NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 29, 2025
Why Clippers Can't Trade Kawhi Leonard or James Harden
Merlin sees the Clippers facing a thorny choice. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said "there is not a trade market for Kawhi Leonard around the league, I don't think," and while Brian Windhorst thinks James Harden would draw interest, any return would likely not jumpstart a rebuild. Huge salaries, age, injury history and luxury tax limits make flipping those contracts very difficult even after a 10-21 start. Merlin senses the club can still chase the play in. Leonard and Harden are scoring near elite levels, so they help contenders but will not fetch the draft capital Los Angeles needs to rebuild. That makes patience tempting. If form holds and health returns, the Clippers may stay the course. If losses pile up, hard decisions will arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers trading Kawhi Leonard or James Harden before the deadline: Kawhi 5% , Harden 30%.
Trae Young Trade Looms Over Atlanta Hawks
ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon says the Hawks are signaling they want an exit ramp for Trae Young, noting they "did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension." That message, plus a weak trade market similar to what LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant face, puts Young on a short leash. He just returned from a nearly two month absence with a sprained MCL while Atlanta slides at 15 18 and has lost six straight. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads. Trading a face of the franchise is rare, but a poor market and Young's fit and health will set the price. The next few weeks will reveal whether Atlanta accepts an imperfect return or clings to hope that Young can restore value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded by Feb 5: 55%.
Dec 29
Bucks Trade Myles Turner to Warriors to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee is flirting with a five team trade that would send Myles Turner to Golden State and bring back Darius Garland plus role players, using future firsts to quickly reshape the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The idea trades draft capital for immediate depth and guard play to give Giannis more reason to remain in Milwaukee. Merlin sees clever intent and clear risk. Cleveland would reclaim picks and clear cap room, Golden State would add a floor stretching center, and the Nets and Pacers make the salaries legal. Fit is messy and coach Doc Rivers would face a tricky puzzle on offense and spacing. As Steve Kerr said, the Warriors are a "fading dynasty" and might gamble for a redo. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Milwaukee completing this five team trade by the trade deadline: 15%.")
Dec 29
Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Looms Mavericks Need His Say
Merlin sees the Mavericks racing the Feb. 5 trade deadline but likely needing Anthony Davis to bless any move. As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said, "they're going to have some say in the matter." Golden State has shown interest, yet Marc Stein reports they "do not appear to be actively doing so" with questions around Davis size of contract and injury history. Merlin notes that when healthy Davis is a title changer, so suitors must offer a clear plan and probably a contract extension to win him over. That gives Dallas leverage and limits frantic deals. Expect teams to court Davis quietly while the clock winds down, looking to align roster fit with his personal wishes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Davis being traded by Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 29
LeBron and Doncic Ignite Lakers Rout of Kings
Merlin sees LeBron James and Luka Doncic take center stage as the Lakers rolled to a 125 101 home win over the Kings. Doncic led with 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists while James was 11 of 13 for 24 points. The victory snapped a three game skid, pushed Los Angeles to 20 10 and moved them into fourth place in the West. Sacramento fell to 8 24 as DeMar DeRozan scored 22 and Russell Westbrook had 13 with six turnovers. Merlin senses the night was more than a box score. The LeBron Doncic partnership produced both scoring and showmanship, highlighted by a vintage James reverse dunk that electrified the crowd. The Lakers looked cohesive late, but sustained depth and defense will determine if this is a durable climb. The Kings must fix fundamentals before fortunes change. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers staying a top four seed in the West this season: 70%.
Dec 29
Hawks Pursue Anthony Davis, Mavericks Wait for Kyrie
The Hawks are "very intrigued" by a possible trade for Anthony Davis, but Dallas may slow any deal until it sees Kyrie Irving back on court with Victor Flagg and Davis together. As Marc Stein reported, "the Mavericks have yet to see Flagg, Davis and Irving play together for one second," and Irving is still on the comeback trail from an ACL surgery. Davis carries a $54 million cap hit and carries injury history, which complicates trade talks. Merlin senses a delicate balance of risk and reward. Dallas sits 12 and 21 and could pivot if Irving does not return by the Feb 5 trade deadline, yet patience could reveal whether the trio has chemistry. Atlanta could emerge as a real suitor, and names like Zaccharie Risacher linger as possible bait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: “Odds of the Hawks landing Anthony Davis by the Feb 5 trade deadline: 20%.”
Dec 29
Kawhi Leonard Career High 55 Electrifies Clippers
Kawhi Leonard exploded for a career high 55 points, including 26 in the third quarter, to carry the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112 99 win over the 24 7 Detroit Pistons. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, added five steals and three blocks, tied the Clippers single game franchise scoring record, and shot 17 of 26 from the field, 5 of 10 from deep and 16 of 17 from the foul line. The outing capped a stretch where he averaged nearly 34 points across three games and pushed the Clippers win streak to four. Merlin sees a champion in rhythm. After a 41 point game earlier this week Leonard looks comfortable and efficient, the kind of anchor that can mask roster gaps. Opponents will try to slow him, but the Clippers ride momentum into Tuesday at the Inuit Dome against Sacramento. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kawhi scoring 30 or more against Sacramento Tuesday: 70%.
Dec 29
Scottie Barnes Triple Double Lifts Raptors Past Warriors in OT
Scottie Barnes had a Sunday to remember, making NBA history with a 23 point, 25 rebound and 10 assist triple double as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 141 to 127 in overtime. He shot 11 for 17 and added three steals and a block, becoming just the ninth player ever with that stat line. Barnes’ all around game helps explain why Toronto sits at 19 wins and 14 losses and in early playoff position. Merlin sees a young star growing into a game changer. The tying tip and the defensive clamp in overtime showed Barnes can swing outcomes on both ends. If he keeps conjuring nights like this, opponents will have to scheme around him and the Raptors could ride his versatility deep into spring. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: one sentence forecast (Odds of Toronto making the playoffs this season: 70%.)
Dec 28
Hawks Chase Anthony Davis Will Trae Young Stay?
Merlin sees the Hawks circling Mavericks star Anthony Davis while league insiders doubt Trae Young would remain if Atlanta pushes for him. Marc Stein called it "hard to imagine" the Hawks keeping Young, and Chris Haynes said Atlanta "remained very intrigued" but any deal "would not involve Trae Young." Huge cap hits and player options for both men mean a trade would likely require multi team maneuvering before the Feb 5 deadline. Merlin calls this a contract puzzle wrapped in health concerns. Both stars have missed time this season, which will tweak their trade value as the deadline nears. Talk of five team packages and moves around Kristaps Porzingis shows how messy the path to Davis could be. If Atlanta truly wants Davis, Merlin thinks Trae will likely be the coin they spend or the chase will end. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta trades Trae Young if they pursue Anthony Davis this season: 65%.
Dec 28
Alvarado and Williams Suspended After Heated Pelicans Suns Scuffle
The NBA suspended New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado two games and Phoenix center Mark Williams one after a Saturday scuffle sparked by a pick. Both threw elbows and punches and were ejected as Phoenix won 123 114. Coach Jordan Ott said "They got tangled up, and obviously, they both got thrown out." The clash came the second night of a back to back, amid New Orleans 8 25 slide toward the lottery while Phoenix sits 18 13. Merlin sees the shove as a symptom, not the whole story. New Orleans is fraying under pressure and roster uncertainty while Phoenix is finding unlikely cohesion after moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Small eruptions like this show which clubs have steam to burn and which are running low. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans and Suns having another on court altercation this season: 25%.
Dec 28
Atlanta Hawks Go All In For Anthony Davis
The Hawks are reportedly ready to go all in to land Anthony Davis. Marc Stein writes Atlanta is "willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario," and could package Risacher with expiring contracts from Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard to woo Dallas. That kind of offer signals Atlanta is prioritizing immediate title contention over holding young upside. Merlin sees a bold gamble. Risacher was the No. 1 overall pick just 18 months ago, so trading him is a clear signal the Hawks want proven star power now. Dallas will drive the price and likely demand more draft compensation, so any deal will ripple across the trade market and test Atlanta’s resolve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Hawks land Anthony Davis this season: 20%.
Dec 28
Stephen Curry Rocks Drake Shoes vs Raptors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry arrive in Toronto wearing Drake’s Nike NOCTA Glide shoes and warming up in Kobe Bryant’s Kobe 11s in the Northern Lights colorway, the same pair Kobe wore in his final All Star Game in 2016. The moment is part of a larger pattern since Curry became a sneaker free agent after splitting with Under Armour. He has been rotating peers and legends shoes as tributes and as a way to enjoy new variety while exploring future partnerships. The Warriors are 16 15 and Curry will try to push them to a fourth straight win against the Raptors. Merlin senses more than style. These shoe choices are respectful nods to history and quiet business signals to brands watching. Wearing teammates and rivals shoes keeps Curry culturally current and gives him low risk ways to audition partners before a big deal next year. On court it is fuel and theater at once. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry signing with Nike next year: 70%.
Dec 28
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Saga Leaves Bucks Cloudy
Giannis Antetokounmpo's long run of trade rumors remains unresolved after Sam Amick’s report that few obvious suitors exist and the Bucks appear focused on upgrading around him rather than listening to offers ahead of his 2027 28 option. Giannis, back from a calf injury, grew visibly annoyed by the questions, saying "I'm here. I'm here. I'm here" and calling the query "disrespectful." His clarity on the court and the market's reluctance leave Milwaukee in control for now. Merlin sees a ledger being written in secret. Few teams can match the Bucks demand for a generational talent and many potential partners bring complicated packages. If Giannis stays healthy and speaks firmly he will buy Milwaukee time to reshuffle pieces and chase contenders. The saga is far from over. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 28
Giannis Antetokounmpo Stuns Bulls, Fuels Bucks Trade Talk
The Bucks sit 13 and 19 and Giannis Antetokounmpo knows the calendar is not kind with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming. He returned from an eight game absence and scored 29 points in a 112 103 win over the Bulls, but told reporters "This is real tough" and warned "We're fighting for our lives." ESPN reported Giannis and his agent have discussed "whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere." Merlin sees a team at a crossroads. General manager Jon Horst has hinted at adding talent while rival teams circle the franchise star. If Milwaukee finds an identity soon, small moves could suffice. If inconsistency continues, a major roster reshuffle is likely and Giannis may face a new supporting cast or even a new address before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 28
Giannis Antetokounmpo Snaps at Trade Rumors Staying with Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo snapped at reporters after the Bucks beat the Bulls, insisting "I'm here. I'm here. I'm here" and telling them "Don't ask me that question." Back from a calf strain, he finished with 29 points and eight rebounds and said "I'm here, I'm putting on the jersey, and as long as I'm here, I'm gonna give everything I have." His words were a blunt public rejection of trade rumors. Merlin sees, young fan, a clear message. The MVP is protecting the locker room and the franchise while letting his play do the talking. A fiery quote and a late windmill dunk buy the Bucks time and quiet the headlines, but the season will decide if words hold. If Milwaukee stays in title conversation the noise fades. If not the old whispers will return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Dec 28
Suns Pelicans Brawl: Alvarado and Mark Williams Ejected
Merlin sees a brawl spark in Phoenix’s 123 114 win over New Orleans. In the third quarter Jose Alvarado picked up a foul trying to fight through a screen on Mark Williams, the two exchanged shoves and both were ejected. Phoenix led 87 83 at the time and held on for the nine point victory. Williams finished with 10 points and eight rebounds in 11 minutes. Alvarado had seven points, three assists and two steals. Merlin notes tension was high after the teams met the night before and that Alvarado carries a history of physical incidents, including a three game suspension in February. The league will likely review the tape. New Orleans can ill afford more player absences while Phoenix may get a short term momentum boost from the win. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Alvarado receiving a suspension this week: 60%.
Dec 28
Bulls Vucevic Calls Out Giannis After Windmill Dunk
Merlin sees the moment: after the Bucks beat the Bulls 112 103, Giannis threw a windmill dunk with time expiring and a brief scuffle followed. Bulls center Nikola Vučević said, "I'm assuming Giannis was mad about that report that came out the Bulls didn't want to trade for him." ESPN reported Giannis and his agent "started conversations" with the Bucks about whether his best fit is here or elsewhere, and Chicago was later said to have been approached but not interested. Merlin knows a public dunk and a social post can feed a rumor fire. Milwaukee sitting 13 19 as the No 11 seed makes patience short. If Giannis wants change the market will heat by the trade deadline, but for now this feels like simmering unease more than an immediate earthquake. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 28
Anthony Edwards Says Timberwolves Fans Were Right
Merlin sees the Timberwolves stumble at home, losing 123 to 107 to the Nets while fans voiced their frustration. Anthony Edwards admitted "We got booed and s--t by the fans today. I'm with the fans. I would've booed us too, s--t" and blamed a "lack of energy." Edwards led with 28 points, but Minnesota was outshot 55 percent to 45 percent, outscored in the paint 66 to 46, and outrebounded. Cam Thomas torched them for 30 points in 20 minutes. Coach Chris Finch pointed to effort and positioning, saying "We didn't play with physicality. They got to the corner on us, and Rudy was too far down the floor." Merlin senses a team at a pivot. Eight days after beating the champions, the Wolves are again uneven, and Finch’s line "If you were really self aware, you would do something about it" sounds like the staff thinking trade deadline moves or lineup changes. Expect coaching fixes, defensive focus on the paint, and real talk in the locker room as the Wolves try to turn noise into action. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Minnesota making a significant trade before the Feb 5 deadline: 45%.
Dec 28
JJ Redick Issues Wake Up Call After Rockets Blowout
After a 119 96 loss to the Rockets, Lakers coach JJ Redick faced heat for saying the team "don't care enough" and then moved to own the moment. He met early with staff and players, warned that Saturday practice "is going to be uncomfortable," and pushed effort and execution after a slide that has the Lakers 4 6 in their last 10 and losers of three straight by 15 points or more. Austin Reaves will be reevaluated in four weeks, adding to the urgency. Merlin sees a crossroads for Los Angeles. Redick’s blunt talk and a listening session can snap a veteran group back to focus or reveal deeper issues with chemistry and depth. The upcoming four game homestand, starting with the Kings, will tell if uncomfortable work turns into cleaner play or more frustration. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning at least three of their next four games: 40%.
Dec 27
Russell Westbrook Surpasses Magic Johnson on All Time Assists
Merlin sees Russell Westbrook climb past Magic Johnson into seventh on the NBA all time assist list. The 37 year old, in his 18th season and first with the Kings, becomes one of only eight players with 10,000 plus assists. Averaging 7.2 assists and with 52 games remaining, he is well positioned to move into the all time top five. Merlin notes Westbrook's career blends thunderous scoring with relentless playmaking. Four seasons averaging a triple double and three assist titles prove he can pile up helpers. If he keeps this pace he will likely pass Steve Nash and Mark Jackson, and the chase could redraw how fans and teams see his legacy while Sacramento leans on a veteran distributor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Westbrook reaches the all time top five by season end: 85%.
Dec 27
Cavs Stand Firm: Darius Garland Not For Trade
Merlin sees that Darius Garland is not currently available for trade, per Jake Fischer. Fischer wrote, "I just haven't heard any credible rumblings about Garland's availability." Garland has been reliable this season, averaging 17.3 points and 7.1 assists, and the Cavs are skittish after a 17 wins and 15 losses start. Merlin notes the echo of past trade chatter tied to Klutch and San Antonio, and Fischer warns, "Maybe that changes as the Feb. 5 deadline draws closer." Cleveland carries the league's highest payroll and faces a brutal stretch, so pressure will build. For now Garland is playing well, with 23.0 points and 9.0 assists over his last four games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Garland being traded before Feb 5: 20%.
Dec 27
Chris Paul Free Agent Future Fades After Clippers Release
Merlin sees veteran point guard Chris Paul seeking a final landing spot after the Clippers cut him loose. Jake Fischer reports the Lakers are "not considering" the 40 year old as they chase youth, and the Rockets are constrained by roughly $1.2 million beneath the first apron so they "aren't really weighing changes" until late January. Paul was averaging 2.9 points in 14.3 minutes and told Chris Haynes he is "staying ready" while admitting "I don't [know] what's next. I'm still scarred by it all. Still processing everything." Merlin senses the market is tight. Teams value veteran smarts, but cap limits and roster priorities make a late season fit difficult. A contender with an urgent backcourt need could call, yet a hometown farewell with the Lakers seems unlikely given current plans. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul signing with the Lakers this season: 10%.
Dec 27
Lakers Pursue Herb Jones After Christmas Meltdown
The Lakers’ defense has been a liability all season, capped by a 119 96 loss to Houston and a public rant from coach JJ Redick about effort. Front office work has turned to upgrades and Brett Siegel reports that, "Jones has remained a top trade target for Western Conference contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, sources said." Los Angeles has few useful tradable contracts but does hold future first round picks that could be used to pursue New Orleans defender Herb Jones. Merlin sees the fit clearly. Jones brings elite on ball pressure, steals and the defensive heart the Lakers lack around LeBron, Luka and Reaves. He will not fix everything, but he would make mismatches harder for opponents and buy time for roster balance. The front office must decide if they spend picks now or risk more public frustration. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing Herb Jones this season: 30%.
Dec 27
Hawks Target Anthony Davis Trae Young Off Limits
Merlin sees Atlanta quietly circling Anthony Davis as a trade target. Chris Haynes says the Hawks "remain very intrigued" but any deal "would not involve" Trae Young. The Mavericks would seek young assets, draft picks and expiring contracts, and Davis health plus the Feb 5 deadline will shape whether talks go anywhere. Merlin hears skepticism around the league that Atlanta "would sacrifice the assets and (Kristaps) Porziņģis' expiring deal for Davis." Young’s recent scoring and playmaking make him valuable if the Hawks want to protect their core, while injuries to Young and Porziņģis leave a tempting gap at big man. Over the next six weeks Atlanta will weigh a bold splash against staying patient. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Atlanta acquiring Anthony Davis by Feb 5: 25%.
Dec 27
Jonathan Kuminga Likely Traded by Golden State Warriors
Merlin sees Jonathan Kuminga slipping from Steve Kerr's rotation after "numerous meetings" failed to resolve their issues. Rival teams expect the 23 year old to be movable once he becomes tradable on Jan. 15, making him a name to watch before the Feb. 5 deadline. The potential split would alter Golden State's depth and force a recalibration of Kuminga's path. Once a promising leap, Kuminga started hot then stalled, and has been "very frustrated" amid limited minutes and missed games. He signed a two year $48.5 million deal and waived his no trade clause, which eases a move, but slumping production lowers his market value. Merlin senses the club and the player may both benefit from a fresh start unless chemistry and minutes return fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga is traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 70%.
Dec 27