The top 3 trades of the nba trade deadline - looking back

There were many big-name trades before the NBA Draft deadline, some going according to plan - some definitely not. Let’s take a look at the top 3 mid-season trades, and the winners/losers of the deadline.

Starting with an honorary mention - the Zubac trade. The Indiana Pacers sent Benedict Mathurin (SG/SF), Isaiah Jackson (PF/C), two 1st-round picks and a 2nd-round pick to the Clippers. In return, the Pacers received Ivica Zubac (C) and Kobe Brown (SF/PF). I don’t think you need me to tell you who the winner is, the Clippers absolutely fleeced the Pacers here. Sure, they give up a veteran big, but he wasn’t a focal point of the Clippers’ team. Now they have an explosive young athlete in Mathurin, and a good rotation big in Jackson. Plus, multiple future picks to improve their already decent roster. This was a very nice move by Los Angeles, and Zubac will still have a chance to produce in Indiana.

NUMBER 3:

The Oklahoma City Thunder: receive Jared McCain

Philadelphia 76ers: receive 2026 1st-round, 2027 2nd-round, and two 2028 2nd-round picks.

That’s a lot of numbers but basically its 4 draft picks including a first-round this year for the young guard. OKC had some capital and an already solid roster, so they decided to take a gamble on McCain with some picks - and boy has it paid off. 12.5 ppg since the move with multiple 20-point games, shooting over 43% from the three. He’s basically doubled his production, granted OKC was missing Shai for a little bit. He’s proving he deserves a spot in this league, and Philly just had no idea how to properly use his potential. He’s fitting into a bigger offensive role with Oklahoma, albeit still from the bench. This was an awesome trade, the Thunder definitely coming out as a winner. It’s not like Philadelphia lost a whole lot, but this was absolutely a top 3 trade in hindsight.

NUMBER 2:

The Utah Jazz: Receive Jaren Jackson Jr, John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies: Receive Walter Clayton Jr, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and 3 future 1st-round picks.

It seems like a lot for Utah to give up but let’s break it down. Draft picks are never a guaranteed success, so I don’t see those as a huge loss consider the acquisition of a 2x All-Star and former DPOY. Jaren Jackson Jr is an absolute beast, and in the first three games with Utah he was averaging over 20 points and 4-5 reb/ass. Unfortunately, a growth was found in his physical and he needed season-ending surgery - but that has no play in this evaluation honestly. In a few short games we saw what he was capable of with a team like Utah. Memphis was an absolute shitshow of an organization, but his job here is crystal clear - give this team a defensive edge and support them in scoring. On top of that they get multiple role players who have established a minor presence with Memphis and their wonky rotation. The Jazz were never going to shock the world this season, but they are in a great position to do it come next season, so I’d call them the winners.

NUMBER 1:

The Cleveland Cavaliers: Receive James Harden

The Los Angeles Clippers: Receive Darius Garland, and a 2026 2nd-round pick.

This was easily the big blockbuster trade of the deadline, involving an 11x All-Star vet and a 2x All-Star breakout athlete. Both teams have done fairly well since their new acquisitions - the Cavs going 8-1 since taking on Harden. His production has been great too, nearly posting a triple-double against the Nets. He understands his job here for maybe the first time ever, working alongside Donovan Mitchell. Garland’s debut has been somewhat hampered by minor toe injuries, but he is a great addition for the Clippers - working to keep afloat this year in the Western Conference. The Cavaliers are definitely looking like the winners of this trade, but if Garland can stay healthy and that pick works out this could be a more even trade. Either way it was absolutely the #1 trade of the deadline, showing immediate impact for the Cavaliers as they fight Boston and Detroit for the top East seed.