KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mookie Betts homered twice and went 4 for 4 with two walks and four RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3. Jason Heyward added three hits and two RBIs for Los Angeles, which has won eight of its last nine interleague games against Kansas City. Bobby Miller pitched into the sixth inning to earn the win. Alec Marsh allowed both of Betts' homers along with five runs on six hits in four innings to take the loss in his big league debut.
VanVleet to Houston; many big names stay put as NBA free agency opens
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
Fred VanVleet is leaving the Toronto Raptors for Houston. But Kyrie Irving is staying in Dallas. Same goes for Jerami Grant in Portland and Cam Johnson in Brooklyn. Kyle Kuzma basically doubled his salary in Washington, and Draymond Green ensured that Golden State's championship core stays together. Free agency in the NBA got off to its traditional fast start on Friday night. VanVleet got $130 million from the Rockets for three years. Irving got $126 million over the next three years. Kuzma agreed to a $102 million, four-year deal with the Wizards and Green got a new contract that'll pay him $100 million over four seasons with the Warriors.
Fred VanVleet bet on himself, and the Houston Rockets are the beneficiaries.
On an opening night of free agency where most big names — Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton, Kyle Kuzma and more — stayed put, VanVleet is headed to a new home. He agreed to a three-year deal Friday with the Rockets that'll pay him about $130 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.
ESPN first reported the agreement between VanVleet and the Rockets.
VanVleet — who famously uses the phrase "bet on yourself" to describe his career trajectory from undrafted player to NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors — will make about $525,000 per game over the next three seasons.
That nearly matches what he made as a rookie in Toronto, total — about $550,000.
"Love seeing guys getting paid," Boston star Jayson Tatum tweeted.
Irving and Luka Doncic are going to try again together in Dallas. Green is going to chase more championships with Stephen Curry in Golden State, just like Middleton is alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
And Jerami Grant is staying put in Portland, for serious money. All those decisions came quickly Friday night as free agency in the NBA got off to its traditional fast and free-spending start — with roughly $1.5 billion in deals getting struck in about the first three hours alone.
The biggest deals, in terms of total value, had to wait until after midnight EDT — when the calendar flipped to July 1 for the start of a new league year.
ESPN first reported that Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Memphis' Desmond Bane both agreed to max extensions that will begin in the 2024-25 season; exact figures won't be known until next season's salary cap is released, but based on projections, they'll be worth at least $207 million for five years.
Haliburton's deal, ESPN said, could be worth $260 million if it goes to a supermax based on his making an All-NBA team. Haliburton was an All-Star this past season for the Pacers, and Bane had a breakout year — averaging 21.5 points for the Grizzlies.
Irving agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal to remain with the Mavericks, who acquired him in a splashy move in February but sputtered down the stretch and missed the playoffs. A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press, the deal taking quite possibly the biggest name in free agency off the board.
The Mavs had made clear that keeping Irving was their top priority — and got it done in the first hour of the NBA's free agency window that opened at 6 p.m. EDT.
"DA11AS," Irving tweeted, using his traditional jersey number in there.
Grant is getting $160 million over the next five years, part of a plan that Portland hopes keeps Damian Lillard happy enough to not ask for a trade. Grant is staying put, as is Kuzma in Washington and Cam Johnson in Brooklyn.
Kuzma essentially doubled his annual salary, agreeing to a $102 million, four-year deal with the Wizards. Green got a new contract that'll pay him $100 million over four seasons with the Warriors. Both of those deals — first reported by ESPN and subsequently confirmed to AP by people with knowledge of the negotiations — got done very quickly once the offseason player movement window opened.
Kuzma had opted out of a contract that would have paid him $13 million in Washington this coming season; he'll now average $25.5 million over the next four years after scoring 21.2 points per game this past season.
Green staying put keeps him alongside Curry and Klay Thompson with the Warriors, where they have won four titles over the last decade. He opted out of a $27.6 million contract for this coming season, and now is under contract for more years.
Middleton also traded bigger salary in the short term for more years. He could have made $40 million this coming season; instead, he agreed to $102 million over three years to stay with Antetokounmpo and a Bucks team that's only two years removed from an NBA championship.
Johnson — who flourished and averaged 16.6 points in 25 games with Brooklyn after getting traded there this past season — is getting a four-year, $108 million deal from the Nets, agent Steve Heumann of CAA confirmed to AP.
Toronto kept sought-after center Jakob Poeltl (4 years, $80 million) and New Orleans also saw one of its key players stay put; defensive standout Herb Jones agreed to a four-year, $54 million contract.
The reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets lost a free agent they wanted to keep, with Bruce Brown agreeing to sign with Indiana, a person with knowledge told AP, on a two-year deal that could be worth $45 million. There is an option affecting the second year.
There was simply nothing the Nuggets could do to compete with that offer — they could only offer Brown $7.8 million for this season. Brown will average nearly three times that much over the next two years.
The team that Denver beat for that title, the Miami Heat, also lost a key player from their club. Gabe Vincent agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal to join LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers — who went to the Western Conference finals before falling to the Nuggets. The Lakers also kept Rui Hachimura on a three-year deal worth about $50 million.
The Eastern Conference champion Heat are retaining Kevin Love — who quickly became a locker room leader after arriving in Miami — and brought back former Miami guard Josh Richardson. Love is getting $3.7 million this season; both he and Richardson have an option for 2024-25 as well.
Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero has a new veteran with him in Orlando; Joe Ingles agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal to join the Magic. And Tre Jones will sign a two-year, $20 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs to play alongside No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, agent Kevin Bradbury said.
And once VanVleet picked Houston, the Raptors moved quickly to fill their point guard opening and agreed with Dennis Schroder on a two-year, $26 million deal, according to his representation at Priority Sports. Another point guard was on the move not long afterward; 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose agreed to a deal with Memphis — the city where he played his one season of college basketball — in a deal first reported by SNY.
CAP NUMBERS
Shortly before the 6 p.m. window opened, the NBA confirmed the financial particulars for the coming season.
The salary cap that goes into effect Saturday will be $136.021 million — the highest in league history, as expected. The tax level is $165.294 million.
All teams will have to commit at least $122.418 million in salaries for the coming year. The first apron level is $172.346 million, the second apron has been established at $182.794 million, the midlevel for non-tax teams is $12.405 million, for taxpayers it is $5 million, and the room mid-level is $7.723 million.
Most deals cannot be officially completed until July 6, when the league's offseason moratorium is lifted.
Kyrie Irving agrees to stay with Mavs, Doncic on a $126 million, 3-year deal, AP source says
DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving wants to run it back with Luka Doncic. A person with knowledge of the deal says the enigmatic guard and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed on a $126 million, three-year contract. The deal comes within the first hour of NBA free agency. The Mavericks paired All-Star starters for the first time in franchise history by adding Irving in a blockbuster deal with Brooklyn last February. But the club stumbled down the stretch to miss the playoffs for the first time since Doncic was a rookie in 2018-19. Dallas also is bringing back shooting guard Seth Curry for a third stint with the club.
The NFL is addressing gambling suspensions with training and conversations with the players' union
The NFL has announced the suspensions of four more players for violations of its gambling policy. It brings the total to 10 players disciplined over the past two years as the league vows to increase training and education efforts across the board with an eye toward protecting the integrity of the game. Experts say it’s part of a new reality for the NFL and other leagues with more violations likely on the horizon. But they don’t think it’s anywhere near reaching a critical mass that could cause fans to question the product on the field.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin's vision for his Chasing M's Foundation coming to fruition in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Six months after a near-death experience on the football field, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is bringing his Chasing M's Foundation to life in Pittsburgh. The foundation Hamlin started as a college player has exploded in popularity since he went into cardiac arrest during a game in January against Cincinnati. Hamlin says he's using his heightened platform to expand the reach of Chasing M's. He is holding several events in the Pittsburgh area in early July, including offering free CPR training for hundreds and co-hosting an all-star high school football game. Hamlin says this is just the tip of the iceberg of what he hopes Chasing M's can do in the future.
Van Gundy, Kolber, Rose and Young are among roughly 20 ESPN personalities laid off
Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose and Steve Young are among roughly 20 ESPN commentators and reporters who were laid off on Friday as part of job cuts by the network. ESPN had planned this additional round involving on-air talent to prevent further reductions to off-air staff after two rounds of mandated cuts by its corporate owner, the Walt Disney Company. Friday’s announcement resembled what happened in April of 2017, when reporters and hosts were informed at one time that they would no longer be on the air.
Vegas Golden Knights re-sign goalie Adin Hill to a 2-year deal on the eve of free agency
The Vegas Golden Knights have re-signed Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Adin Hill to a two-year deal worth almost $10 million. Hill backstopped the Golden Knights to their first championship in franchise history after stepping in as an injury replacement in the second round of the playoffs. He won 11 of his 14 starts and had the best save percentage in the postseason. Elsewhere around the NHL, the Nashville Predators bought out the final three years of Matt Duchene's contract and the Chicago Blackhawks signed Corey Perry after acquiring his rights from Tampa Bay.
Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under
DETROIT (AP) — Taylor Moore and Taylor Pendrith shared the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under Friday, hoping to hold off a veteran trying to end a victory drought and a promising young pro aiming for his first PGA Tour victory. Pendrith shot an 8-under 64 at Detroit Golf Club, one off the tournament record. Moore, who began the day tied with Monday qualifier Peter Kuest, had a 67 to match Pendrith at 13-under 131. Rickie Fowler (65) and former top-ranked amateur Ludvig Aberg (67) were a shot back after two straight solid rounds. The 34-year-old Fowler jumped into contention, chipping in for eagle from 27 feet on the par-5 17th.
65-year-old Bernhard Langer leads US Senior Open at difficult SentryWorld
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — Bernhard Langer has been able to avoid most of the trouble at SentryWorld in the U.S. Senior Open. He still was far from unscathed Friday in a 3-under 68 that gave him the second-round lead. The 65-year-old German star had six birdies and three bogeys. He hit 12 of 14 fairways on the tree-lined course with thick rough and tricky, inconsistent greens. At 3-under 139, he was one of only five players under par. The scoring average Friday was 76.54, down from 77.34 on Thursday. Langer won the Chubb Classic in Florida in February to tie Hale Irwin for the PGA Tour Champions' career victory record of 45. First-round leader Rod Pampling was a stroke back, following an opening 68 with a 72.
Bittersweet reunion: Fletcher brothers face each other for first time in majors after father's death
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — David and Dominic Fletcher got to play against each other for the first time in a major league game. Fittingly, it came at a stadium where they had watched plenty of games while growing up. Unfortunately, the Fletcher brothers' biggest fan was not in attendance Friday night when David’s Los Angeles Angels hosted Dominic’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Angel Stadium. Their father, Tim, died suddenly earlier this month. He was 60.
Downtown Chicago course presents significant challenge for NASCAR Cup Series
CHICAGO (AP) — There are seven 90-degree turns. There are manhole covers, and transitions from concrete to asphalt and back. The margin for error is small, and any rain will make the course exponentially more difficult. Welcome to the first street race in NASCAR Cup Series history. NASCAR brings its 75th season to downtown Chicago this weekend for an experience unlike any other on the circuit. With Lake Michigan and Grant Park serving as the backdrop, the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course begins right in front of Buckingham Fountain and races by several downtown landmarks. No one is exactly sure what to expect, and there will be very little practice time before each race.
AP-Scorecard
Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:
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INTERLEAGUE
N-Y Yankees at St. Louis 7:15 p.m. (Postponed)
Final Chicago Cubs 10 Cleveland 1
Final Colorado 8 Detroit 5
Final L.A. Dodgers 9 Kansas City 3
Final Arizona 6 L.A. Angels 2
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AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final Boston 5 Toronto 0
Final Minnesota 8 Baltimore 1
Final Houston 5 Texas 3
Final Oakland 7 Chicago White Sox 4
Final Tampa Bay 15 Seattle 4
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NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final Cincinnati 7 San Diego 5
Final Washington 2 Philadelphia 1
Final Atlanta 16 Miami 4
Final San Francisco 5 N.Y. Mets 4
Final Pittsburgh 8 Milwaukee 7
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WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Atlanta 94 Washington 89
Final Chicago 86 Los Angeles 78
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TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE
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INTERLEAGUE
N-Y Yankees at St. Louis 2:15 p.m.
Cleveland at Chi Cubs 7:15 p.m.
L-A Dodgers at Kansas City 7:15 p.m.
Detroit at Colorado 9:10 p.m.
Arizona at L-A Angels 10:07 p.m.
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AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston at Toronto 3:07 p.m.
Houston at Texas 4:05 p.m.
Minnesota at Baltimore 4:05 p.m.
Chi White Sox at Oakland 4:07 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Seattle 7:15 p.m.
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NATIONAL LEAGUE
San Diego at Cincinnati 1:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh 4:05 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia 4:05 p.m.
Miami at Atlanta 4:10 p.m.
San Francisco at N-Y Mets 4:10 p.m.
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WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Connecticut at Las Vegas 3 p.m.
Minnesota at Phoenix 10 p.m.
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MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
New England at Cincinnati 7:30 p.m.
New York at Columbus 7:30 p.m.
Austin FC at Miami 7:30 p.m.
New York City FC at CF Montréal 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Orlando City 7:30 p.m.
Real Salt Lake at Toronto FC 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles FC at FC Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Vancouver at Sporting Kansas City 8:30 p.m.
Portland at Minnesota 8:30 p.m.
D.C. United at Nashville 8:30 p.m.
Colorado at Saint Louis City SC 8:30 p.m.
LA Galaxy at San Jose 10:30 p.m.
Houston at Seattle 10:30 p.m.
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