NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Feb 5, 2026
Warriors Flip Jonathan Kuminga To Hawks For Kristaps Porzingis
Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield are headed to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. Golden State clears a troubled young asset and gains a floor-spacing center who, when healthy, fits their defensive and spacing needs. Kuminga gets a fresh start, and the deal also removes a key salary piece that would have been used in a potential Giannis pursuit. Merlin sees a trade built more for option than for instant magic. Porziņģis is high reward but a "coin-toss proposition" on availability, while Atlanta gains on-ball flash ("Whoa") and gravity but loses frontcourt stability. The Hawks may be buying summer flexibility with salary ballast, and the Warriors are choosing certainty over chasing a long shot. "notably, not Giannis Antetokounmpo." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State acquires Giannis before the trade deadline: 10%.
Shock Swap: Kristaps Porzingis to Warriors for Kuminga and Hield
Kristaps Porziņģis was traded from Atlanta to Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, ending a brief Hawks chapter and the long Kuminga saga. Golden State keeps Draymond Green and looks to pair him with Porziņģis, while reports say the Warriors have dropped their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. For Atlanta the move caps a rapid offseason pivot after the Trae Young trade. Merlin sees purpose in the chaos. Porziņģis brings rare spacing and rim protection when healthy, a pairing that could stretch defenses and change matchups for the Warriors. Kuminga and Hield give Atlanta youth and shooting as the franchise retools. The outcome will hinge on health, role clarity, and how quickly minutes settle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State reaches the NBA Finals this season: 18%.
Feb 5
Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Could Sit Out All Star Game
Anthony Edwards left open the possibility he will skip this year’s All-Star Game to rest for the season’s second half, saying, "I'm pretty banged up. I might not be playing," per The Athletic. He’s played through back spasms and new left elbow soreness, yet delivered 39 points and a 30/8/5 night in recent games. Minnesota sits 32-20 and would rather have Edwards healthy for a title push than risk an exhibition. Merlin sees common sense winning out. With the All-Star format now Team USA versus the World and a nine-day Wolves break after Feb. 9, resting Edwards is a low-cost move to protect playoff value. Fans may grumble, but the wiser path often looks boring until the postseason. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards skips the All-Star Game: 60%.
Feb 5
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Drama: Are Bucks Serious?
Merlin sees a tense chess match in Milwaukee. Reports say the Bucks have been open to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, but other teams doubt the franchise is truly willing to pull the trigger, per Shams Charania and The Athletic. Giannis added, "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here" and urged, "If you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone." With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the club faces a fast decision. Merlin senses the Bucks weighing two paths. They can trade now to maximize return or try to sell a vision that keeps their superstar, hoping a postseason spark or, as Marc Stein put it, "a bolt of lottery luck in May" changes everything. Rival teams want proof Milwaukee means it. The hourglass is nearly empty. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Feb 4
Wizards Trade for Anthony Davis to Pair With Trae Young
Washington stunned the NBA by trading for Anthony Davis to pair with Trae Young, a move meant to "show[] the newly acquired Young that they are serious about being a playoff team next season," per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. The deal used projected cap space to secure stars before free agency and lets Alex Sarr slide to power forward with Davis at center. Young and Davis form a dangerous pick-and-roll if healthy, immediately making the Wizards more competitive as their young core develops. Merlin sees a team choosing speed over patient rebuilding. The upside is clearer recruiting, a stronger case to extend Young, and instant credibility. The risks are injuries, Davis preferring the four, and thin depth. If Sarr grows and Davis stays healthy, Washington can realistically reach the playoffs; if not, the gamble fades fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Washington making the playoffs in 2026-27: 50%.
Feb 4
Wizards Keep Anthony Davis Trae Young Benched
Washington reshaped its roster by acquiring Anthony Davis and Trae Young, but sources expect the duo to "play very little, if at all, the remainder of the season as the Wizards chase lottery luck" while the club manages injuries. Davis has not played since Jan. 8 amid hand concerns and limited action this year, and Young has been out since Dec. 27 with MCL and quad issues. Charania reported Young will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, with the team "taking a cautious approach." At 13-36 and well out of playoff range, Washington is clearly prioritizing health and draft positioning over a late-season push. Merlin sees a calculated pause. The Wizards look willing to sit stars now to secure long-term contracts this summer and chase contention next year, while preserving a shot at a high pick in a deep 2026 class. Patience may cost short-term excitement but could seed a stronger roster for the future. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds both play meaningful minutes together before season’s end: 15%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Keep Kyrie Irving For Now After Anthony Davis Trade
Merlin sees Dallas is not shopping Kyrie Irving after trading Anthony Davis to Washington, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. A team source said "Dallas can go into next season with a core of Flagg, Irving, Dereck Lively II, Christie, Naji Marshall." Irving has not played while rehabbing a torn left ACL and turns 34 in March, so Dallas plans to evaluate him alongside rookie Cooper Flagg before making any move. Merlin notes the pieces acquired in the Davis trade give Dallas more flexibility and draft capital. Irving’s Mavericks numbers, 25.5 points and 5.1 assists with 49/40.4/91.7 shooting, show he can still be a creator if healthy. The real question is how his recovery blends with Flagg’s growth, and that will steer Dallas’ choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Kyrie before Thursday's deadline: 12%.
Feb 4
Anthony Davis Eyes Redemption With Wizards After Luka Doncic Trade
Merlin sees Anthony Davis headed to the Washington Wizards, a fresh start that could rewrite how people judge his career. After messy exits and a stretch where he was viewed as a No. 2, Davis will be the clear focal point next to Trae Young, whose pick-and-roll play and lob passes fit AD’s strengths around the rim. Washington is not an immediate favorite, but adding draft assets and role scorers could change that fast. Merlin tells the high school fan that "you can only understand it if you've been through it." Davis gets volume, rim protection alongside Alex Sarr, and a distributor who can boost efficiency. If the Wizards embrace short-term losses to chase a top prospect and shore up shooting, Davis has a real chance to erase the label that he cannot lead a title team. Health and roster moves will be the true test. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis leading the Wizards to the NBA Finals by 2027: 22%.
Feb 4
Bulls Trade Coby White, Mike Conley Jr. for Collin Sexton
Merlin sees the Bulls sending Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to Charlotte for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second round picks. White arrives in Hornets colors as an 18.6-point, 4.7-assist scorer who was months from free agency, while Sexton had just told reporters he "definitely love[s] it here" in Charlotte. The trade gives Chicago payroll room and draft assets, and gives a Hornets team on a seven-game winning streak another proven scorer beside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Merlin senses a classic trade tale. Chicago is 24-27 and choosing reset over short-term splurges after already committing to Josh Giddey. Charlotte is betting that adding White turns a hot streak into a sustained push. Expect roster chemistry tests and quick adjustments as both clubs chase different futures. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Hornets making the playoffs this season: 55%.
Feb 4
Anthony Davis Trade Complicates Warriors Pursuit Of Giannis
Merlin sees the Anthony Davis move from Dallas to Washington adding a wrinkle to Golden State’s pursuit of Giannis. The Wizards sent a Warriors' 2030 "top-20 protected" pick to the Mavericks as part of that deal, and because of that protection the Warriors could not include the pick in a trade to Milwaukee unless it lands 20th or earlier. Golden State is reportedly "proposing a pick-heavy package," so the tied-up asset creates real uncertainty for the Bucks. Merlin hears ESPN’s Anthony Slater noting the pick "doesn't impact the value of their offer much," since a 2030 draft looks unlikely to be a high lottery for a Steph Curry-led core. Still, Merlin warns that front offices prefer clear, present value when moving a superstar, and even a small cloud over future compensation can nudge Milwaukee to demand more or walk away. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors land Giannis this summer: 18%.
Feb 4
Sixers Trade Jared McCain to Thunder in Surprise Deal
Merlin sees the Sixers moving Jared McCain to Oklahoma City for a 2026 Rockets first-rounder and three second-round picks, a move that drops Philadelphia about $3 million below the luxury tax and gives them two first-round selections this summer. The Thunder add backcourt depth as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deals with an abdominal strain and backup Ajay Mitchell remains sidelined. McCain arrived at No. 16 in 2024, averaged 15.3 points in 23 games before a torn meniscus, then missed time with UCL thumb surgery and has managed 6.6 points in 37 games this season. Merlin senses Philadelphia opting for flexibility and future assets over a banged-up young guard, while Oklahoma City is betting on upside and cheap depth for a title push. If McCain can stay healthy and regain his rookie scoring touch, he could steady the bench. If not, he becomes another pick that never quite materialized. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McCain is a meaningful playoff rotation piece for Oklahoma City this season: 40%.
Feb 4
Nets Guard Cam Thomas Sparks Cavaliers and Bucks Trade Interest
Merlin sees Cleveland and Milwaukee circling Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas. The 24-year-old is averaging 15.6 points in limited minutes while returning from a left hamstring strain and has had bigger scoring seasons when healthy. Both teams view him as a ready offensive boost—Cleveland for added backcourt punch after trading Darius Garland, Milwaukee for scoring help amid a struggling campaign. Merlin recalls Thomas’ breakout scoring and knows injuries bend a player’s value. A minutes limit and recent hamstring history make him cheaper than his upside suggests, so Brooklyn can seek future assets. Cleveland offers the cleaner role as a sixth-man scorer; Milwaukee is a short-term gamble if they want instant offense. Expect trade talks to heat up as the deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cam Thomas is traded to Cleveland before the deadline: 40%.
Feb 4
Lonzo Ball Waived by Jazz After Cavaliers Trade
Lonzo Ball is headed toward free agency after the Cavaliers traded him to the Utah Jazz, who are expected to waive him. Several teams that were linked to Ball in trade talks — notably the Hornets and Wizards — could still pursue him, while contenders like the Lakers may target his perimeter defense. In Cleveland he averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals with troubling 30.1/27.2/66.7 shooting splits. Merlin sees this as a crossroads. Teams will value Ball’s length and defensive instincts but worry about his scoring efficiency. Charlotte offers a reunion with LaMelo and a clear role. Los Angeles offers familiarity and a playoff window. Expect multiple teams to test him and hope a change of scenery rekindles his shot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo signing with the Lakers: 40%.
Feb 4
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Giannis and Morant Could Spark Deadline Madness
With the trade deadline days away, offers are flying and some already landed — Jaren Jackson Jr., Jaden Ivey, Darius Garland and James Harden changed jerseys, and "The Mavericks have since traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards." The article runs bold predictions for all 30 teams, naming likely buyers, sellers and tax ducks and showing how a few key swaps can tilt playoff races, rebuild timetables and front-office strategies. Merlin sees the league as a shifting chessboard. The Giannis sweepstakes, a possible Ja Morant shakeup and Memphis leaning full rebuild are the thunderclaps; teams like Denver and Philadelphia juggle tax math while Detroit eyes an extra scorer. Small moves will ripple into big futures, and the deadline will reward patience and pick hoarding as much as daring trades. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this deadline: 70%.
Feb 4
Darius Garland to Clippers as Harden Heads to Cavaliers
Merlin sees a big backcourt shuffle: Darius Garland was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden, with Cleveland also sending a second-round pick. Garland thanked the Cavs, saying "I'll never forget the night I was drafted," and Clippers president Lawrence Frank said, "We are trying to get younger while continuing to win." The move remakes both teams' guard rooms and shifts short-term playoff math in two conferences. Merlin notes Garland is a two-time All-Star who averaged 18.8 points and 6.7 assists with efficient shooting and sits No. 3 on Cleveland’s all-time assist list, yet he battled injuries and had inconsistent on-court impact this season. If healthy, he could boost the Clippers’ hot stretch; Cleveland gains Harden’s scoring next to Donovan Mitchell and must hope chemistry forms fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Feb 4
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Anthony Davis Joins Trae Young In Washington
Merlin sees Dallas shipping Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum to Washington for a haul that includes Marvin Bagley III, Malaki Branham, Khris Middleton and several picks, even a protected 2030 Warriors first. "Yes, those Wizards." The deal pivots Dallas toward rebuilding and hands Washington a shockingly starry core alongside Trae Young. Merlin notes Dallas likely settled for less because of Davis' injuries and extension demands, and messy front office choices cost leverage. Washington is betting cap space and chemistry; Davis can roam between 4 and 5 beside Alex Sarr and shore up defense, but the pair are "at most medium-term guiding lights." This is a high-variance move that hinges on contract choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Washington extends Anthony Davis beyond 2027-28: 30%.
Feb 4
Chris Paul Traded To Raptors Amid Clippers Rift
Chris Paul was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal that also involved the Brooklyn Nets. Toronto will not require him to report, and ESPN’s Shams Charania said "It's not certain whether he's gonna play again in the NBA as of right now," leaving his status unsettled. Merlin sees more than a paper move. Paul was "sent home" amid a reported rift with Tyronn Lue and the Clippers said they were "parting ways" while offering to help him find his next step. Toronto can flip him or buy him out, so his next team or exit remains uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul playing again this season: 60%.
Feb 4
Warriors Offer Draymond Green for Giannis Sparks Lakers Link
Merlin sees Golden State is chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s trade deadline, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says Draymond Green is part of the package on the table. Windhorst added Green would likely push to be moved on from Milwaukee and could target the Los Angeles Lakers. Green himself admitted, "If it does [end], what a f--king run it's been." Merlin senses the moment feels like the close of a chapter for Green. Windhorst warned the Warriors have "crossed the Rubicon" with him and might revisit talks in the summer if no deal lands now. Green has also said he "always wanted" to play with LeBron James. A trade would upend Golden State’s core, change Milwaukee’s rebuild, and set the stage for a chaotic summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond being traded to the Lakers this season: 30%.
Feb 4
Utah Jazz Land Lonzo Ball From Cavaliers, Likely Waived
The Jazz acquired veteran point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks from the Cavaliers, per Shams Charania, though Utah is expected to waive him. Cleveland appears to have moved Ball mainly as a salary dump to get under the second apron while reshaping the roster after the James Harden deal. Merlin notes Jake Fischer called the move "clearly a salary dump." Ball has struggled this season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 27.2 percent from three, and his injury history now clouds his upside. If he clears waivers a team needing veteran playmaking might take a low-risk flier, but the market will be cautious as the Cavs keep their toolbox open. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavaliers make another significant trade before Thursday’s deadline: 40%.
Feb 4
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Anthony Davis to Wizards, Trae Young Era Begins
Merlin sees a late deadline blockbuster: Anthony Davis is headed to Washington to pair with Trae Young while Dallas loads up on future picks and young pieces to build around Cooper Flagg. The deal reshapes both franchises — Washington gains a high-end two-man pop with natural fit on offense and defense, and Dallas grabs draft capital and flexibility after a messy stretch of roster moves. Merlin warns of cracks in the crystal ball. Davis brings elite rim protection but spotty availability and a player option in 2027-28. If he stays healthy the Wizards could be real by 2027. If not, those five surrendered draft assets will sting. Dallas did well to reset, yet the shadow of the Luka trade still lingers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Washington becomes a true title contender by 2027: 25%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Shock Fans Trade Anthony Davis to Wizards
Merlin sees Dallas moving Anthony Davis to Washington along with Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum, receiving Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, two first-round picks and three seconds in return. The deal comes one year after the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Davis and follows a rocky stretch — Davis played just 29 games for Dallas and is sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand. Former GM Nico Harrison once said, "We're built to win now and in the future," a line that now feels strained as Dallas sits 19-31 and shifts direction. Merlin senses a clear pivot. Washington is stacking talent around Trae Young while Dallas cashes assets and veterans to build around 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Kyrie Irving's recovery and roster fit will shape whether this is a true rebuild or a reset. Expect short-term pain for a chance at a steadier future if Flagg develops and health returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 10%.
Feb 4
Mavericks Shut Out Lakers After Luka Doncic Deal
Merlin sees Dallas slamming a door on Los Angeles. After the Mavericks sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers last year, Dallas has little appetite to deal with L.A. again. The Lakers have scouted Mavericks like Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford, but Dan Woike says there are gigantic "road closed" signs all over any pathway to a deal. Dallas sits 19-31 and will likely sell before the deadline, yet the sting of the Dončić trade and the Anthony Davis injuries leave them wary. Merlin smells pride and hurt more than strategy. The Mavericks can still move pieces, but they will steer clear of any partner they feel took advantage of them. The Lakers will shop elsewhere, and the deadline could force creative pairings, but grudges have weight in trade talks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making a trade with the Lakers before the deadline: 5%.
Feb 4
Bulls Poised To Trade Coby White Ayo Dosunmu
Merlin sees the Bulls are expected to stay active before Thursday’s trade deadline, with guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu emerging as clear trade candidates. Jake Fischer says it would be an "understatement" to suggest teams do not expect both to move, noting he is "struggling" to find a logical landing spot for White and that there has been "some tangible discussion" about Dosunmu for Bennedict Mathurin. Chicago’s recent moves — adding Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley Jr. and Anfernee Simons while sending out Kevin Huerter and Nikola Vučević — have made the backcourt crowded. Merlin notes the calculus: White is a 25-year-old scorer who still carries upside when healthy, and Dosunmu is enjoying a career year as a high-efficiency bench spark. Contending teams covet that versatility, but Chicago risks losing both for nothing in free agency if it holds. The Bulls must choose between protecting a fragile playoff push and turning depth into long-term value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds at least one of White or Dosunmu is traded before the deadline: 80%.
Feb 4
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants To Finish Career With Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo told The Athletic he "deep down" wants to finish his career as a Milwaukee Buck and "want[s] to win here, another championship," but only if the franchise can build a consistent, title-caliber team. He has been out with a calf injury since Dec. 23, the Bucks sit 19-29 and rumors swirl that Milwaukee is listening on offers ahead of the trade deadline. Merlin sees a leader giving a clear ultimatum. Giannis’ line "If you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone" reads like patience paired with firm expectations. Milwaukee can try to buy assets to keep him or test the market; either choice will reveal how much the team believes it can compete now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before the deadline: 35%.
Feb 4
Ja Morant Trade Looms For Memphis Grizzlies
Merlin sees the Grizzlies accelerating a rebuild. After sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah, Memphis is now "motivated to trade" Ja Morant, with sources saying their "asking price for Morant has dropped dramatically." The team has stockpiled seven first-round picks and is even "open to taking on long-term salary if it can deliver additional quality draft capital" as it pivots around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. Merlin notes the end of a once-bright core and the start of a patient reset. Teams mentioned as suitors include the Kings and Raptors, and talks of a multi-team deal that moves Domantas Sabonis are already swirling. Morant’s injury history and falling production have softened his market, but a contender willing to bet on his ceiling could still change the script. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded by Thursday’s deadline: 80%.
Feb 4