NBA Trade Deadline Recap: Stars on the Move as League Shaken by Blockbuster Deals

The 2025–26 NBA season delivered one of its wildest trade deadlines in recent memory. From franchise-altering superstars to depth-shifting role players, teams went all-in before the Feb. 5, 2026, cutoff, reshaping playoff races and long-term blueprints across the league. With Anthony Davis, James Harden, Trae Young, and Kristaps Porziņģis among the biggest names moved, the balance of power entering the stretch run looks dramatically different.

As the clock struck 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5, front offices across the NBA had already pulled the trigger on a flurry of league-approved deals that underscored two clear themes: contenders doubled down, while rebuilding teams stockpiled picks and young talent.

Washington emerged as one of the most aggressive players of the deadline, landing Anthony Davis in a massive three-team transaction with Dallas and Charlotte. The Wizards surrendered a haul of players and future picks, signaling a bold pivot around Davis as their new franchise anchor. Dallas, meanwhile, reshaped its core by bringing in Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones, and multiple first-round selections to deepen its rotation and flexibility.

Another seismic move came a day earlier when James Harden was shipped to Cleveland, pairing the former MVP with Donovan Mitchell in a win-now gamble by the Cavaliers. The Clippers opted for a younger path, acquiring Darius Garland and a future second-rounder as Harden chased another title opportunity.

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The 2026 NBA trade deadline has officially passed, and after a slow start, things kicked into high gear a few days out.

Here are a few notable names that found new homes: pic.twitter.com/LM8PENyWhe

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 5, 2026

Golden State also made waves, flipping Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move aimed squarely at maximizing the Warriors’ championship window. Boston followed suit by bolstering its frontcourt, prying Nikola Vučević away from Chicago to add size and scoring for the postseason grind.

In the Central Division, Indiana addressed its interior needs by acquiring Ivica Zubac, while Minnesota added defensive grit with Ayo Dosunmu as part of a pick-heavy deal with the Bulls. Chicago, one of the busiest teams at the deadline, shuffled veterans and youth alike—sending out Vučević, Dosunmu, and Coby White while bringing in future assets and frontcourt help such as Guerschon Yabusele.

Several three-team deals added to the chaos. Toronto reunited with veteran savvy by acquiring Chris Paul, while Utah landed Lonzo Ball and later stunned the league by securing Jaren Jackson Jr. in a blockbuster with Memphis that included multiple first-round picks. The Wizards made their mark earlier in January, acquiring Trae Young in a move that hinted at their aggressive deadline philosophy weeks in advance.

Elsewhere, contenders fine-tuned their rotations. The Lakers added shooting with Luke Kennard, Memphis picked up veteran scorer Eric Gordon, and New York brought in Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado for backcourt energy. Charlotte quietly stayed active, landing Coby White, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Tyus Jones across multiple deals.

When the dust settled, the 2025–26 trade deadline stood as a defining moment of the season—one that blurred the line between rebuilding and contending. With new star pairings, reshaped rotations, and future assets redistributed, the race to the playoffs now carries an entirely new look, and the ripple effects of these moves will be felt well beyond this season.

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