The NBA has seen some of the most shocking trade deadlines in sports history, from Kevin Durant’s blockbuster move to the Suns just last year to the Lakers dismantling their dynasty by trading Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat after years of tension with Kobe Bryant. However, the 2024-2025 trade deadline could be the most significant in league history, headlined by one of its biggest trades ever.
Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis – The full trade:
Lakers Receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers, and another 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks.
A+ for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In one of the most monumental trades of all time, the Los Angeles Lakers landed Luka Dončić, adding another legend to the pantheon. The 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA First Team member, and soon-to-be Hall of Famer looked like he was going to become the next face of the Mavericks, and considering they made the finals last year, they were in a position to keep winning. The Lakers, who are 5th in the Western Conference, have bolstered their roster and made their chances of going deep in the playoffs incalculably greater.
F for the Dallas Mavericks.
For the Mavericks, adding Anthony Davis is still great as it bolsters their defense (one of the only parts of Dončić’s game that weren’t stellar) and, when combined with star guard Kyrie Irving, arguably makes the Mavericks better in the short term. However, their window is very short, considering Davis and Irving are 31 and 32 years old. The emotional impact of losing Dončić arguably factors out any other part of this trade, as his connection to the city of Dallas and its people was one of the biggest between any superstar and their fans in the entire league. As great as Anthony Davis is, it will be an uphill battle to create half of the connection to Mavericks fans that Dončić had. Additionally, Davis is expected to miss multiple weeks with a left adductor strain. Yikes.
B+ for the Utah Jazz.
On another note, the Jazz did well, supplementing their rebuild with additional draft compensation while taking on Hood-Schifino’s expiring contract (Utah waived Hood-Schifino shortly after the trade).
Jimmy Butler for Andrew Wiggins – The full trade:
Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler, two second-round picks, and cash considerations.
Heat Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and a first-round pick.
Jazz Receive: KJ Martin, Josh Richardson, and two second-round picks.
Pistons Receive: Dennis Schroder, Lindy Waters III, and a second-round pick.
Raptors Receive: P.J. Tucker, a second-round pick, and cash considerations.
B+ for the Golden State Warriors.
After what feels like an eternity, Jimmy Butler is no longer a member of the Miami Heat. Butler led the Heat to 5 straight winning seasons, two finals appearances, and was arguably the leading architect of “Heat Culture,” yet his fate ultimately ended with the failure to agree to an extension with Miami, tensions with team president Pat Riley, and three separate suspensions. Butler is used to being the #1 option, and as long as Stephen Curry is still breathing, he will be the focal point of offense for Golden State. Still, if his first game with the team (25 points and four assists in a 132-111 win against the Chicago Bulls–a once Butler-led institution) is anything to go off of, then this looks to be a fun time in the Bay.
A for the Miami Heat.
In finally removing the Jimmy Butler situation–that can be considered toxic for the Heat–they received a haul and a half. Andrew Wiggins, who is ever-reliable, will fit nicely in head coach Erik Spolestra’s system, as it takes from the fast and spacing-heavy ideas that Golden State pioneered. Although the keys are officially now handed to the duo of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, there is no doubt that Wiggins can and will be anywhere that they need him to be. Providing offense when others are having an off night? 18.5 points per game, and especially, he’s shooting 40 percent on both catch-and-shoot threes and from the corner. Providing defensive assistance? Wiggins is one of the better isolation defenders, and that’s not even mentioning how now-current teammate Davion Mitchell is one of the best defenders across all of basketball. Kyle Anderson can also provide a spark from off the bench. If everything goes according to plan, the Heat will have recreated Butler’s effect in the aggregate and then some.
B for the Utah Jazz.
KJ Martin is known for his violent plays on both sides of the rim, and he hopes to provide that for the Jazz, along with generally improving his points and rebounds per game numbers to match what they were with the Houston Rockets. Josh Richardson was waived a few days after the trade commenced.
B for the Detroit Pistons.
In light of the recent Luka trade, Dennis Schröder compared the NBA trade deadline to “modern slavery.” Throughout the NBA trade deadline, Schröder found himself attached to four different teams during the months-long process: initially with the Nets, he was sent to the Warriors in December, who then sent him to the Jazz in the Jimmy Butler trade, where he was then sent to the Detroit Pistons, which is where he finally stands. In 47 games with Brooklyn/Golden State, he’s put up some good numbers, including making the most threes in any season of his career so far. He will look to be a mentor for some of the younger guards on the team. Additionally, Lindy Waters will look to get some more playing time on this Pistons roster, as he started the most games of his short career last year on a good Thunder roster.
C for the Toronto Raptors.
P.J. Tucker is the oldest player in the league not named LeBron James, and his once-favored 3&D qualities no longer exist in threes or defense. He is also in the last year of a 3-year, $33 million contract. A second-round pick never hurts, though.
Zach LaVine for De’Aaron Fox – The full trade:
Kings Receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks and three second-round picks.
Spurs Receive: De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin
Bulls Receive: Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and a first-round pick.
A- for the Sacramento Kings.
Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan are paired together once again. Sacramento currently sits at 9th in the West, right on the border of a playoff spot, and adding LaVine (who’s averaging 24/5/5 on the best efficiencies of his career) will likely prove to be a great help–DeRozan now no longer needs to be the #1 scorer and his chemistry with LaVine and new acquisition Jonas Valančiūnas (who he spent 6 years with on the Raptors) will likely prove crucial for the team’s future successes. Now, losing one of the most important Kings of the last decade in De’Aaron Fox will be difficult to adjust to, but considering that Fox had stated last month that he wasn’t going to sign a long-term extension with Sacramento paired with the massive amount of picks they received, the addition of LaVine looks to be a very good one. 2 days after this trade happened, Sidy Cissoko was traded to the Wizards to get Valančiūnas, where he was waived the next day.
A+ for the San Antonio Spurs.
Victor Wembanyama finally has his guard for the foreseeable future. No disrespect to Chris Paul and Stephon Castle, but they’re on opposite ends of the age spectrum, whereas the inaugural Clutch Player of the Year Award winner is entering his prime as we speak. Fox has averaged over 21 points per game since 2020, and in his 45 games with Sacramento this year, he averaged career highs in minutes played, free throw percentage, and rebounds, although he won’t have to worry much about the latter with Wembanyama by his side. Not having to give up many of their draft picks or young and blooming core players like Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, or the aforementioned Castle is huge for the Spurs, and losing Zach Collins and Tre Jones won’t impact the team greatly, as they have good depth in both big men and guards. Even if they were worried about their guard pool, Jordan McLaughlin will serve as another member of the Sant Antonio backcourt when needed.
C for the Chicago Bulls.
Zach LaVine is gone. Nikola Vučević is playing great basketball and is maybe no longer needed with Zach Collins here. Lonzo Ball just signed a two-year, $20 million extension. Eh. Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, and Zach Collins can all prove to be helpful pieces to a team that’s 10th in the east, but without the star power of LaVine, there’s not much of a foreseeable ceiling for this team.
Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton – The full trade:
Bucks Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and a 2025 second-round pick.
Wizards Receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a first-round pick swap.
Spurs Receive: Patrick Baldwin Jr and cash considerations.
Knicks Receive: Delon Wright
C for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The writing may have been on the wall for Khris Middleton, as since suffering a left knee MCL sprain during the first round of the 2022 playoffs against the Chicago Bulls, his availability and ability to play basketball at a high level has continually worsened, even though he is shooting 40.7% from three in his 23 games played this season. Getting rid of Middleton’s 2 year, $66 million contract does put them under the second apron, although that doesn’t make it any less sad for the Milwaukee faithful. Bringing in Kuzma aims to rejuvenate some youth into a Milwaukee lineup that is headlined by a big three of Giannis, Lillard, and Brook Lopez, all of whom are 30 or older. However, Kuzma’s having quite the down year compared to last year, with decreases in almost all of his main stats.
B- for the Washington Wizards.
Khris Middleton now becomes the oldest player on the Washington Wizards, and through that role, he can hopefully serve as a mentor. They do get rid of Kuzma’s 3-year $93 million contract and get to test rookie AJ Johnson’s ability, but getting Middleton’s contract in return isn’t that great of an improvement.
B+ for the San Antonio Spurs.
After acquiring him, the Spurs immediately waived Baldwin Jr. and were given cash considerations to help facilitate the trade and move the Wizards under the luxury tax.
B for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks entered the trade deadline just $1.5 million under the second apron, severely limiting their ability to make moves. Nonetheless, they parted ways with fourth-year center Jericho Sims, with rookie Ariel Hukporti emerging as a promising third-string option behind Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa. Acquiring Delon Wright provides additional guard depth for a Knicks team that was hampered by injuries in their last playoff run (and his one-year, $3 million salary doesn’t hurt).
Marcus Smart to the Wizards – The full trade:
Grizzlies Receive: Johnny Davis, Marvin Bagley III, and two second-round picks.
Wizards Receive: Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len, and a 2025 first-round pick.
Kings Receive: Jake LaRavia.
B for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies have paid the price of three draft picks in the story of originally acquiring Smart and trading him to the cellar-dwelling Wizards, which isn’t great for their immediate future success. However, it does get Smart’s contract (1 more year, $21.6 million) off of their back, and considering that the former defensive player of the year only played 39 games in his two years with the Grizzlies, it might be for the better. Although Bagley and Davis, both former lottery picks, have been disappointments throughout their time in the league, making their overall rotation less crowded and getting back some draft capital ultimately makes this a solid move for Memphis.
A for the Washington Wizards.
To put it kindly, the Wizards are in a rebuild. To put it seriously, the Wizards are the worst team in the league and the only one who has yet to win 10 games. In giving up two players who managed to not have a big impact even on a team as desolate as Washington, they acquired someone who can be a great defensive mentor (Smart), a nice developmental addition (the 22-year-old Jones), and an expiring veteran minimum deal (Len), which overall makes this a great haul. There is nowhere to go but up for Washington, and so hopefully, all of this, plus the first-round pick, helps them marginally improve.
B for the Sacramento Kings.
In three years and 117 games with Memphis, Jake LaRavia has primarily come off the bench, averaging 18.8 minutes and 7.1 points per game. However, he showed big improvement last year, with career highs of 49% from the field and 44.4% from three, which will be helpful for the Kings, as they’re one of the worst teams from behind the line this season.
De’Andre Hunter for Caris Lavert – The full trade:
Cavaliers Receive: De’Andre Hunter.
Hawks Receive: Caris Levert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps.
A- for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers upgraded their wing defense by acquiring De’Andre Hunter, a younger and more versatile option than Caris LeVert. Hunter provides size, perimeter defense, and a consistent three-point shot (39.3% from deep this season), which should complement Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland well. With four years remaining on his $90 million contract, Cleveland is making a long-term investment in a player who has yet to fully break out. Still, considering LeVert was on an expiring deal, the Cavs made a solid move to secure a two-way wing who fits their timeline. Additionally, Hunter reunites with former Virginia teammate Ty Jerome, as the two helped lead the Virginia Cavaliers to the 2019 NCAA Championship.
C+ for the Atlanta Hawks.
If there’s one person who must be upset about the Hawks’ 2025 trade deadline, it’s franchise cornerstone Trae Young, who could be next on the trading block, seeing the events that transpired with De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento. Instead of making a bold move for Brandon Ingram, who would have provided much-needed shot creation and scoring, they prioritized cutting costs, shipping out De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic primarily to get under the luxury tax. While financial flexibility is important, the Hawks failed to meaningfully improve their roster and don’t even own their first-round pick this year, leaving them stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. After multiple seasons of underwhelming results since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, Atlanta’s direction is murky at best. With no clear path to contention and Young’s patience slowly disappearing, the franchise could be on the verge of an even bigger shake-up.
Brandon Ingram to the Raptors – The full trade:
Raptors Receive: Brandon Ingram.
Pelicans Receive: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick and a second-round pick.
A for the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors made a bold move by acquiring Brandon Ingram, adding an elite scoring wing to complement Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and a plethora of young talent. While Ingram’s fit in Toronto initially raised questions, if they’re able to finalize an extension, it would help solidify their long-term core. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense should help alleviate some of the offensive burden on Barnes, while his playoff experience brings valuable leadership to a young roster. Although the Raptors had to part with Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft assets, they didn’t give up any foundational pieces, making this a worthwhile gamble for a franchise looking to accelerate its rebuild.
B for the New Orleans Pelicans.
For the Pelicans, moving on from Ingram was about choosing a new direction and adding depth around Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III. Shedding Ingram’s $38 million salary for next season also gives them financial flexibility while bringing them under the $170 million luxury tax. While they didn’t land a star in return, they acquired Bruce Brown’s defensive versatility and Kelly Olynyk’s floor spacing, both of whom can be immediate contributors. More importantly, the first-round pick provides New Orleans with additional draft capital. However, the return feels slightly underwhelming, given Ingram’s talent level and the fact that he has averaged 20+ points per game in all six seasons as a Pelican. If Zion stays healthy (unlikely) and Brown and Olynyk fit well into their system, this move could ultimately benefit the Pelicans as early as next season.
Bogdan Bogdanovic for Terance Mann – The full trade:
Hawks Receive: Terance Mann and Bones Hyland.
Clippers Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic and three second-round picks.
B- for the Atlanta Hawks.
For the Hawks, trading away Bogdanovic marks a shift toward greater long-term financial flexibility. Despite a subpar shooting year, he had been a key contributor to the team’s success in the past. His struggles this season, combined with injuries and the team’s poor shooting numbers, made his departure easier to accept. The acquisition of Terance Mann in exchange offers a mix of potential, but the Hawks will have to adjust to missing a primary shooter (Garrison Matthews and Vit Krejci).
B+ for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite Bogdanovic’s struggles this season (30% from three), his offensive potential should still outweigh Terance Mann’s contribution, especially for a defense-oriented team like the Clippers. Even in a down year, Bogdanovic’s ability to space the floor and provide scoring will likely prove more valuable than Mann, who was never able to establish himself as a consistent offensive threat in Los Angeles. Both players have similar contracts, around $15-17 million, making the trade a smart move for the Clippers, particularly with the bonus of acquiring three second-round picks.
Jonas Valančiūnas to the Kings – The full trade:
Wizards Receive: Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks.
Kings Receive: Jonas Valančiūnas.
C+ for the Washington Wizards.
The unfortunate reality for the Wizards is that they are light years away from contending, even with a respectable young core of Bub Carrington, Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Corey Kispert, and Alex Sarr. Following the acquisition of Cissoko, they immediately waived him, demonstrating their intentions to stockpile draft capital and shed Valančiūnas’ salary. However, their contradictory moves, such as bringing in veterans like Middleton and Smart while keeping Brogdon, leave them looking torn between competing and fully rebuilding.
B for the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings’ acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas is a solid move, addressing their need for a reliable center with playoff experience. Valančiūnas brings a veteran presence and provides a physical post presence that can complement Sacramento’s high-powered offense. The cost of Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks is minimal, making this a low-risk, high-reward trade for the Kings. His rebounding, physicality, and ability to score in the paint will help the Kings contend in the stacked Western Conference, adding depth to their frontline for a playoff push.
Cody Martin for Nurkic – The full trade:
Suns Receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Hornets Receive: Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick.
B- for the Phoenix Suns.
It was a matter of when, not if, for the Suns and Jusuf Nurkić, who had been openly feuding with head coach Mike Budenholzer. With tensions rising and his defensive shortcomings becoming more glaring in Phoenix’s system, the Suns finally pulled the trigger on a deal to move off his contract. Despite having to sacrifice a future first-round pick to do so, they acquired much-needed depth in Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić, both on team-friendly deals. Martin provides versatile wing defense and secondary playmaking, while Micić, a EuroLeague MVP, offers steady ball-handling and offensive creativity.
B+ for the Charlotte Hornets.
For the Hornets, this trade is a calculated risk. While Nurkić is on a hefty contract ($37.5M over two years), he gives Charlotte a legitimate big man to pair with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller if they decide to accelerate their rebuild. His playmaking from the center position could help facilitate the offense, and his rebounding is a clear upgrade. The real win here is the 2026 first-round pick, which gives the Hornets additional ammunition if the Suns trade Durant and look to get under the second apron. However, Nurkić’s defensive limitations and long-term fit remain question marks, keeping this from an A-grade deal.
Quentin Grimes for Caleb Martin – The full trade:
76ers Receive: Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick.
Mavericks Receive: Caleb Martin
C for the Mavericks.
Once a valuable first-round pick for the New York Knicks, Grimes has become a journeyman at just 24, now involved in the third trade of his five-year career. Since Dallas made the controversial decision to part ways with Luka Dončić (possibly to avoid paying his potential supermax contract), they’ve only grown more frugal, acquiring Martin, who is set to make around $9 million per year, rather than committing to Grimes’ desired $12 million when he hits restricted free agency next year. The only thing keeping this grade from a D is Martin’s historic playoff success, as he has shot 40.1% from three in 45 career postseason games.
B+ for the 76ers.
While the 76ers have made some questionable decisions in recent years, this is far from one of them. They swiftly capitalize on the Mavericks’ historic run of mismanagement (or corruption), landing Grimes—who is five years younger than Martin and playing his best basketball, shooting a career-best 39.8% from three this season. Meanwhile, Martin is sidelined for multiple weeks with a hip injury. Additionally, the 76ers have now maneuvered their way under the dreaded first apron and out of the luxury tax altogether, thanks to a series of shrewd moves by Daryl Morey.
Marjon Beauchamp for Kevin Porter Jr. – The full trade:
Clippers Receive: Marjon Beauchamp.
Bucks Receive: Kevin Porter Jr.
C- for the Los Angeles Clippers.
While Marjon Beauchamp is a young, athletic wing with some defensive upside, he has yet to carve out any role in the NBA. The Clippers don’t necessarily benefit from adding another developmental piece, especially at the cost of Kevin Porter Jr., who, despite his off-court issues, remains a talented offensive player. Unless Beauchamp takes a significant leap, this move feels like more of a long-term gamble rather than an immediate upgrade.
C+ for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 2022 first-round pick never worked out for Milwaukee, and he was completely phased out of the Bucks rotation as he only averaged 4.7 minutes per game. Moving on from Beauchamp frees up a roster spot while taking a low-risk chance on KPJ, who has shown flashes of high-level scoring and playmaking. If the Bucks can integrate him into their system (and keep him focused), he could provide some much-needed offense off the bench alongside AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr.
Cody Zeller to the Rockets – The Full Trade:
Rockets Receive: Cody Zeller and a 2028 second-round pick.
Hawks Receive: Salary Cap Relief
C for the Atlanta Hawks.
Cody Zeller never played a minute for the Atlanta Hawks, and it was part of a larger effort to create financial wiggle room. With the Hawks shipping out Deandre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, they’re now looking at approximately $46.3 million in first-apron space for next season.
B for the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets were practically given a 2nd-round pick in exchange for taking on Zeller’s contract (3 years, $11 million) and are still, thankfully, under the 1st-apron. The only surprising aspect of the move was Houston waiving newly-acquired Jaden Springer to keep Zeller, who sits behind centers Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, and Jock Landale on the depth chart.
