This exercise could be short. It is the day of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and the big deals we projected have already been fired off, save for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is still a Milwaukee Buck.
For the Phoenix Suns, it appears standing pat would be the thing to do, with the exception of perhaps dumping Nick Richards’ contract to duck under the tax. But the rest of the Western Conference has already been shuffling about. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro expects them to do so, giving them space to sign a two-way player like Jamaree Bouyea or Isaiah Livers to a standard contract by year’s end.
James Harden is a Cleveland Cavalier after a swap for Darius Garland, a move that keeps the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers competitive as they’ve made a playoff push to get right back in the thick of things.
The big shocker that might not matter this year but could next: Former Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. is a new member of the Jazz, giving Utah one of the most intriguing frontcourts that also includes Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski and Jusuf Nurkic. Keyonte George has been sneakily one of the most improved NBA players this year, and if one or more of Cody Williams, Ace Bailey or Isaiah Collier can make a leap — big or small — that is a scary roster.
Memphis’ blowing-things-up path might be a thing to watch Thursday if Ja Morant is next out the door, but his market is likely pretty sour in a way that makes us sad, considering he looked like he was that dude a few years ago. Now he is that dude who might have an all-time crashout considering the injuries, loss of athleticism, off-court decisions and on-court distractions created by his attitude.
Trae Young and Anthony Davis are now teaming up on the Washington Wizards, giving them legitimacy but a pair of superstars that will be a curious mix because of Davis’ injury history and the fact that this is a win-now move (the supporting cast around them is kind of intriguing now, however). Congrats to the Dallas Mavericks on getting some draft picks in exchange for an All-Star this time around. Baby steps.
Nikola Vucevic is a Boston Celtic. The Thunder got Jared McCain to add depth. The Warriors finally freed themselves of Jonathan Kuminga to lock Kristaps Porzingis into the Quinten Post starting center role that is perfect for Kristaps Porzingis moreso than Quinten Post.
What’s left to do Thursday before the 1 p.m. MST deadline for the Suns and others? Antetokounmpo is the big name we’re waiting on. Here are the most recent trades on deadline day.
NBA trade deadline live news and updates
Luke Kennard gives the Lakers shooting
Lakers get (per Shams Charania): G Luke Kennard
Hawks get: G Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick
Did you know Gabe Vincent was making $11.5 million this year?! He did very little for the Lakers in three years, never averaging more than 6.4 points per game after an overpay following a strong 2022-23 with the Miami Heat.
It’s a nice flip for Los Angeles, getting a proven shooter in Kennard. Over 46 games this year, he is shooting 53.8% from the field and 49.7% from three, taking most of his shots from deep. He does not, however, make an already poor defensive team better there.
Ayo Dosunmu bolsters revamped Timberwolves
T-Wolves get (per Shams Charania): G Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips
Bulls get: G Rob Dillingham, F Leonard Miller and four second-round picks
The Timberwolves moved on from sunsetting veteran point guard Mike Conley earlier this week, and with this move, they clearly didn’t want to wait on Dillingham to play catch-up as the heir apparent. It says a bit that the T-Wolves have given scorer point Bones Hyland the minutes they desperately wanted to be Dillingham’s.
Minnesota’s depth was just not there, and the offseason loss of Nickeil Walker-Alexander put them in a tough spot. I love this move to add Dosunmu, a combo guard who will mix things up on defense but has enough on-ball pop to average 15.0 points and 3.6 assists with shooting splits of 51.4% from the field and 45.1% from 3.
The Bulls? They’re just driving in circles in the Binny’s parking lot like usual. Congrats on spoiling the talent of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Chicago earlier this week traded pretty decent scoring guard Coby White for OK scoring guard Collin Sexton.