The NBA trade deadline came and went with a flurry of moves that reshaped rosters, shuffled picks, and sent big names packing. From blockbuster swaps to under-the-radar depth plays, teams across the league made their intentions clear-whether it’s a push for the playoffs, a reset for the future, or a bit of both. Here's a team-by-team breakdown of how each franchise maneuvered the deadline chaos.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta made one of the more active pushes, bringing in a mix of veterans and young talent. Buddy Hield and Gabe Vincent add experienced backcourt depth, while Jonathan Kuminga gives them a high-upside forward who’s still developing.
Centers Jock Landale and Duop Reath offer frontcourt flexibility. The Hawks also added three second-round picks, including their own in 2027 and two future ones from New York and the Lakers.
Outgoing were Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porzingis, Vit Krejci, and some cash. It’s a reshuffle that signals a retool, not a teardown.
Boston Celtics
Boston made a surprising move by parting ways with Anfernee Simons and Chris Boucher. In return, they offloaded the most favorable 2026 second-round pick among Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, and Portland. It’s a calculated shift, likely aimed at freeing up cap space or creating room for internal development.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn stayed relatively quiet but added forward Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 second-rounder from Toronto, and some cash. It’s a modest haul, but Agbaji could be a developmental piece in a Nets system that’s still figuring out its long-term core.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets made a multi-guard move, acquiring Mike Conley, Tyus Jones, and Coby White. That’s a trio that brings experience, playmaking, and scoring upside.
They also added two second-round picks. In exchange, they moved Collin Sexton, Mason Plumlee, and a package of future second-rounders.
This feels like a team trying to stabilize its backcourt and add leadership to a young roster.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago went all-in on youth and volume. They brought in guards Rob Dillingham, Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons-four players with high ceilings and varying levels of NBA experience.
Add in forwards Ousmane Dieng and Leonard Miller, plus center Guerschon Yabusele, and it’s clear the Bulls are betting big on development. The mountain of second-round picks-spanning from 2026 to 2032-gives them plenty of flexibility moving forward.
This is a full-on roster refresh.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland made one of the splashiest moves, acquiring James Harden, Dennis Schroeder, Keon Ellis, and forward Emanuel Miller. That’s a serious injection of playmaking and scoring.
But they paid a price-sending out Darius Garland, Lonzo Ball, De’Andre Hunter, and four second-round picks. The Cavs are clearly in win-now mode, banking on Harden’s ability to elevate their offense.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas took a big swing, acquiring Khris Middleton to bolster their wing scoring and veteran presence. They also added young guards AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham, plus center Marvin Bagley.
On the pick side, they picked up a 2030 first-rounder from Golden State (albeit protected), and several second-rounders. But the cost?
Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis. That’s a massive shakeup, and it’ll be fascinating to see how this new core gels.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit added forwards Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric, two players who can stretch the floor and bring some veteran savvy. They also grabbed a favorable 2025 first-round pick, which could be a valuable asset depending on how the standings shake out. It’s a quieter deadline for the Pistons, but a smart one.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors didn’t make any moves at the deadline.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers moved on from Chris Paul and James Harden, along with $3.5 million in cash. That’s a major shift, especially considering the star power heading out. It signals a new direction-or perhaps an emphasis on chemistry and balance over big names.
Los Angeles Lakers
No reported moves from the Lakers, though their name was certainly buzzing in rumors throughout the week.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis made a bold move, sending out Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar, and Jock Landale. In return, they received Walter Clayton, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three first-round picks-including one from the Lakers (protected 1-4) and another from Phoenix in 2031. It’s a clear pivot toward the future while still maintaining some veteran presence.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks stood pat at the deadline.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota retooled their backcourt by bringing in Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips, along with a bit of cash. In exchange, they parted with Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and a complex package of pick swaps and second-rounders. It’s a move that tweaks the roster without blowing it up-classic mid-contender maneuvering.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans made a minor move, sending out Jose Alvarado and bringing in Dalen Terry, two second-rounders from New York, and some cash. It’s a small shift, but Terry offers length and upside on the wing.
New York Knicks
The Knicks offloaded Guerschon Yabusele and a pair of second-rounders, along with some cash. It’s a light move, likely aimed at creating roster flexibility or setting up for a summer splash.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder moved Ousmane Dieng and a package of draft picks-highlighted by a 2026 first-rounder and several seconds. It’s a classic OKC move: flipping young talent and picks to keep the asset pool fresh.
Orlando Magic
Orlando sent out Tyus Jones and a couple of second-round picks. Not a major shakeup, but perhaps a nod to the emergence of their younger guards.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philly brought in a package of picks-four in total-highlighted by a 2026 first-rounder. In return, they moved guard Jared McCain. It’s a future-focused play, stockpiling assets while trusting their current core.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix moved out Nigel Hayes and Nick Richards. No incoming assets were reported, so this may have been a roster-clearing or financial move.
Portland Trail Blazers
No reported trades from Portland at the deadline.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento landed De’Andre Hunter, a solid two-way wing who can help them on both ends. They gave up Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroeder, Dario Saric, and a 2029 second-rounder. It’s a fair price for a player who fits well with their core.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto dealt Ochai Agbaji and a pair of second-rounders, including one from the Lakers in 2032. It’s a minor move, but one that trims the roster and potentially opens up playing time for younger wings.
Utah Jazz
Utah made one of the more complex deals of the deadline, acquiring Lonzo Ball, Vince Williams Jr., Chris Boucher, Jaren Jackson Jr., and John Konchar. That’s a mix of proven talent and upside.
They gave up Walter Clayton, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and the rights to Balsa Koprivica, along with three first-round picks. It’s a big swing for a team trying to find its next identity.
Washington Wizards
Washington made headlines by acquiring Anthony Davis, along with guards Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, and D’Angelo Russell. It’s a huge move for a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral.
They sent out AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley, and a slew of picks. The Wizards are clearly aiming to change the narrative-and fast.
Final Thoughts
This year’s deadline wasn’t just about splashy names-it was about direction. Teams like Cleveland and Dallas doubled down on their playoff ambitions, while Chicago and Utah embraced youth and future flexibility. Whether these moves pay off in May or three years from now, one thing’s clear: the league’s landscape just shifted, and the ripple effects will be felt all the way through the postseason and beyond.