While hundreds of free agents have signed with NHL teams this summer (at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars in total), some notable names remain on the market. Will they re-sign with their 2018-19 clubs, or move on to new opportunities? Our panel debates the 2019-20 destinations for five of the biggest names left:

Jake Gardiner, D

2018-19 team: Toronto Maple Leafs
2018-19 cap hit: $4.05 million

Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: The New Jersey Devils have $19.845 million in cap space and two left-handed shooting defensemen in Andy Greene and Sami Vatanen coming off their cap next summer. The team's biggest need, besides an overall increase in quality depth, is on the blue line, even with the addition of P.K. Subban. Gardiner, and his offensive upside, would be a welcome addition.

Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: The Canadiens would be a great fit. They still have some cap space to spend -- call it the Sebastian Aho savings -- and they could definitely use some talent on the left side. A Gardiner signing could be bad news for Karl Alzner, though.

Dimitri Filipovic, hockey analytics writer: The Canadiens. It's weird just how little buzz there's been about Gardiner through the first two weeks of free agency, considering he came in as the best defenseman available. Montreal makes a ton of sense because the left side of their blue line is their biggest weakness, and they haven't really been able to find a viable partner for Shea Weber since he arrived. If Weber's nagging injuries from the past two seasons continue, Gardiner provides some insurance as someone that can carry a pairing and take some of the responsibility off of Jeff Petry's plate. The Canadiens want to play fast and get the puck up the ice as quickly as possible in transition, which is something we know Gardiner excels at after all of his years thriving in Toronto's up-tempo system.

Patrick Maroon, LW/RW

2018-19 team: St. Louis Blues
2018-19 cap hit: $1.75 million

Wyshynski: Maroon has a Stanley Cup ring for being the personification of the kind of heavy hockey a team (at times) needs to excel in the postseason. You know who could use a little bit of that DNA? A team that rolled over in the first round in a passionless sweep, the Tampa Bay Lightning. One year, tax-friendly cap hit. Let's go.

Kaplan: The Edmonton Oilers. Sure, the Oilers need to shake things up to get back on track, but I'm all for returning to nostalgia for this one. Maroon's best NHL season came when playing on Connor McDavid's wing. The fans would be happy to welcome back Big Rig.

Filipovic: The Oilers. I wouldn't give Maroon any kind of term considering his age and body type, but he can probably be had for a minimal commitment after St. Louis essentially thanked him for his services and wished him farewell this summer. We already know that he has the sense to know where to go and finishing ability around the net that's required to make the most of McDavid's playmaking prowess. Edmonton hasn't really done anything of note to improve their roster this summer, and while Maroon is hardly a game-changer at this point, the bar the Oilers need to clear to improve their wing position is exceedingly low.

Justin Williams, RW

2018-19 team: Carolina Hurricanes
2018-19 cap hit: $4.5 million

Wyshynski: At this stage, the Hurricanes are probably the only team for whom Justin Williams will play in the NHL. Rare is the athlete who comes back to the scene of a previous championship and has the kind of positive impact that Williams had with the "Bunch of Jerks" last season. But if we're asking "who should sign him," then my choice would be the Arizona Coyotes. Here's a team that needs more scoring on the wing, could use another veteran leader in that room ... and let's face it, could use a bit of enthusiasm in the fan base (and defiant attitude) that Williams brought to the Canes last season.

Kaplan: The Hurricanes. Williams and coach Rod Brind'Amour are tight, and Williams -- at age 37 -- was like a coach on the ice for the Canes last season. If he doesn't retire, he's returning to Carolina. They saved enough cap space to sign him.

Filipovic: The Hurricanes. Despite his age, he can still definitely play, and would be a logical fit both on and off the ice for pretty much every single contender in the league. Carolina brought in Erik Haula and Ryan Dzingel this summer for reinforcements on the wing, and Andrei Svechnikov looks ready for a much larger role as well. That might actually be good for Williams at this point of his career, considering he played more minutes last season than he had in any single campaign since 2007-08. They can now afford to be more selective with his usage, preserving him for what they presumably hope will be another extended playoff run.

Joe Thornton, C

2018-19 team: San Jose Sharks
2018-19 cap hit: $5 million

Wyshynski: Jumbo already indicated that he and the Sharks will "get something done" during the summer, after some meetings with GM Doug Wilson and owner Hasso Plattner. There's no reason to believe that won't happen, and the Sharks need his presence in the locker room more than ever with former captain Joe Pavelski now in Dallas. But if we're fantasy casting ... look, Joe Thornton needs a Stanley Cup. The Vegas Golden Knights need a better power play, as theirs was at 16.8 percent last season. Speaking from personal experience, there are ample short flights from San Jose to Vegas. He could, like, go home on the weekends

Kaplan: I can't imagine Joe Thornton signing anywhere but San Jose for his 22nd season. GM Doug Wilson will get it done. But I'd love to see a team like the Avalanche take a run at Thornton. A 1-2-3 punch of Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri and Joe Thornton down the gut? That would be the best center depth in the West.

Filipovic: The Sharks. I don't think I can see Joe Thornton in another uniform, and by all accounts he can't either. Because of the ridiculously team-friendly Kevin Labanc contract, San Jose now has some extra financial wiggle room to bring him back into the mix. Beyond just the obvious history between the two, the on-ice fit is also still there. The Sharks ostensibly have two top lines, which affords them the luxury of feeding Thornton the cushiest of minutes at five-on-five. At this point, feasting on inferior competition is what his skills are best suited for, especially when he can set up shop down low in the offensive zone and pick them apart like a pocket passing quarterback.

Patrick Marleau, LW/C

2018-19 team: Toronto Maple Leafs
2018-19 cap hit: $6.25 million

Wyshynski: Given the coach, the GM, the state in which the team plays and the apparent decision to go with the oldest lineup in the NHL, Marleau to the Los Angeles Kings feels so right -- even if seeing him in that jersey will feel so wrong for Sharks fans.

Kaplan: Not sure it will happen, but I'd love for the Florida Panthers to take a run. Marleau, at this stage of his career, is a third- or fourth-line winger. Even with offseason improvements, I'm not totally convinced the Panthers are a playoff team. Adding another solid depth forward like Marleau -- along with his leadership -- could help get them over the hump.

Filipovic: The Sharks. Let's get the band back together and reunite Thornton and Marleau for one last dance. They've made some sweet music over the years, sharing the ice for nearly 3,600 five-on-five minutes from 2007 to 2017. Because of how loaded the Sharks are, they won't need to overuse Marleau as much as Leafs coach Mike Babcock did towards the end of Marleau's run with Toronto. San Jose doesn't have much cash to work with (pending the Thornton deal), but considering Marleau is already getting paid out roughly $3.5 million after his buyout, that shouldn't be a concern. And after losing both Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi this summer, the Sharks could actually use some reliable secondary scoring on the wing right now.

Sunday's World Cup final, the first England international on free-to-air UK television since the 2005 Ashes, attracted a peak viewership of 8.3 million.

The game was simulcast on several channels: Sky showed it on Sky One, Main Event, and their Cricket channel, while Channel 4 split their coverage between their main channel and More 4 during the British Grand Prix.

The peak audience was only marginally below that recorded during the 2005 Ashes, when 8.4 million people watched the culmination of England's win at Trent Bridge on Channel 4. By contrast, the first Test of the 2015 Ashes, shown only on Sky, attracted a peak viewership of 467,000.

The World Cup final had to compete for attention with the men's singles final at Wimbledon between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, as well as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Cricket will return to free-to-air TV in the UK from next summer, after the BBC agreed a deal in 2017 to show ten men's and eight women's matches from The Hundred per year, as well as two men's T20Is and one women's T20I.

Liam Plunkett, the fast bowler who took three wickets in England's win, had previously voiced support for the final to be broadcast free-to-air.

"Playing for England, you're the pride of the country and you want people to be able to access that and watch that," he said after the group stage win against New Zealand. "I'm not sure it's going to happen but for the guys, you want as many people to watch it as possible."

Sunday's final was a sell-out, with unofficial resale platforms offering tickets priced at several thousand pounds. As well as the millions watching on TV, thousands of fans gathered in the fanzone in Trafalgar Square, first to watch and then to celebrate England's win.

There was widespread support for Sky's decision to allow the game to be shown on free-to-air TV, a move that the ECB encouraged but did not demand. But Ashley Giles, the director of cricket for England's men's teams, suggested that England might not have been able to win the World Cup without Sky's investment.

When asked by BBC Radio 4 if it would have been impossible, Giles said: "Quite possibly, yes. The investment in the game from grassroots to professional has allowed us to do what we've done.

"Sky took the game on and have been fantastic supporters since. Thank you to them for allowing it on Channel 4."

Channel 4's chief executive Alex Mahon said it was "wonderful that the whole nation can come together to share these momentous British sporting events".

"Yeah, in a heartbeat," Kane Williamson said when asked if he'd swap his Player of the Series trophy for one extra run at the end of the greatest World Cup final in history. He might have to keep that line handy again as the ICC announced another individual milestone for the New Zealand captain.

Williamson hit a career-high 799 points on the ODI batsmen's rankings after the semi-final against India and is currently at No. 6 on the table. Scoring only 30 runs against England, though, has brought his tally down to 796, but he remains one of only two New Zealanders in the top ten, Ross Taylor above him with 817 points.

Ben Stokes, the Player of the Final, rose five places to No. 20 after not one but two amazing innings - first to keep England's chase alive on a remarkably tough pitch and later to lift them in the Super Over while virtually running on empty.

ALSO READ: The Monga-Kimber World Cup 2019 XI is here

There was another allrounder who made a giant leap on the batsmen's rankings too. Ravindra Jadeja, who was nearly unstoppable in the semi-final against New Zealand, has leapt 24 places to occupy the 108th spot.

Chris Woakes, whose opening spells were vital to England's title run, has gone up to No. 7 in the bowler's rankings. He took seven wickets in the first Powerplay at the World Cup - the joint second-highest - while the topper of that list, Matt Henry, also broke into the top ten. Jofra Archer, playing his first World Cup, finished not only as England's highest wicket-taker but also one of the ICC's top 30 bowlers in the world.

England remain the top-ranked team in the world, while India are at No. 2 and New Zealand at No. 3. Shakib Al Hasan, who produced the most remarkable all-round show ever seen in a World Cup, retains dominance in the allrounders' ratings.

Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney will not get a long-term deal done by Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to sign players who have been franchised, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

No trade is in the works for him either, the sources said.

Clowney is expected to miss most, if not all, of training camp, as he still hasn't signed his franchise tender, which is worth $15.967 million for the 2019 season.

The Texans tagged Clowney as a linebacker ($15.443 million) rather than as a defensive end ($17.128 million). However, since players get the higher amount between the tag value or 120 percent of last year's salary, Clowney is poised to get an additional $524,000 this season. He made $13.306 million, including a $1 million bonus, while playing on his fifth-year option in 2018.

Despite being tagged as a linebacker, Clowney played most of his snaps at defensive end in 2018, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He logged 729 at defensive end, 101 at defensive tackle and 33 at linebacker last season.

Clowney, who was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl last season, finished 2018 with 47 tackles, nine sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also had 16 tackles for loss, which tied for ninth in the NFL last season, and he now has 53 tackles for loss over the past three seasons, which ranks third in the league.

Clowney, 26, the first overall pick of the 2014 draft, struggled with knee injuries early in his career, missing 15 games in his first two seasons. In 2016, he played through wrist and elbow injuries, appearing in 14 games and making the Pro Bowl for the first time. Since then, he has missed just one game over two seasons.

ESPN's Sarah Barshop contributed to this report.

Pernell Whitaker, a longtime pound-for-pound king and one of the greatest boxers in history, was killed Sunday night when he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was 55.

The Virginia Beach Police Department said that the incident remains an active investigation but that Whitaker was apparently hit by a vehicle at around 10 p.m. Sunday when he was walking at an intersection.

"When officers arrived on scene they located an adult male victim who had been hit by a vehicle. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene," Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman L.M. Bauder said in a statement. "The driver of the vehicle remained on scene with police."

Whitaker, a southpaw from Norfolk, Virginia, was revered as perhaps the best defensive fighter in history as his slick moves confounded opponent after opponent.

Whitaker, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006, won world titles in four weight classes. He was the undisputed lightweight world champion and also won titles at junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight as the one of the dominant forces in boxing for much of the 1980s and 1990s. He won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.

Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told the Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy."

"That all I can say about him," he told the newspaper. "I can't really say how I'm feeling because I'm feeling shocked. I'm still trying to process everything that's going on. But he was a cool guy."

"I loved PW and he loved me -- there was no doubt," Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, whose company promoted Whitaker throughout his career and who remained close to him after his retirement, told ESPN. "He was this person who was only comfortable in the ring. He had demons, but when he was in the ring, that was when he was in control and when he was happy and when he was the very best at what he did, and he wanted to show that to everybody."

In our post-Finals Power Rankings, we asked whether offseason chaos was on the horizon.

Welp.

Free agency saw Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving team up in Brooklyn, D'Angelo Russell join the Splash Brothers, Jimmy Butler take his talents to South Beach and Tobias Harris and Kristaps Porzingis sign max deals with Philly and Dallas, respectively. And that was just the first 24 hours!

The league has changed seemingly overnight, and we're here to make sense of where all 30 teams stand heading into a highly anticipated 2019-20 season.

Note: These rankings are based on which teams voters think belong higher heading into the 2019-20 season, taking into account injuries and potential further player movement. Title odds for 2019-20 were provided by Caesars sportsbook. ESPN.com's Malika Andrews, Kevin Arnovitz, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Royce Young and Ohm Youngmisuk contributed the following information.

More: Post-Finals rankings | Moves for every team | Free agency news

1. Milwaukee Bucks
2018-19 record: 60-22
2020 title odds: 9-2
Previous rank: No. 1

While the fabric of the Eastern Conference has changed drastically in recent weeks, the Bucks' core has stayed largely the same. The team re-signed starters Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez as well as key reserve George Hill. What set the team apart last season was its deep bench. Will the acquisitions of Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews be enough to make up for the departures of Malcolm Brogdon, Ersan Ilyasova, Tony Snell and Nikola Mirotic? A strong bench to support Giannis Antetokounmpo is essential for Milwaukee to make it out of the East finals. -- Malika Andrews

• Key additions: Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews

• Key subtractions: Malcolm Brogdon, Nikola Mirotic

2. Denver Nuggets
2018-19 record: 54-28
2020 title odds: 20-1
Previous rank: No. 4

While the rest of the NBA world went wild, the Nuggets made a few moves along the edges but quietly had one of the best summers of anyone. Adding Jerami Grant is one of the most underrated moves of the offseason, and they effectively are adding 2018 No. 14 overall pick Michael Porter Jr., who sat out the entire season with back issues. Assuming progression from their young rising stars, the Nuggets are firmly a favorite in the West. -- Royce Young

• Key additions: Jerami Grant

• Key subtractions: Trey Lyles

3. LA Clippers
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: 4-1
Previous rank: No. 5

After a year of rumors of quietly recruiting Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers landed the mysterious forward after what might have been the most intrigue-filled week in free agency in recent memory. Shocking the Lakers, the Raptors and the entire NBA, the Clippers persuaded Leonard to become a Clipper by stealthily working a trade for Paul George. While the blockbuster move cost a historic haul of five first-round picks, two first-round-pick swaps and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, the Clippers are now instant title contenders. Leonard and George should fit in seamlessly with a gritty supporting cast and budding Clipper culture built on a low-ego, team-first mentality. Doc Rivers' defense could be the nastiest in the NBA with Leonard, George and Patrick Beverley forming a perimeter wall. Rivers has the best second-unit combo in Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, and role players such as JaMychal Green, Maurice Harkless and Landry Shamet might make the Clippers the best team in not just Staples Center this season but perhaps in the entire league. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

• Key additions: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Maurice Harkless

• Key subtractions: Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple

4. Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 record: 51-31
2020 title odds: 8-1
Previous rank: No. 3

After coming within four bounces of beating the Raptors in a devastating loss at the buzzer in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the 76ers went out and made some dramatic moves this summer: re-signing Tobias Harris to a five-year, $180 million deal; executing a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat, sending Jimmy Butler there in exchange for Josh Richardson; and signing Al Horford away from the Boston Celtics with a four-year, $113 million contract. Now, thanks to Leonard leaving Toronto and the rest of the East contenders either standing still or taking a step backward, Philadelphia feels like it is the favorite to emerge from the East and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since Allen Iverson led the Sixers there in 2001. -- Tim Bontemps

• Key additions: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Raul Neto

• Key subtractions: Jimmy Butler, JJ Redick, T.J. McConnell

5. Houston Rockets
2018-19 record: 53-29
2020 title odds: 8-1
Previous rank: No. 7

The Rockets rolled the dice by reuniting Russell Westbrook with James Harden, particularly considering the hefty price of the lightly protected 2024 and 2026 first-round picks they sent to Oklahoma City along with Chris Paul. "It's risky for sure, but I believe the upside is greater than with CP," a team source said. Westbrook's ball dominance and poor 3-point shooting present fit concerns, but Harden pushed hard for the trade, which the Rockets hope will allow them to be legitimate contenders through The Beard's prime, a window that was closing because of the 34-year-old Paul's physical decline. -- Tim MacMahon

• Key additions: Russell Westbrook, Tyson Chandler

• Key subtractions: Chris Paul

6. Los Angeles Lakers
2018-19 record: 37-45
2020 title odds: 3-1
Previous rank: No. 8

A chaotic offseason started with Magic Johnson resigning and putting Rob Pelinka on blast as well as a coaching search that saw negotiations with Ty Lue fall apart before the Lakers hired Frank Vogel. But once the chaos settled, the Lakers landed their highly coveted second superstar and another franchise superstar big man to build around for the foreseeable future in Anthony Davis. Pelinka paid a heavy price in having to send six players out -- including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart -- three first-round picks, a pick swap and cash to acquire Davis and create as much cap space as possible. They then waited and failed to persuade Kawhi Leonard to come, but acted quickly in free agency by surrounding LeBron James and Davis with several experienced veterans. The Lakers believe they have addressed their mistake from a year ago by adding shooters like Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels. They believe they have 3-and-D guys with the additions of Green, Avery Bradley and the re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. And they added size with DeMarcus Cousins and re-signed JaVale McGee while also bolstering their backcourt depth and bringing Alex Caruso back. This is a roster built to contend for a championship, and anything short of a deep playoff run will be a disappointment. -- Youngmisuk

• Key additions: Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley

• Key subtractions: Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Tyson Chandler

7. Boston Celtics
2018-19 record: 49-33
2020 title odds: 25-1
Previous rank: No. 9

Nothing went the way it was supposed to last season for the Celtics, who entered the season as the favorites to top the East -- only to be drummed out of the playoffs in five games (including four straight losses) by the Bucks. The already bitter taste in the mouths of Celtics fans was made worse after Kyrie Irving and Al Horford chose to leave for Brooklyn and Philadelphia, respectively, in free agency. Irving was replaced by All-Star Kemba Walker, which some might see as an upgrade. It will be much more difficult to make up for losing Horford. Enes Kanter will likely be Boston's starting center, with second-year big man Robert Williams, Frenchman Vincent Poirier and German Daniel Theis behind him. They will give Boston a few ways to play, but not nearly at the same level of skill and poise that Horford, one of the league's most versatile bigs, did. That, in turn, puts a ceiling on just how good Boston can be -- regardless of how much growth the Celtics get from young wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. -- Bontemps

• Key additions: Kemba Walker, Enes Kanter, Romeo Langford

• Key subtractions: Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes

8. Portland Trail Blazers
2018-19 record: 53-29
2020 title odds: 25-1
Previous rank: No. 10

The Trail Blazers lightly reshuffled their rotation, with a few critical role players moving elsewhere. The Blazers have the core elements back, but any progression this season will come in two main ways: 1) Jusuf Nurkic getting healthy and returning to form, and 2) Hassan Whiteside fitting in and adding rim protection plus a significant new wrinkle to the pick-and-roll game. -- Young

• Key additions: Hassan Whiteside, Anthony Tolliver, Kent Bazemore, Mario Hezonja

• Key subtractions: Evan Turner, Maurice Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, Enes Kanter

9. Utah Jazz
2018-19 record: 50-32
2020 title odds: 14-1
Previous rank: No. 13

The Jazz might be equally as good offensively and defensively, which would make Utah a bona fide contender. Poor shooting prevented the Jazz from making their playoff series against the Rockets competitive, as Utah went 26-of-110 (23.6 percent) on wide-open 3s, as defined by NBA.com as no defender within 6 feet. That won't be a problem after they traded for Mike Conley and signed Bojan Bogdanovic, who should take pressure off Donovan Mitchell to create offense and open up the floor when the young star guard has the ball in his hands. It's up to Rudy Gobert, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, to make sure the Jazz remain elite on that end of the floor. -- MacMahon

• Key additions: Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jeff Green, Ed Davis

• Key subtractions: Jae Crowder, Ricky Rubio, Derrick Favors, Kyle Korver

10. Toronto Raptors
2018-19 record: 58-24
2020 title odds: 50-1
Previous rank: No. 2

The Raptors didn't have long to celebrate their stunning run to the franchise's first title, thanks to Kawhi Leonard's decision to leave his throne as King of the North to take up residence at Staples Center with the LA Clippers. Still, while the Raptors don't have a championship ceiling anymore, they have a good enough roster -- built around emerging young forward Pascal Siakam, the winner of this season's Most Improved Player award -- to remain a factor in the East. The Raptors do have several large expiring contracts belonging to Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka that it could flip at the deadline for assets -- or they could go into next summer with oodles of cap space to chase players who can remake their roster. Don't expect anyone north of the border to be upset, though. They'll be spending the season deservedly celebrating their hard-won title. -- Bontemps

• Key additions: Stanley Johnson

• Key subtractions: Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green

11. Golden State Warriors
2018-19 record: 57-25
2020 title odds: 14-1
Previous rank: No. 6

Not long after losing a physically and emotionally devastating NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors watched Kevin Durant head East to join forces with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. But the Warriors did their best to recover by adding rising All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell to help Stephen Curry with the scoring load until Klay Thompson returns from his knee injury. Willie Cauley-Stein is still only 25 and will have every opportunity to show what he can do as Golden State's new center with DeMarcus Cousins in Los Angeles. Steve Kerr will also try to incorporate new Warriors Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. While Golden State's stranglehold on the Western Conference is over, the Warriors still have Curry and Draymond Green -- two proud All-Stars motivated to show that any idea of Golden State's demise is premature. -- Youngmisuk

• Key additions: D'Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein, Glenn Robinson III, Alec Burks, Shabazz Napier

• Key subtractions: Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, DeMarcus Cousins, Shaun Livingston

12. Brooklyn Nets
2018-19 record: 42-40
2020 title odds: 20-1
Previous rank: No. 12

Brooklyn completed its remarkable turnaround over the past few years by signing Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan in the opening hours of free agency, lifting a franchise that had been left for dead in the wake of trading four first-round picks to the Celtics back in 2013. If Durant were healthy, the Nets would likely be the favorites in the East. But he is not, having torn his Achilles during the NBA Finals, and will miss -- at a minimum -- most of next season. In the mean time, the Nets will hope that things go differently for Irving than they did in Boston last year, when he and the team's young players struggled to mesh and the Celtics disappointed. Brooklyn's roster has a similar composition, including emerging wing Caris LeVert, that will try to push the Nets along until Durant can return -- whether that's sometime late next season or in 2020-21. -- Bontemps

• Key additions: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince

• Key subtractions: D'Angelo Russell, Jared Dudley, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Allen Crabbe

13. San Antonio Spurs
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: 40-1
Previous rank: No. 15

The Spurs were snakebitten by Marcus Morris changing course and signing with the Knicks, because they not only lost him but also traded Davis Bertans to clear the way. They made a few minor moves, but getting Dejounte Murray healthy has been the primary offseason objective. The Spurs are the Spurs, so therefore they will be good, but as the West reloaded, nothing sizable enough changed that will boost San Antonio up the standings. -- Young

• Key additions: DeMarre Carroll, Trey Lyles

• Key subtractions: Davis Bertans

14. Miami Heat
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: 40-1
Previous rank: No. 22

The Heat in recent seasons have generally been better than the sum of their parts, and for the first time in a while, they'll feature an NBA star in his prime: Jimmy Butler. The union of the intense, workaholic Butler and the intense, workaholic Heat organization would seem to be an NBA match made in heaven. Miami will feature its typically stingy, well-prepared defensive schemes and likely cobble together some clever, unorthodox looks on offense to compensate for any lack of shooting. -- Kevin Arnovitz

• Key additions: Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Meyers Leonard

• Key subtractions: Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, Dwyane Wade

15. Indiana Pacers
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: 40-1
Previous rank: No. 14

The Pacers' splashiest free-agency acquisition was former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, who signed a lucrative three-year, $85 million contract with Indiana. Until Victor Oladipo returns from the quad injury that ended his 2018-19 season, much of the Pacers' offense will likely run through Brogdon. The Pacers were the No. 4 seed in the 2019 playoffs. For them to be ranked that high again, Domantas Sabonis must continue to evolve. Most importantly, when and how Oladipo returns will heavily influence Indiana's chances. -- Andrews

• Key additions: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, T.J. Warren

• Key subtractions: Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison, Wesley Matthews, Thaddeus Young, Cory Joseph, Tyreke Evans

16. Detroit Pistons
2018-19 record: 41-41
2020 title odds: 250-1
Previous rank: No. 19

Despite being strapped for cap room, the Pistons added two proven guards to their roster in free agency: Derrick Rose and Markieff Morris. The No. 8-seeded Pistons were swept in the 2019 playoffs largely because the No. 1-seeded Bucks' depth allowed for their starters to stay fresh. The Pistons, on the other hand, struggled to put out a seven-man rotation. In the playoffs, head coach Dwane Casey relied on heavy minutes from Andre Drummond and the injured Blake Griffin. Morris is another big body who will help ease the load of Griffin and Drummond, and Rose has the talent and experience to lead Detroit's second unit. If Griffin can stay healthy, the Pistons have a strong chance of making another playoff push. -- Andrews

• Key additions: Derrick Rose, Markieff Morris, Tony Snell, Tim Frazier

• Key subtractions: Wayne Ellington, Ish Smith

17. New Orleans Pelicans
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: 75-1
Previous rank: No. 24

The Pelicans can be competitive this season and a contender in the future thanks to some lottery luck and great work by new executive VP David Griffin. No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and the haul of high-profile young talent and draft picks the Lakers gave up for Anthony Davis represent the promise of a bright future in the Big Easy. Adding big man Derrick Favors and knockdown shooter JJ Redick -- and keeping terrific two-way guard Jrue Holiday -- provide hope of winning now. -- MacMahon

• Key additions: Zion Williamson, JJ Redick, Derrick Favors, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Jaxson Hayes, Josh Hart

• Key subtractions: Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton

18. Dallas Mavericks
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: 100-1
Previous rank: No. 17

The Mavs failed to add a proven starter in free agency despite entering the summer with almost $30 million in salary-cap space. Guards Seth Curry and Delon Wright, who have been quality reserves, came to Dallas as consolation prizes. Over the past 13 months, the Mavs have managed to add two potential long-term superstar pillars in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but the goal of making a major leap into the playoffs this season appears quite ambitious in the loaded West. -- MacMahon

• Key additions: Seth Curry, Boban Marjanovic, Delon Wright

• Key subtractions: Dirk Nowitzki

19. Orlando Magic
2018-19 record: 42-40
2020 title odds: 125-1
Previous rank: No. 20

Will the Magic take the next big step forward after their first playoff appearance in seven years, or will 2019-20 be a consolidation season? Orlando is loaded up front, with power forwards and centers in deep supply (and that was the case before they signed Al-Farouq Aminu and drafting Chuma Okeke, who is recovering from an ACL injury). The Magic's fortunes rest on their capacity to get more out of their guards, with the highest ceiling belonging to Markelle Fultz. The Magic are cautiously optimistic the former No. 1 overall pick could give them some of the perimeter shot creation they desperately need. -- Arnovitz

• Key additions: Al-Farouq Aminu

• Key subtractions: Timofey Mozgov

20. Sacramento Kings
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: 150-1
Previous rank: No. 16

Luke Walton was hired to help develop De'Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III and Buddy Hield. But Vlade Divac spent money in free agency to keep and add some veterans around Sacramento's promising young core. They kept Harrison Barnes with a four-year, $85 million deal. The Kings replaced Willie Cauley-Stein with Dewayne Dedmon on a three-year, $40 million deal and added veterans such as Trevor Ariza and Cory Joseph. Walton should have a mix of young up-and-coming players to go with veterans who can help stretch the floor. Unfortunately, they reside in a division that has two of the most formidable pairings in the NBA in LA's Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and Los Angeles' LeBron James and Anthony Davis, plus the Warriors. -- Youngmisuk

• Key additions: Trevor Ariza, Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph

• Key subtractions: Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks, Frank Mason III

21. Minnesota Timberwolves
2018-19 record: 36-46
2020 title odds: 500-1
Previous rank: No. 23

For a minute there, it appeared the Wolves would be making a major addition in D'Angelo Russell, and who knows, maybe they still will at some point. But it hasn't been a great summer so far, as they decided not to match on Tyus Jones and didn't make any significant upgrades elsewhere. There are roster-building roadblocks, such as Andrew Wiggins and his contract, but there is still a young core worth adding to, or eventually it will lead to another reboot. -- Young

• Key additions: Noah Vonleh, Jordan Bell, Jarrett Culver

• Key subtractions: Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Dario Saric

22. Atlanta Hawks
2018-19 record: 29-53
2020 title odds: 200-1
Previous rank: No. 21

There's a lot of shine to the Hawks' rebuilding project, and even whispers that the upstart Hawks could sniff the postseason next spring in a conference where 80 percent of success is just showing up. Joining the existing young core led by Trae Young and John Collins will be a pair of rookie forwards drafted in the top 10, a couple of functional veterans on the perimeter and a reclamation project in Jabari Parker. The biggest challenge ahead for Atlanta will be crafting a defense that can compete with the grownups if and when those games in March and April carry playoff implications. -- Arnovitz

• Key additions: Jabari Parker, Evan Turner, De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish

• Key subtractions: Taurean Prince, Dewayne Dedmon, Kent Bazemore

23. Chicago Bulls
2018-19 record: 22-60
2020 title odds: 125-1
Previous rank: No. 29

The Bulls drafted guard Coby White and added Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky to the roster. Still, it's hard to envision Chicago finishing in the top half of the Eastern Conference. Perhaps it can squeak out a playoff appearance -- but with the Eastern Conference becoming even more competitive, it is a tall task. Expect this to be another development year for the Bulls. Their young core of Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen have some growing to do together. And if an improbable playoff run does materialize, it will require that the Bulls stay healthy. Carter's offseason abdominal surgery isn't a good start. -- Andrews

• Key additions: Coby White, Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky

• Key subtractions: Robin Lopez

24. Oklahoma City Thunder
2018-19 record: 49-33
2020 title odds: 150-1
Previous rank: No. 11

With an apparent plan taking shape of disassembling the house and preparing to rebuild a new one, it would seem the Thunder will take a significant step back. But if Chris Paul decides he wants to stay with OKC -- a hefty "if" right now -- the Thunder can still be a reasonably competitive team in the West. A core of Paul, Steven Adams and Danilo Gallinari can win games, but the question is how long they might remain part of it. -- Young

• Key additions: Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mike Muscala

• Key subtractions: Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Jerami Grant, Markieff Morris

25. Phoenix Suns
2018-19 record: 19-63
2020 title odds: 1000-1
Previous rank: No. 28

Phoenix got the hot coach in Monty Williams, but the rest of its summer has been a head scratcher. The Suns traded away T.J. Warren and his reasonable contract along with the No. 32 pick to Indiana to create cap space. They then traded a 2020 first-round pick from Milwaukee to Boston for No. 24 pick (Ty Jerome) and center Aron Baynes. They traded away former No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson and De'Anthony Melton along with two second-round picks to Memphis. Phoenix kept Kelly Oubre Jr. for $30 million over two years and signed Ricky Rubio to a $51 million, three-year deal to become their starting point guard. But it certainly feels as if Devin Booker is staring at yet another long season.-- Youngmisuk

• Key additions: Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Cameron Johnson

• Key subtractions: Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren

26. Memphis Grizzlies
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: 1000-1
Previous rank: No. 27

The Grizzlies have fully committed to rebuilding around young centerpieces Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Memphis' reshuffled front office has laid the foundation for the rebuilding project by collecting young talent and future first-round picks through trading all-time Grizzlies great Mike Conley and moves made possible by that deal, such as getting a pick from Golden State by using a trade exception to take Andre Iguodala, whom Memphis hopes to flip for another asset. -- MacMahon

• Key additions: Ja Morant, Andre Iguodala, Josh Jackson, Tyus Jones, Jae Crowder

• Key subtractions: Mike Conley, Avery Bradley, Delon Wright

27. Washington Wizards
2018-19 record: 32-50
2020 title odds: 500-1
Previous rank: No. 25

The Wizards are less in a rebuilding mode than a holding pattern as they navigate the future of their pricey starting backcourt -- John Wall, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and unlikely to see much if any action in 2019-20, and Bradley Beal, one of the league's elite shooting guards, who is coveted by contenders across the league. It's likely to be a long winter in Washington while the Wizards weigh their options, develop Troy Brown and Rui Hachimura and buy time. -- Arnovitz

• Key additions: Isaiah Thomas, Rui Hachimura, Moritz Wagner, Ish Smith, CJ Miles, Davis Bertans

• Key subtractions: Trevor Ariza, Tomas Satoransky, Jeff Green, Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis

28. New York Knicks
2018-19 record: 17-65
2020 title odds: 200-1
Previous rank: No. 18

This summer was expected to be triumphant -- finally -- for the Knicks. Instead, all they could do was watch as Irving and Durant chose to go across the East River and join the rival Nets. The fact the Knicks followed that up by signing a series of solid but unspectacular players -- Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington -- to short-term deals did little to erase the bitter feelings their fans were left with after the front office traded Kristaps Porzingis and then struck out on stars in free agency. Now the Knicks will struggle once again, while the Nets are the exciting team within the five boroughs. There will at least be one difference between last year and this one at Madison Square Garden, however: the presence of No. 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett, plus last year's picks -- first-rounder Kevin Knox and second-rounder Mitchell Robinson. -- Bontemps

• Key additions: RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Wayne Ellington

• Key subtractions: Emmanuel Mudiay, Noah Vonleh, DeAndre Jordan

29. Charlotte Hornets
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: 1000-1
Previous rank: No. 26

The Hornets will enter the 2019-20 season absent their top two win-shares leaders from last season, and largely the same nucleus of league-replacement frontcourt talent whose contracts, one day, will expire. Depending on your appraisal of Terry Rozier, the bees either have a respectable young replacement for Kemba Walker at point guard or have once again forked over a contract of excessive value and length to a player without the body of work to justify it. Perhaps Charlotte can get a breakout season from one of its prospects: the tantalizing and sometimes confounding Malik Monk, or the promising forwards plucked in the past two drafts: Miles Bridges and PJ Washington. -- Arnovitz

• Key additions: Terry Rozier, PJ Washington

• Key subtractions: Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb, Tony Parker

30. Cleveland Cavaliers
2018-19 record: 19-63
2020 title odds: 1000-1
Previous rank: No. 30

The youngster development continues in Cleveland. Watching Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman take their next steps could be entertaining, but a 2020 playoff run seems far-fetched for the Cavaliers. While top-tier Eastern teams such as the Nets, Bucks, Celtics, Pacers added big names to their rosters, the Cavs stayed relatively quiet in free agency. Cleveland continued to add to young talent, drafting Darius Garland with the No. 5 pick. It'll also be adjusting to first-year coach John Beilein. Realistically, this year will be about chemistry-building, not pursuing a playoff spot. -- Andrews

• Key additions: Darius Garland

• Key subtractions: Channing Frye

Amar Sylla, ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 2020 mock draft, has signed a three-year contract containing NBA out clauses with Belgian league champions BC Oostende, his agent Arturo Ortega told ESPN.

"I think this is the best step for me at this stage of my career," Sylla told ESPN. "I've been told that Oostende's coach, Dario Gjergja, is very highly regarded, and that this club has a strong reputation in Europe. This is an opportunity to get playing time in a good first division league in Europe, as well as the FIBA Champions league, something that is not possible in Spain."

Sylla, 17, who was born in Dakar, Senegal, has been developing in Spain with Real Madrid since 2016. He was recruited by the Euroleague powerhouse as a 14-year-old despite having only played a few weeks of organized basketball at SEED Academy in Thies.

He has since established himself as one of the top international prospects in his age category in a number of different settings, winning three straight Spanish junior championships at the under-16 and under-18 levels and the Euroleague's Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in May. He has represented his home country at the FIBA level the past two summers at the U18 FIBA Afrobasket Championship, and the U19 World Cup.

Sylla averaged 12.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.5 assists in just 21 minutes per game in the ANGT, shooting 61% from the field and 85% from the free throw line.

Sylla measured 6-foot-9 with a 7-3 wingspan and 9-1 standing reach at the NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Charlotte during All-Star weekend in February, putting himself on the radar with NBA teams with his ability to cover ground fluidly defensively and get off his feet exceptional quickness.

He shows promising touch on his jump shot, the ability to handle the ball in the open court, and can make highlight-reel caliber plays around the basket with his length and verticality. Scouts will want to see him add bulk to his lean frame, continue to polish his skill level in the half court and improve his decision-making on both ends of the floor.

Sylla will spend next season playing for a team that has won the past eight championships in Belgium, and he will compete in the pan-European FIBA Champions League against teams from Spain, Italy, France, Turkey and Israel. Gjergja said Sylla will be expected to play a significant role.

"We're building a young team with a lot of talent and we're very happy to sign one of the top prospects in Europe," Gjergja said. "I hope to be able to help Amar reach the highest levels -- the Euroleague or NBA. In Real Madrid he played as a center, but I think with us he can become more versatile than that.

"One of the things we will try to do is to develop his shooting range as fast as possible. The plan is to open games with him in the starting lineup, so step by step he will gain confidence and become a better player. If we will be smart with him and he shows he is capable of working hard and coming with the right mentality every day, there is no doubt that we will be successful together. If we can help Amar make the next step and develop into a NBA player, that would be fantastic for our club. All this young talent on our roster will bring more people to our gym, not just fans, but also NBA scouts and general managers."

Former athletics stars, including Christine Ohuruogu, Wendy Sly and Mark Lewis-Francis, to race in mixed relay at Müller Anniversary Games

More than 20 of Britain’s biggest athletics stars of the past are coming out of retirement to compete in a Legends Relay event at the Müller Anniversary Games in the London Stadium this weekend.

The 4x100m Legends Relay will see eight mixed teams of four people race against each other as part of the pre-show at the IAAF Diamond League meeting on Sunday July 21.

The line-up will feature medal-winning athletes from four decades, including 1984 Olympic 3000m silver medallist and AW MD Wendy Sly, 1984 Olympic javelin champion Tessa Sanderson, 1984 Olympic sprint relay bronze medallist Simmone Jacobs, 1992 Olympic 4x400m bronze medallist Jennifer Stoute, 2004 Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis, 2004 Paralympic champion Danny Crates, 2008 Olympic and former double world 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, 2008 Olympic javelin bronze medallist Goldie Sayers and 2010 European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles champion Andy Turner.

Among the celebrities competing are former model and running enthusiast Nell McAndrew, broadcaster Charlie Webster and TV presenter Martin Lewis.

“I’m so excited and a little bit nervous at the prospect of coming out of retirement to race again on my home track in the London Stadium in the Legends Relay at the Müller Anniversary Games,” said Ohuruogu (pictured). “The line-up of former athletes is amazing and it’s going to be a real celebration of Britain’s athletics history.

“The sprinters, and dare I say younger participants, may think they’ll have an advantage, but I’m sure the competitive spirit that drove all these athletes to national and international medal success will kick in. It’s going to be an entertaining and unpredictable race, that I’m sure everyone will remember and enjoy.”

The Legends Relay forms part of a four-day Festival of Athletics at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which runs from July 18-21.

Major events director for British Athletics, Cherry Alexander, said: “The Legends Relay, at the Müller Anniversary Games, is a chance to revisit Britain’s athletics heritage and celebrate some of the great athletes this country has produced, in a fun and exciting way.

“I’m delighted that so many of our past stars are dusting off their spikes to take part in our Festival of Athletics and the Müller Anniversary Games. I’m sure there will be a bit of friendly rivalry when the athletes line up on the track in the London Stadium, and it’s going to be an unmissable event with undoubtedly some surprises.”

Full current line up of athletes

Jacqui Agyepong – 100m hurdles
Abdul Bahari – Discus
Danny Crates – 800m
Stephanie Douglas – 100m
Julian Golding – 200m
Dalton Grant – High jump
Wilbert Greaves – 110m hurdles
Simmone Jacobs – 100m
Jo Jennings – High jump
Mark Lewis-Francis – 100m
Lee McConnell – 400m
Christine Ohuruogu – 400m
Brendan Reilly – High jump
Tessa Sanderson – Javelin
Goldie Sayers – Javelin
Wendy Sly – 3000m
Jennifer Stoute – 400m
Kelly Massey – 400m
Joslyn Hoyte-Smith – 200m
Montell Douglas – 100m
Mark Hylton – 400m
Martyn Bernard – High jump
Andy Turner – 110m hurdles
Conrad Williams – 400m

Tickets for the Müller Anniversary Games are on sale at theticketfactory.com/british-athletics