The 2026 NBA trade deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 5, brought a whirlwind of blockbuster deals that reshaped the league landscape. From franchise cornerstones changing zip codes to rebuilding teams stockpiling assets, this deadline will be remembered as one of the most active in recent memory.

The marquee deal saw James Harden head from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for All-Star guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick. Cleveland, already among the Eastern Conference elite this season, made a bold gamble that the veteran scorer can elevate them to legitimate championship contention. For the Clippers, acquiring Garland gives them a young, dynamic playmaker to build around going forward.

Equally stunning was the Dallas Mavericks' decision to part ways with Anthony Davis, sending the big man to the Washington Wizards in a massive eight-player swap. The move signals a significant strategic pivot for Dallas, while Washington continues to accumulate star talent after acquiring Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks back on January 7.

Memphis joined the reshuffling by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in another sprawling eight-player deal, marking a clear step toward a rebuild for the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors moved Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, adding size and shooting versatility to their core.

The Boston Celtics bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. The Philadelphia 76ers shipped promising second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 Houston Rockets first-round pick and three second-round selections. Veteran Chris Paul also found a new home, heading to Toronto in a three-team deal involving the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.

But the biggest storyline of the deadline may be the one that has yet to fully resolve. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP who has spent over 12 years with the Milwaukee Bucks, has informed the organization that he believes the time has come to part ways. The Bucks have begun fielding offers, with the Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves emerging as serious suitors.

Milwaukee has been making counteroffers to teams aggressively pursuing the Greek star, who is currently sidelined with a right calf injury expected to keep him out four to six weeks. When healthy this season, Antetokounmpo has been dominant, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a remarkable 64 percent shooting across 30 games. Reports indicate the Warriors currently hold the best standing offer, though momentum toward a completed deal has been limited with roughly a day and a half remaining before the deadline.

Adding to the league's injury concerns, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustained an abdominal strain and will be reevaluated after the All-Star break, a significant blow for a team with championship aspirations. On a brighter note, the Denver Nuggets are set to welcome back three-time MVP Nikola Jokic on Friday against the LA Clippers after he missed time with a knee injury. Denver went an impressive 10-6 without him.

As the final hours of the deadline tick away, all eyes remain fixed on Milwaukee. Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo dons a new uniform before Thursday afternoon could define not just one franchise's future, but the entire trajectory of the 2026 NBA playoffs.