NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 16, 2025
Chris Paul Jeff Van Gundy Plane Dispute Sparks Clippers Split
Merlin sees the Clippers cut ties with veteran guard Chris Paul after a heated exchange with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy on a team flight. Van Gundy accused Paul of changing Kawhi Leonard's defensive assignment in a loss, and Paul reportedly stood up and asked Leonard and Kris Dunn to confirm he only made a suggestion. Reports say the team "decided they'd finally had enough" and Paul wrote he had been "sent home" after appearing in just 16 games while the Clippers sit 6 20 and 14th in the West. Merlin notes that Paul is a future Hall of Famer and a proven leader, yet leadership can clash when a roster is crowded with strong personalities. The split feels less about one play and more about frayed patience on a team that expected better this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul signing with a playoff contender before the trade deadline this season: 40%.
Chris Paul Benched Amid Clippers Culture Clash
Two weeks after the Clippers said Chris Paul would no longer be part of the team, ESPN reports the split grew from repeated clashes over culture and communication. Paul raised concerns after the Nov. 6 loss, noting a "lack of conversation in the group text chat and the lack of time the players spent together off the court." Lawrence Frank told him his "style wasn't in line with what they needed it to be" and that his leadership was "being perceived as subversive rather than helpful." Paul was removed from the rotation, sent home, and is now trade eligible. Merlin sees a seasoned voice running into a locker room that wanted quiet instead of questions. At 21 seasons and averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists, Paul is more voice than minutes. The Clippers chose cohesion over tolerance for friction. Expect discreet trade talks and an end of season decision on a likely retirement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Paul being traded before the deadline: 40%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Stunned as Clippers Cut Ties
Chris Paul was "stunned" when the Clippers sent him home and tried to "plead his case." President Lawrence Frank told him in Atlanta and would not change course. ESPN cites tension with coach Ty Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy and "complaints from both players and coaches that he was abrasive" as reasons. Paul is training at the team's old facility while he pursues a trade or a buyout. Merlin sees a veteran whose value outlives the drama. At 40 years old Paul remains a surefire Hall of Famer whose leadership and playmaking can help contenders, but teams will weigh chemistry risk after these reports. With supporters like Kawhi Leonard and Brook Lopez, the situation could still resolve quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul is bought out before the trade deadline: 60%.
Dec 16
Raptors, Hawks Circle Anthony Davis as Mavericks Hold Out
Merlin sees Toronto and Atlanta as the two teams most inquiring about Dallas star Anthony Davis, though optimism is thin. Marc Stein reports he is "not hearing much optimism at the moment that Atlanta can get anywhere near a package that would tempt Dallas." The Mavericks are demanding significant return and are "not at all interested in just shedding Davis' contract," while sources say there "doesn't seem to be much of a market." Davis carries a $54.1 million salary that makes trades messy. Merlin adds that Atlanta would likely need to include Trae Young or Kristaps Porziņģis to make numbers work, and Toronto’s willingness will hinge on its spot in the East as the deadline nears. Dallas sits 10 and 17 and could soften if it drifts out of contention, especially with Dereck Lively II out for the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb 5, 2026 season trade deadline: 20%.
Dec 16
Chris Paul Sent Home by Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul’s reunion with the Clippers ended abruptly in December when the team sent him home and said he was no longer with the club. The split followed friction over a framed "reserve" role that teammates feared would disrupt minutes. Paul reportedly agreed to the outline but wanted to compete and to be "an extension of the coaching staff," and some players and coaches felt he crossed lines. Merlin sees a familiar script. Paul is a brilliant floor general who "wears you out," insisting on his view until others bend, and that intensity helps teams while straining locker rooms. The Clippers, at six wins and 20 losses, now face a roster decision: trade, waive or buy him out, and the handling of his exit has left a sour aftertaste. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul is traded or bought out within 30 days: 70%.
Dec 16
Cooper Flagg Shatters LeBron James Teenage Record, Mavericks Lose
Cooper Flagg exploded for 42 points Monday, the most ever by an 18 year old in an NBA game, topping LeBron James 2003 mark of 37, yet the Mavericks fell 140 133 in overtime to Utah. Flagg called the night bittersweet, saying "Obviously, we didn't win. So, it's tough for me to want to be happy or any of that. But obviously, it's a success." He has scored 20 or more in five of seven games and is averaging 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the season, putting him in Rookie of the Year conversation. Merlin sees a rare talent settling into the league with the calm of a veteran and the flash of a rising star. The numbers nod to historic peers like Kevin Durant and James, yet Dallas remains 10th in the West at 10 17 and short on health. If the roster ever aligns, Flagg could carry a contender, but for now he is the bright lantern in a foggy caravan. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 55%.
Dec 16
Ime Udoka Rips Refs After Jokic Sengun Triple Doubles
Ime Udoka blasted the officiating after the Rockets lost 128 125 in overtime, calling it "most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time" and naming refs Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls and crew chief Zach Zarba. A late call on Amen Thompson for tripping Tim Hardaway Jr with 2.3 seconds, upheld on challenge, sent Jamal Murray to the line and forced overtime. The game had 53 fouls and 59 free throws. Nikola Jokić (39 15 10) and Alperen Şengün (33 10 10) became the first two centers to record triple doubles in one game. Merlin notes the league rarely lets coaches attack refs without consequence. Udoka can expect a fine. The contest still mattered on the court: it confirmed Denver and Houston as Western contenders and produced rare center history. If whistles keep deciding outcomes, the debate will only grow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ime Udoka is fined for his comments: 90%.
Dec 16
Cooper Flagg's 42 Topples LeBron 18 Year Record
Merlin sees Cooper Flagg make a loud entry into the record books. The No. 1 pick poured in a career high 42 points in a 140 133 overtime loss to Utah, with seven rebounds and six assists on 13 of 27 shooting and 15 of 20 from the free throw line. His scoring night passed LeBron James for a single game mark by an 18 year old and put Flagg third all time in points before turning 19, behind LeBron and Kobe Bryant. Merlin notes the timing adds drama. Flagg hit 20 before halftime and now has just two games left before his 19th birthday, with Dallas hosting Detroit Thursday and visiting Philadelphia Saturday. History is a bright spotlight but not a guarantee; the rookie has shown elite scoring instincts that the Mavericks can either harness or watch fade as teams adjust. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg having another 40 point game before his 19th birthday: 30%.
Dec 16
Can Knicks Stop Wembanyama in NBA Cup?
The Knicks and Spurs meet in the NBA Cup final, a rematch of last season's Christmas Day game where Victor Wembanyama exploded for 42 points and dominated the box score. Josh Hart warns "He can shoot the hell out of the basketball, that's what I learned" and called him "He's multifaceted." Wembanyama missed big chunks of the season with a calf issue but scored 22 points in 21 minutes in the semifinal, so New York must find a way to limit his impact. Merlin sees this as a battle of momentum and matchups. New York enters red hot at 9-1 in its last 10 while San Antonio carries confidence after toppling the Thunder. If Wembanyama is anything less than fully available the balance tilts to the Knicks. Expect tactical adjustments and heavy focus on containment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning the NBA Cup this game: 60%.
Dec 15
Curry Lights Up as Green Turnovers Hurt Warriors
Draymond Green said he is "Too f---ing old to be doing that" after a loss to Portland in which he had eight turnovers and the Warriors committed 18 overall. Stephen Curry still poured in 48 points, but Golden State ranks 24th in turnovers per game at 16 and 20th in offensive rating, and are 13 wins and 14 losses as they try to climb back into the playoff mix. Merlin sees a veteran admitting fault and offering a rare public reset. Green can be the defensive and emotional engine the team needs, but careless reads keep turning promising nights into losses. If he tightens his decision making the Warriors can turn Curry nights into wins. If not, their margin for error will keep shrinking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State making the playoffs this season: 50%.
Dec 15
Lakers Assign Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero to G League
Los Angeles has assigned second year guard Dalton Knecht and rookie forward Adou Thiero to the South Bay Lakers. Knecht, the 17th pick in 2024, is averaging 6.4 points in 15.1 minutes while shooting 47.1 percent overall and 36.2 percent from three in 20 games. Thiero has appeared in nine games at about six minutes and 1.1 points, though he scored 15.5 in two prior South Bay outings. The move comes amid an 18 wins and 7 losses start that has the Lakers fourth in the West. Merlin sees roster chess, not panic. With veteran rotation spots locked and a title window open, Los Angeles is using the G League to develop depth and create roster flexibility. Knecht can refine his role or become tradeable depth, while Thiero can earn a quick call up with strong play. Expect the front office to hunt a reliable 3 and D body before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers adding a 3 and D player before the trade deadline: 60%.
Dec 15
Chris Paul Trade Window Opens for Clippers
Dec. 15 made 79 recent free agents eligible to be traded, and among them is Chris Paul. He was sent home by the Clippers but remains on the roster and now can be moved. Paul said "I don't regret anything" and that he is "excited to be back here with my family." Reports say his "leadership style clashed with the Clippers" and he and Tyronn Lue "had not been on speaking terms for several weeks." Merlin sees a restless club and a veteran whose final season is a ticking question. Teams chasing a veteran floor general will call, but trade value is mixed given age and roster fit. Los Angeles may prefer a deal to reclaim assets rather than keep a fractured rotation, yet a fair return must appear first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers trading Chris Paul before the deadline: 60%.
Dec 15
Lakers Should Pounce on Keon Ellis Trade
The trade window opens and the Lakers are eager but short on chips. They want more spacing and perimeter defense, yet key targets like Herb Jones are "presumed to be beyond the Lakers' current trade means," so Los Angeles must hunt cheaper help. Keon Ellis emerges as a realistic target: a proven defender whose minutes and numbers have dipped and who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Merlin sees a classic low cost high reward play. Ellis has career shooting splits that suggest he can rebound with a steadier role, and the Lakers can offer cleaner looks and a defensive fit around their scorers. A modest move for a role player could ripple into a bigger playoff picture if the fit clicks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing Keon Ellis this season: 35%.
Dec 15
Paul George Finally Healthy, Sixers Still Shaky
Paul George looks like a new man for the Sixers after a rough 2024 25 season. He scored 35 with seven threes in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta and said simply "Just been healthier." After playing only 41 games last year he is off a minutes restriction and has hit 20 or more points in three of four games. Philadelphia is 14 11 despite ongoing health issues to key pieces. Merlin sees the picture clearly. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George are a fragile constellation right now, and Philly’s ceiling depends on them aligning. Maxey’s 31.5 points per game and rookie VJ Edgecombe give the club hope, but health will cast the deciding vote. George’s line "I didn't see myself being washed that fast" shows the hunger. Expect bumps and bursts as the season unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Sixers making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Dec 15
Stephen Curry Wears Three Shoes, Scores 48 for Warriors
Stephen Curry fully embraced sneaker free agency in Sunday’s 136 to 131 loss at Portland, changing shoes three times from pregame to tip off. He wore Brandon Roy player editions into the arena, Aja Wilson’s shoe for warmups, and Kobe Bryant Protros for the game. Curry and Under Armour parted ways in November and "the Curry 13s will be the final addition to his signature line," leaving him free to test brands while he has not "tipped his hand." He still delivered 48 points and hit 12 of 19 from three, but the Warriors slid to 13 14 and eighth in the West. Merlin sees equal parts commerce and theater. Curry’s public shoe parade is a live audition that raises his market value, and his scoring shows teams and brands they would buy more than a logo. For Golden State the story is dual edged: the star stays brilliant as the roster looks for help. Expect a bidding war that plays out like a slow reveal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs with Nike this season: 70%.
Dec 15
Donovan Mitchell Owns Cavs Booing After Hornets Loss
Merlin sees Donovan Mitchell owning the fallout after a 119 111 overtime loss to the Hornets, telling reporters "We deserve it" as fans booed at Rocket Arena. He added "the city deserves better." Mitchell shot 6 of 24 and 1 of 11 from three, Jarrett Allen had just three rebounds, and now Evan Mobley could miss up to four weeks with a calf strain. The Cavs sit 15 12 and have not pushed past the Eastern Conference semifinals since their core formed. A 64 win season still ended in a five game loss to Indiana, and regular season wobble has turned patience into unease. Merlin warns that with Mobley out and confidence thin, even a soft stretch of opponents is no sure fix. How Cleveland responds in the coming weeks will reveal whether they regroup or drift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers finishing top four in the East this season: 25%.
Dec 15
Brooks Ejected, LeBron Lifts Lakers Past Suns
Merlin sees a fresh flare in the Lakers Suns rivalry after a heated finish where Dillon Brooks hit a go ahead three but was ejected for a second technical after squaring up to LeBron with 12.2 seconds left. LeBron made the free throws and Los Angeles won 116 114. He shrugged it off saying "I just like to compete" and backed the call with "That's definitely a tech." Merlin knows Brooks loves the villain role, the same player who once boasted "I poke bears" and called LeBron "old." That posture can spark games and sometimes backfire, as Jarred Vanderbilt said "Tonight, it cost him." Officials will be keyed in the next meetings, and Dec 23 already smells of extra spice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brooks being ejected again while matching up with LeBron this season: 25%.
Dec 15
Mock Blockbuster Sends Giannis To Knicks
Merlin sees a full speed run of trade season imagined as if the deadline were today. The piece maps realistic swaps for every franchise, pitching moves from Anthony Davis to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis and picks to a fantasy Giannis to New York. It notes that "the market is officially open" as most teams become trade eligible and front offices know what they can and cannot chase. Merlin senses this exercise is less about predicting exact deals and more about revealing priorities. Teams are chasing defense, spacing and tradable assets while juggling injuries and salary math. Some proposals are pure wishful thinking, others are blueprints a savvy front office could follow. Keep an ear on the whispers that turn into formal calls as February nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 8%.”)
Dec 15
Lakers Pursue Keon Ellis and Herb Jones Before Deadline
The Lakers plan to be active before the trade deadline and are prioritizing a 3 and D wing, per Marc Stein. Stein wrote Los Angeles "would naturally like to be in the 3 and D market," which he says is "headlined" by Keon Ellis, while Herb Jones is "presumed to be beyond the Lakers' current trade means." The club wants players around the ages of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to balance present contention with future control. Merlin sees a team at 17 and 7 that wants a tidy defensive piece more than a splashy star. Ellis has lost minutes this year after a larger role last season, while Jones brings steadier production at a higher cost. The market is thin, so the Lakers may chase a cheaper, younger option or trade creatively to land a fit who can guard and space the floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers adding a 3 and D player before the deadline: 65%.
Dec 15
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline: Bucks Stay Silent
Giannis Antetokounmpo could be moved ahead of the February trade deadline, but for now there is little activity. Marc Stein reports "Interested teams continue to wait for the Bucks to signal that they've made Antetokounmpo available. To date Milwaukee has not and has even countered with whispered messaging that it remains in the market for roster upgrades to help Antetokounmpo." Stein also says several clubs, including the Spurs Rockets and Thunder, "do not plan to join the chase" even if the Bucks open talks, though some teams expect Milwaukee to field pitches in January ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin sees the league holding its breath. Trading a two time MVP would start a full rebuild and feels unlikely unless Giannis himself pushes for it. Milwaukee is still signaling commitment to upgrade around him, so any move would need to be seismic. The story will turn on whispers in January and one clear ask. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 14
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%.
Dec 14
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