The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have several tough decisions to make. There’s an argument for standing pat with the roster they have or making some moves to create more financial flexibility down the line.

If the Cavaliers do go down the route of making a trade or two, here are three players (in no particular order) who are most likely to be moved before the deadline

One calendar year after acquiring De’Andre Hunter on deadline day, the Cavaliers could look to move the forward again.

Hunter has been the subject of multiple trade rumors, reports, and speculation over the last few weeks, and with all of the noise, a move centered around the wing wouldn’t come as a shock at all.

Hunter has had a weird year so far. Yes, he’s averaging a respectable 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game, but his overall fit with the roster hasn’t been surprisingly questionable. He’s bounced between both a starter and a bench player to try to find the best match.

Plus, with Hunter making about $23 million this year and about $24 million in 2027, trading him for players on expiring contracts could help Cleveland get out of the second apron either this year or in the offseason. 

Cleveland’s Lonzo Ball experiment has not gone according to plan. 

He’s still been a solid playmaker, and the guard’s defense hasn’t been horrible, but Ball is shooting 29.9 percent from the floor and 26.9 percent from behind the arc, making his $10 million contract hard to justify.

The Washington Wizards have reportedly emerged as a possible destination for Ball if Cleveland decides to trade him. The Wizards could be in need of another veteran guard, even after the Trae Young trade, with their incredibly young roster.

The Cavaliers likely wouldn’t get much of anything in return for the ball, but, like Hunter, trading him could give Cleveland some financial flexibility for the future.

Out of the three players, Dean Wade is the least likely to be moved, but a trade centered around the wing wouldn’t come as a shock either.

Wade’s value is more evident in advanced metrics than in traditional counting stats, but other teams are still well aware of his defensive ability and above-average three-point shooting. Over 10 teams have already reportedly contacted the Cavaliers about the forward.

Cleveland shouldn’t be motivated to move Wade. However, he is a free agent after the season ends, and the Cavaliers could have trouble re-signing Wade, given that they are currently a second-tier team. 

If the front office feels he won’t be back next year and receive an offer they can refuse, Wade could be playing in a different uniform by next week. 

Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavs. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.