NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 18, 2025
NBA Slaps Cavs $100K Over Mitchell, Mobley Rest
The NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $100,000 after Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were sat Nov. 12, violating the league’s Player Participation Policy. The punishment sharpens a growing conflict: teams want to protect stars from a punishing early schedule, yet the league must guard fans and ticket buyers against routine stars’ absences — as Steve Kerr warned, "The Miami game will be our 17th game in 29 days in 13 different cities." Merlin sees governors unlikely to lop weeks off the calendar, so front offices will get savvier about balancing fines, optics and player health — more planned rotations, selective rests and messaging maneuvers. The policy buys short-term theater for fans, but expect teams to keep making calculated gambles to preserve seasons. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA shortens the season to eliminate back-to-backs next offseason: 12%.
Kevin Durant Signs Two-Year, $90M Rockets Extension
Kevin Durant committed to staying in Houston, signing a two-year, $90 million extension with a player option for 2027-28 — a deal that cost him roughly $30 million versus the max so the Rockets could keep roster flexibility. Durant had hinted this was coming ("I do see myself signing a contract extension"), and the move locks his elite scoring into Houston after the seven-team trade, even as concerns about age, playoff results and Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL temper title hopes. Merlin sees a calculated bargain: Durant buys the franchise time and credibility, while the front office gains space to build around him. He remains a top scorer, not a lone savior, so health, supporting pieces and payroll craftiness will decide if this stretch becomes a true championship window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston reaching the NBA Finals by 2026–27: 20%.
Nov 18
LeBron James Eager Tuesday Return vs Jazz — Lakers Boost
LeBron James is "aiming" to return Tuesday against the Utah Jazz after rehabbing sciatica and practicing with the Lakers’ G League affiliate in South Bay. Merlin sees the headline as simple but huge: James missed the first 14 games, a stretch when Los Angeles went 10-4 with strong play from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and his return — in what will be his 23rd NBA season — immediately raises the Lakers’ ceiling. Merlin notes the tone: James is "motivated and eager," but the Lakers won't rush him. At 40, his leadership and playmaking still matter more than raw minutes; reintroducing him carefully could supercharge a team already clicking while preserving health for the long haul. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron suits up and logs a meaningful impact (15+ minutes, 10+ combined points/assists) Tuesday: 70%.
Nov 18
Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. Locks In With Angel Reese
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. confirmed a romance with Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during an appearance on Run It Back, saying, "That's the homie for sure. We locked in," and adding, "Y'all gonna find out when y'all need to find out... That's my girl, though." Carter was first linked to Reese after attending her 23rd birthday and later the WNBA All-Star Game wearing a shirt with her image; Reese has dropped hints via social media and by showing up at several Magic games. Carter has started all 14 games for the 7-7 Magic, averaging 12.4 points and 7.4 rebounds, as Orlando prepares to face the Warriors. Merlin sees the spotlight following two high-profile athletes as a warm lantern, not a storm cloud — public interest will follow, but the chemistry on and off court looks supportive rather than destabilizing. Expect this to be a human story that nudges headlines more than box scores, at least for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Angel Reese publicly confirming the relationship this season: 65%.
Nov 18
Kings Land Russell Westbrook on Veteran-Minimum Deal
Merlin sees the Kings have signed Russell Westbrook to a one-year, $3.6 million veteran‑minimum deal — a low‑cost answer to a thin second unit. Sacramento wanted "more veteran know‑how behind Dennis Schröder" and Westbrook brings experience, edge and 2024-25 production (13.3 PTS, 6.1 AST, 4.9 REB). As reporters noted, "There is strong mutual interest between Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings," and his ties to Sabonis and Schröder ease the fit. Merlin senses upside and danger in equal measure: Westbrook can inject playmaking and toughness into a bench that ranked near the bottom in points and assists, but his ball‑dominant style and advancing age could clash with the team's primary creators. In the stacked West this is a sensible, short‑term gamble — useful depth that won’t by itself close the gap with top teams. The Oct. 22 opener at Phoenix will speak volumes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 18
Russell Westbrook Joins Sacramento Kings — Still Playing
Russell Westbrook will head to Sacramento on a one-year deal and, by his own account, doesn’t plan to retire after 2025-26. At nearly 37 he’s settled into a bench/playmaking role after averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in Denver, turned down a $3.5M option, endured a long free agency, and now joins his seventh NBA team — a short-term chance to prove he still belongs. Merlin sees this as both a safety net and a final showcase: the Kings get veteran ball pressure, playmaking and clubhouse voice behind Dennis Schröder, while Westbrook gets an audition under Doug Christie. Age and style are real questions, but a few electric games or steady leadership could extend the tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Russell Westbrook is still in the NBA after the 2026–27 season: 40%.
Nov 18
Warriors' Draymond Warned After 'Angel Reese' Fan Confrontation
Merlin sees Draymond Green handed an NBA warning after he marched into the stands to confront a fan chanting “Angel Reese!” and told reporters, “You can’t keep calling me a woman.” The skirmish, broken up by ushers after a foul on Herbert Jones, matters because it tests player-fan boundaries, the league’s discipline posture, and how quickly security protects both players and fans. Merlin notes coach Steve Kerr’s take — “As long as it doesn't escalate, it's fine” — but also his jab at slow security. With the Warriors 9-6, the team wants focus on wins, not headlines; one more public confrontation could mean fines or reputational cost, so expect both club and league to nudge behavior back to the bench. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Draymond is fined or suspended over this incident: 20%.
Nov 18
Suns' Devin Booker Teases Nike Book 2 Drop
Nike quietly teased the next installment in Devin Booker’s signature line as Nike hints at the Nike Book 2 — the follow-up to last year’s Book 1, which Booker called a “future classic.” The Book 1 had an extended rollout (new colorways still arriving), including the Book 1 95 “Solar Red” honoring Booker's dad, and the new release matters because Booker’s strong play (28.4 PPG, 7.0 APG) keeps the sneaker conversation hot while he carries the Suns with Jalen Green sidelined. Merlin sees this as more than a shoe drop — it’s a marketing play tied to Booker’s on-court momentum. If he keeps producing, expect Nike to time Book 2 for maximum buzz (midseason window or All-Star weekend) and use fresh colorways to sustain attention even as the team sorts its rotation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nike Book 2 releasing before the All‑Star break: 65%.
Nov 18
Lakers' LeBron: No 2028 Olympics; Warriors' Curry Doubtful
Merlin sees Paris as likely the final Olympic duet for LeBron James and Stephen Curry. LeBron firmly declared he will not play in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and Curry said, "Never say never, but I highly doubt it." At 40 (turning 41) and 37, their emotional run — capped by those wins over Serbia and France — gave LeBron the solace to close the book: "We can't top what we just did." Their Paris chemistry, the first extended time together outside All-Star festivities, felt like a storybook finale that’s hard to repeat. With LeBron ready to step away from the Olympic stage and Curry only interested if he can truly contribute, Merlin senses this golden chapter is closing; fans should savor the memory. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron and Curry both suiting up for Team USA in 2028: 5%.
Nov 18
Clippers' First-Round Picks Could Supercharge Thunder
Merlin sees a quiet but dangerous transfer of power: Oklahoma City holds the Clippers’ 2026 and 2027 first‑round swap rights — "the last remaining remnants of the Paul George trade." If L.A. slides into the lottery, those swaps could gift OKC a top‑5 or top‑10 selection, compounding a war chest that already finds late gems like Ajay Mitchell and Jaylin Williams. That makes a repeat and long runway far more plausible. Merlin notes the real threat isn’t one extra star but a steady stream of cost‑controlled prospects that solve future salary headaches and extend the champion window. If OKC keeps minting contributors from late picks, league parity shifts from a series of seasons to a generational tilt. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds OKC lands at least one top‑10 pick from the Clippers’ swaps in 2026–27: 35%.
Nov 18
Paul George Debut: Maxey Lifts Sixers Over Clippers
Merlin sees Philadelphia escape a 110-108 nail-biter over the Clippers as Paul George made his season debut after a left-knee setback. George finished with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks on 2-of-9 shooting, while Tyrese Maxey poured in 39. James Harden scored 28 but missed two potential game-winning threes; the Sixers moved to 8-5 and the Clippers fell to 4-10. Merlin notes the real story is Maxey’s takeover and a Sixers roster that can survive an off night from its new star. George’s touch was rusty, yet his defense and veteran calm showed value; Los Angeles’ late misses expose a team in a deeper slide. This felt like a necessary test — promising, but far from proof. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul George is a net positive for the Sixers this season: 75%.
Nov 18
Edwards, Timberwolves Rout Mavericks; Flagg Fizzles
Dallas was routed 120-96 by Minnesota as Anthony Edwards poured in 31 points to lead the Timberwolves, who improved to 9-5. Cooper Flagg finished with 15 points (6-of-10), one rebound and two assists, while Brandon Williams added 15 and five boards as the Mavericks fell to 4-11. Minnesota led 61-44 at halftime, blew the game open in the third to lead 98-66 entering the fourth, and closed out a 24-point win. Merlin senses a young Mavs roster bumping against its defenses — Flagg showed efficiency, but the third-quarter collapse is a recurring wound. Dallas needs adjustments on the glass and more consistent veteran leadership if this promising talent is to avoid turning potential into another losing spiral. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas beating New York on Wednesday: 20%.
Nov 18
Reaves: LeBron James' Return Makes Lakers Luka-Busters
Merlin sees Austin Reaves buzzing about LeBron James’ imminent return — James practiced Monday after missing training camp, the preseason and the regular season with sciatica. Reaves argued “I think everybody blitzes Luka now,” and that defensive blitzes could make LeBron especially dangerous as a short roller or a high-quad second man; his IQ and leadership would also ease pressure on a 10–4 Lakers group already playing well without him. Merlin senses chess pieces shifting: a healthy 41-year-old LeBron can morph the Lakers’ offense into something opponents haven’t fully planned for — more short rolls, cleaner reads for young wings, and late-game gravity that changes matchups. Still, the true magic rests in his body; availability will write the rest of this story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns this season healthy and meaningfully boosts the Lakers’ title chances: 35%.
Nov 17
Kyrie Irving Ahead of Schedule — Mavericks Return Looms
Merlin sees Kyrie Irving edging closer to a return from a torn ACL. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears said, “Kyrie's looking good, he's ahead of schedule,” and even noted “if it was the playoffs, he could play right now.” That matters because the Mavericks (4–10) have been without their primary point guard, leaned on rookie Cooper Flagg, and also have Anthony Davis sidelined — a big reason for Dallas’ slow start. Merlin notes Irving’s return would reshape Dallas’ offense: his penetration and pick-and-roll work could create ideal scoring chances for Flagg and open looks for shooters. Timing is crucial; if the Mavericks are out of contention by late January, the team and Irving may opt to protect long-term health rather than chase a slim playoff spark — “whether it's worth it for him to come back or not.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Irving plays this season: 55%.
Nov 17
Victor Wembanyama Expected Out Weeks with Calf Strain
Merlin sees the Spurs announced Victor Wembanyama underwent an MRI that found a left calf strain and, per Shams Charania, he is "expected to be sidelined for a few weeks." This matters because Wembanyama is San Antonio’s franchise cornerstone; even a short layoff disrupts team rhythm, defensive schemes, and the development curve for a squad built around his unique talents. Merlin notes calf strains are delicate — rush recovery and the injury can linger. The Spurs will test their depth and lean on role players while prioritizing cautious rehab. If the staff is patient, the young giant returns preserved rather than compromised; if not, small setbacks become larger headaches for the season ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds Wembanyama misses 2–4 weeks: 70%.)
Nov 17
LiAngelo Ball's "Tweaker" Goes Platinum — Quits Basketball
LiAngelo Ball vaulted into platinum status less than a year after walking away from basketball: the RIAA certified his January single "Tweaker" for one million digital units, and the track hit No. 1 on the US Rhythmic chart. Def Jam signed him, he landed a Lil Wayne remix, and his debut album League of My Own arrived in July — he then confirmed he's retired from basketball to chase music full time. Merlin sees the pattern: a famous name opened a door, but the Def Jam deal, chart success and a heavyweight feature turn a viral moment into a real shot at staying power. If he follows up with consistent songs and leans into the locker-room anthem niche, the music path could hold; if not, the spotlight may fade as quickly as it rose. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LiAngelo returns to professional basketball within two years: 10%.
Nov 17
LeBron James Rehabbing Sciatica as Lakers Lean on Doncic
LeBron James hasn’t played yet this season due to sciatica but is inching back — even getting G‑League assignments for five‑on‑five work. He warned, "If you had it, then you know what the hell it's about," and admitted his "lungs feel like a newborn baby" as he rebuilds conditioning. His return matters: the Lakers (10‑4) are reshaping around Luka Dončić, and adding LeBron will change rotations, matchup problems, and title expectations. Merlin senses a careful chess match ahead. At nearly 41 LeBron insists, "Don't matter … position is basketball," showing readiness to adapt; his playmaking still forces defenses to choose between him and Dončić. Health and a contract year inject uncertainty, but a healthy LeBron still tilts the balance for Los Angeles. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays at least 50 regular‑season games this year: 55%.
Nov 17
LeBron Back — Lakers Need Shooters for Luka
LeBron James is on the verge of returning — ESPN’s Shams Charania reports he "will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday" — and that arrival instantly upgrades Los Angeles’ ceiling. It matters because James joining Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves creates an elite core, but the roster still struggles with outside shooting (29th in made threes) and middling defense, so the team needs complementary shooters and stoppers to match that top-level play. Merlin sees the front office stirring its cauldron: L.A. has tradable picks, swaps and expirings to chase role players, and the club should be emboldened to trade if it truly believes "there's only one ball" can be shared effectively. LeBron helps, but he is not a miracle worker — the next moves will tell the tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers make at least one meaningful trade to add shooting/defense before midseason: 75%.
Nov 17
Paul George Returns: Sixers' Lifeline vs. Clippers
Merlin sees Paul George is "expected to make his season debut" tonight against his former team after missing the first 12 games following arthroscopic left-knee surgery. Philadelphia is 7-5 but thin — Joel Embiid has played only six games, key role players are dinged, and Tyrese Maxey is logging ungodly minutes — so George's return matters as a creator, wing defender and pressure valve for Maxey. Merlin notes George's first year in Philly was muted by injuries, and at 35 he may not regain All-NBA peaks. Still, his ability to score off the dribble, hit catch-and-shoot shots and handle secondary playmaking could quickly steady this fragile roster. If he stays healthy and Embiid returns steadier, the Sixers move from wounded to dangerous. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Philadelphia making the playoffs this season: 65%.
Nov 17
Dillon Brooks Blasts NBA Refs, Suns Lose
Dillon Brooks unloaded on NBA officiating after Phoenix’s 124-122 loss to Atlanta, saying refs are “making calls out of emotion” and that the Suns were “playing seven against five.” Brooks drew a technical for arguing a stoppage after Zaccharie Risacher’s scary fall and had earlier earned a flagrant 1 on Jalen Johnson, yet still finished with 34 points, six rebounds and three steals. The defeat halted Phoenix’s five-game win streak, and Brooks’ blunt critique could invite a league fine. Merlin sees the moment for what it is: heat that can warm a locker room or burn it down. Brooks’ intensity fuels Phoenix but also paints a target for discipline and media storms. Expect the league to address the comments quietly and for opponents to watch how emotional edges shift in coming games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brooks gets fined this week: 70%.
Nov 17
Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Bulls, Embrace Tank
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward a hard reset. With Nico Harrison gone, Kyrie out for months and a brutal start to 2025-26, the plan proposes moving Anthony Davis in a three-team swap with Chicago and Brooklyn to shed salary, create trade exceptions, and chase a top-2026 lottery pick. The deal times to Dec. 15 when Tre Jones becomes trade-eligible and would net Dallas pieces like Collins and Huerter plus flexibility to target prospects such as Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa. Merlin smells both opportunity and peril. Offloading Davis’ $58.5M opens payroll breathing room and boosts lottery odds, while Jones’ team-friendly contract and expiring deals give maneuverability. But Davis’ health, the complexity of three-way paperwork and short-term fan fallout are real. If Dallas truly commits to a gap year, it could transform from grudging hopeful to genuine contender by 2026-27 — assuming the draft brings treasure instead of fool’s gold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Anthony Davis this season: 25%.
Nov 17
Pistons' Cade Cunningham Lands Nike Signature Shoe
Cade Cunningham signed a six-year extension with Nike that includes a signature shoe slated for the 2026–27 season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move matters because it formalizes Cunningham’s rise — he was an All-Star in 2024–25 and is averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 9.9 assists as the Pistons sit 11–2 and atop the East. Joining Nike’s small signature roster (Durant, LeBron, Ja, Giannis, Booker) marks him as a true face of the league. Merlin sees this as more than a business deal; it’s a milestone that signals market and cultural relevance. The report even notes he’s “on track for another All‑NBA nod.” If Detroit sustains this form, the shoe could debut at peak demand; if they stumble, the timing will feel more aspirational than coronation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cade Cunningham makes All‑NBA this season: 60%.
Nov 17
Cooper Flagg's Overtime Heroics Lift Mavericks Past Blazers
Merlin sees Dallas break a three-game slide with a 138-133 overtime win over Portland, a night powered by Cooper Flagg’s 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists as he came alive in the second half and OT. P.J. Washington (21) and Klay Thompson (19, 5-of-11 from deep) helped carry the load while Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe (36), Deni Avdija (29) and Jerami Grant (26) kept it tight; the win moves Dallas to 4-10 while Portland falls to 6-7. Merlin notes the narrative: Flagg is still “finding his footing” — he missed a potential game-winner late but dominated overtime, a classic young-wizard moment of promise and imperfection. This game could be a turning point for confidence, though consistency against tougher foes (Minnesota next) will reveal whether it’s a spark or a flicker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg becoming a regular starter this season: 30%.
Nov 17
Bob Myers Won't Be Dallas Mavericks' Next GM
The Mavericks have opened a front-office vacancy after firing GM Nico Harrison, and while former Warriors executive Bob Myers is the most decorated name floating around, Marc Stein reports plainly that "Myers is not a candidate for the front office opening in Dallas" and "is not even available to serve as a consultant" after taking a role with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. That matters because Myers' résumé — 12 seasons in Golden State, four titles and two Executive of the Year awards — would have been an immediate game-changer for Dallas. Merlin sees a boardroom at a crossroads: the new GM must decide whether to push for a title now around Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving or to pivot to a Flagg-led rebuild. Stein notes Myers is "close with new Mavericks CEO Rick Welts," so his counsel may still ripple through decisions, even if he won’t take the job. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bob Myers becoming the Mavericks’ next GM: 5%.
Nov 17
Pelicans Eye Darvin Ham After Firing Willie Green
The Pelicans have opened a coaching search after firing Willie Green following a 2-10 start, and Marc Stein says Darvin Ham "is a name to watch." Ham, a 52-year-old Bucks assistant and former Lakers head coach, reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023 but was fired after a first-round exit in 2024. Interim coach James Borrego and former UConn boss Kevin Ollie are also in the mix, so New Orleans is weighing experience versus a fresh reset for a team that went 21-61 a year ago. Merlin sees a balancing act: Ham brings recent head-coaching mileage and a reboot from working under Doc Rivers, but his Lakers tenure was uneven. Borrego offers continuity; Ollie brings a different pedigree. The Pelicans will pick whoever best meshes with their young core and long-term plan. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Darvin Ham becomes New Orleans’ next head coach: 30%.
Nov 16