Kings Still Need to Learn What De’Andre Hunter Can Bring

De’Andre Hunter played just two games after joining the Kings, but his size, shooting and contract-year motivation could make him a key piece.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Aug 17, 2026, 5:21 PM Updated: 7:58 pm

Follow on Google News

Watch: Best Landing Spot For DeMar DeRozan: Heat, Nuggets, or Wizards? | 1 min

Scott Perry’s first significant roster swing with the Sacramento Kings came at midseason, when he acquired forward De’Andre Hunter. Playing in his second game with Sacramento following the move, Hunter suffered a left eye injury that required season-ending surgery.

Drafted fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hunter is a player Perry would have been familiar with entering the 2019 NBA Draft, when the Knicks held the No. 3 pick, and Perry was part of their front office. Seven seasons later, Hunter is 28 years old and heading into the final year of a four-year, $90 million deal that will pay him $24.9 million in 2026-27.

In order to acquire Hunter, the Kings traded Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder in a three-team deal with Cleveland and Chicago. Ellis and Schroder have already found new homes since then, while how Hunter will add to the Kings is still largely unknown.

Playing in 42 games for the Cavaliers last season, the 6’7 wing averaged 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 41.5% from the field. The Kings hope that he’ll shoot better than the 30.5% rate from three-point range he managed last year and closer to the 40.5% in 2024-25.

Sacramento was the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA last year, and the stats showed it. They were 30th in three-point attempts (30.2/g) and 29th in 3P% (34%). Adding in a career 36.4% three-point shooter with nearly five attempts per game should help address that weakness. Having healthy seasons from Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine should bolster that category as well.

Hunter is also capable of attacking closeouts and putting the ball on the deck when needed, which should matter next to creators like Domantas Sabonis and Darius Acuff Jr.

Hunter’s 6-foot-7 frame and 7-foot-2 wingspan should also help a Sacramento defense that was equally problematic. Murray has often been asked to guard the opponent’s best player regardless of position, from Stephen Curry to LeBron James. Hunter may be able to carry some of that burden too.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: 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. 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

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)

Hunter seems better suited to wings and forwards, while Murray has displayed the foot speed to deal with opposing guards. Playing Hunter and Murray together gives Sacramento more switchable size without forcing Murray to absorb every difficult perimeter assignment.

With heavy minutes expected to go to the likes of LaVine, Sabonis, Malik Monk, and Acuff, they will likely still have defensive struggles. But Hunter should add a layer of help they’ve lacked there and, unlike some of Sacramento’s other defensive-minded options, Hunter should not shrink the floor offensively.

Plus, there’s the reality of him playing in a contract season. If Hunter were to hit the open market this offseason, he may not have been able to find another $90 million deal as he did years ago. At 28 years old and with a chance at another big deal if he plays well, internal motivation could play a factor. A player trying to reestablish value after an injury-shortened season matters.

Retaining Hunter beyond the season could prove complicated for the Kings, but it’ll depend heavily on how this season plays out. LaVine’s contract is also expiring, while Sabonis and Monk each have one additional year. Hunter is the most logical starting option alongside Acuff, LaVine, Murray, and Sabonis.

The physical profile and two-way versatility he provides isn’t replicated anywhere on the bench as of now. After appearing in just two games post-trade, Hunter’s impact in Sacramento remains mostly theoretical. But his archetype is exactly the kind this roster needs, and his contract situation gives him plenty to prove.

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.