NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 23, 2025
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Finally Settle $3M Dispute
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat quietly closed the book on last season’s financial fallout, agreeing to a $3 million settlement that splits the difference from the roughly $6 million in fines and withheld pay he accumulated while awaiting a trade. Butler appealed the penalties, one game was later rescinded, and the compromise — being finalized with the NBA — removes a major distraction from both sides after public tensions, suspensions and his eventual move to Golden State. Merlin sees the heart of the story in Butler’s own words: he wanted to get his "joy back from playing basketball" and said "Probably not" when asked if that could happen in Miami. The money may be settled, but the real question is fit and chemistry — Butler’s 31-point debut for the Warriors is a promising start, yet the true impact will show over months, not headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors finishing top‑4 in the West this season: 40%.
Draymond Jabs LeBron James' "Phil Jackson" Chair — Warriors Beat Lakers
Draymond Green taunted LeBron James after the Warriors’ 119-109 season-opening win, joking that James’ "old ass was over there in his Phil Jackson chair" as he sat out with sciatica — the first time LeBron has missed a season opener. The game mattered beyond the jest: Golden State held L.A. to 8-of-32 from three and forced 20 turnovers, while the Lakers’ role players combined for just 40 points even as a star poured in 43, 12 and nine. The result exposed depth issues for a Lakers unit counting on LeBron’s presence. Merlin senses both mischief and warning. LeBron is clearly treating the injury with care, targeting mid-November to return, while the Warriors opened with the rhythm of a team hungry for seeding and statements. This rivalry cools now, but the ember remains. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron returning by mid-November: 65%.
Oct 22
Knicks' Mike Brown Hire: Karl‑Anthony Towns Confused
Merlin sees the Knicks replace Tom Thibodeau with veteran Mike Brown after falling to the Pacers, a move aimed at finally ending New York’s title drought since 1973. It matters because Brown’s early results often sparkle then fade, and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns admitted, "Honestly, I don't know—but we're figuring it out," signaling early role confusion that could sting a team chasing immediate success. Merlin notes Brown has adapted from defense-first roots to run potent offenses and carries an NBA Finals résumé, but history shows his second seasons can fray as players lose trust. New York benefits from weakened Eastern rivals, yet the coach must win Jalen Brunson and Towns to his plan — otherwise the bright start may burn out. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 20%.
Oct 22
Tom Thibodeau Says Knicks Betrayed Him
Tom Thibodeau was fired as Knicks head coach in June and — despite a 226-174 five-season run and a 51-31 campaign that reached the Eastern Conference Finals — he felt betrayed by people in the organization. Ian O’Connor reports a source saying "he also had a sense of betrayal" when those he helped "weren't with you...or didn't fight for you," and that leadership believed "In their world, the players were 51-0 and Tom was 0-31." Merlin sees this as a shift in the clubhouse narrative more than a simple personnel move. Leon Rose and Jalen Brunson apparently stopped "stepping in front of the bus," owner James Dolan’s presence changed dynamics, and Mike Brown inherits a deeper, favored roster. The question now: will new coaching voice convert talent into a Finals trip? 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 22%.
Oct 22
Amen Thompson Shines in Rockets' 125-124 OT Loss
Houston fell 125-124 in double overtime to the Thunder in Game 1, and the box score told the story: flashes of promise amid clear flaws. Amen Thompson flashed elite on-ball speed and aggression before leaving with a calf issue, but missed all seven 3s and struggled against pressure. Reed Sheppard, essentially a rookie, shot 3-of-11 and looked overmatched. The Rockets’ lack of a true primary playmaker crippled transition (fast-break points just 1.6%), Durant logged heavy minutes without enough ball-screens, and Alperen Şengün emerged as the team’s most reliable hub with 39 points. Merlin sees a club with bright summits and fragile valleys. These problems are fixable—protect Thompson, lean on Şengün with more two-man action alongside Durant, give Sheppard time, and manage minutes—but the absence of a clear floor general is the real worry. Expect tactical tweaks and growing pains as Houston searches for its identity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Houston reaches the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%.
Oct 22
Curry's Dagger, Butler's 31 Lift Warriors Past Lakers
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 54 points to lead Golden State to a 119–109 opening-night road win over the Lakers, a statement victory punctuated by Curry’s late dagger three and Buddy Hield’s 5-of-10 shooting from deep off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga flirted with a triple-double and Draymond Green ran the show despite an early technical; Los Angeles leaned on Luka Dončić’s 43-point triple-double and Austin Reaves’ 26 but lost the turnover battle (39 combined) and the momentum without LeBron James. Merlin sees this as more than a single box score — it’s a preview of two identity paths: Golden State’s offense clicking around veteran poise and hot shooting, Los Angeles still dependent on Dončić’s heroics. Early chaos and physicality promise a spicy rivalry; the Warriors have the edge if the bench keeps scorching and turnovers shrink. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State reaches the Western Conference Finals this season: 55%.
Oct 22
Refs Miss Kevin Durant Timeout — No Tech, Thunder Win
Merlin sees the wrinkle: NBA ref Zach Zarba said the officials “did not see Kevin signal that timeout,” so Kevin Durant escaped a technical late in overtime of the Rockets-Thunder game — a call that would have handed Oklahoma City a free throw and potentially altered the ending. With the game tied and time soon to expire, the missed signal mattered; the contest finished in double overtime with the Thunder prevailing, and Durant fouled out before Houston’s final chance. Merlin notes the human limits of officiating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Kevin definitely called timeout,” and that disconnect between players and refs often decides thin games. Expect more glare on replay and timeout protocols, though protests rarely change results. The league prefers fixes to rules, not retroactive reversals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA changes timeout-review procedures this offseason: 20%.
Oct 22
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Raise Banner, Receive Rings
Oklahoma City raised its first championship banner and received rings at Paycom Center before the season opener, celebrating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic run — regular-season MVP, scoring champ (32.7 PPG) and Finals MVP — plus clutch Game 7 performances (29–12–5 vs. the Pacers). The title felt like a team achievement too, with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and a deep supporting cast (Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort) playing key playoff roles. That matters because most of the core is back, making the Thunder an immediate title favorite rather than a rebuilding curiosity. Merlin sees continuity as a powerful spell: chemistry and health will decide if this team is legendary or just very good. Repeating is rarer than banners suggest — other contenders will test OKC’s depth and Shai’s ability to carry another postseason load. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City repeating as champions next season: 18%.
Oct 21
Joe Mazzulla: I'm Only Coaching the Celtics, Not Knicks
Joe Mazzulla put the rumor mill to rest Tuesday, telling 98.5 The Sports Hub, "There is only one team that I want to coach: it's the Boston Celtics... it's here or I'm going to coach my kid's soccer team." His clear rejection of reported Knicks interest matters because it removes a coaching distraction and preserves continuity for a franchise facing roster turnover and a season without Jayson Tatum. Merlin sees stability as both shield and test. Mazzulla's 182-64 record and an NBA title buy him leeway, but losing Porziņģis, Holiday and Horford and Tatum's Achilles recovery make this season a big test. If he steadies Boston into contention, his stock rises; if not, whispers will return. Friday's Celtics-Knicks meeting is the first chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mazzulla leaving the Celtics this season: 5%.
Oct 21
Michael Jordan Swishes Free Throw in NBA on NBC Debut
Michael Jordan launched a new NBA on NBC halftime feature, "MJ: Insights to Excellence," and in its first airing he told a small, vivid story: at the Ryder Cup he confessed, "I haven't picked up a ball in years," felt nervous because kids expected the 30-year-ago version of him, then, when asked to shoot, said it was "the most nervous I've been in years" — and he "Absolutely" swished it. It matters because a living legend sharing candid moments bridges eras and will make halftime must-see TV. Merlin sees the magnetism: short, human tales from Jordan will turn routine breaks into headline fodder, teach young players about pressure, and remind fans why the myth endures. Expect charm and insight, not breaking news — but every clip will feel like finding a secret spellbook. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds "MJ: Insights to Excellence" becomes a weekly must-watch halftime draw this season: 75%.
Oct 21
Brunson: Knicks' Mike Brown Reset Means 'Long Way' to Finals
The Knicks nearly touched the Finals last year, but Jalen Brunson cautions they "have a long way to go," calling this season "a whole reset" on his Roommates Show. New coach Mike Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, the roster is largely intact, and Brunson says the focus is on getting better every day — a sober reminder that past success doesn’t guarantee a repeat. Merlin sees a team with chemistry and a steady spine, but one learning new spells. If Brown’s schemes click and Brunson remains the steady compass, New York can be a dangerous threat; if injuries, trades or adjustment pains strike, the journey stalls. The path to the Finals is narrow and full of turns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 22%.
Oct 21
Josh Hart Shrugs Off Giannis-to-Knicks Rumors
Merlin sees Shams Charania’s report that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s camp favored the New York Knicks and that Milwaukee and New York held preliminary August talks that “never got traction on a deal.” Josh Hart added, “Being a Knicks player, the Knicks are always in the headlines,” a reminder that this is as much media gravity as a roster-moving event — and any real Giannis shift would instantly reshape the Eastern landscape. Merlin also notes the Knicks already look stacked — Jalen Brunson, Karl‑Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Hart — and coach Mike Brown’s tenure feels like “title or bust.” The chatter forces rivals to plan, but early whispers often fade; chemistry and cap reality usually calm the storm before it becomes a hurricane. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 21
LeBron, Anthony Davis' "WTF" After Luka Trade
Merlin sees the moment the NBA shifted: when the Luka Dončić trade landed, Anthony Davis "questioned if the Lakers traded him," then left the team chat, while LeBron simply replied, "WTF." Even Bronny thought the Shams alert was a hack. It mattered because the swap was chaotic and immediate — a blockbuster that ripped the seams of locker-room trust and rewired both franchises overnight. Merlin knows the dust has settled but the new spells are untested. Dončić now steers a retooled Lakers squad as LeBron begins the year sidelined with sciatica; L.A. added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Davis joins a Mavericks roster with rookie Cooper Flagg and a healthy Kyrie looming — enough firepower for either side to turn this shock into destiny or regret. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers reach the NBA Finals this season: 30%.
Oct 21
Kevin Durant Eyes Farewell as a Houston Rocket
Kevin Durant told ESPN he can "see myself retiring here and being a Rocket until it's over with" after signing a two‑year, $90M extension (with a 2027‑28 player option) following his trade from Phoenix. He admitted "I don't know what's going to happen on down the line," but left about $30M on the table — a move that gives Houston cap room to chase help, and makes roster construction the real test of his long‑term commitment. Merlin sees a veteran still chasing longevity: Durant, 37, hopes to play into his 40s and said "I'm looking to be here as long as I can… That's the intent." The heart is there, but the future will bend to wins and teammates. If Houston pieces together a contender, the sunset in Houston looks believable — otherwise, this could be a mid‑career love affair that cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant retires a Rocket after the 2027‑28 season: 35%.
Oct 21
Knicks Missed Shot: Could've Traded for Giannis
Merlin sees the Knicks truly had a window to get Giannis Antetokounmpo — Brian Windhorst said "the Knicks were in position to get Giannis and they didn't get him," and Shams Charania reported New York was "the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee." Talks took place in August, but salary math and a hard cap (Giannis $54.1M vs. KAT $53.1M) made a straight swap impractical. Merlin notes New York already reshaped its core with Karl‑Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, risking a top‑heavy roster if they trade multiple pieces. The front office chose patience to keep continuity; if the quartet falters in the playoffs, the Knicks may return to the brink of a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis within 12 months: 10%.
Oct 21
Miami Heat: Trade Tyler Herro, Chase 2027 Stars
Miami didn’t reach an extension with 2024–25 All‑Star Tyler Herro, and league sources say there haven't "been substantive talks." The Heat are keeping payroll light while "planning for that aforementioned 2027 free agent class," so moving Herro could create cap space or haul in assets to chase a truly elite upgrade. Merlin senses a crossroads. Herro is 25, coming off career highs and still under contract for two seasons — useful trade fodder but not untouchable. Miami’s issue is not scoring alone; it needs higher‑end stars and a clearer ceiling. Trading Herro could fast‑track that pursuit or stockpile draft currency for 2027; staying patient is the safer, slower spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miami trading Tyler Herro before the 2025‑26 season: 30%.
Oct 21
Dwight Howard Jabs at Dyson Daniels' $100M Hawks Extension
The Hawks handed Dyson Daniels a $100 million rookie extension, and Dwight Howard reacted on social media, noting he "never signed a contract worth $100 million" despite $245.1 million in career earnings. It matters because the NBA’s money has swelled — the 2025-26 salary cap is $154.6M with a second apron at $207.8M — and that growth is changing how teams value youth and lock up potential. Merlin sees the old trade-off between longevity and headline deals. Howard’s career proves steady pay can outpace single big checks, while Atlanta is betting Daniels — a 22-year-old Most Improved Player and All‑Defensive first-teamer — is worth an early, expensive commitment. The market will keep stretching; the question is which young stars will repay those bets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another rookie getting a $100M+ extension this offseason: 75%.
Oct 21
Lakers Lock In Dalton Knecht's 2026-27 Option
The Lakers picked up Dalton Knecht’s rookie‑scale option for 2026‑27, guaranteeing him $4.2 million and signaling they view the rookie wing as part of their near-term plan. Knecht played 78 games as a rookie (9.1 points, 37.6% from three), had seven 20‑point outings and narrowly avoided a midseason trade when a deal was rescinded after a failed physical. With Deandre Ayton added in free agency, L.A. kept a promising shooter instead of moving him, a move that matters with LeBron set to miss time early next season. Merlin senses a calm before potential storm: this is stability with upside. Knecht’s ability to “take games over” when hot makes him a natural sixth‑man candidate, but consistency will be the true test. Expect more early‑season run and plenty of chances to prove this option was wise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Knecht averages 12+ PPG in 2025‑26: 30%.
Oct 21
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Spurs Chase Giannis, Wemby Superteam Beckons
Merlin sees a concrete blockbuster on the table: Giannis to the Spurs for Stephon Castle, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes and a bundle of future first‑rounders. The pitch is simple — pair Giannis with Victor Wembanyama to form a two‑way, generational frontcourt and turn San Antonio into an immediate title contender, while Milwaukee leans into a patient rebuild despite Damian Lillard’s lingering contract. This matters because it would reshape contender maps and force the Bucks to choose between short‑term hope and long‑term assets. Merlin senses urgency: Wembanyama’s recent health scare makes San Antonio hungry now, and Giannis supplies the downhill offense and inside dominance Wemby doesn’t yet. Yet Giannis has given a "qualified commitment" to Milwaukee "for at least the next six or seven months," so any move likely hinges on a trade demand and timing, not pure value. Expect negotiations to be long and theatrical. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 18%.
Oct 21
NBA Payroll Jumps to $5.6B — Lakers, Warriors
NBA payrolls swelled to about $5.6 billion this season — roughly $400 million more than 2024–25 — as the salary cap jumped. All but 7% of contracts are guaranteed, 16 roster spots remain open, and the cap is projected at $154.6M for 2025–26 with a possible $166M in 2026–27. That extra room matters: teams have more pay flexibility but also face growing luxury-tax exposure. Merlin sees the league’s financial tide reshaping roster strategy. Expect more guaranteed deals, heavier tax bills for big-spending clubs (Spotrac already projects 14 over the line), and pressure on small markets to adapt. Front offices will chase creative cap moves and midseason gambits — the player-pay era is only getting louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds total NBA payrolls exceed $6 billion by 2026–27: 70%.
Oct 21
Kuminga Ghosts Warriors Media Day Amid Contract Stalemate
Jonathan Kuminga did not travel to San Francisco and won’t attend the Warriors’ media day, with ESPN reporting GM Mike Dunleavy and Kuminga’s agent spoke but there is “no momentum” toward a deal. Golden State extended a $7.9M qualifying offer and reportedly pushed from a two-year, $45M proposal to a three-year, $75.2M deal with a team option — a structure Kuminga has resisted. The stalemate matters: it keeps a key young wing in limbo, affects roster construction (including Al Horford’s numbers), and leaves the Warriors with an asset they’ve said they’d still trade. Merlin sees the tug-of-war: Golden State values flexibility and trade leverage; Kuminga values security and role certainty. After flashes of 20.8 points in the Minnesota series and a stop-start season due to injury, his next move will shape the Warriors’ depth and plans. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga is traded before the regular season: 55%.
Oct 20
Trail Blazers Lock In Toumani Camara — $82M Deal
Toumani Camara agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, replacing a 2026-27 team option and locking up a 25-year-old wing who averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 45.8% overall and 37.5% from three. It matters because Camara “ranked ninth in total steals” and joined seven players with 100 steals and 50 blocks — defensive production the Blazers badly wanted to keep. Merlin sees Portland tipping from hopeful rebuild toward a controlled rise. The deal is a modest team-friendly discount (could’ve been $87M) that preserves cap flexibility as the young core around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan and veterans Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant tries to coalesce. If Camara’s growth continues, he becomes the glue on the wing; if not, Portland still keeps options. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Blazers making the playoffs this season: 30%.
Oct 20
Nikola Jokic Eyeing Fourth MVP in 2025-26
Merlin sees the league’s award season arrive early: using FanDuel odds and summer moves, the forecasts favor Onsi Saleh for Executive of the Year after Atlanta’s Porziņģis trade and depth additions; Joe Mazzulla for Coach if the Celtics eclipse their low expectations; Luka Dončić as the Clutch Player; Bennedict Mathurin for Most Improved with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined; John Collins as a Sixth Man dark horse; Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year; Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year; and Nikola Jokić as the clear MVP favorite. Merlin notes these picks matter because they shape narratives — Jokić’s era, Wemby’s defensive leap, a rookie spotlight in Dallas, and Atlanta’s bold front-office swing. The season’s early moves planted seeds; which ones sprout will decide the trophies. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nikola Jokić winning MVP this season: 56%.
Oct 20
Crystal Ball Predictions: 2025-26 NBA — Jokic, Tatum, Young
Merlin sees a sweeping season preview that issues bold, team-by-team calls for 2025-26 — from Trae Young flirting with a historic 12+ assists mark and Jayson Tatum possibly returning late, to Michael Porter Jr. chasing 300 threes and Victor Wembanyama bursting into MVP talk. These calls matter because they reshape expectations for stars, rosters and the playoff map before the first tip; as the piece admits, "this may not seem all that bold." Merlin senses the league tilting toward more playmaking and faster player growth: veterans will be tested by injuries and new mates, youngsters like Cooper Flagg and Matas Buzelis could leap, and some rosters (the Kings especially) face midseason reckonings. Expect drama, trades and a few true breakouts that change how the season reads. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Denver Nuggets winning the 2026 NBA title: 28%.
Oct 20
Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Visits Celtics — May Spill Secrets
Merlin sees a small drama unfold: after the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, the veteran coach visited Boston and quietly offered the Celtics the kind of film-room insights that can only come from someone who lived the matchup. Jaylen Brown even said, "Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series... helps us grow and learn from that." That matters because Thibodeau is obsessive about detail — his notes could point Boston to quick fixes. Merlin notes history and motive: Thibodeau was a Celtics assistant (2007–10), he knows the building and the staff, and he knows how to expose weaknesses — especially on perimeter defense and driving lanes. His tips are useful, but they’re not a cure for injuries or roster limits. Treat this as a helpful wind, not a full gale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals next season: 50%.
Oct 20