De’Andre Hunter praises “good energy” in Sacramento after Cavs trade
last week, Sacramento Kings made a long overdue trade. They sent de-prioritized Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers to bring De’Andre Hunter. While many believe that it is The Kings got the short end of the stick in that deal, bringing in Hunter at least gives them a small forward with prototypical size to work with and that helps break the logjam at the guard positions.
While going from a Cavs team that had championship hopes to a 12-39 Kings team currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference must be very sobering for Hunter, he embracing the opportunity it is ahead of him with a new team.
“There’s a good energy here. A lot of great coaches. A lot of experience in the league, very experienced players who have been in the league for a while. I’m excited for the new opportunity,” Hunter told reporters, via James Hamm of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. “(And) I bring versatility to both ends. A guy who plays hard. A guy who does what the team needs.”
De’Andre Hunter on the move to Sacramento, how it fits with his 3-point shooting. pic.tvitter.com/pIeahmZmcZ
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) February 3, 2026
Hunter is currently averaging just 14 points per game this season on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and a career-worst 30.8 percent. Perhaps a more consistent role in Sacramento helps get his production back on track.
The Kings have more to do on the trade market
The Kings, as ridiculous as their current roster is, at least they have all of their future first-round picks. They do owe a first-round pick trade to the San Antonio Spurs, but it won’t be until 2031 anyway.
This should work Kings license for a tank and they hope to craft a new franchise cornerstone that will lift the franchise out of the trenches. Trading Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine would also go a long way in getting some assets back as they pivot to a full youth movement.
2026-02-04 05:58:00
