NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 23, 2026
LeBron James Jeanie Buss Rich Paul Patch Up Lakers Drama
Merlin sees a quiet truce forming in Los Angeles. After a report said Jeanie Buss privately grumbled about LeBron James and Klutch's influence, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says Buss, James and Rich Paul have been meeting to "clear any air, any scar tissue that exists." LeBron pushed back, saying "We never talked" and that the relationship has "always been mutual" and respectful, while Buss called it "completely unfair to him." Merlin notes the stakes are high. LeBron is 41 and can be a free agent after 2025-26, the Lakers still chase a title and sit sixth in the West. These talks are as much about optics as they are about keeping a fragile partnership intact. If the trio truly buries the hatchet, Los Angeles increases its chances to build around Dončić, LeBron and Austin Reaves for one more run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron re-signing with the Lakers after 2025-26: 60%.
LeBron Shrugs Off Jeanie Buss Drama With Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron James brushing off an ESPN story about his relationship with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. After the Clippers loss he said, "I don't really care about the reports, to be honest," and called the relationship "good" while allowing that "somebody could see it another way." The piece said Buss grew tired of his "outsized ego" and once considered not extending or trading him in 2022. LeBron’s deal expires after this season and he holds a full no-trade clause. Merlin notes the partnership has been productive: a 2020 title, five playoff berths and LeBron becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. At 41 he admits the end is "sooner than later," yet public calm can mask private bargaining. Merlin expects quiet negotiations and a preference for stability over drama as both sides weigh the next move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron re-signs with the Lakers this summer: 70%.
Jan 23
LaMelo Ball Miles Bridges Trade Drama Rocks Hornets
The Hornets face trade chatter ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. LaMelo Ball is linked to rumors but Charlotte is "hopeful" they can keep him, "if only because it makes little sense to trade him now." Miles Bridges is "drawing significant interest" from teams like Milwaukee, Golden State and Phoenix, though the Hornets want a first round pick or "maybe two" and some suitors have stumbled over proposed returns. Merlin sees the math clearly. Ball carries a long, pricey deal and uneven availability, so he feels less movable today. Bridges has one year left and steady scoring, so he is the likelier asset to fetch draft capital and let Charlotte lean on Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner for a reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Miles Bridges is traded before Feb. 5: 60%.
Jan 23
Knicks Won't Trade Karl Anthony Towns Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Knicks are not planning to trade Karl-Anthony Towns before the Feb. 5 deadline, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Owner James Dolan insisted "This group can win a championship; I believe that." Towns and coach Mike Brown have had visible friction, his numbers are down from last season, and New York has had rough stretches, yet the team sits third in the East at 26-18. Towns said they were "figuring it out," and the club appears willing to try that first. With Towns under contract through next season, a $61 million player option in 2027-28, and an extension possible after this year, patience is a deliberate move. Merlin senses tension like storm clouds, but also room for a calm, if the chemistry can be mended. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading Towns before Feb. 5: 12%.
Jan 23
LeBron Shrugs Off Buss Trade Talk With Clippers
Merlin sees LeBron James respond with a single line, "I'm good," when asked after the Lakers' 112-104 loss to the Clippers if he wants to finish the season in Los Angeles. The reply follows an ESPN report that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss at one point considered trading him in 2022, describing an "outsized ego" and saying Klutch Sports gained "overt control." LeBron signed a full no-trade clause in July 2024. Merlin notes LeBron has never been traded in 23 seasons and has signed two extensions since the 2022 episode, so any move would likely need his blessing. Insider Chris Haynes says reports like this often stir activity before deadlines. For now Merlin senses a calm surface, but a new ripple could change the current stillness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 10%.
Jan 23
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New York Knicks Shopping Karl Anthony Towns Amid Meltdown
Merlin sees the Knicks quietly shopping Karl-Anthony Towns after a rough stretch following their NBA Cup win. New York has spoken with teams like Charlotte, Memphis and Orlando, and a proposed three-team swap would send Towns to Orlando while the Knicks get Wendell Carter Jr., Haywood Highsmith and Jalen Suggs. The front office faces real hurdles: Towns’ value is low, the team sits near the second apron and they have no first-round picks to sweeten deals. As Fred Katz put it, "Where do you think his value's at?" with many comparing the market to the Trae Young return. Merlin senses the trade winds favor caution. The proposed return boosts defense and depth but brings injury and salary risk, while Orlando would gamble on a short-term offensive lift and tax relief. Expect talks to continue, but a clean, splashy trade is not simple. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading Towns before the deadline this season: 30%.
Jan 23
Lakers Likely Stand Pat at Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Lakers likely sitting out the Feb. 5 frenzy. League sources tell Christian Clark and Dan Woike that short-term trades will only solve one problem at a time, and "No potential move the Lakers make at the deadline will check more than one of those boxes." With limited attractive targets and tricky contracts, Los Angeles is more inclined to wait for the summer when it could have as many as three first round picks to reshape the roster. For now people expect they will "focus on perimeter help between now and the trade deadline." Merlin notes a small bright spot. Austin Reaves is set to return and should restore offense, but the team’s defense remains one of the league’s worst. Targets like Watson, Kuminga, Wiggins or Hunter each bring tradeoffs, so patience may be the strategy. The season can be steadied or stalled depending on whether the Lakers accept incremental fixes or bet on a bigger summer overhaul. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers making a significant Feb. 5 trade: 20%.
Jan 23
Stephen Curry 38, Warriors Face Trade Deadline Pressure
Merlin sees Stephen Curry scorch for 38 points but the Warriors still fell 123-115 to the Mavericks, their second straight loss after a four-game streak. Support was scarce, with only one other starter in double figures and fans clamoring to "get Curry some help." At 37, Curry "hasn't missed a beat," averaging 27.1 and 5.1, yet the roster hit a blow as Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL, leaving Golden State thin and searching for answers. Merlin senses hope in flashes like De'Anthony Melton's 22 off the bench, but that cannot be a one-night miracle. The most realistic path forward is moves before the trade deadline to add reliable scoring and defense. Without reinforcements, the burden on Curry will grow heavy and the season could tilt. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%.
Jan 23
Why 76ers Maxey Goaltending vs Durant Was Not Reviewed
Merlin sees why the 76ers versus Rockets finish flared up. Tyrese Maxey’s potential game-winner was swatted by Kevin Durant after the ball hit the backboard, which replay suggests should have been goaltending. Crew chief John Goble said, "By rule, a goaltending would have to be called on the floor in order for that play to be reviewed," and added, "In real time the officiating crew felt it was a good blocked shot." No on-court goaltending was called, so replay could not overturn it. The game went to overtime and Philadelphia won 128-122; Maxey had 36 and 10, Embiid 32-15-10. Merlin notes the moment exposes a gap between instant judgment and replay authority. Such endings tend to summon calls for clearer rules or review triggers. The league may offer a formal explanation, and officials will be watched closely when similar close calls arise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA changes its goaltending review rule this season: 20%.
Jan 23
Kawhi Leonard Returns, Clippers Beat Lakers, Luka Doncic 32
Kawhi Leonard returned from a knee injury Thursday and led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-104 win, scoring 24 points with five rebounds and four assists while on a minutes limit. The outing extended his streak to 23 straight games of 20 or more points, the longest of his career, and reinforced his strong season scoring 28.2 points and 6.3 rebounds even as the Clippers sit 20-24 and 10th in the West. Merlin sees the ripple effect: Kawhi’s efficient return and careful minutes management could be the spark Los Angeles needs, but one star cannot fix roster holes alone. If teammates lift their play and health holds, the Clippers can climb the standings; if not, this win will feel like a warm breeze rather than a turning tide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Jan 23
Dillon Brooks Claims LeBron James Has Lost A Step
Dillon Brooks told viewers on a Thursday livestream that it is easier to trash talk LeBron James now that he has "gotten older," leaning into a rivalry that dates back years. Brooks has called LeBron "old" before and baited him after playoff confrontations, but the numbers tell a different story: Brooks is having a career year at 20.5 points, while LeBron is still averaging 22.5 and sits atop the all time scoring list. The contrast makes Brooks’ barbs loud but unlikely to reshape the pecking order. Merlin sees a classic provocateur at work. Brooks will keep poking the bear because it gets him attention and fires up opponents. LeBron’s resume and production suggest he is still elite, so talk will outpace consequence unless Brooks turns chatter into game-changing play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brooks proves LeBron is truly "old" this season: 10%.
Jan 22
Jonathan Kuminga Still Wants Out Of Golden State Warriors
Merlin sees Jonathan Kuminga still pushing to leave Golden State. Chris Haynes reports "Kuminga has no desire to remain a member of the Golden State Warriors" after he "demanded a trade" when eligible. Kuminga feels "devalued" and that his bond with coach Steve Kerr is "fractured beyond repair." The Warriors want mostly expiring contracts in return and say long-term deals must be obvious value. His trade stock has slipped after limited minutes and just 19 games this season. Merlin senses the club will try a short showcase to rebuild his market, but time is short for a team 25-20 in the West. Expect a deal that prioritizes immediate flexibility over future upside. If no taker meets their price, the standoff could persist and cloud both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded before the February deadline: 70%.
Jan 22
Lakers Coach JJ Redick Backs LeBron Amid Buss Drama
Merlin sees coach JJ Redick stepping forward to shield LeBron James after reports that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss privately grumbled about James’ “outsized ego” and influence. Redick praised LeBron, saying “everybody in this organization appreciates LeBron” and calling coaching him “10 out of 10.” Buss pushed back publicly, writing “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama.” The moment puts the franchise’s internal power dynamics into plain sight. Merlin notes the practical counterpoint. Redick and LeBron have produced strong results since 2024, with LeBron averaging 23.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.3 rebounds. Quiet tensions inside ownership can flare, but on-court chemistry and results usually calm the storm. Expect careful smoothing of relations rather than sudden ruptures. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron requesting a trade this season: 12%.
Jan 22
Jonathan Kuminga Injury Threatens Warriors Trade Value
Jonathan Kuminga exited Thursday’s game against the Mavericks with an ankle twist and minor knee hyperextension, and the Warriors ruled him out while he awaits an MRI on Friday. The injury lands just after he demanded a trade, returned to the rotation and scored 20 points in his previous outing, derailing a planned "a bit of a brief showcase" meant to boost his market value. Merlin sees teams circling but cautious. Limited recent minutes and a new injury cloud make suitors wary, even as Golden State nudges him back into action. The quote "Kuminga has no desire to remain a member of the Golden State Warriors" raises urgency, yet medical clarity and a short string of strong games will determine whether his price rises or stalls. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jonathan Kuminga being traded before the Feb. 8 deadline: 30%.
Jan 22
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Fires Back on Free Throw Criticism
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fired back at critics with an Instagram caption reading "free smoke merchant," a tongue in cheek nod to the "free throw merchant" label tied to how often he gets to the line. The moment is telling because he is not just drawing whistles; he is scoring 32 points per game and steering the Thunder to a 37-8 top mark in the West, so the chatter clashes with elite production. Merlin sees the pattern. Shai drew the second-most free throw attempts in his MVP campaign and sits third this year behind Luka Dončić and Deni Avdija, yet he answers skeptics with performance rather than words. Expect him to keep attacking the rim, letting box scores and wins quiet the noise while the debate over style and officiating simmers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai winning MVP this season: 40%.
Jan 22
Pelicans Shop Poole Alvarado Missi as Pacers Ponder Mathurin
Merlin sees the trade winds picking up before the 2026 deadline. Multiple Bulls, Pacers and Pelicans players are on the market, with New Orleans guards Jordan Poole and Jose Alvarado listed as candidates and 21-year-old center Yves Missi drawing interest from Indiana and Chicago. Chicago is reportedly "unlikely to part ways with Nikola Vučević" even though he may attract "strong interest" as a future free agent. There is an "incomplete deal framework" discussed that would send Missi to Indiana for guard Bennedict Mathurin, who is scoring a career-high 17.8 points but brings defensive concerns and restricted free agent questions. Merlin senses teams weighing upside against fit and money. Missi offers youth and upside behind Zion Williamson. Mathurin gives scoring but creates defensive drag and salary risk. New Orleans could move Poole or Alvarado to clear room for rookie Jeremiah Fears. Expect smaller, strategic moves rather than a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Missi-for-Mathurin swap happens by Feb. 5: 40%.
Jan 22
LeBron James Mulls Lakers Exit for Cleveland
Baxter Holmes’ reporting peels back family dysfunction around the Lakers’ sale and says Jeanie Buss resented LeBron James and Klutch Sports’ influence, even "privately mused" about not extending him or trading him in 2022. Buss denied the claims, but the story reopened wounds, Rich Paul stirred the pot by suggesting the Lakers trade Austin Reaves, and with new ownership the balance of power in L.A. has clearly shifted. Merlin sees the arc of a familiar tale. James "is not going to find another situation where he wields the level of influence he did with the Lakers." He could swap power for adoration by finishing where his legend grew. A minimum deal and a Cleveland farewell tour would give him a cinematic ending and satisfy a city that still loves its prodigal son. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron signs with the Cavaliers this summer: 30%.
Jan 22
Mavericks May Press Pause On Kyrie Irving Return
Merlin sees the Mavericks leaning toward caution with Kyrie Irving after the point guard tore an ACL in March 2025. "He has yet to be cleared to practice," reports Tim MacMahon, and coach Jason Kidd said there is "no timeline for Irving's return." Irving insists "I'm right on schedule, guys," but Dallas' 12th place standing and a long climb back to the 8 seed make a midseason comeback uncertain. Merlin notes the math. At 18-26 and 6.5 games back, the club can afford patience while managing other injuries and watching rookie Cooper Flagg develop. Dallas is on a three-game streak and showing strong January defense, so a strategic holdback could protect Irving and the roster for a fresher push next year. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie returning this season: 25%.
Jan 22
Warriors Eye Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron to Join Curry
Golden State is quietly eyeing both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James, though the team "does not expect to have a shot at either" until the offseason, NBA reporter Jake Fischer says. The Warriors would pursue Giannis if he becomes available and would explore LeBron when he hits free agency. They are "strongly" backing Jimmy Butler's return from an ACL tear and will not move him unless a truly top-tier trade emerges. Giannis complained, "We're not playing hard." Merlin sees a team running out of time around Stephen Curry. Landing either superstar would demand seismic trades, cap gymnastics and a willing partner, so Golden State is likely to watch, prepare and only pounce if the stars align perfectly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State lands either Giannis or LeBron this offseason: 10%.
Jan 22
Rich Paul Fuels Raptors Chase For Anthony Davis
Merlin hears Toronto has quietly weighed trading for Anthony Davis, a move TSN says the Raptors "have held internal conversations about the pros and cons of trading for Davis." The interest appears tied to agent Rich Paul, who "is said to be working tirelessly to force a trade and get his client to greener pastures." Toronto would likely need to move combinations of Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl or RJ Barrett to fit Davis' $54 million salary. Merlin notes the risk and the reward: Davis would lift Toronto's ceiling but brings injury history and will likely seek a long extension. With the Raptors fourth in the East and GM Bobby Webster in the final year of his deal, this is a make or break moment between chasing a title push and preserving future flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Toronto trading for Anthony Davis by the Feb. 5 deadline: 30%.
Jan 22
Trade Deadline: Morant, Towns, Ball Not Actively Shopped
Two weeks from the deadline, teams are not actively shopping marquee names like Karl-Anthony Towns, Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball, per The Athletic. Morant appears the likeliest candidate after ESPN’s Shams Charania said the Grizzlies were "entertaining offers to potentially move" him, but missed games and $87.1 million remaining on his deal complicate trades. Towns’ potential four-year, $260 million extension and the Knicks’ recent slump add friction, while Ball’s $130.7 million guaranteed makes him a costly option. Merlin sees a quiet market for now but warns "not actively" does not mean never. Some execs view Morant as "a terrific buy-low candidate" and a "serious difference-maker" when healthy. Salary and injury risk will mute interest, yet a late injury or bold offer could flip the script. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before the deadline: 30%.
Jan 22
Ben Stiller Roasts Nic Claxton After Knicks Rout
Merlin reports: Wednesday’s 120-66 loss to the Knicks was another rough night for Nets big man Nic Claxton. He once said he "never lost to the Knicks," yet he is now 0-13 against them. Brooklyn managed just 66 points in a 54-point rout, and Claxton finished with four points and four rebounds on 1-of-5 shooting. Even Knicks superfan Ben Stiller pointed it out. Merlin senses a pattern. The game exposed Brooklyn’s offensive collapse and a matchup that seems to drain Claxton’s confidence. Lopsided losses like this often tweak rotations and narratives. If the Nets want the streak to end, Claxton must find his touch and the team must adjust schematically. The oracle expects changes before the next meeting. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Claxton beating the Knicks next time this season: 25%.
Jan 22
Giannis Antetokounmpo Rips Bucks Over Selfish Play
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo losing patience after a 122-102 loss to Oklahoma City, blasting teammates with "guys are being selfish" and saying "I don't understand" why he only took 11 shots. He still finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, but the Bucks have dropped four of five and sit 18-25, outside the play-in with two weeks until the trade deadline. Merlin notes a deeper pattern: Giannis' shot attempts (16.5 per game) and free-throw trips are down, and Milwaukee’s supporting cast is not forcing defenses to adjust. With chemistry frayed and time running, expect lineup tweaks, more isolation for Giannis if nothing changes, or an urgent add at the deadline to space the floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bucks making the play-in this season: 30%.
Jan 22
Rich Paul Shrugs Off Jeanie Buss LeBron Drama
Merlin sees Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO and LeBron James’ agent, shrug off reports that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss privately grumbled about LeBron’s "outsized ego" and Klutch’s influence. On Game Over Paul said "Who gives a s--t," and added "From the time we've gotten to L.A. we've been treated great." Buss pushed back publicly, calling it "really not right" to pull LeBron into family drama. LeBron, 41, picked up a $52.6 million option and could hit free agency, while the Bronny draft and Luka Dončić’s future in L.A. add texture to the situation. Merlin senses public calm but private friction. Power plays between star, agent, and ownership are old league magic. Paul will protect leverage and Buss will protect the franchise. This could end in détente, or it could force a summer where loyalty, contracts, and roster direction are all on the table. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron re-signing with the Lakers this offseason: 70%.
Jan 21
Giannis and Bucks Divorce Expected Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the league bracing for a split between the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, based on Brian Windhorst’s report. Windhorst said, "It's almost like a couple that everybody in the league thinks is going to get divorced." Shams Charania added that Giannis and his agent are "having conversations" with Milwaukee about his future and that a resolution could come soon. Giannis remains elite at 28.5 points on 64.5 percent shooting, 9.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists, while the Bucks sit 18-24 and 11th in the East. Merlin senses a tug of war. Milwaukee refusing inbound calls and only making outgoing ones looks like careful positioning, not peace. If the Bucks climb back toward .500 the partnership may hold. If struggles continue, contenders will be ready to offer the pieces Giannis wants to chase another title. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 40%.
Jan 21