The Sacramento Kings made a splash at the trade deadline with the addition of De’Andre Hunter, but unfortunately, his season was cut short due to eye surgery after just a couple of games. It's a tough break for the Kings, but let's shift our focus to how former Kings Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder are fitting in with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Greg Swartz, an NBA writer, shared insights on The Drive Guys with Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Allen Stiles about how these former Kings are making their mark in Cleveland, alongside discussions on the future of some veteran players and the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Keon Ellis, who joined the Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2022, became a fan favorite in Sacramento. Despite questions surrounding his playing time, Ellis made a name for himself. As he heads into free agency, Sacramento's GM Scott Perry decided to move on, also trading Dennis Schroder, who had only recently signed a three-year, $45 million deal.
Swartz noted, "They both have been pretty important pieces off the bench." Ellis has been shooting 36.3% from three and averaging 8.1 points per game, while Schroder has contributed with his energy and hustle, despite some shooting struggles.
Dario Saric was also part of the trade, but he was waived by the Chicago Bulls shortly after.
The conversation turned to current veterans on the roster, like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. DeRozan's partially guaranteed contract makes him a potential trade asset, while Westbrook's expiring contract suggests he might seek a championship contender next.
Swartz believes the Kings should focus on getting younger and hope for a strong showing in the draft lottery to secure a future franchise player. The 2026 NBA Draft could be pivotal for the Kings' future.
For more insights, you can catch the full interview with Greg Swartz on The Drive Guys, airing weekdays from 2 - 6 p.m. PST on Sactown Sports 1140.
As for the Kings' upcoming schedule, they wrap up their road trip against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. After falling to the Raptors earlier this season, they'll be looking for redemption. Catch all the action on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT.
Upcoming games include matchups against the Pelicans, Clippers, and a couple of showdowns with the Warriors. It's a crucial stretch as the Kings look to finish the season strong.