NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 6, 2026
Mike Conley Buyout Could Return to Minnesota Timberwolves
The 2026 trade deadline quietly shuffled veterans into buyout range and nudged several rosters. Mike Conley was traded twice and could return to Minnesota; insiders say "that is in fact being considered." Lonzo Ball was salary dumped and remains "a free agent point guard in demand." Chris Paul landed in Toronto and now, as Shams put it, "his NBA future is obviously very much up in the air." Merlin sees a league hunting quick fixes. Minnesota could reclaim a steady locker room leader while contenders browse the buyout market for veteran poise. Ball still offers size and smarts as a reserve. Paul’s story feels unresolved, and his next move will tell us whether this is an epilogue or a surprise encore. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mike Conley re-signs with the Timberwolves this season: 60%.
Clippers Never Shopped Kawhi Leonard At Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Clippers shuffled pieces at the deadline, sending James Harden and Ivica Zubac elsewhere, yet Kawhi Leonard stayed off the market. Insider Zach Lowe reported there was "no trade buzz" around Leonard, even as Kawhi heads toward an expiring contract after next season. That matters because Kawhi is playing elite basketball now and his contract timing makes him a prime summer asset. Merlin notes the signs of a pivot and the counterbalance of Leonard’s form and injury history. Los Angeles is hotter lately, 15-5 in their last 20, which could slow trade urgency. Still, an expiring $50.3 million salary and Kawhi’s age mean summer talks are likely to bloom where deadline talks did not. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi Leonard is traded this summer: 35%.
Feb 6
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Wizards Steal Anthony Davis In Deadline Shock
Merlin sees a chaotic deadline that actually reshaped the league more than expected. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant stayed, but James Harden, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis and others moved. Winners included the Hawks, Clippers, Celtics and Wizards, while Golden State, Dallas and Detroit looked like they lost assets or direction. Rosters, salaries and draft currency were cleared and reset across the NBA. Merlin senses smart long games and risky gambles. Atlanta and L.A. bought youth and picks, Utah and Washington swung for instant frontcourt upgrades, and Memphis sold high on Jaren Jackson Jr. The Heat reportedly "went all-in" on Giannis and the Warriors made a "pick-heavy offer" that fizzled. Expect this quiet to be only temporary as summer trade winds return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this summer: 65%.
Feb 6
Morey's Risky Move: 76ers Ship Jared McCain To Thunder
Merlin sees the 76ers sent Jared McCain to the Thunder for four draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder from Houston. Daryl Morey defended the move, saying it "was not a financially motivated move" and that he tried to repackage picks from other deals. The trade clears McCain’s salary and boosts Philly’s future assets. Merlin notes McCain was a promising 21-year-old who shot 38.3 percent from three as a rookie before injury and reduced minutes. This is a classic front office gamble: Philadelphia bets draft capital and timing will outvalue a cheap, high-upside guard. If the picks turn into impact players, Morey wins. If McCain develops in Oklahoma City, questions will linger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this trade looks like a mistake within three years: 40%.
Feb 6
Mike Conley Returning to Timberwolves After Deadline Drama
Merlin sees veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. is set to circle back to the Minnesota Timberwolves after a whirlwind trade deadline that sent him to Chicago and then to Charlotte, who waived him. The technicality lets Minnesota re-sign a known locker-room voice while trimming the luxury tax bill and keeping the roster stable after big trade talk around Giannis went quiet. Conley is 38 and his numbers have slid, but his playoff experience and steady presence matter for a Wolves team that just reached back-to-back Western Conference Finals. Reacquiring him feels like a low-risk move for depth, mentorship and salary flexibility — expect limited minutes but outsized locker-room value as Minnesota chases another deep run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Conley returns and averages 10+ playoff minutes: 60%.
Feb 6
Record NBA Trade Deadline: 28 Trades, Cavs, Harden
Teams exploded into activity in the seven days before the trade deadline, setting records with 28 trades and 73 players moved. The late flurry followed a quiet start to the season and included deals like James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana. The moves were driven in part by the 2023 CBA apron rules that punish big spenders, so teams hustled to upgrade rosters while cutting tax exposure. As Cavs GM Koby Altman said, "We really felt like we got a lot better in this deadline. I'll say this, it's very rare to improve your team and save $100 million at the same time." Merlin notes the league is learning to trade like a chess match, using the deadline for both basketball and balance-sheet maneuvers. The last three deadlines rank among the four busiest ever, and only Cleveland, New York and Golden State sit over the first apron, with Cleveland alone above the second. Expect more surgical moves this summer to clear apron space and preserve flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavaliers make another major salary-saving move before training camp: 75%.
Feb 6
No Deadline Deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Hold Firm
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly shopped Giannis in the final two weeks before the trade deadline, but talks never reached a firm offer. Zach Lowe reported clubs left talks with "frustration" and were "skeptical" a deal would happen. Executives told ESPN it was "more than 50% likely" Giannis would stay, and teams like Minnesota and Golden State preferred waiting for a richer summer market when more picks and cap space are available. Giannis also "sent a pretty loud message on social media" that he may not be pushing to leave, so no decision is expected until the offseason moratorium in late June or early July. Merlin notes trading a generational star who ended a 50 year drought is rare and messy. Milwaukee is wise to seek maximal long term assets rather than a rushed swap. Expect renewed courtship in summer when the market deepens and offers get serious. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Giannis being traded before next season: 30%."
Feb 6
Grizzlies Still Plan To Trade Ja Morant This Summer
Merlin sees Memphis failed to find a deal for Ja Morant before the deadline and will head into the summer still planning to move him. Teams worried they "just can't count on him to be available," and ESPN called his market "negative value." Morant has played 79 of 213 possible games since 2023-24, is averaging 19.5 points on 41 percent shooting in limited starts, and carries two more big seasons of guaranteed salary. Merlin senses the Grizzlies have hardened their hand. With Jaren Jackson Jr. sent away and 12 future firsts stocked up, Memphis can wait for the right return or attach picks and cash to make a deal. The choice is between selling low now or using time and draft capital to rebuild more patiently. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this offseason: 45%.
Feb 6
Draymond Green Nervous Over Trade Deadline But Stays With Warriors
Draymond Green admitted the trade-deadline noise wore on him, calling the wait "nerve wracking towards the end" and saying "it is what it is. Move forward. It's not something I want to get used to, though." Reports said Golden State included him in talks for Giannis, but the Warriors instead sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis. Golden State responded with a rallying win over Phoenix, and Green remains a 14-season Warrior with four championships. Merlin sees a veteran shaken by uncertainty yet steady in purpose. Green’s line "It's been a weird 24 hours" reveals how tied he is to teammates and to stability. His leadership and playoff pedigree make another midseason move unlikely, though his words hint he wants fewer surprises ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Draymond is traded before next season: 12%.
Feb 6
Giannis Antetokounmpo Posts Im Not Leaving Bucks After Deadline
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo share the famous "I'm not leaving" scene from The Wolf of Wall Street after he stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks through the trade deadline. An NBA executive reminded everyone, "You know, in the movie, he left." The post is a bold public line, but the movie’s later chapters make clear the moment invites skepticism about whether the status quo will hold. Merlin senses drama shows up in small gestures. The film’s fallout is not a prophecy for Giannis, yet the clip works like a mirror for fans and front office minds. Ownership choices, contract timing, and on-court results will flip the script faster than any social media moment. Expect talk, testing, and a bargaining season ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Feb 6
James Harden Wanted Rockets Reunion, Traded To Cavaliers
Merlin sees the Clippers moving James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers after Houston showed "little interest" in a reunion. Los Angeles received Darius Garland and a second round pick, sending Harden to a Cavs roster that already features Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Harden’s Houston run from 2012 to 2020 built his best résumé — eight All-Star seasons, three scoring titles and the 2018 MVP — so the missed reunion with Kevin Durant is a notable storyline. Merlin senses strategy over sentiment. Houston stayed the course while grappling with Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL and Amen Thompson’s shifting role, leaving Harden to chase a quicker Finals path in the East. Cleveland gains playmaking and star power, but chemistry and playoff defense will decide whether this is a fairy tale or a cautionary tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of James Harden helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 6
Warriors Bet Big on Kristaps Porzingis Return
Merlin sees Golden State acquired Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, a move meant to fortify their playoff push. Coach Steve Kerr said, "I don't think we would've made the trade if we didn't think he could be healthy and consistent in terms of being in the lineup," and called him unique. Porziņģis has suited up just 17 times this season and has been out since Jan. 7 with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, yet averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks when available. Merlin senses a careful gamble. Porziņģis said he "could just lay on the couch and be a house cat" while reconditioning, so minutes will be managed. His size, rim protection and shooting answer clear needs as the Warriors try to climb from the play-in into the top six, but everything hinges on availability. A debut is expected soon after the team returns home; test back is Feb. 19 vs. Celtics. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Porziņģis stays healthy and helps the Warriors reach a top-six seed this season: 30%.
Feb 6
Giannis, Bucks Joke About Trading Shams Charania
After months of trade chatter, the Bucks made it clear they will keep Giannis Antetokounmpo past the deadline, tamping down immediate drama. Coach Doc Rivers joked Giannis would put ESPN’s Shams Charania on the trading block, while Charania reported the Bucks "indicated to teams that they are keeping" the two-time MVP. Giannis told The Athletic he wants to remain with the franchise "for the entirety of his career." Merlin senses a pause in the storm. The Feb. 13 Celebrity All-Star Game turns Charania into the evening’s lightning rod — he says, "I'm a shooter, I can handle the ball, and I can make my floaters" — and Milwaukee enjoys its stability for now. Trade whispers could return in summer, but the immediate future favors continuity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before next season: 20%.
Feb 6
Warriors Draft Gamble on Kuminga Wiseman Fails
Merlin sees Golden State’s “Two Timelines” experiment has mostly failed. The Dubs hoped Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman would extend the Curry era, but Wiseman became a bust, Kuminga was traded and Moody settled as a role player. The 2022 title owed to the veterans, and now with Kuminga gone the second timeline has collapsed, leaving Joe Lacob and the front office under fresh scrutiny. Merlin notes the franchise still has four championships, but patience with young players cost the team the chance to add ready help sooner. As Anthony Slater warned, the core "did not have a lot of time." Even short moves like adding Jimmy Butler showed how a proven star can reset a season. Lacob’s line, "Honestly, this is sort of my dream," now reads like hubris, and the Warriors will likely hunt proven talent over projects. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors trade for an All-Star before the deadline this season: 40%.
Feb 6
Cavs Confident James Harden and Donovan Mitchell Can Coexist
Kenny Atkinson is calm about pairing James Harden with Donovan Mitchell, telling reporters "Great players fit together" and praising "high-IQ players." Mitchell matched the optimism, saying "I've played off the ball before" and calling their duo a "pick-your-poison" problem for opponents. Cleveland plans to sort rotations, stagger minutes, and define roles so two high-usage guards can coexist, and Harden represents a clear upgrade in playmaking. Merlin sees a chess match more than a quarrel. If Atkinson and the veterans accept small sacrifices and clever lineups, the Cavs become a tougher Eastern threat. If not, minutes and iso plays could stall the offense. Either way the experiment will shape Cleveland’s postseason ceiling. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Harden-Mitchell backcourt meshing this season: 70%.
Feb 6
Anthony Davis Reclaims No 23 for Wizards
Anthony Davis will wear No. 23 for the Washington Wizards, making him "the first Wizard to wear that number since the legendary Michael Jordan," who wore it in 2002-03. Davis was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks this week, and his arrival alongside last month’s Trae Young trade signals Washington’s move from rebuilding to trying to win now. Merlin sees the glamour and the risk. Both stars are injured: Davis has been out since early January with a hand injury and Young since late December with MCL and quad issues. The Wizards sit 13th in the East, so patience on health is likely. Washington hopes this duo blossoms into a true contender by 2026-27, but history warns that a big number alone does not guarantee success. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Davis and Young both returning to play together this season: 30%.
Feb 6
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Buyout Buzz: CP3, DeMar DeRozan, Khris Middleton Landing Spots
A predictable buyout wave is forming. Veterans Chris Paul, Lonzo Ball, Mike Conley, Khris Middleton and DeMar DeRozan are on teams that no longer make sense for them, and contenders could scoop them up after releases. The story names fits: Lonzo as size and playmaking depth next to Nikola Jokić, Paul linked to Houston even though Toronto "aren't requiring him to report to the team," Conley as a steady role guard for Los Angeles, Middleton as a reunion target for Milwaukee, and DeRozan as a veteran scoring boost for the New York Knicks. Merlin sees the old ritual: veteran buyouts turn into quick championship auditions. Paul and Conley give structure and calm, Middleton restores spacing for Giannis, and DeRozan can instantly raise a thin Knicks bench if he accepts a pay cut. Expect short-term boosts, not long rebuilds, as contenders chase immediate playoff juice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of DeMar DeRozan joining the Knicks after a buyout this season: 40%.
Feb 5
Cam Thomas Waived by Nets Linked to 76ers Celtics Bucks
Merlin sees the Nets have waivered Cam Thomas, turning the 24-year-old scorer loose just as the season heads into its stretch run. Thomas promised he is "super excited and ready to actually help and contribute to another team. My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking and a good combo guard." He has proven scoring chops — 22.5 points per game in 2023-24 and 24.0 in a 25-game burst — but this season he is down to 15.6 ppg in 24.3 minutes and struggling with efficiency at 39.9 percent overall and 32.5 percent from deep. Merlin senses fit will decide his fate. A contender with spacing and stars could mask his weaknesses and let his scoring pop off the bench. Boston has an open spot, Philadelphia needs wing scoring, and Milwaukee could use a spark for its late push. Expect a short deal with upside incentives while he chases a role that plays to his strengths. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cam Thomas signs with the Boston Celtics this season: 40%.
Feb 5
Ja Morant Stays With Grizzlies, Summer Trade Looms
Merlin notes the Memphis Grizzlies did not find a trade for Ja Morant before the deadline after the market failed to materialize. As ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote, "Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant's talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said." Concerns about inconsistency, past off court issues, and clashes with coaches left Memphis unwilling to accept lowball bids. Merlin senses the pause is temporary. Memphis is shifting toward a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward after moving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., so Morant still looks like a likely summer asset. If he stays injured and plays little, his value may stay depressed, but a fuller summer market or better trade packages could unlock a deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this summer: 75%.
Feb 5
Warriors Nearly Nabbed Jaren Jackson Jr Before Porzingis
Golden State held extensive talks to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis before the deadline, but Jackson was ultimately traded to Utah and the Warriors pivoted, landing Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The Warriors also showed interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained in Milwaukee, leaving Golden State to address its need for size and scoring around Stephen Curry. Merlin sees a team swapping future flexibility for a high-upside tower. Porziņģis brings 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes this season and should space the floor and deter shots, but his illness history and limited games are the real wild cards as Golden State sits 27-24 at eighth in the West. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State reaches the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%.
Feb 5
Lakers $60M Cap Space Sparks Giannis Rumors
The Lakers will enter the summer with "about $60 million" in cap space, the most among contenders. That kind of room gives Los Angeles the ability to chase top free agents, take back more salary in trades and shop three first-round picks as sweeteners. With stars like LeBron James and Kristaps Porziņģis listed among attractive targets and names like Trae Young or James Harden potentially available, the Lakers are the obvious hub if a big name is moved, even the oft-rumored case where, in the article’s words, "stop us if you've heard this one before, Giannis Antetokounmpo is shopped." Merlin sees cap space as raw magic that must be spent wisely. This summer’s crop of true game changers is thin and many top players carry risk through player options or restricted status. The Lakers’ best play may be trade flexibility rather than a splash signing, but having the gold gives them choices most contenders lack. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers land a true max star this summer: 25%.
Feb 5
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Ousmane Dieng's Wild 24 Hours Ends With Bucks
Ousmane Dieng was traded three times in 24 hours before the deadline and ended up with the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal. The 22-year-old French big, the No. 11 pick in 2022, went from OKC to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, then to Chicago in the Coby White/Mike Conley move, and finally to Milwaukee. Dieng is a stretch big with modest career numbers — roughly 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game and about 30.6 percent from three — but his arrival matters because the Bucks have frontcourt questions while Giannis rehabs a calf. He slots behind Bobby Portis, Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma and could see more run if needed. Merlin sees a young piece with length and shooting promise but thin track record. Teams moved him because upside can be coached into value, and Milwaukee offers a structured spot to develop. If Dieng sharpens his shot and defense, he could turn a whirlwind day into a steady role. If not, he remains tradeable depth. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dieng earning regular rotation minutes with the Bucks this season: 40%.
Feb 5
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Bulls Trade Deadline Fire Sale Sends Vucevic White Dosunmu
Merlin sees the Bulls made seven deadline deals and ripped up the present roster, trading Coby White, Nikola Vučević, Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry, Ousmane Dieng and Kevin Huerter as Artūras Karnišovas shifted focus from short-term fixes to a longer plan. "Play-in is not the goal. Championship is," Karnišovas said, and Chicago sits 10th at 24-27, so the moves trade immediate scoring for future flexibility. Merlin notes the front office finally chose urgency over quiet patience and will not call it a rebuild, saying "We're in a stage." The cost is short-term pain, but the payoff could be clearer cap room, younger assets and draft positioning that a true contender needs. Expect roster flux and a longer runway before results arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chicago making the playoffs next season: 30%.
Feb 5
Chris Paul, Mike Conley, DeMar DeRozan Headline Buyout Frenzy
Merlin sees the trade deadline fade and buyout season begin. Big names could become free agents: Chris Paul was moved to Toronto and has not played since Dec. 1 after being "sent home," with the Clippers saying they were "parting ways"; Mike Conley was shuffled and waived by Charlotte; Lonzo Ball was sent to Utah with an expectation he will be waived; DeMar DeRozan is "a strong candidate to be bought out"; and Cam Thomas was waived by the Nets. Merlin senses contenders hunting for veteran leadership and instant scoring. Paul and Conley could supply steady hands if health permits. DeRozan offers reliable, clutch offense and durability. Thomas is high-upside bench scoring with efficiency questions. Lonzo is a gamble based on health and shot recovery. Expect a quick flurry of signings as teams shore up depth for the stretch run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of DeMar DeRozan being bought out and signing with a playoff contender this season: 70%.
Feb 5
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Trade Deadline: Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays, Heat Spurs Rockets Stand Pat
The trade deadline passed with Miami, San Antonio and Houston making no moves. Miami remained the headline holdout after heavy rumors around Giannis Antetokounmpo; ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said, "The Miami Heat are still out there," and Shams Charania listed Miami among "the serious suitors." Giannis stayed in Milwaukee for now, the Spurs (34-16) and Rockets (31-18) sit strong in the West, and Miami (27-25) faces 30 games to climb from a precarious playoff spot. Merlin sees strategy over spectacle. Pat Riley and GM Andy Elisburg have room to maneuver this summer and could pivot to a more draft-pick heavy offer, but right now Miami needs steady production from Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell and Tyler Herro to avoid the play-in. The saga sleeps for now, not forever. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miami making the playoffs this season: 65%.
Feb 5