Cavaliers Acquire De’Andre Hunter in Trade to Bolster Championship Aspirations

The Cavs traded Georges Niang and Caris LeVert to the Hawks, addressing a key positional need while enhancing defensive versatility.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Georges Niang and Caris LeVert to the Atlanta Hawks for 6-foot-8 forward De’Andre Hunter, addressing their need for size, length, and athleticism on the wing.
Hunter’s defensive versatility, highlighted by his ability to guard multiple positions, is expected to strengthen the Cavs’ matchups against top Eastern Conference teams in the playoffs.
The trade allows the Cavaliers to dip below the luxury tax, providing flexibility to explore buyout market options or elevate a two-way player to meet the league's roster minimum of 14 players.
Hunter has strong pre-existing relationships with Cavs players, including Darius Garland, Ty Jerome, and Evan Mobley, which the team hopes will ease his integration into the roster and maintain team chemistry.
Cavs President Koby Altman emphasized the move as part of a long-term vision for sustainable success, with Hunter under contract for two years beyond the current season.