De'Andre Hunter recently shared his candid thoughts about his brief tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, just days after being traded to the Sacramento Kings. The veteran forward's reflections paint a picture of a season filled with promise that ultimately fell short of expectations due to circumstances beyond his control.
During his first media availability with Sacramento on Tuesday, Hunter didn't mince words about his time in Cleveland. "It was great," he told reporters after his initial practice with the Kings. "I enjoyed my time. I think it was a little short, but I definitely enjoyed it. It's a business. You've just got to roll with the punches." This pragmatic perspective encapsulates the mindset of a seasoned professional who understands the transient nature of NBA careers.
The numbers tell a straightforward story of a solid contributor. In 70 games with the Cavaliers, Hunter averaged 14.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in just under 26 minutes per contest. His shooting splits—44.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range—demonstrated his capability as a reliable scorer and floor spacer. These figures suggest a player who could have been a valuable asset, yet the reality on the ground proved more complicated.
When Cleveland acquired the 28-year-old forward exactly one year ago, both sides envisioned a seamless fit. The Cavaliers' front office and coaching staff saw Hunter as the missing piece to their championship puzzle—a versatile wing who could defend multiple positions, create his own shot, and provide the veteran presence needed to complement their young core. His size, offensive repertoire, and physicality were expected to mesh perfectly with the team's established "Core Four" of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The early returns were promising. Hunter looked comfortable in the Cavaliers' system, knocking down perimeter shots with consistency, attacking closeouts with authority, and using his 6'8" frame to disrupt opponents defensively. His integration seemed to be progressing smoothly, and expectations were high heading into the postseason.
However, the first major setback struck during the playoffs. After a strong performance in the Miami Heat series, Hunter suffered a thumb injury during a hard foul from Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin. The damage was significant enough to affect his performance, even when he attempted to play through the pain. This injury marked the beginning of a frustrating pattern of physical setbacks that would plague his Cavaliers career.
The summer brought renewed optimism. Cleveland's coaching staff, led by Kenny Atkinson, made it clear that Hunter would be penciled in as the fifth starter alongside their core group. Atkinson personally invested time in building a relationship with Hunter during the offseason, studying his game and identifying ways to maximize his strengths. The forward rewarded this faith with an impressive training camp that had teammates and coaches buzzing about his potential impact.
But fate intervened once again. In the final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, Hunter injured his knee, immediately putting him behind the eight-ball. He missed Cleveland's first two regular-season games and, upon his return, struggled to regain the rhythm and conditioning he had built throughout camp. The timing couldn't have been worse—he was trying to establish himself in a new system while simultaneously working his way back into game shape.
Despite these challenges, Hunter started 21 of the next 23 games for the Cavaliers. The results were mixed. While he showed flashes of the player Cleveland thought they were getting, consistency eluded him. His decision-making seemed rushed, his turnovers increased, and the crisp shot-making from training camp disappeared. As December arrived with its grueling schedule, both player and coaching staff reached a mutual decision: a role change was necessary.
The move to the bench was framed as a temporary adjustment, a way for Hunter to find his groove against second-unit competition while the team maintained its starting lineup chemistry. Initially, the change showed promise. Hunter seemed more comfortable leading the reserve unit, and his production ticked upward. But the momentum was short-lived.
As the season progressed, Hunter's minutes began to dwindle. The Cavaliers' coaching staff experimented with different lineup combinations, often pairing Hunter with younger players he hadn't shared the floor with during his first season. This lack of familiarity manifested in on-court miscues and hesitancy. The emergence of Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin, two young forwards with overlapping skill sets, further complicated Hunter's path to consistent playing time.
The situation reached a point where both parties recognized a change of scenery might be best. The trade to Sacramento wasn't about Hunter's talent or work ethic—it was about fit, timing, and opportunity. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson later admitted the circumstances were unique and didn't reflect Hunter's true abilities as a player.
The human element of the trade resonated throughout the Cavaliers locker room. Jaylon Tyson, who had developed a close bond with Hunter during their time together, expressed genuine sadness at seeing his mentor depart. "I was hurt," Tyson admitted. "I was super close to Dre. He's like a brother to me now; almost a year it's been with him. He's a great player. Excited for him and his new journey, and hope everything goes well." This sentiment underscores the relationships that develop behind the scenes, beyond the box scores and transaction logs.
Veteran leaders on the team echoed similar feelings. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who had advocated for Hunter's acquisition, spoke glowingly about his now-former teammate. "That's my dawg. I love him," Mitchell said on Sunday. "We all wish him the best, and he was a hell of a player for us, hell of a player in general. Sometimes, things happen. This is the business. He's a pro's pro. He understands it. He works his butt off. I have no doubt he's gonna continue that."
Center Jarrett Allen added a pragmatic but personal perspective: "From our side, we work in the business. But when you make these personal connections, it's tough to see guys go." These testimonials from established stars validate Hunter's professionalism and character, reinforcing that the trade was a basketball decision, not a personal one.
For Hunter, the move to Sacramento represents a fresh start with a franchise known for its player development and offensive system. The Kings have carved out an identity as a team that maximizes wing players, and Hunter's skill set could flourish in their up-tempo attack. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide veteran leadership aligns with Sacramento's timeline and needs.
The NBA's transactional nature often overshadows the human stories within each trade. Hunter's Cavaliers tenure, while brief and ultimately unsuccessful from a team perspective, highlights the delicate balance between roster construction and individual circumstances. Injuries, role changes, and the emergence of younger talent created a perfect storm that made his departure inevitable.
Yet through it all, Hunter maintained his professionalism and perspective. His "roll with the punches" mentality exemplifies the mindset required to survive in a league where change is the only constant. As he begins his new chapter with the Kings, both he and the Cavaliers can look back on their partnership as a case of right player, wrong time—a reminder that success in the NBA requires more than just talent; it demands perfect alignment of health, role, and opportunity.
The Cavaliers now move forward with their youth movement, while Hunter seeks to rediscover the form that made him a coveted trade target just one year ago. In a business defined by constant movement, both sides understand that sometimes the best decision is to acknowledge when a fit isn't working and embrace the possibilities of a new beginning.