As the 2026 NBA trade deadline approached, teams had various objectives in mind. Some aimed to bolster their playoff lineups while others sought to decrease their luxury tax burdens. Meanwhile, franchises like the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Indiana Pacers made some eye-catching moves to climb the standings for the next season.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t get traded, several key players did change teams. High-profile names like Anthony Davis, Trae Young, James Harden, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ivica Zubac are now on new rosters.
We’ve already evaluated the major trades and discussed the winners and losers from this deadline. Now, let’s take a broader view to see which teams are in a better position and which ones might be struggling. Some teams benefiting from these trades are noted in the “Improved” section since their outlook for next year is looking up.
Teams that improved before the trade deadline
James Harden’s arrival to the Cavaliers, filling in for Darius Garland, was a surprising twist not hinted at previously. Although Harden is a decade older, he’s known for his durability and, as of now, is healthy. The Cavs were apprehensive about relying on Garland due to an ongoing toe injury, leading them to believe Harden could be a more dependable choice in playoff scenarios. He wasn’t the only player they acquired; Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder came from Sacramento too. Losing DeAndre Hunter might be a mixed outcome, though I’m genuinely curious about how the revamped Cavs will perform.
The Thunder identified a need for a shooter and secured young talent Jared McCain on a manageable contract. While McCain had a tough rookie season impacted by injuries, he showed promise before that and celebrated his 22nd birthday healthy. The Thunder gave up a late first-round pick to get him, which seems pretty smart considering they already hold better draft positions. If his shooting remains consistent, they could shape him into a valuable asset with their defensive strategies.
The Timberwolves made a savvy move by acquiring Ayo Dosunmu, who was one of the best sixth men last season with the Bulls. They traded away players not part of their future plans to secure him. Dosunmu brings size and speed along with a strong defensive reputation, which simplifies his integration into their lineup. He could serve as a great replacement for what Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided last season.
The Hornets capitalized on the Bulls’ restructuring by upgrading from Collin Sexton to Coby White. After a promising year, White, if healthy from his calf strain, is expected to elevate their 3-point shooting capabilities. He could easily slip into a sixth man role behind LaMelo Ball and Con Knuppel, which would be a strategic boost.
Utah’s unexpected trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. took many by surprise. The Jazz have struggled in recent years, but they are positioned to protect their draft pick while potentially losing enough games for another lottery chance before aiming for the playoffs next year. Jackson Jr. brings unique skills, and his pairing with Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen could create a fun and dominant front line.
The Pacers made a bold decision by acquiring Ivica Zubac, who will fill the center role once Tyrese Haliburton returns from injury. Though he hasn’t played much this season, Zubac is known for his rebounding and defensive skills. Even though I thought the trade was risky—executing it would require parting with significant future picks—I appreciate their ambition to compete in the East as soon as they can.
The Wizards, like the Jazz and Pacers, are on the rise. Who would have guessed they would land both Anthony Davis and Trae Young? If both can return to form, the Wizards could quickly find themselves in the Eastern playoffs. Alex Sarr has emerged as a standout player this season, and adding another strong draft pick could position them well for next year.
Teams that looked bad before the trade deadline
The Grizzlies made significant trades over the summer, including sending away Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and now they are focused on acquiring future draft picks. It seems Ja Morant’s presence is more of a burden as it’s unclear if anyone wants to deal for him. Memphis is clearly aiming to tank for the promising 2026 draft, reshaping their team around new talent.
The Clippers, after being on a hot streak, hit a reset button with the James Harden trade. Without him and Zubac, it’s likely their position in the West will falter. This opens up opportunities for teams like the Thunder, who can trade picks, and others such as the Suns and Warriors, who will benefit from one less competitor in the playoff race.
Chicago’s recent trades looked like a tanking strategy, shedding key players like Nikola Vucevic and Coby White. With veterans and some promising younger players still on the roster, they might find a way to remain as mediocre as they’ve been. Though Vucevic contributed significantly, the team’s trajectory appears more challenging without him. The ultimate goal seems to be to improve their odds in future lotteries, but it’s tough given their current wins. The Hawks and Mavericks have had surprising lottery jumps in past years, which adds a layer of unpredictability.
