NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Jan 28, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Sweepstakes Sends Bucks Scrambling
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in a semi-active trade situation with the Bucks, and whispers that began in December have turned into full blown proposals. With Milwaukee under .500 and league teams lining up, several blockbuster packages have been sketched for clubs like the Lakers, Knicks, Spurs, Blazers, Heat and Warriors, each offering mixes of stars, young talent and heavy draft capital that could reshape contenders and rebuilders alike. Merlin sees the board as clear glass and shifting pieces. Pairing Giannis with Luka, LeBron, or Wembanyama would bend the league’s geometry; Milwaukee could turn a superstar exit into years of flexibility. Few trades are simple, but the deadline or the summer may force a choice that changes playoff maps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the deadline: 30%.
Lakers Eye Donte DiVincenzo, De'Andre Hunter Before Deadline
The Lakers are circling several 3-and-D wings with the Feb. 5 deadline looming. Reported names include De'Andre Hunter, Donte DiVincenzo, Naji Marshall and Keon Ellis, while interest in Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones is tempered by steep asking prices. Los Angeles sits 28-17 and atop the Pacific, but trails higher in the West standings, so front office work is expected to shore up spacing and perimeter defense. The article notes Rui Hachimura "is a name that comes up often as a tradeable player" thanks to his expiring $18 million deal, though his recent scoring surge has made him more valuable to the team. Merlin sees a pragmatic Lakers move, not a blockbuster. They want a reliable wing who can guard and space the floor, and using an expiring contract as bait makes sense. If prices stay high for Murphy or Jones, expect a cheaper, immediately useful target rather than a splashy gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers acquire a 3-and-D wing by the Feb. 5 deadline: 60%.
Jan 28
LeBron James May Leave Lakers For Cavaliers
Merlin sees the Cavaliers ready to roll out a red carpet if LeBron James opts to leave the Lakers in free agency. Sources say Cleveland would "gladly welcome" their prodigal son back, and the timing has drama around L.A. owner Jeanie Buss, who reportedly "grumbled" about an "outsized ego" and once floated trading him. LeBron pushed back publicly, saying, "Don't make something out of it that it's not. It's always been mutual, it's always been respect, it's always been a great partnership." Merlin notes the fit is tempting. Adding LeBron to Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen would vault Cleveland into immediate title contention and offer an easier path than the Western gauntlet. Age, legacy and LeBron’s own retirement thinking will steer the final choice, but the door in Cleveland stands wide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron returning to the Cavaliers next offseason: 30%.
Jan 28
Giannis Trade Deadline Drama Bucks Heat
Merlin sees trade winds circling Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Feb. 5 deadline nears. Some league reps think a deal is possible, though one is "convinced" the Bucks will wait until the offseason. Multiple executives name the Miami Heat as the likeliest landing spot while the Rockets are "not in play." Giannis has played 30 games and remains elite, but a calf strain that could sideline him "four to six weeks" complicates any immediate move. Merlin senses Milwaukee holds the leverage. The Bucks sit 18-27 and face no pressure to accept less than full value, and as Brian Windhorst noted teams "all believe" a move could come. Waiting until Giannis is healthy should boost return, yet a bold Heat package now would instantly reshape the Eastern landscape. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Giannis being traded before Feb. 5: 30%."
Jan 28
Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Seeks Trade, Pelicans Want Desmond Bane Return
San Antonio has allowed Jeremy Sochan to seek a trade after falling out of coach Mitch Johnson's rotation. Sochan has played in 11 of the Spurs' last 24 games, is 22, and earns $7.1 million in the final year of his rookie deal, making him a cheap, efficient deadline target. The Pelicans, meanwhile, say they would only consider "a Desmond Bane-type offer" for Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III, which makes both players largely untouchable given most contenders' limited draft capital. Merlin sees front offices circling for affordable help, not headline swaps. Sochan is a tidy, low-risk depth piece contenders can plug in quickly. Jones and Murphy remain premium three-and-D assets whose steep price and New Orleans' lack of early picks through 2027 will slow any deal. Expect a busy market for role players instead of blockbuster moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jeremy Sochan is traded before Feb. 5: 65%.
Jan 28
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Could Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday Join Knicks?
Rumors have swirled that the Knicks could reunite Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday in New York via a blockbuster three-team trade, a "wild rumor" Zach Lowe noted after reporting from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein. Proposed sketches would send Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns to Portland, unload picks and swap rights to Milwaukee, and use New Orleans as a delay valve on a swap, all so the Knicks can grab two proven stars at the cost of major future assets. Merlin sees the chess board: Milwaukee would regain draft control and a clearer rebuild, Portland would add spacing and size, and the Pelicans would collect timing flexibility. Giannis’ contract situation and reported desire to play in New York give the rumor weight, but the price in picks and young pieces makes this more fairy tale than immediate trade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks acquire Giannis and Jrue this season: 10%.
Jan 28
Paolo Banchero Mosley Tension Threatens Magic Season
Rumors of a rift between Paolo Banchero and coach Jamahl Mosley have surfaced, with Tim MacMahon saying there's "a lot of talk around the league" they "might not be seeing eye to eye." Grant Afseth reported "strained communication and noticeable tension during games and timeouts." Orlando has underperformed after trading for Desmond Bane, sitting 23-22, 20th in offense and 15th in defense. Banchero averages 21.6 points and a career-low 29.1 percent from three. The projected starting five is +18 in 117 minutes, but injuries to Franz Wagner have kept them apart. Merlin sees a roster built for a leap stuck between chemistry and health. The four first-round picks for Bane bought time, but the defensive slide and reported tension could force a move before Feb. 5. If communication is fixed and the core gets healthy, Orlando still has clear upside. If not, the season could unravel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Magic make a major roster move before the Feb. 5 trade deadline: 60%.
Jan 28
Lawrence Frank Gets Extension After Kawhi Leonard James Harden Surge
The Clippers have given president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank a multiyear extension, believed to be a four-year deal, per The Athletic. Frank, with the organization since 2014 and promoted in 2017, was the 2020 Executive of the Year. After a 6-21 start Los Angeles has ripped off a 15-3 run to sit 21-24, led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and reporters say Frank and his senior staff "were on track for contract extensions" even during the rough stretch. Merlin sees ownership choosing stability over panic. The extension buys time to repair the flaws that have led to three straight first-round exits; health, depth, and whether Leonard and Harden can keep this level will decide if continuity becomes a championship bridge or just another season of promise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 65%.
Jan 27
Pacers Tyrese Haliburton Packs 30 Pounds in Achilles Recovery
Tyrese Haliburton told LeBron and Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast that he has put on 30 pounds while rehabbing his torn Achilles. He said some weight gain was deliberate to "be more physical at the rim" and "absorb contact" to get to the free-throw line, but admitted he has been "drowning my sorrows in cookie and ice cream." Haliburton, 25, averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists and led Indiana to the Finals before the Achilles injury in Game 7 against Oklahoma City ended his 2025-26 season. Merlin sees a deliberate metamorphosis. A stronger Haliburton could finish through contact and add a new layer to the Pacers offense, yet Achilles rehab and trimming the comfort-food pounds are delicate work. Coaches will balance strength, conditioning, and touch, and how he moves in training will tell the real story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Haliburton returns to pre-injury form next season: 55%.
Jan 27
Cooper Flagg Headlines Carmelo Anthony's Rising Stars Team
The Rising Stars Tournament now has its four teams, with legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady making the picks and a G League roster set. "All eyes, of course, will be on Cooper Flagg," Anthony’s top overall pick, and for good reason. The Dallas rookie leads the Rookie of the Year race at 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals while Dallas struggles. Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel is right behind at 18.7 points and 5.5 boards while shooting 42.2 percent from three. V.J. Edgecombe is already starting for the 76ers and contributing 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Merlin sees a classic rising-star showdown. Flagg’s all-around game gives him star power, but Knueppel’s shooting and Edgecombe’s playoff-ready role keep the race close. The tournament will be a bright stage for clutch moments and scouting checks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 60%.
Jan 27
Dodgers Star Mookie Betts to Coach Celebrity Game
Merlin sees Los Angeles getting a familiar face for All-Star Weekend. The NBA named Dodgers star Mookie Betts as a coach for the Celebrity Game in LA, with ESPN insider Shams Charania also confirmed to take the court. Rapper GloRilla and producer Mustard are already pegged to play, and the game will tip off the weekend on Feb. 13 before Rising Stars and the HBCU Classic. Merlin senses this is more than a cameo. Betts is a local hero with competitive instincts and a knack for showmanship. Coaching a celebrity squad is about energy and moments as much as strategy, so expect Betts to bring leadership, boost the spotlight, and maybe hand out a few surprises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mookie Betts coaches his team to victory: 55%.
Jan 27
Knicks Could Acquire Jrue Holiday To Entice Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees contending teams quietly plotting. The idea is simple: acquire Jrue Holiday first to make a Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit more appealing. Giannis reportedly wants to play with his former teammate; as Ian Begley noted, Holiday is "a guy he wants to play with." Moving Holiday would be a clear signal of intent and could nudge a club up Giannis’s list. Merlin warns the path is costly. Holiday is 35 and carries heavy salary commitments—$32.4 million this season, $34.8 million next, and a $37.2 million player option in 2027-28. Any team must match that money and accept the age risk. If Holiday is traded before February, expect a genuine run at Giannis, but the transaction hurdles remain steep. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks land Giannis if they first acquire Holiday: 20%.
Jan 27
Jayson Tatum Feels Weight Of Celtics Legacy
Merlin sees Jayson Tatum admitting the weight of Celtic history on the team. Tatum told The Pivot Podcast, "We've definitely felt it," pointing out that legends like Rondo, KG and the '86 Celtics return and raise the bar. He even said, "if I had it with the Grizzlies, I would have a statue outside the arena." At 27 and coming back from an Achilles injury, Tatum has time but faces higher expectations in Boston. Merlin whispers that championships shape reputations in Boston more than raw stats. One ring helps, yet to climb alongside Bird or Russell Tatum needs health, playoff runs and perhaps another title. How the roster and coaching support him will decide whether he becomes a Celtic legend or a great who fell short. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Tatum wins another ring with the Celtics in the next three seasons: 45%.
Jan 27
LeBron James: Ditch the 65 Game Rule for MVPs
LeBron James is urging the league to ditch the 65-game rule, saying the "game is different" now with a faster pace and more possessions. The threshold, meant to curb load management, can end up punishing players for injuries. Nikola Jokić’s hyperextended knee and time missed has him teetering on awards eligibility, and stars like Giannis, Wembanyama and Curry face the same risk. Merlin sees the tempo spike as the root of the trouble. With 29 of 30 teams playing at least 100 possessions, soft-tissue injuries are more common and a rigid 65-game bar hands awards to who stays healthy more than who plays best. Expect intense debate and a likely compromise that protects marquee games while adding injury exceptions. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA removes or modifies the 65-game rule this season: 30%.
Jan 27
Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets Sign With CeraVe After Ashy Trolls
Kevin Durant turned a long-running online jab about his "ashy" ankles into a sponsorship with CeraVe, even reading old posts as part of the reveal. The 15-time All-Star remains productive, averaging 26.4 points on 51.4 percent shooting with 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists through 42 games, but is deep into his 30s, so the clever marketing move keeps him visible off the court. Merlin sees Durant treating criticism like currency. The CeraVe deal shows sharp brand instincts and a knack for controlling the narrative. As his athletic profile evolves, Durant will continue to monetize moments and protect his legacy, reminding fans he is still one of the league’s premier figures both on and off the floor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant lands another major non-basketball endorsement this season: 65%.
Jan 27
Lakers Hunting Picks Before Trade Deadline For LeBron
Merlin sees the Lakers quietly trying to turn a 2031 or 2032 first-rounder into multiple first-round picks, having "canvassed" teams to build tradable assets they can pair with expiring deals like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber before the Feb. 5 deadline. At 28-17 and only 1.5 games above seventh, Los Angeles is thin on depth while key players have missed time — LeBron James and Austin Reaves have played together in only eight games and Reaves remains sidelined — so a reliable 3-and-D wing or fourth scorer is the obvious target. Merlin notes mortgaging future draft capital signals real urgency. Turning a distant pick into immediate rotation help could nudge them out of play-in danger, but those expiring contracts are modest chips and finding a true difference maker will take creativity and good timing. Expect offers that prioritize perimeter defense and three-point shooting. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing multiple first-rounders or a true 3-and-D upgrade by Feb. 5: 25%.
Jan 27
Jimmy Butler Torn ACL Could Keep Jonathan Kuminga With Warriors
Merlin sees Jonathan Kuminga’s trade market barely shifted after Jimmy Butler’s season ending torn ACL. ESPN’s Anthony Slater says "there have been no recent traction" between Golden State and Sacramento, and the Warriors prefer taking back expiring contracts instead of multiyear commitments. With people around the team calling it "less likely" Kuminga moves, coach Steve Kerr may have to play the 6-foot-7 forward more while Butler heals. Merlin notes the front office still values Kuminga. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. reminded reporters, "As far as the demand, I'm aware of that," meaning the Warriors expect true market value before letting him go. If Kuminga shines in increased minutes his trade stock could rebound, letting Golden State flip him for a better return later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 27
Tyrese Haliburton Thought Team USA Olympics Were Over
Merlin reports that Tyrese Haliburton laughed about realizing he would see little court time at the 2024 Olympics while chatting with LeBron on the "Mind the Game" podcast. He recalled thinking, "Oh, they talking about me," then later, "Damn, it's over. It's over, man." Haliburton totaled 26 minutes across three games, a small role after a season in which he carried the Pacers to Game 7 of the Finals before suffering a torn Achilles that will sideline him for the year. Merlin sees the scene as a lesson in patience. Haliburton showed he can swallow pride and still learn from elite teammates, and his playoff clutch work proves the talent is real. Recovery is the next quest. Expect careful rehab, guarded minutes when he returns, and a real chance to contend for a 2028 Olympic spot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Haliburton makes Team USA in 2028: 60%.
Jan 27
Dallas Mavericks Not Moving Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline
Merlin sees Dallas in no rush to move Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 deadline. Though reports say Rich Paul is "working tirelessly to force a trade" and the Mavs had "renewed trade talks," team voices were blunt: "Rich Paul is not going to bully us" and they "are not going to sign off on a deal just to do a deal." Davis has been out since Jan. 8 with a left‑hand ligament injury, which shrinks offers and lowers urgency. Merlin notes the sense of calm is strategic. Dallas can wait to watch a healthy Davis alongside Kyrie and rookie Cooper Flagg, or flip him as a future asset like past teams have done with injured stars. The choice will hinge on what value returns and whether ownership prefers clarity over a quick move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Davis being traded by Feb. 5: 30%.
Jan 27
JJ Redick: Luka Doncic Tests Lakers Patience
Merlin sees JJ Redick praising and prodding Luka Dončić after the Lakers’ 129-118 win over the Bulls. Redick said Luka will "test your patience at times" and called him "an engine that's fully on," after Dončić poured in 46 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, doing most damage in the second half. The win capped back-to-back road victories, with Dončić totaling 79 points and 23 assists over two games while LeBron and Rui Hachimura also chipped in. Merlin senses a push for balance. Redick has openly challenged the team to be better defensively and urged Luka "to trust the pass" more. If Luka keeps producing and the Lakers tighten up on defense, the offense will carry them far. If not, the magic will be uneven. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers beat the Cavaliers Wednesday: 65%.
Jan 27
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Could LeBron Return to Cavaliers via Three Team Deal
Reports sketch a three-team deal that would send LeBron James back to Cleveland, give the Lakers a younger All-Star in Lauri Markkanen, and load the Jazz with picks, expiring salary and veteran wings. The wrinkle is financial engineering: Cleveland must shed salary to escape the second apron, Utah would absorb contracts and picks, and the Lakers would pivot toward building around Luka Dončić. Merlin sees the trade as a plausible short-term script rather than an inevitable ending. Cleveland would gain championship experience without losing Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley or Darius Garland, but depth and roster flexibility would take a hit. Utah gains draft positioning and cap space, while the Lakers get a long-term fit. The move trades certainty for a real shot at a title in LeBron’s home state. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron landing in Cleveland before the deadline: 18%.
Jan 27
Dallas Mavericks Could Keep Anthony Davis as Kyrie Irving Waits
Merlin sees a clear pivot in Dallas. After last February’s shock move, Anthony Davis "would prefer to stay put for the rest of this season," and Marc Stein reports little trade momentum ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline after ligament damage in Davis’ left hand reduced interest. There are "whispers" the Mavs want to see Davis, Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving together before deciding, but Irving "remains unknown whether Irving will play at all this season" as he recovers and has not returned to practice. Dallas sits 11th at 19-27, so rushing a comeback seems unwise. Merlin predicts caution. Holding Davis buys time to evaluate chemistry and waiting may preserve value while injuries heal. If the Mavs climb the standings or Irving nears return, talks could restart. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 27
Knicks Trade Deadline: Flip Karl Anthony Towns For Jrue Holiday
Merlin sees the Knicks as a team stirring the pot before Feb. 5. Marc Stein reports "a belief persists among some rival teams that" New York could put Karl-Anthony Towns "in play to some degree" and has "explored pathways" to pursue Jrue Holiday. Holiday's championship experience and defense would relieve Jalen Brunson and make New York more attractive to stars like Giannis. Merlin notes that trading Towns would be seismic; his scoring and shooting have dipped and the Knicks are 4-9 in their last 13, so some shake up makes sense. New York could also chase smaller moves built around Guerschon Yabusele's $5.5 million salary. The deadline promises intrigue as the Knicks try to sharpen a playoff-ready roster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 30% chance the Knicks acquire Jrue Holiday by the Feb. 5 deadline.
Jan 27
Cooper Flagg to Headline NBA Rising Stars for Mavericks
Cooper Flagg will headline the Rising Stars competition at NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles after the league revealed the four-team draft pool. The single elimination event is Feb. 13 at the Intuit Dome, with three NBA teams coached by Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady and a G League squad led by Austin Rivers. Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 pick, is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists and poured in 42 points against Utah while carrying the Mavericks with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving sidelined. Merlin sees Flagg as a young star ready to own a short showcase. Thrown into a starring role early, his rim attack and playmaking make him perfect for a game that rewards boldness. Whichever Hall of Famer drafts him will start with a clear advantage and a highlight reel waiting to happen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rising Stars MVP: 65%.
Jan 26
Giannis May Have Played Final Milwaukee Bucks Game
Merlin sees a major turning point: ESPN’s Marc Spears declared, "I think he's played his last game in a Bucks uniform." Marc Stein says multiple teams are "trying to engage" Milwaukee, yet there is "no clear-cut indication" the Bucks will move him before the draft. Giannis is out with a calf issue projected at four to six weeks and Doc Rivers said "there's no timetable" and that the team has "no thought" about resting him. Milwaukee sits 11th at 18-26, so how they handle his availability reshapes draft leverage and trade chatter. Merlin predicts a fork in the road. If the Bucks want a top pick or a pre-deadline haul they may keep Giannis off the floor to protect value; if they chase wins they will play him and limit trade returns. Either way, the next weeks will reveal Milwaukee’s appetite to rebuild or contend. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis plays another game for the Bucks this season: 30%.
Jan 26