NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 3, 2025
Dylan Harper Calf Injury Puts Spurs' Run at Risk
Rookie Dylan Harper exited Sunday’s game vs. Phoenix with a calf injury after contesting a dunk, leaving the arena on crutches and in a walking boot. That’s significant: Harper is averaging 14.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 4.6 APG off the bench and has helped fuel San Antonio’s 5-0 start while De’Aaron Fox already sits out with a hamstring issue. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads. Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama can steady the ship — Wemby’s MVP-level surge so far softens the blow — but Harper’s scoring and playmaking are rare bench currency. A short absence is survivable; a longer one would expose the Spurs’ thin guard depth and alter their early-season momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dylan Harper misses at least two weeks: 60%.
Durant's Rockets Pursue Derrick White in 3‑Team Deal
Merlin sees a three‑team proposal that would send Derrick White to the Houston Rockets, Fred VanVleet to the Brooklyn Nets, and prospect Sheppard plus draft assets to the Boston Celtics — with Houston giving up two future firsts and swapping pieces to make salaries work. It’s meant to plug Houston’s biggest hole: a veteran lead guard to pair with Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, while Boston sheds payroll in a season some fans call “soft tanking,” and Brooklyn monetizes its remaining cap room. Merlin notes the trade is as much financial alchemy as roster building: Boston drops under the luxury tax and gains youth and flexibility, Brooklyn cashes a pick for absorbing salary, and Houston gains a proven playoff creator at the cost of upside and future picks. The deal needs timing quirks (bonuses, waivers, contract tweaks) to align — so it’s plausible, but delicate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this three‑team deal happens before Christmas: 35%.
Nov 2
Joel Embiid Fined $50K for DX Salute vs. Celtics
Joel Embiid was fined $50,000 for making a lewd, DX-style celebration during the Sixers’ 109-108 loss to the Celtics, pushing his total fines to at least $185,000. The sanction matters because it’s a pattern: a star balancing showmanship and league rules while trying to stay healthy and help a 4-1 Philadelphia team. Merlin sees a performer who enjoys the spotlight — Embiid even told the NBA to "start fining" officials — and those fines are more than pocket change when they keep recurring. With Embiid on a minutes limit (about 20 per game) and averaging 17.3 points, these distractions could nibble at chemistry even as the Sixers chase consistency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Embiid is fined again this season: 70%.
Nov 2
Ja Morant Suspended — Grizzlies Tension Sparks Trade Watch
Merlin sees a crack forming in Memphis: Ja Morant was suspended one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after a postgame dust-up with coach Tuomas Iisalo, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reports there’s "tension" the league is watching. Morant’s 3‑for‑14 night against the Lakers, his terse "go ask the coaching staff" and "probably don't play me" comments, and Blake Griffin’s critique that "for a guy that's making $40 million... that to me is a very bad sign" make this more than locker‑room noise — it threatens the Grizzlies’ chemistry. Merlin notes history and hubris. Memphis hoped Iisalo would align with Morant the way Jenkins didn’t; six games in, the fit is fraying. Trading Morant would be seismic and remains unlikely now, but unresolved leadership fights can widen fast if results falter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 20%.
Nov 2
Hawks Reeling: Trae Young MCL Sprain, Out 4+ Weeks
Merlin sees that Trae Young suffered a sprain to the MCL in his right knee and will miss at least four weeks, with an MRI showing he "dodged major structural damage." The injury happened early in Atlanta’s win over Brooklyn after a collision with Mouhamed Gueye; Young logged seven minutes (six points, one rebound, one assist) before exiting. His absence is a clear blow — he’s been remarkably durable and is the Hawks’ primary playmaker, averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 assists to start the season. Merlin senses this will shift Atlanta’s rhythm. Nickeil Alexander-Walker steps into the starting lineup and Luke Kennard will handle more offense, but replacing Young’s creation is a tall order. If Young heals quickly the Hawks can steady themselves; if not, Atlanta may need a short-term identity reboot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young returns in exactly four weeks: 40%.
Nov 1
LeBron James Free-Agent Cliffhanger: Lakers or Elsewhere?
Shams Charania reminded the league that LeBron’s future is unsettled: “We still don't know where LeBron James is going to be,” he said, noting LeBron is a free agent after this season. That uncertainty matters — LeBron is still All-NBA caliber, yet turns 41 in December, is sidelined by sciatica, and his contract choices will shape how the Lakers allocate salary and build around their core. As Rich Paul put it, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” which clashes with long-term roster planning. Merlin sees a forked road: if LeBron returns healthy and the Lakers can realistically chase a title, he stays. If not, retirement or a one-year hunt for rings elsewhere are real options, and Los Angeles would pivot toward younger construction. The season’s arc will decide whether this is a goodbye tour or a final chapter in purple and gold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron finishes his career with the Lakers: 45%.
Nov 1
Giannis Denies Knicks Trade Talk After 37-Point Night
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo shrug off offseason trade talk after Milwaukee’s 121-111 win over the Knicks. Asked if he’d sought a move to New York, he fired back, “Who said that? ... I'm here representing my team. That's it.” Reports said there were multi-week talks with the Knicks, but the Bucks kept Giannis, re-signed key role players and added Myles Turner — and Giannis poured in 37 points as Milwaukee opened 3-1. This matters because the Bucks answered instability with roster moves and early on-court production, buying a fragile calm. Merlin senses genuine short-term buy-in: the champion’s aura is intact, yet past playoff failures and Damian Lillard’s injury shadow the path. Health and chemistry will decide whether this peace becomes a dynasty or a brief truce. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 12%.
Nov 1
Austin Reaves Forces Lakers' Trade-or-Keep Dilemma
Merlin sees the Lakers facing a sharp dilemma: Austin Reaves has exploded out of the gate — a 28-point night, a career-high 16 assists and a game-winning floater — turning him into both a glue guy now and a much pricier free-agent target later. He “holds a $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Spoiler alert: He's going to decline it,” and L.A.’s cap reality makes a lucrative extend unlikely, forcing a trade-or-keep choice. Merlin notes suitors like Dallas, Detroit and Houston could build compelling offers — from star-chasing swaps to pick-heavy futures or role-player packages — but none are easy given matching-salary and apron limits. If the Lakers get healthier and look like contenders, patience wins; if they falter, selling high makes sense. Magic favors timing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading Austin Reaves before Feb. 5: 30%.
Nov 1
Jonathan Kuminga Sizzles as Warriors' Starter
Jonathan Kuminga has turned a rocky offseason into a fast start: after contract brinkmanship he signed a two‑year, $48.5M deal and is starting for Golden State, averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists through the first five games while hitting 43.8% from three. He was an afterthought last year but Steve Kerr said, "He'll be our starter going forward," underscoring how Kuminga’s improved shooting, decision‑making and defense matter for a Warriors roster crowded around Curry, Butler and Draymond. Merlin sees a young talent sharpening his tools. The pairing issues that once plagued the Jimmy–Draymond–JK trio are easing as Kuminga accepts playmaking and rim pressure instead of hero shots; the fit is promising but still a small sample. Expect opponents to test his consistency — and watch whether that 3‑point touch holds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga keeps the starting job all season: 75%.
Nov 1
Austin Reaves' $30M+ Payday Puts Lakers' Future in Flux
An NBA executive tells ESPN that Austin Reaves is playing himself into a major payday — possibly as much as a four-year, $180 million deal if he leaves the Lakers — though a five-year contract with a lower average could keep him in Los Angeles. The exec noted, "I don't think he's going to quite keep up this pace because LeBron will take away touches, but he is good and the Lakers intend to keep him and he intends to stay, so my guess is it gets done." Reaves has erupted while LeBron is sidelined, and the club faces real cap math if they pay two stars top dollars. Merlin sees a crossroads: Reaves will likely decline his $14.9M option and test the market, forcing the Lakers to choose between a big AAV or trading a rising asset before February. His current surge makes him both a future cornerstone and a lucrative trade chip. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Reaves signs a $30M+ AAV deal next spring: 70%.
Nov 1
Dunleavy: Steve Kerr Will Return to Warriors
Merlin sees Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy publicly backing Steve Kerr, saying he’s "confident" Kerr will be back after the 2025–26 season. Kerr is coaching on an expiring deal after a 2024 extension and has said he wants to "just see how it is at the end of the year" while making sure "everything feels right." Golden State’s 4–1 start and stout defense give the front office room to let Kerr take his time, even as roster timelines for Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green hover nearby. Merlin senses this is less a contract drama and more a careful chess move: the team is giving Kerr grace to judge his body and heart midseason. If the Warriors keep playing like title contenders, the oracle predicts a smooth extension; if they stumble, both sides have exit paths. The story will bend with the win-loss ledger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Steve Kerr returning for 2026–27: 80%.
Nov 1
Grizzlies Suspend Ja Morant After Lakers Loss
The Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after coach Tuomas Iisalo confronted him following Friday’s 117-112 loss to the Lakers. Morant shot 3-of-14 for eight points and seemed "aggrieved" speaking to reporters; the ban will cost him $272,042. This matters because Morant is the franchise cornerstone, and public friction with the coaching staff raises questions about team chemistry and availability after seasons already marred by suspensions and injuries. Merlin sees a fragile spark where there should be steady flame. Short substitution patterns and a prioritization of pace — "have used short substitution patterns this season" — may have disrupted Morant’s flow, but discipline now signals the organization won’t ignore breakdowns. At 26 and off his last All-Star season, his buy-in will decide whether Memphis turns this into a reset or a recurring headache. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Morant facing another suspension this season: 25%.
Nov 1
Knicks' Two-Week Shot at Giannis Slips
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Knicks had a brief, roughly two-week window this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to play in New York and offers were made, but no deal was completed. That missed chance matters — passing on a generational star changes the arc of a franchise, and New York now had to watch Giannis dominate them on the court. Merlin sees why the front office paused: New York was already reshaping the roster (trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby), absorbing other big moves and installing coach Mike Brown, so continuity felt safer than another seismic swap. Still, if the Knicks flop in the playoffs again, patience will curdle and the hunt for a true superstar will grow urgent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis next season: 10%.
Nov 1
Alvarado to Mavs, Gafford to Pelicans — Balance Restored
Merlin sees a clean-for-need swap: Dallas would get Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey and a 2028 first‑round pick swap from New Orleans in exchange for Daniel Gafford. That matters because the Mavericks badly needed a true on-ball creator while Cooper Flagg is being tried as “Point Guard,” and the Pelicans were glaringly thin at center — getting Gafford would plug their rebounding and rim‑protection hole. Merlin notes fit over flash: Alvarado’s on- and off‑ball disruption and shooting should help Dallas’ half‑court offense and defense, while Bey provides spacing. Gafford’s shot‑blocking and rebounding would immediately stabilize New Orleans and let Zion and Queen breathe. Both teams trade depth and future flexibility for more sensible lineups — a classic win‑now gamble that could reshape early season trajectories. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Pelicans’ defensive rebounding climbs into the top 15 this season: 65%.
Nov 1
Blake Griffin Calls Out Ja Morant's Lax Effort for Grizzlies
Merlin sees former star Blake Griffin calling out Ja Morant’s effort after Memphis’ 117-112 loss to the Lakers, calling it “a very bad sign.” Griffin tore into Morant’s lazy cuts and poor ball-screen reads for a player “making $40 million” who must lead this club. Morant managed just eight points (3-of-14, 0-of-6 from deep) and snapped at reporters with “go ask the coaching staff” and “According to [the coaching staff], probably don’t play me,” underscoring clear frustration. Merlin notes the context: a new coach in Tuomas Iisalo, a 3-3 start and a star shooting 40.6% overall and 15.6% from deep. This is a crossroads — Morant can snap back and carry Memphis, or friction and habits will slow their climb. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant goes on a corrective hot streak (≥24 PPG and improved 3P%) over the next 10 games: 55%.
Nov 1
Ja Morant Calls Out Grizzlies Coaches After Lakers Loss
Merlin sees Ja Morant visibly frustrated after a 3-of-14, eight-point outing in Friday's 117-112 loss to the Lakers — a night he told reporters to "go ask the coaching staff." The loss, with Luka Dončić pouring in 44, has Memphis at 3-3 and highlights growing tension with coach Tuomas Iisalo in his first full season. It matters because the Grizzlies’ upside rests on Morant clicking with the staff and the team’s chemistry holding steady. Merlin senses a crossroads: this roster is playoff-caliber with Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but internal friction can dim that light. If Iisalo and Morant find a shared plan — not a truce, but a working language — Memphis stays dangerous; if not, the early season strain could cost cohesion. Expect staff meetings, minor tweaks, and quick tests of resolve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Memphis making the playoffs this season: 70%.
Nov 1
Draymond Green Doubts Knicks as Finals Contenders
Draymond Green told listeners he doesn't view the New York Knicks as a Finals contender because they simply "don't have what it takes to win at the highest level." He added opponents "can stifle their offense" and pointed to a few "key guys that don't really wanna defend," highlighting defensive holes that matter in a wide-open Eastern Conference. With Mitchell Robinson sidelined and early struggles adapting to Mike Brown's faster offense, New York looks far from a finished product. Merlin sees a team with star talent but familiar cracks: a higher defensive rating in last year's playoffs, Karl‑Anthony Towns still finding fit, and the absence of Robinson's rim protection. If Brown can hide those flaws and health returns, the Knicks can rise — but it will take work. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 18%.
Nov 1
NBA The Run 2026: Curry, LeBron, Wembanyama Dominate Rucker
Play By Play Studios will release NBA The Run on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam in 2026 — a 3v3 streetball game set on iconic courts like Venice Beach, Rucker Park and The Tenement, featuring stars such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The title promises high-flying dunks, ankle-breaking moves, physical defense and online competition, including "Knockout Tournaments," letting players chase highlight plays in solo, squad and competitive modes. Merlin sees this as a spell that could bridge arcade flash and star-driven spectacle: the street setting gives personalities room to shine and creates moments traditional sims rarely capture. Success will hinge on balance, online support and how deeply progression hooks players — the stars will draw eyes, but lasting magic needs tight gameplay and fair matchmaking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds NBA The Run launches with a healthy multiplayer population three months after release: 60%.
Nov 1
Michael Jordan Slams Load Management, Defends Fans
Michael Jordan slammed modern load management, saying "I never wanted to miss a game" and citing his 1997 "flu game" as proof he'd play through pain because of a duty to fans. His remarks cut to the heart of the debate: players resting to preserve long-term health clashes with the old expectation that stars show up every night — even as an NBA report found no clear injury-reduction benefit. Merlin sees this as a clash between eras: today’s bigger, faster athletes and business-driven schedules push teams toward rest, while legends like Jordan remind the league of its contract with the crowd. The voice of Jordan matters to public opinion, but institutional incentives and player welfare trends make load management a stubborn feature, not a passing fad. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds load management remains common this season: 85%.
Oct 28
Wembanyama Ditches Halloween Costume — Spurs Off-Day
Victor Wembanyama told reporters "people won't be seeing him in a Halloween costume this year" because Halloween falls on an off-day for the Spurs. That pauses a two-year streak of Halloween theater — Slender Man (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) and No‑Face (25/9/7/5/5) — which often doubled as breakout performances. More crucially, Wembanyama is dominant on the court now (33.3 PTS, 13.3 REB, 4.8 BLK) and San Antonio sits 4-0, so the missing costume feels like a footnote. Merlin sees the costumes as fun smoke; the real flame is his play. With Miami at home, then road tests in Phoenix and Los Angeles, the young big man will be measured against elite wings and scorers. If he sustains these numbers, the Spurs shift from curiosity to genuine threat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs making the playoffs this season: 75%.
Oct 28
Jaylen Brown Calls LeBron James Over Celtics Hairline Wipe
Merlin sees Jaylen Brown dialing up LeBron after a clip showed his hairline wiping off on OG Anunoby’s jersey — Brown blamed the "stress" of playing in Boston for a decade and even joked about traveling to Türkiye for treatment. It’s a silly moment that landed big because Brown’s play has not been: he’s averaging 29.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.2% overall and 50% from deep through three games. That scoring load matters deeply with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Merlin smiles at the theater of the moment — a celebrity call and some self-deprecating fun — but the real spell is Brown’s consistency. If he sustains this level, Boston stays dangerous in the East and Tatum’s return becomes a supercharged threat; if not, the Celtics could feel the strain of relying on one scorer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Boston stays a top-4 seed in the East while Tatum is out: 65%.
Oct 28
LeBron James, Savannah Steal Dodgers-Blue Jays Spotlight
Merlin sees LeBron James courtside at the Dodgers’ Game 4 with his wife Savannah, but the bigger story is the King staying on the sidelines — out with sciatica and “targeting a return, sometime in mid-November,” per Dave McMenamin, who added “there are good vibes around it.” His rehab reportedly is progressing, and the absence helps explain an early 2-2 Lakers start. Merlin notes this matters because timing is everything: a mid-November return would buy the Lakers time to settle rotations and avoid long-term rust, while short-term lineups must adapt. The article also mentions Luka Dončić will miss at least a week with a finger sprain and leg contusion, a reminder that even stars can force teams to improvise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron returning by mid-November: 75%.
Oct 28
Every NBA Team's Trade Targets: Giannis, Markkanen
"Trade season never really ends in the NBA." Merlin sees a sprawling cheat-sheet of realistic and dream targets for all 30 teams — sensible pickups like Tre Jones, Nic Claxton and Anfernee Simons alongside hairier fantasies involving Giannis, Joel Embiid or LeBron. It matters because front offices are already using salary, expirings and young assets to sketch both short-term fixes and February blockbuster templates. Merlin notices the patterns: contenders chasing shooting and rim protection, rebuilders stocking picks and youth. Names like Lauri Markkanen, Jonathan Kuminga and Dennis Schröder pop up across rooms, showing who has trade value and who’s insurance. Pay attention to teams flirting with the luxury tax or early slumps — those are where ordinary rumors turn into real offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the February deadline: 10%.
Oct 28
Luka Ignites Lakers; Wembanyama Reinvents Spurs Defense
Merlin sees the early ledger of 2025-26 and notes three clear stories: Luka Dončić arrived in Los Angeles looking like the long‑term superstar the Lakers needed; Victor Wembanyama is already a two‑way force who "nullifies" paint touches and changes offense construction; and the rookie class (Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe et al.) is making immediate, meaningful impact. Early trouble signs matter too — Orlando’s three‑point drought and Dallas’s experiment (prompting "Fire Nico" chants) could cost wins fast. Merlin wagers these signs are more prophecy than noise. Luka’s peak gives the Lakers time to build, Wembanyama’s defensive gravity could reshape league offenses, and the rookies will steer the next decade. But stylistic stubbornness (Orlando) and questionable roster design (Dallas) will bite teams if not fixed quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Victor Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 42%.
Oct 28
Cooper Flagg Stunned by Holmgren Dunk in Mavericks Loss
Cooper Flagg ran into the toughest matchup of his young career Monday, scoring just two points in the Mavericks’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His left shoulder was heavily wrapped after an early collision; he played 31 minutes with two rebounds and two steals, suffered a highlight dunk from Chet Holmgren, and watched Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander pace OKC to a 4‑0 start. Merlin senses this is a lesson, not a verdict. After a 22‑point night the game before, Flagg’s swing shows the rookie learning curve against length and elite defenders — and the wrapped shoulder could explain a quieter night. Dallas will need patience and depth while he adjusts; the Wednesday meeting with the Pacers will say a lot about his short‑term trajectory. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg scoring 20+ against Indiana on Wednesday: 35%.
Oct 28