The Atlanta Hawks moved on from De'Andre Hunter in the 2024-25 season as a part of a salary dump. Moving Hunter's deal to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Georges Niang and Caris LeVert. Levert is set to hit free agency, and Niang is likely to be moved in the offseason. However, the Hawks felt it was a worthwhile move, setting the team up to add a more consistently impactful addition in the future. Hunter was at his absolute best, and it was the perfect time for the franchise to sell high on the lengthy defender.
Cleveland bought in and quickly paid the price for adding the veteran's deal. After a strong performance in the series against the Miami Heat, Hunter became an offensive afterthought and frustration as the Cavs were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers. With the season on the line, Hunter shot 7/22, including a 0/4 performance in the second-to-last game of the season. It was a reminder of the volatile player the Cavs have signed up to pay.
The Atlanta Hawks Made the Right Decision Moving on From De'Andre Hunter
Hunter's game is so up-and-down that you aren't surprised if the shooter goes 0/5 or hits everything. However, the one constant for Hunter during his Atlanta tenure has been ghosting the team when it needed him most. The lack of consistency in comparison to the forward's high price tag is why the Hawks took advantage of a great season from the veteran.
It served as a chance to offload a regrettable contract and give the roster more flexibility to add an established second scorer. Add in that Jalen Johnson's deal is about to become far more expensive, and the reasons why the Hawks made the move continue to age well.
It is now Cleveland stuck paying the bill for a player who simply cannot be counted on to show up consistently. At his best, Hunter is a capable defender and a great shooting option. However, the forward will also shoot the ball with no conscience, whether or not the ball is going in. This is what the Cavs have signed up for and the exact reason the Hawks made the right call.