LeBron James and JJ Redick
Getty
LeBron James and JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been rumored to have interest in multiple players ahead of the trade deadline, but one name apparently stands out most. Shooting, size and defensive versatility are some traits the Lakers currently lack. Most of the targets are players that can improve this flaw, and the dream option is available to get for the right price.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter is the team’s number one option to trade for:
“The Cavs want value back that they sent out to get Hunter from the Hawks. 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.”
The Lakers may have a chance to take advantage of a limited market for Hunter. Cleveland is not going to get their ideal trade package, but they appear motivated to move him ahead of the deadline.
What Can Lakers Trade For Hunter?
The Lakers have one lingering issue of lackluster assets to trade when involved in any trade rumors. Role players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht are the names that will be involved in most realistic trade packages.
Cleveland could be tempted to replace Hunter with Hachimura and Vincent to add more depth. Reserve point guard Lonzo Ball has not fit into the Cavaliers system to make Vincent an interesting name for them. Past playoff success with the Miami Heat could see Cleveland trusting that for a new reserve guard.
Depth has been on the Cavaliers issues due to the injury bug hitting them quite often this season. A two for one trade provides some help there, but the Lakers will still have to include a future draft pick. Management must believe that Hunter is a piece to keep for years in the Luka Doncic era before making this trade.
Why Cleveland May Accept Lakers Offer
Cleveland accepting a trade for lackluster assets may not make sense on paper, but they have some incentive to trade Hunter. Five players currently make over $20 million for the Cavaliers and change will have to come sooner or later for cap purposes, especially since they’ve underachieved so far this season.
Hunter has also expressed frustration with his role in the offense and welcomes the idea of a trade for better opportunities. Cleveland keeping an unhappy player makes little sense and trading him now can boost the depth for the rest of season.
Most importantly, it sets them up to make more moves next summer if the roster fails to contend for an NBA Championship in the postseason. The Lakers showing strong interest in Hunter means they are serious about him. Hunter is a rare difference maker that the team can afford at the trade deadline.