NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 18, 2025
Nikola Jokić: Staying With Denver Nuggets Forever
Merlin sees Nikola Jokić quietly end the rumors: "My plan is to be a Nugget forever," he told reporters, easing fears that the late-season shakeup — firing coach Michael Malone and the GM turnover — would push him out. That matters because Jokić remains the franchise cornerstone, with two guaranteed years plus a 2027-28 player option and the option to sign a short-term extension by Oct. 20 (or wait to add a fourth year next year). Merlin notes the plot thickens but leans calm: Denver promoted David Adelman, Jokić just averaged near a triple-double, and Jamal Murray’s health will set the ceiling. A committed superstar buys the front office time to stabilize, yet personnel and contract choices this autumn will reveal whether the peace holds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jokić signs an extension before Oct. 20: 20%.
Bruce Brown Chooses Nuggets Over Lakers, Suns
Merlin sees Bruce Brown elected to return to the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.1 million deal despite reported interest from the Lakers and Suns. Brown — the 2022-23 sixth man who keeps a highlight reel on his phone — said, "I'm just gonna go back to Denver because I just think it's a perfect fit for me." Healthy after knee arthroscopy and familiar with Denver’s system, his return strengthens what could be the league’s best bench and matters for a title chase against the West’s top teams. Merlin notes the choice was about fit and winning more than money: he sat courtside to "prove a point" and stayed connected to teammates. On a short deal Brown is both trusted depth and an audition; if he recaptures his 2022-23 form, Denver’s rotation gains a decisive swing player, but minutes are crowded with new additions. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bruce Brown is a key playoff rotation piece for Denver this season: 75%.
Oct 18
LeBron Sidelined with Sciatica, Out vs Warriors
LeBron James will miss the Lakers’ 2025‑26 opener at Golden State on Oct. 21 while he’s treated for right‑side sciatica and will be reevaluated in about three to four weeks. The team first reported nerve irritation in his glute and he missed two preseason games; coach J.J. Redick said James is “on his own timeline,” and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin quoted the club as wanting to “be overly cautious with LeBron” to ensure he’s best for April–June. With James out early, Luka Dončić must shoulder the load. Merlin sees sensible long‑game thinking. At 41 and coming off a sprained MCL, James’ value is playoff time, not exhibition nights. The Lakers may sacrifice early wins and test their depth, but protecting LeBron now could pay dividends later — provided the bench learns to breathe without him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron is ready by Nov. 15: 65%.
Oct 18
Trae Young’s Three-Word Post Sparks Hawks’ Extension Doubt
Trae Young, entering the final guaranteed year of his deal and eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, stirred contract uncertainty with a cryptic three-word social post. He downplayed disappointment — "I don't know [about] the word disappointment" — and emphasized focus: "Who knows what the future is for me. But right now I'm here and I'm present." That matters because Atlanta reshaped its roster (Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, Luke Kennard) and the Hawks need clarity on their franchise point guard as they chase a wide‑open Eastern Conference. Merlin sees a crossroads: a hot start could smooth talks and keep Trae in Atlanta, while early struggles would tempt other teams into the market and push management toward a difficult choice. The season’s first month will reveal whether magic or mutiny takes hold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Oct 18
Kings Offer Malik Monk For Kuminga — Warriors Wary
Merlin sees a trade to send Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State to Sacramento stirring back to life. Sam Amick reports talks "renewed earlier this week" after a month; the Kings offered Malik Monk and a lottery‑protected 2030 first for Kuminga and would give him a three‑year, $63 million deal. There’s been "no significant progress" — the Warriors are wary of Monk’s 2027‑28 $21.5 million player option and want more flexibility. Merlin notes Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, holds restricted free‑agent leverage, and has rejected offers that leave too much team control. Monk had a career year but his contract complicates a swap. With training camp on Sept. 29 adding pressure, Merlin expects talks to continue but thinks a quick resolution is unlikely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this trade happens before camp: 25%.
Oct 18
Tyler Herro Unbothered Over Heat Contract Extension
Merlin sees Miami guard Tyler Herro entering his extension window (through Oct. 20) eligible for a three-year, $150M max, and he’s calm about it. Herro said, "I expect to get something done" but added, "It's not as important as you all think," stressing he wants to remain in Miami "at a respectable number." He’ll miss at least the first month after ankle surgery, so timing and health matter. Merlin knows this matters because Herro just earned his first All-Star nod and wants both respect and stability without becoming a distraction. The Heat prefer continuity; Herro’s stance — firm on value but flexible on a max — gives both sides room to negotiate. If he returns healthy, the scales tip toward a deal; if not, leverage shifts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Herro signing an extension during the window: 75%.
Oct 18
Redick Slams Lakers' Preseason Transition Defense — 21 Fast-Break PPG
JJ Redick didn't mince words — he called the Lakers' transition defense "dogs--t" after two preseason losses, with L.A. surrendering 21.0 fast-break points per game. Austin Reaves echoed the dilemma, saying the team is still figuring out "when to crash, when not to crash" after grabbing offensive boards. Missing stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić explain some rust, but transition defense was already a weakness last year (25th in opponent fast-break points at 16.9). Merlin sees a familiar riddle: hustle versus haste. Redick has two weeks and four preseason games to teach quicker outlets, smarter rebounding decisions and rotation discipline before Oct. 21. Opponents are already scheming for slow closeouts — tighten the process now or watch fast breaks decide close games all season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers improve their transition defense to league average by opening night: 40%.
Oct 18
2025 NBA Redraft: Cooper Flagg No.1, Ace Bailey Soars
A preseason-fueled re-draft reshuffles the 2025 class but keeps the big picture intact: Cooper Flagg remains the clear No. 1, Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe hold early slots, while Ace Bailey’s hot preseason lifts him into the top five. The exercise exposes winners and losers — Jase Richardson looks like a steal who should have gone much earlier, Thomas Sorber’s torn ACL dents his stock, and teams favored fit and upside over strict college production. Merlin sees teams using real-game minutes as a crystal ball: shooters and positional fit rose in value, Brooklyn doubled down on high-upside talent, and front offices showed patience with injured bigs. Early rotations and the first month of the season will either prove these preseason truths or send scouts back to the drawing board. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg wins Rookie of the Year this season: 70%.
Oct 18
Heat Chased Giannis — Would Trade Without Bam Adebayo
Merlin sees Miami monitored Giannis all summer and, per Barry Jackson, were willing to make an offer to the Bucks that "did not include Bam Adebayo" if he requested a trade. But Antetokounmpo never seemed to consider Miami — ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Knicks were the only real suitors: "The Bucks picked up the Knicks' call... but the teams never got traction." This matters because the Heat lack enough young assets and picks to land a superstar, and Jackson says it's "unlikely" the Bucks would accept a package without Adebayo. Merlin notes Miami prefers to keep cap space for the 2027 window that could include Giannis, Jokic, Davis or Mitchell, and after a 37–45 season the Heat may be cautious. Expect Miami to posture — always in the shopping game — but to avoid mortgaging their core unless Giannis formally demands out; only then will real chaos begin. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
Trae Young, Jokic, Herro: Who Gets Extensions?
"Most of the offseason's biggest fireworks have faded from view." What remains are dozens of extension decisions, and the piece peeks into that crystal ball — projecting who gets new deals and who doesn't. The new CBA's aprons make true max contracts rarer, so the writer forecasts guarded deals for stars (Trae Young ~4 years/$190M, Dyson Daniels ~5/$155M, Jalen Duren ~5/$140M, Tyler Herro ~3/$130M) while tabling or passing on others (Nikola Jokić delaying talks, Kawhi, Zion, Durant, many role players). Merlin sees front offices choosing flexibility over headline splashes. Defensive glue pieces and young two-way wings get rewarded; injury history and roster timing leave veterans in limbo. Small summer moves, preseason form and trades will flip a few projections — fate, as always, waits for the regular season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds fewer than three true max-caliber extensions are signed this offseason: 75%.
Oct 18
Giannis-to-Knicks Trade Talks Collapse, Bucks Wary
Merlin sees a quietly explosive summer: the Knicks and Bucks engaged in a "multi-week process" of trade talks about Giannis Antetokounmpo after reports that "the Knicks were the only team Giannis would entertain getting traded to." Talks stalled because Milwaukee judged New York’s offers weak and "insisted...they preferred not to move" their superstar. Giannis told GM Jon Horst he had "serious questions" about the Bucks’ ability to contend and is expected to "keep his options open," meaning a formal trade request could surface in 2025-26 if results falter. Merlin notes the stakes: Giannis is still an elite force nearing 31, and the Bucks reshaped around him — adding Myles Turner while waiving Damian Lillard — to chase another title. With top rivals hobbled by injuries, the window is muddled; winning, not loyalty, will decide Giannis’s fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Oct 18
Seth Curry Joins Warriors, Chases Ring with Stephen Curry
Merlin sees Seth Curry agreeing to a one-year Exhibit 9 deal with the Golden State Warriors, reuniting him with brother Stephen. This matters because Seth’s proven elite shooting (45.6% from three last season) and veteran savvy can buy the Warriors extra spacing and open looks when defenses hunt Steph — a simple upgrade for a team still in win-now mode. Merlin remembers Seth telling Forbes it was “a dream come true to play for the Hornets” and that “I feel like I have a purpose on this team,” proof the veteran still values fit as much as pay. After stops around the league, he’s a low-risk, high-reward piece: likely a bench shooter if he survives camp, and a veteran presence chasing the ring he lacks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Seth makes Golden State’s regular-season roster and chips in meaningful bench minutes: 65%.
Oct 18
LeBron James' "The Decision 2" Teaser Sparks Lakers Rumors
LeBron James teased "The Decision 2" with a short on-court clip captioned "The decision of all decisions," promising a full release Tuesday at noon. The timing matters: James heads into a 23rd season on an expiring deal, has been held out of early camp for nerve irritation in his glute with plans for "a little bit longer of a ramp-up," and now teams him with Luka Dončić — all while Rob Pelinka says he "would love if LeBron's story is to retire as a Laker." Merlin sees echoes of 2010 but also the wisdom of a veteran who averaged 24.4/8.2/7.8 last year. This teaser is as much about shaping a narrative as it is about a decision; expect clarification of LeBron’s near-term plans — not a sudden trade bombshell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron finishes the 2025-26 season a Laker: 85%.
Oct 18
No PG13: Paul George Out for 76ers' Opener vs Celtics
Merlin hears Paul George won’t suit up for Wednesday’s opener against the Celtics, per Shams Charania: “it is not expected that he will be suiting up for opening night.” Charania added George is “making significant progress after having offseason arthroscopic knee surgery, and a return to debut should be shortly into the regular season.” That absence matters — the 76ers were already hamstrung by injuries last year (Embiid 19 games, Maxey 52, George 41) and missing George to start delays chemistry and puts more early load on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Merlin notes George’s pedigree — nine All-Star nods, six All-NBA, four All-Defense — but also the toll of age and injuries at 35. Last season he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists; if he returns healthy and efficient, Philadelphia gains a true two-way secondary option. If not, the 76ers will test depth and tweak rotations while the calendar buys recovery time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul George plays within the first 10 games of the season: 65%.
Oct 18
Trae Young, Tatum, LeBron — Which Teams Will Flop?
Bleacher Report’s annual, gleefully brutal season preview tears through every roster, handing out blunt reasons why teams will underwhelm — bad contracts, shaky health, roster fits, and front-office choices. It’s meant to be fun but it matters: these takes shape early expectations and flag where real-season trouble will likely start. As the piece puts it, "Your Favorite Team's season will not end with a championship banner." Merlin sees the pattern: aging cores, injury-prone stars, and cap moves that prioritize flexibility over commitment are the true hexes on a title chase. A handful of teams still look positioned to threaten, but most will spend the winter juggling fixes, chasing trades, and testing patience. Expect surprises at the trade deadline and a few previews to look very wrong by April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Denver Nuggets repeating as champions this season: 10%.
Oct 18
Warriors Waive Seth Curry — Re-Sign Expected
Golden State waived guard Seth Curry but intends to re-sign him when they "have sufficient financial flexibility," Marc Stein reports. The procedural move keeps the Warriors below the second apron — his current Exhibit 9 camp deal would push them over — and they plan to bring him back the week of Nov. 10 when his prorated salary is lower. Curry, a veteran 3-point marksman (43.3% career; led the league at 45.6% last season), provides cheap bench spacing. Merlin sees a tidy, low-risk chess move. In Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy offense Curry won’t be a focal playmaker but is a surgical threat off the bench who can stretch defenses and alter late-game matchups. It’s roster engineering: keep the core intact while adding elite shooting depth that could decide a few playoff-caliber games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Seth Curry re-signs with Golden State the week of Nov. 10: 90%.
Oct 18
Terry Rozier Heading To Heat Camp Amid Trade, Probe
Terry Rozier — long whispered about as a trade candidate and tied to a federal gambling probe — "is expected to be an active participant in Heat training camp next week" despite Miami reportedly "are seriously considering cutting ties." He’s refused a buyout of his $26.6M salary, there’s little trade interest, and with Tyler Herro sidelined after ankle surgery Rozier "won't be a primary piece" in coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation if he stays. Merlin sees a veteran at a crossroads: once expected to help carry Miami’s offense, Rozier averaged just 10.6 points and fell out of the rotation. The unresolved federal probe and his contract make any move messy. The Heat could keep him as insurance while Herro heals or quietly part ways if a clearer plan emerges. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Terry Rozier being on the Heat’s Opening Night roster: 80%.
Oct 18
Liz Cambage Denies Dating Kevin Durant After Drake Concert
Liz Cambage shut down dating rumors with Kevin Durant after the two were pictured at a Drake concert, telling TMZ Sports, "You think I'm gonna hard launch a relationship shooting a jump shot at a Drake concert?" The Instagram snap sparked chatter, but Cambage—who hasn’t played in the WNBA since 2022 and is currently with Sichuan Yuanda in China—made clear her focus remains on basketball, not publicity. Her WNBA résumé (15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game) still matters to teams and fans alike. Merlin sees a seasoned star guarding her story like a center protects the paint: direct, unbothered, and intent on the next play. Public moments will cause sparks, but Cambage’s path looks professional-first, personal-second — especially while rebuilding overseas after a rocky exit from the Sparks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Liz Cambage dating Kevin Durant this season: 10%.
Oct 18
Giannis Wanted Knicks — Bucks Trade Talks Fizzled
Merlin sees the Knicks quietly explored trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but talks “never got traction,” per Shams Charania. That matters because Giannis — a two‑time MVP — is evaluating his future as Milwaukee falters in the playoffs, and New York was “the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee.” Merlin senses why talks stalled: the Knicks kept their Finals core and added veterans like Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, so they have options without a blockbuster. Still, if New York slips or Giannis presses for a move, conversations could reignite — and Spurs, Hawks and Raptors all present distinct, believable fits depending on what Milwaukee seeks in return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded to the Knicks before the 2026–27 season: 20%.
Oct 18
Bucks Sign Alex Antetokounmpo Two-Way, Form Historic Giannis Trio
The Bucks signed Alex Antetokounmpo to a two-way contract, putting him on the same roster as brothers Giannis and Thanasis — “the first time in NBA history that one team has had three brothers under contract,” per Shams Charania. Alex, 24, played 50 games for the Wisconsin Herd (5.8 points, three rebounds per game); the move is small on-court but significant in signaling the front office’s effort to keep Giannis comfortable after another early playoff exit. Merlin sees this as a quiet charm rather than a roster-altering spell: family ties likely motivated the signing, and Alex will mostly ply his trade in the G League. It won’t cure core roster needs, but small gestures can matter to a superstar weighing his future — useful insurance, not a guarantee. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
Knicks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Bid Fails
Merlin sees the Knicks quietly pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason but fell short — New York “did not make a strong enough offer,” sources say, after Giannis met Bucks GM Jon Horst in Greece to “explore whether there would be an alternative path forward.” That matters because league insiders have long felt “Giannis’ days in Milwaukee…are numbered,” and any move would instantly redraw the championship map and how teams spend their remaining assets. Merlin senses a pause, not an end. The Knicks are hard‑capped and light on draft capital, so even if Manhattan is the only other city Giannis favors, New York may lack the package to close the deal now. Expect teams to tread carefully into the season, eyeing January–February as the real crossroads when Giannis’ leverage and contenders’ urgency collide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 30%.
Oct 18
NBA Preseason: LeBron, Trae, Giannis' Biggest Questions
Preseason is over, but the NBA still brims with questions. From the Hawks’ short-term Porziņģis gamble and Trae Young’s looming decision to Giannis saying, "I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me," to Brooklyn’s glut of young playmakers and Boston’s cautious "gap year" after Tatum’s Achilles, health, contracts and fit will decide who contends. Merlin senses patterns: teams with stable cores (Thunder, Nuggets) begin as favorites, fragile veteran groups (Clippers, Lakers) live and die by availability, and young projects (Wizards, Spurs) must prove rapid growth or become trade fodder. Expect injuries, midseason tweaks, and surprise breakouts — the season will bend to whoever stays healthy and finds cohesion first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
Warriors Downplay Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Hopes
Members of the Warriors organization are tempering expectations about landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, with sources saying they "poured cold water" on Golden State being a "hot Giannis destination." That matters because the Warriors have young assets (Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga) and draft capital that could interest Milwaukee — but trading for Giannis would be an all‑in move that sacrifices future flexibility while trying to extend the Curry–Draymond title window. Merlin senses caution: Giannis left the door open — "it would be human to change his mind" — yet reporting suggests he only expressed interest in the Knicks. Golden State once downplayed landing Jimmy Butler and still pulled off a deal, so surprises are possible; however, the veteran‑heavy roster and a thin cupboard make this a risky, low‑probability gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State acquiring Giannis this season: 12%.
Oct 18
Warriors Give Steve Kerr Time, Not Ultimatum
Merlin sees Golden State in win-now mode, and GM Mike Dunleavy admits there’s “technically” uncertainty about Steve Kerr even with one year left on his two-year deal. Dunleavy stressed Kerr “can stay as long as he wants” and the organization will “go on Steve’s terms,” signaling public patience amid private questions. Merlin remembers the rings and the record — Kerr’s tenure (four titles, 567-308) buys the coach a great deal of grace. Yet the timeline of Stephen Curry’s contract and Draymond Green’s option creates a natural crossroads: if the core winds down, Kerr might choose to leave; for now the front office prefers a slow, respectful approach. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Steve Kerr coaches Golden State through 2026-27: 75%.
Oct 18
Jaylen Brown Hamstring Clouds Celtics Season-Opener
Jaylen Brown’s status for Boston’s season opener is uncertain after he left a preseason game with a hamstring issue; coach Joe Mazzulla said Brown “was able to do everything but the live stuff.” The injury happened in the first quarter of the Raptors game — Brown played seven minutes — and the Celtics are likely to be cautious since Brown already had knee surgery this summer and is expected to be the team’s primary scorer with Jayson Tatum rehabbing a torn Achilles. Merlin sees the stakes: Brown was an All-Star and the 2024 Finals MVP who averaged 22.2 points while playing through injury last year, so Boston must balance urgency with care. With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis gone, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will shoulder more offense if Brown misses time — a small delay could ripple through Boston’s early rotation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaylen Brown plays the season opener: 40%.
Oct 18