The Sacramento Kings have finally made their move.
After weeks of swirling trade rumors and mounting pressure to shake up the roster, Sacramento pulled the trigger on a three-team deal that brings in 3-and-D wing De’Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Kings are sending guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland, while the Chicago Bulls enter the mix by acquiring Dario Saric and two future second-round picks - Sacramento’s 2029 and Cleveland’s 2027 selections.
Let’s break it down.
What the Kings Are Getting in De’Andre Hunter
Hunter, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, hasn’t quite hit the star ceiling many projected when he came out of Virginia. But make no mistake - he’s carved out a valuable niche as a versatile two-way wing with size, length, and enough offensive punch to keep defenses honest.
This season, in 43 games with the Cavaliers, Hunter has averaged 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from deep on 5.5 attempts per night. Not eye-popping numbers, but for a Kings team that’s lacked size and defensive presence on the wing, he fills a glaring need.
At 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan, Hunter brings the kind of physical profile head coach Doug Christie has been missing in his frontcourt. With the Kings thin at the forward spots, Hunter could slide into the starting lineup sooner rather than later - potentially pushing Precious Achiuwa to the bench.
Hunter is under contract for $23.3 million this season and $24.9 million next year, with a non-guaranteed year in 2027. That gives Sacramento both short-term help and long-term flexibility.
What the Kings Gave Up
This deal also helps Sacramento clean up a roster crunch in the backcourt.
Dennis Schroder, who signed a three-year, $44.4 million deal this past offseason, never quite fit in as expected. While his veteran presence and playmaking were supposed to steady the second unit, the Kings’ guard-heavy rotation left him fighting for minutes. Moving on from that contract gives GM Scott Perry more breathing room heading into the deadline.
Keon Ellis, meanwhile, was a different kind of asset - young, cheap, and highly coveted across the league. The 2022 undrafted free agent had become a fan favorite in Sacramento for his defensive grit and steady development. But with limited minutes available and his value peaking, the Kings decided now was the time to cash in.
Dario Saric also heads out, landing in Chicago. He’d barely seen the floor this season and was on an expiring deal, so this move doesn’t shift the needle much from a basketball standpoint - though it does help balance the books and roster spots in this three-team exchange.
The Bigger Picture for Sacramento
This is more than just a swap of contracts and role players. It’s a signal.
Sacramento is pushing chips in on this season - but doing so with a measured, strategic approach. They didn’t mortgage the future or take on bloated long-term deals. Instead, they added a 28-year-old wing who defends, spaces the floor, and fits the timeline of their current core.
And with the trade deadline still five days away, this could be just the beginning.
Shams Charania also reported that the Kings will be converting rookie big man Dylan Cardwell from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, taking advantage of the roster space opened up in the trade. That move adds depth in the frontcourt and suggests the Kings are looking to solidify their rotation before the stretch run.
Meanwhile, names like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and even Domantas Sabonis continue to swirl in trade rumors. Whether the Kings make another splash remains to be seen, but this Hunter deal gives them more flexibility - both financially and on the floor.
What It Means for the Cavaliers and Bulls
Cleveland, for their part, turns Hunter’s contract into backcourt depth and significant financial relief - reportedly saving around $50 million in salary and tax obligations this season. Schroder gives them a veteran guard who can contribute immediately, while Ellis offers upside on a cheap deal.
Chicago picks up Saric and a pair of second-rounders - a modest return, but one that adds future draft capital and a stretch big on an expiring contract.
Final Thoughts
This is a smart, calculated move for Sacramento. Hunter might not be a blockbuster acquisition, but he’s exactly the kind of player who can make a difference in a playoff series - a switchable defender who can guard multiple positions and knock down open shots.
For a Kings team trying to take the next step in the Western Conference, it’s a step in the right direction. And with the deadline clock ticking, it might not be the last one.