Cleveland Cavaliers Bolster Their Wing Depth with De’Andre Hunter Trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers just got even scarier. Sitting atop the NBA standings with a 41-10 record, the Cavs swung a major trade to land De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks, reinforcing their already elite rotation.
🔄 Trade Breakdown
🔁 Cavaliers Receive:
✅ De’Andre Hunter (SF, 6’8”, 27 years old)
🔁 Hawks Receive:
✅ Caris LeVert (G/F, 30 years old)
✅ Georges Niang (F, 30 years old)
✅ Three second-round picks
✅ Two pick swaps
🔥 What Hunter Brings to Cleveland
Hunter was having a career-best season as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging:
✔️ 19.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 39.3% 3PT
✔️ Reliable perimeter defense
✔️ Versatility as a 6’8” wing
Cleveland loses LeVert’s ball-handling and shooting (40.5% from deep), but Hunter’s size, scoring ability, and defensive upside make him a perfect playoff piece next to Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
🏆 Cavaliers’ Championship Outlook
🔮 Why This Move Makes Cleveland Even More Dangerous:
✅ Elite Two-Way Wing Depth – Hunter gives them another rangy defender to match up with the NBA’s top scorers.
✅ More Floor Spacing – His 39.3% 3PT shooting fits perfectly alongside Mitchell and Garland.
✅ Playoff-Ready Lineup – The Cavs can now roll out a switchable, defensive-minded lineup with multiple scoring threats.
Cleveland already had the best record in the NBA, and now they’ve improved one of their only weak spots. With Hunter in the mix, they look like the East’s top contender to challenge Boston for the conference crown.
👀 Are the Cavaliers the team to beat in the East now?
