NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 26, 2026
Sixers May Trade Kelly Oubre Jr To Dodge Luxury Tax
Merlin sees Philadelphia likely to move before Feb. 5 to slip under the luxury-tax. Keith Pompey reports "based on [the Sixers] recent history of trading to get under the luxury-tax threshold, there's an expectation that they'll make at least one trade ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline." The club sits about $7 million over the line and roughly $1 million from first-apron penalties. The names most often floated are Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond. Oubre is averaging 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 38 percent from three. Drummond provides 7.1 points and nine rebounds as Embiid’s backup. Merlin warns the likely moves will be financial, not grand upgrades. Shipping Oubre would dent wing scoring and defense when Paul George is out. Moving Drummond would push the Sixers to trust Aden Bona, Dominick Barlow or rookie Johni Broome as backup center. Fans want the band kept together, but payroll rules often steer front offices toward sacrifice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Sixers make at least one salary-shedding trade before Feb. 5: 75%.
Giannis Calf Strain Leaves Bucks Without Timetable
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains sidelined with a calf strain and, per coach Doc Rivers, has "no timetable" to return. Rivers said the Bucks have given "no thought" to resting him for the season. Giannis expected an MRI and told reporters a typical protocol could be "four to six weeks," noting he played through the pain and "was feeling it majority of the game but did not want to stop playing." Milwaukee is 15-15 with him and 3-11 without him, so his availability shapes their playoff hopes. Merlin sees the long view. This is a familiar injury pattern after a December calf issue, and Giannis has still been elite when on court. The team must balance short term competitiveness with protecting a two-time MVP and franchise cornerstone. Expect cautious rehab and constant updates as the MRI and doctors set the pace. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis returns by March 1: 40%.
Jan 26
Lakers Honor Kobe Bryant and Gigi Six Years Later
Merlin sees the Lakers and the wider sports world pausing on social media to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, six years after the helicopter crash that took their lives. Kobe and Gigi were among nine killed in 2020 after leaving John Wayne Airport for a game at Mamba Sports Academy. Kobe’s Hall of Fame résumé—five championships, 18 All-Star nods and the 2008 MVP—keeps his place among basketball’s all time greats. Merlin senses these moments of remembrance do more than mourn. They keep Kobe’s lessons alive for players and fans, folding his competitive spirit and mentorship into the league’s culture. The tributes remind everyone that legacy is both memory and influence on future generations. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers hold a moment of silence at a home game this season: 95%.
Jan 26
Clippers' 15 3 Run Forces Robert Flom to Eat Tweet
Merlin sees the Clippers pushed a 213 Hoops blogger into a literal promise. Robert Flom wrote he "will print and eat this tweet" if L.A. put together a 15-3 run. After Sunday’s 126-89 win over Brooklyn the Clippers hit that mark, and Flom says he will be a man of his word. The run signals a sudden burst of consistency from a team often written off. Merlin smiles at the theater of fandom. A hot stretch like this rewrites headlines and buys the Clippers breathing room, but streaks fade without steady defense and bench production. Expect more drama on social feeds and on the court as opponentsadjust and L.A. tests whether this roll is a turning point or a brief enchantment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers sustaining a 15-3 pace over the next 18 games: 12%.
Jan 26
Mavericks Hold Firm on Anthony Davis Ahead of Deadline
Merlin sees Dallas shifting into seller mode as the Feb. 5 deadline nears. The Mavericks sit 12th at 19-27 and are unlikely to move their 19-year-old cornerstone Cooper Flagg, labeled "untouchable." Forward Naji Marshall draws interest—"half the league is interested in [Marshall]"—but Dallas plans to keep him unless "something extraordinary" arrives. The club has "established high trade thresholds" for both Marshall and Max Christie, even as they weigh ways to recoup draft capital and gain salary flexibility. Merlin notes the timeline matters more than tonight’s score. Marshall’s efficient 13.8 points on a manageable deal makes him the most plausible chip, yet Dallas is protecting its long view around Flagg. Davis’ market is muted given contract and injury concerns, so any big move would need to be obvious and rare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks trade Naji Marshall before Feb. 5: 35%.
Jan 26
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Bulls Chase Bennedict Mathurin and Missi
Merlin sees Chicago circling the Feb. 5 trade deadline, hunting young, athletic pieces to pair with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Flush with expiring contracts, draft assets and the ability to open nearly $70 million in July, the Bulls have leverage. A proposed four-team swap would send Bennedict Mathurin and center Missi to Chicago while moving Gafford to Indiana and routing picks and role players to New Orleans and Dallas, using trade exceptions to make salaries fit. This plan fills two clear needs without surrendering heavy future assets. Mathurin brings scoring punch, Missi offers a low-cost young center, and Indiana gains veteran size while New Orleans and Dallas manage tax and roster headaches. Merlin notes the danger of overpaying a restricted free agent or losing cap flexibility if Chicago misreads the market. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chicago completes a Mathurin-Missi multi-team trade before Feb 5: 45%.
Jan 26
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Drama Engulfs Bucks
Merlin sees a tug of war in Milwaukee. "Multiple teams continue to try to engage the Bucks on a Giannis deal that they would like to consummate before the Feb. 5 deadline," even as Antetokounmpo is sidelined 4-to-6 weeks with a calf injury. Marc Stein says there is "still no clear-cut indication that the Bucks are willing" to move him, while Jake Fischer reports "numerous NBA front offices" believe he will be made available. Shams Charania adds Giannis's frustration "is at an all-time high." Merlin senses the moment is being probed now and may stretch into spring. The injury and Milwaukee’s caution make an early February blockbuster unlikely unless an irresistible package appears. Expect teams to press quietly and for the real bargaining to intensify if the Bucks hold firm through the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Feb. 8: 25%.
Jan 25
NBA Postpones Warriors Timberwolves After Alex Pretti Killing
Merlin sees the NBPA released a statement after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, the second U.S. citizen killed by federal agents there this month following the Jan. 10 death of Renee Good. The NBA postponed the Warriors-Timberwolves game while the league said, "The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community." That pause turned a local tragedy into a national sports moment. Merlin notes multiple Minnesota teams and leagues joined businesses in an open letter calling for "an immediate deescalation of tensions" and asking leaders to "work together to find real solutions." Sports organizations are acting as civic actors now, and the pressure on officials to respond and on leagues to protect fans and players will shape the next days. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another major Minnesota sports postponement this week: 35%.
Jan 25
Phoenix Suns Lose Devin Booker To Ankle Sprain
Merlin sees trouble in Phoenix. Devin Booker suffered a right ankle sprain Friday and the Suns say he will be re-evaluated in one week. Booker had 31 points in 28 minutes before the injury, leads Phoenix with 25.4 points and 6.2 assists, and was seen leaving on crutches. Coach Jordan Ott called the play “Pretty unlucky.” With the Suns 27-18 and riding an early surge, losing their best player and the re-aggravation of Jalen Green’s hamstring forces others to fill a big void. Merlin whispers that surprise seasons are fragile. Phoenix has already cycled through three head coaches in three years, so depth and chemistry will be tested now. Role players must carry scoring and playmaking while lineups reset; short absences could tilt tight Western games against teams like Miami. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Devin Booker plays vs. Miami tonight: 20%.
Jan 25
Mavericks Plane Trouble Puts Bucks Game On Ice
Merlin sees the Dallas Mavericks were set to face the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, but the Mavs’ team plane is in Dallas and "still being de-iced." A major winter storm prompted an "extreme cold warning" for Dallas Fort Worth through 9 a.m. CT with windchills near minus 10 degrees and almost 1,000 flights canceled. The NBA already postponed Nuggets vs Grizzlies, so another delay is possible. Merlin notes the schedule gives wiggle room. Dallas does not play again until Wednesday and Milwaukee has Monday off before a Tuesday trip to Philadelphia. The simplest fix is moving the game a day, yet arena availability and travel windows could make rescheduling a real logistical headache. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks-Bucks game is postponed tonight: 65%.
Jan 25
LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges Hope To Stay Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Hornets trying to hang onto their young core as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches and LaMelo Ball surfaces as a top trade candidate. Teammates pushed back on the chatter, with Miles Bridges saying, "I feel like everybody else wants everybody to stay together," and Brandon Miller adding, "That's the goal, to have everybody stay here." Charlotte sits 18-28 and has won three of four, feeding hope that the group might be worth keeping intact. Merlin notes the players are locked on the court and tell reporters, "We only can control what we can control," while Bridges says he is ready for any outcome but would rather stay. The front office will balance short term momentum against long term strategy, so unity helps now but may not stop a move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo Ball being traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Jan 25
Luka Doncic Becomes Youngest To 1500 Three Pointers in Dallas
Luka Dončić called Dallas "a special place" after returning and leading his team to a 116-110 win over the Mavericks, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. He sank three threes to become the youngest player in NBA history with 1,500 career makes from deep and thanked a packed house of 19,880 despite a winter storm. Dončić even walked toward the home locker room at halftime and treated 22 Mavericks fans to suite tickets and signature gear, saying "I'm always going to want to win no matter what." Merlin sees the night as both milestone and momentum. With LeBron noting Dončić seemed "more comfortable," the choreography of celebration and performance suggests a player settling into a new normal. The April 5 rematch gives a real test: can emotion and history fuel another win, or will Dallas turn pride into a sting? 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a season sweep on April 5: 60%.
Jan 25
Luka Doncic Hits 1500 3s, LeBron Helps Lakers Rally
Luka Doncic poured in 33 points, added eight rebounds and 11 assists and became the youngest player ever to reach 1,500 career 3-pointers as the Los Angeles Lakers beat his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in Dallas. LeBron James chipped in 17 points in a game that saw Dallas storm back in the third only to be outscored badly in the fourth. Anthony Davis remained sidelined with ligament damage, Los Angeles improved to 27-17 and Dallas fell to 19-27. Merlin sees a performance that reads like a declaration. Doncic’s milestone and all-around night mask how much the Lakers lean on star play with Davis hurt, while rookie Cooper Flagg and bench spark Brandon Williams keep Dallas dangerous but uneven. The road trip will test whether Los Angeles can turn clutch finishes into steady identity or if Dallas can stop slipping into streaky spells. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top four in the West this season: 40%.
Jan 25
Cade Cunningham Powers Pistons, JB Bickerstaff Named All Star Coach
Merlin sees J.B. Bickerstaff tapped to coach the 2026 NBA All-Star Game after the Detroit Pistons clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference through Feb. 1. The selection follows the league rule that the All-Star coach comes from the conference leader at the break, and in the West Mark Daigneault is ineligible to repeat after coaching in 2025, pushing the honor toward San Antonio and Mitch Johnson if standings hold. Merlin notes the story is more than a novelty. Bickerstaff has shepherded a rapid rebuild from a 31-133 two-year span into a 32-11 start, led by Cade Cunningham’s 25.3 points and a league-high 9.7 assists, plus elite team defense (most steals and blocks, 108.5 defensive rating). If Detroit keeps defending and Cunningham stays at this level, the Pistons are no longer a surprise; they are a real threat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of Detroit making the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 30%.)
Jan 25
Derrick Rose Jersey No. 1 Retired by Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose’s "No. 1" Chicago Bulls jersey was retired Saturday at the United Center after a 114-111 win over the Celtics. The team honored him with a tribute narrated by Scottie Pippen, speeches from Taj Gibson and Luol Deng, a message from Michael Jordan, and coach Tom Thibodeau’s words. Rose, the 2009 Rookie of the Year and 2011 MVP at age 22, played seven seasons in Chicago and still ranks fifth in franchise assists with 2,516. Merlin sees the night as more than ceremony. It stitches Rose’s wild, brilliant peak into Bulls history and hands the current roster a touchstone as they sit 23-22 and riding momentum after Kevin Huerter’s buzzer three. The enshrinement could spark confidence and remind Chicago what resilience looks like. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Jan 25
Three Time Champ Mac McClung Skips Slam Dunk Contest
Merlin sees Mac McClung, the three-time defending NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, "will not be participating" in this year’s Feb. 14 event at the Intuit Dome. His absence removes the only player to ever three-peat and the showman who earned "perfect scores of 50" and went perfect on all four dunks in 2025, leaving the field wide open while no participants have yet been announced. Merlin notes the contest now becomes a hunt for a new high-flyer. Judges and fans loved McClung’s routines, so expect organizers to chase flash and creativity; an under-the-radar G League star or rookie could seize the moment and give the crowd a memorable night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a new champion is crowned this year: 95%.
Jan 24
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Drama for Bucks
Merlin sees the league swirling. After Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain and said he expects to be out until late February or early March, executives now view a trade before the Feb. 5 deadline or at draft time as "unexpectedly possible," Jake Fischer reports. The Bucks sit 18-26 and are 3-11 without him, and Milwaukee’s limited draft capital has made difference-making deadline deals hard to build. Merlin hears the friction in the air. As Shams Charania put it, "The frustration that Giannis Antetokounmpo has is at an all-time high." Injuries, waning patience and prior talks with teams like the Knicks make a move plausible, but the market looks more suited to a careful draft-day orchestration than a panic swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 25%.
Jan 24
Michael Jordan Salutes Derrick Rose Before Bulls Jersey Retirement
Michael Jordan sent a video congratulating Derrick Rose as the Chicago Bulls announced they will retire his "No. 1" jersey after the Jan. 24, 2026 game against the Celtics. The ceremony makes Rose the fifth player in franchise history to get the honor and includes an all-day fan atrium and a Rose-themed food and drink menu. Rose was the Bulls’ No. 1 pick in 2008, won Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and became the youngest MVP at 22 while leading Chicago to a 62-20 season. Merlin sees a hometown story coming full circle. This is as much about Rose’s resilience as his numbers. Jordan’s message adds old-guard blessing to a career marked by early brilliance, injury fights, and a lasting bond with Chicago. Expect emotion, respect, and a reminder of how fragile greatness can be. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Rose getting a standing ovation at the ceremony: 99%.
Jan 24
Clippers Staying Put At Deadline With Kawhi Leonard James Harden
Merlin sees Tyronn Lue expecting little trade activity from the Clippers at the Feb. 5 deadline. Lue said, "If a team's trying to trade for you, then somebody wants you," and added, "I don't see much movement. So I think we'll be good." Los Angeles sits 10th at 20-24 but has won 14 of 17 behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and the team does not own its own first round pick, so selling makes little sense. Merlin notes the surge buys patience, yet clear weaknesses remain. The Clippers are the league's worst in transition at 18.2 points per game and could use more athleticism and speed. Expect the front office to favor a small, targeted upgrade over a shakeup unless an unexpected offer changes the mood. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers make a major trade by Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 24
Boston Celtics Aggressively Pursue Jaren Jackson Jr or Zubac
The Celtics are actively hunting for a "big-time starting center" ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania said. Boston has been linked to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac and can pitch assets like Anfernee Simons' expiring deal, a $22.5 million traded exception and first-round picks. With Jayson Tatum out long term, a dependable big would stabilize the frontcourt and help Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Merlin sees the market as crowded and costly. Jackson is a long-term star with length and defense that Memphis may not want to give up. Zubac is steady and the Clippers are hot, so he will not come cheap. The Celtics’ committee approach has worked so far, but a true anchor would shift matchups and playoff outlook in a hurry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Celtics landing a true starting center by Feb. 5: 35%.
Jan 24
Kevin Durant Powers Rockets Amid Free Throw Chatter
Kevin Durant has pushed the Houston Rockets to four wins in five games, scoring 36 against the 76ers and 32 in 41 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back versus Detroit. A fan on X joked he needs to boost his free-throw work, and Durant is "only" 83.3 percent from the line over the last five games, down from an 88.5 season mark. Houston sits 27-16 and fourth in the West, 2.5 games behind Denver for the No. 3 seed. Merlin sees a veteran in rhythm. Durant is absorbing heavy minutes and shouldering offense while the Rockets steady after a rough stretch. A short dip at the stripe feels like a hiccup, not a prophecy, and the next few weeks will show if Houston can turn hot stretches into sustained seeding gains. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant finishing the season at 88% or better from the free-throw line: 80%.
Jan 24
Dennis Schroder Shrugs Off Kings Trade Rumors
Merlin sees Dennis Schröder shrug off trade chatter as the Kings slide toward the Feb. 5 deadline. After Sacramento’s 123-118 loss he told reporters "I don't give a f--k" and that he "enjoy[s] every single day being in the NBA." With the Kings 12-34 and likely sellers, teams have scouted the roster. Orlando has shown interest, but Schröder’s three-year, $44.4 million deal through 2027-28 makes a move harder. Merlin notes the guard’s tone fits a 13-year journeyman who has lived with trade rumors and values steady play over headlines. At 12.8 points and 5.4 assists, he is useful as a veteran backup, not a centerpiece. Sacramento will likely shop younger, more movable pieces first, yet Schröder’s calm presence could appeal to a team needing immediate ball-handling help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Schröder being traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Jan 24
Ja Morant Out Again For Grizzlies With UCL Sprain
Ja Morant will be sidelined for an extended stretch after the Grizzlies diagnosed a UCL sprain in his left elbow; he’ll be reevaluated in three weeks and typical recovery for a mild-to-moderate sprain is about 22 days, which would put an earliest return around Feb. 20 after the All-Star break. The injury came when he hit his elbow on the backboard on a chase-down block. Morant downplayed it, saying "I did hit it on the backboard" and "Just was a little sting, like funny bone. I was good, though." Memphis is 18-25 and slipping in the West. Merlin sees the timing clouding Memphis’ deadline choices. Morant has missed 23 games already this season and had only just returned Jan. 18 before another setback. With durability questions and reported trade interest, teams may hesitate to pursue him, leaving the Grizzlies to choose between chasing stability or selling assets while value is uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 24
Rich Paul Shrugs Off LeBron James Jeanie Buss Lakers Feud
Merlin sees Rich Paul quietly push back on rumors of a rift between LeBron James and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. On his Game Over podcast Paul said, "We have been treated great, we will continue to be treated great," and reminded listeners that LeBron and Anthony Davis led the club to a title. The report by Baxter Holmes alleged Buss felt some Klutch influence was "overt," but Buss responded that "it is really not right" to pull LeBron into her family drama. Merlin senses that history and mutual benefit tame public friction. LeBron has repeatedly recommitted to Los Angeles and the organization still rewards the winners among them. The noise will not disappear, yet the practical ties that produced a championship keep both sides invested for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron requesting a trade this season: 10%.
Jan 24
Giannis Antetokounmpo Uncertain as Bucks Consider Tanking
An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that "the Bucks should be tanking this season," after Milwaukee’s 18-25 start and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own doubts about his future. Giannis has criticized teammates as "being selfish" and said "I don't know. I take it day by day." With the club slumping, limited trade assets and only a late first rounder available, the front office faces a stark choice before the Feb. 5 deadline: try to add around Giannis or start a rebuild and chase a high pick. Merlin sees a franchise at a crossroads. Milwaukee’s nine straight playoff runs give weight to buying, and reports say Jon Horst is still "canvassing the league" for help. Yet blowout losses and internal friction make tanking more tempting. The next seven games, beginning with Denver, will tell whether the Bucks tilt toward short term fixes or long term reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bucks are sellers at the Feb. 5 trade deadline: 40%.
Jan 23