Key Highlights
- Cleveland Cavaliers emerged as big winners with the trade of Darius Garland for James Harden.
- The 2026 NBA trade deadline saw multiple surprise star destinations, including Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.
- Utah Jazz’s ball movement became a concern after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. and releasing Lauri Markkanen.
- The Memphis Grizzlies demonstrated proactivity by trading key players to secure future draft picks.
- Nico Harrison’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, traded Anthony Davis for a paltry return.
The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers
Cleveland Cavaliers emerged as the biggest winners of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. They pulled off a blockbuster deal, trading Darius Garland for James Harden in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. This move not only boosts their roster but also saves approximately $100 million in luxury tax payments.
The Biggest Winners
Cleveland’s acquisitions of Ellis and Schroder reinforce the backcourt, while Harden brings his offensive prowess to a team in need of scoring punch. At 9-2 since a slow start, the Cavaliers are now poised for an Eastern Conference push. The trade might cost them in future seasons, but for now, Harden is better than Garland.
The surprise star destinations like Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz also made significant moves. The Wizards acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis this week, while the Jazz splurged on Jaren Jackson Jr., adding depth to their roster.
The Not-So-Winners
Utah Jazz’s ball movement became a concern after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. and releasing Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz have now traded away players who averaged at least 20 points per game, leaving a perimeter full of ball stoppers.
The Memphis Grizzlies showed proactivity by trading key players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., securing future draft picks in the process. However, they’re now staring at a long rebuild with Ja Morant as their centerpiece.
Former Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s Trade
Former Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s former team traded Anthony Davis for a paltry return, essentially trading away a generational superstar for one rotation player (Max Christie), two bad first-round picks, and an unknown one from the Lakers in 2029.
The Proactive Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies demonstrated proactivity by trading key players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. for future draft capital. They acquired three picks and a couple of unproven young players with potential, including the No. 18 pick in the 2025 draft, Walter Clayton Jr.
Other Notable Trades
The Oklahoma City Thunder made shrewd trades to gain roster flexibility and acquire Jared McCain. Despite the dizzying density of deals this week, many will have little impact on the title race. The Thunder’s trade for Jared McCain is a shrewd move, acquiring a player on a cheap rookie contract with plenty of potential.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline saw multiple surprise star destinations, including Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz, adding fun wrinkles to the league landscape. While some moves may not pay off immediately, they certainly keep fans engaged and discussions lively throughout the season.