NBA Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: Lakers and Warriors Open Title Windows, Nico Harrison Faces Criticism
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline passed, the league’s landscape shifted once again. Some teams made bold moves to strengthen their championship hopes, while others found themselves either taking a step back or failing to capitalize on opportunities. In this article, we explore the winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline, focusing on key teams and moves that will define the second half of the season.
Winners
1. Los Angeles Lakers: Trading for Depth and Versatility
The Los Angeles Lakers emerged as one of the biggest winners at the trade deadline, and for good reason. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still in their prime, the Lakers are fully aware that their championship window remains open, but they needed more support to contend with the league’s elite.
In a move to bolster their depth, the Lakers traded for a versatile wing and an experienced point guard to complement their star duo. These additions not only help in terms of depth, but they also provide more floor spacing and defensive options. The versatility of the new acquisitions allows Coach Darvin Ham to experiment with different lineups, keeping the opposition guessing and making the Lakers an even more dangerous team in the playoffs.
By adding experienced players who can contribute immediately, the Lakers have enhanced their chances of staying competitive in the deep Western Conference, and they are better equipped to make a serious push for the title. While not the flashiest trade, this was a textbook example of a team addressing its weaknesses and improving their overall chances.
2. Golden State Warriors: Addressing Depth Concerns
The defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, also made key moves at the trade deadline, addressing their depth concerns, especially in the frontcourt. With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson leading the charge, the Warriors were always going to be a contender, but their bench depth was a glaring issue earlier in the season.
Golden State was able to land a solid big man who brings rebounding, defense, and some scoring off the bench, complementing their high-powered offense. The addition of a reliable veteran presence who can fill in during injuries or rest periods for their stars further solidifies their standing as a team that will be difficult to eliminate in the playoffs. Additionally, the trade ensured that the Warriors had another strong defender who can match up against physical teams in the West, such as the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.
In a season where maintaining health and freshness for their aging stars is crucial, the Warriors did well to address their needs while not sacrificing their future in the process. This makes them one of the biggest winners of the deadline as they position themselves as a true threat to any team in the postseason.
3. Phoenix Suns: Building Around Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns were another notable winner at the trade deadline, particularly after they made a significant move to build around Kevin Durant, who is clearly the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. While Durant has already established himself as one of the best players in the NBA, the Suns knew they had to surround him with additional firepower to compete in the West.
Phoenix traded for a reliable scorer and defender who can take some of the offensive load off Durant, allowing him to focus on his scoring and leadership. The addition of a solid bench piece gives the Suns further flexibility, and with a lineup featuring Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul, they are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
In an unpredictable Western Conference, the Suns’ trades signal their intent to challenge for a title, and their moves could be the difference in securing a spot in the Finals.
Losers
1. Dallas Mavericks: Nico Harrison’s Missed Opportunity
While several teams capitalized on the trade deadline, one major loser was the Dallas Mavericks and their general manager, Nico Harrison. The Mavs, led by Luka Dončić, are a team with championship aspirations, but they failed to make significant moves to improve their roster. The team’s lack of depth and supporting cast around Dončić has been a long-standing issue, and with the trade deadline passing, it became clear that the Mavericks were unable to address these concerns.
Rumors swirled about the Mavericks pursuing wing players, defensive specialists, and even a second star to pair with Dončić, but ultimately, they came up empty-handed. While they made a minor trade to bolster the backcourt, the lack of any significant moves means the Mavericks are in a dangerous position. They have one of the best players in the league in Dončić, but unless they surround him with more talent, it will be difficult to make a serious championship run.
Nico Harrison, the Mavericks’ general manager, now faces increasing scrutiny. With Luka Dončić in his prime, the time is now for Dallas to build a contender around him. The inability to do so at the trade deadline could haunt the Mavs for the remainder of the season.
2. Chicago Bulls: Stagnation in a Competitive East
The Chicago Bulls entered the deadline with hopes of improving their chances in the Eastern Conference, but instead, they remained relatively inactive. Despite having a talented roster with stars like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls have struggled to find consistency and chemistry.
With the team still trying to establish its identity, many expected the Bulls to make a trade to either bolster their playoff chances or even look toward the future by moving one of their star players. Instead, the front office chose to stand pat, leading to questions about the team’s direction. The Bulls have fallen behind stronger Eastern Conference teams such as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat, and they appear to be in a holding pattern.
In a year where the competition in the East is fierce, the Bulls’ lack of movement at the trade deadline was a missed opportunity. They could have capitalized on the trade market to add a piece that could elevate them, but instead, they face an uncertain future.
3. Toronto Raptors: Missed Opportunity for Rebuild
Another loser from the trade deadline was the Toronto Raptors, who found themselves stuck in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. While they have a talented roster led by Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have struggled to find a consistent winning formula. With a future that seems uncertain, the team had the opportunity to move some of their veterans and begin a rebuild, but they chose not to do so.
Toronto’s failure to pull the trigger on any significant trades means that they will likely be stuck in purgatory—too good to tank, but not good enough to contend. The Raptors’ inaction at the deadline means that they could miss out on building the kind of future that would benefit them in the long run.
Conclusion: Shaping the Rest of the Season
The NBA trade deadline always brings about a sense of excitement and anticipation, as teams position themselves for the rest of the season. For some, the moves made have opened up new possibilities for playoff runs, while for others, the missed opportunities will undoubtedly linger.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors were clear winners, as both teams made moves that significantly enhanced their chances of contending for a title. On the other hand, teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Raptors left the trade deadline with more questions than answers.
As the playoff race heats up, these trade deadline decisions will play a crucial role in determining which teams will emerge as true contenders and which will fall short of their championship aspirations.
