With only three days remaining until the 2026 NBA trade deadline, notable activity has already taken place, including the Cleveland Cavaliers trading DeAndre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. More transactions could unfold before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET cutoff. As speculation swirls—especially regarding the Milwaukee Bucks possibly trading two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo—it’s insightful to revisit last year’s deadline. That period reshaped the league landscape with three significant trades, including one of the most surprising deals in NBA history, which reached its one-year mark on February 2, 2025.
Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ Transformation
- Trade Summary:
- Initial CBS Sports Grades: Lakers A+, Mavericks F, Jazz N/A
- One Year Later:
The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic has proven to be an exceptional move. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Doncic ranks among the top five players globally and was obtained at a bargain. Alongside promising young talent Max Christie and a valuable 2029 first-round pick, the Lakers are transitioning from the LeBron era to a Doncic-led future. Doncic’s dominant stats this season—33.6 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists over 40 games—earned him a starting spot in the All-Star Game and put him on track for All-NBA honors, assuming he meets the minimum games played. With a 29-19 record, the Lakers currently hold sixth place in the competitive Western Conference and have a solid shot at the playoffs if health holds. This trade has revitalized the franchise, marking a brighter outlook than a year ago and showcasing Rob Pelinka’s savvy management.
Mavericks’ Perspective on the Doncic Trade
From Dallas’s standpoint, the trade still feels misguided. Doncic, a fan favorite who never wanted to leave, was moved without creating a bidding war to maximize return. Criticism also arose over their health concerns about Doncic despite acquiring an older, injury-prone player. While the initial decision seems flawed, the Mavericks have surprisingly improved their outlook thanks to the improbable lottery win that landed them top prospect Cooper Flagg. Though Flagg’s arrival depends on Doncic’s departure, the young core of Flagg, Davis, and Irving offers promising flexibility for future strategies. Flagg’s recent performance, including a historic 49-point game by a teenager, keeps hope alive.
Jazz Outcome
Though Hood-Schifino left the Jazz, the team strategically gained two second-round picks, including one used to improve their 2025 draft position, selecting Walter Creighton. Despite his early struggles, Creighton’s offensive potential keeps the Jazz optimistic. The 2029 second-round pick from the Clippers trade could provide additional future benefits.
Warriors Acquire Jimmy Butler – One Year Later
- Trade Summary: Warriors nabbed Jimmy Butler and two second-round picks; Heat received Wiggins, Anderson, Mitchell, and a 2025 first-round pick; Jazz, Pistons, and Raptors also involved with various players and picks.
- Initial CBS Sports Grades: Warriors B+, Heat D+, others N/A
- Warriors’ Current Grade: C
The Warriors’ pursuit of maintaining their championship window by adding All-Star Jimmy Butler has proven mixed. Butler’s solid scoring and contributions come with concerns over his inconsistent impact and shooting limitations. A January ACL injury prematurely ended the season for him, dimming the Warriors’ playoff aspirations unless a blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo occurs. With Butler nearing 37 and carrying a hefty contract, questions remain regarding the Warriors’ long-term commitment post-recovery. Positively, the team did not sacrifice core assets, as those traded to the Heat were not major contributors in Golden State.
Heat’s Position
Miami experienced a rocky end to Butler’s time with the team but gained some value through Wiggins and Mitchell, who has grown into a starting role. Norm Powell emerged as a key scorer, even earning his first All-Star nod after signing Anderson in a subsequent trade. While the Heat haven’t advanced to title contender status, their current standing positions them well for playoff contention, and Mitchell and Yakutsionis may soon feature in any Antetokounmpo negotiations.
Jazz Benefit
The Jazz continued to accumulate future assets, using a 2031 second-round pick obtained via the Heat to secure Jusuf Nurkic in a trade, strengthening their roster and potential trade leverage.
Pistons’ Advantage
The Pistons emerged as a beneficiary, landing Dennis Schroder who helped push them into their first playoffs since 2019, providing valuable experience for their rebuilding squad. They also gained an additional 2031 second-round pick from the Warriors.
Raptors’ Position
Toronto opted against re-signing Davion Mitchell, who was set to become a restricted free agent, instead trading him for a second-round pick from the Heat. While this move was sensible budget-wise, the Raptors might regret losing Mitchell’s potential impact.
Spurs Acquire De’Aaron Fox
- Trade Summary: Spurs got De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin; Kings received Zach LaVine, Sidi Sissoko, and numerous draft picks; Bulls received Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, and a 2025 first-round pick.
- Initial CBS Sports Grade: Spurs A-
- Spurs One Year Later:
The Spurs’ trade for Fox has been a strong success, improving the team without heavy future sacrifices. Fox’s production, while less dominant than in Sacramento, remains solid, and the Spurs’ strong 33-16 record places them second in the West, poised for their first playoff appearance since 2019. While the $229 million, four-year extension signed in August is substantial, Fox’s contract will expire before the Spurs’ young core’s extensions, providing future flexibility.
Kings’ Situation
The Kings’ package for Fox included multiple picks, some downgraded due to protections, leaving LaVine as the centerpiece—a player with modest impact and trade value. Subsequent asset dealings diluted the value of acquired players, leaving the Kings in a complicated spot with limited meaningful returns despite Fox’s departure. The situation remains challenging given Fox’s expressed desire to move on.
Bulls’ Outcome
The Bulls’ choice to trade LaVine for a first-round pick suggested a rebuild, but a strong finish last season dropped that pick’s value to 12th overall. They drafted Noah Esseng, who has been sidelined due to shoulder surgery. While backup point guard Tre Jones performed steadily, Kevin Huerter struggled and Zach Collins’ availability was limited. Overall, LaVine’s trade return has underwhelmed.
Fan Take:
This deep dive into last year’s blockbuster NBA trades highlights how pivotal decisions can dramatically alter franchises’ futures—both for better and worse. As the 2026 trade deadline approaches, fans should brace for more seismic moves that could redefine contender landscapes, reshape careers, and inject fresh excitement into the league.
