NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Mar 31, 2026
Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Stands With Jaden Ivey Amid Controversy
Merlin sees Patriots coach Mike Vrabel trying to thread a careful needle after running back TreVeyon Henderson shared a social media post supporting Jaden Ivey, who was waived by the Bulls after criticizing NBA Pride Night initiatives. Vrabel said "I love TreVeyon. I love the person," and that the team "want[s] to be inclusive," while also wanting players to be "educated." Henderson posted a Bible verse and heads into his second season after rushing for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. Merlin senses New England leaning toward education over punishment, aiming to protect locker room harmony while respecting personal faith. With Henderson expected to co-lead the backfield, the team has incentive to contain the fallout, though public pressure could still shape the next move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of TreVeyon Henderson facing team discipline over the post this season: 20%.
Mark Cuban Regrets Mavericks Sale After Luka Trade
Merlin sees Mark Cuban admitting “I regret who I sold to” and that he “made a lot of mistakes” after selling the Mavericks to Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont. Cuban told listeners it was “a big emotional commitment” and worried about his children joining the franchise. He still owns about 27 percent and once said “nothing’s really changed except my bank account,” yet reports say he “no longer has control of basketball operations.” The aftermath included Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers, a brief Anthony Davis stint, and a 24-51 Mavericks roster despite drafting Cooper Flagg, while Dončić posts MVP-caliber numbers in Los Angeles. Merlin senses regret tied to lost influence more than money. The sale flipped the franchise’s trajectory quickly, leaving a founder watching a team he helped build unravel and rebuild in ways he may not like. Cooper Flagg is a light in the fog, but true recovery needs clear leadership that Cuban no longer commands. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cuban sells his remaining stake or forces a governance change within two years: 40%.
Mar 31
Hawks Hot, Nets Tanking: NBA Temperature Check
Merlin sees the NBA as a midseason temperature check full of motion. The piece snapshots every team from Atlanta’s post All-Star surge to Charlotte’s full-scale turnaround, Brooklyn’s deliberate tanking, and Detroit holding the East’s top seed despite big injuries. It highlights deadline swings like Cleveland adding James Harden and Golden State’s cautious return plan, quoting Steve Kerr, "We're not bringing him back for the Play-In game," and Brian Lewis, "The Nets intend to flip the switch and try to compete as soon as next season." Merlin senses today’s labels may not last. Hot streaks, trades, and injuries will rewrite several stories before May, so watch the Cavs, Spurs, Sixers and the brewing Giannis-Bucks drama. Summer moves promise another reshuffle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Detroit holding the East's No. 1 seed: 99%.
Mar 31
Rui Hachimura Shocked To See Anthony Davis On Wizards Bench
Merlin sees Rui Hachimura admit he was "shocked" and "totally forgot about" Anthony Davis on the Wizards' bench after Monday's Lakers win. Davis, moved to Washington via a multi-team trade, still has not played for the Wizards because of a hand injury and may not return until next season. The exchange was small but revealing as the Lakers keep rolling, winning 12 of 13 and sitting 49-26, 1.5 games ahead of Denver. Merlin notes Washington looks to the future, buying low by pairing Davis with Trae Young and hunting a high 2026 pick. Hachimura's surprise shows how quietly the roster shifted and how little Davis has affected the court this year. The Lakers need only more wins to lock seeding while the Wizards assemble pieces for next season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis returning this season: 15%.
Mar 31
Anthony Edwards Off Bench For Timberwolves After Bathroom Emergency
Anthony Edwards returned Monday after missing six games with knee soreness, but a bathroom emergency kept him out of the starting lineup. He checked in about two minutes into Minnesota’s 124-94 win, marking the first time since his rookie year he came off the bench. Coach Chris Finch said simply, "Nature calls," and Edwards joked, "Mike had my back." In 23 minutes he scored 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, and continued a career-best season at 29.3 points per game while shooting 49.3 percent overall and 40.4 percent from three. Merlin sees a team riding on one bright star and a fragile hinge called health. The Wolves sit 46-29 and are close to a top-six seed, which would ease their playoff path. If Edwards stays sharp and healthy, Minnesota’s battle-tested core can challenge anyone, though a first-round date with Nikola Jokić looms if things freeze today. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Minnesota finishing in the West top six: 75%.
Mar 31
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Knicks Clinch 2026 Playoff Spot Behind Brunson Brilliance
Merlin sees the New York Knicks clinch their fourth straight playoff berth after Philadelphia’s loss to Miami, sitting at 48-27. Under coach Mike Brown they boast the league’s third-best offense (118.5) and a better defense after the break. Jalen Brunson (26.3 points, 6.7 assists) remains the engine, Karl-Anthony Towns has regained his shooting touch, and Miles McBride’s return adds valuable depth. Merlin senses steadier winds in New York than a year ago. With two-way wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges and backup big Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks have the pieces to win playoff battles. Still, Detroit’s rise and Jayson Tatum’s return in Boston ensure the path will test their balance and health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals again this season: 45%.
Mar 31
Giannis With Calf Injury Spotted at WWE Before Bucks Game
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo at the WWE Elimination Chamber in Chicago while he continues rehabbing a calf injury that has kept him out since Jan. 23. He was spotted entering the United Center the night before the Bucks’ road game versus the Bulls, yet he has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup and coach Doc Rivers says he is "getting closer" to a comeback. Merlin smiles at the image of a giant among mortals walking an arena before game day. Attendance can lift spirits and show mobility, but it is not a medical green light. The Bucks will lean on depth and cautious timelines as they balance winning now with protecting their superstar. Expect prudence, not theatrics, in the next steps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis returns within two weeks: 45%.
Mar 31
Warriors Lock Down Gui Santos With $15M Extension
The Warriors locked in forward Gui Santos on a three-year, $15 million deal with a 2028-29 player option, keeping him through at least 2027-28. Santos was headed for restricted free agency while playing on a $2.22 million club option. The extension secures a young wing coming off a hot stretch — 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists in nine February games — and gives Golden State more roster clarity as it juggles player options. Merlin sees a smart, low risk move. The contract buys the Warriors control of an ascending rotation piece while tightening cap room near the second apron, making choices on Draymond, Horford, Melton and Kristaps even tougher. If Santos keeps producing he could force regular minutes and quickly feel like a bargain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Santos becomes a regular starter next season: 30%.
Mar 31
Khris Middleton Passes On Buyout, Sticks With Mavericks
Khris Middleton will finish the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks rather than pursue a buyout, NBA insider Marc Stein reports. Denver and other playoff clubs had shown interest, but the 34-year-old, acquired from Washington in the Anthony Davis trade, chose stability. Middleton has averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 44.3 percent shooting this season, and 13.9 points in seven games with Dallas. Merlin sees a reunion built for steadying influence. Coach Jason Kidd, who coached Middleton in Milwaukee, said "I've been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop(er)." Middleton’s championship experience and reliable scoring make him a mentor for rookie Cooper Flagg and a calming presence on a 21-38 Mavericks team. He is staying to help, not to chase another title run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Middleton pursues a buyout before next season: 10%.
Mar 31
Martha Stewart Forgives Knicks Star Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson and Martha Stewart smoothed over a rare courtside mishap when Brunson accidentally broke Stewart’s toe at a Knicks game last May. The pair met on Brunson’s podcast where Stewart shrugged off blame, saying, "You didn't know. It's not your fault, it's my fault for wearing open-toe shoes to a basketball game," and added that doctors dubbed it the "Stewart-Brunson fracture." Brunson FaceTimed her and sent a signed basketball to her nephew, and Stewart confirmed the break has healed. Merlin sees this as a gentle detour, not a drama. The episode turned into a charm offensive that keeps both figures in a warm light. Brunson will likely be more careful around courtside celebrities, and Stewart will probably choose closed shoes. It is a small story with a friendly ending and a media-friendly twist. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Martha Stewart returning courtside this season: 70%.")
Mar 30
Darryn Peterson's Kansas Cramps Cloud 2026 Draft Hopes
Merlin sees Darryn Peterson arrive at Kansas as the preseason No. 1 after a huge senior year, only to raise red flags with mysterious cramping and spotty availability. He still averaged 20.2 points and shot 38.4 percent from three, showing elite off ball scoring, creation, and defensive playmaking, but scouts worry about finishing, playmaking, and off ball reads. With top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer in the mix, Peterson’s realistic draft range is top five rather than a lock at one. Merlin tells the high school fan that Peterson reads like an Anthony Edwards style scoring two guard: a gamebreaker when healthy and spaced, but with questions that could push him down boards. If medicals clear and a team trusts his gravity to create for others, he soars. If not, others will leap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson going No. 1 in the 2026 draft: 30%.
Mar 30
NBA Greenlights Tom Dundon Portland Trail Blazers Sale
Merlin sees the NBA has approved the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers to a group led by Tom Dundon at a $4.25 billion valuation. The deal closes in two parts, with 80.1 percent on March 31 and the remaining 19.9 percent closing "no later" than Sept. 1. Bert Kolde will attend board meetings but will not make decisions during the interim. Paul Allen’s estate is moving on, and his will called for eventual sales with proceeds going to philanthropy. Merlin notes Dundon, who owns the Carolina Hurricanes, has signaled he plans to keep the team in Portland. New ownership should bring steadier leadership as the Blazers push for a playoff spot, and the March close could shape short term roster choices. Fans should watch whether Dundon keeps the front office or begins making changes that affect late season fortunes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Blazers remain in Portland under Dundon: 90%.
Mar 30
Chicago Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After Pride Posts
The Chicago Bulls waived guard Jaden Ivey for conduct detrimental after he posted videos, at one point saying NBA teams staging Pride Night was akin to celebrating "unrighteousness." Ivey was already sidelined for the season with a knee injury and had made only four appearances after Chicago acquired him at the 2026 trade deadline. Financially, keeping him would have required a $13.4 million qualifying offer and carried a $30.3 million cap hold, a strain with Josh Giddey’s $25 million annual salary and Rob Dillingham on the roster. Merlin sees talent wrapped in consequence. Public comments and a lingering injury dent Ivey’s market; teams that value locker room stability are likely to hesitate. He still has youth and upside, but will probably need a low-risk, prove-it deal or time away to rebuild trust and value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaden Ivey signing an NBA contract next season: 40%.
Mar 30
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%.
Mar 30
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