The Cavaliers made a strategic move Saturday night, reshaping their backcourt and trimming their luxury-tax bill in one swift stroke. In a three-team deal involving the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, Cleveland sent forward De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento and brought in guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The Bulls, meanwhile, picked up forward Dario Saric and a pair of future second-round picks from the Kings to round out the trade.
Let’s unpack what this means for the Cavs - both on the court and on the books.
A Backcourt Boost for Cleveland
Cleveland’s rotation just got a lot more versatile. Dennis Schroder, a 13-year NBA veteran, brings steady hands and a proven track record as a floor general.
Averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season, Schroder gives the Cavs a stabilizing presence off the bench - someone who can run the offense when the starters sit and step into a bigger role if needed. His ability to control tempo and create in the pick-and-roll should fit nicely alongside Cleveland’s current core.
Then there’s Keon Ellis - not a household name, but a player who’s quietly carved out a reputation as a tenacious perimeter defender. At 26, Ellis is in the prime of his athletic window, and while he’s averaging just 5.6 points per game, his defensive impact jumps off the page when you dig into the per-36 numbers.
He ranks among the league’s best in steals and blocks for his minutes played, and on a Cavs team that values defensive grit, he could find a real role. His contract expires at the end of the season, but with extension eligibility coming up on February 9, Cleveland will have a decision to make soon.
The Financial Side of the Deal
This wasn’t just about basketball. By moving off De’Andre Hunter’s contract, the Cavaliers are projected to save roughly $50 million in combined salary and luxury-tax payments this season.
That’s a significant chunk of change - and it matters more than ever in a league now governed by the second tax apron. With this move, Cleveland gains more breathing room and flexibility as it navigates future roster-building decisions.
Hunter, 28, was averaging 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 43 games this season. He’s a capable scorer and a solid wing, but the fit under head coach Kenny Atkinson never quite clicked. Offensively, he struggled to find consistency in a system that emphasizes ball movement and spacing, and with his contract running through the 2026-27 season, the Cavs opted to pivot now rather than commit long-term.
What the Kings and Bulls Get
From Sacramento’s side, they add a versatile forward in Hunter who can slot in as a two-way contributor. If he finds his rhythm in a new setting, he could become a valuable piece for a Kings team looking to solidify its playoff standing.
Chicago, meanwhile, takes on Dario Saric and adds two future second-rounders. For a team that’s been hovering around the edges of the playoff picture, it’s a low-risk move that adds depth and draft capital.
The Bigger Picture for Cleveland
This trade signals a few things for the Cavs. First, they’re serious about shoring up their backcourt depth - especially with postseason aspirations in mind. Schroder gives them a veteran who’s been in big moments, and Ellis offers a defensive spark that could prove valuable in matchups against elite guards.
Second, it shows a front office that’s mindful of the financial landscape. With the second tax apron looming over big-spending teams, cutting costs without sacrificing competitiveness is a delicate balance. Cleveland managed to do both here.
And finally, it’s a reminder that the Cavs are still fine-tuning their identity under Atkinson. This isn’t a rebuild - it’s a recalibration.
With a core that includes Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland is in win-now mode. Moves like this one are about optimizing the roster around that nucleus.
The Cavs didn’t just make a trade - they made a statement. They’re not standing still.
They’re adjusting on the fly, with an eye on both the court and the cap sheet. And with the second half of the season heating up, this could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays off in a big way come playoff time.