NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 3, 2025
Trae Young's Trade Stock Falls as Hawks Thrive
Insiders are split on Trae Young’s trade value versus LaMelo Ball or Ja Morant — some call him "just small and doesn't play any defense," while others nod that he "might just be the ultimate floor raiser, which has its value." The timing matters: Young is on the last guaranteed year of his deal, sidelined with a sprained MCL, and Atlanta’s 12-5 run without him has intensified rumors he could be shopped before February. Merlin senses a market in flux. Teams crave Young’s offensive spark, but a near-$46M cap hit, defensive questions and Atlanta’s recent success without him soften offers. If he returns and reasserts his offensive dominance his value rebounds; if the Hawks keep winning, the asking price may prove unattainable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the Feb. deadline: 30%.
Giannis Trade Looms: Bucks, Knicks in Deadline Talks
Merlin sees the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis in active talks about his future — stay in Milwaukee or be moved — with a "resolution" expected in the coming weeks and the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming. Reports say there was an exclusive negotiating window with the New York Knicks in August and Giannis was open to playing in New York, but that exclusivity ends now. This matters because a generational star who wants to play for a contender can reshape the league overnight. Merlin remembers the signs: Giannis is still elite (about 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds) but the Bucks have stumbled — a brutal 1-8 stretch and exits in three straight first rounds. He stated it would be "human to change his mind," and sources warned "the writing is on the wall" if Milwaukee can’t flip the script. New York looms as a logical suitor, but many kingdoms will bid. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 30%.
Dec 3
Giannis Trade Talks Heat Up: Bucks, Knicks, Thunder
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have begun talks with the Milwaukee Bucks about whether “his best fit is staying or elsewhere,” per Shams Charania, and a resolution is “expected in the coming weeks.” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also reported Giannis “already asked to be traded.” This matters because a 9-13 Bucks team looks short on clear championship-building paths, and whatever Giannis chooses will reshape the Eastern Conference. Merlin notes the obvious suitors — the Knicks were linked in early talks and the asset-rich Oklahoma City Thunder are natural contenders to probe — but most clubs will call and proposals will fly. Giannis still holds significant control; the next few weeks will reveal if Milwaukee can regroup around him or must pivot to a new chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 60%.
Dec 3
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Explosive Giannis Trade Packages: Bucks, Lakers, Hawks, Knicks
Merlin sees the rumor mill near a breaking point: ESPN reports Giannis “asked to be moved” before recommitting, and with the Bucks under .500 the article lays out five trade packages that could send him elsewhere before February. Offers to the Lakers, Hawks, Knicks, Spurs and Blazers mix stars, young pieces and heavy draft capital — the proposals show Milwaukee chasing youth, flexibility and future picks while contenders eye an instant title tilt. This matters because moving a generational talent would reshape the East and rewrite championship math. Merlin senses the Spurs and Hawks packages balance present power with future upside, while the Knicks carry Giannis’s preferred-city pull — “Knicks emerged as the only team that Giannis…expressed an interest in.” Milwaukee will demand long-term value, so expect intense courting, loud leaks, and real trade talk heating up toward the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the February deadline: 40%.
Dec 3
Clippers Back Tyronn Lue Despite Chris Paul Drama
Chris Paul was sent home amid a brutal start for the Clippers, but Tyronn Lue’s job is safe — president Lawrence Frank took responsibility for assembling the roster and said Lue “will be the coach” going forward. Paul, who returned on a one‑year deal, fell out of the rotation (14.3 minutes in 16 of 21 games) as his leadership style “clashed” with the team and, per Shams Charania, Lue was “not on speaking terms with Paul for several weeks.” Los Angeles sits 5–16 and 24th in net rating, the clear scoreboard of internal dysfunction. Merlin sees that history and contract protect Lue: five straight winning seasons, 239 franchise wins and an extension through 2028–29 buy him time. Still, the oracle warns the core problem is roster fit and construction — Frank’s admission is balm now, but continued losses or injuries will quickly sharpen scrutiny. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Tyronn Lue is fired this season: 15%.
Dec 3
Giannis Trade Looms: Bucks' Window Closing
Merlin sees the Giannis era at a crossroads. Fans noticed the superstar pulling away on social media, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested “he asked to be traded already.” The Bucks are 9-13, haven’t won a playoff series since 2022, and years of aggressive trades and coach changes haven’t fixed the roster — so the question of movement before Feb. 5 or in the summer matters more than ever. Merlin remembers Damian Lillard’s slow unraveling in Portland and smells a similar pattern: spectacular peak, then diminishing returns as trade capital disappears. Giannis still carries Milwaukee (minus-11.0 net rating off the floor), but with a $22.4M stretch hit and few easy upgrades, time is short. The franchise must choose urgency over patience — or face a parting of ways. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 30%.
Dec 3
Chris Paul Eyes Lakers, LeBron Reunion After Clippers Split
Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers have mutually parted ways — a move Lawrence Frank framed plainly: "We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team," adding that "No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance." ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported the Los Angeles Lakers "have an open roster spot and could be an option," but they cannot add a 15th player until Jan. 19. Paul, who has said 2025–26 will be his final season, is close to LeBron James and could help cover for Marcus Smart’s injury while chasing his long-sought first title. Merlin sees a veteran choosing timing over drama. The Clippers’ 5–16 record and five-game skid made the split almost inevitable; Los Angeles offers the fastest championship window, but only with patience and the right chemistry. Expect discreet negotiations and a late January test of whether playoff hunger or mere convenience will guide Paul’s last run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul signs with the Lakers this season: 40%.
Dec 3
LaMelo Ball's "Unserious" Tag Haunts Hornets
LaMelo Ball remains a dazzling talent in Charlotte, but league insiders are openly skeptical about his seriousness and playoff reliability — one exec said, "Nobody has ever questioned the talent, but he's just so unserious." Injuries have limited him since 2022, the Hornets have never made the playoffs with him, and despite his 20.9/7.5/6.0 career averages he shoots just 41.9% and turns it over 3.3 times per game. Trade whispers surfaced after reports he was "frustrated," though Ball pushed back: "I love being here... I'm just trying to win." Merlin sees a bright star tangled in knots. Durability, loose shot selection and inconsistent defense have depressed his trade value despite elite upside; Charlotte isn't forced to move him while he’s under contract, but a 6‑15 start shortens the leash. The next act will hinge on sustained health and whether LaMelo tightens his focus when the games truly matter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Charlotte trading LaMelo Ball this season: 20%.")
Dec 3
Chris Paul, Clippers Part Ways After Locker-Room Clash
Merlin sees — even a high-school NBA fan would notice — the Clippers abruptly parting ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul after reports his leadership style "clashed" with the organization. Sources say Paul was "vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable," and that coach Tyronn Lue "was not on speaking terms" with him. Los Angeles (5–16) cut ties despite Paul's retirement announcement and limited court impact this season. Merlin knows vets can be both compass and combustor; here Paul's push for accountability met a team fraying at the seams. President Lawrence Frank said, "We are parting ways with Chris" and accepted responsibility, but the franchise chose a new direction. Expect Paul to hunt a short-term landing spot where his veteran voice still moves the needle while the Clippers continue to retool. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul signs with a playoff contender before the trade deadline: 70%.
Dec 3
Clippers Part Ways With Chris Paul Amid Lue Rift
Merlin sees the Clippers abruptly part ways with Chris Paul after a 5–16 start, a split Lawrence Frank says is not about scapegoating — “He had nothing to do with that.” Paul signaled the rupture himself, posting he was “being sent home,” while reports say he and Tyronn Lue had been “not on speaking terms” for weeks. The veteran point guard is now a free agent after 16 games. This matters beyond roster moves: Paul’s leadership is real, but the Clippers publicly backed Lue and Frank owned the club’s struggles. Merlin senses this is a chemistry and culture failure more than a single-player problem. Teams will still value Paul’s mind and steadiness, but age and fit make the next chapter uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul signs with a playoff contender before the February deadline: 65%.
Dec 3
Lakers Should Trade For Kings' Keon Ellis
Merlin sees a warning beneath the Lakers’ 15-5 record: their net rating sits just 13th and defense ranks 18th. With the need for a defensive wing who can also space the floor, Los Angeles is eying Sacramento guard Keon Ellis — a "plug-and-play stopper" who is shooting 42.8% for his career from three but is strangely down to 16.6 minutes and reportedly drawing "many teams" interest. Merlin whispers that Ellis would slot neatly next to LeBron and Reaves, supplying on-ball defense, speed and corner shooting the Lakers lack. Sacramento’s reduced role for him makes a deal plausible and affordable, but chemistry and the Kings’ asking price remain wild cards. The front office must decide if a small move can fix a big worry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading for Keon Ellis this season: 45%.
Dec 3
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Trae Young Fallout: Hawks Celebrate, Pelicans Panic
About a quarter into 2025-26, Bleacher Report grades the offseason’s biggest trades and finds clear winners and losers. Miami and Atlanta stand out: Norman Powell has become a near-perfect fit in Miami’s attack, and the Hawks turned a 10-spot draft jump into valuable unprotected future upside. By contrast, New Orleans drew an F for surrendering an unprotected 2026 first for Derik Queen, and the Clippers’ John Collins swap has looked poor amid injuries and dysfunction. Other moves — Bane to Orlando, Durant’s seven-team fallout, Denver/Brooklyn’s MPJ/Johnson swap — land mixed reviews that hinge on health and longer-term draft value. Merlin sees the chessboard shifting. Short-term fits can flip to regrets (Powell is a looming free agent), while hoarded picks and swaps are insurance against sudden rebuilds. The real verdict will come when injuries and playoffs force decisions; a single bad season can turn “clever” into “catastrophe.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta gets the No. 1 pick in 2026: 22%.
Dec 3
Ja Morant Decline Sparks Grizzlies Trade Talk
Merlin sees Grizzlies star Ja Morant tumbling into trade gossip as production and availability crater. He’s in year three of a five-year, $197.2M deal but averages a career-low 17.9 points, shooting 35.9% overall and 16.7% from three while battling suspensions, injuries and a current calf strain. League voices worry his contract and decline make him a tough fit; an East exec called it “The combination of pain in the ass, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one.” Merlin hears echoes of Derrick Rose and John Wall — athletic primes dimmed by wear and tear — and scouts asking, “Has Ja already lost his pop?” Some teams think a change of scenery could revive him, others see too much risk. If Memphis moves him, they’ll seek protection and young assets; suitors exist, but the price and outcome are uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded by the deadline: 60%.
Dec 3
Chris Paul Sent Home by Clippers Amid Final-Season Fade
Merlin sees Chris Paul’s handshake with the Clippers end midseason: Paul announced on social media the team was “sending him home” and the Clippers confirmed he “will no longer be on the team.” Coming 21 games into what Paul indicated is “this will be his final season,” the move matters because a future Hall of Famer who averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in limited minutes now becomes available via trade (after Dec. 15), buyout or waiver — decisions that could reshape contenders and the Clippers’ roster and finances. Merlin senses fit and storylines: Minnesota needs a true floor general and Houston offers a sentimental, low-demand role. Waiving is likely a last resort; a buyout or soft landing with a contender chasing a title feels more probable if Paul wants one last run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul signs with a contender this season: 45% (most likely landing spot: Minnesota or Houston).
Dec 3
Giannis Scrubs Bucks Posts — Trade Pressure Rising
Giannis Antetokounmpo quietly scrubbed Bucks content from his social feeds, a small action that has blown up into big questions because it arrived while Milwaukee has lost eight of nine. The timing makes the gesture matter: it could be a personal reset, a quiet pressure move to force roster upgrades, or an early sign of deeper dissatisfaction with a franchise he once defined. Merlin sees the move as intentionally ambiguous — equal parts Stoic pruning and leverage. With the Bucks lacking a steady second scorer and trade chips like Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis available, silence can speak louder than headlines. Whether this is discipline, strategy, or the first step toward a breakup, the pause has already shifted the narrative. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 3
NBA Trade Deadline Big Board: Giannis, Zion, LaMelo
Bleacher Report rolled out an "unofficial deadline big board" ahead of the Dec. 15 trade season, giving three targets per team ranked by need and impact — with the top slot reserved for the most ambitious moves. The piece even notes, "Giannis Antetokounmpo is an obligatory inclusion," while also mapping realistic targets (role players, picks, RFAs) tailored to each franchise’s cap, asset base and direction — a practical playbook for what teams should actually pursue. Merlin sees a market governed less by drama and more by constraints: luxury-tax aprons, restricted free agency and pick control will steer deals. Expect lots of creative, three-team shuffles and affordable role-player swaps, plus a few star gambles from teams willing to mortgage future picks. The Dec. 15 spark will light a slow-burning boom of activity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 12%.
Dec 3
Ja Morant–Memphis Fallout: Trae Young, Suns, Heat
Ja Morant and the Grizzlies are visibly fractured: Memphis suspended Morant one game for comments “detrimental to the team,” and Morant admitted he’s “lost his joy” after another loss. With a $126.5M contract through 2027-28 and a history that includes a 25-game suspension and injuries, the club is weighing whether to repair the relationship or shop the two-time All-Star — and several trade packages (Hawks, Suns, Heat, Kings, Timberwolves) are already mapped out. Merlin sees a storm of talent versus temperament. Teams will circle, but salary, draft value and culture fit make any deal messy; Atlanta’s Trae Young swap is simplest, Sacramento’s depth-plus-picks is the smartest, Minnesota the fanciful moonshot. Memphis must decide if it cures the locker room or cashes in before discord erodes value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 35%.
Dec 3
Michael Jordan's Wild 'Love of the Game' Clause
Michael Jordan revealed he had a "Love of the Game" clause letting him jump into a pickup mid-drive and keep his guaranteed contract if he got hurt — "If I was driving with you down the street and I see a basketball game on the side of the road, I can go play..." That bit of paper mattered: it codified his compulsive need to play and helps explain why teams today tighten offseason activity after injuries like Chet Holmgren’s. Merlin sees the clause as pure Jordan — insurance for joy and competition that married freedom with accountability. The results were uncanny (31.5 PPG, five MVPs, six rings). Today’s stars trade that spontaneity for trainers, cautious clubs and insurance; the romance of summer pickups now lives mostly in memory. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a modern NBA star getting a similar clause today: 5%.
Dec 3
Ben Simmons Says He'd "Hoop For Free" With 76ers
Ben Simmons stirred the rumor pot by suggesting he’d “hoop there for free” if the Sixers wanted him back, adding the situation is deeper than “what they make y’all believe” and that he’s focused on “gettin the body to 100% again.” That matters because Simmons — a former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star now limited by knee and back issues — remains a free agent linked to Philly amid early-season injuries to key Sixers. His openness to a minimum deal revives a familiar, high-stakes option for a team needing size and defense. Merlin sees this as a crossroads. Simmons’ talent is real, but his 2024-25 splits and past holdout mean chemistry and durability are big question marks. If he truly returns healthy, a short, low-cost reunion could be a nimble gamble for both sides; if not, it’s a story that will stall before it starts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ben Simmons returning to the Sixers this season: 30%.
Dec 2
Heat's Dwyane Wade: Make NBA All-Star a Vacation
Merlin hears Heat legend Dwyane Wade urging the NBA to stop holding the All-Star Game in the middle of the season: "I don't feel like we should stop and do the All-Star Game in middle of season no more," he said, adding it should be "a trip, a vacation, an experience" for players and families. His plea comes as the league rolls out a new 2025-26 three-team, round-robin format amid growing worry the showcase has lost competitive meaning. Merlin thinks the pitch has real magic — a later, festival-style All-Star could restore star commitment and give fans and families a true celebration. Yet the league must balance TV deals, calendar congestion and playoff rhythm. The Feb. 15, 2025-26 experiment (two U.S. teams, one international, three 12-minute matchups) will reveal whether change is cosmetic or the start of something bigger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA moves the All-Star Game out of midseason in three years: 25%.
Dec 2
Karl-Anthony Towns: "Hell Yeah" I Want To Stay With Knicks
Merlin sees Karl-Anthony Towns declaring, "Hell yeah, hell yeah. I want to stay here," making clear he wants a long-term future in New York. With two years and about $110 million left on his contract, Towns’ public commitment matters: he helped lift the Knicks to their first conference finals since 2000 and is averaging 21.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, so keeping him steadies New York’s title aspirations. Merlin notes there’s "no urgency" from the front office to rush an extension, and Towns will again be eligible next offseason. His shooting has dipped (44.9% FG, 32.7% 3PT), but the Knicks’ 13-6 start shows the fit is paying off. If Towns regains efficiency, New York’s ceiling climbs; if not, negotiations could get spicy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Towns signing an extension with the Knicks before next offseason: 20%.
Dec 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo Deletes Bucks Posts, Trade Rumors Grow
Giannis Antetokounmpo quietly scrubbed Bucks content from his social pages, leaving only championship photos and a bio that reads "NBA Athlete," a stark move after months of trade whispers. The chatter began in May when Shams Charania reported Giannis was, for the first time, open to a trade. He has not formally requested one — “Who said that? ... I'm here representing my team. That's it,” he said — but Milwaukee’s 9-13 start and an eight-loss slide, despite Giannis leading the club in points (30.6), rebounds (10.7) and assists (6.4), make the situation combustible. Merlin sees symbolism in the erasure: a player still at peak form growing impatient with roster direction. Giannis’ call that “Nobody should have a personal agenda” sounds like ultimatum more than pep talk. If the Bucks don’t shift course, the market will test how far a franchise will go to keep its champion. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 40%.
Dec 2
Danilo Gallinari Retires: 20-Year NBA Sharpshooter
Danilo Gallinari announced his retirement after 20 pro seasons, 16 in the NBA. The No. 8 pick in 2008 averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds across stops with eight NBA teams. He was a key piece in the Carmelo Anthony trade that helped Denver reach three straight playoffs, hit a 19.8 ppg peak in 2018‑19, shot over 40% from three for three seasons, and helped the 2020‑21 Hawks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He closed his playing days by winning a championship and Finals MVP in Puerto Rico and represented Italy at EuroBasket 2025. Merlin sees a career built on size, shooting and stubborn heart — two torn ACLs and still a 20‑year run is testament to that. Not a marquee superstar, Gallinari was the kind of veteran who reshaped lineups and steadied locker rooms. His legacy will live in clutch threes and veteran mentorship; expect him to stay in the game as a coach, mentor or international ambassador. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Gallinari takes a coaching or front-office job within three years: 45%.
Dec 2
LeBron James, Lakers Shrug Off "Old" Foot Injury
Merlin sees LeBron James shrug off a recent foot scare with a dry grin — “It's called old,” he said — after sitting out one game following the Lakers’ 125-108 loss to the Suns. He missed the prior win over the Pelicans and opened the year sidelined 14 games with sciatica, yet Los Angeles still showed resilience: Austin Reaves has exploded offensively and the club was 10-4 before LeBron’s return. Merlin senses this is less panic and more pacing. Managing LeBron’s body will be the season’s quiet chess match: a serious injury would be catastrophic, but the depth and Reaves’ breakout give the Lakers room to breathe. Expect cautious minutes and strategic rests as the team protects its championship runway. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 20% chance LeBron misses more than five games this season.
Dec 2
Kon Knueppel Makes Hornets Rookie of the Year Contender
Merlin sees Kon Knueppel, a second-lottery Duke rookie, bursting past expectations in Charlotte — outplaying higher-profile peers and emerging as the early Rookie of the Year favorite. He’s hit threes at a high clip, posted a true-shooting rate above 60%, and shown surprising pull-up shooting and playmaking, turning what scouts called a role player into a season-altering weapon for the Hornets. Merlin notes the usual doubts — limited lateral quickness, modest finishing and turnover tendencies — but also the savvy that hides those flaws: strong balance, smart off-ball movement and the feel to create and pass. That mix makes his hot start plausible to sustain and reshapes Charlotte’s build (and rumors around LaMelo). Expect teams to retool their evaluations of shooters who think small. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Knueppel winning Rookie of the Year: 60%.
Dec 2