The Athletic NBA Daily Trade Deadline Recap with John Hollinger
14 snips
Feb 6, 2026 
John Hollinger, longtime NBA analyst known for advanced metrics and roster evaluation. He breaks down the Zubac-to-Pacers mechanics and why Milwaukee waited on Giannis. Short takes on trades that could change the season, surprising non-moves, the most confusing deals, and who walked away as winners and losers at the deadline.
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Grizzlies' Reset Fueled By Off-Court Issues
- The Grizzlies performed a full reset after Ja Morant-related instability, trading veterans to pivot to youth.
- Hollinger expects Memphis to keep moving toward a lottery rather than preserving the prior window.
Apron And Contracts Choked Deadline Moves
- Some expected contenders (Miami, Houston, San Antonio) stayed quiet partly due to contract obstacles and apron constraints.
- Hollinger notes salary structure and expiring deals limited bold deadline moves for those teams.
Puzzling Moves From Brooklyn And Sacramento
- Hollinger called Brooklyn's Hunter Tyson trade baffling because it swapped a 40s pick for a 2032 second while aiding Denver.
- He also criticized Sacramento for trading Keon Ellis and undermining its own tanking strategy.