The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't just tinkering around the edges-they're actively reshaping their roster, and the trade winds around them are only picking up speed.
After recently moving De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that brought back Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder-with the Chicago Bulls also playing a role-the Cavaliers are clearly signaling that they’re not done dealing. This front office is staying aggressive, and the latest reports suggest even bigger moves could be on the table.
According to Chris Mannix, Cleveland has been engaged in discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers about a potential blockbuster swap: James Harden for Darius Garland. That’s a headline-grabbing possibility on its own, but it’s not the only conversation Cleveland’s having. There’s also buzz about a potential deal with the Charlotte Hornets centered around Lonzo Ball.
Per reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there have been early talks between the Cavs and Hornets about trade frameworks that would send Lonzo Ball to Charlotte. The motivation on Charlotte’s side?
A chance to reunite Lonzo with his younger brother, LaMelo-a pairing fans have been dreaming about since the two lit up high school gyms together at Chino Hills. It’s a move that would be as much about chemistry and marketability as it would be about on-court fit.
From Cleveland’s perspective, moving Ball would likely require attaching draft compensation. His struggles this season haven’t gone unnoticed, and any team taking him on would probably need some incentive.
That’s where second-round picks-or potentially more-come into play. Charlotte, Brooklyn, and Utah are reportedly among the teams open to absorbing contracts or facilitating multi-team deals in exchange for future draft assets.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are riding a serious hot streak, having rattled off seven consecutive wins and climbing fast in the Eastern Conference standings. That surge has them eyeing the postseason with renewed confidence, and a move to bring in Lonzo could be seen as both a sentimental and strategic play-adding another playmaker to complement LaMelo as they chase a playoff berth.
As for the Cavaliers, all eyes are now on their upcoming matchup in Los Angeles-against the Clippers, no less. With trade talks swirling and the deadline approaching, it’s hard to ignore the timing.
Could we see some of these deals materialize before tipoff? Maybe.
But what’s clear is that Cleveland is deep in the mix, exploring every avenue to reshape its roster and make a push in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Buckle up-the Cavs aren’t done yet.