Cavs weighing De’Andre Hunter trade options as deadline nears

The Cavaliers continue to evaluate their options with De’Andre Hunter as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports Hunter is more likely than not to be moved before the deadline, despite Cleveland’s earlier reluctance to trade him for less than the package it surrendered a year ago.

That original deal included Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps.

League sources tell Siegel that the Lakers and several other teams have engaged the Cavs in discussions, with Hunter previously linked to Los Angeles as a potential target. The Nets have also surfaced as a possible facilitator in a multi-team structure, which could involve the Nets absorbing salary in exchange for draft compensation.

There is some internal debate in Cleveland about the best path forward, sources said. Certain voices within the front office are open to moving Hunter’s contract, potentially in a framework that would bring back Lakers forward Dalton Knecht.

With the Cavs currently above the second tax apron and facing a significant luxury tax bill, any deal could also carry financial considerations.

That said, talks remain fluid, and Siegel notes multiple scenarios are still on the table.

On the court, Hunter is averaging 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 42 games this season. His three-point shooting has dipped to 30.9 percent after a career-best 40.5 percent mark last season — though his career average sits at a more stable 36.5 percent.

Hunter, 28, is owed $23.3 million in 2025-26 and $24.9 million in 2026-27. That naturally makes his contract a key factor in the Cavs’ deadline calculus.