NBA trade deadline closes at 3 p.m. ET today, final deals still pending

What time is the NBA trade deadline today? The 2026 deadline has just closed at 3 p.m. ET on February 5, and the action was fierce. Giannis Antetokounmpo stays put in Milwaukee while blockbuster trades reshaped the entire NBA landscape on deadline day.

When Does the NBA Trade Deadline Actually Close

The NBA trade deadline is set in stone each year by the league office. For the 2025-26 season, that deadline was 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Teams had hours of this morning to finalize any remaining deals before the final buzzer. Any trades not submitted to the league office by that exact time were ineligible for completion. The deadline applies to all 30 NBA teams simultaneously, creating a frantic final hour of negotiations and handshakes.

The time zone conversions were critical for teams across the country. While it was 3 p.m. ET, West Coast teams faced a 12 p.m. PT cutoff, and Central teams had until 2 p.m. CT. This universal deadline ensures fairness and prevents teams from gaining advantage through geographic positioning. The league office in New York officially records all trades to establish legitimacy and prevent disputes.

Anthony Davis, James Harden Lead Day’s Major Trades

The biggest surprise came when the Dallas Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a shocking swap that nobody anticipated. Davis, one of basketball’s most dominant big men, was sent packing just days before the deadline. The Mavericks also acquired multiple young pieces in return along with future draft capital. This deal signals Dallas is building around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers shipped James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland. It was a stunning move after the Clippers’ recent success. The Utah Jazz grabbed Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis in another blockbuster, while the Golden State Warriors landed Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta by sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks. Each trade reshaped title contention odds instantly.

Trade Detail	Key Players Involved
Clippers to Pacers	Ivica Zubac, Bennedict Mathurin, multiple picks
Mavericks to Wizards	Anthony Davis, young talent, draft assets
Clippers to Cavaliers	James Harden for Darius Garland
Warriors to Hawks	Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porziņģis

“The 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed. Pencils down, everyone. Trade news can still trickle in but all deals must have been passed along to the league office by now to be completed.”

— The Athletic NBA Staff, Live Trade Coverage

Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains With Milwaukee After Deadline Drama

All eyes were on Giannis Antetokounmpo heading into the final hours. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar fielded interest from multiple championship contenders including the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks. Each team submitted offers, but none enticed the Bucks enough to move their franchise cornerstone. The Warriors even traded for Kristaps Porziņģis as a signal they’d moved past Giannis pursuit.

The Bucks made it clear that keeping Giannis long-term was the organizational priority. Milwaukee sources indicated the offers on the table didn’t approach the superstar’s true value. Giannis himself has committed to playing upon his return from a calf strain to help Milwaukee make a postseason push. The saga will likely continue this summer when teams have more draft capital and flexibility to negotiate.

Indiana Pacers Land Center Ivica Zubac in Deadline Swap

The Indiana Pacers finally filled their center void by acquiring Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers just before the deadline. Zubac is an All-Defensive caliber center who gives Indiana an elite rim protector to pair with point guard Tyrese Haliburton once Haliburton returns from injury. The Pacers sent back Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and multiple first-round picks to get the deal done.

The Clippers received draft assets worth investigating down the road, getting Indiana’s 2026 first-rounder if it falls between picks 5-9, plus an unprotected 2029 first-round pick. Los Angeles cut its payroll significantly by trading away both Harden and Zubac within a week, signaling a rebuild is underway. The Oklahoma City Thunder also benefit by owning the Clippers’ unprotected 2026 first.

Does This Deadline Answer Playoff Contention Questions

Today’s flurry of trades will directly impact the 2026 playoff race and championship odds heading into spring. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers added James Harden to their rotation, while the Golden State Warriors took a calculated risk on Porziņģis’s athleticism. The Washington Wizards got a center in Anthony Davis to build around Bilal Coulibaly and their young talent.

Meanwhile, contenders who failed to land marquee names now face tough questions going forward. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and others made smaller moves or stood pat. Whether those decisions prove wise depends on playoff performance starting immediately. February 5’s trades will be second-guessed for years if teams stumble, or praised if they make deep runs in the spring.

Sources

• The Athletic – Live trade deadline updates, Giannis reporting, Zubac analysis
• ESPN – Shams Charania real-time trade announcements and deal details
• CBS Sports – Comprehensive trade tracker and deadline coverage with grades