NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 20, 2026
Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Buys Minority Stake in Texas Rangers
Cade Cunningham has bought a minority stake in the Texas Rangers, he told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Born in Arlington and a Bowie High graduate, Cunningham has ties to the area and even threw out the first pitch in July. His purchase joins a growing roster of athletes owning pro teams, and comes while he’s having a breakout year on the court, averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds as Detroit sits 40-14. Merlin sees hometown pride blending with smart long game thinking. Minority ownership gives Cunningham roots in Arlington beyond his playing days, expands his business network, and slots him into a familiar trend of athletes turning stars into owners. If his on-court ascent continues, expect more public appearances and deeper ties between his brand and the Rangers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cunningham becomes a visible Rangers ambassador this season: 60%.
Kyrie Irving Teases Mavericks ACL Update After All Star Break
Kyrie Irving told fans on Twitch he will "definitely" give an update on his left ACL recovery after the All-Star break. He has not played since the March 3 tear and had surgery March 26, but DallasHoopsJournal reports he has "advanced steadily," doing competitive one-on-one work and moving "fluidly" with explosiveness. Coach Jason Kidd said Irving will not return to practice until at least after the break and offered no firm timetable. The Mavericks sit 19-35 and 12th in the West. Merlin senses progress but not certainty. The physical signs are promising and suggest a late-season return is realistic, yet the team’s struggles and caution around a star’s ACL mean Dallas will prioritize a careful ramp-up. If Irving returns healthy, he reshapes Dallas instantly; if rushed, the risk cuts both ways. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kyrie plays this season: 60%.
Feb 20
Mark Cuban Unlikely to Rebuy Mavericks After Luka Doncic Trade
Mark Cuban made it clear repurchasing a majority stake in the Mavericks is unlikely, despite a report that an investment group had approached him. Cuban told reporters, "I don't see them selling." The Dumont and Adelson families pushed back too, saying "The team is not for sale" and holding the right to buy most of his 27 percent stake before December 2027, which would leave Cuban with roughly seven percent. His basketball influence has already slipped after front office shifts and the Luka Dončić trade. Merlin sees an ownership chessboard taking shape. The families seem set on long term moves like arena redevelopment and tighter control of personnel, while Cuban looks more like a loud minority owner than the franchise's captain. That split will shape roster decisions and the Mavericks' identity for years. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cuban repurchasing majority control before 2028: 8%.
Feb 20
Keshad Johnson Stuns Carter Bryant, Wins 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
Keshad Johnson claimed the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk crown in Los Angeles, edging San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant after a head-to-head final. Johnson wowed with a baseline between-the-legs one-handed reverse and a windmill from inside the free throw line, while Bryant earned a perfect 50 earlier but could not land his surefire closer. Los Angeles center Jaxson Hayes and Orlando guard Jase Richardson were sent home in the first round, and social media buzz reflected both awe and secondhand nerves after Richardson’s scary fall. Merlin senses a new showcase name rising. Johnson’s blend of creativity and power gives him highlight longevity, while Bryant’s near-miss and quote, "If I put that dunk down, I win it," mark him as a future threat. The contest reminded fans that spectacle can hinge on one bounce and one breath. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Keshad Johnson becomes an All-Star Weekend headliner next year: 40%.
Feb 20
Mac McClung Chooses NBA With Bulls Over Millions
Mac McClung says he turned down "Millions of dollars … but this [NBA quest] is where my heart's at," choosing the long NBA road over lucrative overseas offers. The 27-year-old, a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, has only 10 NBA games across five teams since 2021 but has dominated the G League — career 23.4 points and this season 27.4 points with 7.5 assists — earning a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls before a calf injury shelved his Rising Stars spot. Merlin sees a player who bets on himself. The trophies and G League MVP show rare scoring and spark, yet age, injuries, and a history of fleeting NBA chances make a full-time roster spot a steep climb. If health and opportunity align, teams could bite; otherwise the overseas calendar waits. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mac McClung earning a full NBA contract this season: 25%.
Feb 20
Tanking Hall of Shame: Sixers Jazz Warriors Mavericks
The story ranks the NBA’s most shameless tank jobs and shows how losing has gotten tactical. Teams now weaponize "development" and "injury management" to chase better draft odds, cap space and long-term timelines. It runs through examples from the 'Process' Sixers and LeBron-era Cavs to Memphis, Portland, Utah, Charlotte and more, noting fines and rule tweaks that have so far failed to stop the chase for franchise-changing picks. Merlin sees seasons as chessboards where GMs sacrifice pieces now for larger gains later. Some gambles paid off, like Oklahoma City, Boston and Cleveland, while others backfired or cost fan faith, as in Charlotte or Golden State’s James Wiseman pick. The league’s nudges have altered moves but not the game. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA tightens anti-tanking rules and hands out stiffer penalties within two seasons: 70%.
Feb 20
Giannis Roasts Shams Charania in Celebrity Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a blunt moment at the 2026 All Star Celebrity Game, quipping "He cannot hoop. But everybody else can hoop. So in the offseason, we grab them as free agents" about ESPN reporter Shams Charania. Coaching with brothers Thanasis and Alex, Team Antetokounmpo beat Team Anthony Anderson 65 58. Rome Flynn scored 17 and claimed MVP again, while Kevin Durant called out Charania for being glued to his phone. Merlin sees the gag as part roast and part stagecraft. The playful jab lands against a backdrop of real roster talk. Giannis drew midseason trade heat but stayed in Milwaukee past the Feb 5 deadline, and formal discussions about his future are expected to wait until the offseason. The celebrity court is where heat cools into headlines before real moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis reopens trade talks this offseason: 25%.
Feb 20
Stephen Curry Won't Wear Under Armour Curry 13 With Warriors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry has "no plans" to wear Under Armour's Curry 13 in any NBA action this season, a source told Front Office Sports. Under Armour launched the Curry 13 after confirming Curry Brand will be independent, but Curry has acted like a sneaker free agent, testing Nike, Adidas, Reebok and several others. He last wore Curry Brand on Nov. 18 and remains signed to the Warriors through 2026-27 while rehabbing a right knee injury. Merlin senses this is more than a shoe choice. Under Armour is reshaping itself and pressed ahead with the Curry 13 launch despite the split and a shrunken Curry Brand valuation. For Curry, sampling many makers keeps his options open ahead of his late-career contract decisions and lets him control the narrative more than any single logo would. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry will wear the Curry 13 in an NBA game this season: 5%.
Feb 20
Sixers Convert Jabari Walker To Standard Contract, Sign Cam Payne
The 76ers are upgrading two-way forward Jabari Walker to a standard NBA contract and plan to sign veteran point guard Cam Payne for the rest of the season, according to Shams Charania. Walker, 23, has averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 45 outings and earned extra minutes amid injuries and Paul George’s 25-game suspension. Dominick Barlow already made the jump to a standard deal, and Payne arrives with recent European experience and a 72-game run with the Knicks last year. Merlin senses Philadelphia is shoring up depth more than reinventing the roster. Walker is a low-risk rotation option and Barlow remains the energetic frontcourt spark. Payne brings veteran calm and locker room lift — “He’s so positive,” Tyrese Maxey said — and should be insurance after Jared McCain’s trade, not a major minutes shakeup. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Walker becoming a regular rotation player this season: 35%.
Feb 20
Utah Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr Out For Season
Merlin sees the Jazz will be without their prized trade deadline acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. for the rest of the 2025-26 season as he prepares for surgery on his left knee "to ensure his long-term health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered." Jackson had scored 22 in his Jazz debut and 23 in front of Utah fans and averaged 19.4 points in 48 games. His absence strips Utah of a rim protector and floor spacer they had just acquired. At 18-37, the Jazz are signaling future-first thinking. With a young core led by Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, Merlin senses Utah will lean into the draft and development rather than chasing a late-season surge. If Jackson returns fully healthy, he becomes a cornerstone or prime trade asset; for now the picture is about preservation and positioning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah landing a top-3 pick in the 2026 draft: 55%.
Feb 12
James Harden Shrugs Off Loyalty After Cavs Trade
Merlin sees James Harden shrug off notions of player loyalty after his latest move to Cleveland, saying the "loyalty thing is overrated" and that "this is a business." Harden reminded reporters players and front offices must do what is best, noting he has played for six teams and is on his fourth since 2022. His arrival already shows early signs; Cleveland is 2-0 in games he plays and he posted 13 points and 11 assists in the most recent win. Merlin senses both opportunity and risk. Harden’s experience and playmaking can push the Cavaliers deeper in the East, but fit, health, and chemistry will decide if he is a blessing or a short-term patch. The saga is far from over. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 12
Cam Thomas 34 Ignites Milwaukee Bucks
Doc Rivers heaped praise on Cam Thomas after the guard scored 34 points in only his second game with Milwaukee, saying, "I've had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams. And now, I have Cam Thomas." Thomas, waived by Brooklyn after averaging 24.0 last season and signed while Giannis recovers, gave the Bucks a needed scoring jolt as they sit two games out of a play-in spot. Rivers was also named a Hall of Fame finalist and shrugged, "I don't have a lot to say about it." Merlin sees a familiar spark. Thomas has the streaky heat that made Crawford and Williams lethal sixth men, and Rivers has a track record of turning bench scorers into season-changing pieces. A single outburst is a promise, not a guarantee; consistency and Giannis' return will be the true tests of whether the spell lasts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of the Bucks making the play-in this season: 42%.)
Feb 12
Durant Questions Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic All Star Effort
Kevin Durant shifted the spotlight ahead of Sunday’s 2026 All-Star Game, saying reporters should "ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete." He singled out Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, saying "these two dudes...they don't care," and questioned whether Team World will treat the new round-robin format seriously. Durant’s comments frame the week as less about American effort and more about whether the international stars will take the game seriously. Merlin sees a matchup of pride versus spectacle. Veterans like Durant, LeBron and Kawhi bring reputation and intent, while Jokić, Dončić and Wembanyama have a history of All-Star theatrics. If the globe’s stars treat it like the Olympics, fans may get fireworks; if not, applause will beat effort. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the 2026 All-Star Game shows real defense: 30%.
Feb 12
Naismith Hall of Fame Finalists: Griffin, Amare Stoudemire, Parker, Rivers
The Naismith Hall of Fame announced its 2026 finalists, with Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire leading the player candidates and Doc Rivers among the coaches. Women’s finalists include Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. Griffin’s 13-year run produced averages of 19 and 8, six All-Star nods and a 2011 Rookie of the Year award. Stoudemire, a high school entrant, was a Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star and key piece of the Suns’ "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Rivers brings a championship and a spot among the "15 Greatest Coaches." Merlin senses a mix of clear locks and close calls. The 1996 team’s historical weight and Parker’s resume make their cases strong, while Rivers’ resume is hard to deny. The player spots may come down to narrative versus peak value, so expect spirited debate before April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of enshrinement — Doc Rivers 90%, 1996 U.S. women’s team 95%, Candace Parker 85%, Amar'e Stoudemire 70%, Blake Griffin 60%.
Feb 11
Karl Anthony Towns Signs Joel Embiid Jersey Before 76ers Game
Before the 76ers faced the Knicks, two fans asked Karl-Anthony Towns to sign Joel Embiid jerseys, and Towns obliged. What began as a simple fan moment left them with a rare oddity: Embiid jerseys bearing another star’s signature, a small but memorable twist on game-night souvenirs. Merlin sees a little magic in that mixup. Towns and Embiid play on different squads and stages, so a Towns-signed Embiid jersey is more a conversation piece than a standard collectible. It captures how brief fan interactions can create one-of-a-kind items and may attract niche interest from collectors who prize stories over stats. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds those Towns-signed Embiid jerseys become sought-after collector items: 55%.
Feb 11
Vince Carter Challenges Slam Dunk Contest With Two Elbows Dunk
Merlin sees Vince Carter dropping a playful bomb on the Cousins podcast: he always wanted to do a dunk where he put "Two elbows on the rim, then dunk." Carter said, "I did it in high school. It's my first time ever telling you." Tracy McGrady pushed the idea, calling it a world‑level challenge. With Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Jase Richardson set for the Slam Dunk Contest, the suggestion could inspire someone to try the unheard trick this Saturday. Merlin chuckles at the audacity. The move is flashy and dangerous, the kind of stunt that could steal a contest or end in disaster. High flyers love a moment to make history, so expect creativity to spike even if perfect execution is rare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds someone attempts VC’s two‑elbows dunk at the contest: 20%.
Feb 11
LeBron James and USC's JuJu Watkins Unveil NXXT Gen Shoe
LeBron James and USC guard JuJu Watkins co-created a LeBron NXXT Gen shoe, with the "Silver Lining" colorway due this summer. Watkins said "Working with LeBron to co-create a first is wild" and that it is "built for my game, my story." Nike praises its "balance of court feel and bounce" tailored to her downhill drives and shot creation. Merlin notes the move keeps Watkins prominent despite a torn ACL. Nike signed her to an NIL deal in 2024, a pact Shams Charania called "one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women's basketball." Watkins averaged 25.5 points, 7 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a two-time All-American. Co-creating under LeBron's line is a clear step toward a solo signature sneaker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 70% chance JuJu Watkins gets her own signature sneaker within two years.
Feb 11
Jeremy Sochan Released By Spurs, 76ers Among Suitors
San Antonio released Jeremy Sochan, who is now a free agent and "expected to decide among multiple interested teams." That matters because he is a cheap, versatile forward available on the buyout market and several contenders — notably the 76ers, Suns, Knicks and even the Grizzlies — are linked to him. Sochan’s role had shrunk this season, he averaged "7.5 minutes per game" in January and was "a healthy scratch," so both player and team needed a fresh start. Merlin sees a young glue player who still offers defensive chops and switchability, the kind of piece playoff teams prize when depth matters. Fit will decide his fate: Philadelphia’s need for forwards, Phoenix’s injury worries, New York’s prior interest and Memphis’s open spot all create plausible landing spots. Expect a quick, low-cost signing that gives Sochan a clear role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Sochan signs with a playoff team this week: 80%.
Feb 11
LeBron James Could Bolt Lakers for Cavaliers or Warriors
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told The Rich Eisen Show that if LeBron plays again he’ll likely face a choice: take a pay cut to remain a Laker or test the market. Windhorst said the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors would "make sense" as landing spots. LeBron is on a $52.6 million player option and is averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds while the Lakers sit 32-21. Merlin senses a tug-of-war between money and legacy. If Los Angeles stays in the title hunt, LeBron may accept less to finish his story there. If the Lakers falter, richer short-term offers could lure him to a one-year detour. Cap space, roster fit and his appetite for another ring will decide the final move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to the Lakers next season: 65%.
Feb 11
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Anderson Headline NBA Celebrity Game in LA
Merlin sees Los Angeles hosting the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game Friday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. EST from the Kia Forum, airing on ESPN. Celebrities, former pros and current stars from TV, film, music and sport will mix with coaches like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex and Thanasis and Mookie Betts in a showcase meant to attract new fans and boost engagement. Merlin notes the roster blends real athletes such as Jeremy Lin, Tacko Fall and Amon-Ra St. Brown with entertainers like Simu Liu and Glorilla, plus owners and influencers. Antony Anderson returns as a sideline presence with a legacy dating to 2003, and last year’s MVP Rome Flynn adds competitive spice. Expect bright highlights, social buzz and a playful game that leans spectacle over strict competition. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Rome Flynn repeats as MVP: 30%.
Feb 11
Pistons Hornets Chaos: Stewart Duren Bridges Diabate Suspended
Merlin sees the NBA hand down multi-game suspensions after the Pistons-Hornets brawl. Isaiah Stewart drew seven games for "leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting," with the league citing his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts." Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate were suspended four games for "fighting and escalating the altercation," and Jalen Duren got two games for "initiating the altercation and fighting." All four will lose salary and their bans start Wednesday. Merlin senses the league trying to stop repeat chaos. Short suspensions will force lineup shuffles and test each team’s depth, while Stewart’s longer ban is a clear warning to players with prior incidents. Expect coaches to tighten discipline and for rival teams to pounce on the temporary openings. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another similar brawl this season involving these players: 8%.
Feb 11
Flagg vs Knueppel: 2026 Rising Stars Showdown
The 2026 Rising Stars rosters are set across Team Melo, Team Vince, Team T-Mac and Team Austin, mixing high lottery picks, rookie standouts and hungry G League stars. "They got next. Or maybe they got now." The list includes Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson and others, but notable omissions remain, most glaringly Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick who is averaging 11.6 points and was the lone top-10 2025 draftee left off the rosters. Merlin sees the narrative folding into a likely Team Melo versus Team T-Mac finale, a fresh duel between Duke-linked rivals Flagg and Knueppel. The G League entries could make noise with effort and toughness, but Knueppel’s shooting and Tre Johnson’s help give Team T-Mac the edge. Watch for defense to decide the game more than flare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Team T-Mac wins Rising Stars and Kon Knueppel takes MVP: 60%.
Feb 11
Isaiah Stewart Suspended 7 Games After Pistons Hornets Brawl
A wild third quarter brawl in Monday’s Pistons-Hornets game led the NBA to suspend four players. Pistons center Isaiah Stewart got seven games for leaving the bench to confront Miles Bridges, who received four games. Hornets center Moussa Diabate was suspended four games and Pistons center Jalen Duren two games. All were ejected in Detroit’s 110-104 win that snapped Charlotte’s nine-game streak. Duren called it an “overly competitive game” and said, “This isn't the first time that people have tried to be like extra aggressive with us.” Merlin sees the fallout in plain sight. Detroit’s frontcourt depth takes a real hit just as the Pistons sit atop the East, while Charlotte loses momentum in a fragile rebuild. The league will watch discipline and repeat behavior closely. Expect sharper officiating and tighter rosters in the short term. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Detroit drops at least two of its next five games without Duren and Stewart: 45%.
Feb 11
2026 NBA Dunk Contest: Jaxson Hayes vs Keshad Johnson
Merlin sees the 2026 Dunk Contest field and smiles with a shrug. The event lost an All Star when Jalen Duren withdrew with a knee injury, leaving Jaxson Hayes, Jase Richardson, Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson to carry All-Star Saturday’s signature show. Fame may be thin on the backs of these jerseys, but raw dunking chops are not. As the piece notes, star power and dunk prowess are different things. Merlin notes the matchups: Hayes brings the most resume as a bouncy seven footer, Richardson carries a legacy from his father, Bryant is a 20-year-old toolshed with length, and Johnson lives at the rim with 16 career dunks out of 42 field goals. Home-state vibes and creative finishes could decide it. Expect misses to matter; one clean run can crown a surprise hero. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Keshad Johnson winning the Dunk Contest: 45%.
Feb 11
Victor Wembanyama's Historic 40 Powers Spurs Past Lakers
With Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves resting, Victor Wembanyama erupted for 40 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes to lift the Spurs to a 136-108 win at Crypto.com Arena. "It's the first time in NBA history a player scored at least 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 26 or fewer minutes." He had 37 by halftime, including 25 in the first quarter, and is hitting career highs as San Antonio rides a five-game streak at 37-16. Merlin sees a statement night more than a fluke. Dominance in limited minutes sharpens Wembanyama's ceiling and nudges him into MVP conversation, but availability is a real hurdle since he can miss only three more games and stay eligible. If he keeps this level, the Spurs can seriously chase the top seed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 10%.”)
Feb 11