NEW YORK -- The NHL has suspended Winnipeg Jets forward Adam Lowry for two games for boarding Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington.

Lowry is considered a repeat offender under the labor agreement will lose about $71,000 in salary. He will be eligible to return when Winnipeg visits the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.

The infraction came with two seconds left in the second period of Winnipeg's 2-1 overtime win over Calgary in Saturday's outdoor game in Regina, Saskatchewan. Lowry hit Kylington from behind as the defenseman tangled with another Jets player behind the Calgary goal.

Lowry was assessed a minor penalty. He has no points in 12 games this season.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have acquired forward Brendan Perlini in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 23-year-old Perlini has been a healthy scratch for most of this season, appearing in just one game. But he has 45 goals and 27 assists in 200 career appearances with Chicago and Arizona.

Perlini was selected by the Coyotes with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 draft.

The Red Wings parted with defenseman Alec Regula in Monday's deal. The 19-year-old Regula will remain with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League.

Regula, a West Bloomfield, Michigan, native, was drafted by Detroit in the third round last year.

Nate Diaz is cleared and will fight Jorge Masvidal on Saturday despite an atypical drug-test finding. But the controversial UFC welterweight star is now calling into question the validity of the tests administered by USADA, the UFC's anti-doping partner.

Speaking for the first time since a startling announcement last week saying he was out of the UFC 244 main event in New York, Diaz said Monday on a media conference call that he will indeed fight now that he has been exonerated. Diaz, though, said he remains skeptical that he truly had any prohibited substance in his system, going so far as to call it a conspiracy by the UFC and USADA to keep him in line.

"I thought it was all made up and a bunch of bulls--- anyway," Diaz said. "It's behind us. Now, we can move on."

Last Thursday, Diaz tweeted that he was out of the bout against Masvidal because a drug test result came back that he had elevated levels. USADA and the UFC announced Friday that Diaz had trace amounts of the prohibited substance LGD-4033 in his system, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Diaz, per the UFC, tested for an amount of the drug lower than an agreed-upon threshold. One of his supplements was tested and came back contaminated for LGD-4033.

"Mr. Diaz has not committed an anti-doping policy violation, has not been provisionally suspended and is not subject to any sanctions," a UFC statement said. "Additionally, UFC has been informed by independent experts who have determined that there is unequivocally no appreciable performance-enhancing or therapeutic benefit from the significantly limited amount of LGD-4033 that may be present in his system, which is roughly 10,000 times lower than one LGD-4033 therapeutic dose."

On Monday, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which holds jurisdiction over the fight, reiterated USADA and the UFC's finding that there was no violation.

"Based on the full lab and medical analyses provided by USADA and reviewed by the commission, Nate Diaz is not disqualified from participating in the upcoming UFC 244 event," New York State Department of State spokesperson Mercedes Padilla told ESPN in a statement. "As with all fighters proposed for the UFC 244 event, the New York State Athletic Commission licensing process continues through the weigh-in and pre-fight physical."

Diaz said Monday he was told to sweep the drug test findings under the rug last week, but didn't want to feel like a cheater, so he went public with the information. He said he was ready for the fight to be called off if it came to that.

"It's only cheating if you jump in under the influence of that s---, right?" Diaz said. "So let's just say I did accidentally take some s--- - which I didn't. Let's just say I did, though. Well then let's just f---ing fight in a couple of months when the s--- wears off. I have no problem with that. I don't care if it ruins the show. You ain't ruining my whole legacy."

Diaz said he does not believe what USADA is saying about atypical drug test findings and a tainted supplement. He said he has continued taking the same supplements he has always taken, the raw, organic, vegan kind from Whole Foods. The UFC said Friday that the supplement positive for LGD-4033 was an organic, vegan, plant-based daily multivitamin.

"Yeah, but I don't believe them anyway," Diaz said when asked if USADA told him which supplement came back contaminated. "It's just a whole bunch of natural s--- I use. I don't know. It's a conspiracy."

USADA declined comment on Diaz's accusations.

Diaz, 34, has trust issues when it comes to regulatory bodies and the UFC. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) once suspended his brother Nick Diaz for five years for a positive drug test for cannabis. The suspension was later reduced to 18 months. Meanwhile, Diaz and the UFC have butted heads for years.

"Every time after a fight, relationships change with the whole company," Diaz said. "Every fight. What if I win this fight? For one, I'm already the baddest m-----f---er in the game. I made all this happen. So the title is already mine. Now, what if I win this fight? They can't have a real m-----f---er like me owning this whole s---. Too many people are gonna hear it. I'm not gonna bust nobody out, but I feel they need some type of leverage over me to keep me from being the king of the whole s---. I have been the whole time."

Diaz said he laughed when USADA first told him he had a prohibited substance in his system and he didn't do anything differently. Then, another sample came back with the substance at a higher amount. He thought USADA and the UFC were messing with him, he said, which is why he also wanted to take the story public.

"How about the fight is f---ing off?" Diaz said. "Let's let UFC and Masvidal and all these m-----f---ers sweat. I don't give a f--- about talking about steroids. If you're on steroids, you don't want to talk about steroids."

And even when USADA and the UFC exonerated him Friday, Diaz said he remained skeptical about the whole situation.

"Oh, I'm good now?" Diaz said. "This is all just made up. They had it out for my brother for a long time. They had it out for me for a long time. As soon as they could get me out, they could. As soon as they could get him out, they could. I do not believe a second of any of it."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After previously saying that he didn't plan to coach into his 70s, Bill Belichick is leaving the door open to do so.

"When I said it, maybe I didn't know what 70 felt like," the New England Patriots coach said Monday during his weekly appearance on sports radio WEEI. "So I'm not really sure if that's an accurate statement today or not. At the time, I didn't feel that way. Now that I'm closer to that age, I don't know."

Belichick, 67, recorded his 300th career win as a head coach on Sunday (regular season and postseason combined). He joins Don Shula (347) and George Halas (324) as the only head coaches to reach that milestone.

If Belichick plans to stop coaching by his 70th birthday, it would make it very difficult to catch Shula on the all-time wins list.

In the 2009 documentary "A Football Life: Bill Belichick," he had said he didn't plan to follow in the path of longtime Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy, who had coached into his 70s. Whenever questions about how much longer Belichick might coach have come up since, that remark was often used as a benchmark for any timelines, with Belichick himself deflecting the topic. But there have been hints in recent years that Belichick has softened his stance.

When it was mentioned to Belichick in the radio interview Monday that he could be a "young 80," he said, "that sounds good. Be a young anything." That seemed to be a reference to a book Belichick previously told WEEI that he enjoyed in a recent summer: "Younger Next Year," written by Dr. Henry S. Lodge and Chris Crowley.

Belichick has also spoken in recent years about how much he enjoys having his sons, Steve and Brian, on the Patriots' coaching staff. Steve is in his eighth season with the club, currently in serving as safeties coach. Brian is in his fourth season on staff, currently a general coaching assistant.

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and the team that he asked to trade him will be reunited Monday night (8:20 p.m. ET, ESPN). He has assured anyone who inquired that the self-described "business decision" that got him shipped from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers won't affect his play.

Seven weeks ago, Fitzpatrick requested a trade from Miami after months of frustration with the way he was being used on the field.

His wish was granted on Sept. 16.

Pittsburgh made the uncharacteristic all-in move to give up a first-round pick in exchange for Fitzpatrick. Here's how both teams have fared since:

Dolphins: Fractured relationships and future considerations

Parting with Fitzpatrick was never part of the Dolphins' plan. The 2018 first-round pick was supposed to be a core piece of Miami's total rebuild.

Fitzpatrick was viewed by some within the Dolphins organization as the next Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) -- an intelligent, hardworking, versatile player with Pro Bowl potential who could be the center of a defense for years to come.

As the Dolphins prepared to face the Steelers in Week 8, coach Brian Flores had little to say about what changed so dramatically between Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins to go from a successful, promising rookie season to a rocky, seemingly inevitable divorce months later. There is nothing tangible for Flores to point to other than future compensation.

"The deal was the deal. That happened, but it's in the past," Flores said. "They're using him well, and he's been productive. I have a lot of respect for Minkah, as do a lot of our players; but I have a lot of respect for that entire team. He's a good piece for them."

The Fitzpatrick trade didn't make the 2019 Dolphins better. This move was always about 2020 and beyond. The final grade on the transaction will be issued when the player Miami drafts with that pick succeeds or fails.

ESPN's Football Power Index projects the Dolphins pick acquired from Pittsburgh to be No. 16 overall with a 24.2% chance to become a top-10 pick. The Dolphins' own selection is currently projected at No. 1 overall and their pick acquired from Houston via the Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills trade is projected as a No. 26 pick.

The Dolphins decided early that future draft picks and salary-cap space would be the two most important assets of their rebuild. Now they have plenty of both, including three 2019 first-round picks and a projected $100 million-plus in cap space.

"We've positioned ourselves where we think we can do anything, or get whatever player we feel that will help us as soon as possible," said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, who might be the most important decision-maker in the 2020 draft.

If Miami can land a good offensive tackle or edge rusher with Pittsburgh's pick, in addition to the quarterback it's likely to select with its own pick, then it might be able to claim victory in this trade simply because those two players will hold a better positional value than one safety.

Getting a first-round pick was Miami's way of maximizing a bad situation. Fitzpatrick requested a trade shortly after the Dolphins' 59-10 Week 1 loss to the Ravens, the worst loss and performance of his football career. He played three or four different positions, and said he felt like the team didn't have a good plan for him to succeed.

That Ravens game was the final straw, but Fitzpatrick's issues started much earlier in 2019, when he often mentioned to reporters and people close to him that he didn't feel comfortable playing primarily in the box as a 195-pound defensive back. Still, the trade request was shocking.

"You got to have some nuts to do that," Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard said. "That's a NBA-style move."

Fitzpatrick felt the Dolphins' desire to have him cover all of their defense's holes impeded his ability to develop as an NFL player, a source told ESPN. Now in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick is primarily playing free safety -- a position he enjoys and thrives in.

"I am comfortable on the field. [They] just allowed me to play fast and do what I do," Fitzpatrick said this week about his fit on the Steelers' defense. "That is the thing I like about here -- we run what we run, and we run it well. We don't try to do too much, don't try to change it up week to week."

Fitzpatrick's comment seemed to be a subtle (or not so subtle) commentary on Miami's defense, which changes with each game plan.

Grier, Flores and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with Fitzpatrick the week of the trade request and tried to convince him to stay.

"We had multiple conversations with [Minkah], saying we wanted him here and viewed him as a core piece," Grier said. "The kid just felt it was time for him to move, and we told him what the value was ... We said, hey, if we get the value that we deem was worth moving him, we would do it."

The Dolphins received several offers for Fitzpatrick, but they deemed Pittsburgh's to be the strongest because the team was 0-2 at the time and had lost quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the season. At the time, they thought was the pick would likely be at worst in the teens.

With every Steelers loss, the Dolphins' selection gets better. For the first time this season, Miami -- against Pittsburgh -- can help its draft class with a win.

Steelers: Risky move with immediate reward

From Miami, Fitzpatrick watched the biggest NFL news of the day unfold on the television in front of him.

Already off to an 0-2 start, the Steelers saw their fortunes take an even sharper turn on Sept. 16 with the news that Roethlisberger's season was over because of an elbow injury.

It wasn't just the 2019 season that was in doubt; Roethlisberger's noncontact injury could signal the beginning of a major organizational restructuring starting with the man who had been its face for more than a decade.

The team had its 2018 third-round draft pick, quarterback Mason Rudolph, in the building, but if Roethlisberger was done, then the Steelers' 2020 first-round pick could be even more valuable. A pick that began the season as a likely mid-to-late first-round selection was rapidly ascending thanks to a winless start and an unproven quarterback set to take the reins.

But that wasn't the thought process inside the Steelers' facility.

To those in Pittsburgh, the season was not lost, and Roethlisberger's time in Pittsburgh wouldn't end with him walking off the field clutching his elbow at halftime of a Week 2 loss.

That's why the Steelers appeared on a list given to Fitzpatrick by Grier earlier that day of "six or seven" teams who made offers to the Dolphins.

And, that's why hours after making the announcement about Roethlisberger, the team sent the strongest message about its confidence in the backup quarterback by acquiring Fitzpatrick for its 2020 first-round pick.

"You're not used to the Steelers doing that, but when you're doing it for great players, trading up for [Devin] Bush, seeing what he does and then giving away those first-round picks for Minkah, for those type of players, it is what it is," cornerback Joe Haden said. "Those, you don't really know what to expect with the picks.

"Those dudes, though, Minkah's amazing. Bush also. We got some good ones."

The Steelers evaluated Fitzpatrick in the 2018 NFL draft, and now he was available. Plus, the team had an immediate hole to fill after a shoulder injury sent safety Sean Davis to injured reserve. In the team's view, making an uncharacteristically splashy move was worth it to secure a defensive star in the making who could plug an immediate hole and become a cornerstone of a talented, young defense.

"I know that we are not major players in that [trade] market but when we are, it is because we probably coveted that particular player in the draft," coach Mike Tomlin said. "We had a level of comfort about who they are as football men, but also who they are as people and had a certain level of comfort with that."

Securing Fitzpatrick doesn't just signal the organization's confidence in Rudolph and in the eventual return of Roethlisberger, it also has everything to do with locking in a talented player at a bargain rate for the foreseeable future.

An AFC executive whose team offered a second-round pick for Fitzpatrick praised the Steelers for the move.

"The key to these moves is the contract," the executive said. "Minkah is a good deep safety and good slot who is super cheap the next few years. Plus, they didn't pay his signing bonus."

Miami signed Fitzpatrick to a four-year, $16.4 million contract in 2018, and because of rookie contract structures, the Dolphins have already paid the bulk of that with his $10 million signing bonus. Over the next three seasons, the Steelers owe Fitzpatrick an average salary of $1.9 million, and as a first-round pick, Fitzpatrick has a fifth-year option the team could choose to pick up. With the option, the safety could be under team control through the 2022 season.

"That move was very unlike the Steelers, but he's a good player," another AFC executive told ESPN. "He's sort of what they need back there. He's a really smart, physical guy who can make plays. He's probably worth a first-round pick."

If making the midseason move has been difficult, Fitzpatrick hasn't shown any negative side effects on game day. His acquisition paid off six days after the trade when he secured an interception and a forced fumble against the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers lost the game, but Fitzpatrick has continued to be a big part of a defensive surge over the past month. Since Fitzpatrick's first start in Week 3, the Steelers are third in the NFL with a plus-7 turnover margin, grabbing eight interceptions and picking up five fumbles lost by opponents.

"The reason, obviously, that we wanted to get him here, [was] because we thought he was a different kind of player," Steelers secondary coach Teryl Austin said. "He's really good, but he also makes guys around him better. He's got a calming influence. He's not a super yeller, but everybody knows what's going on and what he's going to do. He's fit in seamlessly with the group."

When he first arrived in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick primarily played free safety. That move immediately alleviated the frustration he felt in Miami, where he was asked to play in the box more frequently than he wanted. While Fitzpatrick worked to learn the defensive concepts, the Steelers kept him anchored to one position.

But now that he has been in the Steelers' system for a little more than a month, Fitzpatrick's duties are expected to expand.

"We're trying to see what we can do with him," Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler said. "We're ever-changing, and we have to be ever-changing if we're going to get better. We can't be running the same stuff over and over again. He understands that. ...

"We've got to have guys that can make those decisions for us out on the field."

Fitzpatrick is one of those guys. He has picked up a complex defense quickly and has a seemingly limitless ceiling. The Steelers saw that when they evaluated him in 2018, and it's why they were willing to give up a piece of their future to get him now.

"Getting him any time is good, but I'm glad we got him when we got him," Austin said. "The bottom line is, coming out of last year's draft, the year before, when he came out, he was the top safety on many, many boards. I know I felt that way about him. And he's done nothing to disappoint."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.

After an offseason of furious player movement -- including eight 2019 All-Stars changing teams -- one intriguing storyline of this NBA season will be how players are received by fans when they return to the city they left.

Some will be easier to predict than others. Kyrie Irving in Boston? Won't be subtle. Same with Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Kawhi Leonard, on the other hand, should receive a hero's welcome when he returns to Toronto despite breaking the hearts of Raptors' fans when he left for the Clippers.

Some won't be as easy to predict. What about when Chris Paul returns to Houston on Monday as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Paul's return is the first stop on the NBA's Reunion Tour, and we'll gauge each of the reunions with a "Fan Hospitality Meter."

Here is the Reunion Tour's schedule:

Tonight's reunion

Thunder guard Chris Paul returns to Houston

Before he left: CP3's hamstring strain that sidelined him for the final two games of the 2018 Western Conference finals will always be one of the great what-ifs in Houston sports history. He was playing at a superstar level at the time, but he slipped significantly last season, when the Rockets' iso-heavy offense suddenly didn't suit him so well. There was some well-documented creative tension with James Harden, but that isn't why the Rockets traded him. They pounced on the opportunity to get a talent upgrade when Russell Westbrook surprisingly became available.

Anticipated fan reaction: Rockets fans will probably welcome Paul in a warm, respectful fashion. But it's not like his return to Houston will be an emotional event for those few who actually are in their Toyota Center seats before tip-off.

-- Tim MacMahon

Still to come

Nov. 7: Celtics guard Kemba Walker returns to Charlotte

Before he left: Walker is a cherished member of the Charlotte community after eight seasons with the Hornets. He is the Hornets' all-time leading scorer and led the Hornets to the playoffs twice. Walker was heading into free agency, and the Hornets weren't going to offer the supermax, which may or may not have kept him in Charlotte. Once it was determined Walker was headed to Boston, a sign-and-trade was arranged to bring Terry Rozier to Charlotte.

Anticipated fan reaction: The bonds were strong between Walker the Charlotte community. "The hardest part for me is having to leave the city and organization that I've been a part of for eight years," Walker told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt after the trade. "The organization that gave me my first opportunity to go from a boy to a man in this league. Charlotte, the place that I love very much. It was a really tough decision." It should be an emotional moment for both sides.

-- Eric Woodyard

Nov. 14: Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis returns to New York

Before he left: It all started in late January 2019, and it escalated quickly. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne reported that Porzingis met with the Knicks' management and expressed discontent with losing and the franchise's overall direction. At the time, Porzingis was not playing due to an ACL tear. Porzingis gave the Knicks the impression he wanted to be traded. Two hours later, the Mavericks and Knicks were nearing a trade to deal Porzingis to Dallas in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr. and taking on the contracts of DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews. The Knicks also sent Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke to the Mavs.

Anticipated fan reaction: Porzingis' tenure with the Knicks wasn't completely smooth sailing. When he was drafted fourth in 2015, New York fans booed the selection. Knicks fans can hold a grudge, and coming full circle back to those boos wouldn't be shocking.

-- Malika Andrews

Nov. 15: Jazz guard Mike Conley returns to Memphis

Before he left: Conley was the last man left standing from Memphis' beloved "Core Four," having seen the Grizzlies bid farewell to fellow Grit 'n Grind mainstays Zach Randolph and Tony Allen a couple of summers ago and trade Marc Gasol to Toronto before last season's deadline. It became clear to Conley that the time had come for him to move on from Memphis, where he hoped to spend his entire career, especially after he watched Gasol win a ring with the Raptors. The Grizzlies' lottery luck that allowed them to land Ja Morant with the No. 2 overall pick ensured that Conley would be traded, and the Jazz jumped on the opportunity to seal a deal they tried to make before the deadline, sending rebuilding Memphis a package headlined by a pair of first-round picks.

Anticipated fan reaction: There will be tears shed as Grizzlies fans shower Conley with love. He will always be considered a legend in Memphis and will certainly be treated as such when he returns to FedExForum, where his No. 11 will one day hang from the rafters.

-- Tim MacMahon

Nov. 18: Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari return to L.A. to play the Clippers

Before they left: Parting with a treasure trove of five first-round picks and the right to swap two more first-round picks for Paul George wasn't easy for the Clippers. But having to part with the promising point guard Gilgeous-Alexander made the haul the Clippers gave up feel even more enormous. The Clippers were extremely high on SGA, and they loved the popular Gallinari, who also was part of the deal and beloved in the locker room. But SGA's return to Staples Center should only remind the Clippers of how promising his future is and what they had to give up.

Anticipated fan reaction: Clippers fans should give SGA and Gallo a warm reception. The two were a big part of last season's overachieving bunch, and fans should show their appreciation for that and how the two helped pave the way for the Clippers to usher in a new era.

-- Ohm Youngmisuk

Nov. 23: Heat guard Jimmy Butler returns to Philadelphia

Before he left: When the Philadelphia 76ers traded for Butler last November, they thought he was the final piece they needed to become a championship team. They were nearly right. If Kawhi Leonard's iconic 3-point shot from the corner inside Scotiabank Arena doesn't somehow fall through the basket, perhaps the Sixers win that game and go on to win their first championship in more than 30 years. But it did, of course, and Philadelphia saw its season end in utter heartbreak instead. Butler then wound up leaving Philadelphia this summer, going to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade for guard Josh Richardson, part of the latest dramatic makeover of Philadelphia's roster over the past few years.

Anticipated fan reaction: It's likely Butler will be well-received in Philadelphia -- though given the city's reputation, it's never exactly certain how things will go.

-- Tim Bontemps

Nov. 23: Pelicans forward Derrick Favors returns to Utah

Before he left: For much of Favors' 8 1/2 seasons in a Utah Jazz jersey, the big man remained cool, calm and collected as his name was repeatedly linked to trade rumors. Finally, the Jazz dealt him this offseason by sending him to New Orleans. Favors continues to express his love for Utah. He ranks fourth in franchise history in total rebounds, seventh in blocks and 10th in games played. Favors can now play his natural center position in New Orleans, but he played a pivotal role in Utah's resurgence from a 25-win team in 2013-14 to making three consecutive playoff appearances the past three seasons.

Anticipated fan reaction: It wouldn't be surprising to see the Jazz put together a short tribute for Favors when he returns.

-- Eric Woodyard

Nov. 27: Nets guard Kyrie Irving returns to Boston

Before he left: Last October, Irving declared during a season-ticket holder event that he would remain in Boston as a free agent "if you'll have me." Things basically went downhill from there. The Celtics spent the season failing to live up to their lofty preseason expectations, culminating in Boston's lackluster loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. By the time the series ended, everyone knew what Irving once said no longer applied. And, come June 30, it was official: Irving left as a free agent, teaming up with Kevin Durant on the Brooklyn Nets, while Kemba Walker replaced him in Boston.

Anticipated fan reaction: Of all the players making their respective returns to various cities across the league this season, none is more certain to get a specific reaction than the vitriol Irving will receive from the Boston faithful after the way the past year played out.

-- Tim Bontemps

Nov. 27: Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic returns to Indiana

Before he left: On paper, the offseason additions of Bogdanovic and Mike Conley Jr. put the Utah Jazz in the spotlight with one of the deeper rosters in the league. After averaging a career-best 18.0 points off 49.7% shooting in 81 games for Indiana last season, Bogdanovic inked a four-year, $73 million deal in Utah this summer. He also proved his ability to stretch the floor after shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc while shouldering the load and still leading the squad to the playoffs, following the injury of All-Star guard Victor Oladipo.

Anticipated fan reaction: Indianapolis is a die-hard basketball community that isn't always kind to players outside of its fan base, but Bogdanovic was well-respected for the work he put in for the Pacers, plus that toughness that's beloved in the Midwest. It certainly won't be a Paul George situation where fans react to him negatively.

-- Eric Woodyard

Nov. 27: Lakers center Anthony Davis returns to New Orleans

Before he left: Davis was the best player in Pelicans franchise history, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds over six seasons while no other player in the NBA has a streak longer than three. But after just one playoff series win in his first six seasons, Davis decided he wanted out. Davis started the exit process when he let the franchise know before the trade deadline that he would not re-sign as a free agent. His seven-year tenure in New Orleans came to an end this summer when he was dealt to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a slew of picks.

Anticipated fan reaction: While Davis' return to New Orleans won't have the same pizzazz with Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson on the shelf, New Orleans fans will certainly remember how Davis left the Smoothie King Center last season. In his final game as a Pelican, Davis sported a "That's All, Folks" shirt as he walked into the arena and sat on the bench as he missed the game with back spasms. Davis likely will not be received warmly.

-- Andrew Lopez

Dec. 11: Clippers guard Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto

Before he left: Leonard was a Raptor for just one season, but he helped deliver Toronto's first NBA championship, and what a ride it was. Masai Ujiri took a risk by sending one of the franchise's most popular players ever in DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio for Leonard, and it paid off. One of the most memorable moments was when Leonard's buzzer-beater bounced off the rim four times before falling in to eliminate the 76ers and send the Raptors to the Eastern Conference finals.

Anticipated fan reaction: When Leonard was booed on opening night at a Clippers home game by Lakers fans who filled Staples Center, several Raptors fans and Canadians in general took to Twitter to say how Leonard would never be treated that way up north. Leonard should receive nothing but love when he makes his return to Toronto. He received an enthusiastic welcome in Vancouver when the Clippers played there in the preseason, but it will be nothing compared to this December night when Leonard is expected to be welcomed like a hero.

-- Ohm Youngmisuk

Dec. 12: 76ers center Al Horford returns to Boston

Before he left: For all of the attention that was paid to Kyrie Irving's pending departure from the Celtics, Horford was almost always seen as a lock to come back, either by picking up his option for the final year of his contract or declining it and agreeing to a new deal with Boston. Reality, however, turned out to be a bit different. Horford decided to opt out of the final year of his deal in June, and it quickly became apparent he and the Celtics wouldn't be agreeing on a return. Then, when free agency began, Horford stunned much of the basketball world by choosing to head down Interstate 95 and join Boston's arch rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, pairing with Joel Embiid to give the Sixers one of the league's best one-two punches in the paint. And while the Celtics were able to recover from losing Irving by signing Kemba Walker, they had no way of replacing Horford's ability to serve as a Swiss Army knife at both ends of the court.

Anticipated fan reaction: Even though Horford chose to go to a division rival, it's hard to see him getting a negative reaction when he returns to Boston after never making a wrong step during his three seasons with the Celtics.

-- Tim Bontemps

Dec. 22: Hornets guard Terry Rozier returns to Boston

Before he left: No one may have exemplified Boston's awkward 2018-19 season more than Rozier. He was far from the biggest name on the roster. But after becoming a bit of a local celebrity during Boston's run to the Eastern Conference finals the season before while Kyrie Irving was hurt -- Rozier struck up a surprising friendship with former New England Patriots star Drew Bledsoe and acquired his own nickname, "Scary Terry" -- Rozier became an afterthought as Irving's backup. That, in turn, led to some frustration, as well as the likelihood that, once free agency hit, Rozier would go elsewhere to become a starter ... unless Boston needed him to replace Irving. It turned out, though, that things worked out well for both sides. When Irving left, the Celtics quickly moved to sign Kemba Walker -- and used Rozier's restricted free agent rights to help turn the deal into a sign-and-trade that allowed Charlotte to pay Rozier $58 million over three years and give him both the starting job and financial security he craved.

Anticipated fan reaction: Rozier already played in Boston once during the preseason, and it was smiles all around. When he comes back during the regular season, it won't be any different.

-- Tim Bontemps

Dec. 22: Clippers forward Paul George returns to Oklahoma City

Before he left: He didn't ask to be traded to OKC, but the Thunder made a deal for him anyway with the seemingly impossible hope to persuade him to stay. And against all expectations and outside forces, he did, declaring alongside Russell Westbrook with cigars in their hands: "If you didn't quite get it ... I'm here to stay." George elevated every part of his game in OKC, playing, by his account, the best basketball of his career, becoming an MVP candidate. But the lasting image of George's tenure in OKC will be stamped with his flailing arm reaching for Damian Lillard right before Lillard's 3-pointer eliminated the Thunder in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Lillard then waved goodbye to the Thunder as we know them.

Anticipated fan reaction: George's trade request set the wheels in motion for the dismantling of the Thunder, and by extension, got Westbrook traded as well. Some fans will hold bitterness for George signing with OKC, seemingly setting them up for multiple runs at contending, and then bailing out a year later. But in reality, George's re-signing was a gift in every way. He could've left in free agency, leaving the Thunder with nothing in return. Instead, while departing under unseemly circumstances, he leaves the Thunder with a treasure trove of draft capital.

-- Royce Young

Dec. 22: Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon returns to Milwaukee

Before he left: Brogdon started for the Bucks for the majority of the 2018-19 season, but he was diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury that sidelined him for the first two rounds of the playoffs. He rejoined the team in the Eastern Conference finals. Over the past three seasons, Brogdon played himself into the $80 million contract range. Heading into free agency, many believed the Bucks would struggle to justify matching such a significant offer sheet, considering the fact they were also aiming to re-sign Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. Brogdon wound up signing a four-year, $85 million deal with the Indiana Pacers.

Anticipated fan reaction: Brogdon was beloved in Milwaukee. Anything short of an ovation for Brogdon's return would be surprising, and the Fiserv Forum crowd will more than likely give him a warm welcome.

-- Malika Andrews

Dec. 28: 76ers guard Josh Richardson returns to Miami

Before he left: Over the past few seasons, Richardson became the latest success story from Miami's vaunted player development program. A second-round pick in 2015 after a four-year career at the University of Tennessee, Richardson turned himself into one of the better defensive guards in the league with the Heat -- not to mention slowly becoming a more well-rounded offensive player along the way. He was rewarded for his efforts with a four-year, $42 million extension early in September 2017 -- a deal that quickly made him into one of the league's more intriguing trade assets if the Heat were ever going to get their hands on another star player. That wound up finally happening this summer, when Richardson became the carrot with which Miami was able to execute a sign-and-trade with the 76ers to bring Jimmy Butler to South Beach. Philadelphia, on the other hand, was thrilled to get their hands on Richardson, whose low salary, length and defensive instincts -- not to mention being a career 37% 3-point shooter -- made him a perfect fit alongside Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Al Horford in Philadelphia's newly renovated lineup.

Anticipated fan reaction: There should be nothing but love for Richardson, a hard-working player on the court who never asked to leave and helped the Heat finally get some star power again by being part of the Butler trade.

-- Tim Bontemps

Jan. 3: Pelicans Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart return to Los Angeles to play the Lakers

Before they left: When Ball was a star freshman at UCLA, his father, LaVar Ball, famously spoke it into existence that his son would complete his destiny and be drafted by the Lakers. Ball was supposed to be the centerpiece of a Showtime reboot with Magic Johnson calling the shots and Ball, Ingram and Hart coming along for the ride. When LeBron James arrived in the summer of 2018, the timeline for expected success was accelerated, and by the time James told ESPN in December it would be "amazing" if L.A. traded for Anthony Davis, everyone knew the young core's days were numbered. All three ended the season on the injured list, with Hart missing the last 11 games, Ingram missing the final 19 and Ball sitting the final 35 games before being sent to New Orleans in June.

Anticipated fan reaction: If the Lakers are rolling in the New Year, there should be nothing but cheers for this young group that made this season's team possible in the Davis trade. But if the Lakers are struggling and the Pelicans are surprising, it could be a strange scene at Staples Center with fans not quite sure what to do, like when James passed Michael Jordan in scoring last season and the moment fell flat because of the disappointing season.

-- Dave McMenamin

Jan. 5: Trail Blazers center Hassan Whiteside returns to Miami

Before he left: Whiteside was a classic example of a talented prospect who flamed out before being resuscitated in Miami. He literally wound up playing around the world -- including Lebanon and China -- before hooking back on with an NBA team when the Heat signed him in November 2014. By the end of the season, Whiteside had become a fixture in Miami's rotation, gobbling up rebounds, blocking lots of shots and finally realizing the talent inside his massive 7-foot frame. He was eventually rewarded with a four-year max contract in the summer of 2016, and while he remained productive the past three seasons, he saw his minutes drop each season as he squabbled with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on a regular basis. Eventually, Miami shipped Whiteside out this summer in a salary dump, trading him to Portland for Maurice Harkless -- whom the Heat later moved to the Los Angeles Clippers -- and Meyers Leonard.

Anticipated fan reaction: Despite the way Whiteside's time in Miami began, expect him to get a negative reception when he arrives on the shores of Biscayne Bay for the first time since the trade. Whiteside's ups-and-downs came to symbolize Miami's mediocrity in recent seasons, and that's what his tenure will be remembered for.

-- Tim Bontemps

Jan. 9: Rockets guard Russell Westbrook returns to Oklahoma City

Before he left: "The most important player in franchise history" is how Westbrook has been described by Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Westbrook was the talisman for the first era of Thunder basketball, overseeing the evolution of a franchise as he simultaneously grew up right alongside it. He made history, he won awards, he won games. He planted his flag in the wake of Kevin Durant's departure, he gave a city confidence and hope, he represented something bigger than basketball. The Thunder have a firm footing in Oklahoma City and a globally recognized brand, and it's been in large part because of Westbrook.

Anticipated fan reaction: The Thunder have never done a tribute video for a player, claiming it's a policy of sorts that they don't. That will almost assuredly change for Westbrook's return. It will be an emotionally visceral night for everyone in the building. And then the game will start, Westbrook will beef with someone on the Thunder, snarl and cuss after a tough and-1, and everyone will say to themselves, "Oh, I get it now. ... This is why everyone else didn't like him."

-- Royce Young

Feb. 5: Warriors guard D'Angelo Russell returns to Brooklyn

Before he left: Russell became an All-Star in Brooklyn and got his career back on track after being traded by the Lakers. He only spent two seasons with the Nets, but he did help lead the organization back to the playoffs and helped create the culture that allowed the team to land Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Anticipated fan reaction: He should be welcomed back warmly by a city that watched him mature on and off the floor.

-- Nick Friedell

Feb. 24: Suns guard Ricky Rubio returns to Utah

Before he left: Rubio developed close friendships with teammates while embracing the Salt Lake City community on personal level only to see the organization move in the opposite direction with Mike Conley. Instead of pouting, Rubio moved on by getting to work earlier than usual this summer in Spain, signing a three-year, $51 million contract in Phoenix in July and then leading Spain to a FIBA World Cup title while capturing MVP honors.

Anticipated fan reaction: Rubio didn't leave any bad blood in Utah, and in fact, he still wears Donovan Mitchell's signature Adidas sneakers, so it's likely that he'll receive a loud ovation when Phoenix rolls into town.

-- Eric Woodyard

March 1: 76ers forward Tobias Harris returns to L.A. to play the Clippers

Before he left: Harris played only 87 games as a Clipper, but he was the team's leading scorer and rebounder and helped the Clippers start down the path of an unexpected playoff run before being traded. He helped make a lot of games more competitive than many expected for what was a rebuilding team.

Anticipated fan reaction: Harris could ultimately help the Clippers win a title if all goes right. Harris was the main piece acquired in the trade that sent Blake Griffin to Detroit in 2018, helping the Clippers continue a big rebuild. And then Harris was traded in 2019 to Philadelphia in a deal that brought back Landry Shamet and two first-round picks, including Miami's 2021 pick that went in the five first-round-picks package sent to Oklahoma City for Paul George. Besides that, Harris' likeable demeanor and steady consistency was always appreciated and should be received well in his return to L.A.

-- Ohm Youngmisuk

March 24: Lakers guard Danny Green returns to Toronto

Before he left: When Kawhi Leonard was sent to Toronto last summer, Green's inclusion was almost seen as an afterthought. But after he played through a groin injury -- and, as a result, played below his usual standard -- in his final season with the San Antonio Spurs, Green was back to his old self with the Raptors. He provided a potent combination of 3-point shooting, wing defense and championship experience to the Raptors during their run to the 2019 NBA title, and he was one of the personalities that had the biggest impact in the team's locker room. And while he could've been back if Leonard had re-signed with the Raptors this summer, Green followed Leonard to Los Angeles -- only joining the Lakers, rather than the Clippers -- after Leonard did not.

Anticipated fan reaction: Green will undoubtedly get a standing ovation. He became a beloved figure in Toronto, immersing himself in the community and endearing himself to fans with his own podcast. He, like Leonard in December, will be celebrated for his part in Toronto's first-ever championship in his first visit back there.

-- Tim Bontemps

April 10: Hawks forward Vince Carter plays his last game in Toronto

Before he left: It's been a long 16 years for Carter and Raptors fans, as he's gone from a despised former star to an adored one. They say time heals all wounds, and that's certainly the case here, as the animosity that surrounded Carter forcing himself out of town has slowly ebbed away -- to the point that Carter was received with a thunderous standing ovation when he appeared at Scotiabank Arena during the NBA Finals.

Anticipated fan reaction: Carter will be given a resoundingly warm welcome in what is expected to be his final game in Toronto, and deservedly so. The ending may not have been great, but Carter arguably helped keep the Raptors in Toronto, and he has helped play a part in basketball's explosion in Canada over the past 20 years.

-- Tim Bontemps

PHILADELPHIA -- Joe Girardi hit a grand slam after putting on the red pinstripes for the first time.

Girardi was charming, engaging and entertaining in his introductory news conference as the 55th manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Already popular among fans, Girardi said all the right things Monday.

"It means a lot to me that the fans are behind me," Girardi said. "I'm well aware of the passion for the great game of baseball here. I've lived it as a player and as a manager. I know the importance of winning here. I had a chance to compete against a great team with Charlie Manuel here in 2009, and it was a great place to come watch a game. The passionate fans of the Phillies were great -- they were not easy to play against -- and I want it to be that way for many years to come."

Girardi brings an impressive résumé to Philadelphia. He managed the New York Yankees for 10 years, succeeding Joe Torre after the 2007 season. He led New York to its 27th World Series title, beating the Phillies in six games in 2009.

He also managed the Marlins for one season and was NL Manager of the Year after going 78-84 in 2006, the only manager to win the award with a losing record.

Girardi's record with the Yankees was 910-710, the sixth-most wins in team history. Girardi won at least 84 games each season in New York and had four years with 95 or more, including 103 in 2009. He led the Yankees to three AL East titles and six postseason appearances.

"Having had 10 years in a big market in New York like Joe did with a World Series and six playoff appearances, his resume really speaks for itself," general manager Matt Klentak said. "But beyond that I can tell you that when we talk to people about Joe, people that he's known in his career, people that he's worked with, the players that have played for him, to a man or a person, every one of them would begin that conversation talking about what a good person Joe is and then at the end of that conversation they would conclude with: `Don't forget that he's an incredible person.' I think when you're making a hire like this it's a pretty good move to bet on a quality individual and I really think we're getting one of the best."

Girardi's wife, son and two daughters joined him at the news conference. He name-dropped several former Phillies and told a few stories, including asking former Phillies slugger Ryan Howard for an autograph for his son when he was manager of the Marlins. Girardi made his major league debut as a player for the Cubs against the Phillies in 1989 and played his first road game in Philadelphia at old Veterans Stadium.

The 55-year-old Girardi had a .267 batting average and 1,100 hits with a .991 career fielding percentage as a catcher in 15 seasons. He won three World Series titles playing with the Yankees and was an All-Star with the Cubs in 2000.

"One way to establish respect, obviously, is your credibility, your track record," Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins said. "He has one of the best out there, and we're excited to be a part of that."

The Phillies haven't had a winning season since 2011 when they finished a run of five straight NL East titles, two pennants and one World Series championship under Manuel.

"I'm selfish. I want to win," Girardi said. "We need to do whatever it takes to win."

Girardi was nicknamed "Binder Joe" in New York for his use of analytics. Former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler was unfairly criticized for relying on analytics too much.

"Numbers tell a story over time," Girardi said. "I am an analytical guy who has an engineering degree. I love math and they can never give me too much information. It's a tool we can use to evaluate players in so many different ways. In reality, our job is to bring the best out in players, and whatever tool we have to help us I want it."

As the World Series shifts back to Houston, the Astros are one win away from becoming champions. But since the visiting team has won every game so far, the Nationals have things right where they want them, right?

We asked three of our national baseball writers -- Jeff Passan, David Schoenfield and Bradford Doolittle -- some of the burning questions heading into Tuesday night's Game 6.

1. You've seen the Nats at their best this postseason, but they're struggling now. What's missing and can they rediscover it in time?

Look, there's nothing a heavy dosage of Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 and hopefully a healthier Max Scherzer in Game 7 can't solve (or even an effective Anibal Sanchez). Obviously, however, they have to figure it out at the plate after scoring three runs in three games at home. As a team that relies heavily on its stars, that points to Anthony Rendon needing a big final two games. He's hitting .200 in the series and while he's hardly what you would call struggling -- he's had a couple of hard outs and just two strikeouts -- he's the guy the offense is built around. He led the majors in RBIs. It would help if leadoff man Trea Turner can get on base to give Rendon more RBI opportunities. Turner is hitting .136 in the series and just .205 in the NL Championship Series and World Series combined. -- David Schoenfield

2. Who is one guy on the Nats who needs to pick it up?

Aside from the offense, I think the Nats are going to need something from Patrick Corbin and/or Sanchez the next two games. As much as you want to dream on Strasburg pitching a complete game, it's not going to happen. He's gone 6, 6, 7 and 6 innings in his four playoff starts. That means Dave Martinez probably has to expect three innings from his bullpen in Game 6. Who do you really trust beyond Sean Doolittle? That's where Corbin and Sanchez might play a role -- and again in Game 7. -- Schoenfield

3. Why aren't the home teams able to score in this series and will that change in Houston?

The pitchers will dictate that, just as they have the rest of the series. I wouldn't expect a high-scoring Game 6 with Verlander and Strasburg going and both bullpens benefiting from the rest on Monday. However, if the Nationals win Tuesday, you could see Game 7 becoming an offensive game. There is nothing wrong with the Houston offense right now after the Astros put up 19 runs over the weekend in D.C. They flourish at Minute Maid Park. If the Astros struggle to score, it won't be because of the hitters or any issues with playing at home. It'll be because of Stephen Strasburg. -- Bradford Doolittle

4. Justin Verlander has lost two close-out games already this postseason. Will Game 6 be different?

Verlander has gotten off to slow starts in his past couple of outings, then settled down and pretty much pitched like Justin Verlander. There are a couple of trends with him that just don't seem likely to hold up for very long. One, there are the slow starts, which have been more related to command than stuff and aren't evident when looking at the larger track record of his regular season. You have to figure he'll make adjustments. The other is simply his 0-for-6 showing when it comes to earning his first World Series win. Expect to see a sharp Verlander in Game 6. Will he win? Well, his opponent -- Strasburg -- is pretty good too. -- Doolittle

5. Will we see Max Scherzer again in this series?

Not even Max Scherzer himself knows the answer to this question. It all depends on how he wakes up feeling Wednesday. The Nationals could have a better sense Tuesday, the 48-hour mark since he received a cortisone shot in his neck. If it is no longer "locked up," as he said it was Sunday when he missed his Game 5 start, Scherzer could theoretically go. On the other hand, he could not raise his arm, his wife needed to dress him and he said he literally had to roll out of bed. It wouldn't be a miracle if he pitches, because Scherzer is incredibly tough and incredibly driven. Especially with it being a Game 7. But is it likely? Let's put it this way: With past injuries of similar severity, he always missed at least one full turn in the rotation. If there is a Game 7, and Scherzer does pitch, it will be all the more impressive. -- Jeff Passan

6. What's better for baseball: the Astros winning their second title in three years or the Nats winning their first title in Game 7?

Why do I get the hard questions! Let's consider both scenarios. If the Astros win, they join the Giants -- who did it twice -- as the only team to win two championships in three years this century. After the ALCS, Alex Bregman told me in the clubhouse: "We're just a group of guys ready to make a dynasty in Houston." Two of three is an awfully good start, and dynasties aren't bad for sports; they give the other franchises a bad guy to chase. And it's impossible to look at the Astros and dislike the brand of baseball they play. Their talent is overwhelming, their product amazing. They might be the most-enjoyable-to-watch team of the decade. On the other hand, there always will be a segment of people who loathe that Roberto Osuna is on the team, and the Astros' behavior throughout the entire Brandon Taubman incident was abhorrent. The Astros winning, then, would register as polarizing.

If the Nationals win, they will have done so with inferior talent, as heavy underdogs, in extreme come-from-behind fashion and having created history (no team ever has won a World Series without taking at least one home game). It has been nearly 100 years since a team based in Washington, D.C., captured a World Series title. There's no other way to say it: The Nationals are a really good story.

So purely objectively, looking at upside and downside, zero bias involved: Washington is the answer. -- Passan

FORT WORTH, Texas – Johnny Herrera will return to the wheel of his Mesilla Valley Transportation/Champion Brands No. 45x at The Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

The races mark the final two events of the season for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network.

Though it’s Herrera’s fifth time behind the wheel this year, he is still committed to turning wrenches for Harli White during Tony Stewart presents the VANKOR Texas Sprint Car Nationals.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend. Just need to load the car up and head that way,” said Herrera. “It’s the last race of the year, so everything pretty much is what it is, and I have enough people there to help that I’m not taking anything away from what I need to do with Harli.”

In 20 race nights between the World of Outlaw NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series at Texas, Herrera has competed in all by one night of racing; having been absent in 2004.

In a dozen events since 2012 with the American Sprint Car Series, the New Mexico shoe has made the cut in every A-Feature contested, including a win in 2016 with the ASCS Red River Region, as well as seven top fives and nine top-10 finishes.

“I like TMS (Texas Motor Speedway). It’s a track that I like and enjoy running there,” Herrera noted. “I’ve got the one regional win there, led a few National races, and finished second several times, so I’m ready for it.”