Cavaliers Trade De’Andre Hunter to Kings in Three-Team Deal for Schroder, Ellis

The Cleveland Cavaliers have opted for flexibility over continuity, agreeing to trade forward De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal that also includes the Chicago Bulls. In return, Cleveland will receive veteran guard Dennis Schroder and young wing Keon Ellis, according to league sources.

The trade is as much about finances as fit. Hunter’s $23.3 million salary for the 2025–26 season posed a challenge for a Cavaliers team navigating the NBA’s restrictive second-apron luxury tax rules. By moving him now, Cleveland gains immediate and long-term relief while addressing backcourt depth concerns.

Chicago’s involvement helps balance the books. The Bulls will absorb Dario Saric’s contract to make the numbers work and will collect two future second-round picks as compensation. They are also expected to waive guard Jevon Carter once the deal is completed.

For Cleveland, the move signals a recalibration rather than a rebuild. The organization remains focused on competing in the Eastern Conference, but with sharper attention to cost control and lineup versatility heading into the stretch run.

1. Cap Relief and Roster Fit

Cleveland’s front office entered the trade window searching for backcourt support next to All-Star Donovan Mitchell, especially with Darius Garland continuing to manage injuries. Hunter, while productive at times, did not directly address those needs. Schroder provides an experienced ball handler who can run the offense, push the pace and take pressure off Mitchell in critical minutes. His ability to initiate plays and defend opposing guards gives Cleveland a different look than it previously had on the perimeter. Ellis adds another dimension. The young swingman has developed a reputation as an energetic two-way contributor, capable of defending multiple positions while spacing the floor. His lower salary and upside made him particularly attractive to Cleveland’s decision-makers. Financially, the math is equally compelling. The Cavaliers are projected to save nearly $7 million in salary and roughly $40 million in luxury tax penalties, a significant figure for a team already operating above the league’s second-apron threshold.

2. How the Deal Came Together

Negotiations accelerated over the final 48 hours before the deadline, with Cleveland exploring multiple frameworks involving both Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Cavaliers cast a wide net but ultimately found only one clear partner willing to meet their financial goals. Talks with the Lakers cooled over concerns about Hunter’s extra year of contract control compared to Rui Hachimura’s expiring deal. That additional salary commitment made Los Angeles hesitant to proceed, narrowing Cleveland’s options. Sacramento, meanwhile, pushed for a package centered around Schroder and Ellis. League sources said the Kings were firm about including Schroder’s contract, signaling they would walk away if Cleveland declined to take on the veteran guard. Despite earlier reluctance to absorb long-term money, Cleveland relented, valuing Ellis highly and viewing the overall cap savings as worth the compromise. The Cavaliers ultimately sent Hunter and a future second-round pick to finalize the arrangement.

3. What It Means for Each Team

For the Cavaliers, the move reflects a pivot after an uneven year from Hunter. The 28-year-old averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 43 games but struggled with consistency, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot just over 30 percent. Cleveland had invested heavily to acquire him last season, sending multiple role players and draft assets to Atlanta. But with on-court efficiency lagging and payroll swelling, the front office decided the fit no longer justified the cost. Sacramento takes on Hunter as a reclamation project and potential rotation upgrade on the wing. His size and defensive versatility could bolster the Kings’ lineup if he regains his previous shooting form. Chicago, meanwhile, benefits quietly. By facilitating the deal and absorbing Saric’s contract, the Bulls secure two second-round picks, adding future assets while maintaining flexibility. Ellis could also be a key piece for Cleveland beyond this season, as he is eligible to negotiate a three-year extension, giving the Cavaliers a chance to lock in a young contributor rather than risk losing him in free agency.