Even though it's 16 months away, summer 2026 was the dominant factor in this week's surge of deadline dealing.

The 3 p.m. ET deadline was a moment in time, but this 2025 version qualified as a “trade week” at least, almost as a “trade season” if we look back to Dec. 15 when Thomas Bryant moved from Miami to Indiana and Dennis Schröder went from Brooklyn to Golden State.

Having the Lakers as the biggest winner of the trade deadline may seem obvious because Doncic — the best player who moved at the trade deadline — is now a member of the organization, but this move illustrates the thought process for this team moving forward.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic purchased a $15 million Texas home just days before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, former NBA player Chandler Parsons has claimed—while alleging that the news of the surprise move left the 25-year-old sporting superstar in tears.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who earlier in the week provided one of the most memorable soundbites out of several dumbstruck NBA stars who commented on the trade, offered up another (he seems to have a knack for that) in an ESPN clip on Wednesday when he was asked about the trade once again.

A Mavericks fan who went to Palisades Charter High is raising funds for a billboard campaign in Dallas to protest the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers.