The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner. It is set for Feb. 5, and most teams across the league are scrambling to make last-minute roster moves. However, amid all this chaos, some interesting news has emerged about the Los Angeles Lakers. It appears they might be backing away from a player they have had their eyes on for quite some time.
The Lakers Are Not Going After a Cleveland Cavaliers Player Anymore
According to a recent report by NBA insider Brett Siegel for ClutchPoints, the Lakers are no longer seriously pursuing a deal for De’Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Although the Lakers certainly hold interest in the type of player Hunter is on the wing, given the organization’s clear need for a 3-and-D perimeter player next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James this season, concerns do exist in Los Angeles regarding the final year of his contract.”
“Even though their interest in Hunter is by no means exaggerated, the idea of flipping Hachimura and Knecht for Hunter without receiving any additional assets or draft compensation for the final year of his contract is something that has resulted in the Lakers taking a step back in discussions with the Cavs,” Siegel wrote in his report.
Hunter joined the NBA in 2019, when the Lakers selected him with the fourth overall pick in that year’s draft. But he never played a single game for L.A. because the team immediately traded him to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night, and he made his league debut that October wearing a Hawks jersey.
Fast forward to February 2025, and Hunter found himself on the move again, this time landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade from Atlanta. Hunter signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Hawks in 2022, and he’s set to earn about $23.3 million in the 2025-26 season.
Hunter is averaging 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season. His shooting numbers show 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range.
His versatility could have helped Los Angeles on multiple levels. He is capable of guarding opposing forwards, which would have improved the team’s perimeter defense and helped cut down on turnovers and fast-break points. Luka Dončić, in particular, stood to benefit the most, as Hunter’s ability to defend multiple positions would have taken some defensive pressure off him.
Moreover, several behind-the-scenes complications are making a deal extremely difficult. The Lakers are currently operating just under the first apron, leaving them with very little financial breathing room. They have roughly $977,000 in flexibility, making matching contracts and adding extra salary incredibly tricky without triggering penalties.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s situation is even more restrictive. The Cavaliers are currently the only team sitting in the second apron, which heavily limits how they can move money in trades and what kinds of players they can take back.
While the trade deadline is approaching fast and surprises can always happen, this situation highlights just how complicated modern NBA trades have become.
