The Cleveland Cavaliers have privately examined what a trade for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo would require, league sources told Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. While no formal offer is being assembled, front-office conversations have addressed the concept in broad terms.
Cap hurdles cloud any immediate bid
Cleveland sits above the NBA’s second tax apron, preventing the club from combining player salaries or absorbing additional money in a deal. Any package for Antetokounmpo would necessitate a sweeping payroll overhaul, making an in-season move highly unlikely, executives said.
Evan Mobley viewed as potential centerpiece
Fedor reported that reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley is the asset Milwaukee would have to consider first. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst echoed that view on “The Hoop Collective,” labeling Mobley the logical foundation of any Cavaliers proposal.
Despite those discussions, Cleveland has shown no appetite for a wholesale roster shake-up before the 8 February trade deadline. The Cavaliers have won five straight games—seven of their last eight—heading into Friday’s matchup in Phoenix and prefer not to disrupt recent momentum.
Hunter and Ball headline outgoing possibilities
According to Fedor, forwards De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball remain the most frequently mentioned Cavaliers trade pieces. Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers have spoken about sending Hunter to L.A. for Rui Hachimura and rookie guard Dalton Knecht. The Lakers have countered with expiring contracts, including Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, in a framework that could involve a third team, believed to be the Brooklyn Nets.
Before Milwaukee opened the door to Antetokounmpo talks, the Bucks explored acquiring Hunter in a package centered on Bobby Portis, but Cleveland declined, per the report.
Additional targets on Cleveland’s board
The Cavaliers are among several teams pursuing Sacramento guard Keon Ellis; guard Malik Monk could enter the discussion if Hunter is rerouted to the Kings. Cleveland also holds interest in Mavericks big man Naji Marshall, though securing him might cost the club its only tradable first-round pick in 2031 or 2032.
Other names linked to the Cavaliers include Chicago guard Ayo Dosunmu, Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey, and Washington wing Justin Champagnie.
For now, Cleveland continues to canvas the market for upgrades that fit both its current surge and its long-term plan, with any blockbuster more likely to wait until the offseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
