Kings' De'Andre Hunter undergoes season-ending eye surgery

Hunter suffered the injury in his second game with Sacramento after being traded at the deadline.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:06pm

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Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter underwent season-ending eye surgery on Friday after suffering an eye injury in his second game with the team. Hunter was acquired by the Kings in a three-team trade at the deadline but will now miss the remainder of the season due to the surgery.

Why it matters

The Kings are already dealing with several key injuries, including to Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, and Hunter's season-ending surgery is another blow to a team that has struggled mightily this season, losing 15 games in a row.

The details

Hunter averaged 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game between Cleveland and Sacramento this season, but was shooting just 30.5% from 3-point range before the injury. He is under contract for $24.9 million next season, after which he will become a free agent.

  • Hunter suffered the eye injury in his second game with the Kings.
  • Hunter underwent eye surgery on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Hunter will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to the surgery.

The players

De'Andre Hunter

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who was traded to the team at the deadline but will now miss the rest of the season due to eye surgery.

Domantas Sabonis

A key player for the Sacramento Kings who is also out for the season due to a knee injury.

Zach LaVine

A key player for the Sacramento Kings who is also out for the season due to a hand injury.

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What they’re saying

“The Kings traded for Hunter at the deadline, then he suffered the injury in his second game with the team.”

— Kurt Helin

The takeaway

The Kings' season has been derailed by a rash of injuries to key players, with De'Andre Hunter's season-ending eye surgery being the latest blow. The team will have to find a way to weather these injuries and build towards the future.