Career Milestones and Statistics

De’Andre Hunter’s NBA journey has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with significant injury setbacks. Below is an overview of his career progression:

Rookie Season (2019-20):
Hunter made his debut by averaging 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.

Emerging Breakout:
By his third season, he consistently exceeded 15 points per game while showcasing his effective three-point shooting—boasting a career average of 37%—and versatile defensive skills.

2024-25 Standout Season:
Despite primarily coming off the bench, Hunter excelled as Atlanta’s sixth man. He averaged 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while posting impressive shooting splits of 46.1% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. His performance not only boosted his scoring efficiency but also highlighted his defensive contributions, earning him consideration as a fringe candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Injury Challenges:
Throughout his career, Hunter’s development has been hampered by injuries. A torn meniscus during the 2020-21 season, wrist surgery in 2021, and recurring knee inflammation sidelined him for more than 25 games across three seasons, raising concerns about his long-term durability.

The Blockbuster Trade: Cavaliers Acquire a Versatile Wing

In a dramatic deadline-day move, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange, Atlanta received Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round draft picks (for 2027, 2029, and 2031), and two pick swaps.

Cleveland’s Motivation:

• Championship Aspirations:
  The Cavaliers, boasting a 40-10 record and leading the Eastern Conference, sought to add wing depth to compete with powerhouses like Boston and Oklahoma City. Hunter’s 6’8” height, 7’2” wingspan, and reliable three-point shooting (39.3% this season) fill a critical need at the small forward position—a gap left since LeBron James’ departure in 2018.
• Contract Alignment:
  Hunter’s four-year, $95 million contract (extending through the 2026-27 season) fits well with Cleveland’s established core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. Additionally, trading away LeVert’s expiring contract helps the team manage its luxury tax obligations.

Atlanta’s Perspective:
For the Hawks, the trade was a strategic move to enhance financial flexibility and secure additional draft capital. The package—including expiring contracts from LeVert and Niang (with Niang’s deal extending through 2025-26) plus valuable draft picks—offers short-term rotational support and future rebuilding assets. However, critics argue that the return undervalues Hunter’s career-best season, rating the deal only a C for Atlanta.

Hunter’s Role in Cleveland

In Cleveland, Hunter is expected to either earn a starting role or make a significant impact off the bench as a high-energy sixth man. His ability to space the floor and play strong defense complements the talents of stars like Mitchell and Mobley. Although his time with Atlanta saw a dip in team defense when he was on the court, pairing him with Cleveland’s elite rim protectors, such as Jarrett Allen and Mobley, could unlock his full defensive potential. Additionally, Hunter carries a $250K bonus incentive for reaching the NBA Finals—a realistic target given the Cavaliers’ strong roster.

Final Thoughts

The trade of De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland marks a pivotal turning point for both the player and the franchise. For Hunter, it represents an opportunity to redefine his career on a championship-contending team. For the Cavaliers, it is a calculated risk, banking on his scoring ability, physical attributes, and defensive skills to help drive them closer to their first title since 2016. Despite ongoing concerns regarding his injury history, his resurgence in the 2024-25 season suggests he is ready to embrace a larger role in the spotlight.