Blockbuster Moves Shake the League as Contenders Load Up Before Thursday Buzzer

The 2026 NBA trade deadline delivered fireworks on February 5, with a flurry of blockbuster deals reshaping contenders and rebuilding squads alike. The day featured high-profile names like James Harden, Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga, Kristaps Porziņģis and Jaren Jackson Jr. changing teams, as franchises made aggressive pushes to bolster rosters ahead of the postseason.

The deadline officially closed at 3 p.m. ET, but the action accelerated in the final 48 hours. Cleveland landed Harden, Dallas parted ways with Davis in a massive overhaul, Golden State ended its Kuminga saga by acquiring Porziņģis, and Utah shocked the league by trading for Jackson Jr. from Memphis. The moves reflected a league in flux — contenders doubling down, middling teams pivoting, and sellers stockpiling assets.

Here are the most impactful trades from the 2026 deadline, their immediate implications, and how they could alter the playoff landscape.

Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire James Harden from LA Clippers

Cleveland receives: James Harden LA Clippers receive: Darius Garland, future second-round pick

The Cavaliers pulled off the deadline’s biggest coup by landing Harden from the Clippers in exchange for Garland and a second-rounder. Harden, 36, brings elite playmaking and scoring punch to a Cleveland backcourt that struggled with consistency after Garland’s inconsistent play. The move pairs Harden with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in a lineup that now projects as one of the East’s top offensive threats.

Analysts gave Cleveland high marks for the upgrade. Harden averaged 19.8 points and 8.5 assists this season; Garland’s defense and availability had become liabilities. The Cavs are now firmly in the East title conversation, especially if Harden stays healthy.

Dallas Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Washington Wizards

Dallas receives: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, Oklahoma City’s 2026 first-round pick, Phoenix’s 2026 second-round pick, Chicago’s 2027 second-round pick, Houston’s 2029 second-round pick, Golden State’s 2030 first-round pick (top-20 protected) Washington receives: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum

The Mavericks shocked the league by moving Davis — acquired in the Luka Dončić trade just one year earlier — to the Wizards in a package heavy on young players, veterans and future picks. Davis’ injury history and fit alongside Kyrie Irving prompted the reset. Dallas gains Middleton’s veteran scoring and shooting, plus lottery upside in Johnson and Branham, while adding significant draft capital.

The Wizards, meanwhile, land a superstar big man to pair with their young core, betting on Davis’ health for a quick retool. Grades ranged from A- to B- for Dallas (future assets) and A- for Washington (star power at low cost).

Golden State Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga & Buddy Hield to Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis

Golden State receives: Kristaps Porziņģis Atlanta receives: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield

The Warriors ended months of Kuminga speculation by shipping the 23-year-old forward and Hield to Atlanta for Porziņģis. The move gives Golden State a 7-foot-3 stretch big who can space the floor for Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler while providing rim protection. Porziņģis, 30, has one year and $36 million left on his deal.

Atlanta gains a young, athletic wing in Kuminga who fits their timeline and adds scoring punch. The trade drew praise for both sides: Golden State upgrades its frontcourt for a title push, while the Hawks invest in youth.

Other Notable Deadline Moves

• Utah Jazz Acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis Grizzlies — An eight-player, three-pick blockbuster sent the former Defensive Player of the Year to Utah. Memphis gets youth and picks; Utah accelerates its timeline.
• Oklahoma City Thunder Acquire Jared McCain from Philadelphia 76ers — OKC adds a promising young guard for a 2026 first-round pick and seconds. The rich keep getting richer.
• Charlotte Hornets Acquire Coby White & Mike Conley from Chicago Bulls — Charlotte lands scoring (White) and leadership (Conley); Chicago gets youth and picks in a retool.
• Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Dennis Schröder & Keon Ellis from Sacramento Kings — Cleveland bolsters depth; Kings get De’Andre Hunter.

The deadline saw fewer three-team deals than expected but plenty of star movement. Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors never materialized, and Ja Morant stayed put, but the action still reshaped the playoff picture.

Contenders like Cleveland, Golden State and Utah strengthened; middling teams like Dallas and Chicago pivoted; and sellers like Memphis and Philadelphia stockpiled assets. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Eastern and Western Conference races just got more intriguing.