NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Apr 2, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Karl Anthony Towns Trade Frenzy
Merlin sees a summer trade bonanza brewing. Big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Domantas Sabonis and Karl-Anthony Towns are possible targets. The piece lays out concrete swaps: Sabonis to Toronto for RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and a pick; Towns to Dallas for Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford and picks; Morant to Miami for Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell; and Giannis to Orlando for Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black and pick swaps. These moves would remake contenders and payrolls. Merlin reads the signs. Milwaukee might move Giannis without an extension, Miami could gamble on rehabbing Morant, and Toronto keeps circling the idea of "Domantas Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors." Each proposal carries chemistry, contract and draft risk, so expect only a couple true blockbusters rather than a full reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 1-sentence forecast (“Odds of at least one of Giannis, Morant, KAT or Sabonis being traded next offseason: 55%.”)
Celtics to Dethrone Thunder in NBA Finals
Merlin sees the regular season closing and the playoff map shaping. Detroit, Boston and New York top the East while Cleveland, Atlanta and Philadelphia hold 4 through 6; Toronto, Charlotte, Orlando and Miami head to the play-in. In the West Oklahoma City and San Antonio lead, with Lakers, Nuggets, Rockets and Timberwolves chasing and Suns, Clippers, Trail Blazers and Warriors in the play-in. Key dates: regular season ends April 12, play-in April 14 to 17, playoffs April 18, Finals start June 3. Merlin notes a top-heavy East and chaotic West. Detroit’s depth without Cade Cunningham and Boston’s 8-2 run with Jayson Tatum back stand out. "The 76ers are healthy and playing some of their best basketball at the right time." Oklahoma City looks like the West favorite for its cohesion, but the conference is wide open. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Boston beating Oklahoma City in the Finals: 55%.
Apr 2
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Final NBA Win Predictions: Luka Doncic, Tatum, Jokic
Merlin sees the NBA in a final sprint where almost every team can still rewrite its fate. The writer projects end-of-season records for all 30 clubs, highlighting hot streaks (Atlanta’s surge, Boston 9-2 with Jayson Tatum) tank moves (Brooklyn likely fading) and weird finishes (Dallas stuck near one more win). Even narratives hinge on small things — injuries, schedules and whether stars return. As Draymond Green put it, "I don't think Steph is getting shut down for the season." Merlin notes the real magic now is timing and health. A few wins or losses will flip playoff seeds, draft odds and front-office plans. Expect OKC and San Antonio to keep rising, Detroit to lock a top seed, Memphis to keep sliding, and a frantic tank race at the bottom. As JJ Redick said about Luka, "I think Luka has had as good of a month as anybody." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry returns this season: 65%.
Apr 2
Luka Doncic Shrugs Off MVP Talk After Kobe Record
Luka Dončić ripped through March, breaking Kobe Bryant’s Lakers single-month scoring mark and hitting 15,000 career points in the sixth-fewest games. After a 42-point night in a 127-113 win, he brushed off MVP talk: "I mean, I never did that, so, I'm not the one voting," adding, "I think I've been playing pretty good, we've been winning." Merlin sees the silence as deliberate. JJ Redick called it "as good of a month as anybody" in the modern NBA, and a 13-1 stretch has the Lakers at 50-26 and in serious contention. Voters will balance Luka’s eye-popping scoring and all-around numbers against narratives about defense and team context, but continued dominance would make him impossible to ignore. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka winning MVP this season: 40%.
Apr 2
J. Cole Signs with Nanjing Monkey Kings in CBA
Rapper J. Cole signed a professional contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association, Shams Charania reports. The 41-year-old had planned to suit up in a few 2025 games and now joins the CBA after brief stops in the Basketball Africa League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Nanjing sits 11-21 with ten games remaining and fields former NBA players like Tacko Fall and T.J. Leaf. Merlin sees the move as part basketball experiment and part global marketing bolt of lightning. Cole’s box scores were modest but he showed three point touch in Canada, hitting 4 of 8 from deep. Expect a limited on court role that boosts the Monkey Kings’ profile, brings fans, and creates a few headline moments more than playoff-changing production. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cole becomes a regular rotation player this season: 10%.
Apr 2
Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Wishes Artemis II Godspeed
Victor Wembanyama popped up on NASA’s Artemis II countdown to wish the crew luck, saying, "Hey, I'm Victor Wembanyama and I play basketball in the NBA," and that he's "not only interested in shooting hoops. I'm also interested in shooting stars, dark matter, and all other types of astronomical phenomena." Merlin notes Wemby's long public love of space, from receiving his Rookie of the Year award at a planetarium to talking about "dark matter" in public. Merlin senses more than a cute soundbite. Wembanyama is shaping a rare athlete identity that links elite sport with genuine science curiosity. That can open doors to public outreach, museum partnerships, and STEM programs that reach younger fans. Expect more moments where basketball and space share the spotlight. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Wembanyama will take part in a formal NASA or science outreach event within two years: 60%.
Apr 1
Jaylen Brown Ignites Celtics 53 Point Surge
Boston and New York ripped off historic first quarters Wednesday. Boston set a franchise mark with 53 first-quarter points against Miami, led by Jaylen Brown’s 20 and Sam Hauser’s perfect five-for-five from three. The Knicks matched a club record with 48 in the first despite missing Jalen Brunson. Philly piled up 153 points without Joel Embiid as Paul George scored 39, while Atlanta and Indiana also posted huge offensive outputs. Merlin sees a league lighting up in bursts. These outbursts reveal depth and hot hands that can carry teams into the playoffs, but they are not a guarantee. Consistent defense and rotation stability will decide who turns flashes into a run and who simply enjoyed a perfect night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Celtics finish the regular season top three in offensive rating: 35%.
Apr 1
Portland Trail Blazers Fined $100K Over Yang Hansen Scouting Violation
The NBA fined the Portland Trail Blazers $100,000 and suspended assistant GMs Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz two weeks without pay after finding the team violated rules on contact with draft-ineligible players during its December 2023 scouting of center Yang Hansen. Portland "self reported" the issue and "cooperated fully" with the investigation. The club still picked Hansen No. 16 in 2025; he has modest NBA numbers but impressive G League production. Merlin sees a small fine but a clear warning to Portland. Suspensions sting the front office more than the wallet and raise questions about processes that led to the lapse. With the Blazers fighting for a playoff spot at 39-38, Hansen’s G League form offers upside if the staff steadies itself and gives him a real chance. Expect closer league scrutiny and pressure on Portland to get this right. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Yang Hansen becomes a regular rotation player next season: 40%.
Apr 1
Memphis Grizzlies Stunned as Brandon Clarke Arrested
Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance. The Cross County Sheriff’s Department logged bookings for improper passing, possession, fleeing, exceeding the speed limit and trafficking. Clarke has played only two games this season and Memphis has ruled him out for the rest of the campaign as he continues rehab from right knee surgery and a prolonged calf strain. Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said, "I'm aware of the report, but don't have any comments." Merlin sees a healed body still facing unsettled currents. The team says Clarke is expected back next season, yet legal trouble adds risk to his recovery timeline and the Grizzlies’ roster plans. Expect questions about conditioning, possible team or league discipline, and who keeps his minutes if he returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Clarke is fit and on Memphis’ opening-night roster next season: 45%.
Apr 1
Rich Paul Denies LeBron James Trade Rumors
ESPN names six suitors for LeBron next season, but Rich Paul pushed back hard on the Game Over podcast. Paul said, "There's no truth to any of it," that "He don't know either! We don't even talk about it," and warned, "Nobody knows anything." With LeBron at 41 and facing possible retirement or free agency, chatter about future teams naturally grabs headlines and fandom curiosity. Merlin sees the noise as fog around a bonfire. LeBron is living the now, even playing "meaningful minutes" with his son, while the Lakers sit 12-1 and hunting another title. Paul’s insistence on enjoying the moment suggests any real move will be a slow, private choice rather than a media-driven spectacle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to the Lakers next season: 70%.
Apr 1
Stephen Curry Eyes Sunday Return vs Rockets
Merlin sees Stephen Curry targeting a quick return from a runner’s knee that has sidelined him since Jan. 30, with Sunday’s game against the Houston Rockets listed as a possibility. Curry said, “I just hope there's something at the end (of the turbulence) that makes it all worth it. That's part of the reason I want to come back.” Coach Steve Kerr said they will evaluate him after a five-on-five scrimmage and “take it day by day.” Golden State is 36-39 and has secured a play-in spot. Merlin knows the immediate prize is morale. Gui Santos called it “amazing” to have Curry and said the team has “a lot more confidence” with him on the court. A healthy Steph lifts the Warriors’ short-term ceiling and could be enough to navigate the play-in, but it will not erase deeper roster and consistency issues. Expect cautious progress before full clearance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry plays Sunday vs. Houston: 65%.
Apr 1
Tom Izzo Says No to Phoenix Suns Job
Merlin sees Tom Izzo told the Dan Patrick Show he turned down a chance to coach the Phoenix Suns last year, a rare NBA opening pitched by Mat Ishbia, a former MSU walk-on now running Phoenix. The Suns hired Jordan Ott and have improved to 42-34. Izzo has a history of saying no to the league, refusing the Cavaliers in 2010 and an Atlanta offer in 2000. He explained that not being able to speak directly with LeBron was "one of the key factors, 100 percent true." Izzo has stayed at Michigan State since 1983, compiling 764 wins, eight Final Fours and the 1999-00 title. Merlin senses a coach who prizes control, legacy and the rhythms of college life over NBA chaos. With ties to the Suns owner and the franchise rising, the temptation exists, but age and a lifetime at East Lansing make a move unlikely. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Izzo leaving MSU for the NBA in the next two years: 5%.
Apr 1
Zion Williamson Loves Pelicans But Trade Looms
Zion Williamson says New Orleans is home and "where I want to be," yet he called a future trade a "realistic" possibility. He played 59 games this season, averaging 21.3 points, and by crossing the 51-game threshold he locked in $25.3 million guaranteed for 2026 27. The Pelicans missed the playoffs again, and that mix of availability, production, and an incentive heavy deal makes any move complicated. Merlin sees a team caught between hope and hustle. Executives call Zion a "borderline All Star who makes a lot of money," so New Orleans might prefer to run it back with Jones, Murphy and Dejounte Murray while waiting for clearer trade value. His improved health is both a shield and a leash for the franchise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Zion being traded before next season: 30%.”)
Apr 1
Michael Jordan Still Highest Paid Athlete Thanks to Nike
Nike’s Air Jordan line keeps Michael Jordan the highest-paid athlete ever, Sportico reports. Even 23 years after retiring, Jordan’s annual royalties and deals pushed career earnings to an estimated $3.28 billion, or $4.5 billion adjusted for inflation. Only Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James top $2 billion inflation adjusted. Thirteen NBA players made Sportico’s top 50, the most of any league, and Serena Williams was the only woman listed. Sportico notes figures exclude taxes and agent or lawyer payments. Merlin sees a simple lesson for the high school fan: MJ turned sneakers into a perpetual income spell. His blend of Nike royalties, apparel deals and smart investments made earnings outlast on-court glory. Modern stars chasing longevity must build brands as durable as championship rings, but changing markets mean the leaderboard can still shuffle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron surpassing Jordan in career earnings (inflation adjusted) this decade: 20%.
Apr 1
Dallas Mavericks Eye Bob Myers And Tim Connelly
Merlin sees Dallas hunting for a new general manager after Nico Harrison. Marc Stein says "the most frequently whispered Dallas target from that category is actually former Golden State Warriors lead executive Bob Myers." The Mavs would also eye Tim Connelly if he left Minnesota, though he is under contract through 2027. Owner Patrick Dumont "has lofty ambitions" but knows top architects like Presti, Buford or Stevens are unlikely. At 24-52 and out of the playoffs, Dallas could land another high lottery pick and the next GM will shape the team around 2025 No. 1 Cooper Flagg. After a "disastrous run under Harrison," the franchise needs a steady builder. Merlin senses the Mavericks want a proven architect, but Myers' HBSE ties and other hurdles make a quick fix improbable. Expect a careful, public courtship. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bob Myers becoming the Mavericks' next GM: 30%.
Apr 1
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Joel Embiid Blasts Sixers Injury Report vs Wizards
Joel Embiid pushed back after the Sixers listed him out Wednesday with an illness, asking on social media whether the announcement was an "April Fool's joke" and saying he planned to play. He had been under the weather earlier but still logged 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block in 34 minutes in Monday's loss to Miami. With seven regular season games left and Philadelphia fighting for playoff positioning, his availability carries real weight. Merlin sees a standoff between a lion who wants to roar and guardians who prefer to shelter him. The Sixers must weigh a single game against long term health, especially against a 17-58 Wizards team. If tests clear and Embiid pushes, he could play, but Philadelphia has reasons to be cautious as the postseason approaches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Embiid plays Wednesday: 35%.
Apr 1
Mavericks Keep Jason Kidd To Groom Cooper Flagg
Merlin sees the Mavericks are not planning to move on from Jason Kidd while they hunt for a new general manager. League sources told Marc Stein the Mavs want Kidd to continue coaching prized rookie Cooper Flagg and have "repeatedly downplayed" talk of Kidd shifting to the front office. That matters because Flagg, a 20.3-point rookie, showed early trust from Kidd and his development is central to Dallas' future. Merlin senses stability by design. Dallas is waiting until after the regular season to search in earnest and has not hired an outside firm, signaling a preference to pair a GM with the coach already guiding Flagg. Flagg said he’s "reaping the benefits" of early responsibility, and if he takes a leap, Kidd’s job looks safe; if not, the new GM may stir the pot. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jason Kidd remains Dallas’ head coach through next season: 80%.
Apr 1
Jason Kidd Pushes Back at Mark Cuban Over Luka Trade
Merlin sees Jason Kidd tired of being pulled into Mark Cuban’s ongoing feud over the Luka Dončić trade. Kidd told reporters, "When are we going to move on?" and said he only learned of the deal late, insisting the team must focus on the present and future. The moment matters because coach-owner friction keeps a spotlight on Dallas during a realignment period after major roster upheaval. Merlin notices Kidd mixing impatience with respect, noting Cuban "helped me and my family" and their shared title. Kidd’s five-year run and Finals experience buy him credibility, but persistent ownership noise can unsettle a locker room that needs steadiness. If Kidd holds the room together, the Mavs can turn distraction into focus; if not, small cracks could widen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the ownership drama trims the Mavericks' win total by three-plus games this season: 25%.
Apr 1
Draymond Green Wouldn't Join Bucks For Giannis
The Warriors quietly shopped Draymond Green in talks to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Green told ESPN, and he said he understood the franchise had to try everything. He was not offended but admitted, "I didn't want to play for Milwaukee." Golden State instead acquired Kristaps Porzingis and remains open to major moves, with Green widely viewed as one of the most tradable pieces. Merlin senses a club at a crossroads. Green accepted the reality, noting "I'm a human being" when the idea landed and refusing to make a scene. Trading him would close an era in Golden State, yet the front office is clearly willing to reshape the roster if a transformational offer appears. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Draymond Green being traded this summer: 30%.”)
Apr 1
Giannis, Ja, Michael Porter Jr Trade Frenzy Brewing
Merlin sees the summer trade market already stirring. The piece names the most likely trade candidates on all 30 teams, citing usage, contracts and team direction. Big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Michael Porter Jr. are monitored, while vets with movable deals — Buddy Hield, Sam Hauser, Dennis Schröder, DeMar DeRozan and others — look primed to be used as salary match or sell-high pieces. Merlin notes the magic will be in the math. Teams close to the second apron or rebuilding will push expiring or overpriced contracts to chase stars or draft assets. Expect quiet multiteam chess, payers swapped to free cap room, and a summer where contending roofs are raised by clever salary juggling rather than blockbuster alone. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded this summer: 30%.
Apr 1
Warriors Eye Draymond Trade For Giannis Or LeBron
Golden State is prepping for another big offseason after pursuing Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo at the February deadline. ESPN says GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and owner Joe Lacob are "expected to again explore large-scale moves ... which would put nearly everything on the table." That could include moving Draymond Green, though sources expect he may pick up his 2026-27 option or sign an extension. Merlin sees a franchise at a crossroads. With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler signed for one more year and injuries still fresh, the Warriors could trade draft capital or a core piece to chase one more title run. Slater noted Green weighed "a reroute to the Los Angeles teams" and Stein called the Leonard push a "determined trade run," so whispers will grow louder all summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds Golden State trades for Giannis this summer: 15%."
Apr 1
Zion Williamson Out With Ankle Injury, Pelicans Streak Ends
Zion Williamson will miss Sunday’s game against the Clippers with a right ankle injury, ending a 35-game streak. He exited Saturday’s loss in Utah after 11 minutes. The 25-year-old was averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists and has a long injury history, so he’ll be sidelined for at least one game — a blow to a Pelicans team that has been 5-2 in its last seven. Merlin watches the needle on Zion’s durability. When healthy he transforms New Orleans with rare efficiency and power, but past foot, hamstring and back setbacks have limited his arc. Expect the staff to protect him now and in the offseason, aiming to preserve the peak version the franchise still needs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Zion misses more than three games from this ankle issue: 35%.
Apr 1
Rachel Nichols Snubs Lakers' Luka Doncic For MVP
Rachel Nichols told Sports Illustrated's Open Floor podcast she will not give Luka Dončić a first-place MVP vote, arguing the award is a full-season, two-way honor and that defense matters. Nichols praised Luka's improvements and said "So am I going to vote him my No. 1 for MVP? No. Is he going to be on my ballot? Absolutely." Dončić leads the league with 33.7 points while adding 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama sit ahead in the race thanks to team success and efficiency. Merlin sees the split: Luka’s individual wizardry is undeniable, but voters reward sustained defense and winning. Gilgeous-Alexander rides the best record and top efficiency, making him the safer choice. Expect voters to weigh team context over flash before the final ballots. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka winning MVP this season: 20%.
Mar 31
Denver Nuggets Clinch Playoffs as Nikola Jokic Dominates
Merlin sees Denver clinch its eighth straight playoff spot after Phoenix’s loss, locking a top-six West seed and a likely first-round tilt with Minnesota if the play-in follows seeding. The Nuggets remain a championship-caliber club — 2023 title winners with six first-round advances in seven seasons — and recent injuries to key pieces cost them consistency, but health has finally started to return. Merlin tells the high school fan a plain truth: Nikola Jokić is still the engine at 27.9/12.9/10.8 and Jamal Murray’s first All-Star nod reflects a 25.5-point season. Their experience and star power make Denver dangerous even when standings look shaky. Stay healthy and they are among the favorites; an ill-timed setback could change the story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Denver reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 65%.
Mar 31
Knicks Brunson, Celtics Tatum Lead Twyman Stokes Finalists
The NBA named the finalists for two peer-voted honors as the regular season winds down. Twelve players are up for the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, led by Jalen Brunson and Jayson Tatum, and six are finalists for the Sportsmanship Award, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Players will vote and the winners come out during the playoffs. Jrue Holiday, a three-time Teammate winner, could earn a fourth. Merlin sees a story of reputation as much as stats. Peer awards reward steady leadership and character in the locker room, so stars with clear roles and respected veterans will catch votes. Brunson and Tatum headline for a reason, but past winners with deep goodwill like Holiday will be tough to pass. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jalen Brunson winning the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year: 30%.
Mar 31