2025-26 NBA Trade Deadline Grades
The trade deadline is in the books, and it was surprisingly exciting and busy. After a delay in finalizing these (I was on my honeymoon during the trade deadline and then was trying to write all of them when I got back). The trades are in order by the popularity of the trade in my opinion. Unless otherwise noted, I listed the trades based on reported instead of how they were finalized. James Harden for Darius Garland Cleveland receives : James Harden L.A. Clippers receive : Darius Garland, 2026 2 nd round pick Cleveland Grade: B This is such a strange side for both sides, and while it’s understandable for Cleveland, it is weird to see a team trade an All-Star guard who fits well with the team (albeit one who has been injured most of this year) for a legend having a great year who is 10 years older. On top of that, they had to give up the pick despite odds being good that Garland (if healthy) will be better than Harden in 3 s...