Grading The Trade: The Cavaliers-Hawks’ Trade That Involved De’Andre Hunter and Caris LeVert
February 6th, 2025
By Alan Lu
Recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to land De’Andre Hunter in a deal with Atlanta Hawks, in which they sent away Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second round picks, and two first round pick swaps. This trade may have long lasting ramifications, as this could directly impact the 2025 NBA Playoffs, especially since the Cavaliers could be getting an upper-tier 3 and D role player that can guard the top players around the league. Here, I will examine this trade and see which teams made out the best.
Former NCAA champion and Atlanta Hawks forward, De’Andre Hunter will suit up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a bid to try to get the Cavs an NBA championship in 2025.
(Photo: Brett Davis/Imagn Images, via Sports Illustrated)
The Cleveland Cavaliers received:
De’Andre Hunter is a solid 3 and D role player that is now adding consistent scoring to his repertoire, and he is a solid defender that will help their perimeter defense, and his defense could be amplified because he will have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen manning the paint, so he could be even more aggressive defensively. Hunter is a smart, skilled forward that plays well within the team system, and he will surely excel in his role for the Cavaliers.
The only question is, if the Cavs gave up too much to get him, as LeVert is a similarly talented player, and they also gave up three second round picks and two first round pick swaps, but Hunter will fit right in with the Cavaliers.
Trade Grade for the Cleveland Cavaliers: B+
Caris LeVert and his teammate Georges Niang will suit up for the Atlanta Hawks this season.
(Photo: Julio Cortez/Associated Press, via MLive.com)
The Atlanta Hawks received:
Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, 3 second round picks, 2 first round pick swaps
Caris LeVert is a talented, athletic swingman that can provide strong offense, and talent-wise, he seems to be nearly as talented as Hunter. His shooting has fluctuated over the years, and he’s not the defender that Hunter is, so that may explain why the Cavs traded him away, but LeVert’s offensive skills could come in handy for the Hawks. Niang has been a solid floor spacer that can move the ball off the bench, and the Hawks also add multiple second round picks and a couple of first round pick swaps (that are expected to be late first round picks because the Cavaliers will likely be good for years to come) that can help them in the future.
Trade Grade for the Atlanta Hawks: B
Here are the trade grades for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B+
Atlanta Hawks: B
Overall, I think both teams helped themselves, as this trade looks to be a win-win. The Cavaliers get a player that will help them position themselves to be even stronger contenders for the title amidst very tough competition, and the Atlanta Hawks deepen their roster and draft capital. I think both team did a good job in this trade.