NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 18, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo Denies Trade Talks Amid Bucks Turmoil
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he has not personally talked with the Bucks about a trade, telling reporters "I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks" and "I'm still locked in. Locked in on my teammates." He allowed his agent might be in discussions. Giannis has been out since Dec. 3 with a calf injury, and Milwaukee sit 11 wins and 16 losses, so his availability is central to any realistic playoff hopes. Merlin sees smoke and a crossroad. Reporters like Shams Charania say "the writing is on the wall" and that Antetokounmpo and his representation "opened discussions." If he returns healthy and the Bucks improve, the rumors cool. If the team stalls, those conversations will grow louder as the Feb 5 deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
James Harden Trade Heat: Timberwolves Circling
Merlin sees the Clippers slide has put James Harden squarely into trade chatter. NBA insiders say teams are watching Harden's status as he chases late career goals at age 36, with Marc Stein relaying that an observer is monitoring him and Zach Lowe noting "vultures are circling" for other Los Angeles assets. Harden is still producing 26.0 points and 8.1 assists, but the Clippers sit 14th in the West at 6 20 as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. Merlin notes Los Angeles publicly insists it does not want to "blow it up" so any Harden deal would signal a quick pivot to rebuilding. If a contender like Minnesota, which seeks a true playmaker, strikes, Harden could be a playoff catalyst. At his age and with a ring on the mind, he may push for a move if the fit is right. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden being traded by Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 18
Jazz Keep Lauri Markkanen While Spurs Grizzlies Pistons Circle
Merlin sees the Jazz still view Lauri Markkanen as part of their long term future, according to Michael Scotto. Executives have named the Spurs, Grizzlies and Pistons as potential landing spots, with San Antonio still holding assets even after acquiring De'Aaron Fox. Markkanen has made just 34.8 percent of his threes over the last two seasons, yet his floor spacing would complement Victor Wembanyama and could thrive with better playmaker support. Merlin senses Memphis has the draft capital to push for him and that the Grizzlies may need reinforcements around Ja Morant and the nucleus led by Jaren Jackson Jr. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff "was fond of their time together" but Detroit may opt for patience. The Jazz are no closer to a deal, and a rushed trade could backfire. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lauri Markkanen being traded before the next trade deadline: 25%.
Dec 18
Jaylen Brown Insists He'd Beat Stephen Curry One on One
Jaylen Brown told Twitch cohost DDG he would "for sure" beat Stephen Curry in a one on one, saying "It’s like weight classes" and "He’s too small." Brown points to a clear size and strength edge at 6 foot 6 and 223 pounds and notes Curry has not been known as a dominant defender. The comment drew attention because it frames a classic clash of power versus pinpoint shooting. Merlin sees the trade offs. Curry can end a game in a blink with off the dribble shooting and elite range, while Brown can bully inside and defend physically. Alone on the court, Curry’s quick release is lethal, but Brown’s strength could make life hard in the post. It would be a close, entertaining duel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brown beating Curry in a one on one: 40%.
Dec 18
Trae Young Returns From Sprained MCL for Hawks vs Hornets
Merlin sees Trae Young returning from a sprained MCL for Thursday’s game against the Hornets, a welcome restoration of Atlanta’s chief playmaker. The Hawks went 13-9 without him, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson keeping the team competitive, so Atlanta is not collapsing into chaos on his return. Young’s presence will immediately change shot distribution and offensive flow. Merlin notes Atlanta sits 15-12 and a game off third in a crowded East. Be ready for a short window of adjustment as roles shift, but expect more assists and more field goal attempts from Trae. The Hawks showed they can win without him, yet Young raises their ceiling and makes them a more dangerous team when chemistry clicks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta finishes in the top six of the East this season: 55%.
Dec 18
Luka Doncic Dominant for Lakers But Demands More
Luka Dončić has been overwhelming the league for the Lakers, pacing the NBA at 34.7 points while also leading in free throw attempts and posting 8.8 assists. Yet Luka told ESPN "I don't think so. I think I have to play better," singled out defense, turnovers, efficiency, rebounds and assists as areas to improve. At 26 and playing alongside LeBron, he is already the face of the Lakers and his self critique raises the stakes for the rest of the league. Merlin sees a player sharpening his tools. Luka admitting flaws is a warning to opponents more than a confession. If he tightens defense and cleans up turnovers he becomes nearly impossible to stop, and Los Angeles shifts from hopeful to feared. Watch how the Lakers adjust role and cover so Luka can keep piling up numbers without costing the team. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka Dončić winning MVP this season: 45%.
Dec 18
Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga Back On Trade Block
Jonathan Kuminga could be back on the market once he is eligible to be dealt on Jan 15, and he is "considered one of the top trade candidates across the league in the eyes of NBA executives." Golden State rejected summer offers because they wanted an unprotected first round pick, but Kuminga's production has slipped to 12.4 points this year after a 16.1 point breakout and a playoff burst when Curry was out. The Warriors are in win now mode and might move him for a player who helps immediately. Merlin sees curious suitors like the Kings quietly watching, the Suns cooling off, and the Pelicans still unclear. Kuminga would likely thrive on a rebuilding team that gives him more opportunity. If the Warriors can land immediate help they will part with potential; if not, Kuminga must prove he can be a steady No 3 option. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jonathan Kuminga being traded this season: 45%.
Dec 18
Brunson Unanimous, Karl Anthony Towns Make NBA Cup All Team
The NBA announced its 2025 NBA Cup All Tournament team after the New York Knicks won the title. Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns made the list alongside Luka Dončić, De'Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Brunson was a "unanimous choice" on all 20 ballots after averaging 33.2 points and 5.8 assists and finishing the 124 113 final with 25 points and eight assists. Towns posted a double double, while Dončić averaged 36.2 points 7.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists but drew just 11 votes after the Lakers exited in the quarterfinals. Merlin sees a clear lesson in the voting. Team success carried as much weight as eye popping stats, which helped Brunson earn full recognition. Luka and Victor Wembanyama being left off will fuel debate about short sample honors versus sustained excellence. Expect talk about selection criteria to grow as the regular season unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brunson makes an All NBA team this season: 60%.
Dec 18
Trae Young MCL Return Puts Hawks Trade Talks On Hold
Merlin sees Atlanta is not seriously shopping Trae Young even while the All Star sits out with a sprained MCL. The Hawks "hope Young can return soon and assimilate himself with the group to see what they have." His 2026 $49 million player option looms large, and "several executives" think picking it up might be the smarter move given his injury and inconsistent team results. Merlin notes the ledger is mixed. At 27 Young still scores and creates but has long been questioned on defense and playoff impact. Atlanta is 13 9 without him, so his next games are a crossroads. A strong return could quiet doubters and revive market interest. A limp return would make the option look like a safe shelter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young opts out and tests free agency in 2026: 25%.
Dec 18
Sacramento Kings Open To Trading Sabonis LaVine DeRozan
Merlin sees the Kings pegged as the NBA team "most widely painted as Trade Deadline Sellers." Marc Stein reports Sacramento is "open to fielding trade calls on pretty much anyone on the roster outside of Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford," and executives expect the club to be "active." At 6 20 and carrying the league's sixth highest payroll, the Kings are slipping in the West and drawing interest in veterans Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Merlin notes GM Scott Perry "realistically understands that he has to undertake a multiyear rebuild" but also wants to avoid surrendering draft capital just to shed salaries. Those big contracts limit trade partners, so the team faces a tricky choice between cleaning house now or preserving picks while hoping for a turnaround. The deadline will reveal how patient Sacramento will be. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Kings trade at least one of Sabonis, LaVine or DeRozan before the deadline: 40%.
Dec 18
NBA Solution Season: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, Luka Doncic Exposed
Dec 15 began solution season, when most offseason signees became trade eligible and teams finally widened their roster options. The piece pokes at every franchise to find the central flaw, from Atlanta's turnover spike without Trae Young and Boston's three heavy, free throw light offense to Giannis Antetokounmpo's strained calf that now clouds any blockbuster trade plan. Merlin sees a league at a crossroads. Some teams will sell assets while they can, others will overvalue short term heaters, and a few will trade spasms into long term pain. Watch the Suns and Bucks closest: Phoenix must decide whether to turn hot starts into future pieces, and Milwaukee waits for Giannis to show his true status before the market moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds the Phoenix Suns trade Dillon Brooks before the February deadline: 60%."
Dec 18
Spurs Knicks NBA Cup Final Could Move to College Arenas
Merlin sees the NBA weighing a fresh stage for the NBA Cup Finals. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league and Amazon Prime are discussing moving future championship games to unique locations, even storied college arenas like Allen Fieldhouse or Cameron Indoor Stadium. With the T Mobile Arena contract ending and semifinals moving back to team arenas next season, the Cup could look and feel very different. Merlin heard Silver say, "They have suggested, for example, some like storied college arenas. We're just looking at other ways we could do this." For the high school fan Merlin conjures a packed college gym where history and tight sightlines turn each possession into theater. Such a change would alter travel, broadcast staging and the Cup s aura while giving fans a new kind of energy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA stages a Cup Final in a college arena within two seasons: 30%.
Dec 18
Kevin Garnett Returns Home as Timberwolves Retire No 21
Kevin Garnett is reuniting with the Minnesota Timberwolves in an all encompassing role that covers business community efforts and content for the Wolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and the franchise will finally retire his No 21. He had a public falling out with former owner Glen Taylor, even calling him a "snake," but rebuilt relations with new owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, opening the door for this homecoming. Merlin sees a homecoming that fits young NBA fan. KG is the franchise leader in games points rebounds assists blocks and steals and was the 2004 MVP, so his return brings instant credibility and a cultural reset. Expect ceremonies and boosted community work more than sudden roster upheaval, but having Garnett on the business and cultural side will reshape the team's story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Garnett's No 21 being retired this season: 95%.
Dec 18
Heat Gauges Wiggins Trade As Lakers Bucks Circle
Merlin sees Miami has quietly "gauged the trade market" for Andrew Wiggins. The veteran is averaging 16.6 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 38.0 percent from three, but the Heat, who were not "in a rush to move Wiggins" in July, sit 14 12 and eighth in the East, so the front office may now be more receptive. His $28.2 million salary and $30.2 million player option for 2026 27 make any deal complicated. Merlin notes Wiggins is not the same two way standout from Golden State, yet he still boosts teams needing defense and corner threes. Los Angeles fits on paper and Milwaukee has shown past interest, though both sides must weigh assets and contract cost. Expect calls to intensify as contenders chase depth and Miami tests the market for tangible returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miami trading Wiggins this season: 40%.
Dec 18
Mavericks Favor Keeping Anthony Davis as Flagg Surges
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward keeping Anthony Davis rather than trading him. Michael Scotto reports league sources saying "The Mavericks are currently evaluating how Davis returns to form, develops chemistry with [2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg], and how much he impacts the team's chances at winning." Dallas is 10 17 and 12th in the West. Davis has played 11 games and the Mavs are 6 5 with him. GM Nico Harrison was fired after a 3 8 start. Merlin notes Flagg's rapid rise, capped by a 42 point game, and Kyrie Irving's expected return from a torn ACL. Keeping Davis preserves a core to grow together and gives Dallas time to judge fit before moving pieces. If health and chemistry click, patience could turn early chaos into a late season push. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mavericks keep Davis through the trade deadline: 60%.
Dec 18
Bucks Insist Giannis Antetokounmpo Not For Sale
Merlin sees the trade chatter around Giannis Antetokounmpo but notes Milwaukee is not planning to move him. Michael Scotto reports league sources saying "they want to continue building around Antetokounmpo, and he's not for sale," and rival executives added "they don't believe Milwaukee wants to move him right now." Giannis is out with a calf injury and the Bucks sit 11 to 16. Merlin predicts teams from New York to Golden State will keep watching, yet the market looks steep. Scotto noted Jalen Brunson was "off the table in trade discussions," which lowers the Knicks route. Expect Milwaukee to probe for wing upgrades while guarding its franchise star unless the Bucks fall into a deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 12%.
Dec 18
Lakers Eye Defensive Savior Herb Jones
Merlin notes the Lakers "are monitoring the trade market for a defensive wing upgrade," according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, and New Orleans wing Herb Jones is on their list. Los Angeles sits 18 7 and leads the Pacific but ranks 17th in defense at 116.7 points allowed, so adding a lockdown perimeter defender is logical as they chase consistency. Merlin sees Jones as the classic glue piece who adds steals, discipline and matchup flexibility next to LeBron and Anthony Davis. With the Pelicans struggling at 5 22, New Orleans could be open to deals, but the Lakers will need to balance cost and timing to protect their title window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers acquiring Herb Jones before the trade deadline: 30%.
Dec 18
Raptors Eyeing Lamelo Ball Trade Talks
Toronto quietly "checked in" on LaMelo Ball this summer, per HoopsHype, as the Raptors looked for a star after a 30 52 season. With Immanuel Quickley healthy and Toronto surprising at 16 11, the fit made sense then. Charlotte never seemed to bite, preferring to let its core of Ball Brandon Miller Miles Bridges and Kon Kuenppel prove itself when healthy. That quartet has logged just 66 minutes together but shows promise with a plus 8.1 net rating. Ball however has played only 247 of a possible 424 games in his career. Merlin sees Toronto testing the waters more than making a move. Charlotte can wait thanks to Ball s clear impact when on the floor and his youth. If injuries persist the Hornets may shift course, but for now patience rules. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Toronto trading for LaMelo before the deadline this season: 12%.
Dec 18
Klay Thompson Trade Talks Ignite Mavericks Market
Merlin hears the Mavericks may shop veteran wing Klay Thompson as the Feb 5 trade deadline nears. ESPN reports co interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will "explore" his market. Thompson "wants to play for a contender" but he is owed over $17 million next season, which complicates deals. The 35 year old five time All Star and four time champion has cooled in Dallas, averaging about 11 points and shooting a career worst 37 percent this season, though he has hit 40.7 percent from three over the past month. Merlin notes Dallas sits 10 17 and faces roster uncertainty with injuries, so moving Thompson for salary relief or a better fit makes sense if a team like the Lakers can make the math work. His veteran shooting and playoff pedigree still appeal, so he is trade bait, not a lock to move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Klay Thompson being traded before Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 18
LeBron James and Luka Doncic Must Fix Lakers Defense
JJ Redick has asked for more defensive effort from LeBron James and Luka Dončić, according to comments Dončić made to reporters. The Lakers sit 18 and 7 and look potent on offense with Dončić averaging 34.7 points 8.8 assists and 8.7 rebounds, and a 7 and 2 record with LeBron back after missing 14 games with sciatica. Yet Los Angeles ranks 20th in defensive rating, and that gap will be exposed against elite Western teams like Denver Oklahoma City San Antonio Houston and Minnesota. Merlin sees a brilliant offense that cannot carry every playoff series alone. Redick asking for "more defensive effort" is a call for clearer rotations and harder help defense. If LeBron can conserve energy and the team commits to effort and communication, the Lakers can climb the standings. Their quick road test in Utah will reveal how serious the fix is. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing in the West top four this season: 35%.
Dec 18
Suns Guard Dillon Brooks Ejected After LeBron James Clash
Dillon Brooks was ejected after a late altercation with LeBron James in Sunday’s Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns game, picking up a second technical with 12.2 seconds left after getting in James' face. Brooks, who had just hit a clutch three, slammed James as "a social media junkie" and argued the contact "should've been an offensive foul," though the NBA Last Two Minutes report said James' contest did not warrant a foul because Brooks extended his leg. The Lakers held on for a 116 114 win after James made two of three free throws. Merlin sees this as another episode in a long simmering rivalry that began in Memphis. Brooks thrives on provocation and it can spark momentum or self harm for his team. James defused the heat with, "I just like to compete." Their next meeting will test whether Brooks' edge wins games or costs them more. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brooks drawing another technical or ejection in the next Suns Lakers game: 35%.
Dec 17
Kevin Durant Declares He's At The Top, Rockets Last Stop
Kevin Durant told Unguarded he is "at the top," saying he can "relate to the Michael Jordans, to Kobes, LeBrons, Wilts" and that he has "mastered the game." At 37 he is averaging 24.8 points with the Rockets sitting 16 7 in the West, and Durant called Houston the "last stop" while admitting things can change. The statement is Durant staking a claim to his place among the all time greats while still carrying a contender. Merlin sees a veteran reminding the world who he is and what he aims for. The words are part confidence and part legacy work. If Durant stays healthy and the Rockets keep climbing, his claim will feel earned. If not, it will read like a last proud echo. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant retiring as a Rocket this decade: 70%.
Dec 17
Martha Stewart: Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Broke My Toe
Martha Stewart revealed that Knicks guard Jalen Brunson accidentally stepped on and broke her toe during New York's 138 135 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Stewart told Jimmy Fallon "I have the Brunson fracture. He stepped on my big toe" and said Brunson signed a basketball for her grandchild after the tumble. Merlin sees a quaint courtside mishap that says more about arena chaos than team health. Brunson has been the engine, averaging 28.8 points and 6.4 assists while the Knicks have gone 18 7 and even won the NBA Cup. The toe tale will make headlines, but Brunson's on court work is the story that will shape New York's season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 35%.
Dec 17
Kyrie Irving Surprises Mavericks With Golf Carts
Kyrie Irving surprised his Dallas teammates by gifting them golf carts, a video showed Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson taking them for a test drive, and Irving said he "would be shipping the carts to their house." Irving remains sidelined recovering from a torn ACL and has not played this season as the Mavericks sit 10 to 17, though they have won five of their last seven games and Flagg posted the first 40 point game in his career in a 140 to 133 overtime loss to Utah. Merlin senses this is more than a holiday stunt. A sidelined star who stays involved with gestures and leadership can keep a young locker room steady while healing. If Dallas keeps building on recent momentum and Irving returns healthy, the team could turn curiosity into contention, but timing and recovery will decide how high they climb. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kyrie returns to play this season and helps Dallas make the playoffs: 35%.
Dec 17
Kevin Durant Blames Curry and Lillard in All Star Game
Kevin Durant told Fred VanVleet’s Unguarded podcast that he partly blames Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard for the All Star Game’s slide, saying "I'm blaming Steph, I'm blaming Steph. It's Steph's fault. Because he come out there and shoot from half court...I'm blaming Dame too." Durant framed it lightly while pointing to a larger issue of low effort, loose defense and spectacle shots that have turned the event into pure entertainment. The league is trying a three team USA versus World round robin at the Intuit Dome on Feb 15 to freshen the product. Merlin sees the All Star Game as a glittering curtain show. Format tweaks may add intrigue for a night, but players must care for the spell to break. Expect flashes of brilliance, not a defensive revolution. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds the All Star Game shows noticeably better defense this year: 20%."
Dec 17