Tag: deandre hunter

Hawks trade De’Andre Hunter to Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday acquired forward De’Andre Hunter in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced from Cleveland Clinic Courts. As part of the trade, the Cavaliers sent three second round picks, two pick swaps and forward Georges Niang and guard Caris LeVert to Atlanta.

Hunter (6-7, 225) has played in 38 games (four starts) for Atlanta this season, averaging a career-high 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and a career-high 0.84 steals while shooting .461 from the field, a career-high .393 from the three-point line and .858 from the free-throw line in 28.8 minutes per contest. Hunter leads all NBA reserves this season in scoring, averaging 18.9 points off the bench, which is the highest scoring average for an NBA reserve since Lou Williams in 2017-18 (21.0 points). Hunter has recorded 20 or more points 18 times off the bench this season, the most among all NBA reserves. His 137 free throws made off the bench this season also leads NBA reserves. Hunter scored a career-high 35 points (12-21 FG, 4-8 3FG) against Minnesota on January 27th, tying the NBA season-high for points off the bench in a game this season. Additionally, Hunter scored 15 or more points in 16 straight games off the bench from November 27th to January 1st earlier this season, which is tied for the 11th-longest streak of 15-point games off the bench in NBA history.

“The acquisition of De’Andre Hunter and the potential impact a player of this caliber can bring to Cleveland is immeasurable,” said Altman. “His defensive versatility, in addition to his ability to make shots from the perimeter strengthens our overall depth to an elite level. We were presented with a great opportunity with this trade, one that was beneficial for the short- and long-term future of this franchise. While it’s always difficult to part ways with players who have meant so much to our success, we believe De’Andre, at 27-years-old, aligns with our long-term vision of sustainable success and ultimately competing for Championships.”

Over his six-year NBA career, Hunter has appeared in 300 regular season games (241 starts) with Atlanta, holding averages of 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. He is also shooting .449 from the field, .368 from the three-point line and .819 from the foul line. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has also appeared in 16 career postseason games with the Hawks, averaging 16.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 34.3 minutes while also shooting 32-80 (.400) from the three-point line in his playoff career. Hunter played three seasons at University of Virginia, helping the Cavaliers win the national championship in 2019 alongside current Cleveland guard Ty Jerome.

“We want to thank both Caris and Georges for their contributions to our organization,” added Altman. “Their professionalism and dedication both on and off the court have been instrumental in our historic start this season. Caris’ adaptability along with Georges’ leadership and experience have been invaluable, and their time in Cleveland has left a profound and lasting impression. We wish them nothing but the best for the remainder of their NBA careers.”

LeVert (6-6, 205) appeared in 199 games (53 starts) for the Cavaliers over parts of four different seasons (2022-2025) in Cleveland, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 0.98 steals in 28.5 minutes. He shot .431 from the field, .363 from the three-point line and .738 from the free throw line. LeVert also appeared in 16 postseason games with the Cavaliers over the last two seasons. Over nine NBA seasons, LeVert has played in 498 career regular season games (223 starts) for Brooklyn, Indiana and Cleveland, holding career averages of 13.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.05 steals in 27.8 minutes.

Niang (6-7. 235) played in 133 games (11 starts) during his two seasons in Cleveland (2023-2025), averaging 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting .459 from the field, .385 from the three-point line and .831 from the free throw line in 21.7 minutes. He also appeared in 10 playoff games for Cleveland last season. Niang has appeared in 516 regular season games (30 starts) in his career with Indiana, Utah, Philadelphia and Cleveland, holding career averages of 7.2 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting .445 from the field, .398 from the three-point line and .858 from the free throw line in 17.2 minutes. He has also appeared in 56 career postseason games.

Hunter will wear jersey #12 for the Cavaliers and the Cavs roster now sits at 16 players.

Injury updates on Hawks forwards John Collins and De’Andre Hunter

Forward John Collins, who suffered a left ankle injury during the second quarter of last night’s game at Orlando, underwent an MRI today at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. The MRI confirmed a left ankle sprain with associated joint swelling. Collins will be out at least the next two weeks and his return to play will be updated as appropriate.

Forward De’Andre Hunter, who left last night’s game at Orlando in the first quarter due to right thigh soreness, also underwent an MRI today at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. The MRI confirmed a right hip flexor strain. Hunter will be out at least one week and his return to play will be updated as appropriate.

Hawks sign De’Andre Hunter to contract extension

The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward De’Andre Hunter to a contract extension, which begins with the 2023-24 season.

Hunter’s Hawks extension is reportedly a four-year, $95 million deal.

In 53 games (52 starts) last season, the 6’7 forward averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 29.8 minutes (.442 FG%, .379 3FG%, .765 FT%). He scored 10-or-more points in 41 of his 53 games, including 11 outings of 20-or-more. Hunter hit double digits in 14 straight games from 3/3-3/20, the second-longest such streak of his career.

In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Miami, Hunter poured in a career-best 35 points on 11-21 FGs, adding 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists in 43 minutes. He became the sixth Hawk in playoff history to finish with at least 35 points and 11 rebounds in a postseason contest.

On 11/3 vs. Brooklyn, he recorded 26 points on 10-11 FGs (6-6 3FGs) in 33 minutes, becoming one of seven players in the NBA last season to shoot perfect from deep while connecting on six-or-more triples and one of only five players in franchise history to do so.

During the 2020-21 campaign, Hunter posted 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29.5 minutes (.484 FG%, .326 3FG%, .859 FT%) in 23 games (19 starts) and was selected to the NBA Rising Stars roster. He scored in double digits 18 times, including seven games with 20-or-more points.

In 63 appearances (62 starts) as a rookie in 2019-20, he posted 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 32.0 minutes (.410 FG%, .355 3FG%, .764 FT%). Among qualifying NBA rookies, Hunter ranked first in mpg and total minutes (2,018), fifth in FT%, t5th in 3FG%, 6th in rpg, 7th in FG%, t7th in ppg and 12th in apg.

Acquired by the Hawks on July 7, 2019 from the New Orleans Pelicans, Hunter was originally selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft.

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter out with wrist injury that requires surgery

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter suffered a right wrist injury during the Hawks’ game at Golden State on Nov. 8.

An MRI taken at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex revealed a tendon injury that will require surgery.

He is expected to return in approximately eight weeks.

Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “this is not Hunter’s first injury that will keep him out long-term, as he struggled with swelling and soreness in his right knee for much of last season, playing in 23 regular-season games. He played in the Hawks’ first-round playoff series vs. the Knicks before undergoing meniscus surgery in June, missing the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals.”

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter still recovering from knee surgery

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (right knee surgery on Feb. 8) has increased his rehabilitation activities to include unrestricted weight room work and progressive court reloading.

The Hawks plan to review his progress on March 19.

Per AJC.com, “Hunter was averaging 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists before he was injured and underwent a meniscus debridement. He was selected for the Rising Stars roster after showing remarkable growth in his second NBA season.”

Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter to undergo knee surgery

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter, who has missed the last four games due to right knee discomfort caused by wear and tear, will undergo a lateral meniscus arthroscopic debridement procedure (knee surgery) on Monday at the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center in Atlanta.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Kyle Hammond, the Hawks’ team orthopaedist.

An update on Hunter’s recovery plan will be provided approximately two weeks following the surgery.

Last season as a rookie, Hunter averaged 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

This season, in roughly the same amount of playing time, is putting up 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per outing.

The Hawks are 11-12 so far this season, which is the 6th best record in the Eastern conference. They’re being led in scoring by Trae Young at 26.7 points per game, John Collins at 17.8 PPG, Hunter at 17.2 PPG, Clint Capela at 13.7 PPG, and Kevin Huerter at 12.3 PPG.

Atlanta Hawks exercise contract options on Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish

The Atlanta Hawks have exercised the fourth-year (2021-22) contract options on Kevin Huerter and Trae Young, along with the third-year (2021-22) options on De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish.

Entering his third season with the Hawks, Huerter last season averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 31.4 minutes (.413 FG%, .380 3FG%, .828 FT%) in 56 contests (48 starts). He finished second on the team with 127 3FGM, including two games with a career-high-tying six triples. He scored in double-figures 35 times, including six games with 20-or-more points. Through 131 contests (107 starts) in two seasons, he holds career averages of 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 29.1 minutes (.416 FG%, .383 3FG%, .783 FT%). The 19th overall pick in 2018, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2018-19.

Also entering his third year and an Eastern Conference All-Star starter last season, Young put up 29.6 points, 9.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35.3 minutes (.437 FG%, .361 3FG%, .860 FT%) in 60 starts, ranking second in the NBA in assists, fourth in scoring, 10th in minutes and 26th in free-throw percentage. Young led the Eastern Conference in assists for the second straight season and hit double digits in scoring 57 times, including 49 contests with at least 20 points. Through 141 games (all starts) in his two seasons, he’s averaged 23.6 points, 8.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 32.8 minutes (.428 FG%, .344 3FG%, .847 FT%). Young, the fifth overall pick in 2018, was a unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018-19.

As a rookie last season, Hunter averaged 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 32.0 minutes (.410 FG%, .355 3FG%, .764 FT%). Among qualifying rookies, he ranked first in minutes per game, fifth in free-throw percentage, tied for fifth in three-point percentage, sixth in rebounding, seventh in field goal percentage and tied for seventh in scoring. He scored in double-figures 42 times, including eight games with 20-or-more, and recorded 15 games with at least three three-pointers, the third-highest total by a rookie in Hawks history. The fourth overall pick in 2019, he is one of three rookies in league history to reach 12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 32.0 mpg and 100 triples on .350 3FG% (Stephen Curry, Shane Battier).

Reddish averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 26.7 minutes as a rookie last season. Among qualifying first-year players, he ranked second in steals per game, ninth in minutes per game, three-point percentage and blocks per game, 11th in points and rebounds per game. He placed second among rookies in steals (62) and had at least eight games with three steals, the second-highest total among rookies. The 10th overall pick in 2019, Reddish was also one of three rookies last season to compile at least 100 FTM (101) and 80 3FGM (83).