Cavaliers Explore Trades for NBA Stars, Including Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Cleveland Cavaliers are actively engaged in trade discussions as the NBA deadline approaches on February 5th, reportedly exploring deals for both Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dallas Mavericks All-Star Anthony Davis, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN. The team is also reportedly in talks to send Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden.
The Cavaliers, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30 wins and 21 losses as of , have a league-leading payroll of $224 million and are significantly over the second luxury tax apron. This complicates potential trades, requiring them to shed at least $14 million in salary to acquire a player like Antetokounmpo, whose salary is $54.1 million this season.
To facilitate a move for Antetokounmpo, Cleveland is reportedly considering trading players like Jarrett Allen, who earns $20 million annually, and Max Strus. The team may also need to include Lonzo Ball, along with additional salary considerations, to create the necessary cap space.
While the Cavaliers’ current draft capital is limited to a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, along with three second-round picks and pick swaps, they may be able to offer Evan Mobley to the Bucks as a key component of a trade package. Mobley, who was named Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA selection last season at age 23, is seen as a valuable asset that could sway negotiations.
ESPN has outlined a potential trade scenario where the Cavaliers would send Garland, Schroder, and Porter to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo. Another proposed deal involves Mitchell, Merrill, Ellis, Tyson, Wade, and Giannis, with Allen remaining with the Cavaliers.
The Bucks are reportedly listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, despite the forward being expected to miss four to six weeks with a right calf injury. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season, while earning $54.1 million. He does not have a no-trade clause, meaning the Bucks can trade him without his explicit consent.
The Cavaliers’ interest in Antetokounmpo comes amid a disappointing start to the season, following a 64-win campaign. The team’s “Core 4” of Garland, Allen, Mitchell, and Mobley, assembled in 2022, appears to be facing an uncertain future. Cleveland has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2018.
The NBA trade deadline is set for at 3 p.m. ET.
