NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 17, 2025
Trade Deadline Top Assets: Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum
Bleacher Report refreshed a big board of every team s top three trade assets as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches, labeling squads buyers or sellers and naming the pieces other teams would most covet. The update makes clear that future first round picks and cheap, movable role players are the market s currency, while many stars remain effectively off limits. Notable entries include Derrick White for Boston, Atlanta s valuable New Orleans pick haul, and Pelicans pieces like Murphy and Zion. The Rockets even call Reed Sheppard "Untouchable" while still treating draft equity as the true bargaining chip. Merlin sees the trade winds gathering. Buyers will chase shooting and perimeter defense, sellers will dangle expirings and controllable young pieces, and swaps and distant picks will headline deals more than marquee players. Expect rosters to shuffle after injury news or sudden front office shifts. Keep watching cap room and health reports; they will steer the market. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 18%.
Karl Anthony Towns, Timothee Chalamet Boost Marty Supreme for Knicks
Karl Anthony Towns boosted the Marty Supreme campaign by posting a celebratory phone call with Timothée Chalamet after the Knicks beat the Spurs 124 113 to win the NBA Cup. He captioned the moment "Marty Supreme Approved." Chalamet, an Oscar nominated actor and frequent Madison Square Garden presence, called the 2025 postseason "the most fun period" of his life and has already collected Towns' game worn jersey, tying movie buzz to Knicks fandom. Merlin sees a playful alchemy at work. Hollywood shine and a better Knicks roster create a feedback loop that sells tickets and headlines, and while Spike Lee remains the franchise's iconic heartbeat, Chalamet brings a younger glow and awards season momentum that could amplify the team's cultural footprint into 2026. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Timothée Chalamet becomes the Knicks' most famous supporter this season: 45%.
Dec 17
Jalen Brunson Clinches NBA Cup MVP as Knicks Top Spurs
Jalen Brunson was named MVP of the 2025 NBA Cup as the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 124 to 113. Brunson finished with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two blocks in the final and averaged 34.8 points and 5.4 assists for the Cup on 55.8/50.0/67.6 shooting. New York got 29 bench points from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, while Victor Wembanyama played 25 minutes as he works back from a calf strain. Merlin sees Brunson as New York's engine, steady and relentless in tight spots. The bench burst and offensive rebounding hint at a team built to win close games, while San Antonio must balance Wembanyama’s load. The Cup is a bright omen but not a prophecy, and Brunson leaves with hardware and momentum into the long season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jalen Brunson winning regular season MVP this year: 10%.
Dec 17
NBA Expansion Showdown Seattle vs Las Vegas 2026
Commissioner Adam Silver told fans the NBA will wait until 2026 before deciding on expansion. "We're in the process of working with our (existing) teams and gauging the level of interest," he said, adding "And then sometime in 2026, we'll make a determination." Seattle and Las Vegas are the top markets under study, and the central question is whether the current 30 owners will accept dividing league revenue to add two more teams. Merlin sees Las Vegas with ready arenas and an NBA footprint through Summer League and the Cup, while Seattle brings long standing passion from SuperSonics days. The league is chasing a pro forma that creates more value than it costs the existing clubs. Expect careful accounting, owner debates, and a slow, deliberate march toward any new franchises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least one expansion team will be approved by 2028: 70%.
Dec 16
Knicks Coach Mike Brown Jokes Pray for Wembanyama
Mike Brown laughed about prepping for Victor Wembanyama in the 2025 NBA Cup final, saying "I think his intel is the same as anyone playing Wemby the night before," and added "You go to church, get down on your knees and say a prayer to the good lord." Wembanyama has been dominant early in 2025 26, averaging 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks while shooting 50.4 percent overall and 35.6 percent from three. He returned from a 12 game calf absence and remains a major threat against New York. Merlin sees a chess match more than a duel. The Knicks must rely on collective discipline to limit Wembanyama while daring others to beat them, because Wembanyama has a history of explosive outings, including a 40 and 20 in overtime and a 42 in Madison Square Garden. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Wembanyama scores 30 or more in the final: 40%.
Dec 16
Adam Silver Wants Chris Paul To Finish Season Elsewhere
Adam Silver said he hopes Chris Paul’s career is not finished and added "I'd love to see him finish off the season on another team." The Clippers sent the 40 year old home after he fell in and out of the rotation, and reports say his "leadership style clashed with the Clippers," that he was "vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable," and that he had arguments with Tyronn Lue and "especially associate head coach Jeff Van Gundy." Los Angeles could try to get value in a trade while Paul is reportedly still working out, leaving the door open for a return. Merlin sees a veteran who still trains like a starter and who wants a proper ending to a storied run. A team that values his on court savvy and tough love could welcome him, but fit and chemistry will decide if he plays again or fades quietly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul signing with another team before the trade deadline this season: 55%.
Dec 16
Generous Luka Doncic Gifts Electric Bikes to Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Dončić is in a giving mood this holiday season. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Dončić bought an electronic bike for every member of the team's basketball operations staff, as well as for the players and coaches, a move Redick called "a very nice gesture." It follows team bonding events like the Porsche Driving Experience and comes in the middle of a dominant stretch for Luka, who leads the NBA at 34.7 points as the Lakers sit 18 7. Merlin senses purpose behind the presents. Small acts build trust and help Luka cement leadership in his first full season in Los Angeles, echoing the generosity he showed in Dallas. Gifts will not replace defense or supporting pieces, but they change the room and make it easier for the franchise to grow around him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka being viewed as the Lakers' long term franchise leader by season's end: 70%.
Dec 16
Curry 48 Not Enough As Lacob Vows Warriors Fix
Joe Lacob answered a fan who begged the team to "please do something about this Team," replying "I am working on it. It's complicated. Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy [Butler] is not the problem." Steve Kerr called the leak "not a big deal." Golden State sits under .500 at 13 14 after a 136 131 loss in which Stephen Curry scored 48 and it still was not enough. Merlin sees an aging crown in need of choices. Curry Butler and Draymond are all in their mid 30s and eating salary cap room, while Brandin Podziemski Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody must develop amid pressure to win now. The front office faces a hard decision between chasing one more title or starting a true rebuild. There is no obvious silver bullet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State landing a franchise changing star this season: 8%.
Dec 16
Wembanyama Says Jokic Not NBA's Best
Victor Wembanyama told ESPN he does not think Nikola Jokić is the NBA's best player. "I think Jokić is the best offensive player," Wembanyama said, "I don't think he's the best player... When I come back on the court, I think it will be me." Jokić remains dominant with near triple double averages and elite playmaking, though questions about his defense persist. Merlin sees a young star staking his claim. At 21 Wembanyama already has Rookie of the Year, two block titles, and All Star honors. His blend of rim protection and perimeter skill makes him a long term matchup nightmare. Passing Jokić will take health, growth, and time, but confidence is a powerful kind of magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Victor Wembanyama becomes the NBA's best player within three seasons: 40%.
Dec 16
Scouts Rave: Darryn Peterson Kansas Star, Quad Concern
An Eastern Conference scout told ESPN that Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson is "so cold and collected and poised and consistent," and called him a top draft talent. Peterson is averaging 19.3 points on 52.8 percent shooting and 42.3 percent from three in limited minutes. He missed seven games with a hamstring and left the NC State game with quad cramping, so his status for Towson is uncertain. Merlin sees why scouts are excited. Jonathan Wasserman has Peterson first overall and a college coach said "He has the most complete offensive game of anybody in college." The polish, shot variety and ball in hand feel read like pro tape. Health will decide whether that package becomes draft day gold or a project. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson being the No. 1 pick this summer: 45%.
Dec 16
Kings Trade Deadline Shakeup: LaVine Sabonis DeRozan
Merlin sees a troubled Sacramento club. The 6 and 20 Kings are "expected to explore making trades of [their] veteran players," per Marc J. Spears and Andscape. Fans have booed and a source says there is a disconnect between some veterans and coach Doug Christie. The team is last in offensive efficiency and 27th in defensive efficiency, so a roster shakeup before the Feb 5 trade deadline looks likely. The names in play are familiar: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Russell Westbrook. Teams have "done due diligence" on LaVine and the Clippers "have some interest" in DeRozan, while Sabonis "is prepared to remain in a Kings jersey for the foreseeable future." Merlin thinks moving a veteran could reset the room, but it will cost assets and clarity and will reshape Sacramento for better or worse. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Sacramento trades at least one veteran before Feb 5: 70%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Return Divides Clippers Locker Room
Chris Paul’s return to the Clippers collapsed as his relentless leadership clashed with a reduced role and a staff that pushed back. An NBA executive told ESPN "He wears you out." The team pictured him coming off the bench and Paul "had also stressed that he wanted a chance to compete," but his habit of offering training tips and directing players led to complaints that he was abrasive. Merlin sees a familiar tale. Paul has produced wins everywhere from Lob City to Phoenix and even mentored Shai Gilgeous Alexander in Oklahoma City. When his voice matches his impact it elevates teams. When his impact fades the same voice can fray locker room patience, and Los Angeles decided the CP3 experience was no longer worth it. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul landing a meaningful rotation role this season: 30%.
Dec 16
Giannis Uncertainty Sparks Bucks Trade Hunt
Merlin sees Milwaukee stuck between pride and panic as fresh trade chatter circles Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rival execs wonder if the Bucks resisted offers because the market would not be as strong as expected, while others say Milwaukee has shifted tone and is "going big game hunting" to add help around an injured superstar. With Giannis out with a calf strain and the club 11 and 16, urgency is real. Limited draft capital until 2031 forces Milwaukee toward taking on an expensive contract like Zach LaVine to land a difference maker. Merlin senses a bold move is possible, but it will cost pieces and faith, and the window to act is narrow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Milwaukee lands a bona fide All Star at the deadline: 30%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers Reunion Ends Amid Tensions
Merlin sees that Chris Paul’s short lived reunion with the Los Angeles Clippers unraveled slowly rather than in a single blow. As one source told Ramona Shelburne, "There really wasn't one thing." Paul had "a few arguments" with coach Tyronn Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy, and president Lawrence Frank met with him "multiple" times. With reports that Paul may retire at the end of the season, the team had little reason to prolong a partnership that was not working. Merlin notes that some returns are charming in theory and poisonous in practice. This was less a scandal and more a clash of fit and timing. The Clippers now look poised to move on and protect the locker room, while Paul heads toward the final pages of a storied career. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul retires at the end of the season: 80%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Jeff Van Gundy Plane Dispute Sparks Clippers Split
Merlin sees the Clippers cut ties with veteran guard Chris Paul after a heated exchange with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy on a team flight. Van Gundy accused Paul of changing Kawhi Leonard's defensive assignment in a loss, and Paul reportedly stood up and asked Leonard and Kris Dunn to confirm he only made a suggestion. Reports say the team "decided they'd finally had enough" and Paul wrote he had been "sent home" after appearing in just 16 games while the Clippers sit 6 20 and 14th in the West. Merlin notes that Paul is a future Hall of Famer and a proven leader, yet leadership can clash when a roster is crowded with strong personalities. The split feels less about one play and more about frayed patience on a team that expected better this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul signing with a playoff contender before the trade deadline this season: 40%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Benched Amid Clippers Culture Clash
Two weeks after the Clippers said Chris Paul would no longer be part of the team, ESPN reports the split grew from repeated clashes over culture and communication. Paul raised concerns after the Nov. 6 loss, noting a "lack of conversation in the group text chat and the lack of time the players spent together off the court." Lawrence Frank told him his "style wasn't in line with what they needed it to be" and that his leadership was "being perceived as subversive rather than helpful." Paul was removed from the rotation, sent home, and is now trade eligible. Merlin sees a seasoned voice running into a locker room that wanted quiet instead of questions. At 21 seasons and averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists, Paul is more voice than minutes. The Clippers chose cohesion over tolerance for friction. Expect discreet trade talks and an end of season decision on a likely retirement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Paul being traded before the deadline: 40%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Stunned as Clippers Cut Ties
Chris Paul was "stunned" when the Clippers sent him home and tried to "plead his case." President Lawrence Frank told him in Atlanta and would not change course. ESPN cites tension with coach Ty Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy and "complaints from both players and coaches that he was abrasive" as reasons. Paul is training at the team's old facility while he pursues a trade or a buyout. Merlin sees a veteran whose value outlives the drama. At 40 years old Paul remains a surefire Hall of Famer whose leadership and playmaking can help contenders, but teams will weigh chemistry risk after these reports. With supporters like Kawhi Leonard and Brook Lopez, the situation could still resolve quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul is bought out before the trade deadline: 60%.
Dec 16
Raptors, Hawks Circle Anthony Davis as Mavericks Hold Out
Merlin sees Toronto and Atlanta as the two teams most inquiring about Dallas star Anthony Davis, though optimism is thin. Marc Stein reports he is "not hearing much optimism at the moment that Atlanta can get anywhere near a package that would tempt Dallas." The Mavericks are demanding significant return and are "not at all interested in just shedding Davis' contract," while sources say there "doesn't seem to be much of a market." Davis carries a $54.1 million salary that makes trades messy. Merlin adds that Atlanta would likely need to include Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis to make numbers work, and Toronto’s willingness will hinge on its spot in the East as the deadline nears. Dallas sits 10 and 17 and could soften if it drifts out of contention, especially with Dereck Lively II out for the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb 5, 2026 season trade deadline: 20%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Sent Home by Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul’s reunion with the Clippers ended abruptly in December when the team sent him home and said he was no longer with the club. The split followed friction over a framed "reserve" role that teammates feared would disrupt minutes. Paul reportedly agreed to the outline but wanted to compete and to be "an extension of the coaching staff," and some players and coaches felt he crossed lines. Merlin sees a familiar script. Paul is a brilliant floor general who "wears you out," insisting on his view until others bend, and that intensity helps teams while straining locker rooms. The Clippers, at six wins and 20 losses, now face a roster decision: trade, waive or buy him out, and the handling of his exit has left a sour aftertaste. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul is traded or bought out within 30 days: 70%.
Dec 16
Cooper Flagg Shatters LeBron James Teenage Record, Mavericks Lose
Cooper Flagg exploded for 42 points Monday, the most ever by an 18 year old in an NBA game, topping LeBron James 2003 mark of 37, yet the Mavericks fell 140 133 in overtime to Utah. Flagg called the night bittersweet, saying "Obviously, we didn't win. So, it's tough for me to want to be happy or any of that. But obviously, it's a success." He has scored 20 or more in five of seven games and is averaging 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the season, putting him in Rookie of the Year conversation. Merlin sees a rare talent settling into the league with the calm of a veteran and the flash of a rising star. The numbers nod to historic peers like Kevin Durant and James, yet Dallas remains 10th in the West at 10 17 and short on health. If the roster ever aligns, Flagg could carry a contender, but for now he is the bright lantern in a foggy caravan. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 55%.
Dec 16
Ime Udoka Rips Refs After Jokic Sengun Triple Doubles
Ime Udoka blasted the officiating after the Rockets lost 128 125 in overtime, calling it "most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time" and naming refs Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls and crew chief Zach Zarba. A late call on Amen Thompson for tripping Tim Hardaway Jr with 2.3 seconds, upheld on challenge, sent Jamal Murray to the line and forced overtime. The game had 53 fouls and 59 free throws. Nikola Jokić (39 15 10) and Alperen Şengün (33 10 10) became the first two centers to record triple doubles in one game. Merlin notes the league rarely lets coaches attack refs without consequence. Udoka can expect a fine. The contest still mattered on the court: it confirmed Denver and Houston as Western contenders and produced rare center history. If whistles keep deciding outcomes, the debate will only grow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ime Udoka is fined for his comments: 90%.
Dec 16
Cooper Flagg's 42 Topples LeBron 18 Year Record
Merlin sees Cooper Flagg make a loud entry into the record books. The No. 1 pick poured in a career high 42 points in a 140 133 overtime loss to Utah, with seven rebounds and six assists on 13 of 27 shooting and 15 of 20 from the free throw line. His scoring night passed LeBron James for a single game mark by an 18 year old and put Flagg third all time in points before turning 19, behind LeBron and Kobe Bryant. Merlin notes the timing adds drama. Flagg hit 20 before halftime and now has just two games left before his 19th birthday, with Dallas hosting Detroit Thursday and visiting Philadelphia Saturday. History is a bright spotlight but not a guarantee; the rookie has shown elite scoring instincts that the Mavericks can either harness or watch fade as teams adjust. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg having another 40 point game before his 19th birthday: 30%.
Dec 16
Can Knicks Stop Wembanyama in NBA Cup?
The Knicks and Spurs meet in the NBA Cup final, a rematch of last season's Christmas Day game where Victor Wembanyama exploded for 42 points and dominated the box score. Josh Hart warns "He can shoot the hell out of the basketball, that's what I learned" and called him "He's multifaceted." Wembanyama missed big chunks of the season with a calf issue but scored 22 points in 21 minutes in the semifinal, so New York must find a way to limit his impact. Merlin sees this as a battle of momentum and matchups. New York enters red hot at 9-1 in its last 10 while San Antonio carries confidence after toppling the Thunder. If Wembanyama is anything less than fully available the balance tilts to the Knicks. Expect tactical adjustments and heavy focus on containment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning the NBA Cup this game: 60%.
Dec 15
Curry Lights Up as Green Turnovers Hurt Warriors
Draymond Green said he is "Too f---ing old to be doing that" after a loss to Portland in which he had eight turnovers and the Warriors committed 18 overall. Stephen Curry still poured in 48 points, but Golden State ranks 24th in turnovers per game at 16 and 20th in offensive rating, and are 13 wins and 14 losses as they try to climb back into the playoff mix. Merlin sees a veteran admitting fault and offering a rare public reset. Green can be the defensive and emotional engine the team needs, but careless reads keep turning promising nights into losses. If he tightens his decision making the Warriors can turn Curry nights into wins. If not, their margin for error will keep shrinking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State making the playoffs this season: 50%.
Dec 15
Lakers Assign Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero to G League
Los Angeles has assigned second year guard Dalton Knecht and rookie forward Adou Thiero to the South Bay Lakers. Knecht, the 17th pick in 2024, is averaging 6.4 points in 15.1 minutes while shooting 47.1 percent overall and 36.2 percent from three in 20 games. Thiero has appeared in nine games at about six minutes and 1.1 points, though he scored 15.5 in two prior South Bay outings. The move comes amid an 18 wins and 7 losses start that has the Lakers fourth in the West. Merlin sees roster chess, not panic. With veteran rotation spots locked and a title window open, Los Angeles is using the G League to develop depth and create roster flexibility. Knecht can refine his role or become tradeable depth, while Thiero can earn a quick call up with strong play. Expect the front office to hunt a reliable 3 and D body before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers adding a 3 and D player before the trade deadline: 60%.
Dec 15