NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 14, 2025
Lakers’ Rebound Cure: Domantas Sabonis?
The Lakers have been one of the West’s best early this season even with LeBron sidelined by sciatica, but a 29-point loss to the Thunder revealed clear weaknesses. Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis — 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists — is drawing trade interest. As Sam Amick said, “there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand.” He would bring floor spacing and the rebounding boost L.A. badly needs. Merlin sees a practical upgrade: Sabonis’s feel and boards could mask the Lakers’ third-worst rebounding (40.3) and allow two-big lineups alongside Deandre Ayton (15.5/7.5). Salary constraints and Austin Reaves’ impending extension make a deal tricky, and Sabonis’s rim protection and dip in scoring this year are caveats — but he could tilt the balance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading for Sabonis before the deadline: 25%.
Domantas Sabonis On Kings' Trade Block?
Domantas Sabonis is drawing real trade interest around the league, with The Athletic’s Sam Amick saying, "As it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, 'Yeah, he's somebody we'd want to talk about.'" Sacramento’s 3–9 start, sagging Sabonis numbers and the club’s whispers of a rebuild make him their top movable piece — a veteran under contract through 2027–28 who could fetch a sizable return. Merlin senses a crossroads: Sabonis is a do-it-all big likened to Nikola Jokić in style, and trading him could kick-start a true retool while maximizing value. With LaVine and DeRozan also on the market radar, Sacramento must weigh patience against the chance to reset now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Domantas Sabonis being traded before the 2025-26 trade deadline: 45%.
Nov 14
Mavericks Rebuild Around Cooper Flagg — Trade Davis, Irving
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward a teardown: an Eastern Conference exec told ESPN the Mavs should "absolutely" look to deal both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving before the Feb. 5 deadline. At 3–9, last in points per game and 29th in offensive rating, Dallas lacks draft capital and must pivot to developing rookie Cooper Flagg. Davis (32) and Irving (33) carry huge, injury-tinged contracts that clash with a long-term rebuild timetable. Merlin notes the nuance: the duo has barely played together (one game) and Irving is still rehabbing, so keeping them isn’t indefensible. Still, with only a 2026 first-rounder until 2031 and pricey player options looming, the Mavericks should prioritize future assets and young pieces over short-term star fits as they reset around Flagg. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading at least one of Davis or Irving before Feb. 5: 65%.
Nov 14
Pacers Target Pelicans' Jose Alvarado After Haliburton Injury
Merlin sees Indiana casting about for point guard help with Tyrese Haliburton lost for the season. The team, 1-10 with a 29th-ranked offense, has reportedly kept Jose Alvarado "on its radar throughout his early stretch of the season." Alvarado wouldn’t replace Haliburton’s creation, but he could bring bench energy, perimeter defense and a needed spark behind starter Andrew Nembhard. Merlin notes the Pelicans are 2-9 and could be open to moves, and Alvarado’s 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a steal per game fit the defensive, high-motor profile Indiana needs. This smells like a short-term patch — useful, but not a cure. If the Pacers are patient, this could buy time for a more decisive roster answer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pacers acquiring Jose Alvarado this month: 40%.
Nov 13
Cousins Floats Anthony Davis-to-Warriors Trade
Merlin sees a spicy rumor: former star DeMarcus Cousins wrote “Ad to the warriors would be interesting” after The Athletic reported Anthony Davis “finds himself at the center of league-wide speculation” following the Mavericks’ firing of GM Nico Harrison. Dallas is 3-9, hurt by injuries, and Davis still averages 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds while carrying $54.1M this year and $58.5M next — the kind of contract that makes any trade complicated but newsworthy. Merlin senses both opportunity and obstacles: Golden State at 7-6 could use frontcourt help, but Davis’ massive salary and roster fit mean a deal would likely need multiteam creativity. With Dallas in flux and trade chatter growing, expect noise and exploratory calls rather than a quick, clean swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis landing in Golden State before the trade deadline: 10%.
Nov 13
Chris Finch Shades JJ Redick’s Lakers Hire
Merlin sees the league whispering about JJ Redick — a podcaster turned first-time NBA head coach who nevertheless guided the Lakers to a 50-32 finish and a playoff berth. Critics like Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sneered that podcasting, "it'll qualify you to coach the Lakers," yet Redick still led Los Angeles into the postseason and now has the team off to an 8-4 start. Merlin notes the tale is one of risk and optics: the Lakers bet on a fresh voice and got short-term gains, but a first-round loss to Finch's Wolves left doubters. If Redick sharpens in-game adjustments and earns the respect of veterans and peers, the skepticism will fade. If not, the league will remind him that regular-season wins are easy to dazzle with — playoff proof is the harder magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Redick remains the Lakers’ head coach through next season: 70%.
Nov 13
Cavs Gamble With Mitchell-Mobley Core, Embrace Second Apron
Merlin sees the Cavs sitting stubbornly above the NBA’s second apron but refusing to let that cap figure shrink their timeline. League sources told Fred Katz, "The Cavs aren't working under any type of mandate. There is no demand that they must win a title or make the Finals to justify the long-term price tag." Cleveland is prepared to keep Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen together and treat next season as part of a longer run aimed at a 2027 peak. This choice matters because the second-apron status reduces roster flexibility; most teams avoid lingering there. Merlin senses confidence from the front office — patience over panic — but also knows scrutiny will grow if the Cavs stumble again. Any changes, he predicts, will be about finding a better mix of stars, not just ducking the apron. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavs keep the core through 2027 if they miss the title this season: 65%.
Nov 13
Doug Christie Erupts After Kings' 133-100 Loss to Hawks
The Kings were flattened by the Hawks, 133-100, slipping to 3-9 and marking a fourth straight double‑digit loss. Head coach Doug Christie blasted the effort as "shameful" and said, "I was embarrassed," after Sacramento was out‑rebounded 45‑35, allowed 33 fast‑break points and shot just 39.1 percent. The public rebuke matters because it exposes a team struggling on the glass, in transition defense and with mounting frustration early in the season. Merlin sees a pattern, not an accident: when fundamentals fail and the coach's patience shows on the bench, locker‑room answers must arrive quickly or the season will drift. Christie’s bluntness can wake a roster or widen a divide — the coming weeks will reveal which. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 28%.
Nov 13
End of an Era: Warriors' Stephen Curry, Under Armour Split
Merlin sees a major split: after more than a decade together, Stephen Curry and Under Armour are parting ways. Under Armour says it will "develop new UA Basketball products and continue to support athletes and programs across every level of the game." The Curry 13s remain scheduled for February 2026 as the final Curry Brand shoe under this partnership, with colorways through October 2026 — a clear bookend for an era in basketball footwear. Merlin senses both risk and opportunity. Curry’s global pull makes this more than a business breakup; it resets the sneaker market and Curry’s own brand path. Buyers will hunt the last UA Curry drops, while brands and Curry weigh next moves — another giant partner, equity stake, or a fully independent label are all on the table. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Stephen Curry signing with Nike within 12 months: 40%.")
Nov 13
Ja Morant, Grizzlies: Frustration, But No Trade Market
Merlin sees a restless Ja Morant but not an imminent breakup. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said, “I have not heard that Morant is available,” and the market backs that up: Morant’s production has fallen off a cliff (18.9 PPG, 35.2% FG, 16.7% 3PT) after injuries and off‑court issues, and executives believe only about seven or eight teams might even be candidates for an upgrade at point guard. That combination of declining interior scoring and limited trade partners makes a move unlikely right now. Merlin senses the tension like a storm on the horizon. Teams are wary of a superstar whose burst and paint scoring have faded, and Memphis would struggle to secure a return matching Morant’s ceiling. This storyline will simmer toward February — improvement or fresh interest could flip the script, but for now the Grizzlies hold the cards. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the February deadline: 20%.
Nov 13
Sixers' Jared McCain Sent to G League for Revival
Merlin sees the Sixers sending Jared McCain to the Delaware Blue Coats so he can "get minutes and continue acclimating" after returning from thumb and knee surgery. McCain, who averaged 15.3 points in a promising rookie year cut short by a torn meniscus, has struggled in three brief NBA appearances (0-for-9 shooting) while adjusting to a "bulky left knee brace," so a G League stint buys game reps and confidence. Merlin wagers this is a wise, low-risk reset: rhythm and confidence come in games, not treatments. If McCain rediscovers his shot and moves comfortably without the brace, he becomes valuable depth behind Tyrese Maxey and alongside VJ Edgecombe. Watch his Blue Coats minutes for real signs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jared McCain reclaims a regular Sixers rotation spot by mid-December: 45%.
Nov 13
Anthony Davis Trade Looms: Mavericks, Bulls in Talks
The future of star big man Anthony Davis in Dallas is suddenly uncertain after the firing of GM Nico Harrison. John Wall said he thinks “AD is probably done with it” and that “you been hearing he wants to go back to Chicago,” while Davis has missed seven games with a calf injury and the Mavs sit 3-9 without Kyrie Irving. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon adds owner Patrick Dumont will “at least” discuss trades, so the club faces a choice that could reshape its near future — and deepen the sting from last season’s big moves. Merlin sees a franchise at a fork: Davis, elite when healthy, is trade bait if Dallas wants reset, but patience could secure better value. Chicago is whispered as a destination; expect quiet talks before any dramatic move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis is traded this season: 60%.
Nov 13
Historic Wembanyama-Castle Triple-Doubles — Spurs Lose to Warriors
Merlin sees a Spurs night of near-magic and near-miss: San Antonio fell 125-120 to Golden State, but Victor Wembanyama (31-15-10) and Stephon Castle (23-10-10) each recorded triple-doubles — a franchise first — while Stephen Curry torched the Spurs for 46. The loss stung, but the result matters because it showed the Spurs’ two-young-star core can already swing games and that San Antonio remains a serious contender at 8-3. Merlin notes the signs of a rising dynasty and the cracks that still need sealing. The Spurs led by 16 before fading, so coaching tweaks and defensive discipline will decide if this duo becomes a title-caliber engine or a thrilling footnote. At Frost Bank Center, adjustments and home energy give San Antonio the edge — but Curry’s brilliance is always a ledger of danger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs winning Friday’s rematch: 60%.
Nov 13
Garland-Mitchell-Mobley Lead Cavs' Early Domination
Merlin sees a tidy early-season audit: Bleacher Report checked every team’s most-used or most-likely starting five through the first three weeks, noting how injuries and load management have forced nonstop shuffling. The piece rates units by net rating and impact—some lineups roar (Cleveland’s Garland–Mitchell–Mobley–Allen–Hunter at +51.1; Brunson–Bridges–Anunoby–Towns–Robinson flashing +58.5) while others (Dallas, Sacramento, Brooklyn) expose roster imbalances and rebounding woes. These first-six-minute combos are already shaping each club’s identity. Merlin warns that small samples and hot/cold streaks can deceive, yet patterns emerge: rim protection and a reliable creator matter most, and teams that fix spacing and rebounding will stop the early bleeding. Expect more tinkering until health and spacing cohere — then truths will stick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cleveland’s Garland–Mitchell–Mobley–Allen–Hunter five remains a top-10 net-rating unit at the All-Star break: 80%.
Nov 13
Luka Dončić Focuses on Lakers, Shrugs at Mavericks Firing
Merlin sees Luka Dončić politely sidestepping the drama: after the Mavericks fired the GM who traded him, Luka said the city and fans “will always have a special place in my heart” and that he’s “focused on the Lakers and trying to move on.” That matters because the trade remains raw in Dallas—“Fire Nico” chants linger—and any public flare-up from Luka could reopen a messy PR chapter for both sides. Merlin senses a careful calculus. High-level players hold grudges, but Luka’s actions will follow trophies more than headlines. If he blossoms in L.A., airing old wounds gains nothing; if the Lakers stumble, curiosity and emotion could pull him toward a sharper reply. For now, Luka prefers the present over the past. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka ever returns to play for the Mavericks during his career: 10%.
Nov 13
Brunson, Brown Must Fix Knicks' Stagnant Offense
Merlin sees the Knicks arrived with the NBA’s best offense, but Wednesday’s loss to Orlando exposed persistent flaws: the unit struggles against elite defenses, plays too slowly (first-chance possessions ~14.54 seconds, 26th), and rarely runs in transition. Karl‑Anthony Towns’ post work has become inefficient (scoring on just 37.5% of those possessions vs 74.2% last year), the Deuce McBride-plus-starters five-out look has barely played, and the backup point‑guard void forces stale lineups. "Easier said than done." Merlin senses the cures are straightforward if daring: push pace, restore Deuce-led five-outs, free Jalen Brunson from late-game overload, lean on Josh Hart bench mobs and test Mikal Bridges as a creator. Short-term losses for system buy-in could pay dividends in April — clinging to comfort will keep defenses one step ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds New York finishes the season top-10 in offensive rating: 30%.
Nov 13
Orlando Magic Maul Knicks at MSG — Wagner Shines
The Knicks stumbled at MSG, falling 124-107 to the Orlando Magic, and coach Mike Brown didn’t soften the blow: “They kicked our ass; it’s as simple as that.” Orlando dominated the glass (49-37), held New York to 30.6% from three and absorbed a limited Paolo Banchero, while Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane filled the stat sheet. Jalen Brunson’s 31 wasn’t enough, and the loss highlights a worrying 0-3 road mark with a five-game road trip looming. Merlin sees a team built for Broadway struggling away from the bright lights. This was less a single bad night than a reminder New York needs more rebounding, interior toughness and scoring beyond Brunson to be a true top-seed threat. Fix those gaps on the road and the Knicks’ ceiling rises quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning at least 2 of their next 5 road games: 45%.
Nov 13
Jalen Brunson in Walking Boot — Knicks Ankle Scare
Merlin sees Jalen Brunson leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot and on crutches after he "rolled his ankle" late in Wednesday’s 124-107 loss to Orlando. Brunson still finished with 31 points in 37 minutes, but the Knicks offered no official report. Given he missed 15 games last season with a right ankle sprain, another setback would be a serious blow to a 7-4 team with title hopes. Merlin notes the likely ripple effects: Miles McBride would be the logical starter, Mikal Bridges would take on more ball-handling, and Karl-Anthony Towns would become the primary offensive hub. New York can survive a short absence, but the ankle history makes this a watchful moment — scans and rest decisions will shape their next steps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Brunson misses multiple games: 40%.
Nov 13
Mavericks Fan Ditches Lakers Luka After Nico Firing
Nicholas Dickason is back in Mavericks blue, wearing a Cooper Flagg jersey and publicly cheering the firing of GM Nico Harrison — “I'm a Mavs fan. And I'm glad Nico's gone.” Dickason said team governor Patrick Dumont told him he “feels horrible for the trade. And wants to make it up to us,” and insiders report “Fire Nico” chants had hurt locker-room morale. The Dončić-for-Davis deal has left Dallas 3-8 while Dončić averages 37.1 PPG for the Lakers. Merlin sees the fan moment as a symbol more than a solution: removing a GM soothes a fanbase but won't fix injuries, roster fit, or trust overnight. Dallas needs concrete moves and steadier culture-building to stop sliding — a courtside jersey can't replace healthier lineups and smarter roster decisions. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 12
Jason Kidd Addresses Nico Harrison Firing, Mavericks Fallout
Merlin sees Dallas move on from GM Nico Harrison after a rocky 3-8 start, with Jason Kidd calling it “a business decision” and urging focus on what the team can control: “The two things that we can control is our energy and effort.” Fans had chanted “Fire Nico” amid the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade, and the Mavericks named Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi co-interim GMs as injuries and roster upheaval pile up. Merlin senses a franchise trying to steady a ship rocked by big decisions and bad luck. Kidd’s multi-year extension buys time, but new temporary leadership must calm the locker room, manage the recovery of injured pieces and define a path without Dončić. This is less a purge than a reset; the next few weeks will show if the Mavericks pivot or drift. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Mark Cuban Denies Return to Mavericks After Doncic Trade
Merlin sees Mark Cuban stepping forward to snuff out rumors after Nico Harrison’s firing: he denied that he and governor Patrick Dumont "have been in frequent dialogue," telling Alex Schiffer, "He didn't get that from me" and "I have no idea who made it up." That matters because Cuban sold control in December and his denial signals the Adelson–Dumont ownership is running basketball decisions while the Mavericks search for a new GM, with Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interims. Merlin remembers that Cuban once expected to keep basketball authority after the roughly $4 billion sale, but his influence waned during the 2024 Finals and he was surprised by the Luka Dončić trade. The new ownership faces a choice: install a traditional GM to steady the ship or let veteran executives steer. Watch hires, public messages, and roster moves for the next chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Mark Cuban reasserting a significant basketball-ops role this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Clippers' Nightmare: Bradley Beal Out After Hip Fracture
Bradley Beal will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season after a hip fracture, with Beal’s camp and Clippers doctors agreeing surgery is needed so he can “have a full and complete recovery,” agents said. Law Murray reported a six- to nine-month recovery window. It’s a massive blow to a 3-7 Clippers team already missing Kawhi Leonard, and to a club that banked on one-year, veteran signings — Beal, Chris Paul and Brook Lopez — to spark a push. Beal’s early returns were underwhelming (8.2 points, 37.5% shooting) and L.A. even posted better on-off splits with him off the floor. Merlin sees the offseason dream wobble into a cautionary tale: veteran promise colliding with fragile bodies. Losing Beal forces James Harden and role players into heavier workloads, pressures the front office to pivot before the trade deadline, and leaves hope hinging on health and quick development from younger pieces. The recovery quote offers solace for next year, but this season’s ceiling just lowered. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Los Angeles Clippers making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 12
Warriors' Title Hopes Wobble: Kuminga & Podziemski
Golden State’s slow start (6-6) has put its championship status in question after losing five of seven, and ESPN’s Anthony Slater points to stalled development from Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski as a key reason. Podziemski’s line (12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) mirrors last year’s output, and his boast that he “wants to be better than him” drew “eyerolls” inside the organization. Kuminga’s scoring is also flat, and veteran Draymond Green warned the group doesn’t feel as locked-in as during last season’s 23-8 run, saying, “Right now, it doesn't feel that way.” Merlin sees a team at a crossroads: experience and Curry’s gravity still matter, but Golden State needs genuine growth from its youth or it will be a one-man orbit with cracks around it. This is early season noise that coaching and leadership can calm — watch effort, consistency, and how Green channels frustration. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors remain true title contenders this season: 20%.
Nov 12
Anthony Davis Trade Looms for Struggling Mavericks
Merlin sees Dallas at a crossroads: with Nico Harrison fired, the Mavericks must decide what to do with the roster he built — and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says governor Patrick Dumont will "at least" hold talks about trading Anthony Davis. The Harrison plan for a defense-first squad hasn’t produced results (16-28 since the Luka trade), and Dallas now needs to prioritize developing Cooper Flagg while wrestling with Davis’s age, injuries and massive contract. Merlin senses the market will be chilly. Davis remains one of the few movable stars, but his $54M+ salary, injury history, limited draft currency and the apron-era rules mean Dallas may have to "take what (they) can get." Expect hard bargains and creative salary swaps as the Feb. 5 deadline nears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 50%.
Nov 12
Mavericks Fire Nico Harrison After Dončić Trade, Cuban Pressure
Merlin sees Dallas move quickly after a rocky 3-8 start: Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont fired GM Nico Harrison, saying "losing" was the driving factor — “Can’t get off to a start like this (after making a trade like that) and survive.” Mark Cuban pushed Dumont, frustrated he was frozen out of the Dončić deal, and growing fan unrest and slipping attendance helped seal Harrison’s fate. Merlin notes this was a high-stakes gamble with a short contention window built around older, oft-injured stars; Kyrie’s ACL and Anthony Davis’ setbacks exposed that plan. This reset shifts power in Dallas and raises a choice: steady rebuild or more aggressive roster surgery. The oracle expects more moves as Dumont looks for a clearer direction. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 30%.
Nov 12