Cleveland Cavaliers Bolster Roster with De'Andre Hunter Trade

2025-03-01

The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially acquired forward De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade that bolsters their roster as they push for a championship. The deal, finalized on February 7, 2025, sends Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks (2027, 2029, and 2031), and two pick swaps to Atlanta in exchange for Hunter.

Hunter, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been having a career-best season, averaging 19 points per game while shooting a career-high 39.3% from three-point range. Known for his offensive versatility and positional size, Hunter is expected to provide the Cavaliers with much-needed wing depth and lineup flexibility. His ability to play both forward positions and contribute as a shooter and defender makes him a valuable addition to a team already leading the Eastern Conference with a 41-10 record.

The trade also has financial implications for Cleveland, as it allows the Cavaliers to avoid the luxury tax this season, preserving future flexibility for extensions for key players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. However, the team now faces a thinner frontcourt depth, with Dean Wade injured and Tristan Thompson as the primary backup behind Jarrett Allen and Mobley.

For the Hawks, the move appears to be a cost-cutting measure, as they continue to struggle without star forward Jalen Johnson, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season. Atlanta receives expiring contracts in LeVert and Niang, along with draft assets, but the trade has been criticized for not extracting more value for Hunter, who was one of their top performers this season.

Overall, the Cavaliers have strengthened their roster significantly, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the NBA title, while the Hawks’ long-term outlook remains uncertain.

De'Andre Hunter trade grades: Cavaliers get 'A-' for their biggest move, Hawks could've done better

Cartis LeVert and Georges Niang are heading to Atlanta in this swap

www.cbssports.com

‘The potential impact is immeasurable’: Cavs make deal for De’Andre Hunter official

“The acquisition of De’Andre Hunter and the potential impact a player of this caliber can bring to Cleveland is immeasurable,” said president of baske

www.cleveland.com