NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 29, 2026
Yaxel Lendeborg Calls Out Luka Doncic
Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg didn’t wait long to find NBA drama. He traded trash talk with Luka Dončić in his debut, picked up a technical foul, and said afterward he “lost all respect” for Dončić because he was “complaining the entire game.” Lendeborg also said he told Luka “he sucks.” The Warriors and Lakers meet again Friday, and Lendeborg says he’s ready: “Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, I am,” he told reporters. The No. 11 pick has backed up his confidence with 21.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, including 31 points Monday and 26 against Minnesota on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg scores at least 25 points against the Lakers on Friday.
Jaylen Brown Denies Celtics Trade Demand
Jaylen Brown denied that he ever demanded a trade from the Celtics after Brian Scalabrine suggested otherwise. Brown told reporters Wednesday, “I never demanded a trade, never made a list of ultimatums. Nothing of the sort.” Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, and the Sixers are 4-1 after beating Indiana 114-109. Brown had 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block against the Pacers. He’s joining Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James and Joel Embiid on a loaded Philadelphia roster, while trying to win another title after getting one in Boston. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Jaylen Brown will be Philadelphia’s leading scorer in its next game.
Oct 29
Charles Lee Benches Naz Reid After Halftime
Charles Lee benched Naz Reid for the entire second half of Charlotte’s 97-89 loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Lee said Reid “didn't meet our standards” in the first half, despite Reid posting seven points, six rebounds and a block in 13 minutes. Royce O’Neale started the third quarter in his place as the Hornets gave up a 51-44 halftime lead. It’s a sharp message from Lee, especially after Charlotte acquired Reid in the LaMelo Ball trade this summer. Reid had averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over his first four Hornets games, and his starting job doesn’t appear to be in danger. Charlotte gets Washington on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Naz Reid responds against the Wizards and is back in Charlotte’s closing lineup in the next game.
Oct 29
AJ Dybantsa Scores 19 In Wizards Debut
AJ Dybantsa scored 19 points in his NBA debut, but the Washington Wizards lost 121-111 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The No. 1 pick went 8-of-12 from the field, hit a lob dunk from Trae Young, and posted the most points by a Wizards rookie in a debut since 1992. Washington led 69-59 at halftime before Cleveland closed the game on a 13-2 run. The Wizards fell to 2-3 despite a season-high 31 assists. Their 8-of-32 shooting from three hurt them late. Cleveland moved to 3-1 and heads to Atlanta on Thursday, while Washington hosts Charlotte on Friday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Dybantsa scores 20-plus points against Charlotte and helps Washington snap its two-game losing streak.
Oct 29
Rudy Gobert Fires Back at Three Point Critic
Rudy Gobert fired back after a fan told him not to shoot another three for the Timberwolves following Minnesota’s 127-125 overtime loss to Cleveland on Monday. Gobert replied, “What you gonna do about it?” He missed both of his three-point attempts and finished with five points on 0-of-9 shooting, though he grabbed 20 rebounds. Gobert has never made a three in the NBA, going 0-for-24 across 14 seasons. His game has always lived around the rim, where he’s also built a Hall of Fame-level defensive resume with four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Minnesota is chasing a sixth straight playoff trip, and Gobert’s shot selection will stay under the microscope. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Gobert won’t attempt another three in Minnesota’s next game.
Oct 28
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Herb Jones Drawing Trade Interest
Herb Jones is barely playing as the Pelicans sit 0-3, despite New Orleans holding second-half leads in every loss, including a 23-point edge against Denver. Jones is at a career-low 17.0 minutes per game, and Shamit Dua reports teams are watching in case the Pelicans lower their asking price from nearly two first-round picks. New Orleans has reportedly turned down offers built around second-round picks, but Jones’ $14.9 million salary jumps to $20.8 million next year. Oklahoma City, Brooklyn and Golden State all make sense as possible landing spots, though the Pelicans may need to meet the market somewhere between two firsts and a pile of seconds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Herb Jones is traded before the deadline, and the Thunder land him for at least one first-round pick.
Oct 28
Kyrie Irving Drawing Trade Interest Around NBA
Several teams are monitoring Kyrie Irving as the 2026-27 season opens, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. Irving is averaging 19.0 points on 51.2/32.0/100.0 shooting in his first three games back from a torn ACL. He’s making $39.5 million this season and holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28. Miami could be interested, but Charania doubts the Heat have enough to offer after sending three first-round picks, a swap and other assets for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dallas is 2-2 and building around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. If the Mavericks slide out of the West playoff picture, Irving talks could heat up before the Feb. 11 deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kyrie Irving is traded before the Feb. 11 deadline.
Oct 28
Heat and Bam Adebayo Still Searching at 0 4
The Miami Heat are 0-4 after a rough start, and they posted a photo of Erik Spoelstra talking with Bam Adebayo with the caption, “Figuring it out.” Miami has not started 0-4 since Pat Riley’s final season as coach in 2007-08. The Heat’s minus-13.5 net rating is third worst in the NBA. The Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo pairing has been especially ugly, posting a minus-31.6 net rating in at least 70 minutes together. Bam is shooting 40.0 percent overall, 16.7 percent from three, and scoring 11.8 points per game. Miami gets its next shot at a win Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the losing streak against Atlanta, and Adebayo scores more than his 11.8-point season average.
Oct 28
Ernie Johnson Leaving Inside NBA in 2027
Ernie Johnson said Wednesday that he’ll step away from Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season. He isn’t retiring. Johnson will still work March Madness and other TNT and CBS projects, while building his new production company, 32 Bowties. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal reacted emotionally on the show, and Adam Silver praised Johnson’s 37 years as host. Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has become the steady hand behind Inside’s chaos. The six-time Sports Emmy winner will get one final season with the crew after the show’s move to ESPN. Replacing his balance, timing and ability to keep Shaq and Chuck moving will be a massive job. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Inside the NBA will use a rotating group of hosts after Johnson leaves, and none will fully lock down the chair by the end of the 2027-28 season.
Oct 28
Thunder Could Reunite With Former Player
The Thunder are down Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace indefinitely, and the injuries could push Oklahoma City toward a trade. ESPN’s Bobby Marks said the Thunder usually target players who fit their locker room and style, while Brian Windhorst hinted they could acquire someone who has already played there. Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell started in Monday’s 125-114 win over the Suns. Mitchell had 30 points and five assists. McCain scored 18 with four assists and four threes. They can fill in, but OKC’s bench is thinner now, and the team has plenty of future picks to use. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder trade for a former OKC player before the trade deadline to add depth behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Oct 28
Warriors Pessimistic Kristaps Porzingis Will Return
The Warriors are preparing like Kristaps Porziņģis may never play for them again. ESPN's Anthony Slater reports an "extreme level of pessimism" inside the organization, while Golden State explores trades for the 31-year-old. Porziņģis has been out indefinitely since Oct. 14 because of a "health-related matter." He signed a two-year, $40 million deal in the offseason and is making $20 million this season. His 2027-28 player option is only guaranteed for $3 million until July 7, 2027, which could make his contract useful in a trade. Porziņģis played 15 games for Golden State last season, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors trade Porziņģis before the 2027 trade deadline.
Oct 28
Thunder Lose Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace
The NBA’s opening week has already brought wild games, huge comebacks, injuries and a lot of early surprises. Houston is 4-0 behind Alperen Şengün, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet. The Lakers are scoring at a ridiculous rate with Luka Dončić carrying a 42.3 usage percentage. Meanwhile, the defending champion Knicks are winless, and Oklahoma City lost Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to major injuries. There are real warning signs elsewhere. Miami is struggling after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denver has two double-digit losses, and the Nets are 0-3 while Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle dominate touches. Early records can lie, but injuries to Edwards, Williams, Wallace, Jaren Jackson Jr. and others could reshape the season fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Houston stays undefeated through its next game and takes over the early West conversation.
Oct 28
Dominique Wilkins Named Alabama State GM
Dominique Wilkins is Alabama State’s new college basketball general manager. The Hall of Famer joins the Hornets ahead of their season opener next Tuesday against Texas A&M, giving Chris Wright a huge name in the front office as he starts his first season as head coach. Alabama State reached the NCAA tournament in 2025 and won its first tournament game, beating Saint Francis in the First Four. Tony Madlock left after last season’s 10-22 record to become Memphis’ associate head coach. Wilkins played at Georgia, but his presence could still give the SWAC program a boost in recruiting and attention. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Alabama State will make the SWAC Tournament final in Wright’s first season.
Oct 28
Jaren Jackson Jr. Out Six To Eight Weeks
Jaren Jackson Jr. has a torn MCL in his right knee and will miss six to eight weeks, the Utah Jazz announced. ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported he won't need surgery. Jackson got hurt Monday against Memphis after posting six points, three rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes. Lauri Markkanen also left that game with a wrist injury and is day-to-day. It's another rough break for Jackson, who was limited to three games last season after knee surgery. He opened this year averaging 19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds through three games. Utah will lean on Jaxson Hayes, Kyle Filipowski and Mo Bamba at center, with Bamba coming off 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks against the Grizzlies. The 1-3 Jazz face the 1-2 Spurs on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Mo Bamba keeps the starting center job through Jackson's return window.
Oct 27
Kawhi Leonard Out Weeks With Knee Swelling
Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss weeks with swelling in his left knee, Shams Charania reported. An MRI showed no structural damage, and the Raptors will reevaluate him in one week. Leonard missed Sunday’s loss to Minnesota after playing fewer than 30 minutes in each of Toronto’s first two games. Ja'Kobe Walter started in Leonard’s place against the Timberwolves. Toronto still has Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett for Wednesday’s home game against Orlando, but Kawhi’s availability will shape how high this team can climb in the East. He signed a two-year, $115 million extension in September. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Ja'Kobe Walter stays in Toronto’s starting lineup through Leonard’s reevaluation next week.
Oct 27
Jaylen Brown Denies Celtics Trade Demand
Jaylen Brown’s representative denied that Brown demanded a trade from the Celtics, calling the claim “10000% a lie,” according to ESPN’s Kris Rhim. Brian Scalabrine had said Brown pushed Boston to meet demands or trade him, with Milwaukee as his preferred spot. Brown instead landed in Philadelphia in the Paul George and draft-pick deal after Giannis Antetokounmpo went to Miami. Scalabrine later walked back the trade-demand wording, saying he didn’t know the exact ultimatum. Brown also stirred things up with a “cap” emoji after Jayson Tatum said he was caught off guard by the trade. Philly is 3-1 and Boston is 2-1, with their first meeting set for Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown scores 25 or more in Philadelphia’s Nov. 10 win over Boston.
Oct 27
Bucks Troll Florida Fans After First Win
The Milwaukee Bucks took a shot at Florida sports fans after beating the Indiana Pacers for their first win. Milwaukee posted, “Bad day to be a Florida sports fan,” as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new Miami Heat team sits at 0-4 and the Tampa Bay Rays trail the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 in the World Series. The Bucks had started the season winless, so the post came right after their first chance to celebrate. It also adds a little extra heat around Giannis and Miami, even with the teams not facing each other that night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps its 0-4 skid in its next game, and Bucks fans won’t get another Florida joke off that quickly.
Oct 27
Kevin Porter Jr. Drawing Nuggets, Kings Interest
Kevin Porter Jr. is drawing interest after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him before the season. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings are among teams still looking at their backcourts. Porter is optimistic he’ll stay in the NBA, though Stein and Fischer say a new deal is not expected immediately because he isn’t close to two-way eligibility. Porter averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 38 games in 2025-26 before right knee surgery. Sacramento is missing Ben Simmons for the season with a torn Achilles, while Denver could use another scorer behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Porter would come without any trade cost. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Kings sign Porter before the trade deadline, and he takes second-unit minutes from Darius Acuff Jr.
Oct 27
Heat Fall to 0 4 Despite Giannis Triple Double
The Heat fell to 0-4 after a 113-109 loss to the Mavericks on Monday, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo posting a triple-double and throwing down a poster dunk on Daniel Gafford. Miami had a chance late, but Cooper Flagg blocked Andrew Wiggins’ go-ahead attempt, then hit a layup to put Dallas up four with 10 seconds left. Flagg kept building on his strong second season with playmaking and defense, while Kyrie Irving had a solid night as he ramps back up after missing all of 2025-26. Miami entered the season with Finals hopes, but the offense outside Giannis hasn’t given them enough through four games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps its losing streak in its next game, with Andrew Wiggins scoring at least 20 points.
Oct 27
Dwyane Wade Offers Bam and Giannis Advice
Dwyane Wade thinks Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to take charge in Miami while letting Bam Adebayo thrive as the Heat’s defensive anchor. On his WY Network by Dwyane Wade podcast, Wade said Giannis should tell Bam, “I got this. This is my show, I’m going to make sure we all eat, though.” Miami is 0-3 to open the 2026-27 season after Giannis joined Bam this offseason. Wade knows the adjustment period firsthand. LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh lost the 2011 Finals before winning back-to-back titles. Wade said it took about a year before LeBron could fully be himself in Miami. The Heat need Giannis and Bam to sort out who creates offense, who leads on certain nights, and how both can play their best together. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Heat will snap their losing streak in their next game, with Bam leading Miami’s defense and Giannis taking the most important late-game shots.
Oct 26
Thunder Not Considering Russell Westbrook Reunion
Oklahoma City is dealing with major injuries after Jalen Williams suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle against the Clippers on Sunday. Sam Presti also announced Cason Wallace has a left labral tear and will need shoulder surgery. Both are expected to miss most of the season. Presti didn’t give much on a possible Russell Westbrook reunion, saying he hasn’t thought about the open roster spot yet. The Thunder can apply for Disabled Player Exceptions for Williams and Wallace, but replacing their two-way impact is a tough ask. Westbrook retired before the 2026-27 season after playing for OKC from 2008 to 2019 and winning MVP in 2017. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder sign a younger guard or wing before their next game, and he takes regular bench minutes right away.
Oct 26
Jalen Williams Needs Surgery After Ankle Injury
Jalen Williams fractured his fibula and dislocated his left ankle in Sunday’s win over the Clippers, Sam Presti said Monday. Williams needs surgery after colliding with Kris Dunn late in the game and being stretchered off. His return timeline won’t be known until after the operation. Cason Wallace also needs surgery for a left labral tear in his shoulder. It’s another rough break for Williams after wrist and hamstring issues limited him to 33 regular-season games and five playoff games in 2025-26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder have to “hold the fort down” until he returns. OKC reached the Western Conference Finals last season, but replacing both Williams and Wallace will test its depth early. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City makes a trade for backcourt depth before the trade deadline.
Oct 26
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Deny Beef
Jaylen Brown says there’s no beef with Jayson Tatum after Boston traded him to Philadelphia on Sunday, but the tension is still loud. Brown called Tatum a “hell of a basketball player” with a “hell of a PR team,” then said there would be “a little lamb chop.” Tatum said he was caught off guard by the trade and later added, “There’s no beef.” ESPN’s Marc Spears said the Celtics deserve blame, saying the team favored Tatum and Brown felt a way about it. The former Celtics teammates meet for the first time this season when the Sixers play Boston on Nov. 10. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown scores more points than Tatum in their Nov. 10 matchup.
Oct 26
Jalen Suggs Out At Least Two Weeks
Jalen Suggs will miss at least two weeks with a mild bone bruise in his right knee, Orlando announced Monday. Suggs went down late in Sunday’s 111-102 win over the Knicks after his knee buckled on a breakaway layup. ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reported it appeared to be a noncontact injury. Sean Sweeney said Suggs was in good spirits after the game. It’s another rough injury hit for Orlando, which is already without Paolo Banchero for multiple weeks because of a low-grade high ankle sprain. Suggs has played only 92 games across the last two seasons. Anthony Black is likely to start at point guard after opening his season with 18 points and five assists. The 1-2 Magic face the 2-1 Raptors on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Anthony Black keeps the starting point guard job for at least the next two weeks and helps Orlando win its next game in Toronto.
Oct 26
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Magic Trade Franz Wagner for Michael Porter Jr.
The Magic could swap Franz Wagner to Brooklyn for Michael Porter Jr., two first-round picks and two second-rounders in this trade idea. Orlando needs more shooting after finishing 24th in made threes and 27th in three-point percentage, and Porter brings a career 39.8 percent mark from deep. Brooklyn would bet on Wagner as a long-term piece next to Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. Wagner is 25 and signed through 2029-30, while Porter is 28 on an expiring deal. The Nets would be giving up picks, but they'd get a two-way wing who could fit their young core. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Franz Wagner stays in Orlando through the Feb. 11 trade deadline, and the Magic make a smaller move for shooting instead.
Oct 26