The Cleveland Cavaliers are sitting in a tricky spot as the Feb. 5 trade deadline looms. While a blockbuster move doesn’t appear to be in the cards, there’s one name that keeps surfacing in trade talks: De’Andre Hunter. Between his hefty $23.3 million cap hit and a fit that hasn’t quite clicked, Hunter is shaping up as the Cavs’ most likely trade chip-if they decide to make a move at all.
Jaylon Tyson’s rise has only added to the pressure. The rookie has flashed enough upside to earn real minutes, and that makes Hunter, who’s struggled to carve out a consistent role, more expendable. Add in the Cavs’ second-apron tax status-which restricts them from taking back more money than they send out or combining salaries in a deal-and it’s clear that any trade involving Hunter will have to be both financially savvy and strategically sound.
Let’s break down three trade scenarios that could make sense for Cleveland, starting with a familiar face.
1. Caris LeVert (Detroit Pistons)
Could we see a LeVert reunion in Cleveland? It’s not out of the question.
LeVert hasn’t been able to find his rhythm in Detroit, logging career lows in both minutes and points. But we’ve seen what he can do when he’s in the right system, and there’s already a level of comfort between LeVert and Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson from their time together in Brooklyn.
From Detroit’s perspective, Hunter might be a better cultural fit. He brings more physicality and a defensive edge-traits that align with the Pistons’ gritty identity.
The financials work, too. Cleveland would be offloading Hunter’s $23.3 million this season and $24.9 million next season in exchange for LeVert’s more manageable $14.1 million and $14.8 million over the next two years.
To make the numbers line up, Cleveland would also absorb Isaac Jones’ $2 million expiring deal-an easy pill to swallow.
This is a classic change-of-scenery trade that could benefit both teams. For Cleveland, it’s about getting a more dynamic scorer in LeVert, while trimming salary and opening up more flexibility. For Detroit, it’s a chance to add a tough-minded forward who might thrive in a new environment.
2. Terance Mann and Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)
Now this one’s a bit more ambitious-and a little less likely. Unless the Nets are particularly high on Hunter, it’s hard to see them jumping at this deal. But from Cleveland’s perspective, it’s worth picking up the phone.
Cam Thomas brings instant offense. He’s a microwave scorer who could give the Cavs’ bench a much-needed scoring punch down the stretch. He’s also a free agent after the season, which means Cleveland wouldn’t be locked into a long-term commitment if things didn’t pan out.
Terance Mann, meanwhile, is the kind of two-way wing every playoff team covets. He’s athletic, versatile, and can guard multiple positions. His contract runs through 2027-28, but at $15.5 million this season and next, followed by $16 million in the final year, it’s a manageable number-especially compared to Hunter’s deal.
This trade would give Cleveland two playable rotation pieces and some breathing room under the cap. The downside?
Brooklyn would need to see enough value in Hunter to justify parting with both Thomas and Mann. It’s a long shot, but one that could pay off big for the Cavs if the stars align.
3. Kevin Huerter (Chicago Bulls)
This one’s all about flexibility. Huerter is on an expiring deal, so any trade here would be a short-term rental-unless Cleveland believes they can re-sign him at a team-friendly number this offseason.
Huerter’s skill set fits the Cavs like a glove. He’s a floor-spacer with good size and underrated athleticism. While some might argue that Cleveland already has shooters like Sam Merrill and Dean Wade, Huerter brings a bit more pop off the dribble and is more dynamic in transition.
There’s also a bigger-picture angle here. If the Cavs were to acquire Huerter and then re-sign him to a more affordable deal than Max Strus' current contract, it could open the door to flipping Strus in a future trade for additional assets or cap relief. With Wade also hitting free agency this summer, a wing rotation of Tyson, Huerter, and Merrill could be both cost-effective and competitive.
And with the 2026 draft on the horizon, Cleveland could add another young, athletic wing to the mix and continue building a versatile, modern roster around their core.
Bottom Line:
The Cavs aren’t desperate to make a move-but they’re not standing pat, either.
De’Andre Hunter’s contract, combined with his uneven fit, makes him the logical piece to dangle. Whether it’s a reunion with LeVert, a swing at upside with Thomas and Mann, or a strategic rental in Huerter, Cleveland has options.
The key will be finding a deal that balances short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility.
In a tight Eastern Conference race, even a marginal upgrade could make a big difference. And if the Cavs can shed salary while improving their rotation? That’s a win on multiple fronts.