NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
.png)
Feb 5, 2026
Giannis Stays Trade Deadline Fallout Hits Bucks
The trade deadline week reshuffled rosters without moving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Big names changed teams, some clubs leaned into rebuilds and others tried to get closer to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Milwaukee mostly stood pat. The Bucks sit 12th in the East, carry awkward long-term contracts and limited draft capital, so the silence only prolongs the rumor mill about Giannis and a likely organizational pivot to a trade when the timing and offers improve. Merlin sees a league tilting toward summers now. Indiana’s pick positioning and Cleveland’s reshaped supporting cast matter down the road. Some franchises, like Memphis and Sacramento, still look lost, while Washington and Dallas made moves that could crack open faster returns. Expect chatter to heat up again as more picks and contracts free up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this summer: 55%.
Clippers Keep Kawhi Leonard Amid Deadline Drama
The Clippers shook the roster, sending James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana while bringing in Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Yet, per Chris Haynes, the team "aren't moving" Kawhi Leonard, who now stands as Los Angeles' lone star. Leonard has returned to elite form in 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals, and the club now leans on him to lift a 23-27 team toward the playoffs. Merlin sees the trade dance as a reset. Garland adds playmaking and Mathurin brings scoring punch, but the Clippers will live and die by Kawhi’s health and defense. If Leonard stays healthy and the new pieces fit quickly, the West picture shifts; if not, the season could slip away. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi Leonard is traded before the deadline: 10%.
Feb 5
Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays at Trade Deadline
Merlin sees Giannis staying in Milwaukee after the 2026 trade deadline. The superstar posted the "I'm not f--king leaving" clip and wrote "Legends don't chase. They attract" after the Bucks told teams they would keep him, despite interest from Golden State, Miami and Minnesota. Giannis has said "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career" while also insisting he wants to "be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs." Merlin notes the message is part reassurance and part leverage. The Bucks are 20-29 and he has missed time with a calf strain, yet he remains dominant when healthy. Milwaukee can either retool around him or restart trade talks this summer — for now the constellation holds, but the stars could realign if wins do not follow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Feb 5
Giannis Stays as Bucks Yawn at Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Bucks chose not to move Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, posting a yawning emoji. Milwaukee told teams it would "plan on keeping Antetokounmpo through the deadline" and will revisit trade talks in the offseason, despite teams making "aggressive offers." Giannis is limited by a calf strain and has played 30 games, yet averages 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Merlin notes patience fits Milwaukee’s dilemma. Giannis is a franchise icon and swapping him now would reshape the club, so health, legacy and asset value argue for waiting. A minor swap that sent Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to Phoenix for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis shows tinkering rather than a full reset. The bigger chess moves are likely saved for summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this summer: 40%.
Feb 5
Jonathan Kuminga Stunned by Surprise Hawks Trade
Jonathan Kuminga was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks and he was "shocked," calling Atlanta an "out of left field" destination. A restricted free agent pursued by the Kings and Suns, Kuminga averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20 games this year, battled a month-long benching, and is recovering from a bone bruise in his knee. Merlin senses a fresh chapter. Atlanta sits ninth in the East and needs wing athleticism, so a healthy, motivated Kuminga could find real minutes. The move gives him space to grow and the Hawks a swing of upside for a playoff push, but his knee and fit with the rotation will decide how loud his arrival is. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga becoming a regular rotation player for the Hawks this season: 60%.
Feb 5
Draymond Green Stays With Warriors Despite Giannis Talks
Merlin sees Golden State add Kristaps Porzingis while keeping Draymond Green through Thursday’s trade deadline. Green was discussed in a potential package for Giannis Antetokounmpo that "never gained traction," and he told reporters after a loss, "I've been here 13 and a half years... If it does, what a f--king run it's been." For now he stays, but the optics of the talks are telling. Merlin notes the franchise has signaled a turning point. Brian Windhorst said "they have now crossed the Rubicon here with Draymond Green," and if no deal happens by the deadline those conversations could return in the summer in the last year of his contract. Green’s legacy with the Warriors is secure, yet his final chapter may unfold in another uniform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Draymond Green is traded before next season: 40%.
Feb 5
Dwight Howard Takes Victory Lap After Giannis Stays With Bucks
The Bucks have told teams they plan to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo through Thursday’s trade deadline, and former All-Star Dwight Howard publicly celebrated that choice after urging Giannis to stay. Milwaukee sits 20-29 and 12th in the East; the team is 15-15 with Giannis and 5-14 without him. There is a growing sense he may not play again this season while the club protects a 2026 first round pick, a scenario that could turn a peak-age year into a lost campaign for the star. Merlin sees a pragmatic pause, not a peace treaty. Keeping Giannis now preserves front office flexibility and avoids a chaotic midseason split, but it risks deepening frustration if the superstar sits out. The true outcome will likely wait for the offseason, when trade possibilities or an extension will reveal whether Milwaukee rebuilds around him or moves on. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Feb 5
Giannis Antetokounmpo Staying in Milwaukee as Deadline Looms
Merlin sees the Bucks telling the league they will keep Giannis Antetokounmpo through Thursday’s trade deadline, ending months of rumor. Teams like Miami and Minnesota showed interest, though one source said the Bucks "were never serious." Giannis echoed commitment, telling The Athletic, "Brother, if you ask me deep down what I want today, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career." Milwaukee did move pieces, sending Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to Phoenix for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. With Milwaukee 20-29 and Giannis recovering from a calf strain, Merlin senses a fragile calm. The front office is shifting focus to smaller moves to try to steady the ship. If the season collapses, summer trade talk can return, but for now the star stays and other teams must find new paths. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Feb 5
Pacers Acquire Ivica Zubac in Mathurin Deal
Merlin sees the Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac from the Clippers in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin to Los Angeles. The pickup addresses Indiana’s need for a frontcourt anchor after losing Myles Turner and shifts the team’s focus to next season while Tyrese Haliburton rehabs his Achilles. Indiana is 13-38 now, so this is a long game move. Zubac is a "double-double threat every time he steps on the floor," averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds on 61.3 percent shooting. Paired with Pascal Siakam, a likely top four pick, and most of last season’s supporting cast returning, Merlin senses the Pacers traded present flashes for a sturdier future foundation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pacers making the playoffs next season: 55%.
Feb 5
Knicks Acquire Jose Alvarado To Bolster Backcourt
Merlin sees the Knicks pivot after flirtations with Giannis. New York acquired Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans, sending Dalen Terry and two second-round picks, after reports the Bucks "indicated to teams" they are keeping Antetokounmpo and were "never serious" about trades. Alvarado arrives as backcourt insurance with Miles McBride headed for core muscle surgery and a possible absence until the playoffs. At 27, Alvarado averages 7.9 points, 3.1 assists and 36.3 percent from three while bringing pesky full court defense and turnover creation. The Knicks are 13th in defensive rating and second in the East, five games behind Detroit. Merlin notes this is a practical, low-risk move that improves depth and could tilt tight defensive matchups down the stretch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks finishing with a top-three East seed this season: 25%.
Feb 5
Giannis Poised to Stay with Bucks at Deadline
With hours to go before the deadline, Brian Windhorst reported that Miami is still trying to improve an offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while other suitors have cooled and the Bucks "don't feel the pressure" to move their star. Giannis has publicly said, "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career," yet also insists he wants to play where he can "consistently contend." With landing spots narrowing and Giannis not explicitly demanding a trade, the market has shifted toward Milwaukee keeping control. Merlin sees leverage returning to the Bucks. Miami may sharpen its bid this summer, but for now Milwaukee can wait and let offers age. Expect quiet chess moves over the next weeks, with the true turning point arriving only if Giannis names a preferred destination. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 5
Mavericks Send Anthony Davis to Wizards in Stunning Trade
Merlin sees Dallas accepted a Washington offer they could not refuse, sending Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Wizards for Khris Middleton, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-round picks. The Mavs "weren't dead set on trading Davis by the deadline" but the added picks helped them "check every box." Merlin notes this is a clean break from the Nico Harrison era and a bid to protect the future. Dallas feared Davis would "ask for big money this summer," so moving him frees cap space and roster pieces to build around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as the team pivots from a 19-31 season toward a rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs next season: 25%.
Feb 5
Lakers Snag Luke Kennard From Hawks for Gabe Vincent
Merlin sees the Lakers acquiring veteran shooter Luke Kennard from the Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, with Atlanta also getting an $11 million trade exception. Both guards are on expiring contracts, so the move barely moves the payroll needle but adds Kennard’s spacing and catch-and-shoot threat to Los Angeles’ rotation — a tidy upgrade for late-game offense and three-point depth. Merlin notes the trade is a low-risk, pragmatic tweak. Kennard is a role player who either multiplies the offense beside star scorers or becomes expendable salary to flip later. For Atlanta, the pick and trade exception are future ammunition as they juggle big contracts. Expect the Lakers to bet on instant shooting and keep summer flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luke Kennard helps the Lakers advance past the second round this season: 30%.
Feb 5
Chicago Bulls Sign Mac McClung, Three Time Dunk Champ
The Chicago Bulls signed Mac McClung to a two-way contract and had him with the team for Thursday’s game in Toronto. McClung began the season with the Pacers, was waived after three games, and then averaged 23.5 points and 7.0 assists in 11 games for Windy City in the G League. The move gives Chicago extra backcourt depth amid a busy stretch of trades as the 24-27 Bulls chase a return to postseason relevance. Merlin sees a pragmatic tweak, not a miracle. McClung is a high-energy scorer and a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, joining Nate Robinson as the only players with three titles. He knows the Bulls from his 2021-22 debut and now provides low-cost upside behind new additions like Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey and Collin Sexton as Chicago fights for a play-in spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Feb 5
Warriors Trade Kuminga For Porzingis Eye Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move that clears a roster headache and creates salary flexibility. Golden State still quietly covets Giannis Antetokounmpo; Nick Friedell reports there is "hope" that "there will still be a chance to rekindle talks with the Bucks in the summer." Moving Kuminga removes a disgruntled young piece and adds an expiring contract that helps match Giannis’s $58.5 million if talks resume. Merlin sees a smart, measured pivot. With Milwaukee's recent silence leaving teams "skeptical," the Warriors chose to fix the present while keeping a doorway open for a future blockbuster. Golden State is better positioned now to reboot pursuit in the offseason, but they will still need top assets and a convincing pitch to topple the Bucks’ foundation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State landing Giannis this summer: 18%.
Feb 5
Trade Deadline Crickets On Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant is still openly available ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, yet interest around the league has been minimal. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said "there just hasn't been a market for him." Teams are wary after Morant played only 20 games this season, saw his scoring dip, drew a one-game suspension for conduct with coaches, and carries two more guaranteed years at over $40 million. Merlin sees the picture clearly. The talent remains, but the blend of health concerns, off court friction, and a heavy contract turns blue chip into gamble. Sacramento is the one club mentioned that could absorb salary, but many teams prefer to avoid the risk. Expect Morant to stay put and for conversations to grow louder if no deal materializes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Feb 5
Chicago Bulls Fire Sale Sends Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota Timberwolves
Chicago continued its roster reset, sending guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota is sending rookie guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller and four second-round picks to Chicago, while the Wolves also receive forward Julian Phillips. The deal accelerates Chicago’s shift toward youth and assets and gives Minnesota another playmaking guard for its rotation. Merlin sees Chicago banking on upside and flexibility. Dillingham and Miller bring developmental promise and the picks create trade or draft currency. For Minnesota, Dosunmu adds bench scoring, ball handling and defensive grit that could matter in close playoff moments. The real story will be how quickly the youngsters grow and whether Minnesota’s win-now window widens. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ayo Dosunmu has a meaningful playoff impact for Minnesota this season: 30%.
Feb 5
Warriors Land Porzingis Yet Still Chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees Golden State pivot. The Warriors agreed to acquire Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield after an "extended lack of communication" from Milwaukee left teams "skeptical" that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be moved. Golden State believes it can "re-enter the race" in the offseason and reportedly could offer four first-rounders plus a 2031 pick swap to chase Giannis. Merlin senses a careful balance of ambition and caution. Porziņģis gives immediate size, but giving up long-term draft capital risks hamstringing the franchise as Stephen Curry ages. Timing matters: Curry turns 38 this March and would be 40 when a 2028 pick conveys, while Giannis would be 35 by 2030. Expect chess, not a rash gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors landing Giannis this offseason: 20%.
Feb 5
Timberwolves Acquire Ayo Dosunmu, Move On From Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade chances are fading as the Minnesota Timberwolves have "moved on" after the Ayo Dosunmu deal and Golden State’s move marked the "unofficial end" of its pursuit. With those two teams out, only Miami and New York look like realistic suitors, and both have limited tradable assets, leaving the Bucks with far fewer viable partners before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. Merlin sees the market closing like a heavy curtain. Minnesota’s choice to pivot shows teams prefer staying competitive now rather than overpaying for a late splash. Milwaukee can wait for a richer offer or keep Giannis and roll into the season knowing choices are narrowing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by Thursday 3 p.m. ET: 10%.
Feb 5
Pacers Eye Ivica Zubac Ahead Of Trade Deadline
Merlin sees the Clippers quietly shopping center Ivica Zubac ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Jake Fischer reports Los Angeles has been "receiving calls" and the Indiana Pacers are a "prime" suitor. After sending James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland and a second-rounder, the Clippers look willing to reshape their frontcourt. Merlin notes Zubac’s steady rim protection and rebounding make him a tidy fit for teams craving interior toughness, and the Pacers match that need. If the Clippers want young assets or salary flexibility after the Garland swap, Zubac could move fast. Expect the whispers to grow louder as teams chase finishing touches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Zubac being traded before Thursday: 60%.
Feb 5
.jpg)
Warriors Trade Kuminga Hield For Porzingis Shocks Fans
Merlin sees Golden State trade Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move reported by Shams Charania. Porziņģis is 30, has been limited to 17 games this season and was diagnosed with POTS, making his night to night availability "a total shot in the dark." The deal costs the Warriors one of their intriguing young pieces and does little to make them instant contenders. Merlin senses the franchise is hunting fixes at the deadline, with pitched offers floated: Draymond plus picks for Trey Murphy III, Jimmy Butler and picks for Michael Porter Jr., or a massive package centered on Butler and long‑range picks for Giannis. Each path trades future assets or core stability for short term upside. For now the Porziņģis move reads like a high‑risk gamble that keeps options open while dimming the Giannis window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors still land Giannis this season: 8%.
Feb 5
Knicks Chase Pelicans Jose Alvarado Yves Missi Before Deadline
Merlin sees the Knicks circling Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and center Yves Missi as the trade deadline nears. Alvarado offers hustle, lockdown defense and a 35.0 percent career three, averaging 7.9 points in 22 minutes while markedly improving New Orleans’ defense when he’s on the floor. Missi is a 21-year-old rim protector (5.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG) who draws "strong interest" and would likely cost significant draft capital. New York sits 33-18 on an eight-game streak but still shows perimeter lapses and has backup guard Miles McBride sidelined. Merlin predicts the Knicks will chase the immediate, low-disruption defensive boost Alvarado provides; Missi is tempting for the future but only if New York is ready to pay up in picks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks acquire Alvarado: 55%; Missi: 20%.
Feb 5
Trayce Jackson Davis Heads to Raptors in Surprise Trade
Golden State shipped Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second-round pick, sources say. Toronto added "some needed size in the frontcourt" while staying under the luxury tax, and Jackson-Davis — a 2023 second-rounder averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.4 minutes — could see a bigger role with Jakob Poeltl out. Merlin sees the move as logical chess. Porziņģis and Al Horford make minutes scarce in Golden State, so Toronto offers a clearer path into playoff minutes for Jackson-Davis. The Raptors sit sixth and are half a game from the four seed, so expect him to be thrown into meaningful matchups as the stretch run heats up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jackson-Davis averages at least 12 minutes per game with Toronto the rest of the season: 65%.
Feb 5
Warriors Pivot From Giannis Antetokounmpo, Land Kristaps Porzingis
Merlin sees Golden State flipped Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porziņģis and sent Trayce Jackson-Davis to Toronto for a 2026 second-round pick. The moves ended the club’s chase of Giannis after Milwaukee rejected a "pick-heavy" offer that reportedly would have included Draymond Green. Insiders said trading Kuminga, who was "central" to offers, leaves the Warriors effectively "out of contention" for Antetokounmpo. Merlin notes Porziņģis gives Stephen Curry a new finish and a spacing threat who can score from outside and in pick-and-rolls, but he has not played since Jan. 7 and is not a franchise-altering superstar like Giannis. Keeping Draymond preserves the team's identity, yet health, fit, and a brutal Western Conference make Golden State’s path to another title narrower. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors moving out of the play-in and into a true first round seed this season: 25%.
Feb 5
Giannis To Trail Blazers? Damian Lillard Reunion Looms
Merlin notes the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET and the lingering possibility of a Giannis blockbuster. Most signs point to Milwaukee holding firm, yet Portland is a serious suitor and "would love to trade for Antetokounmpo directly," per Marc Stein. Portland controls Milwaukee first-rounders from 2028–2030 and could assemble a package featuring Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, multiple picks and role pieces. The snag is Giannis’ camp has signaled no interest in an extension with Portland. Merlin sees a sharp fork in the road. If Portland pulls it off, pairing Giannis with Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija instantly vaults them into title conversation. If the Bucks trade him, they accept a gutting rebuild and chase draft capital and young upside. The move would be dramatic and messy, and the late hours could still bring a surprise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by the deadline: 18%.
Feb 5