TITLE: Cavaliers Explore Trade Options; Giannis Pursuit Considered Difficult, Hunter and Ball Emerge as Likely Trade Chips
SLUG: cavaliers-trade-rumors-giannis-hunter-ball-lakers
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown no formal intent to bid for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, yet club officials have not dismissed the idea outright, according to a report by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “It’s Giannis,” one rival executive told the outlet. “Nothing more needs to be said.”
Financial hurdles complicate any Giannis scenario
Because Cleveland sits in the second tax apron, league rules prevent the franchise from combining contracts to match salary or from taking back more money than it sends out. A deal for Antetokounmpo would therefore require a major payroll reduction, rendering such a move a long shot.
Mobley viewed as possible centerpiece
The Cavaliers are said to be aggressively seeking upgrades before the trade deadline and possess a significant trade chip in Evan Mobley, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst echoed that Mobley would likely headline any Cavaliers package for Antetokounmpo.
Despite injuries and an underwhelming first half, Cleveland has recently won five straight and seven of its last eight. Club leadership has not indicated a willingness to execute a massive roster overhaul during the season; substantial moves are considered more likely this summer depending on postseason results.
Hunter, Ball at center of multiple talks
Fedor reports that De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball are the Cavaliers most likely to be moved in the coming days. Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a framework that would ship Hunter to L.A. for Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht. The Lakers have also proposed sending expiring contracts for Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. A third club has been involved in those conversations; previous reporting identified the Brooklyn Nets.
Before Milwaukee began listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks inquired about Hunter in a package that would have centered on Bobby Portis. Cleveland declined, sources said.
Additional targets under consideration
The Cavaliers are among several teams pursuing Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis; Malik Monk could enter discussions if Hunter moves to Sacramento. Cleveland also maintains interest in Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, a deal that would likely involve Ball and unnamed draft compensation. The team owns only one tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032) and has not decided whether to include it for a rotation piece such as Marshall.
Other players on the Cavs’ radar include Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls, Saddiq Bey of the New Orleans Pelicans and Justin Champagnie of the Washington Wizards, Fedor added.
The Cavaliers continue to weigh their options as the trade deadline approaches, balancing immediate needs with long-term flexibility.
Source: Hoops Rumors
