The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a decisive move ahead of the trade deadline, sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a multi-team deal that also involves the Chicago Bulls. This trade isn’t just about player movement-it’s about financial flexibility, roster fit, and setting the table for a postseason push.
Breaking Down the Deal
To make the math work on Hunter’s $23.3 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season, the Kings are offloading Dario Šarić’s contract to the Bulls, who step in as the third team in this deal. In return for helping facilitate the trade, Chicago will receive two future second-round picks: a 2027 pick via Denver from the Cavaliers, and the least favorable of the Knicks, Pistons, or Bucks' 2029 second-rounders from Sacramento.
As part of the transaction, the Bulls are expected to waive Jevon Carter, according to multiple reports.
Cavs Get Their Guy-and Cap Relief
For Cleveland, this move is about more than just moving on from Hunter. It’s about clearing salary and adding a player they’ve been eyeing for a while. The Cavs had Ellis at the top of their trade board this season, and now they’ve landed him at the cost of Hunter and a single future second-round pick.
Ellis brings two-way upside and fits the mold of a modern 3-and-D guard-something Cleveland has been hunting for as Darius Garland continues to battle injuries. With Donovan Mitchell carrying the load in the backcourt, the Cavs needed a complementary piece who could knock down shots, defend on the perimeter, and do it all without breaking the bank.
And the savings here are significant. By making this deal, the Cavaliers will save $6.9 million in salary and a staggering $40 million in projected luxury tax payments. That’s a massive win for a team still operating as the NBA’s only second-apron squad this season.
Why Sacramento Was the Only Real Option
Cleveland had been in talks with both the Kings and the Lakers about potential Hunter deals, but L.A. backed off due to concerns about the extra year on Hunter’s contract compared to Rui Hachimura, who becomes a free agent this summer. That left Sacramento as the only viable destination.
The Kings made it clear: if Dennis Schröder wasn’t part of the deal, they’d walk. Cleveland wasn’t thrilled about taking on long-term salary, but with limited options and a clear desire to move off Hunter’s contract, they pivoted.
A Quick Turnaround for Hunter in Cleveland
Hunter’s time in Cleveland was short-lived. Acquired at last year’s deadline in a splashy trade with Atlanta that cost the Cavs Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-rounders, and two pick swaps, the 28-year-old wing never quite found his rhythm in J.B. Bickerstaff’s system.
In 43 games this season, Hunter averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds, but shot just 30.8% from deep-a tough number for a player brought in to space the floor and provide defensive versatility. With the Cavs still struggling to find consistency on the wing and facing mounting financial pressure, the front office, led by Koby Altman, made the call to move on.
What’s Next for Ellis and the Cavs
Ellis, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, is now eligible to sign a three-year, $52 million extension with Cleveland. That could be a win-win if the Cavs believe he can grow into a long-term backcourt piece alongside Mitchell and Garland.
This trade signals a shift in priorities for Cleveland: get younger, get cheaper, and get more dynamic on both ends of the floor. If Ellis delivers, the Cavs may have just pulled off one of the more savvy midseason moves we’ll see this year.