NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 4, 2026
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%.
Nets Guard Cam Thomas Sparks Cavaliers and Bucks Trade Interest
Merlin sees Cleveland and Milwaukee circling Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas. The 24-year-old is averaging 15.6 points in limited minutes while returning from a left hamstring strain and has had bigger scoring seasons when healthy. Both teams view him as a ready offensive boost—Cleveland for added backcourt punch after trading Darius Garland, Milwaukee for scoring help amid a struggling campaign. Merlin recalls Thomas’ breakout scoring and knows injuries bend a player’s value. A minutes limit and recent hamstring history make him cheaper than his upside suggests, so Brooklyn can seek future assets. Cleveland offers the cleaner role as a sixth-man scorer; Milwaukee is a short-term gamble if they want instant offense. Expect trade talks to heat up as the deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cam Thomas is traded to Cleveland before the deadline: 40%.
Feb 4
Lonzo Ball Waived by Jazz After Cavaliers Trade
Lonzo Ball is headed toward free agency after the Cavaliers traded him to the Utah Jazz, who are expected to waive him. Several teams that were linked to Ball in trade talks — notably the Hornets and Wizards — could still pursue him, while contenders like the Lakers may target his perimeter defense. In Cleveland he averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals with troubling 30.1/27.2/66.7 shooting splits. Merlin sees this as a crossroads. Teams will value Ball’s length and defensive instincts but worry about his scoring efficiency. Charlotte offers a reunion with LaMelo and a clear role. Los Angeles offers familiarity and a playoff window. Expect multiple teams to test him and hope a change of scenery rekindles his shot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo signing with the Lakers: 40%.
Feb 4
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Giannis and Morant Could Spark Deadline Madness
With the trade deadline days away, offers are flying and some already landed — Jaren Jackson Jr., Jaden Ivey, Darius Garland and James Harden changed jerseys, and "The Mavericks have since traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards." The article runs bold predictions for all 30 teams, naming likely buyers, sellers and tax ducks and showing how a few key swaps can tilt playoff races, rebuild timetables and front-office strategies. Merlin sees the league as a shifting chessboard. The Giannis sweepstakes, a possible Ja Morant shakeup and Memphis leaning full rebuild are the thunderclaps; teams like Denver and Philadelphia juggle tax math while Detroit eyes an extra scorer. Small moves will ripple into big futures, and the deadline will reward patience and pick hoarding as much as daring trades. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this deadline: 70%.
Feb 4
Darius Garland to Clippers as Harden Heads to Cavaliers
Merlin sees a big backcourt shuffle: Darius Garland was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden, with Cleveland also sending a second-round pick. Garland thanked the Cavs, saying "I'll never forget the night I was drafted," and Clippers president Lawrence Frank said, "We are trying to get younger while continuing to win." The move remakes both teams' guard rooms and shifts short-term playoff math in two conferences. Merlin notes Garland is a two-time All-Star who averaged 18.8 points and 6.7 assists with efficient shooting and sits No. 3 on Cleveland’s all-time assist list, yet he battled injuries and had inconsistent on-court impact this season. If healthy, he could boost the Clippers’ hot stretch; Cleveland gains Harden’s scoring next to Donovan Mitchell and must hope chemistry forms fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Feb 4
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Anthony Davis Joins Trae Young In Washington
Merlin sees Dallas shipping Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum to Washington for a haul that includes Marvin Bagley III, Malaki Branham, Khris Middleton and several picks, even a protected 2030 Warriors first. "Yes, those Wizards." The deal pivots Dallas toward rebuilding and hands Washington a shockingly starry core alongside Trae Young. Merlin notes Dallas likely settled for less because of Davis' injuries and extension demands, and messy front office choices cost leverage. Washington is betting cap space and chemistry; Davis can roam between 4 and 5 beside Alex Sarr and shore up defense, but the pair are "at most medium-term guiding lights." This is a high-variance move that hinges on contract choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Washington extends Anthony Davis beyond 2027-28: 30%.
Feb 4
Chris Paul Traded To Raptors Amid Clippers Rift
Chris Paul was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal that also involved the Brooklyn Nets. Toronto will not require him to report, and ESPN’s Shams Charania said "It's not certain whether he's gonna play again in the NBA as of right now," leaving his status unsettled. Merlin sees more than a paper move. Paul was "sent home" amid a reported rift with Tyronn Lue and the Clippers said they were "parting ways" while offering to help him find his next step. Toronto can flip him or buy him out, so his next team or exit remains uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul playing again this season: 60%.
Feb 4
Warriors Offer Draymond Green for Giannis Sparks Lakers Link
Merlin sees Golden State is chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s trade deadline, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says Draymond Green is part of the package on the table. Windhorst added Green would likely push to be moved on from Milwaukee and could target the Los Angeles Lakers. Green himself admitted, "If it does [end], what a f--king run it's been." Merlin senses the moment feels like the close of a chapter for Green. Windhorst warned the Warriors have "crossed the Rubicon" with him and might revisit talks in the summer if no deal lands now. Green has also said he "always wanted" to play with LeBron James. A trade would upend Golden State’s core, change Milwaukee’s rebuild, and set the stage for a chaotic summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond being traded to the Lakers this season: 30%.
Feb 4
Utah Jazz Land Lonzo Ball From Cavaliers, Likely Waived
The Jazz acquired veteran point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks from the Cavaliers, per Shams Charania, though Utah is expected to waive him. Cleveland appears to have moved Ball mainly as a salary dump to get under the second apron while reshaping the roster after the James Harden deal. Merlin notes Jake Fischer called the move "clearly a salary dump." Ball has struggled this season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 27.2 percent from three, and his injury history now clouds his upside. If he clears waivers a team needing veteran playmaking might take a low-risk flier, but the market will be cautious as the Cavs keep their toolbox open. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavaliers make another significant trade before Thursday’s deadline: 40%.
Feb 4
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Anthony Davis to Wizards, Trae Young Era Begins
Merlin sees a late deadline blockbuster: Anthony Davis is headed to Washington to pair with Trae Young while Dallas loads up on future picks and young pieces to build around Cooper Flagg. The deal reshapes both franchises — Washington gains a high-end two-man pop with natural fit on offense and defense, and Dallas grabs draft capital and flexibility after a messy stretch of roster moves. Merlin warns of cracks in the crystal ball. Davis brings elite rim protection but spotty availability and a player option in 2027-28. If he stays healthy the Wizards could be real by 2027. If not, those five surrendered draft assets will sting. Dallas did well to reset, yet the shadow of the Luka trade still lingers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Washington becomes a true title contender by 2027: 25%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Shock Fans Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards
Merlin sees Dallas moving Anthony Davis to Washington along with Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum, receiving Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, two first-round picks and three seconds in return. The deal comes one year after the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Davis and follows a rocky stretch — Davis played just 29 games for Dallas and is sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand. Former GM Nico Harrison once said, "We're built to win now and in the future," a line that now feels strained as Dallas sits 19-31 and shifts direction. Merlin senses a clear pivot. Washington is stacking talent around Trae Young while Dallas cashes assets and veterans to build around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Kyrie Irving's recovery and roster fit will shape whether this is a true rebuild or a reset. Expect short-term pain for a chance at a steadier future if Flagg develops and health returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 10%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Shut Out Lakers After Luka Doncic Deal
Merlin sees Dallas slamming a door on Los Angeles. After the Mavericks sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers last year, Dallas has little appetite to deal with L.A. again. The Lakers have scouted Mavericks like Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford, but Dan Woike says there are gigantic "road closed" signs all over any pathway to a deal. Dallas sits 19-31 and will likely sell before the deadline, yet the sting of the Dončić trade and the Anthony Davis injuries leave them wary. Merlin smells pride and hurt more than strategy. The Mavericks can still move pieces, but they will steer clear of any partner they feel took advantage of them. The Lakers will shop elsewhere, and the deadline could force creative pairings, but grudges have weight in trade talks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making a trade with the Lakers before the deadline: 5%.
Feb 4
Bulls Poised To Trade Coby White Ayo Dosunmu
Merlin sees the Bulls are expected to stay active before Thursday’s trade deadline, with guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu emerging as clear trade candidates. Jake Fischer says it would be an "understatement" to suggest teams do not expect both to move, noting he is "struggling" to find a logical landing spot for White and that there has been "some tangible discussion" about Dosunmu for Bennedict Mathurin. Chicago’s recent moves — adding Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley Jr. and Anfernee Simons while sending out Kevin Huerter and Nikola Vučević — have made the backcourt crowded. Merlin notes the calculus: White is a 25-year-old scorer who still carries upside when healthy, and Dosunmu is enjoying a career year as a high-efficiency bench spark. Contending teams covet that versatility, but Chicago risks losing both for nothing in free agency if it holds. The Bulls must choose between protecting a fragile playoff push and turning depth into long-term value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds at least one of White or Dosunmu is traded before the deadline: 80%.
Feb 4
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants To Finish Career With Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo told The Athletic he "deep down" wants to finish his career as a Milwaukee Buck and "want[s] to win here, another championship," but only if the franchise can build a consistent, title-caliber team. He has been out with a calf injury since Dec. 23, the Bucks sit 19-29 and rumors swirl that Milwaukee is listening on offers ahead of the trade deadline. Merlin sees a leader giving a clear ultimatum. Giannis’ line "If you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone" reads like patience paired with firm expectations. Milwaukee can try to buy assets to keep him or test the market; either choice will reveal how much the team believes it can compete now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before the deadline: 35%.
Feb 4
Ja Morant Trade Looms For Memphis Grizzlies
Merlin sees the Grizzlies accelerating a rebuild. After sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, Memphis is now "motivated to trade" Ja Morant, with sources saying their "asking price for Morant has dropped dramatically." The team has stockpiled seven first-round picks and is even "open to taking on long-term salary if it can deliver additional quality draft capital" as it pivots around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. Merlin notes the end of a once-bright core and the start of a patient reset. Teams mentioned as suitors include the Kings and Raptors, and talks of a multi-team deal that moves Domantas Sabonis are already swirling. Morant’s injury history and falling production have softened his market, but a contender willing to bet on his ceiling could still change the script. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded by Thursday’s deadline: 80%.
Feb 4
Mavericks' Luka Doncic Trade Tree Grows With Davis Deal
Merlin sees the Luka Dončić trade tree grow another branch. Dallas flipped Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first rounders and three seconds. That move adds more role players and picks to the haul the Mavs collected when they traded Dončić to L.A., but most pieces are depth and several picks carry protections or look late in the round. Dončić remains elite in L.A., averaging 33.4 points, and Dallas has struggled without him. Merlin notes the true prize from the split was not a veteran but draft luck. The lottery win that yielded Cooper Flagg, now a Rookie of the Year frontrunner, gives Dallas a genuine cornerstone. The package from Dončić is messy on paper, yet the Mavericks’ rebuild still has a clear path forward if Flagg grows. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Ship Anthony Davis To Wizards In Stunning Trade
Merlin sees Anthony Davis sent from Dallas to Washington after one season, along with Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum for a package that includes five draft picks and two firsts. The Athletic reports "The Wizards envision a frontcourt of Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly as being one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league." Davis is sidelined with a left-hand ligament injury and has averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds this season. Merlin notes the deal "came out of left field" and deepens the fallout from Dallas' Luka trade, injuries and a GM firing. The Mavs will pivot to 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, while Washington bets on defense and draft capital. Davis' health will decide if the move is bold building or an expensive gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Wizards making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Feb 4
Cavs Could Land LeBron James With Harden and Mitchell
Merlin sees Cleveland making a bold play. After trading for James Harden, the Cavs are now an "obvious destination" for LeBron if he leaves the Lakers, and Cleveland "would gladly" welcome him back. LeBron has a full no-trade clause and has teased that his Jan. 28 visit "very well could be" his last time in Cleveland. At 41, he knows the market realities and the $52.6 million he earns now will not be the norm, so free agency is the likeliest route. Merlin senses both promise and puzzles. A core of LeBron, Donovan Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is championship-caliber on paper, but payroll math and defensive fits matter. Keon Ellis and roster trimming will shape whether this dream trio is practical or just a vision after a postseason that will heavily influence Cleveland’s choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of LeBron signing with the Cavaliers next season: 25%.")
Feb 4
Sixers Trade Jared McCain to Oklahoma City Thunder
The 76ers traded guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, netting a 2026 first-round pick from Houston plus three second-round picks. McCain was the 16th pick in 2024 and showed promise as a rookie (15.3 points, 46 percent shooting, 38.3 percent from three) before a torn meniscus and a later torn UCL limited his second season to 6.6 points in 37 games. Merlin sees Philly choosing future flexibility over a gamble on a young player with injury history. OKC, already described as "the rich get richer in Oklahoma City," adds cheap upside to a title-caliber roster where McCain can rebuild value. The move gives the Sixers draft currency and gives McCain a cleaner path to develop behind a winning team. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McCain becomes a regular rotation piece for OKC this season: 45%.
Feb 4
Donovan Mitchell Pushes Cavs To Trade For James Harden
Donovan Mitchell pushed Cleveland to act before the trade deadline, and the Cavs answered by swapping Darius Garland for James Harden. Mitchell "conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat," per The Athletic, and the move signals the team wants to chase a deeper playoff run while Mitchell still holds leverage on his contract. Merlin sees a clear gamble. Harden adds elite playmaking and scoring creation, but chemistry and defense must align quickly for the Cavs to climb from fifth in the East. A refutation from a team official keeps the drama alive, yet the roster now looks built to win now rather than wait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cleveland reaches the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 30%.
Feb 4
Utah Jazz Eye Block Party: Jaren Jackson Jr, Walker Kessler
Merlin sees Utah adding Jaren Jackson Jr. and planning to keep Walker Kessler as a restricted free agent. Zach Lowe said "they intend to bring him back and at least experiment with a triple big lineup." Jackson carries a long, roughly $50 million per year deal through 2030, while Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in five games before season-ending shoulder surgery. Retaining Kessler would let Jackson slide to power forward and give the Jazz a true rebounding anchor. Merlin senses upside and fragility. A Markkanen, Jackson and Kessler frontcourt could become a defensive fortress and free up minutes for perimeter youth like Keyonte George, but Kessler’s recovery and lineup versatility against quicker teams are real questions. As an RFA the Jazz keep leverage, and a healthy Kessler makes the ultra-big experiment likely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Utah re-signs Kessler this offseason: 70%.
Feb 4
76ers Not Pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sources Say
Merlin sees the Giannis sweepstakes narrowing with Philadelphia largely off the map. Tony Jones reports "all is quiet" on a Sixers connection while Shams Charania says Milwaukee has received serious offers from Golden State, Minnesota and Miami as it seeks young blue-chip talent and draft capital. Paul George's 25-game suspension and his $54.1 million salary next season make him a tough piece to include, and the Sixers seem unlikely to part with rookie VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia is on a five-game win streak and sits sixth in the East, and Joel Embiid told reporters he hopes the front office "would think about improving because I believe we have a chance." Merlin senses the club prefers keeping the current core of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Edgecombe intact rather than breaking it up for a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the 76ers landing Giannis before Thursday's deadline: 5%.
Feb 4
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Grizzlies Plot Bold Jonathan Kuminga Trade From Warriors
Merlin sees the trade winds have roared awake. The idea floated: Memphis could pursue Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga, sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jaylen Wells to the Warriors in exchange for Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis and a 2030 second-round pick. The pitch rests on Memphis’ need for true upside beyond Zach Edey and Cedric Coward and on Kuminga’s unfinished scoring upside if given more control. Merlin notes the fit is simple magic on paper. Kuminga’s tools and 22.2 points per 36 minutes over two seasons hint at a breakout if removed from a mismatched role. Golden State would clear a nagging distraction, gain an expiring contract and a young wing, while Memphis takes a low-cost gamble for a potential star. The move reads as a rebuilder’s sensible risk with real upside. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded to Memphis before the deadline: 30%.
Feb 4
James Harden to Cavaliers for Darius Garland Bold or Foolish?
Merlin sees James Harden landing in Cleveland after the Harden-for-Darius Garland swap, a deal that traded a 26-year-old All-Star for a 36-year-old scoring legend with growing questions. Harden sits at No. 9 all time and owns MVPs and scoring titles, yet his recent playoff meltdowns and reports the move was "all about a contract extension" make this a risky bet. The Cavs gave up youth and a pick for immediate offense. Merlin remembers the pattern, early fireworks, winning streaks, then the running and screaming moment, "Yeah, ooh, ahh, that's how this always starts, and then later there's running and, and screaming." Harden’s history of forcing moves and hunting paydays means Cleveland may see regular-season shine followed by fragile postseason chemistry and a gnarly salary problem. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 25%.
Feb 4
Lakers Eye Jonathan Kuminga To Boost Title Push
Merlin sees the Lakers circling several defensive wings ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, with Jonathan Kuminga among the primary names. League sources say "virtually every defensive wing on the market" has been tied to Los Angeles, and the club has also checked in on Naji Marshall and Day'Ron Sharpe. Kuminga offers athleticism, defense and scoring and is on a two-year deal with a 2026-27 club option, but he is sidelined with a knee bone bruise and looks likely to be shopped. Merlin notes the Lakers are 30-19 and hungry to bridge the gap to the West elite, yet they have shown reluctance to burn offseason cap space. Executives say L.A. might surrender a 2031 or 2032 first round pick for the right addition, so any move may lean toward rentals or low-cost fits. Kuminga could be an ideal short-term piece if the price stays reasonable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds the Lakers land Jonathan Kuminga by the deadline: 30%.)
Feb 4