When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks final season, he was seen as the ultimate piece to their championship puzzle. The Cavs had been trying to find an enormous wing with versatility for years, and Hunter was imagined to fortify that spot. He was phenomenal to complete the yr, however in his first full season with the squad, he has struggled mightily.
Hunter is having one of many least-efficient seasons of his profession to date this yr. He’s taking pictures 42 p.c from the sphere, the second-lowest mark of his profession, and 31 p.c from three-point vary, which is a career-low. The Cavs have a -0.5 internet ranking with Hunter on the ground, together with a 117.2 defensive ranking, which might put them within the bottom-five of the league.
He has struggled defensively, usually being the reason for many Cleveland breakdowns on that finish, and he disappears far too usually from video games to justify his $23 million wage. With that, his future with the Cavs has develop into crystal clear.
Hunter and Cleveland seem headed for a divorce on the commerce deadline
Cleveland has reportedly been very energetic in commerce talks, as they’re on the lookout for methods to improve their roster across the margins. Hunter has been on the middle of commerce discussions, as has level guard Lonzo Ball, who has additionally been struggling.
The Cavs’ motivation for Hunter stems past his lackluster on-court manufacturing. They’re the NBA’s solely second-apron crew, and Hunter is the fourth-highest paid participant on the roster. He’s set to make $24 million subsequent season as effectively, and Cleveland merely can not afford that wage if he isn’t enjoying as much as his normal.
The Cavs have been exploring Hunter commerce eventualities with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks, though the Bucks’ curiosity has waned given the truth that they’re entertaining commerce provides for celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nonetheless, it has develop into clear that Cleveland would like to finish this partnership.
The Cavs eager to duck the second-apron was one thing that was not laborious to see coming, however Hunter’s subpar play has made that call even simpler. If they might purchase somebody like Rui Hachimura from LA, or Keon Ellis from Sacramento, two gamers which are higher matches than Hunter and set to make significantly much less, then it might be an enormous win for Cleveland as they appear to be one of many ultimate East groups standing come the postseason.
