New York, NY, February 4, 2026
As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, teams are making significant moves to strengthen their rosters. The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Detroit Pistons are exploring trades for offensive reinforcements. Rumors swirl around potential trades involving stars like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis, adding intrigue to the upcoming deadline. Fans can expect dynamic shifts in team strategies as trades are finalized and games unfold.
NBA Trade Deadline: Major Moves and Rumors Ahead of February 5
New York, NY – As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, several significant trades and rumors are shaping the league’s landscape. Teams are making strategic moves to bolster their rosters for the remainder of the season.
Recent Trades
Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire James Harden
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded point guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for former NBA MVP James Harden. This move signifies the end of the “Core Four” era in Cleveland and underscores the team’s urgency to succeed in the playoffs, especially in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. Garland, despite being a fan favorite, has struggled with injuries and played only 26 games this season. Salary cap constraints made it difficult to retain Garland alongside stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. While Harden is a polarizing figure due to his defensive lapses and preference for handling the ball, his offensive talent—particularly in shooting and passing—remains strong. The trade signals aggressive intent by Cavaliers president Koby Altman, who may pursue additional moves before the upcoming trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons Eye Offensive Boost
The Detroit Pistons, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 36-12 record and anchored by MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, are exploring trade options to boost their offensive capabilities ahead of the NBA trade deadline at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Reports suggest Detroit is considering acquiring either Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr. or Charlotte’s Miles Bridges. While Bridges has local ties through Michigan State, Porter is regarded as a better strategic fit for the team. A proposed trade package for Porter could include Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, and first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2028. Porter, a former NBA champion with Denver, is averaging impressive stats this season with 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 48.2% shooting. This move comes as Detroit looks to strengthen its roster for a deep playoff run, building on last year’s acquisition of Dennis Schröder.
Chicago Bulls Trade Nikola Vučević to Boston Celtics
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly traded center Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. Vučević, 35, has been with the Bulls since the 2020-2021 NBA season after being acquired from the Orlando Magic. He’s made 375 starts for the franchise over six seasons and is in the final year of a three-year, $60-million contract extension signed back in 2023. Simons is in his first season with the Celtics, having been traded from the Portland Trail Blazers in the swap for Jrue Holiday back in July.
Ongoing Trade Rumors
Kevin Durant’s Stance on Potential Return to Warriors
Amid rumors that the Golden State Warriors plan to pursue a trade for Kevin Durant, reports indicate that Durant has “no interest” in returning to San Francisco, where he won two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. This development could impact the Warriors’ trade strategies as the deadline approaches.
Potential Trades Involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis
Speculation continues regarding potential trades involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. While no official deals have been announced, teams are reportedly exploring options to acquire these star players, which could significantly alter the league’s competitive balance.
Upcoming Games
As teams finalize their rosters, the following games are scheduled:
- Denver Nuggets at New York Knicks – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM PST
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Toronto Raptors – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 4:30 PM PST
- New Orleans Pelicans at Milwaukee Bucks – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
- Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
- Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM PST
- Memphis Grizzlies at Sacramento Kings – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM PST
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Clippers – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM PST
For the most current information on trades and game schedules, fans are encouraged to follow official NBA communications and reputable sports news outlets.
Key Features of Recent NBA Trades
| Trade | Teams Involved | Key Players | Trade Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire James Harden | Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers | Darius Garland, James Harden | Cavaliers trade Garland and a 2026 second-round pick to Clippers for Harden. |
| Detroit Pistons Eye Offensive Boost | Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets | Michael Porter Jr., Miles Bridges | Pistons exploring trade options for Porter or Bridges to enhance offense. |
| Chicago Bulls Trade Nikola Vučević to Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics | Nikola Vučević, Anfernee Simons | Bulls trade Vučević and a second-round pick to Celtics for Simons and a second-round pick. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Anthony Davis Suffers Injury, Impacting Mavericks’ Season
Michael Porter Jr. Trade Rumors Intensify as Deadline Approaches
Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Faces Long Recovery Due to Injury
Anthony Davis Suffers Hand Injury, Season in Jeopardy
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