The Sacramento Kings are making moves ahead of the trade deadline, and this one has some real intrigue. In a three-team deal, the Kings are landing wing De’Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending out veteran guard Dennis Schroder and young guard Keon Ellis in the process. The Chicago Bulls also jump into the mix, acquiring center/forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks.
Let’s unpack what this means for each team-starting with Sacramento.
Kings Add a Two-Way Wing in Hunter
For Sacramento, this is a clear signal: they’re looking to solidify their wing depth with a player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. De’Andre Hunter, now in his first full season with Cleveland, brings a blend of size, athleticism, and scoring that the Kings have lacked at the wing spot. He’s averaging 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and just over 2 assists in 26 minutes per game across 43 appearances-23 of them starts.
Hunter isn’t just a plug-and-play option; he’s under contract for two more seasons after this one, at $23.3 million and $24.9 million respectively. That gives Sacramento some stability on the wing, and at age 28, he’s still in his prime. The Kings are betting that his length and defensive versatility will help shore up a roster that’s been searching for consistency on the perimeter.
Cavs Clear Cap, Add Backcourt Depth
From Cleveland’s side, this move is about more than just roster reshuffling-it’s a major financial play. By moving Hunter, the Cavaliers are expected to save around $50 million in salary and luxury tax this season alone, trimming their tax bill from $164 million to $120 million. That’s a significant shift for a team currently sitting at 29-21 and second in the Central Division, trailing the Pistons by 7.5 games.
In return, the Cavs get Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis-two guards who bring very different skill sets. Schroder, now with his 10th NBA team, is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists in 26 minutes per game this season.
He’s a proven veteran who can run the offense in spurts and provide a scoring punch off the bench. He also brings playoff experience, with 74 postseason games under his belt.
Ellis, meanwhile, is more of a developmental piece. In his fourth season with the Kings, the 6'3" guard has carved out a role as a defensive-minded contributor, averaging 5.6 points and 1.1 steals in just under 18 minutes per game. He’s started five games this season, and while he won’t be expected to carry a heavy load, his defensive instincts and energy could earn him rotation minutes in Cleveland.
Bulls Get Picks, Take a Flyer on Saric
Chicago’s role in this deal is more about the future than the present. The Bulls pick up two future second-rounders and veteran big man Dario Saric, who’s on an expiring $5.4 million contract. Saric has played sparingly this season-just five games, averaging a point and a rebound in eight minutes per contest-but he brings nine years of NBA experience and a reputation as a smart, floor-spacing forward when healthy.
For the Bulls, this is a low-risk move. They get draft capital and a veteran who can provide depth or come off the books this summer. With the team still figuring out its long-term direction, flexibility and future assets are the real prizes here.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of deal that could have ripple effects. Sacramento adds a key piece in Hunter, someone who could help them make a playoff push and fit into their core moving forward.
Cleveland, in turn, trims a hefty tax bill while adding a steady veteran and a young defender. Chicago banks some future picks and keeps its options open.
Each team walks away with something they needed-whether that’s cap relief, roster depth, or long-term flexibility. And as the trade deadline nears, don’t be surprised if this is just the beginning.