The NBA trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on February 5, 2026, with a flurry of last-minute deals and rumors reshaping team rosters across the league, including blockbuster moves involving All-Stars like Anthony Davis and Jonathan Kuminga.
As the deadline approaches, teams are actively making strategic adjustments to position themselves for the playoff push. In the past 24 hours, several significant trades have been finalized, with more expected before the cutoff. The Dallas Mavericks traded All-Star center Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in an eight-player swap, marking the end of Davis’s brief tenure in Dallas and providing the Wizards with a key player to build around. Simultaneously, the Golden State Warriors sent forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, a move that signals a shift in direction for both franchises.
Trade rumors continue to swirl around Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is reportedly seeking a new home amid frustration with the team’s disappointing season. Despite a calf injury that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks, Antetokounmpo has attracted serious interest from contenders like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves, though the Golden State Warriors may have withdrawn from pursuit after their recent trade. His potential move remains a focal point as the deadline nears.
Other notable transactions include the Los Angeles Clippers trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland, a deal that reshapes both teams’ backcourts. Additionally, the Clippers sent Chris Paul to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team trade, though Paul may not report and could be waived or traded again. The Memphis Grizzlies initiated a rebuild by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal, with more moves possibly involving Ja Morant.
Financial considerations are playing a crucial role in trade discussions. For example, the Philadelphia 76ers received a luxury tax credit due to Paul George’s suspension, influencing their roster decisions. Teams like the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets are navigating salary cap constraints while exploring deals to bolster their lineups without sacrificing future assets, highlighting the complex balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term planning.
Attention is now turning to remaining players in the trade market. Ja Morant of the Grizzlies has expressed a preference for moves to Miami or Minnesota if traded, while Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is another name generating interest. Contenders like the San Antonio Spurs are focusing on peripheral additions, such as shooters off the bench, to fine-tune their rosters for the postseason without making splashy moves.
The high volume of activity underscores the NBA’s competitive landscape, with trades potentially altering playoff races and team dynamics. As the deadline clock ticks down, fans and analysts are watching closely for any last-minute deals that could shift the championship picture, making this one of the most eventful trade deadlines in recent memory.
