The Cleveland Cavaliers hold the NBA’s best record at 40-10. However, after their 112-105 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday it has become clearer that a move is needed. Mike Scotto of Hoopshype has reported the Cavs are showing interest in former top-five pick De’Andre Hunter. The league’s trade deadline is set for February 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Cavs Interested in Hawks Wing Ahead of Deadline
Cleveland’s second loss of the season to their Eastern Conference rival, the Boston Celtics, has shown the Cavs’ weakness: their wing depth. Both Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade missed Tuesday’s game; only Max Strus, Sam Merrill, and Georges Niang received minutes in their position. Boston was able to take advantage of both size and athleticism mismatches down the stretch to put the Cavs away in a tightly contested game.
Adding Hunter to the Cavs rotation would fix some of Cleveland’s wing defender issues. At 6-foot-8 Hunter can guard most players on the floor, a perfect recipe to defend the Celtics. His perimeter defense would be a massive upgrade for the Cavs who are struggling defensively without Wade and Okoro. In addition, Hunter is having his most prolific offensive season. The former Virginia Cavalier is averaging 18.9 points and 3.8 rebounds on a career-high 38.6% from three. Hunter is not just a shooter. He can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket, something the Cavs lack outside of their stars.
Trade Package
At just 27, Hunter is entering the prime of his career. The Hawks are seemingly content to begin a rebuild or a re-tool, meaning Hunter would fetch a high price. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports that the teams have discussed the trade centering around Caris LeVert. He is a free agent this summer, which would fit with the Hawks’ plan to build more cap space. Additionally, the Hawks would likely look for youth or some picks. Jaylon Tyson and the Cavs 2031 first-round pick have also been floated around.
LeVert is a big part of the Cavs rotation and would be a massive loss. The traveled veteran is averaging 10.5 points and 3.8 rebounds on career-high shooting marks, including 41.4% from three. As well, the loss of the rookie Tyson would be felt. Despite playing most of this season in the G League, in Tyson’s most recent NBA minutes against these Hawks, he put up 15 points and five rebounds on 6/9 shooting. He is a solid perimeter defender and a great rebounder for his 6-foot-6 frame.
The Last Word
It is clear that for the Cavs to be able to make a run at the NBA championship this year, however, they need slight tweaks to their rotation. The addition of Hunter would make the Cavs starting five one of the best in the league. The Cavs would boast immense wing depth with Hunter, Okoro, Wade, and Merrill. Their perimeter defense would be exceptional and they would maintain their NBA-best shooting splits. For the right price, it is a no-brainer that Cleveland should bring in Hunter before the league’s trade deadline on Thursday afternoon.
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