With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, teams are rushing to finalize deals, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are among those actively seeking roster upgrades. Their focus appears to be on strengthening their wing rotation, with speculation growing that a trade may be imminent.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Cleveland has emerged as a leading contender to acquire the 6-foot-8 Hunter. The Cavaliers’ front office has long been interested in Hunter, dating back to his college career and the 2019 NBA Draft.
The 27-year-old Hunter would immediately address a major weakness for the Cavaliers, whose need for a big wing was exposed on a national stage. Isaac Okoro and Max Strus are both three inches shorter than Hunter, while Dean Wade’s durability issues were exploited by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
Hunter is enjoying a breakout season, averaging a career-high 19 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the field. He is also posting a career-best 39.1% from three-point range—exactly the type of shooting Cleveland needs at small forward. Notably, he is achieving these numbers while playing a career-low 28.7 minutes per game.
The main question is what Cleveland would have to give up to land Hunter. Caris LeVert’s expiring $16.6 million contract could appeal to the Hawks as a way to clear salary. Financially, Georges Niang and Isaac Okoro could also be included in a deal, but given Okoro’s recent contract extension, the Cavs may be hesitant to move him.
