In an unusual NBA trade deadline, we saw a mix of both surprising and expected moves. From the Chicago Bulls finally embracing a full-scale rebuild to the shocking Anthony Davis-to-Washington deal, here is a breakdown and grading of every major move from this year’s deadline.
Cavaliers add Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder; Kings receive De’Andre Hunter in a three-team trade.
Kings: C-
Sacramento’s front office has rightfully developed a reputation for accelerating asset mismanagement. In their most recent move, the Kings shipped off one of their few promising young players in Keon Ellis. While De’Andre Hunter is a solid defender with a strong league-wide reputation, the Kings are in no position to be upgrading their roster for immediate contention.
Cavaliers: B
Cleveland had an extremely active deadline, and it began with the acquisition of Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder. The Cavaliers have searched all season for reliable backup point guard play following the failed Lonzo Ball experiment. Cleveland now adds a healthy mix of young promise and proven veteran experience to its guard rotation.
Wizards land Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley III.
Wizards: B+
After half a decade in the basement of the Eastern Conference, the Wizards have finally signaled that they are ready to compete. Following last month’s acquisition of Trae Young, Washington now boasts a formidable duo for the present, along with several promising young pieces for the future. While availability concerns loom for Davis, who remains out indefinitely, the Wizards have assembled their most talented roster of the past eight years.
Mavericks: D+
While moving on from Anthony Davis was likely the correct decision for Dallas’ long-term future, it’s hard not to feel uneasy as a Mavericks fan. Just 12 months ago, the franchise made the monumental decision to trade Luka Dončić for a package centered around Davis. Now, the Mavs have effectively flipped one of the league’s best players into Khris Middleton, Max Christie, and two highly protected first-round picks.
Cavaliers acquire James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.
Cavaliers: A-
Through their deadline moves, Cleveland has made it clear they are going all-in on the present. While Garland—Cleveland’s longest-tenured player—provided quality point guard play, the small backcourt pairing of Garland and Donovan Mitchell posed defensive concerns. Harden may not be an elite defender, but the future Hall of Famer brings size, scoring, and elite playmaking to this roster.
Clippers: B+
After years of relying on aging veterans, the Clippers finally acquire a quality young piece to guide them into the future. Injury concerns with Garland are real, as the former All-Star has surpassed 70 games played only once in his career. Still, for a franchise with limited control over its future, this move represents a step in the right direction.
Jazz acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. from Memphis for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks.
Jazz: B-
Like the Wizards, Utah has signaled it believes it’s ready to compete. Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year, immediately forms one of the league’s best defensive frontcourts alongside Walker Kessler. After routinely fielding one of the NBA’s worst defenses, the Jazz now boast one of the tallest rosters in the league. While the move improves Utah instantly, it came at a steep price.
Grizzlies: A-
If you told a Grizzlies fan three years ago that the Ja Morant–Jaren Jackson Jr. era would end this way, they’d call you crazy. Yet Memphis has quietly positioned itself well for the future. After dealing both Jackson and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies now control an estimated 11–13 first-round picks over the next six years. They also added sharpshooter Taylor Hendricks and Utah’s 2025 first-round pick in Walter Clayton Jr.
Hornets acquire Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. from Chicago for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks.
Hornets: B
With young players like Kon Knuppel and Brandon Miller showing real promise, Charlotte is making a clear effort to surround them with proven talent. While the franchise’s future still hinges on LaMelo Ball’s health, the addition of Coby White provides a reliable scorer and capable starter.
Bulls: B-
Many expected a stronger return for White, but once again the Bulls appear to have held onto a valuable asset too long. Still, acquiring three second-round picks for a player they likely wouldn’t re-sign softens the blow. Chicago’s flurry of moves makes it clear a full-scale rebuild is underway.
Celtics acquire Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick.
Celtics: B+
Even without Jayson Tatum, Boston remains atop the Eastern Conference. Vučević provides much-needed frontcourt depth for a team that lost three key contributors over the offseason. Though his All-Star days are behind him, he remains a physical, three-level scoring option.
Bulls: B-
As with the Coby White trade, this move was long overdue. However, questions remain about whether Chicago truly maximized its asset value. Anfernee Simons can shoulder significant offensive responsibility on a rebuilding roster, and the second-round pick acquired—originally from New Orleans—projects near the top of the round.
Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips from Chicago for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.
Timberwolves: B+
Given Minnesota’s direction, acquiring Dosunmu at relatively low risk made sense. He immediately provides strong two-way guard play and fits well alongside Anthony Edwards due to his off-ball ability and defensive instincts.
Bulls: A-
While missing out on a first-round pick stings, Chicago still landed an intriguing young guard in Rob Dillingham and four second-rounders. A former top-10 pick in 2024, Dillingham struggled to find minutes on a win-now Timberwolves team. In Chicago, he should see a much larger role during this transition period.
Pacers acquire Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two protected first-round picks, and a second-rounder.
To preface, the gamble both teams are taking here is massive. The ultimate winner may depend entirely on where Indiana’s 2026 first-round pick lands. The pick is protected 1–4, meaning if it falls between 5–7, the Clippers will own it.
Pacers: A-
Despite the lottery implications, Indiana secured Myles Turner’s replacement in Zubac, one of the league’s more reliable centers. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined following his Game 7 injury, this season is largely a wash. Zubac strengthens the roster for next year—and the deal looks even better if the Pacers retain their pick.
Clippers: A
Regardless of the pick outcome, the Clippers added another promising young player in Bennedict Mathurin. Pairing Mathurin with Darius Garland gives Los Angeles legitimate building blocks, along with an additional 2029 first-round pick. For a team that started 6–21 with one of the league’s oldest rosters, the franchise’s outlook has shifted dramatically.
Warriors acquire Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Warriors: C+
At long last, the Jonathan Kuminga saga comes to an end. While Golden State resolves a lingering issue, the return reflects Kuminga’s diminished value. Porziņģis adds veteran presence and frontcourt help, but health remains the concern. He has played just 59 of a possible 164 games over the past two seasons and hasn’t reached 70 games since his rookie year a decade ago.
Hawks: B
Atlanta capitalized on Kuminga’s lowered value and added a promising young player to pair with Jalen Johnson and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. With one year left on his deal after this season, Kuminga represents a worthwhile gamble. The Hawks also added one of the league’s best shooters in Buddy Hield to replace Luke Kennard.
Thunder acquire Jared McCain from Philadelphia for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks.
Thunder: A
The Thunder’s embarrassment of riches grows. The defending champions hold the league’s best record and an unmatched cache of draft capital. Trading a late first-round pick and seconds for McCain is a perfect low-risk, high-reward move. If it works, OKC gains another talented rotation player. If not, the cost is negligible.
76ers: B
While moving on from McCain this early is disappointing, there was simply no room for him after the emergence of rookie phenom V.J. Edgecomb. Philadelphia still recouped solid draft capital for a player who no longer fit their long-term plans.
