Before the Cleveland Cavs traded Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and three second-round picks to the Atlanta Hawks for De’Andre Hunter, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball and former Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart were two potential options. The Cavs landed De’Andre Hunter on NBA trade deadline day to strengthen their core before finishing the 2024-25 campaign. However, veteran guard Ball and Smart were considered.
Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Johnson also entered the conversation for the Cavs as they looked to striked a deal to address depth at the forward or guard position, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“Cam Johnson was one of Cleveland’s top targets. But he was too expensive, with the Nets wanting at least multiple first rounders. Chicago’s Lonzo Ball was another — until the Bulls held on and signed him to a two-year contract extension,” Fedor reported. “There was also an internal conversation about tough, physical playoff-tested 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
“Only that was a little riskier given Smart had just returned from a partial tear of his right index finger, and there wasn’t enough time to evaluate how healthy and effective he would be, not to mention his stylistic fit.”
As potential buyout candidate emerged in the coming weeks, Smart is expected to be one of them considering he’s in the third year of his four-year, $76.4 million contract.
“Smart ended up going to Washington in a move that created roster flexibility for the Grizzlies. He is not expected to receive a buyout,” Fedor added. “Portland’s Jerami Grant was intriguing too — apart from an overly-hefty contract that would’ve caused too many departures.”
The Cavs are facing the Wizards on Friday.
Cavs fans react to the De’Andre Hunter deal on social media
David Richard-Imagn Images
The Cavs fans reacted to the De’Andre Hunter deal ahead of the trade deadline. In a deal that cost the Cavs two rotation players in Caris LeVert and Georges Niang, the trade brings in a valuable two-way player. Hunter is averaging 19.0 points while shooting at a 39.3% clip from deep, and 3.9 rebounds this season.
After the deal, Cavs fans reacted to the swap in a positive way. They’re excited to see how the revamped Cavs, who’ve led the Eastern Conference all season long, can elevate their game ahead of a promising postseason run.
“Hunter may be exactly what the Cavs needed,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Deandre hunter to the cavs is honestly a top 5 trade,” another user wrote.
The Cavs will face the Wizards on the road on Friday.
