NBA Trade Deadline Frenzy: Blockbusters, Bold Moves, and Big Questions
It’s officially chaos season in the NBA. With the trade deadline looming, front offices are burning the midnight oil and the league’s landscape is shifting by the hour.
Tuesday was wild. Wednesday?
Even wilder. And with the deadline set for 3 p.m.
ET today, the action is far from over.
Let’s break down the biggest moves so far - and what they mean for the teams involved.
Warriors Shake It Up: Kuminga Out, Porziņģis In
The Golden State Warriors made one of the most eye-catching moves late last night, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. This ends a rocky chapter between Kuminga and the Warriors, after the young forward requested a trade just two weeks ago.
Golden State’s decision to bring in Porziņģis signals a shift in strategy. They're betting on a stretch big who can space the floor and protect the rim - a different look alongside Draymond Green. Porziņģis' injury history is always a concern, but when healthy, he brings a level of versatility that could open up Steve Kerr’s offense in new ways.
As for Atlanta, they get a high-upside wing in Kuminga and a proven shooter in Hield. It’s a move that suggests the Hawks are looking to retool around their core rather than start from scratch.
And yes, this likely takes the Warriors out of any serious pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo - at least for now.
Anthony Davis Heads East - And It’s Not to Boston
In the day’s biggest blockbuster, Anthony Davis is now a Washington Wizard. That’s right - he’ll be teaming up with Trae Young in D.C. in a move that completely reshapes the Wizards' present and future.
Let’s not gloss over the shock factor here: Davis only played 29 games for Dallas. That’s right - the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić for less than half a season of AD. It’s a swing that missed badly, and now Dallas has officially lost both ends of the Davis experiment.
For Washington, this is a gamble with upside. Pairing Davis with Young gives them a legitimate one-two punch, and while questions remain about Davis’ durability, his ceiling is still elite when he’s on the floor. This could be the start of something intriguing in the nation’s capital.
Thunder Strike Again: Jared McCain Joins OKC
Oklahoma City continues its tradition of stockpiling young talent with the acquisition of Jared McCain from Philadelphia. McCain was arguably the best rookie in the league last season before an injury derailed his momentum. He hasn’t quite found his rhythm this year, but the talent is still there - and the Thunder know it.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined until after the All-Star break, McCain could get meaningful minutes right away. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a team that’s already ahead of schedule in its rebuild. And if McCain finds his groove again, this could be another steal for Sam Presti.
Other Notables: CP3, Coby, Lonzo
The Clippers moved on from Chris Paul, sending the veteran point guard to Toronto. After two months in limbo, Paul gets a new opportunity - though it remains to be seen what his role will be in a Raptors backcourt that’s already crowded.
Coby White is now a Charlotte Hornet, giving the team a much-needed scoring guard who can create his own shot. Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball is back on the market after being waived by the Jazz, who acquired him in a cap-related move. Ball’s future remains uncertain as he continues to work his way back from injury.
Still Waiting on Giannis?
Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t moved - yet - but the tea leaves are getting harder to ignore. He continues to hedge in interviews, dropping hints that a trade could be on the horizon. Whether that happens today or down the line, his situation remains one of the league’s most intriguing storylines.
Scenes from Radio Row: Super Bowl Energy in Full Swing
Over at Radio Row, the energy is building ahead of Super Bowl weekend. The NFL’s biggest media circus is in full effect, and the guest list reads like a who's who of football royalty: Terrell Davis, Derrick Henry, Donovan McNabb, Shawne Merriman, Chad Ochocinco, and Bryce Young were all spotted roaming the floor. Even Tedy Bruschi made an appearance - though he was just out grabbing lunch.
Expect more behind-the-scenes content from Radio Row later this week, including a look at how this annual tradition became such a central part of Super Bowl week.
Olympics Off to a Bumpy Start
Day one of Olympic action came with more turbulence than triumph. On the slopes, Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris was stretchered off after a crash during big air training - a sobering reminder of the risks athletes take in these high-flying events.
Meanwhile, in curling, the lights literally went out. Five minutes into the first set of mixed doubles matchups, the arena went dark - with multiple stones in motion.
Chaos ensued. It was a bizarre start to what’s expected to be a thrilling few weeks of competition.
Panarin Era Ends in New York
The New York Rangers made a surprising move, trading Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings for a third-round pick and a prospect. Panarin leaves behind a legacy as one of the most impactful free-agent signings in franchise history. His regular-season brilliance was undeniable, but the playoff success never quite followed.
Still, this is a big pickup for the Kings, who add a dynamic offensive force as they push for a deep postseason run.
What to Watch Tonight
📺 Olympics: Curling, Hockey, Snowboarding
Starting at 4:05 a.m.
ET on Peacock/USA
If you’re an early riser - or just can’t sleep - there’s a full slate of Olympic events to dive into.
📺 NBA: Bulls at Raptors
7:30 p.m.
ET on Prime Video
Both teams are fresh off trades and looking to find their new identity.
Should be fun.
📺 NBA: Warriors at Suns
Follows Bulls-Raptors on Prime Video
Porziņģis may not suit up yet, but this one still has plenty of intrigue.
📺 **NCAAW: No. 17 Duke at No.
6 Louisville**
7 p.m.
ET on ESPN
A top-20 showdown in women’s college hoops.
Everyone’s still chasing UConn, but this matchup could shake up the rankings.
Pulse Picks: Around the Sports World
- Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering’s postseason misstep could’ve defined him - but his comeback story is one worth rooting for.
- There’s still a full roster of MLB free agents available.
We built a team out of them - and it’s not half bad.
- Eileen Gu pulled in $23 million last year, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes on the planet.
Only $100K came from competition earnings.
- Jason Lloyd dives into the NFL’s great debate: go for it in the red zone or take the points?
The answer isn’t as simple as it seems.
- Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. might be the most old-school prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft class - and that’s part of what makes him so intriguing.
Stay locked in - the NBA trade deadline is just hours away, and there’s still time for a few more stunners.