With the NBA trade deadline just two days away, the Cleveland Cavaliers are making it clear-they’re not content to stand pat. In fact, they’re swinging big. According to reports, Cleveland has been actively exploring blockbuster trade scenarios, including talks with the Dallas Mavericks centered around star forward Anthony Davis.
Yes, that Anthony Davis.
The 32-year-old big man, currently in his first full season with the Mavericks, has been hampered by injuries-limited to just 20 games so far and currently sidelined with a ligament issue in his hand. But when he’s on the floor, Davis is still a force.
He’s averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting just over 50% from the field. His three-point shot hasn’t been falling (27.5%), but his overall impact on both ends remains substantial.
For Cleveland, the interest in Davis is part of a larger pattern-one that suggests the front office isn’t convinced this current roster has what it takes to make a serious playoff run. And they’re not just looking to tweak around the edges. They’re going big-game hunting.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavs have also held talks with the Milwaukee Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo and with the Clippers regarding James Harden. While none of those deals appear imminent, the message is loud and clear: Cleveland is willing to shake up its core if it means raising the team’s ceiling.
That’s a significant shift for a team that’s spent the last few years building around a young, talented nucleus. But with the Eastern Conference tightening and the margin for error shrinking, the Cavaliers are betting that now might be the time to make a bold move.
The Harden rumors, in particular, have gained traction in recent days. Reports indicate that Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers have had advanced discussions involving Harden and All-Star guard Darius Garland. That would be a seismic shift in Cleveland’s backcourt and a potential signal that the franchise is ready to pivot from its current identity.
Over the weekend, the Cavaliers made a smaller-but still meaningful-move, sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that also involved the Chicago Bulls. In return, Cleveland acquired Keon Ellis and veteran guard Dennis Schroder, a move that gave them added roster flexibility and helped reduce their payroll under the league’s second apron.
And they’re not done yet.
The Cavs have also reportedly held preliminary talks with the Charlotte Hornets about a potential deal for Lonzo Ball. That move would reunite him with his brother LaMelo in Charlotte, but more importantly for Cleveland, it could be another step in reshaping their roster with an eye toward long-term fit and financial flexibility.
"The Cavs have talked to the Bucks about Giannis and the Cavs have talked to the Mavs about Anthony Davis. And the Cavs are obviously talking about James Harden."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 3, 2026
Brian Windhorst on Cleveland being active during trade deadline week.
(via @ESPNCleveland)pic.twitter.com/yLsb9FzOWC
So what does all this mean?
Simply put, Cleveland isn’t satisfied with being good. They want to be great.
And with the trade deadline looming, they’re proving they’re willing to take big risks to get there. Whether or not any of these blockbuster deals materialize, the Cavaliers have made one thing clear: they’re not afraid to shake up the status quo in pursuit of something bigger.