Never in NBA history has the fundamental core of the league been changed this much in a period of five days. The 2025 NBA trade deadline has a legitimate argument for the greatest NBA trade deadline in the history of the league. All the biggest moves were made several days before the NBA trade deadline. However, this doesn’t mean the actual deadline day was without noteworthy moves.
Luka and AD trade
You can simply call this “THE” NBA trade and most people will know what you’re talking about. Luka Doncic is the assumed heir to the NBA throne once LeBron James retires. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is having his best season in years as he seems to have found a second wind at age 31. Neither of these guys were in any serious trade rumors. The Lakers now have someone to hand the keys to once James retires while the Mavericks have to capitalize on the duo of Davis and Kyrie Irving. The Lakers look like winners of this NBA trade deadline move but the Mavericks could change the narrative with a championship from the duo of former champions. If Dallas doesn’t bring home a championship this trade will result in a massive loss to the organization.
Fox to the Spurs
De’Aaron Fox had been in trade rumors for weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline. Although his move got outshined by the one mentioned before, it’s still a game-changing NBA trade deadline trade. A duo of Fox and Victor Wembanyama can prove to be a championship-worthy duo as soon as next season. The Kings didn’t leave empty handed though. Since it was a three-team trade, they were able to get a great scorer, Zach Lavine, from the Bulls. The only real loser in this trade is the Bulls, who failed to get any real assets for a red-hot Lavine.
Photo via Bleacher Report
Kuzma to Bucks
Khris Middleton helped the Bucks win an NBA championship back in 2021. However, since then his career has been plagued with injuries. Although it’s a tough call to let go of a champion it was a move that had to be made. The Bucks sent Middleton to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma will help improve the Bucks spacing. More than anything though he gives them availability. Also, for what it’s worth he’s an NBA champion as well, with the Lakers in 2020. As for the Wizards, they will need to decide what they’re doing with the new veteran duo they have, Middleton and Marcus Smart, who was acquired in another trade.
Butler to Golden State
Jimmy Butler is another guy who’s been in trade rumors for a long time before the NBA trade deadline. He’s on an expiring deal and he and Pat Riley disagreed on how much he’s worth long term. Butler had been suspended indefinitely by the Heat due to repeated violations of the team’s policies. It was obvious he would be traded during the NBA trade deadline, the only question was where. The Warriors offered Andrew Wiggins and other assets and won the sweepstakes. The Warriors look to capitalize off the rest of Stephen Curry’s time as a star.
Ingram to Raptors
Despite being in the middle of a rebuild, the Raptors make a win-now move by trading for Brandon Ingram at the NBA trade deadline. It’s a confusing move at surface level and it will be interesting to see what the Raptors’ plans are. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have taken the first major step to admitting this current core is finished. They no doubt had the talent, but the constant injuries of major players, including Ingram, put a cap on the team’s success. Unless the Raptors can extend Ingram at a reasonable price they’re clear losers of this trade.
Hunter to Cavs
With the Ingram trading happening just a few minutes before the final day, the De’Andre Hunter trade ended up being the biggest move on Thursday. The Cavs got off to a red-hot start and are looking to finish off their historic season with a championship. De’Andre Hunter has been one of the most underrated players in the league this season. He averages 19 points and plays good defense. The Cavs can beat any team and want to win now while the Hawks signaled a clear intention to rebuild with this move and trading Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers.
