Cavs Weigh De’Andre Hunter’s Trade Value Amid League Interest, LeBron Rumors Swirl, and Young Talent Emerges
As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at the center of a few intriguing storylines-some involving potential roster moves, others tied to familiar faces, and a few spotlighting the next generation of talent.
Let’s start with the name that’s been floating around front offices: De’Andre Hunter.
Trade Talks Around Hunter Heating Up-But Cavs Are Cautious
Despite a down year statistically, Hunter’s name has been generating real traction on the trade market. Multiple teams have reportedly checked in with Cleveland about the 28-year-old forward, and the Cavs are said to be engaged in various discussions. But here’s the thing-just because teams are calling doesn’t mean Cleveland is picking up the phone with any urgency.
The Cavs are walking a fine line here. They’re the only team currently operating above the NBA’s second tax apron, which puts them in a financial pressure cooker.
Naturally, that’s led to internal conversations about trimming salary. But when it comes to Hunter, they’re not looking to sell low.
And for good reason.
Cleveland gave up a decent haul to acquire Hunter just a year ago-Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps. That’s not pocket change. So unless a team is willing to match or exceed that value, Cleveland appears content to hold onto him.
Hunter’s appeal is clear when he’s healthy and hitting shots. He brings size, defensive versatility, and the kind of three-and-D skill set that’s always in demand.
But this season, he’s shooting just 30.6% from beyond the arc, and his injury history is giving some teams pause. Combine that with the $24.9 million he’s owed in the 2026-27 season, and it’s understandable why some front offices are hesitant to meet Cleveland’s asking price.
One team that reportedly showed interest earlier in the season? The Milwaukee Bucks.
But their pitch was centered around Kyle Kuzma, and that didn’t move the needle for the Cavs. Beyond the lack of interest in Kuzma, the financial mechanics didn’t work-Hunter’s salary is smaller than Kuzma’s when you factor in incentives, and second-apron teams like Cleveland can’t take back more salary than they send out, nor can they combine multiple players to make a deal work.
So for now, Hunter remains in Cleveland-unless someone comes knocking with a deal that truly makes sense.
LeBron and the Cavs: Round Three?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room-or maybe the King in the room.
LeBron James’ contract with the Lakers is set to expire this summer. And while he hasn’t made any public declarations about his future, there’s growing chatter about a potential return to Cleveland. Multiple team and league sources have indicated that the Cavs would “gladly” welcome LeBron back if he decided to make one more run in Northeast Ohio.
But let’s be clear: this wouldn’t be a simple reunion.
Cleveland’s cap sheet is already loaded, with $227 million in guaranteed money on the books for next season. That means LeBron would likely need to accept a significant pay cut to make it work-unless the front office makes some major moves to clear space.
Still, the door appears to be open. And given James’ history with the franchise, it’s a storyline worth keeping an eye on.
Jaylon Tyson’s Breakout Season Turning Heads
While the trade rumors and LeBron buzz dominate the headlines, one of the most encouraging developments for Cleveland this season has been the emergence of Jaylon Tyson.
After a quiet rookie campaign, Tyson has taken a major leap in year two-and the league is noticing. He was just named to the Rising Stars roster, a well-deserved honor for a player who’s been steadily carving out a bigger role.
But Tyson isn’t satisfied with just being a nice story. He’s got bigger goals.
“I do want to be an All-Star one day,” he said this week. And he’s not shy about believing he should be in the Most Improved Player conversation, either.
“If we were winning more games right now, I would be in that (MIP) conversation, right? I feel like respectfully and humbly, the numbers speak for itself.
You see my leap from last year.”
He’s got a point. Tyson’s production has jumped significantly, and he’s been a bright spot during an up-and-down season. Whether he gets the MIP nod or not, his development is a major win for the Cavs-and a sign that the team’s future has some serious upside.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s Unconventional Journey Continues
Another player making waves in Cleveland is Nae’Qwan Tomlin, whose path to the NBA has been anything but traditional.
A former Rucker Park standout who didn’t even play high school basketball, Tomlin has defied the odds to earn a two-way contract with the Cavs. And he’s making the most of it. He’s already appeared in 44 regular-season games-just six shy of the 50-game limit for two-way players.
That means Cleveland will soon have a decision to make: promote Tomlin to the standard roster or risk losing a player who’s carved out a real role. Given his unique story and on-court contributions, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Cavs find a way to keep him in the fold.
Bottom Line
From trade talks to potential homecomings to breakout seasons, the Cavaliers are juggling a lot right now. Whether they make a move at the deadline or stand pat, the decisions they make in the coming weeks could shape not just the rest of this season-but the direction of the franchise for years to come.