Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire De'Andre Hunter from Atlanta Hawks in Major Trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move just ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring forward De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange, the Hawks receive guard Caris LeVert, forward Georges Niang, three second-round draft picks, and two pick swaps. This trade marks an important step for the Cavaliers, who are currently leading the Eastern Conference and looking to solidify their roster as they aim for championship contention.
De'Andre Hunter, selected fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, is enjoying a career-high season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 37 games in the 2024-25 season. He has also improved his shooting efficiency, posting a career-best 39.3 percent from beyond the arc. Despite dealing with injuries throughout his career, including issues with his right knee, Hunter has proven to be a versatile scorer and a valuable addition to Cleveland's lineup.
- Cavaliers Receive: De'Andre Hunter
- Hawks Receive: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps
Caris LeVert, who has been an effective player for the Cavaliers, is in the final year of his contract and has averaged 10.2 points and 3.7 assists this season. Georges Niang adds depth as a forward, having averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds this season. This trade not only enhances Cleveland's roster with Hunter's scoring ability but also allows Atlanta to gain additional draft assets as they look to reshape their future.
This trade signifies a proactive approach by the Cavaliers as they leverage their strong performance this season to build a more competitive team in hopes of achieving their second NBA championship.