NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 14, 2025
Wembanyama Off Bench Asks About MVP After Spurs Win
Merlin sees Victor Wembanyama return from a month long left calf strain and come off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes as the Spurs beat the 24 2 Oklahoma City Thunder 111 109 in the NBA Cup semifinals. He even smiled and asked reporters, "Can you win the MVP and the Sixth Man [of the Year award] in the same year?" The moment matters because the Spurs are 18 7 and his elite per game numbers 25.8 points 12.6 rebounds 3.8 assists and 3.5 blocks keep them moving past last season's struggles. Merlin senses this bench cameo is a prescription more than a role change. It is a controlled step in easing him back, a reminder that health will decide how high his ceiling climbs. The Spurs now head to Las Vegas to face the Knicks and the league will be watching how San Antonio balances minutes and momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama winning NBA MVP this season: 30%.
Spurs Shock Thunder as Victor Wembanyama Returns
San Antonio ripped through the Oklahoma City Thunder 111 109, handing the reigning champs only their second loss of the 2025 26 season. Devin Vassell led with 23 points while De Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama each had 22. Wemby nearly posted a double double with nine rebounds in 21 minutes. In the locker room Keldon Johnson’s speaker blared "Party in the U.S.A." Merlin sees more than a single upset. Limited Wemby minutes plus balanced scoring hint at depth and smarter rotation since the 2023 draft lottery promise. One night will not erase Oklahoma City’s favorite status, but San Antonio’s health and consistency could turn them into a dangerous playoff challenger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Spurs reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%."
Dec 14
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Says Thunder Spurs Rivalry Brewing
Shai Gilgeous Alexander suggested the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs could become the NBAs "best rivalry" after a 111 109 NBA Cup loss, telling reporters "Yeah, there's a good chance." The remark matters because both clubs are young and rising: Shai is an MVP in his prime, OKC has a core under 25, and San Antonio has Victor Wembanyama plus scorers like De Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell. Regular season and playoff meetings will shape whether sparks fly. Merlin senses the bones of a feud forming. Four more meetings this year including a Christmas game give both teams a stage. If they meet in the playoffs and trade physical, closely fought games, that is when a true rivalry is born. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Spurs and Thunder become the leagues best rivalry within three years: 45%.
Dec 14
Mavericks Face Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Dilemma
Anthony Davis trade chatter is heating up as the Mavericks look more like the roster they expected to start the season. Teams such as Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto are said to be interested, yet Dallas has sent mixed signals, and minority owner Mark Cuban wrote they "want to try to win." The new CBA has "caused a market correction," and Davis carries a heavy contract, injury history and down numbers, so trade return could be soft. Dallas also values the 2026 draft and does not control a first round pick again until 2031. Merlin sees a classic crossroads. If offers do not materially improve the team, Dallas may choose stability to protect Cooper Flagg's growth and chase wins with Kyrie Irving returning. But cap math and long term cost make patience costly if elite assets arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 14
Wembanyama Sparks Spurs Past Thunder Into NBA Cup Final
Merlin sees the Spurs topple the top seeded Thunder 111 109 in Las Vegas to reach the NBA Cup final against the Knicks. Victor Wembanyama returned after missing 12 games and poured in 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Devin Vassell had 23, Stephon Castle 22 and De Aaron Fox 22. Oklahoma City slipped to 24 2. Merlin notes the tale of two halves. San Antonio closed the first half on a 13 0 run and hung on in a free throw driven finish, showing depth when Wembanyama is limited. The meeting with New York on Tuesday Dec 16 at T Mobile Arena will reveal whether the Spurs are true contenders or a hot streak. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs winning the NBA Cup on Tuesday: 45%.
Dec 14
Jalen Brunson Drops 40, Knicks Clinch NBA Cup Finals
Merlin sees Jalen Brunson erupt for 40 points as the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 132 120 in Las Vegas to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup finals. Brunson was 16 of 27 with eight assists and four rebounds, while Karl Anthony Towns added 29 and OG Anunoby 24. Orlando got 25 from Paolo Banchero and 26 from Jalen Suggs before Suggs left with a sore left hip. This is New York's first NBA Cup championship appearance after earlier exits. Merlin smells momentum. Brunson set the tone on both ends and Towns gave the Knicks a two player core that can carry them through a short tourney. The opponent will be the winner of Oklahoma City and San Antonio, and matchups will decide everything. If Brunson keeps this heat and the Knicks defend, they are very much alive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning the NBA Cup this season: 40%.
Dec 13
Chris Paul Watching Ex Teams in NBA Cup Semifinals
Merlin sees Chris Paul in the crowd for the Thunder vs Spurs NBA Cup semifinal, according to Chris Haynes. Paul opened the season with the Clippers on a one year 3.6 million deal but Los Angeles announced he would no longer be with the team on Dec. 3. The 40 year old, who played for the Spurs last season and the Thunder in 2019 20, averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists while the Clippers went 5 16. ESPN’s Shams Charania says his leadership style "clashed" with the Clippers and he "wasn't on speaking terms with head coach Tyronn Lue for 'several weeks'." He still plans to play elsewhere and has been linked to the Timberwolves and Rockets. Merlin notes a veteran who has announced plans to retire but still seeks one last run is a strange spell. His presence at the game reads like a scouting visit and a message to former teams. If a contender wants steady floor handling and playoff know how he remains a tempting option, though clubs will weigh chemistry risks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul signs with the Timberwolves before the trade deadline: 45%.
Dec 13
Steve Nash Puts Shai Gilgeous Alexander in Jordan Conversation
Steve Nash stirred the pot by saying Shai Gilgeous Alexander is "getting into the heir statistically of people like Michael Jordan." Shai shrugged off the hype, telling Taylor Rooks, "I don't really love the comparisons" and "I'm still very, very far away. I've got a lot of work to do." His season numbers — 32.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 56.2 percent from the field and 45.4 percent from three — have him firmly in the MVP conversation. Merlin sees a young star sharpening an already lethal toolkit. Those efficiency marks are rare and the modesty only deepens his mystique. For the Jordan talk to stick Shai will need sustained dominance and postseason proof. Watch his scoring, team wins, and how he answers the biggest moments. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai winning MVP this season: 30%.
Dec 13
Timberwolves Join Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes
Merlin sees a widening field if the Bucks must trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Chris Haynes says the Timberwolves have joined the Knicks and Heat as interested suitors, with the Warriors and Spurs also in the mix. Giannis has not publicly requested a trade but reportedly met with Milwaukee brass and "identified the Knicks as the one team he would like to play for outside of Milwaukee when he evaluated options over the summer." Merlin notes Minnesota would be a thrilling fit. Pairing Giannis with Anthony Edwards could push the Wolves past their conference final struggles. Minnesota has 12 wins and 5 losses in its last 17 games and the seventh best net rating, but it lacks early draft assets and would likely need to offer pieces such as Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Julius Randle or Rob Dillingham to make a deal that helps the Bucks remain respectable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 20%.
Dec 13
Trae Young Nears Return, Hawks Trade Radar
Trae Young is "expected to return to practice next week" as he "continues to increase his reconditioning activities" after the MCL sprain on Oct. 29. He has missed 21 games while the Hawks went 12 9 without him, and reserves like Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander Walker have stepped up amid Kristaps Porziņģis’s own injury troubles. Young averaged 17.8 points and 7.8 assists in five games this season, but his contract runs only through 2025 26 with a likely decline of the 2026 27 option, putting his long term future in question. Merlin sees Atlanta at a true crossroads. The young core and a swap pick with New Orleans give the Hawks a clear path to rebuild or reload. Rival teams may hesitate to pay much for a pending free agent who is often critiqued for defense, so the return timeline will shape whether the Hawks push for a playoff run or trade for future pieces. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the February deadline: 30%.
Dec 13
Stephen Curry Returns, Breaks Jordan 35 Point Record vs Timberwolves
Stephen Curry returned from a quad injury and poured in 39 points in Friday night’s 127 120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In doing so he recorded his 94th 35 point game since turning 30, passing Michael Jordan’s 93 mark. The performance came even as the Warriors missed Al Horford and Draymond Green and the Wolves were without Anthony Edwards. Merlin sees a familiar picture. Curry remains an elite scorer who can rewrite history in a single night, yet Golden State’s fate still hinges on health and depth. He has topped 35 points six times this season in just 17 games, so scoring is no longer the question. The question is whether supporting pieces can stay healthy long enough to match his magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Stephen Curry playing alongside Seth Curry in a regular season game this month: 75%.
Dec 13
Kevin Garnett Salutes Curry in Nike Garnett 3s
Kevin Garnett noticed Stephen Curry showing up to the Warriors Timberwolves game in Garnett's "Nike Garnett 3s" and saluted him on X. Curry is a sneaker free agent after leaving Under Armour on Nov. 13 and has been rotating classics like Shaq's Reebok, Penny's "Air Penny 2s" and the "Flu Game" Air Jordan 12s. He remains elite on the court, averaging 27.9 points and 4.0 assists per game. Merlin senses a subtle audition. Wearing KG 3s reads as both a nod to legacy and a live showcase for potential partners. With Curry still producing at a high level, the next signature deal will be as much about story as it is about sales. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry signing with Nike this season: 65%.
Dec 13
Knicks Poised to Target Jose Alvarado at Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Knicks among teams circling Jose Alvarado if the New Orleans Pelicans make him available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Ian Begley said, "a New York product, Jose Alvarado, if they make him available, the Knicks, I'm sure, will be one of those teams that are interested." Alvarado is a gritty defender nicknamed "Grand Theft Alvarado," averaging 8.9 points in 22.5 minutes, and carries a $4.5 million salary that is easy to match. Merlin notes the fit is natural. New Orleans sits at 4 22 and may shop pieces while the 17 7 Knicks chase a title. Alvarado would bring hometown appeal and defensive energy off the bench, but any trade will depend on what the Pelicans want and what the Knicks are willing to give up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading for Alvarado before Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 12
NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander: OKC Chasing 73 Wins
Shai Gilgeous Alexander says he "absolutely" wants the Thunder to chase the single season wins record of 73 wins and 9 losses set by the 2015 16 Warriors. Oklahoma City has won 24 of its first 25 games and outscored opponents by 17.4 points per game, with Shai averaging 32.6 points and 6.5 assists. The club now heads into the NBA Cup semifinal eyeing a 25 wins and 1 loss mark. Merlin notes depth and a No. 1 defensive rating make the chase plausible. Thirteen players average five or more points and the team has won 16 straight since its lone loss. Still, the long season will test health and focus. As Shai said, "Winning matters. And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City breaking the 73 win record this season: 7%.
Dec 12
Stephen Curry Nails Tunnel Shot, Returns to Warriors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry drain a one handed tunnel shot during warmups, then sprint into the Warriors locker room. He returns from a five game absence with a thigh contusion, a timely lift for a 13 12 Warriors squad that needs his 27.9 points, 4.0 assists and 39.1 percent from three when healthy. Merlin recalls the old Oracle rituals and knows a tunnel make is more than a party trick. Curry hitting from distance restores spacing and confidence, which can ripple through the rotation, but Golden State must manage his minutes and shore up defense if that spark is to turn into sustained wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry scores 25 or more in his next game: 60%.
Dec 12
Mavericks Eye Trade Deadline Upgrade as Davis Stays
Merlin sees Dallas weighing bold moves at the trade deadline despite a 9 wins and 16 losses start. Sam Amick reports there are "even some indications that the Mavericks are still considering upgrading this current core rather than parting with their veterans." Anthony Davis, acquired in the deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, averages 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds but has played only 10 of 25 games because of calf trouble, so his fate could hinge on Dallas deciding to buy or sell. Merlin notes Marc Stein added that a move "it is by no means automatic." The Mavericks have won four of five games behind youngsters Cooper Flagg, Ryan Nembhard and Max Christie, so Dallas can test the market without panic. The front office may probe upgrades while keeping veteran stability if offers do not meet their price as Feb 5 nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks trade Anthony Davis before the deadline: 20%.
Dec 12
Milwaukee Bucks Demand Top Return For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees the headlines hiding the real leverage. An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN's Tim Bontemps that an "overlooked" point is the Bucks will not send Giannis where he wants for a poor return. Like Portland with Damian Lillard, Milwaukee will hold out for top returns. Sam Amick noted rivals expect "his situation might have to be handled in the offseason" if he does not go public. Milwaukee also cannot tank since it does not control its first round pick until 2031. Behind the cloak the Bucks hunt franchise altering compensation not short term gains. Picks that convey soon lose value for a 31 year old, so Milwaukee will pursue unprotected future assets or pick swap leverage. Merlin senses patience more than panic. If a trade happens it will be surgical and late rather than rushed and messy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 20%.
Dec 12
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Watch Ignites Warriors Talks
Merlin sees the Warriors increasingly expected to trade 23 year old Jonathan Kuminga when he becomes eligible on Jan 15. The Bulls, Kings and especially the Pelicans have shown interest, with Golden State eyeing Trey Murphy III as a likely target. Kuminga signed a late two year, $48.5 million deal so he is only tradable close to the deadline, and his recent slump and missed games will lower his market value. Merlin notes Golden State has few other movable contracts and may need to sweeten any deal to land a prized wing. Coach Steve Kerr said "Just because of the way our team looks," after Kuminga sat out, a reminder that rotations and fit matter as much as raw upside. Kuminga’s youth and price still make him a useful trade chip. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 60%.
Dec 12
Mavericks Could Keep Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees Dallas is not committed to moving Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Sources told reporters "it is by no means automatic" and the Mavs will not trade him "for the sake of it." Though teams like Detroit, Atlanta and Toronto have been linked to Davis, Dallas wants a strong offer and skepticism is growing that a robust market will materialize. Merlin notes the tricky balance. Davis is a Hall of Fame level talent whose frequent injuries complicate trade value. His agent will seek an extension this offseason, which could scare off buyers. If Kyrie Irving returns and rookie Cooper Flagg shows promise, Dallas may keep Davis to see what the trio can produce. Patience feels likelier than a deadline fire sale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks trading Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 25%.
Dec 12
Milwaukee Bucks Eye Zach LaVine Trade Drama
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly sniffing around Zach LaVine ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. Sam Amick reports Milwaukee has "done recent due diligence" and showed "interest in the past," but Sacramento's 6 and 19 start, injuries to LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, and LaVine's $47.5 million cap hit make a deal complicated. Sabonis also looks tough to move with years left on his contract. Merlin notes Kings GM Scott Perry is pushing a three to five year rebuild and is "using this season as a patient evaluation campaign," so Sacramento may seek draft capital. The Bucks lack picks and would likely need multiple players or LaVine to accept less pay to get a trade done. Expect quiet, careful talks rather than a headline swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bucks landing Zach LaVine before Feb. 5: 20%.
Dec 12
Timberwolves Push For Bulls Guard Coby White
The Timberwolves are reportedly circling Bulls guard Coby White as the Feb 5 trade deadline approaches. White is on a contract that ends next summer and has told Chicago he will wait for free agency, which gives the Bulls leverage and creates a negotiating gap. He has appeared in only seven games this season because of calf tightness but is posting a career best 22.1 points on 43.1 percent shooting when healthy. Minnesota would gain ball handling relief for Anthony Edwards, but must decide how much to pay for what could be a short term rental. Merlin sees a quiet board for now. Nothing concrete is percolating and Chicago can demand premium for control of White or keep him for a playoff push. If Minnesota wants immediate scoring and spacing, White fits the profile, yet health and contract timelines turn this into a careful gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Coby White being traded to Minnesota before Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 12
.jpg)
Paul Pierce Says He Can Still Guard LeBron James
Paul Pierce stirred the pot by saying he could guard today's LeBron James. On No Fouls Given Pierce declared "I can guard this version of LeBron right now," adding "Not LeBron last game, but the last three games before that? I can guard him." LeBron has missed time with sciatica, is averaging 16.5 points in eight games, but scored 29 in a recent win. Merlin sees bravado wrapped in truth. Pierce has the pedigree to make a loud claim, yet real defense is about quickness, minutes and team strategy. LeBron flashing a 29 point night shows he still commands the game. A retired vet might bother him for stretches, but holding LeBron down for a whole contest is a rare magic trick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Pierce actually guarding LeBron for a full game this season: 5%.
Dec 12
Chris Paul Trade Alert: Clippers, Timberwolves, Rockets
As Dec. 15 approaches, Chris Paul’s next destination could arrive quickly. Paul is said to be "open-minded" about places that let him properly close out his career, while the Charlotte Hornets are "not expected" to pursue him. Minnesota and Houston have surfaced as likely suitors. The Clippers removed Paul from the roster on Dec. 3 after a rough start. He signed a one year 3.6 million deal and averaged 14.3 minutes, 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 16 games for a Clippers team sitting at 6 19. Merlin sees a veteran seeking a softer final chapter after a strained return to Los Angeles. He "rebuffed" a Hornets meeting and showed "little inclination" to head east last summer, so a Western landing makes sense. Teams will weigh his leadership and playmaking more than box score numbers. Expect swift maneuvering as clubs decide if Paul is a mentor or a short term stop. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul being traded by Dec. 15: 65 percent, most likely to land with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dec 12
Giannis To Miami Heat? Inside Bold Trade Proposal
Merlin sees a blockbuster blueprint that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson Davis with him, Andrew Wiggins and Dru Smith to Golden State, and Tyler Herro, Jonathan Kuminga, Kel'el Ware plus a raft of first round picks to Milwaukee. The deal hands Miami the superstar it craves, gives the Bucks youth and draft currency, and lets the Warriors reset around Wiggins and role players. Merlin notes Miami’s culture and Pat Riley’s hunger make the Heat a believable suitor, and a Giannis Adebayo core under Erik Spoelstra would be terrifyingly good on both ends. Still, the price in young talent and future picks is steep, and Giannis’s wishes and Milwaukee’s leverage will decide if talk turns into trade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Miami this summer: 20%.
Dec 12
Giannis Antetokounmpo Eyes Miami Heat Move
Merlin sees a new suitor enter the Giannis conversation. Howard Beck told Zach Lowe that Miami was "suggested to me as a place Giannis would really love to land if it's not New York." Shams Charania reports Antetokounmpo and his agent are "having conversations" with the Bucks and "a resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks," with one source saying "the writing is on the wall." The two time MVP is putting up 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists but is out with a calf injury and Milwaukee sits 10 and 15. Merlin senses a tug of war between patience and change. Miami offers fit and culture, New York offers stage and assets, and the Bucks must decide whether to rebuild around noise or trade for value. Expect more whispers, one decisive meeting, and then a sudden move that reshapes the East. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing with Miami this season: 20%.
Dec 11