As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a crossroads-one that could reshape both their locker room and their long-term direction. Keon Ellis, a rising 3-and-D guard with growing league-wide interest, is at the center of it all. But he might not be the only King on the move.
According to league sources, the Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed a trade framework that could involve multiple players and even a third team. The reported deal would send De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento in exchange for Ellis, Dennis Schroeder, and Dario Saric. There’s also talk of second-round draft compensation and potential salary maneuvering, with a third team possibly absorbing Saric’s expiring contract.
Let’s unpack the pieces here.
Keon Ellis: Sacramento’s Trade Headliner
Ellis has drawn interest from as many as 14 NBA teams, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a prototypical 3-and-D guard-versatile, defensively sound, and showing real promise as a floor spacer. That’s a profile every contender covets, especially with the postseason on the horizon.
He becomes extension-eligible on February 9, but if the Kings don’t lock him up before the end of the season, Ellis will hit unrestricted free agency this summer. That looming decision could be accelerating Sacramento’s willingness to move him now, rather than risk losing him for nothing later.
Dennis Schroeder: A Veteran Spark Plug
Schroeder’s inclusion in the reported deal adds a layer of intrigue. He’s owed $14.81 million next season, with a partially guaranteed $4.35 million for 2027-28. While not the focal point of this potential trade, Schroeder brings value as a veteran guard who can create offense off the bench-something Cleveland could use as they gear up for a playoff push.
His scoring punch and ability to run the second unit would give the Cavs a reliable option behind Darius Garland, especially in high-leverage postseason minutes.
Dario Saric: Salary Filler or Sneaky Contributor?
Saric, on an expiring $5.43 million deal, is the kind of player who often gets shuffled in midseason trades to make the numbers work. But that doesn’t mean he’s without value.
While his role in Sacramento has been limited, Saric is a capable stretch big who can provide spacing and ball movement in short bursts. If a third team jumps in to take on his contract, it could help facilitate the broader deal while giving Saric a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
De’Andre Hunter: Sacramento’s Target
On the other side of this equation, the Kings would be acquiring De’Andre Hunter, a versatile forward owed $24.91 million next season. Hunter’s two-way potential fits Sacramento’s roster needs-he’s a strong perimeter defender with enough offensive game to hold his own. For a Kings team looking to solidify its wing rotation and make a real postseason run, Hunter could be a key addition.
What This Means for Cleveland
If this deal comes together, the Cavaliers would walk away with a pair of rotation-ready guards in Ellis and Schroeder-both of whom address immediate needs. Ellis gives Cleveland another defensive weapon on the perimeter and a developing shooter who can complement stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Schroeder adds depth, experience, and scoring to a bench unit that’s been searching for consistency.
Cleveland currently sits at 29-21, holding the fifth seed in the East. With Mitchell playing at an All-NBA level and Mobley continuing to grow into a franchise cornerstone, the Cavs are in win-now mode. This trade would be a clear signal that they’re pushing their chips in for a deeper playoff run.
The Bigger Picture for Sacramento
For the Kings, this potential deal is about more than just swapping players-it’s about timeline and fit. Moving Ellis now avoids the uncertainty of free agency, and Schroeder’s contract could be seen as a cap management move. Bringing in Hunter suggests Sacramento is still focused on building a roster that can compete in the West right now, not just down the line.
With the trade deadline just days away, this is the kind of deal that could come together quickly-or fall apart just as fast. But if the reported framework holds, it’s a move that could reshape both franchises heading into the stretch run.