This post was originally published on this site.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to start the 2025-26 NBA season after a memorable campaign last season. The team has already lost more games this season than the entirety of last year, posting a 25-20 record to this point of the season.
Considering the team’s struggles, Cleveland is expected to move several players ahead of the trade deadline, including star forward De’Andre Hunter. The Cavaliers brought in Hunter ahead of last year’s deadline in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Fast forward to this season, the forward could be on the move once again.
A number of potential suitors have expressed interest in Hunter, though no progress has been made toward a deal to this point of the season. Monitoring teams around the league, the Brooklyn Nets could be a potential landing spot, given their young assets and cap flexibility. Here’s a mock trade to send Hunter to Brooklyn:
Cleveland Cavaliers-Brooklyn Nets Mock Trade & Fantasy Basketball Impact
Cleveland Cavaliers receive Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams, 2026 second-round pick (ATL)
Brooklyn Nets receive DeAndre Hunter
In the proposed deal, the Cavaliers mortgage their top bench piece for a trio of quality depth pieces, headlined by sharpshooter Cam Thomas. The team also manages to move out from under Hunter’s $23.3 million deal, which could help them move off the 2nd apron. Hunter would form a quality wing pairing with Michael Porter Jr., who is in the midst of a career year.
In fantasy basketball, Hunter’s stock could take a noticeable leap with a consistent starting role in Brooklyn. Hunter has remained confined to the Cavaliers’ reserve unit and has struggled to find consistency in his bench role. With greater efficiency and improved scoring production, Hunter will emerge as a quality fantasy contributor.
On the other hand, Thomas’ fantasy outlook could also take a notable jump, filling a massive need for a Cavaliers team in dire need of help on the perimeter. Sharpe would also sustain a consistent role and give the team a much-needed third big man behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Why The Cavaliers Make The Deal
Cleveland has vastly underperformed to start the season, due in large part to the team’s struggles from behind the arc. Last season, the Cavaliers ranked second in the NBA in 3-point percentage, compared to their 17th ranking to this point of the 2025-26 campaign. Thomas, one of the top 3-point shooters in the league, could help the team overcome their struggles with a spark off the bench. Sharpe helps the team address their defensive and rebounding concerns, making the trade a win for Cleveland.
Why The Nets Make The Deal
Brooklyn isn’t expected to retain Thomas after this season. Though the star bench asset has provided quality individual performances throughout his time with the Nets, he’s struggled to remain healthy over his first five professional seasons and could command a notable haul among contenders in the trade market. Thomas, who is in the final year of his deal, could find a new home in Cleveland while commanding a solid return for the Nets to build on. Hunter gives the team a piece to build around on the wing with an extra year remaining on his deal. The team could also flip him in the trade market during the offseason.