NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs, Caris LeVert, Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Rockets

Our ongoing series evaluating rosters and potential moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline (Feb. 6) …

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have positioned themselves at the top of the NBA standings, but they now face a tough decision — do they disrupt their rotation in an effort to save money and dip below the luxury tax?

At $1.9 million over the tax, the Cavs are on the brink of receiving the $19 million distribution granted to teams under the threshold, per NBA insider Bobby Marks of ESPN.

The upcoming return of Max Strus, who was a key starter last season, could throw a wrench in Cleveland’s current roster. With wings Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro both playing some of the best basketball of their careers, especially from beyond the arc, the question is whether Cleveland will keep them around if their production drops.

Looking at tradeable assets, LeVert ($16.6M) and Okoro ($10.2M) are the primary candidates if the Cavs seek to reduce payroll.

Cleveland’s financial flexibility is limited, but they do have a $12.8 million non-tax midlevel exception available for trade, with restrictions on how much they can use to stay below the first apron.

The Cavs are also handcuffed by their draft situation, having owed first-round picks to Utah in 2025, 2027, and 2029, as well as pick swaps in 2026 and 2028. This makes any major trades more challenging as Cleveland will need to hold onto key assets for the future while balancing the present.

With a long-term core in place — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and probably Strus — the Cavs should look at how much disruption they are willing to tolerate for a possible luxury tax savings. Their continued success this season could hinge on how they handle these roster decisions.

Golden State Warriors

For the Warriors, it’s a matter of whether their first-round picks are available to make a move now or if they hold on to them for future flexibility.

Golden State has three first-rounders (2025, 2027, and 2029) to play with, and with the expiring contracts of key rotation players like Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and Dennis Schroder, they have the ability to swing a deal.

Schroder’s contract is particularly important, as he can be traded after February 5, which opens up options for the Warriors to address their needs without sacrificing major future assets.

The situation with Jonathan Kuminga also looms large. If the Warriors aren’t willing to match an offer for him as a restricted free agent, could he be included in a trade?

Golden State is already looking toward their roster construction for the final roster spot, with options to add a 15th player in March. Their trade strategy will likely depend on the team’s current trajectory and how well the roster is performing.

Basically, the Warriors are balancing the need for immediate upgrades with the long-term picture, making their future first-round picks and young players (like Kuminga) essential in determining the direction of any trade negotiations.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have made impressive strides this season, ranking as a top-4 team in the West after years of rebuilding. However, their main focus remains on addressing key roster weaknesses, particularly their shooting.

Houston ranks 28th in 3-point percentage, and with four tradable first-round picks and $36 million in expiring contracts (including Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green, and Jock Landale), the team has the flexibility to add a shooter who could elevate their offense.

A move for a backup center, particularly one who could play a 14- to 15-minute role better than Adams, is another possibility.

Houston has a strong core with Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and others, but the balance between developing youth and upgrading for a postseason run will determine whether a trade happens.

The Rockets’ NBA draft assets give them flexibility — Houston holds multiple future firsts, including those from Phoenix, Brooklyn, and Dallas, along with five second-round picks.

Houston is not in a rush to move any key young players (Green, Sengun), but their expiring contracts and wealth of future picks make them an intriguing team to watch ahead of the trade deadline.

The Rockets are currently $10.5 million below the luxury tax, and they have a $12.8 million exception available to bring in a player. This gives them a solid position to make a deal without hampering their long-term financial flexibility.