NBA Trade Deadline 2026: The Dust Settles in a Day of Blockbusters

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As of 3:00 PM ET on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the NBA trade deadline has officially passed. While the day was filled with high-stakes maneuvering, the most anticipated move never materialized: Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a Milwaukee Buck. Despite intense interest from the Knicks, Heat, and Warriors, Milwaukee chose to stand pat, signaling a “summer showdown” for the two-time MVP’s future.

Similarly, the Memphis Grizzlies held onto Ja Morant despite a mid-week fire sale of other veteran pieces. League sources indicate Memphis will revisit Morant trade talks during the 2026 offseason as they pivot toward a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward.

Major Deadline-Day Blockbusters

While Giannis stayed put, several other superstars found new homes in deals that shifted the league’s power balance.

Team Acquiring	Key Players Received	Assets Sent Out
Washington Wizards	Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy	Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, 2 FRPs
Cleveland Cavaliers	James Harden, Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder	Darius Garland, DeAndre Hunter, 2026 2nd-round pick
Golden State Warriors	Kristaps Porzingis	Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield
Utah Jazz	Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr.	3 Future First-Round Picks, Taylor Hendricks
Indiana Pacers	Ivica Zubac, Kobe Brown	Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, 2 FRPs

The Buyout Market & Waiver Wire

The deadline was immediately followed by a wave of releases as teams cleared roster spots and players sought championship contenders.

Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets): In the most surprising post-deadline move, the Nets waived their leading scorer after failing to find a trade partner. Thomas, 24, enters unrestricted free agency as a high-volume scoring threat for playoff teams.
Lonzo Ball (Utah Jazz): Acquired from Cleveland and subsequently waived, Ball is expected to be a top target for the Lakers or Suns.
Mike Conley (Charlotte Hornets): Waived after a flurry of trades; a return to Minnesota or a veteran stint in Boston is rumored.

Complete Transaction Log (Confirmed Deals)

Three-Team Blockbuster: SAC / CLE / CHI

Cavaliers Receive: Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, Emanuel Miller
Kings Receive: DeAndre Hunter
Bulls Receive: Dario Saric, Two 2nd-Round Picks

The “New Look” Timberwolves & Bulls

Timberwolves Receive: Ayo Dosunmu, Julian Phillips
Bulls Receive: Jaden Ivey, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, Mike Conley (subsequently waived)

Mid-Tier Moves & Depth Swaps

Lakers Receive: Luke Kennard (via ATL)
Hawks Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, 2032 2nd-Round Pick
Celtics Receive: Nikola Vucevic (via CHI)
Thunder Receive: Jared McCain (via PHI)
Knicks Receive: Jose Alvarado (via NOP), Dalen Terry (via CHI)
Raptors Receive: Trayce Jackson-Davis (via GSW), Chris Paul (via LAC – expected buyout)

Who Stood Pat?

The Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs were the only teams not to complete a trade before the 3:00 PM cutoff. Additionally, several names heavily featured in rumors remained with their teams, including:

Sacramento’s “Big Three”: Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine all remain Kings.
Veteran Wings: Klay Thompson (DAL) and Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) will finish the season with their respective contenders.