Patrick Williams — back with the Chicago Bulls tonight for the 1st time in 5 months — credits teammates for keeping his spirits up  —  Patrick Williams hadn't felt butterflies before a basketball game in years.  But after nearly five months off the court, the Chicago Bulls power forward expected …

Nets say Ben Simmons has herniated disk in back  —  Nets head coach Steve Nash confirmed reports that star forward Ben Simmons has aggravated his herniated disk, a back injury he's been dealing with for several years dating back to his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.

'The most toxic environment I've ever been a part of': Inside Urban Meyer's disastrous year with Jaguars  —  Urban Meyer burst into a room full of players at the Jaguars' facility.  He was furious.  —  One of his players had missed an assignment during a preseason game, leading to a busted play.

Breaking down the likelihood (or unlikelihood) of Donovan Mitchell coming to the Knicks  —  Ever since Leon Rose took over as Knicks president two years ago, the home run has lurked.  It has taken on different forms and players, but it's always chilling in the background …

Sources: Colorado Rockies lock up Ryan McMahon with 6-year, $70 million extension  —  Infielder Ryan McMahon and the Colorado Rockies have agreed on a six-year extension on Monday, capping a week of spending in which the team guaranteed more than a quarter-billion dollars in salary.

Boston Red Sox, Trevor Story agree to six-year, $140M contract, sources confirm  —  Trevor Story and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a six-year, $140 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN.  —  The deal includes an opt-out after the fourth season, sources said.

MLB's universal DH is here: What it means — and doesn't mean — might surprise you  —  The universal designated hitter is here.  A style of baseball that has been a near constant in this nation since 1876 is about to ease into quasi-extinction, save for a few Shohei Ohtani starts on the mound and …

Sources: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins agree to 3-year, $105.3 million deal with opt-outs  —  Shortstop Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a three-year, $105.3 million contract that includes opt-outs after the first two seasons, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Top Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez in camp after testing positive for COVID — and dealing with myocarditis last season  —  MESA, ARIZ. — Brailyn Marquez built up in the offseason while waiting for the MLB lockout to end, hoping to make an impression in Chicago Cubs camp.

David Ortiz was targeted by drug kingpin in 2019 shooting, according to Ed Davis's findings  —  Red Sox great David Ortiz was shot point-blank in the back in his native Dominican Republic in 2019 because a notorious international drug kingpin whose path he crossed multiple times wanted him dead …

Willson Contreras understands he could soon be an ex-Cub  —  MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) - Midway through an interview, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras had to excuse himself for a second to compose himself.  He was emotional while reflecting on everything the organization has meant to him over the years …

Pete Alonso feeling strong and believes Mets' culture will be changed on field  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — These first years of Pete Alonso's career have been full of wild statistics, from him leading the majors in home runs since his debut (106, the only player to reach triple digits) …