NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Sep 13, 2026
NBA Teams Face Offseason Overreactions
The NBA offseason has been chaos, and this rundown hits every team with one early overreaction. The Hawks added Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, the Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers paid Austin Reaves and traded for Walker Kessler, and the Sixers now have LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. There were also major moves involving LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Anthony Davis and more. A lot of these takes are way too final before training camp even starts. Boston can still build around Jayson Tatum. Nikola Jokić hasn’t asked out of Denver. Stephen Curry’s Warriors still have paths to improve. Summer League also doesn’t decide the future for prospects like Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., Allen Graves or Darryn Peterson. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: At least a few of these “overreactions” will look pretty smart by the All-Star break.
Pelicans Sign Bennedict Mathurin For $16M
Bennedict Mathurin is headed to New Orleans on a two-year, $16 million deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. The Clippers gave Mathurin a qualifying offer, but Jake Fischer says they’ll work with him to complete the move. Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 54 games last season. The 24-year-old was the No. 6 pick in 2022 and reached the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and 2025 NBA Finals with Indiana. He joined the Clippers on Feb. 5, 2026, in the deal that sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers, then averaged 17.4 points as their sixth man. New Orleans had been linked to Mathurin since July 28, and now gets another young scorer for its future. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Mathurin gets a bigger role in New Orleans and pushes for a starting spot.
Sep 13
Cam Whitmore Among Free Agents Worth Signing
A few useful free agents are still sitting out there as training camps get close. Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown Jr., Lindy Waters III, Cam Whitmore and Vince Williams Jr. all bring different upside, and none should cost more than a minimum deal. Some could even land non-guaranteed camp invites. Agbaji can defend guards, Brown does a little of everything, and Waters can really let threes fly. Whitmore is only 22 and can score, but his passing, defense and health are real questions. Williams is rehabbing a torn left ACL and could miss much of 2026-27, but his defense makes him an interesting long-term bet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Whitmore gets a camp deal and turns it into a real rotation spot.
Sep 13
Stephen Curry Eligible for Warriors Extension
Stephen Curry becomes eligible Saturday to sign a two-year, $136.7 million extension with the Warriors. Nick Friedell of The Athletic reports Curry is still expected to sign, but waiting could leave Golden State dealing with questions all season. Steph is set to make $62.6 million in 2026-27 before free agency next summer. Mike Dunleavy said Aug. 11 he’s confident Curry will finish his career with Golden State. The Warriors went 37-45 last season, brought back Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, and reportedly tried to sign LeBron James before he joined Philadelphia. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are recovering from season-ending injuries, so Curry may want to see how the roster looks first. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Steph signs the extension, but Golden State’s start will tell everyone how good he feels about the plan.
Sep 13
Lakers Miss Jonathan Kuminga to Timberwolves
Jonathan Kuminga picked the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Lakers, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Los Angeles offered him a starting role and more than $12 million per year. Now the Lakers are looking at other options, including PJ Washington, De’Andre Hunter, and free agent Bruce Brown. Washington would bring size and versatility, plus he already has chemistry with Luka Dončić from Dallas’ 2024 Finals run. Hunter offers wing shooting but carries a $24.9 million cap hit. Brown could be the cheaper fit, giving the Lakers defense and shooting behind Austin Reaves. Los Angeles could also wait and see what the roster needs closer to the trade deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Lakers make at least one smaller move before deciding whether a bigger trade is worth it.
Sep 13
LeBron, Giannis, Kawhi Could Switch Teams
Marc Stein reports that LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard could be on new teams next season. LeBron is the only one headed for free agency after the season, while Giannis and Kawhi drew interest from other teams before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. LeBron is expected to return for a 24th NBA season, but it’s unclear if he’ll finish his career with the Lakers after eight years in Los Angeles. Giannis has been publicly feuding with the Bucks, which could push Milwaukee toward a deal. Kawhi has kept the Clippers in playoff position after James Harden left, but a split could make sense if they can’t build a real title path around him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis is the most likely of the three to be wearing a new jersey next season.
Apr 15
Steve Kerr Expected Back With Warriors
Steve Kerr’s contract expires after the season, but The Athletic’s Nick Friedell reports there’s been “no indication of a split” between Kerr and the Warriors. Golden State faces the Los Angeles Clippers in Wednesday’s play-in game, and a loss would end its season. Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy have said they’ll talk about the future after the season. The Warriors went 37-45, with Stephen Curry missing major time because of a knee injury and Jimmy Butler out for the year with a torn ACL. If Golden State beats the Clippers, it’ll need one more play-in win to reach the playoffs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kerr and the Warriors work out a new deal after the season, even if this play-in run ends fast.
Apr 15
Joel Embiid Tops NBA What Ifs List
Joel Embiid’s appendectomy has him headed into the 2026 playoffs with another health question hanging over the 76ers. He’s missed 476 career games and played 490, even while putting up MVP-level numbers when he’s available. The injury history has put Embiid alongside NBA’s biggest what-ifs, including Bill Walton, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, Derrick Rose, Brandon Roy, Yao Ming, Greg Oden, Ralph Sampson and Tracy McGrady. Embiid has still done plenty, with five All-NBA selections and the 2022-23 MVP. But he’s played 66 games in a season only twice, and finished top two in MVP voting both times. Philadelphia knows the deal now: its playoff ceiling depends on whether Joel can actually be on the floor and close to himself. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Embiid will be the biggest swing factor in the East, but the Sixers can’t count on a full playoff run until he proves he can finish one.
Apr 15
Austin Reaves Expected Back With Lakers
The regular season ended Sunday, and 10 teams are already focused on the 2026 offseason. The Lakers could have big calls coming if Luka Dončić’s hamstring and Austin Reaves’ oblique injuries lead to an early exit. Jovan Buha says Reaves is likely “to prioritize getting a four to five-year deal and will push for a longer deal.” LeBron James is also headed for unrestricted free agency. Golden State wants Kristaps Porziņģis back after trading for him from Atlanta. Brett Siegel reports the Warriors are “fully committed” to getting a deal done quickly. In Atlanta, Jake Fischer says there’s mutual interest for the Hawks to decline Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option and work out a longer deal instead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Reaves stays with the Lakers on a five-year deal, Porziņģis re-signs with the Warriors, and Kuminga gets a new three-year contract in Atlanta.
Apr 15
LeBron James Linked to Warriors in 2026
LeBron James is headed for free agency after the season, and Sam Amick said a return to Cleveland or move to Golden State could require a major pay cut, maybe even the minimum. LeBron is averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals for the Lakers while shooting 51.7 percent from the field. The Lakers also have Austin Reaves' player option to sort out. Jovan Buha reports Reaves wants a four- to five-year deal. Denver wants to keep restricted free agent Peyton Watson, per Michael Scotto, but could move Cam Johnson to help manage deals for Watson, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron takes less money for a real title shot, and Golden State will be right in the middle of it.
Apr 15
Doc Rivers Steps Down as Bucks Coach
Doc Rivers has stepped down as Milwaukee Bucks head coach after the team missed the 2025-26 playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Rivers said he was "deeply grateful" for the experience. ESPN's Shams Charania reported he won't return, though the Bucks are discussing an advisory role. Rivers went 97-103 in Milwaukee with no playoff series wins. Milwaukee now needs its fifth coach since the 2022-23 season, counting Joe Prunty's interim run. Giannis Antetokounmpo's future is still a major question, while Damian Lillard is coming off a torn Achilles. The Bucks also don't control their own first-round pick until 2031. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Bucks will hire a coach focused on getting Giannis and Lillard healthy and aligned fast.
Apr 15
LiAngelo Ball Says He Can Play NBA
LiAngelo Ball says he still feels ready for an NBA shot, even though music is now his main career. Ball, who performs as Gelo and signed with Def Jam after “Tweaker” went viral, told Erik Anderson of Heavy that he could start working out and playing “tomorrow” if a team called. Ball says he stays sharp by playing with his brothers and NBA players when they’re home. He also told teams he’d bring scoring, defense, and a willingness to do whatever helps win. His pro basketball stops have come in the G League, Lithuania, and Mexico's CIBACOPA, with no NBA games yet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Gelo keeps making music, but he’ll still be ready if a training camp invite ever comes.
Apr 15
JJ Redick Says Lakers Trust Bronny James
JJ Redick said the Lakers trust Bronny James and that the second-year guard has improved a lot this season. Bronny has played all five games since Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves were hurt on April 2, averaging 6.6 points and 2.0 assists. He’s also made six of his last 10 threes over the past three games. The Lakers open their first-round series against Houston on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET without Dončić and Reaves. LeBron James has carried a huge load, while Bronny, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Nick Smith Jr. will need to help fill the gaps. Bronny should get real minutes as a bench guard. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Bronny hits at least one big three in Game 1.
Apr 15
Lakers Sign Nick Smith Jr For Playoffs
The Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-year contract Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Los Angeles waived Kobe Bufkin to open a playoff roster spot, then upgraded Smith from a two-way deal so he can play in the postseason. Smith has played 29 games for the Lakers, averaging 6.0 points while shooting 40 percent from three. He’s gotten more run with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves injured, scoring 11 points against Oklahoma City and 12 against Golden State. He won’t carry the offense, but a few hot minutes could help a thin Lakers backcourt. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Smith gets at least one playoff game where he hits a couple big threes and earns real minutes.
Apr 15
Doug Christie Returning as Kings Coach
Doug Christie will be back as Kings head coach for the 2026-27 season, ESPN’s Anthony Slater confirmed Sunday. Sacramento went 22-59 and missed the playoffs, but injuries hit Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine hard. Slater said the growth of rookies Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford also helped Christie keep the job. Christie has two guaranteed years on his deal, with a team option for 2027-28 that comes with a bigger salary, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Russell Westbrook is headed for unrestricted free agency, and Scott Perry said the Kings want to “get young as a team.” Sacramento is tied with Utah for the fourth-best odds at the No. 1 pick in the May 10 draft lottery. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Christie gets a healthier, younger group next season, but Sacramento needs a real jump to make that third-year option easy.
Apr 15
Shams Charania Blasts Bucks After Rivers Resigns
Shams Charania said Milwaukee has spent too much time pushing back on reports instead of fixing its internal issues. On The Pat McAfee Show, he compared the Bucks' situation to the Fyre Festival cover-up. His comments came after ESPN's April 7 report detailed team tension, including Doc Rivers telling players to “google me” during a March 1 meeting. Rivers said the report took his message out of context and questioned Charania's sources. The Athletic's Eric Nehm reported similar concerns Monday, including a player saying the team “checked out on this season” after Rivers' March 21 shootaround message. Milwaukee lost 50 games, Rivers resigned, and the Bucks now have a major offseason ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Milwaukee’s next coach will spend as much time rebuilding trust as rebuilding the roster.
Apr 15
NBA Reviewing LaMelo Ball Bam Adebayo Incident
The NBA is reviewing LaMelo Ball’s play involving Bam Adebayo in Tuesday’s Hornets-Heat play-in game, according to Chris Haynes. A ruling is expected before Charlotte plays Friday. Ball appeared to grab Adebayo’s ankles after falling on a drive, and Bam hit his lower back hard enough that he couldn’t return. Charlotte won 127-126 in overtime, ending Miami’s season. Erik Spoelstra called it “dangerous” and said Ball should’ve been ejected. Ball apologized afterward, saying he got hit in the head and “didn’t even know where I was.” LaMelo had 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, including the go-ahead layup with four seconds left in OT. The Hornets will face the Magic-76ers loser Friday for the East’s No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo gets some kind of punishment, but he’ll still be available Friday.
Apr 15
Heat Will Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo Again
The Heat are expected to chase another star this offseason, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is high on Pat Riley’s list. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Miami offered Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and draft picks for Giannis at the deadline, but Milwaukee chose not to move him. Miami has landed in the Play-In Tournament again and still needs more help next to Bam Adebayo. The Heat will have competition if Giannis becomes available, and other teams may have stronger trade packages. Still, Riley is expected to check in on Giannis and any other star who hits the market. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami makes a serious Giannis push, but Milwaukee asks for more than the Heat can offer.
Apr 15
LaMelo Ball's MB.05 LO Drops May 15
LaMelo Ball’s new Puma MB.05 LO drops May 15 for $120. The low-cut shoe comes in bright yellow and acid green, built around Melo’s quick, flashy style on the court. LaMelo is also trying to push Charlotte into its first playoff trip since 2016. He had 30 points, 10 assists, and the game-winning layup in Tuesday’s 127-126 overtime win over Miami. The Hornets now need one more win against the loser of Orlando vs. Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo drops another big game and gets Charlotte into the playoffs.
Apr 15
Doc Rivers Won't Return To Bucks
Doc Rivers won’t return as Bucks coach, but he said Sunday he hopes things end well for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee. “Giannis and this franchise won a title together,” Rivers said. “That should never be lost no matter how this ends up.” Giannis has reportedly told the Bucks he’s ready to be traded after frustration over the team’s title outlook and being shut down late in the season. Rivers hasn’t decided whether he’ll retire or coach again. Shams Charania reported Milwaukee will pay him his eight-figure salary for 2026-27, and the sides are discussing an advisory role. Rivers said, “It’s too early to reflect,” after a season that “didn’t go the way I wanted it to go.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Giannis trade talks are about to get a lot more serious this summer.
Apr 15
Lonzo Ball Defends LaMelo After Bam Incident
LaMelo Ball is under NBA review after Bam Adebayo fell on Tuesday night, then left Charlotte’s 127-126 overtime Play-In win with a back injury. Ball appeared to grab Adebayo’s ankle on the play. He apologized afterward, saying, “I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was.” Erik Spoelstra said Ball should’ve been ejected and called it “a dangerous play.” Lonzo Ball fired back after Nick Wright called LaMelo a “clown,” while Wright stood by it. Officials said they couldn’t review the play because the ball stayed live. Chris Haynes said he’d be “surprised” if LaMelo is suspended for Friday’s game against the 76ers or Magic. Charlotte needs that win to claim the No. 8 seed and face Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo plays Friday, and the Hornets get a loud road crowd no matter where they go.
Apr 15
Victor Wembanyama Backs 65 Game Rule
Victor Wembanyama dropped 40 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes as the Spurs beat the Mavericks on Friday. He also spent two minutes breaking down the NBA’s 65-game awards rule, saying it would be “unfair” to drop it this season. Wembanyama said 75 percent of 82 games is 61.5, and he thinks that would be a fair cutoff. Luka Dončić played 64 games but filed an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge” after missing two December games for the birth of his child. An independent arbitrator will hear the case early next week. Wembanyama has met the minutes requirement for awards, while San Antonio heads into Sunday’s Denver game as the West’s No. 2 seed with 62 wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka gets cleared for awards, and Wembanyama’s MVP case stays loud into the playoffs.
Apr 11
Hawks Clinch Playoffs, East Seeds Still Open
The final day of the regular season still has a few seeds up for grabs. Atlanta clinched the Southeast Division and a playoff spot by beating Cleveland, while Boston locked up the Atlantic Division against New Orleans. Charlotte is headed to the play-in after losing to Detroit. Toronto can clinch a playoff spot by beating Brooklyn, but a loss could send the Raptors down to the No. 8 play-in spot if Orlando and Philadelphia both win. Portland can grab the West's No. 8 seed by beating Sacramento, which would set up Clippers vs. Warriors in the 9-10 game. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Toronto gets the win over Brooklyn and avoids the play-in.
Apr 11
NBA Playoff Seeds Still Up for Grabs
The East has one Sunday race left: Atlanta can lock up No. 5 with a win over Miami, while Toronto can hold No. 6 with a win over Brooklyn. Orlando owns the same record as Toronto, and Philadelphia needs a win over Milwaukee plus losses from Toronto and Orlando to avoid the play-in. Out West, all 10 postseason teams are set, but Denver and the Lakers are still fighting for No. 3. Portland grabbed the No. 8 spot by beating the Clippers 116-97 and can stay there with a win over Sacramento. The Lakers beat Phoenix 101-73 without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, but they need to beat Utah and have Denver lose to San Antonio to jump the Nuggets. Sunday decides the last brackets before the play-in starts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Denver holds No. 3, while Toronto and Atlanta lock in the East’s final top-six spots.
Apr 11
SGA, Wemby Lead 2026 NBA Award Picks
The NBA awards are almost here, and several picks look close to settled. The predictions: Onsi Saleh for Executive of the Year, J.B. Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Clutch Player and MVP, Nickeil Alexander-Walker for Most Improved, Keldon Johnson for Sixth Man, Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year, and Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year. The closest call is Flagg versus Kon Knueppel. Knueppel has helped Charlotte win big, but Flagg's 96 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists over two games, including 51 and 45-point performances, could swing it. SGA's case looks strongest of all after another huge season for Oklahoma City. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Flagg wins Rookie of the Year, but Knueppel gets plenty of first-place votes.
Apr 11