Since the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been actively working to bolster their wing depth. While improvements have been made, Bleacher Report’s Tyler Conway highlighted why Atlanta Hawks wing De’Andre Hunter could be a strong fit for the Cavaliers.
In an August 7 article, Conway listed the Cavaliers as a leading candidate for Hunter’s services and detailed how his addition could benefit the team. “Adding Hunter wouldn’t drastically change the team but could be a crucial enhancement. Isaac Okoro has improved his shooting, but defenses still don’t fully respect his perimeter scoring. Hunter could take over Okoro’s role and provide a notable offensive boost, despite Okoro’s edge in perimeter defense,” Conway wrote.
Hunter, who excels as a two-way wing, is currently in the second year of a four-year, $90 million contract. While the Cavaliers added shooters Max Strus and Georges Niang in 2023, Hunter would offer a more comprehensive upgrade compared to both.
The future direction of the Hawks remains uncertain as the 2024-25 season approaches.
Cavaliers’ Previous Interest in Hunter
Conway’s analysis was theoretical, but there has been concrete interest from the Cavaliers in the past. NBA Insider Marc Stein noted in a January 16 report that the Cavaliers had previously considered Hunter in their search for a 3-and-D upgrade. “Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter is another name to watch for Cleveland’s ongoing pursuit of a 3-and-D player. However, absorbing Hunter’s contract, which has three years and $70 million remaining after this season, poses significant payroll challenges and makes him difficult to trade,” Stein wrote.
Hunter remained with the Hawks, but his future with the team is still in question as the season approaches. The Hawks have made significant moves this offseason, including trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, and might consider further changes based on their roster’s performance.
Ongoing Trade Rumors
Hunter has been a subject of trade rumors for a while. The Athletic’s John Hollinger explained why Hunter, along with another Hawk, remains with Atlanta. “Rumors about Clint Capela and De’Andre Hunter have persisted for ages, but league sources suggest the Hawks haven’t received a meaningful return for them,” Hollinger noted in a June 28 article.
Given that the Cavaliers have expended much of their assets to acquire Mitchell, obtaining Hunter could be challenging. The 2024 NBA Offseason has seen teams making strategic moves to avoid crossing the league’s second tax apron. The Hawks might be open to trade discussions if the Cavaliers can offer a deal that helps them save money.
While making such a trade would be complex, the Cavaliers are aiming for a deep playoff run and might be willing to explore all possibilities to enhance their roster.