In a stunning development that could reshape the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers are actively entertaining trade offers for versatile forward De’Andre Hunter, who has been identified as the Lakers’ top priority ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline. This news comes as a major boost for the Lakers, who are desperate to bolster their perimeter defense and three-point shooting amid a challenging season.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Cavaliers have intensified discussions with multiple teams regarding Hunter, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
“Sources say that the Cavaliers, meanwhile, are engaged in various conversations on De’Andre Hunter, but many teams view his $20-plus million salary for next season as negative value when also factoring in his injury history,” Fischer reported. Despite these concerns, the Cavs appear determined to move the 28-year-old wing, signaling a potential opportunity for interested suitors like the Lakers.
Hunter, acquired by Cleveland just before last year’s trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks, has struggled to find consistency under head coach Kenny Atkinson. After a promising start—averaging 18.3 points in October and 17.1 in November—his production has plummeted in recent months. This season, he’s shooting a career-low 31% from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts per game, a far cry from his reputation as a reliable 3-and-D specialist. Adding fuel to the trade rumors, reports indicate that Hunter has requested a move away from Cleveland, and the Cavaliers are inclined to accommodate him before the deadline.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel further amplified the buzz on his Clutch Scoops podcast, naming Hunter as the Lakers’ No. 1 trade target.
“The Cavs want value back that they sent out to get Hunter from the Hawks,” Siegel explained. “It doesn’t seem like they’re going to get that, and since then, we’ve heard directly from sources that the Cavaliers are actively discussing trades involving Hunter, and he’s likely to be on the move in the coming week. One of the teams we keep hearing in connection to De’Andre Hunter, and it makes a lot of sense given their need for a three-and-D wing ever since the offseason, is the Los Angeles Lakers.”
For the Lakers, this represents a golden opportunity to acquire Hunter at a potentially discounted price due to his diminished trade value. With a salary of $24.9 million next season, Hunter’s contract expires in 2027, aligning perfectly with Los Angeles’ long-term plans to chase marquee free agents that summer. Despite his recent struggles, Hunter’s skill set—elite perimeter defense combined with the potential for high-volume three-point shooting—could address the Lakers’ glaring weaknesses. The team has been plagued by inconsistent outside shooting and defensive lapses, making a player of Hunter’s caliber a low-risk, high-reward addition.
The timing couldn’t be more ironic. Just days ago, on Wednesday, Hunter showcased his upside by dropping 19 points off the bench against the Lakers in a dominant 129-99 victory for the Cavaliers, extending their winning streak to five games. The matchup, which featured LeBron James returning to his hometown team, may have been a preview of Hunter’s potential fit in purple and gold.
While Hunter tops the Lakers’ wish list, general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office are casting a wide net. Other reported targets include Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton, and defensive standouts like Naji Marshall, Donte DiVincenzo, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III. These pursuits underscore the Lakers’ urgency to fortify their roster around stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, aiming to salvage their playoff hopes in a competitive Western Conference.
As the February 5 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland and Los Angeles. If the Lakers can capitalize on the Cavaliers’ willingness to deal, this bombshell could ignite a turnaround for a franchise hungry for championship contention. Stay tuned—NBA trade season is heating up, and the Lakers might just land their missing piece.