The NBA’s 2026 trade deadline closed at 4:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 5, triggering a wave of transactions that reshaped rosters across both conferences and set the stage for an eventful offseason.
Headline moves
James Harden to Cleveland. The 11-time All-Star left the LA Clippers and joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland. Cleveland hopes the backcourt partnership of Harden and Donovan Mitchell can spark a deep spring run and encourage Mitchell to sign an extension this summer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo stays put. Despite weeks of speculation, Milwaukee kept its two-time MVP. The Bucks now have until Oct. 1 to convince Antetokounmpo to accept a four-year, $275 million extension or consider trade offers before he enters the final guaranteed season of his contract.
Cap-space teams act early. Washington converted roughly $80 million in projected summer space into a new core of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, while Utah sent three first-round picks to Memphis for former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. Minnesota added guard Ayo Dosunmu’s expiring deal, positioning itself to re-sign him above the cap. With those moves completed, only the Nets, Bulls, Lakers and Grizzlies are now on track to have meaningful cap room in July.
Key questions emerging from the deadline
Will the league line up for Giannis? The Knicks, Warriors, Heat and Timberwolves remain linked to Antetokounmpo, but executives point to surprise bids—such as Washington’s and Utah’s deadline strikes—as reminders that nearly any team could enter the race if Milwaukee opens talks this summer.
What’s next for Golden State? After sending Jonathan Kuminga away, the Warriors expect Kristaps Porziņģis back from injury soon. The franchise maintains future cap flexibility and draft capital, yet Stephen Curry turns 38 next month and the club is currently viewed as play-in material.
Is Ja Morant nearing the end in Memphis? The Grizzlies fielded offers for the injured guard but found no acceptable package. Memphis’ trade of Jackson and three other players to Utah generated a record $28.8 million trade exception and three first-round picks, signaling a rebuild with Morant—under contract for two more seasons—looming as the next major decision.
Did Chicago wait too long? The Bulls moved Coby White to Charlotte and executed several smaller deals, collecting nine second-round picks and four sub-6-foot-3 guards. Critics note White’s value would have been higher in previous seasons, leaving questions about the long-term impact of Chicago’s deadline spree.
Can Luke Kennard fix the Lakers’ shooting? Los Angeles surrendered one second-round pick to obtain the league’s second-most accurate career three-point shooter (44.2%). Kennard’s presence should boost a team ranked 22nd in percentage and 23rd in makes, but coach JJ Redick must balance his offense with adequate defensive lineups.
Why did the East-leading Pistons stay conservative? Detroit acquired Kevin Huerter for Jaden Ivey, improving low-volume perimeter shooting while preserving salary flexibility. Management preferred to test its young roster in the playoffs rather than pursue an all-in blockbuster.
Dallas cuts ties with Anthony Davis. The Mavericks shipped Davis, Jaden Hardy and D’Angelo Russell to slash payroll from the league’s fourth-highest total to below the tax line, prioritizing financial freedom and draft assets as they rebuild around 19-year-old forward Cooper Flagg.
Offseason story lines
Giannis dominates the board. If Antetokounmpo declines an extension, Milwaukee will face immediate trade pressure. Multiple front offices already refer to next season as “the summer of Giannis.”
LeBron James’ next stop. The 41-year-old can remain with the Lakers, join Stephen Curry in San Francisco, stage a homecoming in Cleveland, test Madison Square Garden, partner with Nikola Jokić in Denver or align with Flagg and former teammate Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Until James decides, every contender will monitor his status.
Extension watch. Besides Antetokounmpo and James, eligible stars include Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Zion Williamson, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Draymond Green, Pascal Siakam, Kawhi Leonard, Karl-Anthony Towns and Ja Morant.
The deadline frenzy may be over, but executives already view the next five months as a crucial window to reposition around the league’s biggest names before training camps open in September.
Source: ESPN
