The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline has passed us. And a mulipide of trades happened, a mix roster overhauls, strategic mid‑tier player swaps, and some of the biggest names in the league staying right where they are. What unfolded over the final weeks of trade chatter reshaped several playoff contenders and sparked plenty of fan debate across the NBA world.
Super-Stars Who Stayed Put: Giannis & Morant
Perhaps the biggest stories of Deadline Week weren’t moves at all.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains a Buck
Despite heavy trade speculation, with teams like the Knicks, Heat, and Timberwolves as well as Golden-State. The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided not to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline. The two‑time MVP, recovering from a calf strain, will stay in Milwaukee as the franchise aims to regroup. Will Milwaukee try and make a late-year playoff push, or will they aim to sit Giannis as they look to tank for a early round draft as well as trade Giannis in the upcoming off-season
Ja Morant remains in Memphis
Similarly, Ja Morant, long linked to potential trades, as he ends up remaining with the Memphis Grizzlies. While several teams showed interest, none were willing or able to meet Memphis’ asking price, so the All‑Star guard rolled into the second half of the season with his current squad. Memphis hopes to have Ja Morant back and healthy and they fight in an completive west.
Headline Trades That Did Happen
While the biggest names stayed, several impactful deals still went down around the league:
James Harden → Cleveland Cavaliers
In a move that shook up both conferences, the LA Clippers sent former all-nba guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Clippers received all-star Darius Garland, a younger, long‑term point guard who adds playmaking and stability. Harden’s addition gives Cleveland a veteran scoring punch and another creator alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Why it matters: On paper, this trade has puzzled NBA analysis as Garland is one the better playmaking guards in the League. This trade was made right in the middle of the Cavaliers, current hot stretch. This trade aims to push Cleveland deeper into contention and hope Harden’s experience boosts their title odds.
Ivica Zubac Traded to the Pacers
For my pick for the most valuable trade during this deadline. The Indiana Pacers swung a big deadline deal, acquiring center Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Clippers. In return, Indiana sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, multiple first‑round picks, and a second‑round pick to Los Angeles.
Why this trade is so valuable: Zubac is a Top 5 center in this league, Zuback presence gives the Pacers a rugged interior presence to pair with Tyrese Haliburton (expected back later this season), while the Clippers bank youth and draft assets as they retool.
Wizards land Davis as Mavericks pivot
In a multi-team deal. Former All-NBA and Champion Anthony Davis was traded from Dallas to Washington.
Charlotte Hornets Receive:
Malaki Branham (via Wizards)
Dallas receives:
Khris Middleton (via Wizards)
AJ Johnson (via Wizards)
Tyus Jones (via Hornets)
Marvin Bagley III (via Wizards)
2026 first-round pick (via Oklahoma City)
2030 first-round pick (via Golden State)
Three future second-round picks (via Wizards)
Washington receives:
Anthony Davis (via Mavericks)
Jaden Hardy (via Mavericks)
D’Angelo Russell (via Mavericks)
Dante Exum (via Mavericks)
This trade ended being the biggest and one of the most valuable trades of the deadline. On one hand, the Wizards who is already is a good playoff position within the Eastern Conference. Adding a former All-NBA player to pair him with All-NBA point guard Trae Young aims to put Washington in position to make a finals-run. The question problem is “Can AD stay heathy”. It’ll be interesting to see how Washington handles his minutes.
Jose Alvarado → New York Knicks
The New York Knicks bolstered their backcourt by trading for gritty guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans. In return, New Orleans received Dalen Terry, two second‑round picks, and cash considerations.
In-turn, Alvarado’s energy, defense and scoring off the bench give the Knicks a spark as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Beyond the headline moves, a number of other rosters got shuffled before the deadline:
Key Player & Role Swaps
Tyus Jones → Traded to Dallas Mavericks as part of a guard adjustment.
Hunter Tyson → Traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Nuggets.
Eric Gordon → Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies from the 76ers.
Chris Boucher → Utah Jazz and Josh Minott → Nets via the Celtics.
Three‑team deal — Bucks / Suns / Bulls: Milwaukee added Ousmane Dieng and Nigel Hayes‑Davis, Phoenix landed Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, and the Bulls received Nick Richards.
Lakers acquire: Luke Kennard from the Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and picks.
These deals reflect a common theme of the 2026 deadline: teams tinkering around the margins to fortify bench depth, balance contracts, and accumulate future assets.
What This Means for the rest of the NBA Season
While this year’s deadline didn’t include the seismic star‑for‑star blockbuster some fans anticipated, the moves that did happen still have real implications:
Contenders reshaped: Teams like Cleveland and Indiana made aggressive adjustments to strengthen title pushes or future outlook.
Roster balance increased: Many squads prioritized flexibility, depth and youth.
Future intrigue: With Giannis and Morant staying put, expectation now shifts to offseason moves and summer negotiations.