The Cavaliers made it official: De’Andre Hunter is headed to Sacramento as part of a three-team trade involving the Kings and Bulls. In return, Cleveland is bringing in veteran point guard Dennis Schroder and wing Keon Ellis-two additions that speak to the Cavs’ desire to deepen their roster and stay competitive in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
President of basketball operations Koby Altman didn’t mince words. “After careful evaluation and a clearer view of the Eastern Conference landscape, we believe adding Dennis and Keon strengthens our depth, expands our flexibility, and positions us to keep building a championship-caliber team now and into the future,” he said in a statement. And he’s not wrong-the East is as balanced as it’s been in years, and the Cavs are clearly eyeing a deeper postseason push.
Let’s break down what this means on the court.
Dennis Schroder: A Veteran Floor General Joins the Mix
Schroder, 32, is no stranger to packing a suitcase. The Cavs will be his 11th team in 13 NBA seasons, a testament to both his journeyman status and his ability to fill a need wherever he goes. This season, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds over 40 games-a solid line for a player who’s often been asked to adapt on the fly.
What Schroder brings to Cleveland is experience and pace. He’s a downhill guard who can push the tempo, create off the dribble, and hold his own defensively.
For a Cavs team that’s leaned heavily on Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to initiate offense, Schroder gives them a steady hand off the bench-or even as a spot starter if injuries hit. He’s not the same player who once flirted with Sixth Man of the Year honors in Oklahoma City, but he’s still capable of impacting games, especially in high-leverage moments.
Keon Ellis: Defensive Upside and Energy
Ellis, 26, has been a quiet but intriguing presence for the Kings this season. In 43 games, he’s averaged 5.6 points and 1.1 steals, showing flashes of defensive upside and a willingness to do the dirty work. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but in today’s NBA, having a wing who can switch, stay in front of his man, and knock down the occasional open three is invaluable.
For Cleveland, Ellis provides depth on the wing-a spot that’s been in flux at times due to injuries and rotations. He’s the kind of player who can earn minutes with hustle and defense, and in a playoff series, that can be the difference between stealing a game or going home early.
A Shuffling of Two-Ways
In a corresponding move, Cleveland also acquired forward Emanuel Miller from the Bulls on a two-way deal and waived wing Luke Travers. These types of moves often fly under the radar, but they matter.
Two-way players are increasingly being used as developmental pieces who can step in when needed. Miller brings length and athleticism, and while he’s not expected to contribute immediately, he’s another body the coaching staff can mold.
Saying Goodbye to De’Andre Hunter
Hunter, 28, heads to Sacramento after parts of two seasons in Cleveland following a trade from Atlanta. He’s averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 43 games this year, and while he had his moments with the Cavs, the fit never quite clicked the way both sides had hoped.
Altman made sure to acknowledge Hunter and Travers for their time with the team, and that’s important. These are guys who put in the work, even if the roster math eventually squeezed them out.
Looking Ahead
The bottom line? This is a move about flexibility and readiness.
The Cavs didn’t swing for a superstar, but they added two proven rotation players who can help them navigate the grind of the second half of the season and into the playoffs. In a year where the East doesn’t have a runaway favorite, that kind of depth could be the edge.
Cleveland’s front office is betting on experience, versatility, and defensive tenacity. And if Schroder and Ellis can settle in quickly, the Cavs just might be better positioned than they were yesterday.