Lakers, Cavs Reportedly Talking De'Andre Hunter Trade, Full Details Revealed in New NBA Rumors

Six days away from the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to address their need for wing help by talking to the Cleveland Cavaliers about a deal for De'Andre Hunter.

On the Wine and Gold Talk podcast (h/t Cleveland.com), Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the Lakers and Cavs have "discussed a general framework" of a deal that would send Hunter to Los Angeles for a package involving Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht.

"My sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De'Andre Hunter of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht and then bringing in a third team," Fedor said.

It's unclear at this point who a third team in the deal might be, but Fedor cited the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz as clubs that can absorb money since they have the two lowest payrolls in the NBA.

The move from Cleveland's perspective would seem to be motivated primarily by money.

Hunter is signed through the 2026-27 with a $24.9 million salary for next season. The Cavs are currently the only team over the second apron, and they are $22 million over that threshold.

Looking ahead to next season, the Cavaliers are projected to be $17.9 million over the second apron.

Swapping out Hunter for Hachimura, who has an $18.3 million expiring salary, would create financial relief for the Cavs this summer. There's also an argument that Hachimura would address an area of weakness for them as they look to make a push up the Eastern Conference standings.

Hachimura is averaging 12.1 points on 50.0 percent shooting (43.3 percent from three) in 36 appearances for the Lakers. After finishing second in the NBA in three-point percentage in 2024-25, the Cavs have dropped to 15th this season on the fourth-most attempts per game (41.2).

There's not that much difference in defensive abilities between Hachimura and Hunter, so a deal that would give the Cavs getting an offensive upgrade, future financial relief and a low-risk upside bet on a former first-round pick like Knecht seems reasonable.

The Lakers badly need help on the wing next to LeBron James. Hachimura, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt all have limited upside, which is especially tough for a team that has a low defensive ceiling with James at this stage of his career and Luka Dončić.

When Austin Reaves returns, the defensive problems aren't going to improve. Hunter would give head coach JJ Redick a capable and versatile defender.

Another added benefit is the Lakers wouldn't be tying up money into the summer of 2027 when they could have roughly $100 million in cap space and a free-agent crop that might include Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić.

Hunter would also provide the Lakers with a bridge for 2026-27 if this does in fact turn out to be James' final season with the club.

It may not be a needle-moving type of trade for either team if it happens, but there are a lot of reasons that it makes sense for both clubs to at least consider doing it.