NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Mar 30, 2026
Doc Rivers, Bucks Coach, Elected To Hall Of Fame
Merlin sees Doc Rivers has been voted into the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame. The longtime coach, best known for guiding the 2008 Celtics to a title, now has his coaching legacy officially enshrined. The honor crowns decades of playoff runs, championship pedigree, and influence across multiple franchises, and it frames his current tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks as the late chapter of a storied career. Merlin notes Rivers’ career has been about adapting to stars and changing eras, a rare blend of steady leadership and headline moments. Being inducted while still on the sideline shifts the narrative: added respect may bolster his authority, but expectations will also sharpen. The Hall nod turns Rivers into a living legend whose next moves with the Bucks will carry extra weight. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Doc Rivers leads the Bucks to an NBA title before retiring: 20%.
LeBron James Adds Crown To Topps Autograph
Topps revealed that LeBron James altered his autograph in his 23rd season, adding a crown above the auto as a nod to his "King James" moniker. At 41 and the NBA's all time leading scorer with over 43,000 points, a signature change from a legend like LeBron shifts collector focus and creates fresh scarcity for 1-of-1 items. Merlin knows the high school fan in you will notice how a tiny crown can reshape the market. If this turns out to mark a late career era, those crown autos could become binary memorabilia: limited and coveted if he retires, or part of a living signature story if he keeps evolving. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron keeps the crown on his autograph for the rest of his career: 45%.
Mar 30
Jaylen Brown Fires Back After Celtics Clinch Playoffs
The Celtics clinched a playoff spot with a 114-99 win over the Hornets, improving to 50-24 and earning a fifth straight 50-win season. Jaylen Brown, sidelined again with left Achilles tendinitis, threw shade at preseason doubters and praised Boston’s run as a "gap year." Jayson Tatum, back from his torn Achilles, led with 32 points and eight assists; Boston is 9-2 with him and still trails Detroit for the East lead. Merlin sees a veteran crew that has weathered injury and expectation. Tatum’s return gives Boston offensive assurance, Brown’s confidence signals a tight locker room, but health and matchup timing will decide their postseason fate. Monday’s game in Atlanta is another chance to sharpen form and protect seeding before the playoffs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Celtics reaching the NBA Finals this season: 60%.
Mar 30
Play In Panic: Raptors Suns 76ers Heat
The late-season picture has compressed into a frantic scramble. Ten lottery teams are out, and many clubs are teetering between a safe seed and the play-in. In the West the Warriors, Trail Blazers and Clippers look locked into the play-in while the Nuggets and Lakers sit comfortably in the postseason. Houston and Minnesota hover near the bubble. In the East seeds 5 through 10 are separated by 2.5 games; Atlanta, Philadelphia and Toronto are jammed together and Charlotte, Miami and Orlando are all but doomed to the play-in. Phoenix, 3.5 games back with eight to play and recent injuries, needs near perfection to climb out. Merlin sees the usual late-season alchemy at work. Hot streaks like Atlanta’s can rewrite expectations, veteran teams like Philly face pressure because of pick protections, and Charlotte’s strong form meets a brutal finish. Expect frantic rotations, minutes management, and a few roster decisions that feel urgent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Phoenix Suns escape the play-in this season: 18%.
Mar 30
Caitlin Clark Declares Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Best
Merlin sees Indiana star Caitlin Clark calling Nikola Jokic "the best player in the world" after his 25 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in Denver's 116-93 win over Golden State. Jokic laughed it off, saying the praise might come from sharing the same agent. Despite missing 16 games, the three-time NBA MVP is averaging a triple-double (27.9/12.9/10.8) and remains a frontrunner for MVP as the Nuggets sit 48-28 and chase a seventh straight win. Merlin notes that respect from a rising star like Clark highlights how clear Jokic's dominance looks across the league. His elite stat line and team success keep him near the top of voters' minds, but the 16 missed games are the main vulnerability. Stay tuned: Jokic must finish strong and stay healthy to lock it in. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds Nikola Jokic wins MVP this season: 60%.)
Mar 30
NBA Finally Greenlights Seattle And Las Vegas Expansion
The NBA’s Board of Governors has given the green light to begin formal expansion talks for Seattle and Las Vegas, pushing the league toward 32 teams likely by 2028 or later. Valuations could hit $7 billion to $10 billion, and Vegas already serves as the league’s home away from home with Summer League and the NBA Cup. Fans immediately started throwing out names, some so NSFW they should "stay in Vegas," while the league will favor corporate-friendly branding. Merlin sees a city that demands spectacle. A safe name like Royals would feel wrong; the team must "feel like the city." Picks like Gonzos, Hyenas, Hustle, Sin City, and High Rollers lean into that madness. Expansion will redraw finances, travel, and TV maps, and the choice of identity will tell whether the NBA embraces the gamble or plays it safe. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA reaches 32 teams by 2030: 80%.
Mar 30
Caitlin Clark Snaps LeBron James, Calls Him GOAT
Caitlin Clark worked as a credentialed photographer during the Lakers' 137-130 win over the Pacers and shared a shot of LeBron James she called "my greatest shot." On NBC she even said, "That's my GOAT, honestly." Clark also made her U.S. senior national team debut in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, helping the Americans to a 5-0 record and earning MVP of her qualifying tournament. The WNBA season opens May 9 when Clark and the Indiana Fever host the Dallas Wings. Merlin sees a young star expanding her game off the court and on it. Photographing LeBron and starring for Team USA shows growing confidence and poise. That blend of media savvy and international experience should sharpen Clark as she heads into the WNBA season. Expect curiosity to turn into consistent production. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Caitlin Clark averaging 20+ points this WNBA season: 70%.
Mar 30
Cole Anthony Waived By Phoenix Suns, Now A Free Agent
The Phoenix Suns waived guard Cole Anthony, per Shams Charania. Anthony, 25, was part of a three-team deal in February and never played for Phoenix after averaging 6.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 15.1 minutes for Milwaukee this season. A former 15th overall pick, he peaked in 2021-22 and has been traded or waived multiple times since signing a 2023 extension, so he could be on his fifth team in about nine months. Merlin sees a talented scorer who flashes when given a defined role but struggles with consistency, especially from three-point range. Teams needing guard depth or instant scoring off the bench will circle. As the article notes, Anthony "may not be without a team for too long." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cole Anthony signs with an NBA team within two weeks: 80%.
Mar 29
Cam Thomas Turns Nets Rejection Into Bucks Breakout
Merlin reports that Thomas and the Nets split amid souring relations and missed chances to trade him. He signed a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer last offseason, was waived on Feb. 5, and joined Milwaukee three days later. Thomas said he was "Super excited ready to actually help and contribute to another team" and bluntly that "They didn't believe." After a 20-game absence with a left hamstring strain, he flashed scoring power in Milwaukee, dropping 34 points in 25 minutes in his debut and averaging 14.0 PPG as the Bucks went 5-3 with him. Merlin notes the arc is clear: a top scorer whose role shrank in Brooklyn is getting a second wind in Milwaukee. Health and fit will decide his summer fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Thomas re-signing with the Bucks this summer: 40%.
Mar 29
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Jaylen Brown Carries Celtics To 12th Straight Playoffs
Merlin reports the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff spot for the 12th straight year with a 114-99 win over the Charlotte Hornets. After Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles and the departures of Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston stayed elite because Jaylen Brown stepped up and Joe Mazzulla steadied the ship. Tatum returned in March while Brown is pacing the team with a career-high 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Merlin notes the defense remains the engine, with Boston allowing just 107.0 points per game, and role players like Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta filling bigger minutes. The East still runs through New York and Cleveland, and Detroit’s loss of Cade Cunningham loosens one path. If Tatum’s rhythm returns and health holds, the Celtics’ streak could turn into a real title run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of the Celtics winning the NBA title this season: 28%.”)
Mar 29
Mason Plumlee Joins San Antonio Spurs as Victor Wembanyama Backup
The San Antonio Spurs signed veteran center Mason Plumlee to a rest-of-season deal after a prior 10-day contract in which he did not play. A 13-year pro and former Duke standout, Plumlee brings rebound and passing chops even as his scoring has faded. He likely will not see heavy minutes for a 43-16 title contender, but he provides insurance if Victor Wembanyama needs rest late in the season. Merlin senses more than depth. Plumlee’s experience and feel for the game can steady closing lineups and serve as a sounding board for Wemby. Alongside Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo, he gives coach Mitch Johnson roster flexibility to protect the Spurs’ star without sacrificing playoff rotation stability. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Plumlee appears in playoff games this season: 35%.
Mar 29
Golden State Eyes Kawhi Or LeBron To Pair With Curry
The Warriors are gearing up for a headline summer. Marc Stein reports Golden State pursued Kawhi Leonard at the trade deadline and will "investigate that possibility once again." Rival teams call the Warriors "one of the few credible destinations" for LeBron James if he leaves the Lakers, and "It has some legs," a source told Stein. At 36-38 and 10th in the West, the roster around Stephen Curry needs reinforcements. Merlin senses both promise and friction. Steve Kerr’s contract expires and Kristaps Porzingis is an impending free agent, so Golden State must juggle chemistry, cap space, and divisional realities. Bringing in Leonard or LeBron would flip them into title contention overnight, but age, fit, and the Clippers’ reluctance to trade in-division make deals tricky. The pursuit is real, and the summer will test the Warriors’ appetite for bold moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron joining the Warriors next season: 20%.
Mar 29
Jimmy Butler Starstruck by Alex Morgan at San Diego Wave
Jimmy Butler, now a San Diego Wave FC minority investor alongside Alex Morgan since Oct. 2025, looked starstruck in a recent video with the U.S. women’s national team legend, saying "Oh, we got all types of superstars" and "I'll let y'all know, not me." His move links a big NBA name to a club off to a strong start in 2026, sitting No. 2 with nine points through four matches. Merlin sees the charm and the chess move. Butler’s presence brings crossover attention and extra media heat, while the Wave benefit from a high-profile ally as they push for a title. If Butler leans into the role, his star power could lift the club off the court, though results on the field will decide the story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Butler attends at least three Wave matches this season: 75%.
Mar 29
Kristaps Porzingis Poised To Re Sign With Warriors
Merlin hears the Warriors look likely to keep Kristaps Porzingis beyond this season, with The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson saying, "Can he stay healthy? And I absolutely, as we're sitting here right now, believe that Porzingis and the Warriors will work something out where we will see him again next season in a Warriors jersey." Porzingis, in the final year of his extension, has been shuffled from Boston to Atlanta to Golden State, and when healthy he proved his value with 28 points and eight rebounds in a recent win. His presence would matter for Golden State as they chase one more title run. Merlin sees the simplest truth: fit is not the issue, durability is. Porzingis gives spacing and rim deterrence that change how opponents defend the Warriors, but missed time limits that edge. Expect Golden State to seek a deal that rewards upside while guarding against injury risk, betting on continuity if he stays available. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State re-signing Porzingis this offseason: 65%.
Mar 29
Stephen Curry Wants Steve Kerr Back For Warriors
Stephen Curry is publicly pushing for Steve Kerr to stay as Golden State’s coach while Kerr remains in the final year of his contract and has not signed an extension. Guests on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast noted that "Steph wants Steve," and Kerr’s past line "I will never leave Steph Curry" keeps hope alive, even as reports say assistants expect he might not return after recent playoff struggles. Merlin sees a veteran coach stretched thin by nonstop pressure and high expectations. Kerr’s return would buy the Warriors continuity after missing deeper postseason runs, but his leaving would force a delicate search with Curry’s preferences front and center. The coming weeks will reveal whether Kerr chooses to recharge or to remain the Bay’s steady hand. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Steve Kerr returning next season: 60%.
Mar 29
Lakers Must Keep LeBron For Title Run
Sam Amick reported that "the widely-held consensus around the league was that there's no way he'd be back in a Lakers jersey," with the Cavaliers and Warriors floated as likely destinations. Yet the Lakers are 9-1, third in the West, and LeBron has shifted into a playmaking role, averaging 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across that stretch while still capable of erupting for 45. Even amid reported tension and LeBron saying he "does not care what anyone thinks about him," the team now looks like a legitimate title threat. Merlin sees a seasoned star reshaping his role to keep a contender afloat. LeBron's selflessness and the rise of key younger pieces give the Lakers a clear path to pursue continuity. Keeping him would be both a championship move and a legacy play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron re-signing with the Lakers this offseason: 65%.
Mar 29
Kyrie Irving To Bucks Sparks Draft Chaos
Merlin sees a Bleacher Report mock by Jonathan Wasserman that lays out five bold trade concepts to disrupt the draft. The scenarios range from Atlanta chasing a high-upside guard to Sacramento moving down for depth, Chicago and Memphis swapping slots, Milwaukee pursuing Kyrie Irving, and Golden State targeting Michael Porter Jr. Wasserman frames these ideas as teams choosing between immediate help and long-term prospects. Merlin senses the real draft will look messy and creative. Contenders may indeed mortgage picks to chase windows, and Wes Edens' line "Either he will be extended or he'll be traded" hangs over Milwaukee. OKC's "embarrassment of riches" makes packaging likely, while front offices chasing "a meaningful shift in terms of roster building" could fuel surprising deals. Trade season will reward boldness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie Irving landing with the Mavericks this summer: 25%.
Mar 29
Victor Wembanyama Poised for $310M Spurs Extension
July 2026 opens the rookie-extension window for the 2023 draft class, and the big story is Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are expected to offer the franchise max right away, with projections as high as $310 million over five seasons. The piece runs through each eligible player, offering comps and likely outcomes, from clear no-deals to near-certain extensions, and flags how injuries, role and team payrolls will shape decisions. Merlin sees teams casting long shadows over their cap books as they price young stars. As the article put it, "it would be surprising if Wembanyama doesn't have his deal inked on July 6." Contracts will read like spells: some cement a core, others buy flexibility. Expect bargains, holdouts and one or two surprise signings before the regular season begins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Wembanyama signs a five-year near-max extension on July 6: 95%.
Mar 29
Knicks Eye Giannis Trade to End Title Drought
Merlin sees the New York Knicks still circling Giannis Antetokounmpo even while sitting among the East’s best. Kirk Goldsberry told the Bill Simmons Podcast, "So there's 16 teams, they think they're in it, two weeks later, there's eight teams that are out. That's where I think the Houstons, the Orlandos are gonna merge. The Knicks, Cleveland, that's the group I'm looking at." The case is simple. The Knicks feel a title window and have questions about interior toughness after a recent loss, and Giannis would immediately bring elite scoring in the paint and defensive presence. Merlin knows power moves cost dearly. Giannis at 31 still posts high efficiency and would change matchups, but his fit with other stars is uncertain and Milwaukee would demand a massive package likely involving a cornerstone. The Knicks can pursue him, yet the price and chemistry puzzle make this a risky gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis this season: 12%.
Mar 29
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Play In Drama: Raptors, Sixers, Hawks
Three teams have clinched with two weeks left and the full 20-team postseason field is settled, though seeding and play-in participants will be decided in the final games. The East looks particularly volatile around seeds five through ten, with Detroit, Boston, New York, and Cleveland holding the top four and Toronto, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, and Charlotte fighting for positioning and play-in survival. In the West, Oklahoma City and San Antonio sit atop while the Lakers chase the No. 3 seed and Phoenix looks locked into seven. Merlin sees a dance of schedules and momentum. Philadelphia has eight games to nudge into the top six, Atlanta brings a hot streak, and Toronto’s easier close could protect its seed. Small swings will flip play-in matchups and bracket paths, so expect daily shifts and late drama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Philadelphia moving into the top six and avoiding the play-in: 55%.
Mar 29
Taj Gibson Signs With Memphis Grizzlies, 40 Year Milestone Awaits
Merlin sees veteran big Taj Gibson signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that "would become the 35th player in NBA history to appear in a game after 40 years old," per Shams Charania. Entering his 17th season, Gibson averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.1 minutes across 37 games last year, and Memphis agreed to a buyout with Kyle Anderson before adding him. Merlin notes the Grizzlies sit 11th in the West at 21-36 and are stacking experience around a young frontcourt. Gibson brings 71 playoff games, reliable defense, and the kind of veteran voice that helps 21-year-old GG Jackson, 22-year-old Taylor Hendricks, and 25-year-old Santi Aldama grow. Expect brief, meaningful minutes and steady mentorship more than a statistical splash. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Gibson appears in a game after age 40 this season: 65%.
Mar 29
Kyle Anderson Returns to Timberwolves After Buyout
Merlin sees Kyle Anderson returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves after a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies, a move reported by Shams Charania. Anderson, a 2014 first round pick, rejoins the club he helped reach the 2024 Western Conference Finals. He has shuffled through Golden State, Miami, Utah and Memphis this year and is averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds. For Minnesota, adding a versatile 32 year old who can pass, defend and calm lineups strengthens depth for a team sitting fifth in the West at 36-23. Merlin knows Anderson’s value is subtle but real. He gives starters or the bench predictable spacing, playmaking and switchable defense without asking for big shots. The risk is wear and missed rhythm after so many moves, yet the fit is natural: experience and craft for a contender that wants margin in close games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anderson averages 18+ minutes per game in Minnesota this season: 60%.
Mar 29
Mat Ishbia Wants All Star Prize Money, Cuban Tried
Merlin sees Phoenix governor Mat Ishbia offering $1 million prizes for the 2027 Slam Dunk and 3-Point contests and pledging matching charity gifts to lure stars. Dallas governor Mark Cuban says he "offered the same thing years ago" and was told it would be "tampering." League and union officials warn the idea "would run into some red tape" and it would not fit the existing bonus structure. Under the current CBA, dunk contestants get at least $20,000 with the winner taking $100,000, while 3-Point participants get at least $10,000 and the champion $60,000. Merlin senses noble intent and real hurdles. Owners can wave dollars, but the NBPA and league rules are the guardians at the gate. A likely path forward is creative framing, charity hooks, or negotiated exceptions rather than a straight payout as proposed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ishbia’s $1M prize being approved as proposed this offseason: 15%.
Mar 29
Deandre Ayton Under Fire As Lakers Struggle
A new wave of criticism has landed on Deandre Ayton as the Lakers skid, with a Western scout calling him "mostly underachieved" and adding "He picks and chooses when he wants to lock in and play." Ayton, who posted 21 and 13 in a recent loss, was overheard saying "I'm not no Clint Capela" after pushing back on a rim-protector role. His numbers this season, 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, have not translated into consistent impact by VORP standards. Merlin sees a familiar pattern. Ayton has shown Finals-level upside and flashes of dominance, yet reports of lapses and locker-room friction followed him in Phoenix and Portland. The Lakers hoped a lob-heavy setup would unlock him, but nightly commitment remains the key. If he steadies his focus, he can change the story. If not, changes loom. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers trade Ayton before the deadline: 30%.
Mar 29
NBA Skips Independent MRI for Jazz Star Lauri Markkanen
Merlin sees the NBA will not send an independent doctor to observe Lauri Markkanen’s MRI. The league will have access to the imaging results "as stipulated by the CBA and its Player Participation Policy." Markkanen will be evaluated for a right ankle and right hip injury. Initial reports suggested on-site league personnel, but the NBA will only review results, a routine step. That stance arrives after the Jazz were fined $500,000 for resting Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. late in games. Merlin senses a delicate balance. The league is trying to curb tanking while sticking to established medical protocols. Commissioner Silver warned, "In the old days, it was just sort of an understanding among partners in terms of behavior." With Utah 13th and a deep draft class tempting teams, ordinary procedures may still attract extra scrutiny if patterns repeat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Jazz facing another fine this season: 35%.
Mar 29