The Cavaliers didn’t just make a move-they made a statement. With Darius Garland still sidelined due to a right toe sprain, Cleveland has been leaning hard on secondary playmakers.
That changes now. The additions of Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder give the Cavs a much-needed jolt of depth and versatility in the backcourt, addressing both immediate needs and longer-term roster balance.
Ellis: Defensive Disruptor with Shooting Upside
Let’s start with Ellis. The 6-foot-5 guard brings a defensive edge that should fit right into head coach Kenny Atkinson’s system, which favors guard-heavy lineups and active perimeter defense.
Ellis is a classic point-of-attack defender-quick feet, sharp instincts, and a nose for disruption. According to Cleaning the Glass, when Ellis was on the court for Sacramento, opponents turned the ball over on 17.1% of their possessions.
That’s not just solid-it ranks in the 92nd percentile league-wide. And the on/off numbers are even more telling: when Ellis sat, that opponent turnover rate dropped by 4.3%, a 99th percentile swing.
That’s the kind of defensive impact that doesn’t always show up in the box score but absolutely changes games.
Offensively, Ellis has taken a step back this season, at least in terms of opportunity and efficiency. His minutes are down nearly seven per game compared to last year, and his shooting has dipped-particularly from deep, where he’s hitting 36.8% of his threes after a 43.3% clip last season.
Some of that can be chalked up to inconsistent playing time and a shift in Sacramento’s rotation under Doug Christie, who’s been leaning more on younger players. But the skillset is still there: Ellis can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within the flow of an offense.
On a Cavs team that needs perimeter defense and reliable shooting, he’s a low-risk, high-upside pickup.
Schroder: Veteran Steady Hand
Then there’s Dennis Schroder, who’s bringing his talents to Cleveland as the 11th stop in his NBA journey. At 32, Schroder remains a reliable veteran presence with a proven ability to run an offense.
He’s still got enough burst to get downhill, collapse defenses, and either finish at the rim or draw contact. And when defenders go under screens, he’s more than capable of making them pay with the pull-up jumper.
Just last week, Schroder dropped 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting with four assists-against the very team he now joins. That performance wasn’t an outlier; it was a reminder that he can still produce in meaningful minutes.
He’s also cleaned up his decision-making in recent seasons, taking better care of the ball and showing a more measured approach as a floor general. And with eight years of playoff experience under his belt, Schroder brings a level of postseason poise that could prove invaluable down the stretch.
A Necessary Trade-Off
Of course, this move didn’t come without sacrifice. The Cavs had to part ways with Hunter, a player they believed in but who simply hadn’t lived up to expectations.
His inconsistencies were becoming too costly-especially with a $24 million contract that runs through 2027. With the trade deadline looming and the need for backcourt reinforcement growing more urgent, Cleveland made the call.
In return, they get Ellis on an expiring rookie-scale deal and Schroder under contract at around $15 million annually through 2028-a more manageable number for a player with his résumé.
Now Comes the Backcourt Balancing Act
One thing’s clear: the Cavs have no shortage of guards. With Donovan Mitchell, Garland (once healthy), Schroder, Ellis, Lonzo Ball, Craig Porter Jr., and Tyrese Proctor all in the mix, the rotation is suddenly crowded.
That’s a good problem to have-until it isn’t. According to a source close to the team, Cleveland knows it has to sort out the logjam.
Whether that means staggering minutes, exploring additional trades, or leaning into matchup-based rotations, there’s work to be done.
But for now, the Cavs have added two pieces who can help them win games-and possibly more-this season. Ellis brings defensive grit and shooting upside.
Schroder brings veteran savvy and a steady hand at the point. With February here and the playoff race heating up, Cleveland just got a lot more interesting.