The Cleveland Cavaliers made a splash ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, pulling the trigger on a three-team deal that sends forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings and brings in guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The move not only reshapes Cleveland’s backcourt rotation but also provides some much-needed financial breathing room - roughly $50 million in salary and luxury tax relief, according to league sources.
Let’s break down what this means for the Cavs on and off the court.
Hunter Out, Guard Depth In
Hunter’s time in Cleveland was brief and underwhelming. Acquired from Atlanta just ahead of last year’s deadline, he never quite found his rhythm in a Cavs uniform.
He started the season in the lineup while Max Strus recovered from foot surgery, but eventually shifted to a bench role. With a hefty contract and inconsistent production, Hunter became a logical trade candidate for a team looking to recalibrate.
In return, the Cavs are betting on backcourt reinforcements. Dennis Schroder gives Cleveland a proven point guard presence - something they’ve lacked with Darius Garland battling a toe injury and Lonzo Ball struggling to stay effective off the bench. Schroder’s experience and playmaking should help stabilize the second unit and provide a veteran presence in tight games.
Then there’s Keon Ellis, a defensive-minded guard who brings energy, length, and perimeter toughness - a skill set Cleveland has sorely missed since dealing Isaac Okoro to Chicago last summer. Ellis might not light up the scoreboard, but his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes gives the Cavs a versatile piece to deploy in key matchups.
The Full Scope of the Three-Team Deal
The trade wasn’t just a two-way swap. The Chicago Bulls got involved as the third team, acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric along with two future second-round picks - one from Cleveland in 2027 and one from Sacramento in 2029.
For the Bulls, it's a low-risk, forward-looking move. For the Cavs, it's all about the present - and the financial future.
Despite the savings this deal generates, Cleveland still sits in the NBA’s second tax apron - a designation that limits flexibility in trades and roster construction. That said, this move could be the first domino in a broader strategy to reshape the roster ahead of the deadline.
A Closer Look at the New Faces in Cleveland
Dennis Schroder, now on his 10th NBA team, has been around the block. This season with the Kings, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in just over 26 minutes per game. His shooting - 40.8% from the field and 34.3% from deep - isn’t elite, but he’s a capable scorer and facilitator who can run an offense and hold his own defensively.
Financially, Schroder is on a three-year, $44.4 million deal that runs through 2027-28. He’s earning $14.1 million this season, with escalating salaries in the next two years - though only $4.35 million of his final-year salary is guaranteed. That gives the Cavs some future flexibility if they decide to pivot.
Keon Ellis, meanwhile, is more of a developmental piece with upside. The 26-year-old guard has appeared in 43 games this season, starting five, and is averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in just under 18 minutes per night. His shooting splits - 39.7% from the field and 36.8% from three - show promise, and his defensive instincts are ahead of the curve for a player in just his second NBA season.
Ellis is on a team-friendly deal, making $2.3 million this year. He’ll be eligible for a three-year, $52 million extension starting Feb. 9, but for now, he gives Cleveland a low-cost, high-effort defender at the guard spot.
De’Andre Hunter’s Exit
Hunter, 28, was averaging 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26.2 minutes per game this season. While those numbers aren’t bad on paper, his shooting - 42.3% from the field and just 30.8% from deep - didn’t justify the four-year, $90 million deal he’s playing under. He’s set to earn $24.9 million next season, which made him a tough fit for a Cavs team trying to balance competitiveness with financial sustainability.
What’s Next?
Cleveland has been a bit of a mixed bag this season. Despite a strong January (10-5), the team hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.
Injuries have played a role, but the front office clearly felt a shake-up was necessary - and this deal signals they’re not done yet. With the trade deadline looming, don’t be surprised if the Cavs make another move to bolster their playoff push.
For now, they’ve added a seasoned point guard, a rising defensive talent, and trimmed a significant chunk of salary. It’s a calculated move aimed at improving both the short-term rotation and long-term cap sheet - a smart play for a team still trying to find its ceiling in the Eastern Conference.