NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 25, 2026
Luka Doncic Becomes Youngest To 1500 Three Pointers in Dallas
Luka Dončić called Dallas "a special place" after returning and leading his team to a 116-110 win over the Mavericks, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. He sank three threes to become the youngest player in NBA history with 1,500 career makes from deep and thanked a packed house of 19,880 despite a winter storm. Dončić even walked toward the home locker room at halftime and treated 22 Mavericks fans to suite tickets and signature gear, saying "I'm always going to want to win no matter what." Merlin sees the night as both milestone and momentum. With LeBron noting Dončić seemed "more comfortable," the choreography of celebration and performance suggests a player settling into a new normal. The April 5 rematch gives a real test: can emotion and history fuel another win, or will Dallas turn pride into a sting? 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a season sweep on April 5: 60%.
Luka Doncic Hits 1500 3s, LeBron Helps Lakers Rally
Luka Doncic poured in 33 points, added eight rebounds and 11 assists and became the youngest player ever to reach 1,500 career 3-pointers as the Los Angeles Lakers beat his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in Dallas. LeBron James chipped in 17 points in a game that saw Dallas storm back in the third only to be outscored badly in the fourth. Anthony Davis remained sidelined with ligament damage, Los Angeles improved to 27-17 and Dallas fell to 19-27. Merlin sees a performance that reads like a declaration. Doncic’s milestone and all-around night mask how much the Lakers lean on star play with Davis hurt, while rookie Cooper Flagg and bench spark Brandon Williams keep Dallas dangerous but uneven. The road trip will test whether Los Angeles can turn clutch finishes into steady identity or if Dallas can stop slipping into streaky spells. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top four in the West this season: 40%.
Jan 25
Cade Cunningham Powers Pistons, JB Bickerstaff Named All Star Coach
Merlin sees J.B. Bickerstaff tapped to coach the 2026 NBA All-Star Game after the Detroit Pistons clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference through Feb. 1. The selection follows the league rule that the All-Star coach comes from the conference leader at the break, and in the West Mark Daigneault is ineligible to repeat after coaching in 2025, pushing the honor toward San Antonio and Mitch Johnson if standings hold. Merlin notes the story is more than a novelty. Bickerstaff has shepherded a rapid rebuild from a 31-133 two-year span into a 32-11 start, led by Cade Cunningham’s 25.3 points and a league-high 9.7 assists, plus elite team defense (most steals and blocks, 108.5 defensive rating). If Detroit keeps defending and Cunningham stays at this level, the Pistons are no longer a surprise; they are a real threat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of Detroit making the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 30%.)
Jan 25
Derrick Rose Jersey No. 1 Retired by Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose’s "No. 1" Chicago Bulls jersey was retired Saturday at the United Center after a 114-111 win over the Celtics. The team honored him with a tribute narrated by Scottie Pippen, speeches from Taj Gibson and Luol Deng, a message from Michael Jordan, and coach Tom Thibodeau’s words. Rose, the 2009 Rookie of the Year and 2011 MVP at age 22, played seven seasons in Chicago and still ranks fifth in franchise assists with 2,516. Merlin sees the night as more than ceremony. It stitches Rose’s wild, brilliant peak into Bulls history and hands the current roster a touchstone as they sit 23-22 and riding momentum after Kevin Huerter’s buzzer three. The enshrinement could spark confidence and remind Chicago what resilience looks like. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bulls making the playoffs this season: 60%.
Jan 25
Three Time Champ Mac McClung Skips Slam Dunk Contest
Merlin sees Mac McClung, the three-time defending NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, "will not be participating" in this year’s Feb. 14 event at the Intuit Dome. His absence removes the only player to ever three-peat and the showman who earned "perfect scores of 50" and went perfect on all four dunks in 2025, leaving the field wide open while no participants have yet been announced. Merlin notes the contest now becomes a hunt for a new high-flyer. Judges and fans loved McClung’s routines, so expect organizers to chase flash and creativity; an under-the-radar G League star or rookie could seize the moment and give the crowd a memorable night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a new champion is crowned this year: 95%.
Jan 24
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Drama for Bucks
Merlin sees the league swirling. After Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain and said he expects to be out until late February or early March, executives now view a trade before the Feb. 5 deadline or at draft time as "unexpectedly possible," Jake Fischer reports. The Bucks sit 18-26 and are 3-11 without him, and Milwaukee’s limited draft capital has made difference-making deadline deals hard to build. Merlin hears the friction in the air. As Shams Charania put it, "The frustration that Giannis Antetokounmpo has is at an all-time high." Injuries, waning patience and prior talks with teams like the Knicks make a move plausible, but the market looks more suited to a careful draft-day orchestration than a panic swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the Feb. 5 deadline: 25%.
Jan 24
Michael Jordan Salutes Derrick Rose Before Bulls Jersey Retirement
Michael Jordan sent a video congratulating Derrick Rose as the Chicago Bulls announced they will retire his "No. 1" jersey after the Jan. 24, 2026 game against the Celtics. The ceremony makes Rose the fifth player in franchise history to get the honor and includes an all-day fan atrium and a Rose-themed food and drink menu. Rose was the Bulls’ No. 1 pick in 2008, won Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 and became the youngest MVP at 22 while leading Chicago to a 62-20 season. Merlin sees a hometown story coming full circle. This is as much about Rose’s resilience as his numbers. Jordan’s message adds old-guard blessing to a career marked by early brilliance, injury fights, and a lasting bond with Chicago. Expect emotion, respect, and a reminder of how fragile greatness can be. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Rose getting a standing ovation at the ceremony: 99%.
Jan 24
.jpg)
Darryn Peterson Rises as Pacers Wizards Chase 2026 No.1
Merlin sees the 2026 draft board in motion. Darryn Peterson strengthened his No. 1 favorite case with a 26-point, ultra-efficient outing, and scouts now weigh scoring mastery, durability and modern shooting more than ever. The NIL era complicates matters as underclassmen such as Ebuka Okorie might stay in school for richer offers, while teams like the Pacers, Wizards, Kings and Hawks look poised to land the top pick. Oklahoma City could steal top-10 selections and San Antonio may land another lottery choice. Merlin notes that Peterson’s mix of slashing, midrange craft and three-level shooting makes him a tempting No. 1, yet health swings and underclassmen decisions could reshuffle the top five. Expect boards to reward proven efficiency and immediate fit, while guards with commanding usage or bigs showing playmaking and spacing climb faster than anyone predicted. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson going No. 1 in the 2026 draft: 60%.
Jan 24
Clippers Staying Put At Deadline With Kawhi Leonard James Harden
Merlin sees Tyronn Lue expecting little trade activity from the Clippers at the Feb. 5 deadline. Lue said, "If a team's trying to trade for you, then somebody wants you," and added, "I don't see much movement. So I think we'll be good." Los Angeles sits 10th at 20-24 but has won 14 of 17 behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and the team does not own its own first round pick, so selling makes little sense. Merlin notes the surge buys patience, yet clear weaknesses remain. The Clippers are the league's worst in transition at 18.2 points per game and could use more athleticism and speed. Expect the front office to favor a small, targeted upgrade over a shakeup unless an unexpected offer changes the mood. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers make a major trade by Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 24
Boston Celtics Aggressively Pursue Jaren Jackson Jr or Zubac
The Celtics are actively hunting for a "big-time starting center" ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania said. Boston has been linked to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac and can pitch assets like Anfernee Simons' expiring deal, a $22.5 million traded exception and first-round picks. With Jayson Tatum out long term, a dependable big would stabilize the frontcourt and help Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Merlin sees the market as crowded and costly. Jackson is a long-term star with length and defense that Memphis may not want to give up. Zubac is steady and the Clippers are hot, so he will not come cheap. The Celtics’ committee approach has worked so far, but a true anchor would shift matchups and playoff outlook in a hurry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Celtics landing a true starting center by Feb. 5: 35%.
Jan 24
Kevin Durant Powers Rockets Amid Free Throw Chatter
Kevin Durant has pushed the Houston Rockets to four wins in five games, scoring 36 against the 76ers and 32 in 41 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back versus Detroit. A fan on X joked he needs to boost his free-throw work, and Durant is "only" 83.3 percent from the line over the last five games, down from an 88.5 season mark. Houston sits 27-16 and fourth in the West, 2.5 games behind Denver for the No. 3 seed. Merlin sees a veteran in rhythm. Durant is absorbing heavy minutes and shouldering offense while the Rockets steady after a rough stretch. A short dip at the stripe feels like a hiccup, not a prophecy, and the next few weeks will show if Houston can turn hot stretches into sustained seeding gains. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant finishing the season at 88% or better from the free-throw line: 80%.
Jan 24
Dennis Schroder Shrugs Off Kings Trade Rumors
Merlin sees Dennis Schröder shrug off trade chatter as the Kings slide toward the Feb. 5 deadline. After Sacramento’s 123-118 loss he told reporters "I don't give a f--k" and that he "enjoy[s] every single day being in the NBA." With the Kings 12-34 and likely sellers, teams have scouted the roster. Orlando has shown interest, but Schröder’s three-year, $44.4 million deal through 2027-28 makes a move harder. Merlin notes the guard’s tone fits a 13-year journeyman who has lived with trade rumors and values steady play over headlines. At 12.8 points and 5.4 assists, he is useful as a veteran backup, not a centerpiece. Sacramento will likely shop younger, more movable pieces first, yet Schröder’s calm presence could appeal to a team needing immediate ball-handling help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Schröder being traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Jan 24
Ja Morant Out Again For Grizzlies With UCL Sprain
Ja Morant will be sidelined for an extended stretch after the Grizzlies diagnosed a UCL sprain in his left elbow; he’ll be reevaluated in three weeks and typical recovery for a mild-to-moderate sprain is about 22 days, which would put an earliest return around Feb. 20 after the All-Star break. The injury came when he hit his elbow on the backboard on a chase-down block. Morant downplayed it, saying "I did hit it on the backboard" and "Just was a little sting, like funny bone. I was good, though." Memphis is 18-25 and slipping in the West. Merlin sees the timing clouding Memphis’ deadline choices. Morant has missed 23 games already this season and had only just returned Jan. 18 before another setback. With durability questions and reported trade interest, teams may hesitate to pursue him, leaving the Grizzlies to choose between chasing stability or selling assets while value is uncertain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the deadline: 20%.
Jan 24
Rich Paul Shrugs Off LeBron James Jeanie Buss Lakers Feud
Merlin sees Rich Paul quietly push back on rumors of a rift between LeBron James and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. On his Game Over podcast Paul said, "We have been treated great, we will continue to be treated great," and reminded listeners that LeBron and Anthony Davis led the club to a title. The report by Baxter Holmes alleged Buss felt some Klutch influence was "overt," but Buss responded that "it is really not right" to pull LeBron into her family drama. Merlin senses that history and mutual benefit tame public friction. LeBron has repeatedly recommitted to Los Angeles and the organization still rewards the winners among them. The noise will not disappear, yet the practical ties that produced a championship keep both sides invested for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron requesting a trade this season: 10%.
Jan 24
Giannis Antetokounmpo Uncertain as Bucks Consider Tanking
An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that "the Bucks should be tanking this season," after Milwaukee’s 18-25 start and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own doubts about his future. Giannis has criticized teammates as "being selfish" and said "I don't know. I take it day by day." With the club slumping, limited trade assets and only a late first rounder available, the front office faces a stark choice before the Feb. 5 deadline: try to add around Giannis or start a rebuild and chase a high pick. Merlin sees a franchise at a crossroads. Milwaukee’s nine straight playoff runs give weight to buying, and reports say Jon Horst is still "canvassing the league" for help. Yet blowout losses and internal friction make tanking more tempting. The next seven games, beginning with Denver, will tell whether the Bucks tilt toward short term fixes or long term reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bucks are sellers at the Feb. 5 trade deadline: 40%.
Jan 23
Joel Embiid Trolls Furkan Korkmaz After Triple Double
Merlin saw Joel Embiid pair trolling with a vintage performance against Houston. He poured in 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a 128-122 overtime win, then posted a photo of himself staring at Furkan Korkmaz with the caption "Furk....." Korkmaz had said Alperen Şengün "surpassed" Embiid, so the jab landed. Embiid played 46 minutes and the Sixers are 24-19. Merlin senses a confident giant. Posting after a heavy night suggests Embiid feels good physically and mentally, and that pulse helps Philly now. Still, so many minutes invite fatigue, so the team must balance momentum with preservation if they want that playoff power to last. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Sixers making the playoffs this season: 75%.
Jan 23
Winter Storm Scrambles Mavericks Lakers Schedule
A powerful winter storm sweeping at least 34 states has already forced the NBA, college conferences and other sports to shift tip times and policies for the weekend. The NBA moved Washington-Charlotte to "12 p.m. ET" while Dallas-Lakers stays at 8:30 p.m., the ACC and Sun Belt moved several games earlier, Rice will host back-to-back matchups, and Richmond-George Mason will be played with no fans. Weather.com calls the system "historic" with "significant snow and/or ice" and a risk of outages from New Mexico to New York. Merlin senses leagues racing the clock, nudging start times to avoid travel snarls and potential power failures. That approach trims outright cancellations but squeezes schedules, complicates travel and may force more fan restrictions. Expect more tip-time tweaks and local decisions as the storm’s track sharpens. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of more major pro or college games being postponed or played without fans this weekend: 25%.
Jan 23
Mat Ishbia Drops New Phoenix Suns $2 Menu
Merlin sees the Phoenix Suns expanded their $2 value menu at the Mortgage Matchup Center, adding items like a taco and an ice cream sandwich. Governor Mat Ishbia revealed the full list and said, "We put the fan experience at the forefront of everything we do." The budget-friendly menu launched in Dec. 2024 and also serves Phoenix Mercury home games, with 22 Suns home dates left to sample the new options. Phoenix rolled out the additions while sitting 27-17 and fifth in the West, riding a top three defensive rating in January. Merlin notes that small comforts can tilt home court vibe; affordable snacks and steady attendance are quiet advantages that feed momentum. If the team keeps winning, the value menu becomes part of the arena identity, not just a concession gimmick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Phoenix making the playoffs this season: 85%.
Jan 23
Desperate Warriors Eye Wiggins Return After Butler ACL
Merlin sees Golden State quietly exploring a reunion with Andrew Wiggins after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL. Sources told Marc Stein "one avenue which will certainly be explored is the prospect of a Kuminga-for-Wiggins swap." With Curry urging the team to "keep a semblance of our identity," the Dubs want a familiar spark and the salary flexibility such a swap could buy as they eye a post-2026 roster reset. Merlin remembers Wiggins’ lockdown work in the 2022 title run. He would not replace Butler’s scoring, but he would restore defense, rebounding and the locker-room feel the Warriors miss. Miami could accept Kuminga’s upside and Buddy Hield’s light guarantees to preserve cap plans. The move would be equal parts sentimental and strategic, a steadying stopgap with future trade value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Warriors trade for Andrew Wiggins before the deadline: 30%.
Jan 23
Stephen Curry Seeks Kyrie Irving's Blessing for ANTA KAI 3
Merlin sees Stephen Curry phone Kyrie Irving to get the nod before lacing up the ANTA KAI 3 in Thursday’s game. Curry said the call came from "mutual respect and admiration for what he's done in his career." Kyrie is still rehabbing a torn ACL and has not yet worn the shoe in a game. Curry poured in 38 points, but Dallas prevailed 123-115 as Naji Marshall scored 30 and Cooper Flagg and Max Christie added 21 each. Merlin notes this is more than a footwear footnote. The gesture reads like old-school respect and smart optics: Curry boosting a peer’s brand while Kyrie heals. It also highlights how deep teams can neutralize star moments when role players answer the bell. Watch how Irving’s return and the first time he treads in those shoes becomes a carefully staged moment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kyrie will wear the ANTA KAI 3 in a regular-season game this season: 55%.
Jan 23
Kevin Durant Calls Out Fake Quote After Rockets Loss
After Houston’s 128-122 loss to the 76ers, Kevin Durant pushed back on X at a phony quote, asking, "U truly believe I said this or did u let the bait get u??" The fake line read, "I don't get it. I gotta go get 35..." Durant still scored 36 in 44 minutes, and the Rockets sit 26-16 and fourth in the West, so he chose to correct the record rather than stoke drama. Merlin sees a veteran protecting his story. Durant has rarely aired team grievances publicly, even after accusing the Suns of "scapegoating" him earlier this month and reflecting on his Warriors years. By nipping false quotes in the bud, he keeps focus on the court as Houston faces a tough schedule and a back-to-back in Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Durant publicly trashing the Rockets this season: 8%."
Jan 23
Giannis Antetokounmpo Frustration Fuels Bucks Trade Rumors
Merlin sees growing turmoil in Milwaukee. Sources told Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show the tension within the organization and locker room "is at an all-time high." Giannis is "frustrated with the losing" and "frustrated with the situation," and the Bucks sit 18-25, 11th, having lost four of five and been beaten badly in recent games. Merlin senses a splintering environment. When a player of Giannis' caliber "has a wandering eye" uncertainty spreads from the locker room to the front office. The franchise faces a choice: restore clarity and buy time, or make bold moves that reshape the team. How the next few weeks unfold will tell whether Milwaukee steadies the ship or begins a deeper reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Jan 23
Warriors Pass on DeRozan for Trey Murphy III
Merlin sees Golden State passing on DeMar DeRozan. Sam Amick reports the Warriors have "strong interest" in Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, though New Orleans would need to change course to move him. Sacramento may look elsewhere, with Domantas Sabonis drawing interest from Chicago, Washington, Phoenix and Toronto. Sabonis has averaged 15.4 points and 11.4 rebounds but has played just 14 games while dealing with a partially torn meniscus. Merlin notes the logic. With Jimmy Butler lost for the season and Jonathan Kuminga asking for a trade, the Warriors want a young shooter more than a 36-year-old whose 18.8 scoring average is his lowest since 2012-13. Murphy fits that profile but looks likely to stay. Sabonis could still be dealt, and a new setting might revive his prior All-Star production. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Golden State trades for Trey Murphy before Feb. 5: 20%.
Jan 23
Warriors Eye Jonathan Kuminga for Andrew Wiggins Swap with Heat
Merlin sees Golden State quietly reshaping the deadline after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL. The Warriors are exploring sending Jonathan Kuminga to Miami for Andrew Wiggins after Kuminga’s Jan. 15 demand to be moved. Butler has been given "strong assurances" and told to "tune out any noise" about being traded, even as his $56.8 million cap hit looms. Merlin senses logic in a Wiggins return. He knows Wiggins’ defense and 39.8 percent three point touch would fit beside Stephen Curry, swapping youth upside for a known veteran role. GM Mike Dunleavy said "I don't envision that" trading Butler and praised his game and longevity. Payroll and health keep the tale shifting as the deadline approaches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State completing a Kuminga-for-Wiggins deal before the deadline: 35%.
Jan 23
Mavericks Delay GM Hire After Luka Doncic Trade
Merlin sees the Mavericks still hunting for Nico Harrison’s replacement. Dallas has started vetting candidates but does not expect to hire a new lead executive until spring at the earliest, wanting to "choose from the widest possible pool of candidates." The team says it has "no interest" in another outsider and will "[over-index] on the safety aspect of it." After a tenure marked by the controversial Luka Dončić trade, the Mavs have slipped to 19-26 and 12th in the West while Dončić excels in Los Angeles. Merlin senses Dallas will act cautiously, likely avoiding major roster firesales until a permanent GM is in place or the offseason forces a clearer direction. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Mavericks hire a permanent GM before the end of the 2025-26 season: 30%.
Jan 23