NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 21, 2025
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%.
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
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns Sells Record $72K Yamamoto Card
Karl-Anthony Towns quietly set a new high-water mark in sports cards Friday by selling a 1-of-1 2024 Topps Inception MLB Logoman rookie card of Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $72,000 in a Fanatics Collect auction. The PSA “Gem Mint 10” card features a logo patch and autograph; it more than doubled the previous record for a Yamamoto rookie and signals rising demand after the pitcher’s 2025 World Series MVP run. Merlin sees more than a flashy sale — he sees narrative fueling value. Yamamoto’s Game 2 nine-inning duel, a Game 6 start and a Game 7 close turned performance into provenance. With a Topps code “yet to be redeemed,” more rare pieces could surface, and athletes unwrapping trophies (or cards) in public only sharpens collector hunger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a Yamamoto rookie card surpassing $100,000 within 12 months: 65%.
Nov 21
Ja Morant on the Block: Wolves, Kings Watch
Merlin sees trade clouds gathering over Ja Morant as the Grizzlies are expected to test his market, though sources warn it will be hard to get "proper value." An anonymous scout told ESPN, "I do think they'll move him." Once a 23‑plus scorer and two‑time All‑Star, Morant’s 2025‑26 line (17.9 PPG, 7.6 AST) and career‑low shooting (35.9% FG, 16.7% 3P) — after injuries and suspension — have left Memphis with a thorny choice. Merlin notes Minnesota and Sacramento are monitoring while Houston is unlikely to pursue him. The Wolves could pair Morant with their veterans; the Kings still need a lead guard. Memphis must weigh talent versus damaged market value: a hot streak restores leverage, continued decline forces a cheaper deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 40%.
Nov 21
LeBron James' All-NBA Streak in Jeopardy — Lakers
LeBron James risks missing an All‑NBA spot for the first time in 22 years after sitting out the season’s first 14 games with right‑side sciatica. The NBA’s 65‑game minimum means he can only miss three more games; he’d need to appear in “64 of the Lakers' remaining 67 games” to stay eligible. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin notes it may come down to health — and “his desire to keep his All‑NBA streak alive.” Coach JJ Redick says the team will use “daily communication” and called this “uncharted territory.” Merlin sees a crossroads: the record streak is sacred, but so is a 41‑year‑old body. The coming Nov. 30–Dec. 1 back‑to‑back with New Orleans and Phoenix is a small prophecy — how LeBron handles it will reveal if priority is longevity, team goals, or another milestone chase. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron making an All‑NBA team this season: 40%.
Nov 21
LaMelo Ball's Clown Emoji: Denies Trade Rumors, Loves Hornets
LaMelo Ball pushed back on trade chatter after replying with a clown emoji to a report saying he was "open to a trade." He called the report "false info," told reporters "I love being here" and stressed he just wants to win. That matters because Ball is the Hornets’ highest-profile piece and stability around him affects lineup, morale and roster moves amid a 4-11 start. Merlin sees the obvious: injuries have blurred the picture. Ball has been limited by a right ankle issue and the team is also missing Brandon Miller, so minutes and patience are guarded. With a five-year deal and Charles Lee calling him "a huge piece of our franchise," the simplest path for Charlotte is health and continuity — but the market will whisper if struggles persist. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Nov 21
Warriors' Defensive Ace Chris DeMarco Named Liberty Head Coach
Merlin sees the New York Liberty have tapped longtime Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their next head coach, replacing Sandy Brondello after a first‑round exit. His resume — four NBA championships, a defensive specialist role in Golden State, Summer League leadership and international success with the Bahamas — matters because New York needs immediate defensive repair and a coach who can sell a win‑now vision to star players. Merlin notes DeMarco’s defensive chops and championship seasoning could steady a team whose defensive rating slipped and whose roster is clouded by CBA uncertainty. GM Jonathan Kolb’s “utmost confidence” that the Liberty’s big three want to return is a vote of faith; still, signing momentum will depend on how quickly DeMarco turns talk into on‑court results and reassurance for Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of New York re‑signing Stewart, Ionescu and Jones for 2026: 55%.
Nov 21
Hornets' LaMelo Ball Trade Market Shrinks
Merlin sees a tense crossroads in Charlotte: reports say LaMelo Ball has "grown increasingly frustrated" and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst doubts there’s a "humongous market" for him. Ball signaled disagreement with a clown emoji. The concerns are clear — availability (145 missed games of 246 over three years), a hefty five-year, $203.9M extension, defensive holes and slumping efficiency (38.5% FG, 29.8% 3PT) — all while the Hornets sputter at 4-11. Merlin notes the paradox: Ball still averages 20+ points and 7+ assists, offering real upside, but Charlotte needs a plan. Coach Charles Lee has said they will "challenge him to improve," yet a benching and the team's slide suggest impatience. Expect teams to consider him only as a buy-low, high-risk asset or in a sign-and-trade that protects Charlotte’s salary flexibility. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded this season: 30%.
Nov 21
Mavericks Protect Anthony Davis, Pistons Circling Trade
The Mavericks are deliberately holding Anthony Davis back from game action as he recovers from a calf strain because, as Christian Clark notes, they need him "to get back on the floor so he can rebuild his value." Dallas governor Patrick Dumont "stepped in" to slow the return, demanding "medical metrics" that rule out re‑aggravation; with Davis hampered, limited games played, and two guaranteed years on his deal, his trade price is fragile. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins says the Pistons have "a lot of interest" if Davis becomes available. Merlin sees prudence, not panic. Davis once rushed back and then missed 18 games — a cautionary tale for a team that must maximize return (they won’t control a first‑rounder again until 2031). If Davis proves healthy and productive, trade talks heat up; if not, leverage fades fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading Anthony Davis this season: 30% (Detroit landing him: 15%).
Nov 21
Dodgers' Power Duo Zaidi & Friedman Advising Lakers
Merlin sees that Dodgers executives Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman have quietly started advising the Los Angeles Lakers after Mark Walter’s purchase of the team. Zaidi is helping with the ownership transition while Friedman consults with GM Rob Pelinka under a new holding, TWG Sports; Jeanie Buss will remain governor "for the foreseeable future" even as Joey and Jesse Buss were dismissed. This matters because Walter is importing a front office that built a modern baseball dynasty to a franchise hungry for its next championship. Merlin notes that baseball smarts don’t translate automatically to hoops, but the Dodgers’ obsessive roster construction and resource management could sharpen the Lakers’ edges. With LeBron back and Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves playing at a high level, the timing for a refined front office is ideal—still, chemistry and health will decide how much magic follows. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the NBA title this season: 28%.
Nov 21
Pitino: Knicks Snubbed Donovan Mitchell in 2017 Draft
Rick Pitino revealed he phoned the Knicks before the 2017 draft and implored them, "Listen, take my guy Donovan Mitchell. He's going to kill it," but New York replied, "Nah, I don't know if we can take him that high" and selected Frank Ntilikina at No. 8. Mitchell slid to Utah at No. 13 and became a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player (career 24.9 ppg), while Ntilikina never developed — a stark what-if that still matters for the Knicks' draft legacy. Merlin sees small choices grow into long shadows. New York rebuilt around Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and other stars, but Pitino’s call and Mitchell’s rise are proof that caution can cost a franchise a cornerstone. This story reminds fans that draft night whispers echo for years and shape rivalries when former prospects meet again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Knicks still regret passing on Mitchell: 85%.
Nov 21
2025 NBA Draft: Pelicans' Costly Blunder — Nets, Suns Regret
Teams are already regretting several 2025 draft choices less than a season in. The New Orleans trade that gave up No. 23 plus an unprotected 2026 first for Derik Queen stands out as the clearest blunder, leaving the Pelicans without a safety net in a down year. Other missteps include Brooklyn loading up on guards (and possibly passing on rim protector Ryan Kalkbrenner), Phoenix taking Khaman Maluach while safer frontcourt options waited, and Washington landing Tre Johnson at No. 6 while Jeremiah Fears—picked one slot later—looks like a star in the making. Merlin sees a pattern: teams chose upside or urgency over prudent asset management, and the cost is already showing. Some gambles can pay off over time, but the Pelicans’ unprotected pick is a wound that may sting for years. Nets and Suns can still course-correct; Utah’s Ace Bailey vs. Kon Knueppel is a reminder that a single spot can change narratives. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Pelicans’ deal is remembered as the worst draft-night move of 2025: 70%.
Nov 21
.jpg)
LaMelo Ball On The Block: Hornets, Clippers, Heat?
A Yahoo Sports report pushed the rumor mill: amid a 4-11 start, Hornets star LaMelo Ball is reportedly "open to a trade" — a claim Ball answered with a clown emoji. That matters because the 6'7" playmaker (24.1 points, 8.0 assists, 3.7 threes over four seasons) could immediately alter contenders' offenses; Portland, the Clippers, Miami and Dallas are all named fits. Merlin sees a marketplace forming: Portland would gain a shotmaker and floor creator, L.A. would get youth and relief for Harden/Leonard, Miami could unlock Bam with a pass-first twin, and Dallas might rebalance around its young pieces. Injuries, LaMelo’s contract and Charlotte’s price will shape any deal — the spell is cast, but not sealed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded this season: 30%.
Nov 21
Mavericks Open to Trading Anthony Davis, Keep Kyrie
The Mavericks are quietly testing the waters on Anthony Davis, with Marc Stein reporting Dallas "still intend to field any trade interest" — while making clear they are "not encouraging trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving." Owner Mark Cuban pushed back, saying, "We won't. We want to try to win." Dallas' 4-12 start, a GM firing and lost future first-round picks make moves tempting, but Davis' injuries and massive contract complicate any deal. Merlin sees a club at a crossroads: sellers' logic meets reality. If the market for Davis is soft, keeping a healthy trio of Davis, Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg — who is "already vibing nicely" with Irving in practice — could be the path to salvage the year. Expect probing calls, not a blitz. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Anthony Davis being traded this season: 30%."
Nov 20
Jonathan Kuminga: Warriors' Top Deadline Trade Chip
A veteran exec privately calls Jonathan Kuminga “one of the best trade chips in the league,” and the Warriors appear to have built that possibility into his two-year, $46.8 million extension. Kuminga, 23, has slipped from starter to bench, hasn’t played in the last four games and isn’t eligible to be moved until Jan. 15 — a timing detail that matters because Golden State is struggling without Stephen Curry and could use a roster shakeup. Merlin sees a classic split: high-upside youth and a contract designed for commerce collide with mounting frustration — “he feels like the scapegoat again.” If Kuminga rediscovers his early form in January his market will explode; if he stays cold, a change of scenery seems better for both sides. Expect teams to circle, valuing his length, shooting upside and cap clarity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jonathan Kuminga being traded before Feb. 6: 65%.
Nov 20
Dumont Keeps Mavericks Committee; Riccardi & Finley Co-GMs
Merlin sees the Mavericks are slowing the hunt for a new GM after Nico Harrison’s dismissal. Governor Patrick Dumont prefers a committee approach, leaving Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley as interim co-GMs while coach Jason Kidd is being “leaned on for input.” Mark Cuban is now “essentially a consultant,” and reports of him being in “frequent dialogue” with Dumont were downplayed. Harrison’s firing followed a 3-8 start and the seismic Luka Dončić trade; Dallas still must sort Anthony Davis’ future and Kyrie Irving trade chatter as rookie Cooper Flagg emerges as a cornerstone. Merlin warns that committees buy time but can stall bold moves. With Dumont holding the deciding vote and more involved “than he ever was previously,” Dallas may favor steady, cautious choices over a quick, single-vision hire — a path that will shape roster decisions before the deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas hiring a permanent general manager this season: 30%.
Nov 20
Kings' Crisis Deepens: Sabonis Has Partial Meniscus Tear
Merlin sees that Kings star Domantas Sabonis suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks — a sharp blow to a team already 3-12 and on a seven-game losing streak. Sabonis was ruled out Wednesday with left knee soreness after averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 5.5 contested rebounds per game; Drew Eubanks will fill his starting role. Merlin senses Sacramento loses its most consistent force on the glass and a steady offensive fulcrum. The Kings must redesign their rebounding plan, rely on collective toughness, and treat the three-to-four-week check as a fragile timeline that could lengthen — their margin for error is thin and the standings won’t wait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 18%.
Nov 20
LaMelo Ball Trade: Nets, Raptors, Grizzlies?
LaMelo Ball has "grown increasingly frustrated" with the Hornets and is reportedly "open to a trade away from the franchise," per Yahoo's Kelly Iko — and Charlotte's front office is "increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece." That means a once-clear rebuild plan could shift into a sell mode, with Ball becoming the centerpiece in negotiations for picks or players. Merlin sees both opportunity and risk. Brooklyn offers draft capital and a soft landing in New York’s bright lights; Memphis could tempt with a high-stakes Ja Morant swap; Toronto would instantly gain more All-Star upside beside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Injuries and temperament cloud Ball’s value — healthy, he’s a game-changer; battered, he’s a gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded this season: 45%.
Nov 20
Bronny James Back to South Bay Lakers: G-League Redemption?
Merlin sees the Lakers assigning guard Bronny James and forward Adou Thiero to South Bay — a move meant to buy playing time rather than signal failure. Bronny, "just 21 years old and 37 games into his pro career," has struggled in brief NBA stints (2.1 PPG, 29.6% shooting) but previously excelled in the G League, so more consistent minutes in South Bay fit the club’s development plan while L.A.’s stacked backcourt stays healthy. Like a young mage sent back to the training tower, Bronny can rebuild confidence and sharpen his craft — he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 11 G‑League games last season. Merlin notes this is practical roster management: it preserves depth for the Lakers now and keeps a tested scorer ready for a late-season call or injury-driven recall. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny is recalled to the Lakers this season: 35%.
Nov 20
LaMelo Ball Clown Emoji Mocks Hornets' Trade Rumors
LaMelo Ball pushed back on trade chatter by reposting Kelly Iko’s Yahoo piece with a clown emoji after reports that he’s "grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise." The story also says the front office has "become disillusioned" and is "open to moving him." Ball, playing under a minutes restriction for a right ankle issue, is still averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds in nine games — a reality that makes any move consequential for the Hornets’ rebuild. Merlin sees a simmering standoff: Ball’s flippant reply is a public rebuke but not a resignation. The franchise’s doubts, his health and his production create three paths — reconciliation, a tense season-long saga, or a trade if chemistry and front-office patience break. The next weeks will tell which path unfolds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Nov 20
After $10B Sale, Lakers Remove Buss Brothers
The sale of the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation has already produced change: Joey and Jesse Buss were removed from front-office roles in a basketball-operations reorganization, though they “will still maintain their minority ownership shares.” The brothers released a statement saying, “We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons,” and lamented that “we wish things could be different with the way our time ended.” This matters because the Buss family long shaped Lakers decision-making, and their exit from daily operations signals a new power center for Los Angeles. Merlin sees new owners clearing space to install their own decision-makers — expect outside hires, a tightening of front-office authority, and a sharper results-driven culture. The court won’t change overnight, but the roster and cap strategy could follow quickly as new stewards stamp their mark. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a major front-office overhaul producing at least one outside GM/head-of-basketball-ops hire within six months: 75%.
Nov 20
Jonathan Kuminga Benched: Warriors' Drama, Trade Buzz
Less than two months after extending his stay in the Bay Area, Jonathan Kuminga’s relationship with the Warriors has frayed. Steve Kerr bumped him to the bench on Nov. 12 and he hasn’t played since; a team source told ESPN, “He feels like the scapegoat again.” Knee tendonitis sidelined him, but he’d averaged 17.5 points on 55.4% shooting in the first six games — meaning this split matters for Golden State’s chemistry and Kuminga’s market value. Merlin sees a crossroads: the organization thinks “Kuminga, even in a condensed role, must shake off some of his built-up resentment” and produce for whatever role Kerr assigns. If he embraces a high-level sixth-man role his trade value spikes; if not, a change of scenery looks increasingly likely with a 2027 club option giving the Warriors leverage. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 40%.
Nov 20
.jpg)
Mavericks Eye Anfernee Simons in 3-Team Trade
Dallas is 4-11 and the season is salvageable if key pieces return healthy, so the proposal stitches a three-team swap sending expiring salaries to Brooklyn and Boston while landing Anfernee Simons and Brandon Highsmith for the Mavericks. The deal aims to boost Dallas’ backcourt without surrendering a first-rounder, uses Boston’s Kristaps Porziņģis trade exception to take on Daniel Gafford, and has the Nets acting as cap-space facilitators in exchange for picks and prospects. Merlin sees a pragmatic, low-risk plan: Simons can start at point until Kyrie Irving returns and then slide to the wing, while Highsmith brings defense and playoff grit. Boston clears luxury-tax pain and fills a center need; Brooklyn profits as the league’s wallet-moving middleman. If health returns and Simons adapts, Dallas’ play-in hopes revive — but the clock is short. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the play-in this season: 40%.
Nov 20
.jpg)
Darius Garland Tops 2019 Draft Re-Rank — Morant, Zion Upset
Bleacher Report re-sorts the 2019 draft by what players have actually done and project to do. The big takeaway: Darius Garland comes out as the smartest long-term pick for his steady production and team wins, Ja Morant keeps his high slot despite injuries and off-court noise, and Zion’s rare peaks still vault him into the top three. The piece also highlights late bloomers and undrafted finds — Lu Dort, Naz Reid, Max Strus — proving availability, fit and role matter as much as draft spot. Merlin sees a class split between durable, steady producers and electric but fragile talents. Consistency beats flashes over time; teams that turned role players into defined pieces win more often. Watch Ja’s health and Zion’s availability — they’ll rewrite this list again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant makes an All-Star team this season: 25%.
Nov 20
Stephen Curry Splits With Under Armour — Warriors' Sneaker Free Agent
Stephen Curry is officially a sneaker free agent after he and Under Armour announced they were “going their separate ways.” He’s free to wear any brand in games — has warmed up in Nike and Reebok and even tried Shaq and Penny signature lines — though he’s only used his Under Armour signature shoes in regular-season play so far. The split follows Under Armour’s recent financial struggles, but Curry Brand will remain, and his market value is sky-high thanks to elite play and strong jersey sales. Merlin sees a feeding frenzy forming. Curry’s on-court production and No. 2 jersey rank make him the most attractive prize on the market; brands will court him or cut deals that boost Curry Brand rather than replace it outright. Expect flirtations, big offers, and a few theatrical warm-ups before a final choice. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs with Nike this offseason: 70%.
Nov 20