NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 5, 2026
Mavericks Send Anthony Davis to Wizards in Stunning Trade
Merlin sees Dallas accepted a Washington offer they could not refuse, sending Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Wizards for Khris Middleton, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-round picks. The Mavs "weren't dead set on trading Davis by the deadline" but the added picks helped them "check every box." Merlin notes this is a clean break from the Nico Harrison era and a bid to protect the future. Dallas feared Davis would "ask for big money this summer," so moving him frees cap space and roster pieces to build around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as the team pivots from a 19-31 season toward a rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs next season: 25%.
Lakers Snag Luke Kennard From Hawks for Gabe Vincent
Merlin sees the Lakers acquiring veteran shooter Luke Kennard from the Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, with Atlanta also getting an $11 million trade exception. Both guards are on expiring contracts, so the move barely moves the payroll needle but adds Kennard’s spacing and catch-and-shoot threat to Los Angeles’ rotation — a tidy upgrade for late-game offense and three-point depth. Merlin notes the trade is a low-risk, pragmatic tweak. Kennard is a role player who either multiplies the offense beside star scorers or becomes expendable salary to flip later. For Atlanta, the pick and trade exception are future ammunition as they juggle big contracts. Expect the Lakers to bet on instant shooting and keep summer flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luke Kennard helps the Lakers advance past the second round this season: 30%.
Feb 5
Chicago Bulls Sign Mac McClung, Three Time Dunk Champ
The Chicago Bulls signed Mac McClung to a two-way contract and had him with the team for Thursday’s game in Toronto. McClung began the season with the Pacers, was waived after three games, and then averaged 23.5 points and 7.0 assists in 11 games for Windy City in the G League. The move gives Chicago extra backcourt depth amid a busy stretch of trades as the 24-27 Bulls chase a return to postseason relevance. Merlin sees a pragmatic tweak, not a miracle. McClung is a high-energy scorer and a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, joining Nate Robinson as the only players with three titles. He knows the Bulls from his 2021-22 debut and now provides low-cost upside behind new additions like Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey and Collin Sexton as Chicago fights for a play-in spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Feb 5
Warriors Trade Kuminga For Porzingis Eye Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move that clears a roster headache and creates salary flexibility. Golden State still quietly covets Giannis Antetokounmpo; Nick Friedell reports there is "hope" that "there will still be a chance to rekindle talks with the Bucks in the summer." Moving Kuminga removes a disgruntled young piece and adds an expiring contract that helps match Giannis’s $58.5 million if talks resume. Merlin sees a smart, measured pivot. With Milwaukee's recent silence leaving teams "skeptical," the Warriors chose to fix the present while keeping a doorway open for a future blockbuster. Golden State is better positioned now to reboot pursuit in the offseason, but they will still need top assets and a convincing pitch to topple the Bucks’ foundation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State landing Giannis this summer: 18%.
Feb 5
Trade Deadline Crickets On Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant is still openly available ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, yet interest around the league has been minimal. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said "there just hasn't been a market for him." Teams are wary after Morant played only 20 games this season, saw his scoring dip, drew a one-game suspension for conduct with coaches, and carries two more guaranteed years at over $40 million. Merlin sees the picture clearly. The talent remains, but the blend of health concerns, off court friction, and a heavy contract turns blue chip into gamble. Sacramento is the one club mentioned that could absorb salary, but many teams prefer to avoid the risk. Expect Morant to stay put and for conversations to grow louder if no deal materializes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Feb 5
Chicago Bulls Fire Sale Sends Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota Timberwolves
Chicago continued its roster reset, sending guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota is sending rookie guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller and four second-round picks to Chicago, while the Wolves also receive forward Julian Phillips. The deal accelerates Chicago’s shift toward youth and assets and gives Minnesota another playmaking guard for its rotation. Merlin sees Chicago banking on upside and flexibility. Dillingham and Miller bring developmental promise and the picks create trade or draft currency. For Minnesota, Dosunmu adds bench scoring, ball handling and defensive grit that could matter in close playoff moments. The real story will be how quickly the youngsters grow and whether Minnesota’s win-now window widens. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ayo Dosunmu has a meaningful playoff impact for Minnesota this season: 30%.
Feb 5
Warriors Land Porzingis Yet Still Chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees Golden State pivot. The Warriors agreed to acquire Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield after an "extended lack of communication" from Milwaukee left teams "skeptical" that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be moved. Golden State believes it can "re-enter the race" in the offseason and reportedly could offer four first-rounders plus a 2031 pick swap to chase Giannis. Merlin senses a careful balance of ambition and caution. Porziņģis gives immediate size, but giving up long-term draft capital risks hamstringing the franchise as Stephen Curry ages. Timing matters: Curry turns 38 this March and would be 40 when a 2028 pick conveys, while Giannis would be 35 by 2030. Expect chess, not a rash gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors landing Giannis this offseason: 20%.
Feb 5
Timberwolves Acquire Ayo Dosunmu, Move On From Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade chances are fading as the Minnesota Timberwolves have "moved on" after the Ayo Dosunmu deal and Golden State’s move marked the "unofficial end" of its pursuit. With those two teams out, only Miami and New York look like realistic suitors, and both have limited tradable assets, leaving the Bucks with far fewer viable partners before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. Merlin sees the market closing like a heavy curtain. Minnesota’s choice to pivot shows teams prefer staying competitive now rather than overpaying for a late splash. Milwaukee can wait for a richer offer or keep Giannis and roll into the season knowing choices are narrowing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by Thursday 3 p.m. ET: 10%.
Feb 5
Pacers Eye Ivica Zubac Ahead Of Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Clippers quietly shopping center Ivica Zubac ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Jake Fischer reports Los Angeles has been "receiving calls" and the Indiana Pacers are a "prime" suitor. After sending James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland and a second-rounder, the Clippers look willing to reshape their frontcourt. Merlin notes Zubac’s steady rim protection and rebounding make him a tidy fit for teams craving interior toughness, and the Pacers match that need. If the Clippers want young assets or salary flexibility after the Garland swap, Zubac could move fast. Expect the whispers to grow louder as teams chase finishing touches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Zubac being traded before Thursday: 60%.
Feb 5
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Warriors Trade Kuminga Hield For Porzingis Shocks Fans
Merlin sees Golden State trade Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move reported by Shams Charania. Porziņģis is 30, has been limited to 17 games this season and was diagnosed with POTS, making his night to night availability "a total shot in the dark." The deal costs the Warriors one of their intriguing young pieces and does little to make them instant contenders. Merlin senses the franchise is hunting fixes at the deadline, with pitched offers floated: Draymond plus picks for Trey Murphy III, Jimmy Butler and picks for Michael Porter Jr., or a massive package centered on Butler and long‑range picks for Giannis. Each path trades future assets or core stability for short term upside. For now the Porziņģis move reads like a high‑risk gamble that keeps options open while dimming the Giannis window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors still land Giannis this season: 8%.
Feb 5
Knicks Chase Pelicans Jose Alvarado Yves Missi Before Deadline
Merlin sees the Knicks circling Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and center Yves Missi as the trade deadline nears. Alvarado offers hustle, lockdown defense and a 35.0 percent career three, averaging 7.9 points in 22 minutes while markedly improving New Orleans’ defense when he’s on the floor. Missi is a 21-year-old rim protector (5.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG) who draws "strong interest" and would likely cost significant draft capital. New York sits 33-18 on an eight-game streak but still shows perimeter lapses and has backup guard Miles McBride sidelined. Merlin predicts the Knicks will chase the immediate, low-disruption defensive boost Alvarado provides; Missi is tempting for the future but only if New York is ready to pay up in picks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks acquire Alvarado: 55%; Missi: 20%.
Feb 5
Trayce Jackson Davis Heads to Raptors in Surprise Trade
Golden State shipped Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second-round pick, sources say. Toronto added "some needed size in the frontcourt" while staying under the luxury tax, and Jackson-Davis — a 2023 second-rounder averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.4 minutes — could see a bigger role with Jakob Poeltl out. Merlin sees the move as logical chess. Porziņģis and Al Horford make minutes scarce in Golden State, so Toronto offers a clearer path into playoff minutes for Jackson-Davis. The Raptors sit sixth and are half a game from the four seed, so expect him to be thrown into meaningful matchups as the stretch run heats up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jackson-Davis averages at least 12 minutes per game with Toronto the rest of the season: 65%.
Feb 5
Warriors Pivot From Giannis Antetokounmpo, Land Kristaps Porzingis
Merlin sees Golden State flipped Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis and sent Trayce Jackson-Davis to Toronto for a 2026 second-round pick. The moves ended the club’s chase of Giannis after Milwaukee rejected a "pick-heavy" offer that reportedly would have included Draymond Green. Insiders said trading Kuminga, who was "central" to offers, leaves the Warriors effectively "out of contention" for Antetokounmpo. Merlin notes Porziņģis gives Stephen Curry a new finish and a spacing threat who can score from outside and in pick-and-rolls, but he has not played since Jan. 7 and is not a franchise-altering superstar like Giannis. Keeping Draymond preserves the team's identity, yet health, fit, and a brutal Western Conference make Golden State’s path to another title narrower. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors moving out of the play-in and into a true first round seed this season: 25%.
Feb 5
Giannis To Trail Blazers? Damian Lillard Reunion Looms
Merlin notes the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET and the lingering possibility of a Giannis blockbuster. Most signs point to Milwaukee holding firm, yet Portland is a serious suitor and "would love to trade for Antetokounmpo directly," per Marc Stein. Portland controls Milwaukee first-rounders from 2028–2030 and could assemble a package featuring Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, multiple picks and role pieces. The snag is Giannis’ camp has signaled no interest in an extension with Portland. Merlin sees a sharp fork in the road. If Portland pulls it off, pairing Giannis with Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija instantly vaults them into title conversation. If the Bucks trade him, they accept a gutting rebuild and chase draft capital and young upside. The move would be dramatic and messy, and the late hours could still bring a surprise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by the deadline: 18%.
Feb 5
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Warriors Flip Jonathan Kuminga To Hawks For Kristaps Porzingis
Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield are headed to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. Golden State clears a troubled young asset and gains a floor-spacing center who, when healthy, fits their defensive and spacing needs. Kuminga gets a fresh start, and the deal also removes a key salary piece that would have been used in a potential Giannis pursuit. Merlin sees a trade built more for option than for instant magic. Porziņģis is high reward but a "coin-toss proposition" on availability, while Atlanta gains on-ball flash ("Whoa") and gravity but loses frontcourt stability. The Hawks may be buying summer flexibility with salary ballast, and the Warriors are choosing certainty over chasing a long shot. "notably, not Giannis Antetokounmpo." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State acquires Giannis before the trade deadline: 10%.
Feb 5
Shock Swap: Kristaps Porzingis to Warriors for Kuminga and Hield
Kristaps Porziņģis was traded from Atlanta to Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, ending a brief Hawks chapter and the long Kuminga saga. Golden State keeps Draymond Green and looks to pair him with Porziņģis, while reports say the Warriors have dropped their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. For Atlanta the move caps a rapid offseason pivot after the Trae Young trade. Merlin sees purpose in the chaos. Porziņģis brings rare spacing and rim protection when healthy, a pairing that could stretch defenses and change matchups for the Warriors. Kuminga and Hield give Atlanta youth and shooting as the franchise retools. The outcome will hinge on health, role clarity, and how quickly minutes settle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State reaches the NBA Finals this season: 18%.
Feb 5
Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Could Sit Out All Star Game
Anthony Edwards left open the possibility he will skip this year’s All-Star Game to rest for the season’s second half, saying, "I'm pretty banged up. I might not be playing," per The Athletic. He’s played through back spasms and new left elbow soreness, yet delivered 39 points and a 30/8/5 night in recent games. Minnesota sits 32-20 and would rather have Edwards healthy for a title push than risk an exhibition. Merlin sees common sense winning out. With the All-Star format now Team USA versus the World and a nine-day Wolves break after Feb. 9, resting Edwards is a low-cost move to protect playoff value. Fans may grumble, but the wiser path often looks boring until the postseason. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards skips the All-Star Game: 60%.
Feb 5
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Drama: Are Bucks Serious?
Merlin sees a tense chess match in Milwaukee. Reports say the Bucks have been open to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, but other teams doubt the franchise is truly willing to pull the trigger, per Shams Charania and The Athletic. Giannis added, "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here" and urged, "If you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone." With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the club faces a fast decision. Merlin senses the Bucks weighing two paths. They can trade now to maximize return or try to sell a vision that keeps their superstar, hoping a postseason spark or, as Marc Stein put it, "a bolt of lottery luck in May" changes everything. Rival teams want proof Milwaukee means it. The hourglass is nearly empty. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 4
Wizards Trade for Anthony Davis to Pair With Trae Young
Washington stunned the NBA by trading for Anthony Davis to pair with Trae Young, a move meant to "show[] the newly acquired Young that they are serious about being a playoff team next season," per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. The deal used projected cap space to secure stars before free agency and lets Alex Sarr slide to power forward with Davis at center. Young and Davis form a dangerous pick-and-roll if healthy, immediately making the Wizards more competitive as their young core develops. Merlin sees a team choosing speed over patient rebuilding. The upside is clearer recruiting, a stronger case to extend Young, and instant credibility. The risks are injuries, Davis preferring the four, and thin depth. If Sarr grows and Davis stays healthy, Washington can realistically reach the playoffs; if not, the gamble fades fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Washington making the playoffs in 2026-27: 50%.
Feb 4
Wizards Keep Anthony Davis Trae Young Benched
Washington reshaped its roster by acquiring Anthony Davis and Trae Young, but sources expect the duo to "play very little, if at all, the remainder of the season as the Wizards chase lottery luck" while the club manages injuries. Davis has not played since Jan. 8 amid hand concerns and limited action this year, and Young has been out since Dec. 27 with MCL and quad issues. Charania reported Young will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, with the team "taking a cautious approach." At 13-36 and well out of playoff range, Washington is clearly prioritizing health and draft positioning over a late-season push. Merlin sees a calculated pause. The Wizards look willing to sit stars now to secure long-term contracts this summer and chase contention next year, while preserving a shot at a high pick in a deep 2026 class. Patience may cost short-term excitement but could seed a stronger roster for the future. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds both play meaningful minutes together before season’s end: 15%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Keep Kyrie Irving For Now After Anthony Davis Trade
Merlin sees Dallas is not shopping Kyrie Irving after trading Anthony Davis to Washington, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. A team source said "Dallas can go into next season with a core of Flagg, Irving, Dereck Lively II, Christie, Naji Marshall." Irving has not played while rehabbing a torn left ACL and turns 34 in March, so Dallas plans to evaluate him alongside rookie Cooper Flagg before making any move. Merlin notes the pieces acquired in the Davis trade give Dallas more flexibility and draft capital. Irving’s Mavericks numbers, 25.5 points and 5.1 assists with 49/40.4/91.7 shooting, show he can still be a creator if healthy. The real question is how his recovery blends with Flagg’s growth, and that will steer Dallas’ choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Kyrie before Thursday's deadline: 12%.
Feb 4
Anthony Davis Eyes Redemption With Wizards After Luka Doncic Trade
Merlin sees Anthony Davis headed to the Washington Wizards, a fresh start that could rewrite how people judge his career. After messy exits and a stretch where he was viewed as a No. 2, Davis will be the clear focal point next to Trae Young, whose pick-and-roll play and lob passes fit AD’s strengths around the rim. Washington is not an immediate favorite, but adding draft assets and role scorers could change that fast. Merlin tells the high school fan that "you can only understand it if you've been through it." Davis gets volume, rim protection alongside Alex Sarr, and a distributor who can boost efficiency. If the Wizards embrace short-term losses to chase a top prospect and shore up shooting, Davis has a real chance to erase the label that he cannot lead a title team. Health and roster moves will be the true test. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis leading the Wizards to the NBA Finals by 2027: 22%.
Feb 4
Bulls Trade Coby White, Mike Conley Jr. for Collin Sexton
Merlin sees the Bulls sending Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to Charlotte for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second round picks. White arrives in Hornets colors as an 18.6-point, 4.7-assist scorer who was months from free agency, while Sexton had just told reporters he "definitely love[s] it here" in Charlotte. The trade gives Chicago payroll room and draft assets, and gives a Hornets team on a seven-game winning streak another proven scorer beside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Merlin senses a classic trade tale. Chicago is 24-27 and choosing reset over short-term splurges after already committing to Josh Giddey. Charlotte is betting that adding White turns a hot streak into a sustained push. Expect roster chemistry tests and quick adjustments as both clubs chase different futures. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Hornets making the playoffs this season: 55%.
Feb 4
Anthony Davis Trade Complicates Warriors Pursuit Of Giannis
Merlin sees the Anthony Davis move from Dallas to Washington adding a wrinkle to Golden State’s pursuit of Giannis. The Wizards sent a Warriors' 2030 "top-20 protected" pick to the Mavericks as part of that deal, and because of that protection the Warriors could not include the pick in a trade to Milwaukee unless it lands 20th or earlier. Golden State is reportedly "proposing a pick-heavy package," so the tied-up asset creates real uncertainty for the Bucks. Merlin hears ESPN’s Anthony Slater noting the pick "doesn't impact the value of their offer much," since a 2030 draft looks unlikely to be a high lottery for a Steph Curry-led core. Still, Merlin warns that front offices prefer clear, present value when moving a superstar, and even a small cloud over future compensation can nudge Milwaukee to demand more or walk away. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors land Giannis this summer: 18%.
Feb 4
Sixers Trade Jared McCain to Thunder in Surprise Deal
Merlin sees the Sixers moving Jared McCain to Oklahoma City for a 2026 Rockets first-rounder and three second-round picks, a move that drops Philadelphia about $3 million below the luxury tax and gives them two first-round selections this summer. The Thunder add backcourt depth as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deals with an abdominal strain and backup Ajay Mitchell remains sidelined. McCain arrived at No. 16 in 2024, averaged 15.3 points in 23 games before a torn meniscus, then missed time with UCL thumb surgery and has managed 6.6 points in 37 games this season. Merlin senses Philadelphia opting for flexibility and future assets over a banged-up young guard, while Oklahoma City is betting on upside and cheap depth for a title push. If McCain can stay healthy and regain his rookie scoring touch, he could steady the bench. If not, he becomes another pick that never quite materialized. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McCain is a meaningful playoff rotation piece for Oklahoma City this season: 40%.
Feb 4