The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move in the Eastern Conference by acquiring forward De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. In a trade finalized on Tuesday, the Cavaliers received Hunter in exchange for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round draft picks, and two pick swaps. This strategic acquisition is seen as an effort by the Cavaliers to strengthen their roster by adding more size on the wing as they maintain their position at the top of the conference standings.
De'Andre Hunter has been enjoying a standout season in his sixth year in the NBA. With career highs in scoring and 3-point shooting, Hunter is averaging 6.7 attempts per game from beyond the arc with an impressive 39.3% success rate. He has also increased his role within Atlanta's offense, elevating his free throw attempts to nearly five per game this season from three per game in previous years. Hunter's consistent performance has been pivotal for the Hawks, who signed him to a four-year, $90 million extension in 2023. The contract ties him to his new team until the summer of 2027.
The Cavaliers' decision to trade Caris LeVert comes as he was in the final year of his contract. Although LeVert was having a commendable season in Cleveland, his 6-foot-6 frame was seen as a limitation for the small forward position. By acquiring Hunter, who was a top-five pick in the 2019 draft, Cleveland aims to bolster their lineup with more size and shooting prowess on the wing.
Hunter's transition from Atlanta to Cleveland highlights his growing prominence in the league. His ability to take a higher percentage of shots from long range and adapt to additional scoring responsibilities marks him as an asset for any NBA team. The Hawks, in turn, gain valuable draft capital and depth with the additions of LeVert and Niang.
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