The Sacramento Kings have shaken up their roster in a notable three-team deal, sending out veterans Dennis Schroder and Dario Saric in exchange for Cavaliers wing De’Andre Hunter. The trade, which also includes the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls, marks the first significant transaction since Trae Young’s move to the Wizards earlier this month - and it could be a sign that the trade market is finally heating up.
Let’s break down what this move means for each team, starting with Sacramento.
Kings Pivot from Short-Term Vets to Defensive Upside
The Kings brought in Schroder and Saric last offseason with the hope that their experience and versatility could help solidify the rotation. But neither player made a lasting impact in Sacramento.
Schroder, in particular, was expected to bring veteran poise and playmaking off the bench, but things never quite clicked. Now, after just a few months, he’s on the move again - his fourth team in the last 12 months.
In return, the Kings get De’Andre Hunter, a two-way wing who brings size, defensive versatility, and scoring upside. When healthy and in rhythm, Hunter can be a difference-maker on the perimeter. For a Kings team that’s been searching for consistent wing defense to complement their backcourt firepower, this is a swing worth taking.
This move also signals a course correction from Sacramento’s front office. The decision to sign Schroder to a three-year, $44.4 million deal raised eyebrows from the start - especially for those who remembered his short, underwhelming stint with the Warriors in late 2024. He averaged 10.6 points and 4.4 assists over 24 games, but struggled with efficiency and never quite found his role before being moved again at the deadline.
To make room for Schroder back in the offseason, the Kings had to part with Jonas Valanciunas, sending him to Denver in a deal that brought back Saric. That gamble didn’t pay off either.
Saric appeared in just five games for Sacramento, averaging a single point and barely over a rebound per game. His role diminished significantly compared to his time with the Warriors, where he was a steady contributor off the bench.
Now, both veterans are gone, and the Kings have a younger, more athletic piece in Hunter who could better fit their long-term plans.
Cavaliers Add Depth, Bulls Take a Flyer
For Cleveland, this deal adds depth at the guard position with Schroder and brings in Keon Ellis, a young wing with upside. Schroder, despite his recent inconsistency, is still a capable ball-handler and defender who can give the Cavs solid minutes behind or alongside their backcourt stars. This marks his 11th team in 13 NBA seasons - a testament to both his journeyman status and the fact that teams continue to see value in his skill set, even if only in short bursts.
Ellis, meanwhile, is an intriguing piece. He’s shown flashes as a 3-and-D wing, and while he’s still developing, the Cavs may see him as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Chicago, on the other hand, picks up Saric and two future second-round picks. For a team that’s been stuck in the middle, this is a classic low-cost move. Saric may not be a long-term fixture, but the added draft capital gives the Bulls more flexibility as they weigh their next steps.
What’s Next for Sacramento?
With the deadline approaching, there’s still plenty of chatter around Sacramento - especially when it comes to potential deals involving young forward Jonathan Kuminga. While this trade doesn’t involve Golden State, it doesn’t mean the Kings are done dealing. If anything, this could be a precursor to another move as they look to reshape the roster around their core.
For now, Sacramento has moved on from two veterans who never quite fit and brought in a wing who could help them on both ends of the floor. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a smart recalibration - and one that could pay off if Hunter finds his groove in a new environment.