De’Andre Hunter has emerged as one of the NBA’s most intriguing two-way wings, blending defensive prowess with offensive growth. From his college standout days at Virginia to his current role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hunter continues to make an impact on both ends of the floor. This article breaks down his defense, contract details, statistical performance, salary information, trade history, and game log highlights.
Defense: Defensive Strength & Impact
De’Andre Hunter’s defensive reputation dates back to his collegiate career, where he won ACC Defensive Player of the Year thanks to lockdown perimeter defense and high IQ on switches. In the NBA, his defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions — from wings to forwards — using strength, length, and footwork to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. While his defensive numbers aren’t always flashy, his onscreen impact often goes beyond steals and blocks, reflecting a modern wing tasked with guarding the opposition’s top scorers.
Contract: Details & Structure
Hunter signed a significant four-year extension that keeps him under contract into the 2026-27 season. His deal is worth approximately $90 million, with a potential $5 million in incentives tied to achievements like Defensive Player of the Year and games played.
Contract breakdown:
-
2023-24: $20,089,286
-
2024-25: $21,696,429
-
2025-26: $23,303,571
-
2026-27: $24,910,714
-
Total value: ~$90M base + incentives possible.
This contract reflects commitments from teams valuing Hunter as a core two-way contributor with room to grow offensively and defensively.
Stats: Production Overview
Hunter’s production has fluctuated slightly as he transitioned between roles and teams, but his all-around game remains strong:
2025-26 Season (with Cleveland Cavaliers)
-
Points per game: ~13.8
-
Rebounds: ~4.3
-
Assists: ~2.1
-
FG%: ~42%
-
Hunter has been a reliable rotational wing in Cleveland’s lineup.
Career Stats Highlights
Over his NBA career, Hunter has shown progression in efficiency and versatility, with consistent contributions in scoring, rebounding, and defensive roles across multiple seasons.
Salary: Earnings & Value
Hunter’s salary progression reflects his rise as an integral player in the NBA:
-
2025-26: $23,303,571
-
2026-27: $24,910,714
-
Hunter ranks among the Cavaliers’ better-paid players and is notable for his salary relative to production compared to other wings.
His pay scale also positions him competitive among NBA wings earning over $20M per season, underscoring both his value and expectations going forward.
Trade: From Hawks to Cavaliers
A pivotal moment in Hunter’s career came when he was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That deal saw Atlanta receive Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, multiple future picks, and pick swaps in exchange for Hunter.
This trade showcased Hunter’s increased value as a two-way wing with scoring upside, and Cleveland’s willingness to invest in his all-around game as part of their competitive core.
Game Log Highlights
Hunter’s recent game logs demonstrate his scoring capacity and role versatility. During the 2025-26 regular season, he posted some standout performances early on, including:
-
26 points vs Raptors with solid shooting efficiency
-
18 points vs Celtics, displaying his scoring range and offensive confidence
These logs underline how he can take over scoring in spurts while still contributing defensively and on the glass.
Conclusion: A Modern Two-Way Wing
De’Andre Hunter represents the prototype of the modern NBA wing — capable of guarding multiple positions, spacing the floor offensively, and contributing meaningful minutes in various lineups. With a lucrative contract, solid statistical output, and a key role in Cleveland’s rotation, Hunter’s trajectory suggests he’ll continue to be a valuable NBA asset in seasons to come.
Leave a Reply