NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 7, 2026
Shooting Stars Return With Knicks and Karl Anthony Towns
The NBA is reviving the Shooting Stars for the first time since 2015, with four teams set to compete on Feb. 14 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Teams made of two former players and one retired legend will shoot from seven spots with 1:10 to "score as many points as possible." The format replaces the old fastest-time race and shifts the prize to pure scoring. Team Knicks looks like an early favorite with Allan Houston, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, while Team Harper brings Ron alongside sons Dylan and Ron Jr. Merlin sees the tweak as a clever one. A points race rewards rhythm and chemistry, so veteran shooters and steady hands matter more than raw athleticism. Towns’ drop in three-point accuracy adds intrigue, turning what might have been a predictable showcase into a close, entertaining test of touch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Team Knicks winning the Shooting Stars: 48%.
Golden State Eyes Lonzo Ball Buyout
Merlin sees Golden State trying to add veteran guard Lonzo Ball on the buyout market while also converting two-way guard Pat Spencer to a standard deal. Ball was moved to Utah in a salary dump and the Jazz "intend to waive Ball," which would make him available. The 28-year-old has battled injuries and poor shooting this season, posting a career-worst 30.1 percent from the field and averaging 4.6 points in 35 games. Merlin senses real opportunity and real risk. With Stephen Curry sidelined and the roster thin, Ball’s playmaking, defense and size at guard could buy the Warriors stability and minutes. Yet his recent efficiency and health leave questions about whether he can return to the form that once made him a top pick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo signing with Golden State this week: 65%.
Feb 7
Rudy Gobert Calls Out Timberwolves Effort Crisis
Rudy Gobert blasted the Timberwolves after a 119-115 loss to the Pelicans, saying "Just no effort" and warning that "someone has to have accountability for the players." He even volunteered "If I'm not showing effort, bench me." Coach Chris Finch said the remarks were "addressed." Minnesota sits 32-21 but has been uneven and risks slipping out of the West top six as Phoenix closes the gap. Merlin sees a team split between a suddenly strong offense and a defense that has slipped from elite to 10th, producing instability. With two months left, leaders must turn blunt words into daily habits or the path back to conference finals will narrow. Benchings or lineup tweaks may be the quick magic, but urgency and follow-through will decide if the Timberwolves heal or unravel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Timberwolves finishing in the West top six: 55%.
Feb 7
Kawhi Leonard Embraces Clippers Trading Harden and Zubac
Kawhi Leonard said he understands the Clippers’ decision to sell at the deadline after they moved James Harden and Ivica Zubac. He told reporters, "Just trying to get younger. We came in the year with the oldest team." Los Angeles sent Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland and a pick, and traded Zubac to Indiana for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and multiple draft selections. Leonard acknowledged the team was tracking better recently and hopes they regroup after the All-Star break. Merlin sees a franchise shifting from a short push to a longer plan. Leonard’s calm acceptance helps steady the locker room, but the roster swap changes the team’s identity. The bounty of picks and young wings points toward building around the 2027 class. Growth from those assets will decide how quickly the Clippers can climb back. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers returning to title contention within two seasons: 25%.
Feb 7
Anthony Davis Injury Delays Wizards Debut to 2026 27 Season
Anthony Davis will not play again this season as the Wizards expect him to sit out so his hand and groin injuries can fully heal. Washington acquired Davis in an eight-player deal with the Mavericks after he suffered a hand injury on Jan. 8; Dallas said he "won't require surgery" and had a roughly six-week timeline, but the Wizards chose caution given their 14-36 standing. Merlin sees Davis' injury-marred recent seasons, only 31 of 85 games with Dallas, and that the Wizards, who also traded for Trae Young, are building for the future. Davis said he looks forward to meeting the front office and is "encouraged by a lot of things they are doing." Holding him now aims to deliver a healthier 32-year-old for 2026-27, though the oracle watches how he actually returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds Davis is ready for the Wizards' 2026-27 opener: 75%.")
Feb 7
Lakers Target Buyout Stars Highsmith and Thomas
The Lakers made a single trade before Thursday’s deadline, sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to Atlanta for Luke Kennard, then turned attention to the buyout market. Team and league sources say wing Haywood Highsmith is "a player of interest, provided his knee issues are resolved," and Cam Thomas is "another more polarizing option." The Nets waived both players; Thomas has averaged 15.6 points on 39.9 percent shooting this year but has a recent hamstring history, while Highsmith offers defense and 6.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting last season. Merlin sees Los Angeles balancing two needs: immediate scoring punch or a gritty, defensive wing. Thomas brings upside but health and consistency worry the oracle. Highsmith fits a playoff role if his knee checks out. Either move would reshape the bench and how Kennard’s spacing gets used. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers add a buyout wing this week: 70%.
Feb 6
James Harden Keeps No 1 After Trade to Cavaliers
James Harden will wear No. 1 for the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers, per Chris Fedor. Harden had worn No. 13 early in his career but switched to No. 1 in Feb. 2022 when 13 was unavailable in Philadelphia because Wilt Chamberlain’s number is retired. The 11-time All-Star, who is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals this season, was sent to Cleveland for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. He is expected to debut Saturday in Sacramento for a Cavs team sitting 31-21 and fourth in the East. Merlin sees the number change as a fresh chapter for both player and team. Harden brings immediate scoring and creation that can lift Cleveland’s late game profile, but fitting a ball-dominant star into an established rotation will test chemistry and coaching. Expect adjustment pains at first, then clearer signs of whether this trade pushes the Cavs into genuine title conversation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 40%.
Feb 6
Lakers Front Office Overhaul Has Rival Execs Scared
Merlin sees the Lakers quietly reshaping the brain trust. After the Buss family sold majority control to Mark Walter, Los Angeles plans “significant hires” modeled on the Dodgers to “start building the necessary components of a modern front office and reap early benefits.” A rival warned, “It’s going to be scary.” On the court the team added Luke Kennard at the trade deadline and sits 31-19 and fifth in the West. Merlin notes the mix of new ownership, an expanded scouting department, and Rob Pelinka’s contract extension creates real momentum. If the Lakers pair sharper talent evaluation with smart long term moves, they could move from playoff chasers to sustained contenders. Small moves now may set up big windows later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers build a top three front office within two years: 30%.
Feb 6
Lakers' Luka Doncic Limping Out vs 76ers
Lakers star Luka Dončić was ruled out of Thursday’s game vs. the 76ers with left leg soreness after leaving in the second quarter with a limp. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported "there is some initial optimism" he won’t miss long; Dončić had 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting in 16 minutes and enters the injury note after recent groin, calf and finger issues while still averaging 33.4/7.9/8.7. Merlin sees durability as the true test. Los Angeles is already juggling LeBron’s late start and Austin Reaves’ absence, so even a short Luka layoff forces role players into heavy minutes and alters rotations. Dončić has a history of staying available most seasons, so the spell looks more caution than catastrophe — but the Lakers’ margin for error is thin. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dončić misses more than two games this month: 20%.
Feb 6
Anthony Davis Trade Leaves Wizards Extension Unlikely
The Mavericks sent Anthony Davis to the Wizards in a multi-player deal that included Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and others for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III and several draft picks. Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix said Davis is "not loving this" and added, "I don't see an extension coming." The move follows Washington's trade for Trae Young and reshapes the team's long-term roster priorities. Merlin sees a veteran star in a tight spot. Davis turns 33, is coming off hand surgery and carries a huge 2026-27 salary, so a long-term commitment would be risky. Washington wants to show Young they are serious, and unless the Wiz start winning quickly, Davis looks more like a short-term piece than a centerpiece. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis signing a long-term extension with Washington this offseason: 15%.
Feb 6
Daryl Morey Unfazed by Cavs Landing James Harden
Merlin sees Daryl Morey shrug off the deadline noise, telling reporters "there weren't any needle movers in my opinion," and still backing Philly's chances. Cleveland added James Harden and sits 31-21, 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-seeded 76ers, so Harden could ease Donovan Mitchell's load and turn the Cavs into a real postseason threat. Merlin notes moves like Anthony Davis to Washington and Ivica Zubac to Indiana may matter down the road, but Morey's past with Harden hangs over his words. Harden once called Morey a "liar" and reportedly vowed to avoid him, so Morey's dismissal could be posture or personal. The East just got more intriguing, and sparks between these rivals may light the playoffs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers eliminating the 76ers in the first round: 60%.
Feb 6
Giannis Stays, Bucks Trade Saga Backfires
Merlin sees the months-long Giannis drama collapse into a shrug. Giannis posted "Legends don't chase. They attract," the Bucks answered with yawning emojis and jokes, and reporters cited a front office exec telling Jake Fischer the team was "never serious" about a trade. Golden State, New York, Miami and others chased leads and offered heavy packages, only to learn the leak was more noise than deal. Merlin warns the tale is merely paused. Milwaukee now knows what each rival would pay and the offseason will reopen the carousel after the lottery, pick value unlocks and playoff re-evaluations. Giannis still holds a 2027 player option. His silence cost him some goodwill, and another summer of ambiguity could stain his legacy in Milwaukee. Expect every emoji, quote and injury update to be parsed again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 10%.
Feb 6
Mike Conley Buyout Could Return to Minnesota Timberwolves
The 2026 trade deadline quietly shuffled veterans into buyout range and nudged several rosters. Mike Conley was traded twice and could return to Minnesota; insiders say "that is in fact being considered." Lonzo Ball was salary dumped and remains "a free agent point guard in demand." Chris Paul landed in Toronto and now, as Shams put it, "his NBA future is obviously very much up in the air." Merlin sees a league hunting quick fixes. Minnesota could reclaim a steady locker room leader while contenders browse the buyout market for veteran poise. Ball still offers size and smarts as a reserve. Paul’s story feels unresolved, and his next move will tell us whether this is an epilogue or a surprise encore. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mike Conley re-signs with the Timberwolves this season: 60%.
Feb 6
Clippers Never Shopped Kawhi Leonard At Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Clippers shuffled pieces at the deadline, sending James Harden and Ivica Zubac elsewhere, yet Kawhi Leonard stayed off the market. Insider Zach Lowe reported there was "no trade buzz" around Leonard, even as Kawhi heads toward an expiring contract after next season. That matters because Kawhi is playing elite basketball now and his contract timing makes him a prime summer asset. Merlin notes the signs of a pivot and the counterbalance of Leonard’s form and injury history. Los Angeles is hotter lately, 15-5 in their last 20, which could slow trade urgency. Still, an expiring $50.3 million salary and Kawhi’s age mean summer talks are likely to bloom where deadline talks did not. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi Leonard is traded this summer: 35%.
Feb 6
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Wizards Steal Anthony Davis In Deadline Shock
Merlin sees a chaotic deadline that actually reshaped the league more than expected. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant stayed, but James Harden, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis and others moved. Winners included the Hawks, Clippers, Celtics and Wizards, while Golden State, Dallas and Detroit looked like they lost assets or direction. Rosters, salaries and draft currency were cleared and reset across the NBA. Merlin senses smart long games and risky gambles. Atlanta and L.A. bought youth and picks, Utah and Washington swung for instant frontcourt upgrades, and Memphis sold high on Jaren Jackson Jr. The Heat reportedly "went all-in" on Giannis and the Warriors made a "pick-heavy offer" that fizzled. Expect this quiet to be only temporary as summer trade winds return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this summer: 65%.
Feb 6
Morey's Risky Move: 76ers Ship Jared McCain To Thunder
Merlin sees the 76ers sent Jared McCain to the Thunder for four draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder from Houston. Daryl Morey defended the move, saying it "was not a financially motivated move" and that he tried to repackage picks from other deals. The trade clears McCain’s salary and boosts Philly’s future assets. Merlin notes McCain was a promising 21-year-old who shot 38.3 percent from three as a rookie before injury and reduced minutes. This is a classic front office gamble: Philadelphia bets draft capital and timing will outvalue a cheap, high-upside guard. If the picks turn into impact players, Morey wins. If McCain develops in Oklahoma City, questions will linger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this trade looks like a mistake within three years: 40%.
Feb 6
Mike Conley Returning to Timberwolves After Deadline Drama
Merlin sees veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. is set to circle back to the Minnesota Timberwolves after a whirlwind trade deadline that sent him to Chicago and then to Charlotte, who waived him. The technicality lets Minnesota re-sign a known locker-room voice while trimming the luxury tax bill and keeping the roster stable after big trade talk around Giannis went quiet. Conley is 38 and his numbers have slid, but his playoff experience and steady presence matter for a Wolves team that just reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals. Reacquiring him feels like a low-risk move for depth, mentorship and salary flexibility — expect limited minutes but outsized locker-room value as Minnesota chases another deep run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Conley returns and averages 10+ playoff minutes: 60%.
Feb 6
Record NBA Trade Deadline: 28 Trades, Cavs, Harden
Teams exploded into activity in the seven days before the trade deadline, setting records with 28 trades and 73 players moved. The late flurry followed a quiet start to the season and included deals like James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana. The moves were driven in part by the 2023 CBA apron rules that punish big spenders, so teams hustled to upgrade rosters while cutting tax exposure. As Cavs GM Koby Altman said, "We really felt like we got a lot better in this deadline. I'll say this, it's very rare to improve your team and save $100 million at the same time." Merlin notes the league is learning to trade like a chess match, using the deadline for both basketball and balance-sheet maneuvers. The last three deadlines rank among the four busiest ever, and only Cleveland, New York and Golden State sit over the first apron, with Cleveland alone above the second. Expect more surgical moves this summer to clear apron space and preserve flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavaliers make another major salary-saving move before training camp: 75%.
Feb 6
No Deadline Deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Hold Firm
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly shopped Giannis in the final two weeks before the trade deadline, but talks never reached a firm offer. Zach Lowe reported clubs left talks with "frustration" and were "skeptical" a deal would happen. Executives told ESPN it was "more than 50% likely" Giannis would stay, and teams like Minnesota and Golden State preferred waiting for a richer summer market when more picks and cap space are available. Giannis also "sent a pretty loud message on social media" that he may not be pushing to leave, so no decision is expected until the offseason moratorium in late June or early July. Merlin notes trading a generational star who ended a 50 year drought is rare and messy. Milwaukee is wise to seek maximal long term assets rather than a rushed swap. Expect renewed courtship in summer when the market deepens and offers get serious. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Giannis being traded before next season: 30%."
Feb 6
Grizzlies Still Plan To Trade Ja Morant This Summer
Merlin sees Memphis failed to find a deal for Ja Morant before the deadline and will head into the summer still planning to move him. Teams worried they "just can't count on him to be available," and ESPN called his market "negative value." Morant has played 79 of 213 possible games since 2023-24, is averaging 19.5 points on 41 percent shooting in limited starts, and carries two more big seasons of guaranteed salary. Merlin senses the Grizzlies have hardened their hand. With Jaren Jackson Jr. sent away and 12 future firsts stocked up, Memphis can wait for the right return or attach picks and cash to make a deal. The choice is between selling low now or using time and draft capital to rebuild more patiently. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this offseason: 45%.
Feb 6
Draymond Green Nervous Over Trade Deadline But Stays With Warriors
Draymond Green admitted the trade-deadline noise wore on him, calling the wait "nerve wracking towards the end" and saying "it is what it is. Move forward. It's not something I want to get used to, though." Reports said Golden State included him in talks for Giannis, but the Warriors instead sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis. Golden State responded with a rallying win over Phoenix, and Green remains a 14-season Warrior with four championships. Merlin sees a veteran shaken by uncertainty yet steady in purpose. Green’s line "It's been a weird 24 hours" reveals how tied he is to teammates and to stability. His leadership and playoff pedigree make another midseason move unlikely, though his words hint he wants fewer surprises ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Draymond is traded before next season: 12%.
Feb 6
Giannis Antetokounmpo Posts Im Not Leaving Bucks After Deadline
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo share the famous "I'm not leaving" scene from The Wolf of Wall Street after he stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks through the trade deadline. An NBA executive reminded everyone, "You know, in the movie, he left." The post is a bold public line, but the movie’s later chapters make clear the moment invites skepticism about whether the status quo will hold. Merlin senses drama shows up in small gestures. The film’s fallout is not a prophecy for Giannis, yet the clip works like a mirror for fans and front office minds. Ownership choices, contract timing, and on-court results will flip the script faster than any social media moment. Expect talk, testing, and a bargaining season ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Feb 6
James Harden Wanted Rockets Reunion, Traded To Cavaliers
Merlin sees the Clippers moving James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers after Houston showed "little interest" in a reunion. Los Angeles received Darius Garland and a second round pick, sending Harden to a Cavs roster that already features Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Harden’s Houston run from 2012 to 2020 built his best résumé — eight All-Star seasons, three scoring titles and the 2018 MVP — so the missed reunion with Kevin Durant is a notable storyline. Merlin senses strategy over sentiment. Houston stayed the course while grappling with Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL and Amen Thompson’s shifting role, leaving Harden to chase a quicker Finals path in the East. Cleveland gains playmaking and star power, but chemistry and playoff defense will decide whether this is a fairy tale or a cautionary tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of James Harden helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 6
Warriors Bet Big on Kristaps Porzingis Return
Merlin sees Golden State acquired Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, a move meant to fortify their playoff push. Coach Steve Kerr said, "I don't think we would've made the trade if we didn't think he could be healthy and consistent in terms of being in the lineup," and called him unique. Porziņģis has suited up just 17 times this season and has been out since Jan. 7 with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, yet averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks when available. Merlin senses a careful gamble. Porziņģis said he "could just lay on the couch and be a house cat" while reconditioning, so minutes will be managed. His size, rim protection and shooting answer clear needs as the Warriors try to climb from the play-in into the top six, but everything hinges on availability. A debut is expected soon after the team returns home; test back is Feb. 19 vs. Celtics. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Porziņģis stays healthy and helps the Warriors reach a top-six seed this season: 30%.
Feb 6
Giannis, Bucks Joke About Trading Shams Charania
After months of trade chatter, the Bucks made it clear they will keep Giannis Antetokounmpo past the deadline, tamping down immediate drama. Coach Doc Rivers joked Giannis would put ESPN’s Shams Charania on the trading block, while Charania reported the Bucks "indicated to teams that they are keeping" the two-time MVP. Giannis told The Athletic he wants to remain with the franchise "for the entirety of his career." Merlin senses a pause in the storm. The Feb. 13 Celebrity All-Star Game turns Charania into the evening’s lightning rod — he says, "I'm a shooter, I can handle the ball, and I can make my floaters" — and Milwaukee enjoys its stability for now. Trade whispers could return in summer, but the immediate future favors continuity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before next season: 20%.
Feb 6