As the trade deadline nears (Feb. 5), the Cleveland Cavaliers have been labeled as a team to monitors. Rumors have swirled around point guards Darius Garland and Lonzo Ball. Additionally, De'Andre Hunter has also been linked to an exit from the team.
That said, ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Hunter pushed back on the rumors and indicated his desire to stay with the Cavaliers beyond February. “I haven’t said a word about nothing to nobody,” Hunter told Cleveland.com following the Cavaliers’ shootaround. “Not about wanting to be traded. Not about anything. When I saw the article, I was just as surprised as you probably were.”
Hunter went on to say: “Why would I want to be traded? I’m happy here for real. I have no reason not to be happy here. My time here has been great."
Following Hunter's expressed desire to play in Cleveland, he posted 17 points in Wednesday's game, his highest scoring total in over the last 10 games, dating back prior to Christmas.
The story continued Thursday, as Cleveland was said to have turned down a "solid offer" for Hunter via Cavaliers insider Chris Fedor.
With all of these factors in mind, it seems as though Hunter will remain as a member of the Cavaliers beyond the trade deadline.
Following the 2025-26 season, Hunter will have one more year on his deal before reaching free agency in the 2027 offseason.
Hunter and the Cavaliers will return to action Friday, playing against the 76ers in Philadelphia for the second straight game.
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