
Cavaliers Face Payroll Hurdles as Giannis Rumors Persist
Cleveland is exploring upgrades ahead of the trade deadline, with Giannis Antetokounmpo on rival executives’ radars but unlikely due to the Cavaliers' second-apron payroll. Evan Mobley is floated as a potential centerpiece in any Giannis deal, while De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball appear likely to move. The Cavs have discussed a Hunter-for-Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht framework with the Lakers (with counteroffers), and are eyeing other targets such as Keon Ellis and Naji Marshall—though a Giannis blockbuster is viewed as more plausible in the offseason than now.













