Cavs Trade De'Andre Hunter to Kings in Blockbuster Three-Team Deal
In a move that's sending shockwaves through the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for point guard Dennis Schroder and defensive specialist Keon Ellis. The deal, which involves the Chicago Bulls as the third team, was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on February 1, 2026. This transaction not only reshapes rosters ahead of the trade deadline but also provides significant financial relief for the Cavaliers while bolstering the Kings' wing depth.
Breaking Down the Trade Details
The core of the swap sees Cleveland parting ways with Hunter, a 28-year-old "3-and-D" wing who's been a reliable scorer and defender for the Cavs. In return, they acquire Schroder, a veteran playmaker averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season (with notable rebounding contributions off the bench), and Ellis, a rising perimeter defender who's one of only two players in the league—alongside Detroit's Ausar Thompson—averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes.
The Bulls enter the fray by absorbing Sacramento's Dario Saric on his expiring $5.4 million contract, in exchange for two future second-round picks: Cleveland's 2027 pick (originally from the Denver Nuggets) and the Kings' 2029 second-rounder, which is the least favorable from the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, or New York Knicks. To make room for Saric, Chicago is waiving guard Jevon Carter, clearing the necessary salary cap space.
Financial Implications for the Cavaliers
From a business standpoint, this trade is a masterstroke for Cleveland. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Cavs will save approximately $50 million in salary and luxury tax this season, dropping their tax bill from a staggering $164 million to $120 million. This maneuver positions them to dip below the second apron threshold next season, offering greater flexibility in free agency and extensions.
Ellis, on an expiring $2.3 million deal, becomes extension-eligible on February 9 and could sign a three-year, $52 million pact. Even as an apron team, Cleveland can exceed the threshold to re-sign him, making this a low-risk, high-reward addition to their defensive core.
Impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers
For the Cavs, who have been contenders in the Eastern Conference, this trade addresses key weaknesses. Hunter's departure frees up minutes and salary, but the incoming talent plugs holes at point guard and on the perimeter. Schroder, signed to a three-year deal with the Kings last summer (owing $14.1 million this year, escalating to $15.5 million in the final partially guaranteed year), brings proven bench production. He's one of just two reserves—alongside Chicago's Tre Jones—averaging double-digit points and five assists off the bench.
Ellis adds elite defensive versatility, complementing Cleveland's already stout frontcourt. With this depth, the Cavs can now focus on contending without the burden of crippling tax penalties, potentially setting them up for a deeper playoff run.
How Hunter Fits with the Kings
Sacramento, looking to climb the Western Conference standings, gains a battle-tested wing in Hunter. Averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, Hunter's shooting and defensive prowess will pair seamlessly with the Kings' up-tempo style. He's under contract through next season, providing stability as Sacramento eyes playoff contention.
The trade also unlocks roster flexibility for the Kings. It creates space to convert undrafted rookie center Dylan Cardwell from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. Cardwell has been a surprise standout, posting 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game—numbers that scream rotation player in a thin center market.
Chicago Bulls' Role and Future Outlook
The Bulls, mired in a rebuild, play the salary dump role but emerge with valuable draft capital. Saric, a skilled big man, adds short-term depth on his expiring deal, but the real prize is the pair of second-round picks. These assets could prove crucial in a draft class brimming with talent, as highlighted in recent ESPN polls naming prospects like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
Waiving Carter, a solid role player, stings but aligns with Chicago's youth movement. This deal underscores the Bulls' strategy: accumulate picks and players without overcommitting to short-term wins.
Broader NBA Context and Reactions
This trade comes amid a flurry of deadline activity, with insiders like Tim Bontemps noting the league's focus on East contenders and timelines for stars like Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo. For Sacramento, acquiring Hunter echoes their aggressive approach last offseason, while Cleveland's cap gymnastics mirror moves by teams like the Clippers, who are suddenly the NBA's hottest squad per Ramona Shelburne.
Fantasy basketball enthusiasts should note the ripple effects: Hunter's move to a faster-paced Kings offense could boost his scoring, Schroder's arrival in Cleveland might limit his minutes behind Darius Garland, and Ellis could see increased opportunities as a steal-and-block machine.
As the NBA trade deadline looms, this three-team blockbuster exemplifies how front offices are balancing contention, cap space, and future flexibility. De'Andre Hunter's journey from Atlanta to Cleveland to now Sacramento marks another chapter in his solid NBA career, while the ripple effects will be felt across all three franchises for seasons to come.
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