NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 18, 2025
Trae Young, Jokic, Herro: Who Gets Extensions?
"Most of the offseason's biggest fireworks have faded from view." What remains are dozens of extension decisions, and the piece peeks into that crystal ball — projecting who gets new deals and who doesn't. The new CBA's aprons make true max contracts rarer, so the writer forecasts guarded deals for stars (Trae Young ~4 years/$190M, Dyson Daniels ~5/$155M, Jalen Duren ~5/$140M, Tyler Herro ~3/$130M) while tabling or passing on others (Nikola Jokić delaying talks, Kawhi, Zion, Durant, many role players). Merlin sees front offices choosing flexibility over headline splashes. Defensive glue pieces and young two-way wings get rewarded; injury history and roster timing leave veterans in limbo. Small summer moves, preseason form and trades will flip a few projections — fate, as always, waits for the regular season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds fewer than three true max-caliber extensions are signed this offseason: 75%.
Giannis-to-Knicks Trade Talks Collapse, Bucks Wary
Merlin sees a quietly explosive summer: the Knicks and Bucks engaged in a "multi-week process" of trade talks about Giannis Antetokounmpo after reports that "the Knicks were the only team Giannis would entertain getting traded to." Talks stalled because Milwaukee judged New York’s offers weak and "insisted...they preferred not to move" their superstar. Giannis told GM Jon Horst he had "serious questions" about the Bucks’ ability to contend and is expected to "keep his options open," meaning a formal trade request could surface in 2025-26 if results falter. Merlin notes the stakes: Giannis is still an elite force nearing 31, and the Bucks reshaped around him — adding Myles Turner while waiving Damian Lillard — to chase another title. With top rivals hobbled by injuries, the window is muddled; winning, not loyalty, will decide Giannis’s fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Oct 18
Seth Curry Joins Warriors, Chases Ring with Stephen Curry
Merlin sees Seth Curry agreeing to a one-year Exhibit 9 deal with the Golden State Warriors, reuniting him with brother Stephen. This matters because Seth’s proven elite shooting (45.6% from three last season) and veteran savvy can buy the Warriors extra spacing and open looks when defenses hunt Steph — a simple upgrade for a team still in win-now mode. Merlin remembers Seth telling Forbes it was “a dream come true to play for the Hornets” and that “I feel like I have a purpose on this team,” proof the veteran still values fit as much as pay. After stops around the league, he’s a low-risk, high-reward piece: likely a bench shooter if he survives camp, and a veteran presence chasing the ring he lacks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Seth makes Golden State’s regular-season roster and chips in meaningful bench minutes: 65%.
Oct 18
LeBron James' "The Decision 2" Teaser Sparks Lakers Rumors
LeBron James teased "The Decision 2" with a short on-court clip captioned "The decision of all decisions," promising a full release Tuesday at noon. The timing matters: James heads into a 23rd season on an expiring deal, has been held out of early camp for nerve irritation in his glute with plans for "a little bit longer of a ramp-up," and now teams him with Luka Dončić — all while Rob Pelinka says he "would love if LeBron's story is to retire as a Laker." Merlin sees echoes of 2010 but also the wisdom of a veteran who averaged 24.4/8.2/7.8 last year. This teaser is as much about shaping a narrative as it is about a decision; expect clarification of LeBron’s near-term plans — not a sudden trade bombshell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron finishes the 2025-26 season a Laker: 85%.
Oct 18
No PG13: Paul George Out for 76ers' Opener vs Celtics
Merlin hears Paul George won’t suit up for Wednesday’s opener against the Celtics, per Shams Charania: “it is not expected that he will be suiting up for opening night.” Charania added George is “making significant progress after having offseason arthroscopic knee surgery, and a return to debut should be shortly into the regular season.” That absence matters — the 76ers were already hamstrung by injuries last year (Embiid 19 games, Maxey 52, George 41) and missing George to start delays chemistry and puts more early load on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Merlin notes George’s pedigree — nine All-Star nods, six All-NBA, four All-Defense — but also the toll of age and injuries at 35. Last season he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists; if he returns healthy and efficient, Philadelphia gains a true two-way secondary option. If not, the 76ers will test depth and tweak rotations while the calendar buys recovery time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Paul George plays within the first 10 games of the season: 65%.
Oct 18
Trae Young, Tatum, LeBron — Which Teams Will Flop?
Bleacher Report’s annual, gleefully brutal season preview tears through every roster, handing out blunt reasons why teams will underwhelm — bad contracts, shaky health, roster fits, and front-office choices. It’s meant to be fun but it matters: these takes shape early expectations and flag where real-season trouble will likely start. As the piece puts it, "Your Favorite Team's season will not end with a championship banner." Merlin sees the pattern: aging cores, injury-prone stars, and cap moves that prioritize flexibility over commitment are the true hexes on a title chase. A handful of teams still look positioned to threaten, but most will spend the winter juggling fixes, chasing trades, and testing patience. Expect surprises at the trade deadline and a few previews to look very wrong by April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Denver Nuggets repeating as champions this season: 10%.
Oct 18
Warriors Waive Seth Curry — Re-Sign Expected
Golden State waived guard Seth Curry but intends to re-sign him when they "have sufficient financial flexibility," Marc Stein reports. The procedural move keeps the Warriors below the second apron — his current Exhibit 9 camp deal would push them over — and they plan to bring him back the week of Nov. 10 when his prorated salary is lower. Curry, a veteran 3-point marksman (43.3% career; led the league at 45.6% last season), provides cheap bench spacing. Merlin sees a tidy, low-risk chess move. In Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy offense Curry won’t be a focal playmaker but is a surgical threat off the bench who can stretch defenses and alter late-game matchups. It’s roster engineering: keep the core intact while adding elite shooting depth that could decide a few playoff-caliber games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Seth Curry re-signs with Golden State the week of Nov. 10: 90%.
Oct 18
Terry Rozier Heading To Heat Camp Amid Trade, Probe
Terry Rozier — long whispered about as a trade candidate and tied to a federal gambling probe — "is expected to be an active participant in Heat training camp next week" despite Miami reportedly "are seriously considering cutting ties." He’s refused a buyout of his $26.6M salary, there’s little trade interest, and with Tyler Herro sidelined after ankle surgery Rozier "won't be a primary piece" in coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation if he stays. Merlin sees a veteran at a crossroads: once expected to help carry Miami’s offense, Rozier averaged just 10.6 points and fell out of the rotation. The unresolved federal probe and his contract make any move messy. The Heat could keep him as insurance while Herro heals or quietly part ways if a clearer plan emerges. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Terry Rozier being on the Heat’s Opening Night roster: 80%.
Oct 18
Liz Cambage Denies Dating Kevin Durant After Drake Concert
Liz Cambage shut down dating rumors with Kevin Durant after the two were pictured at a Drake concert, telling TMZ Sports, "You think I'm gonna hard launch a relationship shooting a jump shot at a Drake concert?" The Instagram snap sparked chatter, but Cambage—who hasn’t played in the WNBA since 2022 and is currently with Sichuan Yuanda in China—made clear her focus remains on basketball, not publicity. Her WNBA résumé (15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game) still matters to teams and fans alike. Merlin sees a seasoned star guarding her story like a center protects the paint: direct, unbothered, and intent on the next play. Public moments will cause sparks, but Cambage’s path looks professional-first, personal-second — especially while rebuilding overseas after a rocky exit from the Sparks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Liz Cambage dating Kevin Durant this season: 10%.
Oct 18
Giannis Wanted Knicks — Bucks Trade Talks Fizzled
Merlin sees the Knicks quietly explored trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but talks “never got traction,” per Shams Charania. That matters because Giannis — a two‑time MVP — is evaluating his future as Milwaukee falters in the playoffs, and New York was “the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee.” Merlin senses why talks stalled: the Knicks kept their Finals core and added veterans like Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, so they have options without a blockbuster. Still, if New York slips or Giannis presses for a move, conversations could reignite — and Spurs, Hawks and Raptors all present distinct, believable fits depending on what Milwaukee seeks in return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded to the Knicks before the 2026–27 season: 20%.
Oct 18
Bucks Sign Alex Antetokounmpo Two-Way, Form Historic Giannis Trio
The Bucks signed Alex Antetokounmpo to a two-way contract, putting him on the same roster as brothers Giannis and Thanasis — “the first time in NBA history that one team has had three brothers under contract,” per Shams Charania. Alex, 24, played 50 games for the Wisconsin Herd (5.8 points, three rebounds per game); the move is small on-court but significant in signaling the front office’s effort to keep Giannis comfortable after another early playoff exit. Merlin sees this as a quiet charm rather than a roster-altering spell: family ties likely motivated the signing, and Alex will mostly ply his trade in the G League. It won’t cure core roster needs, but small gestures can matter to a superstar weighing his future — useful insurance, not a guarantee. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
Knicks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Bid Fails
Merlin sees the Knicks quietly pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason but fell short — New York “did not make a strong enough offer,” sources say, after Giannis met Bucks GM Jon Horst in Greece to “explore whether there would be an alternative path forward.” That matters because league insiders have long felt “Giannis’ days in Milwaukee…are numbered,” and any move would instantly redraw the championship map and how teams spend their remaining assets. Merlin senses a pause, not an end. The Knicks are hard‑capped and light on draft capital, so even if Manhattan is the only other city Giannis favors, New York may lack the package to close the deal now. Expect teams to tread carefully into the season, eyeing January–February as the real crossroads when Giannis’ leverage and contenders’ urgency collide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 30%.
Oct 18
NBA Preseason: LeBron, Trae, Giannis' Biggest Questions
Preseason is over, but the NBA still brims with questions. From the Hawks’ short-term Porziņģis gamble and Trae Young’s looming decision to Giannis saying, "I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me," to Brooklyn’s glut of young playmakers and Boston’s cautious "gap year" after Tatum’s Achilles, health, contracts and fit will decide who contends. Merlin senses patterns: teams with stable cores (Thunder, Nuggets) begin as favorites, fragile veteran groups (Clippers, Lakers) live and die by availability, and young projects (Wizards, Spurs) must prove rapid growth or become trade fodder. Expect injuries, midseason tweaks, and surprise breakouts — the season will bend to whoever stays healthy and finds cohesion first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
Warriors Downplay Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Hopes
Members of the Warriors organization are tempering expectations about landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, with sources saying they "poured cold water" on Golden State being a "hot Giannis destination." That matters because the Warriors have young assets (Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga) and draft capital that could interest Milwaukee — but trading for Giannis would be an all‑in move that sacrifices future flexibility while trying to extend the Curry–Draymond title window. Merlin senses caution: Giannis left the door open — "it would be human to change his mind" — yet reporting suggests he only expressed interest in the Knicks. Golden State once downplayed landing Jimmy Butler and still pulled off a deal, so surprises are possible; however, the veteran‑heavy roster and a thin cupboard make this a risky, low‑probability gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State acquiring Giannis this season: 12%.
Oct 18
Warriors Give Steve Kerr Time, Not Ultimatum
Merlin sees Golden State in win-now mode, and GM Mike Dunleavy admits there’s “technically” uncertainty about Steve Kerr even with one year left on his two-year deal. Dunleavy stressed Kerr “can stay as long as he wants” and the organization will “go on Steve’s terms,” signaling public patience amid private questions. Merlin remembers the rings and the record — Kerr’s tenure (four titles, 567-308) buys the coach a great deal of grace. Yet the timeline of Stephen Curry’s contract and Draymond Green’s option creates a natural crossroads: if the core winds down, Kerr might choose to leave; for now the front office prefers a slow, respectful approach. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Steve Kerr coaches Golden State through 2026-27: 75%.
Oct 18
Jaylen Brown Hamstring Clouds Celtics Season-Opener
Jaylen Brown’s status for Boston’s season opener is uncertain after he left a preseason game with a hamstring issue; coach Joe Mazzulla said Brown “was able to do everything but the live stuff.” The injury happened in the first quarter of the Raptors game — Brown played seven minutes — and the Celtics are likely to be cautious since Brown already had knee surgery this summer and is expected to be the team’s primary scorer with Jayson Tatum rehabbing a torn Achilles. Merlin sees the stakes: Brown was an All-Star and the 2024 Finals MVP who averaged 22.2 points while playing through injury last year, so Boston must balance urgency with care. With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis gone, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will shoulder more offense if Brown misses time — a small delay could ripple through Boston’s early rotation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaylen Brown plays the season opener: 40%.
Oct 18
Giannis Antetokounmpo Keeps Trade Door Open — Bucks' Make-or-Break Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t formally ask for a trade this offseason, but he’ll “keep his options open” depending on how the Milwaukee Bucks start the year, sources told ESPN. That matters because the Bucks face a perceived make-or-break season: key Eastern rivals are hobbled, yet Milwaukee’s supporting cast (projected backcourt Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr.) lacks proven star depth, and summer talks with the Knicks showed trade interest exists. Merlin senses a tense calendar: a hot start keeps Giannis tethered, a slow one turns him into the league’s most valuable chess piece. Teams will quietly position themselves; if Milwaukee stumbles, expect fevered trade-market whispers and seismic roster shifts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Oct 18
76ers Brace: Joel Embiid Cleared, Paul George Out
Merlin sees ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reporting that the 76ers are deliberately tight-lipped about Joel Embiid and Paul George this offseason because they’re “so scarred from injury setbacks and so cognizant of the venom from fans that, as a defense mechanism, they’ve learned to make no promises and lower expectations.” After a 24-58 season that featured Embiid in just 19 games and George in 41, Shams Charania says George will miss the season opener while Embiid was cleared for Friday’s preseason game vs. Minnesota. Merlin knows the message matters as much as the medical reports. The team’s guarded tone is a protection against hype and backlash; Friday’s preseason showing will be a reality check. If Embiid flashes MVP-level form, hope grows quickly. If he looks limited, the cautious script becomes the season’s theme. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of both Joel Embiid and Paul George playing at least 60 games this season: 25%.
Oct 18
Malik Beasley Tops Shrinking NBA Free-Agent Market
A week before most openers, the free-agent market is nearly bare. Merlin sees Bleacher Report’s top-10 leftovers: mostly veterans, reclamation projects and a few young wings — with Malik Beasley the clear shooting standout and Ben Simmons the headline name with huge question marks. That matters because roster spots and cap room are scarce; teams needing one or two bench pieces will pick from role players like Alec Burks, Cory Joseph or Patty Mills, while long-shot gambles such as Markelle Fultz, Keon Johnson or Dariq Whitehead chase two-way deals or training-camp invites. Merlin predicts fits more than surprises. Contenders will chase reliable shooters if Beasley’s legal cloud clears; rebuilding clubs might bet on upside with Fultz or Whitehead on cheap deals; veterans seeking closure (or paradise jobs) may walk away. Expect most names signed to minimums or two-way pacts, not splash contracts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Malik Beasley signs before opening night: 60%.
Oct 18
Nets, Michael Porter Jr. Pin Hopes on 2026 Draft
Joe Tsai is thinking long-term: "We have one (first-round) pick in 2026, and we hope to get a good pick," he said, adding "we have a very young team." After a 26–56 season and a 2025 class of five first-rounders, Brooklyn made modest moves (bringing in Michael Porter Jr., re-signing Cam Thomas) but likely won’t see immediate gains — the draft is the clear focal point. Merlin sees a franchise brewing patiently. The rookies — Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf and Drake Powell — are potential building blocks, while Porter’s fate without Nikola Jokić will matter more than any single transaction. Tsai’s public pursuit of 2026 upside signals patience, but one pick is a small wand in a big rebuild. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Brooklyn landing a top-3 pick in 2026: 35%.
Oct 18
Russell Westbrook Signs with Kings — $3.6M Veteran Minimum
Merlin sees nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook agreed to a veteran-minimum deal with the Sacramento Kings for $3.6 million after declining a $3.4 million option with Denver. The signing matters because Sacramento, still searching for a replacement for De'Aaron Fox, hopes Westbrook — alongside Dennis Schröder — can recreate Fox “in the aggregate.” Yet the move brings risk: the article notes he “might have been the biggest lightning rod” in Denver. At 36, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists with the Nuggets, but his game shows clear decline — fewer trips to the rim, more long-range shots and fewer free throws. Merlin senses a low-cost, high-variance gamble: Westbrook can still spark games and veteran leaders reportedly pushed for him, but chemistry will determine whether Sacramento finds stability or another storm. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Westbrook helps Sacramento reach the playoffs this season: 30%.
Oct 18
Skeptics Doubt LaMelo Ball Can Lead Hornets
Merlin sees rising skepticism that LaMelo Ball can be "the face of a winning franchise," as Tim MacMahon put it. The worry is practical: durability (just 105 appearances over three seasons) and uneven impact — defensive lapses and shaky shot selection despite 11.2 threes per game at only 33.9% and a roughly $40 million salary. That matters because Charlotte’s gaudy box‑score flashes need to start turning into more wins. Merlin knows Ball’s highlight‑reel brilliance and All‑Star pedigree, but playoff proof is the final test. With Brandon Miller and a 2025 first‑rounder in the mix, the Hornets must decide whether to double down on Ball and hope availability and efficiency improve, or pivot toward a steadier cornerstone. If the team stays mediocre, trade talk will grow louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LaMelo remains the Hornets’ unquestioned franchise leader after this season: 25%.
Oct 18
Suns Won't Extend Mark Williams Before 2025-26
The Suns aren’t expected to make a long-term commitment to center Mark Williams before the 2025-26 season, preferring to “bank another full season of data,” per Jake Fischer. Phoenix acquired the 23-year-old in a trade this offseason; Williams posted career highs (15.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG) last year but has yet to play more than 44 games in a season due to injuries. Merlin sees a cautious franchise. With Kevin Durant moved and the roster remade, Phoenix wants durability proof before betting big. The new-look Suns offer Williams a clear path to meaningful minutes next season — a healthy, full campaign could elevate him into a top-tier center, but staying on the floor is the true test. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Phoenix signing Williams to an extension before the 2025-26 season: 20%.
Oct 18
Hawks Won’t Extend Trae Young Before 2025-26
Merlin hears the Hawks won’t extend Trae Young before the 2025–26 season. Atlanta plans to "wait to evaluate how a new group meshes" after adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander‑Walker and Luke Kennard. Young, making about $46M this year and eligible for a four‑year, $229M extension, has stirred contract buzz with cryptic posts — "This why you pay the man early..." — and admitted maybe some "disappointment." Merlin senses the patience is strategic: Porziņģis wants to "see how the year goes," and the front office prefers clarity over rushing a mega‑deal. If the Hawks look like real contenders, they’ll likely move to lock Young up before his price spikes; if chemistry falters, Young could test free agency or turn up the pressure with more public signs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Hawks extend Trae Young before the June 30, 2026 deadline: 60%.
Oct 18
LeBron James' "Second Decision" Tease Stuns Lakers
LeBron James stirred the hive with a cryptic social post teasing his "Second Decision," coming after his "Forever King" Nike ad. The tease has fans guessing everything from retirement to a trade to a business reveal. It matters because LeBron, still playing at a high level on an expiring deal, can reshape headlines and the league’s storyline with a single, well-timed announcement. Merlin sees the most likely trick is a polished business reveal — an Amazon/Prime Day tie‑in (Prime Day starts Oct. 7) fits the breadcrumbs better than a sudden exit or trade. Retirement would be dramatic but premature given his on‑court form, and a trade request now would feel out of character. Expect spectacle and careful storytelling when the curtain lifts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this is an Amazon/Prime Day tie‑in: 70%.
Oct 18