Locker Room Wire

Darius Tehrani

NBA Insider

Darius Tehrani is the NBA Insider for Locker Room Wire. He has built a reputation as one of the most trusted reporters on the NBA beat, known for his accuracy and deep network of sources that includes agents, executives, and players. Before joining LRW, he was a senior writer at "HoopsWire," where he broke several major stories during the NBA offseason. Darius excels at deciphering the complexities of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement and providing unparalleled insight into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that shapes the league.

Expertise

NBA transactionsPlayer contractsLeague sourcesBreaking newsCollective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Coverage Areas

Hardwood Intel
The Playbook

Latest Articles

New York Mets player Zack Short walking off a baseball field alone after being outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse.
Hardwood Intel

Mets outright Zack Short to Triple-A Syracuse

Just days after hitting a two-run home run for the New York Mets, infielder Zack Short was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse, according to Mlb .

Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Hardwood Intel

Braves place Robert Suarez on 15-Day IL with elbow inflammation

An MRI on Atlanta Braves pitcher Robert Suarez's forearm revealed no structural damage, despite his placement on the 15-day injured list for elbow inflammation.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

John Mozeliak appointed interim GM for the Los Angeles Angels following the firing of Perry Minasian, signaling a major front office shakeup.
The Playbook

Angels name John Mozeliak interim GM after Minasian firing

On Friday, the Los Angeles Angels abruptly fired General Manager Perry Minasian, immediately replacing him with former St.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Pitcher Chris Paddack in a determined stance on the mound, with blurred stadium lights representing his move from the Reds to the Marlins.
Hardwood Intel

Chris Paddack Cut By Reds, Signs With Marlins

Just days after being designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds, pitcher Chris Paddack secured a new 1-year deal with the Miami Marlins.

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Veteran catcher Sandy León in an Atlanta Braves uniform signing a minor league contract, symbolizing his return to the organization.
Hardwood Intel

Braves re-sign veteran catcher Sandy León to minor league deal

Catcher Sandy León, after a dismal 4-for-44 major league stint this season with 18 strikeouts and no walks, has been re-signed by the Atlanta Braves to a minor league contract, per MLB Trade Rumors .

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Minnesota Timberwolves mascot looking disappointed on a dimly lit basketball court after a playoff loss, symbolizing team reflection.
Hardwood Intel

Minnesota's Post-Playoff Scrutiny Highlights 2026 Draft Needs

After a six-game Western Conference Semifinals loss, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now scrambling to reconfigure their frontcourt and find point guard stability, despite a strong season.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Arizona Diamondbacks player Aramis Garcia walking away from the dugout after being designated for assignment.
Hardwood Intel

Diamondbacks designate Aramis Garcia for assignment

Just weeks after hitting his first home run for the Arizona Diamondbacks, catcher Aramis Garcia was designated for assignment.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

Caleb Kilian, the new San Francisco Giants closer, on the pitcher's mound under dramatic stadium lighting, ready to throw.
The Playbook

Caleb Kilian Takes Over as Giants Closer

Since the beginning of May, the San Francisco Giants' bullpen has posted a dismal 5.

Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read

Weston Wilson, a baseball player, contemplates his future at a crossroads between a stadium and an uncertain path, symbolizing his choice of free agency.
Hardwood Intel

Weston Wilson Elects Free Agency After Clearing Waivers

Weston Wilson walked away from a $780,000 guaranteed contract with the Baltimore Orioles, opting for the uncertainty of free agency instead of a Triple-A assignment.

Jun 13, 2026 · 5 min read

Tommy Pham, a baseball player, contemplates his future on a minor league field, deciding whether to opt out of his contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
Hardwood Intel

Tommy Pham to opt out of Orioles minor league deal

Tommy Pham, after hitting just .

Jun 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Arizona Diamondbacks player Jordan Lawlar emerges from the dugout onto a baseball field, greeted by a cheering crowd.
The Playbook

D-Backs to Activate Jordan Lawlar From Injured List

Jordan Lawlar is set to be activated from the 60-day injured list for Friday's game in Cincinnati, marking his return to the Diamondbacks roster.

Jun 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Houston Astros catcher Cesar Salazar standing on a minor league baseball field, looking dejected after being outrighted to Triple-A.
Hardwood Intel

Astros Outright Cesar Salazar Contract, Sending Him to Triple-A

After hitting just .056 in the past month, Astros catcher César Salazar has been sent outright to Triple-A Sugar Land, choosing to accept the assignment rather than test free agency. This move clears

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

Minnesota Twins pitcher Austin Voth on the mound, ready to throw during a minor league game under stadium lights.
Hardwood Intel

Twins sign Austin Voth to minor league deal

Just days after being outrighted by the Blue Jays, right-handed pitcher Austin Voth will take the mound tonight as a starter for the Minnesota Twins' Triple-A affiliate, the St.

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

Red Sox player Tommy Kahnle in a dugout, contemplating a decision under a spotlight, with a shadowy executive figure in the background.
Hardwood Intel

Tommy Kahnle's opt-out clause forces Red Sox decision

Tommy Kahnle has not allowed a run since April 17, yet exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league contract on May 1.

May 31, 2026 · 4 min read

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ty Blach on the mound, wearing his team uniform, with a determined expression.
Hardwood Intel

Cubs re-sign veteran pitcher Ty Blach to minor league contract

Despite a career 5.39 ERA over 157 MLB games, the Chicago Cubs have re-signed veteran pitcher Ty Blach to a minor league deal worth $820,000 guaranteed, according to Spotrac . This guaranteed commitme

May 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Craig Kimbrel in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform on the pitcher's mound, looking focused.
Hardwood Intel

Craig Kimbrel inks deal with Tampa Bay Rays

Just four days after being designated for assignment by the New York Mets, veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel signed a major league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for a mere $780,000 on Tuesday, May 26, acc

May 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Austin Slater walking away from a baseball dugout towards an exit, symbolizing his election to free agency after clearing waivers.
Hardwood Intel

Austin Slater Elects Free Agency After Clearing Waivers

Just weeks after securing a $1MM free agent contract, veteran outfielder Austin Slater is back on the open market, designated for assignment by the Marlins after just 12 games and four hits.

May 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Pitcher Joe Ross in a Texas Rangers uniform on a baseball mound, ready to throw during a game.
Hardwood Intel

Texas Rangers sign pitcher Joe Ross to minor league deal

Just a year after signing a $4 million contract, veteran right-hander Joe Ross has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers for $1.

May 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Pitcher John Brebbia on a baseball mound, contemplating his next move after opting out of a minor league contract.
Hardwood Intel

John Brebbia opts out of minor league deal with Twins

Despite a 5.40 ERA in the minors, pitcher John Brebbia struck out nearly 30% of hitters before opting out of his Minnesota Twins contract. This move, anticipated if he wasn't called up by Monday, acco

May 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager walking off a baseball field with a pained expression, symbolizing his current slump and back injury.
The Playbook

Corey Seager visits back specialist amid slump

Mired in a career-worst 0-for-27 slump, Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is now visiting a back specialist after an MRI, revealing the potential physical toll behind his struggles.

May 18, 2026 · 3 min read