Significant Move Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a three-team trade that will send veteran guard Dennis Schröder and defensive wing Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings to Cleveland in exchange for forward De’Andre Hunter, league sources confirmed Sunday. The deal also includes the Chicago Bulls, who will receive forward Dario Šarić and two future second-round draft picks as part of the multi-team transaction.
The trade marks a notable shake-up for both the Cavaliers and the Kings as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Feb. 5, with each franchise addressing roster needs and financial considerations deep into the 2025-26 regular season.
Cavalier Backcourt Boost and Tax Relief
For Cleveland, the acquisition of Dennis Schröder, an experienced point guard averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season, and Keon Ellis, a versatile wing known for his defensive activity, strengthens the backcourt amid injury concerns and lineup adjustments. Schröder’s presence is expected to help mitigate the effects of guard Darius Garland’s ongoing absence due to a sprained right toe, while Ellis adds perimeter defense and athleticism.
Financially, the deal provides the Cavaliers with significant relief. According to ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks, Cleveland will reduce its luxury-tax burden by nearly $50 million this season, dropping the team’s projected payroll from approximately $164 million to around $120 million. The trade clears cap flexibility and positions the franchise to maneuver more effectively around the second apron threshold.
Ellis, 26, is on an expiring $2.3 million contract and will be eligible for a contract extension on Feb. 9. Should the Cavaliers choose to re-sign him, they could exceed the apron, as permissible under NBA rules for teams re-signing their own free agents.
Sacramento Seeks Forward Versatility
The Sacramento Kings, who have struggled this season, acquire De’Andre Hunter, a 28-year-old wing with prior success as a “3-and-D” contributor, in hopes of adding experience and two-way versatility to their rotation. Hunter has averaged approximately 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, although his production has dipped compared with previous years.
By taking on Hunter’s contract, which carries roughly $23.3 million for the current season and $24.9 million next season, Sacramento also preserves roster flexibility, including the potential to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard deal.
For the Chicago Bulls, absorbing Šarić’s contract and receiving future second-round draft selections enhances their asset base as they position for future trades or free-agent opportunities. Šarić’s expiring contract provides budgetary maneuverability for Chicago.
Player Roles and Fit
Dennis Schröder
Schröder, 32, brings veteran leadership and scoring punch to Cleveland’s backcourt. After signing a multi-year contract with the Kings last summer, his role in Sacramento diminished following the emergence of younger guards and the return of Russell Westbrook from injury. Over 26.4 minutes per game, he has served as one of the NBA’s more productive bench playmakers this season.
In Cleveland, Schröder figures to contribute immediately as a ball-handler and facilitator while Garland continues to recover. His experience and steadiness as a secondary playmaker will also help balance the Cavaliers’ offensive flow.
Keon Ellis
Ellis’s role in Cleveland is expected to focus on defense and energy. Though his scoring averages are modest — around 5.6 points per game this season — he is among the league’s more active perimeter defenders on a per-36-minute basis, averaging significant steals and blocks relative to playing time.
If extended, Ellis could develop into a key rotational piece alongside stars such as Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, especially in lineups emphasizing defensive pressure and transition opportunities.
De’Andre Hunter
Hunter’s move to Sacramento suggests the Kings are prioritizing wing depth and two-way versatility. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions provides a complement to the team’s existing core, and his presence could help stabilize rotations as the Kings look to climb the Western Conference standings.
Strategic Outlook
This trade reflects broader trends at this year’s deadline as teams seek both immediate roster upgrades and long-term financial flexibility. For the Cavaliers, the departure of Hunter and addition of dual backcourt contributors underscores a pivot toward balancing playing time across multiple ball handlers and lowering luxury tax exposure.
For the Kings, adding a forward who can contribute on both ends of the court aligns with efforts to reset and strengthen core competencies as the franchise contends with a challenging season.
As the NBA trade deadline draws near, additional moves around the league remain possible, and this three-team trade could be a bellwether for how contenders and rebuilding teams manage salary cap space, roster construction, and competitive priorities.
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