NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 24, 2025
Drew Timme Joins Lakers on Two-Way Deal
Merlin sees the Lakers signing former Gonzaga star Drew Timme to a two-way deal from their G League club after he tore up the board early this season. With Deandre Ayton nursing a knee injury and Jaxson Hayes likely starting, Timme steps in as a high-skilled backup who’s already averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in six G League games — a move that matters for L.A.’s depth and late-game spacing. Merlin remembers Timme’s winding path — undrafted in 2023, short stints with Milwaukee, Sacramento, Brooklyn (12.1 and 7.2 in nine NBA minutes), a brief multi-year deal then a waiver — and smells potential. He’s a polished scorer who must prove he can defend and fit into an NBA rotation, but the minutes will be the true test. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Timme earns a standard NBA contract this season: 30%.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Electrifying Dunk During Achilles Rehab
Merlin sees Tyrese Haliburton posting a dunk video from Indiana’s facility — a bright sign that his rehab from the Achilles tear suffered in June is heading in the right direction. The Pacers have already ruled him out for the 2025‑26 season, and with typical Achilles timelines of 8–10 months putting any realistic return around April, Monday’s clip is encouraging but not a timetable for game action. Merlin knows youth and skill favor recovery — Haliburton is just 25 and the dunk shows regained explosiveness — but wisdom says patience. With the Pacers stumbling at 2–14 and John Cena offering encouragement, the prudent path is a cautious rebuild of strength and confidence rather than a hurried comeback that risks long-term health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Haliburton plays this season: 15%.
Nov 24
Lakers' JJ Redick "So Pissed" at Luka Dončić
Merlin sees the Lakers staged a teamwide pickleball tournament that revealed a livelier side of head coach JJ Redick. He squared off with Luka Dončić in the semis — Dončić won and joked Redick was "so pissed" — and Redick later called the event "was a lot of fun" but "very competitive." The games broke up a long road stretch and gave players a low-stakes stage to show personality and competitive fire. Merlin notes this matters because coaching is half tactics, half temperament; a coach who competes alongside his players can sharpen bonds or expose tensions. The tournament offered a rare, candid glimpse at locker-room chemistry after back-to-back wins, and Redick’s visible competitiveness could translate into attention to detail or, if mishandled, friction with stars. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Redick’s competitiveness boosts Lakers chemistry this season: 60%.
Nov 24
Caitlin Clark’s Nike Choice Sparked Curry’s Under Armour Fallout
Bloomberg says Caitlin Clark played a role in Stephen Curry’s exit from Under Armour. Curry had backed Under Armour’s push to sign Clark; she chose Nike, leaving Curry disappointed and “exacerbating existing concerns” after his camp “became frustrated by what they viewed as underinvestment.” That miss mattered: analysts estimate Clark’s first shoe could be worth $100M while her deal was reported at $28M, making her a rare growth opportunity in women’s basketball. Merlin sees a classic missed bet. The sneaker market is softer, and women’s hoops is the clearest growth lane — Clark was the megastar Under Armour needed to reset the narrative. The brand still has athletes, but failing to lock the league’s hottest rookie sent a signal: Under Armour wasn’t all-in. Rebuilding will require bold signings and real investment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Under Armour rebuilds basketball credibility within two years: 30%.
Nov 24
Kings' Rebuild: DeRozan Movable, Sabonis/LaVine Stuck
The Kings are preparing another rebuild, but moving stars won’t be simple. Sources say DeMar DeRozan has “some interest” — mostly from the Clippers — while Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine face “no market” thanks to heavy, awkward contracts (Sabonis owes about $94M over two years; LaVine’s $48.9M option looms). Malik Monk’s deal limits his appeal, and Keon Ellis, on an expiring $2.3M contract, is the most coveted trade chip. At 4–13, Sacramento’s urgency is clear. Merlin sees a franchise caught between bad records and expensive choices. The sensible path is shedding short-term salary and collecting young, movable pieces, so DeRozan is the likeliest departure — but returns will be modest. Expect quiet maneuvers, not blockbuster exits, as the Kings try to reboot without sinking further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds DeRozan is traded this season: 45%.
Nov 24
Mavericks Stuck: Anthony Davis Trade Dilemma
Teams are waking up to a harsh reality: moving Anthony Davis won’t buy the haul many expect. Tim Bontemps warned, “The idea of trading Anthony Davis has everyone trained to think...they’re gonna get three firsts,” but league insiders say few teams will swallow a 35-year-old Davis making roughly $63 million with a $62.8M player option looming. Dallas is 5-13, Davis has missed 13 games with a calf issue, and owner Mark Cuban insists “We want to try to win,” making a trade less likely—unless the losses force Dallas’ hand. Merlin sees the cap as the true dragon here. To extract value Dallas must find a taker for the salary first, then haggle for meaningful assets. If the Mavs streak back to respectability, the status quo holds; if not, trade chatter becomes strategy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas trades Anthony Davis before 2027-28: 20%.
Nov 24
Pistons Soar, Ja Morant Implodes, Thunder Rising
Merlin sees the early 2025-26 calendar already rewriting narratives: Detroit (14-2) has vaulted from 14-68 two years ago into the league’s hottest team thanks to a top defense and a breakout Jalen Duren, while Austin Reaves has positioned himself for a massive 2026 payday with career-best production. Ja Morant’s drop — low scoring, a calf injury and off-court issues — has hurt Memphis, and the Pelicans are tanking without their 2026 pick. Merlin warns that November magic can be fragile. Oklahoma City (16-1) looks like a true dynasty in the making with elite net rating and future firsts, but injuries and trades will still reshape the map. On Morant, Klay’s jab — "It was really just running his mouth..." — sums up the danger: chatter won’t cover falling output. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Thunder winning the 2026 title: 40%.
Nov 24
Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren: 2026 All-Star Leaps
Merlin sees a clear crop of early All-Star contenders as the league shifts to two USA teams and a World team. Austin Reaves has exploded to 28.1 points and 7.6 assists with 51‑ and 41‑point nights; Jalen Duren rose from 11.8 to 20.6 PPG while dominating the glass; Chet Holmgren is at 19.3 PPG with thunderous rim efficiency; Jalen Johnson (22.8 PPG, 6.6 APG) and Jamal Murray (22.5 PPG) complete the list of players who’ve “made the leap.” Merlin notes that selection will hinge on teammates, minutes and health — Reaves may be squeezed by Luka (and LeBron if he plays enough), while Duren, Holmgren and Johnson have clearer paths if their teams keep winning. Murray’s ability to stay fresh could vault him into the conversation. These storylines are only beginning; the magic can shift quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jalen Duren making the 2026 All-Star roster: 70%.
Nov 24
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Bulls Eye Anthony Davis Trade With Mavericks
Merlin sees a tidy trade pitch: Chicago would take on Anthony Davis while Dallas gets Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, a 2028 first (top-four protected) and a 2029 first-round swap. It matters because Davis, "the guy we got for Luka Dončić," would supply the Bulls a lob threat and defensive anchor to protect young wings like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis — but only "If Davis is healthy*" — "This is a major uncertainty—so large it might not fit inside Lake Michigan." Merlin smells strategy: Dallas clears salary, leans into Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II, and chases cheap upside and draft equity; Chicago pays short-term payroll for a potential stopgap that doesn't mortage the future. This is not a sure thing — it’s a high-reward, high-risk nudge for both clubs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the trade happening this season: 30%.
Nov 24
Ayton's Knee Contusion Stuns Lakers in Win
Deandre Ayton exited Sunday’s 108-106 win over the Jazz with a right knee contusion in the second quarter after a collision with rookie Ace Bailey and did not return. Jaxson Hayes finished the game at center while Maxi Kleber took on a larger role; Ayton had two points, two rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes. Merlin notes this matters because Ayton, 27, is the Lakers’ major offseason acquisition and is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in his first season in Los Angeles. With the club 12-4 but already juggling injuries, a short absence would test depth and rotations — yet a contusion often heals quickly, so caution, not panic, is the wisest path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ayton misses the Lakers’ next game: 30%.
Nov 24
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Stafford MVP Buzz: Rams Rout Buccaneers 34-7
Merlin sees Matthew Stafford drawing genuine MVP buzz after outdueling Baker Mayfield in a 34–7 Rams win. He threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns (25-of-35), finding Davante Adams twice and Colby Parkinson once. The victory pushed L.A. to 9-2 on a six-game streak and kept them atop the NFC West; fans even flooded social media with "MVP" chants. Mayfield left injured after a Hail Mary before halftime — he was 9-of-19 for 41 yards, one TD and two interceptions — and Tampa Bay has slipped into a tie with Carolina during a three-game skid. This matters because the Rams scored on four first-half drives and added a defensive pick-six, showing championship-level control when clicking. Merlin senses Stafford’s late-career revival is more than a hot night: if his health and protection hold, Los Angeles becomes a dangerous title favorite. The trip to Carolina next week will be a clearer test of whether this surge is sustainable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Matthew Stafford winning MVP this season: 20%.
Nov 24
Warriors' Kuminga Out Indefinitely with Patellar Tendinitis
Golden State's rising wing Jonathan Kuminga is out with bilateral patellar tendinitis and, as coach Steve Kerr admitted, is "not moving well" and the team has "no idea when he's gonna play." What began as a minor scare has kept him out since Nov. 12, missing a sixth straight game as Kerr said the issue is "worse than what we thought." Kuminga was averaging 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds and had just returned to the starting lineup, so his absence — alongside Al Horford's sciatica and Draymond Green's foot question — leaves the Warriors shorthanded during a rough stretch. Merlin sees a delicate injury that rewards patience over haste. The club may need imaging and steady ramp-up work; rushing Kuminga risks chronic knee trouble. This season's momentum can wobble without his athletic burst, so the Warriors must protect the asset and reset the rotation while he heals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga will miss at least two more weeks: 70%.
Nov 23
Jazz Insist on Thompson for Markkanen — Pistons Won't Budge
Merlin sees a quiet chess match: Jake Fischer reports the Utah Jazz "would almost certainly want" 22-year-old Ausar Thompson in any trade for 2022–23 All-Star Lauri Markkanen, but Detroit "isn't itching to make a big midseason move." Markkanen (29.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 38.8% 3PT) has been called an "ideal player" for the Pistons, yet the Jazz — 5–10 — could cash in only if they stay mired in the West. Merlin notes the timelines clash. Detroit holds Thompson through 2027 with matching rights and sees no urgency; Utah still covets younger pieces and once weighed moving up for Thompson. With multiple Pistons projected to hit big contracts soon, a summer consolidation trade feels likelier than an immediate swap — patience, not panic, governs this tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lauri Markkanen being traded this season: 25%.
Nov 23
LaMelo Ball Trade: Hornets Not Shopping Before Deadline
Merlin sees that, despite LaMelo Ball being one of the more tantalizing trade assets, teams are holding back — sources told Jake Fischer it's "way too soon" to evaluate his market. Charlotte isn't aggressively shopping him, and Ball pushed back on trade rumors, saying, "I love being here. I ain't saying nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it." The Hornets’ slow start and Ball’s health history complicate any deal. Durability is the true spellbreaker: Ball has played fewer than 47 games in each of the last three seasons and "durability questions resonate the loudest leaguewide." Merlin notes teams won't meet Charlotte's asking price until Ball shows sustained availability, production and some winning; his shot selection also gives suitors pause, so patience favors the Hornets for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo Ball being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 20%.
Nov 23
Sacramento Kings Open For Business — Murray, Clifford Untouchable
Merlin sees Sacramento is "open for business" before the February deadline — willing to listen on most players except Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, who "both will be off the table in upcoming trade talks." Veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis could be shopped, though the Kings are unlikely to net a huge haul. Keon Ellis, described as holding "the most immediate trade value," stands out as a likely movable piece. Merlin notes the why: the Kings are 4-13 and drifting toward a long rebuild, so draft compensation matters more than short-term wins. Salary and fit make Sabonis hard to sell — "It's tough to pay a center that much..." — and LaVine’s tradeability hinges on his contract choices. Expect Sacramento to trade role pieces for picks and young assets as they try to speed their return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Keon Ellis is traded before the deadline: 65%.
Nov 23
Knicks Eye Anthony Davis to Boost Title Bid
Merlin sees New York, 9-6 and still hungry, quietly prepping for a bigger push: SNY’s Ian Begley reports the Knicks “would at least check in with [the Dallas Mavericks] if/when Anthony Davis becomes available,” because they “want to win a title this season.” Davis has played just five games this year and battled injuries, but when healthy he’s a two-way difference maker who would vault Jalen Brunson and Karl‑Anthony Towns into bona fide favorites. Merlin notes the market will roar to life in the next few weeks — Begley says the trade market “will materialize in earnest” — and Dallas will attract calls from many suitors. The wrinkle is health and cost: New York could pounce only if Dallas prices Davis below market, otherwise chemistry and cap math become a different kind of magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks acquire Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 18%.
Nov 23
JJ Redick Rooting Against Chris Paul, Clippers
Merlin sees JJ Redick openly hoping Chris Paul never caps his career with a title — "I hope he doesn't win an NBA championship because that would mean the Clippers win an NBA championship." Paul is reportedly planning to retire after 2025-26, and the Clippers’ 5-11 start, an aged roster, and Bradley Beal’s season-ending hip injury make a parade unlikely. Kawhi Leonard’s expected return helps, but it won’t erase the team’s structural problems or the shrinking window for a veteran point guard. Merlin knows legacy is a stubborn thing: a ring would complete Paul’s résumé, and Redick’s joke is really Lakers pride dressing up as banter. If Paul is determined, a change of scenery might be his best path; age and injuries, however, mean any late-career rescue would be an unlikely fairy tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul winning an NBA championship before retiring: 20%.
Nov 23
Time to Trade LaMelo Ball? Hornets' Future Awaits
Merlin sees LaMelo Ball is reportedly open to a trade, per Kelly Iko — a report Ball has pushed back on — but the possibility matters. He’s still the Hornets’ centerpiece since 2020 and is averaging 21.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and a career-high 9.3 assists through 10 games. Yet he’s never completed a full season and there are “whispers about his on-court comportment.” Meanwhile Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and rookies Kon Knueppel (18.8 ppg) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (~10 pts, 6.9 reb) have formed a promising nucleus. Merlin senses Charlotte at a crossroads: keep an elite but risky star or convert him into draft capital to accelerate a youth-led rebuild. The stumbling block is Ball’s roughly $130M contract and finding a willing partner. If the Hornets can extract a significant haul, the future may favor development over spectacle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Charlotte trading LaMelo this season: 30%.
Nov 23
Vucevic Blasts Bulls' 'Soft' Defense After Wizards Win
Chicago eked out a 121-120 win over the Wizards, but Nikola Vučević scolded the locker room afterward — "For three quarters or whatever, we were very soft," and "We just didn't play up to NBA standards." The Bulls surrendered 41 points in the first quarter to a 1-15 team, exposing a defense that ranks 20th (116.6). Vučević's 28 points and 12 rebounds kept Chicago afloat; they're 9-7 but fragile when effort slips. Merlin sees a veteran center wearing the conscience of this team. Vučević can swing games with offense and leadership, and his frustration hints at a coachable group: defense is a habit, not luck. If the Bulls convert that ire into attention to detail—rotations, communication, rebounding—they become a real Eastern threat. The season still bends toward those who defend. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chicago making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Nov 23
Klay Thompson Fires Back at Ja Morant Trash Talk
After Memphis’ 102-96 win, Ja Morant — sitting in street clothes — taunted Klay Thompson on a local broadcast: "Tell 'em who the best shooter in the house was. It wasn't bro from Golden State." Thompson shot back in the locker room, calling Morant a "funny guy" who "rarely takes accountability" and saying the jab "offered nothing of intelligent depth." The spat matters because it highlights lingering bad blood, Morant’s rocky form (17.9 points on 35.9% shooting) and the optics of a star out of the game trash-talking. Merlin sees a verbal knockout landed by experience over frustration. With Morant battling injuries and consistency and Thompson carrying championship credibility, this rivalry is more bark than bite now — but it can flare. Circle Feb. 27. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a heated on-court confrontation on Feb. 27: 25%.
Nov 23
Cooper Flagg Flounders: Mavericks Fall to Ja-less Grizzlies
Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks dropped a 102-96 home loss to the Grizzlies, slipping to 5-13. Memphis played without Ja Morant, but Santi Aldama (20 points) and Zach Edey (12 and 15 rebounds) stepped up while “Flagg shot just 4-of-15,” finishing with 12 points and seven boards. Klay Thompson’s 22 off the bench (6-of-12 from deep) and a late defensive breakdown — plus Edey’s block on a potential game-winner — sealed Dallas’ fate. Merlin sees a young Mavs team fraying at the edges: offense sputters when Flagg can’t find a rhythm and defensive lapses cost late. This road trip to Miami will tell whether Flagg calms under pressure or the Mavericks spiral further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas wins at Miami on Monday: 20%.
Nov 23
Mavericks Thrust Rookie Cooper Flagg Into Starting Point Guard
Merlin sees the Mavericks are handing rookie Cooper Flagg the keys to the offense immediately — “There’s no easing in, there’s no dipping his toe in the water,” as ESPN’s Tim MacMahon put it. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Dallas plans to list Flagg at point guard and likely start him alongside Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, bringing D’Angelo Russell off the bench. The move is born of necessity: the lineup promises length and defense, but it only works if Flagg can make plays. Merlin notes Jason Kidd’s confidence — “I thought he could do those things” — and remembers Flagg’s 4.2 assists per game at Duke. It’s a bold baptism by fire: high upside as a scorer, facilitator and disruptor on defense, but a steep learning curve against NBA bodies. His first real test is Wednesday against Victor Wembanyama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg starts and averages 25+ minutes in the opening month: 90%.
Nov 22
Rockets' $100M+ Extension Offer to Tari Eason Falls Through
Merlin sees the Rockets put real money on the table for Tari Eason — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Houston “made Eason a strong offer” that “was in excess of $100 million,” but the two sides didn’t agree before the season. That matters because Eason just turned in a breakout year (roughly 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals off the bench) and will be a restricted free agent, meaning Houston can still match any offer and clearly values his upside. Merlin senses a calculated gamble: Houston signaled they view Eason as a building block but preserved flexibility by letting RFA rules do the heavy lifting. This season is Eason’s real audition — prove he can slide into a larger role or stay a high-impact glue piece, and the Rockets will likely press to keep him; otherwise the market may force a choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston matching a max-ish offer for Eason this offseason: 65%.
Nov 22
James Harden's 55-Point Explosion Sets Clippers Record
James Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points, leading the Clippers to a 131-116 win in Charlotte. He scored 27 in the first quarter, hit 10-of-16 threes, shot 17-of-26 overall, made 11-of-14 free throws and added seven assists. The effort is his 25th career 50-point game — tying Kobe Bryant for third-most all time — and matches the season high alongside Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Merlin sees a seasoned scorer reminding the league he still has alchemy in his hands; Harden, who said "basketball is life," was humble about the result. This performance injects hope into a 5-11 start, but one dazzling night won’t fix roster gaps or defensive woes — the Clippers need consistency around their comet if this becomes a true turnaround. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 22
Jimmy Butler Blasts Warriors' Defense After Blazers Loss
Jimmy Butler’s blunt verdict after a 127-123 loss to Portland — “we’re not guarding nobody” — captured a worrying truth: Golden State’s defense has become erratic. Friday was the ninth time in 18 games the Warriors allowed 120+ points (they allowed 16 all of last season). With Jrue Holiday sidelined, Portland’s size and scorers (Donovan Clingan 22/10, Caleb Love 26 on 6-of-14 threes, Deni Avdija 26/13) exposed gaps. The team still sits 10th in defensive rating but ranks just 23rd offensively, so defensive lapses carry extra weight. Merlin sees a fragile balance. This roster leans on Butler and Curry to hold the fort; when rotation size and disciplined effort vanish, opponents feast. If Golden State wants postseason hope, habit — not flashes — must return on that end. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors returning to elite defensive form this month: 35%.
Nov 22