 6 when the NBA's free-agency moratorium ends.

The 22-year-old will make a minimum of $224.9 million over the deal, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. Barnes' contract also reportedly increases from 25% of the Raptors' cap to 30% if he makes All-NBA or ALL-Defensive teams or wins MVP.

Edwin Diaz ejected foreign substance

 

New York Mets closer Edwin Díazwas ejected from Sunday night's game against the Chicago Cubs following a foreign substance check by umpires at the start of the ninth inning.

Díaz and manager Carlos Mendoza pled their case to crew chief Vic Carapazza following the ejection to no avail. He was tossed before throwing a pitch in the inning.

Protesters storm the 18th Green

 

Six people protesting climate change stormed the 18th green while the leaders were lining up their putts on the final hole of regulation at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship on Sunday, delaying the finish for about five minutes.

The protesters sprayed white and red powder, leaving stains on the grass before Scottie Scheffler, Tom Kim and Akshay Bhatia finished their rounds. At least one member of the group was wearing a white T-shirt with the words "NO GOLF ON A DEAD PLANET" in black lettering on the front.

Scheffler wins Travelers Championship

 

Scottie Scheffler returned to his winning ways Sunday, defeating Tom Kim in a one-hole playoff to claim the Travelers Championship and his sixth victory of the PGA TOUR season.

Scherzer rock solid in season debut

 

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced over five scoreless innings in his season debut, rookie Wyatt Langford extended his RBI streak to five games and the Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.

Martinez suspended 80 Games

 

MLB suspended Toronto Blue Jays top hitting prospect Orelvis Martinez 80 games for violating its performance-enhancing drugs policy.

Martinez tested positive for Clomiphene, a banned fertility drug that alters testosterone levels in men. His suspension is effective immediately. 

"We were both surprised and disappointed to learn of Orelvis Martinez's suspension. We will do everything in our power to ensure Orelvis has learned from this mistake," Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Warriors haven’t offered Klay Thompson

 

The Golden State Warriors have yet to make a formal contract offer to Klay Thompson during their exclusive negotiating window with the impending free agent, sources told The Athletic's Anthony Slater.

Golden State is reportedly content holding off negotiations until after free agency starts June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, when Thompson will be permitted to open discussions with other teams. The Warriors' front office intends to prioritize acquiring potential upgrades elsewhere and could bring Thompson back on a cheaper deal and in a different role, according to Slater.

Hall matchup with McCaffrey

 

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is looking forward to his team's Monday Night Football matchup in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers and All-Pro tailback Christian McCaffrey.

Hall is excited about the opportunity to prove he can keep up with McCaffrey, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.

"It's on me," Hall said about improving his game in 2024, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. "I feel like right now McCaffrey's the best in the league. To me, he sets the standard. We're going to see him in Week 1 and we're playing against some of the best linebackers. For me, it's exciting just to see where I stand and really let everyone see my full talent now that I'm healthy."

Nelly Korda misses the cut

 

World No. 1 smoke show Nelly Korda plummeted down the KPMG Women's PGA Championship leaderboard Friday to miss the cut.

Korda shot the highest round of her LPGA career with a 9-over 81 on Friday after firing a 3-under 69 Thursday. She recorded eight bogeys and a double bogey through 17 holes in her second round before making birdie on 18.

Korda trailed the leader by one stroke at the end of Round 1. She missed the cut by one shot.

Paul Maurice lacks balls

 

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said he wouldn't have taken the risk of challenging Aleksander Barkov's goal that the Edmonton Oilers got wiped off the board Friday night had the situation been reversed. 

However, Maurice acknowledged that Sam Reinhart might have been offside on Barkov's tally, which would've cut the Oilers' lead to 2-1 mere seconds after Edmonton took a two-goal lead. The Pacific Division squad ultimately won 5-1 to force Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Oilers force Game 7

 

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Friday's Game 6 to force a winner-take-all finale for the 2024 Stanley Cup.

Warren Foegele, Adam Henrique, and Zach Hyman combined to give the Oilers a 3-0 advantage entering the third period. Aleksander Barkov scored early in the final frame to give the Panthers hope before Ryan McLeod and Darnell Nurse put the contest away with empty-netters.

76ers not pursuing George

 

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pivot from signing Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George this summer with their plethora of cap space, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The team was previously linked to the free agent, with reports suggesting he'd play alongside the superstar duo of Joel Embiidand Tyrese Maxey.

Kings resign Malik Monk

 

The Sacramento Kings are re-signing Sixth Man of the Year finalist Malik Monk to a four-year, $78-million contract, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday.

Monk's deal is the maximum allowable, according to Wojnarowski, and it prevents him from becoming a free agent on July 1.

Patriots sign Stevenson

 

The New England Patriots are signing running back Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year, $36-million extension that includes $17 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Stevenson will receive $8 million as a signing bonus, and his contract includes $12 million in incentives for posting at least 1,400 yards and earning Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who notes the tailback's new deal begins in 2025.

Lakers sign Redick as Head Coach

 

Former NBA veteran and ESPN color commentator JJ Redick agreed to a four-year contract to become the Los Angeles Lakers' next head coach, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Redick's deal will pay him around $8 million per season, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick.

Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka offered Redick the job Thursday morning after becoming sold on the 39-year-old's basketball IQ and ability to connect with players, Wojnarowski adds. The Lakers executive reportedly believes that surrounding Redick with an elite coaching staff will shorten the learning curve for the first-time head coach.

Penguins sign Nedeljkovic

 

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million per season, the team announced Thursday.

Before the deal, Nedeljkovic was eligible to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The 28-year-old joined the Penguins last summer on a one-year pact. He made 33 starts this past season, posting a .902 save percentage and 2.97 goals against average.

Trade! Dubois for Kuemper

 

Just one season after inking an eight-year, $68-million extension with the Los Angeles Kings, Pierre-Luc Dubois is on the move again.

The Kings shipped Dubois to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper, the teams announced Wednesday.

It's a one-for-one trade, and no salary was retained on either side.

Pistons fire Monty Williams

 

The Detroit Pistons are parting ways with head coach Monty Williams after a 14-win season in his first year in charge, the team announced Wednesday.

Williams had five years and over $65 million remaining on the six-year deal he signed in June 2023.

"Decisions like these are hard to make and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication," team owner Tom Gores said in a statement. "Coaching has many dynamic challenges that emerge during a season, and Monty always handled those with grace.

Pacers resign Siakam

 

The Indiana Pacers are re-signing forward Pascal Siakam to a four-year, $189.5-million maximum contract, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Siakam plans to sign the deal July 6, when the NBA's free-agency moratorium ends.

Indiana acquired Siakam midway through the 2023-24 season from the Toronto Raptors for wing Bruce Brown, forward Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks. Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 41 games for the Pacers. His shooting also improved, jumping to 39% with his new team.

Devils land Markstrom

 

The New Jersey Devils finally have their goalie.

The Calgary Flames traded netminder Jacob Markstrom to New Jersey, reports Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

GM Zito has a meltdown

 

Following an empty-net goal by Oilers superstar Connor McDavid that sealed Edmonton's win, Zito, unable to bottle up his frustrations, let loose and flung a water bottle to the ground with some serious force before storming away on Tuesday.

Canucks sign Hronek

 

The Vancouver Canucks inked defenseman Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract carrying an average annual value of $7.25 million, the club announced Tuesday.

Hronek was a pending restricted free agent.

The 26-year-old Czech blue-liner posted career highs in assists (43), points (48), blocked shots (87), and games played (81) while averaging 23:26 of ice time in his first full season with the Canucks. He skated alongside Quinn Hughes on Vancouver's top pairing while playing on the team's second power-play unit and second penalty-killing group.

Willie Mays dead at 93

 

Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93.

Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had “passed away peacefully” Tuesday afternoon surrounded by loved ones.

Mike Trout still no return date

 

Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout remains without a timetable to return after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee last month.

Trout admitted Tuesday that he's recovering more slowly than he would like and hasn't started running yet, according to The Athletic's Sam Blum.

"It's getting there," Trout said, per Taylor Blake Ward of The Sporting Tribune. "Obviously, slower than I thought, but it's the first time with a knee injury. I'm just trusting the process and taking it day by day."

Jaylen Brown wins MVP Award

 

Celtics star Jaylen Brown was named the recipient of the 2024 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP after he recorded 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in Monday's title-clinching Game 5 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

The 27-year-old averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and five assists in the best-of-seven series. He was also the primary defender against Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.

Boston Celtics World Champions

 

The Boston Celtics surged to a 21-point halftime lead and never looked back, winning the 2024 NBA Finals courtesy of a 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 at TD Garden on Monday.

Boston now owns the league record with 18 titles, breaking a deadlock with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics are 18-5 all-time in the NBA Finals.

All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 52 points, 16 rebounds, and 17 assists to cap a dominant playoff run where the Celtics suffered just three defeats in four best-of-seven series.

Anthony Rizzo OUT 4-6 weeks

 

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo has a fractured arm and could miss four-to-six weeks, report The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Brendan Kuty, and Chris Kirschner.

Rizzo suffered the injury when he collided with Boston Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino at first base while attempting to beat out a ground ball during Sunday's game.

Mookie Betts OUT 6-8 weeks

 

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is expected to miss about six-to-eight weeks with a fractured left hand, manager Dave Roberts said Monday, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Betts sustained the injury when he was hit by a 98-mph fastball from Kansas City Royals pitcher Dan Altavilla in Sunday's game.

"There's going to be a couple weeks of inactivity with that hand is my assumption," Roberts said, per Patrick Lyons of Just Baseball Media.

Isaiah Buggs arrested again

 

Chiefs defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs was arrested for the second time in a month on a charge of domestic violence/burglary in Alabama and released on a $5,000 bond Sunday, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

There were no other details about the arrest. The Chiefs were aware of the case but declined to comment.

The 27-year-old Buggs, who signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season, turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished, and one of the dogs had to be euthanized.

Blue Jackets fire Head Coach

 

The Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Pascal Vincent, the team announced Monday.

Vincent was named the Blue Jackets' bench boss before the season after Mike Babcock's resignation.

Yamamoto out with injury

 

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto was diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff after undergoing testing, the team announced Sunday, according to SportsNet LA's Kirsten Watson.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added the injury isn't season ending but will take time to heal.

The club placed Yamamoto on the 15-day injured list earlier in the day.

Bryson DeChambeau wins US Open

 

Bryson DeChambeau won his second U.S. Open title in dramatic fashion Sunday at Pinehurst after Rory McIlroyfaltered on two short putts in the final three holes.

McIlroy held a one-stroke lead on the 16th green but missed a 30-inch putt for par to drop back into a tie for top spot. The 35-year-old was a perfect 496-for-496 on putts inside three feet before that miss, according to Justin Ray of the Twenty First Group.

McIlroy then lipped out on a three-foot, nine-inch putt for par on the final hole to drop back to 5-under. That final miss happened while DeChambeau was off to the side of the 18th fairway in a tough position behind a tree root. He managed to advance the ball into the bunker short of the green and hit a brilliant bunker shot to four feet.

Rory McIlroy falls apart

 

Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Open title Sunday, but history will almost certainly remember the tournament first for Rory McIlroy's loss.

The 35-year-old played virtually flawless golf over Sunday's first 14 holes to erase a three-shot deficit and build a two-stroke edge on DeChambeau with five to play. However, the finish was a disaster: He bogeyed three of his final four holes to lose by a stroke, leaving his 10-year major drought intact.

Skinner believes in Oilers

 

Stuart Skinner believes his Edmonton Oilers can dig themselves out of a three-game hole and win the Stanley Cup Final despite how rarely that's happened.

"It is disappointing being down 3-0, we've got to let that reality sink in," the goaltender told reportersafter a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3. "I'm not too sure what the stats are coming back (from this deficit), but if anyone can do it, it's the Oil."

Skinner added that the Oilers' late surge in Game 3 - in which they scored two third-period goals to trim the Panthers' lead to one - gives Edmonton confidence.

Patriots retire Brady #12 Jersey

 

The New England Patriots officially retired the No. 12 jersey at Tom Brady's induction into the team's Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

“There is only one iconic number that will always represent Tom Brady, and tonight, I promise it will never be worn again," team owner Robert Kraft told the crowd at Gillette Stadium. "The number 12 is now officially retired.”

Travis Kelce 12th season

 

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce isn't ready to take a step back as he prepares for his 12th NFL campaign.

"I love coming to work every single day and doing this, so I am going to do it until the wheels fall off, and hopefully, that doesn't happen anytime soon," Kelce said, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher.

Kelce, who turns 35 in October, signed a two-year, $34.25-million restructured contract extension with Kansas City in April to become the NFL's highest-paid tight end, per Over The Cap.