NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 17, 2025
Russell Westbrook Draws Strong Interest From Kings
Merlin sees a clear beat: free agent Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings have "strong mutual interest," per Shams Charania. That matters because Sacramento ranked 29th in bench points and assists last season; Westbrook — who averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 27.9 minutes with Denver — could provide instant scoring, playmaking and veteran leadership off the pine. Merlin notes the fit is believable: Westbrook has ties to Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schröder and can reprise an energetic second‑unit role like he did in Denver. Age and changing skill levels are real caveats, and Sacramento must balance him with Malik Monk and rotation needs. If the chemistry clicks, the Kings move from play‑in hopeful to a safer fringe-playoff team. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Westbrook signing with Sacramento before the season: 60%.
Kevin Durant Wants to Retire a Rocket
Kevin Durant told Sports Illustrated he now hopes to finish his career with the Houston Rockets: "I'm looking to be here as long as I can, play my last years of my career." The 37-year-old arrives in Houston on a $54.7M expiring deal after July’s seven-team trade. The Rockets can extend him up to two years and $122M and are in active talks, though they may prioritize re-signing restricted forward Tari Eason first. Durant’s decision matters because it will shape Houston’s title window and how the front office manages cap and roster moves. Merlin sees a veteran craving stability and a home in Texas, yet bound by timing and other priorities. An extension would lock Durant into Houston’s short-term plan and give the team clarity; delay would preserve flexibility for both sides. The next week’s moves on Eason and contract talks will reveal whether this is a long-term romance or a season-long courtship. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Durant signing a two-year extension with Houston before the season: 60%.
Oct 17
Victor Wembanyama Now 7'4", Heavier — Spurs Ready
Merlin sees Victor Wembanyama entering Year 3 a tick taller—listed at 7'4"—and a bit heavier after offseason gains, and crucially cleared to resume basketball on July 14 following deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said there was "no concern for Victor's health personally or his basketball activities." Those shifts matter: added size and solid health could magnify his rim protection and scoring with De'Aaron Fox joining the backcourt. Merlin notes the résumé—24.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in Year 2—and smells a player on the verge of defensive superstardom. If the extra inch and muscle translate to more physicality without setbacks, Wembanyama can enter Defensive Player of the Year conversation; durability and how San Antonio’s supporting cast, including rookie Dylan Harper, complements him will determine if whispers become headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama winning Defensive Player of the Year this season: 40%.
Oct 17
Ballmer Donation Fuels Kawhi-Clippers Salary-Cap Probe
New details have surfaced in the NBA’s probe of whether the Los Angeles Clippers skirted the salary cap to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard. Reports say Clippers governor Steve Ballmer donated nearly $1.9 million to Aspiration after the team cut a sponsorship, bank records show a $1.99 million transfer from co-owner Dennis Wong shortly before Leonard received $1.75 million, and the league is examining a reported $28 million Aspiration endorsement tied to Leonard from 2022. If the NBA finds circumvention, penalties could be severe — even voiding Leonard’s contract or stripping draft picks. Merlin sees a tangled web: owners insist, as Ballmer put it, “They conned me,” while documents and messages make the ties look too close to be coincidence. This is no ordinary PR mess — it is a test of the league’s rulebook, and its outcome could rewrite how teams handle off-court deals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA voids Kawhi Leonard’s contract this season: 20%.
Oct 17
LeBron James Hints at End — Lakers' Future?
LeBron James refused to commit to playing beyond the 2025-26 season, saying, "I don't know when the end is, but I know it's a lot sooner than later," while adding that "the love of the process is still higher." His future now hinges on on-court results and health: another high-level season (last year: 24.4/7.8/8.2) would push him toward Year 23, while injuries or an early playoff exit could hasten retirement. League insiders are split, though the Lakers remain the most likely landing spot if he extends. Merlin sees a careful weighing of craft and comfort. Playing with newcomers and family matters less than how he feels coming off the floor. If LeBron remains the elite version of himself, the spell stretches one more year; if not, the curtain draws sooner. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays in 2026-27: 60%.
Oct 17
Steve Kerr Enters Final Year, Kuminga Re-signs with Warriors
Steve Kerr is entering the final year of his deal and says he’s “very comfortable going into the season with a year left,” preferring to wait until the end of 2025-26 to re-evaluate. That matters because extensions are common for coaches of his stature; his choice to pause talks signals trust with GM Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob and gives the Warriors flexibility as Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation is now resolved. Merlin sees stability and strategy dancing together. Kerr’s track record and alignment with the front office make a parting unlikely, but the club will judge by wins, playoff health and Kuminga’s growth. This is a season for proof, not panic — a quiet test of whether the current group still has championship breath. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kerr receives an extension after 2025-26: 75%.
Oct 17
Bucks Slam Door on Knicks' Giannis Pursuit
Merlin sees the Knicks and Bucks quietly explored a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade in August, but talks went nowhere. Brian Windhorst reported "the answer has been a resounding 'no' from what I'm told," and Shams Charania noted Milwaukee "preferred not to move Antetokounmpo." That matters because even whispered negotiations change the market — teams checked in — yet Milwaukee insists it's built to compete around Giannis and Myles Turner. Merlin senses this is less a crisis and more a reminder that true departures need a player demand or a closed title window, neither of which has happened. New York remains the dream destination if anything shifts, and a shaky start by the Bucks will revive the rumors. For now, Giannis is "prepared to try to do the most for the Bucks." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Oct 17
LeBron James' "Second Decision" — Hennessy, Not Retirement
LeBron’s much-hyped “second decision” wasn’t a retirement bombshell but an ad stunt: he and Hennessy revealed a partnership after James teased an announcement with emojis, poking fun at the retirement chatter. The tease still had real-world effects — cheapest tickets for the Lakers’ final home game jumped from $82 to $580 — while James reminds everyone he’s “excited about today” and that “the end is a lot sooner than later.” Merlin sees a masterclass in narrative control. LeBron turned speculation into marketing, protected his focus as he enters year 23 and the final season of his contract, and left fans hungry for more. This was showmanship, not surrender — expect more careful reveals, not surprises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron retires after 2025–26: 45%.
Oct 17
Trae Young Shoots Down Trade Rumors, Stays With Hawks
Trae Young turned a moment of trade-rumor theater into a marketing reveal: during an Instagram Q&A with Adam Lefkoe he was teasing a switch but ultimately announced a partnership with Crooked Tea and made clear, "Dude, I'm not done with Atlanta, I love Atlanta." That matters because Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension and could hit free agency in 2026 — his words and partnerships shape the Hawks’ roster and front-office decisions. Merlin sees a practiced wink — a little theater that echoes LeBron’s recent ad play — meant to steer headlines without resolving the real questions. Branding stunts keep rumor engines warm, but until Young signs an extension the Hawks must plan for uncertainty as the season opens Oct. 22 against Toronto. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young re-signs long-term with Atlanta: 60%.
Oct 17
Warriors Bring Back Gary Payton II, Add Melton
Gary Payton II and Ae'Anthony Melton have committed to sign with the Golden State Warriors, with second‑round pick Will Richard agreeing to a four‑year deal and Alex Toohey taking a two‑way. Al Horford is joining as well. Payton’s return — once described as “looking doubtful” — brings a proven, efficient rotation piece (57.4% shooting this past season) who bolsters bench defense and floor spacing after a late thumb injury. These moves matter because Golden State is adding veteran depth around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as it chases another title. Merlin sees a team blending veteran IQ and young promise. Melton’s perimeter defense, Horford’s experience and Payton’s versatility create more matchup flexibility, while Richard’s long deal signals developmental faith. The spell hinges on health and how minutes shake out: if the rotation clicks, the Warriors can still lurk among contenders; if injuries or fit linger, they risk another early exit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors reaching the Western Conference Finals next season: 30%.
Oct 17
Knicks Nix Jalen Brunson in Giannis Talks
Merlin sees the Knicks draw a clear line: Jalen Brunson was made "untouchable" in talks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, per Sam Amick. New York was reportedly the only team Giannis favored, but negotiations stalled — the Bucks felt offers weren’t strong enough and the Knicks doubted Milwaukee’s willingness to move its star. Giannis said he’s committed to Milwaukee but called it "human" to change his mind. Brunson has become the franchise face — two-time All-Star, All-NBA nods and a 28.7 ppg peak — so New York chose continuity over a high-risk swing. The Brunson–Giannis pairing would be deadly, yet trading the team's identity for one superstar is a heavy price. Merlin senses the door remains ajar if Milwaukee falters. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks trading Brunson for Giannis this season: 8%.
Oct 17
Flagg, Wembanyama, LeBron: 2025 Preseason Winners & Losers
Merlin sees a preseason that separated signals from noise: rookies like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey impressed, Victor Wembanyama flashed true MVP upside after an offseason of more "violent" training, and the Rockets looked dangerously balanced even without Fred VanVleet. At the same time LeBron James’ sciatica — now targeting a mid‑November return — looms large for the Lakers, the Kings’ puzzling addition of Russell Westbrook tightens an already crowded and shaky offense, and injuries to key pieces in Philadelphia and Memphis keep both teams’ ceilings unclear. These developments matter because preseason form is shaping rotations, early standing expectations, and who will carry teams through LeBron’s absence. Merlin senses patterns: Dallas’ veteran mix could let Flagg compile steady, workmanlike lines that win Rookie of the Year votes; Houston’s depth may vault them into true title talk; and San Antonio’s Wembanyama could be a household MVP name if the Spurs overperform. The weeks after opener will tell which flashes are prophecy and which are smoke. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 45%.”)
Oct 17
Jaylen Brown: Mavericks' Luka-to-Lakers "Worst Trade Ever"
Merlin sees the league flinch: NBA players were visibly stunned when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers, a reaction captured in Netflix’s Starting 5 trailer where Jaylen Brown called it, “That might be, like, one of the worst trades of all time.” The docuseries also follows Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, Tyrese Haliburton and James Harden — a season that ended with Haliburton tearing his Achilles in Game 7 — giving the moment wider context and making players’ reactions part of the public record. Merlin senses this is more than hot takes for a streaming show. When peers openly question a blockbuster, narratives harden: front offices’ decisions, team chemistry and legacies get rejudged. Expect long debates, film-room autopsies and a lasting stain or redemption arc depending on on-court results. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this trade will be remembered as one of the worst in NBA history: 65%.
Oct 17
Lakers: Keep Austin Reaves — Say No to Kessler
Talk is swirling that the Lakers will again pursue Jazz center Walker Kessler, but the reported price — "part ways with Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks" — makes the move messy. That matters because Reaves is now a proven 20‑point playmaker, declined an extension and is expected to command $35–$40M on the open market, so any decision shapes L.A.’s window with LeBron and Luka and the club’s long-term roster balance. Merlin sees the chessboard clearly: trading Reaves for a role big like Kessler weakens the Lakers’ wing play and chemistry unless a true superstar is offered in return. L.A. has cap room and should try to keep its homegrown glue — Reaves’ line, "I want to be in L.A.," matters — but the oracle warns of a pricey standoff if negotiations falter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Austin Reaves is still a Laker next season: 60%.
Oct 17
Kevin Durant Nears 2-Year Rockets Extension
Kevin Durant is expected to sign a two-year extension with the Houston Rockets, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting the team and Durant’s representation are in "constant communication" and there is "optimism about a deal getting done before the start of the regular season." That matters because Houston is in win-now mode after the trade and wants Durant’s scoring and leadership locked in beyond a single season before play begins Oct. 21. Merlin sees the chessboard: Houston also wants clarity on the books — Jake Fischer said the club "would relish knowing exactly how the books look with an extended Eason" before finalizing Durant, though Durant signing first would be "no real issue." At 37 but still a 26.6 PPG All‑Star, Durant brings late-game scoring and veteran steadiness that could widen the Rockets’ championship window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant signing a 2-year extension with the Rockets before Oct. 21: 75%.
Oct 17
Jonathan Kuminga Skips Warriors Minicamp, Contract Standoff Deepens
Jonathan Kuminga was the lone absence from a Warriors-organized workout in San Diego, Shams Charania reports — a visible sign of the unresolved standoff between the restricted free agent and Golden State. The hold-up centers on a team option in the Warriors’ three-year, $75.2 million offer (only $48.3M fully guaranteed); the best fully guaranteed offer is $54M, while the qualifying offer pays $7.9M and would allow Kuminga to reach unrestricted free agency next summer. As agent Aaron Turner put it, “There’s a lot of upside.” Merlin sees a classic ledger-versus-leverage dilemma. Kuminga risks disrupting preparation and opening the door to injury, while the Warriors weigh cost control against roster clarity. This tug will likely stretch to the Oct. 1 deadline as both sides test patience — familiar magic in the modern NBA. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga signing a Warriors deal before Oct. 1: 40%.
Oct 17
Giannis Antetokounmpo 'Locked In' With Bucks — For Now
Reports that the Knicks and Bucks discussed a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo surfaced, but Giannis pushed back, saying he’s “locked in” with Milwaukee for now while acknowledging he could change his mind months down the road. The talks reportedly “never got traction,” with the Bucks reluctant to move their star — a key detail because Giannis’ commitment directly shapes Milwaukee’s championship window. Merlin sees a wary calm. The Bucks added Myles Turner and still live in a softer Eastern Conference, which gives Giannis reasons to stay, yet three straight first-round exits and a less-than-championship roster keep tension simmering. If the season starts poorly, those embers could warm into real movement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 17
Jonathan Kuminga Ends Standoff, Signs 2-Year $48.5M with Warriors
The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga ended their standoff with a two‑year, $48.5 million deal that includes "a team option designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer." Kuminga turned down a longer $75 million offer to keep "a higher level of control over his immediate future," and the agreement finally lets Golden State sign the rest of its offseason additions and move past the holdout that saw him miss media day and the first day of camp. Merlin sees a young talent buying leverage. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points in the regular season and exploded in the playoffs when Curry was hurt — enough to make him both a core piece and a tempting trade chip. This short, flexible pact gives Golden State breathing room and Kuminga the runway to chase a bigger payday or a clearer role next summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga requests a trade next season: 35%.
Oct 17
Adrian Wojnarowski's YouTube Series Funds St. Bonaventure NIL
Adrian Wojnarowski is launching a weekly YouTube show, "The Program with Woj," to interview "big-name team builders" and funnel proceeds to the St. Bonaventure NIL fund. Merlin notes the move matters because Woj—who left ESPN last fall to become the Bonnies’ first-ever GM—uses his access and voice to directly monetize attention for a mid-major that struggles with NIL dollars. As Woj said, "I'm learning a lot in this GM role" and "My financial motivation with 'The Program' is simply to raise revenue to be distributed directly back to our players on campus." Merlin senses practicality and showmanship in equal measure. This is another creative lever—after memorabilia auctions and a Players Health deal—to get "high-major players for mid-major money." It can speed recruiting and donor interest, though a betting-app sponsor may complicate optics. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Woj’s series meaningfully boosts St. Bonaventure’s NIL funding this year: 60%.
Oct 17
Rockets Prioritize Tari Eason Extension Before Kevin Durant
The Rockets want to lock down role pieces before finalizing Kevin Durant’s expected two-year, over-38 extension. Jake Fischer reports Houston "would prefer to secure an extension with Tari Eason" so they "would relish knowing exactly how the books look with an extended Eason." Jabari Smith Jr.’s five-year, $122M deal likely pushes Eason’s price below Smith’s $24.4M AAV; Eason, coming off 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting 34.2% from three, is a restricted free agent whose contract shapes spacing around Durant. Merlin sees method in the maneuvering: prioritizing Eason is about roster balance as much as bookkeeping. A sensible Eason deal—perhaps with a Year 4 player option like Şengün and Green—keeps Houston flexible while Durant pursues a title. But if Eason tests the market, the Rockets may face a delicate choice between cap certainty and chemistry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Rockets sign Eason before Durant signs his extension: 70%.
Oct 17
Walker Kessler, Jazz Extension Hits Timeout
The Jazz and Walker Kessler aren't expected to reach a rookie-scale extension, Tony Jones reports. Utah still "highly value Kessler and see him as a cornerstone to the future," but after "multiple meetings" the sides remain far apart. The 24-year-old will make $4.9M in the final rookie year before restricted free agency in 2026 — notable because Kessler is an elite rim protector (2.4 bpg) coming off 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 66.3% shooting and a league-leading 4.6 offensive boards. Merlin sees Utah weighing cap flexibility against locking a young anchor. Waiting preserves control and a potential cheaper path via RFA, but it also risks a much larger payday if Kessler takes another leap. The Oct. 20 deadline hangs like a spell ready to break the stalemate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kessler signing an extension before Oct. 20: 20%.
Oct 17
Nuggets Consider $25M Rookie Extension for Braun
Merlin sees the Nuggets and guard Christian Braun negotiating a rookie extension, with "the low end" of his range pegged "around $25 million per year." That matters because Denver can only finalize one 2022 rookie-scale extension by Oct. 20 and sits roughly $400,000 over the luxury tax line, creating a "tricky luxury tax situation" that could leave Peyton Watson without a new deal. Braun broke out as a starter last season (15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 35.3% 3PT) and would jump into Denver’s upper pay tier if the team meets his ask — a hint they might expect him to become Nikola Jokic’s first All-Star teammate. Merlin senses the front office leans toward rewarding production, but the luxury-tax arithmetic will shape whether they keep roster depth or open the purse. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Braun signs an extension by Oct. 20: 70%.
Oct 17
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Clock Ticks for Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga avoided the one-year qualifying offer and signed a two-year, $46.8M deal with Golden State that includes a team option and a 15% trade kicker — but the peace is fragile. As Jake Fischer reports, "The mounting expectation ... is that the Warriors will make Kuminga available in the trade market once he becomes eligible to be dealt on Jan. 15," a move that matters because Kuminga’s $22.5M salary and young upside give Golden State real currency to fix roster holes before the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin sees a tense courtship turned bargaining table. Golden State and Kuminga’s camp strained after long talks, and prior sign-and-trade chatter with Sacramento shows real market interest. If Kuminga can’t carve a steady role under Steve Kerr, his name will follow trade winds — and the team option makes flipping him easier next summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded by Feb. 5: 60%.
Oct 17
Kuminga, Grimes, Simmons, Westbrook: Why Still Unsigned?
Training camp opens and five notable names remain unsigned: Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Grimes (both restricted), Ben Simmons, Malik Beasley and Russell Westbrook. The hold-ups are practical — Kuminga and Grimes are tied to qualifying offers and teams wrestling with luxury-tax/apron math and trade-right quirks; Simmons is dented by fit and reputation; Beasley is clouded by a gambling probe (his lawyers say he is “no longer a target of the investigation”); Westbrook’s size, shot and role fit make teams cautious. These absences matter because they stall roster construction and could change trade or signing plans across the league. Merlin sees a market patient as a pond at dawn: the restricted pair likely get deals once clubs sort apron limits, Beasley needs clearance to spark playoff interest, and Simmons/Westbrook become late-season depth plays as injuries and roster moves open doors. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga signs a multi-year deal with Golden State before Oct. 1: 75%.
Oct 17
Jonathan Kuminga Ditches 00 for No. 1 with Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga is back with the Warriors and will switch his jersey from No. 00 to No. 1, Anthony Slater reported after his first preseason practice. More consequential: he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal with "a team option designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer," per Shams Charania — a choice over a three-year, $75 million offer that keeps more control over his near future. That matters because Golden State could still trade him, and his role on a veteran-heavy roster is far from settled. Merlin sees a 22-year-old with clear upside who must sharpen one tool above all: outside shooting (30.5% from three last season). The number change is a small rebirth — a visual reset for a player on a short leash. If Kuminga can space the floor and bring steady defense, he becomes indispensable; if not, his contract design makes moving him likely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 40%.
Oct 17