The Sacramento Kings made an early move ahead of the trade deadline, sending Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for De’Andre Hunter. It’s a deal that’s already stirring up strong reactions in Sacramento, and not all of them are positive.
Let’s break it down.
The Kings had been circling the trade market for weeks, with speculation swirling about who might be on the move. In the end, it was Schroder and Ellis-two players with very different roles and trajectories-who were dealt.
In return, they get Hunter, a former top-five pick with size, defensive chops, and untapped potential as a two-way wing. On paper, it’s a swing for a player who could fill a key need on the perimeter.
But the reaction from fans? Let’s just say it’s been less than enthusiastic.
There’s a clear undercurrent of frustration among the Kings faithful, and this trade seems to have hit a nerve. Some fans see it as a misstep, questioning the front office’s decision to part with Ellis, a young guard who’d shown promise in limited minutes. Others view it as a necessary, if uninspiring, move to clear a veteran contract and reset the roster.
One sentiment that’s echoed across social media: the Kings haven’t exactly nailed their handling of Keon Ellis this season. There’s a sense that the team missed an opportunity to develop him further, and now they’ve let him go just as he was starting to show flashes of what he could become. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for a franchise that’s spent years trying to build a sustainable core.
As for Schroder, his fit in Sacramento never quite clicked. He brought veteran experience and flashes of playmaking, but the chemistry wasn’t there, and his role seemed to fluctuate. Moving off his contract gives the Kings some flexibility, and that part of the deal makes sense-especially if this is the first of multiple moves.
Then there’s Hunter. He’s the wildcard here.
Still just 26, he brings defensive versatility and size on the wing, something the Kings have lacked. But his offensive game has plateaued in recent seasons, and injuries have slowed his development.
If he can stay healthy and carve out a role, this could look like a smart buy-low move down the line. If not, the Kings could be looking to flip him again by next year’s deadline.
The bottom line? This is a transitional trade.
It’s not the kind of blockbuster that shifts the balance of power in the West, but it does signal that Sacramento is trying to recalibrate. Whether that means more moves are coming remains to be seen, but for now, the fanbase is clearly divided.
One thing’s for sure: the Kings are at a crossroads. The front office is trying to thread the needle between staying competitive and building for the future. Moves like this one are part of that process-but they don’t always come without backlash.