NBA Trade Deadline Deals Shake Up League Before Thursday Cutoff

The NBA trade deadline hits Thursday at 3 p.m. Eastern, but teams already made several big moves on Tuesday. Players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Nikola Vučević, and James Harden changed teams as squads push for playoffs or build for the future. These deals show teams balancing salary caps, draft picks, and immediate wins.

Background

The trade deadline comes every year around early February, giving teams a last chance to swap players before the playoffs start in April. This year, the deadline falls on February 5, 2026. Many teams sit near the luxury tax line, which limits how much they can spend. Others hold extra draft picks and want to stock up on talent.

Boston leads the East but faces high salary costs. Chicago looks to rebuild after missing playoffs. Utah and Memphis sit in the West rebuild phase, trading stars for picks. The Clippers fight for a play-in spot but shifted plans. These factors drove the trades.

Rumors swirled for weeks about stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. No deals happened for them yet, but activity picked up fast. Teams like the Bulls made multiple swaps, signaling more changes ahead.

Key Details

Big Blockbuster Trades

Memphis sent Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah. In return, they got three first-round picks, plus Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang. Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year, heads to Utah on a big extension through 2030.

Boston picked up Nikola Vučević from Chicago, along with a 2027 second-round pick from Denver. Chicago got Anfernee Simons and a 2026 second-round pick from Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, or Portland, whichever has the best one.

The Clippers traded James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. This swap ends their win-now push amid a mixed season.

Bulls' Busy Day

Chicago stayed active. They got Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley from a three-team deal with Detroit and Minnesota. Detroit received Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić, and a 2026 first-round swap from Minnesota.

In another move, Chicago added Dario Šarić and second-round picks from Denver and Sacramento. They sent out pieces to reshape the roster.

Other Notable Swaps

Sacramento traded De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland for Keon Ellis. Cleveland saves over $50 million in salary and tax. Atlanta sent Vit Krejci to Portland for Duop Reath and two second-round picks.

These deals mix veterans on expiring contracts with young players and picks. Boston drops under the first salary apron, saving $22 million in tax. They can now sign buyout players earning more than $14.1 million.

"This trade cleans up our books and gives us picks from different teams," said a Grizzlies executive after the Jackson deal.

Utah takes on Jackson's rising salary but keeps trade value high. The Jazz hold assets for more moves.

What This Means

Boston strengthens its frontcourt with Vučević on an expiring deal. They cut salary costs and gain flexibility for playoffs. No longer over the first apron, they avoid restrictions on signing waived stars.

Chicago builds a new core with Ivey, Conley, and Simons. They test the market for Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. More trades could come before Thursday.

Memphis now has 12 first-round picks, close to the league max. They created a $29 million trade exception to absorb bad contracts later.

Utah pairs Jackson with Lauri Markkanen for a higher pick next year. They use cap space early but stay competitive.

Cleveland sheds Hunter's salary for Ellis, a cheaper 3-and-D wing. Savings please owner Dan Gilbert. The Cavs aim for playoffs without tax burdens.

Detroit adds shooting with Huerter and improves draft position. They stay under the tax as a rising contender.

Portland boosts its surprise playoff push with Krejci despite injuries. Atlanta gains flexibility, with no player over $31 million long-term.

Teams like the Bulls and Hawks reshape for summer. Contenders like Boston and Detroit tweak for title runs. Rebuilders stockpile picks. Expect smaller deals and buyouts before games resume.

The deadline chaos highlights salary rules' impact. Apron limits force creative trades. Playoff races tighten in both conferences. Oklahoma City holds the West title, but chasers close in. East battles stay fierce behind Boston.