The Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled the trigger on a multi-team deal that reshapes their roster and financial outlook heading into the final stretch of the season. In a trade that includes the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, Cleveland has moved on from De’Andre Hunter, a player they acquired just a year ago with high hopes, and brought in Keon Ellis-a young, two-way guard with upside and a more manageable contract situation.
Let’s unpack what this means for all sides, starting with the Cavs.
Cleveland’s Cap Play and Roster Reset
This deal is as much about money as it is about basketball. By moving Hunter and his $23.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season, the Cavaliers are saving $6.9 million in salary and a staggering $40 million in luxury tax penalties. That’s a massive financial swing, especially for a team that’s been operating above the second tax apron all season.
But this isn’t just a cap-clearing move. Cleveland is also adding a player they’ve had their eye on: Keon Ellis.
The 23-year-old guard brings defensive toughness, athleticism, and a developing offensive game-traits the Cavs have been missing on the wing. With Darius Garland still battling injuries, the front office has been searching for someone who can slot in next to Donovan Mitchell and provide 3-and-D value without breaking the bank.
Ellis is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the Cavs now have the ability to offer him a three-year, $52 million extension. That’s a number that could make sense for both sides if Ellis continues to show growth and fits well in Cleveland’s system.
De’Andre Hunter: A Short-Lived Experiment
Hunter’s time in Cleveland was brief and, frankly, underwhelming. The Cavaliers gave up a decent haul to get him at last season’s trade deadline-sending Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-rounders, and two pick swaps to Atlanta. At the time, Hunter was viewed as a versatile wing who could defend multiple positions and knock down open shots.
But the production didn’t match the price tag. In 43 games this season, Hunter averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting just 30.8% from beyond the arc. That kind of inefficiency, especially on a team that needs floor spacing around Mitchell and Evan Mobley, made it tough to justify keeping him around-especially at his salary.
With the team looking to make a serious playoff push and navigate the financial challenges of the second apron, moving on from Hunter became a necessary step. Executive Koby Altman made the call to pivot, even if it meant parting ways with a player they once viewed as a cornerstone piece.
Sacramento’s Leverage and the Bulls’ Facilitation
The Kings played their cards well in this deal. They were adamant about including Dennis Schroder in any trade involving Ellis, and when Cleveland hesitated, Sacramento made it clear they had other options.
That leverage paid off. The Cavs relented, and the Kings were able to offload Dario Saric’s contract to the Bulls as part of the larger framework.
Chicago steps in as the third team to help facilitate the deal, absorbing Saric’s contract and receiving two second-round picks for their trouble: a 2027 second-rounder from Denver via the Cavaliers, and the least favorable of the Knicks, Pistons, and Bucks’ 2029 second-rounders from the Kings.
To make room on the roster, the Bulls will waive Jevon Carter, as first reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Why the Lakers Backed Out
The Lakers were also in talks with Cleveland about acquiring Hunter, but ultimately stepped away from the table. Their hesitation centered around the extra year on Hunter’s contract compared to Rui Hachimura, who becomes a free agent this summer. That difference in long-term flexibility made Sacramento the more viable partner for the Cavs.
What Comes Next
For Cleveland, this trade checks multiple boxes. They get younger, more athletic, and more financially flexible.
Ellis may not be a finished product, but he brings energy and defensive chops to a team that needs both. If he clicks, the Cavs could lock him in long-term at a reasonable number.
As for Hunter, he’ll get a fresh start in Sacramento-a team that clearly values what he brings, even if it didn’t work out in Cleveland. Sometimes, a change of scenery is what a player needs to rediscover their rhythm.
This is a classic midseason move: part cap management, part roster retooling, and part calculated gamble. And for the Cavaliers, it could be the piece that helps them stay competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference while keeping one eye on the future.