The 2025-26 NBA Trade Deadline is here to shake up the Association. We have already seen a few deals, but we should see more action by 3:00 pm ET on Thursday, February 5. As news of some of the bigger moves begins to trickle in, we’ll help you make sense of the trades and reassess betting markets here. That said, keep reading for some rapid-fire reactions, along with what they mean for wagering moving forward.
Jazz trade three future first-round picks, Walter Clayton Jr., and Taylor Hendricks to the Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies are pressing the reset button. After trading Desmond Bane to the Magic over the summer, Jackson Jr. is yet another piece of the previous core that is heading out the door. Memphis is getting two decent young pieces in Clayton and Hendricks, but the first-round picks are the important assets here. The Grizzlies now have 13 first-round picks in the next seven years. That sets them up nicely for a long-term project — while also giving them the opportunity to make a splash trade for the next available superstar. We’ll probably see Ja Morant get traded next.
For the Jazz, this is Danny Ainge, Austin Ainge, and Co. putting some faith in the Keyonte George-Lauri Markkanen duo. Utah’s front office has clearly seen enough to believe that this team can make a run in the Western Conference soon.
A trio of George-Markkanen-Jackson could be awesome. Markkanen and Jackson both move extremely well for bigs, and they’re both lethal 3-point shooters. Meanwhile, George looks the part of a future All-Star as a lead guard, and his breakout year made Clayton expendable. If Ace Bailey develops nicely over the next couple of months, look out for this Utah team. Will Hardy has proven that he’s extremely bright. He could do some special things with a competent NBA roster. He could also get a little weird by playing massive lineups with George, Bailey, Markkanen, Jackson, and Walker Kessler.
Betting Impact: I have my doubts about Utah playing George, Markkanen, and Jackson a lot the rest of the year. This team needs to be bad enough to keep its protected first-round pick from going to Oklahoma City. However, if I’m wrong, the Jazz will be more of a bet-on team. Jackson makes for a great fit next to Markkanen, giving Utah a switchable big that can protect the rim on defense. He’s also another floor-spacer and good shot creator on offense. I think this team will be good when the stars are on the floor. And I’m already excited about taking Jazz futures in 2026-27.
Memphis is another story. The Grizzlies are now really lacking in talent, even if they do have some intriguing pieces. I also suspect they’ll continue to be very careful with Zach Edey moving forward. Memphis is thinking more about AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer than making the Play-In Tournament.
Cavaliers trade De’Andre Hunter to Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder
This trade also featured the Bulls acquiring two future second-round picks to take on Dario Saric, but that’s a really small piece of it. It’s Cleveland and Sacramento that really made impactful moves, and the Cavaliers made out really well here. Hunter has been considered a 3-and-D wing throughout the course of his career, but he has only had two seasons in which he has made a positive impact when looking at Defensive EPM. This year isn’t one of them. Hunter was also shooting only 30.8% from 3 for Cleveland, so he was no longer the reliable floor-spacer the team was hoping he’d be. On top of that, it was being widely reported that Hunter wanted out, so the Cavaliers rid themselves of a major problem. Naturally, the Kings had no issues with acquiring one — though perhaps the change of scenery will bring out the best in Hunter.
Ellis and Schroder are very helpful players. Ellis is a true 3-and-D threat, and he should look even better in a winning environment. Meanwhile, Schroder is a feisty point-of-attack defender, and he can be a productive creator offensively. Ellis should ultimately be the prize of this deal, as he’s somebody that can slot in seamlessly with some of Cleveland’s best players. Schroder is more of an insurance policy. Darius Garland, the Cavaliers’ starting point guard, hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He also might be on his way out, as there are rumors he’s going to be traded for James Harden.
Betting Impact: I actually took the Cavaliers to win the East at +600 last week, as I think they’re extremely live in a weak conference. I only feel better about the team’s rotation today. Jaylon Tyson can give Cleveland more than Hunter in an expanded wing role, and this team now has serious depth in the backcourt. I’d suggest jumping on the Cavaliers at +500 to win the East — especially with Harden potentially coming next.
