Shai, Jokic, Wembanyama: Wild 2026 MVP Chase

Merlin sees the 2025-26 MVP race as strangely wide open. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clubhouse leader with elite scoring and efficiency, while Nikola Jokić posts historic triple-double numbers but risks disqualification if he misses two more games. Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić and others linger as plausible challengers, their chances tied to narratives and team records as much as stats. Availability is the spell that will reshape the vote. Voters prize wins and stories, so if Jokić or Wembanyama fall short of 65 games, someone like SGA or Cunningham could surge. As JJ Redick said of Luka, "He's an engine that's fully on." Merlin expects late-season twists and tight margins.