The 2025 NBA trade deadline witnessed significant shifts, with FOX Sports analyzing the outcomes of each transaction.
The excitement ignited with the unexpected trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas while Luka Dončić joined the Lakers, a move already being hailed as one of the most astonishing trades in sports history.
Several other prominent athletes also changed teams, including De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler.
Fans and players remained glued to their devices, eagerly anticipating the next big moves, while FOX Sports provided clarity on the whirlwind of transactions.
Here are insights on the trades that unfolded.
Feb. 8: Lakers-Hornets trade rescinded
Just two days post-deadline, the Lakers announced the rescission of the Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade due to unmet conditions.
The Hornets were set to receive Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick swap. Initially, the Lakers received an “A-” grade for the deal, as it seemed to bolster their center position significantly. Williams is currently enjoying a career-best season, averaging 16 points and 9.8 rebounds.
On the other hand, the Hornets were awarded a “B+” grade for adding two first-round picks to their draft capital. However, this gain is now rendered moot.
Feb. 6: Cavaliers acquire De’Andre Hunter
Cavaliers receive: De’Andre Hunter
Hawks receive: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two swaps
Cavaliers: B+
The Cleveland Cavaliers, boasting the best record in the Eastern Conference at 41-10, have strengthened their roster. Hunter is achieving career-highs with 19 points and a 39.3% three-point shooting rate. Although his defensive consistency is sometimes lacking, the Cavaliers possess enough depth to compensate. Hunter’s size makes him a promising addition alongside stars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
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Hawks: D
Despite Hunter not evolving into the star they envisioned when drafted fourth overall in 2019, the Hawks fell short in this trade. LeVert, while a superior defender, has only one season left on his contract. Although the Hawks gained some draft assets, the return was underwhelming.
Feb. 6: Raptors acquire James Wiseman
Raptors receive: James Wiseman and cash
Pacers receive: TBD
Feb. 6: Clippers, Bucks swap wings
Bucks receive: Kevin Porter Jr.
Clippers receive: MarJon Beauchamp
Feb. 6: Wizards acquire Marcus Smart
Wizards receive: Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick
Grizzlies receive: Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and two second-round picks
Feb. 6: Pistons acquire Dennis Schroder
Pistons receive: Dennis Schroder
Jazz receive: KJ Martin, Josh Richardson, and a 2028 second-round pick
Feb. 6: Clippers add Bogdanović
Clippers receive: Bogdan Bogdanović and three second-round picks
Hawks Receive: Terrance Mann and Bones Hyland
Feb. 6: Rockets acquire Cody Zeller
Rockets receive: Cody Zeller and a 2028 second-round pick
Hawks receive: Draft rights to Alpha Kaba (2017)
Feb. 6: Hornets acquire Jusuf Nurkic
Hornets receive: Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick
Suns receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick
Feb. 6: Heat acquire Davion Mitchell
Heat receive: Davion Mitchell
Raptors receive: PJ Tucker, a second-round pick, and cash
Feb. 6: Wizards acquire Reggie Jackson
Wizards receive: Reggie Jackson and a first-round pick
76ers receive: Jared Butler and four second-round picks
Feb. 5: Raptors land Brandon Ingram in trade with Pelicans
Raptors receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick (top-four protected), and a second-round pick
Raptors: A-
Ingram enhances the Raptors’ offensive capabilities and playmaking. In just 18 games this season, he has averaged 22.2 points on 46.5% shooting and 37.4% from beyond the arc, alongside 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Once he recovers from his ankle injury, his chemistry with the Raptors’ roster should be exciting to watch.
Pelicans: B-
The Pelicans have faced a challenging season riddled with injuries. It is unfortunate they could not assess a fully healthy roster featuring Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Dejounte Murray. Given Ingram’s impending free agency and the failure to secure a new deal, this trade offers a decent return, but the assets received may not significantly impact their future.
Feb. 5: Jimmy Butler gets his wish, Heat trade him to Warriors in multi-team deal
Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick
Heat: B
Jimmy Butler successfully navigated his way out of Miami, landing in one of his preferred locations and securing a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors through 2026-27.
Although Butler’s departure was tumultuous for Miami, who suspended him multiple times for detrimental conduct, the Heat ultimately benefited from this trade. They received a protected first-round pick and a capable player in Wiggins, who is averaging 17.6 points per game, his highest since the 2020-21 season.
With Butler’s relationship with the Heat deteriorating, the trade was necessary. Butler’s player option for the 2025-26 season added urgency to the situation.
In the end, the Heat secured a solid return from a challenging circumstance.
Warriors: B
The Warriors, who previously sought to reacquire Kevin Durant, found their third star in Butler.
Butler, known for his postseason prowess, averaged 17 points this season on a career-best 54% shooting, alongside 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
The Warriors aim to contend once more, especially with 36-year-old Steph Curry still in the lineup.
Butler’s addition could be the catalyst for a turnaround in their season.
While Butler’s past behavior has raised eyebrows, a content Butler is often a successful one. His move to the Warriors positions them as a potential playoff threat.
Feb. 5: Kings snag Jonas Valanciunas
Kings receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks
Feb. 5: Bucks trade Middleton to Wizards for Kuzma
Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jericho Sims, and a second-round pick
Wizards receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap
Knicks receive: Delon Wright and cash
Bucks: C
The Bucks, aiming to re-establish themselves as championship contenders, face pressure as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustration grows. However, acquiring Kuzma may not provide the needed boost, despite his youth and athleticism.
Kuzma’s performance has dipped this season, with averages of 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, along with a career-low 28.1% shooting from three-point range.
Middleton, a beloved figure in the locker room and crucial to the Bucks’ 2021 championship, has struggled with injuries, missing the first 21 games this season. While the Bucks sought a forward upgrade, Kuzma may not be the solution.
Wizards: C+
The Wizards are enduring a historically poor season, and this trade is unlikely to change their fortunes. They have shed approximately $40 million in salary owed to Kuzma over the next two seasons, which is a small consolation.
Feb. 5: 76ers trade KJ Martin to Pistons
Pistons receive: KJ Martin, 2027 second-round pick (via Milwaukee), 2031 second-round pick (via Dallas)
76ers receive: Clear $7.97 million in cap room
Feb. 4: Mavericks make another move, landing wing help from 76ers
Mavericks receive: Caleb Martin
76ers receive: Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick (Philadelphia’s own)
Feb. 2: Kings trade De’Aaron Fox to Spurs, land Zach LaVine from Bulls in 3-team deal
Kings receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks, and three second-round picks
Spurs receive: De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin
Bulls receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and their own 2025 pick (via Spurs)
Spurs: A
The Spurs made a savvy move, pairing Wembanyama with Fox, creating an exciting duo that could revitalize the franchise. With two young stars and potential high lottery picks, the Spurs are set to emerge as serious contenders in the near future.
Kings: B+
Considering the inevitability of losing Fox, acquiring LaVine is a positive outcome for the Kings. They also gained substantial draft capital, positioning themselves for a roster overhaul. LaVine teaming up with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis could be a thrilling prospect for a team in need of change.
Bulls: C
The Bulls regained their 2025 first-round pick from the Spurs, which is top-10 protected, providing some relief. However, they did not acquire any game-changing players. Although they cleared LaVine’s salary, they still owe significant amounts to Huerter and Collins next season.
Feb. 1: Lakers and Mavericks exchange superstars
Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris
Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick
Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers (their pick from the Clippers), and a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks
Lakers: A
With the addition of 25-year-old Dončić, the Lakers have secured a franchise superstar for the next decade. Dončić led the league in scoring last season, guiding the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. It is rare for a franchise to trade a young superstar in their prime, and the Lakers seized the opportunity to secure their future.
Losing Davis, a key player who helped the Lakers win the 2020 championship, is a significant loss. Davis has consistently been a top defender and has played at an MVP-caliber level this season, helping the Lakers climb to fifth in the Western Conference.
However, acquiring Dončić transforms the Lakers’ trajectory, positioning them as contenders for years to come, even beyond LeBron James’ tenure. If they can secure Dončić’s commitment to an extension, they will be in a strong position to chase their 18th title soon.
Mavericks: C
The Mavericks now have a chance to win immediately with Davis, a seasoned player known for his defensive prowess and championship experience. The trio of Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson could be formidable, potentially leading them deep into the playoffs.
Nonetheless, trading away Dončić raises eyebrows. Concerns about his conditioning and defensive skills were evident, but parting with such a talented young player is surprising.
The Mavericks acted before Dončić’s supermax contract extension was due, fearing he might leave in free agency.
With Davis, the Mavericks have a chance to win now, but the window is smaller than if they had retained Dončić.
Feb. 1: Clippers free up space in four-player swap
Clippers receive: Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills
Jazz receive: Mo Bamba, P.J. Tucker, a 2030 second-round pick, and cash considerations
Jan. 15: Suns buy low on Richards
Suns receive: Nick Richards and a 2025 second-round pick (via DEN)
Hornets receive: Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks
Dec. 29: Lakers win DFS sweepstakes
Lakers receive: Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks
Lakers: B
Nets: B
Dec. 16: Warriors add Schröder
Warriors receive: Dennis Schröder and a 2025 second-round pick
Nets receive: De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman, and three future second-round picks
Warriors: B+
Schröder provides the Warriors with reliable scoring options during Steph Curry’s rest periods and has proven to be a strong defender. The trade was particularly favorable for Golden State, as they parted with minimal assets, losing Melton, who played only six games this season before suffering an ACL injury.
Nets: B-
The Nets made this deal with their future in mind, aiming to accumulate draft picks and enhance flexibility during their rebuild.
Dec. 15: Pacers trade for Bryant
Pacers receive: Thomas Bryant
Heat receive: 2031 second-round pick swap
