The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline is now over. There were 18 NBA in-season trades in 2025-26, including 15 from February 4-5. Of the 18 trades, only five involved multi-teams. Which of the NBA Title contenders improved the most?
Ranking The Top 10 NBA Contenders Who Improved The Most At Trade Deadline & What the Moves Mean Going Forward
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC decided to “run it back” after their first-ever champion and got off to a historic start. However, injuries have started to take their toll on the deepest team in the league. While the Thunder are just .500 over their last 10 games, they still have the league’s best record at 40-12.
No Thunder player has appeared in all 10 previous games. Jalen Williams, who has played in just 24 games this year, has missed nine of the 10 games. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell have sat out seven contests during this stretch.
Mitchell (abdomen) is out indefinitely. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out until after the All-Star break, and Nikola Jokic won’t make his season debut until after the break. On a positive note, Williams could be back tomorrow night against the Thunder.
As a result of the injuries, the Thunder brought in Jared McCain for four draft picks. McCain has dealt with injuries throughout his two-year career, though he should get considerable run between now and February 15 with the Thunder backcourt issues. He brings elite shooting and secondary playmaking to the Thunder.
In 60 career games, McCain averages 10 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He also averages 1.6 threes while shooting 42.6/48.1/87.7. He has compiled one career double-double.
“Great player, of course — great shooter,” Kenrich Williams said when speaking of McCain. “I honestly haven’t watched a lot of 76ers games this season. So, I don’t know what this season looks like. But I know from last season that he was one of the frontrunning rookies. I know he’s a great player. Great chemistry. I’m getting tagged in a bunch of stuff, saying we’re going to make TikToks together and whatever else. I know he’s a fun guy to be around, from what I’ve heard around the league.
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