Ranking the Biggest NBA Trades of the 2025 Deadline: Winners, Losers & Surprises

Photo Courtesy of Los Angeles Lakers Official Facebook page

The 2025 NBA trade deadline was marked by a series of unexpected and impactful moves that have reshaped the league's landscape. Here's a ranking of the most surprising trades, along with a brief analysis of the winners and losers for each:

1. Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers

Trade Details: The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers. Acquiring a generational talent like Dončić positions the Lakers for immediate and future success, pairing him with LeBron James to form a formidable duo.
Loser: Dallas Mavericks. Trading away a 25-year-old superstar in Dončić has been widely criticized, with many questioning the decision to part with a player of his caliber.

2. De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs

Trade Details: In a three-team deal, the Sacramento Kings sent De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. The Kings received Zach LaVine, a 2027 Spurs first-round pick, a 2031 Timberwolves first-round pick, and multiple second-rounders. The Chicago Bulls re-acquired their 2025 first-round pick along with Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and Kevin Huerter.
Winner: San Antonio Spurs. Adding Fox provides the Spurs with a dynamic point guard to lead their young core.
Loser: Sacramento Kings. While LaVine is a proven scorer, parting with Fox could disrupt the team's chemistry and long-term plans.

3. Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors

Trade Details: The Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters II, and a top-10 protected first-round pick.
Winner: Golden State Warriors. Butler's two-way prowess bolsters the Warriors' championship aspirations.
Loser: Miami Heat. Losing Butler's leadership and production could hinder the Heat's competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

4. Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors

Trade Details: The Toronto Raptors acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 Pacers first-round pick, and a second-round pick.
Winner: Toronto Raptors. Ingram's scoring ability adds a new dimension to the Raptors' offense.
Loser: New Orleans Pelicans. Parting with a young All-Star like Ingram may be a step back for the franchise.

5. Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards

Trade Details: The Memphis Grizzlies traded Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards in a multi-team deal.
Winner: Washington Wizards. Smart's defensive tenacity and experience will be valuable for the Wizards.
Loser: Memphis Grizzlies. Losing a defensive anchor like Smart could impact the team's perimeter defense.

6. Jusuf Nurkić to the Charlotte Hornets

Trade Details: The Phoenix Suns sent Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Winner: Charlotte Hornets. Acquiring Nurkić strengthens the Hornets' frontcourt with a proven center.
Loser: Phoenix Suns. Trading away a starting center and a first-round pick may raise questions about the Suns' depth.

7. Kevin Porter Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks

Trade Details: The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Kevin Porter Jr. from the LA Clippers in exchange for MarJon Beauchamp.
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks. Porter Jr.'s scoring and playmaking abilities could provide a spark off the bench.
Loser: LA Clippers. Letting go of a young talent like Porter Jr. might be a missed opportunity for future development.

8. De'Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Trade Details: The Atlanta Hawks traded De'Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft picks.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers. Hunter's defensive versatility enhances the Cavaliers' wing depth.
Loser: Atlanta Hawks. While gaining veteran presence, losing Hunter's potential could be detrimental long-term.

9. Dennis Schröder to the Detroit Pistons

Trade Details: The Utah Jazz traded Dennis Schröder to the Detroit Pistons, receiving two players and a draft pick in return.
Winner: Detroit Pistons. Schröder's experience and playmaking can aid in the development of the Pistons' young roster.
Loser: Utah Jazz. Parting with a seasoned point guard may affect the team's depth at the position.

10. James Wiseman to the Toronto Raptors

Trade Details: The Toronto Raptors acquired James Wiseman from the Indiana Pacers.
Winner: Toronto Raptors. Wiseman's potential as a former No. 2 overall pick offers a high-reward opportunity.
Loser: Indiana Pacers. Trading away a young center with upside could be a gamble