NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Apr 8, 2026
Cade Cunningham Expected Back Against Bucks
Cade Cunningham is expected to play Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reports. He's been out since March 17 with a collapsed lung after colliding with Tre Johnson against the Washington Wizards. Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists in 61 starts. Detroit has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the East, so Wednesday could be about getting Cade comfortable before the playoffs. J.B. Bickerstaff said Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart are “taking steps in the right direction.” The Pistons finish with Charlotte on Friday and Indiana on Sunday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Cade gets limited minutes Wednesday, then looks much closer to normal by Game 1.
Nets Expected to Pursue Giannis Again
The Nets reportedly wanted to pair Giannis Antetokounmpo with Mikal Bridges in 2023-24, but Brian Lewis of the New York Post says they couldn’t get a deal done. Brooklyn then changed course and traded Bridges to the Knicks. Lewis says the Nets are expected to check in on Giannis again once the offseason starts. Giannis leaving Milwaukee feels more possible after Shams Charania and Jamal Collier described the Bucks as “as toxic of a team situation as any in the league.” Brooklyn finished 20-59 and doesn’t have many young players Milwaukee would want, but Sean Marks has a lot of draft picks. Michael Porter Jr. could also be moved in a bigger deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Nets will make a real offer for Giannis, but Milwaukee will ask for a monster haul.
Apr 8
Celtics Interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Celtics are reportedly interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks put him on the market this offseason. The Athletic's Sam Amick said Boston is being discussed as a possible landing spot. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Milwaukee leadership expects a deal could happen this summer after Giannis and the Bucks publicly split over his injury status. Giannis wants to play for a contender, and Boston has Jayson Tatum back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 postseason. A trade would be tough financially, even with Nikola Vucevic's $21.5 million coming off the books next season. For now, the Celtics are trying to lock up the No. 2 seed over the Knicks with a win Friday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Boston will check in on Giannis, but Milwaukee’s asking price could be too steep.
Apr 8
NBA Considers Changes to Curb Tanking
NBA executives told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that tanking is more obvious than ever, and they say it works. One Western Conference GM pointed to teams sitting players late, using bad lineups, and chasing losses. He named the Thunder, Spurs, Pistons, Rockets, and Hornets as teams that built through years of high picks. The standings show the gap. The No. 10 seed in each conference is at least 10 games ahead of No. 11, while the Kings and Jazz are 21-59 and the Wizards are 17-62. With AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, and Darius Acuff Jr. in the 2026 draft, teams want top odds. The NBA could vote in May on lottery changes, two-year records, or a win floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The NBA changes the lottery rules before next season, but teams will still find ways to chase top picks.
Apr 8
Pelicans Eye Darvin Ham For Coach
The Pelicans are looking at Darvin Ham as a possible full-time coach, Jake Fischer reports. James Borrego is also expected to get a shot at keeping the job after taking over when Willie Green was fired following a 2-10 start. New Orleans is 26-54 and headed for its third missed playoff run in four years, with another lottery pick likely coming in the 2026 NBA draft. Ham went 90-74 in two Lakers seasons, reached the Western Conference Finals, and is now Doc Rivers’ lead assistant in Milwaukee. The Pelicans need a coach who can build something real around their next wave of talent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Borrego gets a serious interview, but Ham could be the name New Orleans leans toward.
Apr 8
Austin Reaves Set for Lakers Free Agency
Austin Reaves is expected to miss another 3-5 weeks with an oblique injury, while Luka Dončić is overseas working to return from a hamstring issue before the playoffs. The bigger Lakers question is Reaves’ future. He can opt out of his $14.9 million salary for 2026-27 and hit free agency July 1. Reaves wants to stay in Los Angeles, but he’s betting on a much bigger deal than the $87.4 million extension he could’ve signed. The Lakers can offer up to $239.3 million over five years, while teams like the Bulls and Nets could have cap room to bid. A deal around $30 million to $41.3 million per year looks like the range. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Reaves stays with the Lakers, but his new deal lands well above $30 million per year.
Apr 8
Draymond Green Wants NBA To Fine Tanking
Draymond Green ripped the NBA’s tanking problem after the Warriors beat the Kings 110-105 on Tuesday. Sacramento intentionally fouled Seth Curry with 3:15 left, even though he’s a career 86.4 percent free-throw shooter. Green said, “The play-in ain’t working.” He also said the league should “fine the hell out of people” after Utah and Indiana were fined for tanking-related issues. Green pointed to Golden State sitting 10th in the West, 11.5 games ahead of 11th-place New Orleans, as proof the play-in isn’t keeping enough teams competitive. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the NBA has already shown governors anti-tanking ideas, including lottery changes, two-year records, and a win total floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The NBA adds a tougher anti-tanking rule before next season.
Apr 8
Doc Rivers Future With Bucks Unclear
Doc Rivers’ future with the Bucks is still up in the air. GM Jon Horst told The Athletic’s Eric Nehm he doesn’t know the outcome yet, but said the team will figure it out “pretty quickly.” Rivers is under contract through 2026-27, but he hinted Tuesday that he wants more time with his seven grandkids. Milwaukee will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, and its .392 winning percentage is its worst since Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rookie season. Rivers has gone 96-101 without a playoff series win since taking over in January 2024. He’ll also be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Doc steps away from the Bucks after the season to spend more time with his family.
Apr 8
JJ Redick, Jarred Vanderbilt Exchange During Lakers Loss
JJ Redick and Jarred Vanderbilt had a heated sideline exchange during the Lakers’ 123-87 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday. Redick pulled Vanderbilt 16 seconds into the second quarter after he missed three straight free throws late in the first. Austin Reaves and Nate McMillan stepped in, and Vanderbilt didn’t return. Redick said, “Nothing personal with him. Normal stuff from my end.” Los Angeles has lost three straight, including two blowouts to Oklahoma City by a combined 79 points. Reaves and Luka Dončić are out for the rest of the regular season after getting hurt April 2, while LeBron James sat Tuesday. The Lakers are tied with Houston for the No. 4 seed with three games left. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Lakers get healthy enough to hold the No. 4 spot, but the Vanderbilt situation will be worth watching.
Apr 8
Giannis, Bucks Discuss Extension or Trade
Jon Horst says there’s no bad blood with Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Bucks head into a huge offseason. Milwaukee went 31-48 and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. Giannis played only 36 games because of injuries, and the Bucks were 17-19 when he was on the floor. Giannis enters the final year of his contract before a player option in 2027-28. Bucks co-owner Wes Edens said he’ll likely be extended or traded, while Horst said there’s also a third path. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Knicks, Timberwolves, Warriors and Heat were among teams that pursued Giannis before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Milwaukee will seriously listen to offers, but Giannis’ decision will drive the whole summer.
Apr 8
Knicks, Cavs Fight for East No. 3
The 2026 NBA playoff picture is almost set, with the play-in tournament starting April 14 for the No. 7 through No. 10 seeds. New York and Cleveland are one game apart for No. 3 in the East. The winner could draw Boston in Round 2, while No. 4 could get top-seeded Detroit. Out West, Denver, the Lakers, and Houston are fighting over Nos. 3 through 5. Falling to fifth means no home court in Round 1. Getting to third could keep Oklahoma City away until the West finals, but San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama could be waiting in Round 2. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The West’s No. 3 seed goes down to the final week.
Apr 8
Dillon Brooks Could Not Rattle Kawhi
Dillon Brooks wrote in The Players' Tribune that he’s been trash-talking since the start. He said he kept “little dossiers” on opponents while with the Grizzlies, learning what got under their skin. Kawhi Leonard was different. Brooks said nothing worked, even after trying to pinch him once. Kawhi’s calm response was basically, “Play basketball, bro.” Brooks is now averaging 20.4 points for the 43-35 Suns, who are likely headed for the top Play-In Tournament seed. Phoenix has beaten outside expectations, and Brooks’ edge is a big part of it. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brooks will find plenty of players to bother in the Play-In, but Kawhi still won’t blink.
Apr 8
Giannis Praises Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla
Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla in a conversation with Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Giannis credited Mazzulla for “the mentality that you instilled in your place” and said, “No. It’s about you,” when Mazzulla pointed to Boston’s talent. Mazzulla gave the credit right back to his players. “You can’t do anything unless you have the players to be able to do that,” he told reporters. The comments come as questions continue around Doc Rivers and Milwaukee’s locker room, so Giannis praising a rival coach will get attention. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis and the Bucks will face even more questions about their direction if they don’t finish the season strong.
Apr 8
Doc Rivers Hints At NBA Retirement
Doc Rivers hinted Tuesday that he may be close to retiring from NBA coaching. “I have seven grandkids now, and they're all eight years and under,” Rivers told reporters. “It's probably time to go see them more, so I'll let you figure out the rest.” ESPN’s Shams Charania says Bucks governors Jimmy Haslam and Wes Edens could decide Rivers’ future in the next week. Milwaukee missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade and will finish under 40 wins for the first time since 2015-16. Marc Stein reported the Bucks and Rivers could be heading toward a split or a new role, with Taylor Jenkins already being considered. Injuries hurt Milwaukee, including Giannis Antetokounmpo playing only 36 games this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Rivers and the Bucks part ways, and he spends a lot more time at grandparents’ day.
Apr 7
Kevin Durant Returns To Phoenix Unfazed
Kevin Durant will face Phoenix Suns fans on the road for the first time since Houston traded for him last offseason. Durant missed the Rockets’ November trip to Phoenix for personal reasons, but Houston won 114-92 without him. He says there’s no extra emotion going back: “It’s not much sentimental value between me and this place.” Durant joined Phoenix at the 2023 trade deadline and said he was “sour early on” about how it ended, but he’s moved on. Houston is 49-29, has clinched a playoff spot, and sits fifth in the West. Phoenix is 43-35, seventh, and looks headed for the play-in. Durant wants to focus on the Rockets now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Durant gets a loud welcome in Phoenix, then gives the Suns fans one more big scoring night.
Apr 7
LeBron James Out Tuesday With Foot Injury
LeBron James will miss Tuesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder for left foot injury management, the Lakers announced. Los Angeles is 50-28, a half-game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 seed and one game ahead of the Houston Rockets for No. 4. The Lakers are already without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the rest of the regular season, so giving LeBron extra rest makes sense before the playoffs. He’s averaging 20.8 points, 7.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. His next chance to play is Thursday against Steph Curry and the Warriors. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron sits Tuesday, then returns for the Warriors game if his foot responds well.
Apr 7
Mavs Dispute Lakers Austin Reaves MRI Claim
JJ Redick says the Mavericks scanned the wrong area after Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique injury, forcing Reaves to get a second MRI. Dallas pushed back on that claim. “Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time,” the Mavericks said. “There was no error in the scan performed.” The disagreement puts more attention on Reaves’ injury and how long he’ll be out. More details could clear up what Dallas was told before the first MRI and why a second scan was needed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: This won’t go away until both teams explain exactly what happened.
Apr 7
Shaq Launches Dunkman League This Summer
TNT Sports and Shaquille O'Neal are turning Dunkman into a full pro league this summer. The league will feature 24 elite dunkers in four group-stage contests, with $500,000 going to the winner. Shaq will serve as commissioner, and the events will air on TNT, TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. Dunkman started as a limited series and ended with Jordan Kilganon winning $200,000 in mid-December. The new league will still use expert judges to pick winners and losers. TNT Sports says participant names and event locations are coming in the next few weeks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kilganon will be one of the names fans want to see back in the new league.
Apr 7
James Harden Requests Cavs Hotel Walk Throughs
James Harden asked the Cavaliers to hold walk-throughs in hotel ballrooms before road games when there isn’t a shootaround, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. Harden said it helps the group stay ready physically and mentally, especially by studying opponents and their tendencies. Cleveland is 18-6 with Harden on the floor since he arrived from the Clippers. Kenny Atkinson said Harden has “completely adapted” to the Cavs’ passing and cutting style. The Cavs are 50-29 and go for a fourth straight win Wednesday against the Hawks, who are 45-34. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Harden’s prep work helps Cleveland carry a win streak into the playoffs.
Apr 7
Mikel Brown Jr. Declares for 2026 Draft
Mikel Brown Jr. has declared for the 2026 NBA draft after one season at Louisville. The projected top-10 pick averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games, but a recurring lower back injury cost him 14 games. Brown is No. 8 in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft. Jonathan Wasserman said teams will need to investigate the injury and called Brown’s results “mixed,” despite his NBA-level shotmaking and creativity. Brown had a 45-point game against NC State and back-to-back 29-point games against Baylor and SMU. The draft starts June 24, with the lottery set for May 10. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown’s workouts and medical checks will decide whether he stays in the top 10.
Apr 7
LeBron Has Luka Ahead of Wembanyama for MVP
LeBron James called Victor Wembanyama a real MVP candidate on Mind the Game with Steve Nash. James praised Wembanyama’s 25 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and three assists, saying, “you literally don't want to go to the hole when he's on the floor.” But he said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are having slightly better seasons. Wembanyama has the Spurs at 60-19, their first 60-win season since 2016-17, and he dropped back-to-back 41-point games last week. LeBron said there’s a case for all four players, so Victor winning wouldn’t shock him, but neither would someone else taking it. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The MVP race stays tight until the final ballots, with Shai, Jokic, Luka and Wembanyama all getting real support.
Apr 7
Bulls Want Billy Donovan Back
The Bulls still want Billy Donovan back after firing Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley with one week left in the regular season. ESPN’s Jamal Collier reports Chicago plans to meet with Donovan after the season about keeping him as coach or in another role. Donovan also drew interest from UNC before the Tar Heels turned to Mike Malone, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. Donovan has coached Chicago for six seasons, and the Bulls made just one playoff appearance during his time with Karnisovas and Eversley. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported there had been tension between Karnisovas, players, and the coaching staff. With Karnisovas gone, Donovan could have more input on the next front office and the rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Donovan stays in Chicago, but he’ll want a real say in where the Bulls go next.
Apr 7
Bobby Portis Rips Bucks After Blowout
Bobby Portis ripped into the Bucks after a 45-point loss to the Nets in December, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. “This is why we suck,” Portis said in practice, calling out the team’s urgency, body language, and focus. Milwaukee is now 31-47 and set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. The numbers are ugly. The Bucks have 13 losses by 25 or more points, a franchise record, and were outscored by 97 points during a four-game skid from Feb. 27 to March 4. Marc Stein reported Doc Rivers could be headed for a split or a new role, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future may shape everything. One source told Charania, “When your best player is one foot in, one foot out, you’re not going to win.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Milwaukee makes a major change this summer, and it won’t just be at coach.
Apr 7
Giannis Trade Looks Likely This Offseason
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future has reportedly worn down the Bucks behind the scenes. ESPN’s Shams Charania and Jamal Collier say management, coaches, and players are exhausted by the trade talk, creating a tense locker room. Giannis reportedly told Bucks officials before the Feb. 5 deadline that he was ready to be traded, though he stayed put. Milwaukee may be headed back to trade talks this offseason. The Bucks have limited ways to rebuild quickly after three straight first-round exits, and they used the stretch provision on Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. Giannis wants to chase titles now, while a real roster reset could take years. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis is traded this offseason, and Milwaukee starts a full rebuild.
Apr 7
Giannis Loses Nike Bonus While Sitting
Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly missed a significant Nike bonus after the Bucks sat him with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Shams Charania says the bonus would have kicked in at 41 games, but Giannis stopped at 36 after Milwaukee shut him down in mid-March. He says he’s healthy and ready to play, and the NBPA backs his claim. The NBA is investigating. Milwaukee has four games left, starting Tuesday in Brooklyn, and is projected to get the No. 10 pick with three percent odds at No. 1. Charania reports the Timberwolves, Heat, and Warriors chased Giannis at the deadline, and the Bucks’ top decision-makers expect a likely offseason deal. Giannis is signed through 2026-27, with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Giannis trade talks are going to get very real once the season ends.
Apr 7