NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 31, 2026
Paul George Suspended 25 Games Shocks 76ers
The NBA has suspended Paul George for 25 games after finding a violation of the league’s anti-drug program. George said he “mistakenly took an ‘improper medication.’” The ban starts Saturday against New Orleans and runs through March 23, with George eligible to return March 25. It is his longest absence since the 2021-22 UCL injury and comes while he averages 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals this season for a 26-21 Sixers team. Merlin sees Philadelphia forced to lean harder on Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe to cover scoring and wing defense. The trade market already felt quiet, so adjustments will be internal: lineup changes, more minutes for role players, and strategic coaching tweaks. George’s absence will test the Sixers’ depth and could cost them seeding, but the core still looks playoff ready. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Philadelphia making the playoffs this season: 85%.
Giannis Unlikely, Cavs Lakers Trade Buzz
Most of the chatter is on Giannis, but insiders warn an “avalanche” of smaller deals could hit before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. Merlin notes league voices like Brian Windhorst saying there are “not a whole lot” of star moves, but “you're definitely gonna see other activity.” Teams are hunting depth and tweaks — a reported Cavs‑Lakers talk swapping De'Andre Hunter for Rui Hachimura is one example of practical, mutually helpful trades. Merlin sees a deadline where role players and salary fits shape contenders more than headline swaps. Big names with heavy contracts are harder to move, while expiring deals and affordable wings will trade often. Expect a flurry of useful pieces, not seismic shifts, and a few late surprises as teams chase playoff chemistry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Giannis getting traded before the deadline: 10%.”)
Jan 31
NBA Trade Deadline: Lakers and Warriors Passing on De'Andre Hunter
Merlin sees the Lakers and Warriors linked to Cleveland forward De'Andre Hunter, but league sources say neither looks like a likely landing spot. The Lakers have been "reticent to jeopardize their upcoming financial flexibility" by absorbing Hunter’s $24.9 million salary, and Golden State’s interest faded as the team’s "Giannis chase" became the main focus. Hunter is 28 and averaging 14.0 points on 42.3 percent shooting with 4.2 assists in his seventh season. Merlin notes the deadline is a puzzle of money and fit. Cleveland may still move Hunter, but teams with cap plans or star chases will pass unless a creative package appears. Expect quieter work from the usual suitors and last‑minute whispers rather than a headline deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of De’Andre Hunter being traded before Thursday’s deadline: 20%.
Jan 31
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Joe Brady Hires Jim Leonhard As Bills Defensive Coordinator
Joe Brady has found his defensive coordinator. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills are hiring Jim Leonhard from the Denver Broncos, with a contract agreed. A former NFL safety who coached at Wisconsin and rose to passing game coordinator and assistant head coach in Denver, Leonhard helped shepherd one of the league’s stingiest defenses as the Broncos ranked among the best in yards and points allowed while finishing 14-3 and reaching the AFC Championship. Brady also brought in Pete Carmichael Jr. and confirmed "he will be the team's offensive playcaller in 2026." Merlin sees Buffalo moving with purpose. Leonhard brings proven scheme work and secondary craft from a top Broncos unit, giving Brady a defensive architect to match his offense. The fit will hinge on personnel and adjustment speed, but the hire signals a clear bid to control both sides of the ball rather than tinker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Buffalo finishing top 10 in scoring defense next season: 45%.
Jan 31
Cavs Could Flip Lonzo Ball and De'Andre Hunter
A handful of role players could move before next week’s trade deadline, with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball named "potential trade candidates." Merlin notes the Cavs and Sacramento "have discussed a framework that would send" Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroeder, and Dario Saric, with Saric possibly flipped and a second round pick involved. The Kings are also "sifting through a variety" of scenarios around Ellis, while the Lakers, Suns and others have checked in on targets like Hunter and Jeremy Sochan. Merlin sees a market hungry for wing scoring and playmaking. Hunter, averaging 14 points, offers a clear fit for teams chasing spacing and defense. Ball’s steady playmaking is easier to move, though Cleveland will weigh contracts, as they did when balking at a Malik Monk swap. Expect small, strategic moves more than blockbuster upheaval. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds De’Andre Hunter lands in Sacramento by the deadline: 40%.
Jan 31
Luka Doncic Trade to Lakers Remade NBA
One year after Dallas sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, the league is reshaped. The Mavs tumbled into the lottery, used the pick on Cooper Flagg, and GM Nico Harrison was shown the door after parroting "defense wins championships" to defend the swap. The Lakers suddenly have a younger franchise cornerstone, playoff matchups shifted, injuries and subsequent moves altered title paths, and several teams’ timelines bent under the weight of one seismic trade. Merlin sees the trade as a single stone that toppled many dominos. If Dallas had kept Luka they likely remain a contender; if Los Angeles had not landed him the franchise might still be leaning on aging stars. Luka delivers long term hope to L.A., but the future will hinge on health and shrewd roster building. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka leads the Lakers to an NBA title within two seasons: 30%.
Jan 31
Draymond Green Shrugs Off Giannis Trade to Warriors
Draymond Green shrugged off swirling trade chatter, telling reporters he "ain't losing no sleep" and that he "slept great last night" after the Warriors’ loss. He said he will not hound the front office but that "My phone is always on," signaling willingness to help while keeping his focus. The larger rumor is that Golden State could assemble a massive package for Giannis Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry labeled the "only untouchable," but salary and timing make any deal complicated. Merlin sees Green as the steady talisman the Warriors want to keep. Matching Giannis’ contract would likely need expiring salaries and multiple future firsts, and Green’s $27.7 million option could make him a poor fit for Milwaukee. The Bucks seem likely to wait until summer, so drama may only deepen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Golden State before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 31
Jongkuch Mach 7 Foot 6 Taller Than Wembanyama
Seventeen-year-old Jongkuch Mach measures 7'6", already taller than every active NBA player, including Victor Wembanyama. He plays for the Centre of Excellence in Australia’s NBL1 East, where in 16 games he averaged 2.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 10.2 minutes while shooting 70 percent from the field. Agent Solomon Dech said, "It's challenging, but he's put on 20 kilos in the last 12 months." Several U.S. colleges have shown interest. Merlin sees the raw allure of a 7'6" frame. Mach does not yet have Wembanyama's range, but his finishing and shot blocking make him a rare prospect. The Centre of Excellence has been rebuilding his body and fundamentals. If he adds strength, mobility and a touch outside, his rise could be swift. If not, the journey will take longer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Mach plays college basketball in the U.S. next season: 65%.
Jan 31
Kevin Durant Shocked By Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Trade Rumors
Merlin sees Kevin Durant was surprised to be named in trade chatter around Giannis Antetokounmpo after SiriusXM's Justin Termine floated the idea that Giannis might shun cold cities. ESPN’s Shams Charania had reported Durant had "no desire" to join Minnesota, and Durant pushed back on social media while reminding fans of his place on the all-time scoring list. He remains an elite scorer this season for Houston, averaging 26.5 points with efficient shooting. Merlin senses the noise is more rumor than roadmap. At 37, with championships, an MVP and the Rockets at 29-17, Durant looks like a player teams expect to use to win now rather than a centerpiece in a blockbuster swap. His online jabs calm curiosity and keep the focus on the court. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant being involved in a Giannis trade this season: 5%.
Jan 30
Derrick Rose Says No To Bulls Statue
Derrick Rose says he does not want a statue outside the United Center after seeing Dwyane Wade’s monument. "No knock, D-Wade. I saw that statue," Rose told reporters. "I'm good." He added, "I don't want a statue of myself... I feel like that's idolizing." The comment follows the Bulls retiring his No. 1 on Jan. 24 and recalls his MVP season and years as Chicago’s face before injuries slowed him. Merlin sees a player comfortable with a quieter legacy. Rose prefers respect over marble, trusting fans and history to remember him. Chicago already gave him a major honor with the jersey retirement, so a statue feels less urgent. Still, anniversaries or a groundswell of fan sentiment could nudge the team later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Derrick Rose getting a United Center statue in the next five years: 20%.
Jan 30
Michael Porter Jr Not Available In Nets Trade Talks
Merlin sees the Nets are not selling Michael Porter Jr. despite trade chatter. Brian Windhorst said, "I know everybody thinks that Porter's available, that would be news to me." Marc Stein adds he is "hearing pushback about the Nets' willingness to part ways with Porter." Porter is enjoying a career year at 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 48.2 percent overall and 39.8 percent from three, as Brooklyn sits 12-34 and 13th in the East. With one year left on his contract, Brooklyn can afford to wait until the offseason to test the market. Merlin senses the front office values Porter's scoring and championship experience and will avoid deadline panic. Expect calm around the deadline and louder trade talk once teams can plan for summer moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Porter being traded before the 2026 deadline: 20%.
Jan 30
Kevin Durant, Rockets: Passing Kareem Abdul Jabbar Not Priority
Kevin Durant downplayed chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring mark, telling reporters "I never wanna say never" while stressing he just wants to "be around and be in the league." At 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averages 26.5 points and sits sixth all-time with 31,736 points. Closing the gap to Kareem’s 38,387 would require roughly 6,600 more points and long stretches of health and high-level scoring. Merlin sees Durant treating this like a long quest, not a headline chase. The numbers demand about three to four seasons of elite output at current pace, so durability is the true gatekeeper. If Durant stays on the court and keeps scoring, history might bend; if not, he still finishes a remarkable career without topping that particular summit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant passing Kareem's career scoring mark in his career: 20%.
Jan 30
Giannis Trade Drama Leaves Heat Knicks Wolves Warriors Reeling
Four teams have emerged as frontrunners for Giannis Antetokounmpo: the Heat, Knicks, Timberwolves and Warriors. Milwaukee is reportedly asking for "all of your young players and all of your draft picks," a price that could keep Giannis in Milwaukee past the Feb. 5 deadline and leave most suitors waking up disappointed. Merlin sees the chessboard shifting. Miami can stay patient and chase a loaded 2027 free agent class. New York looks like a long shot and should focus on repairing Karl-Anthony Towns' trade value. Minnesota can press on with Anthony Edwards and modest upgrades. Golden State would feel the sting most and must flip young assets or wait for the next star. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded before Feb. 5 deadline: 30%.
Jan 30
Warriors Offer Everything But Stephen Curry For Giannis
Merlin sees the Warriors reportedly willing to put every asset but Stephen Curry on the table to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources say Curry is "the only untouchable" and Golden State is "ready to give up a whole lot" with a "compelling" pitch as the Bucks are "starting to listen." Matching salary, limits on first-round pick moves and the need to include veterans like Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler complicate any deal. Merlin notes rival suitors like Miami, Minnesota and New York will push the price higher. With Butler injured and draft conveyance limits, the Warriors may need to surrender core depth and future picks. If Golden State truly opens the vault, the title race shifts overnight, but the Bucks can still wait for the best return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors land Giannis by Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 30
Bucks Trade Buzz Teams Hesitant to Max Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees growing worry around the league about committing to Giannis long term. Brian Windhorst reported one potential suitor said they "are not crazy" about having to extend him for the max. Giannis can become eligible Oct. 1 for a four-year, $275 million extension that would run into his age-35 season, and recent calf strains plus frequent missed games have made teams cautious. Merlin plots the trade off: a two-time MVP who can tilt a title series versus the cost, apron limits, and health risk. Many contenders would still pay up after a trade because the upside is rare, but front offices may push for protections, shorter structures, or medical contingencies. If the calf trouble continues, leverage and trade interest could shift quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a team signs Giannis to a four-year, $275M extension within a year: 65%.
Jan 30
Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Lakers In Sights
Merlin sees the Lakers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s radar. Howard Beck called L.A. "a team to keep an eye [on] from Giannis' standpoint just as another team of interest," and Shams Charania says the Bucks are "starting to listen" to "aggressive offers" with Miami, Minnesota, Golden State and New York among top suitors. Giannis is averaging 28.0, 10.0 and 5.6 but has played 30 games and is sidelined with a calf strain. The Lakers look likelier to pursue a move in the offseason when they have more first-round picks and clarity on LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Merlin senses that pairing Giannis with Luka would instantly tilt the Western Conference, yet the salary math and the probable need to include LeBron make a quick deadline swap unlikely. Health, draft capital and timing point to a high-stakes offseason chess match rather than an immediate blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis joining the Lakers this offseason: 18%.
Jan 30
76ers Refuse Trading VJ Edgecombe For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees Philadelphia is unlikely to include rookie VJ Edgecombe in any Giannis Antetokounmpo offer. One league source "completely shot down" the idea, even as reports say Giannis is intrigued by playing with Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe is averaging 15.1 points, 36.9 percent from three, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 43 starts and could have up to three years left on his rookie deal. Merlin notes Daryl Morey loves chasing stars, but trading a 20-year-old on a cost controlled contract is a steep price when Joel Embiid and Paul George are the team's top earners and Giannis has battled multiple calf problems. With the Sixers climbing to 26-21 and boasting a young backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe, Philadelphia looks more inclined to build than to gamble away its future. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the 76ers include VJ Edgecombe in a Giannis trade: 5%.
Jan 30
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks Ignite East
Several Eastern contenders are gearing up for different moves ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, and Cleveland appears particularly busy. An anonymous exec said, "Cleveland is active [in trade talks]." The Cavs, Celtics, Pistons and Sixers are all weighing options, with discussions around Kings guard Keon Ellis and Shams Charania reporting multiple teams have made "aggressive offers" for Giannis while the Bucks are "starting to listen." Merlin senses an open conference shaped by injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and the risk around Jayson Tatum. The Celtics may use Anfernee Simons as a chip but are unlikely to swing for Giannis. If Giannis lands in New York or Miami, the balance will shift; otherwise expect smaller tweaks that sort contenders from pretenders. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Feb. 5: 40%.
Jan 30
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks With Bucks Could Stretch To Offseason
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly fielding offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but sources expect talks to "drag out until at least Thursday" and many around the league think the true market may not peak until the offseason. Teams that called Milwaukee said they were "more interested in gauging the market" than making big moves now, and New York clubs — the Knicks and a Nets side that "long" had him atop their wish list — remain chief suitors. Merlin notes Milwaukee has reason to wait. Summer and draft night bring more cap room and pick currency, so the Bucks can assemble fuller packages; the Knicks would have to be creative with 2026 and 2033 assets, while the Nets could abandon strict rebuilding if a right offer appears. A surprise deal could happen in the next six days, but patience looks like the safer path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 30
Lakers and Cavs Woo DeAndre Hunter Before Deadline
Merlin sees the Lakers and Cavaliers quietly exploring a swap that would send De'Andre Hunter to Los Angeles for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, with talk of a third team to help match salaries. Chris Fedor reported they "discussed a general framework." For Cleveland the appeal is financial relief—Hunter carries a $24.9 million salary while Hachimura has an $18.3 million expiring deal—along with a shooting upgrade. For Los Angeles it is about adding a versatile wing defender beside LeBron. Merlin notes the chess pieces align. The Cavs sit well over the second apron and need cap breathing room, while Hunter would shore up the Lakers’ perimeter defense and still leave them flexible for the 2027 free agent class. This looks like a sensible, low risk move for both teams rather than a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of De'Andre Hunter landing with the Lakers before the deadline: 40%.
Jan 30
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Stephen Curry to Sixers in Paul George Blockbuster
Merlin sees Golden State’s trade-deadline hopes falling apart after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL, Jonathan Kuminga’s knee trouble and a market with little appetite. A proposed three-team blockbuster would send Stephen Curry to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, Malik Monk, several young pieces and multiple future firsts, while Sacramento would receive Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Andre Drummond. The deal would remake the East into an offensive machine around Curry, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid and give the Warriors a clear cache of picks and prospects to restart. Merlin senses the urgency behind the pitch. Curry turns 38 next March and is unsigned beyond next season, Steve Kerr is on a final-year deal and Butler’s long recovery makes a short-term championship chase shaky. If Golden State accepts the painful calculus, this trade buys clarity and time, trading a legend for a plausible rebuild rather than clinging to a fading timeline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors trading Stephen Curry before the 2026 deadline: 8%.
Jan 30
Flagg Drops 49, Knueppel Lifts Hornets Over Mavs
Merlin sees a rookie duel that stole the night. Cooper Flagg poured in 49 points and Kon Knueppel added 34 as the Hornets edged the Mavericks 123-121, and Knueppel called Flagg "the best player on the floor tonight." Their 83 combined points are the most by two rookies in a game since 1971, and both now stand as the clear front-runners in the Rookie of the Year race. Merlin notes Flagg is averaging 19.5 points on 48.2 percent shooting while Knueppel is nearly as efficient and makes 3.4 triples a night. Both shine even though Charlotte and Dallas sit below .500, so individual acclaim may hinge on which team builds around its star. Merlin senses their friendly rivalry will lift both games and linger in voters’ memories. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg wins Rookie of the Year: 60%.
Jan 30
Warriors' Stephen Curry Scores Sundance Grand Jury Prize
Merlin sees Stephen Curry’s short film The Baddest Speechwriter of Them All took Sundance’s Short Film Grand Jury Prize. The 29-minute piece, told through 93-year-old Clarence B. Jones, who served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s lawyer and speechwriter, offers an intimate insider view of the Civil Rights Movement. The jury praised it: "This film implores us to take action..." Winning Sundance’s top honor gives the film serious visibility beyond the sports pages. Merlin tells the high school fan in the stands that Curry shared the win with co-director Ben Proudfoot, their follow-up to the Oscar-winning The Queen of Basketball. Curry’s star power plus a potent subject make this more than a celebrity hobby; it marks him as a rising storyteller and sets a natural course toward awards season and wider cultural impact. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short: 40%.
Jan 30
LeBron Gifts Mom Jersey in Emotional Cleveland Night
After Wednesday’s 129-99 loss in Cleveland, LeBron gave his mother Gloria a signed jersey reading "To Mama James, Love you with all my heart & more" and praised her as "YOU'RE INCREDIBLE. #TheRealMVP." He finished with 11 points and five assists, while Bronny scored eight points on 3-of-3 shooting. LeBron reflected, "My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson play in the NBA at the same time," and has not committed to playing beyond 2025-26, so the night carried a quietly possible farewell feel. Merlin sees more than a game. The gift was a small ceremony for a career that began in Akron and has looped through Cleveland’s story of him. Whether this was a final Cleveland curtain or another chapter, the moment underlines the human side of a legend approaching an uncertain crossroads. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron retires after 2025-26: 35%.
Jan 29
Trae Young Wears John Wall Jersey in Wizards Tribute
Trae Young donned John Wall’s No. 2 jersey Thursday as the Wizards held a Celebration Night for the franchise icon. Wall, the No. 1 pick in 2010, averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 assists in Washington and made five straight All-Star teams from 2014 to 2018 before injuries, including a ruptured Achilles, curtailed his peak years. Wall was courtside calling the game for Amazon Prime Video while the rebuilding Wizards sit 11-34 in the East. Merlin sees symbolism in the gesture. Wearing Wall’s number is a reminder that the franchise’s brightest chapter is recent memory, not myth. For a team with injuries and young pieces, honor nights can steady the fan base and inspire culture. Still, gifts and ceremonies do not replace roster health or development if the Wizards hope to rise again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of John Wall having his jersey retired by the Wizards within five years: 70%.
Jan 29