The Sacramento Kings confirmed that forward De’Andre Hunter will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery on his left eye. The announcement came on February 20, 2026, following an injury Hunter sustained during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6. Hunter’s eye condition forced the team to make the difficult decision to shut him down for the season to allow for proper recovery.
Details of Hunter’s Injury and Medical Explanation
Hunter was injured in the third quarter of the February 6 game when he was poked in the eye, which led to a diagnosis of iritis, an inflammation inside the eye affecting the iris. Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, M.D., a specialist referenced by NBC Sports California, explained that iritis involves inflammation of the colored circle within the eye and can significantly impair vision. This medical condition likely influenced the Kings‘ decision to end Hunter’s season prematurely rather than opting for a shorter absence.
“Iritis actually refers to an inflammation that can occur inside the eye — the iris,” Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg said. “The iris is the colored circle inside our eyes. That tissue inside the eye can get inflamed, and we call that iritis.”
Impact on Kings’ Roster Amid Multiple Injuries
Hunter’s absence adds to the Kings’ injury challenges, as he became the third player ruled out for the season in recent days. Teammates Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis also underwent surgery earlier in the week, dealing with a hand injury and a meniscus issue, respectively. This string of setbacks has left the Sacramento lineup significantly depleted as the team navigates the rest of the schedule.
Hunter joined the Kings on January 31, 2026, after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder. Before his injury, he appeared in just two games with Sacramento, illustrating how recent his addition to the roster was before the setback occurred.
Outlook for Hunter and the Kings Moving Forward
Though Hunter will miss the remainder of this season, he remains under contract with the Kings through the next year, offering fans hope that he will contribute again in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The team’s medical staff will now focus on his recovery to maximize the chances of a full return.
This series of injuries affects not only the Kings’ competitive prospects for the current campaign but also the dynamics of their future roster as they seek to maintain a competitive edge in the NBA.
BREAKING: Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery, league sources tell @TheSteinLine and me.
📸: @SacramentoKings pic.twitter.com/IAvaPRALoz
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 20, 2026
