Kings and Lakers Enter Discussions on Cavs’ De’Andre Hunter

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 31, 2026 11:35 PM ET

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are ramping up discussions to acquire talent. This year’s trade landscape is notably influenced by ongoing discussions about star players, leading to quieter trade markets for certain talents. However, teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers remain active in negotiations, particularly concerning De’Andre Hunter.

Kings and Lakers Enter Discussions on Cavs’ De’Andre Hunter

As the trade deadline of February 5 draws near, the Cleveland Cavaliers are focusing on potential deals involving Hunter. After acquiring him from the Atlanta Hawks nearly a year ago, the Cavaliers reportedly want to trade Hunter primarily for financial relief, given his contract obligations of $24.9 million extending into the 2026-27 season.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Trade Strategy

The Cavaliers are exploring trades to manage their finances while remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference.
They have identified veterans capable of filling Hunter’s role without adding long-term salary.

Current discussions involve the Lakers, particularly focused on forward Rui Hachimura and young talent Dalton Knecht. Cleveland is interested in players who can immediately contribute while also shedding salary ahead of the deadline.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Interest in Hunter

The Lakers have shown significant interest in acquiring De’Andre Hunter. However, discussions have encountered challenges. Los Angeles is cautious about the financial implications of trading for Hunter, especially concerning his contract’s final year.

The Lakers prefer to exchange players like Hachimura and Knecht without giving up any additional assets or draft picks.
The organization is also considering trading for Kings’ swingman Keon Ellis, exhibiting a clear need for a 3-and-D player to complement their current roster.

Sacramento Kings’ Involvement

The Kings are also engaged in trade talks involving Hunter and Keon Ellis. Sacramento has been receptive to offers for Ellis, discussing potential trades that would see him move to Cleveland along with veteran players.

Potential trade candidates from Sacramento’s side include Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder.
As part of these discussions, the Kings are considering the necessity of involving a third team to facilitate the deals.

Both the Lakers and Kings are vying to optimize their rosters before the looming trade deadline. They face a tight market and must navigate salary expectations as they explore potential trades involving notable players like De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis.

Looking Ahead

As teams finalize their trade strategies, the upcoming days will be critical for the Cavaliers, Kings, and Lakers. All three franchises must make decisions that balance talent acquisition with maintaining financial flexibility. If the Kings, Lakers, and Cavaliers can finalize their respective negotiations, they may strengthen their positions not only for the remainder of this season but for years to come.