NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 19, 2026
Miami Heat Must Choose Between Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees a shakeup brewing in Miami’s trade plans. A source told Marc Stein Miami "should be scratched as a Morant suitor" if that move would jeopardize a bid for Giannis. Stein also wrote that "all indications are that Antetokounmpo will not be in trade play before the Feb. 5 deadline." Meanwhile Memphis is reportedly entertaining offers for Ja Morant, who has played just 18 games this season. Merlin notes the choice reveals Miami’s priorities. Morant is more affordable and could help now, but he is not the needle mover Giannis would be. If Miami keeps even a sliver of hope for a late-season Giannis pursuit, patience could rule their board and reshape who becomes available around the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 10%.
Rockets' Kevin Durant Passes Dirk Nowitzki For Sixth All Time
Kevin Durant passed Dirk Nowitzki to move into sixth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in Sunday’s win over New Orleans, joining the tier behind LeBron, Kareem, Karl Malone, Kobe, and Michael Jordan. Durant called the moment "means a lot" and said he wants "to continue to keep stacking, keep climbing up the charts," signaling he plans to keep chasing milestones at age 37. Merlin sees a veteran still in love with the craft. Durant praised Dirk — "I idolized, I competed against" — and the path ahead is clear: Jordan and Kobe are within reach, Malone looks like a taller mountain that might require playing into his 40s, and LeBron’s longevity offers a blueprint. Expect more counting of points and quiet accumulation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Durant finishing his career ahead of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: 75%.
Jan 19
Ja Morant Declares Loyalty Amid Trade Rumors
Ja Morant poured in 24 points, 13 assists and five rebounds to lift the Grizzlies to a 126-109 win in London, then pushed back on trade talk by saying, "If anybody here knows me, I'm a very loyal guy," and pointing to the Grizzlies tattoo on his back. Memphis has reportedly shopped him for picks and young players, but league interest has been called tepid, and some teams see limited market demand. Merlin senses a tug of war between talent and risk. Morant’s flashes show why teams would pay a price, yet missed time from suspensions and injuries dims his trade value. He sounds rooted in Memphis, and the Grizzlies will likely hold out for serious offers. Expect more headlines if he strings together sustained dominance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 18
Anthony Edwards Wants To Dunk On Victor Wembanyama
Anthony Edwards loved the matchup with Victor Wembanyama after Minnesota’s 126-123 loss, saying "I loved it" and "I wish we could've just moved everybody out of the way and just checked up and me versus him." Edwards scored 55 points and boldly claimed he would win a one-on-one and wants to dunk over the 7'4" Frenchman, who said he will try to block him. Merlin senses this is more than bravado. A real Edwards and Wembanyama rivalry pairs fearless scoring with towering length, and every duel feeds the league’s story of who might become the next global face. On the court the battles will decide bragging rights, off the court they will sell tickets and headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Edwards and Wembanyama rivalry becomes a defining playoff storyline this season: 30%.
Jan 18
Mavericks Court Dirk Nowitzki After Luka Trade
Merlin sees the Mavericks courting Dirk Nowitzki after his recent jumbotron appearance. ESPN's Tim MacMahon called it an olive branch from new leader Patrick Dumont, saying "The Luka trade was the absolute last straw" and that Dirk would not be part of the club while Nico Harrison ran basketball operations. Dirk's presence and his son Max in a Cooper Flagg jersey signaled openness, and he reportedly wants "some input in the team's decision-making" rather than a formal front-office job. Merlin senses that bringing Dallas' greatest player back into the fold would steady the franchise as it hands the torch to No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. An informal advisory role could fast-track Flagg's growth and soothe a jittery fanbase, but real influence will take trust and patient work from both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dirk taking an advisory role within the next year: 60%.
Jan 18
Edwards 55 Sparks Timberwolves, Wembanyama Clutch Lifts Spurs
Merlin saw a star-studded clash as Anthony Edwards exploded for a season-high 55 points, including 26 in the fourth, while Victor Wembanyama added 39 points and nine rebounds and snagged a late board to help the Spurs prevail 126-123. Wembanyama called it "an honor" and said "It's the best case to have the best players go as hard as they can." Edwards said "I loved it. I wish we could've just moved everybody out of the way... me versus him." The result nudged the Spurs to 29-13 and left the Wolves 27-16. Merlin senses more than a single game here. Edwards delivers pure scoring fireworks and Wembanyama brings unique two-way gravity. Nights like this shape narratives and set the stage for playoff theater. If both stay healthy, their contrasting talents could drive one of the league's next great rivalries. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Edwards and Wembanyama meeting in the playoffs this season: 45%.
Jan 18
Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen Calls Himself The Blizzard On Topps
Merlin sees New Orleans rookie center Derik Queen signing a 1-of-1 Topps card calling himself "The Blizzard." His initials, DQ, line up nicely with Dairy Queen, where he had an NIL deal at Maryland, and teammates already use the Blizzard nickname. On the court he’s been a bright spot, averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.9 percent. Merlin senses more than a cute nickname. When a young player couples a catchy brand with real production, marketing and team storytelling follow. The existing Dairy Queen link makes a formal endorsement or merch push likely, and New Orleans could lean into the persona to grow Queen’s profile — provided his play keeps climbing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Queen landing an official Dairy Queen endorsement this season: 65%.
Jan 17
Stephen Curry Channels Dell Curry With Reebok Pumps
Stephen Curry paid a quiet tribute to his father by wearing vintage Reebok Pumps before the Warriors faced the Hornets, nodding to Dell Curry’s Reebok deal from his Hornets years. Charlotte will retire Dell’s No. 30 on March 19, honoring a 10 season run that included 701 games, the 1994 Sixth Man award, and franchise records in games and three-pointers. It is unclear if Stephen or Seth can attend given Golden State’s travel schedule. Merlin sees a family story and a branding moment entwined. Curry’s choice is part nostalgia and part business as he explores life after Under Armour, sampling Reebok among other brands. The Pumps are a bridge to Dell’s legacy and a public reminder that the league’s past still shapes present moves and future partnerships. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Stephen attending Dell’s jersey retirement: 30%.
Jan 17
Stephen Curry Warriors Finals Jersey Fetches $2.45M
Stephen Curry's Game 6 jersey from the 2022 NBA Finals, the one he wore when he scored 34 points and was named Finals MVP on June 17, 2022, sold privately for $2.45 million, MeiGray Group told ESPN's Dan Hajducky. That beats the prior Curry record of $1.7 million set by the same group in 2022 and tops a 2009 jersey that sold for $1.758 million at Sotheby's. Merlin sees more than a sale here. A championship-worn relic has become a high-value artifact as Curry keeps producing 28.1 points per game and the Warriors sit eighth in the West at 23-19. The price cements Curry’s legacy and serves as a golden reminder of 2022 while he chases another deep playoff run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors reaching the conference finals this season: 35%.
Jan 17
Warriors Will Not Trade Draymond Green for Anthony Davis
The Warriors are unlikely to land Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 deadline. Anthony Slater said he senses "zero appetite" in Golden State, noting a deal would probably cost Draymond Green and that Davis "might be back around playoff time." Davis is out at least six weeks, has played just 29 games recently, and contract and extension questions make a move risky, so executives expect he will remain in Dallas unless the Mavericks want to salary dump him. Merlin sees Golden State more inclined to tinker than to mortgage its core. Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade but offers limited return, and the Warriors have climbed to 23-19 with four wins in five. With Stephen Curry untouchable and Draymond a near-necessity, swapping for an injured star who needs a future extension looks unlikely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors acquire Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 5%.
Jan 17
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Finally Tries Quesarito
Nikola Jokić has teamed up with Taco Bell and was shown eating a Quesarito in a new ad, a surprise after he once said he “would never try a Quesarito” because of a draft-day commercial. Taco Bell called the campaign a “friendly apology,” and the Nuggets even handed out Quesarito shirts that Jokić called “funny,” though he previously wore a shirt reading “still won't try it.” Merlin sees a small truce that matters beyond snacks. The moment humanizes a two-time MVP who was the No. 41 pick in 2014 and led Denver to the 2023 title. Jokić is averaging 29.6 points while leading the league with 12.2 rebounds and 11 assists, and he remains the steady center of the Nuggets’ title hopes as endorsements and on-court goals move in harmony. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Nuggets reaching the conference finals this season: 60%.
Jan 16
Sacramento Kings Shopping Sabonis and DeRozan
Merlin sees the Kings are willing to move multiple big names before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, with Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan among those on the table. ESPN’s Anthony Slater calls Sabonis a "name to watch" and says GM Scott Perry is "open to discussing trades for all their high-priced veterans." HoopsHype reported exploratory talks with the Clippers, and Sacramento’s 11-30 start makes a rebuild increasingly likely. Sabonis is a high-impact player when healthy but is returning from a partially torn meniscus and carries three years and $136.3 million, so any suitor must make a heavy commitment. DeRozan is cheaper, signed only through next season, and remains durable and productive, making him an attractive piece for contenders. Merlin senses Sacramento will prioritize youth, picks, and salary relief in any deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Kings trade Sabonis or DeRozan before Feb. 5: 65%.
Jan 16
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Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami Heat Now
Merlin sees a bold case for sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Terry Rozier and a bundle of first-round picks and swaps. The argument says the Heat would mortgage their draft future to chase an Eastern crown now, while the Bucks could collect youth and assets before the situation in Milwaukee gets nastier. Merlin notes the story even quotes that "Antetokounmpo has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to the Bucks" while also leaving room to change his mind. Call it the Egg-Preference Theory. At 31, Giannis is still elite, so Miami’s all-in move could buy championship years, and Milwaukee would get players and picks that might seed a rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 30%."
Jan 16
Rockets GM Tests Trade Market With Durant Watch
Merlin sees Houston GM Rafael Stone quietly probing the market ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Kelly Iko reports the Rockets "had discussions with around half the league" but "doesn't have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion." Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela have drawn interest. A five-of-seven skid has dropped Houston to sixth and leaves Stone with 11 games to decide. Merlin senses Stone "has an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want." Houston is not chasing Ja Morant or Chris Paul and is "less inclined" on LaMelo or Darius Garland, so any move would likely be targeted role help. How Kevin Durant and the team respond over the next 11 games will shape Stone's choices. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Rockets make a significant trade before Feb. 5: 45%.
Jan 16
Cedric Coward Shrugs Off Rookie Wall for Grizzlies
Cedric Coward says he is not worried about the rookie wall, bluntly adding "I only fear God." The No. 11 pick has quietly become a regular for the Grizzlies, averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists across 37 games and 24 starts. His shooting is the headline: 55.7 percent from the floor and 40 percent from deep, ranking him sixth among rookies in field goals and threes made. With Ja Morant sidelined and reportedly available in trade talks, Memphis may need Coward to be more than a surprise story. Merlin sees the unusual arc here: a DIII start, stops for injury, then a rapid rise to starter and a 27-point outburst in his third game. Coward’s calm, “one game at a time” routine and elite shooting fit Memphis’ culture. The real test will be stamina and adjustments as teams game-plan him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Coward avoids a season-ending rookie wall and remains a regular starter: 65%.
Jan 16
Memphis Trade Dilemma Jaren Jackson Jr or Ja Morant?
Merlin sees a shifting seam in Memphis. The Grizzlies are fielding interest in Jaren Jackson Jr., with the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons among the teams sniffing around. Reports say "various teams across the league" want Jackson while Memphis has, per Shams Charania, at times "entertained offers" for Ja Morant and considered building around Jackson. Jackson is a former Defensive Player of the Year averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and he shoots 37.5 percent on catch and shoot threes this season. Merlin senses the tug of urgency. Jackson’s mix of rim protection and spacing makes him a fit for contenders, but if Memphis parts with Morant, Jackson may resist a long rebuild. The Feb 5 trade deadline looms like a witching hour. Moves here could remake the West and ripple to the East. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaren Jackson Jr. is traded by Feb 5: 40%.
Jan 16
Raptors Trade Deadline Drama Scottie Barnes RJ Barrett Immanuel Quickley
Merlin sees Toronto quietly testing the market. ESPN says the Raptors "have been on the phones in recent weeks gauging the trade value of some of their players, including RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley." At 25-17 and fourth in the East, Toronto looks like a team a step away from true contender status. With many long-term contracts, the club will "have to incentivize real offers with draft capital," and an exec warned "They're going to have to work to avoid the second apron next year with their current roster." Toronto also owns its own picks for the next seven years, which buys flexibility. Merlin senses a clear aim: find a star to pair with Scottie Barnes as he grows into his prime. Using draft assets can accelerate that timeline, but every pick spent chips away at the future. Watch if the Raptors push for top-tier names or try smaller moves to climb the East. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Toronto trades Barrett or Quickley before the deadline: 35%.
Jan 16
Bucks Poised For Trade Deadline Splash To Keep Giannis
Merlin sees the Bucks viewed leaguewide as the likeliest big mover before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. GM Jon Horst has "canvassed the league" to add pieces around Giannis, and execs were "near unanimous" that Milwaukee can be a "major player." The club still has a first round pick and sits $14 million under the luxury tax, and one scout quipped, "I've seen teams make chicken salad with less." Sources say the goal is to add alongside Giannis, not trade him. Merlin senses urgency and calculated risk. With a 17-24 record and Giannis returning from injury, Milwaukee may target a hefty contract like Andrew Wiggins or Miles Bridges or use Bobby Portis in trade talks to reshape the roster. A smart splash could tilt them back toward contender status, but chemistry and health will be the final spells. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 12%.
Jan 16
Lakers Bargain Shopping Around Luka Doncic
Three weeks from the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Lakers are shopping for "bargain deals" rather than a blockbuster, according to ESPN. They can offer the expiring contracts of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber (about $40.8 million) but cap limits make Anthony Davis all but unreachable, so any addition will need to be "a good fit with Luka." With few elite players expected to move, Los Angeles may largely roll with the roster that has started 24-15 despite injuries. Merlin sees a club trying to thread two timelines: squeeze value from what may be LeBron’s final Lakers season while not mortgaging Luka Dončić’s future. Expect small, smart moves like three years ago—role players who improve defense and spacing. If they find a cheap defender who meshes with Luka, the balance shifts. If not, they will rely on current chemistry and hope for healthier bodies. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 25% chance the Lakers make a meaningful upgrade before the Feb. 5 deadline.
Jan 16
Mavericks Urged To Hold Anthony Davis Through Trade Deadline
Merlin sees league whispers urging Dallas to wait on Anthony Davis. The hand injury no longer requires surgery and he is expected to miss about six weeks, so multiple executives told ESPN and HoopsHype they expect the Mavericks to keep AD past the Feb. 5 trade deadline and revisit a move in the summer. One executive said, "This should allow them to sit back and be patient and see what happens." Merlin notes Davis has played just 20 games but remains a force when healthy, averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds. Teams like Atlanta and Toronto are linked, and holding him could spark a late playoff bidding war or produce richer offers in the offseason, unless Dallas decides it "essentially want[s] to salary dump him." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 16
Curry: Warriors Unshaken by Kuminga Trade Demand
The Warriors are playing through the Jonathan Kuminga storm without missing a beat. Stephen Curry insisted the situation is "not a distraction at all" and will "resolve itself one way or the other," while Draymond Green said confidently Kuminga "is not a distraction." Kuminga reportedly "demanded" a trade the first day he was eligible after signing a two‑year, $48.5 million deal, and he has not played since Dec. 18 despite a hot early start that briefly looked like a breakout. Merlin sees a team balancing momentum and nagging tension. Golden State’s recent surge keeps the locker room calm for now, but Kuminga’s icy relationship with Steve Kerr and his rapid decline in minutes and production make a split increasingly likely. The next few home games will be a quiet audition for both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded by the deadline: 65%.
Jan 16
Heat Cool Off Ja Morant Trade Talks
Merlin sees Miami as an unlikely landing spot for Ja Morant. ESPN’s reporting says Heat interest has been "overstated" because the franchise is "laser focused on avoiding taking on" long-term money ahead of the 2027 free agent summer, and people in the league do not "see much of a market" for Morant. His injury history, heavy contract and falling production make teams wary, with only the Bucks repeatedly mentioned as a feasible match. Merlin notes the practical chess behind the silence. Miami already has a steady defensive guard in Davion Mitchell and prefers cap flexibility over a risky splash. The Grizzlies may have to settle for pick swaps, rookie-contract bets or taking on bad money to move Morant. Expect quiet negotiations, not a bidding war. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miami acquiring Ja Morant by Feb. 5: 10%.
Jan 16
Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks Trade Paused Until Offseason
Merlin sees the rumbling in Milwaukee: even if Giannis Antetokounmpo grows frustrated and wants out, a move likely would not happen until the offseason because building a superstar trade "usually takes more than three weeks to build." Executives and scouts say teams are hesitant to go "all-in" now and salary cap and luxury tax limits keep many clubs from joining talks. Giannis has said he "will never" publicly ask for a trade: "That's not … in … my … nature. OK?" The Bucks' skid and fan friction add pressure. Merlin knows patience is the currency of big moves. Behind the scenes talks may simmer while Milwaukee protects future flexibility. The Luka timeline shows these deals unfold over months, and Giannis's wish to "value his standing in Milwaukee" points to a quiet summer resolution rather than midseason chaos. Expect the noise to grow as June approaches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Giannis being traded this season: 15%.")
Jan 16
Celtics Steal Bam Adebayo From Miami Heat
Merlin sees a three-team blueprint that would send Bam Adebayo and Justin Champagnie to the Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Hugo González and multiple firsts to the Heat, and Sam Hauser to the Wizards. Miami would shed roughly $47 million, collect draft currency and a young wing in González to effectively reset. Boston would add a switchable defensive anchor next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Merlin notes Bam’s fit is immediate and could become "Somehow Even Filthier" inside Boston’s rotation, though the Celtics would absorb $38.7 million and lose shooting punch. Miami gains picks and cap room to chase a true top player, while Washington picks up a high-efficiency sniper in Hauser. The deal trades present chemistry for future optionality. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bam Adebayo being traded this season: 30%.
Jan 16
Michael Jordan Only Approved Air With Viola Davis
Ben Affleck says Michael Jordan made one clear demand before signing off on Air: Viola Davis had to play his mother. Affleck told ALL THE SMOKE that Jordan “can only tell you what I was there for” and that he wanted a serious, respectful portrayal, saying “Viola Davis has gotta play my mom.” The film cast Davis and won Jordan’s blessing before its 2023 release, a small but telling detail about who controls the narrative. Merlin sees a keeper of his own story. Jordan’s insistence reads like a shield for the emotional center of his legend, and it taught filmmakers a simple rule: honor the family and you may earn the seal of approval. Filmmakers and stars take note; some figures guard their past with a force as fierce as their play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jordan will demand top-tier casting for any future portrayals of his family: 85%.
Jan 16