Timberwolves and Lakers Revamp Rotations Amid NBA Trade Deadline

Casey Halston

Published: February 5, 2026 2:54 PM ET

The 2026 NBA trade deadline has ushered in significant changes for various teams, with notable revamps from the Timberwolves and Lakers shaking up their rosters.

Timberwolves and Lakers Revamp Rotations Amid NBA Trade Deadline

Timberwolves Make Strategic Moves

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a crucial addition by acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, they sent guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks to Chicago.

With veteran point guard Mike Conley traded earlier, the Timberwolves were looking to deepen their roster. Dosunmu, known for his defensive capabilities and scoring average of 15.0 points per game on 51.4% shooting, is anticipated to be a vital asset.

Lakers Strengthen Shooting Lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers also made key adjustments by trading guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to acquire Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks. This move brings in a proven shooter, with Kennard posting impressive figures of 53.8% from the field and 49.7% from three-point range this season.

Vincent struggled during his tenure with the Lakers, never averaging more than 6.4 points per game after a strong season with the Miami Heat. The trade allows Los Angeles to boost their shooting options, although it doesn’t address their defensive weaknesses.

Other Notable Trades Across the League

Cleveland Cavaliers: Acquired James Harden in a trade for Darius Garland.
Washington Wizards: Added Trae Young and Anthony Davis, reinforcing their lineup.
Dallas Mavericks: Gained draft picks in an exchange involving an All-Star.
Phoenix Suns: Acquired guards Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey while trading Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Chicago Bulls: Traded Coby White for Collin Sexton, continuing their search for cohesion.

Conclusion

As teams adjust their lineups in anticipation of playoff contention, the Timberwolves and Lakers have made noteworthy decisions that could impact their performance in the coming games. The trade deadline activities underscore the ongoing evolution of NBA rosters as teams seek to improve their chances for success.