NBA trade deadline leaves questions on Giannis, lottery race and contenders’ next steps
nba-trade-deadline-leaves-questions-giannis-lottery-contenders
The 2026 NBA trade deadline, which many league insiders expected to be uneventful, instead produced a flurry of deals that reshaped several rosters and set up an unpredictable offseason.
Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee
For weeks, front-office conversations revolved around whether the Milwaukee Bucks would move two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET cutoff. The Bucks ultimately stood pat, prompting rival executives to anticipate that speculation over his future will now persist through the summer. Antetokounmpo can sign an extension on Oct. 1.
Shortly after the deadline, the forward posted a social-media clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio’s line, “I’m not f—ing leaving!” Several executives noted the movie’s main character eventually does leave, underscoring the uncertainty ahead.
Milwaukee’s decision drew praise from some scouts, who believe the club gained information without forfeiting leverage. Top suitors such as Golden State, Miami, Minnesota and New York kept their flexibility to pursue a potential offseason blockbuster.
Lottery teams stockpile talent
Most headline acquisitions landed on teams outside the current playoff picture. The Utah Jazz obtained Jaren Jackson Jr., the Washington Wizards secured Anthony Davis and Trae Young, and the Indiana Pacers acquired center Ivica Zubac from the LA Clippers.
Indiana’s deal was notable for its complicated draft-pick protections. Los Angeles receives the Pacers’ unprotected 2029 first-rounder plus another first that conveys only if it lands fifth through ninth; otherwise the Clippers get an unprotected 2031 pick. League sources debated whether Indiana, 13-38 entering Friday, will chase wins to finish 10th in lottery odds—ensuring it keeps that pick—or lean into the bottom-three race for better top-four chances.
Washington’s cost for Davis and Young was considered minimal: this year’s likely No. 30 pick and a top-20-protected 2030 pick from Golden State. One Western Conference scout contrasted that with Indiana’s heavier price for the younger, cheaper Zubac, who is owed $40 million over two seasons, while Davis carries $120 million through 2027-28.
Memphis explored options for Ja Morant but ultimately held the guard. Executives said the Grizzlies could revisit trade scenarios after the season, while also joining what one East executive called a “brutal, ugly” race to the bottom that may prompt the league to review anti-tanking measures.
Contenders mostly stay quiet
Among the NBA’s 10 best records entering Thursday, only the Oklahoma City Thunder surrendered a first-round pick, reflecting a broader reluctance to add salary or deplete limited assets. Boston, Denver, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Toronto all maneuvered to duck the luxury tax, and Minnesota cleared money by moving Mike Conley and a pick swap, then added Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago.
Cleveland, mindful of Donovan Mitchell’s contract expiring after 2026-27, traded for James Harden in one of the few deadline moves involving a playoff team. Detroit addressed outside shooting by landing Kevin Huerter, while New York swapped injured guard Miles McBride for Jose Alvarado but otherwise stood pat following its offseason coaching change.
With many elite teams largely unchanged and several high-profile trade sagas unresolved, executives anticipate an unpredictable postseason and an even busier summer.
Source: ESPN
