NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 14, 2026
LeBron Distances Himself From Rich Paul Over Reaves Trade
LeBron James moved to separate himself from comments by his agent Rich Paul, who on a podcast suggested trading Lakers guard Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. James told ESPN, "Rich is his own man and what Rich says is not a direct reflection of me and how I feel," and added "AR knows how I feel about him." The remarks upset people inside the organization, and Reaves’ agent Reggie Berry even approached Paul after a game. Merlin sees trouble when powerful voices speak in public. Paul’s suggestion turned a media thought experiment into a locker room headache because Reaves is the team’s clearest trade chip and Los Angeles has limited movable pieces. With LeBron’s influence and a delicate clubhouse, expect the front office to tamp down talk while quietly weighing upgrades. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Austin Reaves being traded this season: 20%.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Gives Thumbs Down To Bucks Fans
Giannis met boos at Fiserv Forum with two thumbs down during Tuesday’s 139-106 loss to Minnesota, then told reporters, "I play basketball for my teammates. I play basketball for myself and my family." He insisted he will not demand a trade, saying, "There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment that I will come out and say I want a trade." Still, the image cuts deep as the 17-23 Bucks slip to 11th in the East and trade talk keeps swirling. Merlin sees a proud leader pushed to the edge but not ready to burn bridges. The gesture is less a breakup and more a warning flare. If losses continue, the front office may choose action over words and the story will shift from rumor to real choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Jan 14
Celtics Could Pry Jaren Jackson Jr From Grizzlies
Merlin sees the Grizzlies open to talks on Ja Morant while preferring to build around Jaren Jackson Jr. A mock swap would send Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, a 2027 first, a 2031 first and a 2032 pick swap to Memphis for Jackson and John Konchar. John Hollinger notes "Jackson remains a core piece" yet Memphis might pivot if the roster lacks a clear rising star. Merlin knows Jackson’s mix of shot blocking and floor spacing would solve many of Boston’s frontcourt problems and fit neatly with Tatum and Brown’s timeline. Memphis, having moved Desmond Bane, could value future picks and young prospects more than a short rebuild. If Boston truly wants a difference maker, it may have to spend to close the gap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Celtics land Jaren Jackson Jr. this season: 18%.
Jan 14
Why Only LA Clippers Should Chase Ja Morant
Merlin sees a market where Ja Morant has become toxic to most teams, and the LA Clippers look like the only realistic suitor. LA can cobble together a cheap package — John Collins (expiring), Bogdan Bogdanović, a minimum player and maybe a late pick — because other clubs avoid him over declining athleticism, poor shooting, suspension history and episodes of quiet quitting, and a clash with the "screen-free, egalitarian attack" he "hated". Merlin notes the Clippers are old, thin on prospects and fragile healthwise with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, so they have less to lose. If Morant revives his game he could spark a reset, but the odds favor disappointment. The move is a high-risk, short-term hail mary rather than a long-term plan. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers acquiring Ja Morant this summer: 25%.
Jan 14
Anthony Davis Trade Drama Rocks Dallas Mavericks
Merlin sees the latest: Anthony Davis will let a wrist injury heal without surgery and is expected to recover in approximately six weeks. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says it is "very clear" that agent Rich Paul wants Davis moved within three weeks because he "believes it's in his best business interest." Dallas, sitting 12th in the West, tells reporters it will not let Paul "bully us" and could wait to see if Davis, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg click. Merlin notes the tug of war is practical and personal. Davis is averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in limited action but has played just 29 games since Jan. 30, 2025 and is seeking a "massive" extension. One team willing to bet on his upside could change everything, yet health and price make him a risky bet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Davis is traded by Feb. 5: 60%.
Jan 14
Ja Morant Eyes Miami Heat Amid Trade Buzz
Merlin sees a new chapter forming around Ja Morant. Reports say the Heat have "emerged as an attractive option" as Memphis is "entertaining offers" ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, with the Timberwolves, Kings and Bucks also circling. The news "deeply disappointed Morant and his camp," who plan to meet during the Grizzlies’ Europe trip. Miami’s "detail-oriented and structured" culture and Morant’s respect for coach Erik Spoelstra appeal to him, and he is "hopeful of securing a max extension by next summer" despite a down, injury-hit start to 2025-26. Merlin notes fit and risk in equal measure. Spoelstra could restore Morant’s peak form and boost his Team USA chances, but Miami must clear salary and sacrifice shooters to make it work. If health returns and chemistry clicks, the Heat could be a midseason jolt. The path will test both patience and payroll craft. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Morant being traded to Miami by Feb. 5: 25%.
Jan 14
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Erupts as Thunder Beat Spurs
Merlin sees the Thunder finally break through, beating the Spurs 119-98 after dropping the first three meetings. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and four blocks, matching a career high. Jalen Williams added 20. Chet Holmgren managed just eight points but grabbed 10 boards and three blocks. Victor Wembanyama, on a minutes restriction, scored 17. The win keeps OKC atop the West at 34-7 while San Antonio sits 27-13. Merlin notes that fans "praised the Thunder for turning things around and avoiding another loss to the Spurs." San Antonio already won the season series, so the final meeting next month has extra meaning. If Shai keeps blending scoring and rim deterrence, Oklahoma City will stay a title threat, yet the Spurs’ depth and Wembanyama’s upside make a Western Conference Finals clash believable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Thunder and Spurs meeting in the Western Conference Finals this season: 45%.
Jan 14
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Mavericks' Anthony Davis Surgery Reprieve Fuels Trade Talk
Merlin sees a sudden shift: Anthony Davis no longer needs immediate surgery and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, moving him from a multimonth absence to a possible return this spring. That change reopens Dallas’s phone lines. Teams like Milwaukee, the Clippers, Chicago, Toronto and Atlanta are floated as fits, but Davis’s age, heavy contract and spotty availability make him a high risk, high reward pickup rather than a slam dunk addition. Merlin smells opportunity and caution in equal measure. Franchises with short windows might gamble on a healed Davis to tilt a playoff series, trading picks or expiring deals rather than long term core pieces. If Davis returns close to form, he reshapes matchups; if not, buyers will regret the price. The market will favor teams that can absorb salary and wait for a postseason payoff. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before the deadline: 30%.”)
Jan 13
Dennis Schroder Suspended Three Games After Luka Doncic Clash
Merlin reports that Dennis Schröder "essentially camped out and waited for Luka Dončić" in a Crypto.com Arena hallway and attempted to swing at him after the Dec. 28 game, Shams Charania says. The NBA handed Schröder a three-game suspension for "confronting and attempting to strike another player." Sources say Dončić had been calling Schröder the "b----" during games, and what "appeared to cool off as the game ended" reignited in the tunnel, per Anthony Slater. Merlin sees this as more than a heat-of-the-moment scuffle. Two competitive veterans let trash talk spill into real-world consequences, and the episode now colors on-court matchups and team availability. Add their recent EuroBasket clash where Schröder’s Germany knocked out Slovenia, and the rivalry has roots beyond a single night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Schröder faces further discipline this season: 20%.
Jan 13
Darryn Peterson to Pacers in Mock Draft Dybantsa to Kings
Jeremy Woo’s latest mock has Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson going No. 1 to the Indiana Pacers, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa No. 2 to Sacramento and Duke’s Cameron Boozer No. 3 to Atlanta. The top 10 skews young — eight freshmen — as conference play gives prospects fresh chances to raise or lower their 2026 draft stock. Merlin notes Peterson’s injury interruptions and his 32-point return in Big 12 play, Dybantsa’s nine-game streak of 20-plus while shooting over 50 percent, and Boozer’s near-23 and 9.5 line. Teams chasing upside mean performances and medical reports in the coming weeks will reshape the lottery more than early mock consensus. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson being the No. 1 pick in 2026: 40%.
Jan 13
Rich Paul Urges Lakers Trade Reaves for Jaren Jackson
Merlin sees Rich Paul stir the pot by saying, "If I was the Lakers, I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson," and suggesting Austin Reaves as part of the return. The remark landed during a three-game skid for Los Angeles and, as Jovan Buha put it, "people have not been happy" with those comments. The suggestion has raised eyebrows because it targets a rising, beloved role player. Merlin notes the trade math is messy. Reaves is growing into a key piece and a marketplace asset while Jackson offers rim protection but has battled injuries. Swapping them would not instantly fix the Lakers defensive woes and could create locker-room tension. Expect the front office to do damage control, agents to chatter, and the rumor mill to warm as the deadline approaches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers trade Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. before the deadline: 12%.
Jan 13
Ja Morant Trade To Miami Heat Sparks Culture Clash
Ja Morant is very clearly on the trade block and reportedly wants to play for the Miami Heat, but Rachel Nichols warns he would be a poor fit with Heat Culture. Nichols said, "Heat Culture is not boot camp for wayward souls" and that Miami "are not here to babysit." The Heat sit 20-19 and look like a Play‑In team, so they might still gamble on Morant despite his recent off‑court issues, health concerns and clashes with coaches. He has two seasons left on his contract. Merlin sees Miami at a crossroads. The Heat have a long history of wringing commitment from mercurial stars, yet they demand strict buy in. If Morant can accept structure and stay healthy he could lift Miami’s ceiling, but the union of temper and discipline is fragile. A move only happens if Miami believes the upside outshines the risk and a proper trade package arrives. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded to the Heat this season: 15%.
Jan 13
Anthony Davis Hand Surgery Renewing Mavericks Trade Talks
Merlin sees trouble: Mavericks star Anthony Davis will undergo surgery on his left hand to repair ligament damage and will miss several months after an MRI confirmed the injury. The planned operation has, per Shams Charania, "renewed Davis trade talks with multiple interested teams" because a rehab timetable leaves open a possible playoff return. At 32 and in his first full season in Dallas after the blockbuster that sent Luka away, Davis has been unevenly available yet highly productive, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 50.6 percent shooting. Teams like Toronto, Atlanta and Milwaukee have been linked, though Davis disputed some rumors on social media. Merlin sees Dallas weighing patience against reshaping the roster as the calendar moves toward the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before the deadline: 30%.
Jan 13
Cavs Stand Pat At Deadline With De'Andre Hunter
Merlin sees the Cleveland Cavaliers have "rebuffed trade offers" for De'Andre Hunter and are choosing to focus on "internal improvement" despite a frustrating 22-19 start. The Cavs have been hamstrung by Max Strus being out and not expected to return until at least February, and they carry roughly $392.4 million in payroll and tax obligations, leaving little roster flexibility. Hunter and Strus are the only core pieces not signed beyond 2026-27. Merlin senses a cautious club. Payroll and apron rules make dramatic moves costly, so Cleveland is betting that health and small adjustments can revive last season’s efficiency. Hunter, averaging 14.1 points, remains useful both on the court and as possible deadline currency, but for now the Cavs prefer patience over panic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavs trading De'Andre Hunter before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 13
Ja Morant Likely Yields Modest Returns For Grizzlies
Merlin sees Ja Morant’s time in Memphis bending toward a breakup. NBA sources don't expect Morant's market to be too much different than it was for Trae Young, so the Grizzlies will likely get pick swaps, rookie-contract pieces, and may absorb bad salary rather than net unprotected firsts. A change of scenery now feels inevitable. Merlin remembers the rise: Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Star, electrifying drives. Yet off-court issues, injuries and clashes with coaches atop a five-year, $197.2 million deal have frayed the bond. "There are only three kinds of Ja buyers: Stuck-in-the-middle teams hunting a shortcut, desperate franchises, and gamblers who think their structure can fix any talent." Expect Memphis to chase long-term flexibility, not a quick haul, and for the market to test patience on both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded this offseason: 80%.
Jan 13
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Anthony Davis Calls Mavericks Injury Reports Lies
Merlin sees Dallas center Anthony Davis publicly push back after Shams Charania reported he would need surgery for ligament damage in his left hand and miss "several months." AD replied simply "Lies!" while reports say the Mavericks view his season in Dallas as over and have renewed trade talks with teams like Toronto, Atlanta and some interest from Milwaukee. Davis is a 10-time All-Star averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds but has played just 20 games amid a 15-25 skid for Dallas. Merlin senses the fog. Dallas sits out of the play-in, Kyrie remains sidelined and Davis is on a short contract, so a trade feels likely if he is healthy. Injury uncertainty muddies the market, so the next two weeks will reveal whether Dallas clarifies his status or shops him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded by Feb. 5: 55%.
Jan 13
Kings Mock LeBron James Jersey Patch, Beat Lakers
Merlin sees Sacramento turning a ceremonial night into a little chaos. The Kings trolled the NBA’s new jersey patch honoring LeBron’s 23rd season and then spoiled the debut with a 124-112 victory, exploiting Los Angeles’ leaky defense. LeBron had 22 points in 33 minutes; he remains the first player to reach 23 seasons and could pass Robert Parish’s games-played mark if he appears in about 30 of the Lakers’ final 45 contests. Merlin murmurs that tonight was more than a prank. It was a reminder that milestones arrive inside messy seasons. The patch celebrates longevity, but the scoreboard remembers current form. Sacramento’s offensive outburst and L.A.’s recent slide make the rest of the calendar suddenly feel like an act of will. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron passing Robert Parish for most games played this season: 75%.
Jan 13
Celtics' Mazzulla Erupts Over Pacers Illegal Screen
Joe Mazzulla made his point loud and clear after Boston’s 98-96 loss to Indiana, repeating "Illegal screen" throughout his postgame remarks about a play where Pascal Siakam appeared to set a moving screen that sent Derrick White down before Siakam’s go-ahead basket with 6.1 seconds left. The upset stings because the Celtics are 24-15 and jockeying for top seeding in a tight East, while the Pacers sit 9-31. Merlin sees a coach staking ground and protecting standings. With Jayson Tatum out, every late decision carries weight. Mazzulla’s public protest can prod replay scrutiny and sharpen Boston’s focus, but a single loss to a cellar team can still ripple through seeding when margins are thin. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Celtics finish top four in the East this season: 65%.
Jan 13
Ja Morant Trade Rumors Rattle Grizzlies
Merlin sees Memphis quietly testing the market for Ja Morant after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Grizzlies are entertaining offers. Coach Tuomas Iisalo declined to confirm those reports, saying, "We are not in the business of commenting on random internet reports," and adding Morant "is progressing in the practices... looking good to progress (toward playing)." Morant’s possible availability matters because a move would reshape a 17-22 Grizzlies club sitting 10th in the West. Merlin senses friction beneath the surface. Morant has clashed with staff, drew a one-game suspension after telling reporters to "go ask the coaching staff," and has missed 21 games this season. His shooting is down and he carries two years on an expensive deal, so buyers may be cautious. Memphis will probe the market, but only a return heavy in both short and long term assets will truly tempt the oracle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 30%.
Jan 13
James Harden Passes Shaq On All Time Scoring List
Merlin sees James Harden climb to ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list after passing Shaquille O'Neal’s 28,596 points during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets. The milestone highlights Harden’s long scoring run — a 17th season veteran who still averages 24.1 career points and is posting 25.6 points, 7.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds this year. Merlin notes the context: Harden’s historic scoring years, including a 36.1 ppg campaign, made this leap predictable. The Clippers sit 15-23 and need Harden’s offense to flip their season, so every point now carries team and legacy weight. Merlin watches Wilt’s 31,419 mark as a distant summit, reachable only with health and heavy usage. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden passing Wilt this season: 8%.
Jan 13
Luka Doncic Carries Lakers As Trade Deadline Looms
Merlin sees the Lakers sputter again against a weak Kings team, a familiar script: Luka Dončić poured in 26 first-half points and is leading the league at 33 points per game, with LeBron offering support, but otherwise the offense went quiet. Fans lamented the "lack of a supporting cast," and the shortfall makes clear that even Luka’s historic season may not be enough to push Los Angeles deep into the playoffs. Merlin notes the trade deadline is the plot point coming next. The Lakers are not in full panic, but adding a shooter, wing defender, or secondary playmaker would ease pressure on Dončić and LeBron and change matchups. If management acts wisely, late-season nerves can turn into genuine title contention; if they wait, the same story will likely repeat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers make a meaningful trade before the deadline: 70%.
Jan 13
Houston Rockets 85 Mile Bus Ride Ends in Kings Win
The Rockets could not find a hotel in Sacramento on Sunday because the Lakers and Knicks had already booked all rooms, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports. With "every NBA team stays in the Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento," Houston bunked in San Francisco and endured an 85-mile bus ride to Golden 1 Center, then flew home after the game. That travel day ended in a 111-98 loss, snapping Sacramento’s seven-game skid and leaving the Rockets with extra miles on their legs. Merlin sees travel as a quiet opponent. When hotels cluster and off days are hoarded, one team gets rest while another fights logistics. Small scheduling edges can tilt outcomes, and teams will quietly adjust how they plan stops and requests. The league may grumble, but change is slow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA tweaks Sacramento hotel scheduling this season: 15%.
Jan 12
Rudy Gobert Suspended One Game, Timberwolves Take Big Hit
Rudy Gobert was suspended one game after reaching six flagrant-foul points when he crowded Victor Wembanyama’s landing spot on a contested three in Minnesota’s 104-103 win. The ban follows a December Flagrant 2 and ejection for elbowing Phoenix’s Mark Williams, who said, "I'm not really thinking he's doing that" and added, "Glad I was able to finish the game out." The suspension raises the cost of another foul for a 26-14 Wolves team jockeying for playoff position. Merlin sees a familiar pattern: Gobert’s ironclad defense can tip into costly contact. With automatic penalties accelerating at seven points, Minnesota must have him adjust technique or risk losing their anchor at pivotal moments. The question is whether discipline or frustration will decide their next moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Gobert missing at least one more game this season: 45%.
Jan 12
Lakers Circling Jonathan Kuminga Amid Trade Drama
Merlin sees the Lakers quietly circling Jonathan Kuminga as the trade deadline approaches. Jake Fischer reports Los Angeles' "known preference at this deadline is to acquire a true 3-and-D wing with size," and the Lakers did call Golden State about Kuminga during restricted free agency. Golden State values have slipped to an "all-time low," Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, and fit issues with teams like Miami and Golden State make a move logical. Merlin notes the market is tight. Sacramento remains "a confirmed suitor" but sign-and-trade roadblocks and Golden State resistance to taking back Malik Monk complicate three-team ideas. The Lakers want perimeter resistance and shooting, but finding matching salary and draft pieces will be a puzzle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga lands in Los Angeles before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 12
Warriors Can't Wait to Trade Jonathan Kuminga
Merlin sees the Warriors have hit their limit with Jonathan Kuminga. The Athletic's Tony Jones reports Golden State "can't wait to get him out of the building," noting Kuminga "doesn't want to be a role player" and that "his self-awareness in that sense is nonexistent." Coach Steve Kerr wants him to "attack gaps. Move without the ball. Finish at the rim. Most importantly, defend with energy." Kuminga, 23, is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists and has not played since Dec. 18 despite being healthy. Merlin smells a messy breakup ahead. Nick Friedell says his trade value is "at an all-time low," so the Warriors may need to accept little in return or wait for a buyer who trusts his upside. If Kuminga reappears and shows the required effort, the story can change fast, but the calendar is not on his side. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded before the deadline: 30%.
Jan 12