NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 3, 2026
Kawhi Shrugs As James Harden Linked To Cavs
Merlin sees the Clippers quietly exploring a James Harden swap with the Cavaliers as teams "work through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday's NBA trade deadline," with Darius Garland reported as a possible return. After the 128-113 loss to Philadelphia, Kawhi Leonard said a trade "wouldn't be affected" their relationship and he "trusts the front office." Los Angeles has steadied at 23-26, but Harden's $42.3 million 2026-27 player option and the club's reluctance to commit long term are pushing talks. Merlin smells strategy more than panic. Harden's history of forcing exits and the Clippers' climb from 6-21 to Play-In contention make swapping him for a younger guard with years on his deal a sensible move if LA wants roster control and cost certainty. If a deal happens, questions about Leonard's 2027 choices will surface quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden being traded by Thursday: 40%.
Harden For Garland? Clippers And Cavs In Talks
Merlin sees a serious trade whisper turning into a conversation. The Clippers and Cavaliers have held "advanced discussions" about swapping James Harden for Darius Garland, with Harden and the Clippers "aligned" on finding a new home before Thursday. Reports say Donovan Mitchell "would welcome the addition of an experienced ball-handler like Harden" to ease his playmaking load, and "people around the league are watching the Donovan Mitchell situation" as Cleveland weighs a push toward a championship. Merlin notes the math and the mystery. Harden brings elite creation and playoff hunger but no ring, Garland has been up and down while injured, and the Cavs sit fifth in the East at 30-21. If chemistry forms, Cleveland vaults into serious contention. If it does not, the pair could clash rather than click. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland completing the Harden-for-Garland trade by Thursday: 45%.
Feb 3
Clippers Cavaliers Near Harden for Garland Blockbuster
Merlin sees the Clippers and Cavaliers deep in trade talks that would send James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. Chris Mannix says the clubs have had "advanced discussions," and Tyronn Lue called Harden’s absence Monday for "personal reasons." Shams Charania reports "Both sides are aligned in conversations together and with interested teams." Harden would pair with Donovan Mitchell as Cleveland chases a first title, while Garland’s injuries and hefty future cap hits make him movable for Los Angeles. Merlin senses a classic win-now versus reset story. Cleveland gains a veteran playmaker averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists, but chemistry and Harden’s short-term control of his future matter. The Clippers weigh immediate continuity against long-term flexibility. Player consent and playoff math will cast the deciding spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Harden-for-Garland trade happening by Thursday: 45%.
Feb 3
Giannis May Spurn Warriors For Knicks or Timberwolves
Merlin sees Golden State squarely in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, yet the two-time MVP may not be keen to join. Jake Fischer says "Golden State is aware of recent rumblings that Antetokounmpo can't be assumed to be as eager," and some "suspect Antetokounmpo could be turned off by" an older roster and the kind of criticism Kevin Durant faced. He "wants to win" and finds the Knicks or Timberwolves appealing. Merlin notes the game Giannis plays is half points and half story. Joining the Warriors adds championship hope but risks repeating a familiar narrative. Minnesota's effort, "recruiting third and fourth teams," shows contenders will get creative. Golden State will need more than rings talk to shape the next chapter of his career. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis choosing Golden State if traded: 20%.
Feb 2
Giannis to Timberwolves in Blockbuster Trade with Edwards
ESPN floated a three-team "whopper" that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Minnesota Timberwolves, pairing him with Anthony Edwards, while the Bucks would receive a package of young players and picks and the Raptors would land Jaden McDaniels and Cole Anthony. The proposal "should have everyone's imagination running wild" because it instantly creates a high-ceiling contender in Minnesota and reshuffles assets across three playoff-level franchises. Merlin sees the trade as bold but costly. Minnesota gives up nearly all its young depth to chase a championship window. Milwaukee would get useful pieces but maybe not the blue-chip picks a full rebuild needs. Toronto appears to win a bargain for McDaniels. The deal reads like a gamble that could flip the West, if teams bite and market forces align. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded at the 2026 deadline: 30%.
Feb 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Could Send Draymond To Bucks
Merlin sees a busy trade picture beyond Giannis. Jake Fischer says Draymond Green could be part of the return if Milwaukee trades Giannis to Golden State, though Green’s trade value would be "murky." The Kings are also open to moves, with Domantas Sabonis drawing interest from a "viable suitor" in Toronto and Sacramento willing to field offers for Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk as they sit 12-39. Merlin notes the hard facts: Green is 35, has a $27 million player option and brings a "strong personality," so landing him away from Stephen Curry would be complicated. For Sacramento, moving veterans could jumpstart a rebuild. The deadline looms and the league could shuffle roles more than stars. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Green is included in a Giannis-to-Warriors package: 15%.
Feb 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Drama: Warriors Timberwolves Heat
Merlin sees Milwaukee hoisting Giannis into the trade wind. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Bucks are “engaged” with offers from Golden State, Minnesota and Miami and are “making counteroffers” as they hunt for “a young, bluechip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks.” Golden State’s pitch is “pick heavy,” Minnesota’s is “more of a player-centric” package, and Miami sits “somewhere in the middle.” The clock is loud: Milwaukee sits four games out of the play-in and Giannis has one season left before a 2027-28 player option, which would sap the Bucks of leverage if they hold him. Merlin notes the trade stakes are binary. Keep Giannis and Milwaukee risks adding wins that cost a top-five pick while still missing the postseason. Trade him and contenders like Golden State or Miami instantly reshape the West, while Minnesota pairing Giannis with Anthony Edwards could finally clear a Finals hurdle. The Bucks must weigh immediate impact against long-term currency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 30%.
Feb 2
Timberwolves Recruiting Teams to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees a full-court scramble. The Minnesota Timberwolves are "recruiting third and fourth teams" to cobble together a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday, while Shams Charania says Giannis is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are more willing to listen. Doc Rivers pushes back publicly, saying "Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck," so talks are frantic and fraught. Merlin smells smoke and knows the sparks. Golden State, Portland and others trail the scent, but any deal likely needs creative multi-team work and painful roster sacrifices, maybe even beloved veterans like Draymond Green. If Minnesota fails, expect a pivot to a guard target and more late-night wheeling and dealing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Thursday's deadline: 25%.
Feb 2
Chris Paul Stuck in Clippers Limbo at Trade Deadline
Chris Paul remains in limbo after the Clippers sent him home in December, and "there has been no substantial movement toward finding him a new home," per Ramona Shelburne. Los Angeles can trade him, waive him, or arrange a buyout, but the team sits just $1.1 million shy of the luxury tax apron and Paul’s recent numbers (2.9 points, 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes) have left suitors cold. Merlin sees a quiet, slow unraveling rather than drama. With few teams willing to absorb salary and the market lukewarm, the most likely paths are a buyout if money loosens or an extended exile until the deadline forces a decision. Paul will probably get a chance at a dignified finish, but he may have to wait for the right fit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Paul being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 2
Trae Young To Wizards, Bulls Cash In
Merlin sees the New Year’s trade flurry that followed Trae Young’s move to Washington. Chicago acquired Dario Šarić and two second rounders for De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland dumped salary for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, and Atlanta sent Young to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The league’s “pinnacle of the NBA’s silly season” has tilted rosters, cap sheets, and playoff math. Merlin notes the winners and losers are clear. The Bulls quietly grabbed flexibility and earned an A. The Cavs prioritized payroll relief and depth. The Kings appear to have doubled down on past mistakes. Atlanta bought future space more than present production. Expect more tinkering as teams chase short term fixes or summer firepower. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bulls convert their flexibility into a max signing this summer: 30%.
Feb 2
LaMelo Ball Laceration Scare, Returns For Hornets
LaMelo Ball left Monday’s game after a collision with Hornets coach Charles Lee and suffered what the team called "a laceration above his eye and will be available to return to the game." He returned to finish with 24 points in Charlotte’s win. Ball’s health is an ongoing story — he’s played under 50 games in each of the last three seasons and is at 41 of 51 this year while averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists, his lowest scoring mark since rookie year. Merlin sees a club on a six-game roll that would rather build around its young star than move him now. Reporters note the Hornets are hopeful, "if only because it makes little sense to trade him now." A cut that heals fast is a relief, but durability will decide whether Charlotte keeps riding momentum or entertains offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Feb 2
Chicago Bulls Stuck: Coby White Unwanted, Dosunmu Coveted
The Bulls have quietly been shopping Coby White but interest looks muted. Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic wrote, "While so few transactions have made the going rate for White difficult to gauge," and Chicago has struggled to get a first round pick because of White’s expiring contract, projected price and nagging calf issues. By contrast Ayo Dosunmu has "emerged as one of Chicago's better assets," with "some mutual interest between Dosunmu and the Bulls on a potential extension." White is at 18.5 points and 4.8 assists; Dosunmu 14.8, 3.5 and 44.1 percent from three. Merlin sees a club balancing patience and pragmatism. White is a useful scorer but looks like a rental, so contenders will lowball. Dosunmu’s rising stock makes him more likely to stay unless a truly convincing package appears. Expect Chicago to wait for clear value or keep the assets and retool quietly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls trading Coby White before the deadline: 25%.
Feb 2
Giannis to Warriors? 10 Deadline Trades That Must Happen
A batch of 10 bold, hypothetical deadline trades imagines a very different NBA: from a Giannis-to-Golden State blockbuster to swaps like Kristaps for Myles Turner, Anfernee Simons for Nicolas Claxton, and Ja Morant to Miami. The proposals aim to fix fit, clear salary, and stockpile future picks, pitching both win-now upgrades and reboot plans for struggling teams. Merlin sees the league as a shifting chessboard where fit, contract timelines, and draft capital rule. Some moves are cinematic, like Giannis joining Curry, while others are practical nips and tucks that could quietly remake contenders. Expect a mix of small, likely trades and one or two headline-grabbers that change playoff math. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Golden State before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 2
Luka Doncic Teases Lakers Deadline Shake Up
Just a year after the blockbuster that brought Luka Dončić to town, the Lakers are again circling the trade deadline. After a 112-100 loss to the Knicks, Dončić said, "I think we're in a good spot," while also admitting the team missed "a lot of good looks." He finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but L.A. shot 12-of-42 from three. Coach JJ Redick warned, "you're never gonna look at a roster and say, 'This is a perfect roster,'" and reports link Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht as possible trade pieces. Merlin sees a club torn between urgency and restraint. Los Angeles needs wing size and more reliable shooting, yet another Dončić-level gamble seems unlikely. Expect a move for depth or a complimentary wing rather than a headline steal. Tuesday’s game in Brooklyn could be the last glimpse of this group before Thursday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers make a starter-level trade by Thursday: 30%.
Feb 2
Knicks Double Down On Core Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo Frenzy
The Knicks say they "believe in the core of this team and this roster" as the trade deadline nears, pointing to a six-game win streak as proof. Interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo is real—New York "will be one of several teams that have and will continue to inquire heavily about Antetokounmpo"—but James L. Edwards III warns the Knicks lack the young pieces and multiple draft picks Milwaukee wants. "The Knicks have neither of those, and to get close, would need to trade two or three players in its starting lineup, most likely OG Anunoby, [Mikal] Bridges and/or Towns." Some of New York’s recent wins came against weaker teams, so the surge could be a false dawn. Merlin senses a classic crossroads. Bringing in a generational star now risks making the roster dangerously top heavy and leaves too little time to rebuild depth. Past blockbuster moves have not guaranteed playoff success. For now patience may serve New York better, with a summer revisit likely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading for Giannis before the deadline: 15%.
Feb 2
Quiet Trade Deadline Puts Austin Reaves On Edge
Silence around the NBA trade deadline can be the loudest warning, an unnamed Lakers player told The Athletic: "Just when it's quiet is when you really need to start looking over your shoulder." Austin Reaves has been attached to countless hypothetical trades, and even a blockbuster like a Luka Dončić/Anthony Davis swap took players by surprise. Teams have until 3 p.m. ET Thursday to make deals, so the calm feels anything but reassuring. Merlin sees agents and front offices moving in whispers, and knows the quiet deals are the ones that sting. Tales like Bronny James sharing the Dončić/AD news in a group chat and Jared Dudley saying "90 percent of the rumors on social media don't happen" remind players to watch the sidelines, not the headlines. Expect nerves to spike as the deadline approaches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a surprise blockbuster involving the Lakers before the deadline: 25%.
Feb 2
Luka Doncic Lakers Trade Ranked Among NBA Worst
Bleacher Report built a new LUKA metric, sifted hundreds of trades and ranked the 50 worst deals in NBA history, putting last year’s Luka Dončić-for-Anthony Davis swap at No. 1. The piece revisits era‑defining moves from Kareem and Wilt to more recent gambles, even noting, "We named the new metric after this trade," to underline how singular the Mavericks’ decision looks today. Merlin senses a clear warning for front offices: elite young playmakers are nearly impossible to replace and draft capital remains sacred. If Dončić collects more awards or rings, the trade will age even worse and future GMs will point to the LUKA list before surrendering franchise-altering assets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Luka trade will still be the worst on the list in five years: 80%.
Feb 2
Donovan Mitchell Trade Deadline Drama for Cavs
Merlin sees Cleveland stirring its roster cauldron as the trade deadline nears, with Donovan Mitchell reportedly drawing interest. Mitchell has one guaranteed year left and "has not made it out of the second round of the playoffs in his career," so his status matters for a Cavs team at 30-21 that still feels playoff pressure. Cleveland swapped De'Andre Hunter for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, but that may not be enough. Merlin heard Tim Bontemps note the urgency around the club. If Cleveland pushes to add more talent they will signal a full go for the present. If they listen to offers for Mitchell they may pivot toward a refresh and change the franchise’s short term outlook. Either path would reshape how the Cavs chase postseason success. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Donovan Mitchell being traded before the deadline: 35%.
Feb 2
Mark Cuban: Nico Harrison Deserved Firing For Trading Luka Doncic
Merlin sees former Mavericks governor Mark Cuban publicly saying Nico Harrison deserved his November firing after the Luka Dončić trade. Cuban called the deal "a mistake" and said he "wished they would have spoken to me first," recounting that he was shut out and learned about the move by text. The comments underline how trading a franchise face in his prime fractured trust between ownership, the front office, and the fan base. Merlin knows wounds like that do not close overnight. Cuban has repeatedly argued the Mavs should have gotten more, even saying "If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that's one thing, just get a better deal," and his voice still carries weight. Firing Harrison helped calm the crowd, but rebuilding credibility and a coherent roster plan will be the long spell the new ownership must cast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mark Cuban returns to a front office role this season: 20%.
Feb 2
Kawhi Leonard Snubbed, LeBron James Makes 2026 All Stars
Merlin sees the spark: Kawhi Leonard was left off the 2026 Western Conference All-Star reserves while Chet Holmgren, Devin Booker, Deni Avdija and LeBron James were chosen. By numbers and role, Leonard’s case was strong—he leads in steals, takes on opponents’ best scorers nightly, and ranks among the top players in advanced metrics—so the omission feels notable. Merlin knows why votes went the way they did: games played, Holmgren’s team success next to Shai, Avdija checking an international box, and a veteran bump for LeBron. Still, calling the snub a "farce" reflects how many see the result. Expect debates over coach voting and roster criteria to grow louder as the season moves toward All-NBA talks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds Kawhi is added as an injury replacement before the game: 35%."
Feb 1
Joel Embiid Snub Rocks All Star Picks
The league released its All-Star Game reserves and the list sparked loud debate. Joel Embiid, despite averaging 26.2 points and 7.5 rebounds and scoring 30 or more in six of his last seven games, was left off. Michael Porter Jr. (25.6 PPG) and Western names like Alperen Şengün, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden also drew cries of snub. Those omissions shift narratives about the season and leave room for an injury replacement to reshape the rosters. Merlin sees a crowded West where worthy players go unrecognized and an East decision driven by games played as much as production. Fans will argue stats versus availability, and coaches will weigh optics and fit if a starter can not play. The late-season surge by Embiid keeps him in the conversation and makes any All-Star roster fluid. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Joel Embiid being named an injury replacement this All-Star break: 25%.
Feb 1
One Year After Luka Doncic Trade Are Lakers Closer?
One year after acquiring Luka Dončić, the Lakers are 29-19 and still searching for answers. After a 112-100 loss to the Knicks, LeBron said, "I can only speak to the group that we have here... Me speaking on anything other than that is not my pay grade." Los Angeles is 17-10 when LeBron and Dončić play together but is slightly outscored with them on the floor. The bigger issues are injuries, poor 3-point shooting and uneven defense, and the team’s shift to make Dončić the primary focal point has required adjustments. Merlin sees two generational talents learning to orbit the same constellation. Talent alone will not lift them over deeper, healthier Western foes. If the Lakers shore up spacing, defense and get Austin Reaves back healthy, they turn from promising to dangerous; without that, they remain a longshot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the title this season: 18%.
Feb 1
Michael Jordan: Be You and Silence Madison Square Garden
Michael Jordan told young players how to handle Madison Square Garden: "Be you," he said, adding "You are you 365 days of the year." Merlin heard Jordan explain that MSG crowds try to pull opponents off their game, and that being an impactful player means shutting the noise out. He said he focused on playing so well the crowd either fell silent or began to cheer, a lesson forged in the Bulls Knick rivalry of the 1990s when Chicago dominated and won six titles. Merlin sees the lesson as timeless. MSG is a proving ground and a mirror. Young stars who learn to stay themselves will turn hostility into fuel, while those who bend will give the city power. The trick is confidence, practice, and a few clutch moments under bright lights. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a young player silences Madison Square Garden and earns true respect this season: 30%.
Feb 1
Anthony Edwards Adidas All Star Ad Trolls Doncic Jokic
Anthony Edwards and adidas rolled out a playful but pointed ad after his All-Star nod that puts Edwards in a video game mocking characters that resemble Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić. The clips jab with lines like "weight room," "no swag," a player whose "favorite accessory was a whistle," and one suffering "late game fatigue." Edwards arrives at the taunt table with a loud resume: 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 40.9 percent from deep, and the Timberwolves sit 31-19 as West contenders. Merlin sees provocation as a kind of spell that either backfires or fuels greatness. Edwards has earned license to talk, but naming the giants guarantees added motivation. Expect extra heat when they share the court in the All-Star USA versus World setting and in future Timberwolves matchups. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that one of the named stars responds with a standout on-court performance the next time they face Minnesota: 65%.
Feb 1
Giannis Trade Deadline Looms Over Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talk is heating up as Doc Rivers says he is waiting for the Feb. 5 deadline. Rivers noted, "Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city," and added, "My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline." Reporting says Giannis is "ready for a new home ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline" as the Bucks sit 18-28, have lost seven of eight, and Giannis is sidelined with a calf injury. Merlin sees Milwaukee at a crossroads. The club carries $22.5 million a year in dead cap after the Damian Lillard stretch and lacks clear trade assets, so the Bucks can ask for a big return now or wait and risk losing leverage this summer. Rivers wants calm, but the injury timeline and the standings make a move likely before long. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before Feb. 5: 45%.
Feb 1