Cavs Feeling the Pressure After Christmas Collapse - Could De'Andre Hunter Be on the Move?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are teetering on the edge of a crossroads. At 17-15, they’re still above water, but just barely - and after a gut-wrenching Christmas Day collapse against the New York Knicks, the pressure is mounting.
A 126-124 loss, punctuated by a fourth-quarter meltdown, isn’t just another L in the standings. It’s the kind of game that forces front offices to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
This is the most expensive roster in the NBA. And while Cleveland isn’t expected to make any sweeping changes midseason, there’s a growing sense that something’s got to give.
If the Cavs flame out early in the playoffs again, as they did last spring, the offseason could bring major changes. But depending on how the next few weeks unfold, the front office might be tempted to act sooner rather than later.
One name that could surface in trade talks? De’Andre Hunter.
Hunter, acquired by Cleveland last February, fits the mold of what every contender wants: a 3-and-D wing with size, versatility, and playoff experience. But he also comes with a $23.3 million price tag this season, and that contract could be a key to unlocking flexibility - either in the form of an upgrade or future cap relief. If the Cavs decide to shake things up, Hunter might be the piece that moves.
So, who could come calling if Hunter hits the trade market? Let’s take a look at a few teams that make sense.
Los Angeles Lakers: Win-Now Desperation Meets Roster Reality
The Lakers are in a rough spot. They’ve dropped three straight, their defense is leaking like a sieve (118.1 points allowed per 100 possessions, sixth-worst in the league), and their offense hasn’t been able to bail them out. Losing Austin Reaves for at least a month with a calf strain only adds to the urgency.
With LeBron James still playing at a high level and the franchise firmly in win-now mode, L.A. is expected to be active as trade season heats up. But don’t expect fireworks - the Lakers are reportedly holding onto their bigger assets for 2027, when a potential free-agent class could include names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, and Donovan Mitchell.
That said, a move for Hunter could thread the needle. He gives them size and defensive versatility on the wing - two things they desperately need - and his contract doesn’t interfere with their long-term plans since it expires in 2027.
A trade built around the contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber could work financially, but here’s the catch: the Cavs aren’t going to move Hunter just to make a deal. And the Lakers aren’t in a position to overpay.
That could lead to a stalemate.
Golden State Warriors: Time to Cash In on Kuminga?
Golden State is another veteran team trying to squeeze one more run out of its championship core. Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time, but the rest of the roster?
Not so much. The Warriors are reportedly exploring trades, and all signs point to Jonathan Kuminga being the centerpiece of any deal once his trade restriction lifts on January 15.
Kuminga’s value is one of the league’s great mysteries. Some see untapped All-Star potential being stifled by Steve Kerr’s system.
Others view him as a high-usage scorer who hasn’t shown he can impact winning. What’s not up for debate is this: he’s not playing significant minutes, and when he does, the production hasn’t matched the hype.
That opens the door for a team like Cleveland to take a swing. A three-team deal could make sense here - one where the Warriors land Hunter to bolster their wing rotation, and the Cavs take a flier on Kuminga’s upside.
But would Golden State be satisfied flipping a high-upside 21-year-old for a player like Hunter, who’s more of a complementary piece than a game-changer? That’s the big question.
Orlando Magic: Cap Crunch Could Force a Move
Orlando is quietly building something real. But with big-money extensions for Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs either on the books or looming, the Magic are heading toward a cap crunch. That puts players like Jonathan Isaac squarely on the trade radar.
Isaac signed a five-year, $84 million extension last year, but he’s become the odd man out in a crowded frontcourt that includes Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, and Moe Wagner. He’s still an elite defender when healthy, but availability has been a constant issue.
Cleveland, on the other hand, could see real value in adding Isaac. Pairing him with Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen in defensive lineups would give the Cavs a terrifying interior presence. He’d also provide insurance for a backcourt that, while explosive offensively, has struggled defensively with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
A swap of Hunter for Isaac could work conceptually, but the money doesn’t line up cleanly. Orlando would need to include additional contracts - perhaps Tyus Jones and Jett Howard - to bridge the $8.3 million salary gap. That’s a big ask for a team already navigating tight financial waters.
Still, Hunter’s contract expires in 2027, and Orlando could always flip him again in the offseason to create more flexibility. He’d give them another wing scorer and a bit more offensive juice off the bench - something this defense-first squad could use come playoff time.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
The Cavs are at a tipping point. They’ve got talent, they’ve got payroll, and they’ve got expectations. But they also have questions - about fit, about health, and about whether this core can truly contend in a loaded Eastern Conference.
De’Andre Hunter might not be the biggest name on the roster, but he could be the domino that starts a chain reaction. Whether it’s the Lakers, Warriors, Magic, or another team entirely, don’t be surprised if his name starts surfacing more and more as the trade deadline approaches.
Cleveland isn’t panicking just yet. But if the losses keep piling up, the clock might start ticking a little louder.