Hawks-Cavs Trade Grades: Cleveland Acquires De’Andre Hunter

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks (2027, 2029, 2031) and two second-round pick swaps. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report.

Firmly in the inner circle of contenders, the 41-10 Cavs have leveled up by adding a much needed big wing to a roster with plenty of smaller guards.

The Hawks may be pivoting away from competing for a playoff spot after losing star Jalen Johnson to season-ending shoulder injury. The team has lost nine of its last 10 games and now sits ninth in the East with a 23-28 record.

The Atlanta Hawks are trading forward De’Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks and two swaps, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5fpE4LJzpK

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

Cavs Take Needed Swing With Move For Hunter

With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell as the starting backcourt, size is imperative at the small forward position. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen combine to provide length, athleticism and bulk as the two bigs, but there has been a soft spot around them.

Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro have split the starting small forward job this season. Max Strus has played more of a supporting role after missing much of the season so far with injury. Now, Hunter instantly enters the starting lineup with a 6-foot-8 frame, solid athleticism, strong complementary scoring skills and some defense.

He’s not a defensive stopper who can be expected to cause major problems for the likes of Jayson Tatum, Pascal Siakam or Paolo Banchero. He still represents an upgrade over what the Cavs had going prior.

Caris LeVert was a solid contributor this season while Georges Niang’s role was steadily diminishing. Both have seen their value to the Cavs decline with the return of Strus and emergence of Ty Jerome.

Hawks Receive Middling Return

LeVert is a strong role player for any team and will help alleviate some of the ball-handling and scoring demands of Trae Young. Niang may have more value with Bogdan Bogdanovic heading to the Los Angeles Clippers.

More than anything, this opens up minutes for the top pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher. He has teased his potential at different times already, but this now looks like the longest runway he’ll have as far as minutes are concerned. The opportunity for the remainder of the season is his to grab.

Grading The Deal

Cleveland Cavaliers: A

This type of deal is not about hitting a home run. It’s about adequately addressing a positional need. The Cavs have done that and didn’t have to give up a single first-round pick to get Hunter.

Atlanta Hawks: B

As well as Hunter has played, perhaps there was a feeling he was surplus with Risacher on board. LeVert adds to the guard depth, Niang is a decent option off the bench for some offense and the value of the picks is merely adequate with them all being second-rounders. Those picks may have more long-term value in terms of salary cap management down the line, though.