NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 20, 2026
Keshad Johnson Stuns Carter Bryant, Wins 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
Keshad Johnson claimed the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk crown in Los Angeles, edging San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant after a head-to-head final. Johnson wowed with a baseline between-the-legs one-handed reverse and a windmill from inside the free throw line, while Bryant earned a perfect 50 earlier but could not land his surefire closer. Los Angeles center Jaxson Hayes and Orlando guard Jase Richardson were sent home in the first round, and social media buzz reflected both awe and secondhand nerves after Richardson’s scary fall. Merlin senses a new showcase name rising. Johnson’s blend of creativity and power gives him highlight longevity, while Bryant’s near-miss and quote, "If I put that dunk down, I win it," mark him as a future threat. The contest reminded fans that spectacle can hinge on one bounce and one breath. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Keshad Johnson becomes an All-Star Weekend headliner next year: 40%.
Chris Paul Says Clippers Banned Him From Mentoring
Chris Paul revealed more about his abrupt exit from the Clippers on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast. He said he told Ty Lue and Lawrence Frank he wanted to retire in Los Angeles and spoke often with Kawhi Leonard, yet the coaching staff told him he could not mentor teammates. Paul said, "I believe in communication," and recalled being told "they didn't want me giving players advice." Los Angeles then traded him to Toronto, who released him, and Paul chose to retire. Merlin sees a veteran voice clipped by organizational control. The tale reads like a culture clash more than a basketball decision. Los Angeles lost one of its greatest floor generals, and the team may pay for the gap in leadership. Expect more questions about the Clippers’ internal shape and whether experience will be valued again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul joining an NBA staff as a coach or adviser this season: 65%.
Feb 20
Mac McClung Chooses NBA With Bulls Over Millions
Mac McClung says he turned down "Millions of dollars … but this [NBA quest] is where my heart's at," choosing the long NBA road over lucrative overseas offers. The 27-year-old, a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, has only 10 NBA games across five teams since 2021 but has dominated the G League — career 23.4 points and this season 27.4 points with 7.5 assists — earning a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls before a calf injury shelved his Rising Stars spot. Merlin sees a player who bets on himself. The trophies and G League MVP show rare scoring and spark, yet age, injuries, and a history of fleeting NBA chances make a full-time roster spot a steep climb. If health and opportunity align, teams could bite; otherwise the overseas calendar waits. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mac McClung earning a full NBA contract this season: 25%.
Feb 20
Adam Silver Eyes Anti Tanking Rules After Jazz Pacers Fines
The NBA is weighing rule changes to curb tanking after fines to the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers and public remarks from Adam Silver. He asked, "Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than we've seen in recent memory? Yes," and warned, "We'd better not lose sight of our fans here." The league is worried that analytics-driven incentives to chase better lottery odds are weakening late‑season competition. Merlin sees a league balancing two truths: small-market rebuilds need a realistic path to land a superstar, and the product must stay honest for fans. Expect reforms that tinker with draft odds and strengthen penalties for sitting healthy players rather than a single sweeping cure. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA enacts meaningful anti-tanking rules this offseason: 70%.
Feb 20
Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Aims for Team USA
Merlin sees Cade Cunningham staking his claim for Team USA after telling GQ, "I take it seriously" and "I think I'm the best American player." The 24-year-old two-time All-Star is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds while Detroit sits 40-13 and atop the East. B/R ranks him seventh overall and flags turnover and efficiency concerns, yet Cunningham drives a plus-10.1 on-court net rating. Merlin notes the narrative shift: Cunningham is moving from promising star to franchise cornerstone. With LeBron and Curry likely out by 2028, the backcourt lane to Los Angeles is open. If his efficiency rises and turnovers fall, an All-NBA First Team nod and a deep playoff run feel within reach. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cade Cunningham making Team USA in 2028: 75%.
Feb 20
Tanking Hall of Shame: Sixers Jazz Warriors Mavericks
The story ranks the NBA’s most shameless tank jobs and shows how losing has gotten tactical. Teams now weaponize "development" and "injury management" to chase better draft odds, cap space and long-term timelines. It runs through examples from the 'Process' Sixers and LeBron-era Cavs to Memphis, Portland, Utah, Charlotte and more, noting fines and rule tweaks that have so far failed to stop the chase for franchise-changing picks. Merlin sees seasons as chessboards where GMs sacrifice pieces now for larger gains later. Some gambles paid off, like Oklahoma City, Boston and Cleveland, while others backfired or cost fan faith, as in Charlotte or Golden State’s James Wiseman pick. The league’s nudges have altered moves but not the game. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA tightens anti-tanking rules and hands out stiffer penalties within two seasons: 70%.
Feb 20
LeBron James Likely Sticking Around Lakers Or Cavs
Merlin sees the league leaning toward one more LeBron season. ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill says, "If he were retiring the league would know it," and LeBron himself told reporters he has "no idea" what he plans. The 41-year-old picked up a $52.6 million option and could hit free agency, with whispers about a Cavaliers reunion and teams ready to welcome him if he continues. He is still producing at a high level: 22.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. Merlin feels the drama beneath the headlines. Owners like Jeanie Buss have privately grumbled about LeBron’s influence, yet the league prefers celebration over surprise retirements. If he returns, his choice will reshape rosters and storylines; if he departs, a sentimental Cavs homecoming awaits. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays in 2026-27: 85%.
Feb 20
Giannis Roasts Shams Charania in Celebrity Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a blunt moment at the 2026 All Star Celebrity Game, quipping "He cannot hoop. But everybody else can hoop. So in the offseason, we grab them as free agents" about ESPN reporter Shams Charania. Coaching with brothers Thanasis and Alex, Team Antetokounmpo beat Team Anthony Anderson 65 58. Rome Flynn scored 17 and claimed MVP again, while Kevin Durant called out Charania for being glued to his phone. Merlin sees the gag as part roast and part stagecraft. The playful jab lands against a backdrop of real roster talk. Giannis drew midseason trade heat but stayed in Milwaukee past the Feb 5 deadline, and formal discussions about his future are expected to wait until the offseason. The celebrity court is where heat cools into headlines before real moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis reopens trade talks this offseason: 25%.
Feb 20
Jokic Tops BR NBA 99 Midseason Rankings
Merlin sees the NBA’s midseason hierarchy get a cleansing rain. B/R’s experts retooled their B/R NBA 99 rankings after All-Star Weekend, weighing trades, injuries, slumps and breakouts. As they write, "we're not predicting where players will finish at the end of the season. We're assessing the games they've played and the impact they've had on winning up to this point," so the list rewards what happened, not what might happen. Merlin notes the peaks remain familiar with Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, while young stars, reliable role players and injured veterans shuffle the middle. The chart is a living thing; health and roster moves will redraw it before the playoffs arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP this season: 60%.
Feb 20
Lonzo Ball Calls Himself Cleveland Cavaliers Scapegoat After Being Waived
Lonzo Ball called himself a "scapegoat" on his Ball In The Family podcast, admitting "Can I play better? Yes" and that he has "been shooting bad." Cleveland traded him in a three-team deal on Feb. 4, Utah waived him, and he is now a free agent. Ball arrived in Cleveland expected to help the backcourt but posted just 4.6 points while shooting 30.1 percent from the floor and 27.2 percent from three, and the Cavs' offensive rating fell from 118.2 with him off the court to 111.0 with him on it. After trading Darius Garland for James Harden, Cleveland has climbed the standings. Merlin sees a simple truth. Lonzo’s defense and playmaking still hold value, so a contender in need of depth could take a low risk flier if he shows any shot recovery. His path forward depends on a short audition and a team willing to trust process over recent results. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo signing with a playoff team this season: 50%.
Feb 20
Stephen Curry Won't Wear Under Armour Curry 13 With Warriors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry has "no plans" to wear Under Armour's Curry 13 in any NBA action this season, a source told Front Office Sports. Under Armour launched the Curry 13 after confirming Curry Brand will be independent, but Curry has acted like a sneaker free agent, testing Nike, Adidas, Reebok and several others. He last wore Curry Brand on Nov. 18 and remains signed to the Warriors through 2026-27 while rehabbing a right knee injury. Merlin senses this is more than a shoe choice. Under Armour is reshaping itself and pressed ahead with the Curry 13 launch despite the split and a shrunken Curry Brand valuation. For Curry, sampling many makers keeps his options open ahead of his late-career contract decisions and lets him control the narrative more than any single logo would. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry will wear the Curry 13 in an NBA game this season: 5%.
Feb 20
Sixers Convert Jabari Walker To Standard Contract, Sign Cam Payne
The 76ers are upgrading two-way forward Jabari Walker to a standard NBA contract and plan to sign veteran point guard Cam Payne for the rest of the season, according to Shams Charania. Walker, 23, has averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 45 outings and earned extra minutes amid injuries and Paul George’s 25-game suspension. Dominick Barlow already made the jump to a standard deal, and Payne arrives with recent European experience and a 72-game run with the Knicks last year. Merlin senses Philadelphia is shoring up depth more than reinventing the roster. Walker is a low-risk rotation option and Barlow remains the energetic frontcourt spark. Payne brings veteran calm and locker room lift — “He’s so positive,” Tyrese Maxey said — and should be insurance after Jared McCain’s trade, not a major minutes shakeup. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Walker becoming a regular rotation player this season: 35%.
Feb 20
Utah Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr Out For Season
Merlin sees the Jazz will be without their prized trade deadline acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. for the rest of the 2025-26 season as he prepares for surgery on his left knee "to ensure his long-term health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered." Jackson had scored 22 in his Jazz debut and 23 in front of Utah fans and averaged 19.4 points in 48 games. His absence strips Utah of a rim protector and floor spacer they had just acquired. At 18-37, the Jazz are signaling future-first thinking. With a young core led by Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, Merlin senses Utah will lean into the draft and development rather than chasing a late-season surge. If Jackson returns fully healthy, he becomes a cornerstone or prime trade asset; for now the picture is about preservation and positioning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah landing a top-3 pick in the 2026 draft: 55%.
Feb 12
Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks Suspended After 16th Technical
The NBA announced that Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks received an "automatic one-game suspension" after his 16th technical foul of the season, picked up in the second quarter of Wednesday’s loss to Oklahoma City. The penalty will be served after the All-Star break, on Feb. 19 against San Antonio, and it spotlights how Brooks’ repeated miscues can cost the Suns minutes and disrupt rotations at key moments. Merlin sees a familiar portrait: a high-energy defender who flirts with the line between toughness and recklessness. The break gives Phoenix a chance to reset his approach. If Brooks channels that edge into controlled aggression, the Suns get a spark; if not, more absences and friction could follow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of Dillon Brooks getting another technical this season: 45%.)
Feb 12
Knicks Snag Jeremy Sochan After Spurs Cut
Merlin sees the Knicks adding Jeremy Sochan after his surprising release by the Spurs. His agent told ESPN that Sochan will sign with New York once he clears waivers, on a "rest-of-season deal." A former ninth overall pick, Sochan averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists over his first three seasons but had slipped out of San Antonio’s rotation this year. The signing gives New York another versatile defender and pushes the roster to 15 players. Merlin notes this is a chess move for playoff depth, not a headline grab. With an elite starting five, the Knicks need reliable, switchable wings for series play. At 22, Sochan still has upside as a multi-positional defender and can earn minutes in matchups that demand toughness. Expect limited looks early, but real value could arrive in March and April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 12
James Harden Shrugs Off Loyalty After Cavs Trade
Merlin sees James Harden shrug off notions of player loyalty after his latest move to Cleveland, saying the "loyalty thing is overrated" and that "this is a business." Harden reminded reporters players and front offices must do what is best, noting he has played for six teams and is on his fourth since 2022. His arrival already shows early signs; Cleveland is 2-0 in games he plays and he posted 13 points and 11 assists in the most recent win. Merlin senses both opportunity and risk. Harden’s experience and playmaking can push the Cavaliers deeper in the East, but fit, health, and chemistry will decide if he is a blessing or a short-term patch. The saga is far from over. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 12
Cam Thomas 34 Ignites Milwaukee Bucks
Doc Rivers heaped praise on Cam Thomas after the guard scored 34 points in only his second game with Milwaukee, saying, "I've had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams. And now, I have Cam Thomas." Thomas, waived by Brooklyn after averaging 24.0 last season and signed while Giannis recovers, gave the Bucks a needed scoring jolt as they sit two games out of a play-in spot. Rivers was also named a Hall of Fame finalist and shrugged, "I don't have a lot to say about it." Merlin sees a familiar spark. Thomas has the streaky heat that made Crawford and Williams lethal sixth men, and Rivers has a track record of turning bench scorers into season-changing pieces. A single outburst is a promise, not a guarantee; consistency and Giannis' return will be the true tests of whether the spell lasts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of the Bucks making the play-in this season: 42%.)
Feb 12
NBA Cooper Flagg Kon Knueppel VJ Edgecombe Ignite Rookie Grades
Merlin sees, young fan, the trade deadline cracked open minutes for this rookie class as a third of the league chases ping pong balls. Cooper Flagg is the runaway star, Kon Knueppel is raining threes and VJ Edgecombe, Nolan Traoré, Ryan Nembhard and Will Richard have carved real roles. Tanking teams and cleared rotations have also given late picks like Mohamed Diawara, Kam Jones and Cedric Coward chances to surprise. Merlin whispers that opportunity is the true draft currency now. Players who get steady minutes on rebuilding rosters will develop fastest, while shooters fighting slumps — and bigs needing refinement — face a steeper climb. Expect the Rookie of the Year race to tighten only if someone besides Flagg sustains volume and efficiency. Watch minutes, trades and injuries for the next turns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 85%.
Feb 12
Anthony Davis Blindsided Again as Mavericks Trade Him to Wizards
Merlin sees Anthony Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards without being told in advance. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports Dallas "negotiated with the Wizards without the knowledge" of Davis or his agent Rich Paul. It mirrors the earlier episode when Davis "learned he was being traded ... from a group chat." His limited 20-game season, injuries, and a large contract left him little leverage. Merlin senses Dallas kept talks secret partly to dodge fan fury over a modest return and to prevent Davis from pushing back. Washington inherits a high-risk, high-reward star who may not debut soon because of hand and groin issues. The spell will hinge on his health and whether the Wizards can surround him with real help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis signs a long-term extension with Washington this offseason: 20%.
Feb 12
Durant Questions Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic All Star Effort
Kevin Durant shifted the spotlight ahead of Sunday’s 2026 All-Star Game, saying reporters should "ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete." He singled out Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, saying "these two dudes...they don't care," and questioned whether Team World will treat the new round-robin format seriously. Durant’s comments frame the week as less about American effort and more about whether the international stars will take the game seriously. Merlin sees a matchup of pride versus spectacle. Veterans like Durant, LeBron and Kawhi bring reputation and intent, while Jokić, Dončić and Wembanyama have a history of All-Star theatrics. If the globe’s stars treat it like the Olympics, fans may get fireworks; if not, applause will beat effort. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the 2026 All-Star Game shows real defense: 30%.
Feb 12
Naismith Hall of Fame Finalists: Griffin, Amare Stoudemire, Parker, Rivers
The Naismith Hall of Fame announced its 2026 finalists, with Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire leading the player candidates and Doc Rivers among the coaches. Women’s finalists include Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. Griffin’s 13-year run produced averages of 19 and 8, six All-Star nods and a 2011 Rookie of the Year award. Stoudemire, a high school entrant, was a Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star and key piece of the Suns’ "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Rivers brings a championship and a spot among the "15 Greatest Coaches." Merlin senses a mix of clear locks and close calls. The 1996 team’s historical weight and Parker’s resume make their cases strong, while Rivers’ resume is hard to deny. The player spots may come down to narrative versus peak value, so expect spirited debate before April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of enshrinement — Doc Rivers 90%, 1996 U.S. women’s team 95%, Candace Parker 85%, Amar'e Stoudemire 70%, Blake Griffin 60%.
Feb 11
Karl Anthony Towns Signs Joel Embiid Jersey Before 76ers Game
Before the 76ers faced the Knicks, two fans asked Karl-Anthony Towns to sign Joel Embiid jerseys, and Towns obliged. What began as a simple fan moment left them with a rare oddity: Embiid jerseys bearing another star’s signature, a small but memorable twist on game-night souvenirs. Merlin sees a little magic in that mixup. Towns and Embiid play on different squads and stages, so a Towns-signed Embiid jersey is more a conversation piece than a standard collectible. It captures how brief fan interactions can create one-of-a-kind items and may attract niche interest from collectors who prize stories over stats. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds those Towns-signed Embiid jerseys become sought-after collector items: 55%.
Feb 11
Jonathan Kuminga Food Feud Sparks Warriors Hawks Trade
A simmering rift between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors peaked in December when he missed a team event and was told "someone around him was taking too much food from the family room," an incident called "the most tense flare-up" in a "relatively cordial cold war." Multiple sources called the disconnect "petty." Stephen Curry reportedly rolled his eyes and Buddy Hield joked "They lying it was Jimmy." The saga ended when Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the February deadline for Kristaps Porziņģis. Merlin senses small sparks reveal deeper fractures. A snack-room dustup reads like a symptom, not the cause. Golden State moved to reset chemistry, while Atlanta picks up a raw, high-upside wing who may flourish away from Bay Area noise. The real work starts now: turn a petty moment into growth or let it mark a pattern. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga becomes a regular starter for Atlanta next season: 55%.
Feb 11
Vince Carter Challenges Slam Dunk Contest With Two Elbows Dunk
Merlin sees Vince Carter dropping a playful bomb on the Cousins podcast: he always wanted to do a dunk where he put "Two elbows on the rim, then dunk." Carter said, "I did it in high school. It's my first time ever telling you." Tracy McGrady pushed the idea, calling it a world‑level challenge. With Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Jase Richardson set for the Slam Dunk Contest, the suggestion could inspire someone to try the unheard trick this Saturday. Merlin chuckles at the audacity. The move is flashy and dangerous, the kind of stunt that could steal a contest or end in disaster. High flyers love a moment to make history, so expect creativity to spike even if perfect execution is rare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds someone attempts VC’s two‑elbows dunk at the contest: 20%.
Feb 11
LeBron James and USC's JuJu Watkins Unveil NXXT Gen Shoe
LeBron James and USC guard JuJu Watkins co-created a LeBron NXXT Gen shoe, with the "Silver Lining" colorway due this summer. Watkins said "Working with LeBron to co-create a first is wild" and that it is "built for my game, my story." Nike praises its "balance of court feel and bounce" tailored to her downhill drives and shot creation. Merlin notes the move keeps Watkins prominent despite a torn ACL. Nike signed her to an NIL deal in 2024, a pact Shams Charania called "one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women's basketball." Watkins averaged 25.5 points, 7 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a two-time All-American. Co-creating under LeBron's line is a clear step toward a solo signature sneaker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 70% chance JuJu Watkins gets her own signature sneaker within two years.
Feb 11