Following an unprecedented 2025 NBA trade deadline filled with numerous high-stakes moves, including perhaps the most shocking in league history, many assumed this year’s installment of last-second front office deals would be less surprising. However, with NBA general managers desperately trying to dip under the second apron, trade for a star, or make subtle moves to contend for a championship, fans were constantly checking social media to stay up to date on the action. As the Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. EST deadline came and went, basketball enthusiasts were left both overwhelmed and underwhelmed by an unorthodox 2026 NBA trade deadline.
The Overwhelming
In a standout, roster-shaking transaction, the Washington Wizards received Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick and three future second-round picks. The Charlotte Hornets also sent Tyus Jones to the Mavs and received Malaki Branham from the Wizards to complete the three-team trade.
Hot on the heels of trading for star point guard Trae Young in early January, the Wizards’ roster looks completely different from what it did at the start of the season. On the surface, Washington appears to be fast-tracking its rebuild in favor of making basketball in the nation’s capital meaningful again. Trading for Young and Davis sets up a methodical pick-and-roll threat, with Davis and fellow defensive-minded big man Alex Sarr ideally able to cover for Young’s defensive lapses. After nearly a decade of losing seasons, pairing Young and Davis with a promising young core of Sarr, Kyshawn George and rookie Tre Johnson could put fans back in Capital One Arena’s seats.
However, injuries to Young and Davis will prevent the duo from seeing the court together this season, if ever. While Young is expected to make his season debut with the franchise after the All-Star break following a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion, Davis will miss the remainder of the season with left hand ligament damage and a groin injury. With the Wizards well below the luxury tax, the organization could opt to trade the aging Davis in the summer, freeing up even more money to pursue long-term assets. Davis also told The Athletic’s David Aldridge, “It’s hard to say (that he would stay in Washington) without the proper plan.” He added, “It’s tough right now with the team. It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces can change that.” Although Davis’ future in Washington remains murky, he is seeking clarity after an uncertain year following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers last February.
Staying in L.A., the Clippers sent former MVP guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Harden remains a statistical anomaly, averaging 25.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game at age 36. Regardless of conflicting reports on whether Harden requested a trade from Los Angeles, he now heads to Cleveland for a better shot at competing for a title in June. In an unlikely “Big Three,” Harden joins Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt while reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley anchors the defense. After a subpar start to the season, the Cavs are 9-1 in their past 10 games (as of Feb. 11) and are vying for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Will this be the year “The Beard” wins a ring?
In the West, Garland joins a Clippers team caught in limbo. With Kawhi Leonard returning to All-Star form and averaging a career-high in points per game in his 15th season, L.A. still finds itself fighting to stay above .500. Trading Harden suggests Los Angeles may be moving toward a more comprehensive rebuild, as adding 26-year-old Garland makes the Clippers significantly younger at the point guard position. Although the two-time All-Star has dealt with injuries, especially in the postseason, Garland could usher in a new era of Clippers basketball, assuming the franchise trades Leonard this summer or allows him to leave in 2027 free agency. One thing is certain, though — the league better hope the Clippers remain competitive enough to stay out of the lottery this year, as Oklahoma City owns L.A.’s 2026 first-round pick.
The Underwhelming
Entering the 2026 deadline, major storylines centered on Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time league MVP has been at a crossroads with the organization since leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021. With a one-foot-in, one-foot-out approach, “The Greek Freak” has not formally demanded a trade from Milwaukee but has appeared frustrated with the franchise’s current direction. Antetokounmpo’s frustrations were on full display in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 13, when he booed his own crowd.
With the Bucks entering the locker room trailing 45-76 at halftime, Fiserv Forum attendees rained boos on their home team — and rightfully so. Milwaukee currently holds a 22-30 record and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Coming out of the break, Antetokounmpo received the ball on a post-up near the left block against Minnesota’s Julius Randle. In one motion, he spun over his left shoulder and took one hard dribble toward the rim before leaping into Randle as he released the shot. His layup kissed off the glass and dropped through the net as the referee signaled an and-one opportunity. Sitting up, Antetokounmpo faced the crowd and media members with his arms extended and his thumbs pointed down.
“BOO!” he shouted, loud enough for the broadcast to capture.
Antetokounmpo stood and turned to another section of Fiserv Forum.
“BOO!” he yelled again, clearly audible on the broadcast.
Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers could only watch as Antetokounmpo walked to the free-throw line.
“Whenever I get booed, I boo back,” Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game. “I don’t think anyone has the right to tell me how I should act on the basketball court after I’ve been (in Milwaukee for) 13 years and I’m basically the all-time leader in everything.”
Rationally, one might think Antetokounmpo’s time as a Buck was nearing its end. With multiple reports from ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania suggesting Antetokounmpo is “ready for a new home,” a blockbuster trade appeared imminent.
Until nothing happened.
Just one day before the deadline, Antetokounmpo told Eric Nehm of The Athletic to forget about the basketball side of the situation for a moment.
“Let’s talk about the city itself,” he said. “The memories that I’ve created here. When you open my kids’ passports, it says Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I had four kids in the span of the last five years in this city. My dad is buried in this city. I’ve built a house for my mom 10 seconds away from my house. Literally, to walk to my mom’s front door, it takes me four seconds … right next door.”
“On what planet, on what Earth, would somebody want to leave this?”
Although Antetokounmpo expressed deep appreciation for the city, he reiterated that he “wants to win another championship.” If Milwaukee can make the necessary moves to return to contention, that is where he wants to be.
NBA fans will have to wait and see how things unfold this summer