By this time next week, the Cleveland Cavaliers could look a whole lot different - not at the top, but around the edges. While fans and trade machine aficionados might be dreaming up blockbuster scenarios involving Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, or Evan Mobley, the reality is far more grounded.
Cleveland isn’t looking to move its core. Garland, Allen, and Mobley are pillars of what the Cavs are building, and it would take a seismic offer to shake any of them loose.
But that doesn’t mean change isn’t coming.
The Cavaliers are expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline, and two names standing out as potential movers are Lonzo Ball and De’Andre Hunter. Both players have struggled to find a consistent role in Cleveland’s rotation, and with the front office eyeing flexibility - especially financial flexibility under the league’s second tax apron - moving on from Ball and Hunter could be more about cap strategy than on-court value.
Why the Cavaliers Can Afford to Move On
Credit GM Mike Gansey for building out a roster with depth and upside. The emergence of Jaylon Tyson, the continued development of Craig Porter Jr., and the surprising contributions from rookie Tyrese Proctor have given Cleveland the kind of young talent that makes veterans like Hunter and Ball expendable. And let’s be honest - neither Hunter nor Ball is likely to command a big return on the trade market.
What Cleveland is really looking for here is breathing room. Offloading Ball and Hunter - even for minimal returns like second-round picks or expiring contracts - would help the Cavs duck under the second apron.
That opens up more flexibility for future moves and helps position the franchise for bigger-picture plays, including the possibility of a LeBron James homecoming down the road. That’s a long shot, sure, but it’s not off the radar.
So with that context in mind, let’s break down three trade scenarios that have been generating buzz.
Trade Scenario 1: De’Andre Hunter to the Lakers
Lakers receive: F De’Andre Hunter
Cavaliers receive: F Rui Hachimura, F Dalton Knecht
This one’s been floated, but it doesn’t sound like it’s gaining much traction right now. The key piece here for Cleveland would be Dalton Knecht.
The rookie wing has shown flashes of scoring ability and could be a cost-effective replacement for Max Strus in the long term. If Knecht can prove himself in Cleveland’s system, it could allow the Cavs to move off Strus’ contract this summer and save even more money.
As for Hachimura, he’s a solid rotational forward who can play multiple positions, but his contract isn’t ideal. Unless Cleveland can flip him to a team like Brooklyn that can absorb salary, he’s not exactly a prize. This deal feels more like a stepping stone - a way to clear Hunter’s salary while taking a flyer on a young prospect in Knecht.
Trade Scenario 2: De’Andre Hunter to the Kings
Kings receive: F De’Andre Hunter
Cavaliers receive: G Keon Ellis, G Dennis Schroder, F Dario Saric
This is the kind of deal that could offer Cleveland more than just cap relief.
Keon Ellis is the main target, reportedly, and he fits the mold of a young, defensive-minded guard who could grow into a bigger role. But Dennis Schroder is the intriguing piece here. He’s not a star, but he’s a steady veteran guard who can score in spurts and run an offense - essentially, the kind of player the Cavs hoped Lonzo Ball would be.
Schroder’s contract runs through 2029 with a manageable annual salary in the $14-15 million range. That’s not cheap, but it’s not prohibitive either, especially if Cleveland sees him as a short-term bridge behind Garland. With Ball failing to meet expectations and questions lingering about whether Porter or Proctor are ready for a bigger role, Schroder could fill a critical need.
Dario Saric, meanwhile, would be a depth piece - a stretch big who brings some veteran savvy and shooting. Not a game-changer, but someone who could help in spot minutes.
Trade Scenario 3: Lonzo Ball to the Wizards
Wizards receive: G Lonzo Ball
Cavaliers receive: TBD
This one’s less about what Cleveland gets back and more about what it sheds.
Lonzo Ball’s situation is tough. Injuries have derailed what once looked like a promising career, and his shooting numbers this season have been brutal - he currently ranks 460th in field goal percentage out of 450 eligible players.
That’s not a typo. His trade value is virtually nonexistent, which makes this a salary dump, plain and simple.
The Wizards are reportedly open to taking on Ball’s contract - but they want compensation. Draft capital, specifically.
It’s unlikely Cleveland would give up a first-rounder just to move off Ball, but a package involving two second-round picks could get it done. In return, the Cavs might get a heavily protected second-rounder or even just a trade exception.
It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of move that helps Cleveland clear the books and maneuver more freely at the deadline.
The Bigger Picture
None of these trades are blockbusters, and that’s by design. The Cavaliers aren’t trying to blow things up - they’re trying to streamline. With a strong core in place and young talent stepping up, Cleveland’s front office is focused on trimming the fat, creating cap flexibility, and positioning the team for a postseason push without sacrificing the future.
If they can move Ball and Hunter without giving up meaningful assets, that’s a win. And if they can bring back a young player like Knecht or Ellis in the process? Even better.
The Cavs don’t need to hit a home run at the deadline. A couple of smart singles - maybe a double - could be enough to set them up for a strong second half and a more flexible offseason. And in today’s NBA, that kind of discipline can be just as valuable as a splashy trade.