TITLE: Cavaliers weigh De’Andre Hunter trade value, would consider LeBron reunion, face decisions on Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Jaylon Tyson
SLUG: cavaliers-hunter-lebron-tomlin-tyson-rumor-roundup
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are fielding calls on veteran forward De’Andre Hunter but are standing firm on their asking price, league sources told ClutchPoints and The Stein Line.
According to the reports, Cleveland remains in active discussions yet is unwilling to accept less than the package it surrendered last season—Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks and two pick swaps. Hunter, 26, still fits the coveted “3-and-D” profile, though he is shooting just 30.6 percent from three-point range and carries a guaranteed $24.9 million salary for the 2026-27 campaign. Some clubs have expressed concern about both his shooting dip and injury history.
The Milwaukee Bucks previously explored scenarios involving Hunter, but talks built around Kyle Kuzma stalled. Cleveland was reportedly lukewarm on Kuzma, and new second-apron tax rules complicated salary matching.
LeBron door remains open
LeBron James can enter free agency this summer, and multiple team and league insiders told ESPN the Cavaliers would welcome him for a third stint if he chose to return. Any reunion would be financially challenging; Cleveland already has about $227 million in guaranteed contracts for 2024-25, leaving little room unless James accepts a significant pay cut.
Tomlin nearing two-way limit
Forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who signed a two-way deal after an unconventional path that included Rucker Park stops and no high school basketball, has appeared in 45 NBA games. Five more outings would hit his two-way maximum, forcing the Cavaliers to convert him to a standard contract if they wish to keep him active beyond the trade deadline.
Tyson targets bigger accolades
Second-year wing Jaylon Tyson earned a spot in the Rising Stars game and told Cleveland.com he believes he deserves consideration for Most Improved Player. The 21-year-old added that an eventual All-Star appearance is a long-term goal, noting the Cavaliers’ record is the primary obstacle to larger recognition.
“If we were winning more games right now, I would be in that conversation,” Tyson said.
Source: Hoops Wire
