NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 2, 2026
VJ Edgecombe Outduels Cooper Flagg in Sixers Win
V.J. Edgecombe, the No 3 pick, stole the New Year spotlight. He outplayed top pick Cooper Flagg in the 76ers 123 108 win, scoring 23 points with five rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block. Tyrese Maxey led with 34 and Joel Embiid had 22. Edgecombe has six 20 point games in his last eight and is a clear Rookie of the Year contender. Merlin notes rare poise from a rookie on a veteran, playoff minded club. His athleticism, defensive energy and a jumper that is ahead of schedule let him affect games whether the stars sit or play. Flagg will be a star too, but in their head to head matchups Edgecombe has looked sharper so far, making the rookie race intriguing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds V.J. Edgecombe wins Rookie of the Year: 40%.
Denver Nuggets Reeling: Jokic and Valanciunas Injured
Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a right calf strain and will be "re-evaluated in four weeks," adding to a growing injury list for the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokić has a hyperextended left knee and the team is also missing Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon at times, leaving Jamal Murray as the only mostly healthy starter. Valančiūnas averages 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes, but his loss deepens a bench that already looks thin. Merlin sees a champion being tested by attrition. Coach David Adelman said "there's a chance the two return during their current road trip," but timelines are uncertain. Expect heavier minutes for role players, creative lineups, and a tougher slog on the schedule. If Jokić or Murray misses time the balance shifts quickly and the Nuggets could wobble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Nuggets suffer a losing streak of at least four games in the next month: 60%.
Jan 1
Michael Porter Jr Sparks Nets Trade Buzz With Bucks Interest
Michael Porter Jr. has become trade bait after proving he can be a top option for the Nets, averaging 25.8 points on 49.6 percent shooting and 41 percent from deep. Executives told Jake Fischer Porter has "returned to neutral value" and one asked "Who couldn't use an MPJ?" Several teams, including the Bucks, are watching, and a deadline move could help Brooklyn's rebuild. Merlin sees a cautious market. Neutral value means teams respect Porter's upside but will not overpay. His scoring and sharpshooting make him attractive, so Brooklyn can likely extract picks or role players if they decide to move him. If Porter keeps producing his price will rise and a contender needing shooting could pounce, making him a "name worth watching." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Michael Porter Jr. being traded this season: 60%.
Jan 1
Michael Porter Jr Trade Deadline Buzz: Nets, Bucks, Warriors
Merlin hears Michael Porter Jr. could change addresses before the Feb 5 trade deadline. Milwaukee, Detroit, Golden State and Chicago are linked while Brooklyn is "listening to offers" rather than actively shopping him. Porter is averaging 25.8 points and 7.5 rebounds on 49.6 41.0 81.2 shooting, and his championship experience and spacing make him a valuable target. Merlin notes Brooklyn might wait until summer to use Porter's contract as outgoing salary for a bigger move, but his recent surge, with 28.3 points and 47.5 percent from three over the past 11 games, could spark a bidding war. The Warriors have held "internal discussions" and the Pistons have not called "yet", while the Bucks view him as a "name worth watching". Expect teams to probe Brooklyn with offers that reveal how badly contenders want immediate help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Porter is traded before Feb 5: 40%.
Jan 1
Giannis Trade Looms As Luka Goes To Lakers
The NBA’s 2025 chaos set the stage for bolder moves in 2026. After a season of shock trades, major injuries and an OKC title, the outlook predicts Giannis leaving Milwaukee before 2027, the Thunder cruising to a 70 win season, Shai repeating as MVP, LeBron staging a farewell tour in 2026 to 2027, and the league eyeing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle. Adam Silver said "Not a secret, we're looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle." Merlin sees the league as a chessboard ready to be reset. A Giannis exit forces a Bucks rebuild, OKC depth can carry historic wins even with hiccups, Boston gets scarier if Jayson Tatum returns, and Denver remains dangerous if Nikola Jokić heals. Victor Wembanyama needs availability to reach his ceiling, but talent is deep across the league. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis requests a trade before 2027: 70%.
Jan 1
Anthony Edwards Leaves Bench As Timberwolves Fall To Hawks
Merlin sees Anthony Edwards walk off during a timeout and head to the locker room with 7:52 left in a 126 102 loss to Atlanta after Coach Chris Finch pulled the starters. Finch said "Obviously frustrated with the performance and rightfully so, but he needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team." Edwards still scored 30 on 10 of 18, but no teammate had more than 10, and Minnesota, 21 13, has lost three of four. Merlin notes Edwards is having a career year at 29.1 points, 5 boards and 3.7 assists while shooting nearly 50 percent, yet the Wolves rely almost entirely on his scoring. After a Christmas ejection and his line "Man, I don't know, it be the same answers every time. I don't know, we got to change something," Minnesota must find balance or risk wasting his breakout season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Wolves finishing in the West top four this season: 20%.
Dec 31
Bucks Eye Michael Porter Jr as Giannis Lifeline
Merlin sees the Bucks eyeing Michael Porter Jr. as they hunt for help around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Per The Athletic, Porter is a "name worth watching" after a career best with Brooklyn at 25.8 points on 49.6 percent shooting, 41 percent from three, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 26 starts. Milwaukee’s offense is struggling and the team does not control a first round pick until 2031, so any move for Porter would be expensive and risky. Merlin hears voices in the league saying Porter has "completely changed his trade" value, which could push him out of reach for a Bucks club low on future assets. Brooklyn’s stockpile of picks makes them patient sellers. The Bucks must decide if they spend now to keep a 31 year old superstar happy or protect future flexibility and hope to rebuild around Giannis. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Milwaukee trading for Michael Porter Jr. before the Feb. 5 deadline: 25%.
Dec 31
Mark Williams Calls Out Lakers Now With Suns
Mark Williams recounted being blindsided when a February trade to the Lakers was voided after he failed L A physical, saying he was left thinking "What the f--k?" and at one point "f--k y'all" after returning to Charlotte. He has since landed in Phoenix and is flourishing, averaging 13.1 points on 66.5 percent shooting and 8.2 rebounds while the Lakers were one and done in the playoffs. Merlin sees the scene clearly. Teams lean on medical checks to avoid risk, but players feel the cut personally and professionally. Phoenix gained a steady rim presence and momentum; Williams has both performance and motive on his side. If he keeps it up, he will have options and leverage, and the quiet trade drama from February could easily spark a new chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers try to acquire Mark Williams within 12 months: 20%.
Dec 31
Jaylen Brown Declares Himself Boston Celtics NBA Two Way King
Jaylen Brown boldly declared "Best 2 way player in the game," and his play supports the claim. With Jayson Tatum recovering, Brown is averaging 29.5 points on 50.5 percent shooting and 37.0 percent from three, plus 6.3 rebounds 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals. Opponents shoot just 42.6 percent when he guards them, the best mark on Boston among regulars, and the Celtics sit 20 12 and third in the East as Brown carries both scoring and defense. Merlin sees a player embracing a larger mantle. Brown’s blend of scoring efficiency and steady defensive impact creates a clear All NBA case, even against stars like Giannis and Wembanyama who excel in other ways. If he keeps this level and Boston stays near the top of the East, Brown’s reputation will shift from elite two way wing to centerpiece. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaylen Brown earning an All NBA selection this season: 60%.
Dec 31
Kuminga Likely Gone, Warriors Keep Green and Butler
Merlin sees Golden State is unlikely to overhaul its roster before the Feb 5 trade deadline. The front office is "staunchly against" trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, per Sam Amick, and Jonathan Kuminga looks like the most probable outgoing piece. Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary alone probably will not net the kind of impact player the Warriors need to climb the standings. Merlin notes the real obstacle is arithmetic and age. The Warriors have interest in Anthony Davis but cannot absorb his $54.1 million salary without moving a major contract, and Curry Green and Butler are all older players with injury history. At 17 and 16 they sit eighth in the West and face five weeks to decide whether patience or bold action will define the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State making a blockbuster trade by Feb 5: 20%.
Dec 31
Hawks Won't Trade Zaccharie Risacher For Anthony Davis
Merlin sees the Hawks dug in. Atlanta has no interest in including 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher even in a hypothetical offer for a star, and Hawks sources "pushed back hard" on reports otherwise. The team admits Risacher "has struggled in his second season" but points to late rookie flashes that "inspired such optimism about his development internally." Merlin smells patience, not panic. By protecting a young asset the Hawks are betting on growth over a headline move. With teams like Dallas chasing prospects and expiring contracts, Atlanta is more likely to double down on development and minutes for Risacher than trade him away. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Zaccharie Risacher being traded this season: 10%.
Dec 31
James Harden Staying As Clippers Avoid Fire Sale
Merlin sees the Clippers are not planning a fire sale despite an 11 21 record, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Owner Steve Ballmer keeps an "eternal mandate to remain competitive" and the team lacks a 2026 first round pick that would make tanking sensible. A dominant five game winning streak has restored internal hope, and there are "no signs yet that Harden wants out," even with trade chatter and his power to veto deals. Merlin notes this is a club trying to climb rather than fold. Every win matters because Oklahoma City holds swap rights tied to that 2026 pick. James Harden is playing at a high level, but the Clippers still need depth and defensive steadiness to turn momentum into a real playoff push. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers reach the play in this season: 40%.
Dec 31
Trae Young Trade Market Barely Exists for Hawks
Merlin sees Atlanta quietly angling toward a Trae Young exit but finding few buyers willing to pay the price. League voices call his trade market "minimal" and one executive put it bluntly, "He doesn't defend. He doesn't rebound. Guys hate playing with him." The Hawks may prefer an off ramp now, yet a workable trade before the Feb 5 deadline looks elusive and could push any real move to the summer before Young decides on his 2026 27 player option. Merlin notes the split soul of the star. Young is a four time All Star and elite creator who drags defenses with his deep shot, yet he is shooting just 30.5 percent from long range this year and remains a ball dominant fit problem for contenders. Expect noise to grow, not a sudden deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the Feb 5 deadline: 20%.
Dec 31
Karl Anthony Towns Thrives as Knicks, Mike Brown Bond
Merlin sees a thaw between Karl Anthony Towns and coach Mike Brown. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that "early on, there was some friction" but "he and Mike Brown are in a good place right now." Towns is attempting 15.0 field goals per game after 16.9 last season while still averaging 22 points and 11.9 rebounds. His efficiency has slid to 47.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep, yet the Knicks sit 23 and 9 and hold the No. 2 seed, just 1.5 games off the top spot. Merlin senses that role clarity is the hidden spell. Towns admitted he was still "figuring it out" in October, and being asked to do "a little bit more gruntwork" can look rough early. If comfort grows and his shot selection sharpens, that walking double double could tilt playoff series in New York’s favor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Towns improving his field goal percentage in the second half of the season: 65%.
Dec 31
Golden State Passes on Anthony Davis Trade
Merlin sees the latest trade chatter and says it will likely stay that way. The Mavericks explored sending Anthony Davis to Golden State, but The Athletic reports the Warriors are "unlikely" to pursue the deal. Golden State has shown little interest in swapping for Davis and is "staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler." Salary math could work, but the club prefers to keep its core intact. Merlin notes the fit is tempting on paper. Davis would bring rim protection and scoring, yet his injury history and the Warriors need to protect team chemistry. Jonathan Kuminga remains the movable piece after January 15, so expect smaller moves rather than a blockbuster. The Bay Area may tinker, not transform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded to Golden State by the deadline: 10%.
Dec 31
Lakers' Luka Doncic, JJ Redick Rip Officiating After Pistons Loss
Merlin sees the Lakers lost 128 to 106 at home to Detroit, and both coach JJ Redick and Luka Dončić pointed to the physical officiating and Detroit's aggressive defense. Redick said "They're going to foul every possession. It's just, you got to play through it." The Pistons forced 21 turnovers and scored 30 points off them, a swing that fueled L.A.'s fourth loss in five games and left the team with a record of 20 wins and 11 losses. Without Austin Reaves for at least a month the Lakers are missing his scoring and playmaking. Dončić had 30 points but eight turnovers, and LeBron must lift his production. Merlin thinks cleaner ball handling and tougher on ball defense are the spells that will steady them. If those adjustments come, the slide ends quickly. If not, the thin margin in the West could shove them into a play in spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing in a play in spot this season: 30%.
Dec 31
Birthday Blues as Cade Cunningham Tops LeBron James
On his 41st birthday LeBron could not will the Lakers past the Pistons in a 128 106 loss at Crypto.com Arena. Cade Cunningham finished with 27 points and 11 assists as Detroit improved to 25 8, while Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart provided a punch off the bench. Luka Dončić had 30 points and 11 assists but eight turnovers, and with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out the Lakers looked out of sync. LeBron said "We haven't had a full team all year." Los Angeles finished with 20 turnovers and fell to 1 4 in their last five. Merlin sees a team still riding on flashes instead of steady work. After a 15 4 start the Lakers now face real questions about defense chemistry and depth while Detroit is announcing itself as a contender. The upcoming back to back with Memphis will reveal if Los Angeles can patch things up or if the issues run deeper. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers right the ship before the All Star break: 45%.
Dec 31
Trae Young, Luka Doncic and 2025 NBA Regrets
Merlin sees the NBA auditing 2025 with a list of each franchise's biggest regret, from trades and free agent gambles to draft slips and season ending injuries. Highlights include Atlanta dragging its Trae Young divorce while being "more open to trading [Young] away than they have ever been", Dallas botching the Luka swap, and Indiana losing Tyrese Haliburton after holding a two games to one lead in the Finals. These errors reshaped rosters and futures. Merlin warns a pattern emerges: delayed decisions cost leverage, shiny splashes drain draft currency, and injuries rewrite blueprints. Quotes like JJ Redick saying "We do not care enough right now" expose morale cracking under thin construction. Expect deadline fire sales and frantic patch work as teams try to reverse 2025. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the deadline this season: 65%.
Dec 31
Bulls' Josh Giddey Out Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Josh Giddey will miss at least a few weeks with a left hamstring strain suffered early in the third quarter of Chicago’s loss to Minnesota. The 23 year old, who signed a four year 100 million deal, is averaging 19.2 points 9.0 assists and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 46.6 percent and 38.6 percent from three. His absence makes a crowded Bulls injury picture worse as Coby White is also sidelined, leaving Chicago thin during a packed stretch of games. Merlin sees the ripple effects. The Bulls are perched around .500 and a short Giddey layoff could flip momentum quickly. Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones must step up on offense and ball control or Chicago will trade wins for more uncertainty. This is a winter test of depth and coaching will. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of the Bulls falling out of the play in picture while Giddey is sidelined: 60%.”)
Dec 31
LeBron James 41st Birthday Sparks Lakers Momentum
The Lakers marked LeBron James’ 41st birthday with a two tier cake crowned for the King and a "Happy Birthday" serenade by rookies Adou Thiero and Chris Mañon. LeBron is still producing at a high level in his 23rd season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds, and his resume includes 21 All Star Games, 21 All NBA Teams, four MVPs, four championships and three Olympic gold medals. Los Angeles sits 20 and 10, tied for fourth in the West with Houston, and they host the Detroit Pistons to cap the celebration. Merlin sees more than a party. The scene is a reminder that LeBron remains the team anchor and that chemistry with younger pieces matters as much as raw stats. If the Lakers protect health and keep winning at home, that veteran steadiness could decide seeding late in the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning tonight against the Pistons: 72%.
Dec 30
Deandre Ayton Proud After Lob to LeBron James Ignites Lakers
Deandre Ayton fed a perfect lob to LeBron for an emphatic dunk in the Lakers 125 101 win over the Kings, and Ayton was eager to talk about it. He even said "Not everybody can throw a lob to LBJ." The clip mattered because it flipped roles Ayton has often played, showed crisp timing with LeBron, and gave the Lakers a highlight that lifted the bench and the crowd. Merlin sees the moment as proof of growing chemistry more than a single play. Ayton has been on the receiving end of lobs before, and now distributing adds a new wrinkle to Laker offense. If those pocket passes keep coming, defenses will have to honor LeBron on every drive, opening looks for others. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ayton throwing another highlight assist in the next five games: 65%.
Dec 30
Nikola Jokic Out MVP Odds Favor Shai Over Luka
Merlin sees Nikola Jokić will miss a minimum of four weeks due to a hyperextended left knee, and he has fallen off FanDuel Sportsbook's MVP board. That absence puts his ability to reach the "at least 65 games played in order to qualify for awards and an All NBA nod" in doubt and turns the race to other stars, with Shai Gilgeous Alexander the favorite at minus 425 and Luka Doncic next at plus 430. Merlin notes the shift favors availability and team success. Shai is matching his MVP form while the Thunder sit atop the league with 28 wins and 5 losses. Luka leads the NBA in scoring but the Lakers' uneven play could cost him votes. With Jokić sidelined the market spreads wide, leaving long shots like Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama trailing far behind. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nikola Jokić winning MVP this season: 8%.
Dec 30
LeBron James 41st Birthday: Lakers Call Him Unstoppable
Merlin sees the Lakers rolled out a birthday tribute for LeBron James as he begins his 23rd season, with coach JJ Redick and teammates Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber weighing in. Redick said "There is no explanation because it's never been done before." The video traced his career from rookie highlights to today and reminded fans of four championships, four Finals MVPs, four league MVPs and his status as the NBA all time leading scorer. Sciatica limited him to just 14 games last season, yet his presence still makes Los Angeles a dangerous playoff team. Merlin senses the engine that keeps LeBron moving is equal parts habit and basketball mind. Redick summed it up: "When you combine his commitment to his routine, his natural ability, his instincts, his IQ, that's the reason that he's been able to do this for so long and is going to go down as the greatest, or one of the greatest, ever." Health will write the next chapters. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron playing at least 50 regular season games this year: 60%.
Dec 30
Sacramento Kings Still Chasing Jonathan Kuminga From Warriors
Golden State is exploring trades for Jonathan Kuminga ahead of Feb. 5, and Sam Amick says the Sacramento Kings "do still have interest." Kuminga has not played since Dec. 18 and was a healthy scratch in a recent win. He averages 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18 games. The Warriors re signed him to a two year deal so he cannot be moved until Jan. 15, and Amick adds "the price has gone down, it just has." Merlin sees a familiar chase. The Kings chased Kuminga in the summer and could add young length and upside to a roster craving defense and athleticism. Golden State appears willing to accept a smaller return than in offseason talks, so any deal may hinge on whether Sacramento parts with a veteran or a draft asset. Quiet moves are likely until January. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento acquiring Kuminga by Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 30
Austin Reaves Out Four Weeks, Lakers Likely Skip Chris Paul
Merlin sees the Lakers lost Austin Reaves to a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain and he will miss at least four weeks. Los Angeles sits 20 10 and trade talk is growing as the team stalls. The Clippers said they were "parting ways" with Chris Paul, and his $2.3 million cap hit would fit the books, but sources say the Lakers are not pursuing Paul and prefer players under 30. Merlin warns a Paul addition would be a short term fix that does not address Los Angeles defensive problems or the long term plan around Luka Dončić and Reaves. The front office kept a roster spot open for flexibility and will hunt for a younger defense minded guard or wing at the trade deadline rather than a nostalgia move that "would practically be wasting a roster spot." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul joining the Lakers before the trade deadline this season: 5%.
Dec 30