7 NBA Trades That Could Shock Fans Before the February 5 Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is February 5, 2026, and while everyone’s talking about the usual suspects, the league is primed for something wild. We’re talking trades that would make everyone do a double-take … deals that are realistic enough to happen but shocking enough to change everything. These are the stunners that could flip playoff races, rewrite championship odds, and turn fantasy seasons upside down. Let’s count down the moves that would shock the NBA and what they’d mean for your roster.

What Makes a Trade a “Stunner”

A stunning NBA trade is an unexpected, franchise-altering move that genuinely leaves fans, players, and analysts in absolute shock and disbelief. These are not moves people predict for months; they happen fast and reshape the entire competitive landscape immediately. The February 2025 Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis trade is a prime recent example, involving two reigning All-NBA players mid-season, which was a historic first.

Key Ingredients

A successful surprise trade needs specific elements to achieve true “stunner” status. It requires bold moves from general managers willing to take huge risks and alter their team’s direction in an instant.

Involves a star most fans think is untouchable.
This element is all about a player who seems foundational to their current team, making their departure almost unimaginable. Think of when the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol from Memphis in 2008 for a seemingly small return, or the trade for Luka Dončić in 2025; fans felt these stars were pillars of their franchises, not trade bait. The surprise factor makes the deal truly shocking.

Teams that seem unlikely to deal suddenly pull the trigger.
Sometimes a team appears set on a path, then suddenly changes direction with a major trade. An excellent example is the 2018 deal where the Toronto Raptors traded beloved star DeMar DeRozan for a one-year rental in Kawhi Leonard, a move that seemed highly unlikely but resulted in a championship.

Fantasy fallout is immediate and massive.
When these blockbuster deals happen, the impact on fantasy basketball leagues is instant and significant. Player roles change drastically, minutes shift, and some players gain huge value while others lose it completely. Managers must act fast on the waiver wire to capitalize on the new team dynamics created by these unexpected trades.

1: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat

Teams involved: The Miami Heat would get Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks would receive Tyler Herro or Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, matching salary (via current rotation contracts), multiple first-round picks plus swaps.

Why it would shock: Antetokounmpo is fundamental to the Bucks’ strategy, making any move unexpected. Reports he might be considering an exit and teams like Miami positioning themselves to pursue him are major developments for the league.

Fantasy impact: Antetokounmpo’s role would be huge in Miami. Players leaving Miami would see their fantasy values shift significantly with increased opportunity.

2: Jonathan Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings A Jonathan Kuminga trade would unlock starter-level minutes and usage that have never fully materialized in Golden State.Credit&colon; Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

A Jonathan Kuminga trade would unlock starter-level minutes and usage that have never fully materialized in Golden State.Credit&colon; Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

(Credit&colon; Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

Teams involved: The Sacramento Kings would acquire forward Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for draft picks.

Why it would shock: This is real because Kuminga has actually asked for a trade due to lack of playing time. It would be stunning to see a young, talented player leave the Warriors’ legacy franchise.

Fantasy impact: Kuminga would get much more playing time and scoring opportunities in Sacramento. The Kings would have another dynamic offensive player.

3: Darius Garland to the Houston Rockets

Teams involved:Houston Rockets (contender seeking a point guard) and Cleveland Cavaliers (unhappy star team with backcourt fit issues).

Why it would shock:Darius Garland is considered a core and untouchable piece for the Cavaliers, having been their primary playmaker and a former All-Star. Trading him would signal a major shift in Cleveland’s long-term strategy and a massive pivot for the franchise.

Fantasy impact: This move would likely lead to a massive usage boost for Garland in Houston as the clear-cut primary ball-handler. In Cleveland, it would open up significant usage for players like Donovan Mitchell and other Cavaliers guards, dramatically changing the fantasy landscape for both teams.

4: Ja Morant to the Chicago Bulls Ja Morant landing in Chicago would create an immediate high-usage fantasy centerpiece with league-shifting ripple effects.© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ja Morant landing in Chicago would create an immediate high-usage fantasy centerpiece with league-shifting ripple effects.© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Teams involved: The Chicago Bulls (a franchise needing a superstar spark) and the Memphis Grizzlies (a team grappling with their star’s availability and future).

Why it would shock: Trading the former Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star would be an organizational earthquake. The Bulls acquiring him would mean they finally land an electrifying guard to build around after years of mediocrity, potentially involving moving current key guards like Coby White or Josh Giddey. This deal would instantly redefine both franchises’ directions.

Fantasy impact: A trade to Chicago would likely result in a significant shift in fantasy value. Morant would receive a massive usage boost as the clear, dynamic primary ball-handler in a fast-paced system. For the Grizzlies, a trade would distribute his touches among current role players and any incoming talent, leading to a substantial drop in individual usage for the remaining roster and creating new opportunities for players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and others.

5: Domantas Sabonis to the New Orleans Pelicans

Teams involved: The New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings.

Why it would shock: Moving a league-leading rebounder like Domantas Sabonis would be a massive strategic pivot for Sacramento. Despite averaging 15.5 points and 11.4 rebounds this season, trading an All-Star with over $94 million remaining on his contract signals a full rebuild for the Kings. For the Pelicans, it’s a bold win-now consolidation of assets using young talent or draft picks to solidify a championship pursuit.

Fantasy impact: Sabonis would see a massive usage boost as a primary option in New Orleans. In Sacramento, his departure would open up substantial opportunities and increased usage for remaining Kings players like Trey Murphy III, as well as other new draftees.

6: Anthony Davis to the Denver Nuggets Anthony Davis joining Denver would reshape frontcourt usage and force a complete fantasy recalibration.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis joining Denver would reshape frontcourt usage and force a complete fantasy recalibration.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Teams involved: The Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it would shock: Anthony Davis, an eight-time All-Star earning over $54 million this season, is a cornerstone player for Dallas. Trading the star big man to a direct Western Conference rival like Denver is a monumental move. Davis is currently out with a hand injury, and moving his $120+ million remaining contract poses a significant logistical challenge. The deal would require Denver to surrender major assets to form an imposing frontcourt alongside Nikola Jokić.

Fantasy impact: This move would likely lead to a huge change in his fantasy value. Davis would see a massive usage boost as a primary option alongside Nikola Jokić in Denver. For the Mavericks, the remaining players would see a large increase in their offensive responsibilities and usage rates as the team fully commits to a youth movement, leading to a substantial drop in individual usage for the remaining roster.

7: Zach LaVine to the Toronto Raptors

Teams involved: The Toronto Raptors (needing offensive punch) and the Sacramento Kings (actively shedding contracts).

Why it would shock: Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is available, but his massive contract (nearly $47.5 million this season) and injury history make a deal difficult. This move signals a full embrace of a rebuild for Sacramento and a high-risk, high-reward bet for Toronto’s future, requiring complex salary cap navigation to finalize the trade.

Fantasy impact: LaVine would see a massive usage boost in Toronto as a primary scoring option. In Sacramento, his departure would clear the path for increased offensive roles and usage rates for the team’s younger core and future assets.

Fantasy Winners & Losers from a Stunner

A shocking trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat creates massive league-wide ripple effects for fantasy teams.

Big Winners

If Giannis joins the Heat, he is a huge fantasy winner, as Miami needs his dominant interior presence. This trade would also make players on Milwaukee who were not traded winners, as they would have immense usage on a rebuilding team, becoming the clear top offensive options. On Miami, Giannis’ new teammates who are not traded (like Bam Adebayo) would also gain from incredible floor spacing.

Losers & Risks

The players traded to Milwaukee, such as Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jović, face serious risks. They would move from a winning culture to a team fully committed to a tank or rebuild. Their playing time might become inconsistent as the team prioritizes draft position over development, potentially losing touches and value. This makes them risky fantasy assets in the immediate term.

How to Prepare for Deadline Chaos

To navigate this, stash potential risers on your waiver wire who might gain minutes if a star like Giannis is moved. Be ready to quickly drop or bench a prominent player if he moves to a poor fit or a team that suddenly starts rebuilding. Follow reputable NBA insiders closely. News on a potential stunner breaks incredibly fast this week, so staying informed is essential.

Any stunner involving Nikola Jokić would instantly redefine fantasy hierarchy across the league.© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The February 5 deadline is almost here, and one stunner could change everything … playoff races, championship futures, and your fantasy standings. Stay glued to the rumors, keep your waiver wire open, and be ready to act fast. This could be the week that decides your season … don’t get caught off guard.

7 NBA Trades That Could Shock Fans Before the February 5 Deadline

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