NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 3, 2026
Kevin Durant Embracing Lesser Rockets Role
Kevin Durant scored 12 points on six shots as the Rockets beat the Celtics 109-93 on Monday, then pushed back when Houston Chronicle reporter Varun Shankar asked about his limited offensive role. Houston is winning, and Durant wasn't interested in turning a team result into a shot-count debate. Durant is averaging 20.8 points through eight games, which would be his lowest mark since his 2007-08 rookie season. Still, the Rockets rank second in offensive rating at 121.2. Ime Udoka may have found a way to keep KD fresh while Houston's offense stays dangerous. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Durant will have a 30-point game in Houston’s next game and remind everyone he can still take over whenever he wants.
Thunder Sign Dalen Terry to Two Year Deal
The Thunder agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent guard Dalen Terry on Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Terry, the No. 18 pick in 2022, joins an Oklahoma City team missing Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren after surgeries and injuries. He played 218 NBA games with the Bulls and 76ers, averaging 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has pushed OKC to a 5-2 start, with Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain the only other healthy Thunder players scoring in double figures. Terry comes in after a short Warriors preseason and no G League games with Santa Cruz. With the roster stretched thin, he has a real opening to earn minutes alongside Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Aday Mara and Kenrich Williams. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Terry will be in OKC’s rotation by the next game and stay there until at least one of Williams, Wallace or Holmgren returns.
Nov 3
LeBron James Samples Fan's Wine During Game
LeBron James took a sip of a fan’s red wine after bumping into Troy Clemons behind the basket during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. James said he “wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm and how good it was.” ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported Clemons wasn’t upset about the spill and didn’t keep the cup. The win mattered more than the wine, but LeBron is still finding ways to own a moment in Year 24. At 41, his legacy is already set for most fans. The nightly question now is how far Philadelphia can go with him leading the way. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron will have another viral on-court moment before the 76ers’ next five games are up.
Nov 3
Giannis Calls Luka Doncic All Time Scorer
Luka Dončić dropped 42 points in the Lakers’ 138-117 win over the Miami Heat, and Giannis Antetokounmpo gave him huge praise afterward. “Obviously, he's one of the best scorers to play this game, if not the best,” Giannis said. When asked if he meant right now, Giannis doubled down: “Not right now. Not right now. Of all time.” Dončić is leading the NBA at 38.3 points per game as the Lakers sit 6-2, tied for the third-most wins in the league. He’s chasing a third scoring title after winning the last two, and a strong Lakers season could finally push him past his previous MVP high of third place. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka Dončić wins his first NBA MVP this season.
Nov 3
Draymond Green Ejected After Dillon Brooks Dust Up
Draymond Green was ejected after grabbing Khaman Maluach and then Dillon Brooks during Golden State’s 116-113 comeback win over Phoenix on Monday. Brooks said he was “just trying to de-escalate it” and that Green was “tweaking all game.” Green picked up two technical fouls after the third-quarter dust-up. The Warriors were down 10 when Green got tossed, then Stephen Curry scored 34 points to lead the rally. Curry said Green “lit a fire in all of us.” Golden State has won five straight after starting 0-3, while Phoenix has dropped three in a row and sits at 1-4. They meet again Dec. 28. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State extends its winning streak to six games in its next outing.
Nov 3
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Tyran Stokes Leads 2027 Draft Board
Tyran Stokes is the early favorite to go No. 1 in the 2027 NBA draft after posting 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists against Duke in preseason. The 6'8", 230-pound forward showed why scouts buy the physical tools, point-forward passing and self-created scoring, even with questions about his jumper, decision-making and maturity. Jordan Smith Jr., Caleb Holt, Bruce Branch III and Colben Landrew are among the other freshmen getting early first-round attention. NIL is also reshaping the board, with more sophomores and juniors returning to school unless they have a firm first-round promise, leaving second-round projections packed with seniors and international players. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: By the end of this season, Bruce Branch III will move into the 2027 top-five conversation after BYU gives him a featured role.
Nov 3
Draymond Green Ejected After Dillon Brooks Scuffle
Draymond Green was ejected Monday after a heated clash with Dillon Brooks during the Warriors' game against the Suns. The sequence started when Green threw Phoenix big man Khaman Maluach to the floor. Brooks stepped in, Green grabbed his jersey near the throat, and Green was hit with two technical fouls. Green and Brooks have been here before. Brooks led the NBA in technical fouls last season, while Green ranked third, and neither player hides how much they dislike the other. Brooks said in 2023, "I don't like Draymond at all," while Green has called Brooks an "idiot" and a "sucker." They meet again Dec. 28. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Dillon Brooks gets another technical foul in the Warriors-Suns rematch on Dec. 28.
Nov 3
LeBron Takes Sip of Fan's Wine
LeBron James grabbed an unexpected sip of wine during Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Chasing a loose ball into the stands, James ran into fan Troy Clemons, who was holding a cup of wine. LeBron spilled some on Clemons, then apologized after taking a drink. Clemons wasn’t bothered by it. “I'm just glad for him to be here,” he said. “I'm not worried about the wine getting on me.” He also tossed the cup instead of saving it, saying, “At the end of the day, he's another man like me.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron will turn another courtside fan moment into a viral clip before the end of the month.
Nov 3
Pacers Play With Just Six Players
The Pacers had only six players available Monday and still pushed the Hawks in a 108-104 loss. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a late knee scratch, joining 10 other Indiana players on the sideline. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks and Matt Williams, the situation was the franchise's thinnest roster since 1948. Every available Pacer scored at least 12 points. Jay Huff led Indiana with 22, while Jalen Slawson, Jarace Walker, Quenton Jackson, Braden Smith and Kobe Brown carried the rest of the load. Indiana heads to Memphis on Wednesday, and getting even a few bodies back would change everything. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Pacers will have more than six players active against the Grizzlies, but Jay Huff keeps a rotation spot this month.
Nov 3
Mavericks Not Taking Kyrie Irving Calls
The Mavericks have reportedly told teams Kyrie Irving isn’t available. Marc Stein said Dallas started shutting down calls in June, even as Shams Charania reported that teams, including the Heat, were monitoring Irving. Tim MacMahon said Irving is the top question he gets from NBA executives and scouts around Dallas. Dallas is 4-2, and Kyrie has been a big reason why with 21.4 points per game. He turns 35 this season and can hit free agency after his 2027-28 player option, while the Mavs build around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. That timeline gap will keep the trade talk alive, but Dallas isn’t entertaining it right now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kyrie Irving finishes this season in Dallas and starts in the Mavericks’ first playoff game.
Nov 2
Thunder Retiring Russell Westbrook's No. 0
The Oklahoma City Thunder will retire Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 when they host the New York Knicks on Feb. 7. Westbrook was brought to tears when he heard the news. Russell spent 11 of his 18 NBA seasons in Oklahoma City and still owns the franchise records for games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made, and minutes. His No. 0 will join the Thunder’s rafters as a permanent part of the team’s history. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Feb. 7 ceremony will turn into one of the loudest home crowds Oklahoma City has had all season.
Nov 2
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Domantas Sabonis Trade Ideas for Kings
Domantas Sabonis could become a trade target if Sacramento keeps sliding. He helped lead the Kings back to the playoffs in 2023, but the team has declined since then and now looks headed toward the bottom of the standings. Since arriving in Sacramento, Sabonis has averaged 18.9 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists. The Hawks, Warriors and Suns all have paths to a deal. Atlanta could use Sabonis' rebounding and passing next to Jalen Johnson. Golden State could pair him with Stephen Curry for one more title run. Phoenix could give Devin Booker a stronger playmaking big than Jalen Green. Sacramento would be looking for picks, young players and salary flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Sabonis is traded before the deadline, and the Warriors land him for their final Stephen Curry title push.
Nov 2
Kyrie Irving Draws Trade Interest Around NBA
Kyrie Irving is drawing major trade interest around the NBA, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective. Dallas is 4-2, though, and Irving has helped fuel the start, including a 35-point night in a win over Houston when he and Cooper Flagg combined for 68. MacMahon said Irving looked like a likely trade candidate before the season, but Dallas’ early play has changed the feel around the team. Dusty May’s group may be rebuilding, yet a real play-in or playoff push could make the Mavericks hold onto Kyrie past the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kyrie Irving stays in Dallas through the trade deadline and leads the Mavericks in minutes during their first playoff or play-in game.
Nov 2
Pistons Could Pursue Kyrie Irving, NAW
The Pistons could pursue Kyrie Irving, according to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, with several staffers reportedly impressed by his shot creation and fit next to ball-dominant stars. This proposed three-team deal sends Irving and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Detroit, Ron Holland II, Kevin Huerter, Jock Landale, Isaiah Joe and two 2029 and 2031 pick swaps to Dallas, and John Collins, Duncan Robinson plus three unprotected firsts to Atlanta. Detroit would be betting big on Kyrie as Cade Cunningham’s second creator and on Alexander-Walker as a two-way backcourt and wing piece. Dallas gets younger around Cooper Flagg, while Atlanta turns NAW into picks and movable contracts for a future star chase. The Collins portion would need to wait until after Dec. 15. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Detroit will not trade three unprotected first-round picks for Nickeil Alexander-Walker by the trade deadline.
Nov 2
Kingston Flemings Suspended After Elbowing McGowens
Kingston Flemings has been suspended one game after elbowing Bryce McGowens in the head away from the play during Saturday’s 121-99 loss to the Pelicans. Flemings was ejected after the hit sparked a scrum, and he’ll miss Monday’s game against the Pacers. The No. 8 pick in the 2026 draft has flashed real upside early, including 23 points against Miami on Oct. 28. He’s averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 assists in seven games, but Atlanta needs better discipline while trying to stop a four-loss-in-five-games slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Hawks beat Indiana on Monday and get back to .500 without Flemings.
Nov 2
Wembanyama Drops 43 as Spurs Win Fourth Straight
Victor Wembanyama dropped 43 points in the Spurs’ 121-111 win over the Timberwolves on Saturday, taking a career-high 34 shots while adding seven rebounds, four assists, six blocks and a steal. Fans chanted “WemVP” as Wembanyama hit threes, finished at the rim and erased shots on defense. Minnesota was without Anthony Edwards. Wembanyama said experience is helping his “pattern recognition” on the court, and San Antonio is trending up after an 0-2 start. The Spurs have won four straight, while Victor has scored at least 29 points in each of his last three games, including 36 in an overtime win over Utah. He’s averaging a career-high 28.0 points through six games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Wembanyama will post another 40-point game before the end of this month.
Nov 1
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Suns Trade Idea Sends Jalen Green For Dejounte Murray
The Suns could solve their point guard problem by trading Jalen Green, a 2027 second-round pick and $3.5 million cash to the Pelicans for Dejounte Murray. Chris Haynes reported frustration in Phoenix over not having a guard who can organize the offense, while Shamit Dua says New Orleans and Murray may want a fresh start. Murray would give Phoenix another creator next to Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, plus a better defender than Green. New Orleans would get younger with Green, add a pick, and create more room for Jeremiah Fears, Zion Williamson and Derik Queen to handle the ball. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Dejounte Murray is starting at point guard for Phoenix by the trade deadline.
Nov 1
Victor Wembanyama Dresses as Geralt for Halloween
Victor Wembanyama kept his Halloween game-day tradition alive Saturday, arriving as Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher before the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Witcher is Wembanyama’s favorite book series, according to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. Wembanyama skipped the costume run in 2025 because San Antonio didn’t play on Halloween, but he’s back at it while carrying the Spurs on both ends. He entered Saturday averaging 25.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks on 48.0 percent shooting. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Wembanyama blocks at least four Timberwolves shots Saturday and San Antonio wins the matchup.
Oct 31
Victor Wembanyama Says He Should Win MVP
Victor Wembanyama says he "should win" NBA MVP this season in a preview of his Sunday 60 Minutes interview with Jon Wertheim. The Spurs star finished third last season behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, though he still took home Defensive Player of the Year. Wembanyama has opened this season with 25.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in five starts. His full 60 Minutes appearance airs Sunday evening on CBS. For Victor, the MVP push starts with keeping San Antonio in the mix while he stacks elite two-way games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Wembanyama will finish this month as the NBA’s blocks leader.
Oct 31
Stephen Curry Crosses Luka Doncic in Warriors Win
Stephen Curry dropped Luka Dončić with a crossover, drilled the three, and sparked the Warriors’ 112-95 comeback win over the Lakers on Friday. Golden State erased a 25-point deficit, the biggest comeback turned into a 17-point win by any NBA team in the past 30 seasons, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Curry finished with 31 points, while Brandin Podziemski scored 21 and De’Anthony Melton added 16 off the bench. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said the bench was stunned after Curry’s highlight. “There were people on the bench calling him a sicko. I don't even know. It was astonishing.” The Warriors are now 3-3 after starting 0-3, and they got payback for the Lakers’ 127-105 win on Oct. 21. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State wins its next two games and gets above .500 for the first time this season.
Oct 31
Timberwolves, 76ers Lead NBA Cup Race
The Timberwolves, Mavericks, 76ers, Celtics and several other contenders opened NBA Cup play with wins Friday. Minnesota beat the Clippers by 26 without Anthony Edwards as Jaden McDaniels scored 23, LaMelo Ball had 24 and Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds. Dallas handed Houston its first loss behind Kyrie Irving’s 35 points and Cooper Flagg’s 33. Philadelphia also beat the Knicks for the second time this season, improving to 5-1. Tyrese Maxey scored 27, while LeBron James posted 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Boston handled Chicago behind Payton Pritchard’s 30 off the bench. The 76ers and Celtics already look like the East’s Cup favorites, while Minnesota has early control in West Group B. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The 76ers will beat Boston in their next matchup and take control of East Group B.
Oct 31
Stephen Curry Leads Warriors Past Luka Doncic
Stephen Curry scored 31 points and hit eight threes as the Warriors erased a 23-point first-quarter hole to beat the Lakers 112-95 Friday. Yaxel Lendeborg struggled in the Luka Dončić rematch, finishing with six points, one rebound and a late foul-out. “I wet the bed,” Lendeborg told reporters, while crediting teammates for having his back. Dončić scored 21 points in the first quarter as the Lakers jumped ahead 38-15, but Golden State won the final three quarters by 40. The Warriors have won three straight after starting 0-3, with wins over the Lakers, Nuggets and Timberwolves. They host the Clippers on Sunday looking for their first four-game streak since Jan. 13-19 last season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State beats the Clippers Sunday, and Curry posts his third straight 30-point game.
Oct 31
Every NBA Team's Worst Recent Trade
The Hawks trading Luka Dončić for Trae Young and a first-round pick that became Cam Reddish still tops Atlanta’s list of trade regrets. Young made an All-Star team, but Dončić became the kind of franchise player teams spend decades trying to find, while Atlanta got only two playoff series wins in his eight-plus seasons. That deal is a reminder that draft-night fit can’t outweigh talent. Dončić arrived with a EuroLeague MVP, a EuroBasket title and an advanced offensive game already in place. Atlanta chose Young’s style and immediate fit, then watched Dončić turn into a superstar elsewhere. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Atlanta won’t win another playoff series before its next major roster shakeup.
Oct 31
Stephen Curry Passes Dominique Wilkins in Scoring
Stephen Curry passed Dominique Wilkins for No. 18 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list Friday night against the Lakers, reaching 26,669 career points. Curry is now ahead of Wilkins, Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce, John Havlicek and Kevin Garnett. Oscar Robertson is next at No. 17 with 26,710 points, just 41 ahead of Curry. DeMar DeRozan sits No. 16 with 26,763 and will keep adding to his total with the Denver Nuggets. Curry entered Friday averaging 28.8 points per game despite missing major time in his career, including all but five games in 2019-20. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Curry passes Oscar Robertson for 17th on the all-time scoring list in his next game.
Oct 31
Dillon Brooks Ejected for Kick on Murray
Dillon Brooks was ejected from Phoenix’s NBA Cup opener against Denver after officials ruled his kick to Jamal Murray’s groin was “unnecessary and excessive.” The play came with 8:05 left in the third quarter, and Brooks’ offensive foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2. He finished with 22 points in 21 minutes as the Suns trailed 84-76. Brooks was scorching before the exit, hitting 9 of 12 shots and 4 of 6 threes. Phoenix entered Saturday at 1-2, with Chris Haynes reporting “frustration” over the team’s by-committee offense instead of using a traditional point guard. The Suns return to NBA Cup play Nov. 20 in Salt Lake City. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brooks scores 20-plus again in Phoenix’s next game and keeps his spot as the Suns’ top perimeter scorer.
Oct 31