The Cleveland Cavs are reportedly interested in trading for Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter. He joins Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson as a potential Cavs trade target ahead of Thursday’s NBA deadline. It appears Cleveland is interested in adding depth to the wing position ahead of an anticipated deep playoff run.
The Cavs are reportedly willing to move Caris LeVert, an impending free agent, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“Multiple sources tell cleveland.com that the Cavaliers have expressed interest in Hawks sixth man De’Andre Hunter. Those talks with Atlanta, sources say, are centered on free-agent-to-be Caris LeVert — a fixture of Cleveland’s every-night rotation and a Kenny Atkinson favorite, going back to their days together with the Brooklyn Nets,” Fedor writes.
Hunter is someone the Cavs nearly selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
“The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Cavs, with the league’s second-best record, are considering upgrades,” Fedor added. “Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter — Ty Jerome’s best friend and someone Cleveland almost drafted years ago — is one of their targets”
Hunter is averaging 18.9 points on 45.9% shooting, including 38.6% from deep, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game for the Hawks this season. It’s the highest-scoring average of his career and the most efficient shooting he’s displayed, which is a shade under 40%.
While LeVert’s making 41.4% of his threes this season, DeAndre Hunter would fit well with the Cavs as an upgrade, considering his increased scoring, and rebounding abilities.
Why Cam Johnson is a realistic trade target for the Cavs
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Nets forward Cam Johnson is a viable option for the Cavs at the deadline, given his shooting touch and two-way impact. He also wouldn’t cost the Cavs as much as a potential Caris LeVert contract extension, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“Cam Johnson is realistic from the Cavs standpoint because his [salary] number is not $30 to $35 to $40 million. It’s one that fits within the parameters that they would be comfortable getting to. It fits within the parameters of the types of players that they would be more willing to actually consider moving in a deal if they feel like the player coming back is worth it enough for them,” Fedor said.
Then, Fedor floated that if the Cavs were to make such a trade for the Nets forward, Caris LeVert would be the main piece they send away. LeVert is reportedly the biggest name from head coach Kenny Atkinson’s rotation the Cavs are willing to part with.
