It felt like the entire world stood still when the Shams Charania tweet hit the twitter timeline at 12:12 AM early Sunday morning. I personally thought the ESPN NBA Insider was hacked. Millions thought it had to be a joke or a fake tweet. But once other insiders began to confirm it, the reality of it all really start to set in.
Somehow. Someway. Luka Doncic is now a Los Angeles Laker.
I’m still stunned writing this, even three days later watching Doncic’s introductory press conference in Los Angeles. This is the most shocking trade in NBA history, and might even be a contender for the most shocking in sports history. But with the deadline in full swing, here’s everything we know about the most marquee deals at the moment.
Luka to LA, AD to Dallas in an out of nowhere deal
In case you missed the full details, this three-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz seemingly materialized completely out of public eye.
The Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. The Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 Lakers first-round pick from Los Angeles. The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks. Hood-Schifino is expected to be waived.
Details continue to file in about why Dallas would do this move. The most shocking detail in all of this is that the Mavericks called the Lakers offering Doncic. And somehow, the Mavericks were talked down from their initial return package that also included rookie Dalton Knecht and multiple first round picks according to Kirk Goldsberry of The Ringer.
Why would this franchise willingly send out their perennial MVP candidate who is only 25 years old? According to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison, “defense wins championships.”
With Davis, Harrison said he believes the Mavs are better built to win now and in the future. But it’s hard to gauge that when you:
A. Trade for a player turning 32 in a month.
B. Trade the guy who led you to the NBA Finals eight months ago.
ESPN Insider Tim MacMahon revealed that sources close to Dallas indicated concerns about Doncic’s conditioning leading to not wanting to negotiate the $315 million supermax extension he was eligible for this summer.
So with the dust settled, how does this effect both parties?
For the Lakers, this was a no-brainer. Your franchise player LeBron James is 40 years old and retirement is constantly looming. Once James was to retire, I don’t think there was a clear replacement plan for the new franchise centerpiece. With Doncic only 25, under contract for at minimum the next three years, and frankly already a better player than James, this was a home-run decision for the Lakers.
They will likely still be very active at the trade deadline and have a core that’s capable of making a playoff run. They obviously need to address the need at Center primarily, but that seems like a fixable issue with all the bigs floating on the trade block.
As for Dallas, while this move seems puzzling for their future, Harrison disagrees. “[Davis] fits our timeframe to win now and win in the future,” Harrison said. “And the future to me is three or four years from now. Ten years from now they’d probably bury me and [Jason Kidd] by then, or we’d bury ourselves.”
With Kyrie Irving as a lead guard, two efficient defensive centers in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively to play alongside Davis, and versatile floor-stretching wings to open up the offense, they likely will be good for the next three to four years. But once that window closes, it closes for good until the next Luka-level talent rolls around (not likely).
I firmly expect both teams to make the playoffs, and if the basketball gods love us we’ll see them face each other in a series.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
Fox to San Antonio, LaVine to Sacramento in three-team deal
While the dust was still settling from the Luka Doncic trade, the Sacramento Kings officially shipped out their former 2017 lottery pick De’Aaron Fox in a three-team deal including the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
The Spurs received De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin from Sacramento. The Kings received Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks (2025 lottery protected Hornets pick, 2027 Spurs pick and 2031 Timberwolves pick) and three second-round picks. The Bulls received Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and their own 2025 first-round pick back.
This was a no-brainer for San Antonio. You have an opportunity to get a high-paced 27-year-old guard to pair with your generational alienlike Center you take it ten times out of ten. Especially when the guard expressed clear interest to join your team and eventually resign. But the most impressive part is you were able to acquire him without giving up a single key asset. Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and even Chris Paul are still donning the black and silver. A Fox and Victor Wembanyama duo with the right pieces around them could wreak havoc in the West for the next six years.
Sacramento was able to salvage losing their franchise centerpiece fairly well. Getting an all-star caliber guard who’s only 29 and averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game on career-high efficiency from the field and beyond the arc is everything but a home run. Reuniting LaVine and DeMar DeRozan is also a fun result, as the duo did make the playoffs together in Chicago. The draft picks are also a solid return, though the 2025 Hornets one likely won’t convey. That 2031 Wolves first-rounder will be one worth watching over the next few seasons, especially if they fail to surround Anthony Edwards with a core capable of reaching the heights they’ve already achieved. The only true concern comes with Sacramento’s defensive shortcomings and a question mark as to who now will run the lead guard role.
The Bulls leave a bit to be desired following this move. You lose your franchise star without gaining a single future asset, and receive the first round pick that you foolishly dealt in years prior. No offense to the players, but Huerter, Collins, and Jones are not core members of this unit moving forward.
Winner: San Antonio Spurs
Loser: Chicago Bulls
Caleb Martin to the Mavericks
Following the acquisition of Davis, the Mavericks went forward with their win-now movement sending away Quentin Grimes and the 76ers’ 2025 second-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Caleb Martin.
Martin is currently nursing a hip injury, but brings an experienced three-and-D presence to a team in desperate need of wings. In the 2023 Playoffs, Martin averaged 12.7 points and 5.4 rebounds on 52.9% from the field and 42.3% from three aiding their Finals run. He’s also under a four-year deal so he’ll be in Dallas through at least the 2027 offseason.
For the Sixers this is a win-win trade as they acquire one of their lost assets and get back into this loaded 2025 draft class, as their first-round pick is set to go to the Oklahoma City Thunder if they continue their current trajectory. Grimes is also a versatile young wing, shooting 46.3% from the field and 39.8% from three this season.
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
Kuzma to Milwaukee in a three-team trade
After 12 years with the franchise, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Khris Middleton, alongside AJ Johnson and a pick swap to Washington in a three-team trade with the New York Knicks. The Bucks received Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin and a second-round pick from Washington and Jericho Sims from New York. The Knicks received Delon Wright and cash considerations.
For the Bucks it’s a bittersweet ending to a franchise pillar. But the writing seemed to be on the wall as Middleton is 33 years old and hasn’t played in more than 65 games since 2022. However, I’m not sure that Kyle Kuzma is exactly the answer to their problems. Kuzma was in a slump for the Wizards, only averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting career-lows 42.0% from the field and 28.1% from three.
The Wizards close the door on the era of Kuzma and add a reliable veteran to help aid the young guys. Middleton this season is shooting a career-high 51.2% from the field and 40.7% from three.
The Knicks portion of this trade sees them get rid of the 26-year old athletic center Sims in exchange for Delon Wright in a move that doesn’t affect their rotation as much as it affects their bottom line in luxury tax room.
Winner: Nobody
Jimmy Butler to the Bay in a multi-team trade
The Jimmy Butler saga finally reached its end Wednesday night in a trade with a lot of moving pieces. The Warriors received Jimmy Butler, who immediately signed a two-year $121 million extension.
The Heat received Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson from Golden State as well as a lottery-protected 2025 first-round pick. They received Davion Mitchell from the Toronto Raptors as well.
The Raptors received PJ Tucker and a second-round pick from Miami, who received Tucker from the Jazz initially.
The Jazz received KJ Martin from Detroit, who had acquired him from Philadelphia earlier, as well as Josh Richardson (via Miami) and a second-round pick. Richardson is expected to be waived.
The Pistons received Dennis Schroder (via Utah, from Miami, from Golden State) and Lindy Waters.
For the Warriors, after several desperate attempts to align Stephen Curry with another star, they land and ensure the services of Butler for at least two more years. While Butler is immensely talented, the on-court fit with Draymond Green is a major question mark, alongside the concern that he is already 35-years-old.
The Heat were able to swing something out of this saga, reinforcing their depth and defensive identity with the acquisitions of Wiggins and Mitchell. They still look to be in playoff contention.
The Pistons end the revolving-door treatment of Dennis Schroder and get another lead guard to alleviate the pressure from Cade Cunningham.
Winner: Miami Heat
Loser: Toronto Raptors
Brandon Ingram to Toronto
The Pelicans got rid of the last piece from 2020’s Anthony Davis trade by sending Brandon Ingram to Toronto in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick and a second-round pick.
For Toronto, they acquire the former all-star shot creator with just one year left on his contract to pair alongside their forward duo of RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. They were able to salvage this deal without touching any of their core members of the squad and if Ingram is to re-sign this summer, this is a home run trade for them value-wise.
The Pelicans add two solid role players and draft capital in this trade but it doesn’t raise their ceiling at the moment as they sit comfortably as the worst team in the West. They likely look to enter a rebuild in the summer, with Trey Murphy‘s breakout season looking like a key building block for their future.
Winner: Toronto Raptors
Lakers land their Center
In the early hours of deadline day, the Lakers made their move to get their new starting Center. They sent rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to Charlotte for Mark Williams.
This was a no-brainer decision for the Lakers, as Williams’ upside is hard to overlook. The only concern with Williams is his health as he’s only suited up in 85 games in three seasons. However this season has been Williams’ best averaging career highs across the board with 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. As a lob threat and aggressive rebounder he should fit in nicely alongside Luka Doncic.
The Hornets look to the future with this trade getting those distant Lakers first-round picks, but their value has definitely depreciated following acquiring a 25-year-old superstar. But Knecht is a promising guard to pair next to LaMelo Ball, even if he is turning 24 in a few months.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
Cavs add De’Andre Hunter
The Cleveland Cavaliers sent Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks and two pick swaps to Atlanta in return for De’Andre Hunter.
This move makes the Eastern Conference’s top team even more dangerous, giving them a large and versatile true small forward to fit alongside their star-studded starting lineup. Hunter is averaging 19.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 46.1% from the field and 39.3% from three. The wing rotation of Hunter, alongside Max Strus and Isaac Okoro makes them a bigger threat at taking a trip to their first NBA Finals since 2018.
As for the Hawks, this move alongside their later trades look to be starting a retooling era for them. Considering they sold low on Hunter, it would not be a surprise if Trae Young finds himself requesting a new home in the offseason.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers
Smart to Washington in multi-team trade
The Memphis Grizzlies sent former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to Washington in a three-team trade including the Sacramento Kings.
The Wizards received Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick from Memphis and Colby Jones and Alex Len from the Kings.
The Kings received Jake LaRavia from Memphis.
The Grizzlies received Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis and two second-round picks from Washington.
For Memphis this gives them roster flexibility, creating more rotational spots for their already elite depth. This also clears them up financially, especially considering Jaren Jackson is due for an extension soon.
The Wizards get another veteran leader to help mentor the young guys, especially defensively. I think this helps the development of Bilal Coulibaly by a lot.
Sacramento escapes this by consolidating their roster and getting a versatile backup four in LaRavia.
Winner: Grizzlies
Loser: Nobody
Other Deadline Deals
Rockets grab Jaden Springer from Celtics
The Celtics sent Jaden Springer and a 2030 second-round pick to Houston for a heavily protected second-rounder. Springer is expected to be waived by Houston.
Theis to the Thunder
The New Orleans Pelicans sent Daniel Theis and draft compensation to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This moves the Pelicans below the luxury tax, and the Thunder plan to waive Theis.
Valanciunas to the Kings
The Washington Wizards sent Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks. This move reunites Valanciunas with his Olympic teammate Domantas Sabonis and gives the Kings some extra big depth. The Wizards plan to waive Cissoko.
Baldwin to San Antonio
The Milwaukee Bucks sent Patrick Baldwin Jr. and cash considerations to San Antonio.
Nurkic to Charlotte
The Phoenix Suns sent Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to Charlotte in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic and a 2026 second-round pick.
The long-awaited breakup of Nurkic and the Suns comes just as the Hornets are in desperate need of a starting-caliber Center. The gaining of yet another first round pick sees the Hornets clearly committed to building for the future.
Martin and Micic add to the depth of the Suns, but doesn’t move the needle for a championship pursuit, so a disgruntled Kevin Durant and Devin Booker could be something to look at in the offseason.
Bogdanovic to the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers sent Terance Mann and Bones Hyland to Atlanta for Bogdan Bogdanovic and three second-round picks.
While Bogdanovic is in one of the worst stretches of his career this year, a change of scenery could be the thing needed to get him back on track.
Zeller to the Rockets
The Atlanta Hawks continued their fire sale by sending Cody Zeller and Houston’s 2028 second-round pick to the Rockets.
Kevin Porter Jr to the Bucks
The Los Angeles Clippers sent Kevin Porter to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for MarJon Beauchamp. This move helps the weaknesses of both teams by putting another primary ballhandler in Milwaukee and a two-way wing in Los Angeles.
James Wiseman to Toronto
In the final deadline deal of the season, the Indiana Pacers sent James Wiseman and cash considerations to Toronto. Wiseman is currently still out with a torn Achilles.
Now that the dust has settled, I think we can comfortably say this was the craziest trade deadline in NBA history. What do you think were the best and worst moves?
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