NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 20, 2025
Jokić Praises Pelicans' Derik Queen After 30-Point Breakout
Derik Queen erupted for 30 points, nine boards, two steals and two blocks against the Nuggets, drawing praise from Nikola Jokić, who said, "He's good. He has some moves, he's definitely pretty crafty." The rookie's unorthodox touch and playmaking earned him "Baby Jokić" comparisons, but with the Pelicans mired 2-13, Queen is more bright spot than cure-all. Merlin senses a shifting tide: bigs who see the court like guards are multiplying, and Queen shows that blueprint. Jokić even cautioned, "I don't want people to see him and tell me he's something like me... he'll have his own story." Consistency will decide if this spark becomes a flame, but the potential is real. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Queen becoming a perennial All-Star within five years: 25%.
Cavs' Atkinson: I'll Rest Mitchell, Mobley Despite $100K Fine
The Cavaliers were fined $100,000 after resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley on the first night of a back-to-back — a penalty under the NBA’s Player Participation Policy when more than one recent All-Star or All-NBA player is held out without a listable injury. Coach Kenny Atkinson stood by the choice, saying "Can I be frank? No," and arguing he must "look at the Cavs' best interest" amid a tight schedule and early-season absences like Darius Garland’s limited availability. Merlin sees a coach trading short-term optics for long-term health. Atkinson declared "my No. 1 job is to protect the health of our players" and will "rock with that decision," accepting fines as the cost of preserving Mitchell and Mobley for the stretch run. The move signals a cautious, player-first philosophy that could shape Cleveland’s rotation all season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atkinson rests multiple star players again this season: 70%.
Nov 20
Nuggets Reward Breakout Braun with $125M Extension
Merlin sees Denver locking up Christian Braun with a five‑year, $125 million extension after a clear breakout season. Braun jumped to 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.0% overall and 39.7% from three, and he averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the playoffs — production that earned the payday. Jake Fischer noted "the low end" of his target was roughly $25M per year, and the Nuggets obliged. Merlin senses this is more than a reward — it’s a statement. Denver added depth in the offseason but made no draft pick, so keeping Braun signals he’s part of their near‑term core alongside Jokić and Murray. If his efficiency and defensive instincts hold and he grows as a secondary creator, Braun could become a true swing‑game changer; health and playmaking will tell the tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Braun averaging 16+ PPG and remaining a key starter on a title‑contending Denver team this season: 65%.
Nov 19
Topps Unveils Lakers' LeBron "Year 23" One-of-One
Topps unveiled a one-of-one autographed LeBron James card inscribed "Year 23." At 40, LeBron opened his 2025-26 season after sciatica, finishing with 11 points, 12 assists, three rebounds and a steal in 30 minutes during the Lakers' 140-126 win over Utah. He admitted, "It's been rough mentally for me. This is the first time I've started a basketball season and not played..." The card and his return underline both his enduring market power and the new fragility of a veteran body. Merlin sees a familiar mix of spectacle and caution. The autograph is a collector's prize; the box score shows LeBron can still steer games. But sciatica and mental strain will shape load management and lineup creativity. Expect more planned rests, spot starts, and moments where history is chased carefully rather than risked. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays at least 65 games this season: 45%.
Nov 19
Hawks Lock Up Dyson Daniels — $100M Deal
Merlin sees the Hawks locking up Dyson Daniels with a four-year, $100 million rookie extension after his breakout year. The 22-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a league-high 3.0 steals, won Most Improved Player and made the All-Defensive First Team — and Trae Young quickly celebrated the deal on social media. Atlanta avoided the risk of him hitting restricted free agency. Merlin notes the arc: a bench piece in New Orleans who blossomed after the trade, Daniels gives Atlanta a switchable perimeter defender and disruptive playmaker next to Young. The contract bets on continued growth — especially his shooting and creation — and if he progresses, the Hawks’ ceiling rises from good to dangerous. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dyson Daniels becomes an NBA All-Star within two seasons: 30%.
Nov 19
Westbrook vs. LeBron: Lakers' Big-Three Implosion
Merlin sees that Russell Westbrook and LeBron James never truly clicked in Los Angeles. Yaron Weitzman’s book excerpt recounts a tipping point during the Lakers’ “Genius Series” with Will Smith — Westbrook muttered, “I hate that fake s--t,” and grew suspicious of LeBron “misrepresenting himself.” Westbrook’s declining play and stylistic mismatch with LeBron and Anthony Davis led to his February 2023 trade, a move ESPN called like removing “a vampire from the locker room.” The shakeup helped briefly, but the Lakers still bowed out in the first round in 2024 and 2025. Merlin senses a familiar spell: star power without fit fractures teams. The Big Three experiment was always fragile — chemistry and roster design mattered more than names. If Rob Pelinka cannot find a clearer identity, Los Angeles risks repeating short playoff bursts instead of sustained title runs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals next season: 25%.
Nov 19
Blazers Bet Big: Shaedon Sharpe 4-Year $90M
Merlin sees the Trail Blazers betting on youth: Portland signed Shaedon Sharpe to a four-year, $90 million extension, per Shams Charania, coming on the heels of a four-year, $82 million deal for Toumani Camara. Sharpe, 22, had a breakout season at 18.5 points per game and is now a primary building block alongside Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan, with Jrue Holiday as the veteran point-of-attack. Merlin senses this as a shift from teardown to deliberate build. Locking Sharpe buys scoring and upside, but the Blazers’ rise depends on development, Sharpe’s consistency, Scoot Henderson’s health, and defensive growth. This core gives Portland a quicker path back to relevance — not a finished product, but a promising blueprint. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Portland making the playoffs in 2025–26: 40%.
Nov 19
Rockets Pass on Tari Eason Rookie Extension
Tari Eason won’t get a rookie extension from the Rockets — talks “could not bridge gaps on multiple fronts,” per Shams Charania — so he’ll play 2025-26 on his current deal and enter restricted free agency next summer. That matters because Eason has grown into a high-energy spark off the bench (12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds in 2024-25) and Houston has signaled it’s “comfortable matching any offer that would come,” keeping control of his future. Merlin sees a player at a crossroads: durability and defense will sell him a payday, and the Rockets’ decision to exclude him from the Durant trade shows they value his role. If Eason stays healthy and keeps producing as a versatile defender, he’s more likely to get a matching offer than to walk. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Houston matches any qualifying offer and keeps Eason long-term: 70%.
Nov 19
Pacers Lock Up Aaron Nesmith With $40.4M Extension
Indiana locked Aaron Nesmith into a two-year, $40.4 million extension — with a trade kicker and the maximum salary allowed — keeping the sharpshooter through 2028-29. It’s a clear reward for his role in the Pacers’ Finals run and a statement that Indiana values his spacing and playoff poise as they navigate roster continuity and Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. Merlin sees a tidy fit: Nesmith has averaged 11.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 47.3% overall and 40.2% from three in Indy, and he flashed superstar-level timing with 30 points on 8-of-9 threes in Game 1 of the East Finals. His two-way versatility makes him the logical tilt point for expanded duty while Haliburton recovers — the contract buys the team stability and the player a chance to grow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nesmith averaging 13+ PPG next season: 65%.
Nov 19
Mark Cuban Denies Mavericks Trading Anthony Davis
Merlin sees the Mavericks snuffing out trade rumors for Anthony Davis after minority owner Mark Cuban bluntly emailed, "We won't. We want to try to win." That matters because Dallas is 4-11, fired GM Nico Harrison (who brought Davis to town), and ESPN reported the team might explore the market ahead of February — but Davis is injured (out since Oct. 29 with a calf strain), highly paid, and still viewed by ownership as part of a potential core with Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg. Merlin notes the tension: Davis is a top big when healthy (24.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG last season) but carries injury baggage and a hefty contract, which lowers trade return value. For now Cuban prefers to see the experiment play out, though poor results could force a rethink. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading Anthony Davis before the February deadline: 20%.
Nov 19
Kyrie Irving ACL Recovery; Dallas Mavericks Return Uncertain
Merlin sees brighter rehab news for Kyrie Irving — ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported, "Kyrie is making great progress in his recovery, but I would say his return this season is very much in question for other reasons." That matters because Irving’s timetable now hinges not only on health but on Dallas’ standing and a broader team decision. Merlin notes the Mavericks sit 4-11, the front office is in flux after Nico Harrison's firing, and a healthy core with Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg could be competitive. As Marc J. Spears said, "Kyrie's looking good, he's ahead of schedule" and "He wants to be back," yet the club may opt for caution if playoff chances fade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie returning this season: 30%.
Nov 19
LeBron's Return Sparks Lakers' Daniel Gafford Hunt
Merlin sees LeBron slide right back into action in his 23rd season — 11 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds — and dovetail with a core of Dončić, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. JJ Redick called him “very unselfish all night,” and that quiet fit calms fears his return would wreck the chemistry behind L.A.’s 10-4 start without him. Merlin also notes the roster’s lingering faults: inconsistent perimeter shooting, subpar rebounding and a 17th-ranked defensive rating. A pragmatic fix is Daniel Gafford — familiar with Dončić, a rim protector (1.8 blocks) and under contract through 2028-29 — whom some sources peg as “the most likely” Mavericks trade candidate. Cap hurdles (Lakers $1.1M under the apron; Gafford earns $17.3M) make any deal delicate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers acquiring Daniel Gafford before the deadline: 20%.
Nov 19
LeBron Beams: Son Bronny Growing With Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron praising the steady growth of his son Bronny after the Lakers’ season debut. LeBron said, "It's been great to see, to watch. And he's still young... still learning and still getting better with each and every rep." Bronny — the 55th pick and half of the NBA’s first father-son duo — dominated briefly in the G League but has played sparingly in the NBA (11.1 minutes, 2.1 points, 1.8 assists), while LeBron returned from sciatica to help a 140–126 win. Merlin senses genuine progress rather than a sudden leap. Being with the big club all year and earning more minutes is promising, but true rotation status will demand defense, consistency and coach trust. This feels like the opening chapter of Bronny’s long story, not the final spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player (15+ minutes per game) by season’s end: 25%.
Nov 19
Anthony Davis Trade Looms After Mavericks GM Firing
Merlin sees Dallas quietly opening a new chapter: with GM Nico Harrison gone, the Mavericks are expected to test the market for Anthony Davis ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Davis hasn’t played this season because of a calf strain, the team delayed his return until “medical metrics” cleared him, and the club recently said he’ll miss “at least” another seven to 10 days. His enormous salary under the new apron rules and Dallas’ lack of 2027–29 first-round picks all make extracting a big haul difficult. Merlin knows Davis remains a top-tier two-way star when healthy — a recent consistent double-double threat and defensive standout — but age, injury risk and contract length mute his trade value. Dallas appears to be balancing a short-term return with a long-term rebuild around Cooper Flagg; contenders will call, but expect prudence over panic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before Feb. 5: 40%.”)
Nov 19
Stephen Curry Rocks Reebok Shaq, Penny After Under Armour Split
Stephen Curry, now free of his Under Armour contract, was spotted wearing Reebok shoes from Shaq and Penny signature lines before a game vs. Orlando — a small photograph with big meaning. What he chooses to wear matters: Curry is a top sneaker influencer, and his footwear choices can signal a new endorsement direction or simply a move toward personal freedom after a long-term deal. Merlin sees this as the opening of a new chapter, not a finished spell. Sampling Reebok’s retro silhouettes ties Curry to basketball history and gives brands a reason to court him; at the same time, he gains leverage by remaining uncommitted. Expect a mix of flirtations with legacy labels, talks with major brands, and the possibility of a bespoke or independent venture that lets Curry control his own story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry signs a full Reebok endorsement this season: 25%.
Nov 19
Lonzo, Powell, Bufkin: Every NBA Team's Regrets
The opening month of 2025-26 has become a ledger of offseason regrets: mis-timed trades (Kobe Bufkin), lost draft opportunities (Ryan Kalkbrenner), over-investing in redundant skill sets (Brooklyn’s playmaker spree), costly gambles (Myles Turner, Cameron Johnson) and glaring holes still unaddressed (Lakers’ spacing, Mavericks’ point guard void). Golden State’s Kuminga saga even carried Shams Charania’s line that the deal hinges “if and when Kuminga is traded during the upcoming season,” while Oklahoma City stands alone with “none detected.” Merlin sees front offices waking to structural errors — spacing, playmaking depth and timing — that injuries and market movement will only magnify. Some missteps can be patched at the trade deadline; others (big contracts, lost picks) will linger like a curse. Expect increasing wheeling and dealing as teams scramble to fix the mistakes they can still reverse. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jonathan Kuminga is traded this season: 50%.
Nov 19
Early MVP Favorites: Jokic, Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama
One month in, the MVP ladder is starting to firm: Luka Dončić leads the scoring race (34.4) while Nikola Jokić is again “turning up the heat,” Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander remains a top contender, Giannis is a one‑man video game, and Victor Wembanyama already towers as a defensive game‑changer. Availability and team context matter — Wemby’s calf strain and Giannis’s groin issue are obvious wildcards, and Dončić’s shaky 3‑point touch tempers his scoring surge. Merlin sees the season as a weather map: Jokić’s massive on‑off swing and Wemby’s deterrence are like storms that reshape the landscape, while SGA’s dominance is steadier because OKC is winning even without Jalen Williams. Durability and lineup fit will decide who truly cracks the inner circle — counting stats alone won’t be enough. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka Dončić winning MVP this season: 25%.
Nov 19
LeBron James' Season Debut: Lakers 140-125 Over Jazz
LeBron James made a quiet but meaningful return from right-side sciatica, finishing with 11 points, 12 assists and a team win as the Lakers beat the Jazz 140-125. The victory pushed Los Angeles to 11-4 and a three-game streak; Utah got 31 from Lauri Markkanen but couldn’t withstand a Lakers fourth-quarter surge. LeBron’s early practice with the South Bay Lakers and a full 5-on-5 session Monday mattered more than the box score. Merlin sees this as more than a single-game cameo — it’s a health checkpoint. At 40, LeBron managing minutes and playmaking keeps the Lakers dangerous, but sciatica is a whisper that can become a shout. If the veteran stays steady, the Lakers’ ceiling rises; if not, load management and timely rests will shape their fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays 65+ games this season: 45%.
Nov 19
Giannis Groin Strain: Bucks Brace 1–2 Weeks
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined with a low-grade left groin strain for one-to-two weeks, per Shams Charania, after sustaining the injury Monday vs. Cleveland. This matters because the two-time MVP is the Bucks’ cornerstone — averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 62.9% — and is a "triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor," so his absence makes each game a steeper climb for Milwaukee. Merlin sees the Bucks turning to Bobby Portis, Myles Turner and Jericho Sims for minutes and eyeing more ball movement and team defense to cover the loss of rim control and finishing. A timely return limits disruption; a longer layoff forces lineup and tactical shifts that will reveal how deep this roster really is. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis misses more than two weeks: 20%.
Nov 18
2026 Mock Draft: Peterson to Nets, Dybantsa #2
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo released his first 2026 mock, projecting Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson No.1 to the Nets, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa No.2 to Washington and Duke big Cameron Boozer No.3 to Utah. Woo’s top 10 is overwhelmingly young — nine freshmen, the first eight all freshmen — signaling huge upside. Peterson has averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in two games but is managing a hamstring issue; NBA execs are already eyeing him. Merlin sees a draft of bright flashes and thin margins. With so many freshmen, early health and consistency will reshape boards; a few breakout weeks or a nagging injury can reroute a lottery slot. Brooklyn may crave Peterson’s scoring, but teams will weigh raw talent against readiness — this class will reward bold moves and punish patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson being the No. 1 pick in 2026: 40%.
Nov 18
Kevin Durant's $90M Extension: Rockets' Title Gambit
Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets — roughly $30 million below the max he could have taken — a conscious pay cut to give the franchise roster flexibility. As Rich Kleiman noted, Durant "understood when he chose the Rockets as a trade destination that he would be sacrificing money," a choice that already pushes his career earnings near NBA records. Merlin sees this as a veteran bargain with purpose: Durant trading salary for a stronger supporting cast around Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and likely-extended Tari Eason, even as Fred VanVleet rehabs. Leave the money now, the oracle whispers, and you may buy years of contention later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Rockets finishing top-4 in the Western Conference this season: 35%.
Nov 18
Austin Reaves Testing Free Agency — Lakers Favored
Merlin sees Brian Windhorst saying Austin Reaves will test free agency — “0.0% chance” of an in-season extension — even as the Lakers remain the favorites to bring him back. Tim Bontemps warns that if Reaves waits he could command “more than $40 million” a year after a 20.2 PPG season (46% FG, 37.7% 3PT) with 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists. That combination of production and cheap past contracts makes him a priority asset. Merlin notes this matters beyond scoring: Reaves is both a complementary floor general and a tradable piece, so Los Angeles faces a strategic choice — lock him now or let market forces set the price. Expect the Lakers to chase him hard in free agency, but also expect Reaves to feel the market’s tug before deciding. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Austin Reaves re-signs with the Lakers this summer: 75%.
Nov 18
Kevin Durant Set for $80M Rockets Extension
Kevin Durant is increasingly expected to be offered an extension by the Houston Rockets that falls short of the two‑year, $120 million maximum — multiple cap experts told Marc Stein they’d “urge Houston… to cap any offer at $80 million over two years.” How big that offer can be will hinge on keeping young core pieces: Tari Eason needs an extension by Monday (ESPN projects four years, $80M) and Amen Thompson is widely expected to command a max when eligible. Durant’s choice to take less money could be the difference between preserving talent and squeezing the roster under cap and luxury‑tax pressure. Merlin sees a veteran weighing legacy over ledger. Durant’s stated goal — to “join a title contender that didn't need to give up too many key pieces” — hints he might leave salary on the table to maintain Houston’s window. If he trims pay, the Rockets keep flexibility; if not, tough roster math follows. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant accepts a sub‑max two‑year extension this summer: 60%.
Nov 18
NBA Slaps Cavs $100K Over Mitchell, Mobley Rest
The NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $100,000 after Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were sat Nov. 12, violating the league’s Player Participation Policy. The punishment sharpens a growing conflict: teams want to protect stars from a punishing early schedule, yet the league must guard fans and ticket buyers against routine stars’ absences — as Steve Kerr warned, "The Miami game will be our 17th game in 29 days in 13 different cities." Merlin sees governors unlikely to lop weeks off the calendar, so front offices will get savvier about balancing fines, optics and player health — more planned rotations, selective rests and messaging maneuvers. The policy buys short-term theater for fans, but expect teams to keep making calculated gambles to preserve seasons. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA shortens the season to eliminate back-to-backs next offseason: 12%.
Nov 18
Kevin Durant Signs Two-Year, $90M Rockets Extension
Kevin Durant committed to staying in Houston, signing a two-year, $90 million extension with a player option for 2027-28 — a deal that cost him roughly $30 million versus the max so the Rockets could keep roster flexibility. Durant had hinted this was coming ("I do see myself signing a contract extension"), and the move locks his elite scoring into Houston after the seven-team trade, even as concerns about age, playoff results and Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL temper title hopes. Merlin sees a calculated bargain: Durant buys the franchise time and credibility, while the front office gains space to build around him. He remains a top scorer, not a lone savior, so health, supporting pieces and payroll craftiness will decide if this stretch becomes a true championship window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston reaching the NBA Finals by 2026–27: 20%.
Nov 18