Adrianna McKinney '26
The 2025 NBA season heated up as teams went through their mid-season trades. This year, many deals shook and dramatically separated long-bonded players.
The mid-season trade window was finalized on February 6th. Some of these trades include the All-Star Forward, Jimmy Butler, being sent to the Golden State Warriors, as well as Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson being sent to the Miami Heat.
The Chicago Bulls sent Zach Lavine to the Sacramento Kings and their point guard De’Aaron Fox, was given to the San Antonio Spurs. That same day the Toronto Raptors received Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. In return, the Pelicans got Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynky, and two draft picks.
Also, on February 6th the Milwaukee Bucks swapped longtime player Khris Middleton for a multiplayer trade with the Washington Wizards, acquiring Kyle Kuzuma. Many disagree with this decision, as Middleton has been with the Bucks for over ten seasons. However, the Bucks did receive the great player Kuzuma who is currently in his prime. Many see this as a last hail Mary from the Bucks to serve a legacy.
Another trade many fans disliked was the most prominent trade that happened between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic was traded to LA and Anthony Davis to Dallas. Doncic was seen as the Maverick’s MVP and is now seen as the Laker’s future superstar. Davis is now the Maverick’s leader on the field as he has the most rebounds, blocks, and points per game.
The Mavericks also received the Lakers’ guard, Max Christie. A lot of Maverick’s fans disagree with the Luka and Anthony trade as Doncic is currently one of the top five players and is only 26 years old. The Mavericks made the counterargument that Davis is a perfect match and is exactly what they need. They needed a power forward and he was the Kia Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Though many disliked a good amount of the trades that occurred in this year’s midseason trade, there always have to be winners and losers. Some of the so-called winners include the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers, and one of the so-called losers was the Phoenix Suns.
I among others am excited to see where this season goes seeing as there was so much mid-season trade craze. Let’s go!
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