When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks last season, he was viewed as the final piece to their championship puzzle. The Cavs had been searching for a big wing with versatility for years, and Hunter was supposed to fortify that spot. He was phenomenal to finish the year, but in his first full season with the squad, he has struggled mightily.
Hunter is having one of the least-efficient seasons of his career so far this year. He’s shooting 42 percent from the field, the second-lowest mark of his career, and 31 percent from three-point range, which is a career-low. The Cavs have a -0.5 net rating with Hunter on the floor, including a 117.2 defensive rating, which would put them in the bottom-five of the league.
He has struggled defensively, often being the cause of many Cleveland breakdowns on that end, and he disappears far too often from games to justify his $23 million salary. With that, his future with the Cavs has become crystal clear.
Hunter and Cleveland appear headed for a divorce at the trade deadline
Cleveland has reportedly been very active in trade talks, as they are looking for ways to upgrade their roster around the margins. Hunter has been at the center of trade discussions, as has point guard Lonzo Ball, who has also been struggling.
The Cavs’ motivation for Hunter stems beyond his lackluster on-court production. They are the NBA’s only second-apron team, and Hunter is the fourth-highest paid player on the roster. He is set to make $24 million next season as well, and Cleveland simply cannot afford that salary if he is not playing up to his standard.
The Cavs have been exploring Hunter trade scenarios with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks, although the Bucks’ interest has waned given the fact that they are entertaining trade offers for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it has become clear that Cleveland would prefer to end this partnership.
The Cavs wanting to duck the second-apron was something that was not hard to see coming, but Hunter’s subpar play has made that decision even easier. If they could acquire someone like Rui Hachimura from LA, or Keon Ellis from Sacramento, two players that are better fits than Hunter and set to make considerably less, then it would be a huge win for Cleveland as they look to be one of the final East teams standing come the postseason.