Florida Panthers 2025 Free Agency Outlook

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It’s almost time for the 2025 NHL Free Agency period to open.

 

The back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers’ front office has been hard at work trying to keep as much of their team intact as possible.

 

With a few moves already made, here’s an outlook on what’s been done and what could come before the market opens on July 1.

 

Sam Bennett Ain’t Leaving

Florida’s No. 1 priority entering the offseason was to lock up Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett.

 

They were able to do that ahead of July 1.

 

Bennett and the Panthers put pen to paper on Saturday, keeping him in South Florida with an eight-year, $64M contract extension.

 

If the 29-year-old did get to market, he would have had numerous suitors lining up to make pitches. But as he made clear at the Miami night club E11VEN during the team’s Stanley Cup celebration, he “ain’t f**king leaving.”

 

“I knew that I wanted to be here and I was pretty confident that it was going to get done,” Bennett said following his extension. “Obviously you never know, things can change. It had to be the right fit for both me and the team. We obviously came to that solution.”

 

He added: “Being in South Florida has just completely changed my life. I love playing hockey there, I love living there. I love the team, the staff, the owners, just everything about it is really the dream situation. I couldn’t pass up the chance to be back here for another eight years.”

 

The past 13 months have been life changing for Bennet. In that span he’s won two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, a 4 Nations gold medal with Canada and now he’s a whole lot richer.

 

“I feel like I still haven’t really taken a step back, and looked at it and appreciated how amazing this year has been,” Bennett said. “I’m really just grateful. It’s been everything I’ve always dreamed of, the last year of hockey. If you would have asked me that five years ago, I would have been thrilled with just a little bit of success. I haven’t had time to really process how amazing this year has been, but it’s incredible and I truly believe that we’re not done yet.”

 

More Than Likely Departures

In recent years, if you wanted to rejuvenate your career, go to Florida.

 

Between guys still with the team: Carter Verhaeghe, Gustav Forsling, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, or players who received multi-year extensions elsewhere after successful tenures with the Panthers: Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anthony Stolarz, Ryan Lomberg; playing in South Florida — at least the past few seasons — has been good for the bank accounts.

 

Keeping that sentiment in mind, don’t be surprised to see defenseman Nate Schmidt become the latest Panther to receive a pay-bump, outside of Florida.

 

Schmidt, 33, signed a one-year, $800k deal with the Panthers last offseason after the Winnipeg Jets bought out the final year of his six-year, $35.7M deal.

 

A combination of a great postseason, where Schmidt posted 3 goals and 12 points in 23 games, plus a tight squeeze on Florida’s cap room, it’s likely that Schmidt will get way more money and term on the open market compared to what Florida could offer.

 

Florida acquiring 26-year-old goaltender Daniil Tarasov also means Vitek Vanecek’s time in Florida is done. Decisions on fourth-line centers Tomas Nosek and Nico Sturm — both UFA’s — also have to be made.

 

Can they keep Ekblad and Marchand?

As stated earlier, getting Sam Bennett locked up was the main priority for Bill Zito and his staff ahead of July 1.

 

Now the clock is ticking for priority No. 2 and No. 3: Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad.

 

Accounting for Bennett’s extension, Florida has $11M of projected cap space to work with, per PuckPedia. With that, they’ll need to sign Mackie Samoskevich and newly acquired goaltender Daniil Tarasov — both Restricted Free Agents — while also trying to keep at least one of Ekblad or Marchand (unrestricted free agents).

 

The Panthers want to keep both of their  pending UFA’s, but there’s substantial haircuts taken on each player’s respective contracts, so it’s likely only one can stay.

 

“I have an idea,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said when asked about trying to re-sign the pair. “If what I think isn’t accurate, and it might not be, we have a Plan B and a Plan C. But my preference, and maybe I’m hoping, is that there’s enough for guys to want to stay to be a part of this and be treated fairly and be happy. And that’s the most important thing.”

 

Marchand turned 37 in May, but the 14-year NHL veteran proved age was just a number during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He played an instrumental role in helping Florida win the Cup, scoring 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games.

 

If a deal with Florida doesn’t get done before free agency opens on Tuesday, multiple teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, will make an attempt to lure Marchand over, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

 

A Marchand deal, regardless of where he goes, is likely to be in the ballpark of three to four years given his age.

 

Ekblad, who turns 30 in February, will likely demand a long-term deal in what should be the final near-max length contract of his career.

 

After being drafted by Florida first-overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, Ekblad holds nearly every Panthers’ defensemen record.

 

The six-foot-four blueliner hasn’t shied away from making it clear over the past few months that his preference is to stay in South Florida.

 

“I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers,” Ekblad said at Stanley Cup Final media day. “I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I’ve given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they’ll let me keep coming to the rink.”

 

Despite his appeals to stay in Sunrise, the money to keep him just may not be there.

 

It’s a fairly weak free agency class for top-pair defenseman. If Ekblad were to hit the market, he’d be the top UFA defender available. A pay raise on his current contract that carried an AAV of $7.5M for eight years isn’t out of the question, if not expected.

 

Can Florida Move Salary?

Unless Bill Zito can pull something unexpected out of his hat — which he actually seems to do fairly often —  there’s not many moves I can envision that would help clear money.

 

Say you need to open more space to sign both Ekblad and Marchand, Evan Rodrigues’ $3M AAV is the likely casualty that would need to be moved.

 

Does Florida want to move Rodrigues, who has played a role in them winning back-to-back Stanley Cups?

 

No.

 

Do I think they would pull the trigger on a trade if it meant keeping Marchand and Ekblad?

 

Yes.

 

Getting Rodrigues’ contract off the books would give Florida about $14M of money to spend on free agents. This scenario would make it more plausible in possibly keeping Ekblad and Marchand. But even then, both players would still need to take less money than they’d get if they were to hit free agency.

 

Justin Sourdif Flipped for Draft Capital

The NHL is a hard cap league with little money to spare.

 

Florida has done a great job at locking up its core; Sam Bennett is the latest example of that. On the flip side, there will be cap casualties — both big and small.

 

23-year-old forward Justin Sourdif, who is coming off a great year with the Calder Cup finalist Charlotte Checkers, ended up being one of those cap losses.

 

The Panthers sent Sourdif, their third-round pick (87th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick in 2026 and a sixth-round pick in 2027.

 

With just four NHL games under his belt, in need of a contract, and on the outside looking in to crack the Panthers’ roster, a trade was beneficial for both sides.

 

Florida got back more value than they used five years ago to draft Sourdif, while the youngster got a two-year, $1.65M deal with the Capitals and should get more playing opportunities in the nation’s capital than he would’ve with the Panthers.

Sandy Alcantara Is Heating Up — Just in Time for the Trade Deadline

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Sandy Alcantara Is Heating Up — Just in Time for the Trade Deadline

Sandy Alcantara opened the 2025 season in a troubling slump, looking like a shadow of the Cy Young winner he once was. At one point, his ERA sat above 6.00, and the elite command and velocity that once defined his game had all but vanished. I dove into those early-season struggles in this in-depth analysis, breaking down the mechanical and approach-related issues that led to his rocky start.

I wrote an article breaking down what was wrong with him earlier in the season that you can read here.

But now? Sandy is back.

Over his last four starts — against playoff-caliber teams like the Braves and Phillies, as well as the Rockies and Pirates — Alcantara has posted a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings. He’s regained his feel for the strike zone, cut down on walks, and looked far more in control of the game. His fastball velocity has ticked back up, and he’s doing damage with his changeup again. Since June 1, he’s shaved two full runs off his ERA, reminding everyone why he was once among the best pitchers in the sport.

Perfect Timing — for Both Sandy and the Marlins

The timing couldn’t be better. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Marlins are expected to field offers for Alcantara ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. And they’re not desperate sellers: if a team doesn’t meet their asking price, Miami is prepared to hold firm. With Sandy under contract through next season and a team option for 2027, they’re in a position of leverage.

That means no rental discount. Any team acquiring him is getting a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter — not just for the stretch run, but potentially for multiple seasons.

Who’s Calling?

There’s a real market for pitching this year, and Alcantara could sit atop it. The contenders who fit the mold — teams that need an arm and have the prospect capital to make a deal — include:

  • Blue Jays: In need of rotation stability and under pressure to make a playoff push (4.22 team ERA 23rd in baseball).

    • Martinez, 2B/3B

    • Trey Yesavage, RHP

    • Jake Bloss, RHP

    Cubs: Looking for another frontline starter to pair with Shota Imanaga and after Justin Steele’s injury.

    • Matt Shaw, INF (MLB No. 25)

    • Cade Horton, RHP (MLB No. 31)

    • Owen Caissie, OF (MLB No. 36)

    Dodgers: Always in the mix for elite talent, and their depth at the upper minors makes them a top candidate.

    • Dalton Rushing, C/OF (MLB No. 39)

    • Josue De Paula, OF (MLB No. 49)

    • River Ryan, RHP (MLB No. 65)

    Padres: They’ve been aggressive before and have been scouting pitching closely.

    • Ethan Salas, C (MLB No. 20)

    • Leodalis De Vries, SS (MLB No. 47)

    • Kash Mayfield, LHP

    Red Sox: Clinging to Wild Card relevance, but with enough top-end talent to swing a deal (best farm on this list).

    • Marcelo Mayer, SS (MLB No. 5)

    • Roman Anthony, OF (MLB No. 14)

    • Kyle Teel, C (MLB No. 27)

    Astros: Add a veteran Cy Young to Christian Javier, Hunter Brown, and Framber Valdez as they push to return to glory.

    • Jacob Melton, OF

    • Walker Janek, C

    • Brice Matthews, SS/3B

    Mets (My Favorite): They have the resources and a front office that’s shown it can pivot quickly, especially with recent injury to Griffin Canning.

    • Brandon Sproat, RHP (MLB No. 40)

    • Jett Williams, SS/OF (MLB No. 57)

    • Drew Gilbert, OF (MLB No. 82)

    Rays?!?: This is the best Rays team in a long time, and we know the depth of their farm. With Taj Bradley’s inconsistency and uncertainty surrounding Shane McClanahan, do the Rays try and make a run with the depth of their farm?

    • Carson Williams, SS (MLB No. 6)

    • Xavier Isaac, 1B (MLB No. 21)

Some have floated the Orioles as a possibility, but they simply aren’t playing competitive enough baseball right now to justify giving up key pieces of their farm system. If Miami holds until the winter, that door may open, but for now, Baltimore likely sits this one out.

For prospect rankings and scouting reports, A deep dive into each team’s updated Top 30 Prospects list

Analysis:

The Mets and Dodgers seem like the most aggressive fits due to their resources and recent trade tendencies, with the Cubs and Padres close behind if they prioritize a postseason push. The Rays are a wild card, but their conservative approach might keep them on the sidelines. Miami’s decision to trade Alcantara now or wait until the winter will hinge on the quality of prospect packages offered, with teams like the Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers likely able to meet their high asking price. No clear favorite has emerged, but the Mets’ urgency and prospect depth make them a slight frontrunner in my eyes.

Important to note the Marlins need to try and get three or more high end prospects in a deal for Alcantara. 

Every Start Matters Now

The Marlins will be closely monitoring every inning Alcantara throws from now through July. His next outing — Saturday, June 28, against Brandon Pfaadt and the Diamondbacks — will be another key data point. With many expected to be paying close attention and trade talks heating up, each pitch carries real weight.

The better Sandy pitches, the more Miami can ask for. And if he keeps this up, he won’t just be a trade chip — he might be the pitcher that shapes the playoff race.

 

Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat: A Surprise Slide, a Perfect Fit

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Kasparas Jakucionis Falls to No. 20 — and Right Into Miami’s Hands
(Pronounced: CAHS-per-us yah-koo-CHOH-nis)

For a team needing a point guard, shooting, and long-term upside, the Miami Heat found all three with the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Kasparas Jakucionis, the Lithuanian-born combo guard who starred at Illinois and developed through the prestigious FC Barcelona system, wasn’t expected to be available this late. He didn’t even work out for the Heat. And yet, here he is — a lottery-level talent joining one of the NBA’s most structured and demanding cultures.

A Dream Realized

“I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment, to be in this place, to get this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. It’s what I was working for, all my life, since I was little. It’s a dream, but now it’s just the beginning.”
— Kasparas Jakucionis

It’s clear the moment wasn’t lost on him — nor the opportunity ahead.

“I think I can prove a lot there… I’m ready to work.”

Though he didn’t meet with Miami pre-draft, Jakucionis immediately pointed to the fit:

“The playmaking ability is what I do. I’m just grateful to play with a guy like Adebayo, play pick-and-roll.”

He also noted his excitement about teaming up with Tyler Herro and mentioned that he speaks fluent Spanish — a small but useful detail in Miami’s diverse locker room and city culture.

Heat’s Perspective: Adam Simon on the Pick

Vice President of Basketball Operations Adam Simon offered a candid look into the Heat’s thinking:

“I think this draft was a little different. It was a pretty unanimous top 8 from our board… Looking at this draft, it was a literal unpredictable.”

“We didn’t think he would be there. We had him higher than where we took him.”

The Heat tried to get Jakucionis in for a workout, but didn’t push too hard, assuming he’d be gone before their pick:

“We tried to get him in, but we didn’t think he’d be there at 20. We spent some time with him in Chicago.”

Simon highlighted his driving ability, vision, and overall offensive skill set:

“He showed versatility in his playmaking… His handle’s really strong, he understands the game very well. He’s a true leader, someone who can get the team organized.”

“He’s a very good scorer, he can get downhill and also make reads, and that’s just part of the learning process.”

Even with Jakucionis shooting just 31.8% from three in college, the Heat believe in his long-term potential:

“He’s projected based on our analytical numbers to become a good shooter.”

“There’s things in his game that he certainly has to work on… What he’s accomplished at the junior levels — everywhere he’s played, he’s been effective and efficient.”

Defensively, Simon acknowledged the limitations — but also emphasized mindset:

“What he has is a toughness to him. He has an edge, he has an IQ.”

“He’ll be an astute learner in our defensive systems. I think he’ll be able to defend at a high level in our league.”

On the concern of turnovers, Simon struck a patient tone:

“Turnovers are high, but they’re turnovers you can work with.”

And when asked about the bigger picture:

“It was important for us to make this pick tonight… It’s more important now to have more rookie-scale deals in the modern NBA.”

Offensive Conductor with High Upside

Jakucionis’ biggest strength? Running an offense with poise and vision. He’s not just a passer — he’s an orchestrator. At Illinois, he averaged 15.0 points and 4.7 assists per game, but the raw numbers don’t capture his feel. He reads defenses like a veteran, shifts pace effortlessly, and manipulates defenders with head fakes and body positioning.

In the pick-and-roll, he’s exceptional — threading tight windows and keeping defenders guessing. His ability to drive with control and finish through contact (71.7% at the rim) gives him real versatility, even without elite speed.

His three-point shot dipped after a midseason forearm injury, but early-season tape showed pull-up range and confidence. He finished at 31.8% from deep — below ideal, but promising, especially considering his 84.5% free-throw mark.

The main concern? Turnovers. At 3.7 per game, many were the product of overdribbling or hunting for highlight assists instead of making the simple play. It’s part of the young creator learning curve, but a clear development area.

Defensive Questions, Competitive Edge

Defensively, Jakucionis competes — but his tools are limited. The claims of lateral burst limitations have been debunked and I would say he just more so can’t play above the rim. He isn’t a disruptive playmaker yet still, he rotates well, stays locked in off the ball, and doesn’t take plays off. With added strength and coaching, he could become a neutral or slightly below-average defender. But he’ll need to be paired with better athletes on that end to stay out of mismatches.

Jakucionis rebounding ability is worth noting as well as he averaged 5.7 rebounds per game and is willing to play physical.

The Heat believe his edge and IQ can close the gap. As Simon put it: “He’ll be an astute learner in our defensive systems.”

National Perspective: A Steal at 20

ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony ranked Jakucionis No. 11 on his top 100 board and called it “surprising” that the Lithuanian guard slid to 20. But any disappointment over falling out of the lottery, he noted, was likely short-lived:

“Any temporary disappointment over the money he lost was probably replaced by the realization he landed in arguably the most desirable situation of any guard prospect in this draft — a team desperate for shot creation and playmaking.”

Givony praised Miami as an ideal landing spot, citing Jakucionis’ “culture and toughness” fit and his ability to play multiple backcourt roles. He called the pick his favorite of the draft outside the top 10.

“It wouldn’t be surprising to see him eventually emerge as the franchise’s future point guard, thanks to the savvy he displays running pick-and-roll and his exceptional feel for the game.”

His national media backing further cements what the Heat clearly believe: they got their guy, and he might be more than just a rotation piece. He might be a building block.

I struggled to find anyone who believes Jakucionis was a bade for the selection for the Heat except one National media member who has his own history with the franchise.

Trade Context: The Butler Deal

The Heat’s selection of Jakucionis also takes on more meaning in light of the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. In return, Miami received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and the No. 20 pick — which became Jakucionis.

In essence, Miami turned an aging star into a defensive wing (Wiggins), a gritty guard (Mitchell), a versatile veteran (Anderson), and a high-upside young playmaker. The Heat didn’t just rebuild — they reshaped.

Long-Term Outlook

Jakucionis projects as a high-IQ second-unit playmaker with eventual starter potential. If his shot stabilizes and he cuts down on turnovers, he could become the kind of steady, creative guard every contender needs — someone who makes others better and raises the floor of a team’s offense. If not, he still profiles as a valuable bench piece with international experience, toughness, and leadership.

The floor is high. The ceiling? Higher than where he was drafted.

Prospect Profile- Walter Clayton Jr. The Choice for Miami at 20?

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🧠 Overview

If you didn’t know his name before the NCAA tournament, you definitely knew it after. Walter Clayton Jr. is one of the best pure shooters in the 2025 NBA Draft. A Florida native who finished his college career strong at UF, Clayton led the Gators on a championship run while cementing himself as a clutch scorer and elite pull-up threat. He reportedly canceled late-first round workouts, signaling strong interest from a team in the 12–25 range—possibly Miami, where he’s had multiple workouts.

“[Walter Clayton Jr.] has reportedly had multiple workouts in Miami and recently cancelled workouts towards the end of the first-round, which is probably very telling. He is one of the very best shooters in this draft, has the versatility to play both on and off the ball and the physical strength to be a more competitive defender in the NBA than we saw for most of his college career.”
— @AdamFinkelstein

📊 Bio

  • Position: Guard

  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs

  • Age: 22 (Born March 6, 2003)

  • Hometown: Lake Wales, FL

  • College(s): Iona, Florida

🏆 Accolades

  • NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2025)

  • Consensus All-American (2024–25)

  • 2022–23 MAAC Player of the Year

  • 2× All-SEC, SEC Tournament MVP

  • NCAA Champion (2025)

📈 Stat Highlights (Senior Season at Florida)

  • PPG: 18.3

  • RPG: 3.7

  • APG: 4.2

  • FG%: 44.8%

  • 3P%: 38.6%

  • FT%: 87.5%

  • NCAA Tournament: 22.3 PPG, 43.5% from 3

✅ Strengths

Elite Shooting Mechanics
Lightning-quick release, compact form, and near-flawless footwork. A threat from all over the floor—whether spotting up, moving off screens, or creating separation.

Clutch Gene
Clayton plays with a chip. His 34-point performance vs. Auburn in March showed not just scoring ability but poise, grit, and cold-blooded confidence in pressure moments.

Improved Playmaking
Made legitimate strides as a creator at Florida. His 4.2 assists per game reflect smarter reads and more patience in pick-and-rolls and late-clock scenarios.

Combo Guard Versatility
Equally effective on or off the ball. Can run offense in stretches or space the floor and punish help defenders as a catch-and-shoot option.

Rebounding & Athleticism
High-effort rebounder for a guard. Good vertical pop and lateral quickness help him fight over screens and stay engaged defensively.

❌ Weaknesses

Defensive Consistency
Effort isn’t the issue—awareness is. He can lose track of cutters or overhelp, and his technique defending off-ball screens needs refinement.

Size & Role Fit
At 6’3″, he’s slightly undersized to guard bigger wings. Doesn’t project as a full-time point guard either, which puts pressure on team fit.

Limited Rim Pressure
Clayton prefers pull-ups over drives. Finishes less through contact and rarely draws fouls at the rim—his game remains perimeter-heavy.

Decision-Making Under Duress
Turnover-prone when defenses ramp up pressure. Half-court decision-making has improved, but still a work in progress against NBA-level defenses.

🧩 Heat Connections

Clayton has already shown signs of being selected by the Heat. He’s had multiple workouts in Miami, canceled others, and fits their culture to a T.

“You could have dinner with any three people living or dead, who are you going out to dinner with?”
“Erik Spoelstra… Erik Spoelstra, Rick Ross, and probably Kobe.” – Walter Clayton Jr.

🔍 NBA Fit: Miami Heat?

Clayton profiles like a prototypical Heat Culture guy: relentless, polished, and fearless. He’s been battle-tested on the biggest stages, and his game translates well to the pro level. With Tyler Herro’s future in flux and a clear need for perimeter scoring, Clayton could be a day-one contributor.

He brings confidence, leadership, and a go-get-it mentality that can’t be taught. The shooting is real. The work ethic is real. And the passion shows up every night.

I like guys like Clayton because he competes, he’s athletic, and he has done nothing but progress throughout his career. Undersized? Older? Who cares. He bet on himself, helped propel the Gators to the National Title and is now a first round pick. This is exactly the kind of guy the Miami Heat need right now—a dawg.

The Patty Mills comparison might actually undersell him. Think: a more physical, microwave version who can handle more volume and potentially develop into an elite scorer, if his growth curve continues.

The Heat need offense and Clayton has it, depending on who’s available Clayton could very well be the next member of the Miami Heat.

📈 Draft Range:

Projected 15–25. Miami at 20 is right in the sweet spot.

 

 

Follow @DigatelAdel and Matt Hanifan for all NBA draft coverage and scouting reports along with the rest of our crew at FiveReasonsSports.

Matt’s Take

Here is their final mock draft, one which I would be very excited for the Heat! See where Clayton lands.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Thunder triumph in Game 7, capturing the NBA title

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The Pacers failed to complete another signature, improbable comeback after being dropped into a large fourth-quarter crater, starting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s right-side triple. Bennedict Mathurin’s rim attacks and trips to the line kept the Pacers’ faint heartbeat pumping, yet the Thunder triumphed thanks to drawing cheap fouls and holding their guests to 33.3% shooting late. The hosts were subsequently crowned champions in front of their passionate supporters, most of whom refused to sit for the entire Game 7.

 

Tyrese Haliburton stood on crutches, saluting his teammates in the tunnel as the podium was quickly assembled on the court for the championship presentation. Confetti rained as the players raised and surrounded the Larry O’Brien trophy, and SGA lifted his Finals MVP prize as the crowd screamed in adulation for the second-youngest group to win it all. 

 

SGA said winning took “so much weight off my shoulders; so much stress relieved. No matter what, you go into every night wanting to win, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way. And tonight could have been one of those nights [but] we found a way.” He also said the Thunder have room to grow.

 

Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury following three made triples in the first quarter as he attempted to dribble past SGA. The Pacers led 48-47 at halftime as four of them logged three shots apiece.  Mathurin later started the second half for them while Alex Caruso did, in place of Isaiah Hartenstein for OKC. The Pacers followed through, giving up control and wasting TJ McConnell’s 12-point blaze with seven turnovers courtesy of tight pressure. Jalen Williams also got his licks in, dribbling through the lane for a left-handed scoop and connecting on a mid-range jumper over Myles Turner. 

 

OKC’s skittish finish included SGA plus Williams shooting 11 blanks in the fourth quarter. Yet there were some overwhelming factors: two of Cason Wallace’s steals were in Indiana territory and he made two treys; Chet Holmgren had four blocks in the second half after getting attacked a few times before intermission; 22 second-chance points; 23 points off turnovers. 

 

The Thunder used their last timeout with four minutes left trying to inbound the ball against full-court pressure. Next, Aaron Nesmith fouled out by falling onto SGA while trying to hound the ball as the Thunder were up 10  late and it was curtains. OKC won 103-91 and held Indiana’s half-court attack to 81.9 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 13th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

Williams said it would take him a couple of days to get back to Earth as he addressed reporters with the trophy seated to his left on the table.



Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat: Most Valuable, Jovic, Ware or 20th Pick?

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 7
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts
🎧 Listen on Spotify

As the Miami Heat gear up for the NBA Draft and brace for potential trade season shakeups, the Five on the Floor crew dives into an intriguing question: would Niko Jović or Kel’el Ware be selected higher than the 20th pick if they were prospects in this draft?

In this episode, Ethan Skolnick, Greg Sylvander, and Digital Adel weigh each player’s upside, the league’s current scouting tendencies, and what that says about how Miami should value its own assets. With speculation swirling and front-office decisions looming, this conversation arrives at the perfect time.

Miami Heat Once Again in Trade Rumors

The Miami Heat are always thrown in trade rumors for numerous superstars, and this year it comes back once again with rumors swirling around Kevin Durant (who was just traded to the Rockets). Today’s discussion is whether or not Kel’el Ware or Nikola Jovic are worth more than the upcoming 20th overall pick in regard to assets.

So, who has more value?

Adel’s POV

Available at pick 20- Jase Richardson (Greg says), Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf (received a green room invite, unicorn like phenomenon), Thomas Sorber (strongest hands, 7’6 wingspan, dawg). Adel believes that if Jovic was next to Bam in the starting lineup it is cleaner on the offensive end, Jovic isn’t sturdy in post defense as he is more of an outside big. His improvements were seen in using his length and proper angles, yet he believes the inside defense is worse. Believes Danny Wolf is the perfect one for one switch with Jovic.

“My contention that no one can really answer is the teams biggest need last season was a primary ball handler and facilitator. Niko was on the team. He wasn’t that type of guy to solve that issue. He has the opportunity to showcase that part of his game especially when all the guards were injured and we didn’t see it. How can we say it’s the team holding him back or he’d pop somewhere else when he has all the opportunity in the world to display that all season”

  1. 20, if Sorber is there
  2. Ware
  3. Niko

Greg’s POV

Says Ware has more value to the Heat due to upside play. Claims Niko would be as impactful in a different system as the Heat haven’t added an engine to change the offensive scheme. Ware and Adebayo need more run together and is more valuable to a contending starting lineup for the Heat. Greg reiterates that they are talking about the importance to Miami, any player that is going to get paid a lot more money is less worthy in the trade market than a rookie salary, in regard to Niko (least value). Ethan adds that he also has less value to your team due to tax brackets and aprons. Greg thinks Niko has more value than pick #20.

  1. Ware
  2. 20, salary purposes
  3. Niko

 “It’s a shame because I think Nico is a project that they thought if that pick hit it could really be transcendent to a lot of things that they were trying to do”

Ethan’s POV

Believes Jovic has the strong upside as well just not sure Miami will play in to it. Claims Jovic and Bam look better together than Ware and Bam so far. If Niko or Ware is not including in the deal for KD Ethan believes Jovic would start over Ware because KD has not played the 3 and has played more 5 than the 3 over the last bunch of years. Guys guard up when they get older. Believes the fit with Jovic would be easier and Ware coming off the bench would bring a perfect rotation. Wants Ware to work on his physicality.

“I think Niko is going to be a really good player, just not here.”

  1. Ware
  2. 20
  3. Niko

Notes

  • Jovic is only 22.
  • Jovic is almost up for an extension.
  • Ware better than Whiteside to start and doesn’t have the same concerns, processes faster.
  • Pick 20 gives Miami their choice for their future schemes.

So for me the value of each player depends on who Miami is getting in return and if the direction of the team itself. Say Miami trades for Giannis, any and everything is on the table, Ja Morant, then Ware has more value. But as for who currently has more value for the Miami Heat, I Will agree with Ethan and Greg. Miami will have a plethora of options available at 20 whether it is in the front court or the back court and for Ware, he has massive upside and has shown flashes of being a high impact player in this league, especially next to Bam Adebayo. To their points many aspects of Ware’s game need touched up, but you can’t teach athleticism and raw talent. I trust Miami’s coaching staff to develop Ware into one of the leagues next dominant bigs. As for Jovic the opportunities have been there but also hindered as Ethan and Greg pointed out minutes with Rozier, injury troubles, and other rotational/scheme issues. But Adel brings a fair point in regard to the fact Jovic has been given the opportunities and rather needs work in refining thinks such as his handles and overall consistency in his play.

  • Ware
  • 20
  • Jovic

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Tyreek Hill Has a Lot to Say at Fanatics Fan Fest

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The Miami Dolphins have been looking for a trade partner for former All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey for a little over two months now. Ramsey’s tenure as a Dolphin was quite underwhelming as he only produced 5 interceptions in 27 games, and one pro bowl appearance.

One Dolphins star is trying to make sure Ramsey’s time in Miami isn’t over just yet.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill who has circulated around trade rumors himself had this to say at Fanatics Fan Fest in New York City.

Ima get @jalenramsey back…

(1) FinsXtra on X: “🎥 Tyreek Hill vows to get Jalen Ramsey back on the Miami Dolphins 👀 (@cheetah) #PhinsUp https://t.co/9ykyMDDgJJ” / X

While reports continue to indicate that Ramsey is likely to be moved—possibly even back to the Rams—Hill’s comments offer a glimpse at the kind of locker room pull he still believes he has. Whether it’s wishful thinking or a genuine effort to keep one of the league’s top corners in Miami, only time will tell.

That wasn’t Hill’s only headline of the day.

He also took a shot at a division rival.

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill: “Whenever we play the Bills, those guys typically play Cover Four because they’re a bunch of [expletives].”

Miami has only got one win off Buffalo in the Tyreek Hill/Mike McDaniel Era.

Hill also hasn’t had the best efforts,

Tyreek Hill against the Bills (9 games) – 45 receptions – 470 yards – 2 touchdowns.

Tyreek constantly finds himself catching headlines and has done his best to earn back the respect of his coaches, teammates, and fans after presumably quitting on the team after the Dolphins loss to the Jets in their season finale.

Entering his third season in Miami, Hill will be looking to bounce back and reclaim his place as one of the most feared playmakers in the league. As always, he’s going to make sure people are paying attention.

Fans can find more highlights from Hill’s appearance on his Snapchat story.

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Paige Bueckers is separating herself for the Rookie of the Year crown

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Paige Bueckers led the Dallas Wings to their third win of the season, chopping down coverages like The Bride in Kill Bill against the Connecticut Sun. They sent doubles at her, and she wasn’t fazed by the pressure, either. It’s their second straight win, coming after a seven-game skid, and it was her fifth time leading her team in shots.

 

Coach Chris Koclanes hasn’t been so relieved at pressers since training camp. His bold move of having DiJonai Carrington come off the bench paid off as she supplied seven offensive rebounds and extended the lead to seven with 45.1 seconds left on a driving right-side layup.

 

Bueckers drilled 11 second-quarter points, curling around a stagger screen for a triple and made four mid-range jumpers. Her partner on four of those baskets was Li Yueru, who helped with screening and passed to her after offensive rebounds. Bueckers said after the game, “It’s super fun to play with her. She is super smart and has a high IQ…”

 

Bueckers is the leading rookie scorer (18.0) by 4.4 points. She is notably making 53.5% of her shots in the paint non-restricted area, which is one of the hardest spots to score because defenses collapse there against penetration. Additionally, she’s nailing 46.6% of her middies, which is her favorite look.

 

She still isn’t taking enough 3-pointers, but the team should change that immediately because she’s a deadeye despite her splits hovering at 33%. The most she’s hoisted is seven versus the Phoenix Mercury (71.4%) and five against the Minnesota Lynx (40%) and Golden State Valkyries (0%). She and Arike Ogunbowale can help each other here by running more two-woman sets, taking advantage of the separation they create on the dribble to make corner feeds or above-the-break passes. Defenders naturally overload on the ball. 

 

Bueckers’ confidence is rising with every match and it only took her 11 games to hit 35 points and three to record her first double-double of 12 digits and 10 offerings. She’ll doubtlessly continue on this pace and run away with the rookie of the year award because she’s a much deadlier threat to score and create for others than all her drafted peers. 

 

The Wings are logging the second-highest pace, but have the second-worst record in the WNBA as they are three games out of the eighth spot with 30 outings left.  They can still turn things around, but their defense will have to protect the 3-point line better and be sharper against screen rolls.

 

 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Pacers crushed the Thunder, forcing Game 7 for the championship

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The Pacers defiled the Thunder, sparing their followers the indignity of a rival championship ceremony at home. The fourth quarter was garbage time thanks to a cascade of 3-pointers, a healthy dose of fastbreak points, and Pascal Siakam plus TJ McConnell lighting up schemes at short and mid-range.

 

Game 7, the first of the Finals since 2016, is for all the marbles on Sunday in OKC. Coach Rick Carlisle didn’t want to reminisce, saying it was meaningless because only one thing mattered.

 

The Pacers failed to launch on time and were down eight early after missing their first eight shots. Jalen Williams grilled Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner on the dribble, but Pascal Siakam’s second-chance jumper in the middle ignited the firing squad’s nine first-half trifectas. It was like watching children thrash a cheap piñata. Tyrese Haliburton, whose status was in question before the game with a calf strain, contributed a dozen points, plus made the feed to Siakam for the booming dunk over Williams on the break. Siakam also nailed a left-side turnaround jumper over Alex Caruso, sending the Pacers to halftime ahead by 22.

 

Turner failed to register a field goal in six tries, but it didn’t matter because Chet Holmgren was invisible in OKC’s offense, the Thunder had only one made triple in 11 attempts and had committed 12 turnovers by intermission. 

 

Then Indiana’s defense was as tight as stainless steel handcuffs, contesting drives and jumpers promptly, and it didn’t allow a field goal for five minutes. Additionally, Siakam extended possessions with four offensive rebounds, and four Pacers connected on five 3-pointers, including Ben Sheppard’s 26-footer to end the period up 30.

 

None of OKC’s starters played the fourth quarter. Haliburton was the only one for Indiana that didn’t, but the others were on the bench after a few minutes. 

 

The Pacers won 108-91, holding their guests’ half-court offense to 81.7 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 13th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

Carlisle said Game 7 would be a monumental challenge. Home teams win Game 7 of the Finals 78.9% of the time, per the NBA’s Facts and Figures. After the game, Siakam was asked what it takes to win one. He said there are no secrets between teams this late in a series, but that it’s about “who wants it more.”



Inter Miami Need to Wake Up, and Fast

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There’s no other way around it: it has been an underwhelming start to the campaign for Inter Miami. Having won the U.S. Open Cup in 2023 and set a league record for the most points in an MLS season in 2024, expectations were higher than ever for the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners. But whilst they enjoyed an undefeated start to the campaign under new manager Javier Mascherano, the wheels started to come off in April as the Herons drew to Toronto FC and Chicago Fire in league play. They would close out the month of April with three straight defeats, losing to FC Dallas and exiting the Concacaf Champions Cup in humiliating fashion at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps. Miami bounced back by defeating the New York Red Bulls 4-1, only to end up taking two points from their next four matches – a run that saw them concede a whopping 13 goals in four matches.

 

“Miami are victims of their own success,” argued ex-USMNT international Jimmy Conrad. “They’ve had success, of course, but they are kind of victims of their philosophy, because they’re trying to be the Galácticos of MLS in some ways. And there’s a sacrifice when you have a salary-capped league, there’s a sacrifice to that philosophy. You can go out and get the biggest names, you can get Messi who’s been tremendous, and you can get all of his buddies, too. But then, something’s gonna give. If this wasn’t a salary-capped league, then I think that that could probably work, and they could go out and get big names defensively. But right now there’s a distinction.”

 

Miami nevertheless responded by beating Montréal 4-2 before beating Columbus Crew 5-1. But whilst they boast an exhilarating arsenal of attacking options with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, question marks remain with regards to their defensive caliber. Going into the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami had failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous 11 fixtures.

 

“They have enough going forward where they know they’re going to score, but there’s a bit of imbalance defensively because of how much they’ve front-loaded their money on attacking players and how thin they’ve become in other areas,” added Conrad. “When you’re you’re expecting Noah Allen, who’s not even a center back, to play center back, that pretty much says all you need to know. I’m concerned for Inter Miami.”

 

Miami kicked off the Club World Cup on Saturday by facing off against Egyptian side Al Ahly, a match that, despite not producing any goals, was rife with excitement. Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy produced five saves, whilst his counterpart Óscar Ustari made eight saves and was given the Man of the Match award for his trouble. With all four of the teams failing to find the back of the net, the group remains wide open going into the final two fixtures of the group stage.

 

Miami will travel to Atlanta and face off against a Porto side featuring the likes of Fábio Vieira, Rodrigo Mora and Samu Aghehowa. After taking on the Portuguese giants, Miami will then return to Hard Rock Stadium and meet a Palmeiras side that is rife with attacking talent. Boasting Felipe Anderson, Allan, and Vítor Roque, the Brazilian giants will likely be heavily favored against the hosts, but if Miami can find a way to start combining defensive solidity with the kind of free-flowing attacking football that we’ve grown accustomed to over the past few years, they may just have a fighting chance of advancing from Group A and booking their ticket for the knockout round.