2026 NBA Trade Deadline: Giannis Stays Put, League Sees Major Reshuffle
The 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed, and while the most anticipated blockbuster did not materialize, the league underwent a significant roster reshuffle.
Despite a feverish week of rumors, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo remains with the Milwaukee Bucks, as the franchise opted against trading their franchise cornerstone before the 3 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday, February 5.
The decision sends the most compelling player saga of the season into the summer, setting the stage for an even more intense bidding war.
The Bucks’ Stance: No Deal for Giannis
After engaging in advanced talks with multiple suitors most notably the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks the Bucks’ front office determined that no offer presented was sufficient to part with the generational talent.
Sources indicate the Warriors, who were seen as the most aggressive suitor with a package reportedly built around Draymond Green and future draft picks.
The Bucks’ calculus is clear: with Antetokounmpo under contract, they believe they can command a more substantial return in the offseason when more teams have full access to their future draft capital.
The Major Trades That Reshaped Contenders
With the Giannis sweepstakes on hold, several other franchises executed major deals that will impact both the playoff race and future seasons.
| Team | Player(s) Acquired | From | Key Pieces Sent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | Ivica Zubac (C) | LA Clippers | Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two 1st-round picks, one 2nd-round pick, Kobe Brown |
| Golden State Warriors | Kristaps Porziņģis (C) | Atlanta Hawks | Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Luke Kennard (SG) | Atlanta Hawks | Gabe Vincent, 2032 2nd-round pick |
| Dallas Mavericks | Tyus Jones (PG) | Charlotte Hornets | Malaki Branham (via Wizards) |
| Boston Celtics | Nikola Vučević (C) | Chicago Bulls | Anfernee Simons |
| New York Knicks | Jose Alvarado (PG) | New Orleans Pelicans | Dalen Terry, two 2nd-round picks, cash |
Other Notable Deadline Activity
Beyond the headline trades, several other moves created ripple effects across the league:
- Celtics Execute Financial Maneuver: In a series of moves, Boston President Brad Stevens successfully navigated the team under the luxury tax line a major organizational goal.
- Bulls Continue Tear-Down: Chicago was one of the busiest teams, continuing its long-overdue rebuild by trading Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota and earlier dealing Nikola Vučević and Coby White.
Looking Ahead: A Quiet Deadline with a Loud Summer Looming
The 2026 deadline will be remembered more for the move that didn’t happen than the ones that did. The Bucks’ decision to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo ensures that the upcoming offseason will be dominated by the same rumors and speculation, with a potentially larger pool of suitors.
For the teams that acted, the Pacers and Warriors made clear, costly bets on their near-term futures, while the Bulls finally embraced a full rebuild.