Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Before the NBA trade deadline passed on Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers checked some major boxes. NBA insider Jake Fischer indicated that there was a pathway for the Cavs to acquire Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter and get under the luxury tax, and Cleveland went out and did just that, according to reports.
Sadly, at least one player on the Hawks is upset to see Hunter go. Big man Onyeka Okongwu took to X just minutes after news broke of the deal and expressed his disappointment.
Okongwu had been teammates with Hunter ever since being drafted by the Hawks with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Okongwu, a former University of Southern California star, is working on a memorable season, as he’s averaging career-highs in points (12.1) and rebounds (7.9) per game across 44 appearances so far.
The Cavaliers agreed to trade two players who were consistent contributors for them this season — forwards Caris LeVert and Georges Niang — in the deal for Hunter. Furthermore, Cleveland agreed to give up three future second-round picks and a pair of future pick swaps.
Cleveland arguably depleted its depth a bit by trading two productive players for one, but Hunter projects to fit right in with the Cavaliers.
Hunter has seemingly come into his own from an offensive standpoint after treading water on that end of the floor for several seasons. He’s averaging the most points per game of his career by a wide margin this season at 19.0 and has improved his efficiency in the process.
The bench role he played for a mediocre Hawks team this season also suggests that he will buy into his role with the Cavaliers regardless of whether he is called on to start or come off the bench. Fortunately for the Cavaliers, Hunter has extensive experience playing both roles in the league.
When Hunter will take the floor with the Cavaliers for the first time remains a mystery right now, but Cleveland has a road game against the Washington Wizards coming up on their schedule on Friday night.
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