The Cleveland Cavaliers made a move ahead of the trade deadline, sending 6’7” wing De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran guard Dennis Schröder and defensive-minded guard Keon Ellis. It's a deal that may not shake the league at first glance, but it carries meaningful implications for both Cleveland’s rotation and their financial outlook.
Cavs Add Depth, Flexibility, and Defense
For Cleveland, this trade is as much about roster construction as it is about the books. Schröder gives the Cavs a reliable backup point guard - a steady hand who can manage the offense, push the pace, and bring playoff experience to a backcourt that’s leaned heavily on Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. With Garland still working his way back from injury, adding a veteran like Schröder helps fortify the team’s depth in the short term.
Ellis, meanwhile, is an intriguing piece. He’s flown under the radar a bit this season, but around the league, he’s earned a reputation as one of the better perimeter defenders available.
He’s on an expiring $2.3 million deal, but come February 9, he becomes extension-eligible - up to three years, $52 million. That’s a big number for a player with a limited offensive profile, but Cleveland now has the flexibility to keep him if he fits the culture and system.
Financial Win for Cleveland
The financial side of this deal can’t be overstated. By moving Hunter’s contract - which pays him $23.3 million this year and $24.9 million next - the Cavaliers slash their tax bill by about $44 million this season, dropping from $164 million to $120 million.
That’s a massive savings, and it positions them to get under the second apron next year. In today’s NBA, where the new CBA has made the second apron a serious team-building obstacle, that kind of breathing room matters.
Even as an apron team next season, Cleveland retains the ability to re-sign Ellis and go over the threshold. That’s key - the Cavs didn’t just make a salary dump here. They added a player they could potentially keep in the fold without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Hunter Heads West
As for Sacramento, they get De’Andre Hunter - a 28-year-old wing averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists across 43 games this season. He’s a solid 3-and-D option when healthy, and his size gives the Kings another versatile body on the wing alongside the likes of Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes.
Hunter’s deal runs through the next two seasons, taking up roughly 15% of the projected salary cap. That’s not a bargain, but if he stays healthy and fits into Mike Brown’s system, it’s a manageable number for a team trying to stay competitive in the West.
Bulls Sneak In for Picks
There was also a smaller wrinkle in the deal: the Chicago Bulls acquired Dario Šarić from Sacramento along with a pair of second-round picks. Šarić is expected to be waived, but the Bulls get some draft capital for their trouble - a classic move for a team looking to restock the cupboard without taking on long-term money.
What This Trade Tells Us
With the NBA trade deadline just days away - Thursday, Feb. 5 at noon Pacific - this move gives us a glimpse into how teams are navigating the current landscape. The Cavaliers are clearly prioritizing cap flexibility without punting on competitiveness. The Kings add a rotation wing in Hunter, while the Bulls quietly pick up assets.
It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of deal that sets the table for bigger moves - especially as trade rumors around stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to swirl. For now, Cleveland gets a little deeper, a little cheaper, and a little more flexible. And in today’s NBA, that’s a win worth noting.