NBA Trade Rumors on De'Andre Hunter, Cavs' Plans at 2026 Deadline amid Struggles
Coming off another disappointing loss in what has been a frustrating season thus far, the Cleveland Cavaliers aren't looking to sell going into the trade deadline despite interest from opposing teams in De'Andre Hunter.
Per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs have "rebuffed trade offers" to this point that includes "at least one" for Hunter.
The feeling within the organization right now is to focus on "internal improvement," per Fedor.
Cleveland lost at home on Monday night to the Utah Jazz despite having Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland in the starting lineup.
The loss dropped the Cavs' record to 22-19, surpassing their loss total from the entire 2024-25 season (64-18). There's no one thing that has gone wrong to explain the decline. They had the best offense and eighth-best defense by rating last season.
Through 41 games in 2025-26, the Cavaliers rank eighth in offense and 16th in defense. They haven't been at full strength to this point because Max Strus, who was an ace three-point shooter with a 38.6 percent success rate last season, has yet to play due to a foot injury.
Strus isn't expected to return until at least February, which could impact the Cavs' deadline if they can't get a look at their roster ahead of time.
Another complicating factor in the wait-and-see approach is the Cavaliers are, by far, the most expensive roster in the NBA right now. They have $392.4 million in financial obligations between payroll and tax payments. The Golden State Warriors are second at $288.4 million.
Even with that level of financial investment in the roster, the Cavs are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. The apron rules also limit their flexibility and they also project to be over the second apron next season as things currently stand.
Hunter and Strus are the only members of Cleveland's main core not signed beyond the 2026-27 season. Hunter is making $23.3 million this season and $24.9 million next season.
Since being acquired by the Cavs from the Atlanta Hawks prior to the trade deadline last year, Hunter is averaging 14.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 63 games.
