Kings' De'Andre Hunter to Undergo Season-Ending Eye Surgery

The forward will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with iritis.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:12pm

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Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery after being diagnosed with iritis. Hunter suffered the eye injury during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6th and was initially expected to be reevaluated in 10 days. However, the team has now decided that surgery is the best course of action, ending Hunter's season with the Kings.

Why it matters

The Kings have struggled mightily in recent weeks, losing their last 15 games. The loss of Hunter, who was acquired at the trade deadline, is a significant blow as the team looks to turn things around and make a playoff push.

The details

Hunter was hit in the left eye during the Kings' February 6th loss to the Clippers. He was initially diagnosed with iritis and was expected to be reevaluated in 10 days. However, the team has now determined that season-ending eye surgery is the best course of action to address the injury.

  • On February 6th, Hunter suffered the eye injury during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • On February 8th, it was reported that Hunter would be reevaluated in about 10 days.
  • On February 20th, it was announced that Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery.

The players

De'Andre Hunter

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who was recently acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Chris Haynes

An NBA insider who reported on Hunter's season-ending eye surgery.

Marc Stein

An NBA insider who reported on Hunter's season-ending eye surgery.

Jason Anderson

A reporter for The Sacramento Bee who reported on Hunter's initial eye injury diagnosis.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING: Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery, league sources tell [Marc Stein] and me.”

— Chris Haynes, NBA Insider

“Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter has been diagnosed with iritis after taking a blow to his left eye in Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will be reevaluated in about 10 days.”

— Jason Anderson, Reporter, The Sacramento Bee

What’s next

The Kings will be without Hunter for the remainder of the season as he recovers from the eye surgery. The team will need to find ways to overcome his absence and continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The loss of De'Andre Hunter is a significant blow for the struggling Sacramento Kings, who were hoping the recently acquired forward could help turn their season around. This injury highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the challenges teams face in overcoming key player absences.