NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Apr 7, 2026
Doc Rivers Lost Bucks Locker Room
Doc Rivers' future with the Bucks looks shaky after ESPN's Shams Charania reported a season-long disconnect between Rivers and his players. In one film session, Rivers called out Kyle Kuzma's mistakes and told the team, “Either you're with us or against us.” Kuzma was later held out against Boston for the first DNP-Coach's Decision of his career. Milwaukee struggled to get its message across while Giannis Antetokounmpo dealt with multiple injuries. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. were supposed to lead more, but players-only meetings followed as the locker room split. Marc Stein says the Bucks are already looking at possible replacements for Rivers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Milwaukee makes a coaching change soon, and the next coach will have to rebuild trust before anything else.
Giannis Trade Likely This Offseason
Shams Charania reports the Bucks are now expecting a likely Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this offseason after holding onto him at the deadline. More than a dozen teams called, including the Timberwolves, Heat, Warriors, Cavaliers, and 76ers. Milwaukee reportedly wanted Evan Mobley and more from Cleveland, plus VJ Edgecombe and more from Philadelphia. Giannis reportedly told the Bucks before the deadline that moving on was best, after raising concerns about the roster before the season. He played just 36 games because of injuries but still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 62.4 percent shooting. Milwaukee could ask for a massive return this summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis gets traded before next season, and the bidding gets wild fast.
Apr 7
Bucks Kept Ryan Rollins Out of Ja Morant Trade
The Bucks declined to include Ryan Rollins in a trade package for Ja Morant, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Jamal Collier reported. Jake Fischer said on Feb. 22 that teams believed Milwaukee’s interest in Morant was real, while HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported the Grizzlies wanted Rollins in a possible deal. Rollins is giving Milwaukee a reason to hold firm. The 23-year-old is averaging 17.2 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from three as a full-time starter. He’s under contract for $4 million next season and can opt out in 2027. With the Bucks lacking full control of their first-round picks until 2031, keeping young pieces matters whether Giannis Antetokounmpo stays or a rebuild comes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Rollins stays in Milwaukee through the summer, even if Morant trade talk comes back.
Apr 7
Stephen Curry Auctions Sneakers for Charity
Stephen Curry is auctioning more than 70 pairs of sneakers he wore during the 2025-26 season. The Sotheby’s online auction runs from April 13-28, with all proceeds going to the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation Curry co-founded with Ayesha. Curry became a sneaker free agent after leaving Under Armour in November, ending a partnership that started after he left Nike in 2013. He used the season to wear throwbacks tied to Warriors opponents and current signature shoes from Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Anthony Edwards and others. He also honored NBA and WNBA stars. Now those pairs can help fund food, literacy and safe places for kids. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Curry’s most personal tribute pairs will draw the biggest bids.
Apr 7
Bucks To Decide Doc Rivers Future Soon
Bucks governors Jimmy Haslam and Wes Edens are expected to decide Doc Rivers’ future in the next week, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Milwaukee is 31-47 this season, and Rivers is 96-100 since taking over during the 2023-24 season. The Bucks made the playoffs in his first two seasons, but lost to Indiana in the first round both times. Giannis Antetokounmpo played only 36 games because of injury, and Milwaukee went 17-19 when he did play. Charania reports Bucks decision-makers expect a likely Giannis trade this offseason. If the front office is about to break up the core, it makes sense to decide whether Doc should be part of the next version of the team. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Bucks move on from Doc Rivers if Giannis gets traded.
Apr 7
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Nuggets Pass Lakers For No. 3 Seed
Denver stormed back against Portland on Monday, scoring 38 in the fourth quarter and winning overtime 12-7 to grab the West’s No. 3 seed from the Lakers. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are 51-28, ahead of the 50-28 Lakers and 49-29 Rockets. Los Angeles is without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and Houston can tie them if it beats Phoenix while the Lakers lose to Oklahoma City on Tuesday. In the East, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Orlando are all 43-36 with three games left, only a half-game behind Toronto for sixth. The Sixers lost to San Antonio, while Orlando beat Detroit. Denver looks lined up for Minnesota in Round 1, while the Lakers could slide into a tough matchup with Houston. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Denver holds the No. 3 seed and gets Minnesota in the first round.
Apr 7
Grant Williams Backs Tatum and Brown Fit
Grant Williams pushed back on the talk that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can’t fully work together. Williams, who played with both from 2019-23, told Jay King of The Athletic, “It’s the same dumb s--t they’ve been talking about since I was here.” He said the Celtics stars have shown they add to each other’s games and share the same goal: winning. Tatum returns Friday against the Dallas Mavericks at 7 p.m. ET after missing games since May 2025 with a ruptured Achilles. Boston is already 41-21 and No. 2 in the East despite losing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis in the 2025 offseason. Brown has carried a huge load with 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The duo has made the playoffs every year together and won the 2024 title. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Tatum and Brown will need a few games to sync up, but Boston will look dangerous fast.
Apr 7
Warriors Pursued Giannis, Kawhi, Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Warriors checked on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne reported. They missed on all three, then sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis. Jackson landed with Utah, while Giannis and Kawhi stayed put. Golden State needed frontcourt help after Jimmy Butler tore his ACL, but Porziņģis has played just one game because of an illness. Kuminga has taken off in Atlanta, averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in three games. The Warriors are 32-30 and sit eighth in the West. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Porziņģis will need to get healthy fast if Golden State wants to avoid the play-in.
Apr 7
Victor Wembanyama Out With Rib Contusion
Victor Wembanyama won’t return Monday against the 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion in the first half. He played 16 minutes, but will get a near-miss exception toward the 65-game mark for postseason awards. Wembanyama has played 62 games and is averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks. The Spurs have been careful with Victor after earlier calf and knee injuries, plus the deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder that limited him to 46 games in 2024-25. San Antonio is 59-19 and second in the West, so there’s no reason to rush him back. Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk would handle more minutes if he misses time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Victor gets the rest he needs and is back before the Spurs’ playoff push gets serious.
Apr 6
Joakim Noah Says He Hated LeBron James
Joakim Noah said he couldn’t stand LeBron James when the Bulls and Cavaliers were battling in the playoffs. “I hated this guy,” Noah told NBAT2 while revisiting Cleveland. He said he hated LeBron’s haircut, interviews, and pretty much everything else about him. The feeling came from real postseason losses. Cleveland beat Chicago 4-1 in the 2009-10 first round, then knocked Noah and the Bulls out in six games in the 2014-15 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Noah also stood by his old Cleveland comments, saying they came after “a hard-fought battle” and he doesn’t regret them. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Noah and LeBron will laugh about all this the next time they cross paths.
Apr 6
Bulls Fire Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley
The Bulls fired Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley on Monday after six seasons without real progress. ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported a growing disconnect over the team’s direction, especially after trading Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. One team source said, “People didn't know the plan. They didn't know the process.” Chicago went 224-254 under Karnišovas, with a first-round exit as its best result. Billy Donovan and ownership were reportedly hesitant to tank, which kept the Bulls chasing play-in spots instead of building through the draft. The next front office has to pick a clear direction fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Chicago’s next basketball boss will finally commit to a full rebuild.
Apr 6
Lakers Risk Losing Home Court Without Luka
The NBA’s final week is here, and the biggest race is out West. Detroit has locked up the No. 1 seed in the East, while Oklahoma City and San Antonio are still fighting for the West’s top spot. The Clippers, Trail Blazers, and Warriors are headed to the play-in. Phoenix is three games behind Minnesota with four left. The Lakers are also in danger after Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves missed Sunday’s 134-128 loss to Dallas. Los Angeles is only one game ahead of Houston for fourth, so home court in Round 1 isn’t safe. In the East, just two games separate sixth-place Philadelphia from 10th-place Miami. The Heat have two games in Toronto, while the Sixers face San Antonio and Houston. A play-in team could still grab a top-six spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Lakers fall into the No. 5 spot, and Houston steals home court.
Apr 6
Michael Malone Takes North Carolina Job
Michael Malone is taking the North Carolina job after more than two decades in the NBA, even though Pete Nakos of On3 reports he was a top target for the Pelicans. Malone last coached in college as a Manhattan assistant in 2001. He coached the Kings from 2013 to 2014, then led Denver from 2015 until he was fired 79 games into last season with the Nuggets at 47-32. Malone won Denver’s first NBA title in 2023 and made the playoffs six times. Now he becomes UNC’s first head coach without ties to the program in 74 years. The Tar Heels wanted a big swing after firing Hubert Davis, and they got an NBA championship coach. New Orleans has one fewer option in its coaching search. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Malone’s NBA background will help UNC land players who want a pro-style setup.
Apr 6
Cade Cunningham Could Return Before Playoffs
Cade Cunningham is making enough progress from his collapsed lung that there’s “optimism” he can return before the season ends, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today. Cade worked out on the court Monday and will be evaluated daily. He hasn’t played since March 17, when he was hurt diving for a loose ball against the Wizards. Detroit is 57-21, has clinched the East’s top seed, and has four regular-season games left before the playoffs start April 18. Cade’s 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game would be a huge boost for a Pistons team chasing a deep run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Cade gets at least one regular-season tune-up before Detroit opens the playoffs.
Apr 6
Giannis Wants to Play With Brothers
Giannis Antetokounmpo is trying to ramp up this week and wants to play with Thanasis and Alex before the regular season ends, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Giannis has been out since March 15, while the Bucks have been eliminated from playoff contention with four games left. Charania said Giannis wants to play, but the Bucks want to shut him down. The NBA is investigating how Milwaukee handled his injury status, and there’s disagreement over his return-to-play work. Giannis is under contract through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28, so how this ends could matter beyond this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis gets one more game with his brothers before Milwaukee shuts things down.
Apr 6
AJ Dybantsa Leads 2026 Draft Class
AJ Dybantsa looks like the clear favorite for the No. 1 pick as the NBA draft lottery nears. Kevin O'Connor says the 6'9" freshman led the nation in scoring, while Jonathan Wasserman believes his case has “the fewest holes.” Cameron Boozer is viewed as one of the safest bets in the class, and Darryn Peterson still has the talent to push for the top spot. Peterson’s medical report could decide a lot. O'Connor wrote that teams have concerns after his cramping, missed time and uneven Kansas season, but also said his tools and skill “just screams superstar.” Wasserman and Sam Vecenie still have Peterson going No. 2, while Boozer’s shooting, passing and versatility could make him a high-level NBA scorer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Dybantsa goes No. 1, but Peterson is the guy fans will argue about all summer.
Apr 6
Stephen Curry Scores 29 In Warriors Return
Stephen Curry returned from a 27-game knee injury absence with 29 points, but the Warriors lost 117-116 to the Rockets on Sunday. His 30-foot buzzer-beater rimmed out. Kevin Durant, who scored 31, said he was nervous watching it fly. Curry came off the bench, shared the floor with brother Seth Curry, and played 29 minutes after an initial plan for about 24. Golden State is 36-42 and almost locked into the 10th seed, so Curry’s ramp-up is all about the play-in next week. Steve Kerr said Steph “looked amazing” against Amen Thompson and believes the Warriors are back in the fight with him available. Anthony Slater reported Curry is likely to play three of the final four regular-season games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Steph hits a huge late shot in the play-in, and Golden State makes it interesting.
Apr 6
Dusty May Expected to Draw NBA Interest
Dusty May is expected to get NBA interest this offseason, according to The Athletic's Brendan Marks. May reportedly told Michigan he won't consider other college jobs after turning down North Carolina interest, but NBA openings could be different. May has Michigan in Monday night's national championship game against UConn and owns a 63-13 record in two seasons. He also went 126-69 at Florida Atlantic, including a 2022-23 Final Four run. NBA teams often look at hot college coaches, and May could pop up in searches if jobs open after the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: May listens to NBA calls, but stays at Michigan unless a really good situation opens up.
Apr 6
Michael Malone Reportedly Hired By North Carolina
North Carolina plans to hire former Nuggets coach Michael Malone as its next head coach, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. Malone spent 10 seasons in Denver, went 471-327, made six straight playoffs, and won the 2023 NBA title. He was fired in April 2025 and has worked as an ESPN analyst since. The Tar Heels moved on from Hubert Davis after a March 24 loss to VCU. Tommy Lloyd stayed at Arizona, Dusty May withdrew, and Billy Donovan wanted to finish the Bulls’ regular season, which ends April 12. Now Malone gets a totally different job: turning UNC back into a title threat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Malone’s NBA structure will make UNC a much tougher team right away.
Apr 6
Bulls Fire Arturas Karnisovas, Marc Eversley
The Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on Monday. The move follows Chicago’s 29-49 season, which ended any chance of reaching the Play-In Tournament. Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf had reportedly been weighing both executives’ futures before making the call. Now Chicago needs new leadership to decide what comes next for the roster and the franchise’s direction. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Bulls’ next front office will have some tough roster calls waiting on day one.
Apr 6
LeBron Praises Cooper Flagg After 45 Point Game
Cooper Flagg scored 45 points as the Mavericks beat the Lakers 134-128 on Sunday night. LeBron James had 30 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, but he also praised Flagg and Jason Kidd after the game. LeBron said Kidd was unfairly criticized for letting Flagg handle point guard duties early in the season. Flagg had some rough moments as Dallas' main ball-handler while Kyrie Irving recovered from a torn ACL before being shut down for the season. Back at forward, Flagg has taken off. The 2025 No. 1 pick scored a career-high 51 points against Orlando on Friday, then followed it with 45 against Los Angeles as he pushes for Rookie of the Year. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Flagg keeps this heater going and makes the Rookie of the Year race very uncomfortable down the stretch.
Apr 6
Nikola Vucevic Out Three To Four Weeks
Nikola Vučević fractured his right ring finger against the Mavericks on Friday and had surgery Saturday, the Celtics announced. He’ll be reevaluated in three-to-four weeks. Vučević played less than two minutes before Boston ruled him out. He had been averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes since arriving from Chicago on Feb. 3. Boston sent Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Bulls for Vučević, and he quickly gave the Celtics needed spacing and rebounding. The timing hurts with Jayson Tatum making his season debut against Dallas after his ruptured Achilles. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza will now carry more of the center minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Queta gets a real chance to lock down the starting center spot while Vučević is out.
Apr 6
LeBron James Reflects on NBA Retirement
LeBron James says he wants his NBA retirement to feel like a celebration, not a loss. He told Melissa Rohlin of the California Post that he wants to celebrate the moments, the love, and everything he’s put into the game. LeBron is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 44 games, but hasn’t said if he’ll return after his Lakers contract expires this summer. There’s still speculation about a Cleveland return, with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reporting “rampant speculation” about a reunion and possible farewell tour. But Dan Woike of The Athletic says people around LeBron don’t know what he’ll decide. For now, the Lakers are 37-25 and No. 6 in the West heading into Friday’s game against Indiana. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron waits until after the Lakers’ playoff run before making any call on next season.
Apr 6
Jayson Tatum Returns for Celtics vs Mavericks
Jayson Tatum is back. The Celtics star will start Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden, his first NBA game since tearing his Achilles in Game 4 of last spring’s Eastern Conference semifinal against the Knicks. Tatum had surgery May 13 and returns 10 months later. “I might be emotional, but I’ll be excited,” he told People’s Eileen Finan. Boston is 41-21 and sits second in the East with 20 games left. Joe Mazzulla said he had “no idea” about a minutes limit, while ESPN’s Jorge Sedano reported none. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Tatum could be eased in, and Brett Siegel reported a 20-minute range. The Celtics need him healthy and sharp before the playoffs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Tatum gets his rhythm back before April 12 and gives Boston a real shot at another deep run.
Apr 6
Adam Silver Plans Tanking Rule Changes
Adam Silver says the NBA will make “substantial” rule changes before next season to fight tanking. He ruled out separating team records from draft position, but said the league’s current incentives are “misaligned.” The NBA already fined the Jazz $500,000 and Pacers $100,000 over player availability decisions. The pressure is real with the 2026 draft class. Brian Windhorst said an executive valued the No. 1 pick at $100 million. Silver hasn’t shared the exact plan, though ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported one idea could make wins later in the season count more toward lottery odds. The Bucks bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo back also showed how weird the current setup can get. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The NBA adds a late-season lottery rule that gives teams more reason to keep winning.
Apr 6