Cavaliers trade deadline rumors, news after James Harden trade

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Cavaliers trade deadline rumors, news after James Harden trade

Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Thu, Feb 5, 2026 ·

2 min read

Cavaliers trade De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento Kings for Keon Ellis , Dennis Schroder

The Cavs' activity at this deadline began with a deal to send forward De'Andre Hunter to the Kings in exchange for guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder.

That deal accomplished multiple goals at the same time and set up the Cavs for everything that followed. First, it added two guards who provide quality rotational depth. Second, it freed up roughly $50 million between salary cap relief and luxury tax savings while getting the Cavs much closer to dipping below the NBA's second apron.

It all added flexibility moving forward.

Cavaliers trade Darius Garland to Clippers for James Harden

Then came the blockbuster.

The Cavs swapped Darius Garland (along with a 2026 second round pick) for James Harden in a move that broke up the core four and potentially signaled a more aggressive timeline that Garland no longer fit into as he deals with lingering toe issues. This deal was possible with Garland owning a slightly higher salary than Harden, so the apron restrictions didn't come into play.

Cavs trade Lonzo Ball , two draft picks to Utah Jazz

In a move geared toward salary cap and roster flexibility, the Cavs were then able to offload Lonzo Ball's contract to the Utah Jazz , who also received two second-round picks to facilitate the deal.

The Jazz are expected to waive Ball, as they were essentially just offering salary cap relief in exchange for draft picks. That trade brought the Cavs much closer to being under the second apron.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 17, 2025, in Cleveland.

Could Cavs trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo , LeBron James ?

The Cavs still have plenty of options when it comes to the trade deadline. Among the larger potential moves is a trade for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo , a deal that would require Evan Mobley and a few additional pieces and picks, along with some maneuvering beforehand to make it all possible.

Another situation to monitor is that of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers , though the likelihood of a James-Cleveland reunion is higher this offseason.

Ryan Lewis covers the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.