NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 30, 2026
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%.
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
Luka Doncic Fall Sparks NBA Review of Cavaliers Court
Merlin sees the league and the Cleveland Cavaliers reopening questions about the Cavs’ raised court after Lakers star Luka Dončić fell off the edge following a three-point attempt and briefly left Wednesday’s game. A league spokesperson said, "While improvements have been made to the arena floor over the years to address this issue, the NBA and the Cavaliers are revisiting the situation given the incident last night." Merlin remembers similar scares and knows the NBA reacts quickly when a star gets hurt near an unusual hazard. Expect inspectors, video review, and possible temporary tweaks to the floor setup while doctors assess Dončić. The play looks like an accident now, but it serves as a reminder that small design details can have big consequences for player safety. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA orders a temporary court modification before the Cavaliers’ next home game: 55%.
Jan 29
Miami Heat Have Edge to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin sees the Heat rising as a top suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo as his 12-plus seasons in Milwaukee near an end. Shams Charania says a move could come by the Feb. 5 trade deadline or this offseason, and Charania warned, "Because next season essentially serves as an expiring year on his contract, it increases his ability to position where he wants to be dealt." Merlin notes reporters name Miami and Minnesota often, with Marc Stein calling the Heat "a natural leading suitor in this discussion." The presumed Miami offer would lean on Tyler Herro, Ke'lel Ware and future first rounders. Giannis is rehabbing a calf but remains dominant, so any suitor must both pay a steep price and convince him to commit long term. Merlin smells both risk and fit in South Beach. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis landing in Miami by season’s end: 40%.
Jan 29
Knicks' Mikal Bridges Owns Slump, Earns Josh Hart Praise
Merlin sees a turning point in New York. After Mikal Bridges poured in 30 points in a 119-92 win at Toronto, teammate Josh Hart praised him for bouncing back. Bridges owned his midseason slump on TV, admitting "I wasn't playing how I was supposed to be playing, I think I wasn't coachable enough" and then shot 71.4 percent over his last two games. Hart’s strong 22-point night and their Villanova bond helped spark a timely lift for the second-place Knicks. Merlin senses that honest self-checks can change a season. When a veteran like Bridges regains touch and attitude, role players follow and defensive effort often rises. If he keeps letting "the basketball speak," New York’s four-game streak could become a real run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds Knicks beat the Trail Blazers Friday: 72%.")
Jan 29
Lakers' Hayes vs Spurs' Bryant Headline 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
Merlin sees the first two entrants for the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest locked in: Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have agreed to compete, and three-time defending champion Mac McClung confirmed he "would not be participating." With All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles Feb. 13 to 15, McClung’s absence guarantees a new king of the skies. Hayes brings size and recent flair, hitting an Eastbay between-the-legs and logging 64 dunk attempts this season, tied for 20th in the league. Bryant arrives in a breakout rookie run and even made a deal with teammates to shave his head if he misses three more. Merlin senses high-flying creativity will meet stagecraft and nerves, and that surprise finishes are likely in a field hungry for a new legend. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaxson Hayes winning the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest: 30%.
Jan 29
Wizards Hawks Chase No 1 Pick In Chicago
The NBA set the draft lottery for Sunday, May 10, and the combine for May 10–17 in Chicago. The worst three teams each have "14 percent apiece" at the top pick; the Washington Wizards sit last and the Atlanta Hawks own New Orleans’ first-rounder. Sacramento and Indiana are tied for the third slot, with ties decided by random drawing. Jonathan Wasserman’s mock has Darryn Petersen, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa leading a deep class, followed by Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings. Merlin sees a draft that can remake clubs. For the high school fan watching, the combine and the closing weeks of college play will matter as much as current mocks. Petersen’s health, Boozer’s title run and Dybantsa’s pedigree will shift evaluations, and Chicago’s lottery could swap fate for multiple teams. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a freshman is the No. 1 pick: 85%.
Jan 29
Giannis to Knicks? Towns and Bridges on the Block
Merlin sees the Knicks again linked to a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the path is messy. Insiders say New York has no first round picks and faces "luxury tax complications," so a third team like Portland might be needed. Reports suggest the Knicks would likely have to give up Karl‑Anthony Towns and either Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby. The Bucks are "starting to listen" to "aggressive offers" as Milwaukee stumbles at 18-27, yet Giannis' interest is now "unclear." Merlin notes New York sits 29-18 with a deep starting five led by Jalen Brunson. Landing a two time MVP would be seismic, but breaking that core midseason and solving payroll could cost the team its balance. The Portland pick window and Giannis' shifting preference make a deal unlikely, though the rumor will shape trade chatter until the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks acquiring Giannis before Feb. 5: 12%.
Jan 29
Bucks Want Moon for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Multiple teams are chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but Milwaukee is demanding a sky-high return. The Knicks, Heat, Timberwolves and Warriors are among the suitors, and one GM said, "They're asking for the moon. All of your young players and all of your draft picks." Merlin sees Milwaukee ready to hold Giannis if offers fall short, while Golden State becomes a leading candidate because it "can offer up to four first-rounders: 2026, 2028, 2032 unprotected and 2030 if it falls within the 1-20 range." Minnesota's idea of pairing him with Anthony Edwards "holds strong appeal," so a complex, multi-team package is likely before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by Feb. 5: 70%.
Jan 29
Giannis Could Join 76ers With Maxey and Embiid
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo on Philadelphia’s radar if Milwaukee opens the door. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report "the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey... does have the 76ers on Antetokounmpo's radar." ESPN also said Giannis is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are "starting to listen." A trade is tangled by Giannis' $54 million salary, meaning Philly would likely have to move Joel Embiid or Paul George or involve extra teams to match money before the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin keeps it plain for the high school fan: pairing Giannis with Maxey and Embiid would instantly make the Sixers a title threat if health holds. Front offices expect three or four team deals and names like Brooklyn, Charlotte and Utah as salary partners. Philly must weigh immediate star power against losing young pieces and future draft capital. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds Giannis lands in Philadelphia before the Feb. 5 deadline: 20%."
Jan 29
Warriors Ready To Trade First Round Picks For Giannis
The Warriors are willing to move future first-round picks ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but only if the price buys a true superstar, ESPN sources say. The three first-rounders that come after Stephen Curry’s contract expires in 2027 "would be available," and GM Mike Dunleavy warned picks "always will and have been in play." Golden State has been "stonewalled" on other pursuits, so Giannis Antetokounmpo is the likeliest trigger for that kind of asset aggression. Merlin sees a fork in the road. Trading years of draft ammo for Giannis would tilt the franchise into win-now mode and reshape the roster, but it would also strip future flexibility as Curry’s clock ticks. With Jimmy Butler sidelined and talks stalling on other targets, the Warriors may protect their picks unless a truly game changing offer surfaces. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors acquire Giannis by Feb. 5: 15%.
Jan 29
Pelicans Keep Zion Williamson, Murphy and Jones
Merlin sees the Pelicans headed into the Feb. 5 deadline as expected sellers at 12-37, yet sources told The Athletic it is "unlikely" New Orleans will move Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones before the cut. The club is "focused on building a future around 2025 first-round picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen" and believes those veterans "can be foundational pieces of the puzzle moving forward." Merlin senses patience over panic. Zion still leads New Orleans at 22.0 points per game despite constant injuries, so the front office prefers youth and cap flexibility. Rumors of a Ja Morant swap were labeled "completely false" and "extremely low" because the team trusts Fears. Expect New Orleans to shop heavy contracts like Jordan Poole or Dejounte Murray, and to field offers for center Yves Missi while keeping options open. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds New Orleans trades Jordan Poole or Dejounte Murray by Feb. 5: 65%.
Jan 29
Warriors All In for Giannis Antetokounmpo as Bucks Decide
Merlin sees Golden State emerging as the frontrunner to land Giannis if the Bucks decide to move him at the Feb. 5 deadline. ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote, "The quicker Milwaukee acts, league executives believe, the better chance Golden State has to win the bidding war." The Warriors could offer future first-round picks and players; Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga are named as potential pieces, though Butler just suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Merlin notes the trade ledger and the heart of the team. Golden State could put up picks in 2028, 2030 and 2032 and use Butler as "the clear salary match," while sources say they "are not actively shopping his contract." Keeping Butler and Kuminga would blunt their chances, so a package with Draymond Green, rotation pieces or Brandin Podziemski could be the path. Adding Giannis would remake the Warriors into a long-term title threat, but it will cost heavily. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State completes a trade for Giannis by Feb. 5 if he is available: 35%.
Jan 29
Giannis Antetokounmpo Intrigued by Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards
Merlin sees the Bucks quietly testing the market for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the superstar is reportedly intrigued by the idea of joining the Minnesota Timberwolves. Insiders say the chance to play alongside Anthony Edwards "holds strong appeal" and there have been "notable backchannel discussions in recent months." ESPN’s Shams Charania adds Giannis is "ready for a new home," with other suitors including the Heat, Warriors and Knicks. Merlin notes the fantasy is seductive but the ledger is messy. Minnesota lacks tradable first round picks and young assets, so any deal would likely need a third team and creative use of Portland’s swap rights. Practical obstacles give richer suitors the edge, even as whispers persist. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded to Minnesota this season: 12%.
Jan 29
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Saga: Bucks Finally Listening
Merlin sees a turning point in Milwaukee: reports say Giannis may want out. ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote, "Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for him, and the franchise is starting to listen." After a shaky season and a string of ominous quotes, the Bucks may be willing to consider moving their cornerstone, a choice that would ripple through title races and roster construction. The story then sketches fantasy-level swaps, like Shai for Giannis, Jokić for Wembanyama, Luka for Anthony Edwards and Curry for young pieces, to show how teams would chase superstars if things broke. Merlin thinks these deals are unlikely but useful maps of value: teams prize age, fit and draft capital. If a breakup happens, the league would reshuffle quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded by Feb. 5: 25%.
Jan 29
LeBron James Hints Cleveland Farewell Could Be Last
Merlin sees LeBron James hinting that Wednesday’s 129-99 loss in Cleveland might have been his last game there. After an emotional tribute video and family in the crowd, James said, "I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted. Because it could be [my last season]." At 41, a pending free agent dealing with sciatica and quieter stats, he openly weighed how much longer he can play. Merlin senses a crossroads. That "juice I can squeeze out of this orange" line reads like a vow to test limits, not a farewell line. Whether he re-signs with the Lakers, signs elsewhere or steps away, the decision will reshape rosters and narratives around the league. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron retiring this offseason: 25%.
Jan 29
Blazers Bet Bucks Swaps to Land Jaren Jackson Jr.
Merlin sees Portland plotting a bold swing: trade the three Milwaukee first-round swaps to land Jaren Jackson Jr., sending Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson to Memphis. Those Bucks swaps climb in value if Giannis departs, so Portland could trade future upside for an immediate star who adds spacing, defense and low turnover play. Memphis would get youth, a guard to build around and three premium assets to reboot. Jackson’s game fits neatly beside Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan and could cure Portland’s spacing woes while pushing them into the West’s upper tier once Damian Lillard returns. Merlin warns the cost is steep; Portland is choosing now over later, and Memphis is betting the swaps and Henderson become the core of a fresh rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Portland acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. this season: 20%.
Jan 29
Tyson Apologizes After Donovan Mitchell City Moment vs LeBron James
After the Cavaliers’ 129-99 win over LeBron and the Lakers, rookie Jaylon Tyson walked back his on-court line that Cleveland is "Donovan Mitchell city now." Tyson apologized at his postgame news conference, saying "There was no disrespect there" and that he takes "personal responsibility." The team had honored LeBron with a 10th anniversary tribute before tipoff, yet Mitchell and Tyson combined for 45 points in a blowout. Tyson is having a breakout year, averaging 13.8 points and 46.4 percent from three, and the Cavs have won five straight to sit tied for fourth in the East. Merlin sees youthful excitement bumping against franchise legend. Tyson likely meant to "give Don his flowers" rather than erase history. If his shot keeps falling and Mitchell stays the steady star, Cleveland’s storyline can evolve without dishonoring the past. Small moments like this reveal how quickly a team’s identity can shift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers finishing in the top four in the East this season: 35%.
Jan 29
Bronny James Unveils Nike Logo in Cleveland Return
Merlin sees Bronny James return to Cleveland and make a quiet statement. He debuted his new Nike "B" logo on LeBron Witness 9 PE sneakers before tipoff, then scored eight points on 3-of-3 shooting in eight minutes in his first game since Jan. 18 as the Cavs celebrated their 2016 title and beat the Lakers 129-99. Wearing the logo in his father’s old city felt like a deliberate moment. Merlin senses more than a shoe reveal. The lowercase b with the No. 9 cutout is an early bid for a separate identity from LeBron. A perfect short burst does not promise a bigger role, but it does earn notice. If Bronny keeps converting outings into compact impact, minutes and opportunity will follow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player this season: 25%.
Jan 29
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Dance: Warriors Lead
Giannis Antetokounmpo is at the center of growing trade chatter as the Bucks have begun to listen ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst named the Warriors as the club most able to pull off a straight deal, saying "Primarily because they control all of their trade assets," while Shams Charania called Golden State, Miami, New York and Minnesota "serious suitors." Milwaukee is 18-27 and would likely seek draft picks and young players in any swap for its superstar. Merlin sees a high-stakes market. Golden State can offer picks and Brandin Podziemski, Miami and Minnesota can package young talent, and New York may move veterans to compete now. A move would remake the playoff map, and Giannis’ calf, with the AP saying he could return in four to six weeks, tightens the clock. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before Feb. 5: 40%.
Jan 29
Karl Anthony Towns Still Smarting Over Knicks Trade Talk
Merlin sees that Karl-Anthony Towns has quietly been nursing "hard feelings" after last offseason’s trade talks that linked him to Giannis, a situation The Athletic says still lingers. Towns publicly downplays the chatter — "I feel like I've been in trade rumors a lot" — and stresses focus on winning as the Knicks ride a four-game streak, even as his scoring has dipped to 16.0 points in January. Merlin notes the tension is real but subtle. A player can pledge loyalty and still be unsettled, and the Knicks must balance chemistry with roster flexibility before the Feb. 5 deadline. If New York keeps winning, patience grows. If the offense stalls, the whispers will grow louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Karl-Anthony Towns being traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Jan 29
Jaylen Brown Elbow Sends Hawks Onyeka Okongwu To Dentist
Onyeka Okongwu will need serious dental work after taking an elbow from Jaylen Brown during the Hawks’ 117-106 win over Boston. Brown was assessed a flagrant and said he was "Just being aggressive like I always am." Coach Quin Snyder noted Okongwu "took quite a shot" and joked he is "still handsome, but it's a good thing that people can repair his teeth." The injury clouds Atlanta’s frontcourt options. Merlin sees a small play with big ripple effects. Dental trauma can cost practice time and at least one game while swelling and stitches settle. The Hawks may reshuffle minutes inside, and the league could glance back at the play, but the immediate test is how Atlanta manages short term. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Okongwu misses at least one game this week due to dental work: 60%.
Jan 29
Bulls Deadline Shakeup: Coby White Could Go
Merlin sees Chicago at a crossroads. Guards Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones "have all drawn notable trade interest," per Jake Fischer, and Marc Stein says the Bulls "are widely expected" to act before Feb. 5. At 23-23 they can chase a play‑in spot or reset for the future. White, averaging 19.0 points on 45.7 percent shooting with 4.7 assists, is viewed as the likeliest piece to move, with the Timberwolves among potential suitors. His impending free agency and payroll realities around Josh Giddey complicate Chicago’s choices. Merlin senses a front office tug of war. Dosunmu’s Chicago roots and how he has "found good alignment with the Bulls' coaching staff" make him a candidate to keep, while moving White would signal a clear plan after years of indecision. A sale would turn ambiguity into direction, for better or worse. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chicago trades Coby White before Feb. 5: 60%.
Jan 28