Cavs Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Evan Mobley, Keon Ellis, De’Andre Hunter, Lonzo Ball

There has been no indication that the Cavaliers are actively preparing an offer for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the idea cannot be fully dismissed.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports the Cavs have at least discussed what an Antetokounmpo pursuit would look like in theory, even if the practical barriers remain steep.

“It’s Giannis,” one rival NBA executive told Fedor. “Nothing more needs to be said.”

Those barriers are significant. As a second apron team, Cleveland cannot aggregate salaries and cannot take back more money than it sends out.

Any Giannis deal would require a major payroll reset, making it a long shot at the deadline.

Mobley Reality Check

Still, the Cavs have one theoretical centerpiece that would draw immediate attention in any Giannis conversation.

Sources told Fedor that Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is the type of asset Milwaukee would have to consider. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst echoed that sentiment on The Hoop Collective, identifying Mobley as the natural foundation of a Cavs offer.

That said, the Cavs have shown zero appetite for a drastic in-season overhaul. Big swings of that magnitude are more commonly reserved for the offseason, particularly with the team beginning to find traction.

Momentum Matters

The Cavs’ recent play complicates the picture.

After dealing with injuries and uneven stretches earlier in the season, they’ve won five straight and seven of their last eight entering Friday’s visit to the Suns.

The front office continues to explore upgrades, but not at the expense of destabilizing a roster that is finally gaining rhythm.

Hunter, Ball Most Likely to Move

Fedor continues to hear De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball are the Cavs’ most likely outgoing pieces.

Confirming earlier reporting, Cleveland has discussed a framework with the Lakers that would send Hunter to Los Angeles for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht.

The Lakers have also countered with expiring contracts, including Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. Those talks have included a third team, believed to be the Nets.

Before Milwaukee opened the Giannis door, the Bucks explored acquiring Hunter in a package built around Bobby Portis, which Cleveland declined.

Ellis and Marshall on the Board

The Cavs remain one of several suitors for the Kings’ Keon Ellis, with Malik Monk potentially involved if Hunter were routed to Sacramento.

Fedor also reiterates the Cavs’ interest in Mavericks big man Naji Marshall — though competition is strong and the price may require Cleveland’s lone tradable first-round pick in 2031 or 2032.

Others to Watch

Additional players who could draw Cavs interest include Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey, and Wizards wing Justin Champagnie.

Bottom line? Cleveland is active. Cleveland is listening. Cleveland is also measured.

Giannis remains the ultimate swing, but the Cavs appear focused on realistic upgrades that align with both the present roster and the long view.

If a blockbuster comes, it is more likely to arrive in the offseason than in the final hours of the deadline