NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 20, 2025
Kings' Crisis Deepens: Sabonis Has Partial Meniscus Tear
Merlin sees that Kings star Domantas Sabonis suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks — a sharp blow to a team already 3-12 and on a seven-game losing streak. Sabonis was ruled out Wednesday with left knee soreness after averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 5.5 contested rebounds per game; Drew Eubanks will fill his starting role. Merlin senses Sacramento loses its most consistent force on the glass and a steady offensive fulcrum. The Kings must redesign their rebounding plan, rely on collective toughness, and treat the three-to-four-week check as a fragile timeline that could lengthen — their margin for error is thin and the standings won’t wait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 18%.
LaMelo Ball Trade: Nets, Raptors, Grizzlies?
LaMelo Ball has "grown increasingly frustrated" with the Hornets and is reportedly "open to a trade away from the franchise," per Yahoo's Kelly Iko — and Charlotte's front office is "increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece." That means a once-clear rebuild plan could shift into a sell mode, with Ball becoming the centerpiece in negotiations for picks or players. Merlin sees both opportunity and risk. Brooklyn offers draft capital and a soft landing in New York’s bright lights; Memphis could tempt with a high-stakes Ja Morant swap; Toronto would instantly gain more All-Star upside beside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Injuries and temperament cloud Ball’s value — healthy, he’s a game-changer; battered, he’s a gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded this season: 45%.
Nov 20
Bronny James Back to South Bay Lakers: G-League Redemption?
Merlin sees the Lakers assigning guard Bronny James and forward Adou Thiero to South Bay — a move meant to buy playing time rather than signal failure. Bronny, "just 21 years old and 37 games into his pro career," has struggled in brief NBA stints (2.1 PPG, 29.6% shooting) but previously excelled in the G League, so more consistent minutes in South Bay fit the club’s development plan while L.A.’s stacked backcourt stays healthy. Like a young mage sent back to the training tower, Bronny can rebuild confidence and sharpen his craft — he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 11 G‑League games last season. Merlin notes this is practical roster management: it preserves depth for the Lakers now and keeps a tested scorer ready for a late-season call or injury-driven recall. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny is recalled to the Lakers this season: 35%.
Nov 20
LaMelo Ball Clown Emoji Mocks Hornets' Trade Rumors
LaMelo Ball pushed back on trade chatter by reposting Kelly Iko’s Yahoo piece with a clown emoji after reports that he’s "grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise." The story also says the front office has "become disillusioned" and is "open to moving him." Ball, playing under a minutes restriction for a right ankle issue, is still averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds in nine games — a reality that makes any move consequential for the Hornets’ rebuild. Merlin sees a simmering standoff: Ball’s flippant reply is a public rebuke but not a resignation. The franchise’s doubts, his health and his production create three paths — reconciliation, a tense season-long saga, or a trade if chemistry and front-office patience break. The next weeks will tell which path unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Nov 20
After $10B Sale, Lakers Remove Buss Brothers
The sale of the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation has already produced change: Joey and Jesse Buss were removed from front-office roles in a basketball-operations reorganization, though they “will still maintain their minority ownership shares.” The brothers released a statement saying, “We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons,” and lamented that “we wish things could be different with the way our time ended.” This matters because the Buss family long shaped Lakers decision-making, and their exit from daily operations signals a new power center for Los Angeles. Merlin sees new owners clearing space to install their own decision-makers — expect outside hires, a tightening of front-office authority, and a sharper results-driven culture. The court won’t change overnight, but the roster and cap strategy could follow quickly as new stewards stamp their mark. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a major front-office overhaul producing at least one outside GM/head-of-basketball-ops hire within six months: 75%.
Nov 20
Jonathan Kuminga Benched: Warriors' Drama, Trade Buzz
Less than two months after extending his stay in the Bay Area, Jonathan Kuminga’s relationship with the Warriors has frayed. Steve Kerr bumped him to the bench on Nov. 12 and he hasn’t played since; a team source told ESPN, “He feels like the scapegoat again.” Knee tendonitis sidelined him, but he’d averaged 17.5 points on 55.4% shooting in the first six games — meaning this split matters for Golden State’s chemistry and Kuminga’s market value. Merlin sees a crossroads: the organization thinks “Kuminga, even in a condensed role, must shake off some of his built-up resentment” and produce for whatever role Kerr assigns. If he embraces a high-level sixth-man role his trade value spikes; if not, a change of scenery looks increasingly likely with a 2027 club option giving the Warriors leverage. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 40%.
Nov 20
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Mavericks Eye Anfernee Simons in 3-Team Trade
Dallas is 4-11 and the season is salvageable if key pieces return healthy, so the proposal stitches a three-team swap sending expiring salaries to Brooklyn and Boston while landing Anfernee Simons and Brandon Highsmith for the Mavericks. The deal aims to boost Dallas’ backcourt without surrendering a first-rounder, uses Boston’s Kristaps Porziņģis trade exception to take on Daniel Gafford, and has the Nets acting as cap-space facilitators in exchange for picks and prospects. Merlin sees a pragmatic, low-risk plan: Simons can start at point until Kyrie Irving returns and then slide to the wing, while Highsmith brings defense and playoff grit. Boston clears luxury-tax pain and fills a center need; Brooklyn profits as the league’s wallet-moving middleman. If health returns and Simons adapts, Dallas’ play-in hopes revive — but the clock is short. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the play-in this season: 40%.
Nov 20
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Darius Garland Tops 2019 Draft Re-Rank — Morant, Zion Upset
Bleacher Report re-sorts the 2019 draft by what players have actually done and project to do. The big takeaway: Darius Garland comes out as the smartest long-term pick for his steady production and team wins, Ja Morant keeps his high slot despite injuries and off-court noise, and Zion’s rare peaks still vault him into the top three. The piece also highlights late bloomers and undrafted finds — Lu Dort, Naz Reid, Max Strus — proving availability, fit and role matter as much as draft spot. Merlin sees a class split between durable, steady producers and electric but fragile talents. Consistency beats flashes over time; teams that turned role players into defined pieces win more often. Watch Ja’s health and Zion’s availability — they’ll rewrite this list again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant makes an All-Star team this season: 25%.
Nov 20
Stephen Curry Splits With Under Armour — Warriors' Sneaker Free Agent
Stephen Curry is officially a sneaker free agent after he and Under Armour announced they were “going their separate ways.” He’s free to wear any brand in games — has warmed up in Nike and Reebok and even tried Shaq and Penny signature lines — though he’s only used his Under Armour signature shoes in regular-season play so far. The split follows Under Armour’s recent financial struggles, but Curry Brand will remain, and his market value is sky-high thanks to elite play and strong jersey sales. Merlin sees a feeding frenzy forming. Curry’s on-court production and No. 2 jersey rank make him the most attractive prize on the market; brands will court him or cut deals that boost Curry Brand rather than replace it outright. Expect flirtations, big offers, and a few theatrical warm-ups before a final choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs with Nike this offseason: 70%.
Nov 20
Jokić Praises Pelicans' Derik Queen After 30-Point Breakout
Derik Queen erupted for 30 points, nine boards, two steals and two blocks against the Nuggets, drawing praise from Nikola Jokić, who said, "He's good. He has some moves, he's definitely pretty crafty." The rookie's unorthodox touch and playmaking earned him "Baby Jokić" comparisons, but with the Pelicans mired 2-13, Queen is more bright spot than cure-all. Merlin senses a shifting tide: bigs who see the court like guards are multiplying, and Queen shows that blueprint. Jokić even cautioned, "I don't want people to see him and tell me he's something like me... he'll have his own story." Consistency will decide if this spark becomes a flame, but the potential is real. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Queen becoming a perennial All-Star within five years: 25%.
Nov 20
Cavs' Atkinson: I'll Rest Mitchell, Mobley Despite $100K Fine
The Cavaliers were fined $100,000 after resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley on the first night of a back-to-back — a penalty under the NBA’s Player Participation Policy when more than one recent All-Star or All-NBA player is held out without a listable injury. Coach Kenny Atkinson stood by the choice, saying "Can I be frank? No," and arguing he must "look at the Cavs' best interest" amid a tight schedule and early-season absences like Darius Garland’s limited availability. Merlin sees a coach trading short-term optics for long-term health. Atkinson declared "my No. 1 job is to protect the health of our players" and will "rock with that decision," accepting fines as the cost of preserving Mitchell and Mobley for the stretch run. The move signals a cautious, player-first philosophy that could shape Cleveland’s rotation all season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atkinson rests multiple star players again this season: 70%.
Nov 20
Nuggets Reward Breakout Braun with $125M Extension
Merlin sees Denver locking up Christian Braun with a five‑year, $125 million extension after a clear breakout season. Braun jumped to 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.0% overall and 39.7% from three, and he averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the playoffs — production that earned the payday. Jake Fischer noted "the low end" of his target was roughly $25M per year, and the Nuggets obliged. Merlin senses this is more than a reward — it’s a statement. Denver added depth in the offseason but made no draft pick, so keeping Braun signals he’s part of their near‑term core alongside Jokić and Murray. If his efficiency and defensive instincts hold and he grows as a secondary creator, Braun could become a true swing‑game changer; health and playmaking will tell the tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Braun averaging 16+ PPG and remaining a key starter on a title‑contending Denver team this season: 65%.
Nov 19
Topps Unveils Lakers' LeBron "Year 23" One-of-One
Topps unveiled a one-of-one autographed LeBron James card inscribed "Year 23." At 40, LeBron opened his 2025-26 season after sciatica, finishing with 11 points, 12 assists, three rebounds and a steal in 30 minutes during the Lakers' 140-126 win over Utah. He admitted, "It's been rough mentally for me. This is the first time I've started a basketball season and not played..." The card and his return underline both his enduring market power and the new fragility of a veteran body. Merlin sees a familiar mix of spectacle and caution. The autograph is a collector's prize; the box score shows LeBron can still steer games. But sciatica and mental strain will shape load management and lineup creativity. Expect more planned rests, spot starts, and moments where history is chased carefully rather than risked. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays at least 65 games this season: 45%.
Nov 19
Hawks Lock Up Dyson Daniels — $100M Deal
Merlin sees the Hawks locking up Dyson Daniels with a four-year, $100 million rookie extension after his breakout year. The 22-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a league-high 3.0 steals, won Most Improved Player and made the All-Defensive First Team — and Trae Young quickly celebrated the deal on social media. Atlanta avoided the risk of him hitting restricted free agency. Merlin notes the arc: a bench piece in New Orleans who blossomed after the trade, Daniels gives Atlanta a switchable perimeter defender and disruptive playmaker next to Young. The contract bets on continued growth — especially his shooting and creation — and if he progresses, the Hawks’ ceiling rises from good to dangerous. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dyson Daniels becomes an NBA All-Star within two seasons: 30%.
Nov 19
Westbrook vs. LeBron: Lakers' Big-Three Implosion
Merlin sees that Russell Westbrook and LeBron James never truly clicked in Los Angeles. Yaron Weitzman’s book excerpt recounts a tipping point during the Lakers’ “Genius Series” with Will Smith — Westbrook muttered, “I hate that fake s--t,” and grew suspicious of LeBron “misrepresenting himself.” Westbrook’s declining play and stylistic mismatch with LeBron and Anthony Davis led to his February 2023 trade, a move ESPN called like removing “a vampire from the locker room.” The shakeup helped briefly, but the Lakers still bowed out in the first round in 2024 and 2025. Merlin senses a familiar spell: star power without fit fractures teams. The Big Three experiment was always fragile — chemistry and roster design mattered more than names. If Rob Pelinka cannot find a clearer identity, Los Angeles risks repeating short playoff bursts instead of sustained title runs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals next season: 25%.
Nov 19
Blazers Bet Big: Shaedon Sharpe 4-Year $90M
Merlin sees the Trail Blazers betting on youth: Portland signed Shaedon Sharpe to a four-year, $90 million extension, per Shams Charania, coming on the heels of a four-year, $82 million deal for Toumani Camara. Sharpe, 22, had a breakout season at 18.5 points per game and is now a primary building block alongside Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan, with Jrue Holiday as the veteran point-of-attack. Merlin senses this as a shift from teardown to deliberate build. Locking Sharpe buys scoring and upside, but the Blazers’ rise depends on development, Sharpe’s consistency, Scoot Henderson’s health, and defensive growth. This core gives Portland a quicker path back to relevance — not a finished product, but a promising blueprint. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Portland making the playoffs in 2025–26: 40%.
Nov 19
Rockets Pass on Tari Eason Rookie Extension
Tari Eason won’t get a rookie extension from the Rockets — talks “could not bridge gaps on multiple fronts,” per Shams Charania — so he’ll play 2025-26 on his current deal and enter restricted free agency next summer. That matters because Eason has grown into a high-energy spark off the bench (12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds in 2024-25) and Houston has signaled it’s “comfortable matching any offer that would come,” keeping control of his future. Merlin sees a player at a crossroads: durability and defense will sell him a payday, and the Rockets’ decision to exclude him from the Durant trade shows they value his role. If Eason stays healthy and keeps producing as a versatile defender, he’s more likely to get a matching offer than to walk. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Houston matches any qualifying offer and keeps Eason long-term: 70%.
Nov 19
Pacers Lock Up Aaron Nesmith With $40.4M Extension
Indiana locked Aaron Nesmith into a two-year, $40.4 million extension — with a trade kicker and the maximum salary allowed — keeping the sharpshooter through 2028-29. It’s a clear reward for his role in the Pacers’ Finals run and a statement that Indiana values his spacing and playoff poise as they navigate roster continuity and Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. Merlin sees a tidy fit: Nesmith has averaged 11.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 47.3% overall and 40.2% from three in Indy, and he flashed superstar-level timing with 30 points on 8-of-9 threes in Game 1 of the East Finals. His two-way versatility makes him the logical tilt point for expanded duty while Haliburton recovers — the contract buys the team stability and the player a chance to grow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nesmith averaging 13+ PPG next season: 65%.
Nov 19
Mark Cuban Denies Mavericks Trading Anthony Davis
Merlin sees the Mavericks snuffing out trade rumors for Anthony Davis after minority owner Mark Cuban bluntly emailed, "We won't. We want to try to win." That matters because Dallas is 4-11, fired GM Nico Harrison (who brought Davis to town), and ESPN reported the team might explore the market ahead of February — but Davis is injured (out since Oct. 29 with a calf strain), highly paid, and still viewed by ownership as part of a potential core with Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg. Merlin notes the tension: Davis is a top big when healthy (24.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG last season) but carries injury baggage and a hefty contract, which lowers trade return value. For now Cuban prefers to see the experiment play out, though poor results could force a rethink. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading Anthony Davis before the February deadline: 20%.
Nov 19
Kyrie Irving ACL Recovery; Dallas Mavericks Return Uncertain
Merlin sees brighter rehab news for Kyrie Irving — ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported, "Kyrie is making great progress in his recovery, but I would say his return this season is very much in question for other reasons." That matters because Irving’s timetable now hinges not only on health but on Dallas’ standing and a broader team decision. Merlin notes the Mavericks sit 4-11, the front office is in flux after Nico Harrison's firing, and a healthy core with Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg could be competitive. As Marc J. Spears said, "Kyrie's looking good, he's ahead of schedule" and "He wants to be back," yet the club may opt for caution if playoff chances fade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie returning this season: 30%.
Nov 19
LeBron's Return Sparks Lakers' Daniel Gafford Hunt
Merlin sees LeBron slide right back into action in his 23rd season — 11 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds — and dovetail with a core of Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. JJ Redick called him “very unselfish all night,” and that quiet fit calms fears his return would wreck the chemistry behind L.A.’s 10-4 start without him. Merlin also notes the roster’s lingering faults: inconsistent perimeter shooting, subpar rebounding and a 17th-ranked defensive rating. A pragmatic fix is Daniel Gafford — familiar with Dončić, a rim protector (1.8 blocks) and under contract through 2028-29 — whom some sources peg as “the most likely” Mavericks trade candidate. Cap hurdles (Lakers $1.1M under the apron; Gafford earns $17.3M) make any deal delicate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers acquiring Daniel Gafford before the deadline: 20%.
Nov 19
LeBron Beams: Son Bronny Growing With Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron praising the steady growth of his son Bronny after the Lakers’ season debut. LeBron said, "It's been great to see, to watch. And he's still young... still learning and still getting better with each and every rep." Bronny — the 55th pick and half of the NBA’s first father-son duo — dominated briefly in the G League but has played sparingly in the NBA (11.1 minutes, 2.1 points, 1.8 assists), while LeBron returned from sciatica to help a 140–126 win. Merlin senses genuine progress rather than a sudden leap. Being with the big club all year and earning more minutes is promising, but true rotation status will demand defense, consistency and coach trust. This feels like the opening chapter of Bronny’s long story, not the final spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player (15+ minutes per game) by season’s end: 25%.
Nov 19
Anthony Davis Trade Looms After Mavericks GM Firing
Merlin sees Dallas quietly opening a new chapter: with GM Nico Harrison gone, the Mavericks are expected to test the market for Anthony Davis ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Davis hasn’t played this season because of a calf strain, the team delayed his return until “medical metrics” cleared him, and the club recently said he’ll miss “at least” another seven to 10 days. His enormous salary under the new apron rules and Dallas’ lack of 2027–29 first-round picks all make extracting a big haul difficult. Merlin knows Davis remains a top-tier two-way star when healthy — a recent consistent double-double threat and defensive standout — but age, injury risk and contract length mute his trade value. Dallas appears to be balancing a short-term return with a long-term rebuild around Cooper Flagg; contenders will call, but expect prudence over panic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 40%.”)
Nov 19
Stephen Curry Rocks Reebok Shaq, Penny After Under Armour Split
Stephen Curry, now free of his Under Armour contract, was spotted wearing Reebok shoes from Shaq and Penny signature lines before a game vs. Orlando — a small photograph with big meaning. What he chooses to wear matters: Curry is a top sneaker influencer, and his footwear choices can signal a new endorsement direction or simply a move toward personal freedom after a long-term deal. Merlin sees this as the opening of a new chapter, not a finished spell. Sampling Reebok’s retro silhouettes ties Curry to basketball history and gives brands a reason to court him; at the same time, he gains leverage by remaining uncommitted. Expect a mix of flirtations with legacy labels, talks with major brands, and the possibility of a bespoke or independent venture that lets Curry control his own story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry signs a full Reebok endorsement this season: 25%.
Nov 19
Lonzo, Powell, Bufkin: Every NBA Team's Regrets
The opening month of 2025-26 has become a ledger of offseason regrets: mis-timed trades (Kobe Bufkin), lost draft opportunities (Ryan Kalkbrenner), over-investing in redundant skill sets (Brooklyn’s playmaker spree), costly gambles (Myles Turner, Cameron Johnson) and glaring holes still unaddressed (Lakers’ spacing, Mavericks’ point guard void). Golden State’s Kuminga saga even carried Shams Charania’s line that the deal hinges “if and when Kuminga is traded during the upcoming season,” while Oklahoma City stands alone with “none detected.” Merlin sees front offices waking to structural errors — spacing, playmaking depth and timing — that injuries and market movement will only magnify. Some missteps can be patched at the trade deadline; others (big contracts, lost picks) will linger like a curse. Expect increasing wheeling and dealing as teams scramble to fix the mistakes they can still reverse. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jonathan Kuminga is traded this season: 50%.
Nov 19