NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 30, 2026
Jalen Brunson Wins Philly Athlete Award
Jalen Brunson was named the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s 2026 Professional Athlete of the Year on Friday. The New Brunswick, New Jersey native starred at Villanova before leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973 and winning NBA Finals MVP last season. Brunson will be honored Jan. 11, 2027, at the 122nd annual PSWA Awards Banquet. The Knicks won’t get much time to celebrate, with the 76ers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to become one of their biggest threats this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson and the Knicks will beat Philadelphia in their first matchup this season.
Thunder Eye Trey Murphy, Herb Jones
The Thunder are weighing trade options after Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace had surgery for injuries suffered against the Clippers on Oct. 25. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports league executives see Pelicans wings Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones as possible targets, while Kings guard Nique Clifford is another name to watch. Clifford was originally drafted by Oklahoma City in 2025 before being sent to Sacramento. Sam Presti has eight first-round picks from 2027 through 2033, but Oklahoma City rarely parts with multiple picks and has major second-apron concerns ahead. New Orleans previously wanted “multiple first-round picks” for Murphy, while one executive called Herb Jones’ upcoming three-year, $67.6 million deal “a negative value contract.” The Thunder may first see what their young group can handle without Williams and Wallace. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Nique Clifford is back in Oklahoma City before the trade deadline.
Oct 30
Jalen Brunson Joins Law and Order SVU
Jalen Brunson is heading to Law & Order: SVU. A promo released Thursday shows the Knicks guard, and reigning NBA Finals MVP, playing Detective Madison alongside Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson. The episode airs Thursday, Nov. 5. Hargitay is a longtime Knicks fan and spent time with Brunson at Madison Square Garden during New York’s historic playoff run last season. Now their courtside connection is getting a TV crossover. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson’s SVU cameo becomes a bigger Knicks fan favorite than Detective Madison’s screen time deserves.
Oct 30
Kings Sticking With Doug Christie
The Kings are sticking with Doug Christie despite an 0-5 start and the West’s worst net rating. Sam Amick reports Sacramento’s front office believes Christie “deserves a fair chance to be evaluated” while the roster is shorthanded. Ben Simmons tore his Achilles before opening night, Maxime Raynaud is out with a knee injury, and Keegan Murray remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Christie is in the final guaranteed year of his deal, and the Kings can wait before deciding on their 2027-28 team option. The pressure is real after a 22-65 record since the start of 2025-26, but Darius Acuff Jr. has been a bright spot after dropping 34 points and 14 assists against New Orleans. Sacramento plays Memphis on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Darius Acuff Jr. will lead the Kings in minutes by the end of this month.
Oct 30
Thunder Target Herb Jones, Derrick Jones Jr.
Jalen Williams is out long term with a dislocated left ankle and broken fibula, while Cason Wallace is sidelined for months with a shoulder injury. Eric Pincus suggests Oklahoma City could chase Pelicans wing Herb Jones and Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. using trade exceptions, Thomas Sorber, two 2027 first-round picks, and second-rounders. Herb Jones would bring switchable defense and has fallen to 17 minutes per game in New Orleans. Derrick Jones Jr. adds another athletic wing defender on an expiring deal. The problem is cost: both moves would push Oklahoma City near $119 million in luxury-tax penalties and above the second apron. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder make the cheaper Derrick Jones Jr. trade before the deadline and keep Herb Jones out of the $119 million tax bill.
Oct 30
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Rockets Rise Behind Alperen Sengun
Injuries have already flipped the 2026-27 NBA season, from Oklahoma City losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to long-term issues to Minnesota losing Anthony Edwards for up to two months. The early power rankings still have Houston on top after quality wins over San Antonio, Dallas and Atlanta twice, while Boston, Philadelphia and San Antonio are right behind. Memphis is 5-0, Luka Dončić has the Lakers at 4-1, and Cooper Flagg is putting up huge numbers for Dallas. The Thunder's depth is getting its biggest test, while the Wolves now need LaMelo Ball to carry more offense. Houston looks real behind Alperen Şengün and a deep rotation, but the season is only a week old. Several teams are already trying to survive injuries before they can show who they really are. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Houston Rockets will finish October with the West’s best record.
Oct 30
Wembanyama, Holmgren Top NBA Beef Rankings
The NBA’s early 2026-27 season has already brought back real player beefs. Yaxel Lendeborg said he’d “lost all respect” for Luka Doncic after his debut, Jaylen Brown hit Jayson Tatum with a 🧢 emoji after Boston traded him to Philadelphia, and Dillon Brooks keeps trolling LeBron James through a Kalshi ad. The biggest clash is Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren after San Antonio ended Oklahoma City’s title defense in a Game 7. Wembanyama dunked on Holmgren early in that Game 7, then the Thunder and Spurs started scuffling again in their Oct. 20 opener. They’re young West contenders with recent playoff history, so this isn’t fading anytime soon. Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, plus Green and Rudy Gobert, still have history too, but the Spurs-Thunder tension is the one with the most on-court stakes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: San Antonio beats Oklahoma City again this month, and Wembanyama takes the West’s top rivalry crown for good.
Oct 30
Ja Morant Hurt as Grizzlies Beat Blazers
Ja Morant’s first game against Memphis since the summer trade ended in a 124-103 Blazers loss. The Grizzlies moved to 5-0, handing Portland its first loss, and Morant left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. He called it “just another basketball game on the schedule” and said, “Nothing harsh from me for Memphis.” Deni Avdija kept rolling through a strong start for Portland, while No. 4 pick Cam Boozer posted his first triple-double for Memphis. The young Grizzlies don’t look like a team planning to rebuild after this start. Portland gets another shot in February, when Morant returns to Memphis. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Cam Boozer will have another triple-double before the February rematch with Portland.
Oct 30
Darius Acuff Jr Makes Rookie History
Darius Acuff Jr. dropped 34 points and 14 assists in Sacramento’s 132-120 loss to New Orleans, joining Michael Jordan, Trae Young and Steve Francis as the only rookies with at least 34 points, 14 assists, six rebounds and a steal in one game. The No. 7 pick also threw down a one-handed transition dunk and played 41 minutes. The Kings are still 0-5, but Acuff has been the clear bright spot. He leads all rookies with 24.0 points and 6.6 assists per game, even while shooting 22.2 percent from three. Sacramento heads to Memphis on Saturday looking for its first win. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Acuff scores 25 or more and Sacramento snaps its five-game losing streak against the Grizzlies.
Oct 30
Knicks Decline Pacome Dadiet Option
The Knicks plan to decline Pacôme Dadiet’s $5.37 million fourth-year option, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The move gives New York more cap room, though Charania said Dadiet and the Knicks could still talk about a reunion when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Dadiet has played one minute this season after averaging 4.7 minutes in 29 games last year. New York recently paused extension talks with Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and others, so every bit of flexibility counts. Towns told The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III he was “very disappointed, to say the least.” Hart sounded calmer: “Everything is going to work out.” Dadiet hasn’t earned a regular rotation spot, and the Knicks are choosing future options over his guaranteed money. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Pacôme Dadiet will be on a different NBA team by the 2027-28 season.
Oct 29
Ben Simmons Vows Return After Achilles Tear
Ben Simmons tore his Achilles before playing a regular-season game for the Sacramento Kings, and he'll miss a second straight NBA season. He told Marc J. Spears of Andscape he still believes he belongs in the league: "I'm more than capable of playing in this league. I'm built for this." Simmons was once a 6'10" No. 1 pick with point guard skills, three All-Star nods, two All-Defensive First-Team spots and a 2019-20 All-NBA Third-Team selection with Philadelphia. Injuries and his shooting struggles changed the path after 2021, and his time with Brooklyn and the Clippers never got him back to that level. Now the comeback clock resets again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Simmons won't play another NBA game before the 2027-28 season.
Oct 29
Rudy Gobert Downplays LaMelo Ball Tension
Rudy Gobert said there was no bad blood with LaMelo Ball after a bench moment during Minnesota’s 119-114 loss to Golden State. Video appeared to show Ball frustrated with Gobert, but Rudy told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic he “didn't feel any animosity.” Gobert had one point and four rebounds in 20 minutes, while Stephen Curry scored 44 and Yaxel Lendeborg added 26. The Timberwolves have dropped two straight after starting 3-0, and Anthony Edwards’ knee injury leaves a major scoring hole for the foreseeable future. Minnesota needs more from Ball and Gobert while Edwards is out, especially with the West getting no easier. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Gobert will bounce back with a double-double in Minnesota’s next game.
Oct 29
Suns Players Frustrated Over Point Guard Void
Phoenix is off to a 1-2 start, and Chris Haynes says players are frustrated that the roster still lacks a traditional point guard. Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are starting, while Booker has handled much of the playmaking. He scored 43 against Golden State, but had three points Tuesday against Oklahoma City. GM Brian Gregory wants Phoenix to create offense by committee with Booker, Green, Colin Gillespie, Koa Peat and Miles Bridges all able to push the ball. The Suns host Denver on Friday, and their ability to organize the offense could shape whether they look for backcourt help later this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: By the trade deadline, Phoenix will add a point guard and Colin Gillespie’s rotation role will shrink.
Oct 29
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Steve Kerr Wants NBA to Crack Down on Flopping
Steve Kerr wants the NBA to punish flopping more aggressively. Before Wednesday’s game in Minnesota, Kerr said the league should be the “No Bulls--t Association” and stop rewarding players for exaggerated contact. He said officials do a great job, but the league needs to stay ahead of “player grifting.” Kerr has already sent clips to the NBA office this season. Golden State didn’t have any flopping drama in its 119-114 win over the Timberwolves. Stephen Curry scored 44 points, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 26 points and nine rebounds. The Warriors have won two straight after an 0-3 start and can reach .500 Friday against the Lakers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors beat the Lakers on Friday and Curry tops 30 points again.
Oct 29
Giannis Heat Start Season 1 and 4
The NBA’s first week has already flipped expectations. Houston, Memphis and Oklahoma City are unbeaten, while Philadelphia is 4-1 behind Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Luka Dončić has the Lakers at 3-1, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat are just 1-4. The defending champion Knicks are 1-3, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges struggling. Injuries are hitting early. Anthony Edwards could miss up to two months after right knee surgery, Tyrese Haliburton is out at least two weeks with a left hamstring strain, and Jalen Williams is expected to miss the season for Oklahoma City. The Thunder are still 4-0, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying a bigger load. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Knicks will win at least five straight games before the end of November.
Oct 29
Yaxel Lendeborg Headlines 2026 Draft Steals
The 2026 draft is already producing real value outside the top 10. Golden State’s Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick, is averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists through four games. Toronto’s Allen Graves has brought defense and hustle at No. 19, while second-rounders Trevon Brazile in Denver and Meleek Thomas in Cleveland have flashed immediately. Oklahoma City’s No. 12 pick Aday Mara just posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 19 minutes. Lendeborg has the biggest early workload, but every name here landed in a situation with a clear path to more minutes. Brazile’s rebounding could help Denver, Mara may benefit after injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, and Thomas gave Cleveland a needed spark against Minnesota. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Meleek Thomas will be a regular part of Cleveland’s rotation by the end of November.
Oct 29
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.
Oct 29
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