2026 NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Harden Heads to Cleveland, Grizzlies Hit Reset, and More Moves to Watch
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is heating up, and the deals are coming in fast as teams make their final pushes before the window closes at noon Pacific on Thursday, February 5. For Golden State Warriors fans, the big headline is still the looming question: can the front office pull off a blockbuster for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Whether or not that deal materializes, the Warriors' decision-making around Jonathan Kuminga and potential smaller moves will be closely watched. But this deadline is shaping up to be league-shifting well beyond the Bay.
Let’s break down the biggest moves so far - and what they mean across the NBA landscape.
James Harden to the Cavaliers in a Surprise Blockbuster
In a move that came out of nowhere, 11-time All-Star James Harden is on the move again - this time to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Clippers are sending Harden east in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick.
This marks Harden’s sixth NBA team, and it’s a fascinating fit in Cleveland. The Cavs now pair Harden with a young core that could be even more intriguing if LeBron James decides to make a return to his hometown for one final run. That’s a lot of “ifs,” but even without LeBron, Cleveland just added one of the most creative offensive minds in the game.
For the Clippers, this is a pivot toward youth and long-term flexibility. Garland gives them a dynamic lead guard who can grow with the roster - or potentially be flipped again if LA wants to stay active.
Celtics Bolster Frontcourt, Land Vučević from Bulls
Boston continues to find ways to win despite Jayson Tatum being sidelined, and now they’ve added some serious size and experience. The Celtics have acquired two-time All-Star center Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls, sending guard Anfernee Simons the other way in a deal that also includes a swap of second-round picks.
Vučević gives the Celtics a skilled big man who can space the floor and rebound - a valuable addition for a team already near the top of the standings. For Chicago, Simons brings scoring punch to the backcourt, and the Bulls continue to reshape a roster that’s been in flux for the past few seasons.
Three-Team Deal Sends Ivey to Bulls, Huerter to Pistons
This one might not have the star power of a Harden trade, but it could have just as much impact down the line. In a three-team trade:
- Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. are heading to the Chicago Bulls.
- Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić are joining the Detroit Pistons, who currently sit atop the Eastern Conference.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves clear cap space - a key part of their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo - and send a pick swap to Detroit.
For the Bulls, Ivey is a high-upside guard who brings athleticism and scoring potential, while Conley offers veteran leadership. Detroit adds two solid rotational pieces in Huerter and Šarić, giving them depth for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. And for Minnesota, this is all about setting the table for a potential superstar acquisition.
Grizzlies Hit the Reset Button, Send Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz
Memphis is officially in rebuild mode. The Grizzlies have traded former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr.
In return, the Grizzlies receive Kyle Anderson, **Walter Clayton Jr. **, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and - most importantly - three first-round picks.
That gives Memphis a whopping 11 first-rounders over the next seven drafts. They also picked up an NBA-record $28.8 million trade exception, which gives them even more flexibility moving forward.
This move clears the way for a potential Ja Morant trade, which could bring in even more assets. Utah, meanwhile, adds a defensive anchor in JJJ to a young, promising roster that’s starting to find its identity.
Hawks, Blazers Swap Role Players
A quieter deal, but one worth noting: the Atlanta Hawks have traded Vit Krejčí to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two second-round picks.
It’s a depth move for both sides, with Atlanta adding frontcourt size and Portland taking a flyer on a young wing.
Cavs, Kings, and Bulls Involved in Multi-Team Shuffle
In another under-the-radar but potentially meaningful deal:
- The Cleveland Cavaliers sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings.
- In return, Cleveland receives Dennis Schröder - a familiar face for Warriors fans - and Keon Ellis.
- Dario Šarić and two second-round picks are headed to the Chicago Bulls as part of the same transaction.
Hunter gives Sacramento a versatile wing defender with upside, while Cleveland adds some veteran guard depth. And for Chicago, Šarić brings floor spacing and playoff experience to a team that’s clearly trying to stay competitive while retooling.
What’s Next?
There’s still time on the clock, and the biggest domino - Giannis - hasn’t fallen. But with Harden, Vučević, and Jaren Jackson Jr. already on the move, this trade deadline has already delivered fireworks. Whether it’s the Warriors making a major splash or another surprise deal coming out of nowhere, buckle up - the next 24 hours could reshape the playoff picture and the league’s future all at once.