Dec 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) reacts with forward De'Andre Hunter (12) after the Hawks defeated the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Atlanta Hawks Officially Announce Controversial Cavs Trade

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Feb 7, 2025 3:39 PM ET

On Friday night, the Atlanta Hawks will host the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena in Georgia.

Before the game, the Hawks announced their trade with the Clevleand Cavaliers.

The biggest piece in the deal was De'Andre Hunter, who had been in his sixth year playing for Atlanta.

Via The Atlanta Hawks: "We have completed a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, receiving Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft compensation in exchange for De’Andre Hunter."

We have completed a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, receiving Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft compensation in exchange for De’Andre Hunter.

Details ⬇️ https://t.co/KTcQqjb9kj
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 7, 2025

Hunter is in the middle of his best NBA season.

He leaves the Hawks with averages of 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.3% from the three-point range in 37 games.

Via StatMuse: "De’Andre Hunter this season:

— 19.0 PPG
— 46/39/86%
— 1st in bench PPG
— 2nd in PTS by a Hawk

Joining the best team in the East."

De’Andre Hunter this season:

— 19.0 PPG
— 46/39/86%
— 1st in bench PPG
— 2nd in PTS by a Hawk

Joining the best team in the East. pic.twitter.com/vELMVaBhlC
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 6, 2025

Many people reacted to the deal.

@LcPlaysSc: "I would say I hope everyone boycotts this sorry team until ownership is out of Tony Ressler’s hands but we’ve been doing that already."

I would say I hope everyone boycotts this sorry team until ownership is out of Tony Ressler’s hands but we’ve been doing that already.
— LC ࿋ (@LcPlaysSc) February 7, 2025

@Chitownlegend6: "Why trade away someone like Hunter to your competition? Doesn’t make sense"

Why trade away someone like Hunter to your competition? Doesn’t make sense
— JimmyCtv (@Chitownlegend6) February 7, 2025

@AustinPlanet: "When Trae ask for a trade I won’t get mad. Tony Ressler is worth $13 Billion and refused to pay the tax or spend on the team. Bottom 3 in attendance is deserved."

When Trae ask for a trade I won’t get mad. Tony Ressler is worth $13 Billion and refused to pay the tax or spend on the team. Bottom 3 in attendance is deserved.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) February 7, 2025

Sam Quinn: "The Spurs legit got more value out of the Hawks trading Hunter and Bogdanovic than the Hawks got. How is that possible? What is going on in Atlanta?"

The Spurs legit got more value out of the Hawks trading Hunter and Bogdanovic than the Hawks got. How is that possible? What is going on in Atlanta?
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 6, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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