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Silver Crown Royalties Executes LOI with Kuya Silver for a Silver Royalty on the Bethania Silver Project

June 19, 2025 Investing 6 Mins Read

(TheNewswire)

TORONTO, ON TheNewswire – June 19, 2025 Silver Crown Royalties Inc. (‘ Silver Crown ‘, ‘ SCRi ‘, or the ‘ Company ‘) (Cboe:SCRI; OTCQX:SLCRF; FRA:QS0) is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (‘ LOI ‘) with Kuya Silver Corp. (CSE: KUYA; OTCQB: KUYAF; FSE: 6MR1) (‘ Kuya ‘ or ‘ Kuya Silver ‘) to acquire a 4.5% royalty on silver produced from Kuya’s Bethania Silver Mine in Huancavelica, Central Peru.

The Bethania Silver Mine, which resumed production in May 2024, includes the Bethania Mine and Carmelitas property and is accessible year-round via a 4-hour drive from Huancayo. The Bethania Silver Mine was previously operational until 2016.

Under the terms of the LOI, Silver Crown will acquire the royalty for US$3,000,000 in cash and US$2,000,000 in Silver Crown units at C$6.50 per unit (the ‘ Units ‘) or the 5-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of SCRi’s common shares (the ‘ Common Shares ‘) prior to closing. Each Unit will consist of one Common Share and one-half of a warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable at C$13.00 per Common Share for a period of three years.

SCRi will receive: (i) 4,500 ounces of silver per quarter for the first four (4) quarters, (ii) 9,000 ounces per quarter for quarters five (5) through eight (8), and (iii) 12,375 ounces per quarter for quarters nine (9) through 40. After delivering 475,000 ounces, the royalty will reduce to 1% for the mine’s remaining life.

Peter Bures, Silver Crown’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, ‘We are excited to initiate a partnership with Kuya Silver that can potentially translate to a materially impactful increase to SCRi’s silver revenue profile paving a way from 78,000 to over 128,000 annual silver ounces.’

ABOUT Silver Crown Royalties INC.

Founded by industry veterans, Silver Crown Royalties ( Cboe: SCRI | OTCQX: SLCRF | BF: QS0 ) is a publicly traded, silver royalty company. Silver Crown (SCRi) currently has four silver royalties of which three are revenue-generating. Its business model presents investors with precious metals exposure that allows for a natural hedge against currency devaluation while minimizing the negative impact of cost inflation associated with production. SCRi endeavors to minimize the economic impact on mining projects while maximizing returns for shareholders. For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures, Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: the anticipated execution of a definitive agreement with Kuya Silver; expected silver deliveries under the proposed royalty; the potential for exploration bonuses; projected increases in SCRi’s silver revenue profile; the successful completion of due diligence and regulatory approvals; the ability to finance the cash portion of the transaction; the future operational performance of the Bethania Silver Mine; and the realization of strategic and financial benefits from the proposed royalty acquisition.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

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Freegold Achieves over 90% Gold Recovery Using BIOX® and greater than 92% Gold Recovery using POX – Additional Metallurgical Work Remains Ongoing

June 19, 2025 Investing 8 Mins Read

All three methods tested: BIOX®, POX, and the Albion Process yield over 90% gold recovery
Further work to enhance sulphide recoveries through oxidation, as well as gravity, flotation and CIL recoveries, is in progress

Freegold Ventures Limited (TSX: FVL) (OTCQX: FGOVF) (‘Freegold’ or the ‘Company ‘) is pleased to announce further results from the ongoing metallurgical test work currently underway.

The current initiatives are focused on refining the flowsheet options for the pre-feasibility study. This includes testing and ongoing evaluation of sulphide-oxidizing methods such as BIOX®, POX, and the Albion Process, as well as further gravity, flotation and CIL test work.

Earlier this year, Freegold reported 93% recovery using the Albion Process oxidation-CIL, with further test work ongoing. Comminution tests using half-PQ core have been conducted on over 50 samples from various locations and lithologies within the deposit. These tests provide information to evaluate the trade-off between grind size and liberation versus power consumption, to optimize power requirements and operating costs while enhancing gold recovery.

The BIOX test work has been in progress for several months, and results have shown that gold recovery rates of greater than 90% can be achieved.

2025 PROGRAM

Drilling is now underway with three rigs

Conversion of inferred resources into indicated & further exploration drilling.

Updated mineral resource
Ongoing metallurgical work, focusing on flowsheet optionality with sulphide oxidation is a key part of our strategy to maximize the potential of the resource.
Commencement of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)

Summary of Gold Recovery using BIOX®,

A series of BIOX® amenability oxidation tests have been completed using a sulphide rougher concentrate produced from a composite of Golden Summit material sourced from eight diamond drill hole assay rejects. The duration of the biological oxidation tests conducted was 10, 15, 20, 30 and a duplicate 30 days. The residue from these BIOX® tests was subjected to CIL treatment, and overall gold recovery from gravity, rougher flotation, BIOX® treatment, and CIL averaged 91% from this suite of test work.

Summary of Gold Recovery using POX,

Pressure oxidation (POX) treatment of sulphide rougher concentrate, as well as a cleaner concentrate, with lower mass and only marginally lower gold deportment, has been completed. The POX residue was washed and neutralized and subjected to CIL leaching for gold recovery. The POX-CIL testwork has yielded an average overall gold recovery of over 92% in a process flowsheet incorporating gravity, flotation, POX, and CIL.

This testwork utilized eight drill core composites comprising 1,192 meters of drill intercepts that represent 587 continuous mineralized intervals, with a total material weight of over 5,100 kilograms. These composites represent different locations and grades within the Dolphin and Cleary area and were created using continuous drill intervals chosen to reflect potential mill feed (Refer to the map below for hole locations.) The selections of drill holes and intervals included the primary gold-hosting lithologies. These composites were prepared from laboratory assay rejects of fresh rock intervals located well below the existing oxide cap at Golden Summit. Additionally, four large-diameter PQ holes were drilled during 2024. A total of 7,600 kg has been made available for comminution testing and ongoing metallurgical testwork.

Two additional PQ holes are being drilled in the 2025 program to enhance our metallurgical test work. This work aims to provide data for trade-off studies in the pre-feasibility study, developing a process flowsheet to maximize economic returns. Ongoing tests indicate that part of the mineralization is non-refractory and can be processed conventionally, although additional sulfide processing is necessary for optimal recovery. The September 2024 resource estimate, based on a gold price of $1,973 , included grinding, gravity separation, flotation, regrinding of sulphide concentrate, and CIL treatment, achieving a 72% gold recovery rate at a processing cost of $14 per ton.

The current program is designed to test sulphide oxidation methods, aiming to increase recoveries beyond the 72% gold recovery reported in the September 2024 resource estimate. Each of the three oxidation methods tested successfully demonstrated the potential to achieve gold recoveries exceeding 90%. These methods may increase costs; however, higher gold recoveries and gold prices could offset the additional capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenditures (OPEX ) costs. Ongoing work will focus on identifying the most suitable oxidation method for use in the pre-feasibility study.

Discovery costs at Golden Summit are under $4.00 per ounce. Since 2020, exploration at Golden Summit has transformed the project, evolving to one of North America’s most significant undeveloped gold resources, owing to a revised interpretation, extensive drilling, and a robust metallurgical program. There remains considerable potential for further expansion and optimisation as the project advances. The revised mineral resource estimate, incorporating the 2024 drilling, is expected to be finalised soon.

The current 2025 drilling program aims to upgrade inferred resources to indicated through infill drilling. Drilling for geotechnical purposes, resource definition, and additional metallurgical test holes will also be carried out. A total of 30,000 metres of drilling is planned. Archaeological fieldwork and geotechnical drilling are scheduled to commence shortly, with a fourth drill rig added to enhance exploration efforts. A pre-feasibility study is set to begin later this year.

Link to the Plan Map:

https://freegoldventures.com/site/assets/files/6287/fvl06192025_ddhplan.png

HQ Core is logged, photographed and cut in half using a diamond saw, and one-half placed in sealed bags for preparation and subsequent geochemical analysis by MSA Laboratories in Prince George, BC , and/or Fairbanks, Alaska . At MSALABS, the entire sample will be dried and crushed to 70% passing -2mm (CRU-CPA). A ~500g riffle split will be analyzed for gold using CHRYSOS PhotonAssay (CPA-Au1). From this, 250g will be further riffle split from the original PhotonAssay sample, pulverized, and a 0.25g sub-sample analysed for multi-element geochemistry using MSA’s IMS230 package, which includes 4-acid digestion and ICP-MS finish. MSALABS operates under ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 certified quality systems. A QA/QC program includes laboratory and field standards inserted every ten samples. Blanks are inserted at the start of the submittal, and at least one blank every 25 standards.

The Qualified Person for this release is Alvin Jackson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and Development for Freegold, who has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

About Freegold Ventures Limited
Freegold is a TSX-listed company focused on exploration in Alaska . It holds the Golden Summit Gold Project near Fairbanks and the Shorty Creek Copper-Gold Project near Livengood through leases.

^{Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements as to planned expenditures and exploration programs, potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, the completion of an updated NI 43-101 technical report, and any other future plans. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of exploration programs. See Freegold’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31st, 2024 , filed under Freegold’s profile at www.sedar.com , for a detailed discussion of the risk factors associated with Freegold’s operations. On January 30, 2020 , the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. Reactions to the spread of COVID-19 continue to lead to, among other things, significant restrictions on travel, business closures, quarantines, and a general reduction in economic activity. While these effects have been reduced in recent months, the continuation and re-introduction of significant restrictions, business disruptions, and related financial impact, and the duration of any such disruptions cannot be reasonably estimated. The risks to Freegold of such public health crises also include employee health and safety risks and a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations in geographic locations impacted by an outbreak. Such public health crises, as well as global geopolitical crises, can result in volatility and disruptions in the supply and demand for various products and services, global supply chains, and financial markets, as well as declining trade and market sentiment and reduced mobility of people, all of which could affect interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk, and inflation. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Freegold has implemented a COVID management program and established a full-service Camp at Golden Summit to attempt to mitigate risks to its employees, contractors, and community. While the extent to which COVID-19 may impact Freegold is uncertain, it is possible that COVID-19 may have a material adverse effect on Freegold’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.}

SOURCE Freegold Ventures Limited

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Blackhawks hang on to top goal scorer; Rangers re-sign rugged forward

June 19, 2025 Sport 2 Mins Read

Donato, 29, could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but instead chose to sign a deal through the 2028-29 season with Chicago.

Last season, Donato led the Blackhawks with a career-best 31 goals in 80 games. His 31 assists and 62 points were also career highs.

‘Ryan brings energy and competes hard every game, which has been a huge asset to our team over the last two seasons,’ Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. ‘He’s been a crucial part of our offense, andwe’re excited for Ryan to continue to make a difference in our lineup for the next four years.’

Donato, an eight-year veteran, has 43 goals in two seasons with the Blackhawks. He had never scored more than 31 points in a season until doubling that output last season.

Donato has 108 goals and 119 assists in 483 games with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken and Blackhawks.

Rangers re-sign Matt Rempe

The New York Rangers and forward Matt Rempe agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension.

Rempe, 22, had been scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Listed at 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds, Rempe recorded eight points (three goals, five assists), a plus-7 rating and 67 penalty minutes in 42 games this past season.

Rempe has totaled 10 points (four goals, six assists) and 138 penalty minutes in 59 career games since being selected by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL draft.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Top 25 NBA free agents for 2025: Who are best players available?

June 19, 2025 Sport 12 Mins Read

Don’t be fooled by the action of the NBA Finals and the 2025 NBA draft looming at the end of June. Free agency is just around the corner.

Starting with the day after the last game of the NBA Finals, teams can enter negotiations with prospective free agents who have just completed seasons on their own rosters.

Then, on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET, teams may begin negotiating with free agents who finished seasons on other teams.

Some players are unrestricted free agents, which means they are able to sign with any team that offers a deal; restricted free agents can sign a contract with another team but the team he last played for has the right to match the offer and retain the player.

Some players have player options, meaning they can opt out of the final season of their contract and become a free agent or they can opt in and play out the final year of the deal. Similarly, some contracts have a team option on the final season of the contract, meaning the team can decide whether it brings the player back or allows him to enter free agency.

It all sets up what should be a busy couple of weeks.

Here are the top 25 NBA free agents in 2025:

Top 2025 NBA free agents

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward

2024-25 stats: 24.4 ppg, 8.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 51.3% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 78.2% FT

James hit free agency last summer and signed a two-year, $101.3 million contract with a player option at $52.6 million for 2025-26. It’s likely James will become a free agent again and try to maximize his earnings (with the Lakers most likely) while including a no-trade clause in his contract. At every chance, James has indicated he is happy playing for the Lakers and living in the L.A. area. Plus, his son, Bronny, is under contract with the franchise. At 40 years old, James still produced at an All-NBA level.

2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers guard

2024-25 stats: 22.8 ppg, 8.7 apg, 5.8 rpg, 41% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 87.4% FT

Harden has a player option for 2025-26 at $36.3 million for the season. He can play out the final year of the contract or become a free agent in the summer. He still logged significant minutes (35.3 per game) and continued to produce. A strong run during the postseason reaffirmed his status as a capable scorer.

3. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves forward

2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 48.5% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 80.6% FT

Randle is another player with an option for 2025-26. He can either finish the contract at $30.9 million for next season or become a free agent in the summer. What to watch here: Is the likely new ownership group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore ready to spend what it takes to keep the core roster intact?

4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard

2024-25 stats: 24.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 47.3% FG, 41% 3PT, 91.6% FT

Irving has a player option for 2025-26 and can become a free agent after this season. He can also remain in his contract at $43.9 million for next season and go to free agency in 2026. Irving sustained a season-ending torn ACL and will miss a significant portion of next season if not the entire season. Irving was an All-Star in 2025 and enjoying another stellar season before the injury. Given his injury and timeline to return, Irving may push free agency to 2026 — unless Dallas is ready to re-up with Irving on another contract. Regardless, with the Mavs trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, there are parts the Mavs need to resolve, which could impact Irving’s future. Winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes certainly helps.

5. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers center

2024-25 stats: 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 1.5 apg, 48.1% FG, 39.6% 3PT, 77.3% FT

It seems Turner has been mentioned in trade talks for several seasons. Now, he’s in control of where he plays next season as an unrestricted free agent. Playing almost four more minutes per game this season than last, Turner remains a positive presence in the Pacers’ rotation, and he has been a steady anchor down low during Indiana’s run to the NBA Finals. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down 3s should increase his value on the open market.

6. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward

2024-25 stats: 14.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 46.2% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 77.6% FT

Reid is headed for a big payday — whether it’s this offseason or the next. He’s under contract for 2025-26 at a team friendly $15 million for the season but can exercise his player option and become a free agent this summer rather than the summer of 2026. His production made it possible to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns before the season.

7. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.5% FG, 37.8% 3PT, 78.1% FT

Giddey is a pending restricted free agent in his first season with the Bulls after Oklahoma City traded him for Alex Caruso. Giddey does a little bit of everything for the Bulls, putting together career highs in assists, 3-point shooting percentage, 3s made per game and minutes. His strong play late in the season elevated the Bulls, which had lacked a distributor and creator, into playoff contention.

8. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets guard

2024-25 stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 37.8% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 81% FT

The Rockets have a team option to retain VanVleet for 2025-26 at $44.8 million for the season or they can make the veteran guard a free agent this summer. The Rockets have young players who are in line for lucrative extensions so it is worth watching what the front office — and ownership — decides to do.

9. John Collins, Utah Jazz forward-center

2024-25 stats: 19.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 52.7% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 84.8% FT

Collins also can choose to become a free agent this summer or play out the final season of his contract that will pay him $25.6 million in 2025-26. Collins has missed games due to injuries (back, hip) but is productive when on the court and can be a valuable third or fourth option on a playoff team.

10. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors forward

2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2. apg, 45.4% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 66.8% FT

Kuminga is a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer from other teams and retain him. He has missed time with injuries but he’s the kind of youthful, athletic wing the Warriors could use, with further development. With Golden State’s trade for Jimmy Butler, Kuminga fell out of the rotation, though he did re-emerge once injuries forced him back on the floor.

11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves guard

2024-25 stats: 9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 43.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 78% FT

Alexander-Walker is in the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract, which makes him an unrestricted free agent in the summer. He has established himself as a viable rotation player, particularly on defense, where his length and athleticism are extremely valuable in the modern NBA.

12. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons guard

2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 43% FG, 41.6% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A veteran sharpshooter, Beasley is a plug-and-play sniper who should give any team instant contributions just from the volume of shots and accuracy he has from beyond the arc. Though he’s only an occasional starter, Beasley ranked seventh in the NBA in 3-point shots per game (9.3). But when lacing them at 41.6%, he should find plenty of suitors.

13. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers forward

2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg, 47% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 75.1% FT

He took on more responsibility with the series of injuries Philadelphia faced this season, and Oubre responded to become one of the team’s more consistent producers. He has plus athleticism, can get to the rim and his length allows him to defend many of the athletic wings in the NBA well enough.

14. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets guard

2024-25 stats: 24 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 43.8% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 88.1% FT

Thomas is a restricted free agent and headed for a raise on his $4 million salary in 2024-25. Limited by injuries that sidelined him for more than half of the season, he can still get buckets and drop 20-plus in just about every game.

15. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks forward

2024-25 stats: 13.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 46.6% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Portis has a player option, so he would need to exercise it to remain with the team. Yet, if he opts to test the market, his ability to provide steady and solid scoring and rebounding off the bench could be appealing to any number of teams. A frequent contender for Sixth Man of the Year, Portis also brings instant energy and tenacity upon stepping on the floor.

16. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks guard

2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3.2 rpg, 46.7% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 71% FT

LeVert will hit unrestricted free agency this summer following a two-year, $32 million contract. He had a nice season with Cleveland until it traded him, and he continued to excel as a scorer with Atlanta, where he got more offensive opportunities.

17. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 75.7% FT

Grimes is a restricted free agent this summer, and he made the most of his opportunity after being traded from Dallas to Philadelphia. Grimes averaged 21.9 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 37.3% on 3s and has scored at least 30 points five times with the 76ers, including 46 in an overtime loss against the Rockets.

18. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies center

2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 48.3% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 69.1% FT

Aldama is a restricted free agent in the offseason, and he turned into a valuable big man for the Grizzlies’ formidable frontcourt. The fourth-year big averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage.

19. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks center

2024-25 stats: 13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.8 apg, 50.9% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 82.6% FT

Lopez had been a valuable player for the Bucks, who signed him to a two-year, $48 million contract in 2023. Will the two sides be able to reach terms on a new deal in free agency and continue a mutually beneficial relationship, or will Lopez find a new team?

20. Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers forward

2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.8% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 66.7% FT

Finney-Smith has a $15.3 million player option on the 2025-26 season. One aspect is certain: Since acquiring him from Brooklyn in a trade in late December, Finney-Smith made the Lakers a better defensive team with his length and versatility.

21. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks center

2024-25 stats: 8.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 bpg, 55.9% FG, 53.6% FT

Capela finished a two-year, $45.8 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. He did lose his starting job midway through the season to Onyeka Okongwu, so that could affect his market. Playing his fewest minutes per game (21.4) since 2015-16, Capela’s per-36 minutes stats reveal a noticeable contribution: 14.9 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

22. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs guard

2024-25 stats: 8.8 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 42.7% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 92.4% FT

How much more does Paul want to play? He signed a one-year, $10.4 million contract last offseason and will have his choice of teams in unrestricted free agency if he wants to continue his playing career.

23. D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets guard

2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 39% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT

Though his scoring numbers were down, a career low that was below even his rookie season levels from 2015-16, Russell is still a player who can handle the ball and create for others, one who can ignite from 3-point range and one who can infuse instant offense into a system. Feasibly, what Russell has needed most is a clear definition of his role and stability.

24. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets guard

2024-25 stats: 13.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT, 66.1% FT

Westbrook has a player option for 2025-26 at $3.4 million for the season. Was the partnership successful enough to get another season out of Westbrook in Denver? Will the Nuggets’ — and Westbrook’s — playoff success determine that?

25. Al Horford, Boston Celtics center

2024-25 stats: 9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.3% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT

This has been another fruitful relationship at the end of Horford’s career. Following the end of a two-year, $19.5 million contract with the Celtics, Horford is an unrestricted free agent. Though didn’t have as good a season as last, he’s beloved by his teammates.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Lawsuit filed against Chiefs by former employee: What we know

June 19, 2025 Sport 3 Mins Read

A former Kansas City Chiefs front office member is suing the franchise for tortious interference, race discrimination and retaliation.

Former NFL cornerback Ramzee Robinson worked for the Chiefs for the past nine years, most recently as the director of player engagement, according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by USA TODAY.

In the lawsuit filed with the District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Robinson alleges that six days after working Super Bowl 59, he was called to his manager’s office and told that he had engaged in ‘conduct detrimental to the league.’ Robinson states this alleged conduct was attacking one of his direct reports. He alleges that his manager stated it was recorded on security cameras but refused to show him the video.

The lawsuit states the Chiefs terminated his employment on Feb. 15, 2025, and replaced him with the direct report he allegedly attacked.

The franchise has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

“We can’t comment because it’s an active legal matter,” Brad Gee, Chiefs vice president of football communications, told Pro Football Talk via text message. “But to be clear, the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We look forward to the facts of this case coming to light.”

What you need to know about the lawsuit:

Chiefs lawsuit explainer

Robinson says the Chiefs used him as a ‘liaison to the players,’ meaning he was on-call for players ‘when they got in trouble, had family emergencies (death, injury, etc.), needed help with community engagement, or relocation,’ per the lawsuit.

The suit states he was involved in crisis management, locker room management, peer-to-peer relationships and player-to-coach mentorships. It also alleges that Robinson was on-site in New Orleans in February 2025 for the Chiefs’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, serving in a variety of roles.

Six days later, he was terminated from his position.

Robinson alleges that the Chiefs pay different salaries to employees based on race. His example was a former Black female employee who resigned after the franchise refused to give her a pay increase. Her replacement, a white female employee, allegedly received a 60% higher salary.

Robinson also alleges that he was declined the opportunity to interview for a similar position with the Houston Texans months before his termination. That interview request came after Chiefs president Mark Donovan allegedly ‘pressured (Robinson) to renew his contract and claimed that the contract would offer him stability.’ That event is part of the reasoning for the retaliation count.

The tortious interference stems from the Chiefs not allowing Robinson to interview with the Texans.

Who is Ramzee Robinson?

Robinson was the final selection of the 2007 NFL Draft (No. 255 overall) to the Detroit Lions. He spent two seasons with the Lions and played in 19 total games. He split the 2009 season between the Eagles (three games) and Cleveland Browns (four games).

He was an offseason member of the Washington Commanders in 2010 before being cut during final roster cuts. After two seasons out of football, he tried a comeback with the Denver Broncos but was a final roster cut again in the 2012 offseason.

In 26 total games played, Robinson tallied 37 tackles, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Sport

Lakers sold: Buss family selling to Dodgers owner for $10B valuation

June 19, 2025 Sport 3 Mins Read

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and valuable franchises in the NBA, is going to have new majority ownership.

The Buss family, led by Jeanie Buss, has reached an agreement to sell a majority ownership stake to businessman Mark Walter, the CEO and founder of holding company TWG Global, for a $10 billion valuation, a person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose details of the agreement.

The sale breaks the record for the most expensive purchase agreement of a U.S. pro sports franchise in history.

The person also confirmed that Jeanie Buss, 63, will remain in her position as the governor of the Lakers in the short-term, a setup that accounts for estate planning for the family. This arrangement is similar to the one longtime Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck arranged in the March 2025 sale of that franchise to William Chisholm.

The Celtics sold for a $6.1 billion valuation, which had set the record for a North American sports franchise.

Walter is also the chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and also has interests in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the Billie Jean Cup, the Cadillac Formula 1 team and the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Thanks to an investment he made in July 2021 in which he and business partner Todd Boehly acquired a 27% minority interest in the Lakers, Walter also was given the right of first refusal on the majority share of the Lakers, should the franchise become available for sale.

Former Lakers point guard and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, who is also a member of the investment group Walter used to buy a controlling stake in the Dodgers, praised the move Wednesday, June 18, in a social media post.

“Laker fans should be estatic (sic),” Johnson wrote. “A few things I can tell you about Mark – he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike – they are competitive people, l (sic) have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world. I am so so SO happy and excited for @Lakers fans all over the world!!”

Johnson added that Walter “is the best choice and will be the best caretaker” of the franchise.

The sale price actually dwarfed the team’s estimated valuation. According to Forbes, which publishes its annual list of valuations of sports franchises, the Lakers were ranked as the eighth-most valuable franchise in the world in 2024, valued at $7.1 billion.

Jerry Buss, the father of Jeanie, purchased the Lakers in 1979, and the family has had controlling ownership over the franchise since. The Lakers have won 18 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.

Jerry Buss died in February 2013, which prompted Jeanie, who had overseen the business side of the franchise, to take over as governor.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Sport

Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 of NBA Finals uncertain

June 19, 2025 Sport 5 Mins Read

Tyrese Haliburton probably will be a ‘game-time decision’ for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, putting the Indiana Pacers’ hopes of winning their first championship in jeopardy.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle gave the update in a radio interview on 107.5 The Fan on Wednesday, June 18. The news comes a day after Haliburton had an MRI on his right leg, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the injury.

‘He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report and probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6,’ Carlisle said. ‘Everything is on the table.’

Haliburton went through Indiana’s entire 30-minute walkthrough, as well as a 25-minute film session. He confirmed during a news conference after the practice that he was diagnosed with a right calf strain.

The Pacers are facing an elimination game Thursday, June 19, against the Thunder and need Haliburton’s offense to have a chance at forcing a Game 7 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder easily won Game 5, 120-109, after Haliburton appeared to slip and injure his leg in the first quarter. OKC is seeking its second championship. The Thunder moved to OKC in 2008 from Seattle, where the franchise won the title in 1979 as the SuperSonics.

Carlisle said the Pacers do have to be prepared for the possibility Haliburton will not play. The Pacers went 4-5 this season in games which Haliburton did not appear. In such a case, Andrew Nembhard would likely move from shooting guard to point guard. In most cases this season when Haliburton did not play, Bennedict Mathurin moved into the starting lineup at shooting guard.

‘It’s pretty simple, we have to prepare for both,’ Carlisle said. ‘Today, when we meet with the team before we go on the floor and practice, is going to be more of a walkthrough at this point of the series. We’ll do a walkthrough, we’ll have some shooting. We’ll have some open practice the last 30 minutes with the media at the end, yeah, we have to prepare for two scenarios: one where he plays and one where he does not.’

Asked about how to handle rotations and minute counts, Carlisle stayed to the same line. ‘Everything is on the table,’ he said.

Haliburton is averaging 17.9 points and 9.1 assists per game in the playoffs. He’s hit game-winning or game-tying shots in four playoff comebacks for the Pacers to help them reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 and the second in franchise history.

Haliburton fell while driving to the basket in the opening quarter of Game 5 and came up holding his right calf. He went to the locker room, but returned in the second quarter. He scored just four points and didn’t make a basket – both career playoff lows.

While it’s unclear how much – if at all – the leg injury is affecting his shooting, one thing is clear. The Pacers must have Haliburton’s offense to win the championship.

‘He’s not at a hundred percent,’ Carlisle said after Game 5. ‘It’s pretty clear, but I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing.’

Haliburton was more forceful in his reply: ‘It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can.

‘I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. … Got to be ready to go for Game 6.’

Will Tyrese Haliburton play in NBA Finals Game 6?

Tyrese Haliburton and coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 5 that the Pacers guard would play. However, Carlisle also said they would monitor Haliburton and ‘evaluate everything with Tyrese.’ On Wednesday, June 18, Carlisle said it would be a ‘game-time decision.’

When will we know if Tyrese Haliburton is playing in NBA Finals Game 6?

The team could make a formal announcement any time, but the final injury report is due Thursday, June 19, by 5 p.m. ET.

When is NBA Finals Game 6?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 on Thursday, June 19.

Where is NBA Finals Game 6?

The game is at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

What time is NBA Finals Game 6?

Game 6 is at 8:30 p.m. ET.

What channel is broadcasting NBA Finals Game 6?

ABC will carry Game 6.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Streaming overtakes cable and broadcast as the most-watched form of TV

June 19, 2025 Editor's pick 2 Mins Read

A new king reigns in TV land.

Streaming has officially surpassed broadcast and cable as a share of total television viewing, according to Nielsen data.

In May, streaming accounted for 44.8% of viewership, while broadcast (20.1%) and cable (24.1%) together represented 44.2% of overall people tuning in.

‘While many have expected this milestone to have occurred sooner, sporting events, news and new-season content have kept broadcast and cable TV surprisingly resilient,’ Brian Fuhrer, senior vice president at Nielsen, said in a video for Nielsen’s The Gauge monthly viewership report. ‘The trend, however, has been very consistent.’

While Netflix has boasted the most overall TV use for four years straight, YouTube has now seen four straight months of TV share increase, Nielsen said. The platform, owned by Google and its parent company, Alphabet, boasted the highest share of TV consumption among all streamers in May, with a 12.5% share. Rounding out the top five were Netflix, Disney-owned platforms including ESPN and Hulu, Amazon’s Prime Video, and the Roku Channel.

The three largest so-called free, ad-supported services, or FAST channels — Paramount’s Pluto TV, the Roku Channel and Fox’s Tubi — combined for 5.7% of total TV viewing in May, more than any individual broadcast network.

Streaming’s overall share is likely to remain neck and neck with traditional TV viewership for some time before it eventually surpasses it permanently in the near future, Nielsen said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Amazon expects to cut corporate jobs as it relies more on AI

June 19, 2025 Editor's pick 3 Mins Read

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Tuesday that the company expects artificial intelligence ‘will reduce our total corporate workforce as we get efficiency gains’ over time.

‘We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people do other types of jobs,’ Jassy added in a memo to Amazon’s workforce.

The CEO of the country’s second-largest retailer and employer said Amazon is using generative AI ‘in virtually every corner of the company.’

Amazon employs more than 1.5 million people worldwide, according its most recent annual report.

This year, Amazon plans to spend $100 billion to expand AI services and data centers that power them, up from $83 billion last year.

Jassy said he believes so-called ‘AI agents’ will ‘change how we all work and live.’ While ‘many of these agents have yet to be built,’ he said, ‘they’re coming, and fast.’

He continued by saying that they will ‘change the scope and speed at which we can innovate for customers.’

Amazon currently has more than a thousand AI services and applications running inside the company or in progress of being built.

Jassy’s comments Tuesday will likely invoke fears that many corporate workers have had as artificial intelligence captures the eye of efficiency-minded executives across corporate America. A recent study from Bloomberg Intelligence said that AI could replace up to 200,000 banking jobs.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy in New York on Feb. 26.Michael Nagle / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Artificial intelligence has also been shown to be effective at coding for software programs.

Cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike eliminted 5% of its workforce in May, saying that AI was driving ‘efficiencies across both the front and back office.’

Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke said managers at the e-commerce company will be expected to prove why they ‘cannot get what they want done using AI’ before asking for more headcount.

‘Having AI alongside the journey and increasingly doing not just the consultation, but also doing the work for our merchants is a mind-blowing step function change here,’ Lutke added.

Language learning firm Duolingo also recently said that it would replace contract workers with artificial intelligence. ‘We’ll gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle,’ CEO Luis von Ahn wrote in a memo to Duolingo employees in May. ‘Headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work,’ von Ahn added.

The CEO of U.K. telecom giant BT said this week that plans to cut 40,000 jobs from the company’s workforce over the next 10 years ‘did not reflect the full potential of AI.’

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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DOJ seizes record $225 million in crypto tied to global ‘pig butchering’ scams

June 19, 2025 Editor's pick 2 Mins Read

The Justice Department announced Wednesday the largest-ever U.S. seizure of cryptocurrency linked to so-called “pig butchering” scams that have cost victims billions globally.

Federal prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture action targeting more than $225 million in cryptocurrency traced to a sprawling web of fraudulent investment platforms. Victims were tricked into believing they were investing in legitimate crypto ventures, only to be scammed by criminal networks often operating overseas.

“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Shawn Bradstreet, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office, in a statement.

Authorities said the network was connected to at least 400 suspected victims worldwide, including dozens in the U.S. Crypto fraud was responsible for more than $5.8 billion in reported losses last year, according to FBI data.

The seized funds are now subject to forfeiture proceedings aimed at eventually returning money to victims.

The U.S. Secret Service and FBI used blockchain analysis and other tools to trace the cryptocurrency back to stolen assets. The DOJ credited Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, for assisting in the operation.

According to the complaint, the funds were linked to the theft and laundering of money from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly known as confidence scams that often involve romance.

The network relied on hundreds of thousands of transactions to obscure the origin of the funds, using sophisticated blockchain maneuvers to conceal the flow of stolen assets.

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