The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this season with expectations - not just from fans, but from themselves. But nearly halfway through the campaign, it’s clear something’s off.
The team hasn’t lived up to its own standard, and while injuries have certainly played a role, the issues run deeper than just who's been available. The Cavs aren’t pressing the panic button just yet, but the front office appears ready to explore some tweaks around the edges, and a couple of names have started to surface in trade chatter: De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade.
Let’s start with Hunter. Inserted into the starting lineup earlier this season - largely due to Max Strus being sidelined - the move didn’t quite pan out the way the Cavs hoped.
Hunter’s skill set, while valuable, didn’t translate into the kind of impact Cleveland needed from that position. Head coach Kenny Atkinson recently made the call to pull Hunter from the starting five, hoping to spark better rhythm and cohesion on both ends of the floor.
That shift could be a prelude to something bigger. If the Cavs decide Hunter isn’t part of their long-term vision, there will be no shortage of teams interested in a versatile wing with size and defensive upside.
Teams like the Warriors, Heat, Lakers, and Mavericks - all of whom could use an extra body on the wing - are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Hunter's contract might be a hurdle, but for contenders looking to shore up depth ahead of a playoff push, his two-way potential could be worth the cost.
Then there’s Dean Wade. While not a household name, Wade’s drawn interest around the league - and not just recently.
Multiple teams reportedly reached out to the Cavs about his availability before the offseason even kicked off. One team that stood out?
The Houston Rockets. They were eyeing Wade as a possible addition before ultimately signing Dorian Finney-Smith.
That door may have closed, but Wade remains a player to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
The bigger picture here is that Cleveland isn’t looking to tear things down - this isn’t a rebuild situation. But they are open to change, especially if it means bringing in pieces that better fit the current core.
One name that’s come up as a potential incoming target is Coby White. There was some early talk about whether he could be a replacement for Darius Garland, but based on Garland’s recent stretch of play, that idea feels premature at best.
Garland’s been showing flashes of the All-Star form that helped elevate this team last season, and it’s hard to imagine the Cavs moving on from him unless something seismic happens.
At the end of the day, the Cavs are in that tricky middle ground - not bad enough to start over, but not playing well enough to stand pat. That’s often where the most interesting moves happen. Expect Cleveland to stay active as the deadline nears, looking for deals that don’t just shake things up, but make them better.