The Cleveland Cavaliers are actively exploring trades for forward De'Andre Hunter ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline to alleviate their second-apron financial constraints. Discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings have centered on potential packages involving Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and Keon Ellis. These moves aim to maintain contention while shedding long-term salary.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a delicate position as the league's only second-apron team, prompting efforts to reduce payroll without compromising their Eastern Conference standing. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks less than a year ago, De'Andre Hunter remains on the books for $24.9 million in the 2026-27 season, a figure that has become burdensome amid a disappointing season.
League sources indicate Cleveland has engaged in direct talks with the Los Angeles Lakers, where forward Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht have been prominent in proposed frameworks for Hunter. These discussions, reported by ClutchPoints and HoopsHype, often require a third team—such as the Brooklyn Nets—to absorb salary, potentially in exchange for draft picks. The Lakers value Hunter's 3-and-D skills to complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic but hesitate over his contract's final year without additional assets.
Separately, the Cavaliers have negotiated with the Sacramento Kings, targeting guard Keon Ellis alongside veterans Dennis Schroder or Malik Monk. One framework sends Hunter to Sacramento for Ellis, Schroder, and Dario Saric, possibly involving a third team and second-round picks, per HoopsHype. Cleveland prefers expiring contracts and has expressed concerns over Monk's $41.77 million over two seasons. The Kings seek draft compensation for facilitating the deal, viewing Hunter as a wing contributor.
These talks underscore Cleveland's strategy to shed secondary players' long-term deals, including potential moves for Lonzo Ball, while prioritizing immediate role fillers. No deals are imminent, but the Cavs aim to exit the second apron by offseason, balancing contention with fiscal flexibility.
