NBA trade deadline ends today at 3 p.m. ET, final deals at stake

Drama at the NBA trade deadline peaks today. With less than an hour until 3 p.m. ET, major moves are already happening, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying put in Milwaukee despite intense pursuit from multiple teams.

Giannis Stays: Milwaukee Bucks Turn Down All Suitors

The most anticipated move of trade deadline day will not happen. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of basketball’s greatest players, remains a Milwaukee Buck despite serious pursuit from the Warriors, Heat, Timberwolves, and Knicks. Each team submitted offers, but none matched the Bucks’ asking price.

ESPN reports the Bucks decided to keep their two-time MVP rather than accept any proposal. Giannis still plans to play once he recovers from a right calf strain. The Bucks (20-29) are currently 12th in the East, three games back of the playoff 10-seed. Some reports suggest Milwaukee could shut him down for the season to improve draft positioning.

Clippers Send All-Defensive Center Zubac to Pacers

The LA Clippers continue their fire sale. After trading James Harden for Darius Garland on Wednesday, Los Angeles sends Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, two hours before the deadline. Zubac, 14.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season, is one of the league’s elite rim defenders.

Indiana receives the All-Defensive center, Kobe Brown, and younger assets. LA gets Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick. For a Bucks team eyeing a postseason push, Zubac pairs perfectly with Tyrese Haliburton when he returns from injury next season.

Historic Week Reshapes Basketball’s Landscape

This trade deadline week ranks among the most active in NBA history. Anthony Davis moved to the Washington Wizards, Jaren Jackson Jr. joined the Utah Jazz, James Harden is now a Cavalier, and Kristaps Porzingis is with the Golden State Warriors. Warriors were chasing Giannis, but pivoted once they acquired the 7-foot-3 unicorn from the Hawks.

Team	Key Trade
Knicks	Acquired Jose Alvarado (elite backup guard)
Lakers	Added Luke Kennard (49.7% 3-point shooter)
Timberwolves	traded for Ayo Dosunmu from Bulls
Nets	Three-team deal adds Ochai Agbaji

“The Bucks, sources say, called some teams this morning sharing their willingness to take back minimum salary contracts for draft assets, while Milwaukee is definitely still looking to buy on the other hand and add a piece next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

— Jake Fischer, NBA Insider

Ja Morant, Final Hours, and Surprises Still to Come

With roughly one hour until the 3 p.m. ET deadline, Ja Morant of the Grizzlies remains on the market. Memphis is in deep rebuild mode after trading JJJ earlier in the week. Some reports suggest the Bucks could acquire Morant to pair with Giannis if they can offer enough draft capital.

Trade deadline day often delivers shocking moves at the buzzer. Chris Paul landed with the Raptors in a three-team deal, the Cavs added Lonzo Ball, and the Warriors surprised everyone with their Porzingis play instead of chasing Giannis. More deals could pop up in the final minutes.

What Does This Mean for the Playoff Picture?

East Conference contenders have improved dramatically. The Cavaliers adding Harden and Lonzo Ball transforms their roster. The Knicks getting Alvarado addresses backup guard depth. Even teams like Phoenix found tax relief by acquiring Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey from the Bucks.

The Warriors got their star fit in Porzingis, pairing the seven-footer with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Golden State still thinks it has a shot to land Giannis in free agency this summer if his status changes in Milwaukee. For now, all eyes stay fixed on the clock: 3 p.m. ET, February 5, 2026. Who moves next?

Sources

• ESPN – Breaking trade news and expert analysis throughout deadline day
• NBA.com – Official trade tracker and league-approved transactions
• CBS Sports – Live updates, trade grades, and insider reporting