NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 13, 2025
Jalen Brunson in Walking Boot — Knicks Ankle Scare
Merlin sees Jalen Brunson leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot and on crutches after he "rolled his ankle" late in Wednesday’s 124-107 loss to Orlando. Brunson still finished with 31 points in 37 minutes, but the Knicks offered no official report. Given he missed 15 games last season with a right ankle sprain, another setback would be a serious blow to a 7-4 team with title hopes. Merlin notes the likely ripple effects: Miles McBride would be the logical starter, Mikal Bridges would take on more ball-handling, and Karl-Anthony Towns would become the primary offensive hub. New York can survive a short absence, but the ankle history makes this a watchful moment — scans and rest decisions will shape their next steps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brunson misses multiple games: 40%.
Mavericks Fan Ditches Lakers Luka After Nico Firing
Nicholas Dickason is back in Mavericks blue, wearing a Cooper Flagg jersey and publicly cheering the firing of GM Nico Harrison — “I'm a Mavs fan. And I'm glad Nico's gone.” Dickason said team governor Patrick Dumont told him he “feels horrible for the trade. And wants to make it up to us,” and insiders report “Fire Nico” chants had hurt locker-room morale. The Dončić-for-Davis deal has left Dallas 3-8 while Dončić averages 37.1 PPG for the Lakers. Merlin sees the fan moment as a symbol more than a solution: removing a GM soothes a fanbase but won't fix injuries, roster fit, or trust overnight. Dallas needs concrete moves and steadier culture-building to stop sliding — a courtside jersey can't replace healthier lineups and smarter roster decisions. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 12
Jason Kidd Addresses Nico Harrison Firing, Mavericks Fallout
Merlin sees Dallas move on from GM Nico Harrison after a rocky 3-8 start, with Jason Kidd calling it “a business decision” and urging focus on what the team can control: “The two things that we can control is our energy and effort.” Fans had chanted “Fire Nico” amid the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade, and the Mavericks named Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi co-interim GMs as injuries and roster upheaval pile up. Merlin senses a franchise trying to steady a ship rocked by big decisions and bad luck. Kidd’s multi-year extension buys time, but new temporary leadership must calm the locker room, manage the recovery of injured pieces and define a path without Dončić. This is less a purge than a reset; the next few weeks will show if the Mavericks pivot or drift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Mark Cuban Denies Return to Mavericks After Doncic Trade
Merlin sees Mark Cuban stepping forward to snuff out rumors after Nico Harrison’s firing: he denied that he and governor Patrick Dumont "have been in frequent dialogue," telling Alex Schiffer, "He didn't get that from me" and "I have no idea who made it up." That matters because Cuban sold control in December and his denial signals the Adelson–Dumont ownership is running basketball decisions while the Mavericks search for a new GM, with Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interims. Merlin remembers that Cuban once expected to keep basketball authority after the roughly $4 billion sale, but his influence waned during the 2024 Finals and he was surprised by the Luka Dončić trade. The new ownership faces a choice: install a traditional GM to steady the ship or let veteran executives steer. Watch hires, public messages, and roster moves for the next chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mark Cuban reasserting a significant basketball-ops role this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Clippers' Nightmare: Bradley Beal Out After Hip Fracture
Bradley Beal will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season after a hip fracture, with Beal’s camp and Clippers doctors agreeing surgery is needed so he can “have a full and complete recovery,” agents said. Law Murray reported a six- to nine-month recovery window. It’s a massive blow to a 3-7 Clippers team already missing Kawhi Leonard, and to a club that banked on one-year, veteran signings — Beal, Chris Paul and Brook Lopez — to spark a push. Beal’s early returns were underwhelming (8.2 points, 37.5% shooting) and L.A. even posted better on-off splits with him off the floor. Merlin sees the offseason dream wobble into a cautionary tale: veteran promise colliding with fragile bodies. Losing Beal forces James Harden and role players into heavier workloads, pressures the front office to pivot before the trade deadline, and leaves hope hinging on health and quick development from younger pieces. The recovery quote offers solace for next year, but this season’s ceiling just lowered. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Los Angeles Clippers making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 12
Warriors' Title Hopes Wobble: Kuminga & Podziemski
Golden State’s slow start (6-6) has put its championship status in question after losing five of seven, and ESPN’s Anthony Slater points to stalled development from Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski as a key reason. Podziemski’s line (12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) mirrors last year’s output, and his boast that he “wants to be better than him” drew “eyerolls” inside the organization. Kuminga’s scoring is also flat, and veteran Draymond Green warned the group doesn’t feel as locked-in as during last season’s 23-8 run, saying, “Right now, it doesn't feel that way.” Merlin sees a team at a crossroads: experience and Curry’s gravity still matter, but Golden State needs genuine growth from its youth or it will be a one-man orbit with cracks around it. This is early season noise that coaching and leadership can calm — watch effort, consistency, and how Green channels frustration. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors remain true title contenders this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Anthony Davis Trade Looms for Struggling Mavericks
Merlin sees Dallas at a crossroads: with Nico Harrison fired, the Mavericks must decide what to do with the roster he built — and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says governor Patrick Dumont will "at least" hold talks about trading Anthony Davis. The Harrison plan for a defense-first squad hasn’t produced results (16-28 since the Luka trade), and Dallas now needs to prioritize developing Cooper Flagg while wrestling with Davis’s age, injuries and massive contract. Merlin senses the market will be chilly. Davis remains one of the few movable stars, but his $54M+ salary, injury history, limited draft currency and the apron-era rules mean Dallas may have to "take what (they) can get." Expect hard bargains and creative salary swaps as the Feb. 5 deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 50%.
Nov 12
Mavericks Fire Nico Harrison After Dončić Trade, Cuban Pressure
Merlin sees Dallas move quickly after a rocky 3-8 start: Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont fired GM Nico Harrison, saying "losing" was the driving factor — “Can’t get off to a start like this (after making a trade like that) and survive.” Mark Cuban pushed Dumont, frustrated he was frozen out of the Dončić deal, and growing fan unrest and slipping attendance helped seal Harrison’s fate. Merlin notes this was a high-stakes gamble with a short contention window built around older, oft-injured stars; Kyrie’s ACL and Anthony Davis’ setbacks exposed that plan. This reset shifts power in Dallas and raises a choice: steady rebuild or more aggressive roster surgery. The oracle expects more moves as Dumont looks for a clearer direction. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 30%.
Nov 12
LeBron James Ramps Up with South Bay Lakers
LeBron James took a measured step in his sciatica rehab when the Lakers assigned him to their G League affiliate so he could take part in his first full five‑on‑five practice, per Shams Charania. Coach JJ Redick said James “will begin practicing with the team's G League affiliate in South Bay” as the club times his ramp‑up during a current road trip, with no official return date yet. Merlin senses the move is smart and deliberate. Los Angeles is 8‑3 without James and Austin Reaves has been a bright spark, but a healthy James — coming off a 24.4/7.8/8.2 season — immediately raises the team’s ceiling. Expect veterans like Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia to keep steady minutes until James is truly ready. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays vs. Utah on Nov. 18: 40%.
Nov 12
Nico Harrison Fired — Mavericks Eye Towns‑Davis Swap
The Mavericks dismissed Nico Harrison — the architect of the Luka Dončić trade — after a rocky 3-8 start while Dončić thrives in Los Angeles. With Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi interim stewards, the team faces a crossroads: chase wins now or rebuild around 18-year-old Cooper Flagg. The piece offers a bold three-team swap sending Anthony Davis to New York, Karl‑Anthony Towns to Dallas and Norman Powell to Brooklyn, plus a mix of young pieces to reset the roster and cap sheet. Merlin sees the chessboard: Towns is younger than Davis but not a long-term cornerstone, Davis carries injury risk, and Dallas desperately needs a healthy lead guard. The Knicks would gain upside on defense while Brooklyn profits as a salary-shedding sieve. This is a first move, not a cure — Dallas will keep shopping veterans and weighing a true rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas commits to a proper rebuild around Cooper Flagg this season: 60%.
Nov 12
Mavericks Fire GM After Medical Staff Shelves Anthony Davis
Merlin sees a tug of war in Dallas: Anthony Davis pushed to return from a left calf strain, Nico Harrison urged the same, but the Mavericks’ medical staff forbade it — citing a potential torn Achilles. “Multiple league sources said Davis has tried to convince the Mavs to let him return…and Harrison urged him to return,” the report says, while governor Patrick Dumont “stating his preference to err on the side of caution” stepped in and Harrison was fired hours later. The showdown matters because Davis’ health will shape both the Mavs’ fragile season and his trade value. Merlin remembers cautionary tales — Kevin Durant and Tyrese Haliburton tore Achilles after rushing back from calf trouble — and sees why trainers chose protection over pride. Dallas sits 3-8; a season pivot or long-term rebuild could follow if Davis is injured or the organization retools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before the February deadline this season: 15%.
Nov 12
Ja Morant, Giannis, Anthony Davis: Bold Trade Board
Merlin sees a whole-season trade map: after about 10 games the piece lays out a concrete trade idea for every NBA club — from blockbuster fantasies (Ja Morant, Giannis, Anthony Davis) to practical fixes (Nic Claxton to Boston, Sam Hauser to Denver). It matters because early injuries and surprising form are already reshaping rosters and could tilt title windows or accelerate rebuilds. Merlin senses the loudest tremors around Morant — he’s been quoted as saying he’s not feeling the "joy" of playing basketball — and around jaw-dropping scenarios (Giannis to San Antonio) that are more thought experiments than probabilities. The real movers will be pragmatic deals: teams chasing interior defense, shooting, or a younger creator. Expect chatter to sharpen as front offices test the market in November. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 35%.
Nov 12
Ja Morant Snubs Knicks Fan at MSG
The Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant brushed off a fan’s pitch to join the Knicks with an indifferent “I’m cool” after Memphis fell 133-120 at Madison Square Garden. The loss highlighted ongoing struggles: Morant went 4-for-14 (after a 3-for-18 game), Memphis is 4-8, and the rookie coach matchup with Morant has already produced a one-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Morant’s flat answer of “No” when asked if he still had “joy” has fueled trade chatter ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, even as he’s under contract beyond 2025-26 and remains popular in Memphis. Merlin sees a chestnut: talent and temperament pulling a team in two directions. Morant’s scoring pedigree (23+ points recent seasons) keeps his value high, but on-court cold spells and reported clashes with Tuomas Iisalo make Memphis’ choices urgent. If Morant rediscovers form and the club soothes the locker room, the saga cools; if not, whispers could become offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before Feb. 5: 25%.
Nov 12
Nico Harrison Fired: Mavericks Fallout From Luka Trade
Nico Harrison was dismissed 11 games into his fourth season as Mavericks GM after a 3–8 start. He is "in good spirits" and plans to spend time with his family, while owner Patrick Dumont admitted "no one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy" with the slow start. The move reflects pressure from high expectations, the post‑Dončić roster reshuffle and injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Merlin sees a tenure marked by extremes: a Finals trip followed by the controversial Luka Dončić trade that brought Anthony Davis and scrutiny in equal measure. With Davis often sidelined and Kyrie still rehabbing, Dallas needs time for chemistry — and for rookie Cooper Flagg to grow — if the franchise hopes to justify the gamble and calm the storm. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 12
Tyrese Maxey Carries 76ers Past Celtics Without Embiid
Tyrese Maxey carried a short-handed 76ers to a 102-100 home win over the Celtics, finishing with 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Kelly Oubre Jr.’s late putback sealed the victory. Joel Embiid was ruled out with right knee soreness — “He had some imaging on that this afternoon and doctors are here tonight to go over that with him,” coach Nick Nurse said — and Philly’s depth showed up: Justin Edwards had 22 off the bench and Andre Drummond a 14-13 double-double. The win moved Philadelphia to 7-4; Boston slipped to 5-7 despite Jaylen Brown’s 24. Merlin sees a team tested and not broken: Maxey’s takeover is real and Philly’s role players can cover short stretches without Embiid, but sustained success hinges on the big man’s health. Boston’s backcourt punch from Derrick White and Brown keeps them dangerous, yet their supporting cast must find consistency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Embiid misses Friday vs. Pistons: 60%.
Nov 12
Giannis-Backed USA vs International NBA All-Star Format
Merlin sees the league reshaping its midseason pageant: the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature two U.S. teams and one international team in a round-robin of four 12-minute games on Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome. The 24 All-Stars are still picked the usual way (starters by fan/player/media votes, reserves by coaches), but Adam Silver will add players if a three-team lineup needs extra bodies — and American players with foreign ties could suit up for the international squad. This matters because it turns an exhibition into a true short tournament, changing strategy and spotlighting global stars. Merlin notes the appeal — a grouping like “Antetokounmpo, Jokić, Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama” “would be nearly impossible to stop,” and the NHL’s 4 Nations success shows the format can spark real drama. Expect higher competition, new storylines, and a test of whether fans prefer country pride over conference bragging. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the international team wins the tournament: 65%.
Nov 11
Draymond Green Defends Nico Harrison Amid Expected Mavericks Firing
Merlin sees Draymond Green step into the ring to defend Mavericks GM Nico Harrison after reports the Mavs will dismiss him. Green argued, “Y'all just wanna go point the finger at Nico… That s--t is whack to me,” saying Harrison hasn’t had a real chance because Kyrie Irving is rehabbing, Anthony Davis has missed time, and rookie Cooper Flagg is still learning. This matters because a front-office firing before the roster ever plays together signals impatience and could sabotage long-term construction. Merlin senses a team still unfinished — Harrison swung for the fences with the Luka-for-AD trade and the No. 1 pick, but injuries and rookie growing pains have left the experiment incomplete. Green’s defense frames this as a caution: fires buy headlines, not cohesion. Expect more heat as health and minutes decide whether the Mavs’ plan looks brilliant or broken. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks fire Nico Harrison this season: 80%.
Nov 11
Nico Harrison Changes Bio to "Unemployed" After Mavericks' Luka Trade
Merlin sees Nico Harrison wasted no time changing his Instagram bio to "Unemployed" after being fired by the Dallas Mavericks. Harrison ran Dallas' front office from 2021 until Tuesday; despite helping reach the 2024 Finals, he's mostly remembered for trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in February — a move he defended, saying "I believe that defense wins championships." Mavs fans had been chanting "Fire Nico" in the months since. Merlin notes Harrison's outside pedigree — nearly two decades at Nike — but his only NBA front‑office run ended in a high‑profile exit. Teams may value his business ties and roster vision, yet the Dončić trade fallout makes a quick rehiring uncertain. For now, he’ll likely enjoy a spell away from the spotlight while new opportunities stir. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Nico Harrison returns to an NBA front-office role within two years: 35%.
Nov 11
Mavericks Fire Nico Harrison — Cuban Targets Dennis Lindsey
The Mavericks fired GM Nico Harrison as fallout from last season’s Luka Dončić trade keeps roiling the organization. Assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will run basketball ops for now, while Mark Cuban is pushing to hire Dennis Lindsey — though team governor Patrick Dumont’s blessing is uncertain. Cuban has publicly griped about the Luka deal, saying, "If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that's one thing." Merlin senses this move is part olive branch to angry fans and part power play by Cuban to reclaim influence. With a 3-8 start, a rookie like Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving’s rehab hanging over the team, more front-office or roster changes aren’t off the table if results don’t improve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dennis Lindsey becomes Dallas’ GM within 90 days: 30%.
Nov 11
No.1 Pick Cooper Flagg Shines Amid 'Fire Nico' Mavericks Chaos
Merlin sees the moment: Nico Harrison’s firing stirred the crowd, and Kelly Flagg — mother of No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg — appeared to endorse the notion he was a “huge distraction,” though she clarified her retweet “wasn't about firing Nico.” The scene felt “surreal,” as Tim MacMahon noted, with “Fire Nico!” chants audible during Cooper’s best rookie night (26 points, nine rebounds, four assists). Klay Thompson tried to steady the ship: “You got to focus... Can only control what you can control.” Merlin warns the quarry may have moved. Ian Begley notes fans, having felled one target, could now aim at team governor Patrick Dumont — a figure who “can’t be fired.” That matters: persistent public ire can unsettle a young core and turn a rebuild into noise. Dallas must show accountability and calm the court before the distraction eats the season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mavericks fans will publicly target Patrick Dumont this season: 55%.
Nov 11
Luka Trade Fallout: Mavericks Fire Nico Harrison
Merlin sees the Mavericks have cut ties with GM Nico Harrison after the shockwaves of the Luka Dončić trade. The move matters because it’s not just about one front-office exit — it’s about shattered trust after a midnight deal that yielded a way-below-market return and a tone-deaf public posture that angered fans and damaged franchise value. Merlin remembers how Harrison once assembled a Finals-ready supporting cast, yet “fortune favors the bold” became a hubristic refrain when Dallas missed a clear rebuild window with Cooper Flagg and doubled down on mismatched pieces. Now owner Patrick Dumont must own the fallout; other owners should learn that basketball judgment and trust-building matter as much as creative hires. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Anthony Davis for draft assets by the February deadline: 60%.
Nov 11
Mavericks' Dumont Regrets Trading Luka to Lakers
Merlin sees Dallas governor Patrick Dumont offering a rare apology for trading Luka Dončić — telling fan Nicholas Dickason he “feels horrible for the trade” and that “Sometimes you have good intentions and you make mistakes.” The admission comes as GM Nico Harrison is ousted and Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi take over basketball operations, a clear pivot toward rebuilding after losing the franchise star. The moment matters because it acknowledges the misstep that reshaped the franchise and can’t be undone. Dallas still has a young cornerstone in No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg (15/6.8/3.1 through 11 games), but Merlin warns: repairing trust and returning to contention will take years, not words. Wins, not apologies, will heal the fanbase. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs next season: 30%.
Nov 11
Mavericks Fire Nico Harrison After Luka Doncic Trade
Merlin sees Dallas has moved on from general manager Nico Harrison after four-plus seasons, a firing born of a 3-8 start and rising fan anger — chants of “Fire Nico!” punctuated Monday’s loss. Harrison ran five drafts and several big trades, including the deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers; with Kyrie rehabbing an ACL and Anthony Davis sidelined, the roster is thin and rookie Cooper Flagg is under heavy pressure. Merlin notes the change is a short-term salve: Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will lead operations in the interim, but a new face in the front office cannot instantly replace lost assets or heal injuries. The next few weeks will show whether Dallas can steady the ship, develop Flagg quickly, or begin a longer rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 11
Mavericks' Dumont Fires GM Nico Harrison After Dončić Trade
Merlin reports: Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont dismissed GM Nico Harrison after a 3-8 start, writing that "no one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with" the poor opening and that "When the results don't meet expectations, it's my responsibility to act." Harrison, in his fifth season, had made sweeping moves — trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis and selecting Cooper Flagg — but a blown fourth-quarter lead to Milwaukee while Dumont watched courtside prompted the decision. Merlin sees impatience mixed with unfinished business. Irving's torn ACL and Davis's recent injuries mean the roster might not be judged fairly until December, when all three could finally share the floor. Interim GM duties go to Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi; the owner’s swift move signals a short fuse for rebuilding growing pains. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 11
Anthony Davis' Mavericks Future Uncertain After Harrison Firing
Merlin sees Dallas at a crossroads after the sudden firing of GM Nico Harrison, and the biggest question is Anthony Davis' future. Davis — who headlined the return package in last season’s shocking trade — has a long bond with Harrison, but Harrison’s exit, Davis’ six-game absence with a calf issue and a 3–8 start leave the Mavs vulnerable to change. Marc Stein reports Davis’ agent Rich Paul and owner Patrick Dumont "are in regular contact," a detail that may buy Dallas time. Merlin smells two clear paths: steady the roster around Davis with Jason Kidd leaned on heavily, or rip it down and chase a rebuild. As one exec warned, "You don't go two timelines anymore. We're going to take what we can get [for Davis]." Davis’ ties to the organization and powerful representation give him leverage — and the fans will notice any pivot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded this season: 35%.
Nov 11