2026 NBA Trade Deadline Grades: Which Teams Won and Who Fell Short?

The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline delivered blockbuster moves, surprising resets, and a handful of teams choosing to stand pat. Contenders pushed their chips in, rebuilding franchises reshaped their timelines, and several front offices made decisions that will define their direction for years to come. From star swaps to under-the-radar value plays, here is a full breakdown and grade for every team’s performance at the deadline.

Additions-

• Jonathan Kuminga (GSW)
• Buddy Hield (GSW)
• Gabe Vincent (LAL)
• Jock Landale (UTA)
• Corey Kispert (WAS)
• CJ McCollum (WAS)
• Duop Reath (POR)
• 2027 2nd round pick (POR)
• 2030 Knicks 2nd round pick (POR)
• 2030 Lakers 2nd round pick (LAL)
• Trade exceptions/cash considerations

Subtractions-

• Luke Kennard (LAL)
• Vit Krejci (POR)
• Kristaps Porzingis (GSW)
• Trae Young (WAS)
• Cash/roster space moves

The Hawks clearly committed to a rebuild and are shifting their focus toward younger pieces like Jalen Johnson and newly acquired Jonathan Kuminga. Moving on from Trae Young was inevitable, though the return would have been stronger a year earlier. Still, Kuminga gets a much-needed fresh start, and shedding Porzingis’ expiring contract was a smart financial move. Atlanta didn’t hit a home run, but they executed a clean reset and earn a solid B.

Additions-

• Nikola Vucevic (CHI)
• 2027 2nd round pick (DEN)
• Salary/tax relief moves

Subtractions-

• Anfernee Simons (CHI)
• Josh Minott (BKN)
• Chris Boucher (UTA)
• Xavier Tillman (CHA)
• 2026 2nd round pick (BOS)

Boston addressed both roster balance and salary concerns. While Simons was a fan favorite, the Celtics needed frontcourt spacing and rebounding. Vucevic provides exactly that and comes off the books next season, preserving flexibility. If Jayson Tatum returns healthy for the playoffs, Boston remains a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. This was a practical, well-executed deadline — B.

Additions-

• Ochai Agbaji (TOR 3-team trade)
• 2032 2nd round pick (TOR)
• Josh Minott (BOS)
• Hunter Tyson (DEN)

Subtractions-

• Chris Paul (TOR 3-team trade)

Brooklyn’s deadline was exactly what most expected — quiet and non-committal. Agbaji offers some upside but doesn’t significantly move the needle. Keeping Michael Porter Jr. made sense unless a massive offer surfaced. The Nets neither improved nor regressed, making this an average deadline and a fair C.

Additions-

• Coby White (CHI)
• Mike Conley Jr. (CHI)
• Tyus Jones (DAL)
• Xavier Tillman (CHA)
• 2027 2nd round pick (Worst of BOS/ORL)
• 2028 2nd round pick (ORL)

Subtractions-

• Collin Sexton (CHI)
• Ousmane Dieng (CHI to MIL) 
• Three future 2nd round picks (CHI)
• Malaki Branham (DAL)
• Mason Plumlee (OKC)

Charlotte quietly had one of the better deadlines. Acquiring Coby White gives them a legitimate scorer without sacrificing major assets. The Hornets gained more talent than they lost, and with how well they’ve been playing lately, White could be a difference-maker down the stretch. This was a strong deadline deserving of a B+.

Additions-

• Anfernee Simons (BOS)
• Rob Dillingham (MIN)
• Leonard Miller (MIN)
• Four future 2nd round picks (MIN)
• Guerschon Yabusele (NYK)
• Mike Conley Jr. (MIN)
• Jaden Ivey (DET)
• Collin Sexton (CHA)
• Ousmane Dieng (CHA)
• 2029 2nd round pick (Worst of CHI/DEN)
• 2031 second round pick (x2)

Subtractions-

• Nikola Vucevic (BOS)
• Ayo Dosunmu (MIN)
• Dalen Terry (NYK)
• Coby White (CHA)
• Kevin Huerter (DET)
• 2026 first round pick swap (DET)
• Mike Conley Jr. (CHA flipped)

The Bulls leaned heavily into guard depth, headlined by Anfernee Simons. The Jaden Ivey acquisition is a potential sleeper — risky, but intriguing. While moving on from Vucevic and White was necessary, the returns could have been stronger. This deadline has wide variance outcomes, but for now lands at B-.

Additions-

• James Harden (LAC)
• Dennis Schroder (SAC)
• Keon Ellis (SAC)
• Emmanuel Miller (SAC/BKN)
• Cap relief via Lonzo Ball (UTA)

Subtractions-

• Darius Garland (LAC)
• De’Andre Hunter (SAC)
• Lonzo Ball (UTA)
• Minor cash/picks as cap management

Cleveland made the splash of the deadline by acquiring James Harden. Pairing him with Donovan Mitchell instantly boosts their offensive ceiling. Clearing De’Andre Hunter’s salary was an underrated win, and the added depth helps in a playoff setting. This move signals Cleveland is serious about contending, earning them a B+ with upside.

Additions-

• Khris Middleton (WAS)
• AJ Johnson (WAS)
• Malaki Branham (WAS)
• Marvin Bagley III (WAS)
• Two future 1st round picks and three future 2nd round picks

Subtractions-

• Anthony Davis (WAS)
• Jaden Hardy (WAS)
• D’Angelo Russell (WAS)
• Dante Exum (WAS)
• Tyus Jones (CHA)

Dallas’ objective was simple: clear cap space and reset around the future (Cooper Flagg). Trading Anthony Davis accomplished exactly that, opening nearly $70 million in flexibility while also adding draft capital. Khris Middleton wasn’t the centerpiece — financial freedom was. This was a forward-thinking deadline that earns a B.

Additions-

• 2026 2nd round pick (LAC/CHA)

Subtractions-

• Hunter Tyson (BKN)
• 2026 2nd round pick (BKN)

Denver stayed quiet, trusting continuity. After already moving Michael Porter Jr. in the offseason, they believe health — particularly Nikola Jokic’s — is the real addition. While understandable, it was still a lackluster deadline, resulting in a C-.

Additions-

• Kevin Huerter (DET)
• Dario Saric (CHI)
• Right to swap 2026 first (Via MIN)

Subtractions-

• Jaden Ivey (CHI)
• Mike Conley Jr. (to MIN via 3-team)

Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren leading the way. The addition of sharpshooter Kevin Huerter strengthens their bench and gives them reliable scoring depth. Trading Jaden Ivey may have been a case of selling low, but the swap for draft flexibility helps manage the future. Overall, Detroit’s deadline was solid but not flashy — earning a B-.

Additions-

• Kristaps Porzingis (ATL)
• 2026 2nd round pick (LAL)

Subtractions-

• Jonathan Kuminga (ATL)
• Buddy Hield (ATL)
• Trayce Jackson-Davis (TOR)

Golden State pivoted after Giannis talks fizzled out, swapping Kuminga and Hield for Kristaps Porzingis. If healthy, Porzingis fits perfectly with his size and shooting. Health remains the concern, especially with recent Achilles issues. This move could age well, but for now sits at an average C.

Additions-

No reported moves

Subtractions-

No reported moves

With Fred VanVleet out for the season, Houston’s decision to stand pat is puzzling. Kevin Durant has elevated the team, but guard depth remains an issue. This inactivity could hurt them in the playoffs, making this a disappointing D.

Additions-

• Ivica Zubac (LAC)
• Kobe Brown (LAC)

Subtractions-

• Bennedict Mathurin (LAC)
• Isaiah Jackson (LAC)

• Two future 1st round picks (LAC)
• 2nd round pick (LAC)

The Indiana Pacers are clearly building around the Tyrese Haliburton–Ivica Zubac pairing. Zubac is a consistent performer, but the cost was steep—sending a 2026 first-rounder, top-four and 5–30 protected, to the Clippers. Losing scorer Bennedict Mathurin also hurts their future. While Zubac fills the Myles Turner void, the Pacers’ deadline moves earn a C grade.

Additions-

• Darius Garland (CLE)
• Bennedict Mathurin (IND)
• Isaiah Jackson (IND)
• Two future 1st round picks (IND)
• Future 2nd round pick (IND)
• Rights to Vanja Mainkovic (BKN)

Subtractions-

• James Harden (CLE)
• Ivica Zubac (IND)
• Chris Paul (TOR)
• Kobe Brown (IND)

The Clippers navigated this deadline well. Turning James Harden and Ivica Zubac into Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and two first-round picks is strong value. Holding onto Kawhi Leonard suggests confidence in the current window. Overall, a sharp and opportunistic A-.

Additions-

• Luke Kennard (ATL)

Subtractions-

• Gabe Vincent (ATL)
• 2032 2nd round pick (ATL)

The Los Angeles Lakers roster is largely set. Getting Austin Reaves back from injury is a significant boost, and Luke Kennard remains an efficient shooting wing—the type of player the Lakers were targeting. Moving Gabe Vincent was necessary, and the return was solid. The team could still be active in the buyout market, potentially adding someone like Cam Thomas. For now, Los Angeles earns a B– for its trade deadline moves.

Additions-

• Walter Clayton Jr. (UTA)
• Kyle Anderson (UTA)
• Taylor Hendricks (UTA)
• Georges Niang (UTA)
• Eric Gordon (PHI)
• Three future 1st round picks (UTA)
• 2032 2nd round pick swap (PHI)

Subtractions-

• Jaren Jackson Jr. (UTA)
• John Konchar (UTA)
• Jock Landale (UTA)
• Vince Williams Jr. (UTA)

Memphis jumped ahead of the rebuild curve by moving Jaren Jackson Jr. for youth, cap flexibility, and three first-round picks. With young pieces like Zach Edey already in place, this reset is logical and well-executed. Expect more moves coming this offseason, but this was an excellent first step — A-.

Additions-

No reported moves

Subtractions-

No reported moves

The Miami Heat were heavily involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes but missed out at least until the offseason. Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware’s names were being thrown around in talks as well as first round picks but ultimately Milwaukee did not feel confident trading the mega star at this year’s deadline. They will retain their ammunition in attempts to acquire Antetokounmpo in the offseason. For now, their lackluster quiet deadline will gain a D+ grade.

Additions-

• Nick Richards (PHX)
• Nigel Hayes-Davis (PHX)

Subtractions-

• Cole Anthony (PHX)
• Amir Coffey (PHX)

Milwaukee had a quiet trade deadline, opting to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dominated trade chatter all week. Their only addition was Nick Richards, with more significant moves likely coming this offseason. For now, the Bucks earn a C–, though attention will shift to the summer when talks about moving the “Greek Freak” may heat up.

Additions-

• Ayo Dosunmu (CHI)
• Julian Phillips (CHI)

Subtractions-

• Rob Dillingham (CHI)
• Leonard Miller (CHI)
• Four future 2nd round picks (CHI)

The Minnesota Timberwolves added one of the league’s better role players in Ayo Dosunmu, an underrated, defense-first guard. He should provide a spark off the bench for a playoff-caliber team with NBA Finals aspirations. This move earns the Timberwolves a B- grade at the trade deadline and could pay dividends down the line.

Additions-

• Dalen Terry (CHI)
• Two future 2nd round picks and cash (NYK)

Subtractions-

• Jose Alvarado (NYK)

The New Orleans Pelicans recognize this season isn’t their time. They showed patience by holding onto Trey Murphy and Herb Jones and added two second-round picks and Dalen Terry from the Knicks for Jose Alvarado. Overall, the Pelicans earn a C- grade at the trade deadline.

Additions-

• Jose Alvarado (NO)
• Dalen Terry (from CHI to NO)

Subtractions-

• Guerschon Yabusele (CHI)
• Two future second round picks plus cash (NO)

The New York Knicks were linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes but lacked the assets to make a deal. Karl-Anthony Towns was reportedly considered, though recent success likely encouraged them to stick with their current roster. While Jordan Clarkson could have been moved, the Knicks remain a top-tier Eastern team with a strong playoff outlook. They earn a C+ grade at the trade deadline.

Additions-

• Jared McCain (PHI)
• Mason Plumlee (CHI)

Subtractions-

• 2026 1st round pick (via HOU to PHI)
• Multiple 2nd round picks

The defending champs quietly nailed the deadline. Acquiring Jared McCain is exactly the type of upside swing OKC excels at. The outgoing first-rounder will likely be late, making this a clear value win. Another masterclass by the Thunder front office — A.

Additions-

• Cash considerations

Subtractions-

• Tyus Jones (CHA)
• Two future 2nd round picks (CHA)

The Orlando Magic focused on clearing cap space, moving Tyus Jones’s contract in the process. While this leaves them thin at guard, creating financial flexibility was their main goal. They enter the playoffs as the East’s seventh seed at the moment and hope to ride their young core. The Magic earn a C– grade at the trade deadline.

Additions-

• 2026 1st round pick (HOU via OKC)

Subtractions-

• Jared McCain (OKC)
• Eric Gordon (MEM)
• 2032 2nd round pick swap (MEM)

The Philadelphia 76ers traded away promising 21-year-old shooter Jared McCain to clear cap space, achieving their financial goal but arguably panicking in the process. The first-round pick from Houston isn’t particularly impactful, given the Western Conference’s competitiveness. Overall, the 76ers could have done more, earning a C– grade at the trade deadline.

Additions-

• Cole Anthony (MIL)
• Amir Coffey (MIL)

Subtractions-

• Nick Richards (MIL)
• Nigel Hayes-Davis (MIL)

The Phoenix Suns are content with their current roster and saw no need to part with future assets at the trade deadline. Their only move—acquiring Cole Anthony from Milwaukee—would have been more impactful a few years ago. Staying quiet was a prudent choice, earning the Suns a C- grade for their deadline activity.

Additions-

• De’Andre Hunter (CLE)

Subtractions-

• Keon Ellis (CLE)
• Dennis Schroder (CLE)

De’Andre Hunter is a solid player, but Cleveland was motivated to move his sizable contract. The Sacramento Kings continue to show a lack of clear direction, and this move may end up being another questionable decision. Coupled with offseason missteps, like failing to trade Malik Monk at the right price, the Kings’ trade deadline earns a D+ grade for failing to move the needle.

Additions-

• Vit Krejci (ATL)

Subtractions-

• Duop Reath (ATL)
• 2027 and 2030 2nd round picks (ATL)

Portland is a young, up-and-coming team that didn’t need to make any major moves at the trade deadline. They added underrated sharpshooter Vit Krejci, who can be one of the league’s most dangerous shooters when he’s on. Krejci could prove a valuable addition for the Trail Blazers’ young core. Portland earns a C+ grade for its deadline activity.

Additions:

No reported moves

Subtractions:

No reported moves

The San Antonio Spurs stood pat at the trade deadline. While they remain a strong team with playoff aspirations, they could have used assets to further upgrade their roster. Despite having pieces that might have made them contenders for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, they made no major moves. The Spurs earn a C– grade for a lackluster deadline.

Additions-

• Chris Paul (LAC)
• Trayce Jackson-Davis (GSW)

Subtractions-

• Ochai Agbaji (BKN)
• 2032 2nd round pick (BKN)
• 2026 2nd round pick (GSW)

The Toronto Raptors would have made a big splash acquiring Chris Paul years ago, but the veteran is well past his prime. This deadline was largely financially motivated, and while the team improved slightly, the gains were limited. Trayce Jackson-Davis is an intriguing big, though he has struggled in recent seasons; perhaps Toronto can unlock his potential. Overall, the Raptors earn a C– grade for their trade deadline.

Additions-

• Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)
• John Konchar (MEM)
• Vince Williams Jr. (MEM)
• Lonzo Ball (CLE)
• Chris Boucher (BOS)
• 2027 second round pick (BOS via DEN) 

Subtractions-

• Walter Clayton Jr. (MEM)
• Kyle Anderson (MEM)
• Taylor Hendricks (MEM)
• Georges Niang (MEM)
• Jock Landale (ATL)
• Three future 1st round picks (MEM)

Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite defensive big, though he can struggle with foul trouble and sits in an awkward spot between the 4 and 5 positions. Still, he consistently puts up strong numbers and should be a 20-point-per-game contributor for Utah while anchoring their defense. With Walker Kessler back at full health, the Jazz could be very solid next season. They gave up youth and draft capital to make this splash, earning a B- grade for their trade deadline.

Additions-

• Trae Young (ATL)
• Anthony Davis (DAL)
• Jaden Hardy (DAL)
• D’Angelo Russell (DAL)
• Dante Exum (DAL)

Subtractions-

• CJ McCollum (ATL)
• Corey Kispert (ATL)
• Khris Middleton (DAL)
• AJ Johnson (DAL)
• Malaki Branham (DAL)
• Marvin Bagley III (DAL)
• Two 1st round picks (via OKC and GSW)
• Three 2nd round picks (DAL)

Washington swung big, landing Trae Young and Anthony Davis. The Trae deal makes sense and gives the franchise a true centerpiece. The Davis trade is riskier given his injury history, but if healthy, the upside is real. This deadline lands at B-, with the potential to rise significantly.

As always, trade deadline grades are snapshots in time. Some of these moves will look brilliant by June, while others may age poorly under playoff pressure. The true evaluation will come on the court — where chemistry, health, and postseason execution ultimately decide winners and losers. For now, these are the grades — but the real verdict begins when the games matter most.