NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 2, 2026
LeBron James and Bronny James Spill the Tea for Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron and son Bronny trading jokes in a Lakers "Spill the Tea" clip, with LeBron admitting "I actually don't feel the residue or whatever, the leftover chalk dust" and calling media day his "welcome to the Lakers" moment. The exchange underscores their chemistry and the fact they became the first father son duo to share the court in 2024 25. On the court LeBron is still producing 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists, while Bronny has been efficient in the G League with 15.5 points and 5.0 assists on tidy shooting splits but has not carved out a steady NBA role. Merlin senses the smiles carry meaning. The family story boosts team culture and gives Bronny a rare mentor in real time. His G League numbers are a good omen, yet adapting to NBA defense and timing will decide if those sparks turn into real minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny earns a regular rotation spot this season: 35%.
Giannis and Bucks Say NBA Trade Deadline Will Fizzle
Merlin sees young fans waiting with bated breath but the league whispers a different tale. An Eastern conference executive said "I don't see an eventful trade deadline," and signs point that way. Giannis is the headline but not being shopped, and the Bucks are operating as buyers. Big salary players with injury risk like Anthony Davis are hard to move, and teams such as the Clippers have "no plans" to sell. Salary cap apron rules also clip the wings of obvious buyers. Merlin knows this piles pressure into the summer. With teams protecting picks and swap rights and avoiding salary headaches, expect fewer blockbusters before Feb 5 and more patient chess moves afterward. Small deals will happen, but the real fireworks may wait until teams have clearer room and appetite. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of an eventful trade deadline before Feb 5: 20%.
Jan 2
Rich Paul: Ben Simmons Was A Success
Rich Paul defended Ben Simmons on his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, saying "Everything that Ben wanted to happen for Ben happened for Ben." Paul pointed to Simmons' milestones: No. 1 pick, Rookie of the Year, three All Star nods, two All Defensive selections, All NBA honors and a max contract. Critics note injuries and the 2021 Game 7 non shot, but Paul reframes Simmons as a success rather than a bust. Merlin sees a tale of quick rise and stalled growth. Compared with peers like Markelle Fultz and Deandre Ayton, Simmons achieved more, yet the final chapters will decide his legacy. If he finds a clear role and adds a reliable jump shot, public opinion will warm. If not, the messy label may stick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ben Simmons is remembered as more success than failure: 60%.
Jan 2
LeBron James Crossroads: Lakers Free Agency Retirement
Merlin sees LeBron approaching a crossroads. With his Lakers contract expiring, league executives map three rational paths: take a discounted deal to stay, test free agency, or retire. His agent suggested a pay cut if the Lakers add an impact veteran, and LeBron has warned the end is "a lot sooner than later." A coach added, "LeBron is still averaging 20 points and shooting 50%. He can help a team win. You just have to find the right situation." Merlin notes the landscape has shifted since L.A. acquired Luka Dončić and cooled plans to build only around LeBron. Brooklyn is the lone team projected with cap space, yet owners would bend for the marketing lift LeBron brings. Loyalty and legacy pull him toward Los Angeles, but roster moves and his body will write the final chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron re signing with the Lakers next summer: 70%.
Jan 2
Kevin Durant: Don't Call Nikola Jokic Injury Prone
Merlin sees Kevin Durant defending Nikola Jokić after the Nuggets confirmed a left knee hyperextension that will sideline the three time MVP for an extended stretch. Durant urged fans not to brand Jokić "injury prone" after what he called a freak accident, saying "they started calling me 'injury prone' after that." The injury happened when teammate Spencer Jones stepped on Jokić's foot; he will be rechecked in four weeks. Merlin notes Durant speaks from experience, having survived similar knee trouble, and that Jokić was at an MVP rhythm, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists. Denver now must lean on depth and shrewd minutes management to protect its standing while hoping this is a brief detour from Jokić's ironman reputation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jokić being labeled injury prone this season: 10%.
Jan 2
Rich Paul Nixes Lakers LeBron James To Warriors Rumors
Merlin sees Rich Paul close the door on the LeBron to Warriors chatter during Game Over with Max Kellerman. Kellerman raised Bill Simmons's speculation and a possible James for Jimmy Butler swap, but Paul said "Because I don't like to get into that. It's not going to happen. So why are we talking about things that are not going to happen?" Golden State reportedly called the Lakers multiple times, yet LeBron is age 41, missed the season start with sciatica and is averaging a career low 20.3 points in 15 games, making a splash reunion with Stephen Curry improbable right now. Merlin knows two legends teaming up would be a storybook ending, but timing and loyalty pull the other way. The Lakers seem committed to seeing LeBron and Luka Dončić through, and Paul is LeBron's stout defender. If health or production falls further the whispers will return, but for now the rumor mill cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron being traded to the Warriors this season: 5%.
Jan 2
Giannis Trade Clock: Bucks Likely To Wait Till Summer
Merlin sees a growing belief in the league that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will wait until the offseason before pushing for a trade. Scouts told ESPN that "If he waits until the summer [to ask out], he'll have maximum leverage on what his future will be" and one added "They aren't trading him in-season." Milwaukee gave the Knicks an "exclusive negotiating window" in August but no deal came. Giannis returned from a calf injury and the Bucks sit 14-20, still within range of the play in with his presence clearly tied to their fortunes. Merlin notes Milwaukee publicly aims to improve the roster around Giannis even as whispers grow. With voices saying "The rubber is going to finally hit the road, one way or the other," the coming weeks will reveal whether talks stay muted or flare into deadline drama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the Feb 5 deadline: 20%.
Jan 2
2025 Draft Steals: Kings Raynaud, Hornets Kalkbrenner, Pelicans Queen
The 2025 draft is already paying dividends well past the lottery. Several players picked outside the top 10 are outperforming expectations: Maxime Raynaud (No. 42) has seized minutes in Sacramento, a 7 1 center shooting 54.4 percent and finishing around the rim after Domantas Sabonis went down. Will Richard (No. 56) supplies scoring, threes and steals for Golden State. Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34) anchors the paint with rookie leading block numbers and a 78.7 percent clip. Cedric Coward (No. 11) steadies Memphis with 13.9 points and 6.5 boards. Derik Queen (No. 13) mixes scoring, rebounding and playmaking as a modern, positionless big. Merlin sees a pattern: opportunity plus fit can rewrite draft grades faster than a scouting report. Teams that found these players will profit now and at the deadline. If finishing and defense hold, a few of these names become foundational pieces rather than late surprises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least three of these five make an NBA All Rookie team this season: 70%.
Jan 2
VJ Edgecombe Outduels Cooper Flagg in Sixers Win
V.J. Edgecombe, the No 3 pick, stole the New Year spotlight. He outplayed top pick Cooper Flagg in the 76ers 123 108 win, scoring 23 points with five rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block. Tyrese Maxey led with 34 and Joel Embiid had 22. Edgecombe has six 20 point games in his last eight and is a clear Rookie of the Year contender. Merlin notes rare poise from a rookie on a veteran, playoff minded club. His athleticism, defensive energy and a jumper that is ahead of schedule let him affect games whether the stars sit or play. Flagg will be a star too, but in their head to head matchups Edgecombe has looked sharper so far, making the rookie race intriguing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds V.J. Edgecombe wins Rookie of the Year: 40%.
Jan 2
Denver Nuggets Reeling: Jokic and Valanciunas Injured
Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a right calf strain and will be "re-evaluated in four weeks," adding to a growing injury list for the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokić has a hyperextended left knee and the team is also missing Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon at times, leaving Jamal Murray as the only mostly healthy starter. Valančiūnas averages 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes, but his loss deepens a bench that already looks thin. Merlin sees a champion being tested by attrition. Coach David Adelman said "there's a chance the two return during their current road trip," but timelines are uncertain. Expect heavier minutes for role players, creative lineups, and a tougher slog on the schedule. If Jokić or Murray misses time the balance shifts quickly and the Nuggets could wobble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Nuggets suffer a losing streak of at least four games in the next month: 60%.
Jan 1
Michael Porter Jr Sparks Nets Trade Buzz With Bucks Interest
Michael Porter Jr. has become trade bait after proving he can be a top option for the Nets, averaging 25.8 points on 49.6 percent shooting and 41 percent from deep. Executives told Jake Fischer Porter has "returned to neutral value" and one asked "Who couldn't use an MPJ?" Several teams, including the Bucks, are watching, and a deadline move could help Brooklyn's rebuild. Merlin sees a cautious market. Neutral value means teams respect Porter's upside but will not overpay. His scoring and sharpshooting make him attractive, so Brooklyn can likely extract picks or role players if they decide to move him. If Porter keeps producing his price will rise and a contender needing shooting could pounce, making him a "name worth watching." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Michael Porter Jr. being traded this season: 60%.
Jan 1
Michael Porter Jr Trade Deadline Buzz: Nets, Bucks, Warriors
Merlin hears Michael Porter Jr. could change addresses before the Feb 5 trade deadline. Milwaukee, Detroit, Golden State and Chicago are linked while Brooklyn is "listening to offers" rather than actively shopping him. Porter is averaging 25.8 points and 7.5 rebounds on 49.6 41.0 81.2 shooting, and his championship experience and spacing make him a valuable target. Merlin notes Brooklyn might wait until summer to use Porter's contract as outgoing salary for a bigger move, but his recent surge, with 28.3 points and 47.5 percent from three over the past 11 games, could spark a bidding war. The Warriors have held "internal discussions" and the Pistons have not called "yet", while the Bucks view him as a "name worth watching". Expect teams to probe Brooklyn with offers that reveal how badly contenders want immediate help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Porter is traded before Feb 5: 40%.
Jan 1
Giannis Trade Looms As Luka Goes To Lakers
The NBA’s 2025 chaos set the stage for bolder moves in 2026. After a season of shock trades, major injuries and an OKC title, the outlook predicts Giannis leaving Milwaukee before 2027, the Thunder cruising to a 70 win season, Shai repeating as MVP, LeBron staging a farewell tour in 2026 to 2027, and the league eyeing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle. Adam Silver said "Not a secret, we're looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle." Merlin sees the league as a chessboard ready to be reset. A Giannis exit forces a Bucks rebuild, OKC depth can carry historic wins even with hiccups, Boston gets scarier if Jayson Tatum returns, and Denver remains dangerous if Nikola Jokić heals. Victor Wembanyama needs availability to reach his ceiling, but talent is deep across the league. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis requests a trade before 2027: 70%.
Jan 1
Hawks Plot Giannis Heist at 2026 NBA Deadline
Merlin sees Bleacher Report’s refreshed big board as the league slides toward the trade deadline. It lists three targets for every team, ranked by need and potential impact, and balances bold, ambitious options with realistic fits and cap math. The piece even admits that "the top spot will almost always be dedicated to the most ambitious possibility" and treats Giannis as essential because "Giannis Antetokounmpo is an obligatory inclusion because 1) he's Giannis Antetokounmpo." Merlin notes the story’s through lines are tax engineering, pick control and role player reclamation. Teams that can buy will chase stars while others hunt bargains and buy low talent. Expect deadline day to be a mix of headline grabs and quiet moves that reshape rosters more subtly than the highlight reels suggest. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 20%.")
Jan 1
Anthony Edwards Leaves Bench As Timberwolves Fall To Hawks
Merlin sees Anthony Edwards walk off during a timeout and head to the locker room with 7:52 left in a 126 102 loss to Atlanta after Coach Chris Finch pulled the starters. Finch said "Obviously frustrated with the performance and rightfully so, but he needs to stay out on the floor and root for his team." Edwards still scored 30 on 10 of 18, but no teammate had more than 10, and Minnesota, 21 13, has lost three of four. Merlin notes Edwards is having a career year at 29.1 points, 5 boards and 3.7 assists while shooting nearly 50 percent, yet the Wolves rely almost entirely on his scoring. After a Christmas ejection and his line "Man, I don't know, it be the same answers every time. I don't know, we got to change something," Minnesota must find balance or risk wasting his breakout season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Wolves finishing in the West top four this season: 20%.
Dec 31
Bucks Eye Michael Porter Jr as Giannis Lifeline
Merlin sees the Bucks eyeing Michael Porter Jr. as they hunt for help around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Per The Athletic, Porter is a "name worth watching" after a career best with Brooklyn at 25.8 points on 49.6 percent shooting, 41 percent from three, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 26 starts. Milwaukee’s offense is struggling and the team does not control a first round pick until 2031, so any move for Porter would be expensive and risky. Merlin hears voices in the league saying Porter has "completely changed his trade" value, which could push him out of reach for a Bucks club low on future assets. Brooklyn’s stockpile of picks makes them patient sellers. The Bucks must decide if they spend now to keep a 31 year old superstar happy or protect future flexibility and hope to rebuild around Giannis. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Milwaukee trading for Michael Porter Jr. before the Feb. 5 deadline: 25%.
Dec 31
Mark Williams Calls Out Lakers Now With Suns
Mark Williams recounted being blindsided when a February trade to the Lakers was voided after he failed L A physical, saying he was left thinking "What the f--k?" and at one point "f--k y'all" after returning to Charlotte. He has since landed in Phoenix and is flourishing, averaging 13.1 points on 66.5 percent shooting and 8.2 rebounds while the Lakers were one and done in the playoffs. Merlin sees the scene clearly. Teams lean on medical checks to avoid risk, but players feel the cut personally and professionally. Phoenix gained a steady rim presence and momentum; Williams has both performance and motive on his side. If he keeps it up, he will have options and leverage, and the quiet trade drama from February could easily spark a new chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers try to acquire Mark Williams within 12 months: 20%.
Dec 31
Jaylen Brown Declares Himself Boston Celtics NBA Two Way King
Jaylen Brown boldly declared "Best 2 way player in the game," and his play supports the claim. With Jayson Tatum recovering, Brown is averaging 29.5 points on 50.5 percent shooting and 37.0 percent from three, plus 6.3 rebounds 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals. Opponents shoot just 42.6 percent when he guards them, the best mark on Boston among regulars, and the Celtics sit 20 12 and third in the East as Brown carries both scoring and defense. Merlin sees a player embracing a larger mantle. Brown’s blend of scoring efficiency and steady defensive impact creates a clear All NBA case, even against stars like Giannis and Wembanyama who excel in other ways. If he keeps this level and Boston stays near the top of the East, Brown’s reputation will shift from elite two way wing to centerpiece. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaylen Brown earning an All NBA selection this season: 60%.
Dec 31
Kuminga Likely Gone, Warriors Keep Green and Butler
Merlin sees Golden State is unlikely to overhaul its roster before the Feb 5 trade deadline. The front office is "staunchly against" trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, per Sam Amick, and Jonathan Kuminga looks like the most probable outgoing piece. Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary alone probably will not net the kind of impact player the Warriors need to climb the standings. Merlin notes the real obstacle is arithmetic and age. The Warriors have interest in Anthony Davis but cannot absorb his $54.1 million salary without moving a major contract, and Curry Green and Butler are all older players with injury history. At 17 and 16 they sit eighth in the West and face five weeks to decide whether patience or bold action will define the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State making a blockbuster trade by Feb 5: 20%.
Dec 31
Hawks Won't Trade Zaccharie Risacher For Anthony Davis
Merlin sees the Hawks dug in. Atlanta has no interest in including 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher even in a hypothetical offer for a star, and Hawks sources "pushed back hard" on reports otherwise. The team admits Risacher "has struggled in his second season" but points to late rookie flashes that "inspired such optimism about his development internally." Merlin smells patience, not panic. By protecting a young asset the Hawks are betting on growth over a headline move. With teams like Dallas chasing prospects and expiring contracts, Atlanta is more likely to double down on development and minutes for Risacher than trade him away. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Zaccharie Risacher being traded this season: 10%.
Dec 31
James Harden Staying As Clippers Avoid Fire Sale
Merlin sees the Clippers are not planning a fire sale despite an 11 21 record, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Owner Steve Ballmer keeps an "eternal mandate to remain competitive" and the team lacks a 2026 first round pick that would make tanking sensible. A dominant five game winning streak has restored internal hope, and there are "no signs yet that Harden wants out," even with trade chatter and his power to veto deals. Merlin notes this is a club trying to climb rather than fold. Every win matters because Oklahoma City holds swap rights tied to that 2026 pick. James Harden is playing at a high level, but the Clippers still need depth and defensive steadiness to turn momentum into a real playoff push. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers reach the play in this season: 40%.
Dec 31
Trae Young Trade Market Barely Exists for Hawks
Merlin sees Atlanta quietly angling toward a Trae Young exit but finding few buyers willing to pay the price. League voices call his trade market "minimal" and one executive put it bluntly, "He doesn't defend. He doesn't rebound. Guys hate playing with him." The Hawks may prefer an off ramp now, yet a workable trade before the Feb 5 deadline looks elusive and could push any real move to the summer before Young decides on his 2026 27 player option. Merlin notes the split soul of the star. Young is a four time All Star and elite creator who drags defenses with his deep shot, yet he is shooting just 30.5 percent from long range this year and remains a ball dominant fit problem for contenders. Expect noise to grow, not a sudden deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the Feb 5 deadline: 20%.
Dec 31
Karl Anthony Towns Thrives as Knicks, Mike Brown Bond
Merlin sees a thaw between Karl Anthony Towns and coach Mike Brown. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that "early on, there was some friction" but "he and Mike Brown are in a good place right now." Towns is attempting 15.0 field goals per game after 16.9 last season while still averaging 22 points and 11.9 rebounds. His efficiency has slid to 47.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep, yet the Knicks sit 23 and 9 and hold the No. 2 seed, just 1.5 games off the top spot. Merlin senses that role clarity is the hidden spell. Towns admitted he was still "figuring it out" in October, and being asked to do "a little bit more gruntwork" can look rough early. If comfort grows and his shot selection sharpens, that walking double double could tilt playoff series in New York’s favor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Towns improving his field goal percentage in the second half of the season: 65%.
Dec 31
Golden State Passes on Anthony Davis Trade
Merlin sees the latest trade chatter and says it will likely stay that way. The Mavericks explored sending Anthony Davis to Golden State, but The Athletic reports the Warriors are "unlikely" to pursue the deal. Golden State has shown little interest in swapping for Davis and is "staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler." Salary math could work, but the club prefers to keep its core intact. Merlin notes the fit is tempting on paper. Davis would bring rim protection and scoring, yet his injury history and the Warriors need to protect team chemistry. Jonathan Kuminga remains the movable piece after January 15, so expect smaller moves rather than a blockbuster. The Bay Area may tinker, not transform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded to Golden State by the deadline: 10%.
Dec 31
Lakers' Luka Doncic, JJ Redick Rip Officiating After Pistons Loss
Merlin sees the Lakers lost 128 to 106 at home to Detroit, and both coach JJ Redick and Luka Dončić pointed to the physical officiating and Detroit's aggressive defense. Redick said "They're going to foul every possession. It's just, you got to play through it." The Pistons forced 21 turnovers and scored 30 points off them, a swing that fueled L.A.'s fourth loss in five games and left the team with a record of 20 wins and 11 losses. Without Austin Reaves for at least a month the Lakers are missing his scoring and playmaking. Dončić had 30 points but eight turnovers, and LeBron must lift his production. Merlin thinks cleaner ball handling and tougher on ball defense are the spells that will steady them. If those adjustments come, the slide ends quickly. If not, the thin margin in the West could shove them into a play in spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing in a play in spot this season: 30%.
Dec 31