Cavaliers Acquire De'Andre Hunter from Hawks: Trade Grades and Analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the deal sees Cleveland send Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps in exchange for Hunter.
Hunter, selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has shown steady improvement throughout his career. The 6-foot-8 forward, known for his shooting ability, is having his best season to date, averaging 19 points per game while shooting a career-high 39.3% from beyond the arc. Although his defense has been inconsistent, his size and offensive game make him an intriguing fit on a competitive team.
For Cleveland, currently holding the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-10 record, Hunter addresses a long-standing need for wing depth. With Isaac Okoro providing defense at small forward and Max Strus adding shooting, Hunter offers a perfect complement to their starting core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. He can provide offensive versatility, especially as a potential closing option in high-leverage moments.
However, the trade's financial component is also crucial. By acquiring Hunter, the Cavaliers avoid luxury tax penalties and stay below the projected first apron, allowing them flexibility to pursue buyout market players as the postseason nears.
Cavaliers: A-
Cleveland’s trade assets included LeVert, who had become somewhat redundant with their stacked roster of shot creators, and Niang, whose playoff struggles were well-known. Hunter fills a versatile role for the Cavaliers without sacrificing a first-round pick or key rotation player. His ability to play both forward positions and provide shooting gives head coach Kenny Atkinson additional options for lineup combinations. While the Cavaliers' payroll for next season may rise, their clear championship aspirations make this a smart move, and they are better positioned for a deep playoff run.
Hawks: D-
From the Hawks' perspective, the trade appears to be a cost-cutting maneuver more than anything. Hunter, one of their top performers this season, will be missed, especially as Atlanta's young wings group is now further thinned with his departure. LeVert and Niang don’t move the needle much in terms of immediate impact, and the first-round pick swaps don’t offer much value due to Cleveland's ongoing obligations to Utah from the Donovan Mitchell trade. The second-round picks might have some potential, but given how well Hunter has played this season, the Hawks should have extracted more in return. With the future of their first-round picks under control of the San Antonio Spurs, this trade feels more like a financial decision than a strategic one, further diminishing the Hawks' prospects in the short term.
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