NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Nov 24, 2025
Bulls Eye Anthony Davis Trade With Mavericks
Merlin sees a tidy trade pitch: Chicago would take on Anthony Davis while Dallas gets Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, a 2028 first (top-four protected) and a 2029 first-round swap. It matters because Davis, "the guy we got for Luka Dončić," would supply the Bulls a lob threat and defensive anchor to protect young wings like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis — but only "If Davis is healthy*" — "This is a major uncertainty—so large it might not fit inside Lake Michigan." Merlin smells strategy: Dallas clears salary, leans into Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II, and chases cheap upside and draft equity; Chicago pays short-term payroll for a potential stopgap that doesn't mortage the future. This is not a sure thing — it’s a high-reward, high-risk nudge for both clubs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the trade happening this season: 30%.
Ayton's Knee Contusion Stuns Lakers in Win
Deandre Ayton exited Sunday’s 108-106 win over the Jazz with a right knee contusion in the second quarter after a collision with rookie Ace Bailey and did not return. Jaxson Hayes finished the game at center while Maxi Kleber took on a larger role; Ayton had two points, two rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes. Merlin notes this matters because Ayton, 27, is the Lakers’ major offseason acquisition and is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in his first season in Los Angeles. With the club 12-4 but already juggling injuries, a short absence would test depth and rotations — yet a contusion often heals quickly, so caution, not panic, is the wisest path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ayton misses the Lakers’ next game: 30%.
Nov 24
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Stafford MVP Buzz: Rams Rout Buccaneers 34-7
Merlin sees Matthew Stafford drawing genuine MVP buzz after outdueling Baker Mayfield in a 34–7 Rams win. He threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns (25-of-35), finding Davante Adams twice and Colby Parkinson once. The victory pushed L.A. to 9-2 on a six-game streak and kept them atop the NFC West; fans even flooded social media with "MVP" chants. Mayfield left injured after a Hail Mary before halftime — he was 9-of-19 for 41 yards, one TD and two interceptions — and Tampa Bay has slipped into a tie with Carolina during a three-game skid. This matters because the Rams scored on four first-half drives and added a defensive pick-six, showing championship-level control when clicking. Merlin senses Stafford’s late-career revival is more than a hot night: if his health and protection hold, Los Angeles becomes a dangerous title favorite. The trip to Carolina next week will be a clearer test of whether this surge is sustainable. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Matthew Stafford winning MVP this season: 20%.
Nov 24
Warriors' Kuminga Out Indefinitely with Patellar Tendinitis
Golden State's rising wing Jonathan Kuminga is out with bilateral patellar tendinitis and, as coach Steve Kerr admitted, is "not moving well" and the team has "no idea when he's gonna play." What began as a minor scare has kept him out since Nov. 12, missing a sixth straight game as Kerr said the issue is "worse than what we thought." Kuminga was averaging 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds and had just returned to the starting lineup, so his absence — alongside Al Horford's sciatica and Draymond Green's foot question — leaves the Warriors shorthanded during a rough stretch. Merlin sees a delicate injury that rewards patience over haste. The club may need imaging and steady ramp-up work; rushing Kuminga risks chronic knee trouble. This season's momentum can wobble without his athletic burst, so the Warriors must protect the asset and reset the rotation while he heals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga will miss at least two more weeks: 70%.
Nov 23
Jazz Insist on Thompson for Markkanen — Pistons Won't Budge
Merlin sees a quiet chess match: Jake Fischer reports the Utah Jazz "would almost certainly want" 22-year-old Ausar Thompson in any trade for 2022–23 All-Star Lauri Markkanen, but Detroit "isn't itching to make a big midseason move." Markkanen (29.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 38.8% 3PT) has been called an "ideal player" for the Pistons, yet the Jazz — 5–10 — could cash in only if they stay mired in the West. Merlin notes the timelines clash. Detroit holds Thompson through 2027 with matching rights and sees no urgency; Utah still covets younger pieces and once weighed moving up for Thompson. With multiple Pistons projected to hit big contracts soon, a summer consolidation trade feels likelier than an immediate swap — patience, not panic, governs this tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lauri Markkanen being traded this season: 25%.
Nov 23
LaMelo Ball Trade: Hornets Not Shopping Before Deadline
Merlin sees that, despite LaMelo Ball being one of the more tantalizing trade assets, teams are holding back — sources told Jake Fischer it's "way too soon" to evaluate his market. Charlotte isn't aggressively shopping him, and Ball pushed back on trade rumors, saying, "I love being here. I ain't saying nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it." The Hornets’ slow start and Ball’s health history complicate any deal. Durability is the true spellbreaker: Ball has played fewer than 47 games in each of the last three seasons and "durability questions resonate the loudest leaguewide." Merlin notes teams won't meet Charlotte's asking price until Ball shows sustained availability, production and some winning; his shot selection also gives suitors pause, so patience favors the Hornets for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo Ball being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 20%.
Nov 23
Sacramento Kings Open For Business — Murray, Clifford Untouchable
Merlin sees Sacramento is "open for business" before the February deadline — willing to listen on most players except Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, who "both will be off the table in upcoming trade talks." Veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis could be shopped, though the Kings are unlikely to net a huge haul. Keon Ellis, described as holding "the most immediate trade value," stands out as a likely movable piece. Merlin notes the why: the Kings are 4-13 and drifting toward a long rebuild, so draft compensation matters more than short-term wins. Salary and fit make Sabonis hard to sell — "It's tough to pay a center that much..." — and LaVine’s tradeability hinges on his contract choices. Expect Sacramento to trade role pieces for picks and young assets as they try to speed their return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Keon Ellis is traded before the deadline: 65%.
Nov 23
Knicks Eye Anthony Davis to Boost Title Bid
Merlin sees New York, 9-6 and still hungry, quietly prepping for a bigger push: SNY’s Ian Begley reports the Knicks “would at least check in with [the Dallas Mavericks] if/when Anthony Davis becomes available,” because they “want to win a title this season.” Davis has played just five games this year and battled injuries, but when healthy he’s a two-way difference maker who would vault Jalen Brunson and Karl‑Anthony Towns into bona fide favorites. Merlin notes the market will roar to life in the next few weeks — Begley says the trade market “will materialize in earnest” — and Dallas will attract calls from many suitors. The wrinkle is health and cost: New York could pounce only if Dallas prices Davis below market, otherwise chemistry and cap math become a different kind of magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks acquire Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 18%.
Nov 23
JJ Redick Rooting Against Chris Paul, Clippers
Merlin sees JJ Redick openly hoping Chris Paul never caps his career with a title — "I hope he doesn't win an NBA championship because that would mean the Clippers win an NBA championship." Paul is reportedly planning to retire after 2025-26, and the Clippers’ 5-11 start, an aged roster, and Bradley Beal’s season-ending hip injury make a parade unlikely. Kawhi Leonard’s expected return helps, but it won’t erase the team’s structural problems or the shrinking window for a veteran point guard. Merlin knows legacy is a stubborn thing: a ring would complete Paul’s résumé, and Redick’s joke is really Lakers pride dressing up as banter. If Paul is determined, a change of scenery might be his best path; age and injuries, however, mean any late-career rescue would be an unlikely fairy tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul winning an NBA championship before retiring: 20%.
Nov 23
Time to Trade LaMelo Ball? Hornets' Future Awaits
Merlin sees LaMelo Ball is reportedly open to a trade, per Kelly Iko — a report Ball has pushed back on — but the possibility matters. He’s still the Hornets’ centerpiece since 2020 and is averaging 21.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and a career-high 9.3 assists through 10 games. Yet he’s never completed a full season and there are “whispers about his on-court comportment.” Meanwhile Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and rookies Kon Knueppel (18.8 ppg) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (~10 pts, 6.9 reb) have formed a promising nucleus. Merlin senses Charlotte at a crossroads: keep an elite but risky star or convert him into draft capital to accelerate a youth-led rebuild. The stumbling block is Ball’s roughly $130M contract and finding a willing partner. If the Hornets can extract a significant haul, the future may favor development over spectacle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Charlotte trading LaMelo this season: 30%.
Nov 23
Vucevic Blasts Bulls' 'Soft' Defense After Wizards Win
Chicago eked out a 121-120 win over the Wizards, but Nikola Vučević scolded the locker room afterward — "For three quarters or whatever, we were very soft," and "We just didn't play up to NBA standards." The Bulls surrendered 41 points in the first quarter to a 1-15 team, exposing a defense that ranks 20th (116.6). Vučević's 28 points and 12 rebounds kept Chicago afloat; they're 9-7 but fragile when effort slips. Merlin sees a veteran center wearing the conscience of this team. Vučević can swing games with offense and leadership, and his frustration hints at a coachable group: defense is a habit, not luck. If the Bulls convert that ire into attention to detail—rotations, communication, rebounding—they become a real Eastern threat. The season still bends toward those who defend. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chicago making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Nov 23
Klay Thompson Fires Back at Ja Morant Trash Talk
After Memphis’ 102-96 win, Ja Morant — sitting in street clothes — taunted Klay Thompson on a local broadcast: "Tell 'em who the best shooter in the house was. It wasn't bro from Golden State." Thompson shot back in the locker room, calling Morant a "funny guy" who "rarely takes accountability" and saying the jab "offered nothing of intelligent depth." The spat matters because it highlights lingering bad blood, Morant’s rocky form (17.9 points on 35.9% shooting) and the optics of a star out of the game trash-talking. Merlin sees a verbal knockout landed by experience over frustration. With Morant battling injuries and consistency and Thompson carrying championship credibility, this rivalry is more bark than bite now — but it can flare. Circle Feb. 27. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a heated on-court confrontation on Feb. 27: 25%.
Nov 23
Cooper Flagg Flounders: Mavericks Fall to Ja-less Grizzlies
Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks dropped a 102-96 home loss to the Grizzlies, slipping to 5-13. Memphis played without Ja Morant, but Santi Aldama (20 points) and Zach Edey (12 and 15 rebounds) stepped up while “Flagg shot just 4-of-15,” finishing with 12 points and seven boards. Klay Thompson’s 22 off the bench (6-of-12 from deep) and a late defensive breakdown — plus Edey’s block on a potential game-winner — sealed Dallas’ fate. Merlin sees a young Mavs team fraying at the edges: offense sputters when Flagg can’t find a rhythm and defensive lapses cost late. This road trip to Miami will tell whether Flagg calms under pressure or the Mavericks spiral further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas wins at Miami on Monday: 20%.
Nov 23
Mavericks Thrust Rookie Cooper Flagg Into Starting Point Guard
Merlin sees the Mavericks are handing rookie Cooper Flagg the keys to the offense immediately — “There’s no easing in, there’s no dipping his toe in the water,” as ESPN’s Tim MacMahon put it. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Dallas plans to list Flagg at point guard and likely start him alongside Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, bringing D’Angelo Russell off the bench. The move is born of necessity: the lineup promises length and defense, but it only works if Flagg can make plays. Merlin notes Jason Kidd’s confidence — “I thought he could do those things” — and remembers Flagg’s 4.2 assists per game at Duke. It’s a bold baptism by fire: high upside as a scorer, facilitator and disruptor on defense, but a steep learning curve against NBA bodies. His first real test is Wednesday against Victor Wembanyama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg starts and averages 25+ minutes in the opening month: 90%.
Nov 22
Rockets' $100M+ Extension Offer to Tari Eason Falls Through
Merlin sees the Rockets put real money on the table for Tari Eason — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Houston “made Eason a strong offer” that “was in excess of $100 million,” but the two sides didn’t agree before the season. That matters because Eason just turned in a breakout year (roughly 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals off the bench) and will be a restricted free agent, meaning Houston can still match any offer and clearly values his upside. Merlin senses a calculated gamble: Houston signaled they view Eason as a building block but preserved flexibility by letting RFA rules do the heavy lifting. This season is Eason’s real audition — prove he can slide into a larger role or stay a high-impact glue piece, and the Rockets will likely press to keep him; otherwise the market may force a choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston matching a max-ish offer for Eason this offseason: 65%.
Nov 22
James Harden's 55-Point Explosion Sets Clippers Record
James Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points, leading the Clippers to a 131-116 win in Charlotte. He scored 27 in the first quarter, hit 10-of-16 threes, shot 17-of-26 overall, made 11-of-14 free throws and added seven assists. The effort is his 25th career 50-point game — tying Kobe Bryant for third-most all time — and matches the season high alongside Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Merlin sees a seasoned scorer reminding the league he still has alchemy in his hands; Harden, who said "basketball is life," was humble about the result. This performance injects hope into a 5-11 start, but one dazzling night won’t fix roster gaps or defensive woes — the Clippers need consistency around their comet if this becomes a true turnaround. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 22
Jimmy Butler Blasts Warriors' Defense After Blazers Loss
Jimmy Butler’s blunt verdict after a 127-123 loss to Portland — “we’re not guarding nobody” — captured a worrying truth: Golden State’s defense has become erratic. Friday was the ninth time in 18 games the Warriors allowed 120+ points (they allowed 16 all of last season). With Jrue Holiday sidelined, Portland’s size and scorers (Donovan Clingan 22/10, Caleb Love 26 on 6-of-14 threes, Deni Avdija 26/13) exposed gaps. The team still sits 10th in defensive rating but ranks just 23rd offensively, so defensive lapses carry extra weight. Merlin sees a fragile balance. This roster leans on Butler and Curry to hold the fort; when rotation size and disciplined effort vanish, opponents feast. If Golden State wants postseason hope, habit — not flashes — must return on that end. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Warriors returning to elite defensive form this month: 35%.
Nov 22
Netflix to Film 'Definitive' Kevin Durant Docuseries
Netflix is filming "the definitive documentary series chronicling" Kevin Durant’s career, with cameras rolling from before 2023-24 through 2025-26 and beyond. It matters because Durant’s story—from AP Player of the Year at Texas to the Sonics/Thunder, the controversial move to Golden State, championships and an Achilles injury, public clashes and superteam experiments in Brooklyn and Phoenix, to his current role in Houston—is one of the most complex chapters in NBA history. Merlin sees a pattern of triumph, controversy and reinvention. The series should capture championship highs, the Achilles comeback, Durant’s social-media battles and quieter moments off the court, probing the choices that shaped how fans remember him — and it will arrive while he’s still adding to the story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the series becomes a cultural must-watch and meaningfully reshapes Durant’s legacy: 80%.
Nov 22
Dillon Brooks Roasts Julius Randle After Suns Win
Dillon Brooks jabbed at Julius Randle after Phoenix’s 114-113 win, saying “They were talking too early and I love that,” and pointing to Randle’s two costly turnovers in the final 25 seconds and a missed potential game-winner. Brooks led the Suns with 22 points and is averaging a career-best 21.0 PPG pace, while Minnesota’s Randle still posts strong numbers (24.7/7.3/5.8) despite five turnovers in the game. The Suns sit 10-6, level with the Timberwolves, so this mattered for standings and confidence. Merlin sees more than heat-of-the-moment trash talk — he sees a budding rivalry. Brooks’ newfound scoring and Phoenix’s chemistry after the Durant trade make the Suns a dangerous match for a veteran Timberwolves group that’s prone to late-game lapses. The Dec. 8 rematch could be a playoff-like preview. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Suns and Timberwolves meeting in the playoffs this season: 30%.
Nov 22
LeBron Salutes Chris Paul on Instagram Amid Retirement Rumors
LeBron James quietly saluted Chris Paul on Instagram as reports from Shams Charania say the 2025‑26 season is expected to be Paul’s 21st — and likely his last. Paul himself hinted at an ending in a social post. It matters because Paul finishes a rare floor‑general career: 12 All‑Star nods, five scoring leads? (wait) — no, stick to article: led NBA in steals six times, assists five times, 11‑time All‑NBA, nine‑time All‑Defensive, Rookie of the Year, part of the 75th Anniversary Team, career averages of 16.9 points and 9.2 assists. A Hall of Fame induction now looks inevitable. Merlin sees the closing of a chapter more than a final box score. Paul’s craft, leadership and clutch instincts reshaped teams and teammates; LeBron’s salute is a public bow from a longtime ally. Expect warm tributes, a mentor role if he returns, and ceremonies that honor a modern master of the point guard art. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul retires after 2025‑26: 85%.
Nov 22
Chris Paul Hints Retirement, Clippers Farewell Season
Chris Paul signaled he'll retire after 21 seasons, posting "GRATEFUL for this last one!!" before the Clippers' trip to Charlotte — his home state — and ESPN's Shams Charania reported Paul intends to retire at season's end. He returned on a one-year deal chasing a title but is averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists as the Clippers sit 4-11. Paul leaves as a 12-time All-Star who ranks second all-time in assists and steals and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Merlin sees a career closing like a carefully written spell: a floor general, mentor, and craftsman whose influence stretched across New Orleans, L.A., Houston, Phoenix and beyond. Even if the final chapter is quieter on the stat sheet, Paul's leadership and longevity will echo in young guards and front offices for years. Expect a heartfelt league-wide farewell and rapid Hall of Fame nod. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul retires after this season: 95%.
Nov 22
Bronny James Shines in South Bay G League Debut
Merlin sees Bronny James opened the 2025-26 G League season with South Bay, pouring in 15 points (5‑of‑10, 2‑of‑5 3PT) with a team‑high eight assists, four rebounds and three steals in a 115‑95 win over Santa Cruz. The performance matters because he was just reassigned after limited NBA minutes (2.1 PPG in 11.1 MPG) — this is a clear audition to regain rhythm and push for more playing time with the Lakers. Merlin notes the lines echo last year’s South Bay form (21.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.3 APG) and that his playmaking and defense stood out in a 33‑16 third quarter that closed the game. With a crowded Lakers backcourt and rookie Adou Thiero also making noise, Bronny needs consistent, high‑level showings in the G League to force a real look in L.A. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bronny earning 15+ NBA minutes in a regular-season game this year: 25%.
Nov 22
Flagg's 29 Tops Zion, Mavs Edge Pelicans
Merlin sees Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks notch a 118-114 NBA Cup win over Zion Williamson’s Pelicans. Flagg, the No. 1 pick, poured in a career-high 29 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals; No. 13 pick Derik Queen finished with 20-7-11. Dallas moved to 5-12 overall and grabbed its first Cup victory (1-2 in group play), while New Orleans fell to 2-14 and an eight-game skid. The Pelicans led 63-49 at halftime, but a late Flagg basket after a steal, a Naji Marshall three and a P.J. Washington block decided the game; Anthony Davis remained out. Merlin knows this matters beyond one box score: Flagg is flashing scoring, playmaking and clutch instincts that merit attention, while Queen and Zion can’t carry a thin Pelicans roster alone. Dallas still needs consistency, but tonight’s finish suggests the rookie’s star path is real — and the rookie-of-the-year debate between former Montverde teammates just got louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg finishes as Rookie of the Year: 35%.
Nov 22
DeMar DeRozan: Kings in 's--tty place' amid 3-13 slide
DeMar DeRozan admitted the Kings are in a “s--tty” place after a 3-13 start and an eighth straight loss, a 137-96 blowout by Memphis. He warned, “Don't nobody want to lose the way we've been losing,” while Sacramento also learned Domantas Sabonis will miss at least a month with a partial meniscus tear. With DeRozan and Zach LaVine combining for nearly half the cap and a minus-21.6 net rating when they share the floor, the urgency is real. Merlin sees a team stuck between talent and turmoil. Without Sabonis, the burden on DeRozan and LaVine grows — they must lift offense and defense or the slide deepens. Coaching, bench scoring and quick chemistry fixes will decide if this season heals or unravels further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Kings making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 21
Stephen Curry Sneaker Free Agency: Jordan, Li-Ning, Nike?
Merlin sees Stephen Curry enter sneaker free agency after a 12-year partnership with Under Armour ended. He’s been spotted in the "Oregon" Air Jordan 3 PE, the "Mambacita" Nike Kobe 6 and Li‑Ning JB 4s, and — per Front Office Sports — he "can wear any shoe brand he wants"; reports say Nike is among the suitors. This matters because Curry, still averaging 27.9 points, 4.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals, remains a cultural and commercial force whose choice will reshape the sneaker market. Merlin senses Nike as the likeliest suitor given Curry’s past with the brand, but the oracle expects creative outcomes: short-term multi-brand runs, signature capsules, or equity-rich contracts that trade cash for legacy. At 37 and playing at an MVP-caliber level, Curry can pick the platform that best extends his on-court myth and off-court influence — watch for a reveal timed to a big moment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry signing with Nike this season: 65%.
Nov 21