NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 25, 2026
Jaylen Brown Says Tatum Has Lamb Chop Beef
Jaylen Brown says there’s “no beef” with Jayson Tatum after Boston traded him to Philadelphia on July 1 for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Still, Brown added there might be “little lamb chops and some gravy,” and said Tatum should “stay ready.” Tatum said he was shocked by the trade and called the drama around their relationship overblown: “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” The two spent nine years together, won Boston’s 2024 title, and helped build a 64-18 championship team. Brown became Boston’s top scorer while Tatum recovered from a torn Achilles in 2025-26, before Tatum returned and the Celtics lost in the first round. Their first meeting as opponents is Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and the 76ers beat Boston in their Nov. 10 showdown.
Erik Spoelstra Says Heat Need Inspiration
The Heat are 0-3 after losing 115-110 in Charlotte, their first 0-3 start since 2007-08. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then used a 27-4 run behind Bam Adebayo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davion Mitchell, Bobby Portis and Pelle Larsson to tie it. They never got the lead, though. Erik Spoelstra said the team “need[s] inspiration.” Miami is allowing 124.6 points per game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out in 25 minutes against Charlotte. Giannis is averaging 28.3 points, but the Heat need cleaner shots and a full 48-minute effort. The Mavericks come to Miami on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the losing streak against Dallas, with the Adebayo, Portis and Antetokounmpo frontcourt closing the game.
Oct 25
Giannis, Heat Start Season 0 and 3
The Heat are 0-3 for the first time in 19 seasons after a 115-110 loss in Charlotte. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then ripped off a 25-4 run to tie it at 100, but never grabbed the lead. Brandon Miller scored 34 as four Hornets finished with 20 or more points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 25 minutes and fouled out after scoring 71 across Miami’s first two games. The Heat are shooting 30.3 percent from three and allowing 124.6 points per game, second-most in the NBA. They’ll try to get their first win Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET against Dallas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the skid against the Mavericks, with Giannis playing more than 30 minutes and leading the Heat to their first win.
Oct 25
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Malik Beasley Negotiating Gambling Case Plea
Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea agreement with the Department of Justice after pleading not guilty in July to allegations he altered his play in 2024 games to help sports bettors and reduce his own debts. His attorney, Steve Haney, told The Associated Press a deal is moving in an “expected direction in the coming days.” Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games with the Milwaukee Bucks. Former NBA player Ed Davis is accused of serving as a “gatekeeper” after lending Beasley money, while agent Paolo Zamorano is also charged. Beasley has been out of the NBA since his 2024-25 season with Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Beasley won’t be back on an NBA roster by the end of this season.
Oct 24
Jeremy Sochan Goes No. 1 to Texas Legends
Jeremy Sochan went No. 1 overall to the Texas Legends in Saturday’s 2026 NBA G League Draft. The former No. 9 pick spent four NBA seasons with the Spurs and Knicks, won a title with New York last season, and has averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the NBA. The Legends are Dallas’ G League affiliate and also picked Jevin Muniz at No. 10 and Matthew Lane at No. 17. Sochan now gets a fresh runway to show he belongs back in the NBA when the G League season opens Nov. 6. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Sochan earns an NBA call-up before the 2026-27 G League season ends.
Oct 24
Yaxel Lendeborg Doubles Down on Luka Doncic
Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t backing off Luka Dončić. After the Warriors lost to the Grizzlies on Friday, the rookie said, “I’m not afraid” of anyone and Dončić is “not Michael Jordan.” The two got physical and traded words in the Lakers’ 127-105 opening-night win, when Dončić had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Lendeborg was hit with a technical and later said Dončić “sucks” and was “complaining the entire game.” Steve Kerr liked the rookie’s confidence, telling reporters, “I love it,” while adding, “don’t foul him next time … back up your words.” Golden State is 0-2 after blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in Memphis, but Lendeborg delivered 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 37 minutes. The Warriors face Phoenix on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg posts another double-double against the Suns and stays in Golden State’s starting group through this month.
Oct 24
Warriors, Suns Among Teams Needing Trades
The Warriors, Pelicans, Suns, Kings and Jazz all have reasons to hit the trade market early. Golden State is exploring Kristaps Porziņģis trades after ESPN's Shams Charania reported he may step away while dealing with POTS. Utah needs a center after Jusuf Nurkić's right toe injury, while Phoenix needs shooting and another creator after trading Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale for Miles Bridges. New Orleans needs a big who fits with Zion Williamson and Derek Queen, and Sacramento needs to shake up a roster built around Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray. The Suns have limited assets, but Jalen Green's $36.3 million salary gives them one path to chase help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Jazz trade for a center before the end of this month, and that player takes Jaxson Hayes’ spot in the rotation.
Oct 24
Jayson Tatum Says No Beef With Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum says there’s no bad blood with Jaylen Brown after Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia on July 1. Tatum said he called and texted Brown after the deal, adding, “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” Brown responded to Tatum’s earlier trade video with a cap emoji, and Shams Charania reported their relationship had become nearly non-existent over the past year. The former Celtics teammates won the 2024 title together, with Brown earning Finals MVP, and made the playoffs every season from 2017-26. Their first meeting as rivals comes Nov. 10, when the Celtics face the 76ers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown leads the 76ers to a win over Boston on Nov. 10.
Oct 24
Knicks Giving 275 Championship Rings After Phishing Test
The Knicks are now planning to give 275 championship rings to players, coaches, employees and others in the organization after an email phishing test backfired. The fake email offered employees a free personalized 2025-26 NBA championship ring, but people who clicked had to take a cybersecurity class. An MSG spokesman called using rings as the lure an “unfortunate mistake.” New York handed out rings before Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, celebrating its 2026 NBA Finals win. Some Mike Brown assistants got empty boxes, though Chris Jent, Rick Brunson and Brendan O’Connor are expected to get their rings “shortly.” The full batch is worth more than $3.7 million. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Every assistant coach gets a ring eventually, but nobody’s clicking another MSG email without checking twice.
Oct 23
Tyrese Maxey Denies Doc Rivers Claim
Tyrese Maxey shut down Stephen A. Smith’s claim that he went to Doc Rivers’ house upset about James Harden’s effort in the 2023 playoffs. Maxey said he has “never even been” to Rivers’ house. The comments came after Maxey and Harden had a brief shoving match Thursday, when the Sixers came back from 29 down to beat the Cavaliers 114-106. Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 points in 42 minutes. Harden had 16 points, five assists and six turnovers, while hearing boos from the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd whenever he touched the ball. Harden’s rough finish against Boston in 2023 still hangs over his Philly return, especially after he scored 22 total points on 7-of-27 shooting in Games 6 and 7. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Maxey and Harden won’t be trading holiday cards anytime soon.
Oct 23
Joel Embiid Dismisses Sixers Touch Concerns
The 76ers are 2-0 after beating last season’s two Eastern Conference Finals teams, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported one scout thinks Joel Embiid could get frustrated with fewer touches beside Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown. Maxey is leading Philly with 30.0 points and 21 shots per game, while Embiid has taken 31 shots total. Embiid pushed back on the idea that anyone has to sacrifice. After Thursday’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland, he said, “Everybody had their moment,” and said the stars just need to trust each other. Philly erased a 29-point deficit by winning the second half 69-37, so the early returns are hard to argue with. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Sixers will have a few rough fit games, but Embiid and Maxey will keep finding enough shots to make this work.
Oct 23
Knicks Sign Dalton Knecht to Two Way Deal
The Knicks plan to sign Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Friday. New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room, per Scotto. McCullar played 21 regular-season games for the Knicks last season and was part of Tuesday’s ring ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Knecht was the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft and played 78 games as a Lakers rookie. He averaged 4.2 points last season, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three. The Timberwolves also wanted him on a two-way deal, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. With Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins already on two-way contracts, Knecht will need to earn his minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Knecht gets a real chance to win a bench shooting role in New York.
Oct 23
LeBron Considered Cavaliers Before Signing Sixers
LeBron James said he gave “a lot of consideration” to returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. After Philadelphia’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland on Thursday, James confirmed he met with Cavaliers president Koby Altman, general manager Brandon Weems and members of the Gilbert family in Akron. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson had said Cleveland was “in the mix,” but LeBron chose a two-year, $8 million deal with the Sixers that includes a player option. He already delivered Cleveland its first title in 2016. Now, after a double-double against his old team, he’s trying to help Philadelphia win its first championship since 1983. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron’s first Sixers season will keep bringing big games against Cleveland, but Philly’s playoff run is the real test.
Oct 23
LeBron Responds To Trump Anthem Criticism
LeBron James brushed off President Donald Trump’s criticism after the Sixers beat the Cavaliers 114-106 Thursday. Trump demanded an apology after James appeared to mime golf swings and jump shots during the national anthem before Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. “Must've been a slow news day at the office,” James said. James has averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first two games with Philadelphia. Nick Nurse said the team is handling the outside noise well, and the Sixers can move to 3-0 Saturday against the Bucks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron keeps the focus on winning, and Philly starts 3-0.
Oct 23
Jaylen Brown Doubts Jayson Tatum Trade Reaction
Jaylen Brown reacted with a cap emoji after Jayson Tatum said he was shocked by Brown’s offseason trade to the 76ers. Tatum said Shams Charania told him about the deal after a Las Vegas pickup game. “We traded him down the street?” Tatum said. He also called their Celtics run “me and JB” and said they’re “forever stitched in stone in NBA history.” Charania had reported that Brown and Tatum had a “non-existent” relationship off the court before the trade. Boston got Paul George and two first-round picks, while Brown’s move helped bring LeBron James to Philadelphia. Brown and the Sixers beat the defending champion Knicks in his debut Tuesday. Tatum and the Celtics lost to Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and Tatum’s first matchup as opponents is going to have plenty of extra heat.
Oct 23
Warriors Could Trade Porzingis For Zion
The Warriors could explore a deal for Zion Williamson by sending Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis and a top-four protected 2027 first-round pick to the Pelicans. Porziņģis is making $20 million in 2026-27, with only $3 million guaranteed in 2027-28, which could make his contract useful in a trade. His POTS diagnosis has also put his future on the court in question. Golden State would be betting big on Zion’s health, but his paint scoring could be a perfect fit next to Stephen Curry’s shooting, especially when Jimmy Butler returns. For New Orleans, the deal clears Zion’s $44.9 million salary for next season, adds a pick, and opens more room for Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones could be names to watch next. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: If the Warriors make a major move, Zion will be near the top of their list.
Oct 23
LeBron, Embiid Lead NBA's Top Starting Five
The 2026-27 season is barely underway, but the projected starting lineups are already taking shape. Philadelphia tops the list with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Oklahoma City lands second, New York is third, and San Antonio, Denver and Cleveland are right behind them. The Sixers have the most star power, but health and fit will decide if it works. Embiid has played 96 games over the last three seasons, and LeBron turns 42 in December. The Thunder have the best chemistry on paper, while the Knicks return a championship core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City’s starting five will finish the season looking like the league’s best, even if Philadelphia has the bigger names.
Oct 23
Knicks Assistants Miss Out On Rings
Knicks assistant coaches didn’t get championship rings during Tuesday night’s ceremony at Madison Square Garden, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported. They were told earlier that day they’ll receive their rings later. Many longtime MSG employees also won’t get rings after a supposed employee ring-design email turned out to be a phishing test. Knicks players got their jewelry before the team raised its banner ahead of the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. New York beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals, ending a 53-year title drought. The rings will still come, but it’s a rough look after such a huge night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The assistants get their rings soon, and the Knicks make sure the next ceremony runs a lot smoother.
Oct 23
Knicks Interested in Dalton Knecht
The Knicks are among the teams interested in signing Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. Marc Stein previously linked the Timberwolves to Knecht, while Jake Fischer said the Wolves, Kings and Raptors are also looking at him. Minnesota, Sacramento and Toronto each have an open two-way spot. New York already has Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins on two-way deals. The Lakers waived Knecht on Monday after his role shrank under JJ Redick. The No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft averaged 4.2 points in his second season, but put up 19.5 points across six G League regular-season and playoff games with South Bay. A new system and more reps could give the former Tennessee scorer a real reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Knecht lands with a team that can offer him a clearer path to minutes, and he sticks around past the two-way deal.
Oct 22
Luka Doncic Gets Under Yaxel Lendeborg's Skin
Luka Dončić and Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg got into it during the first half of the Lakers and Golden State season opener. The back-and-forth ended with Lendeborg getting a technical foul. Luka won that exchange, and Lendeborg got an early lesson about picking his spots. Golden State’s rookie showed he won’t back down, but Luka is the kind of player who’ll make you pay if you give him extra fuel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka will remember this one the next time the Warriors and Lakers meet.
Oct 22
Tyrese Haliburton Returns With 23 and 12
Tyrese Haliburton is back. After missing all of the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton returned Tuesday in Indiana’s 123-120 season-opening win over New Orleans. He finished with 23 points and 12 assists. “It means a lot to be back out here,” Haliburton said after 16 months of rehab. Indiana lost Haliburton in Game 7 of the Finals against Oklahoma City, right when the team was close to a title. Now he’s back running the offense, and the Pacers can start chasing that same level again. Staying healthy will be the big thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Haliburton will have Indiana back in the playoff mix if he stays on the floor.
Oct 22
Anthony Davis, Trae Young Lead Wizards Win
Anthony Davis scored big in his Wizards debut as Washington opened 2026-27 with a 128-116 win over the Bucks. Trae Young added a double-double, while No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa missed the game with an ankle sprain. Davis had been traded from Dallas before February’s deadline but missed the rest of last season with a hand injury. Milwaukee is rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, so it’s only one game. Still, Washington finally got a look at Davis and Young together after Young played just five games last year. Dybantsa’s return, plus growth from Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, could put the Wizards in the play-in mix. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Davis and Young will have Washington in the East play-in race when Dybantsa returns.
Oct 22
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Anthony Edwards Drops 45 in Wolves Opener
Anthony Edwards dropped 45 points, a Timberwolves record for a season opener, as Minnesota beat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and the Heat 131-106 on Wednesday. LaMelo Ball made his Minnesota debut after the trade from Charlotte, while Giannis made his Heat debut and had a strong night in the loss. Edwards had 21 by halftime and 36 through three quarters, giving Minnesota an 18-point lead heading into the fourth. Ball already looked like a clean fit next to him. Miami needs more help around Giannis after its supporting cast struggled in the opener. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Edwards and Ball will make Minnesota one of the West’s toughest backcourts to deal with.
Oct 22
Lonzo Laughs at LaMelo's Missed Travel
LaMelo Ball appeared to get away with a travel in his Minnesota Timberwolves debut Wednesday against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. He gathered the ball and took several steps beyond the 3-point line, but no whistle came. The announcers noticed it, and Lonzo Ball got a laugh out of the no-call on social media. It was a funny moment, but LaMelo’s fit with Minnesota will be the bigger story from here. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo will give Wolves fans plenty more highlights, even if a few steps get missed.
Oct 22
Paul George Fined After Celtics Debut
Paul George got fined $2,000 for flopping in his Boston Celtics debut, the NBA announced Wednesday. It came after Boston’s 121-113 loss to Detroit, but George still set a franchise record with 38 points in a debut. He added five steals, five rebounds, and three assists after arriving in the Jaylen Brown trade with Philadelphia. Boston blew a 22-point lead after Detroit ripped off a 23-0 run in the fourth. Cade Cunningham had 22 points and eight assists, while Ausar Thompson made life tough for Jayson Tatum. Tatum finished 6-of-23 and went 0-of-7 from three. George said he’s still getting his legs and wind back, which is a good sign after that scoring night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: George has another 30-point game soon, but Boston needs Tatum to bounce back fast.
Oct 21