NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 23, 2026
Knicks Giving 275 Championship Rings After Phishing Test
The Knicks are now planning to give 275 championship rings to players, coaches, employees and others in the organization after an email phishing test backfired. The fake email offered employees a free personalized 2025-26 NBA championship ring, but people who clicked had to take a cybersecurity class. An MSG spokesman called using rings as the lure an “unfortunate mistake.” New York handed out rings before Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, celebrating its 2026 NBA Finals win. Some Mike Brown assistants got empty boxes, though Chris Jent, Rick Brunson and Brendan O’Connor are expected to get their rings “shortly.” The full batch is worth more than $3.7 million. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Every assistant coach gets a ring eventually, but nobody’s clicking another MSG email without checking twice.
Tyrese Maxey Denies Doc Rivers Claim
Tyrese Maxey shut down Stephen A. Smith’s claim that he went to Doc Rivers’ house upset about James Harden’s effort in the 2023 playoffs. Maxey said he has “never even been” to Rivers’ house. The comments came after Maxey and Harden had a brief shoving match Thursday, when the Sixers came back from 29 down to beat the Cavaliers 114-106. Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 points in 42 minutes. Harden had 16 points, five assists and six turnovers, while hearing boos from the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd whenever he touched the ball. Harden’s rough finish against Boston in 2023 still hangs over his Philly return, especially after he scored 22 total points on 7-of-27 shooting in Games 6 and 7. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Maxey and Harden won’t be trading holiday cards anytime soon.
Oct 23
Joel Embiid Dismisses Sixers Touch Concerns
The 76ers are 2-0 after beating last season’s two Eastern Conference Finals teams, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported one scout thinks Joel Embiid could get frustrated with fewer touches beside Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown. Maxey is leading Philly with 30.0 points and 21 shots per game, while Embiid has taken 31 shots total. Embiid pushed back on the idea that anyone has to sacrifice. After Thursday’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland, he said, “Everybody had their moment,” and said the stars just need to trust each other. Philly erased a 29-point deficit by winning the second half 69-37, so the early returns are hard to argue with. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Sixers will have a few rough fit games, but Embiid and Maxey will keep finding enough shots to make this work.
Oct 23
Knicks Sign Dalton Knecht to Two Way Deal
The Knicks plan to sign Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Friday. New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room, per Scotto. McCullar played 21 regular-season games for the Knicks last season and was part of Tuesday’s ring ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Knecht was the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft and played 78 games as a Lakers rookie. He averaged 4.2 points last season, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three. The Timberwolves also wanted him on a two-way deal, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. With Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins already on two-way contracts, Knecht will need to earn his minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Knecht gets a real chance to win a bench shooting role in New York.
Oct 23
LeBron Considered Cavaliers Before Signing Sixers
LeBron James said he gave “a lot of consideration” to returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. After Philadelphia’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland on Thursday, James confirmed he met with Cavaliers president Koby Altman, general manager Brandon Weems and members of the Gilbert family in Akron. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson had said Cleveland was “in the mix,” but LeBron chose a two-year, $8 million deal with the Sixers that includes a player option. He already delivered Cleveland its first title in 2016. Now, after a double-double against his old team, he’s trying to help Philadelphia win its first championship since 1983. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron’s first Sixers season will keep bringing big games against Cleveland, but Philly’s playoff run is the real test.
Oct 23
LeBron Responds To Trump Anthem Criticism
LeBron James brushed off President Donald Trump’s criticism after the Sixers beat the Cavaliers 114-106 Thursday. Trump demanded an apology after James appeared to mime golf swings and jump shots during the national anthem before Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. “Must've been a slow news day at the office,” James said. James has averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first two games with Philadelphia. Nick Nurse said the team is handling the outside noise well, and the Sixers can move to 3-0 Saturday against the Bucks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron keeps the focus on winning, and Philly starts 3-0.
Oct 23
Jaylen Brown Doubts Jayson Tatum Trade Reaction
Jaylen Brown reacted with a cap emoji after Jayson Tatum said he was shocked by Brown’s offseason trade to the 76ers. Tatum said Shams Charania told him about the deal after a Las Vegas pickup game. “We traded him down the street?” Tatum said. He also called their Celtics run “me and JB” and said they’re “forever stitched in stone in NBA history.” Charania had reported that Brown and Tatum had a “non-existent” relationship off the court before the trade. Boston got Paul George and two first-round picks, while Brown’s move helped bring LeBron James to Philadelphia. Brown and the Sixers beat the defending champion Knicks in his debut Tuesday. Tatum and the Celtics lost to Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and Tatum’s first matchup as opponents is going to have plenty of extra heat.
Oct 23
Warriors Could Trade Porzingis For Zion
The Warriors could explore a deal for Zion Williamson by sending Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis and a top-four protected 2027 first-round pick to the Pelicans. Porziņģis is making $20 million in 2026-27, with only $3 million guaranteed in 2027-28, which could make his contract useful in a trade. His POTS diagnosis has also put his future on the court in question. Golden State would be betting big on Zion’s health, but his paint scoring could be a perfect fit next to Stephen Curry’s shooting, especially when Jimmy Butler returns. For New Orleans, the deal clears Zion’s $44.9 million salary for next season, adds a pick, and opens more room for Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones could be names to watch next. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: If the Warriors make a major move, Zion will be near the top of their list.
Oct 23
LeBron, Embiid Lead NBA's Top Starting Five
The 2026-27 season is barely underway, but the projected starting lineups are already taking shape. Philadelphia tops the list with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Oklahoma City lands second, New York is third, and San Antonio, Denver and Cleveland are right behind them. The Sixers have the most star power, but health and fit will decide if it works. Embiid has played 96 games over the last three seasons, and LeBron turns 42 in December. The Thunder have the best chemistry on paper, while the Knicks return a championship core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City’s starting five will finish the season looking like the league’s best, even if Philadelphia has the bigger names.
Oct 23
Knicks Assistants Miss Out On Rings
Knicks assistant coaches didn’t get championship rings during Tuesday night’s ceremony at Madison Square Garden, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported. They were told earlier that day they’ll receive their rings later. Many longtime MSG employees also won’t get rings after a supposed employee ring-design email turned out to be a phishing test. Knicks players got their jewelry before the team raised its banner ahead of the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. New York beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals, ending a 53-year title drought. The rings will still come, but it’s a rough look after such a huge night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The assistants get their rings soon, and the Knicks make sure the next ceremony runs a lot smoother.
Oct 23
Knicks Interested in Dalton Knecht
The Knicks are among the teams interested in signing Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. Marc Stein previously linked the Timberwolves to Knecht, while Jake Fischer said the Wolves, Kings and Raptors are also looking at him. Minnesota, Sacramento and Toronto each have an open two-way spot. New York already has Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins on two-way deals. The Lakers waived Knecht on Monday after his role shrank under JJ Redick. The No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft averaged 4.2 points in his second season, but put up 19.5 points across six G League regular-season and playoff games with South Bay. A new system and more reps could give the former Tennessee scorer a real reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Knecht lands with a team that can offer him a clearer path to minutes, and he sticks around past the two-way deal.
Oct 22
Luka Doncic Gets Under Yaxel Lendeborg's Skin
Luka Dončić and Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg got into it during the first half of the Lakers and Golden State season opener. The back-and-forth ended with Lendeborg getting a technical foul. Luka won that exchange, and Lendeborg got an early lesson about picking his spots. Golden State’s rookie showed he won’t back down, but Luka is the kind of player who’ll make you pay if you give him extra fuel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka will remember this one the next time the Warriors and Lakers meet.
Oct 22
Tyrese Haliburton Returns With 23 and 12
Tyrese Haliburton is back. After missing all of the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton returned Tuesday in Indiana’s 123-120 season-opening win over New Orleans. He finished with 23 points and 12 assists. “It means a lot to be back out here,” Haliburton said after 16 months of rehab. Indiana lost Haliburton in Game 7 of the Finals against Oklahoma City, right when the team was close to a title. Now he’s back running the offense, and the Pacers can start chasing that same level again. Staying healthy will be the big thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Haliburton will have Indiana back in the playoff mix if he stays on the floor.
Oct 22
Anthony Davis, Trae Young Lead Wizards Win
Anthony Davis scored big in his Wizards debut as Washington opened 2026-27 with a 128-116 win over the Bucks. Trae Young added a double-double, while No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa missed the game with an ankle sprain. Davis had been traded from Dallas before February’s deadline but missed the rest of last season with a hand injury. Milwaukee is rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, so it’s only one game. Still, Washington finally got a look at Davis and Young together after Young played just five games last year. Dybantsa’s return, plus growth from Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, could put the Wizards in the play-in mix. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Davis and Young will have Washington in the East play-in race when Dybantsa returns.
Oct 22
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Anthony Edwards Drops 45 in Wolves Opener
Anthony Edwards dropped 45 points, a Timberwolves record for a season opener, as Minnesota beat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and the Heat 131-106 on Wednesday. LaMelo Ball made his Minnesota debut after the trade from Charlotte, while Giannis made his Heat debut and had a strong night in the loss. Edwards had 21 by halftime and 36 through three quarters, giving Minnesota an 18-point lead heading into the fourth. Ball already looked like a clean fit next to him. Miami needs more help around Giannis after its supporting cast struggled in the opener. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Edwards and Ball will make Minnesota one of the West’s toughest backcourts to deal with.
Oct 22
Lonzo Laughs at LaMelo's Missed Travel
LaMelo Ball appeared to get away with a travel in his Minnesota Timberwolves debut Wednesday against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. He gathered the ball and took several steps beyond the 3-point line, but no whistle came. The announcers noticed it, and Lonzo Ball got a laugh out of the no-call on social media. It was a funny moment, but LaMelo’s fit with Minnesota will be the bigger story from here. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo will give Wolves fans plenty more highlights, even if a few steps get missed.
Oct 22
Paul George Fined After Celtics Debut
Paul George got fined $2,000 for flopping in his Boston Celtics debut, the NBA announced Wednesday. It came after Boston’s 121-113 loss to Detroit, but George still set a franchise record with 38 points in a debut. He added five steals, five rebounds, and three assists after arriving in the Jaylen Brown trade with Philadelphia. Boston blew a 22-point lead after Detroit ripped off a 23-0 run in the fourth. Cade Cunningham had 22 points and eight assists, while Ausar Thompson made life tough for Jayson Tatum. Tatum finished 6-of-23 and went 0-of-7 from three. George said he’s still getting his legs and wind back, which is a good sign after that scoring night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: George has another 30-point game soon, but Boston needs Tatum to bounce back fast.
Oct 21
Stephen Curry Says Warriors Pursued LeBron James
Stephen Curry told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears that the Warriors made a run at LeBron James before LeBron chose the 76ers. “We took some shots at him,” Curry said. He added there were “days I did, days I didn’t” think LeBron was headed to Golden State. LeBron instead joins Philadelphia with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as he chases another NBA Finals trip. Golden State moves forward with Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Al Horford, trying to get back into the West playoff mix. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron and Curry won’t team up, but both teams will be tough outs if they get healthy.
Oct 21
Paul George Drops 38 in Celtics Debut
The 2026-27 NBA season is underway, and opening night already brought chaos. Paul George dropped a Celtics debut-record 38 points, LeBron James and the new-look 76ers beat the Knicks, and Victor Wembanyama shot 1-of-13 against Oklahoma City. Ty Jerome went for 45 in Memphis, Kevin Durant scored 30 for Houston, and Anthony Davis put up 34 points and 12 rebounds in his Wizards debut. It’s only one game, but some early signals are loud. Oklahoma City looks loaded again, Atlanta and Detroit made strong statements, and Toronto’s defense could be nasty. Philly has serious talent, though Joel Embiid’s fit with LeBron, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown will be something to watch. San Antonio also needs Wembanyama to bounce back fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder and 76ers will both spend a lot of this season near the top of the title conversation.
Oct 21
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Kristaps Porzingis Considering Basketball Future
Kristaps Porziņģis is seriously considering his future in basketball, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Porziņģis has dealt with POTS and could step away for good if his recovery doesn’t improve. He’s on a $20 million trade-flexible contract this season with a small partial guarantee next year, so Golden State could still move him. The Warriors could use his deal and future picks to chase help now. Proposed options include Rui Hachimura and Jordan Miller from the Clippers, Domantas Sabonis from the Kings in a deal involving Draymond Green, or AJ Green and Jaime Jaquez Jr. from the Bucks. Any move would likely cost Golden State real draft value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State tries to move Porziņģis before the deadline, but won’t trade Draymond for Sabonis.
Oct 21
Donovan Mitchell Wants to Retire a Cav
Donovan Mitchell says he wants to retire a Cavalier. He told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that he signed his four-year, $273 million extension this summer because “Cleveland's home” and he doesn’t want to wear another uniform. The deal keeps Mitchell in Cleveland through 2030-31 and pays a record $68 million per year on average. Mitchell joined the Cavs from Utah in 2022 and has made seven straight All-Star teams. He could’ve waited for a five-year, $353 million deal next offseason, but signed on July 7 instead. Now the focus is winning it all, starting Thursday when Cleveland opens the 2026-27 season against the Philadelphia 76ers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Mitchell gets No. 45 into the rafters, but Cleveland will need a deep playoff run soon to make that dream feel real.
Oct 21
Ja Morant Starts With Damian Lillard
Ja Morant will start next to Damian Lillard in Portland’s backcourt to open the 2026-27 season, Chris Haynes reports. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson are expected to come off the bench, with Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan filling out the starting five. Portland got Morant from Memphis for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray on June 29. Morant started 325 of 327 games in Memphis, but said Sept. 28 that winning matters more than his role. He’s looked sharp in preseason, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 20.8 minutes while shooting 56.7 percent. Portland opens against Phoenix on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Morant and Lillard will be one of the league’s most fun backcourts, but Henderson will make a real case for more minutes fast.
Oct 21
Warriors Explore Kristaps Porzingis Trade Options
The Warriors have started looking at trade options for Kristaps Porziņģis, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Charania says Porziņģis is "seriously contemplating his future in basketball" because of lingering effects from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Golden State said it won't comment on trade reports or his health. The Athletic's Sam Amick says Milwaukee has already shown no interest. Porziņģis averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds after joining Golden State midseason, but shot 31.1 percent from three. He’s owed $20 million in 2026-27, with only $3 million guaranteed in 2027-28. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported team sources called him detached during a Jimmy Butler workout session before he took an indefinite leave. The Warriors may need draft picks to find a useful frontcourt replacement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State moves Porziņģis for a rotation big and future cap flexibility, not another star.
Oct 21
Tyrese Maxey Caught in LeBron Chalk Toss
Tyrese Maxey got caught in LeBron James’ pregame chalk toss, then bounced back with 28 points and five assists in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 106-100 win over the reigning champion New York Knicks. Maxey joked about being in the wrong place at the wrong time on social media. Philadelphia’s next game is its home opener Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Maxey has already learned one lesson about sharing a court with LeBron: stay away from the scorer’s table before tip-off. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Maxey avoids the chalk Thursday and still drops another big game.
Oct 21
Steve Kerr Could Leave With Warriors Core
Steve Kerr signed a two-year extension with the Warriors, but he told The Ringer’s Logan Murdock he can see his run ending around the same time as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. “I could see this ending where [Stephen Curry], [Draymond Green], we all leave around the same time,” Kerr said. Golden State hasn’t made a big offseason move, and a lot rides on Jimmy Butler returning strong from a torn ACL. Kerr and Curry have been together for 13 years and won four titles, but the Warriors have missed the postseason twice since winning the 2022 Finals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kerr coaches out his current deal, then Golden State has some big decisions to make.
Oct 21