NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 19, 2026
Tyler Herro Likely Out Again for Heat Road Trip
Tyler Herro will miss the Heat’s five-game road trip after an MRI found a costochondral issue with his ribs, and he is "unlikely to join the team" on the trip. Herro has played just 11 of Miami’s 42 games this season after surgery and averages 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists when he’s on the floor. Miami sits 22-20, eighth in the East and one game behind sixth, so losing another primary scorer tightens an already small margin for error. Merlin sees Miami as a disciplined crew that can grind through short slumps, but recurring injuries to a go-to scorer are a real test. Norman Powell will need to shoulder more offensive load and the bench must step up if the Heat want to keep climbing. Health, as ever, will be the true barometer of their fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Herro playing during the five-game road trip: 15%.
Bronny James, Isaac Jones Receive NBA All Star Votes
A few NBA players treated All-Star voting like a joke, with two voting for Bronny James and four for Isaac Jones, who has five points this season. Bronny averages 6.9 minutes and 35 total points for the Lakers. Because players were "just 25 percent of the vote," those six ballots did not change the official starters that the league announced. Merlin sees this as a locker room wink more than a power play. The episode highlights the gap between headline names and on-court impact and reminds fans that the final roster is driven mostly by fan and media votes. With LeBron out of the starters list due to injury, the league still rewarded production over novelty. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bronny making an All-Star roster this season: 1%.
Jan 19
Donovan Mitchell All Star, Anthony Edwards Snub, LeBron Missing
Merlin sees the first 10 All-Star starters revealed Monday, and fans pounced on who was left out. Donovan Mitchell earned a starter spot in the East, averaging 29.2 points on 48.9 percent shooting while carrying a Cleveland team that sits fifth. In the West, Anthony Edwards was a surprising omission despite 29.6 points and career highs in efficiency, and the absences of LeBron James and Kevin Durant drew the loudest reactions. The coaches now pick the reserves. Merlin knows the All-Star story rarely ends with the starters. Coaches and injury replacements often right perceived snubs, and the league even has the option to nudge a veteran back in. Expect veiled drama, strategic coach votes, and at least one headline-making addition before the rosters are final. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Edwards makes the All-Star roster as a reserve: 85%.
Jan 19
Giannis Antetokounmpo Locked In Bucks Stand Firm
Merlin sees a clash between public vows and private curiosity. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been blunt: "I am not (going anywhere). I am invested in this team," and Milwaukee’s messaging matches. Still, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says the biggest question in league circles is whether the Bucks will move him before the Feb. 5 deadline, while Tim Bontemps adds he does not anticipate a trade and expects Milwaukee to be "very aggressive" to improve. Merlin notes reality beats rumor. A team rarely parts with a two-time MVP without a blockbuster return, and time for rival offers is dwindling. Only a seismic proposal or a sudden breakdown would change course, so expect noise to grow but motion to stay limited unless the market delivers something extraordinary. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds Bucks trade Giannis before the Feb. 5 deadline: 8%.”)
Jan 19
Atlanta Hawks Bring Back Beloved MLK City Jerseys
The Atlanta Hawks announced they will bring back their MLK City Edition uniforms next season, telling fans "You asked, we listened." Maria Taylor revealed the news during Peacock coverage of Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day game, and supporters welcomed the return of the jerseys honoring Dr. King. Merlin sees more than a costume change. Reviving the MLK kit restores a symbol of community and should spark retail demand and goodwill, reminding fans that the franchise hears its base. If the reception is strong, the Hawks may keep these uniforms as an annual tradition tied to the MLK Day schedule. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the MLK City Edition jerseys sell out this season: 80%.
Jan 19
Memphis Trade Drama: Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr?
Merlin sees the Grizzlies at a crossroads. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that Jaren Jackson Jr. "just wants to understand what the plan is," and he may not be asking to leave even as trade chatter swirls around Ja Morant. Memphis is 18-23 and sitting in the 10 seed, and the front office could opt for a step-by-step teardown to turn contracts into young assets and picks. Morant insists his loyalty with "a logo on my back," but durability and limited playoff success cloud the picture. Merlin senses a quiet reckoning. With both stars under team control, Memphis can wait or accelerate a rebuild, and the decision could ignore player preference. If leadership chooses future pieces over present flashes, Jackson is likeliest to move first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded before Feb. 5: 50%.
Jan 19
Kuminga Gone? Warriors Target De'Andre Hunter
Three-team chatter would send Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State to Phoenix, bring De'Andre Hunter to the Warriors, and send Royce O'Neale, Ryan Dunn and Nick Richards to Cleveland. Sources said "agree that the best resolution is to trade Kuminga prior to the deadline," and the swap would end Golden State's Kuminga saga while preserving its four tradeable first round picks and cutting Cavs payroll. Merlin sees neat logic here. Hunter's 6'8 frame and recent 15.9 points with 37.1 percent from three would steady Golden State beside Curry and Draymond. Kuminga lands in Phoenix, which made the "most lucrative push" for him, under coach Jordan Ott who develops young wings. Cleveland gains defense and expiring salary to appease Donovan Mitchell. The Warriors keep draft capital to chase a summer star, but chemistry and Kuminga's fresh start are unknowns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded before the deadline: 85%.
Jan 19
Ja Morant Trade Rumors Fizzle for Grizzlies
Ja Morant's 24 points and 13 assists in Sunday’s 126-109 win over Orlando did little to change the trade calculus, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Tim Bontemps said. MacMahon called a trade "extremely unpopular" in Memphis and Bontemps said "there's very limited interest" around the league. Morant has reaffirmed his commitment to the Grizzlies, but dipping shooting numbers, repeated injuries and an 18-23 club record have reduced his market value. Merlin sees a delicate balance. A bright performance soothes fans but cannot erase missed time or falling efficiency. For a small-market team, the PR hit of moving its cornerstone plus the likelihood of a weak return makes the front office wary. Sunday’s win is a hopeful turn, not a decisive shift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 15%.
Jan 19
Rich Paul Floats Lakers Reaves to Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson
Rich Paul suggested on his podcast that the Lakers explore sending Austin Reaves to the Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr., saying "Memphis would definitely pay Austin" and that "he would become their leading scorer and point guard." The article sketches a no-first-round-picks swap, shows the Lakers taking Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. while Memphis would get Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and a small trade exception, and then unpacks the salary, roster and cap math that would make the move messy. Merlin sees the deal as tempting but tangled. Jackson is a two-time All Star and former Defensive Player of the Year on a roughly $240 million commitment, while Reaves is chasing a big new contract. Memphis may prefer draft assets in a rebuild, and the Lakers must weigh defense over Reaves’ playmaking and future cap flexibility. Making the idea public could cool talks as much as it heats them. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers complete a trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. by the deadline: 12%.
Jan 19
Miami Heat Must Choose Between Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees a shakeup brewing in Miami’s trade plans. A source told Marc Stein Miami "should be scratched as a Morant suitor" if that move would jeopardize a bid for Giannis. Stein also wrote that "all indications are that Antetokounmpo will not be in trade play before the Feb. 5 deadline." Meanwhile Memphis is reportedly entertaining offers for Ja Morant, who has played just 18 games this season. Merlin notes the choice reveals Miami’s priorities. Morant is more affordable and could help now, but he is not the needle mover Giannis would be. If Miami keeps even a sliver of hope for a late-season Giannis pursuit, patience could rule their board and reshape who becomes available around the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 10%.
Jan 19
Rockets' Kevin Durant Passes Dirk Nowitzki For Sixth All Time
Kevin Durant passed Dirk Nowitzki to move into sixth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in Sunday’s win over New Orleans, joining the tier behind LeBron, Kareem, Karl Malone, Kobe, and Michael Jordan. Durant called the moment "means a lot" and said he wants "to continue to keep stacking, keep climbing up the charts," signaling he plans to keep chasing milestones at age 37. Merlin sees a veteran still in love with the craft. Durant praised Dirk — "I idolized, I competed against" — and the path ahead is clear: Jordan and Kobe are within reach, Malone looks like a taller mountain that might require playing into his 40s, and LeBron’s longevity offers a blueprint. Expect more counting of points and quiet accumulation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Durant finishing his career ahead of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: 75%.
Jan 19
Ja Morant Declares Loyalty Amid Trade Rumors
Ja Morant poured in 24 points, 13 assists and five rebounds to lift the Grizzlies to a 126-109 win in London, then pushed back on trade talk by saying, "If anybody here knows me, I'm a very loyal guy," and pointing to the Grizzlies tattoo on his back. Memphis has reportedly shopped him for picks and young players, but league interest has been called tepid, and some teams see limited market demand. Merlin senses a tug of war between talent and risk. Morant’s flashes show why teams would pay a price, yet missed time from suspensions and injuries dims his trade value. He sounds rooted in Memphis, and the Grizzlies will likely hold out for serious offers. Expect more headlines if he strings together sustained dominance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 18
Anthony Edwards Wants To Dunk On Victor Wembanyama
Anthony Edwards loved the matchup with Victor Wembanyama after Minnesota’s 126-123 loss, saying "I loved it" and "I wish we could've just moved everybody out of the way and just checked up and me versus him." Edwards scored 55 points and boldly claimed he would win a one-on-one and wants to dunk over the 7'4" Frenchman, who said he will try to block him. Merlin senses this is more than bravado. A real Edwards and Wembanyama rivalry pairs fearless scoring with towering length, and every duel feeds the league’s story of who might become the next global face. On the court the battles will decide bragging rights, off the court they will sell tickets and headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Edwards and Wembanyama rivalry becomes a defining playoff storyline this season: 30%.
Jan 18
Mavericks Court Dirk Nowitzki After Luka Trade
Merlin sees the Mavericks courting Dirk Nowitzki after his recent jumbotron appearance. ESPN's Tim MacMahon called it an olive branch from new leader Patrick Dumont, saying "The Luka trade was the absolute last straw" and that Dirk would not be part of the club while Nico Harrison ran basketball operations. Dirk's presence and his son Max in a Cooper Flagg jersey signaled openness, and he reportedly wants "some input in the team's decision-making" rather than a formal front-office job. Merlin senses that bringing Dallas' greatest player back into the fold would steady the franchise as it hands the torch to No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. An informal advisory role could fast-track Flagg's growth and soothe a jittery fanbase, but real influence will take trust and patient work from both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dirk taking an advisory role within the next year: 60%.
Jan 18
Edwards 55 Sparks Timberwolves, Wembanyama Clutch Lifts Spurs
Merlin saw a star-studded clash as Anthony Edwards exploded for a season-high 55 points, including 26 in the fourth, while Victor Wembanyama added 39 points and nine rebounds and snagged a late board to help the Spurs prevail 126-123. Wembanyama called it "an honor" and said "It's the best case to have the best players go as hard as they can." Edwards said "I loved it. I wish we could've just moved everybody out of the way... me versus him." The result nudged the Spurs to 29-13 and left the Wolves 27-16. Merlin senses more than a single game here. Edwards delivers pure scoring fireworks and Wembanyama brings unique two-way gravity. Nights like this shape narratives and set the stage for playoff theater. If both stay healthy, their contrasting talents could drive one of the league's next great rivalries. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Edwards and Wembanyama meeting in the playoffs this season: 45%.
Jan 18
Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Calls Himself The Blizzard On Topps
Merlin sees New Orleans rookie center Derik Queen signing a 1-of-1 Topps card calling himself "The Blizzard." His initials, DQ, line up nicely with Dairy Queen, where he had an NIL deal at Maryland, and teammates already use the Blizzard nickname. On the court he’s been a bright spot, averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.9 percent. Merlin senses more than a cute nickname. When a young player couples a catchy brand with real production, marketing and team storytelling follow. The existing Dairy Queen link makes a formal endorsement or merch push likely, and New Orleans could lean into the persona to grow Queen’s profile — provided his play keeps climbing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Queen landing an official Dairy Queen endorsement this season: 65%.
Jan 17
Stephen Curry Channels Dell Curry With Reebok Pumps
Stephen Curry paid a quiet tribute to his father by wearing vintage Reebok Pumps before the Warriors faced the Hornets, nodding to Dell Curry’s Reebok deal from his Hornets years. Charlotte will retire Dell’s No. 30 on March 19, honoring a 10 season run that included 701 games, the 1994 Sixth Man award, and franchise records in games and three-pointers. It is unclear if Stephen or Seth can attend given Golden State’s travel schedule. Merlin sees a family story and a branding moment entwined. Curry’s choice is part nostalgia and part business as he explores life after Under Armour, sampling Reebok among other brands. The Pumps are a bridge to Dell’s legacy and a public reminder that the league’s past still shapes present moves and future partnerships. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Stephen attending Dell’s jersey retirement: 30%.
Jan 17
Stephen Curry Warriors Finals Jersey Fetches $2.45M
Stephen Curry's Game 6 jersey from the 2022 NBA Finals, the one he wore when he scored 34 points and was named Finals MVP on June 17, 2022, sold privately for $2.45 million, MeiGray Group told ESPN's Dan Hajducky. That beats the prior Curry record of $1.7 million set by the same group in 2022 and tops a 2009 jersey that sold for $1.758 million at Sotheby's. Merlin sees more than a sale here. A championship-worn relic has become a high-value artifact as Curry keeps producing 28.1 points per game and the Warriors sit eighth in the West at 23-19. The price cements Curry’s legacy and serves as a golden reminder of 2022 while he chases another deep playoff run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors reaching the conference finals this season: 35%.
Jan 17
Warriors Will Not Trade Draymond Green for Anthony Davis
The Warriors are unlikely to land Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 deadline. Anthony Slater said he senses "zero appetite" in Golden State, noting a deal would probably cost Draymond Green and that Davis "might be back around playoff time." Davis is out at least six weeks, has played just 29 games recently, and contract and extension questions make a move risky, so executives expect he will remain in Dallas unless the Mavericks want to salary dump him. Merlin sees Golden State more inclined to tinker than to mortgage its core. Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade but offers limited return, and the Warriors have climbed to 23-19 with four wins in five. With Stephen Curry untouchable and Draymond a near-necessity, swapping for an injured star who needs a future extension looks unlikely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors acquire Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 5%.
Jan 17
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Finally Tries Quesarito
Nikola Jokić has teamed up with Taco Bell and was shown eating a Quesarito in a new ad, a surprise after he once said he “would never try a Quesarito” because of a draft-day commercial. Taco Bell called the campaign a “friendly apology,” and the Nuggets even handed out Quesarito shirts that Jokić called “funny,” though he previously wore a shirt reading “still won't try it.” Merlin sees a small truce that matters beyond snacks. The moment humanizes a two-time MVP who was the No. 41 pick in 2014 and led Denver to the 2023 title. Jokić is averaging 29.6 points while leading the league with 12.2 rebounds and 11 assists, and he remains the steady center of the Nuggets’ title hopes as endorsements and on-court goals move in harmony. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Nuggets reaching the conference finals this season: 60%.
Jan 16
Sacramento Kings Shopping Sabonis and DeRozan
Merlin sees the Kings are willing to move multiple big names before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, with Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan among those on the table. ESPN’s Anthony Slater calls Sabonis a "name to watch" and says GM Scott Perry is "open to discussing trades for all their high-priced veterans." HoopsHype reported exploratory talks with the Clippers, and Sacramento’s 11-30 start makes a rebuild increasingly likely. Sabonis is a high-impact player when healthy but is returning from a partially torn meniscus and carries three years and $136.3 million, so any suitor must make a heavy commitment. DeRozan is cheaper, signed only through next season, and remains durable and productive, making him an attractive piece for contenders. Merlin senses Sacramento will prioritize youth, picks, and salary relief in any deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Kings trade Sabonis or DeRozan before Feb. 5: 65%.
Jan 16
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Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami Heat Now
Merlin sees a bold case for sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier and a bundle of first-round picks and swaps. The argument says the Heat would mortgage their draft future to chase an Eastern crown now, while the Bucks could collect youth and assets before the situation in Milwaukee gets nastier. Merlin notes the story even quotes that "Antetokounmpo has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to the Bucks" while also leaving room to change his mind. Call it the Egg-Preference Theory. At 31, Giannis is still elite, so Miami’s all-in move could buy championship years, and Milwaukee would get players and picks that might seed a rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 30%."
Jan 16
Rockets GM Tests Trade Market With Durant Watch
Merlin sees Houston GM Rafael Stone quietly probing the market ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Kelly Iko reports the Rockets "had discussions with around half the league" but "doesn't have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion." Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela have drawn interest. A five-of-seven skid has dropped Houston to sixth and leaves Stone with 11 games to decide. Merlin senses Stone "has an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want." Houston is not chasing Ja Morant or Chris Paul and is "less inclined" on LaMelo or Darius Garland, so any move would likely be targeted role help. How Kevin Durant and the team respond over the next 11 games will shape Stone's choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Rockets make a significant trade before Feb. 5: 45%.
Jan 16
Cedric Coward Shrugs Off Rookie Wall for Grizzlies
Cedric Coward says he is not worried about the rookie wall, bluntly adding "I only fear God." The No. 11 pick has quietly become a regular for the Grizzlies, averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists across 37 games and 24 starts. His shooting is the headline: 55.7 percent from the floor and 40 percent from deep, ranking him sixth among rookies in field goals and threes made. With Ja Morant sidelined and reportedly available in trade talks, Memphis may need Coward to be more than a surprise story. Merlin sees the unusual arc here: a DIII start, stops for injury, then a rapid rise to starter and a 27-point outburst in his third game. Coward’s calm, “one game at a time” routine and elite shooting fit Memphis’ culture. The real test will be stamina and adjustments as teams game-plan him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Coward avoids a season-ending rookie wall and remains a regular starter: 65%.
Jan 16
Memphis Trade Dilemma Jaren Jackson Jr or Ja Morant?
Merlin sees a shifting seam in Memphis. The Grizzlies are fielding interest in Jaren Jackson Jr., with the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons among the teams sniffing around. Reports say "various teams across the league" want Jackson while Memphis has, per Shams Charania, at times "entertained offers" for Ja Morant and considered building around Jackson. Jackson is a former Defensive Player of the Year averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and he shoots 37.5 percent on catch and shoot threes this season. Merlin senses the tug of urgency. Jackson’s mix of rim protection and spacing makes him a fit for contenders, but if Memphis parts with Morant, Jackson may resist a long rebuild. The Feb 5 trade deadline looms like a witching hour. Moves here could remake the West and ripple to the East. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaren Jackson Jr. is traded by Feb 5: 40%.
Jan 16