Trade Details: The Cavs gave up Caris Levert, Georges Niang, and 3 2nd round picks for 27 year old De’Andre Hunter.
A Need Being Met
The Cavaliers have not had a true small forward on the roster since 2018 with Lebron James. This has been a glaring need for the Cavaliers in the past three seasons after trying their options with Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, and Cedi Osman, however, health and inconsistent three point shooting has prevented this need from being met. Now the Cavs have extra size with Hunter who is 6’8 with a 7’2 wingspan, who has been shooting a career high 39% from three this season.
Already Making an impact
We witnessed this in full effect in last night’s game vs the Minnesota Timberwolves when the Timberwolves did not score a point in the first 7 minutes of the game. This can be attributed to great team defense and Hunter doing his best work on Anthony Edwards who started the game shooting 1/10. Hunter’s length and switchability allowed for the Cavs defense to become even stronger.
Long Term Effects
The Cavaliers made this move with the playoffs in mind, knowing they will play teams like the Knicks, Celtics and Bucks, they got a guy who can defend some of those guys better than anyone else on the current roster. We have seen that Tatum and Brown struggle against stronger lengthy wings like Andrew Wiggins, so the Cavs went out and acquired someone with a similar archetype. Hunter will also be helpful against players like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kyle Kuzma.
Conclusion
The Cavs made a big move for their team that will help them on both ends of the floor in the playoffs vs their biggest competitors. Hunter will help the best 3-point shooting team even more with his catch-and-shoot ability and his mid-range assassin mentality while still maintaining the ability to guard big wings and guards on the defensive end.
