As the February trade deadline begins to loom, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be among the teams likely looking to buy. Though the players available still remain mostly a mystery, NBA analyst Jake Weinbach believes Hawks wing De’Andre Hunter will have heavy interest. The Cavs, Grizzlies, Lakers, Timberwolves, and Kings are currently listed as possible suitors.
De’Andre Hunter should generate steady interest on the trade market with the Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Lakers, Timberwolves, and Kings among the list of viable suitors.
Hunter is averaging a career-best 20.3 points per game while shooting 44% from 3 with the Hawks this season.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) December 27, 2024
Cavs Among Suitors for Hawks Rising Star
The Cavs are off to a franchise-best 27-4 start. Despite starting so well, they remain underdogs to make a championship run in the spring. Because of that, the Cavs could be involved in trade rumors that would strengthen their roster ahead of the playoff run.
Hunter’s Fit
Hunter would be a perfect fit for the Cavs. Wing depth is always a need for playoff contenders, and the Cavs remain light on wings as they have not been fully healthy all season. Currently, wing Isaac Okoro is on the shelf with a knee injury and will not be back for a few more weeks.
The former Virginia Cavalier is in his sixth season in the NBA, all with the Hawks, and has shown steady improvement. Hunter is having a career season thus far, averaging 20.3 points on a staggering 44% from behind the three-point line. Entering the season, his previous career-high in points per game was 15.6. He has impressed against Cleveland this season as well, scoring 26 and 23 points respectively on 9-16 shooting from three in two meetings this year. Hunter is an ultra-athletic player. At 6-foot-8, 225 lbs., he would comfortably be the most athletic wing on the roster and maintain the size the Cavs have at the position currently.
Additionally, while having a stellar year on offense, Hunter has also turned in his best defensive rating since the 2021-22 season. As a team, the Hawks struggle defensively, ranking 17th in defensive rating, they ranked 27th last season.
Hunter is under contract until 2027, having signed an extension in Atlanta in 2022. He would cost the Cavs about $23.5 million per season.
The Last Word
It is not often that a team playing as well as the Cavs would make a major move like acquiring Hunter. However, he would easily be the best wing player on the Cavs and fit into the starting lineup. He would likely cost one of either Max Strus or Okoro for salary reasons, but would be worth the investment.
Cleveland would face steady competition from several teams who could offer a better package which makes the deal seem unlikely. But, adding Hunter to the best offense in basketball would be a sight to behold. The Cavs are off the back of notching 149 points against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, a franchise record for points in a non-overtime game. Additionally, the Cavs are first in offensive rating, FG%, and 3PT%.
The deadline is still about two months away but Cleveland’s quick start has amped up the expectations in Northeast Ohio. If the Cavs go through a lull in the next couple of months expect trade rumors to run rampant. As for now, a deal for anyone, especially the caliber of Hunter is unlikely to happen.
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