NBA Power Rankings: How every team is positioned ahead of Thursday's trade deadline
The NBA landscape has been irrevocably altered just hours before the final buzzer. With the February 5 trade deadline arriving today at 3 p.m. ET, the league’s power structure has shifted violently. The latest Power Rankings reflect a market defined by aggressive buyers and teams pivoting toward total reconstruction.
The Washington Wizards have catapulted themselves into the contender conversation. In a blockbuster that stunned the league, Washington acquired Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks, pairing him with Trae Young. This move transforms the Wizards from a play-in hopeful to a legitimate threat, boasting perhaps the most dangerous pick-and-roll combination in the East. For Dallas, the deal signals a curious retooling around Luka Doncic, prioritizing depth and future flexibility over star power.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have pushed their chips to the center of the table. The acquisition of James Harden for Darius Garland creates a high-octane backcourt with Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland is banking on Harden’s playmaking to unlock their ceiling, though defensive questions remain. In the West, the Golden State Warriors made a desperate splash for size and spacing, landing Kristaps Porzingis and parting ways with Jonathan Kuminga, a move designed to maximize the twilight of their championship window.
On the selling side, the Memphis Grizzlies have pulled the plug. After dealing Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, the franchise is reportedly shopping Ja Morant, signaling a complete teardown. They join the Chicago Bulls—who moved Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics and Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets—in the race for lottery positioning.
Looming over the frenetic activity is the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors swirling, the franchise is in a precarious position. While the Philadelphia 76ers have bowed out, the Los Angeles Lakers are watching closely for the summer. As the clock ticks down, the league waits to see if one final domino will fall.
The Washington Wizards have catapulted themselves into the contender conversation. In a blockbuster that stunned the league, Washington acquired Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks, pairing him with Trae Young. This move transforms the Wizards from a play-in hopeful to a legitimate threat, boasting perhaps the most dangerous pick-and-roll combination in the East. For Dallas, the deal signals a curious retooling around Luka Doncic, prioritizing depth and future flexibility over star power.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have pushed their chips to the center of the table. The acquisition of James Harden for Darius Garland creates a high-octane backcourt with Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland is banking on Harden’s playmaking to unlock their ceiling, though defensive questions remain. In the West, the Golden State Warriors made a desperate splash for size and spacing, landing Kristaps Porzingis and parting ways with Jonathan Kuminga, a move designed to maximize the twilight of their championship window.
On the selling side, the Memphis Grizzlies have pulled the plug. After dealing Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, the franchise is reportedly shopping Ja Morant, signaling a complete teardown. They join the Chicago Bulls—who moved Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics and Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets—in the race for lottery positioning.
Looming over the frenetic activity is the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors swirling, the franchise is in a precarious position. While the Philadelphia 76ers have bowed out, the Los Angeles Lakers are watching closely for the summer. As the clock ticks down, the league waits to see if one final domino will fall.
