NBA Trade Deadline Frenzy Sees 28 Deals as Clippers Send Zubac to Pacers and Cavaliers Land Harden

The 2026 NBA trade deadline delivered one of the most active trading periods in recent memory, with 28 separate deals completed between Sunday and Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline on February 5. An astounding 27 of the NBA's 30 teams participated in at least one trade during the week, with only the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs standing pat as the deadline passed.

The Los Angeles Clippers made one of the most significant moves by trading starting center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round draft picks. The deal represents a major shift in strategy for the Clippers, who appear to be retooling their roster around their core of stars. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a blockbuster acquisition by landing veteran guard James Harden from the Clippers in a separate transaction, adding a proven playmaker and scorer to their Eastern Conference contender.

The Dallas Mavericks continued their roster upheaval by trading All-Star big man Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a massive eight-player swap, coming just one year after their stunning trade of Luka Dončić. The Bulls also made waves by sending two-time All-Star center Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, giving the defending champions additional frontcourt depth. The Chicago Bulls also moved guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of their rebuild.

Despite swirling rumors, several marquee names remained with their current teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo, widely considered the biggest name potentially available, once again stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks after the deadline passed without a trade. The Memphis Grizzlies similarly held onto star point guard Ja Morant, resisting overtures from interested teams and maintaining their core for a playoff push.

Trade deadline observers identified clear winners and losers from the chaotic week. The Boston Celtics strengthened their championship defense with the Vučević addition, while analysts pointed to the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings as disappointments for their lack of activity. The massive wave of trades has significantly altered the playoff picture in both conferences, setting up an intriguing final stretch run as teams integrate their new pieces and jockey for postseason positioning heading into the All-Star break.