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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) gets a congratulations from forward P.J. Washington (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Dallas on Feb. 8, 2025. LM Otero/AP Photo
This year’s NBA trade deadline brought a flurry of activity, with contending teams making moves to bolster their rosters and other teams maneuvering for future seasons.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Milwaukee Bucks delayed what could be the biggest move of the year until the offseason, plenty of other notable players moved teams in the past week. Here’s a look at the teams that capitalized and the ones suffering buyer’s remorse.
Winner: New York Knicks
The Knicks are one of those teams that can capitalize on Giannis Antetokounmpo not being traded, which could happen this summer instead.
New York will have more of a chance to put together a trade package with picks that could impress the Bucks. It would also hinge on if Antetokounmpo wants to leave Milwaukee for New York, but time will tell on that.
For the immediate future, the Knicks improved by landing guard and Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado. He could provide a defensive and offensive spark off the bench for the Knicks, which could help in a playoff run this season.
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks get more time with Antetokounmpo and can wait for strong trade offers after the season. This also gives the Bucks a chance to win with Antetokounmpo—an issue that has been a major cause of his angst with the organization since the team hasn’t made a deep playoff run since the 2021 title year.
Winner: Indiana Pacers
The Pacers made a strong move by acquiring center Ivica Zubac.
It will help the Pacers build for the future when Tyrese Haliburton is back healthy next season. If the Pacers can land a top-four draft pick to pair with Zuba and Haliburton, Indiana could take big steps forward in 2026–2027.
Winner: Utah Jazz
The Jazz’s acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. makes this young team even stronger. Jackson gives the Jazz a strong defender and someone who can put up points.
Loser: Dallas Mavericks
Still struggling in the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade last year, the Mavericks unloaded Anthony Davis from that deal to the Wizards. Whether in Washington or Dallas, Davis is out for the season as the Mavericks continue a major rebuild with Doncic gone.
Loser: Sacramento Kings
The Kings added De’Andre Hunter, but the franchise also gets him during the last year of his massive $90 million four-year contract. Giving up Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to Cleveland and Dario Saric to Chicago doesn’t help the Kings with building for the future.
Loser: Miami Heat
Miami couldn’t pull together a deal to land Antetokounmpo or Ja Morant, and the Heat didn’t take any smaller swings either. The Heat, therefore, made no upgrade to a roster that is likely needing the Play-In Tournament to make the playoffs.
Loser: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors were another team that missed on pursuing Antetokounmpo, and Golden State’s landing of Kristaps Porzingis won’t help much since he isn’t healthy enough. Porzingis has only played 17 games this season, and if that trend persists, it will only sting more with Jimmy Butler out.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs built up their roster with a playoff run in sight. That includes Ellis, Schroder, and James Harden in two different trades. Cleveland adds depth on both ends of the court, which will likely pay off when the playoffs roll around.
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves added a strong guard in Ayo Dosunmu in exchange for Rob Dillingham. Dosunmo gives the Wolves a strong shooter, and he can make plays on defense.
Winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
The rich get richer with the defending NBA champions. Adding Jared McCain gives the Thunder a talented young guard who is still playing on a rookie contract.
Winner: Boston Celtics
The Celtics’ adding Nikola Vucevic gives the team a quality shooter in the frontcourt. Vucevic isn’t a great defensive player, but the addition should help the Celtics build on a strong and surprising run in the Eastern Conference without the injured Jayson Tatum.
Loser: Washington Wizards
The Wizards’ adding Davis didn’t amount to much as he will miss the rest of the season due to injury. Where he will fit next season is an issue since the Wizards have a talented young post in Alex Sarr.
Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.
