NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 21, 2025
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%.
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
Josh Hart Shrugs Off Giannis-to-Knicks Rumors
Merlin sees Shams Charania’s report that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s camp favored the New York Knicks and that Milwaukee and New York held preliminary August talks that “never got traction on a deal.” Josh Hart added, “Being a Knicks player, the Knicks are always in the headlines,” a reminder that this is as much media gravity as a roster-moving event — and any real Giannis shift would instantly reshape the Eastern landscape. Merlin also notes the Knicks already look stacked — Jalen Brunson, Karl‑Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Hart — and coach Mike Brown’s tenure feels like “title or bust.” The chatter forces rivals to plan, but early whispers often fade; chemistry and cap reality usually calm the storm before it becomes a hurricane. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 21
LeBron, Anthony Davis' "WTF" After Luka Trade
Merlin sees the moment the NBA shifted: when the Luka Dončić trade landed, Anthony Davis "questioned if the Lakers traded him," then left the team chat, while LeBron simply replied, "WTF." Even Bronny thought the Shams alert was a hack. It mattered because the swap was chaotic and immediate — a blockbuster that ripped the seams of locker-room trust and rewired both franchises overnight. Merlin knows the dust has settled but the new spells are untested. Dončić now steers a retooled Lakers squad as LeBron begins the year sidelined with sciatica; L.A. added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Davis joins a Mavericks roster with rookie Cooper Flagg and a healthy Kyrie looming — enough firepower for either side to turn this shock into destiny or regret. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers reach the NBA Finals this season: 30%.
Oct 21
Kevin Durant Eyes Farewell as a Houston Rocket
Kevin Durant told ESPN he can "see myself retiring here and being a Rocket until it's over with" after signing a two‑year, $90M extension (with a 2027‑28 player option) following his trade from Phoenix. He admitted "I don't know what's going to happen on down the line," but left about $30M on the table — a move that gives Houston cap room to chase help, and makes roster construction the real test of his long‑term commitment. Merlin sees a veteran still chasing longevity: Durant, 37, hopes to play into his 40s and said "I'm looking to be here as long as I can… That's the intent." The heart is there, but the future will bend to wins and teammates. If Houston pieces together a contender, the sunset in Houston looks believable — otherwise, this could be a mid‑career love affair that cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant retires a Rocket after the 2027‑28 season: 35%.
Oct 21
Knicks Missed Shot: Could've Traded for Giannis
Merlin sees the Knicks truly had a window to get Giannis Antetokounmpo — Brian Windhorst said "the Knicks were in position to get Giannis and they didn't get him," and Shams Charania reported New York was "the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee." Talks took place in August, but salary math and a hard cap (Giannis $54.1M vs. KAT $53.1M) made a straight swap impractical. Merlin notes New York already reshaped its core with Karl‑Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, risking a top‑heavy roster if they trade multiple pieces. The front office chose patience to keep continuity; if the quartet falters in the playoffs, the Knicks may return to the brink of a blockbuster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis within 12 months: 10%.
Oct 21
Miami Heat: Trade Tyler Herro, Chase 2027 Stars
Miami didn’t reach an extension with 2024–25 All‑Star Tyler Herro, and league sources say there haven't "been substantive talks." The Heat are keeping payroll light while "planning for that aforementioned 2027 free agent class," so moving Herro could create cap space or haul in assets to chase a truly elite upgrade. Merlin senses a crossroads. Herro is 25, coming off career highs and still under contract for two seasons — useful trade fodder but not untouchable. Miami’s issue is not scoring alone; it needs higher‑end stars and a clearer ceiling. Trading Herro could fast‑track that pursuit or stockpile draft currency for 2027; staying patient is the safer, slower spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Miami trading Tyler Herro before the 2025‑26 season: 30%.
Oct 21
Dwight Howard Jabs at Dyson Daniels' $100M Hawks Extension
The Hawks handed Dyson Daniels a $100 million rookie extension, and Dwight Howard reacted on social media, noting he "never signed a contract worth $100 million" despite $245.1 million in career earnings. It matters because the NBA’s money has swelled — the 2025-26 salary cap is $154.6M with a second apron at $207.8M — and that growth is changing how teams value youth and lock up potential. Merlin sees the old trade-off between longevity and headline deals. Howard’s career proves steady pay can outpace single big checks, while Atlanta is betting Daniels — a 22-year-old Most Improved Player and All‑Defensive first-teamer — is worth an early, expensive commitment. The market will keep stretching; the question is which young stars will repay those bets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another rookie getting a $100M+ extension this offseason: 75%.
Oct 21
Lakers Lock In Dalton Knecht's 2026-27 Option
The Lakers picked up Dalton Knecht’s rookie‑scale option for 2026‑27, guaranteeing him $4.2 million and signaling they view the rookie wing as part of their near-term plan. Knecht played 78 games as a rookie (9.1 points, 37.6% from three), had seven 20‑point outings and narrowly avoided a midseason trade when a deal was rescinded after a failed physical. With Deandre Ayton added in free agency, L.A. kept a promising shooter instead of moving him, a move that matters with LeBron set to miss time early next season. Merlin senses a calm before potential storm: this is stability with upside. Knecht’s ability to “take games over” when hot makes him a natural sixth‑man candidate, but consistency will be the true test. Expect more early‑season run and plenty of chances to prove this option was wise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Knecht averages 12+ PPG in 2025‑26: 30%.
Oct 21
.png)
Spurs Chase Giannis, Wemby Superteam Beckons
Merlin sees a concrete blockbuster on the table: Giannis to the Spurs for Stephon Castle, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes and a bundle of future first‑rounders. The pitch is simple — pair Giannis with Victor Wembanyama to form a two‑way, generational frontcourt and turn San Antonio into an immediate title contender, while Milwaukee leans into a patient rebuild despite Damian Lillard’s lingering contract. This matters because it would reshape contender maps and force the Bucks to choose between short‑term hope and long‑term assets. Merlin senses urgency: Wembanyama’s recent health scare makes San Antonio hungry now, and Giannis supplies the downhill offense and inside dominance Wemby doesn’t yet. Yet Giannis has given a "qualified commitment" to Milwaukee "for at least the next six or seven months," so any move likely hinges on a trade demand and timing, not pure value. Expect negotiations to be long and theatrical. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 18%.
Oct 21
NBA Payroll Jumps to $5.6B — Lakers, Warriors
NBA payrolls swelled to about $5.6 billion this season — roughly $400 million more than 2024–25 — as the salary cap jumped. All but 7% of contracts are guaranteed, 16 roster spots remain open, and the cap is projected at $154.6M for 2025–26 with a possible $166M in 2026–27. That extra room matters: teams have more pay flexibility but also face growing luxury-tax exposure. Merlin sees the league’s financial tide reshaping roster strategy. Expect more guaranteed deals, heavier tax bills for big-spending clubs (Spotrac already projects 14 over the line), and pressure on small markets to adapt. Front offices will chase creative cap moves and midseason gambits — the player-pay era is only getting louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds total NBA payrolls exceed $6 billion by 2026–27: 70%.
Oct 21
Kuminga Ghosts Warriors Media Day Amid Contract Stalemate
Jonathan Kuminga did not travel to San Francisco and won’t attend the Warriors’ media day, with ESPN reporting GM Mike Dunleavy and Kuminga’s agent spoke but there is “no momentum” toward a deal. Golden State extended a $7.9M qualifying offer and reportedly pushed from a two-year, $45M proposal to a three-year, $75.2M deal with a team option — a structure Kuminga has resisted. The stalemate matters: it keeps a key young wing in limbo, affects roster construction (including Al Horford’s numbers), and leaves the Warriors with an asset they’ve said they’d still trade. Merlin sees the tug-of-war: Golden State values flexibility and trade leverage; Kuminga values security and role certainty. After flashes of 20.8 points in the Minnesota series and a stop-start season due to injury, his next move will shape the Warriors’ depth and plans. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga is traded before the regular season: 55%.
Oct 20
Trail Blazers Lock In Toumani Camara — $82M Deal
Toumani Camara agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, replacing a 2026-27 team option and locking up a 25-year-old wing who averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 45.8% overall and 37.5% from three. It matters because Camara “ranked ninth in total steals” and joined seven players with 100 steals and 50 blocks — defensive production the Blazers badly wanted to keep. Merlin sees Portland tipping from hopeful rebuild toward a controlled rise. The deal is a modest team-friendly discount (could’ve been $87M) that preserves cap flexibility as the young core around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan and veterans Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant tries to coalesce. If Camara’s growth continues, he becomes the glue on the wing; if not, Portland still keeps options. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Blazers making the playoffs this season: 30%.
Oct 20
Nikola Jokic Eyeing Fourth MVP in 2025-26
Merlin sees the league’s award season arrive early: using FanDuel odds and summer moves, the forecasts favor Onsi Saleh for Executive of the Year after Atlanta’s Porziņģis trade and depth additions; Joe Mazzulla for Coach if the Celtics eclipse their low expectations; Luka Dončić as the Clutch Player; Bennedict Mathurin for Most Improved with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined; John Collins as a Sixth Man dark horse; Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year; Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year; and Nikola Jokić as the clear MVP favorite. Merlin notes these picks matter because they shape narratives — Jokić’s era, Wemby’s defensive leap, a rookie spotlight in Dallas, and Atlanta’s bold front-office swing. The season’s early moves planted seeds; which ones sprout will decide the trophies. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nikola Jokić winning MVP this season: 56%.
Oct 20
Crystal Ball Predictions: 2025-26 NBA — Jokic, Tatum, Young
Merlin sees a sweeping season preview that issues bold, team-by-team calls for 2025-26 — from Trae Young flirting with a historic 12+ assists mark and Jayson Tatum possibly returning late, to Michael Porter Jr. chasing 300 threes and Victor Wembanyama bursting into MVP talk. These calls matter because they reshape expectations for stars, rosters and the playoff map before the first tip; as the piece admits, "this may not seem all that bold." Merlin senses the league tilting toward more playmaking and faster player growth: veterans will be tested by injuries and new mates, youngsters like Cooper Flagg and Matas Buzelis could leap, and some rosters (the Kings especially) face midseason reckonings. Expect drama, trades and a few true breakouts that change how the season reads. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Denver Nuggets winning the 2026 NBA title: 28%.
Oct 20
Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Visits Celtics — May Spill Secrets
Merlin sees a small drama unfold: after the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, the veteran coach visited Boston and quietly offered the Celtics the kind of film-room insights that can only come from someone who lived the matchup. Jaylen Brown even said, "Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series... helps us grow and learn from that." That matters because Thibodeau is obsessive about detail — his notes could point Boston to quick fixes. Merlin notes history and motive: Thibodeau was a Celtics assistant (2007–10), he knows the building and the staff, and he knows how to expose weaknesses — especially on perimeter defense and driving lanes. His tips are useful, but they’re not a cure for injuries or roster limits. Treat this as a helpful wind, not a full gale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals next season: 50%.
Oct 20
Karl-Anthony Towns Unsure About Role in Mike Brown's Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns admits he “doesn’t know—but we’re figuring it out” when asked about his role in new coach Mike Brown’s offense, and that uncertainty matters with the season opener Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks replaced Tom Thibodeau after an Eastern Conference Finals run and are banking on Brown’s experience — he once coached LeBron’s 2006–07 Cavs to the Finals — to push them further. Towns is pivotal to New York’s scoring, so clarity on his usage will shape seeding and home-court implications in a tight East. Merlin senses a test of chemistry and patience. Brown’s résumé offers structure, but New York’s expectations are immediate; if coach and big man define a repeatable role quickly — spacing, pick-and-roll reads and timely post looks — the Knicks stay elite, otherwise early miscues could be costly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Towns fully settles into Mike Brown’s offense by Christmas: 60%.
Oct 20
Kawhi's $28M Aspiration Deal Triggers Clippers Salary-Cap Probe
New reporting says a top Aspiration executive heard co‑founder Joe Sanberg tell him the Clippers approached the firm about doing a deal with Kawhi Leonard, calling it "important" to them. Pablo Torre reported Leonard signed a $28 million endorsement with bankrupt Aspiration after his $176.3 million extension, and the NBA is investigating whether that side deal was used to dodge the salary cap. Owner Steve Ballmer has pushed back, saying "These were guys who committed fraud. Look, they conned me. They conned me." Merlin senses a ledger hidden beneath the headlines. The league will chase emails, texts and meeting notes to see who suggested the deal and why. If evidence ties the Clippers to arranging the payment, penalties could be heavy — fines, lost draft assets or roster punishments — and Kawhi’s contract and the team’s cap picture could be altered overnight. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA concludes the Clippers arranged the Kawhi‑Aspiration deal and penalizes the team this season: 35%.
Oct 20
Pistons' Duren & Ivey, Nuggets' Braun Likely to Miss Extensions
Merlin sees that Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Christian Braun are unlikely to land rookie-scale extensions before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline, which would push all three into restricted free agency next summer. As Jake Fischer reported, "Sources say neither first-round pick for the Pistons has generated much momentum on a new deal," and negotiations are strained by Ivey’s recent knee procedure, Duren’s camp seeking well north of a $30M AAV, and Denver’s reluctance to become a taxpayer if Braun chases roughly $25M AAV. Merlin knows this is as much about cap spells as on-court magic. Detroit may value roster and cap flexibility after a 44-win leap, and Denver’s new front office is watching luxury tax lines. Watch Ivey’s mid-November recheck and Duren/Braun’s summer trajectories — the market will tell the final story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds all three remain unsigned and enter restricted free agency next summer: 80%.
Oct 19
Kevin Durant Re-signs with Rockets, Passes LeBron
Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets — a deal that pushes his career earnings “past $590 million” and moves him ahead of LeBron James on the all-time pay list, per Shams Charania and Spotrac. This matters because it reshuffles the NBA’s financial pecking order, underscores Durant’s value and longevity, and factors into how teams plan long-term payrolls. Merlin sees money as one strand in a larger tapestry: out-earning LeBron is a ledger victory, not a legacy crown. Spotrac’s projections through 2030–31 will keep shifting the top-10 earners, but on-court chapters still decide immortality. Durant staying put and signing this extension keeps him influential in Houston’s future while the league recalibrates around superstar contracts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant finishes his career as the NBA’s all-time highest earner: 40%.
Oct 19
NBA 2025-26 Preview: Thunder, Jokic, Embiid — One Word
Merlin sees Grant Hughes’s preseason shorthand: every NBA team gets one telling word to sum up an offseason of trades, injuries and strategy shifts — from Atlanta as "poison" for the Knicks to Boston leaning harder into "three is more than two." The write-up highlights the real movers: health (Embiid, Haliburton, Jokic rest), roster fit and bold experiments (Brooklyn’s pass-first draft) that will shape who rises and who stalls. Merlin notes the lesson beneath the labels: identity beats talent when chemistry or availability falters. Expect margin-heavy teams (Celtics’ 3s) and depth plays (Valanciūnas giving Jokic rest) to produce surprises. The usual contenders remain favorites if healthy, but those who commit to a clear plan — and survive early bumps — will be the season’s true alchemists. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Oklahoma City finishes with the best record in the West this season: 80%.
Oct 19
Westbrook's Free-Agent Drama: Kings Still Calling
Merlin sees that with under two weeks to the season Russell Westbrook is still unsigned but not heading overseas — Marc Stein says there was "zero discussion" abroad as his camp focuses on another NBA opportunity. The 36-year-old averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds off Denver’s bench in 2024–25 and declined a $3.5M option after, per Danny Green, the Nuggets "didn't plan to include him in the rotation." Shams Charania reports "there is strong mutual interest between" Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings. Merlin senses the league’s need for veteran ball-handlers will pull Westbrook back into the NBA rather than Europe. A short, vet-min or one-year deal — a bench leader and locker-room voice — fits his profile. The story feels like a late-season movement spell waiting to be cast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds he appears in an NBA game this season: 90%.
Oct 19
Grizzlies' Backcourt Shakeup: Scotty Pippen Jr. Toe Surgery
Merlin sees the Grizzlies will open the season without a key reserve: Scotty Pippen Jr. "will have surgery on his left big toe injury and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks," per reports. Pippen, who played 79 games last year and averaged 9.9 points and 4.4 assists, had become a reliable everyday piece. Memphis added Ty Jerome in free agency — likely the primary backup to Ja Morant — so Pippen’s role was already set to shrink, but his early absence still leaves the Grizzlies thinner in the backcourt just as Morant deals with a sprained ankle. Merlin senses this is a test of depth and timing. Jerome brings veteran scoring and playmaking, but he’s not a one-for-one replacement for Pippen’s defensive activity and chemistry. If Morant stays healthy, Memphis can weather a slow start; if not, the team could look jittery until Pippen returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Memphis survives the first 12 weeks without another key backcourt injury: 35%.
Oct 19
Durant Locks In with Rockets: 2-Year $90M
Merlin sees Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets, keeping him in Houston beyond this season while costing less than he could have earned and giving the team more financial flexibility. That matters because the Rockets are in a win-now window after finishing second in the West and needed to avoid Durant being a one-year rental; with Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, Durant’s veteran leadership and elite efficiency (26.6 PPG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT last season) become vital. The deal features a 2027-28 player option and was built to maximize immediate contention while limiting long-term risk. Merlin senses this is a calculated gamble: it raises near-term payroll but buys continuity and a clearer title push. Age is a question at 37, yet Durant’s craft should age well in Houston. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Rockets winning the NBA title this season: 18%.
Oct 19