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.
