NBA Trade Shocker: Jimmy Butler Triumphs, Suns Disappoint at Deadline

The 2025 NBA trade deadline was eventful, featuring everything from a stunning late-night deal involving two top-tier NBA players to a last-minute rush of player exchanges as the 3 p.m. ET deadline approached. This deadline will be remembered as one of the most impactful, with the trades significantly altering the landscape of the league for the rest of the season.

Let’s take a look at which teams and players emerged as the top winners and losers from this year’s frantic trading period.

Winners

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers clearly came out ahead this deadline, securing one of the biggest wins possibly in NBA trade history. They acquired 25-year-old Luka Doncic, a consistent All-NBA performer poised to be a cornerstone for the franchise for potentially the next 15 years. Doncic’s ability to compete for championships right now, combined with the minimal assets given up—Anthony Davis notwithstanding—marks a significant victory for Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka.

While the acquisition of Mark Williams might not be as immediately impactful, the main takeaway is the Lakers’ successful bid in securing a top-five league talent at a surprisingly reasonable cost. This move dramatically shifts their future outlook, especially in a post-LeBron James era.

Jimmy Butler

Despite not landing his preferred move to the Phoenix Suns, Butler managed to secure a lucrative new contract and a fresh start with the Golden State Warriors. After employing a range of tactics to encourage a trade from the Miami Heat, resulting in his indefinite suspension, Butler not only changed teams but also signed a two-year extension worth $55.5 million annually starting next season. His methods may have caused controversy, but they certainly paid off, putting him in a promising position alongside notable talents in his new team.

Butler’s relocation to the Warriors, coupled with his significant new contract, certainly means he has plenty to smile about as he heads to the Bay Area.

San Antonio Spurs

In a quieter but significant move, the Spurs managed to snag De’Aaron Fox, pairing him with Victor Wembanyama while maintaining their promising young core, including Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle. This acquisition positions them strongly in the Western Conference, especially as Fox, known for his speed and skill, enters his prime alongside the rising star Wembanyama.

Securing Fox without losing significant assets or promising talent reflects well on the Spurs’ front office and sets them up for an exciting future.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Faced with the decision to maintain their current roster or improve through trades, the Cavaliers chose the latter, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and several draft picks. This bold move seems to pay off immediately, with Hunter showing great potential in his breakout season.

Hunter’s presence provides the Cavaliers with a strong defensive option against the top players in the Eastern Conference, particularly beneficial given the team’s aspirations to advance deep into the playoffs. This strategic addition by Cleveland at the deadline could be a significant factor in their postseason performance.

Losers

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks’ decision to trade away Luka Doncic, seemingly without his desire to leave, has left many baffled. The lack of a comprehensive strategy in extracting the maximum value for such a high-caliber player hints at significant mismanagement. The return, regardless of its specifics, seems insufficient for a player of Doncic’s stature, casting the Mavericks as perhaps the most significant losers of this trade deadline.

This trade is likely to haunt the Mavericks for years, as they parted with a generational talent in a questionable deal.

Golden State Warriors

Despite securing Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ efforts to land other high-profile stars were unfruitful, reflecting a shift from their previous dominance in the league. The team’s failure to attract top talent despite multiple attempts, and even Butler’s initial reluctance to join, underscores a challenging period for the franchise.

This deadline illustrates a stark reminder of their struggle to support their aging superstar, Stephen Curry, with another star player, landing them among the losers despite Butler’s addition.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns experienced a disastrous trade deadline, initially positioned as the favored destination for Jimmy Butler. Their failure to secure Butler, alongside complications from Bradley Beal’s refusal to waive his no-trade clause and Kevin Durant’s reluctance to rejoin the team, left them dealing with significant fallout without any notable improvements.

This series of setbacks represents a near-worst-case scenario for Phoenix, marking them as one of the biggest losers of the deadline.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls seemed poised to offload several average players and potentially hit the reset button during this trade deadline. However, they largely failed to capitalize on this opportunity. While they managed to trade Zach LaVine, the return was underwhelming, and decisions to keep Nikola Vucevic and extend Lonzo Ball have left many questioning the direction and strategy of the franchise.

These decisions likely mean the Bulls will continue to find themselves in a state of mediocrity, either missing the playoffs or exiting early, perpetuating a cycle of underachievement due to a lack of clear strategic planning.