Sports

How does the NBA look after the Trade Deadline on February 5th?

Looking back on last month’s movement

Aaryan Mistry and Alec Vizcaino

March 10, 2026

2026 NBA trade deadline Winners and Losers

How does the NBA look after the infamous trade deadline? We know that last year, as NBA fans, we were privileged to see some of the craziest deals be made. For example, people would’ve never thought that Point Guard Luka Doncic, an MVP candidate on the Dallas Mavericks, would have been traded in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Lakers for Power Forward Anthony Davis. In addition, the Golden State Warriors parted ways with Small Forward Andrew Wiggins and acquired another superstar to pair alongside Stephen Curry: Small Forward Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. These trades in 2025 shook up the league and had a significant impact on the game we, as fans, love to watch.

This year, 2026, the trade deadline fell on February 5th, and this year, the trades did not disappoint. Firstly, the Washington Wizards acquired All-Star Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in return for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. In addition, we witnessed another trade with Anthony Davis. Crazy huh. Anthony Davis was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton and a couple of other players. How do these first two trades affect the NBA, you may ask? Well, let’s analyze further. The Washington Wizards’ acquiring two All-Stars significantly increases their chances of being a top-10 team compared to a bottom-5 team. Although Davis and Young may not play this current season, they could pair up next season and shake up things in the west. For the Hawks, this was the first of their trades, and they were able to add depth in the shooting position, as their relationship with Young was brewing up to be destined for failure. For the Mavericks, this was the worst trade they could have possibly done. To think they traded their future, Luka Doncic, the year before, for a good player, and to trade that same player for Khris Middleton. Don’t get me wrong, Middleton doesn’t suck, but he’s definitely not better than both Doncic and Davis.

Then we move on to the faster side of trades. The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired James Harden from the LA Clippers in return for Darius Garland. This pairs Donovan Mitchell with Harden, creating a great backcourt. The Golden State Warriors parted ways with Jonathon Kuminga and, in return, acquired Kristaps Porzingis, also known as Tingus Pingus. This pairs Steph with a lethal shooting Center who can also pack the paint and grab rebounds. The Utah Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson JR from the Memphis Grizzlies in return for a couple of picks. Looks like Memphis is looking for a future they may not even have. Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls was traded to the Boston Celtics and Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers was traded to the Indiana Pacers for Benedict Mathurin. Although the Pacers are a last-place team right now, this trade helps them for the future when their franchise player, Tyrese Haliburton, comes back. Finally, Luke Kennard of the Atlanta Hawks was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

How do all of these trades affect the league? Well, let’s look at it. The Pacers get a Center, helping them for the future, similar to the Wizards. Both teams are set for a future of prosperity, like what Memphis thought they were getting. The Warriors get a good center and pair Steph with Tingus, making a great team to make a run within the next year or two. The Mavericks, the losers of the deadline, get no one and have no future with Middleton. The Celtics have a good chance to make a run now, especially with All-Star Jayson Tatum returning soon. The Clippers are set for the future in the case that Kawhi Leonard parts ways within the next year or two. The Cavaliers automatically became contenders because after this trade, the Harden era in Cleveland was 7-0 to start before losing. The Jazz get better and have a great front court with Lauri Markkanen and Jackson Jr, however, Jackson is out for the rest of the year, so we will have to wait till next season to see how this team cooks. Finally, the Atlanta Hawks are set with a future and have a great young talent in Jonathan Kuminga.

About the Contributors

Aaryan Mistry, Sports Editor

Aaryan Mistry is a member of the Enochs High School Class of 2026 and is serving as the Sports editor for the first time on the Enochs Eagle Eye website. Aaryan plans to attend a 4-year college with the aspiration to become a doctor and a well-renowned medical professional. When he isn’t doing schoolwork, Aaryan is involved in many things, such as MJC classes, volunteering, and basketball. He likes to spend time with friends and family, either swimming or just hanging out. What Aaryan likes about journalism: “The one thing I appreciate about journalism is the fact that it gives everyday people the opportunity to have a voice and tell stories about what they think is important, and that there is always someone who enjoys the same thing.” What Aaryan likes about Enochs High School: “At Enochs High School the one thing I like is the sense of belonging, since everywhere you can find people with similar interests, whether it is sports, or other things. The teachers are also very supportive of individuals as well as their future aspirations, which they have set for themselves at such a young age.”

Alec Vizcaino, Sports Reporter

Alec Vizcaino, a student of the 2026 Enochs High School graduating class, is serving as a part of the sports team for the Enochs Eagle Eye website this year. Alec plans to take the two free years at MJC, then transfer to a 4-year college to finalize his degree in either accounting or real estate. The things Alec loves to do the most are hanging out with his family and friends; spending time with them is what makes life fun for him. He also loves to listen to music, mostly R&B, including but not limited to Drake, PartyNextDoor, and Tory Lanez. Alec is a late-night vibes person, one who enjoys the night sky and crisp air. Not to mention, he almost always pulls up with Starbucks to any function, and 90% of the time it’s a strawberry açaí lemonade refresher.

What Alec loves about journalism: “I love the freedom it gives me. I enjoy the fact that I’m able to come together with my peers to give the best details on what’s currently happening in school sports.”

What Alec loves about Enochs High School: “I love the fact that it has given me the chance to meet people, along with all the events that take place. Most of all the friends I’ve made have been at this school, and they are all people who are easy to vibe with and who are chill to be around. People like that are easy to find at this school. The events are the other part, with the football games being my favorite part of the year, along with all the senior activities, making it an even better experience at EHS.”