The 2026 NBA trade deadline brought significant changes, with stars switching teams, veterans being released, and some contenders focusing on cost-saving measures. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from this year’s trade action.
Winners
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers could have remained inactive during the trade deadline, especially with a challenging season ahead without Tyrese Haliburton. However, they opted to trade for All-Defensive center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, sending two first-round picks in return. This strategy involved protecting next year’s first pick while acquiring a solid center at a reasonable cost (two years, $40.6M through 2028), aiming to quickly return to contention next season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder bolstered their roster by adding sharpshooter Jared McCain, who has been impressive, shooting 48.7 percent from beyond the arc this year. They secured McCain for just a 2016 first-round pick—the least valuable among their current picks—and three second-round selections.
Chicago Bulls
While the Chicago Bulls might have preferred a first-round pick, they deserve recognition for moving on from their longstanding roster that frequently fell short in the playoffs. They let go of Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu, bringing in young guards Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and Rob Dillingham instead. While they didn’t land any first-round picks, they acquired two former lottery picks with potential in Ivey and Dillingham.
Charlotte Hornets
Losers
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors began the week hoping to land Giannis Antetokounmpo but finished by trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for an injured Kristaps Porzingis. This deal fell short of expectations for a valuable former lottery pick. Additionally, their trade discussions involving Draymond Green created tension within the team. As a result, the Warriors appear headed for a difficult season.
Washington Wizards
While the Washington Wizards made a move to acquire Anthony Davis and Trae Young, both of whom could help their young roster, injuries to both may serve to protect their top-8-protected pick this season. However, extending both players on lucrative contracts could prove to be a misstep.
Los Angeles Clippers
Although the Clippers responded to James Harden’s trade demands, the outcome led them into a rebuilding phase that disrupts their playoff ambitions just days before hosting the All-Star Game. After a strong 16-4 run during Harden’s last 20 games, losing their All-Defensive center marks a significant setback for the team.
Free Agency
Three teams with significant cap space for the summer of 2026 opted to utilize their financial resources in trades instead, with the Wizards being a notable example. The Utah Jazz also utilized their space by trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. The Bulls focused on strengthening their roster by trading for the free-agent-bound Ivey and Simons, likely removing them from the summer market.