Could the Cleveland Cavaliers make a trade soon?
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cleveland Cavaliers could trade De'Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball soon.
With the Cavaliers $22 million over the second apron, NBA executives across the league have identified Hunter and Ball as potential trade candidates.
"Heading into the deadline, Cleveland can trade a future first-round pick in 2031 or 2032, but the Cavaliers have limited flexibility while above the second apron," Scotto wrote.
The Cavaliers acquired Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks last season and traded for Ball from the Chicago Bulls last offseason.
Hunter is making $23.3 million this season, while Ball is making $10 million. Ball has a club option worth $10 million for next season.
Hunter, who has been heavily linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, is averaging 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season while shooting 42.2% from the field, 30.9% from beyond the arc and 88.1% from the free-throw line. He's appeared in 42 games.
Meanwhile, Ball has played in 33 games. He's averaging 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 30.7% from the floor, 27.5% from 3 and 70.0% from the foul line.
The Cavaliers are 29-20 on the season. They are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland had the best record in the East last season but lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs in five games. The Wine and Gold haven't gotten past the second round of the playoffs since 2018.
"Elsewhere, teams around the league have kept tabs on whether Cleveland would consider trading Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, but a change to the team's core isn't expected until the summer at the earliest, depending on how the playoffs go," Scotto wrote.
The Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. Cleveland needs to go on a deep playoff run this year. Otherwise, the "Core 4" of Mitchell, Garland, Allen and Evan Mobley could be broken up this offseason.
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