3 winners and 3 losers from the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA just wrapped up one of the most eventful trade deadlines in recent history. From blockbuster superstar moves to teams that failed to make the right adjustments, here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers.

Winners

3. Los Angeles Lakers

If someone had told you a week ago that Luka Dončić would be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, you probably would have laughed it off. Yet, Lakers fans had to double-check their phones when ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the shocking news: the Dallas Mavericks had sent Dončić to L.A. in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and just one first-round pick.

Mavericks fans were understandably furious, as general manager Nico Harrison seemingly didn’t view Dončić as the franchise cornerstone — despite leading Dallas to the NBA Finals just months prior. Concerns over Dončić’s conditioning reportedly played a role in the decision, with some reports stating he weighed as much as 270 pounds. Regardless of the reasoning, the Lakers pulled off one of the biggest heists in NBA history, acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent to pair with LeBron James and build around for years to come.

2. San Antonio Spurs

It’s no secret the Spurs are fully committed to winning now after acquiring De’Aaron Fox days before the deadline, finally giving Victor Wembanyama the elite point guard he’s needed. In just his second season, Wembanyama already looks like a future MVP, and San Antonio wasted no time ensuring his prime years are maximized — without sacrificing any of their young core in the process.

Fox made an immediate impact in his Spurs debut, leading the team to a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Sitting just 1.5 games out of a play-in spot, the Spurs are suddenly in position to make a legitimate postseason push. If the Fox-Wemby duo clicks as expected, San Antonio could be a dangerous team much sooner than anticipated.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Just when it seemed like one of the NBA’s hottest teams couldn’t get any stronger, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a game-changing move. By sending Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft picks to the Atlanta Hawks for De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland went from great to terrifying in a matter of hours.

Hunter is having a career year, averaging 19.0 points while shooting at personal-best efficiency from both the field and beyond the arc. Slotted into the small forward position, he fills the Cavs’ biggest need: a versatile two-way wing. With Hunter locked in through 2026-27, Cleveland’s starting lineup is now one of the most complete in the league.

Losers

3. Chicago Bulls

Another trade deadline, another year of uncertainty for the Chicago Bulls. Heading into the deadline, it was unclear whether they would embrace a rebuild or push for the playoffs. The biggest issue? They originally didn’t own their 2025 first-round pick, which was held by the Spurs. Ultimately, the Bulls did trade for their pick — but at the cost of Zach LaVine, who never found a true role on a directionless team.

Adding to the confusion, Chicago failed to move Nikola Vučević, despite weeks of speculation that he was on the trading block. Even more puzzling was their decision to extend Lonzo Ball for two years and $20 million, despite him not playing in back-to-back seasons due to injury.

The Bulls didn’t completely dismantle their roster, but they made it clear that their focus is now on the lottery. With no clear vision for the future, they appear destined to miss the postseason for the third consecutive year.

2. Atlanta Hawks

After losing Jalen Johnson to a season-ending injury, the Atlanta Hawks responded by dismantling what was once a promising squad. Trading away Bogdan Bogdanović and three second-round picks for Bones Hyland and Terance Mann was questionable enough, but the real gut punch came when they sent De’Andre Hunter to the Cavaliers for a return that won’t significantly impact their future.

If the Hawks were looking for ways to frustrate Trae Young, they’re succeeding. Hunter was having a breakout season at 27 years old, making this the perfect time to trade him — if they had received proper value. Instead, Atlanta seems to have taken a step back without any clear long-term benefits.

To make matters worse, Clint Capela remained on the roster despite persistent trade rumors suggesting the team wanted to move on. Trae Young has been vocal about his desire 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 Phoenix Suns. Their initial plan was to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, hoping to pair him with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. However, Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause complicated negotiations, and when a deal fell through, Phoenix found itself scrambling.

Desperate for options, the Suns reportedly entertained offers for Kevin Durant — despite the fact that Durant had neither requested a trade nor wanted to leave. Rumors swirled that he could be reunited with Stephen Curry in Golden State, but Phoenix ultimately chose to hold onto him.

In the end, the Suns made no meaningful improvements, instead opting to trade away Jusuf Nurkić without securing a replacement. With a middling 25-25 record and no reinforcements on the way, their championship window is rapidly closing. Depending on how the rest of the season unfolds, Durant’s future with the team is now in serious doubt.