NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 15, 2025
Chris Paul Trade Window Opens for Clippers
Dec. 15 made 79 recent free agents eligible to be traded, and among them is Chris Paul. He was sent home by the Clippers but remains on the roster and now can be moved. Paul said "I don't regret anything" and that he is "excited to be back here with my family." Reports say his "leadership style clashed with the Clippers" and he and Tyronn Lue "had not been on speaking terms for several weeks." Merlin sees a restless club and a veteran whose final season is a ticking question. Teams chasing a veteran floor general will call, but trade value is mixed given age and roster fit. Los Angeles may prefer a deal to reclaim assets rather than keep a fractured rotation, yet a fair return must appear first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers trading Chris Paul before the deadline: 60%.
Lakers Should Pounce on Keon Ellis Trade
The trade window opens and the Lakers are eager but short on chips. They want more spacing and perimeter defense, yet key targets like Herb Jones are "presumed to be beyond the Lakers' current trade means," so Los Angeles must hunt cheaper help. Keon Ellis emerges as a realistic target: a proven defender whose minutes and numbers have dipped and who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Merlin sees a classic low cost high reward play. Ellis has career shooting splits that suggest he can rebound with a steadier role, and the Lakers can offer cleaner looks and a defensive fit around their scorers. A modest move for a role player could ripple into a bigger playoff picture if the fit clicks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing Keon Ellis this season: 35%.
Dec 15
Paul George Finally Healthy, Sixers Still Shaky
Paul George looks like a new man for the Sixers after a rough 2024 25 season. He scored 35 with seven threes in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta and said simply "Just been healthier." After playing only 41 games last year he is off a minutes restriction and has hit 20 or more points in three of four games. Philadelphia is 14 11 despite ongoing health issues to key pieces. Merlin sees the picture clearly. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George are a fragile constellation right now, and Philly’s ceiling depends on them aligning. Maxey’s 31.5 points per game and rookie VJ Edgecombe give the club hope, but health will cast the deciding vote. George’s line "I didn't see myself being washed that fast" shows the hunger. Expect bumps and bursts as the season unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Sixers making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Dec 15
Stephen Curry Wears Three Shoes, Scores 48 for Warriors
Stephen Curry fully embraced sneaker free agency in Sunday’s 136 to 131 loss at Portland, changing shoes three times from pregame to tip off. He wore Brandon Roy player editions into the arena, Aja Wilson’s shoe for warmups, and Kobe Bryant Protros for the game. Curry and Under Armour parted ways in November and "the Curry 13s will be the final addition to his signature line," leaving him free to test brands while he has not "tipped his hand." He still delivered 48 points and hit 12 of 19 from three, but the Warriors slid to 13 14 and eighth in the West. Merlin sees equal parts commerce and theater. Curry’s public shoe parade is a live audition that raises his market value, and his scoring shows teams and brands they would buy more than a logo. For Golden State the story is dual edged: the star stays brilliant as the roster looks for help. Expect a bidding war that plays out like a slow reveal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs with Nike this season: 70%.
Dec 15
Donovan Mitchell Owns Cavs Booing After Hornets Loss
Merlin sees Donovan Mitchell owning the fallout after a 119 111 overtime loss to the Hornets, telling reporters "We deserve it" as fans booed at Rocket Arena. He added "the city deserves better." Mitchell shot 6 of 24 and 1 of 11 from three, Jarrett Allen had just three rebounds, and now Evan Mobley could miss up to four weeks with a calf strain. The Cavs sit 15 12 and have not pushed past the Eastern Conference semifinals since their core formed. A 64 win season still ended in a five game loss to Indiana, and regular season wobble has turned patience into unease. Merlin warns that with Mobley out and confidence thin, even a soft stretch of opponents is no sure fix. How Cleveland responds in the coming weeks will reveal whether they regroup or drift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers finishing top four in the East this season: 25%.
Dec 15
Brooks Ejected, LeBron Lifts Lakers Past Suns
Merlin sees a fresh flare in the Lakers Suns rivalry after a heated finish where Dillon Brooks hit a go ahead three but was ejected for a second technical after squaring up to LeBron with 12.2 seconds left. LeBron made the free throws and Los Angeles won 116 114. He shrugged it off saying "I just like to compete" and backed the call with "That's definitely a tech." Merlin knows Brooks loves the villain role, the same player who once boasted "I poke bears" and called LeBron "old." That posture can spark games and sometimes backfire, as Jarred Vanderbilt said "Tonight, it cost him." Officials will be keyed in the next meetings, and Dec 23 already smells of extra spice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brooks being ejected again while matching up with LeBron this season: 25%.
Dec 15
Mock Blockbuster Sends Giannis To Knicks
Merlin sees a full speed run of trade season imagined as if the deadline were today. The piece maps realistic swaps for every franchise, pitching moves from Anthony Davis to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis and picks to a fantasy Giannis to New York. It notes that "the market is officially open" as most teams become trade eligible and front offices know what they can and cannot chase. Merlin senses this exercise is less about predicting exact deals and more about revealing priorities. Teams are chasing defense, spacing and tradable assets while juggling injuries and salary math. Some proposals are pure wishful thinking, others are blueprints a savvy front office could follow. Keep an ear on the whispers that turn into formal calls as February nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 8%.”)
Dec 15
Lakers Pursue Keon Ellis and Herb Jones Before Deadline
The Lakers plan to be active before the trade deadline and are prioritizing a 3 and D wing, per Marc Stein. Stein wrote Los Angeles "would naturally like to be in the 3 and D market," which he says is "headlined" by Keon Ellis, while Herb Jones is "presumed to be beyond the Lakers' current trade means." The club wants players around the ages of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to balance present contention with future control. Merlin sees a team at 17 and 7 that wants a tidy defensive piece more than a splashy star. Ellis has lost minutes this year after a larger role last season, while Jones brings steadier production at a higher cost. The market is thin, so the Lakers may chase a cheaper, younger option or trade creatively to land a fit who can guard and space the floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers adding a 3 and D player before the deadline: 65%.
Dec 15
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline: Bucks Stay Silent
Giannis Antetokounmpo could be moved ahead of the February trade deadline, but for now there is little activity. Marc Stein reports "Interested teams continue to wait for the Bucks to signal that they've made Antetokounmpo available. To date Milwaukee has not and has even countered with whispered messaging that it remains in the market for roster upgrades to help Antetokounmpo." Stein also says several clubs, including the Spurs Rockets and Thunder, "do not plan to join the chase" even if the Bucks open talks, though some teams expect Milwaukee to field pitches in January ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin sees the league holding its breath. Trading a two time MVP would start a full rebuild and feels unlikely unless Giannis himself pushes for it. Milwaukee is still signaling commitment to upgrade around him, so any move would need to be seismic. The story will turn on whispers in January and one clear ask. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 14
Wembanyama Off Bench Asks About MVP After Spurs Win
Merlin sees Victor Wembanyama return from a month long left calf strain and come off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes as the Spurs beat the 24 2 Oklahoma City Thunder 111 109 in the NBA Cup semifinals. He even smiled and asked reporters, "Can you win the MVP and the Sixth Man [of the Year award] in the same year?" The moment matters because the Spurs are 18 7 and his elite per game numbers 25.8 points 12.6 rebounds 3.8 assists and 3.5 blocks keep them moving past last season's struggles. Merlin senses this bench cameo is a prescription more than a role change. It is a controlled step in easing him back, a reminder that health will decide how high his ceiling climbs. The Spurs now head to Las Vegas to face the Knicks and the league will be watching how San Antonio balances minutes and momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama winning NBA MVP this season: 30%.
Dec 14
Spurs Shock Thunder as Victor Wembanyama Returns
San Antonio ripped through the Oklahoma City Thunder 111 109, handing the reigning champs only their second loss of the 2025 26 season. Devin Vassell led with 23 points while De Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama each had 22. Wemby nearly posted a double double with nine rebounds in 21 minutes. In the locker room Keldon Johnson’s speaker blared "Party in the U.S.A." Merlin sees more than a single upset. Limited Wemby minutes plus balanced scoring hint at depth and smarter rotation since the 2023 draft lottery promise. One night will not erase Oklahoma City’s favorite status, but San Antonio’s health and consistency could turn them into a dangerous playoff challenger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Spurs reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%."
Dec 14
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Says Thunder Spurs Rivalry Brewing
Shai Gilgeous Alexander suggested the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs could become the NBAs "best rivalry" after a 111 109 NBA Cup loss, telling reporters "Yeah, there's a good chance." The remark matters because both clubs are young and rising: Shai is an MVP in his prime, OKC has a core under 25, and San Antonio has Victor Wembanyama plus scorers like De Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell. Regular season and playoff meetings will shape whether sparks fly. Merlin senses the bones of a feud forming. Four more meetings this year including a Christmas game give both teams a stage. If they meet in the playoffs and trade physical, closely fought games, that is when a true rivalry is born. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Spurs and Thunder become the leagues best rivalry within three years: 45%.
Dec 14
Mavericks Face Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Dilemma
Anthony Davis trade chatter is heating up as the Mavericks look more like the roster they expected to start the season. Teams such as Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto are said to be interested, yet Dallas has sent mixed signals, and minority owner Mark Cuban wrote they "want to try to win." The new CBA has "caused a market correction," and Davis carries a heavy contract, injury history and down numbers, so trade return could be soft. Dallas also values the 2026 draft and does not control a first round pick again until 2031. Merlin sees a classic crossroads. If offers do not materially improve the team, Dallas may choose stability to protect Cooper Flagg's growth and chase wins with Kyrie Irving returning. But cap math and long term cost make patience costly if elite assets arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 14
Wembanyama Sparks Spurs Past Thunder Into NBA Cup Final
Merlin sees the Spurs topple the top seeded Thunder 111 109 in Las Vegas to reach the NBA Cup final against the Knicks. Victor Wembanyama returned after missing 12 games and poured in 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Devin Vassell had 23, Stephon Castle 22 and De Aaron Fox 22. Oklahoma City slipped to 24 2. Merlin notes the tale of two halves. San Antonio closed the first half on a 13 0 run and hung on in a free throw driven finish, showing depth when Wembanyama is limited. The meeting with New York on Tuesday Dec 16 at T Mobile Arena will reveal whether the Spurs are true contenders or a hot streak. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs winning the NBA Cup on Tuesday: 45%.
Dec 14
Jalen Brunson Drops 40, Knicks Clinch NBA Cup Finals
Merlin sees Jalen Brunson erupt for 40 points as the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 132 120 in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals. Brunson was 16 of 27 with eight assists and four rebounds, while Karl Anthony Towns added 29 and OG Anunoby 24. Orlando got 25 from Paolo Banchero and 26 from Jalen Suggs before Suggs left with a sore left hip. This is New York's first NBA Cup championship appearance after earlier exits. Merlin smells momentum. Brunson set the tone on both ends and Towns gave the Knicks a two player core that can carry them through a short tourney. The opponent will be the winner of Oklahoma City and San Antonio, and matchups will decide everything. If Brunson keeps this heat and the Knicks defend, they are very much alive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning the NBA Cup this season: 40%.
Dec 13
Chris Paul Watching Ex Teams in NBA Cup Semifinals
Merlin sees Chris Paul in the crowd for the Thunder vs Spurs NBA Cup semifinal, according to Chris Haynes. Paul opened the season with the Clippers on a one year 3.6 million deal but Los Angeles announced he would no longer be with the team on Dec. 3. The 40 year old, who played for the Spurs last season and the Thunder in 2019 20, averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists while the Clippers went 5 16. ESPN’s Shams Charania says his leadership style "clashed" with the Clippers and he "wasn't on speaking terms with head coach Tyronn Lue for 'several weeks'." He still plans to play elsewhere and has been linked to the Timberwolves and Rockets. Merlin notes a veteran who has announced plans to retire but still seeks one last run is a strange spell. His presence at the game reads like a scouting visit and a message to former teams. If a contender wants steady floor handling and playoff know how he remains a tempting option, though clubs will weigh chemistry risks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul signs with the Timberwolves before the trade deadline: 45%.
Dec 13
Steve Nash Puts Shai Gilgeous Alexander in Jordan Conversation
Steve Nash stirred the pot by saying Shai Gilgeous Alexander is "getting into the heir statistically of people like Michael Jordan." Shai shrugged off the hype, telling Taylor Rooks, "I don't really love the comparisons" and "I'm still very, very far away. I've got a lot of work to do." His season numbers — 32.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 56.2 percent from the field and 45.4 percent from three — have him firmly in the MVP conversation. Merlin sees a young star sharpening an already lethal toolkit. Those efficiency marks are rare and the modesty only deepens his mystique. For the Jordan talk to stick Shai will need sustained dominance and postseason proof. Watch his scoring, team wins, and how he answers the biggest moments. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai winning MVP this season: 30%.
Dec 13
Timberwolves Join Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes
Merlin sees a widening field if the Bucks must trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Chris Haynes says the Timberwolves have joined the Knicks and Heat as interested suitors, with the Warriors and Spurs also in the mix. Giannis has not publicly requested a trade but reportedly met with Milwaukee brass and "identified the Knicks as the one team he would like to play for outside of Milwaukee when he evaluated options over the summer." Merlin notes Minnesota would be a thrilling fit. Pairing Giannis with Anthony Edwards could push the Wolves past their conference final struggles. Minnesota has 12 wins and 5 losses in its last 17 games and the seventh best net rating, but it lacks early draft assets and would likely need to offer pieces such as Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Julius Randle or Rob Dillingham to make a deal that helps the Bucks remain respectable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 20%.
Dec 13
Trae Young Nears Return, Hawks Trade Radar
Trae Young is "expected to return to practice next week" as he "continues to increase his reconditioning activities" after the MCL sprain on Oct. 29. He has missed 21 games while the Hawks went 12 9 without him, and reserves like Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander Walker have stepped up amid Kristaps Porziņģis’s own injury troubles. Young averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 assists in five games this season, but his contract runs only through 2025 26 with a likely decline of the 2026 27 option, putting his long term future in question. Merlin sees Atlanta at a true crossroads. The young core and a swap pick with New Orleans give the Hawks a clear path to rebuild or reload. Rival teams may hesitate to pay much for a pending free agent who is often critiqued for defense, so the return timeline will shape whether the Hawks push for a playoff run or trade for future pieces. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the February deadline: 30%.
Dec 13
Stephen Curry Returns, Breaks Jordan 35 Point Record vs Timberwolves
Stephen Curry returned from a quad injury and poured in 39 points in Friday night’s 127 120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In doing so he recorded his 94th 35 point game since turning 30, passing Michael Jordan’s 93 mark. The performance came even as the Warriors missed Al Horford and Draymond Green and the Wolves were without Anthony Edwards. Merlin sees a familiar picture. Curry remains an elite scorer who can rewrite history in a single night, yet Golden State’s fate still hinges on health and depth. He has topped 35 points six times this season in just 17 games, so scoring is no longer the question. The question is whether supporting pieces can stay healthy long enough to match his magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Stephen Curry playing alongside Seth Curry in a regular season game this month: 75%.
Dec 13
Kevin Garnett Salutes Curry in Nike Garnett 3s
Kevin Garnett noticed Stephen Curry showing up to the Warriors Timberwolves game in Garnett's "Nike Garnett 3s" and saluted him on X. Curry is a sneaker free agent after leaving Under Armour on Nov. 13 and has been rotating classics like Shaq's Reebok, Penny's "Air Penny 2s" and the "Flu Game" Air Jordan 12s. He remains elite on the court, averaging 27.9 points and 4.0 assists per game. Merlin senses a subtle audition. Wearing KG 3s reads as both a nod to legacy and a live showcase for potential partners. With Curry still producing at a high level, the next signature deal will be as much about story as it is about sales. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry signing with Nike this season: 65%.
Dec 13
Knicks Poised to Target Jose Alvarado at Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Knicks among teams circling Jose Alvarado if the New Orleans Pelicans make him available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Ian Begley said, "a New York product, Jose Alvarado, if they make him available, the Knicks, I'm sure, will be one of those teams that are interested." Alvarado is a gritty defender nicknamed "Grand Theft Alvarado," averaging 8.9 points in 22.5 minutes, and carries a $4.5 million salary that is easy to match. Merlin notes the fit is natural. New Orleans sits at 4 22 and may shop pieces while the 17 7 Knicks chase a title. Alvarado would bring hometown appeal and defensive energy off the bench, but any trade will depend on what the Pelicans want and what the Knicks are willing to give up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading for Alvarado before Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 12
NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander: OKC Chasing 73 Wins
Shai Gilgeous Alexander says he "absolutely" wants the Thunder to chase the single season wins record of 73 wins and 9 losses set by the 2015 16 Warriors. Oklahoma City has won 24 of its first 25 games and outscored opponents by 17.4 points per game, with Shai averaging 32.6 points and 6.5 assists. The club now heads into the NBA Cup semifinal eyeing a 25 wins and 1 loss mark. Merlin notes depth and a No. 1 defensive rating make the chase plausible. Thirteen players average five or more points and the team has won 16 straight since its lone loss. Still, the long season will test health and focus. As Shai said, "Winning matters. And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City breaking the 73 win record this season: 7%.
Dec 12
Stephen Curry Nails Tunnel Shot, Returns to Warriors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry drain a one handed tunnel shot during warmups, then sprint into the Warriors locker room. He returns from a five game absence with a thigh contusion, a timely lift for a 13 12 Warriors squad that needs his 27.9 points, 4.0 assists and 39.1 percent from three when healthy. Merlin recalls the old Oracle rituals and knows a tunnel make is more than a party trick. Curry hitting from distance restores spacing and confidence, which can ripple through the rotation, but Golden State must manage his minutes and shore up defense if that spark is to turn into sustained wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry scores 25 or more in his next game: 60%.
Dec 12
Mavericks Eye Trade Deadline Upgrade as Davis Stays
Merlin sees Dallas weighing bold moves at the trade deadline despite a 9 wins and 16 losses start. Sam Amick reports there are "even some indications that the Mavericks are still considering upgrading this current core rather than parting with their veterans." Anthony Davis, acquired in the deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, averages 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds but has played only 10 of 25 games because of calf trouble, so his fate could hinge on Dallas deciding to buy or sell. Merlin notes Marc Stein added that a move "it is by no means automatic." The Mavericks have won four of five games behind youngsters Cooper Flagg, Ryan Nembhard and Max Christie, so Dallas can test the market without panic. The front office may probe upgrades while keeping veteran stability if offers do not meet their price as Feb 5 nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks trade Anthony Davis before the deadline: 20%.
Dec 12