The Craziest Trade Deadline Week in NBA History

The Craziest Trade Deadline Week in NBA History

Nobody could have predicted the NBA trade deadline this past week. Arguably the most impactful and shocking trade week we have ever seen.

You feel this past week was orchestrated for ratings and financial reasons, with the NBA ratings decreasing. Did this past week not get you more interested in the game? It did for me.

Let’s look at the most significant trades this past week, and of course, we will start with the biggest one. Some would say it is the biggest ever, and I would have to agree.

Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis 

First Reactions

What the hell just happened?

No beeping way!

Let’s ensure it’s from Shams Charania on his X/Twitter page and that he wasn’t hacked.

This was arguably the most unexpected and most significant trade in NBA history. Two superstars with a combined 10 ALL NBA selections have been traded for each other.

Luka was the face of the franchise, carried Dallas to the finals last season, and was runner-up in MVP voting. However, there are some rumblings that Luka and the Dallas higher-ups disagree, and there are concerns about his conditioning. I believe that is all nonsense, and it was purely financial, which I'll get into.

Dallas Fans

They weren’t happy at all about this trade. A handful of fans protested in front of the stadium, quoting one of them saying, “This is the worst day of my life’’. There were also fans with signs, and two fans brought a coffin to the stadium and put it in front of the doors.

Dallas also lost thousands of followers on social media, hurting its brand and franchise. The following day, they announced they would refund season ticket holders who requested it. 

Of course, Laker fans were excited to get a 25-year Superstar who will improve this team in the long term. Questions about how Luka will play with Lebron off the ball and how this defence will look. A big hit to the defence for this team in the paint.

You can argue that Dallas wins this trade in the short term. They struggled to play defence, not anymore, by adding Anthony Davis to the paint. I can also see Kyrie Irving playing well with Davis, and there were rumours that these two had wanted to lay together for a while now.

Money & Ownership

This trade also had a lot to do with money. The Mavs didn’t want to invest and pay that supermax contract extension- a five-year, $345 million package that would have made him the highest-paid player in the NBA. Now that Luka is with the Lakers, he doesn’t qualify for that contract, losing out on $116 Million, WOW.

Let’s be honest: if Mark Cuban had owned the Mavs, this article wouldn’t have been written.

Quote from Mark Cuban

“ If I had to choose between my wife and keeping Luka on the Mavs. Catch me at my Lawyer’s office preparing for a divorce.”

The new owner is Patrick Dumont, a Vegas Casino Executive who co-owns the Mavs with Vegas casino billionaire owners. Mark still has a small team share but doesn’t make decisions. According to sources, the contract stated Mark Cuban has no say in trades and player relations.

In my opinion, the new owner's primary focus is moving this team to Vegas, especially if they don't build the Venetian Casino in or around the Stadium. The land where the old Dallas Cowboys stadium is located could be part of the Casino plan.

From a Lakers standpoint, this is also a brilliant business move. There are endless lines to be the first to get their hands on a jersey. His jersey was already one of the most popular; now, it will be more profitable in the Lakers, purple and gold.

The Lakers also just signed a new TV deal, which, with NBA ratings going down, will undoubtedly attract more attention to the team. 

Dwayne Wade said it best, ‘’ this was billionaire business; the players had nothing to do with it.”

Betting Market Changes:

Mavs pre-trade: +2000

Mavs after trade: +3500

Lakers pre-trade: +4000

Lakers after trade: +1700

Full Trade:

Mavs receive:

Anthony Davis

Max Christie

2029 First Rd Pick

Lakers receive:

Luka Dončić

Maxi Kleber

Markieff Morris

Other Trades:

Butler to the Warriors

Oh, yeah, other big trades happened. Thanks to the Luka trade, it almost doesn’t feel like it. This massively improves the Golden State Warriors, who are upgrading their big three and trading away Andrew Wiggins.

We knew Butler would get traded, and Golden State was always a favourite for landing him. They get better on defence immediately and add a guy who can make the big shot in the big spot. This will give the Warriors two snippers in big moments.

His game and swagger come out in the playoffs. Remember, he was a big part of that 8th seed, upsetting the 1st seed in 2023, averaging 37 pts in that series and has averaged 27 PPG in his last two playoff appearances.

Some concerns:

He is 35 now, and his numbers have slipped this year

Will he fit in the Warriors locker room? Ego can get in the way and is known to be hard to coach and play with

Can he play second fiddle to Curry

Drama Queen

Time will tell how Butler will mesh with his new team, but if they do get into the playoffs, I don’t rule out them making a run with a focused and prime Jimmy Butler.

Full Trade: 5 Teams

Warriors receive:

Jimmy Butler

Picks & Cash

Heat receive:

Andrew Wiggins

Kyle Anderson

Davion Mitchell

First Round Pick

Jazz receive:

KJ Martin

Josh Richardson

Picks and Cash

Pistons receive:

Dennis Schroder

Lindy Waters

Pick

Raptors receive:

PJ Tucker

Pick and cash

Brandon Ingram to the Raptors

Why now, a lot of people are asking? They didn’t give up much, so I don’t see why people don’t like this trade. Ingram is still young at 27 and in his prime, so he has a lot of time to Mesh with Barnes and the surrounding cast. I expect the Raptors to continue to add to this team, and they should have a top-10 draft pick this year.

Bruce Brown was already out the door this year; Olynyk is a guy, and the first-round pick in 2026 was the tough one to give up when you’re rebuilding.

The Raptors needed to make a trade for another big-time player, and I believe they did that. Of course, a lot still needs to be done, but never doubt Masai, one of the best GMs in the NBA.

There are questions about how he will mesh with Barnes and the system and, of course, the timing of the trade. Either way, for what the team gave up to get Ingram, right time or not, this Raptors team is much better today.

Other Notable Trades

Fox for Lavine

Spurs Receive:

De’Aaron Fox

Jordan McLaughlin

Kings Receive:

Zack Lavine

Sidy Cissoko

Picks

Bulls Receive:

Zach Collins

Tre Jones

Kevin Huerter

Picks

Hunter for LeVert

Cavs receive:

De'Andre Hunter

Hawks receive:

Caris LeVert

Georges Niang

Picks

Kuzma for Middleton

Bucks receive:

Kyle Kuzma

Patrick Baldwin Jr

Pick

Wizards receive:

Kris Middleton

Aj Johnson

Pick

Make the NBA great again; this past week was a good start.