As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Cleveland Cavaliers are staying active - and one name that keeps surfacing in conversations is De’Andre Hunter. According to multiple reports, the Cavs and Sacramento Kings have explored a deal that would send Hunter to the Kings in exchange for a package built around Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Dario Saric.
Let’s break down what this potential move would mean for Cleveland - and why it’s gaining traction.
The Framework: Why It Works Financially
For Cleveland, navigating the second apron of the luxury tax means every deal has to be precise. They can’t take back more salary than they send out, so any trade has to match up almost dollar-for-dollar. In this proposed structure, Ellis, Schroder, and Saric combine for about $21.8 million in salary - which lines up well against Hunter’s $24.91 million owed next season.
That math matters, because it allows the Cavs to stay compliant without needing to pull off complex cap gymnastics. And with Saric on an expiring $5.43 million deal, there’s flexibility baked in. If needed, a third team could step in to absorb Saric’s contract, likely in exchange for second-round draft compensation.
What Cleveland Would Be Getting
Keon Ellis is the intriguing piece here. He’s on a team-friendly $2.3 million deal, becomes extension-eligible on February 9, and would hit unrestricted free agency this summer if no deal is reached. For a Cavs team that’s looking to add depth and defensive versatility on the wing, Ellis fits the mold - a low-risk, high-upside player who’s shown flashes and is drawing attention across the league.
Dennis Schroder brings a different value proposition. He’s a veteran guard with playoff experience and a proven ability to run an offense off the bench.
But he’s not just a rental - he’s owed nearly $15 million next season and carries a partial guarantee for 2027-28. That’s a longer-term commitment, and Cleveland would need to be confident in his fit alongside Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Dario Saric, meanwhile, is more of a financial piece than a core rotation target. His expiring deal gives Cleveland optionality - either as a salary-matching tool or as a player who could contribute in limited minutes down the stretch.
Why Hunter?
De’Andre Hunter has long been viewed as a player with untapped potential. A strong defender with a solid frame and a workable offensive game, he was once seen as a foundational piece in Atlanta. But he’s struggled to find consistency, and his contract - nearly $25 million next season - reflects a level of production he hasn’t quite delivered on a nightly basis.
Still, there’s a reason teams like Sacramento and the Lakers are interested. At his best, Hunter can defend multiple positions, knock down open shots, and provide the kind of wing presence that’s always in high demand come playoff time. For Sacramento, adding Hunter could bolster their defense and give them another switchable forward to plug into their rotation.
Alternate Paths and Other Suitors
This isn’t the only version of the deal being discussed. Sacramento and Cleveland have also explored a different structure that would swap out Schroder for Malik Monk, pairing him with Ellis.
But that version comes with its own complications. Monk is under contract for two more years at a total of $41.77 million - a figure that has reportedly given the Cavs pause.
And it’s not just the Kings in the mix. Cleveland has also held talks with the Lakers around a Hunter deal, one that would send back Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, with the Brooklyn Nets potentially stepping in as a facilitator. That’s another interesting wrinkle, especially with Knecht’s upside and Rui’s size and scoring ability.
The Bottom Line
The Cavs are clearly exploring multiple avenues to reshape their roster ahead of the deadline, and Hunter appears to be a central figure in those conversations. Whether it’s Sacramento, Los Angeles, or a three-team structure that ultimately gets it done, Cleveland seems intent on making a move that balances financial flexibility with on-court impact.
With just days to go before the deadline, don’t be surprised if this one heats up fast. The pieces are on the board - now it’s a matter of which team makes the next move.