The NBA didn’t quite have as shocking a trade deadline in 2026 as it did the year before, but it was still pretty wild. A stunning Luka Doncic-esque trade didn’t take place, but there were still plenty of big moves that shifted the sport’s landscape.
The biggest NBA trades this season
Ivica Zubac trade
The Los Angeles Clippers sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Benedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks. Zubac is under contract for two more seasons after this one, but the Pacers are last in the Eastern Conference.
Clippers Grade: A+, Pacers Grade: B-
Anthony Davis trade
The Washington Wizards added Anthony Davis in a shocking deal. The Mavericks, in total, sent Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round draft picks, and three second-round picks.
Wizards Grade: C, Mavericks Grade: B+
Jaren Jackson Jr. trade
As surprising as the Anthony Davis trade was, Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz was perhaps even more shocking. The Jazz sent three first-round draft picks, rookie Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang for Jackson Jr. They also got Jock Landale, Vince Williams Jr., and John Konchar.
Grizzlies Grade: A, Jazz Grade: B-
Jared McCain trade
The Philadelphia 76ers have an overstuffed backcourt, so they sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a first-round pick and three second-round picks. Pre-injury, McCain was the Rookie of the Year last year. He tore his ACL, though, and has not quite gotten up to speed yet.
76ers Grade: A+, Thunder Grade: C
James Harden trade
It was one of the most straightforward swaps this NBA deadline. The Cleveland Cavaliers sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden. Harden had been with the Clippers since a midseason trade in 2023.
Clippers Grade: B, Cavaliers Grade: B
Ayo Dosunmu trade
The Chicago Bulls continued to reshape their roster and accumulate draft picks. They traded Ayo Dosunmu, a pending free agent, and Julian Phillips to the Minnesota Timberwolves and got Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
Bulls Grade: B, Timberwolves Grade: B-
Kristaps Porzingis trade
The Golden State Warriors moved on from Jonathan Kuminga. After years of not really wanting to keep him, they sent him to the Atlanta Hawks. He and Buddy Hield are now in Atlanta, while Kristaps Porzingis has landed in Golden State.
Hawks Grade: B+, Warriors Grade: C+
Nikola Vucevic NBA trade
The Chicago Bulls sent center Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics for guard Anfernee Simons. The Celtics also got a second-round pick in the deal, and they made a major move towards getting under the luxury tax.
Bulls Grade: C, Celtics Grade: A-
Coby White trade
The Charlotte Hornets sent Ousmane Dieng (acquired from the Thunder), three second-round picks, and Collin Sexton to the Chicago Bulls. They received Mike Conley Jr. (since waived) and Coby White in return.
Hornets Grade: B+, Bulls Grade: B-
Luke Kennard trade
The Los Angeles Lakers made just one move yesterday. They traded Gabe Vincent and their last remaining second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard. They needed shooting and added some.
Lakers Grade: A-, Hawks Grade: B+
Jose Alvarado trade
The New Orleans Pelicans were pretty quiet. They did send Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks, though. The Knicks sent back Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash for the only real move either team made.
Knicks Grade: A-, Pelicans Grade: B+
Nick Richards NBA trade
The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. They did, however, trade Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns. In return, they landed Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. There was no added NBA draft compensation.
Bucks Grade: C+, Suns Grade: B-
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