The NBA trade deadline is heating up with shocking moves that have left fans and analysts stunned. Among the biggest surprises, the Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis and a firstround pick to Dallas. This unexpected trade, executed under the cover of darkness, has set the tone for a frantic trade season.
Mavericks Send Luka Dončić to Lakers for Anthony Davis
Lakers Receive:
Luka Dončić
Maxi Kleber
Markieff Morris
Mavericks Receive:
Anthony Davis
Max Christie
L.A. Lakers 2029 firstround pick
Jazz Receive:
Jalen HoodSchifino
L.A. Clippers 2025 secondround pick
Dallas 2025 secondround pick
This move shakes up the Western Conference, raising questions about the future direction of both franchises.
De’Aaron Fox Moves to Spurs; Kings Land Zach LaVine
The Sacramento Kings followed up the Dončić trade with another major move, sending De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a three team deal that brings Zach LaVine to Sacramento.
Spurs Receive:
De’Aaron Fox
Jordan McLaughlin
Kings Receive:
Zach LaVine
Sidy Cissoko
Charlotte 2025 firstround pick (top14 protected; converts to secondround picks in 2026 and 2027 if not conveyed)
San Antonio 2027 firstround pick
Minnesota 2031 firstround pick
Chicago 2025 secondround pick
Denver 2028 secondround pick
Rights returned to their 2028 secondround pick
Bulls Receive:
Zach Collins
Tre Jones
Kevin Huerter
Rights returned to their 2025 firstround pick
This move provides muchneeded scoring depth for the Kings, while the Spurs bolster their lineup around Victor Wembanyama.
Other Major Trades Before the Deadline
Clippers Acquire Mills, Eubanks from Jazz (Feb. 1)
Clippers Receive:
Drew Eubanks
Patty Mills
Jazz Receive:
Mo Bamba (since waived)
P.J. Tucker
Clippers 2030 secondround pick
Cash considerations
Suns Land Three FirstRound Picks from Jazz (Jan. 21)
Suns Receive:
2025 firstround pick (least favorable of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah)
2027 firstround pick (least favorable of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah)
2029 firstround pick (least favorable of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah)
Jazz Receive:
Phoenix 2031 firstround pick
Suns Acquire Nick Richards (Jan. 15)
Hornets Receive:
Josh Okogie
Denver 2026 secondround pick
Denver 2031 secondround pick
Phoenix 2031 secondround pick
Suns Receive:
Nick Richards
Denver 2025 secondround pick
This move signals Phoenix's intent to remain in contention.
Lakers Trade Russell for FinneySmith (Dec. 29)
Lakers Receive:
Dorian FinneySmith
Shake Milton
Nets Receive:
D'Angelo Russell
Maxwell Lewis
Lakers 2027, 2030, and 2031 secondround picks
This trade changes the Lakers’ backcourt dynamic heading into the second half of the season.
Additional notable trades include:
Warriors Acquire Dennis Schroder (Dec. 15)
Warriors Receive:
Dennis Schroder
Miami 2025 secondround pick
Nets Receive:
De'Anthony Melton
Reece Beekman
Atlanta 2026 secondround pick
Atlanta 2028 secondround pick
Golden State 2029 secondround pick
Heat Trade Thomas Bryant to Pacers (Dec. 15)
Pacers Receive:
Thomas Bryant
Heat Receive:
2031 secondround pick swap with Indiana
With the NBA trade deadline approaching fast, teams are scrambling to reshape their rosters. Stay tuned as more moves unfold before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline.