NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 19, 2025
Griffin and Amare Spark Hall of Fame Buzz
Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire are among the first time candidates named by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The broader list also includes Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, coaches Mike D'Antoni and Doc Rivers, college coaches Bruce Pearl and Kelvin Sampson, the 1996 USA womens national team, and broadcaster Marv Albert. The Hall said "Finalists chosen from the applicable Category Screening Committees for the Class of 2026 will be announced at a later date." Merlin notes both players left clear marks on their eras. Griffin brought star power and five All NBA nods as part of Lob City, while Stoudemire was a force in Phoenix and New York with six All Star appearances despite injuries that later dimmed his arc. Both have strong resumes, but a packed ballot and voting patterns will decide who makes the cut. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Blake Griffin making the Class of 2026: 70%.
Memphis Legend Marc Gasol Lands Naismith Nomination
Marc Gasol is a nominee for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame among the 2026 international candidates, a list Malika Andrews unveiled on ESPN. If elected he will join brother Pau in the Hall. Gasol’s résumé is clear: a long run with the Memphis Grizzlies, a 2019 title with the Toronto Raptors, three All Star nods, the 2012 13 Defensive Player of the Year, All NBA honors and career averages near 15.2 points 7.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks. Andrei Kirilenko and coach David Blatt are also on the international slate. Merlin sees a player whose defensive instincts and passing changed how teams built around a center. The championship and longevity bolster his case and make a twin sibling enshrinement feel poetic. Kirilenko’s versatility and Blatt’s coaching resume mean the ballot will be competitive, but Gasol’s mix of peak and impact stands tall. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Marc Gasol being elected to the Hall in 2026: 75%.
Dec 19
NBA Rethinks Tanking: Draft Lottery Odds Under Fire
Merlin sees the league quietly reopening its playbook on tanking. The NBA told teams it is reviewing "draft pick protections, revised draft lottery rules, and other approaches" after past changes in 2017 created equal 14 percent odds for the three worst teams and after the 2020 introduction of the play in tournament. The review could reshape how teams value losing versus competing. Merlin notes proposals already floating around, like limiting protections to top four protected lottery protected or unprotected and flattening lottery odds further. Such moves would reduce the payoff for deliberate losing and raise the trade value of picks. Expect heavy bargaining between owners and front offices before any change lands. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the NBA altering pick protections or lottery odds this offseason: 65%.
Dec 19
Keon Ellis Trade Interest Spikes For Kings
Merlin sees Sacramento shopping Keon Ellis as the trade deadline approaches. Sam Vecenie reports that "Ellis is the King who has received the most interest on the trade market to this point," largely because of "a combination of his contract and perceived value." At 25, on an expiring $2.3 million deal with Early Bird Rights and a reputation for defense, Ellis offers low cost and upside, though limited minutes mean his market looks like a couple of second rounders. Merlin knows a sinking team will trade the easiest asset, and the Kings are 6 and 21, so moving Ellis makes sense compared with costly veterans. Teams that want a cheap, retainable wing defender could treat multiple seconds as real value. His price will hinge on who shows him minutes and how buyers value those future picks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Keon Ellis being traded by Feb 5 this season: 65%.
Dec 19
Curry Wears Devin Booker Nike Book 1, Suns Win
Merlin sees Stephen Curry using sneaker free agency to salute peers. After leaving Under Armour on Nov. 13 and becoming a "sneaker free agent", Curry wore Devin Booker’s "Nike Book 1" during Thursday’s game. Booker said he "sent Curry a few pairs" at Curry's request. Booker then led the Suns to a 99 98 win as Curry had 15 points on 3 of 13 shooting, seven assists and a season high nine rebounds. This is part theater and part leverage. Merlin senses Curry enjoys the freedom to honor players and stir nostalgia, like when he warmed up in the Kobe 6 Mambacita. It boosts his cultural value and could shift how stars use game nights to audition brands. Watch for more surprise tributes and headlines as deals evolve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry wears another star’s signature shoe this season: 70%.
Dec 19
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Tops Nikola Jokic MVP Poll
Merlin sees the early MVP picture as a two player duel. In ESPN's first 2025 26 straw poll of 100 media voters, Shai Gilgeous Alexander led with 57 first place votes and 865 points while Nikola Jokić had 42 first place votes and 822 points. The vote frames the race as Oklahoma City dominance versus Denver mastery on the stat sheet. Both players look sharper than a year ago. Jokić is on pace for another triple double at 29.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.9 assists while shooting a career high from three. Shai is the catalyst for a Thunder team with 25 wins and 2 losses and a stunning net rating. Merlin knows a high school fan will see voters rewarding team success as much as box score magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous Alexander winning MVP this season: 58%.
Dec 19
Stephen Curry Misfire Sparks Warriors Loss to Suns
Merlin sees Golden State slipping to 13 15 after a 99 98 loss to Phoenix, their third straight. Stephen Curry struggled, going 3 of 14, and lamented "We're obviously not a good team right now" as Moses Moody's foul with 0.4 seconds left sent Jordan Goodwin to the line for the winner. The Warriors rallied late only to have that possession erased by the mistake, a snapshot of their recent lapses in execution. Merlin notes there is still time with only 28 games played and the Warriors sitting ninth in the West, 4.5 games from sixth place. Curry believes the pain can teach them, saying "I do like the fact that it's challenging us and giving us a sense of urgency." Discipline and late game poise must arrive soon or this season will test even a future Hall of Famer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State finishing in the West top six this season: 30%.
Dec 19
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Steph Curry Eyes Klay Return to Warriors Before Trade Deadline
"I wish he was still here," Steph Curry told ESPN about Klay Thompson, and the story sketches an eight team trade idea to make that wish come true. The proposed swap would send Jonathan Kuminga to Utah, bring Thompson back to Golden State along with Jonathan Isaac and Day'Ron Sharpe, and move pieces among Dallas, Orlando, Brooklyn, Denver, Toronto and Phoenix to clear luxury tax space and balance salaries. The plan aims to fix Golden State staff and roster headaches while giving several teams cap breathing room. Merlin sees a clever map of matched incentives. Reuniting Curry and Thompson offers culture and spacing that matter more than box score flashes. Yet player approvals, waivers and timing before the February 5 deadline turn this into a long shot rather than a sure thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors pull off this eight team trade before Feb 5: 12%.
Dec 19
Nikola Jokic Surpasses Kareem Abdul Jabbar in Assists
Nikola Jokić became the NBA's all time leader in assists by a center, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 5,660 while helping the Nuggets beat the Magic 126 115 for their sixth straight win. He finished with 13 assists, 23 points and 11 rebounds for his 13th triple double of the season. Merlin notes how quickly Jokić rewrote history: 771 games compared with Kareem's 1,560, and a 7.4 assists per game average versus Kareem's 3.6. Jokić said he "won't really think about this latest historic moment until after his career is over." For now his passing and all around game are steering Denver toward the top of the West. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Nuggets finishing with the No 1 seed in the West this season: 40%.
Dec 19
Pablo Torre Uncovers Knicks Videos Targeting Kawhi and Kyrie
Merlin sees Pablo Torre unearthing more of the Knicks playbook for wooing stars. Torre shared a 2019 recruitment reel aimed at Kawhi Leonard, heavy on sketches with Jay Pharoah and cameos from Ben Stiller, Kenan Thompson and Michael Che, plus a mixtape style pitch for Kyrie Irving. New York had been "expected to push hard" for Kawhi but canceled a meeting over "logistics," and Irving once showed "strong interest" before signing with Brooklyn. Merlin notes this is not just showbiz. Torre has now found pitches for Leonard, Irving, Kevin Durant and LeBron, including a Wu Tang song for Durant. Those old attempts look quaint now that the Knicks are a top Eastern Conference team with back to back 50 win seasons and an NBA Cup. A winning team changes the magic trick, but the biggest stars still pick their own spells. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing a marquee free agent next summer: 35%.
Dec 19
Luka Doncic Triple Double Lifts Lakers Over Jazz
Merlin sees Luka Dončić put on a show, pouring in 45 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals to carry the Los Angeles Lakers to a 143 135 road win over the Utah Jazz. The Lakers trailed after a 41 point first quarter and faced a late push, but Luka scored nine points in a 2 minute span in the fourth to flip the game, while LeBron James added 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and every starter scored at least 13 despite the absence of Austin Reaves. Merlin senses more than a great night. That stat line deepens Luka s MVP case and shows he can close games under pressure, but the early defensive lapses are a warning. The true test arrives Saturday at the Intuit Dome against the Clippers, where Luka s magic will meet a louder crowd and sterner defense. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka Dončić wins MVP this season: 40%.
Dec 19
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Drops 32, Thunder Flatten Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 19 of his 32 points in the third quarter to carry Oklahoma City to a 122 to 101 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Thunder sit at 25 wins and two losses, turning a tight NBA Cup semifinal defeat into a dominant stretch by outscoring L.A. 76 to 50 across the middle quarters. Chet Holmgren had 22 points and seven rebounds, Jalen Williams scored 20, and reserve Ajay Mitchell chipped in 16 with seven boards and five assists as the Clippers fell to six wins and 21 losses. Merlin sees a team that is more than one star. Oklahoma City pairs elite scoring from Gilgeous Alexander with length and an emerging bench, and that balance makes them hard to stop. The quick trip to Minnesota is the next chapter; if the Thunder sustain this form, they will not be a surprise but a standard against which others are measured. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Oklahoma City finishing with the best record in the West this season: 60%.”)
Dec 19
Giannis Antetokounmpo Denies Trade Talks Amid Bucks Turmoil
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he has not personally talked with the Bucks about a trade, telling reporters "I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks" and "I'm still locked in. Locked in on my teammates." He allowed his agent might be in discussions. Giannis has been out since Dec. 3 with a calf injury, and Milwaukee sit 11 wins and 16 losses, so his availability is central to any realistic playoff hopes. Merlin sees smoke and a crossroad. Reporters like Shams Charania say "the writing is on the wall" and that Antetokounmpo and his representation "opened discussions." If he returns healthy and the Bucks improve, the rumors cool. If the team stalls, those conversations will grow louder as the Feb 5 deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Dec 18
James Harden Trade Heat: Timberwolves Circling
Merlin sees the Clippers slide has put James Harden squarely into trade chatter. NBA insiders say teams are watching Harden's status as he chases late career goals at age 36, with Marc Stein relaying that an observer is monitoring him and Zach Lowe noting "vultures are circling" for other Los Angeles assets. Harden is still producing 26.0 points and 8.1 assists, but the Clippers sit 14th in the West at 6 20 as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. Merlin notes Los Angeles publicly insists it does not want to "blow it up" so any Harden deal would signal a quick pivot to rebuilding. If a contender like Minnesota, which seeks a true playmaker, strikes, Harden could be a playoff catalyst. At his age and with a ring on the mind, he may push for a move if the fit is right. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Harden being traded by Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 18
Jazz Keep Lauri Markkanen While Spurs Grizzlies Pistons Circle
Merlin sees the Jazz still view Lauri Markkanen as part of their long term future, according to Michael Scotto. Executives have named the Spurs, Grizzlies and Pistons as potential landing spots, with San Antonio still holding assets even after acquiring De'Aaron Fox. Markkanen has made just 34.8 percent of his threes over the last two seasons, yet his floor spacing would complement Victor Wembanyama and could thrive with better playmaker support. Merlin senses Memphis has the draft capital to push for him and that the Grizzlies may need reinforcements around Ja Morant and the nucleus led by Jaren Jackson Jr. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff "was fond of their time together" but Detroit may opt for patience. The Jazz are no closer to a deal, and a rushed trade could backfire. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lauri Markkanen being traded before the next trade deadline: 25%.
Dec 18
Jaylen Brown Insists He'd Beat Stephen Curry One on One
Jaylen Brown told Twitch cohost DDG he would "for sure" beat Stephen Curry in a one on one, saying "It’s like weight classes" and "He’s too small." Brown points to a clear size and strength edge at 6 foot 6 and 223 pounds and notes Curry has not been known as a dominant defender. The comment drew attention because it frames a classic clash of power versus pinpoint shooting. Merlin sees the trade offs. Curry can end a game in a blink with off the dribble shooting and elite range, while Brown can bully inside and defend physically. Alone on the court, Curry’s quick release is lethal, but Brown’s strength could make life hard in the post. It would be a close, entertaining duel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brown beating Curry in a one on one: 40%.
Dec 18
Trae Young Returns From Sprained MCL for Hawks vs Hornets
Merlin sees Trae Young returning from a sprained MCL for Thursday’s game against the Hornets, a welcome restoration of Atlanta’s chief playmaker. The Hawks went 13-9 without him, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson keeping the team competitive, so Atlanta is not collapsing into chaos on his return. Young’s presence will immediately change shot distribution and offensive flow. Merlin notes Atlanta sits 15-12 and a game off third in a crowded East. Be ready for a short window of adjustment as roles shift, but expect more assists and more field goal attempts from Trae. The Hawks showed they can win without him, yet Young raises their ceiling and makes them a more dangerous team when chemistry clicks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta finishes in the top six of the East this season: 55%.
Dec 18
Luka Doncic Dominant for Lakers But Demands More
Luka Dončić has been overwhelming the league for the Lakers, pacing the NBA at 34.7 points while also leading in free throw attempts and posting 8.8 assists. Yet Luka told ESPN "I don't think so. I think I have to play better," singled out defense, turnovers, efficiency, rebounds and assists as areas to improve. At 26 and playing alongside LeBron, he is already the face of the Lakers and his self critique raises the stakes for the rest of the league. Merlin sees a player sharpening his tools. Luka admitting flaws is a warning to opponents more than a confession. If he tightens defense and cleans up turnovers he becomes nearly impossible to stop, and Los Angeles shifts from hopeful to feared. Watch how the Lakers adjust role and cover so Luka can keep piling up numbers without costing the team. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka Dončić winning MVP this season: 45%.
Dec 18
Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga Back On Trade Block
Jonathan Kuminga could be back on the market once he is eligible to be dealt on Jan 15, and he is "considered one of the top trade candidates across the league in the eyes of NBA executives." Golden State rejected summer offers because they wanted an unprotected first round pick, but Kuminga's production has slipped to 12.4 points this year after a 16.1 point breakout and a playoff burst when Curry was out. The Warriors are in win now mode and might move him for a player who helps immediately. Merlin sees curious suitors like the Kings quietly watching, the Suns cooling off, and the Pelicans still unclear. Kuminga would likely thrive on a rebuilding team that gives him more opportunity. If the Warriors can land immediate help they will part with potential; if not, Kuminga must prove he can be a steady No 3 option. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jonathan Kuminga being traded this season: 45%.
Dec 18
Brunson Unanimous, Karl Anthony Towns Make NBA Cup All Team
The NBA announced its 2025 NBA Cup All Tournament team after the New York Knicks won the title. Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns made the list alongside Luka Dončić, De'Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Brunson was a "unanimous choice" on all 20 ballots after averaging 33.2 points and 5.8 assists and finishing the 124 113 final with 25 points and eight assists. Towns posted a double double, while Dončić averaged 36.2 points 7.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists but drew just 11 votes after the Lakers exited in the quarterfinals. Merlin sees a clear lesson in the voting. Team success carried as much weight as eye popping stats, which helped Brunson earn full recognition. Luka and Victor Wembanyama being left off will fuel debate about short sample honors versus sustained excellence. Expect talk about selection criteria to grow as the regular season unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brunson makes an All NBA team this season: 60%.
Dec 18
Trae Young MCL Return Puts Hawks Trade Talks On Hold
Merlin sees Atlanta is not seriously shopping Trae Young even while the All Star sits out with a sprained MCL. The Hawks "hope Young can return soon and assimilate himself with the group to see what they have." His 2026 $49 million player option looms large, and "several executives" think picking it up might be the smarter move given his injury and inconsistent team results. Merlin notes the ledger is mixed. At 27 Young still scores and creates but has long been questioned on defense and playoff impact. Atlanta is 13 9 without him, so his next games are a crossroads. A strong return could quiet doubters and revive market interest. A limp return would make the option look like a safe shelter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young opts out and tests free agency in 2026: 25%.
Dec 18
Sacramento Kings Open To Trading Sabonis LaVine DeRozan
Merlin sees the Kings pegged as the NBA team "most widely painted as Trade Deadline Sellers." Marc Stein reports Sacramento is "open to fielding trade calls on pretty much anyone on the roster outside of Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford," and executives expect the club to be "active." At 6 20 and carrying the league's sixth highest payroll, the Kings are slipping in the West and drawing interest in veterans Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Merlin notes GM Scott Perry "realistically understands that he has to undertake a multiyear rebuild" but also wants to avoid surrendering draft capital just to shed salaries. Those big contracts limit trade partners, so the team faces a tricky choice between cleaning house now or preserving picks while hoping for a turnaround. The deadline will reveal how patient Sacramento will be. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Kings trade at least one of Sabonis, LaVine or DeRozan before the deadline: 40%.
Dec 18
NBA Solution Season: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, Luka Doncic Exposed
Dec 15 began solution season, when most offseason signees became trade eligible and teams finally widened their roster options. The piece pokes at every franchise to find the central flaw, from Atlanta's turnover spike without Trae Young and Boston's three heavy, free throw light offense to Giannis Antetokounmpo's strained calf that now clouds any blockbuster trade plan. Merlin sees a league at a crossroads. Some teams will sell assets while they can, others will overvalue short term heaters, and a few will trade spasms into long term pain. Watch the Suns and Bucks closest: Phoenix must decide whether to turn hot starts into future pieces, and Milwaukee waits for Giannis to show his true status before the market moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds the Phoenix Suns trade Dillon Brooks before the February deadline: 60%."
Dec 18
Spurs Knicks NBA Cup Final Could Move to College Arenas
Merlin sees the NBA weighing a fresh stage for the NBA Cup Finals. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league and Amazon Prime are discussing moving future championship games to unique locations, even storied college arenas like Allen Fieldhouse or Cameron Indoor Stadium. With the T Mobile Arena contract ending and semifinals moving back to team arenas next season, the Cup could look and feel very different. Merlin heard Silver say, "They have suggested, for example, some like storied college arenas. We're just looking at other ways we could do this." For the high school fan Merlin conjures a packed college gym where history and tight sightlines turn each possession into theater. Such a change would alter travel, broadcast staging and the Cup s aura while giving fans a new kind of energy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA stages a Cup Final in a college arena within two seasons: 30%.
Dec 18
Kevin Garnett Returns Home as Timberwolves Retire No 21
Kevin Garnett is reuniting with the Minnesota Timberwolves in an all encompassing role that covers business community efforts and content for the Wolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and the franchise will finally retire his No 21. He had a public falling out with former owner Glen Taylor, even calling him a "snake," but rebuilt relations with new owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, opening the door for this homecoming. Merlin sees a homecoming that fits young NBA fan. KG is the franchise leader in games points rebounds assists blocks and steals and was the 2004 MVP, so his return brings instant credibility and a cultural reset. Expect ceremonies and boosted community work more than sudden roster upheaval, but having Garnett on the business and cultural side will reshape the team's story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Garnett's No 21 being retired this season: 95%.
Dec 18