Through all of the noise, the Houston Rockets stayed relatively quiet, making two minor moves. The first was exchanging second-round picks with the Boston Celtics, as Jaden Springer was the only player involved in the deal. He would eventually be waived, per Mike Scotto of HoopsHype.

While their Western Conference competitors engineered seismic deals that altered the NBA landscape — trading for Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler and De’Aaron Fox — the Houston Rockets remained at a relative standstill as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline passed.

The Rockets are acquiring their 2028 second-round draft pick from Atlanta in exchange for taking on the salary of veteran Hawks center Cody Zeller.

The Timberwolves stood pat at Thursday’s trade deadline in part because there is a strong internal belief that when they are fully healthy, the Wolves have the ability to make a run. With Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo out at least another few weeks,

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) AP AP