NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks Hunt GM Before June Draft for Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks are racing to name a new general manager after firing Nico Harrison earlier this season. League sources told Marc Stein the Mavs' "clear goal" is to "have their new lead decision-maker in the front office hired before the June draft." Dallas sits 19-30 and looks headed for the lottery again despite landing Cooper Flagg with the 2025 No. 1 pick, so a steadier front office is now urgent. Merlin sees a club eager to rebuild around youth but haunted by the chaos left behind. Owner Patrick Dumont wants someone with real NBA experience to clean up and set a long term plan. The search is only beginning, yet the clock before June nudges teams to act quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks hire a new GM before the June draft: 65%.
Knicks Could Trade Karl Anthony Towns Before Giannis Deal
Merlin sees the Knicks circling options as the trade deadline nears. The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reports Karl-Anthony Towns may not be untouchable, but New York lacks the young assets and draft capital to land a star like Giannis now. Edwards writes "the Knicks have played some of their best basketball as of late without Towns on the floor," and any Towns return would likely be salary-matching pieces and maybe small draft compensation. A blockbuster deal looks unlikely before Thursday. Merlin notes roster value has slipped — Towns and Mikal Bridges "aren't believed to have the same value today" — and moving Guerschon Yabusele remains stalled because "nothing has changed." Sitting second in the East, the Knicks can afford to wait for the offseason; expect tweaks, not fireworks, in the short term. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Karl-Anthony Towns being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 1
Luka Doncic to Lakers Stuns Mavericks Nation
Merlin sees the blockbuster that still stuns the league: Dallas shipped Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in a three-team deal that landed Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first round pick for the Mavericks. GM Nico Harrison kept repeating, "I believe that defense wins championships," and sources cited conditioning concerns with Dončić. Luka is putting up 33.7 points in Los Angeles while Davis has battled injuries, and Dallas used a lucky No. 1 pick on Cooper Flagg but fired Harrison amid an 11th place mark. Merlin senses a clash of philosophies. The deal is a wager on defense and culture over a generational scorer. Dončić called leaving "really hard moments" and said he is excited to play for "the greatest club in the world." If Davis gets healthy and the Lakers hold together, the trade looks brilliant. If not, both teams face long seasons. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the title this season: 28%.
Feb 1
One Year Later Luka Doncic Trade Proves Brilliant
Merlin sees the trade that shook the league: in Feb. 2025 Dallas sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and future picks, with Utah getting Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-rounders. One year on, Dončić is leading the NBA at 33.7 points per game in Los Angeles, Davis has been a strong two-way force for Dallas when healthy but has battled injuries, and Christie has emerged as an elite corner shooter for the Mavericks. Merlin notes the long ripple effects: Dallas fired GM Nico Harrison, drafted Cooper Flagg, and still hunts stability. The Lakers clearly grabbed a superstar at age 26 and saw immediate offensive payoff. Dallas gained defense, shooting and youth, yet Davis’s availability makes the balance fragile. Expect more role changes and roster tinkering before the next deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the title this season: 40%.
Feb 1
Luka Doncic Blockbuster Targets Shai Gilgeous Alexander Anthony Edwards
Merlin sees a new trade fever swirling around Luka Dončić. A year after a shocking deal changed the market, writers now sketch hypothetical swaps like "Luka for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander" or packages sending Anthony Edwards or Tyrese Maxey the other way. The piece runs several realistic offers, from pick-heavy bids to player-for-player swaps, and asks what it would take to pry Luka from Los Angeles. Merlin notes the obvious truth: the Lakers are unlikely sellers, but any serious bid would need young stars and deep draft capital. Teams mentioned — Oklahoma City, Minnesota, San Antonio, Philadelphia — each bring a different fit and risk. A Luka move would reshape title races and force roster reinventions. The question is not could teams make offers, but would the Lakers accept a price worthy of a superstar. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading Luka this season: 8%.
Feb 1
Giannis or Davis? Bucks Mavericks Deadline Drama
The NBA trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5, and salary rules are pushing more three‑ and four‑team deals that lean on cap‑friendly clubs like Brooklyn, Charlotte and Utah. The biggest dominoes are Milwaukee and Dallas — the Bucks have been "starting to listen" on Giannis and Anthony Davis has surfaced in rumors — while buyers such as New York and Golden State wait to see who moves. Sacramento started the week by acquiring De'Andre Hunter in a multi‑team swap. Merlin sees a marketplace built for clever engineering rather than pure blockbuster swaps. If a superstar flips, rosters shift dramatically; if not, expect depth pieces, draft assets and salary fillers to change hands. The Hunter deal is a reminder: the deadline often reshapes playoff depth more than it crowns a new king. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded by Feb. 5: 20%.
Feb 1
Fisher: Ja Morant Lakers Fit With Luka Doncic Doubtful
Former Laker Derek Fisher called being traded a "traumatic experience" and used that hard-won perspective while weighing the heavy talk around Ja Morant. Fisher said, "Sometimes change is needed or required and it might not be a bad thing," but he questioned Morant's long-term fit alongside Luka Dončić and raised the obvious presence of LeBron James. With the trade deadline Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, an answer is imminent. Merlin sees weight behind Fisher’s words after 18 years on the floor and time as NBPA president and coach. Los Angeles will always be linked to stars, yet fit and locker room balance matter more than headlines. If Morant stays past Thursday, the quiet may be temporary; the rumor winds often circle back in the summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before Thursday’s deadline: 35%.
Feb 1
Mavericks Trade Luka Doncic To Lakers Rated Among 50 Worst
Bleacher Report revisits the Luka Dončić-to-Lakers trade as part of a project ranking the 50 worst NBA trades. The site built a new metric called LUKA, short for "Lost Utility" and "Known Aftermath," which pairs a five-year wins-over-replacement-player gap with accolade points for All-Star, All-NBA, MVP and Finals MVP honors. Sixty high-profile deals were scored, then blended with thousands of fan votes to produce a final list that will be revealed Monday. Merlin sees a calm algebra mixed with fan fury. The five-year window and added weight for major awards give the exercise both measurable bite and historical reach, so famous swaps from Kobe to Kareem sit alongside modern shocks like Shai and Luka. Expect the Luka-to-L.A. deal to draw heat when hard numbers meet public opinion. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of the Luka-to-L.A. trade ranking in the top five worst trades: 80%.”)
Feb 1
Suns' Dillon Brooks Slams LeBron James Overrated
Dillon Brooks called LeBron James the NBA’s most overrated player on a Twitch stream, saying "I would probably say LeBron right now" and "I feel like he overrated right now, his time is coming to an end." The barb rekindles a yearslong feud that flared in the 2023 playoffs and again during L.A.'s 116-114 win over Phoenix. At 41, LeBron is still averaging 21.9 points, 6.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 50.2 percent, so the comment turns the upcoming Feb. 26 meeting into more than a regular season game. Merlin sees a classic provocateur move. Brooks feeds headlines and seeks to unsettle a veteran, while LeBron supplies steady production that contradicts the label. The matchup will be a chess game of matchups and emotions. If LeBron answers on the court, the taunt fades. If Brooks gets under his skin, sparks will fly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron outplays Dillon Brooks on Feb. 26: 75%.
Feb 1
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Cavs Upgrade: Schroder Ellis for DeAndre Hunter
Late Saturday, Shams Charania reported the three-team deal: "The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis," with the Chicago Bulls getting Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. Cleveland walks away with clearer backcourt depth and about $50 million in salary and tax relief, an immediate upgrade. Chicago quietly turned a roster move into future assets. Sacramento took a risky, win-now swing by adding Hunter to a veteran group that many think should be collecting youth and picks. Merlin sees a tidy victor in Cleveland. Ellis brings defense and shooting, Schroder brings veteran juice, and the cap savings matter as much as minutes. Hunter’s contract and fit make him a fragile chess piece for Sacramento; he must adapt to keep value. The Bulls played the long game and gained cheap odds on the future. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland reaching the Eastern Conference finals this season: 40%.
Feb 1
Jason Kidd Stands By Cooper Flagg As Mavericks Point Guard
Merlin sees Dallas coach Jason Kidd shrugging off outside noise after leaning on rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard. Kidd told reporters, "Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls--t," and added, "I know what the f--k I'm doing." His defense comes after Flagg scored an NBA record 49 points as a teenager, then followed with 34 points and 12 rebounds, showing clear improvement in ball handling even as the Mavericks dropped a fourth straight game. Merlin notes Kidd speaks like a teacher who has graded many young stars. Flagg’s back-to-back bursts suggest real upside as a lead guard, but team defense and rotations will decide whether those flashes turn into consistent wins. Trust from a veteran coach can speed maturity, yet results must follow for the peace to last. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg remains Dallas’ primary point guard through season end: 65%.
Feb 1
DeAndre Hunter To Kings, Lakers Scramble Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Lakers forced to pivot after De'Andre Hunter landed in Sacramento. The Kings got Hunter in a three-team swap that sent Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland and Dario Šarić plus two second-rounders to Chicago. Los Angeles had "discussed a general framework" with Cleveland for Hunter, so his departure leaves the Lakers short on wing depth with five days until the deadline. Merlin notes Los Angeles is circling several fits: versatile two-way wings like Josh Marshall and Donte DiVincenzo, and the more coveted Herbert Jones or Trey Murphy III. Marshall even said he missed Luka "dearly," showing familiarity with winning roles. The Pelicans are reportedly resistant to deals, so the Lakers’ path likely runs through cheaper, tradeable wings rather than a blockbuster swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers land a meaningful wing before Feb. 5: 45%.
Feb 1
Cavs Flip De'Andre Hunter to Kings, Land Dennis Schroder
Merlin sees Cleveland sending wing De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, while Chicago picks up Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. The move frees about $50 million in salary and tax space for the Cavaliers and gives the Kings a versatile scorer next to Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as Sacramento tries to reverse a 12-38 slide. Merlin remembers Hunter as a 2019 No. 4 pick whose injuries stalled progress, yet he still averages about 14 points this season and shot 42.6 percent from three to close 2024-25 before cooling to 30.8 percent this year. The Kings hope a change of scenery and veteran leaders restore his stroke. Cleveland’s haul of cap relief points to a roster reset, while the Bulls add depth and future assets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Hunter boosts his three-point percentage to 36% with Sacramento this season: 45%.
Feb 1
Giannis Trade a Coin Flip for Milwaukee Bucks
The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET and the league is watching whether the Bucks will move Giannis Antetokounmpo after 12 seasons. Insiders are split: Zach Lowe calls it a "coin flip" while Shams Charania says Giannis is "ready and prepared" for a trade and that Milwaukee is fielding "aggressive trade offers." The Bucks want a blue chip young player and/or a haul of picks even as Giannis rehabs a calf injury, after averaging 28.0 points on 64.5 percent shooting. Merlin senses a patient market now that may flip fast once teams feel pressure. Clubs with extra firsts or clever pick-churning moves hold leverage, and rumors can force deals sooner than planners expect. The deadline could pass quietly or become the pivot that reshapes the next decade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before Thursday’s deadline: 45%.
Jan 31
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants Out Bucks Trade Deadline Chaos
Merlin sees the trade season sliding into complete chaos: Giannis Antetokounmpo "has informed the Bucks for months that he believes the moment has come to part ways," and Milwaukee is reportedly "more open than ever" to moving him. With Feb. 5 approaching, a long list of stars from Ja Morant to Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis could change addresses, forcing rapid, complicated moves leaguewide. Merlin senses teams are already circling—New York, Miami, San Antonio and others will test Milwaukee’s resolve while the Bucks try to reclaim first-round assets or chase elite prospects if Giannis departs. Expect multi-team creativity, cautious sellers protecting futures, and buyers balancing upside with financial realities as the deadline narrative shifts hour by hour. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before Feb. 5: 55%.
Jan 31
Ja Morant's Cryptic Tweet Fuels Memphis Trade Speculation
Ja Morant stirred deadline drama with a cryptic X post saying "Time tells the truth" as the Grizzlies reportedly weigh offers, per Shams Charania. Months of tension with coaches, recent on-court struggles, and a UCL sprain have drained his trade value, leaving little interest as the deadline nears. The coming week should decide his fate. Merlin senses a tense crossroads. An injured star with public friction is a risky purchase for contenders, so Memphis may choose to wait for Morant to heal or accept a modest return. If he stays, expect a subdued finish while teams quietly gauge his status. If he moves, it will likely be for role players or draft assets rather than a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Morant being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 31
Warriors Could Trade Draymond Green to Land Giannis
Merlin sees Golden State as one of the most serious suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but any deal could require moving a beloved veteran. Insiders say a trade "is unlikely to involve Jimmy Butler's contract" after his ACL, which opens the door for Draymond Green to be the salary piece. That choice would force the Warriors to decide if breaking up core chemistry is worth adding a two-time MVP. Portland has also "expressed" interest, though getting Giannis to sign an extension there would be "an extreme longshot." Merlin notes the league could reshape around a multi-team chess match. Portland might act as a facilitator to "snag an impact veteran" while New York could use Jrue Holiday to sweeten offers. Talent fits, salary math, and Giannis's willingness to stay are the real spells to cast before any move materializes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors include Draymond in a Giannis trade this offseason: 20%.
Jan 31
Paul George Suspended 25 Games Shocks 76ers
The NBA has suspended Paul George for 25 games after finding a violation of the league’s anti-drug program. George said he “mistakenly took an ‘improper medication.’” The ban starts Saturday against New Orleans and runs through March 23, with George eligible to return March 25. It is his longest absence since the 2021-22 UCL injury and comes while he averages 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals this season for a 26-21 Sixers team. Merlin sees Philadelphia forced to lean harder on Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe to cover scoring and wing defense. The trade market already felt quiet, so adjustments will be internal: lineup changes, more minutes for role players, and strategic coaching tweaks. George’s absence will test the Sixers’ depth and could cost them seeding, but the core still looks playoff ready. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Philadelphia making the playoffs this season: 85%.
Jan 31
Giannis Unlikely, Cavs Lakers Trade Buzz
Most of the chatter is on Giannis, but insiders warn an “avalanche” of smaller deals could hit before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. Merlin notes league voices like Brian Windhorst saying there are “not a whole lot” of star moves, but “you're definitely gonna see other activity.” Teams are hunting depth and tweaks — a reported Cavs‑Lakers talk swapping De'Andre Hunter for Rui Hachimura is one example of practical, mutually helpful trades. Merlin sees a deadline where role players and salary fits shape contenders more than headline swaps. Big names with heavy contracts are harder to move, while expiring deals and affordable wings will trade often. Expect a flurry of useful pieces, not seismic shifts, and a few late surprises as teams chase playoff chemistry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Giannis getting traded before the deadline: 10%.”)
Jan 31
NBA Trade Deadline: Lakers and Warriors Passing on De'Andre Hunter
Merlin sees the Lakers and Warriors linked to Cleveland forward De'Andre Hunter, but league sources say neither looks like a likely landing spot. The Lakers have been "reticent to jeopardize their upcoming financial flexibility" by absorbing Hunter’s $24.9 million salary, and Golden State’s interest faded as the team’s "Giannis chase" became the main focus. Hunter is 28 and averaging 14.0 points on 42.3 percent shooting with 4.2 assists in his seventh season. Merlin notes the deadline is a puzzle of money and fit. Cleveland may still move Hunter, but teams with cap plans or star chases will pass unless a creative package appears. Expect quieter work from the usual suitors and last‑minute whispers rather than a headline deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of De’Andre Hunter being traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Jan 31
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Joe Brady Hires Jim Leonhard As Bills Defensive Coordinator
Joe Brady has found his defensive coordinator. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills are hiring Jim Leonhard from the Denver Broncos, with a contract agreed. A former NFL safety who coached at Wisconsin and rose to passing game coordinator and assistant head coach in Denver, Leonhard helped shepherd one of the league’s stingiest defenses as the Broncos ranked among the best in yards and points allowed while finishing 14-3 and reaching the AFC Championship. Brady also brought in Pete Carmichael Jr. and confirmed "he will be the team's offensive playcaller in 2026." Merlin sees Buffalo moving with purpose. Leonhard brings proven scheme work and secondary craft from a top Broncos unit, giving Brady a defensive architect to match his offense. The fit will hinge on personnel and adjustment speed, but the hire signals a clear bid to control both sides of the ball rather than tinker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Buffalo finishing top 10 in scoring defense next season: 45%.
Jan 31
Cavs Could Flip Lonzo Ball and De'Andre Hunter
A handful of role players could move before next week’s trade deadline, with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball named "potential trade candidates." Merlin notes the Cavs and Sacramento "have discussed a framework that would send" Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroeder, and Dario Saric, with Saric possibly flipped and a second round pick involved. The Kings are also "sifting through a variety" of scenarios around Ellis, while the Lakers, Suns and others have checked in on targets like Hunter and Jeremy Sochan. Merlin sees a market hungry for wing scoring and playmaking. Hunter, averaging 14 points, offers a clear fit for teams chasing spacing and defense. Ball’s steady playmaking is easier to move, though Cleveland will weigh contracts, as they did when balking at a Malik Monk swap. Expect small, strategic moves more than blockbuster upheaval. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds De’Andre Hunter lands in Sacramento by the deadline: 40%.
Jan 31
Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers Remade NBA
One year after Dallas sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, the league is reshaped. The Mavs tumbled into the lottery, used the pick on Cooper Flagg, and GM Nico Harrison was shown the door after parroting "defense wins championships" to defend the swap. The Lakers suddenly have a younger franchise cornerstone, playoff matchups shifted, injuries and subsequent moves altered title paths, and several teams’ timelines bent under the weight of one seismic trade. Merlin sees the trade as a single stone that toppled many dominos. If Dallas had kept Luka they likely remain a contender; if Los Angeles had not landed him the franchise might still be leaning on aging stars. Luka delivers long term hope to L.A., but the future will hinge on health and shrewd roster building. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka leads the Lakers to an NBA title within two seasons: 30%.
Jan 31
Draymond Green Shrugs Off Giannis Trade to Warriors
Draymond Green shrugged off swirling trade chatter, telling reporters he "ain't losing no sleep" and that he "slept great last night" after the Warriors’ loss. He said he will not hound the front office but that "My phone is always on," signaling willingness to help while keeping his focus. The larger rumor is that Golden State could assemble a massive package for Giannis Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry labeled the "only untouchable," but salary and timing make any deal complicated. Merlin sees Green as the steady talisman the Warriors want to keep. Matching Giannis’ contract would likely need expiring salaries and multiple future firsts, and Green’s $27.7 million option could make him a poor fit for Milwaukee. The Bucks seem likely to wait until summer, so drama may only deepen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Golden State before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 31
Jongkuch Mach 7 Foot 6 Taller Than Wembanyama
Seventeen-year-old Jongkuch Mach measures 7'6", already taller than every active NBA player, including Victor Wembanyama. He plays for the Centre of Excellence in Australia’s NBL1 East, where in 16 games he averaged 2.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 10.2 minutes while shooting 70 percent from the field. Agent Solomon Dech said, "It's challenging, but he's put on 20 kilos in the last 12 months." Several U.S. colleges have shown interest. Merlin sees the raw allure of a 7'6" frame. Mach does not yet have Wembanyama's range, but his finishing and shot blocking make him a rare prospect. The Centre of Excellence has been rebuilding his body and fundamentals. If he adds strength, mobility and a touch outside, his rise could be swift. If not, the journey will take longer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mach plays college basketball in the U.S. next season: 65%.
Jan 31