The Milwaukee Bucks need help at the wing. Kyle Kuzma is their only real wing defender and, as important as he is on that end of the floor, he has his limitations on offense. That need has the Bucks among the suitors for Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr., a long, smooth-shooting scorer, along with other names in the trade market.
Porter is the best player available, though, not just at his position but overall. That means his cost will be high, and the Nets have indicated that they may prefer to keep him, anyway. One lesser option the Bucks could explore, though not linked to the team explicitly, is Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter.
Adding Hunter isn’t the home-run swing fans want, but it would offer clear offensive upside and a more coherent roster
Both Hunter and the Cavaliers are reportedly looking to get him out of Cleveland. $22 million over the second apron, the team needs to clear cap space, either now or later if they’re going to have any flexibility this offseason. Hunter could simply be looking for a fresh start amid a down year and suppressed role since joining the Cavs last deadline.
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket between Cleveland Cavaliers guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
In and out of the starting lineup, Hunter is averaging 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 42.8/30.7/87.5 splits. Featuring a career-low clip from distance, those numbers are actually less appealing than Kuzma’s: 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 51.1/42.3/74.5 splits.
By contrast, Hunter is a career 36.6% 3-point shooter and shot 38.5% or better each of the past two years. Prior to the Hawks flipping him last February, he was averaging a career-best 19 points before dipping to 14.3 PPG Cleveland on lower shot volume. As a Hawk, Hunter averaged at least 15 per game starting in 2022-23 and has 269 career starts in 364 games. The Bucks could either bring him off the bench or plug him into the starting five as a legitimate small forward.
If Cleveland is willing to sell low, trading for Hunter could be on the table. At 23-19, the Cavaliers occupy the 7-seed in the East and, depending on how the next few weeks go, could be more interested in optimizing their future cap flexibility, while still competing for a playoff spot, than going all-in on a title run.
From the standpoint of pure ability, Hunter is clearly a better offensive asset than Kuzma, despite his underperformance this season. On the other end, Hunter created a reputation as a strong defender early in his career that hasn’t really lived up to since. Listed between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8, though, he is more of a traditionally sized small forward that could cut out some of the clunkiness of using Kuzma, more of a three-four hybrid, in double-big lineups.
Dec 14, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives to the basket defended by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
What would the trade look like?
With the Bucks’ lack of assets, almost certainly the move would have to come within a larger deal. If Milwaukee could flip Cole Anthony to a point-guard needy team for a pair of second-rounders, they could package those to Cleveland with salaries from a third team, who would take on Kuzma. Hunter’s and Kuzma’s salaries match nearly perfectly, each earning in the $20 million range this season with one more year remaining, making it an easy swap from the Bucks’ perspective.
If the Bucks can’t manufacture any extra assets, they could get frisky with a lottery-protected 2031 first-round pick, but that would require more in return than just Hunter in a down year. Are the Cavaliers so desperate they would simply take cheap rotation players, preferably on expiring contracts, to move off Hunter’s money? Probably not, but if so the Bucks could do enough by offering Kuzma and perhaps another small piece (Anthony? Andre Jackson Jr.?) to funnel off to either team.
Dec 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) puts up a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not the type of move that’s likely to happen or one that would shake the Bucks’ world, but it would improve their prospects at the wing and finally give them a legitimate small forward. If that’s the best they can do but can avoid first-round picks doing it, it’s something to consider.
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