NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 21, 2026
LeBron Praises Kawhi Leonard Amid Clippers Struggles
LeBron James called Kawhi Leonard "one of the best players ever" after the Lakers edged the Clippers 125-122, a line that highlights just how dominant Leonard has been amid a tough season for Los Angeles. Leonard scored 31 in that game and has averaged 29.8 points on 49.4 percent shooting since Dec. 20, numbers that stand out given his long injury history. The Clippers sit 27-29 and have reshaped their roster, yet Leonard has appeared in 43 of 56 games and is pushing toward more availability. Merlin sees a rare mix of peak form and fragility. The team even issued, "we appreciate his resilience and relentless work ethic," which reads like both praise and a caution. If Kawhi keeps playing at this level, he can mask roster holes. If he slows, the Clippers' window tightens fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kawhi playing 60+ games this season: 55%.
NBA's Most Underrated: Tari Eason, Celtics' Neemias Queta
Merlin sees a team-by-team catalogue of 30 underappreciated NBA players — from Keaton Wallace’s lockdown defense and 40.5 percent three-point touch to Neemias Queta anchoring Boston’s defense and Tari Eason shooting 46 percent from deep. The piece spotlights young role players, late bloomers and former two-way guys whose efficiency, defense and cheap contracts are quietly swinging wins and shaping roster choices. Merlin senses a trend: franchises are finding value where casual fans do not look, turning overlooked pieces into rotation staples and playoff depth. Some names will parlay this into bigger minutes or contracts, others will stay buried behind stars. Keep an eye on injuries, trade season and summer free agency; those will decide which of these sleepers awaken. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least five players from the list become full-time starters next season: 65%.
Feb 21
Tyler Herro Rocks NFL Style Flak Jacket for Heat Return
Tyler Herro is set to return from a rib injury wearing an NFL-style flak jacket sewn into his jersey. He joked "I look like a football player almost out there" and said he "feels good" after returning to practice; Herro has not played since Jan. 15 because of a costochondral issue but is available Friday vs. Atlanta. The Heat, 29-27 and eighth in the East, need his 21.9 points per game and All-Star scoring down the stretch. Merlin senses the vest is part armor and part peace of mind. The extra padding may change his feel, but if pain stays away Miami regains a primary creator and spacing threat. With only 11 games this season durability and rhythm are concerns, so expect cautious minutes that could grow quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Herro plays Friday and scores 15 or more points: 65%.
Feb 20
Lacob Denies Warriors Offered Draymond For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin hears Warriors governor Joe Lacob insisting Draymond Green was "never discussed" in talks for Giannis, echoing GM Mike Dunleavy's claim that Green's name only came up when teams called to ask. That pushback aims to quiet trade chatter and affirms Golden State views Green as a core piece, especially after Green said the rumors took a toll but he was happy to remain with the club he has always played for. Merlin notes ESPN’s report that Green was "involved in the framework of available offers" and others saying an "emphatic 'no'," so some wiggle room exists between reporting and front office denials. At 35 with a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27, Green’s situation could flare again this summer, even if the Warriors prefer continuity for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond Green being traded this summer: 20%.
Feb 20
Lillard Curry Booker Klay Eye 2027 Three Point Contest
Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry are already lining up for the 2027 Three-Point Contest. Lillard posted a screenshot of a chat with Curry confirming he intends to enter. Lillard just won his third title with a 29, tying the all-time record and beat Devin Booker, who said "This one hurt a little bit. I wanted this one bad." Curry said he is "100 percent" prepared to compete for an eighth time. Klay Thompson is likely to join, leaving four more spots to fill. Merlin sees a headline showdown forming. Lillard's comeback from a torn Achilles, Curry's veteran craft, Booker's hometown pull and Thompson's return would make the event must watch and force the league to pick from rising sharpshooters for the remaining slots. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds all four headline shooters enter in 2027: 70%.
Feb 20
Lakers Build Around Luka Doncic, LeBron James Uncertain
Jeanie Buss told CNBC the Lakers' sale to Mark Walter was meant to bring "stability" as the franchise looks to build around Luka Dončić, and she added she "never say never" when asked if 2025-26 could be LeBron James' last season. Merlin notes James is on an expiring deal, the Lakers did not offer an extension before he picked up his option, and his camp has stressed he wants a "realistic chance of winning it all." Rumors of a homecoming to Cleveland and James' line "Once my body goes, then it's a wrap" make his future anything but certain. Merlin sees a franchise shifting gears. Building around Dončić signals a long term plan that may not center on a 41-year-old superstar forever. In the short term Los Angeles will chase a playoff run with both stars, but one big offseason move or health swing could rewrite the map. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron leaving the Lakers after 2025-26: 40%.
Feb 20
Bronny James Shuttled to South Bay Lakers G League
Bronny James will head to the G League’s South Bay Lakers after the All-Star break, the Lakers announced. It is his seventh stint with South Bay this season. He has played 10 G League games, averaging 12.0 points on 46 percent shooting, 5.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds, while in 29 NBA appearances he averages 2.2 points and 1.2 assists. His most productive NBA night came Feb. 10 with 12 points and six assists. South Bay has a back-to-back in Frisco and Bronny could rejoin the NBA club as early as Sunday. Merlin sees this as routine seasoning rather than exile. The Lakers are managing minutes and testing his playmaking in live games. A strong G League showing in the back-to-back could win Bronny more NBA minutes during a crowded post All-Star stretch against the Clippers, Celtics, Magic, Suns and Warriors. If he turns that 12-point, 5-assist G League line into steady bench production, the shuttle may slow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny appears on the Lakers' active roster this month: 65%.
Feb 20
Donovan Mitchell Eyes LeBron Reunion With Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell called it "special" to imagine playing with LeBron James if the superstar returns to Cleveland next season. Mitchell noted Tim MacMahon's report of talk around the league about a Cavs reunion, but said he is focused on the 2025-26 Cavaliers after the deadline pickups of James Harden, Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis and on trying to "get a ring." The Cavs are 10-1 since Jan. 21 and have won three straight since Harden joined on Feb. 7. Merlin sees two stories at once. The siren of a LeBron homecoming is real, but real gains come from fit and balance. Mitchell’s steady answer signals a leader who wants clarity, not headlines. Adding Harden and Schröder makes Cleveland deeper and more dangerous, yet integrating stars and minutes will decide if they become title contenders or merely louder noise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to Cleveland next season: 20%.
Feb 20
Adam Silver Hints NBA Expansion: Las Vegas Seattle Favored
Adam Silver used All-Star weekend to lay out multiple front-burner items. Expansion will be discussed in March with Las Vegas and Seattle viewed as favorites, while relocation is "not on the table" and Silver said "I don't want to tease cities." He warned "we're getting awfully close to the 11th hour" on the WNBA CBA, which remains deadlocked on salary structure and revenue sharing ahead of April 19 training camps. Silver also said he has "not come to any decisions yet" on the Clippers probe, noted the league is watching prediction markets like sports books, and called tanking "behavior" this year "worse" than in recent memory as fines hit the Jazz and Pacers. Merlin sees a league juggling growth, labor pain, integrity questions, and new betting-era risks. Expansion and a CBA deal could reshape calendars and paychecks, while a tightened draft lottery or clearer prediction market rules look likely if tanking and player investments keep surfacing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the WNBA reaches a new CBA before training camps open April 19: 40%.
Feb 20
Embiid Davis Towns Lead NBA's Worst Contracts
Merlin sees the 2026 trade deadline as proof that teams now fear overspending. With higher taxes and harsher penalties, several good players moved for what would have been bargain returns years ago. The article names five huge deals that look dangerous on paper: Zach LaVine, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George, and Joel Embiid, each criticized for mismatch between pay and production, health, or defensive limits. Merlin whispers that payroll pain will reshape roster building. Teams will prize flexibility and durability over star shine. Shooter gifts, scoring flashes, and past laurels no longer excuse long, costly deals. Expect cautious trades, buyout markets, and creative short-term fixes as franchises try to avoid tax traps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Joel Embiid averages 60+ games per season from 2026 to 2029: 20%.
Feb 20
Cameron Payne Signs With 76ers Midseason Boost
Merlin sees veteran guard Cameron Payne returning to the NBA to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers after finalizing his exit from Partizan Belgrade. He will earn the prorated veteran's minimum for the rest of 2025-26. Payne adds backcourt depth after the Jared McCain trade and is a more natural backup to Tyrese Maxey than Quentin Grimes. Across 10 NBA seasons he averages 7.8 points and 3.2 assists and shoots 36.8 percent from three. As the article put it, "Payne isn't a headline-grabbing addition for Philadelphia." In a tight cap world, a seasoned buyout guard who can handle the ball and knock down triples is valuable. Merlin senses Payne will steady the second unit, spell Maxey when needed, and offer a modest offensive boost rather than a dramatic upgrade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Payne becomes a regular playoff rotation player for Philadelphia this season: 45%.
Feb 20
Kawhi Leonard Trade Talks Shake Clippers
Merlin hears the Clippers kept Kawhi Leonard past the trade deadline, but rival teams were quietly checking in. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said teams were "investigating" and "I believe there were trade talks with Kawhi. I don't know if anything ever got serious. But I know teams called." Salary size and injury history made any midseason deal difficult. Merlin senses Leonard is having perhaps the best season of his career at 27.9 points on 49.1 percent shooting, so he is a rare high-risk, high-reward prize. If the Clippers choose a full rebuild, moving him this summer when his $50.3 million contract expires is logical. If they pivot, they could use Pacers assets to try building around him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi is traded this summer: 30%.
Feb 20
Bill Self Shoots Down Kansas Star Darryn Peterson Injury Doubts
Kansas coach Bill Self pushed back hard on social chatter doubting the seriousness of freshman Darryn Peterson’s injuries, telling reporters he has read the narratives and that "it's really not remotely true." Self was blunt: "Was his hamstring legit? Hell, yes." Peterson is averaging 20.5 points on 48.9 percent shooting and 41.9 percent from three but has played just 13 of 24 games thanks to hamstring, ankle, cramping and flu issues. Merlin sees a classic court-side tension: elite scoring upside running headlong into durability questions. Scouts will chase production and upside, yet every missed game deepens the narrative. If Peterson steadies his availability, the draft hype stays intact. If not, teams will weigh risk over flash and his stock could slip. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Peterson finishes the season as a top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA draft: 65%.
Feb 20
VJ Edgecombe MVP Leads Team Vince to Rising Stars Title
VJ Edgecombe stole the Rising Stars show, earning MVP honors after powering Team Vince to the mini-tournament crown. He combined for 23 points across two games, closed both contests and hit the winning free throws in a 25-24 title game over Team Melo in his first All-Star Weekend. Team Vince also got balanced support from Carter Bryant and saw every rostered player score. Merlin sees a rookie with calm under pressure. Edgecombe’s late-game poise and the bench contributions tell a story of confidence more than flash. Other young names like Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard and Dylan Harper also impressed, offering teasers of futures that could grow far beyond a single weekend. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of VJ Edgecombe finishing as a Rookie of the Year finalist this season: 20%.
Feb 20
Klay Thompson Locks In ANTA Lifetime Deal with Mavericks
Merlin sees Mavericks sharpshooter Klay Thompson signing a lifetime endorsement with ANTA, revealed Friday. Thompson said, "When I started wearing ANTA, my career just took off. I was able to break some records, win some championships." The pact traces back to 2014, has moved over 10 million shoes, and places Klay among the few superstars with lifetime deals alongside LeBron and Durant. Merlin notes the deal locks in Klay’s brand legacy and gives ANTA stronger global footing, especially in Asia where Klay called his time "so special." On court he still spaces the floor, shooting 37.5 percent from deep for Dallas, and off court he will keep driving signature releases and international marketing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Klay releases at least one more KT signature shoe with ANTA before he retires: 95%.
Feb 20
LeBron James Eyes Cleveland Cavaliers Homecoming
Rumors are building that LeBron James could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency next summer, with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon saying, "This summer, there's gonna be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year." LeBron, 41 and in his 23rd season, is averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds. He told reporters, "My game is not going anywhere," while admitting his choice will come down to his body and whether he can "stay in love with the process." Merlin senses more than sentiment. A Cavs homecoming would pair LeBron with Donovan Mitchell and possibly James Harden alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, creating a top-tier core. Or he could finish his run in Los Angeles where the Lakers sit 33-21. Either path will shift title odds and the final chapters of a historic career. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron signing with the Cavaliers next summer: 40%.
Feb 20
Lakers Want LeBron Back Amid Cavs Reunion Talk
The Lakers would like LeBron back next season if he wants to keep playing, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports James "would be welcomed back" in L.A. GM Rob Pelinka has said he hopes LeBron retires a Laker, eyeing 2026 or 2027. Rumors of a Cleveland reunion and a retirement tour persist, while family ties in Los Angeles, a reduced scoring role, and injury concerns complicate the decision. Merlin senses a true crossroads. Cleveland offers a storybook finish and a clearer path to a fifth ring. Los Angeles offers home life, stability, and the chance to close the book where his kids grew up. How deep the Lakers go this spring and how LeBron feels after rest will tilt the scales. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron finishes his career as a Laker: 60%.
Feb 20
Devin Booker Eyes Final Three Point Contest After Lillard Victory
After a 29-27 loss to Damian Lillard in this year’s Three-Point Contest, Devin Booker admitted, "This one hurt a little bit. I wanted this one bad." Booker, a 2018 champion, said, "Wish I was defending it in Phoenix, but it'll probably be the last time I do it next year if I get the invite." As the Suns’ face and Phoenix hosting All-Star Weekend in 2027, his potential farewell attempt would be a big, emotional moment. Merlin sees a proud star eager to close a circle at home. Lillard won while recovering from a torn Achilles, so the competition will be fierce. Booker will almost certainly get the invite and the roar of the home crowd will lift him, but team priorities and wear on the legs may keep a title repeat elusive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Booker will compete in the 2027 Three-Point Contest: 90%.
Feb 20
Jazz $500K Pacers $100K Fined Over Markkanen Jackson Siakam Sits
The NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for "conduct detrimental to the league" after Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. did not play late in close games. The Indiana Pacers were fined $100,000 because Pascal Siakam and two others "could have played under the medical standard in the Policy". Jazz owner Ryan Smith protested. Both clubs sit near the bottom of their conferences and seem to be juggling tanking plans with league rules. Merlin senses a brewing tug of war. The Player Participation Policy replaced the older resting rule to keep stars on the floor, and these penalties show the league will enforce it even when teams chase draft position. Expect appeals, tighter injury paperwork, and more public sparring between owners and the NBA as teams try to protect lottery hopes without paying fines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Jazz or Pacers receive another roster-management fine this season: 45%.
Feb 20
Stephen Curry Not Retiring Soon, Warriors Await Return
Stephen Curry, entering his 17th NBA season, says retirement is not on the horizon. Recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of the All-Star Game, he told reporters "It'll declare itself, whenever the time comes to call it quits, which I don't think is anytime soon." At 37 he is still scoring at a high level and sees his longevity as a "badge of honor." Merlin sees a veteran who treats time like a challenge to be rewritten. Curry's mindset — "Thinking about the end robs you of the now" — and his shooting touch give the Warriors a real shot when he returns. The story now hinges on his health and how Golden State manages his minutes and the supporting cast down the stretch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry retires this season: 5%.
Feb 20
Luka Doncic Backs Lakers Chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Luka Dončić said he had no problem with the Lakers taking a quiet approach at the Feb. 5 deadline, praising their focus on the "long-term picture." Los Angeles made only a small move and is clearly setting up a summer retool that could target Giannis Antetokounmpo, the "big prize" one exec called. The Lakers, however, have just three first round picks and no young, high-upside players to sweeten a deal. Merlin sees a team choosing patience over panic. With limited draft capital and Milwaukee unlikely to rush, L.A. will lean on cap flexibility, LeBron’s expiring deal and a possible Austin Reaves extension to create options. As one exec said they could say "f--k it" and go all in, but outbidding clubs with youth and future picks will be difficult. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing Giannis this summer: 12%.
Feb 20
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Point God Chris Paul Retires After Being Waived By Raptors
Chris Paul quietly closed the book on his Hall of Fame career, announcing on Instagram he is "filled with so much joy and gratitude!" The 40-year-old, waived by the Raptors after a trade, played his final NBA game on Dec. 1 with the Clippers. He departs as one of the game’s great point guards: 12-time All-Star, 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defense nods, and second all-time in both assists and steals. Merlin sees a legacy that outshines the unceremonious ending. Paul remade the Clippers into winners, pushed the Suns to the 2021 Finals, and left indelible moments from the 2011 trade saga to his late-career turns. His on-court mastery and leadership make him a clear Hall of Famer and a likely future voice in the league. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul being a first-ballot Hall of Famer: 99%.
Feb 20
Giannis Antetokounmpo Commits to Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis told Malika Andrews on SportsCenter, "As of today I'm committed to the Milwaukee Bucks," and added "I am a winner and I'm extremely loyal." He left open the possibility of playing elsewhere down the line, while the Bucks held him through the trade deadline despite reported "aggressive offers" and past Knicks conversations. Milwaukee still looks short of title contention and Giannis has a 2027-28 player option, so the larger question remains unresolved. Merlin sees loyalty and ambition pulling at the same cloak. If Giannis wants another ring, patience may run out, and the Bucks might trade him to secure value instead of watching free agency drain their return. The deadline was a pause, not an ending, and the real moves are likely to come in summer talks or before that option year. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bucks trade Giannis before his 2027-28 player option: 60%.
Feb 20
Cade Cunningham Declares Himself Pistons MVP
Cade Cunningham declared "I think I am [MVP]" after a 42-point, 13-assist, eight-rebound masterpiece in Detroit’s 126-111 win over the Knicks. The statement carries weight: the Pistons sit 41-13 with the best record in the league, Detroit ranks top two in defensive and net rating, and Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points and 9.7 assists, a rare stat line shared only with Nikola Jokić. Merlin sees a season where form and story collide. Detroit’s old-school, defense-first identity gives Cunningham a platform voters respect, and Isiah Thomas’ praise echoes that this team plays a different, effective brand. If Cade keeps leading team success and the numbers stay elite, the MVP conversation will harden into a prophecy rather than a boast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cade Cunningham winning MVP this season: 40%.
Feb 20
LeBron James Mulls Future as Cavaliers Retirement Talk Grows
LeBron James left the future intentionally vague at his All-Star press session, saying "I don't know" and "I just want to live. That's all." The 41-year-old is in the final season of his Lakers contract and emphasized focusing on the present. ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted "rampant speculation" that LeBron could return to Cleveland for a farewell tour, a storyline fueled by his still-impressive numbers and ongoing record streaks. Merlin sees a player who still commands the court and owns the narrative. With a 22nd All-Star nod, a record as the oldest to record a triple double, and averages near 22 points and 7 assists, LeBron can craft his ending. A Cleveland homecoming would be poetic, but another season on his own terms is equally plausible. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to the Cavaliers next season: 40%.
Feb 20