NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 25, 2025
Mavericks Stall Nico Harrison Extension After Doncic Trade
Merlin sees the Mavericks aren’t rushing to extend GM Nico Harrison even after the Luka Dončić trade stirred fan unrest. Harrison still has two years left on his contract, there’s reportedly “no indication” his job is in danger, and owner Patrick Dumont is “sticking by” him. Fans chanted “Fire Nico” after poor early losses and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg has only played two games while being asked to run point. Merlin smells cover and caution: a June extension and Dumont’s visits give Harrison shelter, and Jason Kidd’s new deal suggests stability at the top. Still, ugly results and a loud crowd can accelerate change — patience now, but scrutiny grows with each stumble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison being fired this season: 20%.
Cooper Flagg's Surge Can't Save Mavericks vs. Wizards
Merlin sees Dallas dropping a 117–107 home loss to Washington, but the real headline is rookie Cooper Flagg’s promise in game two. Flagg finished with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists, erupting in the fourth with a thunderous dunk to pull the Mavericks within four — even as he also turned it over five times and Dallas fell to 0–2. Merlin notes a pattern: quiet first halves, electric finishes and raw defensive flashes. The turnovers and inconsistent veteran support keep this team from clicking, but Flagg’s late-game bursts offer a spine for growth. If Dallas steadies its vets and trims mistakes, those sparks could kindle a deeper run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas beats Toronto Sunday: 55%.
Oct 25
DeAndre Jordan Signs with Pelicans — 1-Year, $3.6M
DeAndre Jordan is signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, a veteran low-cost addition who fills center depth. The Pelicans had room under the tax line and listed Jordan behind Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen on their depth chart. Jordan comes off Denver stints where he accepted a limited role, averaging 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes, but showed he can still impact games with a couple of big starts (including an 11/15 and a 10/17/7 line in March). Merlin notes the real value is intangible: leadership and locker-room presence. As Jamal Murray said, "He's always talking, he's super vocal, encouraging," — traits New Orleans needs while integrating youth like Queen and managing minutes for Zion. Expect short bursts of physical rebounding and stabilizing defense rather than heavy scoring. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jordan becomes a regular rotation piece (>10 minutes per game) this season: 50%.
Oct 25
Bucks' Bold Move: Waive Damian Lillard, Sign Myles Turner
Merlin sees the Bucks’ choice to waive injured Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner as a deliberate roster move, not a panic. As a team source told ESPN, "The biggest misconception is that this was a panic move. It wasn't. It was a basketball decision." Lillard’s torn Achilles and age made his return uncertain, while Turner, 29, brings rim protection, spacing and Finals experience — the fit Milwaukee needed to shore up Giannis’ supporting cast. Merlin senses this nudges the franchise toward the present: a younger, more defensively stout core built to win now and keep Giannis engaged. The decision trades long-term certainty for immediate fit; whether Turner’s skill set becomes true alchemy depends on chemistry and health around Giannis. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bucks making the playoffs this season: 70%.
Oct 25
Luka Doncic's Historic 49 Lifts Lakers Past Timberwolves
Merlin reports Luka Dončić erupted for 49 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128–110 win over Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves and giving L.A. its first victory of the season. The night was historic — Dončić is the first player ever to begin a season with back-to-back 40+ point, 10+ rebound, 5+ assist double-doubles — while Austin Reaves (25, 11), Rui Hachimura (23) and Deandre Ayton (15) provided steady support and Minnesota’s Edwards still finished with 31. Merlin sees this as more than a scoring outburst: the Lakers combined balanced offense with a decisive third quarter to pull away, forcing opponents to respect both Luka and his supporting cast. That mix creates momentum but also a strategic headache for teams trying to contain him without surrendering role players. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers beat the Kings Sunday: 60%.
Oct 25
Wembanyama, Spurs Edge Zion Williamson, Pelicans in OT
San Antonio edged New Orleans 120-116 in overtime Friday, improving to 2-0 as Victor Wembanyama flirted with a triple-double — 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in 32 minutes before fouling out. Zion Williamson answered with 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, but a 9-1 Spurs run in OT and San Antonio’s depth overcame his late heroics. The result matters because it highlighted Wembanyama’s game-changing rim protection and the Spurs’ ability to close without him on the floor. Merlin sees the makings of a modern classic: Wembanyama’s defensive ceiling versus Zion’s bully-ball craft. Fouling remains the slipper on the young giant’s boot; how the Spurs manage his minutes and exploit their bench will decide future finishes. The Nov. 8 rematch in San Antonio promises adjustments and another chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Spurs win the Nov. 8 rematch: 60%.
Oct 25
LeBron Wears Arizona Jersey for Bryce, Lakers Await Return
Merlin sees LeBron James sitting courtside in an Arizona jersey, quietly reppping son Bryce while the star’s 2025-26 debut is delayed by right-side sciatica. Bryce made his first college exhibition appearance in Arizona’s Red‑Blue Showcase, and coach Tommy Lloyd called a redshirt “a possibility.” The Lakers, still seeking their first win, feel the absence on and off the court. Merlin notes the tale is as much about legacy as lineup. LeBron’s support signals patience; a redshirt would buy Bryce development time without burning eligibility. For L.A., the pace of James’ return (Shams says mid‑November) will shape chemistry with Luka Dončić and how quickly the club can climb out of an early hole. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bryce James redshirts 2025‑26: 60%.
Oct 25
Giannis Antetokounmpo Calms Trade Rumors, Bucks Beat Wizards
Merlin sees the Bucks steadying amid Giannis trade noise: offseason talks reportedly happened only with the Knicks, and Milwaukee insists the chatter hasn't produced internal strife. The front office re-signed Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, then added Myles Turner after waiving Damian Lillard. Giannis said, "I want to be in a situation that I can win... I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me," though he allowed he might change his mind in "six, seven months." He led the opener with 37 in a 133-120 win. Merlin notes how perception and reality can differ — "There's no bigger difference than the perception of the outside compared to what's going on in-house." If the improved supporting cast turns early wins into momentum, the whispers will fade; if not, Giannis' caveat could matter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 18%.
Oct 25
Hawks Shopping Trae Young: 5 Trade Fits
The Hawks entered the 2025-26 season having "been unable to reach an extension agreement" with four-time All‑Star Trae Young, leaving his future uncertain and prompting trade chatter. That matters because Young is both Atlanta’s primary playmaker and a $46M salary that makes deals tricky — teams may want him, but apron and contract math will limit suitors and shapes Atlanta’s short‑ and long‑term plans. Merlin sees a market of fits and frustrations: one‑for‑one ideas (LaMelo), young‑guard swaps (Ivey, Coby White), and multiteam maneuvers involving picks and veterans. Each proposal trades immediate star power for cap flexibility, youth or draft capital. If Atlanta’s postseason hopes fade, the needle will move toward a deal; if they surprise, patience could win out. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta trades Trae Young before the 2025‑26 trade deadline: 55%.
Oct 25
Draymond Green: Warriors Vet Eyes 4–5 More Years
Draymond Green, 35 and in his 14th NBA season, says he "could play four to five more years" but that it "depends heavily on his mentality." "Mentally going into this year, I feel incredible," he said. That matters because Green's mindset and durability will shape Golden State's title window — he is a four-time champion and former Defensive Player of the Year who still changes games with defense and leadership. Merlin sees a battle-tested warrior measuring time in heartbeats, not years. If Green keeps the hunger and stays healthy, he can stretch the Warriors' competitive run; if his mind or body falters, Golden State must retool around its core. His choice will ripple through the roster and the title race. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Draymond plays four or more NBA seasons: 60%.
Oct 25
Explosive Opening Night Overreactions: Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Alperen Şengün
Merlin sees the NBA’s opening-night carnival of overreactions: a string of eye-popping individual nights (Wembanyama’s 40-15, Şengün’s 39-minute masterpiece, Luka’s 43) and revealing team snapshots — Raptors’ blowout, Warriors’ continuity, OKC’s depth — alongside worrying defensive showings from the Hawks, Nets and Clippers. Those first-game narratives matter because they shape rotations, trade chatter and early expectations even if they’re fragile. Merlin warns to trust the patterns, not panic. As Wojnarowski noted, "There's no shortage of executives who...think [Wembanyama] could be the best player at both ends of the floor by his third or fourth year." If Wembanyama and Şengün sustain their growth and health, the MVP and title races tilt; if the defensive lapses persist, several high-expectation teams will adjust personnel before February. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Victor Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 18%.
Oct 23
Joel Embiid Stumbles, VJ Edgecombe Kabooms for 76ers
Merlin sees the Sixers’ 117-116 win over Boston as both lift and alarm: rookie VJ Edgecombe went “kaboom” with a 30-point debut and Tyrese Maxey paced the attack, yet Joel Embiid looked like a shell — four points on 1-of-9, a 16.8 true shooting, limited mobility and a minus-16 in under 21 minutes. “It’s only one game,” yes, but this outing amplified real questions about his left knee, crunch‑time availability and Philly’s blueprint. Merlin whispers that Edgecombe’s burst can paper over shortfalls, but title runs demand a dominant, reliable center and a stout anchor on defense. Nick Nurse benching Embiid late was a jolt; the Sixers will lean on youth and Maxey while hoping Embiid either reclaims mobility or accepts a new, shorter‑run role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Joel Embiid returning to All‑NBA form this season: 20%.
Oct 23
FBI Arrests Heat’s Rozier, Blazers’ Billups in Gambling Sting
Merlin sees Miami guard Terry Rozier, Portland coach Chauncey Billups and ex-guard Damon Jones arrested in an FBI probe into illegal betting and rigged poker games. Prosecutors say bets used “inside, non-public information,” alleging Rozier faked an injury nine minutes into a 2023 game to benefit prop wagers; Billups is accused of acting as a “face card” for the poker ring. The NBA cooperated; Rozier and Billups were placed on leave. Merlin recalls the Jontay Porter fallout — integrity cracks fast. FBI filings describe high-tech cheating (altered shufflers, special lenses, X‑ray tables) and note six charged in the NBA betting probe and 31 in the poker case. Commissioner Adam Silver warned, “I think, probably, there should be more regulation, frankly.” Expect quick league discipline, criminal proceedings and a long public reckoning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Rozier is suspended this season: 60%.
Oct 23
Do-or-Die Contract Years: Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Trae Young
Merlin sees a clear throughline: several players — Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Bennedict Mathurin, Jalen Duren and Trae Young — begin 2025-26 playing for pay. Teams are either delaying extensions (Utah kept Kessler’s cap hold) or constrained by past bargains (Reaves), turning the season into a prove-it gauntlet where performance will directly reshape multi-year paydays. Merlin senses both upside and peril. Kessler and Duren can lock in $25–30M seasons with another leap; Mathurin can force a restricted-market payday by refining his decision-making and defense; Reaves is hamstrung by a prior low deal but can still earn a big free-agent payday; Trae’s case will test how the new CBA tempers second-max decisions. The ledger will follow the box score. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young lands a second max extension before 2026 free agency: 25%.
Oct 23
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Finally Settle $3M Dispute
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat quietly closed the book on last season’s financial fallout, agreeing to a $3 million settlement that splits the difference from the roughly $6 million in fines and withheld pay he accumulated while awaiting a trade. Butler appealed the penalties, one game was later rescinded, and the compromise — being finalized with the NBA — removes a major distraction from both sides after public tensions, suspensions and his eventual move to Golden State. Merlin sees the heart of the story in Butler’s own words: he wanted to get his "joy back from playing basketball" and said "Probably not" when asked if that could happen in Miami. The money may be settled, but the real question is fit and chemistry — Butler’s 31-point debut for the Warriors is a promising start, yet the true impact will show over months, not headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors finishing top‑4 in the West this season: 40%.
Oct 23
Draymond Jabs LeBron James' "Phil Jackson" Chair — Warriors Beat Lakers
Draymond Green taunted LeBron James after the Warriors’ 119-109 season-opening win, joking that James’ "old ass was over there in his Phil Jackson chair" as he sat out with sciatica — the first time LeBron has missed a season opener. The game mattered beyond the jest: Golden State held L.A. to 8-of-32 from three and forced 20 turnovers, while the Lakers’ role players combined for just 40 points even as a star poured in 43, 12 and nine. The result exposed depth issues for a Lakers unit counting on LeBron’s presence. Merlin senses both mischief and warning. LeBron is clearly treating the injury with care, targeting mid-November to return, while the Warriors opened with the rhythm of a team hungry for seeding and statements. This rivalry cools now, but the ember remains. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron returning by mid-November: 65%.
Oct 22
Knicks' Mike Brown Hire: Karl‑Anthony Towns Confused
Merlin sees the Knicks replace Tom Thibodeau with veteran Mike Brown after falling to the Pacers, a move aimed at finally ending New York’s title drought since 1973. It matters because Brown’s early results often sparkle then fade, and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns admitted, "Honestly, I don't know—but we're figuring it out," signaling early role confusion that could sting a team chasing immediate success. Merlin notes Brown has adapted from defense-first roots to run potent offenses and carries an NBA Finals résumé, but history shows his second seasons can fray as players lose trust. New York benefits from weakened Eastern rivals, yet the coach must win Jalen Brunson and Towns to his plan — otherwise the bright start may burn out. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 20%.
Oct 22
Tom Thibodeau Says Knicks Betrayed Him
Tom Thibodeau was fired as Knicks head coach in June and — despite a 226-174 five-season run and a 51-31 campaign that reached the Eastern Conference Finals — he felt betrayed by people in the organization. Ian O’Connor reports a source saying "he also had a sense of betrayal" when those he helped "weren't with you...or didn't fight for you," and that leadership believed "In their world, the players were 51-0 and Tom was 0-31." Merlin sees this as a shift in the clubhouse narrative more than a simple personnel move. Leon Rose and Jalen Brunson apparently stopped "stepping in front of the bus," owner James Dolan’s presence changed dynamics, and Mike Brown inherits a deeper, favored roster. The question now: will new coaching voice convert talent into a Finals trip? 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 22%.
Oct 22
Amen Thompson Shines in Rockets' 125-124 OT Loss
Houston fell 125-124 in double overtime to the Thunder in Game 1, and the box score told the story: flashes of promise amid clear flaws. Amen Thompson flashed elite on-ball speed and aggression before leaving with a calf issue, but missed all seven 3s and struggled against pressure. Reed Sheppard, essentially a rookie, shot 3-of-11 and looked overmatched. The Rockets’ lack of a true primary playmaker crippled transition (fast-break points just 1.6%), Durant logged heavy minutes without enough ball-screens, and Alperen Şengün emerged as the team’s most reliable hub with 39 points. Merlin sees a club with bright summits and fragile valleys. These problems are fixable—protect Thompson, lean on Şengün with more two-man action alongside Durant, give Sheppard time, and manage minutes—but the absence of a clear floor general is the real worry. Expect tactical tweaks and growing pains as Houston searches for its identity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Houston reaches the Western Conference Finals this season: 30%.
Oct 22
Curry's Dagger, Butler's 31 Lift Warriors Past Lakers
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 54 points to lead Golden State to a 119–109 opening-night road win over the Lakers, a statement victory punctuated by Curry’s late dagger three and Buddy Hield’s 5-of-10 shooting from deep off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga flirted with a triple-double and Draymond Green ran the show despite an early technical; Los Angeles leaned on Luka Dončić’s 43-point triple-double and Austin Reaves’ 26 but lost the turnover battle (39 combined) and the momentum without LeBron James. Merlin sees this as more than a single box score — it’s a preview of two identity paths: Golden State’s offense clicking around veteran poise and hot shooting, Los Angeles still dependent on Dončić’s heroics. Early chaos and physicality promise a spicy rivalry; the Warriors have the edge if the bench keeps scorching and turnovers shrink. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State reaches the Western Conference Finals this season: 55%.
Oct 22
Refs Miss Kevin Durant Timeout — No Tech, Thunder Win
Merlin sees the wrinkle: NBA ref Zach Zarba said the officials “did not see Kevin signal that timeout,” so Kevin Durant escaped a technical late in overtime of the Rockets-Thunder game — a call that would have handed Oklahoma City a free throw and potentially altered the ending. With the game tied and time soon to expire, the missed signal mattered; the contest finished in double overtime with the Thunder prevailing, and Durant fouled out before Houston’s final chance. Merlin notes the human limits of officiating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Kevin definitely called timeout,” and that disconnect between players and refs often decides thin games. Expect more glare on replay and timeout protocols, though protests rarely change results. The league prefers fixes to rules, not retroactive reversals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA changes timeout-review procedures this offseason: 20%.
Oct 22
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Raise Banner, Receive Rings
Oklahoma City raised its first championship banner and received rings at Paycom Center before the season opener, celebrating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic run — regular-season MVP, scoring champ (32.7 PPG) and Finals MVP — plus clutch Game 7 performances (29–12–5 vs. the Pacers). The title felt like a team achievement too, with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and a deep supporting cast (Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort) playing key playoff roles. That matters because most of the core is back, making the Thunder an immediate title favorite rather than a rebuilding curiosity. Merlin sees continuity as a powerful spell: chemistry and health will decide if this team is legendary or just very good. Repeating is rarer than banners suggest — other contenders will test OKC’s depth and Shai’s ability to carry another postseason load. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City repeating as champions next season: 18%.
Oct 21
Joe Mazzulla: I'm Only Coaching the Celtics, Not Knicks
Joe Mazzulla put the rumor mill to rest Tuesday, telling 98.5 The Sports Hub, "There is only one team that I want to coach: it's the Boston Celtics... it's here or I'm going to coach my kid's soccer team." His clear rejection of reported Knicks interest matters because it removes a coaching distraction and preserves continuity for a franchise facing roster turnover and a season without Jayson Tatum. Merlin sees stability as both shield and test. Mazzulla's 182-64 record and an NBA title buy him leeway, but losing Porziņģis, Holiday and Horford and Tatum's Achilles recovery make this season a big test. If he steadies Boston into contention, his stock rises; if not, whispers will return. Friday's Celtics-Knicks meeting is the first chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mazzulla leaving the Celtics this season: 5%.
Oct 21
Michael Jordan Swishes Free Throw in NBA on NBC Debut
Michael Jordan launched a new NBA on NBC halftime feature, "MJ: Insights to Excellence," and in its first airing he told a small, vivid story: at the Ryder Cup he confessed, "I haven't picked up a ball in years," felt nervous because kids expected the 30-year-ago version of him, then, when asked to shoot, said it was "the most nervous I've been in years" — and he "Absolutely" swished it. It matters because a living legend sharing candid moments bridges eras and will make halftime must-see TV. Merlin sees the magnetism: short, human tales from Jordan will turn routine breaks into headline fodder, teach young players about pressure, and remind fans why the myth endures. Expect charm and insight, not breaking news — but every clip will feel like finding a secret spellbook. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds "MJ: Insights to Excellence" becomes a weekly must-watch halftime draw this season: 75%.
Oct 21
Brunson: Knicks' Mike Brown Reset Means 'Long Way' to Finals
The Knicks nearly touched the Finals last year, but Jalen Brunson cautions they "have a long way to go," calling this season "a whole reset" on his Roommates Show. New coach Mike Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, the roster is largely intact, and Brunson says the focus is on getting better every day — a sober reminder that past success doesn’t guarantee a repeat. Merlin sees a team with chemistry and a steady spine, but one learning new spells. If Brown’s schemes click and Brunson remains the steady compass, New York can be a dangerous threat; if injuries, trades or adjustment pains strike, the journey stalls. The path to the Finals is narrow and full of turns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 22%.
Oct 21