CLEVELAND, OH – Reflections on De’Andre Hunter’s Tenure
As December 6, 2025 marked one year since De’Andre Hunter joined the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Atlanta Hawks, reflections on his tenure raise questions about his fit with the team. Hunter was initially seen as a potential game-changer, complementing the established core of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. However, as we move into early 2026, discussions among Cavs fans have increasingly focused on trading him away.
Initial Expectations vs. Current Reality
When Hunter arrived, he was perceived as the ideal addition, capable of stretching the floor and defending multiple positions—skills the Cavaliers sought while trying to solidify their championship aspirations. Despite promising metrics during his limited minutes alongside the core four, a recurring issue became apparent: Hunter’s value seemed heavily reliant on those key players’ presence.
In fact, the Cavaliers thrive when their core quartet is on the court together, and Hunter’s performance appeared to suffer in scenarios where he had to shoulder a greater load. Although he has shown self-creation abilities that could fill a gap in the team’s current roster, the pressures of increased responsibility exposed problems in his execution. As his offensive decisions veered towards poor shot selections—often launching contested jumpers—his shooting percentages, initially respectable at 42% from three-point range and 48% overall, plummeted to 30% and 42% respectively.
Defensive Struggles and Team Dynamics
Rebounding woes also plagued Hunter, whose defensive efforts seemed sporadic, leading to struggles on the boards. In his second year with the Cavaliers, there were no signs of improvement to suggest a turnaround, leaving fans grappling with qualities that seemed increasingly detrimental to the team’s cohesion.
Emergence of Jaylon Tyson
Meanwhile, the emergence of Jaylon Tyson has eased the blow of Hunter’s potential departure. Tyson’s consistent performance and versatility in adapting to different roles have made Hunter’s position less secure. Despite demonstrating commitment by accepting a bench role just 23 games into the season, Hunter’s continued struggles cast doubt over his future in Cleveland.
Looking Ahead
With teammates like Denis Schröder and Keon Ellis not stepping up to fill Hunter’s shoes, it’s evident that the Cavaliers’ hope for a cohesive team when everyone is healthy feels unrealistic. Given the unpredictability of injuries, the management’s focus has shifted towards building a more flexible roster for the long haul—one that does not rely on a singular underperforming player like Hunter.
