The Cleveland Cavaliers had a lot of people talking this week when they traded for De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks.
Hunter can bring a lot to the team and could be both an offensive and defensive threat.
Speaking on ESPN, per Emmett Golden, Brian Windhorst talked about Hunter, losing Caris LeVert, and what this can do for the Cavaliers.
“Swapping out LeVert for Hunter is not going to overhaul your rotation, but it will give Kenny Atkinson to line defensive alignments up in the playoffs,” Windhorst said.
Windy on the Cavs deadline deal. pic.twitter.com/TJ4wkKyUSW
— Emmett Golden (@egoldie80) February 7, 2025
Hunter is averaging 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season, shooting 46.1 percent from the field.
He was one of the star players for the Hawks and many people were surprised they let him go.
But just because he is good, doesn’t mean the Cavaliers will be perfect.
LeVert was bringing his own special skills to the team and it might take some time before Hunter feels like a normal part of the rotation.
Windhorst noted that Hunter could be a big presence in the playoffs and that is what many Cavs fans think.
They believe he will be instrumental if they have to battle the Boston Celtics and they think his defense could shut down a number of Boston players.
So, this was a smart move that is about the present, but also the future.
Now Cavs fans are ready to see if it is going to pay off and if Hunter really was one of the smartest trade acquisitions of the year.
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