That was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent NBA history, featuring blockbuster deals, bold moves, and a few teams that completely fumbled their chances. Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers.
Winners
3. Los Angeles Lakers
If someone had said a week ago that Luka Dončić would be traded to the Lakers, it would have sounded impossible. But Lakers fans had to check their phones twice when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dončić was headed to L.A. in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a single first-round pick.
Mavericks fans were stunned, questioning why GM Nico Harrison would part with their franchise star—especially after leading Dallas to the NBA Finals just months ago. Reports suggest concerns over Dončić’s conditioning played a role, with some sources indicating he was up to 270 pounds. Regardless of the reasoning, the Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking steals in NBA history, acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent to pair with LeBron James and eventually build around for the future.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs made it clear they’re no longer in rebuilding mode by trading for De’Aaron Fox, finally securing an elite point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Even in just his second season, Wemby already looks like an MVP in the making, and San Antonio moved quickly to ensure they maximize his prime years—without giving up key young pieces.
Fox made an immediate impact in his Spurs debut, leading them to a win over the Hawks. Sitting just 1.5 games out of the play-in tournament, the Spurs suddenly look like a real threat to make a playoff push. If the Fox-Wemby duo gels as expected, San Antonio could be competitive far sooner than anticipated.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Just when it seemed like the surging Cavaliers couldn’t get any stronger, they made a huge move, trading Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft picks to Atlanta for De’Andre Hunter.
Hunter is in the midst of a career year, averaging 19.0 points while shooting at elite efficiency. More importantly, he fills the Cavs’ biggest hole: a versatile, two-way wing. With Hunter under contract through 2026-27, Cleveland’s starting lineup is now one of the most complete in the NBA, making them an even more dangerous contender in the East.
Losers
3. Chicago Bulls
Another trade deadline, another year of uncertainty for the Bulls. Entering the deadline, it was unclear if they would rebuild or make a push for the playoffs. The biggest issue? They didn’t originally own their 2025 first-round pick—it belonged to the Spurs.
They eventually reacquired it, but at the cost of Zach LaVine, who never truly fit on this directionless team. Making matters worse, they failed to move Nikola Vučević despite weeks of trade speculation. Even more baffling was their decision to extend Lonzo Ball for two years and $20 million, despite him missing back-to-back seasons due to injury.
Chicago didn’t tear things down completely, but with no clear vision, they now seem destined to miss the playoffs for the third straight year.
2. Atlanta Hawks
After losing Jalen Johnson for the season, the Hawks responded by dismantling what once seemed like a promising team. Trading Bogdan Bogdanović and three second-round picks for Bones Hyland and Terance Mann was questionable enough, but the real stunner was shipping De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland without getting a significant return.
If the Hawks were trying to frustrate Trae Young, they succeeded. Hunter was having a breakout year at 27, making it an ideal time to trade him—if they had received better value. Instead, Atlanta took a step back without a clear long-term plan.
Adding to the confusion, Clint Capela remained on the roster despite widespread trade rumors. Young has been vocal about wanting to win now, but after this deadline, that goal just became much harder to achieve.
1. Phoenix Suns
No team had a messier trade deadline than the Suns. Their plan was to land Jimmy Butler from Miami to form a Big Three with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. But Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause complicated negotiations, and when talks collapsed, Phoenix was left scrambling.
Desperate for options, the Suns reportedly explored trading Durant—even though he never requested a move. Rumors swirled about a potential reunion with Steph Curry in Golden State, but Phoenix ultimately held onto him.
In the end, the Suns made no meaningful upgrades, instead opting to trade Jusuf Nurkić without securing a viable replacement. Now sitting at 25-25 with no reinforcements on the way, their championship window is rapidly closing. Depending on how the season unfolds, Durant’s future with the team is now in serious doubt.
