Through their first 41 games in 2025-26, the Cavaliers are 22-19. That is exactly halfway through the season. Cleveland is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference.
It’s been a disappointing year for the Cavs, following their 60+ wins in the 2024-25 season. The team has been struggling to win games consistently since the start of December. That has led to trade rumors surrounding the team. One player reportedly on the chopping block is De’Andre Hunter. However, NBA insider Sam Amico said that Cleveland is rejecting trade offers for the 28-year-old.
The Cavs do not want to split up the roster they’ve built until the team is at full strength
The Cavaliers have been rejecting trade offers for De’Andre Hunter and want to give the roster more time, per @ChrisFedor
(h/t @AmicoHoops ) pic.twitter.com/AmPvYEWotq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2026
Ahead of the deadline in 2024-25, the Cavs traded with the Hawks for SF De’Andre Hunter. In return, Atlanta received Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, three second-round picks, and two future first-round picks swaps. In two seasons with Cleveland, Hunter has appeared in 63 games and made 28 starts. Hunter began the 2025-26 season as a full-time starter for the Cavs. Unfortunately, he’s been struggling since mid-December.
That led to head coach Kenny Atkinson making a change to the starting lineup. De’Andre Hunter has come off the bench in every game he’s played sicne December 17. He’s scored 15+ points just twice since being demoted to a bench role. With his recent struggles, De’Andre Hunter has been the subject of trade rumors around the NBA.
REPORT: The Cavs are puzzled by De'Andre Hunter’s struggles this season and believe he’s better than he’s shown, per @ChrisFedor pic.twitter.com/sKJdg6RNyD
— Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) January 12, 2026
Despite hearing his name in trade rumors, De’Andre Hunter could be safe for now. NBA insider Sam Amico reported that teams are rejecting trade offers for Hunter. Cleveland understands the SF has been struggling in 2025-26. They believe he can break out of the slump and start playing to his real potential. Additionally, the Cavs’ roster is not at full strength. The front office wants to see the entire roster healthy at the same time before they make a major decision.
In early January, it was announced that Max Strus will miss four more weeks due to a foot injury. The 29-year-old has yet to make his season debut for Cleveland. Strus has been a quality role player for Cleveland in his last two seasons. If the Cavs are struggling ahead of the deadline, will the team change its stance on De’Andre Hunter?
It’s worth noting that they are operating in the second apron. Limiting their options on the trade market. February 5 is the 2025-26 trade deadline. Will De’Andre Hunter be on Cleveland’s roster after that date?
