5 NBA players who can make a mark in the final half after being traded to new teams ft. Luka Doncic

The NBA season is about to resume on Wednesday after taking a short break for the 2025 All-Star Weekend. The final stretch of the regular season is an important part of the campaign, especially for teams vying to make the playoffs. It's the time for trade deadline acquisitions to make an impact on their new teams.

Luka Doncic getting traded to the LA Lakers in exchange for a package that included Anthony Davis might be the most shocking deal of all time. Doncic has already played two games for the Lakers, while Davis has been ruled out for multiple weeks after suffering an adductor injury in his first game for the Dallas Mavericks.

Let's look at five players who are expected to make a mark for their teams in the final two months of the regular season.

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5 traded NBA players who can make a mark in the final half of the season

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Luka Doncic | Guard | LA Lakers

The LA Lakers still need a big man to solidify their roster heading into the postseason, but they rescinded the trade for Mark Williams. Nevertheless, Luka Doncic is still a hell of a difference-maker for the purple and gold.

He is an offensive juggernaut capable of taking over games, giving LeBron James a breather whenever needed. The Lakers also have a bunch of good perimeter defenders, such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Cam Reddish, to provide relief on that end of the floor.

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De'Aaron Fox | Guard | San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs made the savviest deal of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings. The Spurs didn't give up assets such as Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan to pull it off.

Fox forms a dynamic partnership with Victor Wembanyama, though the coaching staff should make the tough decision to bring Chris Paul off the bench. Castle shone during All-Star Weekend, which should prompt the Spurs to use him over the veteran moving forward.

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Dennis Schroder | Guard | Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season. They were the worst team in the league last year but are now set to make the playoffs if they continue to play like legitimate postseason contenders.

Cade Cunningham has put the Pistons on his shoulders, but an underrated deal of the deadline is the acquisition of Dennis Schroder. Many teams have disposed of the German guard over the years, but his experience and leadership will go a long way for a young Detroit team looking to make a push.

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Jimmy Butler | Forward | Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry looked like a new man after his first game with Jimmy Butler. The Golden State Warriors needed to make a trade and finally pulled the trigger. Butler gives Golden State a new leash on life, not just for the rest of the season, but for the next two years.

"Jimmy Buckets" makes things easier for Curry and the Warriors offense. His ability to get to the free-throw line is also an added asset that could shock some NBA teams in the postseason, if they make it.

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DeAndre Hunter | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't have any real flaws on their roster heading into the trade deadline. The Cavaliers have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, with postseason experience as their only major problem. They also needed a legitimate sixth man, so they went and got one.

DeAndre Hunter gives the Cavs a new weapon to use without losing any offense if Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland sit down. Hunter is one of the favorites to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year this season, and his role in Cleveland won't change.