This is a prediction.
The Cleveland Cavaliers hold a 15-11 record this season, a solid number for many teams, but far from what the Cavs had hoped at this point in the season.
Injuries have piled up at the worst time and kept the roster in constant flux. Jarrett Allen remains out with a finger injury, Darius Garland’s toe issue has led to a slow start, and both Max Strus and Sam Merrill have missed stretches.
Because of that, Cleveland rarely fields a consistent lineup, and the offense never quite settles into a steady groove.
Those problems spill over on defense. They struggle to get back in transition, and opponents take advantage of slow rotations and shaky spacing, especially teams that hunt threes.
The offense shows similar cracks. Donovan Mitchell often has to carry the shot creation load, with limited support around him.
For a team with one of the league’s most expensive rosters, sitting ninth in scoring falls well short of expectations. If the Cavaliers want to make a real push this season and beyond, they likely need to rethink parts of this approach.
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De’Andre Hunter to the 76ers: Potential Trade Idea
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, VJ Edgecombe
Philadelphia 76ers receive: De’Andre Hunter, 2031 first-round pick
The idea behind this deal is simple. Cleveland changes its roster to improve depth and flexibility, while Philadelphia adds a reliable two-way wing.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Brings Energy and Perimeter Defense to Cleveland
When healthy, Kelly Oubre Jr. has given Philadelphia steady production this season. Over 12 games, he’s putting up 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per night, pairing that output with strong perimeter defense while shooting close to 50 percent from the floor.
Oubre doesn’t run an offense, and his efficiency can swing night to night, but his athleticism and ability to disrupt on defense matter.
For Cleveland, he would bring instant scoring off the bench and ease the burden on Donovan Mitchell when the starters sit.
Andre Drummond Addresses the Rebounding Gap
Cleveland has struggled on the glass, ranking 19th in overall rebound percentage, and Andre Drummond fixes that problem in a straightforward way.
Even in limited minutes this season, he’s grabbing 9.3 rebounds per game and continues to rank among the league’s best rebounders on a per-minute basis.
Backing up Jarrett Allen, Drummond would add physicality, rim protection, and extra possessions. His offensive shortcomings and free-throw issues are no secret, but the Cavaliers wouldn’t ask him to be more than a paint enforcer who controls the glass.
VJ Edgecombe Brings Long-Term Upside
VJ Edgecombe stands out as the most compelling asset for Cleveland in this package. The rookie guard-wing offers elite athleticism and nonstop energy.
After a strong freshman year at Baylor, he entered the league known as a disruptive defender who thrives in transition and hits open threes.
He still has work to do as a shot creator, but his speed, bounce, and natural feel give him real upside. On a rookie-scale contract, Edgecombe aligns cleanly with Cleveland’s expensive core and provides long-term value.
What Philadelphia Gets in De’Andre Hunter
Philadelphia would view De’Andre Hunter as a steady, low-risk pickup. He brings exactly what they value in a wing: reliable shooting, competent defense, and predictable production.
Hunter scores around 15 points a night, knocks down threes at a strong clip, and continues that trend this season with 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while holding his own defensively on the perimeter.
He does his best work without the ball, stretching the floor and punishing closeouts. His size and wingspan allow him to defend multiple spots, which fits cleanly alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.