NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 4, 2025
NBA Deadline: Giannis, Tatum, Luka Top Assets
Bleacher Report lays out a team-by-team big board of top trade assets ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, explaining the buyer/seller lens and the Dec. 15 trade-eligibility cutoff. The piece names specific suitors and sellable pieces — from Atlanta’s prized 2026 New Orleans pick and Risacher to Boston’s Marcus Smart-ish trade chips like Pritchard and White — showing who can truly move markets. Merlin sees the tapestry: distant picks and cheap, two-way contracts are the new currency, while expiring deals and rookie-scale bargains unlock trades. The board exposes which clubs are realistically buyers versus sellers and how contracts, injuries and development timelines will steer deals between now and February. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a blockbuster trade centered on a future first-rounder by Feb. 5: 45%.
Durant, Thompson Spark Rockets' 4-Game Surge
The Rockets have turned a rocky 0-2 start into a four-game winning streak, most recently beating Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks 110-102. Kevin Durant led the way with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, Alperen Şengün chipped in 26 points, 11 boards and six assists, and Amen Thompson poured in a season-high 27. Dallas’ rookie Flagg went cold in the second half, and, with Anthony Davis unavailable, the Mavericks sorely needed more from their top pick. Houston’s streak matters because it suggests the roster is finding chemistry and that Durant can still steer this ship. Merlin senses momentum, not miracle. The Rockets’ blend of veteran scoring and emerging youth is working, but consistency from role players and continued production from Şengün and Thompson will decide how long the good run lasts. A test looms Wednesday against the Grizzlies — a true measure of whether this is real growth or a hot spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston beating Memphis on Wednesday: 52%.
Nov 4
Ja Morant Unhappy; One-Game Suspension Rocks Grizzlies
Ja Morant confirmed what the air in Memphis already whispered: he’s unhappy — answering “No” when asked if he has his usual joy — and publicly pointed to the coaching staff after a 3-of-14, eight-point night, saying “go ask the coaching staff.” That postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo led to a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team; Morant returned with 18 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in a loss, while the Grizzlies sit 3-5. This matters because Memphis needs Morant at his peak to compete, and visible rifts between star and coach threaten the team’s trajectory. Merlin senses a clearing or a storm, not calm waters: Morant’s past injuries and disciplinary issues make him mercurial, and Iisalo’s public challenge signals real friction. The club can repair it quietly, lean on structure and minutes, or the tension could morph into trade talk — the next moves will reveal which path Memphis chooses. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant requesting a trade this season: 30%.
Nov 4
Ayton, Hachimura Carry Lakers Past Blazers Without LeBron, Doncic
Merlin sees the Lakers win a test of depth: despite being short-handed with LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles beat Portland 123-115. Deandre Ayton led the way with a standout night — "29 points, 10 boards and three blocks" — while Rui Hachimura added 28, lifting the undermanned club to 6-2 and earning applause for a revenge win over the Blazers. Merlin senses this matters because it reveals a sturdier roster than expected and a rising confidence in secondary leaders. One game does not make a season, but Ayton’s command and Hachimura’s scoring give the Lakers a blueprint: when role players ascend, star absences become survivable. Consistency and health will decide the story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing with a top-four seed in the West this season: 40%.
Nov 4
Lakers Injuries Mount: Reaves Out, LeBron Hurt
The Lakers have the pieces to chase a title, but early-season health problems are already testing them. Austin Reaves will miss Monday’s game vs. Portland with "right groin soreness," joining Luka Dončić (listed with "lower left leg contusion injury management") and LeBron James on the injury report with "right sciatica." Those absences force lineup shuffles, sap bench continuity and make a short early-season skid more costly. Merlin sees this as a rite of passage: contenders are separated from pretenders by injury resilience and coaching adjustments. Expect Frank Vogel—sorry, coach staff—to lean on veteran spacing and interior minutes while the medical staff tames these nuisances. If the injuries clear quickly, the Lakers’ title window stays open; if not, their margin for error shrinks fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the title this season: 22%.
Nov 3
St. Bonaventure Denies Wojnarowski Ejection at Bradley
Merlin sees St. Bonaventure swiftly denying a report that former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski was ejected and "berating the officials" during Monday’s game vs. Bradley. The school called the story "completely false" and said Woj "is still watching the game as we speak." That matters because Woj’s high-profile move from journalism to St. Bonaventure’s general manager role means any public incident would draw instant national attention and could affect the program’s reputation. Merlin remembers Woj’s days of "Woj Bombs" and his September 2024 vow that the job "is a thrill of a lifetime." The Bonnies (22-11 last season) moved quickly to quash the rumor, showing how protective a small program must be of a new, famous face. Expect tighter fact-checking and calm from the school — this looks more like a rumor that will fade than the start of a controversy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another publicized sideline incident involving Woj this season: 10%.
Nov 3
Myles Turner: No Regrets Leaving Pacers for Bucks
Myles Turner says he has no regrets about leaving the Pacers after 10 seasons to sign a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks, calling it a "business decision" and noting "Indiana made it very clear how they valued me." The move matters because Milwaukee gains an elite rim protector and floor-spacing big, while Indiana loses a long-tenured defensive anchor — and the teams meet Monday, turning emotion into immediate matchup stakes. Merlin senses a clear ripple: Turner will want to justify the payday and the Bucks will lean on his deterrence around Giannis, while the Pacers must show depth or risk that the departure becomes a hole rather than motivation. This is as much about respect as analytics — and the early returns will shape the season’s storyline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Turner records 2+ blocks and 10+ rebounds vs. Indiana in his first meeting: 55%.
Nov 3
Grizzlies' Ja Morant Trade Market Freezes
ESPN insiders say the Grizzlies would face a thin market if they tried to trade Ja Morant, with Tim MacMahon asking, "do you find a lot of people that believe there's gonna be some robust market if they do shop Ja Morant?" That sober assessment follows Morant's one-game suspension after a postgame exchange and his "go ask the coaching staff" comment — issues that, combined with a heavy contract and past suspensions, blunt Memphis' leverage. Merlin sees Memphis at a crossroads: GM Zach Kleiman must decide whether to repair ties with a two-time All-Star or accept that any deal will likely return modest assets. Contending teams near the luxury-tax apron will hesitate to absorb salary and risk, so a move now would probably favor rebuilding flexibility over immediate star-for-star replacement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant is traded before the February trade deadline this season: 20%.
Nov 3
After Suspension, Grizzlies Should Trade Ja Morant
Ja Morant — once the Grizzlies’ game-changing star — drew a one-game suspension for “conduct detrimental” after a locker-room incident with coach Tuomas Iisola, per Shams Charania. His on-court drop is stark (about seven fewer points than 2021-22, just 15.6% from three this season) and off-court problems since 2023 have become a recurring distraction. With a five-year, $197,230,450 contract and a limited trade market, Memphis must weigh keeping a mercurial talent against protecting the team’s culture and the future around Jaren Jackson Jr. Merlin sees a franchise at a crossroads: the longer the story centers on drama, the harder it is to win. Even a modest return or absorbing salary might be worthwhile if it restores focus and development. Expect cautious talks rather than a sudden splash — this will be a slow unwind, not a fireworks show. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Memphis trading Ja Morant this season: 30%.
Nov 3
Bronny's First Slam! Reaves Lob Lifts Lakers
Bronny James finally scored his first points of the season in the Lakers’ 130-120 win over Miami, finishing a lob from Austin Reaves with a loud dunk. An end-of-the-bench player until Sunday, he’d appeared in just three games (28 total minutes) and was 0-for-3 before going 1-for-4 and finishing with two points in 18 minutes. With LeBron, Deandre Ayton, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber out, coach JJ Redick had to dig deeper and gave Bronny the look. Merlin sees this as a small but important spark — a confidence builder and a public display of trust from Reaves. It’s a tiny sample size, however; unless more absences occur or Bronny brings consistent defense and playmaking, his role will likely remain limited. Still, moments like this can turn into more chances. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bronny averaging at least 10 minutes per game the rest of the season: 25%.
Nov 3
Dylan Harper Calf Injury Puts Spurs' Run at Risk
Rookie Dylan Harper exited Sunday’s game vs. Phoenix with a calf injury after contesting a dunk, leaving the arena on crutches and in a walking boot. That’s significant: Harper is averaging 14.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 4.6 APG off the bench and has helped fuel San Antonio’s 5-0 start while De’Aaron Fox already sits out with a hamstring issue. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads. Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama can steady the ship — Wemby’s MVP-level surge so far softens the blow — but Harper’s scoring and playmaking are rare bench currency. A short absence is survivable; a longer one would expose the Spurs’ thin guard depth and alter their early-season momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dylan Harper misses at least two weeks: 60%.
Nov 3
Durant's Rockets Pursue Derrick White in 3‑Team Deal
Merlin sees a three‑team proposal that would send Derrick White to the Houston Rockets, Fred VanVleet to the Brooklyn Nets, and prospect Sheppard plus draft assets to the Boston Celtics — with Houston giving up two future firsts and swapping pieces to make salaries work. It’s meant to plug Houston’s biggest hole: a veteran lead guard to pair with Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, while Boston sheds payroll in a season some fans call “soft tanking,” and Brooklyn monetizes its remaining cap room. Merlin notes the trade is as much financial alchemy as roster building: Boston drops under the luxury tax and gains youth and flexibility, Brooklyn cashes a pick for absorbing salary, and Houston gains a proven playoff creator at the cost of upside and future picks. The deal needs timing quirks (bonuses, waivers, contract tweaks) to align — so it’s plausible, but delicate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this three‑team deal happens before Christmas: 35%.
Nov 2
Joel Embiid Fined $50K for DX Salute vs. Celtics
Joel Embiid was fined $50,000 for making a lewd, DX-style celebration during the Sixers’ 109-108 loss to the Celtics, pushing his total fines to at least $185,000. The sanction matters because it’s a pattern: a star balancing showmanship and league rules while trying to stay healthy and help a 4-1 Philadelphia team. Merlin sees a performer who enjoys the spotlight — Embiid even told the NBA to "start fining" officials — and those fines are more than pocket change when they keep recurring. With Embiid on a minutes limit (about 20 per game) and averaging 17.3 points, these distractions could nibble at chemistry even as the Sixers chase consistency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Embiid is fined again this season: 70%.
Nov 2
Ja Morant Suspended — Grizzlies Tension Sparks Trade Watch
Merlin sees a crack forming in Memphis: Ja Morant was suspended one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after a postgame dust-up with coach Tuomas Iisalo, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reports there’s "tension" the league is watching. Morant’s 3‑for‑14 night against the Lakers, his terse "go ask the coaching staff" and "probably don't play me" comments, and Blake Griffin’s critique that "for a guy that's making $40 million... that to me is a very bad sign" make this more than locker‑room noise — it threatens the Grizzlies’ chemistry. Merlin notes history and hubris. Memphis hoped Iisalo would align with Morant the way Jenkins didn’t; six games in, the fit is fraying. Trading Morant would be seismic and remains unlikely now, but unresolved leadership fights can widen fast if results falter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 20%.
Nov 2
Hawks Reeling: Trae Young MCL Sprain, Out 4+ Weeks
Merlin sees that Trae Young suffered a sprain to the MCL in his right knee and will miss at least four weeks, with an MRI showing he "dodged major structural damage." The injury happened early in Atlanta’s win over Brooklyn after a collision with Mouhamed Gueye; Young logged seven minutes (six points, one rebound, one assist) before exiting. His absence is a clear blow — he’s been remarkably durable and is the Hawks’ primary playmaker, averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 assists to start the season. Merlin senses this will shift Atlanta’s rhythm. Nickeil Alexander-Walker steps into the starting lineup and Luke Kennard will handle more offense, but replacing Young’s creation is a tall order. If Young heals quickly the Hawks can steady themselves; if not, Atlanta may need a short-term identity reboot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young returns in exactly four weeks: 40%.
Nov 1
LeBron James Free-Agent Cliffhanger: Lakers or Elsewhere?
Shams Charania reminded the league that LeBron’s future is unsettled: “We still don't know where LeBron James is going to be,” he said, noting LeBron is a free agent after this season. That uncertainty matters — LeBron is still All-NBA caliber, yet turns 41 in December, is sidelined by sciatica, and his contract choices will shape how the Lakers allocate salary and build around their core. As Rich Paul put it, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” which clashes with long-term roster planning. Merlin sees a forked road: if LeBron returns healthy and the Lakers can realistically chase a title, he stays. If not, retirement or a one-year hunt for rings elsewhere are real options, and Los Angeles would pivot toward younger construction. The season’s arc will decide whether this is a goodbye tour or a final chapter in purple and gold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron finishes his career with the Lakers: 45%.
Nov 1
Giannis Denies Knicks Trade Talk After 37-Point Night
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo shrug off offseason trade talk after Milwaukee’s 121-111 win over the Knicks. Asked if he’d sought a move to New York, he fired back, “Who said that? ... I'm here representing my team. That's it.” Reports said there were multi-week talks with the Knicks, but the Bucks kept Giannis, re-signed key role players and added Myles Turner — and Giannis poured in 37 points as Milwaukee opened 3-1. This matters because the Bucks answered instability with roster moves and early on-court production, buying a fragile calm. Merlin senses genuine short-term buy-in: the champion’s aura is intact, yet past playoff failures and Damian Lillard’s injury shadow the path. Health and chemistry will decide whether this peace becomes a dynasty or a brief truce. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 12%.
Nov 1
Austin Reaves Forces Lakers' Trade-or-Keep Dilemma
Merlin sees the Lakers facing a sharp dilemma: Austin Reaves has exploded out of the gate — a 28-point night, a career-high 16 assists and a game-winning floater — turning him into both a glue guy now and a much pricier free-agent target later. He “holds a $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Spoiler alert: He's going to decline it,” and L.A.’s cap reality makes a lucrative extend unlikely, forcing a trade-or-keep choice. Merlin notes suitors like Dallas, Detroit and Houston could build compelling offers — from star-chasing swaps to pick-heavy futures or role-player packages — but none are easy given matching-salary and apron limits. If the Lakers get healthier and look like contenders, patience wins; if they falter, selling high makes sense. Magic favors timing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading Austin Reaves before Feb. 5: 30%.
Nov 1
Jonathan Kuminga Sizzles as Warriors' Starter
Jonathan Kuminga has turned a rocky offseason into a fast start: after contract brinkmanship he signed a two‑year, $48.5M deal and is starting for Golden State, averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists through the first five games while hitting 43.8% from three. He was an afterthought last year but Steve Kerr said, "He'll be our starter going forward," underscoring how Kuminga’s improved shooting, decision‑making and defense matter for a Warriors roster crowded around Curry, Butler and Draymond. Merlin sees a young talent sharpening his tools. The pairing issues that once plagued the Jimmy–Draymond–JK trio are easing as Kuminga accepts playmaking and rim pressure instead of hero shots; the fit is promising but still a small sample. Expect opponents to test his consistency — and watch whether that 3‑point touch holds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga keeps the starting job all season: 75%.
Nov 1
Austin Reaves' $30M+ Payday Puts Lakers' Future in Flux
An NBA executive tells ESPN that Austin Reaves is playing himself into a major payday — possibly as much as a four-year, $180 million deal if he leaves the Lakers — though a five-year contract with a lower average could keep him in Los Angeles. The exec noted, "I don't think he's going to quite keep up this pace because LeBron will take away touches, but he is good and the Lakers intend to keep him and he intends to stay, so my guess is it gets done." Reaves has erupted while LeBron is sidelined, and the club faces real cap math if they pay two stars top dollars. Merlin sees a crossroads: Reaves will likely decline his $14.9M option and test the market, forcing the Lakers to choose between a big AAV or trading a rising asset before February. His current surge makes him both a future cornerstone and a lucrative trade chip. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Reaves signs a $30M+ AAV deal next spring: 70%.
Nov 1
Dunleavy: Steve Kerr Will Return to Warriors
Merlin sees Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy publicly backing Steve Kerr, saying he’s "confident" Kerr will be back after the 2025–26 season. Kerr is coaching on an expiring deal after a 2024 extension and has said he wants to "just see how it is at the end of the year" while making sure "everything feels right." Golden State’s 4–1 start and stout defense give the front office room to let Kerr take his time, even as roster timelines for Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green hover nearby. Merlin senses this is less a contract drama and more a careful chess move: the team is giving Kerr grace to judge his body and heart midseason. If the Warriors keep playing like title contenders, the oracle predicts a smooth extension; if they stumble, both sides have exit paths. The story will bend with the win-loss ledger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Steve Kerr returning for 2026–27: 80%.
Nov 1
Grizzlies Suspend Ja Morant After Lakers Loss
The Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after coach Tuomas Iisalo confronted him following Friday’s 117-112 loss to the Lakers. Morant shot 3-of-14 for eight points and seemed "aggrieved" speaking to reporters; the ban will cost him $272,042. This matters because Morant is the franchise cornerstone, and public friction with the coaching staff raises questions about team chemistry and availability after seasons already marred by suspensions and injuries. Merlin sees a fragile spark where there should be steady flame. Short substitution patterns and a prioritization of pace — "have used short substitution patterns this season" — may have disrupted Morant’s flow, but discipline now signals the organization won’t ignore breakdowns. At 26 and off his last All-Star season, his buy-in will decide whether Memphis turns this into a reset or a recurring headache. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Morant facing another suspension this season: 25%.
Nov 1
Knicks' Two-Week Shot at Giannis Slips
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Knicks had a brief, roughly two-week window this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to play in New York and offers were made, but no deal was completed. That missed chance matters — passing on a generational star changes the arc of a franchise, and New York now had to watch Giannis dominate them on the court. Merlin sees why the front office paused: New York was already reshaping the roster (trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby), absorbing other big moves and installing coach Mike Brown, so continuity felt safer than another seismic swap. Still, if the Knicks flop in the playoffs again, patience will curdle and the hunt for a true superstar will grow urgent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis next season: 10%.
Nov 1
Alvarado to Mavs, Gafford to Pelicans — Balance Restored
Merlin sees a clean-for-need swap: Dallas would get Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey and a 2028 first‑round pick swap from New Orleans in exchange for Daniel Gafford. That matters because the Mavericks badly needed a true on-ball creator while Cooper Flagg is being tried as “Point Guard,” and the Pelicans were glaringly thin at center — getting Gafford would plug their rebounding and rim‑protection hole. Merlin notes fit over flash: Alvarado’s on- and off‑ball disruption and shooting should help Dallas’ half‑court offense and defense, while Bey provides spacing. Gafford’s shot‑blocking and rebounding would immediately stabilize New Orleans and let Zion and Queen breathe. Both teams trade depth and future flexibility for more sensible lineups — a classic win‑now gamble that could reshape early season trajectories. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Pelicans’ defensive rebounding climbs into the top 15 this season: 65%.
Nov 1
Blake Griffin Calls Out Ja Morant's Lax Effort for Grizzlies
Merlin sees former star Blake Griffin calling out Ja Morant’s effort after Memphis’ 117-112 loss to the Lakers, calling it “a very bad sign.” Griffin tore into Morant’s lazy cuts and poor ball-screen reads for a player “making $40 million” who must lead this club. Morant managed just eight points (3-of-14, 0-of-6 from deep) and snapped at reporters with “go ask the coaching staff” and “According to [the coaching staff], probably don’t play me,” underscoring clear frustration. Merlin notes the context: a new coach in Tuomas Iisalo, a 3-3 start and a star shooting 40.6% overall and 15.6% from deep. This is a crossroads — Morant can snap back and carry Memphis, or friction and habits will slow their climb. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant goes on a corrective hot streak (≥24 PPG and improved 3P%) over the next 10 games: 55%.
Nov 1