What should Sacramento Kings fans expect from De’Andre Hunter?

The Sacramento Kings are still waiting to get a real look at De’Andre Hunter.

Acquired during the 2025-26 season’s NBA trade deadline from Cleveland in the Dennis Schroder-Keon Ellis swap, Hunter played only a game and a half for Sacramento before suffering a season-ending eye injury.

Now entering the final year of his contract ($24 million), Hunter is one of the biggest variables on the Kings’ roster heading into the upcoming season.

To better understand what Sacramento can expect, Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson spoke with Brad Rowland, host of the Locked On Hawks podcast, who covered Hunter throughout his six seasons in Atlanta.

Rowland believes the best version of Hunter is relatively straightforward: a quality starting forward who can defend multiple positions and provide reliable shooting.

John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles against De’Andre Hunter #15 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

“He is still a quality starter in the NBA,” Rowland said. “Everyone in the league is looking for that archetype of that three-and-D forward who can defend. He can do that.”

That could be particularly important for the Sacramento Kings alongside Keegan Murray. Sacramento has lacked perimeter defenders with the size and versatility to consistently take on difficult assignments, leaving Murray with much of that responsibility.

Rowland believes Hunter can help change that.

“He can definitely take an assignment against a high-level wing player, high-level forward,” Rowland said. “He is more than capable of taking some heat off of Keegan Murray, giving him a little bit of a break every once in a while.”

Hunter’s shooting will also be worth watching. He shot just 30.8% from three-point range last season after the trade to Cleveland, but Rowland does not believe that should necessarily be viewed as his new normal.

“In the four previous years in Atlanta, I think it was like 38% from three,” Rowland said. “As a career, you know, 36, 37% point shooter, I would point to that as a much more indicative sample size.”

That shooting could make Hunter a natural fit next to Domantas Sabonis, Murray, Zach LaVine and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Rather than asking Hunter to create offense, Sacramento can allow him to attack closeouts, cut, space the floor and finish plays.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: De’andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“I think he’s more of a play finisher,” Rowland said. “So not a guy that was ever going to have the ball in his hands and create a lot.”

There is one important caveat. Sacramento should be careful about asking Hunter to play power forward full-time. Rowland pointed to Hunter’s rebounding as a concern and believes he is better suited to playing alongside another forward like Murray.

The other question is durability. Hunter has dealt with recurring knee issues throughout his career, and Rowland believes expecting around 60 games could be more realistic than assuming a 75-game season.

For the Sacramento Kings, simply getting a healthy Hunter on the floor could answer many of the questions that have surrounded the trade for nearly a year.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Which free agent guard would be the best fit with Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Sources: Kings GM Scott Perry in Florida to watch Ben Simmons workout
• ESPN projects Sacramento Kings to finish last in Western Conference
• Sacramento Kings to honor Rick Adelman with jersey band during 2026-27 season
• Keegan Murray still has a key role to play in Kings’ rebuild

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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