The 2026 NBA trade deadline wrapped up at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 5, and it did not disappoint. Several teams made major moves in the final days leading up to the deadline, reshaping rosters in hopes of improving playoff positioning or building for the future.
The biggest headline came when the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired 11-time All-Star guard James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. Cleveland sent guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick to Los Angeles in return. Harden, who is averaging more than 25 points per game this season, gives the Cavaliers another elite scorer to pair with Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. For the Clippers, Garland offers a younger guard who can help stabilize the offense and potentially grow with the team long term.
The Clippers also struck a deal with the Indiana Pacers, sending center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown to Indiana. In exchange, Los Angeles received guard Bennedict Mathurin, forward Isaiah Jackson, two future first-round picks and a second-round pick. Zubac adds size and rebounding for the Pacers, while the Clippers clearly focused on adding draft capital and young talent.
A three-team trade between the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets also stood out. The Wizards received veteran forward Anthony Davis along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. Dallas and Charlotte added players including Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III, plus multiple draft picks. Washington adds a former All-Star to lead a young roster, while the Mavericks and Hornets gain flexibility for the future.
The Charlotte Hornets stayed active, acquiring guards Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three future second-round picks. White strengthens Charlotte’s backcourt rotation, and Chicago continues to stockpile draft assets.
In another major move, the Utah Jazz acquired forward Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr., from the Memphis Grizzlies, sending multiple future first-round picks in return.
Overall, Cleveland looks like one of the biggest winners after adding Harden’s scoring punch. Washington also gains star presence with Davis. The Clippers, however, appear to be shifting toward long-term assets after moving both Harden and Zubac.
With the deadline now behind them, teams will turn their focus to the playoff race and see which moves truly pay off.
