The Cleveland Cavaliers have held preliminary talks with the Los Angeles Lakers regarding a trade that would send forward De’Andre Hunter to Los Angeles in exchange for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. League sources said a third team could be involved to facilitate the deal.
Hunter, 28, is in the third year of a four-year, $90 million contract and is averaging 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds over 26.2 minutes per game this season. Cleveland sits fifth in the Eastern Conference at 29-21, making roster flexibility and depth a key consideration ahead of the playoff push.
The Lakers, currently fifth in the Western Conference at 29-18, could use Hunter to add wing scoring and defensive versatility alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James.
Hachimura, 27, is on an expiring three-year, $51 million deal and contributes 12.1 points per game while shooting 43.8% from three. Knecht, 24, is in the second year of a four-year, $18.5 million rookie contract and provides 4.8 points in 12.2 minutes per contest.
The trade framework reportedly considered a third team to balance salaries and roster spots, as Hunter’s $22.5 million salary is substantial compared to Hachimura and Knecht combined.
