NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 31, 2025
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%.
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
Birthday Blues as Cade Cunningham Tops LeBron James
On his 41st birthday LeBron could not will the Lakers past the Pistons in a 128 106 loss at Crypto.com Arena. Cade Cunningham finished with 27 points and 11 assists as Detroit improved to 25 8, while Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart provided a punch off the bench. Luka Dončić had 30 points and 11 assists but eight turnovers, and with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out the Lakers looked out of sync. LeBron said "We haven't had a full team all year." Los Angeles finished with 20 turnovers and fell to 1 4 in their last five. Merlin sees a team still riding on flashes instead of steady work. After a 15 4 start the Lakers now face real questions about defense chemistry and depth while Detroit is announcing itself as a contender. The upcoming back to back with Memphis will reveal if Los Angeles can patch things up or if the issues run deeper. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers right the ship before the All Star break: 45%.
Dec 31
Trae Young, Luka Doncic and 2025 NBA Regrets
Merlin sees the NBA auditing 2025 with a list of each franchise's biggest regret, from trades and free agent gambles to draft slips and season ending injuries. Highlights include Atlanta dragging its Trae Young divorce while being "more open to trading [Young] away than they have ever been", Dallas botching the Luka swap, and Indiana losing Tyrese Haliburton after holding a two games to one lead in the Finals. These errors reshaped rosters and futures. Merlin warns a pattern emerges: delayed decisions cost leverage, shiny splashes drain draft currency, and injuries rewrite blueprints. Quotes like JJ Redick saying "We do not care enough right now" expose morale cracking under thin construction. Expect deadline fire sales and frantic patch work as teams try to reverse 2025. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the deadline this season: 65%.
Dec 31
Bulls' Josh Giddey Out Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Josh Giddey will miss at least a few weeks with a left hamstring strain suffered early in the third quarter of Chicago’s loss to Minnesota. The 23 year old, who signed a four year 100 million deal, is averaging 19.2 points 9.0 assists and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 46.6 percent and 38.6 percent from three. His absence makes a crowded Bulls injury picture worse as Coby White is also sidelined, leaving Chicago thin during a packed stretch of games. Merlin sees the ripple effects. The Bulls are perched around .500 and a short Giddey layoff could flip momentum quickly. Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones must step up on offense and ball control or Chicago will trade wins for more uncertainty. This is a winter test of depth and coaching will. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of the Bulls falling out of the play in picture while Giddey is sidelined: 60%.”)
Dec 31
LeBron James 41st Birthday Sparks Lakers Momentum
The Lakers marked LeBron James’ 41st birthday with a two tier cake crowned for the King and a "Happy Birthday" serenade by rookies Adou Thiero and Chris Mañon. LeBron is still producing at a high level in his 23rd season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds, and his resume includes 21 All Star Games, 21 All NBA Teams, four MVPs, four championships and three Olympic gold medals. Los Angeles sits 20 and 10, tied for fourth in the West with Houston, and they host the Detroit Pistons to cap the celebration. Merlin sees more than a party. The scene is a reminder that LeBron remains the team anchor and that chemistry with younger pieces matters as much as raw stats. If the Lakers protect health and keep winning at home, that veteran steadiness could decide seeding late in the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning tonight against the Pistons: 72%.
Dec 30
Deandre Ayton Proud After Lob to LeBron James Ignites Lakers
Deandre Ayton fed a perfect lob to LeBron for an emphatic dunk in the Lakers 125 101 win over the Kings, and Ayton was eager to talk about it. He even said "Not everybody can throw a lob to LBJ." The clip mattered because it flipped roles Ayton has often played, showed crisp timing with LeBron, and gave the Lakers a highlight that lifted the bench and the crowd. Merlin sees the moment as proof of growing chemistry more than a single play. Ayton has been on the receiving end of lobs before, and now distributing adds a new wrinkle to Laker offense. If those pocket passes keep coming, defenses will have to honor LeBron on every drive, opening looks for others. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ayton throwing another highlight assist in the next five games: 65%.
Dec 30
Nikola Jokic Out MVP Odds Favor Shai Over Luka
Merlin sees Nikola Jokić will miss a minimum of four weeks due to a hyperextended left knee, and he has fallen off FanDuel Sportsbook's MVP board. That absence puts his ability to reach the "at least 65 games played in order to qualify for awards and an All NBA nod" in doubt and turns the race to other stars, with Shai Gilgeous Alexander the favorite at minus 425 and Luka Doncic next at plus 430. Merlin notes the shift favors availability and team success. Shai is matching his MVP form while the Thunder sit atop the league with 28 wins and 5 losses. Luka leads the NBA in scoring but the Lakers' uneven play could cost him votes. With Jokić sidelined the market spreads wide, leaving long shots like Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama trailing far behind. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nikola Jokić winning MVP this season: 8%.
Dec 30
LeBron James 41st Birthday: Lakers Call Him Unstoppable
Merlin sees the Lakers rolled out a birthday tribute for LeBron James as he begins his 23rd season, with coach JJ Redick and teammates Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber weighing in. Redick said "There is no explanation because it's never been done before." The video traced his career from rookie highlights to today and reminded fans of four championships, four Finals MVPs, four league MVPs and his status as the NBA all time leading scorer. Sciatica limited him to just 14 games last season, yet his presence still makes Los Angeles a dangerous playoff team. Merlin senses the engine that keeps LeBron moving is equal parts habit and basketball mind. Redick summed it up: "When you combine his commitment to his routine, his natural ability, his instincts, his IQ, that's the reason that he's been able to do this for so long and is going to go down as the greatest, or one of the greatest, ever." Health will write the next chapters. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron playing at least 50 regular season games this year: 60%.
Dec 30
Sacramento Kings Still Chasing Jonathan Kuminga From Warriors
Golden State is exploring trades for Jonathan Kuminga ahead of Feb. 5, and Sam Amick says the Sacramento Kings "do still have interest." Kuminga has not played since Dec. 18 and was a healthy scratch in a recent win. He averages 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18 games. The Warriors re signed him to a two year deal so he cannot be moved until Jan. 15, and Amick adds "the price has gone down, it just has." Merlin sees a familiar chase. The Kings chased Kuminga in the summer and could add young length and upside to a roster craving defense and athleticism. Golden State appears willing to accept a smaller return than in offseason talks, so any deal may hinge on whether Sacramento parts with a veteran or a draft asset. Quiet moves are likely until January. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento acquiring Kuminga by Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 30
Austin Reaves Out Four Weeks, Lakers Likely Skip Chris Paul
Merlin sees the Lakers lost Austin Reaves to a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain and he will miss at least four weeks. Los Angeles sits 20 10 and trade talk is growing as the team stalls. The Clippers said they were "parting ways" with Chris Paul, and his $2.3 million cap hit would fit the books, but sources say the Lakers are not pursuing Paul and prefer players under 30. Merlin warns a Paul addition would be a short term fix that does not address Los Angeles defensive problems or the long term plan around Luka Dončić and Reaves. The front office kept a roster spot open for flexibility and will hunt for a younger defense minded guard or wing at the trade deadline rather than a nostalgia move that "would practically be wasting a roster spot." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul joining the Lakers before the trade deadline this season: 5%.
Dec 30
Charlie Baker Bars NBA Contract Players From College Basketball
NCAA president Charlie Baker declared that players who signed NBA contracts will not be allowed to return to college basketball, saying the organization will refuse eligibility for those who took NBA deals. He warned that recent court orders that block long standing rules have been "widely destabilizing" and added, "I will be working with DI leaders in the weeks ahead to protect college basketball from these misguided attempts to destroy this American institution." Merlin sees a legal storm brewing. Courts have begun handing out surprise rulings that unsettle the old order, and Baker is trying to close the gate before more players test the line. Schools, agents, and athletes now face more uncertainty as lawyers and judges decide where power belongs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a player who signed an NBA contract regains NCAA eligibility this season: 10%.
Dec 30
LeBron James Lights Up Kings in 2003 Debut
Oct 29 2003 was the night an 18 year old LeBron James stepped into the NBA and looked alarmingly athletic against the Kings. The league he entered was slow paced with low scoring and few three point attempts, ruled by players like Tim Duncan Tracy McGrady Kobe Bryant Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O Neal. TV was cable based salaries were tiny by today s standards and fashion was baggy. That debut is a tidy starting point for how far the game and LeBron himself have traveled. Merlin sees LeBron as a living bridge between eras. His rise tracks rule changes analytics and the global growth of the sport. The story is part nostalgia and part evidence that one player can span dramatic shifts in style money and audience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays in the 2025 26 season: 65%.
Dec 30
Stephen Curry Challenges Luka Doncic To HORSE From Half Court
Stephen Curry said after the Warriors win that he would like to face Luka Dončić in a game of HORSE, telling reporters "I've seen Luka do some stuff, so probably me and him." Curry added "I don't have a go to shot, other than probably just a half court shot, knowing he's gotta make it." The idea pairs two of the league's most creative shooters and would be a fun, low stakes way to show off range and flair, even as the league looks for fresh events for All Star Weekend. Merlin sees two court magicians trading impossible shots like spells. A Curry versus Dončić HORSE would test imagination more than athleticism and could become a must watch TV moment if the league leans into shot making showcases. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry and Dončić playing HORSE at All Star Weekend this season: 30%.
Dec 30
Stephen Curry Rocks Sabrina Ionescu Shoes vs Nets
Merlin sees Stephen Curry tip his hat to Sabrina Ionescu by warming up in the SLAM x Nike Sabrina 2 30th anniversary shoes with his No. 30 on the heel before Monday’s game against the Nets. Curry has been trying different sneakers since splitting with Under Armour in November, and the gesture carries a neat backstory: he once recruited Ionescu to Under Armour, they met in the 2024 three point contest, and both are famed for launching threes from well beyond the arc. Merlin smells more than respect. Wearing an opponent’s signature shoe is both friendship and soft signaling to brands and fans. Expect Curry to keep sampling styles while teams and sponsors take notes, turning warm ups into a small market for his next move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry signs with Nike this season: 60%.
Dec 29
Nuggets Reeling Nikola Jokic Ruled Out
Nikola Jokić suffered a left knee injury Monday against the Miami Heat and has been ruled out after appearing to step on teammate Spencer Jones's foot. The three time MVP was enjoying an MVP caliber season, averaging 29.9 points while leading the league with 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists and shooting 60.4 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. He had 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists on Christmas Day. Denver was already without Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, leaving Jamal Murray as the only regular starter on the floor when Jokić left. Merlin sees Denver at a crossroads. Jonas Valančiūnas can soak up minutes but cannot reproduce Jokić's blend of passing, scoring and gravity. The Nuggets will be tested on depth and defense, and their title tilt depends on how long the knee keeps the oracle sidelined and how well the bench answers the call. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jokić missing more than two weeks: 25%.
Dec 29
Kawhi Leonard's 55 Ties James Harden for Clippers Record
Kawhi Leonard exploded for a career high 55 points in the Clippers 112 99 win over Detroit, but he told coach Tyronn Lue to keep his fourth quarter minutes low, saying "I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it." The output tied the franchise single game mark held by James Harden and came as Leonard appears healthier after missing 10 games with ankle and foot problems. His scoring outburst helped extend a season best four game win streak for a 10 21 team. Merlin senses balance at work. Coach Lue noted "When he's healthy, he's one of the top guys in the league," and teammates praised the smooth efficiency. Leonard choosing preservation over a solo record signals long term thinking. If he can string together more nights like this while staying fresh, the Clippers could nudge out of their hole. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi scores 30 or more in the next game against Sacramento: 45%.
Dec 29
Luka Doncic and Giannis Dominate All Star Voting
Merlin sees Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting atop the early All Star fan returns, with Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Victor Wembanyama also near the summit. With the game set for Feb 15 at the Intuit Dome and a new Olympic style format that sends two United States teams and one international team into a round robin, the voting leaderboard has turned into a map of international stars ready to suit up together. Merlin notes the irony and the opportunity. The league has never had so many non American superstars leading fan votes at once, so the international squad could be more than a novelty. Depth will still matter for the U S squads, but chemistry and star power give the internationals a real shot at the crown. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the international team winning the All Star tournament: 65%.
Dec 29
Bucks Chase Zach LaVine to Keep Giannis
Merlin sees Milwaukee scrambling to keep Giannis engaged by shopping the market for scoring help. The Bucks have shown interest in Zach LaVine and checked on Malik Monk and Jerami Grant as potential fits next to the two time MVP. Their problem is a thin cupboard. Sources say they have only one first round pick in 2031 or 2032 and they "do not believe they would" deal it unless a real star was on the table. Merlin notes Jon Horst has rebuilt this cast before. As one exec put it, "Give [general manager Jon Horst] credit for reinventing the wheel multiple times over the years." Still, rival teams may wait to see where Giannis lands before moving. The clock is ticking and the Bucks must choose boldness or patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Milwaukee landing a true star before the Feb 5 deadline: 25%.
Dec 29
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Watch, Bucks Stand Firm
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo still not forcing a move even as trade chatter grows. Reports say he would have to make a "forceful" request to be moved before the Feb 5 deadline, and the Bucks insist "Our intent is to build this team and continue to add, not subtract." Milwaukee is 11th in the East at 13 19, and the franchise has limited draft capital to remake the roster quickly. Merlin notes the practical limits. Salary math and past trades make a blockbuster swap difficult, though names like Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant are on the radar. Giannis scrubbed his socials and told teammates it was to declutter, yet another early playoff exit could test his patience. The Bucks may try a midseason add to steady the ship, but the story is far from finished. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 29
Ben Simmons Pauses Career, Eyes Injury Free Comeback
Merlin sees Ben Simmons choosing patience. The three time All Star says he will pause his career until he feels physically ready, telling reporters "I'm about to be 30 years old, and I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons." He wants his body to be "bulletproof" and notes his "shot finally feels good," but he will not rush back into playing if he cannot move and take contact the way he used to. Merlin remembers the fall from being a two way force after the 2021 playoffs, the surgeries for a herniated disc and the limited 51 appearances that followed. This is a long tune up, not a quick spell. If rehab restores mobility and confidence, a second act is possible. If not, the league may move on faster than he does. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Simmons returns to meaningful NBA minutes this season: 25%.
Dec 29