What time is NBA trade deadline? What to know about big names that could be on the move

Posted by author February 6, 2025 NBA

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The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with teams facing a tight timeline to get deals done to gear up for the playoff race.

Saturday’s staggering three-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz shook the foundations of the NBA, with All-Stars Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis changing teams. Mavericks fans protested in the streets, while star Kyrie Irving said Mavericks players were in “a grieving process” after the stunning move.

That just underlines how wild things can get. Some teams see the chance to load up for a run at a championship, while those at the bottom of the standings might be looking to get younger, move disgruntled players, or see if there are any takers on contracts that haven’t worked out. When three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic tells media that “nobody is safe in this league,” it underlines the potential for chaos.

The rumor mill certainly reflects how unpredictable things could get around the NBA between now and the official trade deadline.

What you need to know about the NBA trade deadline, and the stars that could end up changing teams before the dust settles:

What time is the NBA trade deadline?

This season’s NBA trade deadline closes on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. ET.

That doesn’t mean deals must be made public by then. NBA teams have to submit the relevant paperwork to complete the deal by 3 p.m. ET, but can announce trades after the deadline. As long as all parties sign off before the deadline, the deals are official whether they’re public knowledge beforehand or not.