NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 10, 2026
Ja Morant Eyes Fresh Start Amid Grizzlies Trade Talks
Merlin sees Memphis and Ja Morant quietly moving toward separation. The Grizzlies are at least willing to "explore" trades and Morant is reportedly "quietly" open, a plan "believed to be a mutually agreed-upon path forward." Teams would likely pay with draft picks and youth, but the market is soft after Trae Young’s recent trade. Morant carries two guaranteed seasons at $42.2 million and $44.9 million, has missed 20-plus games in five straight seasons, and is posting career-low shooting numbers this year. Merlin senses the tug of risk and reward. Memphis can demand assets, yet buyers will discount Morant for availability and falling efficiency. A fresh system could reinvigorate him, but the return will probably be smaller than his talent suggests unless a team bets on a rebound. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Morant is traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 45%.
Giannis Outduels LeBron as Bucks Edge Lakers
Merlin reports: In the first head-to-head meeting since December 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo got the better of LeBron James as the Bucks beat the Lakers 105-101. LeBron finished one rebound shy of a triple-double with 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Giannis’ 21-6-5 line hid the decisive moments — a late block and a steal on James that preserved Milwaukee’s win as the Lakers were held scoreless the final 82 seconds. Merlin senses the nightly duel told more than the box scores. Luka Dončić nearly had a triple-double too, but the game felt like a battle between two legends. Milwaukee is 17-21 but 5-2 since Giannis returned, so momentum is fragile yet real. The Bucks’ road trip finale in Denver will show whether those clutch moments become a turning point. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Milwaukee making the play-in this season: 40%.
Jan 10
Giannis Antetokounmpo Outduels LeBron James in Bucks Lakers Thriller
Merlin sees a late-night classic: the Bucks edged the Lakers 105-101, and after the duel Giannis Antetokounmpo walked away with LeBron James’ jersey. Giannis praised James as "he's the blueprint," and his two defensive stops, including a block in the final minute, were decisive. Giannis finished 21 points, six rebounds and five assists; LeBron nearly had a triple-double with 26, 10 and nine. Merlin notes a quiet passing-of-eras feel. Two legends traded blows and left a reminder that defense can tilt tight games. If this really is their last dance in the regular season, it ends on a fitting, hard-fought note for both legacies and gives Milwaukee a momentum win to carry forward. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this was their final regular-season meeting: 60%.
Jan 10
Rockets' Kevin Durant Overtakes Wilt Chamberlain for No.7
Kevin Durant moved past Wilt Chamberlain into seventh on the NBA all-time scoring list, clearing the mark during Houston’s road game in Portland. He entered with 31,405 career points, needed 14 to tie Chamberlain’s 31,419, and then hit a three with 7:57 left in the third quarter to hold seventh alone. The milestone adds to Durant’s long list of accolades and sits alongside his 27.2 career scoring average. Merlin sees this as proof of relentless scoring craft and longevity. Durant’s climb is not a single night trick. At 31,420 he now eyes Dirk Nowitzki at 31,560, a gap of roughly 140 points that his current average makes reachable if health and minutes stay steady. The oracle notes career tallies tell a story of consistency more than flash. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Durant passing Dirk this season: 80%.
Jan 10
Stephen Curry Honors Chris Webber With Chrome Sneakers vs Kings
Stephen Curry honored Sacramento legend Chris Webber by wearing the "Chrome" DaDa Supreme CDubbz sneakers Webber wore in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game as the Warriors host the Kings Friday. Curry, who parted ways with Under Armour last November and is currently a sneaker free agent, has frequently paid tribute to past and present stars. Webber’s peak years in Sacramento ran from 1998-99 to 2004-05, when he made five All-NBA teams and averaged 23.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Merlin senses a deliberate ritual. The shoe nod connects eras, honors a franchise icon and lets Curry shape the story around the matchup. It is quiet respect and a subtle way to stir the crowd and remind everyone of Sacramento’s rich history before the ball even tips. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors beating the Kings tonight: 65%.
Jan 10
Bill Kennedy Wheelchair Exit Raises Achilles Fears 76ers vs Magic
Merlin sees veteran referee Bill Kennedy wheeled off during Friday’s 76ers‑Magic game after a non‑contact right leg injury and later ruled out, with James Williams and Michael Smith finishing the contest. Sixers coach Nick Nurse said he heard rumors Kennedy had suffered an Achilles injury and told reporters, "Let’s hope it’s not that." Kennedy, 59 and in his 26th season, is known for his viral explanations of coach challenges. Merlin notes Kennedy has officiated 1,420 regular‑season games, 139 playoff games and six Finals. His dramatic pauses and signature delivery are part of the late‑game theater, and Joe Mazzulla even admitted he wanted to "hear Billy Kennedy." Losing that voice could change how challenges land and give rising officials a larger stage while the league watches Kennedy’s recovery closely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kennedy misses at least a month with the leg injury: 60%.
Jan 9
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Ja Morant Trade Bombshell: Grizzlies Want Young Assets
Merlin sees the moment arrive: the Memphis Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant, a report first surfaced by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The piece outlines realistic suitors and sample packages from Houston, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Minnesota and Miami, all centered on young players, expiring deals and protected draft assets. Morant still offers elite playoff scoring at 26, yet injuries, suspensions and fit issues have lowered what Memphis can demand. Merlin knows the choice is blunt and immediate. Memphis must weigh a teardown for picks and prospects against trying to steady the ship around Jaren Jackson Jr. Any acquiring team will be buying high upside and accepting clear risks. Expect creative structures, player options and protected picks to shape any eventual deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before the 2026 trade deadline: 60%.
Jan 9
Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Eyes High Kick Record
Victor Wembanyama says he is entirely "confident" he could break the high-kick world record after a viral warmup where he kicked a net stuffed with basketballs before a Spurs game. The official Guinness mark is 2.94 meters, about 9.65 feet, set by Jessie Frankson in 2000, while Kadour Ziani is credited with an unofficial 9'9". Trainer Guillaume Alquier has been using Ben Patrick's Knees Over Toes work to boost Wembanyama's leg strength and flexibility. Merlin sees a rare mix of natural length and carefully built mobility. The Spurs will understandably limit risky moves because of knee health, yet a supervised, single record attempt would be a low-risk way to showcase his athletic range. If his knees and training hold up, the moment could be both a headline and a proof point about how far the big man can stretch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama breaking the official high-kick record if he attempts it: 65%.
Jan 9
Mavericks' Anthony Davis Hand Injury Could Need Surgery
Merlin sees trouble in Dallas. Veteran center Anthony Davis will be sidelined after leaving Thursday’s game with ligament damage to his left hand that could require surgery. He said he "felt good enough to go back" but the Mavericks chose caution. The setback comes as Dallas sits 14-24 and clings to slim playoff hopes while weighing trade options before the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin remembers how injuries have trailed Davis since the trade, from a left adductor strain to a calf issue, even as he averages 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds. League voices advise patience; one executive said, "I don't understand why they wouldn't just keep him." With Daniel Gafford likely to step in, Dallas must decide between short term survival and protecting Davis' value for a clearer summer market. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 25%.
Jan 9
Ja Morant Trade Winds Hit Memphis
Merlin sees Memphis quietly shopping Ja Morant for the first time, per Shams Charania. Multiple teams, including Miami, Minnesota and Sacramento, are showing interest while the Grizzlies say they want young players and draft picks as they consider building around Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis remains "open" to keeping Morant, who has two years left on his deal but has missed time with injury and was singled out for a "lack of effort and leadership." Merlin notes Morant’s pedigree — Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star — still makes him a high-risk, high-reward asset. A 16-21 start, shaky shooting and locker-room moments where "voices were raised" lower his market but do not erase his upside. Any deal will demand prime young pieces and picks, and a suitor must accept his salary and temperament. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 40%.
Jan 9
Draymond Green Staying With Warriors Past Trade Deadline Despite Drama
Merlin sees ESPN’s Anthony Slater predicting that Draymond Green will likely remain with the Golden State Warriors past the 2026 trade deadline. Slater said, "I would very heavily predict he remains here past the trade deadline," noting roster constraints, Green’s recent uneven play and off‑court flare ups like ejections and a bench confrontation with coach Steve Kerr. Golden State is 20‑18 and eighth in the West, yet the trio of Green, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler posts a plus‑6.8 net rating when shared on court. Merlin notes the old alchemy still glows. Green’s defense has dipped and his temperament invites headlines, but the Warriors reportedly resist trading him and his on‑court chemistry is rare. Teams can chase stars at the deadline, yet stability has its own market value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond being traded before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 9
Pelicans Keeping Zion Williamson Through Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Pelicans telling the league they plan to keep Zion Williamson along with Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears past the 2026 trade deadline. New Orleans sits 8-31 and last in the West, yet the message to other teams is clear: the front office prefers holding its core instead of engineering a midseason fire sale. Merlin senses a strategic choice. Keeping the pieces preserves trade value and gives the roster a chance to gel, but it also risks extending a painful stretch for fans. This looks like a patience play by management: protect the blueprint now and hope internal fixes or development change the club’s course. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Zion remains with the Pelicans past the 2026 trade deadline: 70%.
Jan 9
Trae Young Takes Over Washington Wizards Wearing No. 3
Trae Young is officially a Washington Wizard after the team finalized a trade that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta. The four-time All-Star revealed he will wear No. 3, a number linked to Bradley Beal and other Wizards. GM Will Dawkins said, "It is a rare opportunity to acquire a player of Trae's skill, accomplishments, and age." Young has played just 10 games this season and missed the last six with a right quad contusion, so his debut in Washington is unclear. The Wizards sit 10-26 but have won four of seven. Merlin sees a bright but fragile chance for the franchise. Young's scoring and playmaking immediately raise Washington's ceiling, yet health and fit will decide how fast that shows. The No. 3 choice ties him to team history and brings added weight. If he stays healthy and adapts quickly, the Wizards could surprise; if not, the deal may look premature. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae debuts for Washington within the next two weeks: 60%.
Jan 9
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Anthony Davis Wants Trade From Mavericks To Raptors
Anthony Davis reportedly wants a trade from the Mavericks, convinced Dallas will not extend him, sources tell The Athletic. Dallas says it wants to see him with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving first, while Atlanta and Toronto are named as suitors. Atlanta’s Trae Young deal makes a Hawks trade difficult, leaving Toronto as the clearest realistic option. Bleacher Report sketches a swap sending Davis and Anthony Gill to Toronto for Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley and multiple firsts. Merlin senses the trade math and the risk. Going on 33 with a long injury history and a $62.8 million 2027-28 option, Davis needs a team-friendly extension to make sense for Toronto. Poeltl and Quickley are heavy contracts but deliver cap relief and three firsts to Dallas. On court, Davis with Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles would tighten defense but strain spacing. Plausible, not certain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Davis lands in Toronto this season: 60%.
Jan 9
Trae Young Extension Expected With Washington Wizards
Trae Young looks likely to reach an extension with the Washington Wizards, but both sides are in no rush. Young called the move "another opportunity." He still holds a $49 million player option for 2026-27 and can sign up to a three-year extension. Washington prefers to evaluate fit and protect its 2026 first-round pick before committing. Merlin sees a cautious courtship. The Wizards gained Young without surrendering picks, so they have leverage and will let on-court chemistry and the young roster’s growth dictate terms. With a thin market and Young’s option as a safety net, an extension seems probable but probably on team-friendly terms if it comes later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young signs an extension with Washington this season: 75%.
Jan 9
Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays With Bucks as Trade Talk Fades
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo staying put for now. The Bucks insist they "have no intention" of trading the two-time MVP and will "scour the trade market" before the Feb. 5 deadline, while Giannis told The Athletic, "There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say 'I want a trade.' That's not … in … my … nature. OK?" Since returning from a calf injury he is averaging 29.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists, sparking a 4-2 run, but Milwaukee sits 16-21 and faces an uphill playoff climb. Merlin notes the truth in plain sight. Without a blockbuster fill-in from Jon Horst, the Bucks will live and die by Giannis's health and MVP-level play. Expect quiet trade probing, heavy workloads for Giannis, and a fevered push to flip small moves into meaningful help before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 5%.
Jan 9
Trae Young Viewed As Negative Asset After Hawks Wizards Swap
Merlin sees Atlanta shipping Trae Young to Washington for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum’s expiring salary, a return that looks light because many around the league view Young as a "negative asset." Executives pointed to his large deal, a staggeringly poor individual defensive rating of 126.2, and the glut of starting point guards. The Wizards took him as a short-term value play while clearing floor and preserving summer flexibility. Merlin notes Young’s numbers are down — 19.3 points and 8.9 assists while starting just 10 games — and his $46.4 million salary this season makes roster construction tricky in the apron era. If Washington keeps losing, patience is affordable. If they chase wins, Young helps now but may become a headache later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Washington makes the playoffs this season with Trae Young: 35%.
Jan 9
Mavericks Likely to Keep Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline
Despite trade chatter linking Anthony Davis to Atlanta and Milwaukee, the league believes the Dallas Mavericks are unlikely to move him before the Feb. 5 deadline. Reports say talks with the Hawks were mere "discussion," Atlanta "don't appear to be in a hurry," and Davis has a "tepid" market thanks to a $58 million salary next season and a $62 million option in 2027-28. Dallas sits 14-24, has missed pieces, and may prefer to see the core play together. Merlin sees a patient franchise at work. An exec said, "I don't understand why they wouldn't just keep him. Just let things play out," and a scout added ownership wants to watch the group before acting. Atlanta has assets and need, but Dallas gains leverage by waiting until summer when trades become easier to execute. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis is traded before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 9
Wizards May Sit Trae Young to Protect Pick
Merlin sees Washington trading for Trae Young but quietly keeping him on the shelf. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he "doesn't expect Young to play a lot," as the Wizards weigh protecting a 2026 first round pick and managing Young’s recent knee and quad issues. Merlin notes the move fits a growing pattern under partial protections, a mirror of the Raptors' Brandon Ingram maneuver last season. A scout even offered, "They could say it's a coincidence," when wins from CJ McCollum suddenly became unwelcome. If the Wizards prioritize the pick and Young’s recovery, fans may wait before seeing him in a Wizards uniform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young playing fewer than 20 games for Washington this season: 65%.
Jan 9
Trae Young Reacts After Blockbuster Hawks to Wizards Trade
Trae Young was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards and posted a brief reaction on X, thanking Atlanta while admitting "The last few years weren't how I wanted them to be. Expectations that we created for ourselves. Reaching heights that Atlanta has never reached before." After eight seasons, four All-Star nods and career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, Young arrives in Washington while dealing with a quad injury and an uncertain debut. The Wizards are 10-26, so immediate impact and fit matter a great deal. Merlin sees a crossroads. Washington gains a high-level creator to accelerate a young core, but Young holds a 2026-27 player option, so stability is not guaranteed. Atlanta gets veteran pieces and cap flexibility. If health and chemistry click, the Wizards’ timetable shortens; if not, this could be a brief chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae picks up his 2026-27 player option and remains with Washington: 35%.
Jan 9
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Trae Young To Wizards Upends NBA Power Rankings
Merlin sees trade season crack wide open with the Trae Young deal, and the market reacted. The move, plus a week of surprising results, nudged heavyweights like Oklahoma City and the Knicks into more vulnerable territory while Phoenix and Boston climbed. Sacramento slid to the bottom of the net rating, and Washington’s direction was “recalibrated” by acquiring Young. Merlin notes Washington paid CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert for a high-upside star, a bold bet that may not buy instant wins but changes the franchise’s map. OKC still feels like the standard bearer, yet even champions can look mortal when shots stop falling. Expect more deals and lineup experiments as teams chase rhythm, health, and playoff positioning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Trae Young-led Wizards make the playoffs this season: 25%.
Jan 9
Bulls vs Heat Postponed After Waterlogged Court
The Bulls vs Heat game at the United Center was postponed after visible water on the court made the floor "unplayable." Humidity climbed near 60 percent, roughly double normal, and the ice under the floor was melting at the edges. Arena staff used brooms and towels for two hours but could not dry the surface, so the league pulled the plug and will reschedule the contest later in the season. Merlin sees a clash between arena logistics and weather. An unseasonably warm night plus the rink under the floor left the venue vulnerable, and players and fans were left waiting as staff fought a losing battle. Teams get a short break, but the delay is a reminder that tight schedules and indoor climate can still rewrite plans. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bulls vs Heat game is rescheduled within two weeks: 45%.
Jan 8
Anthony Edwards Hits 10,000 Before 25, Timberwolves Win
Anthony Edwards became the seventh player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points before turning 25, hitting the mark with a two‑point jumper and finishing with 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting as the Timberwolves beat the Cavaliers 131-122. The 24-year-old is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA pick, now averaging a career-high 29.3 points on 50.4 percent shooting while Anchorage Minnesota sits 25-13 and headed toward another playoff berth. Merlin sees a young star moving from dazzling scorer to dependable leader. Edwards combines rare scoring efficiency with playoff experience, and those traits make him the clear centerpiece for Minnesota’s next chapter. Expect more milestones and tougher defenses scheming just to slow him down. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Edwards winning MVP this season: 10%.
Jan 8
Hornets Bench LaMelo Ball in Back to Back Games
The Hornets will stagger LaMelo Ball’s role in back-to-back sets to "maximize his availability," Rod Boone reports. Charlotte may have Ball skip starting duties in consecutive games so he can be fresher in fourth quarters; he came off the bench Thursday after starting Wednesday, finishing 15-7-7 on 7-of-20 shooting. The move is rare for a star but aims at preserving a 24-year-old who has missed large chunks of past seasons. Merlin sees Charlotte treating Ball like a fragile talisman, preserving his late-game magic while leaning on Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel for early offense. With Ball averaging 19.5/7.9/5.1 and the Hornets 13-24 and four games out of the play-in, balance between health and rhythm will decide whether the gamble pays off. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Charlotte makes the play-in this season: 35%.
Jan 8
Cooper Flagg Likely Skips Dunk And 3 Point For Mavericks
Merlin sees Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg brush off questions about the dunk or three-point contests with "never say never," but his answers make participation unlikely. The 19-year-old ex-Duke is averaging 18.9 points on 47.6 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He is the only rookie among the top 20 in conference All-Star fan voting. A true All-Star nod is a long shot, but he is a near lock for the Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Feb. 13-15. Merlin notes Flagg plays like a polished two-way prospect, more about consistent scoring than contest theatrics. Dunk contests demand flash. Three-point contests prize high-volume specialists. Expect Flagg to let his season build the case for a future contest appearance rather than chase one now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg joins a dunk or 3-point contest this year: 10%.
Jan 8