De’Andre Hunter has become one of the most reliable and versatile forwards in the NBA. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to score in clutch moments, Hunter’s journey from Philadelphia to the Cleveland Cavaliers is a story of resilience, growth, and quiet determination. As he continues to make an impact on the court, fans and analysts alike are eager to learn more about his personal life, career earnings, and financial success.
De’Andre Hunter’s Biography
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | De’Andre James Hunter |
Date of Birth | December 2, 1997 |
Age | 27 |
Education | Friends’ Central School (High School), University of Virginia (College) |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
Weight | 221 lbs (100 kg) |
Turned Pro | 2019 (NBA Draft) |
Net Worth | Estimated $20–25 million |
Salary (2024-25) | $21,696,429 |
Career Earnings | Over $73 million |
Wife/Girlfriend | Partner’s name undisclosed; has one daughter (born 2024) |
Instagram Profile | N/A |
Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
De’Andre Hunter’s early basketball journey is a story of perseverance, growth, and standout achievements that set the stage for his professional career. Born on December 2, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hunter grew up in the Lawncrest neighborhood. He attended Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where his basketball talent quickly became apparent.
As a junior, Hunter averaged 21.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, earning him the Pennsylvania Class AA Player of the Year award. His senior year was equally impressive, with averages of 23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, confirming his reputation as one of the top high school players in the state.
Hunter’s high school career wasn’t without challenges. He missed his entire sophomore season due to a broken leg, but he returned stronger and led his team to a state title as a junior.
His resilience and determination shone through, and by the end of high school, he was rated as a four-star recruit, ranked 72nd overall and the 14th-best small forward in the 2016 class. He received multiple scholarship offers but ultimately committed to the University of Virginia in September 2015, choosing the Cavaliers over other programs like NC State and Notre Dame.
At Virginia, Hunter’s college career began with a redshirt year, allowing him to develop physically and mentally for the demands of high-level college basketball. During his redshirt freshman season, he made an immediate impact, scoring in double figures in 16 games and earning the ACC Sixth Man of the Year award as well as a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team.
He averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game that season. However, his freshman year ended on a tough note when he broke his wrist during the ACC tournament, forcing him to miss the NCAA tournament. Without Hunter, Virginia, a number one seed, suffered a historic upset loss to UMBC, the first time a number one seed lost to a 16 seed in tournament history.
Professional Career
De’Andre Hunter’s professional career began in dramatic fashion during the 2019 NBA Draft. He was selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, but his rights were quickly traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis deal. Shortly after, Hunter was moved again—this time to the Atlanta Hawks, who saw him as a key piece for their rebuilding roster.
He signed with Atlanta in July 2019 and made his NBA debut on October 24, 2019, starting and scoring 14 points in a win over the Detroit Pistons. Hunter quickly established himself as a starter, known for his defensive versatility and ability to knock down shots from the perimeter.
During his rookie season, Hunter started 62 out of 63 games, averaging 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His solid play and maturity on the court earned him a reputation as a reliable two-way wing. In his second season, Hunter took a big step forward, averaging 17.2 points and 5.4 rebounds before a knee injury interrupted his momentum.
Despite the setback, he was named to the NBA Rising Stars roster, highlighting his status as one of the league’s promising young talents. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by arthroscopic knee surgery in February 2021 and then a meniscus repair in June, which kept him out for the rest of the playoffs.
Hunter’s resilience showed as he returned for the 2021–22 season, where he played 53 games and averaged 13.4 points and 3.3 rebounds. He delivered a standout performance in the playoffs, scoring a career-high 35 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against the Miami Heat, even though the Hawks were eliminated in that series.
His ability to step up in big moments solidified his role as a core player for Atlanta. Recognizing his value, the Hawks signed Hunter to a four-year, $95 million contract extension in October 2022, securing his future with the franchise.
De’Andre Hunter’s Net Worth Details
De’Andre Hunter’s net worth is estimated to be between $20 million and $25 million as of 2025.
Contract
De’Andre Hunter is currently playing under a four-year, $95 million contract extension that he originally signed with the Atlanta Hawks in October 2022. This fully guaranteed deal runs through the end of the 2026–27 NBA season and reflects the high value teams place on his versatile skill set and defensive abilities.
After being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2025, the Cavaliers assumed the remainder of this contract. Hunter’s annual salary increases each season, starting at $20,089,286 in 2023–24 and rising to $24,910,714 by the final year. This lucrative contract secures his financial future and confirms his status as one of the league’s dependable and well-compensated forwards.
Salary
For the 2024–25 NBA season, De’Andre Hunter is earning a base salary of $21,696,429 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This amount places him among the higher-paid players on the team and reflects his established role as a reliable two-way forward.
His salary is set to increase in the following years, with $23,303,571 scheduled for the 2025–26 season and $24,910,714 for 2026–27, as outlined in his current contract. Hunter’s consistent performance and ability to contribute on both ends of the court have helped him secure this substantial salary, highlighting his value in the league.
Career Earnings
Season | Team | Salary |
---|---|---|
2019–20 | Atlanta Hawks | $6,626,588 |
2020–21 | Atlanta Hawks | $7,422,000 |
2021–22 | Atlanta Hawks | $7,775,400 |
2022–23 | Atlanta Hawks | $9,835,881 |
2023–24 | Atlanta Hawks | $20,089,286 |
2024–25 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $21,696,429 |
2025–26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $23,303,571 |
2026–27 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $24,910,714 |
NBA Career Stats
Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019–20 | Atlanta Hawks | 63 | 62 | 32.0 | 41.0 | 35.5 | 76.4 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 12.3 |
2020–21 | Atlanta Hawks | 23 | 19 | 29.5 | 48.4 | 32.6 | 85.9 | 4.8 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 15.0 |
2021–22 | Atlanta Hawks | 53 | 52 | 29.8 | 44.2 | 37.9 | 76.5 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 13.4 |
2022–23 | Atlanta Hawks | 67 | 67 | 31.7 | 46.1 | 35.0 | 82.6 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 15.4 |
2023–24 | Atlanta Hawks | 57 | 37 | 29.5 | 45.9 | 38.5 | 84.7 | 3.9 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 15.6 |
2024–25 | ATL/CLE Cavaliers | 50 | 7 | 27.7 | 47.0 | 41.6 | 85.5 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 17.8 |
Career | ATL/CLE Cavaliers | 327 | 246 | 30.0 | 45.2 | 37.3 | 81.9 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 14.8 |
FAQs
1. Who is De’Andre Hunter and what team does he currently play for?
De’Andre Hunter is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He was born on December 2, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hunter primarily plays as a small forward or shooting guard and joined the Cavaliers in 2025 after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks.
2. Where did De’Andre Hunter play college basketball and what were his achievements?
De’Andre Hunter played college basketball at the University of Virginia from 2016 to 2019. He was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, was a consensus Third-Team All-American, and helped lead Virginia to the 2019 NCAA Championship, scoring 27 points in the title game.
3. What was De’Andre Hunter’s high school basketball career like?
Hunter attended Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. As a junior, he averaged 21.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, earning Pennsylvania Class AA Player of the Year honors. In his senior year, he averaged 23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
4. When was De’Andre Hunter drafted into the NBA and by which team?
De’Andre Hunter was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and then to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a multi-team deal before making his NBA debut.
5. What are some of De’Andre Hunter’s most notable NBA performances?
Hunter scored a career-high 35 points twice: once in April 2022 against the Miami Heat in the playoffs, and again in January 2025 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has also recorded games with double-digit rebounds and multiple three-pointers, showcasing his scoring and defensive abilities.
6. What accolades did De’Andre Hunter receive during his college career?
During his time at Virginia, Hunter was named the NABC National Defensive Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and earned All-ACC First Team honors. He was also a finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward Award and was named to several All-American teams.
7. How did De’Andre Hunter contribute to Virginia’s 2019 NCAA Championship win?
In the 2019 NCAA Championship game, Hunter scored 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. He hit a crucial game-tying three-pointer with 12.9 seconds left in regulation, helping Virginia secure an 85–77 victory and the school’s first-ever national basketball title.
8. What are De’Andre Hunter’s career NBA statistics up to 2025?
Hunter has played 327 games, averaging 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He has a career field goal percentage of 45.2% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.3%.
9. Has De’Andre Hunter experienced any significant injuries during his career?
Hunter has dealt with injuries, including a torn right meniscus in 2021 that required surgery and ended his season. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in early 2021, causing him to miss an extended period.
10. What contract did De’Andre Hunter sign with the Atlanta Hawks?
De’Andre Hunter agreed to a four-year, $95 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks, reflecting his value as a key player for the franchise before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025.