NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 3, 2026
Bulls Land Mike Conley Jr and Jaden Ivey
Merlin sees a three-team deal that sends Mike Conley Jr. and Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, while Detroit receives Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić and a 2026 protected first-round swap from Minnesota. All four players are on expiring contracts, and Šarić can still be moved before Thursday because his salary "is going into an exception and not aggregated." Conley is a 38-year-old veteran with declining production this season, and Ivey, the No. 5 pick in 2022, has struggled after a broken fibula and limited minutes. Merlin senses chess, not chaos. The Bulls gain a steady floor general and a young wing with upside; Conley’s veteran voice could unlock Ivey. The Pistons add shooting and depth to a 36-12 team, while the Wolves clear short-term cost and keep flexibility. Expect further small moves before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Jaden Ivey returning to 17+ PPG next season: 30%.")
Miles Bridges Likely To Remain With Hornets After Trade Deadline
Merlin sees Miles Bridges likely staying in Charlotte through Thursday's deadline despite reported interest from Milwaukee, Golden State and Phoenix. The Hornets are 23-28 and on a seven-game win streak, and Bridges has started all 50 games, averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. A league source said he is "highly likely to remain," and Bridges said, "I feel like everybody else wants everybody to stay together." Merlin senses the Hornets are choosing continuity over a disruptive midseason sell. Keeping Bridges protects the team's chemistry and lets Charlotte keep building its young core rather than reset with a big move. Rival teams will keep trying, but for now the Hornets favor growth over gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miles Bridges being traded before next season: 25%.
Feb 3
Knicks Still in Giannis Race as Bucks Hold Out
Merlin sees the trade clock closing and the Bucks running out of time to find a home for Giannis before Thursday. Reports name the Knicks among teams "choosing to stay in the hunt," with Golden State, Minnesota and Miami also circling. Rival execs say offers remain underwhelming, and Milwaukee is holding out for "a premier young player(s) and multiple, good draft picks" in return. New York likely lacks those assets and would probably have to move starters like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges or Karl-Anthony Towns to get close. Merlin senses patience will win the day. With Towns's value drifting and the Knicks reluctant to break their core, the Bucks are set to wait for richer summer packages. Expect this saga to stretch into the offseason, when clearer trade paths and more draft capital could force a decision. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Thursday's deadline: 10%.
Feb 3
Clippers Weigh Trading Harden for Garland
Merlin sees the Clippers are "hell-bent" on clearing salary cap room for the 2027 free agent class and are reportedly discussing sending James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. Harden’s $42.3 million player option could fall to $13.3 million if waived by July 11, and L.A. currently has only Ivica Zubac guaranteed for 2027, so cap flexibility is the driving force. Merlin notes the short-term oddity: Harden is still averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists while the Clippers climbed from 6-21 to ninth. Garland is younger but locked into a five-year, $197.2 million deal through 2027-28, so the swap would not fully align with the 2027 purge. Sources say talks are "all about a contract extension." The deadline will test whether long-term planning wins out. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers trading James Harden before the deadline: 60%.
Feb 3
Giannis Trade Could Send Warriors Star Draymond Green To Bucks
The Warriors are actively exploring a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green could be part of the price. Sam Amick says "Green and his camp are well aware that the prospect of him being sent to Milwaukee is very real," and ESPN’s Anthony Slater reports Green's name is in "active" trade talks. Giannis’ $54.1 million salary forces Golden State to move major contracts, and the Bucks prefer a healthy, impactful player like Green over an injured Jimmy Butler. Merlin sees Golden State at a crossroads: honor the Big Three’s twilight or gamble everything for one more title with Curry. Trading Green would strip the team’s defensive backbone but could add an MVP-level star. Green has said he wants to retire with the Warriors, yet "it might be out of his hands." Expect more trade chess and competing suitors in the weeks ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond Green being traded to Milwaukee this offseason: 30%.
Feb 3
Jaren Jackson Jr To Utah Jazz, Grizzlies Nab 3 Picks
Merlin sees the Grizzlies have sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal that returns three future first-round picks to Memphis, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move surprised fans and analysts and immediately reshapes plans for both clubs. Merlin senses Utah picks up a versatile rim protector who can alter shots and space the floor, giving the Jazz a clearer identity on defense and offense. Memphis looks like it is shifting toward a reset, gathering draft currency and flexibility. The trade changes the West pecking order and leaves questions about health, fit, and how coaches will deploy Jackson’s rare skill set. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 18%.
Feb 3
Grizzlies Exploring Ja Morant Trade Before NBA Deadline
After dealing Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, the Memphis Grizzlies are still stirring the pot. On SportsCenter, Shams Charania said, "The Grizzlies' conversations around Ja Morant and entertaining offers [are] continuing around the league," and "There's multiple teams with interest in Ja Morant." With Thursday's trade deadline approaching, Memphis is actively gauging market interest in its star point guard. Merlin sees a team testing the market and the clock. Moving Morant would accelerate a rebuild and haul assets, while keeping him bets on salvaging continuity. Multiple suitors will up the price as time slips away, so expect sudden moves or a dramatic standstill as teams jockey for position. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before Thursday's deadline: 45%.
Feb 3
Grizzlies Trade Jaren Jackson Jr to Jazz, Morant Drama Looms
The Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar and Jock Landale to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three first-round picks, including Utah’s most favorable 2027 pick, the Lakers’ 2027 pick and the Suns’ 2031 pick. The deal creates a $28.8 million trade exception, the largest in NBA history. Jackson is a two-time All-Star and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 19.2 points and 1.5 blocks, and his exit shows Memphis will move core pieces despite earlier reports they were "entertaining offers" for Ja Morant. Merlin sees Memphis choosing leverage over loyalty. Utah gains rim protection and stability, while Memphis collects draft ammo and a rare sorcerer’s tool in that massive trade exception. The move makes a full rebuild more plausible and keeps Morant as the chess piece everyone is still studying. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Memphis trades Ja Morant before the deadline: 40%.
Feb 3
Lonzo Ball to Hornets Could Reunite Brothers
Merlin sees Cleveland and Charlotte held a "preliminary conversation" about sending Lonzo Ball to the Hornets for second-round picks. If moved, he would reunite with brother LaMelo in Charlotte. Cleveland’s moves this season, plus additions Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, have made Ball expendable despite his injury history and career-low numbers. Merlin notes Ball is averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists on poor shooting, yet he still offers playmaking and defense. Charlotte sits 11th and may prefer to develop youth, so a Lonzo arrival would likely be a short term depth piece with a club option shaping his future. The chatter reads more like a salary and pick maneuver than a major roster overhaul. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo Ball being traded to the Hornets before the deadline: 35%.
Feb 3
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Hornets Eye Jaren Jackson Jr Trade for Miles Bridges
Charlotte has ripped off a dominant stretch since Jan. 1, sitting top five in winning percentage and first in net rating. Talk has turned to a blockbuster: Miles Bridges and assets to Memphis for Jaren Jackson Jr. That swap would answer a 19th-ranked defense and balance LaMelo, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel’s playmaking with a two-way anchor, while Bridges is said to be available for "a first (round pick), maybe two." Merlin sees a rare window. Charlotte’s cheap, young core and roster flexibility make a Jackson upgrade tempting as a win-now-and-later move; Jackson, 26, comes with length, switchability and a contract that keeps him under team control for years. Memphis would accelerate a needed rebuild with multiple firsts and youth, but chemistry risk looms for a team finally finding rhythm. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Charlotte lands Jaren Jackson Jr. before the deadline: 30%.
Feb 3
Harden on the Block? Clippers and Cavs Eye Garland
James Harden's push for a longer contract has put him on the trade block, sources told Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. A source said "It's all about a contract extension." The Clippers have explored sending Harden to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland, but talks are not advanced and Cleveland may not promise more than one season. If no suitor offers a multi-year deal, Harden could stay in L.A. and test free agency after his player option. Merlin sees the league weighing title urgency against financial commitment. Harden, 36, still produces at an elite level, so contenders chasing now will keep calling. Expect steady trade chatter until a team willing to both trade assets and guarantee term appears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Harden is traded before the deadline: 40%.
Feb 3
James Harden Trade Drama: Clippers, Cavs Favored
James Harden has asked the Clippers for another trade and Los Angeles is actively shopping him, with the Cleveland Cavaliers viewed as the early favorite even though talks have "not yet reached an advanced stage." Multiple proposals have circulated — from Minnesota and Phoenix swaps to bigger offers involving Milwaukee, Detroit, or Memphis — all timed to the 3 p.m. trade deadline. Any move would reshape contender timelines, cap space, and a raft of draft assets. Merlin sees Harden as a late-career creator who still moves the needle, but fit will determine value. A Cavs pairing with Darius Garland gives instant offense, Minnesota or Detroit chase playmaking for Anthony Edwards or Cade Cunningham, and Milwaukee could pivot if Giannis chatter continues. Harden must sign off and teams will fret chemistry and contracts, so expect a flurry of offers before the bell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden landing with the Cavaliers by Thursday: 60%.
Feb 3
Kawhi Shrugs As James Harden Linked To Cavs
Merlin sees the Clippers quietly exploring a James Harden swap with the Cavaliers as teams "work through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday's NBA trade deadline," with Darius Garland reported as a possible return. After the 128-113 loss to Philadelphia, Kawhi Leonard said a trade "wouldn't be affected" their relationship and he "trusts the front office." Los Angeles has steadied at 23-26, but Harden's $42.3 million 2026-27 player option and the club's reluctance to commit long term are pushing talks. Merlin smells strategy more than panic. Harden's history of forcing exits and the Clippers' climb from 6-21 to Play-In contention make swapping him for a younger guard with years on his deal a sensible move if LA wants roster control and cost certainty. If a deal happens, questions about Leonard's 2027 choices will surface quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden being traded by Thursday: 40%.
Feb 3
Harden For Garland? Clippers And Cavs In Talks
Merlin sees a serious trade whisper turning into a conversation. The Clippers and Cavaliers have held "advanced discussions" about swapping James Harden for Darius Garland, with Harden and the Clippers "aligned" on finding a new home before Thursday. Reports say Donovan Mitchell "would welcome the addition of an experienced ball-handler like Harden" to ease his playmaking load, and "people around the league are watching the Donovan Mitchell situation" as Cleveland weighs a push toward a championship. Merlin notes the math and the mystery. Harden brings elite creation and playoff hunger but no ring, Garland has been up and down while injured, and the Cavs sit fifth in the East at 30-21. If chemistry forms, Cleveland vaults into serious contention. If it does not, the pair could clash rather than click. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland completing the Harden-for-Garland trade by Thursday: 45%.
Feb 3
Clippers Cavaliers Near Harden for Garland Blockbuster
Merlin sees the Clippers and Cavaliers deep in trade talks that would send James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. Chris Mannix says the clubs have had "advanced discussions," and Tyronn Lue called Harden’s absence Monday for "personal reasons." Shams Charania reports "Both sides are aligned in conversations together and with interested teams." Harden would pair with Donovan Mitchell as Cleveland chases a first title, while Garland’s injuries and hefty future cap hits make him movable for Los Angeles. Merlin senses a classic win-now versus reset story. Cleveland gains a veteran playmaker averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists, but chemistry and Harden’s short-term control of his future matter. The Clippers weigh immediate continuity against long-term flexibility. Player consent and playoff math will cast the deciding spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Harden-for-Garland trade happening by Thursday: 45%.
Feb 3
Giannis May Spurn Warriors For Knicks or Timberwolves
Merlin sees Golden State squarely in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, yet the two-time MVP may not be keen to join. Jake Fischer says "Golden State is aware of recent rumblings that Antetokounmpo can't be assumed to be as eager," and some "suspect Antetokounmpo could be turned off by" an older roster and the kind of criticism Kevin Durant faced. He "wants to win" and finds the Knicks or Timberwolves appealing. Merlin notes the game Giannis plays is half points and half story. Joining the Warriors adds championship hope but risks repeating a familiar narrative. Minnesota's effort, "recruiting third and fourth teams," shows contenders will get creative. Golden State will need more than rings talk to shape the next chapter of his career. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis choosing Golden State if traded: 20%.
Feb 2
Giannis to Timberwolves in Blockbuster Trade with Edwards
ESPN floated a three-team "whopper" that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Minnesota Timberwolves, pairing him with Anthony Edwards, while the Bucks would receive a package of young players and picks and the Raptors would land Jaden McDaniels and Cole Anthony. The proposal "should have everyone's imagination running wild" because it instantly creates a high-ceiling contender in Minnesota and reshuffles assets across three playoff-level franchises. Merlin sees the trade as bold but costly. Minnesota gives up nearly all its young depth to chase a championship window. Milwaukee would get useful pieces but maybe not the blue-chip picks a full rebuild needs. Toronto appears to win a bargain for McDaniels. The deal reads like a gamble that could flip the West, if teams bite and market forces align. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded at the 2026 deadline: 30%.
Feb 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Could Send Draymond To Bucks
Merlin sees a busy trade picture beyond Giannis. Jake Fischer says Draymond Green could be part of the return if Milwaukee trades Giannis to Golden State, though Green’s trade value would be "murky." The Kings are also open to moves, with Domantas Sabonis drawing interest from a "viable suitor" in Toronto and Sacramento willing to field offers for Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk as they sit 12-39. Merlin notes the hard facts: Green is 35, has a $27 million player option and brings a "strong personality," so landing him away from Stephen Curry would be complicated. For Sacramento, moving veterans could jumpstart a rebuild. The deadline looms and the league could shuffle roles more than stars. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Green is included in a Giannis-to-Warriors package: 15%.
Feb 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Drama: Warriors Timberwolves Heat
Merlin sees Milwaukee hoisting Giannis into the trade wind. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Bucks are “engaged” with offers from Golden State, Minnesota and Miami and are “making counteroffers” as they hunt for “a young, bluechip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks.” Golden State’s pitch is “pick heavy,” Minnesota’s is “more of a player-centric” package, and Miami sits “somewhere in the middle.” The clock is loud: Milwaukee sits four games out of the play-in and Giannis has one season left before a 2027-28 player option, which would sap the Bucks of leverage if they hold him. Merlin notes the trade stakes are binary. Keep Giannis and Milwaukee risks adding wins that cost a top-five pick while still missing the postseason. Trade him and contenders like Golden State or Miami instantly reshape the West, while Minnesota pairing Giannis with Anthony Edwards could finally clear a Finals hurdle. The Bucks must weigh immediate impact against long-term currency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 30%.
Feb 2
Timberwolves Recruiting Teams to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees a full-court scramble. The Minnesota Timberwolves are "recruiting third and fourth teams" to cobble together a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday, while Shams Charania says Giannis is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are more willing to listen. Doc Rivers pushes back publicly, saying "Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck," so talks are frantic and fraught. Merlin smells smoke and knows the sparks. Golden State, Portland and others trail the scent, but any deal likely needs creative multi-team work and painful roster sacrifices, maybe even beloved veterans like Draymond Green. If Minnesota fails, expect a pivot to a guard target and more late-night wheeling and dealing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Thursday's deadline: 25%.
Feb 2
Chris Paul Stuck in Clippers Limbo at Trade Deadline
Chris Paul remains in limbo after the Clippers sent him home in December, and "there has been no substantial movement toward finding him a new home," per Ramona Shelburne. Los Angeles can trade him, waive him, or arrange a buyout, but the team sits just $1.1 million shy of the luxury tax apron and Paul’s recent numbers (2.9 points, 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes) have left suitors cold. Merlin sees a quiet, slow unraveling rather than drama. With few teams willing to absorb salary and the market lukewarm, the most likely paths are a buyout if money loosens or an extended exile until the deadline forces a decision. Paul will probably get a chance at a dignified finish, but he may have to wait for the right fit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Paul being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 2
Trae Young To Wizards, Bulls Cash In
Merlin sees the New Year’s trade flurry that followed Trae Young’s move to Washington. Chicago acquired Dario Šarić and two second rounders for De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland dumped salary for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, and Atlanta sent Young to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The league’s “pinnacle of the NBA’s silly season” has tilted rosters, cap sheets, and playoff math. Merlin notes the winners and losers are clear. The Bulls quietly grabbed flexibility and earned an A. The Cavs prioritized payroll relief and depth. The Kings appear to have doubled down on past mistakes. Atlanta bought future space more than present production. Expect more tinkering as teams chase short term fixes or summer firepower. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bulls convert their flexibility into a max signing this summer: 30%.
Feb 2
LaMelo Ball Laceration Scare, Returns For Hornets
LaMelo Ball left Monday’s game after a collision with Hornets coach Charles Lee and suffered what the team called "a laceration above his eye and will be available to return to the game." He returned to finish with 24 points in Charlotte’s win. Ball’s health is an ongoing story — he’s played under 50 games in each of the last three seasons and is at 41 of 51 this year while averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists, his lowest scoring mark since rookie year. Merlin sees a club on a six-game roll that would rather build around its young star than move him now. Reporters note the Hornets are hopeful, "if only because it makes little sense to trade him now." A cut that heals fast is a relief, but durability will decide whether Charlotte keeps riding momentum or entertains offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Feb 2
Chicago Bulls Stuck: Coby White Unwanted, Dosunmu Coveted
The Bulls have quietly been shopping Coby White but interest looks muted. Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic wrote, "While so few transactions have made the going rate for White difficult to gauge," and Chicago has struggled to get a first round pick because of White’s expiring contract, projected price and nagging calf issues. By contrast Ayo Dosunmu has "emerged as one of Chicago's better assets," with "some mutual interest between Dosunmu and the Bulls on a potential extension." White is at 18.5 points and 4.8 assists; Dosunmu 14.8, 3.5 and 44.1 percent from three. Merlin sees a club balancing patience and pragmatism. White is a useful scorer but looks like a rental, so contenders will lowball. Dosunmu’s rising stock makes him more likely to stay unless a truly convincing package appears. Expect Chicago to wait for clear value or keep the assets and retool quietly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls trading Coby White before the deadline: 25%.
Feb 2
Giannis to Warriors? 10 Deadline Trades That Must Happen
A batch of 10 bold, hypothetical deadline trades imagines a very different NBA: from a Giannis-to-Golden State blockbuster to swaps like Kristaps for Myles Turner, Anfernee Simons for Nicolas Claxton, and Ja Morant to Miami. The proposals aim to fix fit, clear salary, and stockpile future picks, pitching both win-now upgrades and reboot plans for struggling teams. Merlin sees the league as a shifting chessboard where fit, contract timelines, and draft capital rule. Some moves are cinematic, like Giannis joining Curry, while others are practical nips and tucks that could quietly remake contenders. Expect a mix of small, likely trades and one or two headline-grabbers that change playoff math. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Golden State before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 2