Morant, Garland, Banchero, LeBron: NBA Duos on Brink

Merlin sees an inventory of NBA pairings teetering on the brink. The piece names duos — Morant/Jackson (Memphis), Garland/Mitchell (Cleveland), Banchero/Wagner (Orlando), Brunson/Towns (New York), Embiid/George (Philadelphia), LaVine/DeRozan (Sacramento) and James/Davis (Lakers) — and explains why: chemistry cracks, injuries, age and brutal salary math. These potential splits matter because failed postseason runs and cap constraints force teams to choose between loyalty and reinvention. Merlin notes the league's merciless calendar: front offices will weigh trades, coaching fits and tax pain before roster vows become law. Cleveland is described as "all-in," yet progress stalls; LeBron's status — "it certainly feels like this is his last go with the Lakers" — hangs over L.A. Expect maneuvering, not miracles, as the trade window approaches.