NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 12, 2025
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%.
Milwaukee Bucks Demand Top Return For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees the headlines hiding the real leverage. An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN's Tim Bontemps that an "overlooked" point is the Bucks will not send Giannis where he wants for a poor return. Like Portland with Damian Lillard, Milwaukee will hold out for top returns. Sam Amick noted rivals expect "his situation might have to be handled in the offseason" if he does not go public. Milwaukee also cannot tank since it does not control its first round pick until 2031. Behind the cloak the Bucks hunt franchise altering compensation not short term gains. Picks that convey soon lose value for a 31 year old, so Milwaukee will pursue unprotected future assets or pick swap leverage. Merlin senses patience more than panic. If a trade happens it will be surgical and late rather than rushed and messy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 20%.
Dec 12
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Watch Ignites Warriors Talks
Merlin sees the Warriors increasingly expected to trade 23 year old Jonathan Kuminga when he becomes eligible on Jan 15. The Bulls, Kings and especially the Pelicans have shown interest, with Golden State eyeing Trey Murphy III as a likely target. Kuminga signed a late two year, $48.5 million deal so he is only tradable close to the deadline, and his recent slump and missed games will lower his market value. Merlin notes Golden State has few other movable contracts and may need to sweeten any deal to land a prized wing. Coach Steve Kerr said "Just because of the way our team looks," after Kuminga sat out, a reminder that rotations and fit matter as much as raw upside. Kuminga’s youth and price still make him a useful trade chip. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 60%.
Dec 12
Mavericks Could Keep Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees Dallas is not committed to moving Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Sources told reporters "it is by no means automatic" and the Mavs will not trade him "for the sake of it." Though teams like Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto have been linked to Davis, Dallas wants a strong offer and skepticism is growing that a robust market will materialize. Merlin notes the tricky balance. Davis is a Hall of Fame level talent whose frequent injuries complicate trade value. His agent will seek an extension this offseason, which could scare off buyers. If Kyrie Irving returns and rookie Cooper Flagg shows promise, Dallas may keep Davis to see what the trio can produce. Patience feels likelier than a deadline fire sale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks trading Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 25%.
Dec 12
Milwaukee Bucks Eye Zach LaVine Trade Drama
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly sniffing around Zach LaVine ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. Sam Amick reports Milwaukee has "done recent due diligence" and showed "interest in the past," but Sacramento's 6 and 19 start, injuries to LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, and LaVine's $47.5 million cap hit make a deal complicated. Sabonis also looks tough to move with years left on his contract. Merlin notes Kings GM Scott Perry is pushing a three to five year rebuild and is "using this season as a patient evaluation campaign," so Sacramento may seek draft capital. The Bucks lack picks and would likely need multiple players or LaVine to accept less pay to get a trade done. Expect quiet, careful talks rather than a headline swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bucks landing Zach LaVine before Feb. 5: 20%.
Dec 12
Timberwolves Push For Bulls Guard Coby White
The Timberwolves are reportedly circling Bulls guard Coby White as the Feb 5 trade deadline approaches. White is on a contract that ends next summer and has told Chicago he will wait for free agency, which gives the Bulls leverage and creates a negotiating gap. He has appeared in only seven games this season because of calf tightness but is posting a career best 22.1 points on 43.1 percent shooting when healthy. Minnesota would gain ball handling relief for Anthony Edwards, but must decide how much to pay for what could be a short term rental. Merlin sees a quiet board for now. Nothing concrete is percolating and Chicago can demand premium for control of White or keep him for a playoff push. If Minnesota wants immediate scoring and spacing, White fits the profile, yet health and contract timelines turn this into a careful gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Coby White being traded to Minnesota before Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 12
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Paul Pierce Says He Can Still Guard LeBron James
Paul Pierce stirred the pot by saying he could guard today's LeBron James. On No Fouls Given Pierce declared "I can guard this version of LeBron right now," adding "Not LeBron last game, but the last three games before that? I can guard him." LeBron has missed time with sciatica, is averaging 16.5 points in eight games, but scored 29 in a recent win. Merlin sees bravado wrapped in truth. Pierce has the pedigree to make a loud claim, yet real defense is about quickness, minutes and team strategy. LeBron flashing a 29 point night shows he still commands the game. A retired vet might bother him for stretches, but holding LeBron down for a whole contest is a rare magic trick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Pierce actually guarding LeBron for a full game this season: 5%.
Dec 12
Chris Paul Trade Alert: Clippers, Timberwolves, Rockets
As Dec. 15 approaches, Chris Paul’s next destination could arrive quickly. Paul is said to be "open-minded" about places that let him properly close out his career, while the Charlotte Hornets are "not expected" to pursue him. Minnesota and Houston have surfaced as likely suitors. The Clippers removed Paul from the roster on Dec. 3 after a rough start. He signed a one year 3.6 million deal and averaged 14.3 minutes, 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 16 games for a Clippers team sitting at 6 19. Merlin sees a veteran seeking a softer final chapter after a strained return to Los Angeles. He "rebuffed" a Hornets meeting and showed "little inclination" to head east last summer, so a Western landing makes sense. Teams will weigh his leadership and playmaking more than box score numbers. Expect swift maneuvering as clubs decide if Paul is a mentor or a short term stop. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul being traded by Dec. 15: 65 percent, most likely to land with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dec 12
Giannis To Miami Heat? Inside Bold Trade Proposal
Merlin sees a blockbuster blueprint that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson Davis with him, Andrew Wiggins and Dru Smith to Golden State, and Tyler Herro, Jonathan Kuminga, Kel'el Ware plus a raft of first round picks to Milwaukee. The deal hands Miami the superstar it craves, gives the Bucks youth and draft currency, and lets the Warriors reset around Wiggins and role players. Merlin notes Miami’s culture and Pat Riley’s hunger make the Heat a believable suitor, and a Giannis Adebayo core under Erik Spoelstra would be terrifyingly good on both ends. Still, the price in young talent and future picks is steep, and Giannis’s wishes and Milwaukee’s leverage will decide if talk turns into trade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Miami this summer: 20%.
Dec 12
Giannis Antetokounmpo Eyes Miami Heat Move
Merlin sees a new suitor enter the Giannis conversation. Howard Beck told Zach Lowe that Miami was "suggested to me as a place Giannis would really love to land if it's not New York." Shams Charania reports Antetokounmpo and his agent are "having conversations" with the Bucks and "a resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks," with one source saying "the writing is on the wall." The two time MVP is putting up 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists but is out with a calf injury and Milwaukee sits 10 and 15. Merlin senses a tug of war between patience and change. Miami offers fit and culture, New York offers stage and assets, and the Bucks must decide whether to rebuild around noise or trade for value. Expect more whispers, one decisive meeting, and then a sudden move that reshapes the East. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing with Miami this season: 20%.
Dec 11
Memphis Grizzlies Lose Zach Edey For A Month
Merlin sees the Grizzlies will be without Zach Edey for about a month after a stress reaction in his ankle. His agent said "This is a management plan to optimize Zach's long term health." Edey added he had ankle soreness after games "but it didn't sound like a major thing." The 23 year old was averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as Memphis climbed into ninth in the West. Merlin tells the high school fan that losing Edey halts a young season of growth just as Memphis won seven of nine. Backup Jock Landale will likely start and Memphis could move Jaren Jackson Jr into center with Santi Aldama at power forward. The change will shift spacing and rim protection and the team’s short term form will hinge on how quickly role players adapt and how careful staff are with Edey. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Memphis staying in the play in picture this season: 45%.
Dec 11
Shai Gilgeous Alexander, OKC Keep Unstoppable Streak
Oklahoma City sits at 24 wins and 1 loss and has outscored opponents by 437 points, the largest gap in NBA history. The piece maps a string of matchups and argues the Thunder will sweep through the NBA Cup and most December dates, with the author confessing, "I'm not sure I believe them." Merlin sees the sources of their power: youth, relentless full floor pressure and a knack for turning turnovers into easy points. Fatigue, back to back nights and a veteran Golden State on New Year Eve are the likeliest cracks. That lone loss in Portland will sting and sharpen them. As the writer put it, "All OKC does is win. Still." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Thunder lose at least twice before the All Star break 70%.
Dec 11
Lakers Eye Herb Jones Trade, Pelicans Stand Firm
Rival teams expect the Lakers to target Pelicans wing Herb Jones as a defensive upgrade before the February trade deadline. The Athletic's Dan Woike named Jones "the player most often linked to the Lakers," but Woike added the Pelicans are "not interested in moving Jones." Jones signed a three year $68 million extension and is not trade eligible until Jan. 14 under the six month rule. Merlin sees the roadblocks clearly. Los Angeles has limited draft capital and mostly expiring contracts to offer, so matching New Orleans on a player fresh off an extension would be costly. The Pelicans are 3 and 22, which fuels chatter, yet the extension and rival interest make a deal unlikely unless the price rises. Expect quiet calls and testing the market before any serious offer appears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers acquire Herb Jones by the trade deadline: 10%.
Dec 11
Wembanyama Could Return as Spurs Face Thunder
The Spurs could get Victor Wembanyama back for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal after he went through a pregame workout without restrictions. Coach Mitch Johnson said the rookie is "very much so" in play and "had a very good day today" and "had a good intent day this morning," though the staff will monitor how he responds. Wembanyama has missed games since Nov. 14 with a left calf strain, so a return would come just over four weeks after the injury. Merlin notes that San Antonio has surprisingly held its own without its 21 year old, winning nine of 12, but the Thunder sit atop the league with 24 wins and 1 loss and historic efficiency. A healthy Wembanyama would tilt matchups and the Spurs’ outlook, but caution is needed; how he feels tomorrow will write the final chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama playing Saturday: 65%.
Dec 11
Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Drama for Mavericks
Anthony Davis is the focus of trade chatter ahead of the Feb 5 deadline, but his market may be softer than many expect. ESPN notes that "He immediately got hurt in Dallas and played only nine games after the trade," and he has missed 15 of 25 games this season. Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto are among reported suitors while Dallas may also explore deals involving Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson and D Angelo Russell as part of a reset. Merlin sees a choice between risk and reward. If Davis stays healthy he can still raise a contender ceiling and fetch meaningful pieces for a Mavericks team with nine wins and 16 losses and limited draft control after 2026. If injuries persist, offers will be modest. The story will hinge on minutes, health and the price contenders are willing to pay. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded by Feb 5: 60%.
Dec 11
Knicks Hired Wu Tang Clan to Woo Kevin Durant
The Knicks paid the Wu Tang Clan to make an original song and video trying to recruit Kevin Durant in 2019, Method Man revealed on Pablo Torre Finds Out. The clip, titled "The Multi Million Dollar Wu Tang Clan Music Video Meant for One Person," even shows Method Man in a Knicks jersey with Durant’s old No. 35 and ends with Wu Tang members making pitches. As Method Man put it, "We really wanted KD to come, and I knew that KD wanted to come." Durant opted for the Brooklyn Nets and later moved on to Phoenix and Houston. Merlin sees the moment as part performance and part desperation, a reminder that teams now sell culture as much as roster fit. The stunt adds to Durant lore and keeps Knicks fans wondering about alternate histories, while franchises keep pushing creative limits to court stars. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks would have signed Durant in 2019 because of the Wu Tang pitch: 10%.
Dec 11
Thunder Dominate NBA Report Card, Doncic and Jokic Shine
The season is about a third complete and SportsWZRD handed out report card grades to all 30 teams. Oklahoma City stands out as the class leader, playing historic defense and topping the standings despite missing Jalen Williams. Detroit and Denver have become real threats, while New Orleans is mired in a 3 and 22 calamity and the Kings and Clippers are in full collapse. Rookie bursts, surprising veterans and injuries have flipped previews, and several playoff races look wide open. Merlin sees patterns more than surprises. Teams built on depth and young talent are winning long before trade season arrives, while veteran heavy rosters are breaking down under injury pressure. Expect sellers to appear from Sacramento and New Orleans and buyers to circle around teams like Denver and Detroit. The draft picks moving around will shape next summer as much as any midseason deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City finishing with the best record this season: 60%.
Dec 11
Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City rout Suns 138 to 89
Oklahoma City rolled to a 138 89 rout of the Phoenix Suns in an NBA Cup quarterfinal, the largest margin of victory this season. The Thunder moved to 24 wins and 1 loss, matching the best start in history set by the 2015 16 Golden State Warriors. Shai Gilgeous Alexander poured in 28 points on 11 of 15 shooting in 27 minutes, added eight assists and two steals, while Chet Holmgren had 24 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Devin Booker sat out with a strained right groin, and the Suns finished 39.3 percent from the field with 20 turnovers. Merlin sees a team in rare rhythm, offense and defense woven together like a protective charm. Still, longevity matters more than a single spell. Health, tougher opponents and the grind of the season will decide whether this run becomes legend or a brilliant early chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City finishing with 73 wins or more this season: 20%.
Dec 10
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Hails Chris Paul For Thunder Rise
Merlin sees Shai Gilgeous Alexander credit Chris Paul with teaching him how to be a pro. "Chris really was the first person to show me what it meant to be a professional," Shai said, pointing to off court routines like nutrition, massages and treatment as "the things you don't think about as a kid." They paired in the 2019 20 season, helped an underdog Thunder reach the playoffs, and Shai's game grew as Oklahoma City later rose to a title and now sits atop the league. Merlin notes that veteran habits ripple through a franchise. Paul led by example even if his style later clashed in Los Angeles. Those small practices often separate good players from great ones. If Shai keeps that discipline and the Thunder sustain their talent pipeline, their run looks crafted not lucky. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai winning another MVP this season: 45%.
Dec 10
Lakers Ditch Yellow Court vs Spurs, Doncic Back, Wembanyama Out
The NBA Cup quarterfinal between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs will use the Lakers standard court after players had trouble slipping on the bright yellow surface during group play. The league made the change "out of an abundance of caution." San Antonio will be without Victor Wembanyama due to a calf injury, and the winners of Wednesday's games head to Las Vegas for the semifinals. The Lakers chase a second NBA Cup after winning the inaugural title. Merlin sees small choices shaping big nights. A safer court limits an avoidable variable, and without Wembanyama the Spurs lose their anchor. The article notes Luka Dončić returned recently and produced a monster stat line in the prior meeting, suggesting confident star play could decide the matchup. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning this quarterfinal: 68%.
Dec 10
Sam Presti's Thunder Dominates NBA Front Office Poll
The Oklahoma City Thunder were the runaway choice in The Athletic survey of 36 NBA executives as the league's best front office after winning the franchise first championship since relocating from Seattle. OKC took 31 of 36 first place votes and 341 points, well ahead of the Boston Celtics with one first place vote and 110 points. Led by GM Sam Presti and owner Clay Bennett, the Thunder went 68 wins and 14 losses last season and are 23 and 1 so far. Presti's moves, from drafting Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams to trading for Shai Gilgeous Alexander via the Paul George deal, set the foundation. Merlin sees the pattern behind the glow. Locking SGA Holmgren and Williams into long term deals and converting draft capital into impact talent explain why OKC appears a step above the rest. Still, depth health and the ever shifting salary picture are tests even the wisest front office must face. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City finishing with the best record in the NBA this season: 70%.
Dec 10
Dereck Lively II Season Ending Foot Surgery Stuns Mavericks
The Mavericks announced Wednesday that center Dereck Lively II will have season ending foot surgery and is expected back at 100 percent before next training camp. Interim GM Matt Riccardi said "Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience." Lively battled a knee sprain earlier and returned only to suffer swelling in the same troublesome right foot. At 9 and 16 and sitting 11th in the West, Dallas loses a young rim presence at a time Kyrie Irving is still out recovering from a torn ACL. Merlin sees the court tilt. Without Lively the Mavericks get thinner inside, forcing more minutes at center and pushing the front office to consider a big move. If Dallas stays on the playoff bubble as the Feb 5 trade deadline nears, the team may chase a proven star to shore up defense and close games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading for Anthony Davis before Feb 5: 18%.
Dec 10
Lakers Need Herb Jones For Luka Doncic And LeBron James
The Lakers are eyeing New Orleans defender Herb Jones as a trade target as the Pelicans are reportedly "starting to listen and at least show some willingness to listen" on Jones and Trey Murphy III. Los Angeles brings a top six offense but only a 21st ranked defense, so a true perimeter stopper could be the missing piece. Jones would be cheaper than Murphy and would address the Lakers most glaring shortcoming. Merlin sees Jones as a rare glue defender with length, strength, energy, on ball pest and off ball instincts. He would not single handedly "fix" the defense, but among realistic options he offers the biggest immediate impact. The cost matter looms, yet if the Lakers believe they are one stopper away they must pursue him hard. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds the Lakers acquire Herb Jones before the trade deadline: 40%."
Dec 10
Houston Rockets Pass on Ja Morant Trade
Merlin sees the Rockets are not a realistic landing spot for Ja Morant even with Fred VanVleet out for the season. The Athletic says Houston is "not interested" because it prizes its young core and resists pricey roster shortcuts. Morant’s trade stock has fallen after a suspension for comments, recurring injuries, and missing time since Nov. 15. Merlin senses teams now weigh availability and attitude as much as talent. Memphis’ star has admitted he lost some joy, sat out with a calf issue, and drew a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Houston could use playmaking but prefers patience over a risky blockbuster, so Morant’s fit there feels unlikely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant lands in Houston this season: 5%.
Dec 10
Steve Kerr Tops NBA Coach Salaries at $17M
Steve Kerr leads Sportico's list of highest paid NBA coaches at 17 million a year, with Erik Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue tied at 15 million. The top ten also includes Doc Rivers, Ime Udoka, Joe Mazzulla, Rick Carlisle, Mike Brown, Jason Kidd and JJ Redick. Kerr's run of Finals trips and four titles explains the payday, even as the Warriors sit 13 to 12 this season. Ime Udoka is the only top earner without a championship while his Rockets are 15 to 6. Merlin sees championships as the currency that buys coaches job security and huge contracts. Kerr's résumé still casts a long spell, but big paychecks do not cure on court problems. If Udoka can shepherd Houston deep with Kevin Durant, his value will rise fast. The Western Conference will be the proving ground. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ime Udoka winning a title this season: 18%.
Dec 10