The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t need to make a lot of moves at the trade deadline.
However, they made sure to address the biggest need they had.
They moved on from Caris LeVert and his expiring contract and Georges Niang to get De’Andre Hunter.
The Atlanta Hawks also got three second-round picks and two swaps in the deal.
That seems like a decent return for a player of Hunter’s caliber.
Nonetheless, it seems like this deal could’ve cost a lot more.
According to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, the Hawks initially wanted to get either Jaylon Tyson or Craig Porter Jr. in the deal:
“This wasn’t discussed at the press conference, but I heard Atlanta pushed hard for Jaylon Tyson and/or Craig Porter Jr. to be part of the deal. The Cavs insisted they keep their young players, knowing they also need to build a roster for the future. Tyson and Porter also have shown they can help the team right now,” Pluto said.
The Cavaliers made sure not to disrupt their core too much.
LeVert has always been a Kenny Atkinson favorite, dating back to their days together with the Brooklyn Nets.
As for Niang, he has been up and down this season, and while he was a respected presence in the locker room, Hunter gives them just what they need right now.
He’s a great defender and a long wing who can play and guard both forward spots.
He can also be a presence on the glass and knock down shots from all three levels.
Of course, injuries will always be a concern with the former No. 4 pick, but the upside and the fit were just too obvious to ignore.
Furthermore, this also demonstrates that the front office believes this team can compete both now and in the long term, which should provide a confidence boost as the second half of the season approaches.
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