Grading Every Blockbuster Deal Of The 2025 February Deadline

The 2025 NBA Trade Deadline will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in NBA history. We were shocked by arguably the biggest trade in history after the Dallas Mavericks cut ties with Luka Doncic and sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers to stunningly pair him with LeBron James. 

Of course, the Miami Heat finally moved Jimmy Butler after nearly months of simmering tension, De’Aaron Fox got his wish to leave Sacramento, and big names such as Brandon Ingram and Zach LaVine also moved conferences. 

Not to mention, there were some major trades and news that did not materialize including the potential for Kevin Durant (who was dangled in trade rumors once again) to join a new team. Draymond Green flirted with leaving Golden State, and Zion Williamson remains in New Orleans despite some rumors about his fit with the franchise. 

Needless to say, the NBA landscape has changed and if fans weren’t paying attention to the season before, they definitely will be now. 

Still, not every deal was created equal. Some teams emerged as clear winners, while others left us scratching our heads with questionable returns or half-baked strategies. Let’s dive into the biggest trades of the 2025 deadline and hand out grades that reflect just how much (or how little) sense each deal made for the teams involved. 

Lakers Shock The World With A Luka Doncic Trade

Full Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st

Utah Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd

Grades

Lakers: A+

The Lakers pulled off a franchise-altering move, landing one of the league’s best players in Luka Doncic to pair with LeBron James. Doncic immediately makes the Lakers a perennial contender, and with Maxi Kleber providing a reliable stretch big, this trade strengthens their short- and long-term future. Trading Anthony Davis hurts defensively, but Doncic’s offensive dominance more than compensates. NBA fans across the world will wonder what the Mavericks were thinking, but are also excited to see Doncic wear Purple and Gold.

Mavericks: C+

Dallas cut ties with Luka Doncic, opting to build around a new core centered on Anthony Davis due to concerns about the franchise’s player health and conditioning issues. While Davis is still a star, his injury history makes this trade a gamble. A 2029 first-round pick is valuable, but the Mavericks may have settled for less than they could have gotten. It will be nearly impossible for the Mavericks to replace a single talent like Doncic over the next decade and that ultimately makes the difference. We weren’t impressed with this deal for the Mavericks when it happened and a few days later, we still aren’t. 

Jazz: B

Utah quietly added Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising young guard, and draft picks for the future. While this move doesn’t drastically change their outlook, it bolsters their rebuild with cost-effective assets without having to give up anything.

Jimmy Butler Sweepstakes Is Over: Joins Stephen Curry And The Warriors

Full Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler 

Detroit Pistons Receive: Dennis Schroder, Lindy Waters III, 2027 Second-Round Pick (PHI), Dallas’ 2031 Second-Round Pick (PHI)

Miami Heat Receive: Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: $8 million traded player exception

Toronto Raptors Receive: P.J. Tucker, 2026 Second-Round Pick (MIA)

Utah Jazz Receive: K.J. Martin, Josh Richardson, 2028 Second-Round Pick (DET) 2031 Second-Round Pick (MIA)

Grades

Warriors: B+

Golden State aggressively added Jimmy Butler, giving Stephen Curry a defensive star and secondary playmaker. While Butler doesn’t perfectly fit their system, his experience and toughness could rejuvenate their title hopes. Losing Wiggins stings, but Butler represents an upgrade on the wing. It has to be said that Kevin Durant was the priority for the Warriors but after the superstar player rejected that opportunity, Butler is a solid backup plan. 

Heat: C+

Miami was stuck with a disgruntled star and had to settle for an underwhelming return. Wiggins fits their culture, and the pick provides some hope, but this was not the haul Heat fans envisioned for a player of Butler’s caliber. As long as Butler is gone, the Heat can focus on the future because Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo seem to be an excellent All-Star duo. 

Pistons: B

Detroit acquired useful veterans and future picks for minimal cost. While this deal doesn’t change their trajectory, it’s a smart move for a rebuilding franchise because Schroder can score and be an excellent playmaker off the bench behind Cade Cunningham. 

De’Aaron Fox Gets His Wish: Lands In San Antonio As Zach LaVine Heads To Sacramento

Full Trade Details

San Antonio Spurs Receive: De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin

Sacramento Kings Receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, 3 First Round Picks (2025 CHA, 2027 SAS, 2031 MIN), 3 Second Round Picks (2025 CHI, 2028 DEN, 2028 own back)

Chicago Bulls Receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, Their 2025 Pick (via SAS)

Grades

Spurs: A

San Antonio finally landed a star in De’Aaron Fox, who fits perfectly with their young core and fast-paced style around superstar Victor Wembanyama. Giving up picks and players was a small price for a franchise-altering point guard, and it is even sweeter that Fox wanted to be a Spur and will be the best floor general they have had since the legendary Tony Parker. 

Kings: B

Sacramento traded Fox for Zach LaVine and a treasure trove of picks. While LaVine is not a massive downgrade, the long-term value of the draft assets makes this a smart play for a retooling roster. It is also interesting that LaVine reunites with DeRozan on the squad, and they fit quite well with Domantas Sabonis. Still, the Kings lost this trade compared to the Spurs but because Fox wanted out, they had no choice. 

Bulls: C

Chicago could have managed to get a better haul than the one they got: role players and picks, for LaVine. Moving Lavine aligns with their goal of rebuilding, but they probably would have wanted a better return for a fringe All-Star player in great form this season. 

Brandon Ingram Heads To Toronto In A Surprising Deal

Full Trade Details

Toronto Raptors Receive: Brandon Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, Indiana’s 2026 First-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick

Grades

Raptors: A

Toronto lands an All-Star-caliber player in Brandon Ingram, solidifying their position as a future playoff contender. Giving up Bruce Brown and draft assets will not hurt in time, but Ingram’s scoring and versatility make this a home run for them because the Raptors will always struggle to sign major free agents. An All-Star-quality duo of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram is a nice base to build upon and they could surprise some people this season. 

Pelicans: B

New Orleans opted for depth and picks rather than an equal talent replacement for Ingram. While the move opens up opportunities for Zion Williamson to potentially be moved this summer, the main goal was to get first-round picks and they managed that. Hopefully, the Pelicans can get started to a fresh rebuild with the last remaining assets yet to be moved. 

Bucks Ruthlessly Move Khris Middleton For Kyle Kuzma

Full Trade Details

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. 2025 Second-Round pick

Washington Wizards Receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap

Grades

Bucks: B+

Milwaukee made a win-now move, replacing the aging Middleton with the more versatile Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma’s size and scoring ability fit well alongside Giannis and Dame, and we think they won this deal. Kuzma isn’t having the best season of his career but can be a game-changer in the right situation, similar to how he was with the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers. 

Wizards: C+

Washington takes a chance on Middleton, hoping he can return to All-Star form. However, his age and contract make this a risky move, and the lack of significant draft capital leaves much to be desired. It is likely the Wizards will hope Middleton doesn’t pick up his player option next year so they can get salary off the books. 

Cavaliers’ Depth Chart Looks Dominant After De’Andre Hunter Trade

Full Trade Details

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: De’Andre Hunter

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, 2026 First-Round Swap, 2028 First-Round Swap, 2027 Second-Round Pick, 2029 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick

Grades

Cavaliers: A

Cleveland added De’Andre Hunter, a strong two-way player, without giving up key assets other than Caris LeVert and some picks which won’t matter to a title-contending team. Hunter shores up their defense and provides additional shooting, making the Cavs an even scarier contender in the East. The Cavs have one of the best depth charts in the NBA and are ready to make a Finals run.

Hawks: B-

Atlanta receives Caris LeVert and draft flexibility, but losing Hunter weakens their forward rotation. While the picks could pay off, it feels like a lateral move from the outside but a clever way to start the tanking process. The next player to be moved? Likely Trae Young this summer. 

Mark Williams Becomes Lakers’ New Starting Center

Full Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mark Williams

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap Rights), 2031 First-Round Pick

Grades

Lakers: B-

Los Angeles addressed a glaring need at center by acquiring Mark Williams, an athletic big man who fits perfectly alongside LeBron and Luka. Sacrificing draft capital hurts, but Williams’ youth and potential make him a great fit with the roster. However, we value Dalton Knecht more than the Lakers do, and making a rushed move for a center to save this season was not the best idea, especially with a first-round pick gone. 

Hornets: B+

Charlotte gains valuable picks for a rebuilding project but loses a young center in Williams. They were always going to have to make roster moves so bringing Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick is actually an excellent return. The Hornets are most likely very happy with the way their roster is looking right now. 

Clippers Win A Trade With The Hawks For Bogdan Bogdanovic

Full Trade Details

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIN), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (Protected 43-60, MEM)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Terance Mann, Bones Hyland

Grades

Clippers: B+

Los Angeles bolstered their perimeter shooting with Bogdanovic, a versatile scorer who can make an immediate impact. Giving up Terance Mann hurts, but the Clippers are clearly in win-now mode and they clearly won this deal considering they also brought back three second-round picks. Overall, this was a very clever move by the Clippers before the deadline. 

Hawks: C

Atlanta trades Bogdanovic for young talent but doesn’t significantly improve their roster. Mann has potential, but the return feels underwhelming for a player of Bogdanovic’s caliber. The Hawks are clearly tanking so they will have to get 50 cents on the dollar for everyone they aim to get rid of. 

Suns Finally Move Jusuf Nurkic For A Package Headlined By Cody Martin

Full Trade Details

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, 2026 First-Round Pick 

Phoenix Suns Receive: Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, 2026 Second-Round Pick 

Grades

Suns: B

Phoenix offloaded Nurkic after months of speculation, clearing cap space and addressing depth concerns with Cody Martin. While it’s not a flashy move, it’s a step toward balancing their roster because the Suns already brought Nick Richards in at the center position. 

Hornets: B

Charlotte adds Nurkic and a first-round pick, but his injury history makes this a questionable long-term play. Still, we are happy with the way the Hornets can be competitive because they have a replacement for the departed Mark Williams and gained first-round picks. 

Kings Continue Roster Shake-Up With Jonas Valanciunas

Full Trade Details

Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonas Valanciunas

Washington Wizards Receive: Sidy Cissoko, 2028 Second-Round Pick, 2029 Second-Round Pick

Grades

Kings: B+

Sacramento lands Valanciunas, a proven big man who strengthens their interior presence. The cost was minimal, making this a solid addition for their playoff push because they can either bring Valanciaunas off the bench behind Domantas Sabonis or sport a twin-towers pairing. 

Wizards: B

Washington continues to stockpile assets and it was always clear Valanciaunas did not belong on the team. While the picks help along with a young Cissoko who has potential, this feels more like a move for the sake of movement.