Well, the NBAs trade deadline has oficcially come and gone and we certainly can’t say that it wasn’t an awfully entertaining one this time around. This was easily the most active and sensational, as far as major player movement, trade deadline we’ve seen in years. Obviously, Luka being traded to the Lakers is the biggest deal made so we’ll cover that one first.
The Deal
Lakers receive:
Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Mavs receive:
Anthony Davis, Max Christie, ’29 first-round pick
Jazz receive:
Jalen Hood-Schifino, ’25 second-round pick, ’25 second-round pick (via Clippers)
Who won the deal: The winner here is easily the Lakers. They get a transcendent level superstar in Luka Doncic, to pair with Lebron, who is still an elite basketball player at 40 years old. Doncic is alreadly a 5 time all star and 5 time all-NBA First Team selection in his own right. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest European players of all time. The last time the Lakers have had two players as talented on their roster was the glory days of the Kobe and Shaq era in the late 90s and early 2000s. Will they be able to play well together? Absolutely, they are both pass first players with the ability to score at will and out rebound most of the opposing lineup. Just look at their numbers, together; they average over 50 points, 16 rebounds, and 17 assists per game. I can’t wait to see them play together, and I think it’s also great for the NBA and probably TV ratings.
Who lost the deal: As easy as it was to name the Lakers the winner, it’s even easier to name the Mavs the loser. What in the world were they thinking trading away a player like Luka for an often injured big who, as good as AD is, isn’t nearly as impactful on the court as Doncic even when he is healthy. Not to mention the fact that Luka is only 25 years old and AD is an old 31 with a lot of miles on a big frame. To make matters worse, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, doubled down and spoke for hall of fame point guard and Dallas’ coach Jason Kidd at the presser about the trade. It was an insane moment and you could see the frustration on Kidd’s face when Harrison said, “J-Kidd didn’t know about it, but I know what he looks for in his players and I knew he would love the deal”. This is just mind-boggling, almost enough to believe in some of the conspiracy theories that have been circling about how the league itself forced the deal. If that is true I wouldn’t assign a grade, but assuming it’s not I’ll give the Mavs an F here.
The Utah Jazz were just used to facilitate the deal. Jalen H-S is a nice young player and the 2 seconds are an okay value, but they were simply in this deal to make the money work.
Next up is the De’Aaron Fox/Zach LaVine/Kevin Heurter trade that was made on Feb. 2nd.
The Deal
Spurs receive: De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
Kings receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, ’25 first-round pick (via Hornets), ’27 first-round pick (via Spurs), ’31 first-round pick (via T-Wolves), ’25 second-round pick (via Bulls), ’28 second-round pick (via Nuggets), and a ’28 second-round pick (via Bulls)
Bulls receive: Zach Collins, Kevin Heurter, Tre Jones, ’25 first-round pick (via Spurs)
Who won the deal: This one was much harder to decide than the Lakers/Mavs deal, but ultimately it’s hard to not pick the Kings as the winner here. I know, De’Aaron Fox will get to play off the ball with Chris Paul running point in San Antonio and that will benefit Wemby – no doubt. But the Sacramento Kings got an absolute haul for Fox, and I appluad them for this. It is strange to see Fox in a spurs uniform, he’s been with the Kings since 2017. Zach LaVine played his best basketball when he was with Demar Derozan in Chicago who he gets reunited with here. And the part I love most for the Kings is the draft picks – that Hornets first is going to be a lottery pick, one that lands in the top 5 if I had to guess. The Spurs first they’re getting comes in ’27, when you have to assume Chris Paul has moved and their still so young as a team. The ’31 first from Minnesota is a bit of a crapshoot but it could work out well for them. The three seconds don’t do much, but you’ve got to assume that they could strike silver if not gold on at least one of them. I give the Kings an A- here.
Who lost the deal: Again, this isn’t as clear as the first one but I’d have to say the Spurs lost here. De’Aaron Fox is a great player who’s in his prime, I know. But Chris Paul is eventually going to retire, maybe as soon as the end of this season. Sure, for the rest of this year we get to see Fox play off ball and I’d imagine that’s going to be a better fit for him than playing strictly PG. But this season The Spurs aren’t going anywhere. They’re 22-26 and 12th in the crowded West. Once CP3 is gone you’d have to imagine that Fox will return to being a ball dominant PG. How is that going to be a good thing for young phenom Victor Wembanyama? He’s a guy that also needs the ball in his hands to be effective on offense. If the Spurs young players like Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and Jeremy Sochan continue to grow and progress into next season and the seasons to come the move to get Fox could work but there are so many ifs and variables involved to get there. I give the Spurs a C+.
For their part, The Bulls were not just an also-rand here. The ’25 first they got from San Antonio is likely a lottery pick that could land in the top 10 or even top 7 if they’re really lucky with the ping pong balls in what looks like a pretty deep draft class. Add to that the fact that Collins, Heurter, and Jones are all solid-good role players who have contract flexibility – all three have deals that expire this or next offseason. They’ll get half a season to evaluate which one(s) they want to resign this Summer. I’ll give the Bulls a solid B here. This really looks like a nice clean slate, plan for the future move.
Now, a nothing deal that I’m not sure either you or I or anyone will ever care about.
The Deal
Hornets receive: ’29 second-round pick (via Suns)
Thunder receive: ’30 conditional second-round pick (via Nuggets)
Who won the deal: No one, and no one lost it either. I’m not going to break this one down any further, there’s just no point.
Next up is another Dallas Mavericks deal, but this one may make a little more sense…
The Deal
Mavs receive: Caleb Martin
Sixers receive: Quentin Grimes, ’25 second-round pick
A fair deal: Martin signed a four-year, $35MM contract with the Sixers last summer so the Mavs will dive right back into the luxury tax here. They were under it for only a couple days. To make matters seemingly worse Martin has been injured since January 10 due to a right hip strain. Grimes has had a strong bounce back season in Dallas after being raded from the Piston last summer, he averages 10pts, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on 22.8 minutes and he’s still on a rookie contract, with a team option this offseason. But while Dallas fans have probably had about enough of this trade deadline, there is a silver lining to this. Martin has proved to be a valuable role player in the past in a mostly healthy career, and he’s closer to AD and Kyrie Irvings age and timeline. There’s a lot left for the Mavs to do to but this move does look like more of a commitment to the idea of making this roster into something despite losing an MVP caliber player. I give the Mavericks a B-.
I don’t want to say that The Sixers lost this deal, because they didn’t. This was maybe the most even mid season trade of the season. Grimes has potential and gives some youth to the 76ers depth chart at shooting guard, something they sorely need. Martin was expensive, all things considered, and this also gives Philly a chance to avoid the luxury tax, and the second-round pick is a bonus flyer. They deserve a B- as well.
The Deal: Theis traded to to OKC
Thunder receive: Daniel Theis, ’31 second-round pick
Pelicans receive: Cash considerations
It’s all about the benjamins, baby. Theis give the contending OKC Thunder a versatile contributor off the bench who is 32 years old but is also on an expiring contract. With Holmgren still out, this move really helps the Thunder with depth at Center. Again, just like last time, the second-round pick is a nice bonus.
It’s hard to assign a grade on a trade where one team gives Cash. The Thunder and Pelicans are on opposite ends of the standings at current. When you think about giving an expiring contract and a
The Deal
kings receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Sidy Cissoko, two future second-round picks.
Winners: The Kings. By adding Valanciunas they bolster their frontcourt depth, providing a relable backup to Domantas Sabonis. Valnciunas, averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season and can definitely still play at a high level. He also brings valuable experience and stablity to the team
Losers: The Wizards. They trade away a seasoned center in Valanciunas, who has been a consistent contributor this season. In return, they receive cissoko, a young forward with limited NBA experience, and two second-round picks. I don’t see how this could help with the win/loss column this year. But, this move does align with the Wizards strategy
The Deal
Celtics receive: ’31 second-round pick
Rockets receive: Jaden Springer, ’27 second-round pick, ’30 second-round pick
Winners: The Houston Rockets, by a mile. Jaden Springer is 21 years old. He’s athletic, he defends, and he’s got some upside. The Rockets just added a young developing two-way player for the price of a couple second-round picks. And let’s be honest- second-round picks in the NBA? They’re like scratch off tickets. They might hit, but most of the time, they end up being G-League guys or throw-ins on a future trade. Houston is young and talented, and while still somewhat raw, Springer fits that mold. I give the Rockets a solid B.
Losers: The Boston Celtics. I love Brad Stevens, but this is one of those moves that makes you go, “Really?!” The Celtics basically said, “Hey, let’s dump a 21 year old defensive guard and get a pick that’s seven years away”. That’s just not a move that a championship contender makes. It’s not a needle-mover. If Springer wasn’t in their plans, fine- but this feels like selling low. Boston is in a win now mode. What does a 2031 second-rounder do for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown? Nothing, they get a D.
The Deal
Wizards receive: Reggie Jackson, ’26 first-round pick.
76ers receive: Jared Butler, ’27 Second-round pick, ’28 second-round pick, two second-round picks in 2030.
Winner: I mean, come on. The Wizards get a first round pick and a veteran point guard in Reggie Jackson, who can at least stablize their rotation, for a bunch of secon-rounders? That’s a win. Washington is in total rebuild mode, so that ’26 first is the real prize here. We’ve already discussed the lottery like value of second round picks. There’s potential, but it’s more of a flickering light of hope. They’re nice to have, but rarely game-changing. The Wizards took a bunch of spare parts and turned them into something with actual value. That’s not a bad way to rebiuld the roster. Another solid B move.
Losers: The 76ers – I don’t get this at all. They just traded a first-round pick – a real asset – for Jared Butler and some seconds. Butler is a fine player, but he’s not moving the needle for a team trying to win now, or at least next season. This is what bad organizations do-they overthink, they get cute, and they give up actual assets for future scratch-offs. D move all the way here.
The Deal
Pistons receive: KJ Martin, ’27 second-round pick (via Bucks), ’31 second-round pick (via Mavs)
Sixers receive: Cash considerations
Winners: The Pistons. Look, KJ Martin is a real NBA athlete. He’s explosive, he runs the floor, and he’s got some defensive upside. The Pistons are in talent-acquisition mode, and they just got a young, bouncy wing AND two second-round picks… for basically nothing. That’s what smart rebuilding teams do – they take free assets when they’re available. Detroit gets an A- for their efforts here, but there is more to come on KJ and the pistons.
Losers: Easily the 76ers again. Philly gave up a real, playable athlete and two picks… for cash considerations. What does that mean? It means ownership just wanted to save some money. That’s a terrible look for a teams that’s supposedly built to “win now”. Imagine being Joel Embiid. You’re looking around at teams adding pieces for a playoff push, and your front office just gave away an actual player for some extra pocket change. Embiid’s gotta be sitting there thinking, “What are we doing?!”. I’m wondering the exact same thing…Sixers?… what are we doing? They get a D-
The Deal
Hornets receive: Jusuf Nurkic, ‘26 first-round pick
Suns receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, ‘26 second-round pick
Winners: The Charlotte Hornets. Listen, the Hornets are a mess. No identity, no direction, just floating in NBA purgatory. But this trade? This actually makes sense. They get Jusuf Nurkic, a big body who can at least give them some stability in the paint, which they’ve desperately needed. He’s not a star, but he’s a grown-up in the room, something this team lacks. And let’s be real, Charlotte isn’t signing free agents, so that 2026 first-round pick? That’s valuable for a team that needs all the draft capital it can get.
Losers: The Phoenix Suns. What are they doing? This is a win-now team with championship aspirations, and they just offloaded their only real center for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic is like trading in your SUV for a couple of scooters. Sure, Martin is a nice role player, but he’s not moving the needle for a team that needs size and depth. And Micic EuroLeague MVP, cool story, but he’s 30 years old and has barely played in the NBA. And they gave up a first-round pick because the Suns apparently hate future assets.
The Deal
Pistons receive: Dennis Schroeder, Lindy Waters, future second-round pick (via Warriors)
Jazz receive: KJ Martin, future second-round pick
Winners: The Detroit Pistons. They are in talent acquisition mode and this move fits that narrative perfectly. Adding Dennis Schroeder, a veteran point guard who can spell Jaden Ivey and organize an offense if needed. Cade Cunningham needs a competent ball handler beside him, and Schroeder – while not a star- is a grown up in the backcourt. Lindy Waters III? He’s a nice shooter but not a game changer. Still, Detroit gets depth from Waters and a second-round pick. They clearly won the deal.
Losers: The Utah Jazz. I don’t get this move. KJ Martin is a nice athlete, he’ll give you some highlight dunks, but what else? He’s not a great shooter, not a great defender, just a guy. And Utah gave up a second-round pick to do this? Why? What’s the plan here? If they’re rebuilding, why move off a pick? If they’re trying to be competitive, why add a non-impact player? It’s like when you’re cleaning your garage, throw away something useful, and keep the junk.
The Deal
Raptors receive: P.J Tucker, ‘26 second-round pick (via Lakers), Cash considerations
Heat receive: Davion Mitchell
Winners: The Miami Heat. Miami does this all the time. They find underutilized, scrappy players, put them in their system, and suddenly they’re re contributors in big playoff games. Davion Mitchell is a classic Heat culture guy- a tough defender who plays with energy, won a national championship at Baylor. He was buried in Sacramento and struggling in Toronto, but you know Erik Spoelstra is going to find a role for him. Also, let’s be real Miami has a type, and it’s gritty, defensive-minded guards.
Losers: The Toronto Raptors. What are we doing here? They get P.J. Tucker, a 38-year-old forward who hasn’t been relevant since the Bucks title run. He’s past his prime, can’t shoot anymore, and doesn’t fit a rebuilding timeline. And what did they get for their trouble? A 2026 second-round pick and some cash considerations? This is like selling your car for gas money it just doesn’t make sense.
The Deal
Clippers receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland, ‘25 second-round pick, ‘26 second-round pick, ‘27 second-round pick
Winners: The Los Angeles Clippers. This team is all in on winning a title right now. They don’t care about youth, they don’t care about draft picks, they care about getting guys who can contribute in the playoffs. And Bogdan Bogdanovic, he’s exactly that guy. A veteran shooter who can play off Kawhi and knock down big shots, and isn’t afraid of the moment. This is what smart, veteran-heavy teams do. They don’t develop, they reload. The Clippers don’t need “potential guys”they need dudes who can hit a big corner three in May.
Losers: The Atlanta Hawks. What’s the plan here? They just traded away one of their most consistent scorers for Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, and some second-round picks. Mann is fine and he plays hard, he’s a nice role player but he’s not a difference-maker. Bones Hyland? He’s talented but erratic. Denver gave up on him for a reason. And those second-round picks? The NBA is littered with second-round picks that never turn into anything. This feels like a move made just to shake things up rather than a move with real vision.
The Deal
Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin, Jericho Sims, ‘25 second-round pick.
Wizards receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, ‘28 first-round pick
Knicks receive: Delon Wright, Cash Considerations
Winners: The Milwaukee Bucks. Look, I like Khris Middleton, but let’s be honest, he hasn’t been the same guy since the Bucks won the title. Injuries, inconsistency, and a brutal contract made him a tough fit moving forward. Now, they get Kyle Kuzma, a younger, more athletic forward who can defend, shoot, and actually stay on the floor. Plus, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is an interesting upside piece, Jericho Sims gives them some athleticism inside, and they still get a second-round pick. For a team that desperately needed more depth and energy around Giannis? This is a huge win.
Losers: The Washington Wizards. What are they doing? Khris Middleton? This is a rebuilding team – why are they taking on a 31-year-old on a massive contract when they should be collecting assets? And all they get in return? AJ Johnson, an unproven prospect, and a 2028 first-round pick swap? Not even a guaranteed pick just a swap! This is the equivalent of trading in a used car and getting store credit instead of cash. It’s just a weird move for a franchise that needs to commit to a full rebuild.
Just Existed: The Knicks. They get Delon Wright, who’s a solid veteran guard, and some cash. That’s it. This is like when you show up to a party late, grab some snacks, and leave. Nothing game-changing, but nothing terrible either.
The Deal
Lakers receive: Mark Williams
Hornets receive: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, ‘31 first-round pick, ‘30 pick swap
Winners: The Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are in win-now mode and addressed the need for a defensive big man. LeBron is 39, and they don’t care about draft picks that won’t convey until the 2030s. They needed a young, athletic big, and Mark Williams is exactly that. He’s a legit rim protector, runs the floor well, and gives them the kind of defensive presence they’ve lacked at center. He’s the perfect insurance policy for losing Anthony Davis. They didn’t give up any real rotation pieces for a guy who fits right now. That’s a win
Losers: The Charlotte Hornets. Again, what’s the plan here? You give up a 22-year-old starting-caliber center for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and some distant picks? Knecht is a promising young player, sure, but he’s already 23 and isn’t exactly a guaranteed star. And Cam Reddish? We’ve been waiting forever for him to put it together, and it just hasn’t happened. So now Charlotte is banking on a 2031 first-rounder, a pick that literally belongs to another decade to justify this move? Feels like a front office trying to be too cute instead of just keeping a good young player.
The Deal
Cavs receive: De’Andre Hunter
Hawks receive: Caris Levert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, two pick swaps
Winners: The Cleveland Cavaliers. Look, the Cavs are trying to get more athletic on the wings, and De’Andre Hunter is a perfect fit. He’s a 6’8” two-way forward who can defend multiple positions and knock down threes. They needed this. Caris LeVert is a nice scorer, but he’s streaky and doesn’t offer much defensively. And Georges Niang? He’s a solid role player, but you don’t build playoff teams around Georges Niang. The Cavs consolidated two role players and some second-round picks into a starting-caliber wing. That’s a smart, win-now move.
Losers: The Atlanta Hawks. This just feels like a salary dump disguised as a roster move. Hunter was one of their more reliable defenders, and they move him for LeVert (a streaky scorer), Niang (a role player), and some second-round picks? What’s the upside here? If this is about clearing cap space, fine, but the Hawks aren’t a free-agent destination, so what’s the plan? They’re just collecting more stuff without a clear direction.
The Deal
Raptors receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, first-round pick, second-round pick
Winners: The Toronto Raptors. Look, Toronto has been searching for a real No. 1 scoring option since Kawhi left, and Brandon Ingram gives them that. He’s a legit 25-a-night guy who can create his own shot, play-make, and fits their timeline. The Raptors needed to make a move after tearing things down at the deadline, and this gives them a real foundation moving forward. Yeah, Ingram isn’t perfect and he’s been inconsistent, and there are injury concerns but the upside is way higher than anything they gave up.
Losers: The New Orleans Pelicans. I get it, Ingram and Zion never fully clicked, and they wanted a shake-up. But this return? Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and some picks? That’s it? Brown is a nice role player, a tough defender, but he’s not moving the needle. Olynyk? Stretch big, good passer, but let’s not act like he’s a game-changer. And the picks? Unless they somehow flip these into a star, this trade feels like a step backward.
The Deal
Wizards receive: Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len, ‘25 first-round pick (via Grizzlies)
Grizzlies receive: Two second-round picks, Marvin Bagley, Johnny Davis
Kings receive: Jake Laravia
Winners: The Washington Wizards. This franchise has been directionless for years, but this trade? This is a win. They land Marcus Smart, a veteran leader who brings toughness, defense, and credibility to a team that desperately needs it. Is he a long-term piece? Maybe not, but at least the Wizards finally have a guy who knows how to win games. Plus, Colby Jones is a solid young prospect, Alex Len is just salary filler, and they get a first-round pick from Memphis. This is how you rebuild- bring in real leadership and add assets.
Losers: The Memphis Grizzlies. What are they doing? They gave up Marcus Smart – a proven playoff performer and defensive anchor for Marvin Bagley III and Johnny Davis? Bagley has been a disappointment everywhere he’s been, and Johnny Davis has been unplayable since getting drafted. Oh, and they only get two second-round picks? So they traded Smart for nothing that helps them win now? This is a disaster.
Just Existed: The Sacramento Kings. They get Jake LaRavia, who’s fine, I guess? He’s a young player with some upside, but this doesn’t move the needle at all. It’s like when you order food and they throw in an extra sauce packet- it’s fine, but it doesn’t change anything.
