The Cleveland Cavaliers should have this in mind if they decide to trade De'Andre Hunter.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been at the center of some trade rumors ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline in just under a week. As the deadline gets closer, De’Andre Hunter continues to be a player who could be on the move, with plenty of speculation and rumors surrounding him.
If the Cavaliers decide to move on from Hunter, there are two things they must be looking for in any trade.
Cavaliers Need Financial Flexibility In Any De’Andre Hunter Trade
Heading into the trade deadline, the Cavaliers have the highest payroll in the NBA with roughly $242 million committed to their roster. They’re $40 million over the tax, which carries a penalty of $163.8 million.
Even though Hunter theoretically fits the Cavaliers roster, if the front office decides to move him, they must get some financial flexibility on the other side. Hunter is owed $22 million this season and $23 million next season.
The Cavaliers could move on from Hunter for an expiring contract, and they could get themselves closer to getting out of the second apron and dodging some of the penalties that go along with it.
Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesCleveland Needs To Get Back A Proven Player(s)
Even if the Cavaliers decide to move Hunter, they still must get back a proven player or players that can slide into Cleveland’s rotation.
Hunter is still having a solid season with the Cavs, averaging 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while playing solid defense.
Cleveland can’t just trade Hunter for nothing in return, even if that does come with some financial flexibility in the future. The Cavs are still trying to win a championship this season, moving Hunter just for financial reasons without getting a solid player in return wouldn’t help with that.
The rumored trade discussion between the Cavaliers and Kings, which would send Hunter to Sacramento and Keon Elis, Dennis Schroder, and Dario Saric to Cleveland, is a perfect example of a trade that would help Cleveland on the financial front and give the Cavaliers more win-now pieces.
Now, we’ll just have to wait and see whether a Hunter trade actually happens or if the forward will end up in Cleveland through the rest of the season.
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