"Free agency in February. Instead of waiting until the summer, the teams with projected cap space and also limited spending power improved their rosters five months earlier. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for the expiring contract of Ayo Dosunmu and are now allowed to exceed the cap to re-sign him. Minnesota had only the $6 million tax midlevel exception available if there was no trade."
"The Pacers, in need of a center after losing Myles Turner last July, traded for the Clippers' Ivica Zubac. The Washington Wizards turned their projected $80 million in cap space into Trae Young and then Anthony Davis. The Utah Jazz added former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies, but at the cost of three first-round picks."
"Superstars were on the move this week, with James Harden heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, leaving fans wondering why the 11-time All-Star exited the surging LA Clippers. After months of speculation on where one of the biggest names this trade season would land, Giannis Antetokounmpo ultimately stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks. And the Chicago Bulls, after staying relatively quiet the last two trade seasons, made a plethora of trades in an attempt to move the franchise forward."
The 2026 NBA trade deadline produced major roster shifts and strategic cap maneuvers across the league. James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland. Giannis Antetokounmpo remained with the Milwaukee Bucks after prolonged speculation. The Chicago Bulls completed multiple trades to accelerate roster change. Teams exploited cap mechanics early, with the Minnesota Timberwolves acquiring an expiring Ayo Dosunmu contract to enable re-signing and the Pacers adding Ivica Zubac to address a center need. The Utah Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. at the cost of three first-round picks, while several franchises recalibrated plans for playoff contention.
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