Could This Three-Team Blockbuster Be the Cavaliers' Path Forward?
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a crossroads. A new trade proposal involving the Cavs, Warriors, and Suns could shake things up in a major way-and potentially offer Cleveland a clearer path through the Eastern Conference playoff gauntlet.
Here’s the deal on the table:
- Cavaliers receive: Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn, Nick Richards
- Warriors receive: De’Andre Hunter
- Suns receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis
The centerpiece here for Cleveland is O’Neale, a veteran wing who brings a strong two-way presence and, perhaps just as importantly, a familiar face for Donovan Mitchell. The two were teammates in Utah and have maintained a close relationship. Chemistry matters, especially when you’re trying to push past the second round for the first time in this era of Cavs basketball.
O’Neale’s numbers this season show he’s still got plenty to offer: 10.5 points, 5.1 boards, and 2.9 assists per game, with an impressive 41.6% clip from three. He’s a plug-and-play option who can defend multiple positions and space the floor-exactly the kind of role player Cleveland has lacked in crunch time during recent playoff runs.
Ryan Dunn, meanwhile, is a young, athletic wing with defensive upside. He’s averaging 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and while his three-point shooting (31.9%) still needs polish, he brings energy and versatility off the bench. Think of him as a developmental piece who could grow into a bigger role down the line.
Nick Richards adds frontcourt depth behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. His 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game don’t jump off the page, but at 49.3% shooting, he’s efficient in limited minutes and gives the Cavs another big body to throw at opposing frontlines.
From a financial standpoint, this deal could be a game-changer. The Cavaliers currently own the league’s most expensive roster and are the only team above the second apron.
This trade would immediately save them $5.5 million and cut another $11.3 million off next season’s books-slashing more than half of their projected $20.9 million second apron tax hit. That’s not just a cap sheet win-it’s long-term flexibility that could open doors for future moves.
Let’s not forget where Cleveland stands in the bigger picture. Last season, they finished with the best record in the East and swept the Miami Heat in the first round.
But the momentum didn’t last-they were bounced by the Indiana Pacers in just five games in the second round. That’s now a familiar story for this core of Mitchell, Mobley, Garland, and Allen.
Talented? Absolutely.
But so far, not quite enough to break through.
If that doesn’t change this season, President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman could be forced to make some serious decisions this summer. The clock is ticking, and with the 2026 trade deadline just weeks away, this might be the moment to act.
This proposed deal doesn’t blow up the core, but it does reshape the supporting cast, adds depth, and creates financial breathing room. It’s the kind of move that could help the Cavs take that elusive next step-without sacrificing their long-term vision.
Now it’s just a matter of whether Altman believes this is the right group to bet on. The window’s open. The question is: will Cleveland walk through it?