The Biggest Winners and Losers of the 2025 Trade Deadline: Lakers are Clear Champions
The Los Angeles Lakers emerged as a major winner in the 2025 NBA trade deadline, securing 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic. But who else made the most impactful moves during this chaotic period?
The 2025 NBA Trade Deadline will be remembered as one of the most intense and dramatic in league history. The Lakers made waves by completing an incredible trade, bringing Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, creating one of the most potent duos in the league with LeBron James.
In an era where player power dominates the conversation, this trade shows that loyalty is no longer as valued by front offices, signaling a shift in the NBA landscape. But the Lakers weren’t the only team making bold moves.
From Jimmy Butler joining Stephen Curry in Golden State to De’Aaron Fox securing a move to San Antonio, and Brandon Ingram unexpectedly heading to Toronto, both title contenders and rebuilding teams made aggressive moves to reshape their futures. Even teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers made strategic trades that could have major playoff implications.
However, not every team came out on top. Let’s break down the biggest winners and losers of the 2025 trade deadline and see who gained the most.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers stunned the NBA by trading for Luka Doncic, arguably the most electrifying young player in the league. This trade instantly boosts the Lakers’ championship aspirations, forming a deadly partnership with LeBron James that could lead them to dominance for years to come, even after LeBron’s eventual retirement.
This trade not only improves the Lakers’ current chances but also sets them up for future success in a post-LeBron era. The significance of this deal for a franchise built on star power cannot be overstated.
What makes the Lakers even bigger winners is the minimal cost of the trade. While losing Anthony Davis may hurt defensively, his injury history and inconsistent performances in recent seasons made him expendable for a generational talent like Doncic.
The Lakers kept most of their depth, retaining key players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, and even added Mark Williams by trading Dalton Knecht. With the right adjustments, the Lakers can challenge for the title this season and have a bright future ahead.
Loser: Dallas Mavericks Fans
Mavericks fans are reeling from Luka Doncic’s departure, feeling betrayed by years of mismanagement and watching their franchise player leave. This has been especially painful, with fans protesting by bringing a coffin to the American Airlines Center.
Luka was meant to be the next Dirk Nowitzki, leading the Mavs to multiple championships while spending his career in Dallas. Instead, fans are left questioning what went wrong and why the front office failed to build a championship team around him.
The pain is intensified by the fact that Luka is now joining the Lakers, one of Dallas’ biggest rivals. Mavericks fans will have to watch their former star shine in Los Angeles while their team struggles. This is a devastating moment for the Mavericks and their loyal supporters.
Winner: Jimmy Butler
After months of speculation and drama in Miami, Jimmy Butler finally finds his perfect situation with the Golden State Warriors. He signed a two-year, $121 million max extension, getting both the contract he wanted and the chance to compete for a championship.
Butler will team up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in what could be one of the most exciting Big 3s in recent memory. For Butler, this move is all about legacy—proving he can contribute to or lead a championship-caliber team. With Golden State’s winning tradition, it gives him his best shot at another Finals run since 2023.
If things go well, Butler will solidify his reputation as one of the most clutch and versatile players of his generation. Off the court, Butler also benefits by moving to the Bay Area, where his larger-than-life personality aligns with the market. He will have the opportunity to play with some of the most selfless stars in the league in a system that emphasizes movement, defense, and competition.